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Trump threatens Iran could be "taken out" in one night, eying Iranian oil and tolls on Hormuz Strait

Xinhua) 08:18, April 07, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while claiming that negotiations with the Iranian side via intermediaries over the deal are "going well."

CRITICAL PERIOD

"The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night," Trump said at a press conference at the White House.

Asked about whether he's winding down or escalating the war with Iran, Trump said, "I can't tell you. Depends what they do."

"This is a critical period," said Trump of his Tuesday deadline. "They have a period of, well, until tomorrow at 8 (p.m.) o'clock."

Trump also said at the press conference that his administration has a plan to strike and destroy bridges and power plants across Iran by midnight Tuesday.

"We have a plan, because of the power of our military, where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o'clock tomorrow night, where every power plant in Iran will be out of business -- burning, exploding, and never to be used again," Trump claimed. "It will take them 100 years to rebuild."

"I mean complete demolition by 12 o'clock. And it will happen over a period of four hours if we wanted to. We don't want that to happen," Trump added.

The president said Monday that the 8 p.m. Eastern Time Tuesday deadline he has set for Iran is final. However, he had previously repeatedly changed the deadlines he had announced for a ceasefire deal or for reopening the strait.

Earlier on Monday, Trump told reporters at the White House Easter Egg Roll that he was "not worried about" whether the U.S. airstrikes on Iran's power plants and other civil infrastructure could constitute a war crime.

NEGOTIATIONS

Meanwhile, Trump said at the press conference that Iran is an "active, willing participant" in the negotiations over the deal, claiming the talks via intermediaries are "going well."

"I can't talk about ceasefire, but I can tell you that we have an active, willing participant on the other side. They would like to be able to make a deal. I can't say any more than that," Trump said.

"Essentially they have till 8 p.m. tomorrow night, Eastern Time, but we are dealing with them. I think it's going well," said Trump, adding that his envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. Vice President JD Vance are "involved in the dealing" of talks via intermediary countries.

Trump said earlier on Monday that his administration has reviewed a proposal for a 45-day ceasefire in the Iran war, describing it as a "very significant step" but "not good enough," while Tehran said "no sane" person would accept it.

"It's a significant proposal, it's a significant step. It's not good enough, but it's a very significant step," Trump told reporters at the White House, referring to the ceasefire proposal, noting that intermediaries "are negotiating now."

The president also reiterated that he is the only person who can determine if there's a ceasefire in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Monday that a ceasefire would only give opponents time to regroup and commit further crimes.

Iran's state-run IRNA reported on Monday that Tehran had sent its response to a U.S.-proposed 15-point plan to end the war to Pakistan. According to the report, Iran rejected a ceasefire and instead called for a permanent end to the conflict, while taking into account the country's considerations.

TOLL AND OIL

Trump also claimed at the press conference that the United States should impose tolls on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that reopening the key global energy chokepoint must be part of a deal to end the war.

"What about us charging tolls?" Trump said. "I'd rather do that than let them (Iranians) have them."

"We have to have a deal that's acceptable to me, and part of that deal is going to be we want free traffic of oil and everything," the president said.

Shortly after the United States and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, Iran effectively closed the critical global energy waterway.

Asked about Iranian oil, Trump suggested again the United States could take control of it, similar to its approach in Venezuela after the United States military raided and forcibly seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3.

"To the winner belong the spoils," Trump claimed.

"If I had my choice, yeah, because I'm a businessman first," Trump said, noting after removing Maduro by U.S. forces, "we are a partner with Venezuela, and we've taken hundreds of millions of barrels, hundreds of millions."

Earlier on Monday, Trump told reporters at the White House Easter Egg Roll that he would take the oil from Iran, but U.S. citizens do not want U.S. forces to remain in the country.

"If I had my choice, what would I like to do? Take the oil, because it's there for the taking. There's not a thing they can do about it," Trump said. "Unfortunately, the American people would like to see us come home."

Trump has repeatedly claimed that the United States has won the war with Iran, but many U.S. experts say they believe the president is losing the ongoing war despite the overwhelming military advantage of the United States and Israel over Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
April 6, 2026: Last February Ukrainians realized that the four years of war with Russia was equal to the four years Russia, which Ukraine was then a part of, fought the Germans. For most of the war Ukraine was under German occupation. Because of that, after 1945 the Russians correctly suspected many Ukrainians of collaborating with the Germans and thousands of Ukrainians were hauled off to distant prison camps from which many did not return. With the end of the Cold War and the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine became an independent nation. Twenty three years later Ukraine was once again attacked by the Russians, who seized Crimea and portions of provinces in eastern Ukraine. In 2022 the situation deteriorated as Russia invaded Ukraine and no one knows how or when this war will end. Through it all, Ukrainian civilians felt trapped by constant threats and decreasing living standards. In 2025 Russia began attacking infrastructure, including power plants. That meant no heat or running water for civilians, who felt they were prisoners of an endless war that could and did always find a way to get worse.

It wasnt always this way. The Ukraine War has seen the frequent involvement of civilians and civilian groups supporting the war effort. This was a factor from the beginning when civilians used their cell phones to capture pictures, with locations, of Russian military activity, especially air attacks using drones. The Ukrainian government quickly created an organization to receive all these civilian reports and provide civil or military authorities with useful information on a timely basis.

Ukraine was also welcoming when it came to weapons or other military related items developed by individuals or groups of civilians. This was quite different from the situation in Russia, where the government expects civilians to take orders, not make suggestions.

In contrast Ukrainian civilians, most of whom were born or came of age after the Soviet Union collapsed and Ukraine became an independent country, turned to the west for inspiration on how to live, govern and run the economy. When the Russians invaded in 2022, many officers and soldiers were surprised that Ukrainians were no longer culturally related to Russia but had become more like western Europeans.

An example of this was seen in 2023 when Ukraine announced that it was going to spend over half a billion dollars on drones. What was not revealed was the extent of efforts to add more capabilities to commercial drones as well, and the growing number being manufactured by Ukrainian companies. These developers and manufacturers are often small groups of civilian hobbyists that proved capable of creating new features for drones, both commercial and hobbyist-produced models. The Russian invasion spurred a lot of innovation, mainly among Ukrainian developers. Among the items available to commercial customers were a lot of miniature digital video cameras as well as lighter, miniaturized computer components that could be assembled and programmed by users to perform essential tasks, like using AI apps and data from onboard video cameras enemy forces, even if they are camouflaged or in underground bunkers. Constant combat use of these systems enables developers to address shortcomings and continually improves the hardware and software carried on these hunter killer drones. Earlier in the war two drones were needed for this but now all that tech and weapons can be carried and used by one drone.

Wartime developers are able to improve their tech and hardware more rapidly because there is continuous feedback from users. Ukraine had an edge here because many of these developers were hobbyists who knew little about peacetime development, its bureaucracy and counter-productive over-supervision. Ukrainian developers were often creating these new drone techs for friends or family members who were now in the military and eager for whatever help they could get. The Ukrainian military saw this entrepreneurial spirit as an advantage, not some form of insubordination or recklessness. Russians consider the entrepreneurial activities as unauthorized innovations. Despite that, some Russian innovations appeared, but the Russian innovations take longer to arrive and implement.

Most Russian commanders and civilian officials are less willing than their Ukrainian counterparts to encourage individual initiatives. Another problem was that economic sanctions made it more difficult for Russians to obtain the commercial tech that Ukrainians used.

This free access to Western and Chinese components meant Ukraine could build very capable and lethal drones that were designed to carry out one or a small number of missions. That is why Ukraine and Russia are each losing thousands of drones a month. Cheap, useful and expendable is now the rule with most battlefield drones.

Russia is at a disadvantage when it comes to its drone losses because Ukrainian civilians are quick to report to their military any useful information they witness about Russian drones, and military practices in general. Russia tried to shut down Ukrainian access to communications with the Ukrainian military. Initially this was handled by cellphone, but the Russians gradually replaced Ukrainian cell towers with Russian ones wherever they could. Ukrainian civilians found other ways to communicate with the Ukrainian military. One of these alternatives was the widespread use of SpaceX Starlink internet terminals that turned a Ukrainian cellphone, desktop computer or tablet into a communications device that could get past Russian jamming and efforts to eliminate the ability of civilians to communicate with the Ukrainian military or government. Civilians continued to take cellphone photos or videos of Russian activities and transmit this information back to the Ukrainian military. This provided lots of useful target information on Russian forces and facilities.

Many civilian photos and videos showed up on social media, which the Ukrainian military monitors for useful information. Throughout history civilians have often been useful informants for the military. With the appearance of cellphones, the internet and Starlink, civilian contributions have become more numerous, accurate and useful.
Home News Black megachurch donates over $1M to stop evictions of over 300 families in public housing

A historic, predominantly African American megachurch in Virginia has donated more than $1 million to help pay off the debts of over 300 families in local public housing.

Alfred Street Baptist Church of Alexandria raised the sum as part of their annual SEEK action, which involves congregants engaging in a time of fasting and prayer held earlier this year.

The Rev. Howard-John Wesley told his congregation on Easter Sunday that we pray that the Lord would not only change our lives, but that God will also change our land.

Wesley talked about the recently launched Fresh Start Initiative, a local effort to help those in public housing, and about how Alfred Street Baptist is participating to clear the debt of some families who are about to be evicted from affordable housing in Alexandria.

It is my joy to share with you that after doing the audits and the ledgers and speaking with all the families and verifying debt, I want to let you know that with that SEEK offering, you have helped stop the eviction of 338 families to the cost of $1,049,000, he announced.

I just wish somebody [could] give thanks to God for a black Baptist church that gave a million dollars to make certain that people did not lose their homes. To God be the glory; to God be the glory.

Last month, Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins highlighted the efforts of Alfred Street Baptist and the congregation's donation, which came following a report from the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority revealing that they had lost $1 million in unpaid rent over their public housing units due to factors like rising cost of living and challenges in the local job market.

This is about more than clearing balances  its about creating pathways to stability, said Gaskins in a statement, according to ABC 7 News. Housing affordability continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing our city.

Through the Interfaith Council, we are harnessing the moral leadership and generosity of our faith community to prevent displacement while also investing in financial literacy and long-term economic security.

Founded in 1803, Alfred Street Baptist Church has 10,000 members and is known for periodically donating large sums to charitable causes, including last year, when the church donated $132,469 to eliminate the college debt for 11 graduates of the South Carolina-based Saint Augustines University.
Home News Christians massacred in Fulani attacks on Easter worship services in Nigeria

ABUJA, Nigeria  Fulani terrorists killed 12 Christians in attacks on two worship services on Easter Sunday in Kaduna state, Nigeria, following the killing of 17 Christians in Benue state, sources said.

The assailants raided predominantly Christian Ariko town, in Kachia County, in northern Nigerias Kaduna state, and fired on Christians worshiping at an Evangelical Church Winning All site and at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Dozens of others were kidnapped, and both church buildings were damaged, area residents said.

The attackers, who have been identified as Fulani bandits, were in large numbers, Kachia Council Member Mark Bawa told Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News. They surrounded the community and attacked the churches as Christians were in worship services. Many Christians have been killed, while dozens of others were captured and taken away into the bush.

Resident Sam Bahago said at least eight Christians were killed and many others taken into the forest.

Ariko town, a peaceful community in Kachia Local Government Area, was tragically attacked on Easter Sunday by Fulani bandits, Bahago said.

Army personnel who later arrived recovered more bodies, bringing the confirmed death toll to 12, according to Truth Nigeria.

Steven Kefas, another resident, texted a message to Christian Daily International-Morning Star News during the assault.

Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna state is under siege right now, Kefas stated. Not less than eight Christians are confirmed dead.

Resident Gideon Michael also identified the assailants as Fulanis.

Tragedy has struck the Ariko community in Kachia LGA, Kaduna state, after Fulani gunmen launched a violent attack on Christian worshipers during Easter Sunday services, Michael said in a text message. The coordinated attack targeted congregants at ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church. At least eight Christians are confirmed dead, with dozens of other worshipers abducted by the herdsmen and forcefully taken into the surrounding forests.

Benue state attack

In central Nigerias Benue state, suspected Fulani herdsmen said to be accompanied by other terrorists killed 17 Christians at 5 a.m. on Sunday morning, sources said.

In Jande village, Mbalom in Gwer East County, the assailants shot the Christians dead, kidnapped many others and destroyed homes, residents said.

There was an attack on Easter Sunday carried out by armed Fulani militia on Jande community of Mbalom, in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue state, resident Tivta Samuel told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.

Fidelis Atom, another resident, said the attack left 17 Christians dead.

Many other Christians are still missing and believed to have been taken away from their community, Atom said. The attack has left the community devastated, with survivors displaced and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

Benue Gov. Hyacinth Alia in a press statement described the attack as heinous and unacceptable to his government.

More Christians were killed in Nigeria than in any other country from Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025, according to Open Doors 2026 World Watch List. Of the 4,849 Christians killed worldwide for their faith during that period, 3,490 (72%) were Nigerians, an increase from 3,100 the prior year. Nigeria ranked No. 7 on the WWL list of the 50 countries where it's most difficult to be a Christian.

Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report.

They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states.

Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds.

In the countrys Northcentral zone, where Christians are more common than they are in the Northeast and Northwest, Islamic extremist Fulani militia attack farming communities, killing many hundreds, Christians above all, according to the report.

Jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and the splinter group Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), among others, are also active in the countrys northern states, where federal government control is scant and Christians and their communities continue to be the targets of raids, sexual violence and roadblock killings, according to the report. Abductions for ransom have increased considerably in recent years.

The violence has spread to southern states, and a new jihadist terror group, Lakurawa, has emerged in the northwest, armed with advanced weaponry and a radical Islamist agenda, the WWL noted. Lakurawa is affiliated with the expansionist al-Qaeda insurgency Jamaa Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, or JNIM, originating in Mali.

This article was originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News
Home News Majority of pastors dont believe Christians should tithe 10%: study

While many Christian churches encourage tithing  giving 10% of one's income to the church  as a biblical commandment, only a minority of pastors subscribe to that traditional view, data from a new Barna study show.

The data in Revisiting the Tithe & Offering, the latest release in Barnas The State of

Generosity series published in partnership with Generis and Gloo, found that only a minority of Americans who identify as Christian give 10% of their income to the church in practice too.

Researchers surveyed 2,016 U.S. adults from Nov. 12-19, 2021, to arrive at the most recent conclusion showing no consensus among pastors on the practice that has been renounced by high-profile pastors such as televangelist Creflo Dollar in recent months.

While most pastors in the study dont see giving outside the church as tithing, 70% said tithing doesnt have to be strictly financial. And when it comes to how much financial giving would be an acceptable tithe, only 33% are in favor of the traditional 10%.

Another 21% of pastors didnt recommend any particular share of income that Christians should give, but suggested it should be enough to be considered sacrificial. A nearly similar share of pastors, 20%, said Christians should give as much as they are willing.

The study also revealed that the concept of tithing was also not well understood by U.S. adults or even Christians in particular.

Only about two in five U.S. adults in the study said they were familiar with the term tithe and could provide a definition. A similar share said they were familiar with the term, while 22% said although they were familiar with the concept they couldnt provide a definition.

Among Christians, in general, less than half could say definitely what the tithe is. More than half of practicing Christians, 59%, had a stronger awareness of the tithe and what it means, while 99% of pastors understood the traditional concept.

The study further noted that only 21% of Christians were found to give 10% of their income to their local church while 25% didnt give to their church at all. Among practicing Christians, the study found that 42% gave at least the traditional 10% to their church.

Church leaders and Christians may wonder whether it matters if the tithe falls out of the mainstream. After all, church giving should not be reduced to an equation, and heartfelt, reverent generosity can be accomplished with or without deep knowledge of the tithe, Barna noted. Still, as a fundamental, scriptural idea of Christian stewardship becomes a hazy concept, it appropriately raises questions  about how modern ministries approach funding and resources, and, more importantly, about the broader culture of generosity being nurtured among Christians.

A recent study showed that only an estimated 13% of Evangelicals engage in traditional tithing and half give less than 1% of their income annually. The study, "The Generosity Factor: Evangelicals and Giving," from Grey Matter Research and Infinity Concepts, a brand communication agency, shows that the average Evangelical gave $1,923 to the church and $622 to charity over the past 12 months, for a total of $2,545 in giving. At the median mark, however, Evangelicals only gave $340 to the church and $50 to charity, for a total of $390.

The study found that people who were more engaged with their church and faith tended to give more to their church, and vice versa.

In July, controversial televangelist Creflo Dollar, one of America's most flamboyant proponents of the prosperity gospel, renounced tithing and all his previous teachings on the subject as "not correct."

He also urged his followers to "throw away every book, every tape and every video I

ever did on the subject of tithing" but added that he will not apologize for his error.

In a sermon billed as "The Great Misunderstanding," the founder and senior pastor of

the nearly 30,000-member World Changers Church International headquartered in

College Park, Georgia, said he was aware that his declaration would cause him to

lose friends and invitations to speak at other churches.

In an op-ed for The Gospel Coalition in 2017, Thomas Schreiner, the James

Buchanan Harrison professor of New Testament interpretation and associate dean

for Scripture and interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in

Louisville, Kentucky, outlined several reasons why tithing is not a requirement for

Christians.

"The commands stipulated in the Mosaic covenant are no longer in force for

believers. Some appeal to the division between the civil, ceremonial, and moral law

to support tithing. Yet these divisions, I would observe, are not the basis Paul uses

when addressing how the law applies to us today, Schreiner explained in part.

And even if we use these distinctions, tithing is clearly not part of the moral law.

It's true the moral norms of the Old Testament are still in force today, and we

discern them from the law of Christ in the New Testament, but tithing is not among

these commands."
Home News North Carolina pastor shot dead, husband charged with her murder

Tammy McCollum, a beloved North Carolina pastor, was shot dead inside her home on Monday, and her husband has been charged with her murder. She was 58.

McCollum was a minister at The Well Worship Center in Statesville at the time of her death.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in a news release that shortly after 2 a.m. ET on Monday, they responded to an assault with a deadly weapon injury call to the residence. When they arrived, they found McCollum suffering from gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her husband, Eddie McCollum, 61, was also questioned by detectives at the scene and was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

The Well Worship Center did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Christian Post on Tuesday.

The late minister also worked at Ulta Beauty at the Belgate Shopping Center in Charlotte. An employee told CP on Tuesday that Tammy McCollum had worked at the beauty supply store on and off for about eight years, but a manager said they could not comment further.

Van Appleton, a salon owner and master stylist at Vvdhairco, said in a statement on Facebook that he worked with her for several years and she was kind, vibrant, and caring.

I worked with Tammy for several years at Ulta. She was one of the most kind, vibrant, and caring people Ive ever had the chance to know, he wrote. She deserved so much better than this. Rest in Paradise, Tammy, youll be missed by all.

ShaBrittany Evans described Tammy McCollum as Ulta Beautys best employee.

Tammy McCollum, Im going to miss you soooo much. Im going to miss your beautiful smile and bright spirit. I was supposed to do your makeup this weekend for your birthday. My God, this is a cruel, evil world we live in. I love you, my girl, always. Ulta Beauty's best employee, she wrote.

Audrey M. Ingram also shared a video of the pastor worshiping in church on social media while remembering the late minister as full of light.

I am glad that I was able to capture these moments of her and worship alongside this woman of God whose personality was so full of light. One thing for sure I can say is that she loved God, her family, and her church family, Ingram said. She loved serving the community and serving God's people.  She definitely left a mark on the body of Christ. Although she is now with the Lord, let's continue to keep her family and loved ones in prayer during this difficult time.

In expressing his heartbreak over McCollums murder, digital creator Rick Soup Campbell called her death a Satanic act in his public comments.

Pastor Tammy McCollum... We are fervently praying for everyone with broken hearts over this satanic act of murder last night.... An Apostolic pastor is dead, and a congregation and all of us are made to hate Satan even more, he wrote on Tuesday.

Pray for ministers of the gospel worldwide. We are under constant attack. We must use the powerful, victorious weapons of warfare Christ has given us! We must do spiritual warfare for ourselves and others. May the Lord's full grace reign over this tragic, ugly act... Prayers.
Home News 'Not a Christian': 5 responses to Trump's 'praise' of 'Allah' on Easter Sunday

President Donald Trump stirred up controversy on social media this Easter Sunday after he used the Arabic name for God and pledged to strike Iran over its closure of one of the worlds most vital waterways.

Within hours of praising the rescue of a U.S. airman in Iran as an Easter miracle, the 79-year-old president published a post on Truth Social in which he warned Iran that the U.S. would target the countrys power plants and bridges on Tuesday if the Strait of Hormuz were not reopened quickly.

Using an F-bomb to communicate the warning, Trump wrote: Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F Strait, you crazy bastards, or youll be living in Hell  JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.

While it wasnt the first time the president had used an expletive, his reference to Allah  a name that is regularly used by Arabic Muslims, as well as Arabic Christians, to refer to God  drew responses from both political allies and opponents.

Here are five reactions to Trumps comments.
Home News The Chosen sets season 6 premiere date, plans theatrical ending: 'Were running to the home stretch'

Prime Video and 5&2 Studios have announced that the highly anticipated sixth season of The Chosen will premiere Nov. 15, with a hybrid release that includes both streaming and a theatrical finale.

The six-episode season will debut its first three installments on launch day, followed by weekly episode releases through Dec. 6, exclusively on Prime Video. The finale will not be part of the initial streaming rollout and instead is scheduled for a global theatrical release in spring 2027 in multiple languages.

Creator Dallas Jenkins previously told The Christian Post that the sixth season focuses on the final hours of Jesus life, depicting the events leading to the crucifixion through the perspectives of His followers and those who oppose Him.

Season 6 is the living out of what Jesus said: Not my will, but yours, Jenkins said. Jesus, God incarnate, expressed that His own will might be to avoid the crucifixion, yet He willingly chose surrender. If He was willing to put Himself through that when He could have gotten out of it, then our problems are much smaller by comparison. I want to follow in His footsteps.

An official synopsis describes a moment of mounting tension, as religious leaders, Roman authorities and disciples interpret the unfolding events in sharply different ways.

Everyone knows the basics of this part of the story, but not everyone knows the why of the crucifixion and the extraordinary events of these 24 hours, Jenkins said in a statement. We realized this not only deserved a season of television but a standalone full-length theatrical event as well. We wrote and filmed all of it with this in mind.

Jonathan Roumie returns as Jesus alongside Shahar Isaac as Peter, Paras Patel as Matthew, Elizabeth Tabish as Mary Magdalene and Noah James as Andrew. The ensemble also includes George H. Xanthis, Abe Bueno-Jallad, Vanessa Benavente, Luke Dimyan, Richard Fancy, Paul Ben-Victor and Andrew James Allen.

As the series, which began as a crowdfunded project, approaches its final chapters with a planned seven-season total, cast members have previously shared with CP how the journey has been both emotional and transformative.

Patel, reflecting on his portrayal of Matthew, described the experience as bittersweet, noting the significance of nearing the end of the story.

I always like to think of Matthew. Would he be ready for this? Patel said, adding that the role has deepened his understanding of Jesus humanity and purpose.

What really appeals to me about Jesus is the humanity the show portrays, His jokingness, His love, His care, Patel said. This guy made Matthew feel seen. He gave him his worth. He gave him his purpose. I hope it inspires people who are looking for their own purpose.

He added, In many ways, I feel like I was chosen for this.

Other cast members echoed similar sentiments about the shows impact and its global audience.

We really love each other, Noah James said. I just hope we get to do things like this all the time, so that even when the show is over, we get to be in each others lives.  Were running to the home stretch. And were going to make it the best one yet.

Giavani Cairo, who plays Thaddeus, said the show coincided with a renewal of his faith. Looking ahead, the actor said hes especially eager to see how the resurrection will be portrayed in season 7.

The Chosen came when my faith started being renewed for the first time in a long time, he said. Its given me an extended family. These are my brothers and sisters for life.

Im so interested to see what that looks like, he said. I dont know how theyre going to do it, but I cant wait to read it. Its going to be emotional.

The series continues to expand its global reach. Earlier this year, The Chosen set a Guinness World Record for the most translated season of a streaming series. Come and See, the nonprofit supporting the shows distribution, aims to translate and dub the series into 600 languages, targeting roughly 95% of the worlds population.

Season 5, The Chosen: Last Supper, is currently available to stream on Prime Video.
Home News Trump says Iran's 'whole civilization will die tonight' if no deal reached to reopen Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump threatened Tuesday that Irans whole civilization will die tonight if a deal is not reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump issued perhaps his most dramatic threat yet as the United States and Israel continue military action ahead of an 8 p.m. deadline Tuesday for Iran to reopen the strait, a key waterway through which nearly a quarter of the worlds oil is transported.

In a 7 a.m. Truth Social post, the president wrote: A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will. However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!

The threat echoed comments Trump made Monday in which he threatened to destroy every bridge and every power plant in Iran. We have a plan because of the power of our military, where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 oclock tomorrow night, where every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding, and never to be used again, Trump said in a White House press conference.

However, Trump also said ongoing talks with Iran were being held in good faith and that reopening the strait is a very big priority for the U.S.

The president also shared new information about the crew member of a downed F-15 fighter jet who was rescued in Iran. "He was injured, it was an amazing, amazing thing, Trump said. He scaled cliff faces, bleeding rather profusely, treated his own wounds and contacted American forces to transmit his location. We immediately mobilized a massive operation to retrieve him.

Calling the mission to rescue the pilot a risky decision, Trump said, "I ordered the US armed forces to do whatever was necessary to bring our brave warriors back home, a risky decision, because we could have ended up with 100 dead, as opposed to one or two. But in the United States military, we leave no American behind."

He also told reporters he was not at all concerned about committing possible war crimes if the U.S. followed through with the threatened attacks on bridges and power plants. He refused to say whether the operation would include civilian targets, according to The Associated Press.

Meanwhile, Iran on Monday rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal by the U.S. and called for a permanent end to the war. We only accept an end of the war with guarantees that we wont be attacked again, Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, head of the Iranian diplomatic mission in Cairo, said.

Thousands of people have been killed across the Middle East since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, according to Reuters. More than 3,500  including over 1,600 civilians and nearly 250 children  have been killed in Iran, according to the U.S.-based rights group HRANA.

U.S. officials have confirmed 13 U.S. service members have died, including six who were killed when a military refueling aircraft crashed over Iraq. At least 365 U.S. service members have been wounded in action since the operation in Iran began over five weeks ago.
Home News Tucker Carlson blasts Trump's 'vile' Easter post, Paula White's 'sacrilege' at WH lunch: 'Deal-killer'

Political commentator Tucker Carlson on Monday denounced President Donald Trump's profane, bellicose social media post on Easter as "vile" and warned that Trump's spiritual advisers, such as Paula White-Cain, might have convinced him that he plays an eschatological role.

"How dare you speak that way on Easter morning to the country?" Carlson said on his eponymous podcast. "Who do you think you are? You're tweeting out the F-word on Easter morning."

Desecrating Easter was the first step toward nuclear war. Christians need to understand where Trump is taking us.



0:00 Monologue

43:23 Paula Whites Strange Easter Sunday Service

51:17 Who Really Is Paula White?

57:24 How Did Paula Become Trumps Spiritual Advisor?

1:00:03 The pic.twitter.com/LurDKGg8WS  Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) April 6, 2026

Carlson was responding to Trump's Sunday morning post to Truth Social, in which he used profanity and threatened catastrophic military action against Iran while mocking the god of Islam.

Using an "F-bomb" to communicate his message just after 8 a.m. EST on Sunday morning, Trump wrote: "Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell  JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah."

In one of the most severe and personal denunciations he has made of the president, Carlson questioned if Trump has deliberately chosen to reject the restraints placed on him by God and Christian morality, noting the sacrilegious nature of threatening to destroy civilian infrastructure and unleash death on the day that Christians commemorate Jesus Christ conquering death.

Claiming he at first thought the post must be fake, Carlson said Trump's post was "vile on every level," an affront to Christians on their holiest day and "revealing" of the president's heart, which he warned appears to have drifted into dangerous hubris.

"'You'll be living in hell,' as if Hell is a place," Carlson said. "Hell is a condition, and this is an example of that condition."

While Trump's mockery of the Islamic god prompted praise from some Christian figures, who likened his rhetoric to Elijah mocking the prophets of Baal, Carlson questioned the prudence of a U.S. president scoffing at the world's second-largest religion, regardless of whether Islam is true.

Carlson warned that such a tactic threatens to add an inflammatory religious element to the Iran conflict, which has already raised concerns regarding the influence religion and especially eschatology are playing in it. He suggested that mocking faith of any kind is symptomatic of an arrogance that fails to acknowledge "that we are not in charge of the universe."

"So obviously you're mocking the religion," Carlson said. "If you seek a religious war, that's a good idea. But by the way, no decent person mocks other people's religions. You may have a problem with the theology, presumably you do, if it's not your religion, and you can explain what that is. But to mock other people's faith is to mock the idea of faith itself."

"The message of all faith, at the biggest-picture level, is the message in our Bible, which is: you are not God. And only if you think you are, do you talk this way. But it's not just mockery of Islam. And no president should mock Islam. That's not your job. This is not a theocracy. We don't go to war with other theocracies to find out which theocracy is more effective. We are not a theocracy."

"No, this is a mockery, not just of Islam, it's a mockery of Christianity. To send out a tweet with the F-word on Easter morning, promising the murder of civilians and then saying, 'Praise be to Allah,' without explaining any of it? You are mocking me and every other Christian because we're Christians. Oh, I get it."

Carlson said Americans "under no circumstances" can support such rhetoric from their president, regardless of whether they support him on other issues. "That is an intentional desecration of beauty and truth, which is the definition of evil," he said, warning that the "end goal" of such evil could lead to the use of nuclear weapons and mass destruction.

Carlson also raised concerns regarding the role Trump's religious advisers might be playing in encouraging such behavior by potentially leading him to believe that he is especially favored by God and destined to play a major role in fulfilling biblical prophecy.

After playing a clip of televangelist and Trump spiritual adviser Paula White-Cain's controversial remarks at the White House's Easter luncheon last Wednesday, when she likened Trump's political trajectory to the suffering and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Carlson said it was "hard to believe that's real."

After repeatedly implying she received special revelation from the Holy Spirit, White-Cain told Trump last week that she believes the Lord told her to inform him that "because of His victory, you will be victorious in all you put your hand to."

White-Cain drew widespread criticism and allegations of blasphemy for blending the message of the Gospel with Trump's temporal success, as did the other prominent Christian leaders at the luncheon who did not publicly object to her characterization.

Paula White compares Trump to Jesus during event with faith leaders: "You were betrayed and arrested and falsely accused. It's a familiar pattern that our Lord and Savior showed us. Because of His resurrection, you rose up." pic.twitter.com/Ddc8hflU34  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 1, 2026

"That is so vile, it's such a sacrilege: standing in front of American flags in the White House with some kind of beta Evangelical leader [Robert Jeffress] nodding along as you liken the president of the United States to Jesus, the Christian Messiah, God in human form," Carlson said.

"How could you say something like that? How could the rest of us sit by and not protest when she said something like that? How could any Christian watch that and not feel revulsion? Well, because people didn't pay attention or they didn't think about it."

Carlson suggested Americans would be unwise to dismiss figures such as White-Cain, who he warned could be invoking real spiritual darkness with their "ludicrous" teachings.

"Is it possible the president sees this in bigger terms, sees this as the fulfillment of something, or the elevation to some higher office beyond president of the United States? That's entirely possible."

Carlson said many American Christians are led astray by leaders like White-Cain because they are biblically illiterate, and he warned that likening any president to Christ is crossing a dangerous line.

"But to compare him or any president to Jesus has got to be a deal-killer. That is the end. You cannot allow that in good faith. If you're a Christian, you have to say no to that," he said.

Carlson, who tried in vain to dissuade Trump from attacking Iran during an Oval Office visit in February, has been an increasingly outspoken critic of the president he once campaigned for. On Tuesday, Trump dismissed Carlson as "a low-IQ person that has absolutely no idea what's going on," according to the New York Post.

"He calls me all the time; I don't respond to his calls. I don't deal with him. I like dealing with smart people, not fools," Trump added.

Carlson's criticisms come as Trump's political base fractures over the Iran conflict, which some of his staunchest, longtime supporters have described as a betrayal of his original platform to avoid the Middle Eastern wars that have entangled the United States for the past 25 years.

"Everyone in his administration that claims to be a Christian needs to fall on their knees and beg forgiveness from God and stop worshipping the President and intervene in Trump's madness," former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., once one of Trump's fiercest advocates, said Sunday.

"This is not making America great again, this is evil," added Greene, who called on Trump to be removed from office by his own cabinet under the 25th Amendment after he threatened that Iran's "whole civilization will die tonight" if a deal is not reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday.
Pete Hegseths Easter Remarks, Savannah Guthries Faith Amid Loss, Churches Confront Trump Immigration Impact

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:03 07:03

Top headlines for Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth draws a striking Easter parallel, comparing the rescue of a downed U.S. pilot in Iran to the resurrection of Jesus. Savannah Guthrie shares a heartfelt Easter message about questioning God amid personal loss. Meanwhile, American church leaders speak out against the impact of the Trump administrations immigration policies on their congregations.

00:11 Hegseth sees similarity between US airman rescue, Resurrection

00:58 Savannah Guthrie questions if Jesus ever felt pain like hers

01:49 Trump immigration policies are 'reshaping' US church: NAE leader

02:43 Evangelists free to preach the Gospel outside Texas mosque

03:35 India delays foreign donations bill after Christians' concerns

04:31 Ryan Seacrest shares why faith is important on 'American Idol'

05:18 Franklin Graham delivers Easter message from Minneapolis
Home Opinion Does God hear the prayers of people who start wars?

When God delivered the children of Israel from bondage in Egypt and defeated Pharaohs army, Moses responded with a song, recorded in Exodus 15. He declares, The Lord is a man of war, the Lord is His name.

That description is revealing. Scripture repeatedly presents God as one who defends His people, upholds justice, and ultimately triumphs over evil. He is not a distant observer of human conflict, but a righteous judge who acts in history.

And this imagery is not confined to the Old Testament. In Revelation 19, Jesus Himself is depicted as a warrior riding a white horse, bringing judgment against the nations, with a sword proceeding from His mouth. The biblical witness is consistent: God is both redeemer and righteous judge.

War, therefore, is a tragic but real feature of a fallen world. The Bible does not ignore it  it regulates it. From these biblical principles, Augustine of Hippo articulated what would become known as Just War Theory, later refined by Thomas Aquinas. This framework has guided much of Western moral reasoning about war for centuries, recognizing that while war is never ideal, it may at times be necessary to restrain evil and protect the innocent.

Which is why recent comments from Pope Leo XIV in a Palm Sunday homily are both puzzling and concerning. He stated, in part, that Jesus rejects war and does not listen to the prayers of those who wage it.

Was the Allied effort in World War II  undertaken to stop Adolf Hitler and the atrocities of the Third Reich  contrary to the will of God? Were the prayers of leaders and soldiers, offered in humility and desperation, somehow rejected?

On June 6, 1944, as American troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, Franklin D. Roosevelt led the nation in prayer. He asked Gods blessing on those risking their lives to defeat tyranny and secure freedom. It was not a prayer for conquest  it was a prayer for justice, for deliverance, and for peace.

Likewise, during the brutal winter of the Battle of the Bulge, George Patton called for prayer. Facing impossible conditions, he urged his troops to seek Gods intervention. Two hundred and fifty thousand copies of that prayer were distributed to the soldiers of the Third Army.

And when the weather broke and the tide of battle turned, Patton famously remarked to his chaplain, Well, Padre, our prayers worked.

And thank God they did.

Scripture gives us confidence in this very truth. As the Apostle John writes in 1 John 5, if we ask anything according to Gods will, He hears us  and if He hears us, we have what we have asked of Him.

That is the key: according to His will.

Not every war is just. Not every cause is righteous. But when those entrusted with authority act to restrain evil, defend the innocent, and pursue a just peace, they do not stand counter to God; they stand within the very purposes of His justice.

And in those moments, prayer is not rejected  it is heard.

The question is not whether God hears the prayers of those in battle.

The question is whether those who lead  and those who fight  are aligned with the will of the One who is both Prince of Peace and the righteous defender of the innocent.

When they are, they can pray with confidence.

And history suggests  He answers.
Waymo is reportedly preparing to launch robotaxi testing in London starting in April 2026, with a wider public rollout expected by September.

If successful, the expansion would mark a major milestone for autonomous transportation in one of the world's most complex urban environments.

How Waymo Robotaxis Will Work in London

The planned service is designed to function similarly to modern ride-hailing platforms such as Uber. Riders will be able to request a vehicle through an app, wait for pickup, and travel to their destination without a human driver.

Once the vehicle arrives, passengers would verify their ride through app-based unlocking. Some reports suggest the cars may display rider identifiers to help with pickup confirmation and reduce confusion in busy areas.

Inside the vehicle, users can start the trip with a single tap while the system handles all driving tasks, including navigation, lane changes, traffic interaction, and parking.

Safety Systems and Sensor Technology

A key focus of Waymo is safety. Its autonomous driving system relies on a combination of cameras, radar, and LiDAR sensors to create a real-time 360-degree view of the environment.

This multi-sensor approach allows the system to detect pedestrians, cyclists, road markings, and unexpected obstacles with high precision. Unlike human drivers, autonomous systems do not experience fatigue, distraction, or delayed reaction times, which are often contributing factors in urban collisions.

Privacy Considerations Inside Autonomous Vehicles

While safety improvements are a major selling point, privacy remains a point of discussion, according to Hamish Hector of TechRadar.

Reports indicate that interior microphones may only activate during customer support interactions, while in-cabin cameras could remain active throughout rides for safety monitoring.

Supporters argue these features help improve accountability and passenger protection. Critics, however, voice concerns about continuous data collection inside private ride environments.

Potential Impact on Urban Mobility in London

Waymo anticipates that the rollout will proceed as planned. This will help more London customers to have flexible options when it comes to ride-hailing services.

Robotaxis may offer a more predictable, potentially safer alternative to traditional services like Uber, particularly in high-traffic urban zones.

The next few months will determine whether autonomous vehicles can reliably handle the density, complexity, and unpredictability of London's streets at scale. It's going to boil down by the time the testing phase starts.
Home Opinion Is the 'Christian revival' a myth? The truth behind the viral data

Have reports of a revival of Christianity in the Western world been, to paraphrase Mark Twain, greatly exaggerated?

Recently, the Bible Society of the UK pulled a much-discussed report that had suggested the nation was undergoing a quiet revival. On the website, CEO Paul Williams admitted that the 2024 survey sample on which our report 'The Quiet Revival' was based was faulty, and it can no longer be regarded as a reliable source of information about the spiritual landscape in Britain. The data in question had been compiled by market research firm YouGov, which recently acknowledged that it had not employed usual quality controls and had included responses now known to be fraudulent.

The Bible Society report that coined the phrase quiet revival was issued in April of last year. It claimed that (c)hurch decline in England and Wales has not only stopped but the Church is growing, as Gen Z leads an exciting turnaround in church attendance. A few months later, The Times columnist James Marriott published a lengthy essay describing the young converts filling (UK) churches. What Marriott called a comeback for Christianity is, he said, due to a backlash against secularism ... set against the backdrop of global turmoil and a search for lost meaning and connection.

Even then, Marriott wrote, the Bible Societys report had already been bitterly disputed. And yet, he continued, Christianity undoubtedly has a new energy, and Christianitys status in public life is much improved. Among the things he pointed to as proof of such claims were recent high-profile conversions and popular endorsements of Christianity and rising church attendance in some places.

Even as he admitted that to receive faulty data was frustrating and disappointing, Williams maintained that, when it comes to Christianity in the UK and the wider Western world, there is in fact a very positive story to tell. And hes not wrong: Williams went on to say,

Over the past year we have seen an unprecedented public conversation about Christianity, with countless stories of a spiritual awakening among Gen Z, alongside greatly increased Bible sales in the UK, growing numbers of adult baptisms and confirmations, and increased attendance at evangelism courses. This wider picture is also supported by several other surveys, based on probability sampling, which point to an increased engagement in faith among young adults compared to older generations. Both the Ipsos Mori 2023 Global Religion Survey and our analysis of the most recent data from the Pew Research Center on Spirituality Around the World indicate that young adults in the UK are more likely to pray and attend a place of worship than older generations.

He then offered the following summary of what he thinks can be said about the state of religion there:

While religious identity overall is shifting from 'Christian' to 'no religion,' Christianity in Britain appears to be moving from a declining nominal faith to a committed and active one, as cultural shifts  especially among younger people  encourage a more proactive search for identity, meaning and purpose.

Of course, here in the U.S., especially in the weeks after the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the largest evangelistic event in human history, some claimed that America was experiencing revival. Now, months later, there is far less energy behind such claims and less evidence of a lasting return to church.

At the same time, we can be thankful for the vibe shift that has left America in a much different place on a few consequential moral issues. In the end, it may be that Marriotts analysis is the most accurate; that we are witnessing younger generations reacting against the confusion, meaninglessness, and ideological totalitarianism of modern secularism. However, we ought to remember that rebelling against what is not true is not the same as embracing what is true.

In The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God, the great revivalist of the 18th century, Jonathan Edwards, identified five marks of true revival, which can also help us evaluate this current moment. True revival, he said, is focused on Jesus Christ, opposes sin and evil, is grounded in the Bible, promotes sound doctrine, and produces love, humility, and unity among believers rather than self-aggrandizement and division. If accurate, especially by that last mark, it would be premature at best to think we are experiencing a revival in America.

And yet, perhaps what is most helpful to learn from Edwards is to guard against excess and ungrounded emotionalism, but also not succumb to cynicism. Christians should expect God to be at work and even to bring awakening. What a shame it would be to miss a movement of God because it came in a form we didnt recognize, expect, or even worse, want. But we also must remember that we cannot manufacture what only God can do. Our place is to pray, to work, and to expect.

Originally published at BreakPoint.
The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) has appointed Keon West as its head of reparations to lead a programme that will address the legacy of its endowment.

Last week, JRCT announced that, starting this month, West would design and lead a reparations programme that strengthens the charitys commitment to tackling the root causes of injustice.

In February 2020, JRCT started a research project exploring the Rowntree companys historic global supply chains.

The review shows that the Rowntree company benefited from colonial indenture, serving as an active agent in colonial economies in Africa and the Caribbean across the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

While the Rowntree company is remembered for its progressive practices in the UK, in 2021, JRCT joined with the other Rowntree trusts to respond to research showing that the company had bought cocoa and other goods produced by enslaved people and had benefited from other forms of colonial exploitation, the charity said.

There is evidence that Rowntree Mackintoshs South African subsidiary, Wilson Rowntree, engaged in oppressive and exploitative practices during the apartheid era.

JRCT committed to identifying meaningful forms of reparation that further its charitable purposes for the public benefit.

Were ready to move forward

Since 2021, JRCT has worked with experts in reparations and racial justice and historians and archivists, and taken time to understand these histories and how they relate to our continuing work, it said.

The charity is now ready to move forward with Wests appointment. West will work with affected communities, historians, legal experts and other partners to develop and lead a reparations programme.

West is currently head of research at Runnymede Trust and a visiting professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

He was previously professor of social psychology, president of the ninth division of the American Psychological Association and an old Rhodes Scholar with a doctorate from Balliol, Oxford University.

An expert in racism and bias reduction, West has written over 80 relevant peer-reviewed papers and has experience in the commercial and third sectors, having been head of research at Equality Group.

JRCT said the reparations programme West will lead will be developed in collaboration with its board and chief executive, while furthering its charitable purposes for the public benefit.

At this time, the specific scope, structure or funding allocation of the programme has not been finalised.

The charity said it intends to continue grantmaking in the long term and invest its funds ethically and responsibly, and to make grants to those who address the root causes of problems in our society as outlined by Joseph Rowntree when he established our organisation.

We want to remain true to our responsibilities to the past, present, and future by honouring our commitment to addressing historic injustice while ensuring long-term support for changemakers, it added.

This is the right next step

Nicola Purdy, JRCTs CEO, said: Were delighted to welcome West as our head of reparations and to our senior leadership team.

His insight and experience position him strongly to develop and lead this important programme.

For over 120 years, JRCT has been guided by our founders belief that creating a better world requires addressing root causes rather than just symptoms.

Were committed to carrying this influence forward and we continue to support organisations that address the root causes of conflict and injustice.

Thats why its important to us that our reparations programme  which will further our charitable purposes for the public benefit  addresses injustices and their lasting impact.

As a Quaker organisation committed to values of peace, truth and equality, we believe this is the right next step and a core part of our charitable mission.

On his appointment, West said: Im honoured to accept this role.

It offers the power and the responsibility to make real, meaningful changes in the lives of those who have been exploited.

Its an opportunity and a duty that I take very seriously.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
A federal judge dismissed a proposed class-action lawsuit accusing the maker of Stanley tumblers of concealing that the popular water bottles contained lead.

In a decision on Friday, U.S. District Judge Tana Lin in Seattle said consumers did not demonstrate a specific and plausible risk of harm from lead by using the tumblers, which are made by the defendant Pacific Market International.

The colorful tumblers are sometimes known as Stanley cups and became popular, particularly among women, with help from social media influencers.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Monday. A lawyer for the defendant had no immediate comment.

Litigation over the tumblers began after reports of possible lead contamination went viral on social media in early 2024.

Pacific Market International, based in Seattle, said it used pellets to help keep tumblers contents at proper temperatures, and that while the pellets contained some lead it was inaccessible to consumers once sealed.

The plaintiffs said they would not have bought Stanley cups or would have paid less had they known the risk.

But in a 41-page decision, Lin said the plaintiffs did not show the use of lead in Stanley tumblers would be material to reasonable consumers.

She also found no showing that the mere presence of lead was dangerous, or that the pellets could contaminate the contents of Stanley tumblers, be ingested or be inhaled.

Without even a hypothetical explanation of how any consumer might be harmed by the lead in defendants product, the problem remains that the dangers plaintiffs warn of are completely disconnected from the Stanley cups, she wrote.

If Stanley tumblers work as advertised and pose no plausible risk of harm, any representations by defendant that the tumblers are safe and suitable for ordinary use cannot be shown to be false or misleading,' she added.

Lin said the plaintiffs can amend their complaint, but if they do not fix its shortcomings particularly as related to materiality she will dismiss it for good.

(Reporting by Stempel in New York; Editing by Nia Williams)
Anthropic on Tuesday announced an advanced artificial intelligence model that will roll out to a select group of companies as part of a new cybersecurity initiative called Project Glasswing.

The model, Claude Mythos Preview, excels at identifying weaknesses and security flaws within software, and Anthropic is limiting access to try to prevent bad actors from exploiting that capability, the company said.

Anthropic said Apple , Google , Microsoft , Nvidia and Amazon Web Services are among the project's initial launch partners and will be able to use the model for defensive security work. More than 40 other companies, including CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks , are also participating, Anthropic said.

"There was a lot of internal deliberation," Dianne Penn, Anthropic's head of research product management, told CNBC in an interview. "We really do view this as a first step for giving a lot of cyber defenders a head start on a topic that will be increasingly important."

Anthropic's announcement comes after descriptions of the model were discovered by Fortune in a publicly accessible data cache late last month. Cybersecurity stocks fell on the report, which said that the model had advanced cyber capabilities that also posed a significant risk.

The iShares Cybersecurity ETF was mostly flat during intraday trading on Tuesday.

"The dangers of getting this wrong are obvious, but if we get it right, there is a real opportunity to create a fundamentally more secure internet and world than we had before the advent of AI-powered cyber capabilities," CEO Dario Amodei wrote in a post on X touting the rollout of Project Glasswing.

Anthropic was founded in 2021 by a group of researchers and executives who defected from OpenAI over concerns about its direction and attitude toward safety.

The company spent years carefully constructing its reputation as a firm that was more dedicated to responsible AI deployment, and it unveiled Project Glasswing just weeks after its high-profile clash over safety with the Defense Department spilled into public view.

Anthropic said it's been in "ongoing discussions" with U.S. government officials about Claude Mythos Preview's cyber capabilities. That includes conversations with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Center for AI Standards and Innovation, among others, according to an Anthropic official.
A pedestrian walks past an electronic quotation board displaying the Nikkei 225 stock prices on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Tokyo on March 23, 2026.

Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Tuesday following a volatile trading session, as investors assess Iran war-related developments with the U.S. deadline for a ceasefire deal approaching.

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to target Iran's civilian infrastructure if a peace deal is not reached by Tuesday 8 p.m. ET, while also signaling that the Iranian leadership was negotiating in earnest.

Trump reiterated his demand for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, which would allow traffic to start flowing again through the vital route for global energy supplies  warning the U.S. would decimate every bridge and power plant within four hours of that deadline not being met.

The U.S. and Iran are weighing a framework plan to end their 5-week-old conflict, with Tehran pushing back against Trump's pressure to swiftly reopen the Strait of Hormuz under a temporary ceasefire, and repeating its demand for a lasting end to the war.

Iran has rejected the U.S. ceasefire proposal and floated its own 10 points, including an end to hostilities in the region, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting of sanctions, and reconstruction, according to Axios.

Trump responded to the proposal, saying that "They made a ... significant proposal. Not good enough, but they have made a very significant step. We will see what happens."

The West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 2.3% at $115 per barrel as of 3:28 p.m. ET. Brent crude gained about 1.5% at $111.37 a barrel.

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 advanced 1.74% to end the session at 8,728.8. Japan's Nikkei 225 barely budged, finishing the day 0.03% higher at 53,429.56, while the broad-based Topix gained 0.25% at 3,654.02.

South Korea's blue-chip Kospi was up 0.82% at 5,494.78, and the small-cap Kosdaq lost over 1% to finish at 1,036.73.

Mainland China's CSI 300 was unchanged at 4,440.62, and Hong Kong markets remained closed on Tuesday for the Easter holiday.

India's Nifty 50 reversed earlier losses to rise 0.23% and Sensex was up 0.25%, tracking volatile trading in other Asian markets.

"As the deadline approaches, [Trump] wants to apply even more pressure to get them across the finish line," Brian Jacobsen, chief economic strategist at Annex Wealth Management.

The headline-driven sharp swings in the markets, however, have created opportunities for investors to reshuffle their portfolios for longer-term returns, Jacobsen said. "When geopolitical worries hit the market, it tends to move prices indiscriminately. That's when a discriminating investor can upgrade their portfolio."

Jacobsen pointed to "decent entry points" in companies across industries, including utilities, financials, industrials, and technology, while naming defense and energy companies as the "first-order" beneficiaries in the wake of the conflict.
In this article ASML Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT

onathan Raa | Nurphoto | Getty Images

ASML shares fell on Tuesday after U.S. lawmakers last week proposed further measures that would restrict China from additional chipmaking tools and potentially impact the Dutch chip giant's already fragile sales to the country. Shares of ASML in the Netherlands were down around 2.6% at around 6:11 a.m. ET. On Thursday, a group of bipartisan lawmakers introduced the Multilateral Alignment of Technology Controls on Hardware (MATCH) Act, designed to cut China off from chipmaking tools and target the country's most critical semiconductor firms. "While the United States has imposed extensive export controls to slow China's semiconductor indigenization, U.S. allies have not fully matched these measures. This misalignment has left critical gaps that China continues to exploit," said the office of Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Wash., who led the bill, in a statement published on April 2. ASML was not immediately available for comment when contacted by CNBC.

What is the impact on ASML?

The U.S. has imposed various semiconductor export curbs on China over the last few years. Much of this has focused on the most advanced semiconductor technology. ASML makes extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines that are required to manufacture the most advanced chips on the planet. ASML has never exported any of these machines to China. The Dutch firm also makes a deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography machine. DUV lithography machines are less advanced and are used to manufacture other types of semiconductors like memory chips, which are installed in everything from laptops to phones. Some of ASML's DUV machines have been subject to Dutch export licenses. The MATCH Act, if passed, would ban even ASML's DUV lithography machines, which can be used to make less advanced semiconductors and which, so far, China's biggest chipmakers have been able to purchase.

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In January, ASML said that it expects China to account for about 20% of total sales this year, down from 33% in 2025. This was before the new proposed new U.S. curbs. If the restrictions come into effect, this could put pressure on the Dutch company's already-falling China sales. "While the bill is early-stage and its outcome uncertain, it creates a geopolitical overhang. At this stage, it remains unclear whether all DUV tools would be potentially concerned or if current restrictions on some DUV immersion tools ... would be extended," Stephane Houri, head of equity research at ODDO BHF, said in a note on Tuesday. If a broad DUV ban took place, it would "create some volatility" in ASML's results, "potentially boosting some short term orders (before the restrictions are implemented) but impacting results midterm," Houri said. "The share price reaction shows that the proposals coming out of Congress in the US could have a fairly material impact on ASML," Ben Barringer, head of technology research at Quilter Cheviot, told CNBC. "The legislation would impact older versions of the company's lithography tools, which represent around 10%-15% of overall sales. Within that mix, China is approximately 50%, so we are looking at a fairly big hit of around 5%, but one that would likely depreciate over time." Both Barringer and Houri noted that the proposals are in the early stages and would still need to work their way through the American legislative process.

China chip sector faces more disruption

Washington's various restrictions over the past few years have actually helped boost China's domestic semiconductor industry, analysts told CNBC, with several companies reporting record revenues last year. The country has managed to find alternatives to some of the technology it has been cut off from, such as high-bandwidth memory to Nvidia competitors. But China's biggest chipmakers, such as Semiconductor Manufacturing International Co. (SMIC) and Hua Hong still rely on ASML's DUV tools to make less-advanced chips. There is no local alternative to ASML for EUV, and globally, very few options to replace DUV lithography machines. If U.S. proposals get the green light, they can "disrupt China's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, as China completely relies on ASML tools today," Houri said.
BYD vehicles in the production line at the company's new electric vehicle factory at the Industrial Complex in Camacari, in the state of Bahia, Brazil Oct. 9, 2025.

Brazil has put China's BYD on a registry of employers who have subjected workers to conditions similar to slavery, after a 2024 scandal in which Chinese workers were said to have been victims of human trafficking and abusive contracts.

The list, published by Brazil's Labor Ministry, carries further reputational risk for the automaker in its biggest market after China.

It also bars BYD from obtaining certain types of loans from Brazilian banks, but does not affect the operation of its sole auto plant in the country that the workers were hired to build.

BYD did not reply to a request for comment.

Jinjiang Group, the contractor that BYD used to hire the 163 workers cited in the scandal, has denied the claims. BYD has previously said it had no knowledge of any violations until reports by Brazilian media in late November.

Brazilian officials have argued that BYD is ultimately responsible for its workers' conditions as it should be supervising its contractors.
Wall Street is buying the long-term bull case for Broadcom after the semiconductor firm deepened its relationship with Anthropic and signed a deal with Google . Under its latest agreement with Anthropic , Broadcom will supply multiple gigawatts of next-generation tensor processing unit capacity for the Claude maker's artificial intelligence infrastructure. The semiconductor supplier also said Monday it reached a deal to produce future versions of AI hardware for Google through 2031. These developments had investors and analysts thinking Broadcom will continue gaining ground in AI. Broadcom shares climbed 3% on Tuesday while the broader market struggled. Several analysts reiterated their buy-equivalent ratings on the stock, while calling for big gains ahead. AVGO YTD mountain AVGO year to date "We are significantly more confident of Broadcom achieving much greater than $120B+ of AI revenues in [fiscal year 2027]," JPMorgan's Harlan Sur wrote. "We view this as a major proof point for the durability and expanding [total addressable market] of AVGO's XPU ASIC Franchise.  We believe there is more to come." Sur has an overweight rating on Broadcom. He's not the only one bullish on the stock. Of the 51 analysts covering Broadcom, 49 have a buy or strong buy on the stock, LSEG data shows. Shares have surged nearly 112% over the past year. Wells Fargo: Overweight rating, $430 price target Analyst Aaron Rakers' price target points to 36.8% upside. "Our Overweight rating and $430 price target (~21x P/E on our CY27 EPS) reflects our confidence that AVGO's AI positioning / momentum sustains into CY26, with increasing confidence in potentially meaningful incremental catalysts looking through the year. We also see Broadcom as a key beneficiary from expanding network intensity in AI infrastructure build-outs." Citi: Buy, $475 Atif Malik's target implies upside of 51% from Monday's close. "AVGO previously expected compute demand to approach ~10GW in 2027 and had line of sight to achieve AI revenue of $100 billion in 2027. Given this announcement, we see upside to AVGO's AI revenue target of $100 billion to +$130 billion assuming our prior Google sales of $65.4 billion in F27." Deutsche Bank: buy, $430 The bank's target signals a gain of 36.8%. "We view today's 8K positively from both a financial and a strategic perspective. Financially, we believe the Google TPU LTA could result in well > $50b in revenue for AVGO over the next 5 years. This amount should be further bolstered by the Anthropic deal (chips only) that we believe may result in revenue of ~$50b in CY27 alone," analyst Ross Seymore wrote. Bernstein: Outperform, $525 Bernstein's price target suggests a surge of 67% from Monday's close. "Recall that AVGO guided to FY27 AI revenues of ~$100B. We believe this number is looking increasingly light. The company had suggested close to 10GW of AI capacity shipping in FY27 (~3 from Anthropic, now more?); $100B would suggest ~10B per GW (which feels low to us; Anthropic alone seems like it could be approaching the $50B mark). We believe upside to numbers consequently feels likely (note that every ~$10B corresponds to roughly $1 per share in EPS) and the stock is looking increasingly attractive here," wrote analyst Stacy Rasgon. Melius Research: Buy, $575 Ben Reitzes' price target implies upside of nearly 83% from Monday's close. "Doing a deal through 2031 seems to imply that Google feels Broadcom can receive ample supply of critical components long-term. Second, Anthropic is crushing it with its ARR now at $30B, up from just $9B in December 2025. With each Gigawatt worth about $15B, Broadcom is now doing 4.5GW of chips over the next ~2 years vs. 4GW previously - and being locked into Anthropic is critical. We now see meaningful upside to our estimate for $110B in AI revenue for AVGO in FY2027 as EPS power should top $20." Jefferies: Buy, $500 Analyst Blayne Curtis' price target implies upside of 59%. "This agreement is representative of a broader pattern across the AI landscape, where leading labs and hyperscalers are locking in massive LT supply commitments to secure compute capacity years in advance."
Broadcom shares rose more than 6% on Tuesday, their second-best day of the year, after the chip designer announced it would produce future versions of artificial intelligence chips for Google, and signed an expanded deal with Anthropic.

The pact with Anthropic will give the AI startup access to about 3.5 gigawatts worth of computing capacity, drawing on Google's homegrown tensor processing units, or TPUs.

Broadcom's stock has endured a tough start to 2025, falling almost 10% prior to Tuesday's rally, as concerns about the AI buildout coupled with soaring energy costs caused by the war in Iran pushed investors out of many leading tech names.

Analysts at Mizuho maintained their buy recommendation on Broadcom and wrote in a report on Tuesday that the deals with Google and Anthropic are a boon to the company's AI business, and that "the tighter TPU partnership strengthens AVGO's position."

Last month, Broadcom reported blowout earnings, and CEO Hock Tan touted strong future demand for the company's chips. He told analysts that he anticipates AI chip revenue in 2027 that's "significantly in excess of $100 billion."

Matt Britzman, an analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said the latest deals "should help ease some of the recent nervousness around TPU competition" and indicate that Broadcom's "largest customer sees meaningful demand visibility well into the future."

"We already saw upside to medium-term revenue and profit expectations off the back of recent results; these new deals help underpin that idea if deployment ramps as planned," Britzman said.

Citi analysts maintained their buy rating for the stock, seeing Broadcom surpassing its $100 billion revenue target and reaching more than $130 billion off the back of the Google deal.
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U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to the Easter Bunny on the balcony of the White House during the Easter Egg Roll on April 06, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Easter Egg Roll is a White House tradition dating back to 1878. The Trumps also honored the 250th anniversary of the United States during the event. Andrew Harnik | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Hello, this is Dylan Butts writing to you from Singapore. Welcome to another edition of CNBC's Daily Open. Suspense is building ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, or face attacks on its power plants and bridges. Trump has delayed this deadline before. However, on Monday, he reiterated his threats, signaling a greater willingness to follow through. Will Washington's threats strengthen its hand at the negotiating table? Are we in for another Trump TACO? The outcome is uncertain. But here's how markets are reacting to the approaching deadline.

What you need to know today

Trump said Monday that the U.S. had received Iran's latest ceasefire proposal, but described it as "not good enough," ahead of the approaching Tuesday deadline and threats against Iranian civilian infrastructure. Still, Trump also struck a more measured tone in some comments on Monday, telling reporters that Tehran was acting as an "active, willing participant" in negotiations. "They would like to be able to make a deal. I can't say any more than that," he said. Meanwhile, Axios reported Monday that the U.S., Iran, and a group of regional mediators were discussing terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a permanent end to the war. Those developments were enough to sustain cautious investor optimism on Wall Street. The S&P 500 rose for a fourth session on Monday, as investors weighed the possibility of de-escalation. However, oil markets were less positive. Prices edged higher after Trump doubled down on his threats against Iran, saying the U.S. would decimate every bridge and power plant in Iran by midnight EDT (0400 GMT) Wednesday, over a period of four hours. U.S. futures were little changed on Monday night as investors continued to digest new developments. Beyond geopolitics, momentum in artificial intelligence remains a key market driver. Broadcom expanded its chip partnership with Google and Anthropic, underscoring surging demand for AI infrastructure. In more dramatic news, OpenAI on Monday sent a letter to the attorneys general of California and Delaware, urging them to investigate "improper and anti-competitive behavior" by xAI founder Elon Musk and his associates, as a high-profile trial between the two sides nears.  Dylan Butts

And finally...
Elon Musk looks on as President Donald Trump speaks at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, Nov. 19, 2025.

Elon Musk is seeking to have OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and President Greg Brockman removed from their roles as officers in the company as part of a case that's expected to go to trial later this month.

In a legal filing on Tuesday, Musk's lawyers laid out specific remedies their client is seeking if a judge and jury determine that Altman and OpenAI defrauded Musk, the world's richest person.

Musk sued Altman and OpenAI in 2024, claiming the artificial intelligence company that he helped start almost a decade earlier "assiduously manipulated" and "deceived" him into donating $38 million, based on promises that the entity would remain a nonprofit. The two sides have since been embroiled in a public war of words, in addition to their legal battle and budding business rivalry.

"Plaintiff will seek an order removing Altman as a director from the OpenAI nonprofit board and removing both Altman and Brockman as officers of the OpenAI for-profit," Musk's lawyers said in Tuesday's filing. "Removal of a charity's officers and directors is a common remedy where those individuals fail to protect or carry out the charity's public mission."

Musk is also asking the court to make OpenAI revert to operating as an actual nonprofit, according to the filing. The company completed a restructuring in October, and is now run as a nonprofit with a 26% stake in the for-profit arm, which includes ChatGPT.

Jury selection for the case is slated to begin on April 27, in a federal court in Oakland, California.

Following Tuesday's filing, OpenAI said in a post on X that Musk is "pretending to change his tune about attacking the nonprofit OpenAI Foundation."

"The truth is that this case has always been about Elon generating more power and more money for what he wants," OpenAI said. "His lawsuit remains nothing more than a harassment campaign that's driven by ego, jealousy and a desire to slow down a competitor."

Musk, Altman and others co-founded OpenAI as a nonprofit AI lab in 2015. Musk left OpenAI in 2018, after trying to convince executives there to merge it with Tesla, his electric vehicle company.

In 2023, Musk launched a competing company called xAI, which developed the AI image generator and chatbot Grok. In February, Musk's SpaceX acquired xAI, which also owns X (formerly Twitter) in a deal that valued the combined entity at $1.25 trillion. SpaceX recently filed confidential paperwork with the SEC for what will likely be a record IPO.

On Monday, OpenAI sent a letter to the California and Delaware attorneys general, urging them to investigate "improper and anti-competitive behavior" by Musk and his associates ahead of the trial. In the letter, OpenAI strategy chief Jason Kwon alleged that Musk has been working to undermine OpenAI through various "attacks" on the company, including by "coordinating his efforts" with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Musk's attorneys previously said, in a January filing, that their client should receive up to $134 billion in damages from OpenAI and lead investor Microsoft , calling them "wrongful gains" that the companies had received as a result of his early work with and financial support of OpenAI.

In Tuesday's filing, Musk's lawyers said their client is seeking "to return all ill-gotten gains, including Microsoft's, to the OpenAI charity."

 CNBC's Ashley Capoot contributed to this report.

WATCH: OpenAI is chasing Anthropic
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BERLIN, GERMANY - MARCH 16: A truck and a bicyclist pass by a petrol station that shows gasoline prices well over EUR 2.00 per litre on March 16, 2026 in Berlin, Germany. The German government, in response to dramatic price increases of petrol in Germany since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli military conflict with Iran, is considering new legislation to help lower the price hikes. Petrol prices have risen higher in Germany than elsewhere in Europe. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) Sean Gallup | Getty Images News | Getty Images

European stocks retreated on Tuesday as investors braced themselves ahead of President Donald Trump's deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, due later in the day. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index closed almost 1% lower, reversing gains made earlier in the session. Most sectors and major regional bourses ended the session in negative territory. European markets' Tuesday slide followed a four-day Easter break, after finishing Thursday's session in mixed territory.





Investors are struggling to digest the U.S. administration's mixed messaging on a potential resolution to the conflict. Trump has threatened to target Iran's civilian infrastructure if a peace deal is not reached in less than 24 hours, while also signaling that the Iranian leadership was negotiating "in good faith." The president ramped up his rhetoric in a new Truth Social post Tuesday, warning that "a whole civilization will die tonight" if Iran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz  the vital shipping route for global energy supplies  by 8 p.m. E.T. Earlier, he warned the U.S. would decimate every bridge and power plant within four hours of that deadline not being met.

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Wall Street, along with the rest of the world, is nervous. President Trump's deadline to reach a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is quickly approaching, with the odds dwindling of an agreement being struck. Trump said in a new Truth Social post early Tuesday that, "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will." Beforehand, multiple reports said the U.S. conducted military strikes on Kharg Island in Iran. As a result, stocks were under pressure in early trading Tuesday and U.S. crude prices rallied more than 2%. International Brent crude oil gained about 1%. Yet, many Wall Street investment banks are positioning for some sort of de-escalation  perhaps leading to more muted moves ahead of the 8 p.m. ET Tuesday deadline set by the White House. "Notwithstanding his increasingly bellicose rhetoric, none of the escalatory options available to Trump  are good ones and given the huge costs involved in each (along with the fact that the U.S. strategic objectives have been achieved), he will be forced to pursue an offramp of some sort," wrote Adam Crisafulli of Vital Knowledge. .SPX mountain 2026-03-02 S & P 500 since Iran war began Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, head of European Research at 22V Research, echoed that sentiment. "Due to these very large and very negative consequences from an imminent escalation in the air campaign against Iran, it continues to have to be the outcome of any attempted rational analysis  such as this one  that such a course of action cannot be the base case going forward. A negotiated and diplomatic path of some kind towards de-escalation and an eventual end to the conflict must still be the base case," he wrote to clients. Stocks have languished since the U.S.-Iran war began. The S & P 500 is down nearly 4% and has fallen below its 200-day moving average, a key technical level watched by investors. Yet the benchmark is also coming off its strongest weekly performance of the year, rising more than 3% last week, and is also riding a four-day winning streak. "The price action over the last week appears to be the market reflecting the view that a deal is more likely than not, or at least military action does not rise to the level that would result in the destruction of regional energy/water infrastructure," JPMorgan's trading desk wrote. That said, JPMorgan traders remain skeptical a deal will be reached soon. "While there are parts of Trump's rhetoric that suggest a deal, the troop movement suggests an escalation which could include a short-term ground incursion but not a full scale land war," they said. The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) , known as Wall Street's "fear gauge," remains elevated, at around 25. That's well below the highs set last month. But, "Despite elevated headline risk, equity volatility markets continue to price a relatively contained outcome," Barclays derivatives strategist Stefano Pascale wrote. "The SPX implied forward volatility for (April 8) stands at 21.9%, only slightly above the past two-week realized volatility of 20.5%. This alignment suggests implied volatility is broadly fair, with investors not pricing a material premium for event risk."
Narendra Modi, India's prime minister, center, greets Li Qiang, China's premier, right, ahead of a family photo at the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday, July 6, 2025. BRICS leaders will meet in Rio de Janeiro as they seek to strengthen political and economic ties, expand the bloc's influence on the global stage and stand up together against Donald Trump's trade war. Photographer: Dado Galdieri/Bloomberg via Getty Images

As energy shocks from the Iran war underscore India's fossilfuel vulnerability, its companies are turning to China to explore tie-ups in the electric vehicle charging, battery solutions, and renewable energy space.

For the first time in over five years, a delegation of Indian businesses visited China, according to Ranjeet Mehta, secretary general and CEO of Indian trade body PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Between March 29 and April 4, eight Indian companies met Chinese firms from Shanghai, Zhejiang and Wuxi, Mehta told CNBC.

"Energy security is extremely critical for our country," especially against the backdrop of the "problems" arising from the Middle East conflict, Mehta said.

India, the world's thirdlargest oil importer and secondlargest consumer of liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG, is heavily dependent on supplies transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Rising energy costs and supply-chain disruptions pose a considerable downside risk to the world's fastest-growing major economy.

Six of the eight companies are startups operating in EV charging, electric trucks, battery storage and energy trading, according to the industry body.

China has developed advanced technology in renewable energy and electric vehicle charging, Mehta said, adding that "India needs those technologies."

India aims for electric vehicles to make up 30% of total sales by 2030, but adoption is being held back by inadequate charging infrastructure and persistent range anxiety.

The Indian industry body plans to revisit China later this year with a larger delegation during the Canton Autumn Fair, a major trade exhibition in Guangzhou.
A Lufthansa passenger aircraft is parked at a gate while a SASCA fuel truck services it on the apron at Toulouse Blagnac Airport in Blagnac in Occitanie in France on March 15, 2026.

The surging price of jet fuel isn't the airline industry's only problem. Now, it's whether it will have enough.

Since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, the price of jet fuel in the U.S. has nearly doubled, going from $2.50 a gallon on Feb. 27 to $4.88 a gallon on April 2, with the increases even sharper in other regions. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz is choking off supplies of both crude and refined products like jet fuel, further driving up the price.

That's forcing airlines to consider cutting flights, especially overseas.

Carsten Spohr, CEO of Germany's Deutsche Lufthansa, told employees in a webcast last week that the carrier is assigning teams to come up with contingency plans because of the war in the Middle East, including for drops in demand or a lack of jet fuel, a spokesman said. Those plans could include grounding some of its aircraft.

The U.S. produces a lot of jet fuel and isn't as exposed as other regions like Europe and parts of Asia are in comparison. But aircraft fill up locally, so some U.S. airlines could face shortages on international trips.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby told reporters late last month that the carrier, which has the most service to Asia among U.S. airlines, would have to cut back its flights there. He also said it's "not impossible" that airlines collectively would have to reduce service in that region.

He noted that as the price of jet fuel goes up, it could be more acute in parts of the U.S. that aren't as connected by pipelines.

"There's not enough refining capacity, and so fuel price prior to this and going forward is more susceptible to supply weakness on the West Coast than anywhere else in the country," he said.

Kirby told employees earlier in March that the airline is preparing for oil to stay above $100 a barrel through 2027 and is pruning some of its flights in the near term.

"To be clear, nothing changes about our longer-term plans for aircraft deliveries or total capacity for 2027 and beyond, but there's no point in burning cash in the near term on flying that just can't absorb these fuel costs," he said in a March 20 message to employees.
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Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday asked President Donald Trump for a two-week extension of his threat to wipe out the "whole civilization" of Iran unless Tehran strikes a deal that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Update: Trump suspends Iran attack for two weeks, subject to Hormuz Strait opening Sharif in an X post also asked Iran's leadership to agree to open up the strait for two weeks "as a goodwill gesture." "We also urge all warring parties to observe a ceasefire everywhere for two weeks to allow diplomacy to achieve conclusive termination of war, in the interest of long-term peace and stability in the region," Sharif wrote. The public plea from the leader of Pakistan, which has acted as a mediator between the warring powers, came hours before Trump's 8 p.m. ET deadline for Iran to either cut a deal or face massive strikes on its civilian infrastructure  which could be considered a war crime. On Tuesday morning, Trump dramatically ramped up his threats, warning on Truth Social that "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again" if no agreement is reached. "However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?" he wrote. "We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World." Asked for comment on Sharif's request, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told CNBC, "The President has been made aware of the proposal, and a response will come." Trump's threat came after U.S. forces the previous night struck military targets on Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export terminal, a White House official confirmed to CNBC.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House on April 06, 2026 in Washington, DC. Alex Wong | Getty Images

Iran has blocked most oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz since the U.S. and Israel began the war in late February. The closure has led to a historic oil supply shock, which quickly sent global energy prices soaring. Trump has boasted that Iran's military has been "obliterated" but acknowledged it still controls ship traffic flow through the strait, giving it key leverage. In a belligerent Easter social media post on Sunday, he threatened to destroy Iran's bridges and power plants by Tuesday night, demanding Tehran "Open the Fuckin' Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell."

Status of U.S. talks with Iran

Tuesday's post, and the reports of new U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian infrastructure, gave way to conflicting reports on the status of diplomatic efforts between the warring powers. But Sharif wrote in his X post, "Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future." The PM's post tagged the official social media profiles of top officials including Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, as well as Iran's president, foreign minister and parliamentary speaker. Trump's latest threat quickly drew heated reactions from his political opponents plus some who have long been aligned with his MAGA political movement. "Congress must immediately end this reckless war of choice in Iran before Donald Trump plunges us into World War III," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said on X. "It's time for every single Republican to put patriotic duty over party and stop the madness." Republican former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a onetime Trump loyalist who left Congress in January after publicly falling out with the president, called for his removal from office via the 25th Amendment. Many Democratic lawmakers have since joined that call. Pope Leo XIV also weighed in Tuesday outside the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo, urging people of good will to "reject war, especially a war which many people have said is an unjust war, which is continuing to escalate and which is not resolving anything." Great Britain, meanwhile, is not allowing the U.S. to use its bases as part of any operations targeting civilian infrastructure, U.K. news outlet The i Paper reported. A spokesperson for the British Ministry of Defence told CNBC it has authorized the U.S. to use its bases for "specific defensive operations to prevent Iran firing missiles into the region, which is putting British lives at risk." "We won't be providing a running commentary on our allies' operations, including their use of our bases," the spokesperson added. Trump has frequently fumed about the reluctance of the U.K. and other allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to involve themselves in the Iran war, even as he claims the U.S. does not need any help. The relationship between the U.S. and the alliance was deeply strained earlier this year, when Trump demanded that the U.S. must take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory ruled by NATO member Denmark. Trump's saber-rattling toward Greenland subsided, but he signaled Monday that he remains upset with NATO over Europe's opposition to his efforts to seize the island. "You know, it all began with, you want to know the truth, Greenland," Trump said at the end of a White House news conference on Monday. "We want Greenland. They don't want to give it to us. And I said, 'Bye, bye.'"

Trump's terms for Tuesday deal

At that news conference, Trump said that for Iran to stave off the Tuesday deadline, it would have to agree to "a deal that's acceptable to me, and part of that deal is going to be, we want free traffic of oil and everything else." Trump has criticized Iran's talk of tolling the strait and has signaled his interest in the U.S. imposing its own tolls there instead. The U.S., Iran and regional mediators in the Middle East were reportedly discussing a 45-day ceasefire proposal as a last-ditch attempt to avoid triggering Trump's looming deadline.

Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Getty Images

But a White House official told CNBC on Monday morning that Trump has not backed that idea, and Iran has explicitly rejected any temporary ceasefire, calling instead for a deal to end the war permanently. "The only one that's going to set a ceasefire is me," Trump told reporters at the White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday when asked about the proposal. Trump has insisted the Iranian people want the U.S. to keep up its military operations even if it puts them at risk, because they have lived in a "violent, horrible world" under the repressive ruling regime.
Every weekday the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer holds a "Morning Meeting" livestream at 10:20 a.m. ET. Here's a recap of Tuesday's key moments. 1. Stocks fell Tuesday as investors lose hope for a ceasefire that depends on whether U.S. and Iran reach an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iran's power plants and bridges if a deal wasn't struck by 8 p.m. ET Tuesday. Given the latest developments, Jim Cramer said investors are offloading stocks so that they have a "little less exposure" after four positive sessions in a row for the S & P 500 . The Club on Monday took advantage of the latest win streak to do some trimming, booking some profits in Goldman Sachs after two separate buys during its mid-March pullback. With some of those proceeds, we added to our position in Alphabet on Monday. 2. Apple shares are down more than 3% after Nikkei Asia reported that shipments of the inaugural foldable iPhone could be delayed. According to the news outlet, setbacks in the engineering phase of the product might put a dent in the phone's mass production and shipment schedule. The general expectation was the foldable devices would debut in September, when the company usually announces its new slate of iPhones. Jim said the dip is a buying opportunity for new investors. "It's a good place to start a position if you don't own any Apple," Jim said. Based on intraday prices Tuesday, Apple shares are down more than 10% from their 2026 closing high of $278.12 on Feb. 6. 3. Starbucks shares are taking a breather Tuesday after a nearly 5% advance in Monday's session, which made it one of our best-performing names to start the new trading week. On Monday, investors were digesting the news from late Thursday that Starbucks finalized its joint venture with Boyu Capital, selling off 60% of its China business, in a deal designed to accelerate long-term growth in the country. Jim said if the stock trends higher, "I do want to let some [of the position] go." Given headwinds facing consumers including rising gas prices, Jim said Starbucks may be the kind of "discretionary item" that people have less money to spend on. 4 . Stocks covered in Tuesday's rapid fire at the end of the video were: UnitedHealth Group , CVS , Humana , ARM , Casey's General Store , Wingstop , and Intel . (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long AAPL, SBUX, GS, GOOGL . See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
My top 10 things to watch Tuesday, April 7 1. Hopes are fading for an agreement ahead of President Donald Trump 's 8 p.m. ET deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face power plant and bridge bombings. Will Trump follow through on his threats? The market is worried, with the S & P 500 headed for a lower open after four straight sessions higher. 2. Two wins for Broadcom : Google and Anthropic. The Hock Tan-run company agreed to produce future versions of Google's AI chips through 2031, and expanded its compute deal with Anthropic, drawing on those Google processors for capacity. Can Broadcom reclaim its old status as the one to beat? Broadcom and Google-parent Alphabet are Club stocks. 3. Wells Fargo increased its Intel price target to $55 from $45, citing expected demand upside for the chipmaker's server CPU and execution on its roadmap. Ahead of quarterly results later this month, Wells trimmed estimates for 2026 earnings per share by 2.6% but raised 2027 EPS estimates by 8.7%. Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan is the real deal. His appointment last year made me turn positive on the stock. 4. Morgan Stanley downgraded chip designer Arm to a hold rating from buy. The analysts see execution risks to its in-house CPU initiative and memory supply constraints as a headwind to near-term growth. They did raise their Arm price target to $150 from $135, in recognition of this year's rally. But that PT has little upside to it. I think Arm's CPU is a smart move to capitalize on the growth of agentic AI. 5. U.S. lawmakers are again looking to put trade curbs on Dutch semiconductor equipment provider ASML . This time, it's to prevent Chinese companies from accessing what's called deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography machines, which are used to make chips that go into consumer devices like smartphones and electric vehicles. ASML's more advanced EUV machines for AI chips are already blocked in China. 6. Wells Fargo initiated coverage of Reddit with a hold rating and $149 price target, implying about 8% upside. Analysts expect another quarter of strong revenue growth, but third-party traffic data is mixed. Shares are down almost 50% from their January highs. The stock has been prone to big swings, but there is value in Reddit as a trusted social-media platform for a lot of people. 7. JPMorgan trimmed its price targets on a bunch of bank stocks ahead of Q1 earnings season. Analysts want to hear management teams address the impact of the Iran war, exposure to private-credit and software companies, and a widening "K-shaped" recovery, among others. Over at UBS, analysts upgraded Morgan Stanley to buy from hold, saying buy quality in an uncertain world. I see a chance for bank stocks to have a great second quarter if we get clarity on three main overhangs . 8. Seaport took an axe to the homebuilders, double downgrading the stocks of Lennar , Pulte , Taylor Morrison , and KB Home to sell from buy. It also cut D.R. Horton and Toll Brothers to hold from buy. We know the spring selling season is awful, and mortgage rates have gone the wrong way since the Iran war broke out. Seaport is actually worried that housing activity could slow further due to lower jobs growth. 9. Health insurance stocks are flying after the Trump administration finalized higher-than-expected Medicare Advantage reimbursement rates for 2027. These same stocks were crushed in January when the administration's initial proposal for payments was shockingly low. This is a good outcome for the group. CVS and UnitedHealth are the insurers I'd look at. 10. Baird lowered its Visa price target to $375 from $425 as analysts updated their financial model ahead of earnings. They kept their buy rating. The payment processors have been incredibly consistent stocks for years, but that's changed in recent months. Visa and Mastercard have been awful. Like many stocks, they've had to contend with AI disruption fears. Sign up for my Top 10 Morning Thoughts on the Market email newsletter for free (See here for a full list of the stocks at Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
Shares of Samsung Electronics rose as much as 4.8% on Tuesday after the South Korean technology giant forecast record quarterly profit amid strong demand for artificial intelligence chips. Shares later pared gains to close 1.76% higher%.

In its preliminary earnings guidance, Samsung projected its operating profit for the January-March quarter to reach 57.2 trillion won ($37.8 billion), up more than eightfold from just 6.69 trillion won a year ago.

That profit, if it comes to fruition, would represent a quarterly record  nearly three times the previous high  and would exceed estimates of 42.3 trillion won from LSEG SmartEstimate, which is weighted toward forecasts from analysts who are more consistently accurate.

Meanwhile, the company's estimated consolidated revenue was projected to surge nearly 70% from a year ago to 133 trillion Korean won.

"Samsung Electronics' first-quarter revenue and operating profit have reached a scale that rivals global Big Tech peers," MS Hwang, Research Analyst at Counterpoint Research, told CNBC.

Samsung's upbeat guidance was likely driven by its memory chip business, particularly demand for high-bandwidth memory chips used in AI computing.

Demand for high-bandwidth memory chips has become so explosive over the past year that it has triggered shortages across the memory market, driving massive price and volume spikes for memory makers like Samsung.

According to Counterpoint's Hwang, commodity memory prices are projected to continue surging by more than 50% in the second quarter, with supply-tightness unlikely to ease soon.

The results also reflect that Samsung has been strengthening its position in high-bandwidth memory chips after giving up an early lead to its South Korean rival SK Hynix.

Samsung's Device Solutions division, which includes memory chips, accounted for 39% of Samsung's revenues and 57% of its operating profits in 2025.

The company is expected to report full earnings later this month. Despite Samsung's upbeat projections, the firm could still face some headwinds this year from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The U.S.-Israel war against Iran has disrupted shipments of materials vital to semiconductor manufacturing, including helium, raising the risk of manufacturing disruptions for companies such as Samsung and SK Hynix.

"If the Middle East conflict ends quickly, it will not significantly impact profits. However, if it persists for several months or longer, it will lead to severe consequences," Hwang said.
Kevin Corey spends his weekdays teaching high school students about real-world examples of the ups and downs of running a business, including his own side hustle.

Corey, 41, teaches business courses at Uniondale High School in Uniondale, New York. He's also the co-founder and president of Stall Mates, a flushable bathroom wipes brand that brought in more than $3.8 million in 2025 revenue, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. And his students have a front-row seat watching Corey and his co-founder Greg Schipf run the business.

"Every high and every low, including the tariff situation now, is certainly a learning lesson that ... I can take back to the classroom and talk to them about," says Corey. "When they're talking about, like, 'Why [are prices] going up?' It's certainly a lot easier for me to explain, because I can actually pull up my invoices."

Corey and Schipf launched Stall Mates in nearby Islip, New York, in 2013, and Corey started teaching at Uniondale the following year. His students have tracked the successes and setbacks of growing a packaged goods brand that began with a $14,000 seed investment  which went toward an initial run of 100,000 units of individual wipes that Corey stored in his house and took nine months to sell, he says.

DON'T MISS: The leadership skills that can help you stand out at work

Today, Stall Mates sells nearly 250,000 units per year, including "on-the-go" packs and larger boxes of wipes, mostly through Amazon and online retailers like Walmart and Grove Collaborative, says Corey. It's been profitable since 2015, and the co-founders take $100,000 annual salaries from the business, not including shareholder distributions or bonuses, he says. The bulk of Stall Mates' profits get reinvested back into the business, he adds.

Corey spends about 20 hours working on Stall Mates each week, mostly nights and weekends, and roughly 40 hours teaching, he says. The one aspect of Stall Mates that he avoids sharing publicly, even in the classroom, is the line-item cost of each wipe  a practice many businesses follow to protect their profit model.

Nearly everything else is fair game, he says. "We actually have a class called Business Math, and that alone is showing them that, OK, these companies can do a million dollars in sales ... But it doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to be, like, living in a mansion [or] driving a nice car," says Corey. "You have to keep going and building."
Here are the stocks posting the biggest moves in midday trading. Apple  The second-largest public company in the U.S. dropped nearly 4% Tuesday, leading the S & P 500 lower, after Nikkei Asia said Apple has suffered "setbacks in the engineering test phase" for its planned foldable version of the iPhone that could hurt mass production and product shipments. Bloomberg News, however, cited people familiar with the matter saying the foldable model was on track for release later this year. Universal Music Group  U.S. shares of the recorded music distributor surged almost 13% after hedge fund investor Bill Ackman's Pershing Square Capital Management on Tuesday offered to buy Universal in a cash and stock deal worth about 55.8 billion euros ($64.4 billion). Arm Holdings  The semiconductor company fell more than 4% after Morgan Stanley downgraded the stock to equal weight from overweight. The bank said the company's strategic pivot to chips amid the artificial intelligence buildout will take time, and investor focus on near-term risks like higher research and development costs and dynamic random-access memory shortages could weigh on the stock. Broadcom , Alphabet  Broadcom on Monday said it agreed to supply artificial intelligence chips for Google and signed an expanded deal with Anthropic to give the AI startup about 3.5 gigawatts worth of computing capacity from Google's AI processors. Broadcom shares gained 4%, while Alphabet was slightly higher by 0.9%. Oil stocks  The group was mostly higher, with West Texas Intermediate crude futures for May delivery trading above $114 a barrel ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to attack Iran's civil infrastructure by 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Chevron added more than 1%. Diamondback Energy was last up about 2%. Health care stocks  A slew of companies bounced after the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services finalized its proposed payment increase to privately run Medicare Advantage plans, which was higher than its initial proposal in January that kept payments flat and sent insurers' stocks tumbling. UnitedHealth jumped 10%, while Humana and CVS Health advanced 8% and 7%, respectively. Travel stocks  Shares of cruise operators and airlines were lower as oil prices remained elevated on Tuesday. Norwegian Cruise Line was last down more than 5%, while Carnival and Royal Caribbean gained about 4%. United Airlines and American Airlines were last up 3.5% and 2%, respectively. Delta Air Lines jumped 1.5%.  CNBC's Michelle Fox, Davis Giangiulio, Scott Schnipper and Darla Mercado contributed reporting Markets shift and headlines fade, but the core principles of building long-term wealth remain constant. Join us for our third CNBC Pro LIVE, where investors of all backgrounds - from financial professionals to everyday individuals - come together to cut through the noise and gain actionable strategies for smarter, more disciplined investing. No matter where you're starting from, you'll leave with clearer thinking, stronger strategies. Enter your email here to get a discount code.
Exxon Mobil stands to gain as the Middle East war continues to squeeze global helium supply , according to UBS. The five-week-old war against Iran could pose a threat to the semiconductor sector, alongside other industries that depend on helium, such as medical imaging and space rockets. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that before the war, Qatar produced more than one-third of the world's helium supply. But as helium production in Qatar plunges in the wake of attacks on facilities, this could leave an opportunity for Exxon Mobil. "Exxon is a net beneficiary of the current helium market tightness, with upside to pricing and advantages in security of supply relative to certain industrial gas majors that rely on Qatar for production," wrote UBS analyst Manav Gupta. In a report out Monday, UBS reiterated a buy rating and 12-month price target of $171 on the nation's largest oil and gas producer, implying about 5% upside compared with Exxon Mobil's Monday close of $163.37. The oil and gas giant has surged 36% this year, excluding its dividend, currently yielding 2.56%. XOM 1Y mountain Exxon Mobil shares over the past year Exxon Mobil today supplies 20% of the world's helium supply from a natural gas plant near LaBarge, Wyoming that's unaffected by events in the Middle East, UBS said. "With an estimated eight decades worth of helium left to produce there, LaBarge is poised to play a significant role through the end of this century. This facility, is capable of producing ~1.4 billion cubic feet per year of Grade A helium," Gupta wrote. "With over 30% of global capacity disrupted, this location will play a key role in meeting global needs for Helium which is a critical element for many advanced technologies." Extracting helium wasn't even part of the facility's original design when it began producing natural gas in the mid-1980s. But helium production soon became central to LaBarge's operations after large quantities were discovered. Spot helium prices have soared to $1,000-$1,200 per thousand cubic feet in the wake of the war, up from about $500 under some older, long-term contracts, the UBS report said. The investment bank estimates that every $100 increase in spot prices brings Exxon Mobil an added $119 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), assuming output is sold on the spot market and plant utilization at LaBarge is 85%. Assuming 100% utilization, the UBS model shows $140 million in added EBITDA at Exxon for every $100 increase in spot helium prices.
Brooke Rollins, US agriculture secretary, speaks to members of the media outside the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Friday, March 27, 2026.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins sent USDA staff an Easter email that emphasized the story of Jesus being crucified and resurrected, a message that some Christians said alienated them for its overt religiosity.

"Happy Easter  He is Risen indeed," Rollins wrote in the email sent on Good Friday, which CNBC has reviewed and was first to report.

"From the foot of the Cross on Good Friday to the stone rolled away from the now empty tomb, sin has been destroyed," Rollins wrote.

"Jesus has been raised from the dead. And God has granted each of us victory and new life. And where there is life  risen life  there is hope."

The email included an illustration of a round stone rolled away from the entrance to Jesus' tomb, with the words "Christ is Risen" written above the image.

A USDA staffer who spoke to CNBC said the email was offensive to them as a devout Christian, and as a department employee who works "with people of other faiths, Muslims, Hindus."

The staffer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were worried about retaliation, said other USDA employees also were offended by Rollins' message.

"People are not on board for her sort of brand from a Christian nationalist perspective," the staffer said. "It misses the mark from a lot of angles."

"I find it blasphemous, actually, because it's contrasting Jesus' message," they said.

Asked for comment about Rollins' email and reaction to it, a USDA spokesperson, in an email to CNBC, said, "The Secretary is within her rights to send a message to employees and the public on the Easter holiday. Just like Secretaries of Agriculture and Presidents have in the past."
Vietnam's Communist Party general secretary To Lam speaks during the opening session of the National Assembly in Hanoi on April 6, 2026. Lawmakers in Vietnam elected Communist Party chief To Lam as president on April 7, 2026, the chairman of the National Assembly said, making Lam head of state as well as general secretary of the ruling party. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images)

Vietnam's lawmakers unanimously elected Communist Party Secretary General To Lam as the country's state president for the next five years, a parliament official said after the vote on Tuesday.

The widely anticipated move marks a break from Vietnam's traditional collective leadership system, consolidating authority in one figure in ways analysts say could tilt the oneparty state toward greater authoritarianism, while also enabling faster decisionmaking, similar to its neighbour China.

Lam was elected by lawmakers in the National Assembly. The parliament endorsed the Communist Party's nomination, which officials said was finalized in a meeting at the end of March.

The former head of public security now has a double mandate to rule the country for the next five years, after he secured a second term as general secretary in January.

"Concentrating greater power in To Lam's hands could pose risks to Vietnam's political system, such as increased authoritarianism," said Le Hong Hiep, senior fellow at the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.

However, such consolidation "could enable Vietnam to formulate and implement policies more quickly and effectively," supporting growth, he said.

The combination of the two roles "will shift Vietnam's domestic politics to a new normal where most of the old assumptions about Vietnam's politics, including those about collective leadership, are no longer valid," said Alexander Vuving of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in the United States.

Lam held both posts for a period of a few months following the death in 2024 of the late party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Even after relinquishing the state presidency in favor of army general Luong Cuong, Lam often acted as if he had retained the role, travelling extensively and representing the country in meetings with with foreign leaders.
On Behalf of Montana's Tribal Colleges & MPSEOC, everyone is invited to attend the College Fair at Blackfeet Community College on Wednesday, April 15th, 2026, 11:00-2:00 PM. This is a free event to search for college and career options, and the chance to win prizes and scholarship money!

Eight College and Career Fair events throughout the state will feature colleges, universities, military branches, agencies, and many career options and a chance to win scholarships and prizes!

The Montana Post Secondary Educational Opportunities Council (MPSEOC) and the Montana Tribal Colleges will host eight Fair events in Montana starting April 7, 2026, and on-going through April 16, 2026. We are very excited to offer this Tribal College and Career Fair Circuit for the 18th year in Montana! It is our goal to serve hundreds of college students, high school students, nontraditional students, families, counselors, educators, and community members with this event.

The college fairs give students an opportunity to research many higher education and career options. Attendees have the opportunity to visit with representatives from in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities, technical and trade schools, military branches, agencies, and business representatives.

Although the fairs are geared to college students and high school students, these events are open to the general public, and parents are encouraged to attend as well! Anyone who is interested in pursuing post-secondary education and career research is welcome to attend.

Another highlight of these fairs is the Scholarship Program and Door Prizes. Each fair will have $500 in scholarship money to be given away, and many great door prizes for those attendees of each fair. The scholarships and prizes are awarded by a random drawing from the names of people who attend these fairs. Therefore, by just attending a fair, students can walk away with money to put toward reaching their dreams.

We hope to see you at this year's Montana Spring Tribal College & Career Fairs! College Fair at Blackfeet Community College on Wednesday, April 15th, 2026, 11:00-2:00 PM

A very special thank you to our sponsors of this event:

GEAR UP / MUS

American Indian College Fund

Montana Office of Public Instruction

Montana Department of Labor & Industry | Career Lab

College Board

All the Montana Tribal Colleges, Universities, Military Branches, and Agencies that help support this event

MPSEOC  Montana Post Secondary Educational Opportunities Council

Thank you for sharing this information and supporting education in Montana. Please feel free to share this with your students and community. We hope to see you at these fairs!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Many thanks! Please feel free to use our website http://www.MontanaTribalColleges.org or http://www.MontanaColleges.com for more information as well.
March Lorraine Upham Sellars was born on March 11, 1947 and died on March 12, 2026. She was youngest of eight children; born to Donald William 'Doc' Upham and Eva Kathryn Guardipee Upham in Browning, Mont.

In her early high school years she shared her life with Margie and Harold and their kids, living with them in Brockton. She returned to East Glacier for her final high school years and graduated from Browning. March loved her music, the Supremes, Dionne Warwick, Lesley Gore, Petula Clark, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. When Margie and Harold would go bowling, March was the babysitter, she'd make popcorn, turn on the stereo, and everyone would dance. She was the 'fun' babysitter. She was more like an older sister than an aunt.

She and Peter married and Peter went to Vietnam. Prior to Peter being shipped to Vietnam, they lived in Monterey, Calif. March then moved to Helena to again live with Margie and Harold and their kids. She remained with them until Peter returned home from Vietnam. March and Peter spent the majority of their years in East Glacier.

March was an incredible artist with endless talent. Her charcoal work was definitely gallery worthy. She shared a lot of her artistic pieces as gifts to family members.

Dogs were March's love; she cared for her dogs with utmost care and respect. They have all been her companions over the years. For the years March and Peter lived in Bellingham Wash., Margie and Bill were always bailing her dogs out of doggie jail. Her St Bernard, Brandy, was notorious for escaping into the city. After her sister Margie died March took on the role of 'surrogate' Mother to Margie's kids. Even though all are grown, she still could make sure each were ok and doing what was best. She did weekly check in to see how each was doing.

March's husband, Gerald 'Peter' Sellars died April 23, 2023. Life was difficult after Peter died. It was a daily effort to get up each day without him. March and Peter were certainly lifelong mates.

One of March's last wishes was for all of us to gather for a Family Reunion 2026. She would say to let everyone know now so they could start saving and planning for a family gathering. We will gather in her honor.

March's parents Doc and Eva, both preceded her in death; siblings who have died prior to her were Lucille 'Fritzie' Fish, Donald 'Manny' Upham, Barbara 'Bobbie' Pepion, Marjorie 'Margie' Boyd-Young, Dennis Upham, and Galen Upham.

She has one surviving sister, Mary 'Tootsie' Powell of Cut Bank, Mont.; and many nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephew as well.

March's Celebration of Life will be at the Little Flower Catholic Church in Browning. The date is yet to be determined. Another publishing will be made when a date is set for her Celebration.
Japan opposition parties, citizens rally against gov't move to ease arms export rules

Xinhua) 08:21, April 07, 2026

People participate in a protest outside the Ikebukuro station in Tokyo, Japan, on April 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ziyue)

TOKYO, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Senior figures from several Japanese opposition parties joined thousands of citizens outside the bustling Ikebukuro station in Tokyo on Sunday evening to protest the government's dangerous push to ease restrictions on arms exports and advance sweeping military expansion, voicing concern about the country's future path.

More than 6,000 people attended the protest, according to organizers. Demonstrators held signs reading "Military force cannot bring peace" and "Takaichi step down," while chanting slogans including "Oppose war" and "Defend peace," in opposition to what they described as a shift in the government's security policy.

Japanese media have previously reported that the Takaichi government plans to revise the implementation guidelines for the "three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology" within the month to loosen overseas arms export restrictions.

People participate in a protest outside the Ikebukuro station in Tokyo, Japan, on April 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ziyue)

Opposition politicians speaking at the rally said Japan's export of weapons could fuel international conflicts and runs counter to the pacifist principles enshrined in the country's constitution. They warned that a series of policies being pushed by the government, including relentless military buildup, a proposed anti-espionage law, and plans to establish a national intelligence agency, could put Japan on a dangerous path toward preparing for war.

Tomoko Tamura, chair of the Japanese Communist Party, told Xinhua in an interview that Japan's constitution explicitly prohibits the country from waging war, settling international disputes by force, or contributing to international conflicts.

"Whether it is exporting weapons or possessing missiles capable of striking other countries, these moves must be firmly opposed. We must stop efforts to turn Japan into a 'war-waging nation,'" she said.

Tetsu Tatara, a representative of the rally's organizers, told Xinhua that the Takaichi administration's push for large-scale military expansion and arms exports stands "in opposition to the public will."

People participate in a protest outside the Ikebukuro station in Tokyo, Japan, on April 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ziyue)

He said the government's moves to bolster military capabilities and deploy missiles, invoking the so-called "China threat" as a pretext, have sparked widespread concern in Japan, prompting a growing number of citizens to voice opposition.

Marin Toyosu, one of the protesters at the rally, told Xinhua that weapons are inherently instruments of harm, ones that could trigger retaliation, escalate tensions, and risk igniting endless cycles of wars with consequences rippling far beyond Japan's borders.

"As a Japanese citizen, I cannot accept this at all," she said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. 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Calling all parents!

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The brand features a 100% cotton liner in the most sensitive areas, offering a design that prioritizes softness and simplicity while maintaining the convenience of a disposable diaper

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Most of us are inspired to indulge our wanderlust at this time of year. With the promise of warmer weather and the general desire to get away from it all, this is your sign to plan a trip if you haven't already.

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Hookers. Drug dealers. Pimps. Thieves. Killers. These are the kinds of people I often work with. When youre searching for evil you have to go where the devil plays.

I am a crime scene investigator. In this profession, we dont get to decide who we help and who we dont. When 911 rings, we go. Plain and simple.

And thats exactly what I did when a woman I initially only knew as Melissas mom begged me to help find her daughters killer.

But as I sat opposite her a week later, I heard a statement I dont hear every day, even in my line of work.

I know you said you would help,' said Norma Patton, quietly, 'but before you do, theres something Ive got to tell you.

My husbands in prison for murder, and I helped him.

Her husband - Carl Patton - had committed five murders back in the 1970s.

Four of the five victims had been thrown in a river, she said. I helped him dispose of two of the bodies.

Carl Patton had committed five murders back in the 1970s but remained a free man until 2003

The body of Melissa Wolfenbarger - the Pattons' daughter - was found in pieces in discarded trash bags

At that moment, something clicked. Memories surfaced of news reports and cases Id heard about. Wait a minute. Is your husband the Flint River Killer?

She nodded.

At that moment, I knew this case was unlike any other Id heard of. Heck, it was unlike any case anyone had ever heard of.

And it was only the beginning.

Carl Patton was still a free man when, on April 29, 1999, a human skull was found stuffed into a ripped plastic garbage bag on Avon Avenue in Atlanta. Authorities later concluded it belonged to a white male.

In June that year, four more trash bags were located near where the head was discovered, containing dismembered arms and legs. But no torso.

No one suspected that the skull or body parts might belong to Melissa Wolfenbarger - the Pattons' 21-year-old daughter.

Why would they? They believed the skull belonged to a white male. And as far as the police were concerned, Melissa wasnt even a missing person. Her husband Christopher claimed she'd just upped and left.

But her parents knew she'd never leave her two young children behind.

Meanwhile, Carl must have thought he had gotten away with murder - it wasn't until 2003 that his 25 years of freedom came to an abrupt end.

Norma Patton - Melissa's mom - approached McCollum begging for help in solving her murder

McCollum with Melissa's sister Tina Mae

During that time, investigators had continued working the Flint River murders. Year by year, the use of DNA grew. With dogged police work, coupled with the DNA evidence, they were finally able to connect Carl to two of the killings.

Once arrested, he immediately confessed. Not only did he admit what hed done, he later said he began to feel remorse. Until Melissa went missing, he didnt understand the tragedy of his crimes. Now he understood how it felt to live like that.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two life terms with a chance of parole after serving 20 years.

Norma cooperated with the authorities and provided testimony against her husband. She, too, pleaded guilty, but due to her cooperation, she received only 12 months probation and a $1,000 fine.

Carl then pleaded guilty to the other murders and received two additional life terms.

Oddly enough, Carls arrest finally gave him and Norma one of the answers they had feared: that their daughter Melissa was indeed dead.

As in standard procedure, Carls DNA was run through the system. Investigators were looking for any additional victims of the man known as the Flint River Killer. They were surprised when they got a hit.

Carls DNA matched that of the dismembered body parts discarded in Atlanta in 1999. Law enforcement then took DNA from Norma and compared it to Melissas. They also compared Melissas dental records with the skull found near the body parts.

Everything was a match. The discarded skull and body parts belonged to Melissa.

Carl was quickly cleared of any involvement in her death, but the irony was obvious: Carl and Norma, whose own crimes had victimized so many others, leaving friends and family members to wonder how their loved ones had been killed and why, became victims themselves.

As parents of a murdered young woman, they were now left to worry over the same questions. A serial killer had become the victim of a murderer himself.

Those questions gnawed away at them for 16 years when, as a last resort, Norma came to me in 2017.

It wasnt unusual for me to call on a killer for help with a case. In my business, if you want to understand why someone would kill, you ask someone whos been there, done that.

And if I was going to find Melissas killer, what better resource did I have than someone who not only knew the victim but had also killed?

Carl Patton and I worked together on the case for nearly a decade - through hundreds of letters and several face-to-face meetings, he gave me an invaluable insight into the mind of a killer.

Our investigations ultimately led to Christopher Wolfenbarger standing trial for her murder.

He was found not guilty, but I stand by our work. And, no matter who you believe killed Melissa, a killer got away with it.

Carl did not live to see the results - he died in December 2024, just a few months before.

He and I were unlikely partners. But we found common ground - and thats a bigger life lesson.

Some days we were just two parents. I know he did some terrible things to some innocent people, but Melissa did not deserve what happened to her.

Carl suffered for his crimes. He deserved to be in prison for the rest of his life. But he still deserved justice for his child.

Excerpted from Swans Don't Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer's Daughter by Sheryl Mac McCollum, published by Post Hill Press on May 12, and available to pre-order now. Sheryl McCollum is taking part in the Hamptons Whodunit festival in East Hampton, New York, April 16-19.
He fought against what he described as magic DNA technology after hairs belonging to his wife and daughter were found on the victims bodies.

He pointed the finger at two other potential suspects including another Long Island serial killer and a former corrupt police chief.

And he pushed to throw out some of the charges - or at least sever the seven murders into separate trials.

But now, the fight seems to be drawing to a close.

In a shocking twist in the Gilgo Beach serial killer case that has long plagued Long Island, Rex Heuermann is expected to plead guilty to the murders of eight women over a decades-long campaign of terror dating back to 1993.

The 62-year-old architect and married father-of-two was arrested in July 2023 and charged with the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, 24, Megan Waterman, 22, and Amber Costello, 27. He was later charged with the murders of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25, Jessica Taylor, 20, Sandra Costilla, 28, and Valerie Mack, 24, taking his suspected victim count to seven.

All seven young women were believed to be working as sex workers when they vanished between 1993 and 2010.

Now, in yet another reported break in the case, sources have told Newsday that Heuermann will also admit to the murder of an eighth victim, Karen Vergata, for which he has never been charged.

With his guilty plea now seeming almost certain, the first in what could be multiple lawsuits has already been brought by one of the victim's families - Mack's son Benjamin Torres, whose mother disappeared when he was just six years old.

Rex Heuermann is expected to plead guilty to the murders of seven women over a decades-long campaign of terror dating back to 1993

Police search a marsh for the remains of Shannan Gilbert in Oak Beach in December 2011 after the remains of several victims were found in the area

In the latest twist, Heuermann is now expected to also plead guilty to the murder of an eighth victim Karen Vergata

Fears of a serial killer emerged back in December 2010 when the remains of the first of 11 bodies were discovered along the remote stretch of Ocean Parkway, close to Gilgo Beach. Some victims had been dismembered, their partial remains also found in other areas of Long Island. Others had been bound, wrapped in burlap and dumped in the dense brush. Costillas body had been found elsewhere, in a wooded area in North Sea, Southampton, in 1993, and for years was not thought to be connected to the case.

Thirteen years passed from the discovery of the trail of bodies along Gilgo Beach before investigators zeroed in on Heuermann through cellphone evidence, a tip about a pickup truck and DNA from a discarded pizza crust.

In the almost three years since his arrest, Heuermann has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all charges, with his former wife Asa Ellerup standing by him and publicly doubling down on his innocence.

But now, the 62-year-old - a lifelong Massapequa Park local who commuted to Midtown Manhattan for work - is expected to change his plea to guilty during a hearing in Suffolk County Court, Riverhead, on April 8, avoiding a lengthy, high-profile trial that was set to begin in September.

A surprise guilty plea

To top legal experts, the move is curious given that Heuermann has nothing to lose by going to trial.

In a pragmatic sense, he has nothing to lose. Even if he only has a one in 5,000 chance of being acquitted, if he pleads guilty he's going to get the same sentence he would get if he went to trial and lost. There's no doubt he will die in prison, Texas-based criminal defense attorney Sam Bassett told the Daily Mail.

In many cases, prolific criminals plead guilty as part of a plea deal with prosecutors in exchange for a more favorable sentence. Last year, Bryan Kohberger struck an agreement to plead guilty to the murders of four students in Idaho sparing him from the death penalty and instead being handed life with no possibility of parole and waiving his right to appeal. In 2003, Green River Killer Gary Ridgway agreed to cooperate with investigators, leading them to the remains of several undiscovered victims, in return for avoiding the death penalty.

But, for Heuermann, there is no deal to strike.

New York state does not have the death penalty and it is near-impossible that he would receive anything other than life with no possibility of parole for multiple murder charges.

In this case, the leverage is not the classic "life versus death" negotiation, Duncan Levin, criminal defense attorney and former assistant district attorney in the Manhattan DAs office, told the Daily Mail.

Rather than being able to negotiate a lesser sentence, Heuermann's plea and any bargaining power he may have is more about 'controlling the process, finality, and the terms of the admission,' he added.

One of the big questions is what exactly Heuermann will admit to - whether, in pleading guilty, he could finally spill the secrets of his alleged crimes including his motive, details of the seven murders for which he has been charged, and even confess to other unsolved killings.

When Dennis Rader pleaded guilty to being the BTK serial killer responsible for at least 10 murders in Wichita, Kansas, he stood up inside the courtroom and shared graphic details about his killing spree.

In Kohbergers case, the prosecution has faced strong criticism from some of the victims families for not forcing him to reveal his motive or the details of his crimes as part of his plea.

Melissa Barthelemy (top left), Amber Costello (top right), Megan Waterman (bottom left), and Maureen Brainard-Barnes (bottom right) became known as the 'Gilgo Four'

Sandra Costilla (left), Valerie Mack (center) and Jessica Taylor (right). Heuermann is charged with the murders of seven women

So could Heuermann finally reveal everything once and for all?

An eighth Gilgo Beach victim

In yet another twist in the case, it has emerged that Heuermann is expected to also plead guilty to an eighth victim for which he has not yet been charged.

Vergata, a 34-year-old mother-of-two working as sex worker, disappeared on February 14, 1996 in Manhattan. Three months later, her legs and feet were found inside a black garbage bag at Blue Point Beach, a secluded area of Fire Island.

In 2011, her skull was then discovered among the remains found along Ocean Parkway.

For years, her identity was a mystery and she was known only as 'Fire Island Jane Doe' before she was finally identified in August 2023.

It is not clear what may have led Heuermann to potentially admit to Vergata's murder - or whether prosecutors are eyeing him for other unsolved murders.

But, according to Levin and Bassett, even if he pleads guilty, there is no legal requirement for Heuermann to come clean about all of his crimes - and prosecutors have no power to force him to do so.

As for whether he will be forced to reveal everything, the answer is probably no,' Levin explained.

A guilty plea requires a legally sufficient factual allocution to the crimes being admitted, but it does not ordinarily require a full public confession, a comprehensive narrative, or disclosure of every possible victim or detail investigators would still like to know, Levin explained.

Unless disclosure is made an explicit condition of the agreement, defendants can plead guilty without fully answering the larger mystery. So the big open question is not just whether he pleads, but how much the plea requires him to say.

Rex Heuermann's home in Massapequa Park during a search in July 2023 - days after his arrest

Rex Heuermann was a married father from Long Island who commuted into Midtown Manhattan where he worked as an architect

And given there is no lesser sentence on the table and no plea deal to strike, there is likely little to negotiate.

Instead, it is down to Heuermann - if he is in fact guilty - to voluntarily decide whether or not to share his dark secrets.

When he enters his plea, that is the end of it. He is convicted and is not required to do anything further under the law, Bassett said.

He could voluntarily do that. Maybe that's one of the decisions he's made: to come clean and give a full confession, but that certainly can't be required.'

He added: I would guess that the decision he has made is independent of any legal benefit.

In fact, in pleading guilty and confessing to his alleged crimes, Heuermann will likely open himself up to further potential legal action - both criminal, if there are additional crimes, and civil.

Victim's son files lawsuit

On Monday night - two days before the court hearing - the first wrongful death lawsuit was filed by one of the victims' families.

Attorney John Ray filed the suit on behalf of Mack's 32-year-old son Torres, who was six years old when his mother was murdered and dismembered in 2000.

Mack's torso, legs and arms were first found in black plastic bags in a wooded area of Manorville in November 2000. Further remains were then found along Ocean Parkway in April 2011. She was identified in 2020 through forensic genetic genealogy.

In the suit, filed in Suffolk County Supreme Court, Torres alleges that he was 'deprived of his mother's care, guidance, protection, nurture, society, and economic support' because of her murder.

'This action seeks recovery for the wrongful torture and murder of Valerie Mack, for the terror, restraint, pain, mutilation, and dismemberment inflicted upon her before and after death, for the concealment and mutilation of her remains, and for the profound and prolonged harm thereby inflicted upon Plaintiff,' the suit alleges.

As well as suing Heuermann for wrongful death, the suit also names his ex-wife Asa Ellerup and their daughter Victoria Heuermann and seeks the $1 million proceeds they earned from a Peacock docuseries.

Suffolk County prosecutors have long maintained that the family was away from home at the time of the murders - and neither Ellerup or Victoria have been accused of any wrongdoing.

However, in the suit, Torres alleges that the mother and daughter did 'at some point in time knew of, concealed, deliberately ignored, or consciously avoided learning of material facts concerning the assault, murder, dismemberment, concealment, and disposal of Valerie Mack.'

The suit also makes the shocking claim that Mack's torture, murder and dismemberment 'was carried out for ritualistic and demonic purposes.'

As well as clawing back the money the family earned from Peacock, Torres wants justice, Ray said. Theres no such thing as closure. No one closes these things out but can we produce satisfaction that the truth, the whole truth, will have been told.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to Heuermann's attorney Michael Brown for comment.

Ellerup's attorney Bob Macedonio told the Daily Mail that Heuermann's family members had absolutely no involvement whatsoever in his alleged crimes.

'The individual responsible acted alone. Rex Heuermann has been indicted and charged with a series of homicides and will have his day in court to answer those charges,' he said. 'My clients have fully cooperated with law enforcement from the very beginning, and there is no evidence that implicates them in any way. None.'

Macedonio said that Victoria would have been three at the time of Mack's murder as he slammed the 'reckless' lawsuit for adding to the 'personal trauma' suffered by Ellerup, Victoria and Christopher. Their hearts are with the victims and their families,' he said.

Vess Mitev, who represents Victoria and her brother Christopher, told the Daily Mail he is 'entirely unsurprised and yet bewildered at the same time' by the claims made in the suit. It is frivolous litigation on its face and [it] will be met with a motion for sanctions if this suit actually continues, and is served upon my clients, he said.

Mitev accused Ray of filing the suit 'to garner media attention and to somehow attempt to remain in the spotlight and piggy-back on the actual grief and tragedy that has befallen people.

It remains to be seen if more lawsuits will follow after Heuermann's anticipated guilty plea.

What's behind the plea deal?

But, according to the legal experts, it seems that Heuermann has simply come to the conclusion that he is in a battle he cannot win.

The defense may have concluded that the evidentiary case is overwhelming and that there is little strategic value in putting the victims families, the public, and ultimately the defendant through a long trial he is unlikely to win, Levin said.

A plea now would strongly suggest a late-stage decision to avoid that public reckoning and lock in a known outcome.

After all, as the case has headed to trial, Heuermann has faced a series of hammer blows to his defense.

Asa Ellerup and her son Christopher outside their home in July 2023 following her husband's arrest

Rex Heuermann's wife Asa Ellerup, daughter Victoria Heuermann and their attorneys attend a hearing in Riverhead, Long Island, in April 2025

Last year, Heuermann's defense lost an attempt to toss crucial DNA evidence from the case, after hairs on six victims were found to belong to Ellerup, Victoria and another individual connected to Heuermann.

Heuermann also lost his bid to split the charges into separate trials.

Bassett believes that these rulings might have made Heuermann realize he would 'almost certainly be convicted if he goes to trial.'

'He might have decided enough is enough and its time to get on with his life in prison,' he said.

There could however be other reasons for a change in plea at this stage, such as a 'moment of conscience' to not want to put people through a weeks-long trial, or an element of trying to control the narrative around his alleged crimes by restricting how much evidence is made public, Bassett added.

Since Heuermanns arrest, prosecutors have released some chilling pieces of evidence in court filings.

Among them is a planning document found on a hard drive in Heuermanns home which prosecutors describe as a blueprint for selecting, killing and disposing of victims. The document includes sections titled body prep detailing how to clean and dismember bodies and remove tattoos.

Disturbing porn searches were also revealed including autopsy photos of female, tied up fat girl porn, skinny white teen crying porn and stories of rape audio.

While these haunting details are already out there, a high-profile, weeks-long trial would put this evidence - and more - under a magnifying glass.

Map shows the location of Rex Heuermann's home compared to Gilgo Beach where the remains of several victims were found

Rex Heuermann in selfies submitted as evidence in the case. The accused serial killer is charged with murders dating from 1993 to 2010

Discarded pizza crust that was seized for DNA testing - allegedly linking Rex Heuermann to the Gilgo Beach serial killer case

When you go to trial, you put your family through the trial as well so he perhaps doesn't want his family to see all that evidence and suffer the public scrutiny too, Bassett said.

Ultimately, if he does plead guilty and confess to his alleged crimes, only Heuermann knows his reasons for doing so now.

Somebody who commits these types of crimes probably has a different viewpoint of reality from you and I, so you don't really know what's going on inside their head, Bassett said.

However, a lot of options could still play out inside the courtroom.

Heuermann could change his mind, continue to plead not guilty and take the case to trial.

He could plead guilty but volunteer no details of his crimes.

Or, if he is guilty, he could come clean and reveal everything about eight victims, the murders, his motives and his possible links to other unsolved cases - finally giving some answers to the families of the young women who were murdered and dumped around Long Island.

People often look to the justice system for complete closure on their emotions, and it always comes up short, Bassett said.

But it does provide some level of closure as to the legality, so the families hopefully don't have to continue to relive what happened.
A paralyzed nurse accused of killing her three children while in a state of postpartum depression has indicated she is willing to admit to the crime in the hopes of avoiding prison, her lawyers have said.

Lindsay Clancy, 35, allegedly strangled her children - Cora, five, Dawson, three, and eightmonthold Callan - to death before jumping out of a window in January 2023, leaving her permanently paralyzed from the waist down.

The Massachusetts mother-of-three has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and three counts of strangulation or suffocation.

Her attorneys argue she was overmedicated and in the throes of postpartum psychosis at the time of the killings.

But Clancy is willing to plead no contest to the murders if the court agrees to split her trial into two phases - one to determine guilt and the other to determine whether she had a 'mental disease or defect' at the time of the killings.

'The defendant is willing to stipulate formally in writing to her involvement in the underlying conduct resulting in the death of the three children,' Clancy's attorney Kevin Reddington wrote in a Thursday court filing obtained by Court TV.

'With that understanding, the defendant submits that the only live issue for consideration at trial would be the defendant's state of mind as it relates to the defense of lack of criminal responsibility.'

If Clancy were found to be mentally incompetent, she could be committed to a mental institution instead of sentenced to prison.

Lindsay Clancy, in court in February, could admit to killing her three children while in a state of postpartum depression in a bid to avoid prison, her lawyers have said.

Clancy allegedly strangled her children - Cora, five, Dawson, three, and eightmonthold Callan (pictured together) - to death before jumping out of a window in January 2023

Clancy, seen with Cora and Dawson, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and three counts of strangulation or suffocation

The latest court filing comes after Judge William Sullivan last month denied Clancy's request to have her murder trial split in two parts.

'It would be nearly impossible to divide the evidence cleanly between the two phases as the defendant proposes,' Sullivan wrote in his order.

'Many of the same witnesses would be called to testify during both phases of trial, likely involving duplicative issues. Importantly the information conveyed by counsel regarding trial planning has indicated lengthy and extensive expert testimony.

'Having witnesses provide the same testimony for, at best, marginally different purposes for each proposed phase does not further the interests of judicial economy.'

Reddington has now asked the judge to reconsider his ruling if Clancy were to admit to the murders. Clancy would not plead guilty, but would agree during the trial that she killed her children.

The prosecution, which opposes the split trial, wants the case to proceed as planned.

Prosecutors have accused Clancy of strangling her three children with exercise bands in the basement of her $750,000 Duxbury home on January 24, 2023.

After the alleged murders, she tried to kill herself by jumping from a secondstory window but survived and must now use a wheelchair for the rest of her life.

Clancy, in court in February, is willing to plead no contest to the murders if the court agrees to split her trial into two phases

Judge William Sullivan, in court in February, has previously denied Clancy's request to have her murder trial split in two parts

From September 2022 to January 2023, Clancy suffered from depression and was prescribed multiple psychiatric drugs including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and benzodiazepines, per the suit.

Her attorneys claim the meds caused paranoia, suicidal thoughts, and fear of being alone, with no lab work conducted after they were prescribed.

The defense has said that Clancy was so over-medicated that she was hearing a 'loud, demanding, repetitious voice' in her head that told her to 'kill the children so you can kill yourself.'

But prosecutors alleged that Clancy had deliberately sent her husband out to run errands on the night of the murders so that she would have time to commit them.

They also argued that she was not suffering from postpartum depression, and they have alleged that she used her cellphone to research ways to kill in the days before her children died.

In January, Clancy's husband Patrick filed a lawsuit accusing his wife's doctors of 'misprescribing' a cocktail of 'powerful medications' that worsened her mental health.

The lawsuit was filed against Dr Jennifer Tufts, nurse Rebecca Jollotta, Aster Mental Health Inc, and South Shore Health System.

From September 2022 to January 2023, Clancy suffered from depression and was prescribed multiple psychiatric drugs including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and benzodiazepines

Clancy's husband Patrick, pictured with his wife and daughter, filed a lawsuit in January accusing her doctors of 'misprescribing' a cocktail of 'powerful medications' that worsened her mental health

It details her interactions with medical providers and claims that overmedication and poor monitoring allegedly led to her children's deaths.

'If [the doctors] had not acted negligently, and rather had provided adequate care, it is more likely than not that Patrick and Lindsay's children would still be alive today,' the lawsuit stated.

Clancy is being held at the Tewksbury State Hospital pending trial. Her jury trial is scheduled to begin in July.
One measure of the moral seriousness of a country is its respect for property. Britain's activist coppers will finger your collar for posting the wrong words.

During lockdown, they were almost tyrannical in their petty persecution of people who were sitting in parks. Yet they seem uninterested in going after thieves or recovering stolen goods.

Retailers are struggling against an unprecedented surge in shoplifting. The number of reported incidents has doubled since lockdown. Security guards are popping up everywhere, and even basic food items such as cheese and chocolate are now increasingly sold in locked cases.

Independent shops which cannot afford guards are closing down. Even supermarket chains are reeling under the pressure, and some Sainsbury's security staff have been issued with stab vests.

It was reported at the weekend that a Waitrose employee of 17 years' standing had been sacked after confronting a flagrant thief who had filled a bag with chocolate Easter eggs. The employee had tried to wrestle back the bag and, as the criminal left, had thrown one of the eggs in the direction of some shopping trolleys in frustration.

If I had been the manager of that branch, I would have given the man a promotion. But, sadly, that is no longer the country we live in.

We seem to have become contemptuous of property rights, even as we have become obsessed with the rights of felons and malefactors.

Retailers are struggling against an unprecedented surge in shoplifting. Even basic food items such as cheese and chocolate are now increasingly sold in locked cases

In the 18th century, our legal system was rooted in the defence of ownership and the sanctity of contract. People guilty of what we now call shoplifting were flogged, pilloried and, not infrequently, transported to the colonies for years of penal labour.

Victorian reformers tempered some of these laws, not least because juries would refuse to convict when what they saw as a disproportionate sentence was likely to follow.

Still, Britain remained a country with strong property rights, a merchant nation rising to a pinnacle of wealth and power precisely because of its unique commitment to private ownership.

That commitment has dwindled as the state has expanded. As governments presume to tell us what hours we may work, on what terms we might let our property and what we may say in public, they become indifferent to theft.

Shopkeepers, like people who have had their phones or even their cars stolen, know there is little point in contacting the police after they have been raided.

Even when locator tags show where the offenders are, little attempt is made to confront them. Meanwhile the 200 shoplifting charter means theft under that threshold is a 'low-value offence' and allows criminals to avoid consequences.

Perhaps the cops are too busy poring over X accounts for evidence of transphobic comments. It seems everything is policed  except theft. Now we learn that the tiny handful of shoplifters who do end up behind bars  generally the most hardened repeat offenders, the professional crooks  need no longer fear even this sanction.

Under Labour's plan to replace prison sentences of less than 12 months with community-based alternatives, the tiny risk of incarceration for multiple offenders will be removed, which will almost certainly worsen the shoplifting epidemic.

Marks & Spencer's retail director, Thinus Keeve, says that shoplifting 'is becoming more brazen, more organised and more aggressive'

Hardly surprising then that, as the Marks & Spencer retail director, Thinus Keeve, puts it, shoplifting 'is becoming more brazen, more organised and more aggressive'.

In a culture in which the immorality of theft is downplayed, where stealing from businesses is somehow portrayed as not really stealing at all, we should not be surprised by the kind of mass organised looting we saw in south London last week and that has since spread to other cities, organised on social media.

Some of the hooligans involved even portray themselves as political activists.

A group calling itself Take Back Power promised months of organised looting, which it describes as 'taking back from the billionaire-owned corporations that are extracting wealth from ordinary hard-working people and funnelling it to the top 1 per cent'.

Seriously? Nicking stuff from Tesco or Aldi or M&S is hurting billionaires? Not the ordinary customers, who must pay higher prices to cover the 5billion-odd lost each year through shoplifting?

Not the employees who are abused every day by people who can't be bothered to pay for the things they want to take?

What caused the rise in stealing? Was it the lockdown, which severed social bonds, isolated young people and taught an entire generation contempt for the law (for the laws at that time were contemptible)?

Did spending their formative years hunched over screens, deprived of human contact, make a whole generation anti-social? Did the rise in truancy, sometimes now disguised as home-schooling, create a pool of young offenders?

Or was it the accompanying surge in immigration that followed from 2021 as a result of people's refusal to return to work? Did importing a population of strangers destroy the mutual trust which is the first and strongest defence against bad behaviour?

It is certainly true that, in the years when Britain was a by-word for orderliness, it was a homogeneous society.

Lee Kuan Yew, the founder of modern Singapore, liked to recall that, when he was a student in this country, he watched in astonishment as people in Piccadilly Circus bought newspapers by leaving money in an unattended honesty box, taking the correct change as needed.

Such behaviour is now unthinkable in Piccadilly Circus. It might be found in Singapore, which has successfully inculcated in its huge immigrant population a sense of national cohesion. But Britain has become rancorous, divided and untrusting. We no longer resemble our old selves, having instead the feel of a Third World country, where litter, shoplifting and private security guards signal the absence of social capital.

In a healthy country, shoplifting would not be dealt with by CCTV, uniformed guards or even police intervention. It would be dealt with by stigma, by the closing of ranks against the wrongdoers. If a 12-year-old who slips chocolates into her bag is made to feel intense shame, she is unlikely to make a second attempt, let alone to join an organised looting spree.

This, though, requires the rest of us to understand why shoplifting is indeed shameful. It requires us to teach young people that pocketing goodies is not stealing from 'corporates'.

Every item on the shelf represents the labour of the supplier and the hope and trust of the shopkeeper.

Plundering those items desecrates the space, spitting in the face of the people who make markets possible and dragging society into a faithless anomie.

Yes, punishment should play a part. If it really is true that we have no prison places left, then perhaps we could be imaginative.

Perhaps shoplifters might be sentenced to stand for a certain period in a busy shopping street with a placard around their necks reading 'shoplifter'.

That, though, is only part of the solution. Our laws emanate from our social attitudes. Yes, we should toughen the protection of property and the sanctions deployed against violators. But it is up to all of us to show zero tolerance for crimes which, to those on the receiving end of them, feel anything but petty.

We should treat shops as temples of mutual trust, and we should recognise the heroism of those who are up before dawn day after day to open them up, suffering all manner of tithes and taxes, regulations and abuses.

When Napoleon Bonaparte called us a nation of shopkeepers, he was accurately describing us at the zenith of our power. How low we have sunk since then.
This can't go on. NHS staff took a record 7.9million days off last year with mental health problems, stress, anxiety and depression  up 42 per cent since the start of the pandemic in 2020.

The health service has lost over 151million days to sickness since 2019  triple the national average. Medical professionals once prided themselves on a devotion to their calling. Now they're three times as likely to be off sick.

Callously adding to that pressure on their colleagues, resident doctors are striking again, for the 15th time since 2023.

Union staff at the British Medical Association (BMA) headquarters have just downed tools too. Yes, really.

Hundreds of BMA employees walked out over pay last week, and are striking again today, simultaneously with the resident doctors. The union that has spent three years bellowing at the NHS about fair pay but seems to have a different approach when holding the purse strings itself.

Every time doctors strike, more strain is put on those left standing, burning through what little resilience remains, pushing more staff towards the door. The ones bearing the brunt are nurses, porters, receptionists and others worn down by a system already buckling.

The financial picture is equally grim. The NHS is so desperate for staff during strikes that consultants across the country, including at my Trust, are offered up to 269 an hour to cover shifts  far more than the average daily salary.

Vast sums are being drained out of a service that already has nothing to spare. Finance for training posts has been scrapped to pay for strike cover. Future doctors are not getting the training places they need because of this exhausting, seemingly endless dispute.

Every time doctors strike, more strain is put on those left standing. The ones bearing the brunt are nurses, porters, receptionists and others worn down by a system already buckling

To those like me who confront the consequences every day, it feels like slow disintegration: staff leaving, posts left empty or 'deleted' because of budget constraints, patients abandoned.

And it's always the poorest patients who suffer the most  the ones with no option to go private, no way around the queue, just a letter telling them their appointment has been cancelled again.

I do have real sympathy for resident doctors. These are bright, dedicated people who have watched their pay being eaten away in real terms for more than a decade, and their frustration is not manufactured.

But sympathy has its limits. This generation of resident doctors receives study leave, time off before and after night shifts, and gold-plated pensions most workers could only dream of.

Once fully qualified, consultants and GPs have the option of supplementing already generous salaries with private work. This is not the portrait of a profession on the breadline.

But there is a sense of entitlement that would have been almost unrecognisable to my generation. A disproportionate number of junior doctors are from privileged backgrounds, and many of them look around at friends working in technology, finance and law, and feel they deserve equivalent financial compensation.

The cynicism and jadedness among many of my younger colleagues is heartbreaking.

Most junior doctors I know, qualify with debts close to 100,000. After paying that much for their training, they start to see their career as a purchase with a price attached  something to be compared with what their peers in other fields are earning, writes Dr Max Pemberton

That shift in outlook has its roots in 1998, when Tony Blair introduced tuition fees. Medical students do receive some NHS support in their final years, but for the bulk of their training they pay full tuition fees and accumulate loans.

Most junior doctors I know qualify with debts close to 100,000. After paying that much for their training, they start to see their career as a purchase with a price attached  something to be compared with what their peers in other fields are earning.

My own training was funded by the state and I have never once thought of psychiatry as just a job.

It's my calling. But years of institutional neglect by the BMA and successive governments have hollowed out that sense of vocation for many younger doctors.

There is a solution, though it requires imagination. Medical students should have their entire training funded by the state, free of fees and free of debt.

In return, they would commit to working within the NHS for a stipulated period, perhaps 15 years. Those who broke that obligation would have to repay the cost.

This would keep more doctors in Britain, stem the haemorrhage of talent moving abroad and, perhaps most importantly, restore the psychological bond between the profession and the public it serves.

Resident doctors have already received pay rises totalling almost 29 per cent over the past three years. The government's offer for this year, which the BMA committee rejected without even putting it to a membership vote, would have been worth 4.9 per cent on average.

Many doctors are appalled by the trade body's actions. The BMA has wasted an enormous reservoir of national goodwill that individual doctors built up during the pandemic, often at a huge personal cost. Genuine, hard-won respect has been largely replaced by public weariness. And that I find truly sickening.
I have spent my adult life watching liberal democracies tie themselves in knots over their values while their adversaries face no such constraints.

Now, as President Donald Trump's final deadline of 8pm ET Tuesday for Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz and pave the way to the end of the Iran War nears, it is worth stating directly what the impotent, elitist, beard-stroking armchair generals prefer to conceal.

The moral architecture underpinning what we today call 'war crimes' is not an invention by the administrative state. Its foundations are Judeo-Christian. And it is a concept that America's Islamist foe does not honor but will manipulate in its crusade to destroy the West.

The sanctity of the non-combatant, the prohibition of the deliberate killing of the innocent, the idea that even an enemy possesses inherent dignity  these derive from Biblical texts and the natural law tradition they inspired.

When Hugo Grotius laid the groundwork for international humanitarian law in the seventeenth century, he was drawing on Scripture and scholastic theology, not on abstract rationalism alone.

This matters enormously, because other civilizations operate from drastically different premises. An alien tradition that is not linked to the Biblical injunction against murder, one that calculates human life in terms of revolutionary utility, doesn't merely interpret these norms differently. It rejects their source entirely.

The war crimes framework was never designed to govern actors who repudiate its foundations. Pretending otherwise is wilful blindness.

The Islamist attitude to human life  Iran's and her proxies' alike  was expressed with matter-of-fact brutality by the late former president of Iran, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

As President Donald Trump's final deadline for Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz and pave the way to the end of the Iran War nears, it is worth stating directly what the impotent, elitist, beard-stroking armchair generals prefer to conceal

I have spent my adult life watching liberal democracies tie themselves in knots over their values while their adversaries face no such constraints (Pictured: Anti-war demonstrators in New York City on March 22)

Speaking at Tehran University, Rafsanjani declared that even one nuclear bomb inside Israel would destroy everything, and that such destruction was acceptable to Islam as it would cause, relatively speaking, a small damage to Muslims. Rafsanjani and Islamists like him truly love death, and they have said so openly, for decades, to anyone willing to listen.

Iran has spent a generation acting accordingly, embedding its military apparatus inside civilian infrastructure. Its nuclear facilities were built in secret, hidden from international inspectors for years, and designed from the start with weapons potential. Its missile systems are stored in populated areas, ensuring that any strike on them becomes, in the language of its defenders, a humanitarian violation.

The Revolutionary Guard's financial networks run through mosques and charities. Hezbollah, Iran's primary foreign proxy, stores its weapons inside residential buildings in southern Beirut. The pattern is consistent because the philosophy is consistent. The civilian population ceases to be something to protect and becomes something to deploy.

When a regime makes that choice, it has already decided who bears the risk. It has decided that its own people are an acceptable shield. The war crimes argument ignores that decision altogether; to acknowledge it would mean holding the regime accountable for the consequences of its own strategy.

Hamas absorbed that strategy from Tehran and, armed and financed by the same hand, put it to use on October 7, 2023. The result was 1,200 people dead in a single day.

Families were burned alive, women were raped beside the bodies of their relatives, and children were executed in front of their parents. After committing those atrocities, Hamas retreated into a tunnel network built beneath schools and hospitals, counting on the world to cast their pursuers as criminals.

Astonishingly, much of the world obliged. To call Israeli strikes on those tunnels war crimes is to accept, whether knowingly or not, exactly the logic its architects designed: place your people in the line of fire, invite a response, and watch the West condemn itself.

The Iranian regime applies the same logic to its own people. It shot protesters in the streets during the 2009 Green Movement. It hanged dissidents from cranes in public squares. In September 2022, it killed Mahsa Amini in a detention facility, then slaughtered the young women and men who marched in her name. And this year in a matter of two weeks the Basij gunned down over forty thousand people in cold blood. The combined weight of these facts barely registers against a single American airstrike on an Iranian bridge.

Hamas absorbed that strategy from Tehran and, armed and financed by the same hand, put it to use on October 7, 2023 (Pictured: Mourners in southern Israel on February 19, 2024)

Rafsanjani (right) and Islamists like him truly love death, and they have said so openly, for decades, to anyone willing to listen. (Pictured) Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in Tehran in 1997

That disproportion is worth examining. It reveals something about the war crimes argument that its proponents rarely acknowledge. It is applied selectively, and the selection follows a political logic rather than a moral or legal one.

One side in this conflict values life. The other celebrates death. Where other states recruit soldiers, the Islamic Republic manufactures martyrs. Its theology holds that dying in the cause of the revolution is a reward. There is no grief in that accounting, only glory. Its leadership has openly stated that the destruction of Israel and the humiliation of America are non-negotiable objectives. The revolutionary constitution enshrined these objectives.

When the United States destroys an Iranian uranium enrichment facility, the more honest question is: what has it prevented? A nuclear-armed Iran, passing a weapon directly or through a proxy to where it can do maximum damage, would constitute an atrocity of a different order entirely. The risk calculus must include what doesn't happen. That future atrocity, the one forestalled, never appears in the indictment. And yet the West is told to fight with one hand tied behind its back, lest it resemble the forces it confronts.

None of this, however, grants license for indiscriminate violence. The West must not become what it opposes. Targeting civilians intentionally is wrong, and no military objective justifies deliberate slaughter. The calculated risk of civilian harm during strikes on legitimate military targets is a fundamentally different act from intentional massacre. The law draws this distinction clearly. Legal experts know it. The commentators deploying war crimes as a rhetorical instrument know it too, which is precisely why they work so hard to obscure it.

In September 2022, it killed Mahsa Amini in a detention facility, then slaughtered the young women and men who marched in her name (Pictured: Iranian Americans rally outside the White House in 2022)

The record of American conduct deserves a place in this argument. Pilots have been retrieved at considerable cost. Strikes are planned, checked, and double-checked. Billions of dollars are poured into weapons built to limit civilian harm. Taken together, these represent a military genuinely constrained by law, which is precisely what separates it from the forces it confronts. Critics who ignore this are either ignorant or arguing in bad faith.

Both failures carry consequences, because this conflict reaches far beyond Iran. China is watching, carefully and patiently. Beijing has spent years pulling American adversaries into alignment while tightening its grip on Washington's allies through economic dependency and political obligation. What appears to be a regional conflict is one element of a much larger design that runs through Tehran, Pyongyang, and Moscow.

Whether the United States can project credible, sustained force against a hostile regime reaches far beyond the Middle East. So does its absence.

If every strike, every sanctions package, every military deployment can be neutralized by a chorus of condemnation, the regime achieves through accusation what it could never achieve through force. The West's own vocabulary becomes the means of its defeat.

The West should keep its principles, but principles mean nothing when applied selectively. They demand consistent application on both sides, including the side that has shown nothing but contempt for them. This is a war between a civilization that holds life sacred and one that has made a religion of its sacrifice. That distinction is worth defending.
Scientists have found that playing a specific low-frequency sound may trigger the brain to flush out toxic proteins linked to Alzheimer's  raising the possibility of a simple, non-invasive treatment for the most common form of dementia.

The sound is pitched at exactly 40Hz  a steady, low hum, similar to the background noise of a fridge.

In a recent study, researchers at Kunming Institute of Zoology in China played the sound to elderly monkeys for one hour a day for one week, then measured levels of the protein beta-amyloid in cerebrospinal fluid (the liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord) via a lumbar puncture  where a needle is used to syphon off tiny amounts of fluid for examination.

A build-up of beta-amyloid in brain deposits, called plaques, is linked to Alzheimer's.In the monkeys, levels of beta-amyloid in the cerebrospinal fluid tripled after the sound stimulation, suggesting the protein was being cleared out of brain tissue and into the fluid.

The effect persisted for five weeks after the therapy ended, according to the study, published in the Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences journal in January.

It builds on more than a decade of research, led by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), suggesting stimulating the brain at 40Hz can reduce amyloid and slow cognitive decline. This particular low frequency was chosen because it synchronises the brain's electrical activity.

The brain has its own waste disposal system, known as the glymphatic system.

'Think of glymphatics as a car wash for your brain,' professor Li-Huei Tsai, director of the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT, told Good Health. 'When the system is activated, cerebrospinal fluid washes across the brain tissue, carrying away waste, including Alzheimer's-associated proteins.'

A specific low-frequency sound may trigger the brain to flush out toxic proteins linked to Alzheimer's

This process is driven by electrical activity known as gamma waves, which pulse at roughly 40 cycles per second  the same pulse rate as the sound waves at 40Hz.

In Alzheimer's, the gamma rhythms weaken. As a result, the brain's cleaning system slows down, allowing toxic proteins to accumulate and damage cells.

The low-frequency sound therapy is thought to act like a pacemaker for the brain, synchronising its electrical activity back to the 40Hz rhythm and reactivating this waste clearance process.

Professor Tsai first demonstrated, in research published in Nature in 2016, that 40Hz stimulation could reduce Alzheimer's proteins in mice.

In a follow-up study in 2024, her team identified a possible mechanism  the sound activates specialised brain cells called interneurons, which release signals that increase blood flow and drive cerebrospinal fluid through brain tissue, helping to clear amyloid.

In mice, the treatment reduced both beta-amyloid and another harmful protein  called tau  and improved memory.

The new research is the first to show similar results in primates, whose brains are closer to our own.

Studies of this technology in humans are advanced, too. Cognito Therapeutics, founded by Professor Tsai, has developed a home-use headset that delivers 40Hz sound (and light, also thought to resynchronise the glymphatic system) to the brain.

Results from a trial, published in Frontiers In Neurology in 2024, found patients using the device for one hour a day over six months showed less brain shrinkage on MRI scans and slower decline in memory and daily functioning, compared with those given a dummy device.

A larger trial is now under way across 70 sites in the US, with more than 600 patients. Results are expected later this year.

Eve Bolland, a scientist specialising in auditory brain stimulation at King's College London, said: 'While the concept is intriguing and some studies do report improvements in cognitive scores, brain connectivity and sleep quality, the findings are not consistent across all studies.'

Meanwhile, the research also sheds light on why older adults can benefit from hearing aids. Hearing loss is recognised as a major modifiable risk factor for dementia.

Although hearing aids don't deliver 40Hz stimulation, they amplify sounds across a range of frequencies. The theory is that ongoing sound input helps maintain the brain's gamma rhythms.

Dr Alexander Khalil, a cognitive scientist at University College Cork, is part of a group investigating whether 40Hz frequencies can be built into earbuds or hearing aids, providing continuous, gentle exposure rather than requiring dedicated listening sessions.

'People can only listen to these obtrusive sounds for so long every day,' he says. 'We are exploring a continuous type of stimulation throughout the day.'

So should you start listening to 40Hz tracks at home? Not yet.

'Definitive results about the efficacy of 40Hz stimulation for human Alzheimer's patients have not yet been reported,' says Professor Tsai.

Furthermore, the frequencies in research studies are precisely calibrated and there's no evidence DIY versions are effective.
Strikes by junior doctors have cost hospitals 3billion - as they walk out again today.

Union members will take to the picket lines in their 15th round of industrial action since 2023.

Health chiefs burn through 50million a day when medics walk out, as they are forced to cancel procedures and pay consultants up to 313 an hour to cover for their junior colleagues, now known as resident doctors.

The 3billion total could pay for 1.5million operations, 15million outpatient appointments or 75,000 nurses for a year - or be used to build three new hospitals.

Tuesday's walkout starts at 7am and is due to last six days. The doctors are striking in pursuit of a 26 per cent pay rise - on top of the 28.9 per cent they have received over the past three years.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting on Monday accused the British Medical Association of 'sapping the health service of vital funds', urging the union to call off the strike and 'put the needs of patients and the country first'.

He said the walkout had been timed to cause 'maximum disruption, at a cost now running into the billions'.

His comments echo a warning by NHS England, which said strike action immediately after the long Easter bank holiday weekend will put a 'significant strain' on services.

Strikes by junior doctors have cost hospitals 3billion - as they walk out again on Tuesday

Health Secretary Wes Streeting on Monday accused the British Medical Association of 'sapping the health service of vital funds'

Officials are braced for a surge in people seeking care after putting it off over the extended break, and say many staff have booked annual leave to coincide with the school holidays, meaning there are fewer available to provide cover.

The BMA last month rejected a deal that would have taken resident doctors' pay rise over the past three years to 35 per cent and created thousands of speciality training places that would have allowed members to further their careers.

If they had accepted, some would have been earning more than 100,000 a year, while those in their first year out of medical school would have started on an average of 52,000.

Mr Streeting said: 'At a time when everyone's feeling the pinch, this latest round of costly industrial action is the last thing the NHS - and the country - needs.

'The Government is providing the NHS with record funding, but the BMA's resident doctors committee's rash action is sapping the health service of vital funds.

'A six-day strike is likely to cost well over 250million and so the BMA has lost their members an additional 1,000 training places, as that funding must now cover this multi-million-pound walkout. I'd once again urge the BMA to call this off, look again at our generous offer, and put the needs of patients and the country first.'

NHS England admitted this week's walkout will be 'difficult' but stressed services remain open and patients should continue to attend A&E and dial 999 or 111 as usual. They should also attend scheduled appointments unless they are contacted and told otherwise.

Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, told The Times: 'The NHS has made real progress this year in bringing waiting times down and the money we have to spend on managing this damaging and disruptive strike could and should be being ploughed into reforming patient care.

'It's not just the financial cost of industrial action that is taking a mounting toll - it's the time, effort and sacrifices that all other staff have to make to provide cover and keep patients safe while the BMA takes to the picket lines.

Union members will take to the picket lines in their 15th round of industrial action since 2023 - citing underfunding

Join the discussion Are NHS strikes doing more harm than good?

'We can't, and won't, let the BMA torpedo the very real progress we're making in improving the NHS and I want to thank all those doctors and nurses who are picking up the strain this week to keep vital services running for patients.'

An estimated 7.25million routine treatments were waiting to be carried out at the end of January, relating to 6.13million patients.

The number has fallen for three months in a row but repeated industrial action hampers efforts to cut waits at a faster rate and could derail Labour's electoral promise to meet the target of treating 92 per cent of patients within 18 weeks of a referral.

Mr Streeting said it was 'disappointing for patients and staff alike that the BMA has decided to press ahead with strikes', but the union insisted ministers had to improve their offer to bring the dispute to an end.

Keir Starmer has accused the BMA of being 'reckless' for rejecting the Government's pay offer.
Alzheimer's Society's symptoms checker can help spot the signs of dementia

Whether it's solving puzzles, playing board games or learning new skills, keeping the brain active has long been suggested as a way to lower the risk of dementia.

For many people, though, the demands of a busy working life leave little time for enjoying such activities.

However, the nature of your job may already be making a difference - as certain roles naturally challenge the mind in ways that could help lower the risk of dementia.

'Many studies suggest that, if people are working in complex jobs during their lifetime, they have a lower likelihood of developing dementia in later life,' Jinshil Hyun, assistant professor of neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, told the Washington Post.

Years of research into dementia - an umbrella term for a range of progressive neurological disorders that affect memory and currently impacts around one million Britons - suggest that jobs involving high levels of mental demand, and even stress, may help delay its onset.

Roles such as teaching, public relations and computer programming have previously been found to offer potential benefits, while careers in management, law and medicine have also been linked to a lower risk.

By contrast, jobs in transportation, admin and factory work - often more repetitive in nature - are said to be associated with a higher likelihood of developing the disease.

However, experts stress that there is still plenty you can do outside of work to keep your cognitive function sharp.

Certain roles naturally challenge the mind in ways that could help lower the risk of dementia

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'We spend most of our day in work, at least eight hours a day. So that's like, a third of our time engaged in work, sometimes more,' said Naaheed Mukadam, a professor of psychiatry at University College London.

'That's a large part of what our brain is engaged in and therefore will have a large contributory effect on cognitive reserve development.'

Prof Mukadam and her colleagues recently studied how education influences dementia risk.

After analysing data from nearly 400,000 people - including lifestyle factors such as alcohol use, smoking, exercise and medical history - they found that higher levels of education are linked to a reduced risk of dementia.

In turn, a better education was found to lead to more complex and better-paid roles, benefitting cognitive health.

Prof Hyun also found in a study, conducted in 2021, that those who graduated from high school had a 26 per cent increase in dementia-free survival time compared to those who did not.

She said the results suggest that 'if people are doing cognitively enriching activities, then their brain has a more efficient network'.

Experts stress there are still ways to support brain health, even if your job is not particularly mentally demanding.

Everyone experiences dementia differently. Use this checklist to help you make a note of your symptoms before you talk to your GP. Symptom Checklist

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Prof Mukadam recommends lifelong learning and pursuing hobbies that provide a sense of purpose.

Volunteering, maintaining social connections and meeting new people are also effective ways to keep the brain active.

It is thought that stay mentally engaged after retirement is also important, with Professor Hyun warning that retiring too early may be linked to poorer cognitive outcomes.

The NHS advises that there are many activities people with dementia can do to support their wellbeing.

Staying socially active is key, with physical exercise and reminiscence activities said to boost confidence and mental wellbeing.

Using smartphones and tablets can also help keep the brain engaged, while getting out and about - whether to dementia-friendly cinema screenings, theatre performances or simply for a walk in the park - can provide valuable stimulation and social interaction.
Your postcode can play a major role in your chances of seeing a specialist consultant in your local A&E department, new figures seen by the Mail show.

And those living in the west and southeast of the country have the worst chances of seeing a specialist doctor should they find themselves in the emergency room.

Although international guidelines state that hospitals should aim to have one Emergency Medicine (EM) consultant for every 3,6004,000 A&E visits, in Galway and Waterfords main hospitals there is roughly only one EM consultant for every 9,500 patient visits to their A&Es.

In smaller hospitals, the figures are even more stark, with the Midlands Regional Hospital (MRH), Portlaoise having just two specialists in emergency medicine on its payroll at the end of last year  one for every 23,353 patient visits to its A&E in 2025.

However, not even the A&E with the most consultants in the country  Cork University Hospital  reaches the recommended target. It has one EM consultant for every 4,902 visits.

Despite having the fourth busiest A&E in the country, University Hospital Galway had just nine EM consultants at the end of 2025.

The hospital saw 85,659 visits from patients in need of emergency care  the equivalent of 9,518 attendances for each consultant on its roster.

Similarly, University Hospital Waterford had eight EM specialists at the end of 2025. With A&E attendances there reaching 75,671, that equates to one consultant per 9,459 patient visits.

The figures contrast sharply with other major hospitals with similarly busy A&Es.

St Vincents University Hospital in Dublin saw 70,949 A&E patient visits. With 13 EM consultants, this equates to one senior clinician for every 5,458 A&E attendances.

While the MHR at Portlaoise had the highest patienttoconsultant ratio in the country, this was followed by MRH Mullingar, which had one EM specialist for every 16,071 A&E visits.

St Lukes Hospital in Kilkenny had four EM consultants  one for every 13,589 visits.

Not even the A&E with the most consultants in the country  Cork University Hospital  reaches the recommended target, as our table above shows

In contrast, MRH Tullamores nine EM physicians meant it had one senior doctor for every 5,146 A&E patient interactions last year.

The 10 consultants in Letterkenny University Hospitals A&E meant that there was one for every 5,291 presentations.

A total of 23 paediatric EM consultants work in Childrens Health Ireland sites at Crumlin, Tallaght and Temple Street in Dublin, which saw 120,854 young patient visits last year  the equivalent of one consultant for every 5,255 A&E attendances.

Nationally, there was one EM consultant for every 6,745 A&E attendances last year.

The need for greater numbers of EM consultants in the public health service was highlighted in a 2024 report by the HSEs National Doctors Training and Planning (NDTP) programme.

It recommended that this workforce should increase to 369 fulltime equivalent staff by 2038 in order to meet the needs of a growing and ageing population.

At the end of last year 234 specialists in emergency care were working across the countrys 26 public A&Es.

When you look at how Ireland compares internationally, were far behind the curve, and in terms of the HSEs own targets that they have set down, they are far behind, said Labour Party Health spokeswoman Marie Sherlock.

She called for the sharing of skills across hospitals to ensure that patients are not missing out on vital care based on their local A&Es staffing levels.

The President of the Irish Association of Emergency Medicine (IAEM) said some of the variation in EM consultant numbers was down to additional roles certain hospitals have as centres for major trauma and illnesses such as strokes and heart attacks.

CUH is a hub ED (Emergency Department) in the South Trauma Network which includes Munster and South Leinster, said Conor Deasy, who is also Professor of Emergency Medicine based at the Cork hospital.

The growth in consultants in emergency medicine numbers is in response to service needs, new service developments and an agreement that the consultants would work one unsocial shift per week  this may be an evening or late shift, an on-call shift or a weekend shift.

Cork University Hospital is a major trauma centre. A key performance indicator is that a patient sustaining major trauma would be received by a trauma team led by a consultant.

'This has required an uplift in consultant numbers to provide rostered shop floor presence into the night and at weekends.

CUH has an audiovisually separated childrens emergency department seeing circa 25,000 children per year.

According to the HSE, there were around threeandahalf EM doctors per 100,000 population across the country in 2024.

Conor Deasy, the President of the Irish Association of Emergency Medicine (IAEM) said some of the variation in EM consultant numbers was down to additional roles certain hospitals have

Increasing consultant numbers to 369 by 2038 would lead to the country having just over six of these specialists for every 100,000 people. This target would also bring Ireland in line with staffing guidelines from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine in the UK.

A HSE paper highlighted a lower number of EM consultants per capita here compared to international peers, and an overreliance on nonconsultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) in emergency settings.

Prof Deasy says his organisation would like to see more consultants in emergency medicine.

We lag considerably behind the UK, and further still behind Australia and North America, he said

A Department of Health spokesperson said the expansion of the hospital workforce is a priority for Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Until the recent expansion in consultant numbers, many EDs in Ireland did not have an oncall emergency medicine consultant available 24/7.

Thankfully, this has been resolved in most places at this stage. The greater the numbers of consultants in emergency medicine, the greater the depth of cover into the evening and at weekends, and the greater the supervision of NCHDs.

The training programme for emergency medicine in Ireland should be expanded to increase the trained consultants in emergency medicine available to take up such posts; the combined effect would improve quality of care and patient flow in our EDs and greatly enhance the patient experience.

The Government has committed to increase the number of EM consultants by 50 per cent over its lifetime.

A Department of Health spokesperson said the expansion of the hospital workforce is a priority for Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. Since taking up office, the Minister has been keen to see more consultants working during evenings and weekends.

Its thought that, by having senior decision makers in A&Es and elsewhere in hospitals for longer, patients can be discharged more quickly, freeing up vital space in overcrowded facilities.

Key to this goal is widespread uptake of the publiconly consultant contract (POCC). Doctors who sign up to the 2023 agreement can be rostered to work from 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 6pm on Saturdays.

At the end of February, 159 EM consultants had signed up to the contract.

The POCC has now been signed by 69 per cent of the workforce, said the Department of Health spokesperson.

The number of consultants employed by the health service has increased from 3,250 Whole Time Equivalent in 2020 to 4,855 at the end of February 2026, a 49 per cent increase.

The expansion of the POCC and increased rostering over weekends results in better discharge management and improved overall performance for our EDs.
Scientists have developed a new treatment that involves growing a living human knee in the lab, raising hopes for osteoarthritis patients.

Researchers at Columbia University made a 3D-printed scaffold of a knee from biodegradable material, and then added bone and cartilage cells.

Over about a year, these cells regenerated the joint's natural cartilage and bone tissues while the scaffold slowly dissolved, creating an entire lab-grown knee.

Scientists say this new joint could be transplanted into patients, offering a permanent solution for the agonizing condition.

The research is one of the latest breakthroughs that could transform care for patients suffering from osteoarthritis, a debilitating condition where the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of joints gradually breaks down, causing pain, stiffness and loss of mobility.

About 32 million Americans suffer from the condition, of which 14 million have knee osteoarthritis, which is also among the leading causes of disability in the US.

There is no cure for the condition, and current treatments focus on managing pain via exercises to strengthen muscles, injections, which only ease pain for a few weeks to months, or a full joint replacement, an invasive surgery with considerable painful recovery.

Researchers say they have found a way to grow a living human knee that could be transplanted into patients suffering from osteoarthritis (shown above is the structure the living knee is grown onto)

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At Columbia University, the team has so far created the living joints as a prototype, or an early, preliminary model of the potential treatment option. No testing in live human patients has been conducted yet.

Over the next three years, they now plan to move to preclinical and clinical trials.

The living knees can be grown using the patient's own stem cells, extracted from abdominal fat, or from donor cells, if the patient has no cartilage, the scientists said.

The prototypes have already been implanted into cadavers, the New York Times reports, to test whether they can bear weight and are suitable for walking.

The scientists are now planning to implant the knees into large animals, although the species was not named, before they are tested in humans.

When the living knees are implanted, researchers say they are linked to the body's blood vessels, allowing them to function normally and like the original knee.

It is not clear whether the research could also be used for other joints, including the hips and joints in the feet, that are also affected by osteoarthritis.

The research was supported with a $39 million grant from the federal agency Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), which is pioneering treatments for osteoarthritis that prompt the regrowth of lost tissue.

Shown above are Dr Nadeen Chahine, a biomechanics expert, and Dr Clark Hung, a biomedical engineering expert, who led the team developing the living knee

In another breakthrough backed by the agency, researchers at Duke University have moved a step closer to an injection that can stimulate the regrowth of lost cartilage and bones.

The injection would be administered directly into the affected joint and, scientists say, contains substances that prompt tissue regrowth - potentially relieving pain from osteoarthritis for at least a year.

In tests of animals with osteoarthritis, the injections restored joint tissue to near-normal levels and significantly reduced warning signs of pain, the scientists said.

The team is now moving forward to first-in-human clinical trials of their treatment, which is likely still years away from patients.

Dr Benjamin Alam, an orthopedic surgeon at the university who led the research, said: 'This milestone brings us closer to a future where we can treat the root cause of osteoarthritis, not just symptoms.

'Our long-term goal is to help people stay active, independent and mobile for longer.'

In a third breakthrough, researchers at the University of Colorado, Boulder, say they have developed two new therapies that would help joints to repair themselves.

For the new treatment, scientists have invented a single injection to a joint that they say can recruit the body's own cells to repair damaged cartilage  repairing them within weeks.

Researchers say they have found a way to grow a living human knee that could be transplanted into patients suffering from osteoarthritis (stock image)

Scientists hope that it could offer a new paradigm for treating the condition, where treatments aim to prompt the body to regrow lost tissue (stock image)

In tests on animals with osteoarthritic joints, researchers found that the injections  administered directly into the joints  returned them to a healthy state within four to eight weeks.

In cases where the injection aimed to patch up a hole in bone or cartilage, the researchers saw 'full regeneration and repair of the defect'.

They are now planning to move their treatment to human trials, which could begin in just 18 months.

These research projects were also supported by ARPA-H, part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under its Novel Innovations for Tissue Regeneration in Osteoarthritis (NITRO) program  which aims to find new treatments that prompt damaged joints to heal themselves.

'Through ARPA-H, we are driving toward a future where people dont have to wake up in pain, give up activities they love, or face major surgeries and repeat joint replacements,' said agency director Alicia Jackson.

'NITROs progress helps damaged joints work again, slashes pain or even eliminates it, and aims to take the place of todays joint replacement surgeries.'

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and cases are rising  with the number of patients estimated to have grown 132 percent globally since 1990.

Doctors warn that an aging population and higher obesity rates are behind the trend, but warn that women and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are also more likely to have the condition.

With rising numbers of people suffering from the condition, scientists say that more individuals will be seeking new treatment options.
NHS staff were off work for a record 8million days with mental health issues last year.

The pressure on healthcare workers is increasingly in the spotlight, especially as junior doctors strike over pay and working conditions.

But is it right for them to miss quite so much work for mental health reasons?

Vote now and you'll find the final results in tomorrow's Morning Mail newsletter.
A couple have revealed how their adorable pet dog became the family's 'breadwinner' - earning 4,600 in just one month - and is now helping fund their dream 50,000 wedding.

Miniature long-haired dachshund Wilson is using his social media star power to bring in thousands for his lucky owners, Shannon Edmondson, 31, and Jordon Rollins, 33, from Stalybridge, Manchester - through user-generated content (UGC), brand deals and freebies.

The pair say thanks to their 'fur baby', who has had an Instagram page since October 2023, they've gotten some 10,000 worth of gifted items, from a 400 projector to home essentials, matching pyjamas and even a car seat for their pampered pup.

The page has 53,300 followers and boasts some 3.1 million monthly views, featuring Wilson doing everything from enjoying walks, snuggling in bed and tucking into treats.

The weekends are now planned around Wilson's filming schedule, and Shannon has recently gone part-time to focus on content creation.

'We get up early, plan everything, and film between 7am and midday because that's when he's in his best mood,' she said.

'He's so sassy, he definitely knows he is famous because the side-eyes he gives are unreal.

'We've done four videos in a day before, then by the evening he's ready to curl up and relax... we just live in his world.

'It's amazing to think something that started as me posting my dog has turned into this.'

A couple have revealed how their adorable pet dog became the family's 'breadwinner' - earning 4,600 in just one month - and is now helping fund their dream 50,000 wedding

Miniature long-haired dachshund Wilson is using his social media star power to bring in thousands for his lucky owners, Shannon Edmondson, 31, and Jordon Rollins, 33, from Stalybridge, Manchester - through user-generated content (UGC), brand deals and freebies

And when he's out and about, Wilson is just as much of a character as he is online, getting 'genuinely offended' if people don't stop and say hello to him.

'He expects attention everywhere he goes,' Shannon said. 'And to be fair, he usually gets it.'

In the past month alone, Shannon has made 4,640 from social media before tax - rivalling her previous full-time wage in the media industry.

She began making money off Wilson's page in February of this year, and it's already helping her and Jordon's future.

The couple recently got engaged in Dubai - and have now saved 4,000 towards their big day and are aiming for a 50,000 wedding in the Peak District in August 2028 with Wilson set to be their ring bearer.

'It all goes into the wedding pot, even though I'd love to spend it,' Shannon admitted.

'We want to make a whole weekend of it in the Peak District, and having Wilson there as our ring bearer will make it perfect.'

But despite his growing 'career', the pup's comfort always comes first.

The pair say thanks to their 'fur baby', who has had an Instagram page since October 2023, they've gotten some 10,000 worth of gifted items, from a 400 projector to home essentials, matching pyjamas and even a car seat for their pampered pup

The page has 53,300 followers and boasts some 3.1 million monthly views, featuring Wilson doing everything from enjoying walks, snuggling in bed and tucking into treats

The weekends are now planned around Wilson's filming schedule, and Shannon has recently gone part-time to focus on content creation

'We treat him like a baby - everything we do is around what he enjoys,' Shannon said.

'He loves the beach because he knows he'll get a toy, and that makes it special for him too.'

She explained that while it's his 'cheeky' personality that helped win over online audiences, he has simple tastes.

'He sleeps most of the day, but at about 5:30pm he's ready to perform, especially if there's ham involved,' Shannon continued.

'He's honestly like a toddler - he doesn't play fetch, he plays hide and seek.'

His charm has not only built a loyal following but also opened doors for exciting opportunities.

Shannon and Jordon have been invited to London to film with brands and have enjoyed overnight hotel stays.

'The opportunities have been amazing,' she added. 'We just say yes and enjoy it all together as a family.'

Their home is now filled with items gifted through collaborations.

'I look around and think, I didn't pay for that, or that, or that!' she gushed. 'My partner jokes about getting rid of things, and I say we just need a bigger house!'

She added: 'We work really hard every weekend, but it doesn't feel like work.

'It's building our future, and we get to do it with Wilson. He might not realise it, but he's making our dream wedding happen.'
Usha Vance cradled her growing baby bump as she and her husband, JD Vance, arrived in Budapest on Tuesday, with her due date just a few months away.

The Second Lady, 40, looked every inch the doting mom as she joined the Vice President on a trip to visit Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary.

It has been reported that Vance is hoping to boost the European leader's campaign before Sunday's election, as many polls are suggesting he will lose, per Reuters.

The soon-to-be mom-of-four looked radiant in a monochromatic lilac-purple ensemble as she stepped off Air Force Two holding her bump with her husband by her side.

Usha wore a midi-length, purple satin skirt that appeared to be made by designer Veronica Beard, originally retailing for $448.

She paired the gorgeous skirt with a short-sleeved, lilac cashmere sweater, wrapping the look together with black heels and a simple diamond bracelet on her wrist.

They were welcomed by Hungarian foreign minister Peter Szijjarto on arrival and Usha was given a bouquet of pink flowers.

The couple, who met at Yale Law School and have been married since 2014, announced in January that they are expecting a baby boy in July.

Second Lady Usha Vance cradled her growing baby bump as she and husband Vice President JD Vance arrived in Budapest on Tuesday - with her due date just a few months away

The 40-year-old looked every inch the doting mom as she joined her husband on a trip to visit Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary

Usha wore a midi-length, purple satin skirt that appeared to be made by designer Veronica Beard, originally retailing for $448

They are already parents to sons, Ewan, eight, and Vivek, five, and a daughter, four-year-old Mirabel.

Weeks after their announcement, Vance opened up about their baby-name plans exclusively with the Daily Mail.

'We've talked about a few names,' the Vice President said at the time.

'We're working on it, but with all three of our kids, we actually didn't settle on their names until after they were born, which is, I think, pretty unusual.'

'Most people choose a name. Well, before the kid is born,' Vance continued. 'I think Usha and I have never just found a name where it's like, "Alright, this is what we want to name our kid."

'And so we always wait to meet them and settle on the names from there.'

Usha's pregnancy announcement came after a handful of others in the MAGA world announced their own pregnancies - such as White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Katie Miller, wife of Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.

Leavitt is due with a girl next month, while Miller's due date has not been publicly released.

Once the couple arrived on the ground, they were welcomed by Hungarian foreign minister Peter Szijjarto, and Usha was given a bouquet of pink flowers

They are parents to sons, Ewan, eight, and Vivek, five, and a daughter, four-year-old Mirabel

It has led many Trump fans to declare a 'MAGA baby boom.'

Usha previously sat down with Meghan McCain for an extensive interview, where she spoke about suffering from anemia during her previous pregnancies.

Her trip to Hungary comes after she attended the White House Easter Egg Roll on Tuesday morning and read a book to kids in the crowd.

The Second Lady recently announced a new podcast advocating for childhood literacy.

'Storytime With the Second Lady' will feature prominent figures - like NASCAR legend Danica Patrick - alongside Usha as they read short stories and discuss their central themes in 15-minute episodes meant for young children.

She has said the decline in literacy rates among children is 'worrisome,' adding that she wanted to do something to correct course.

'If I was going to do anything, this would be the thing to focus on at this moment in time,' she said.

It is not the first time the Second Lady has advocated for reading.

Usha promoted a program last year called the Summer Reading Challenge, where children were asked to read 12 books over the school break.

Those who completed the challenge would receive a small prize and a certificate.
From juicy tiger prawns to succulent salmon, tasty smoked haddock to meaty crab, these days you can buy almost every type of food the sea has to offer at your local supermarket.

As a nation, we consume almost 900,000 tons of seafood a year, with manufacturers going to ever-greater lengths to keep up with demand. But, experts say, the huge selection may not be everything it seems.

From pumping fish full of dyes and preservatives to make it look better and last longer, to overlooking infestations by lice and other parasites, and mislabelling the country of origin, producers have been accused of all sorts of fishy misdemeanours over the years.

Paul Wild, an Essex-based fishmonger and founder of Fresh and Wild Fish, has gone viral on social media for exposing the industrys secrets, with his shocking videos racking up more than a million views.

Some fish, he claims, are so polluted and diseased he wouldnt eat them or feed them to his children; while others scarcely resemble what is described on the packet.

With his insider knowledge, we expose the dark secrets behind your supermarket seafood

An 18,000-mile journey over 12 months

Much of our supermarket fish  wild salmon, cod, tuna, hake and some shellfish  comes from the Pacific, meaning it faces a long journey before reaching our shops.

A 2018 investigation found some supermarket products travel 18,000 miles, during which time theyre frozen and packed on ice to preserve them.

Paul Wild, an Essex-based fishmonger and founder of Fresh and Wild Fish, has gone viral on social media for exposing the industrys secrets, with his shocking videos racking up more than a million views

Many come via a processing plant in Qingdao, China, where they are defrosted, filleted and portioned up before being speed-frozen. Tesco is transparent about its links to China, with many of its fish products packed there.

Theyre then shipped around Asia and the Middle East, through the Mediterranean and around southern Europe to reach Britain by the lorry-load, where its all defrosted once again before being displayed in the fish aisle.

This mammoth journey can take up to a year, especially when it comes to wild salmon  which can only be caught between May and September, and is stockpiled frozen so it can be sold year-round.

So the fish you buy fresh could, in fact, be up to 12 months old.

You wont find any of this on the packaging, however, which tends to describe how the fish was caught and where it was processed but not how long its been sitting on ice on a container ship.

Dyes to make it look good

Ever wonder what makes that smoked haddock so yellow, that tuna fillet so pink or your smoked salmon such a lovely ruby-red?

The answer is dye  designed to simulate traditional smoking techniques  some of it natural and some comprising harsher chemicals with unproven effects on our health. M&S, for example, uses paprika to dye its Scottish smoked haddock fillets, while Iceland uses curcumin (a natural yellow-orange pigment derived from turmeric) in its frozen smoked haddock.

Some suppliers, such as Ocado, also add annatto norbixin, a natural orangey pigment, to their smoked haddock and basa ranges.

Supermarkets use so much dye that it comes off on your hands when you touch the fish. Youd never get that with produce from a fishmonger, says Paul. And other dyes are less harmless. Farmed salmon are commonly fed two chemicals in their food pellets  astaxanthin and canthaxanthin  to give their flesh its characteristic colour.

Wild salmon  which can only be caught between May and September, is stockpiled frozen so it can be sold year-round

This is designed to simulate the hue the fish would acquire from eating shrimp and algae rich in colourful carotenoids in the wild.

However, synthetic astaxanthin, a compound produced from petrochemicals, has been associated with human health risks, such as gastrointestinal issues, low blood pressure and skin irritation, while high doses of canthaxanthin have been linked to eye damage.

Meanwhile, tuna used in supermarket sushi is sometimes treated with carbon monoxide or filtered smoke, which keeps its flesh bright red and appetising.

Though not dangerous in itself, it is controversial, as it can make spoiled fish appear fresh.

Dont confuse basa with bass

Basa is one of the most common supermarket fish but most shoppers would struggle to identify it.

A type of mud-dwelling catfish native to South-East Asia, the vast majority is imported from the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam.

It was originally sold there as river cobbler, then pangasius, before being rebranded around 2010 as the more palatable-sounding basa  now a popular alternative to cod or other white fish.

Its a play on bass, says Paul. If you dont look at the packaging carefully, you could easily confuse the two. Thats a deliberate marketing ploy to make you buy it.

But, he warns, basa is very different to sea bass, not only in origin and price (basa is two-thirds cheaper) but in how it is produced  and the risk of parasites and disease.

Such are the environmental and health concerns over open cage farming of the species that basa is banned in some US states, though tests by Asda and Tesco in the UK have found no trace of toxic contaminants in basa.

Fresh fish  stuffed with preservatives

Look closely at the labels on your supermarket fish  especially the fresh stuff  and youll find a long list of chemicals and preservatives in the ingredients list to extend their shelf life.

Fresh fish shouldnt last three weeks like some supermarket products claim to, says Paul. We buy crevettes direct from France and, properly vacuum-sealed, they last a week at most.

Common preservatives include: sodium tripolyphosphate, used to retain moisture and improve texture; potassium sorbate, used to prevent spoilage; and sulphites, used on crustaceans to prevent black spots forming on their skin.

Icelands frozen wild red shrimp, which hails from Argentina, contains sodium metabisulphite, a white powder that coats the shellfish and inhibits the enzyme that makes it go brown.

Frozen seafood may be 60 per cent added water

Supermarket fish often contain added water, especially frozen products, which means youre paying more for less product.

Look for the words ice glaze in the ingredients  some products contain up to 60 per cent added water by weight.

Paul claims that some fish are so polluted and diseased he wouldnt eat them or feed them to his children, while others scarcely resemble what is described on the packet

As well as bumping up the profit, treating supermarket seafood with water or liquid chemicals can make it look plumper and more appetising  especially with products such as prawns or scallops.

During the defrosting process, Paul explains, fish products are put in a large chamber fitted with a tank containing a solution that raises their temperature slowly while pumping them full of a water-based solution (often brine).

This makes them last longer and can make them balloon to twice their natural size, he says. But they lack texture and flavour, and when you cook them youll get loads of water coming out.

Diseased and infested prawns and salmon

Farmed salmon is susceptible to outbreaks of sea lice, a parasite that feeds on the fishs skin and blood and can be fatal to the fish.

In November, Tesco was forced to suspend supply from Bakkafrost Scotland, a salmon farm in the Highlands, after an animal rights group covertly filmed fish covered in sea lice in a pen.

While the parasite doesnt pose a risk to humans  and is removed during processing, as well as being killed during cooking  the pesticides used to treat it may be. These have been linked to risks of cancer and other health issues, especially in children and pregnant women. There is also controversy over the use of formaldehyde, in a form called formalin, that is used in Scottish salmon farming to treat parasites, fungi and bacterial diseases.

This is classed as a carcinogen and exposure can cause respiratory irritation, eye damage and skin concerns, especially to those working with it on fish farms.

Fish fingers with just 58 per cent cod

They may be a staple for young children, but do you really know whats in those breaded fish fingers youre serving up for dinner?

Some supermarket own-brand products are made with haddock, while others contain cod

Some supermarket own-brand products (such as M&S fish fingers) are made with haddock, while others (including Waitrose Essential fish fingers) contain cod.

And, in some cases, theres very little fish in that coating  which is made with potato starch, flour, salt, breadcrumbs, spices and oil, as well as natural colourants (such as turmeric and paprika) to give the fish fingers that golden crumb.

Icelands ten breaded fish fingers, for example, contain just 58 per cent fish (the cheaper Alaskan pollock, not haddock or cod), while Morrisons ten cod fish fingers are made with 64 per cent pollock.

The origin of the fish is another point of controversy: in 2022, leading brands such as Birds Eye and Youngs were called out for continuing to use Russian whitefish after the Ukraine invasion.

Other fish fingers claim to contain added omega-3, the polyunsaturated fats essential for heart health  but experts say this is just a marketing con. A typical serving of four enriched fish fingers provides just 130mg of omega-3, while one portion of oily fish can contain up to 2,000mg  so the benefits are negligible.

Processed in Britain  but caught abroad

Up to 80 per cent of supermarket fish comes from abroad  some from the other side of the world  where production standards and labour contracts differ wildly to those in the UK.

Most varieties come from large international fishing operations in China, Taiwan and South Korea, while some are caught in Vietnam and the Philippines.

A significant portion of fish sold as Atlantic cod is sourced from the North-East Arctic and Russia.

Meanwhile, much of our sea bass comes from fish farms in Turkey. Last year, an investigation linked these farms  which supply sea bass or bream to Morrisons, M&S, Sainsburys and Tesco via wholesalers  to a fishmeal factory in Senegal, where food insecurity and unemployment is rife.

And prawns come from all over: larger king or tiger prawns from India, Vietnam, Thailand,

Madagascar and Honduras; while smaller, cold-water prawns are sourced from the waters around Norway, Greenland and Canada.

Dont be fooled by the British flag often printed on seafood products. All this means is they were packed or processed here. Youll find the country of origin in the small print. If you want to buy British fish, try trout, salmon (check that its Scottish) or sardines.

Some cod may also be sourced from UK waters, says Paul.
A popular menu item from McDonald's Australia has quietly been discontinued - but it's not the only issue frustrating customers.

Eagle-eyed diners noticed the Chocolate Soft Serve, which has been on the menu since 2021, was unexpectedly removed from restaurants.

'Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I think chocolate soft serve is basically gone from Macca's in Australia. It's disappeared from the menu everywhere I've looked - no announcement, no warning, just quietly vanished,' a customer said on Reddit.

'Not sure if it's officially discontinued or just pulled for now, but it's not looking good. If anyone has actually seen it recently, please prove me wrong.'

McDonald's employees confirmed it's true, with one sharing: 'We were alerted that it was being discontinued, and once a store runs out, it's gone for good.'

Another worker claimed they were told the Chocolate Soft Serve machine was removed to accommodate new drink specials and promos.

While many expressed their disappointment over the unexpected news, others confessed they never knew the chocolate-flavoured soft serve existed.

'Wait, we had Chocolate Soft Serve? I'm p***ed that this is the way I'm learning that, I don't even get to try it,' one revealed, alongside a sad face emoji.

Eagle-eyed diners have noticed the Chocolate Soft Serve, which has been on the menu since 2021, has disappeared from McDonald's Australia

Others mentioned they never had the chance to order it, as it wasn't sold at their local store.

'They got rid of it because apparently "nobody was buying it", according to my local Macca's. Although I didn't know any Maccas that ever sold it,' one said, laughing.

'I've never ever managed to get one ordered, ever. Starting to question my sanity/reality,' another shared.

'Nobody bought it because it was never available,' one added.

'It's always been marked as "sold out" every time I've been to a McDonald's for years, so it's no different to me. They never have it anyway,' another revealed.

However, many fans expressed their frustration after discovering their favourite soft serve had disappeared.

'What's the point of living tbh,' one said in response to finding out about the soft serve being discontinued.

'This year continues to get worse and worse,' another shared.

'Damn what a shame, it was legitimately good,' one added.

While many expressed disappointment over the unexpected news, others admitted they never knew the chocolate-flavoured soft serve existed

Macca's responds

A McDonald's Australia spokeswoman confirmed the dessert is no longer available.

'At Macca's, we're committed to serving great tasting, great value food that Aussies know and love. We regularly review and evolve our menu to keep it exciting and focused on what matters most to our customers,' she told the Daily Mail.

'As part of this review, we've said goodbye to the Chocolate Soft Serve across restaurants nationwide from March 31, 2026.

'But here's the good news: there's still plenty of delicious desserts to enjoy. From our iconic Soft Serve, McFlurry and Sundae flavours, we've got you covered.

'We'll keep listening to feedback and exploring new ways to bring more of what our customers love to menus across Australia.'
It's supposed to be the Most Magical Place on Earth. But for one couple, their trip to Disneyland Paris was far from magical after a worker completely ruined their marriage proposal.

Footage showed the man getting down on one knee on a platform in front of Cinderella's Castle, when suddenly, a Disney employee leapt in between them and dramatically snatched the ring from his hand.

The incident originally took place in 2022 but the video resurfaced this week, and it sparked fierce backlash for the Disney staffer.

'It's NEVER that serious like he's weird for that I'm sorry,' one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote while sharing the clip on Sunday.

It has since gained over 18 million views, and it left social media users across the globe furious.

'I would've instinctively tackled that man snatching that ring out my hand, IDGAF where we at don't touch what you ain't pay for,' one person raged.

'Dude really snatched the ring like it was a crime scene. It's never *that* serious at the "Happiest Place on Earth,"' another wrote.

'The overzealous guy should have allowed them to complete the process before advising them,' someone else chimed in.

It's supposed to be the Most Magical Place on Earth. But for one couple, their trip to Disneyland Paris was far from magical after a worker completely ruined their marriage proposal

Footage showed the man getting down on one knee on a platform in front of Cinderella's Castle

'He just ruined a lifetime memory. If I were his employer, I'd fire him immediately.'

'A few more seconds would not have killed him. [He's] just lame,' read a fourth post.

A fifth said: 'He's taking his minimum wage job way too seriously.'

'You can tell his life sucks outside of his job cause there's no reason he had to mess up their moment like that,' scathed a different user.

'What an a**hole,' penned someone else.

Others, however, defended the employee and theorized that the stage the couple was standing on was off-limits to guests.

'It's not weird for him to do his job. What's weird is y'all not realizing it's HIS JOB and the guests blatantly disobeyed signage and such and got on stage for what reason,' one person wrote.

'Your proposal is for you so why not do it anywhere else in the park why you gotta make it on a stage.'

Suddenly, the magical moment was cut short when a Disney employee leapt in between them and dramatically snatched the ring from his hand

The pair headed down the stairs and, when they reached the bottom, the staff member handed back the ring and appeared to say: 'That's the rule'

'No he is not weird for that! What people need to know is that they need to follow directions!' insisted another.

'There are rules and regulations for every company, and the employees uphold them.'

'If you don't want your personal belongings to be snatched away in order to get you off prohibited areas, don't be in prohibited areas,' said someone else.

The video was originally posted on Reddit in June 2022 by a friend of the couple who claimed that the man had 'asked for permission beforehand' to go up on the platform.

The footage showed the pair standing on the stage when the man dropped down to one knee.

The woman covered her mouth in surprise as he pulled out the ring and the crowd around them cheered.

However, the magical moment was soon cut short when an overzealous Disney employee scurried into frame, nabbed the engagement ring and told the stunned couple to get down as the crowd began to boo him.

The pair headed down the stairs and when they reached the bottom, the staff member handed back the ring and appeared to say: 'That's the rule.'

The man then held out a hand and pointed off-screen saying: 'She said yes,' though it is unclear if he meant his would-be betrothed or a staff member off-camera.

'Yes, that's great, but over here it's going to be even better,' the staff member responded as he continued to wave the woman down the stairs.

The incident originally took place in 2022 but the video resurfaced this week and it sparked fierce backlash for the Disney staffer. Stock image of Disneyland Paris

After the video was first shared in 2022, Disney issued an apology to the couple.

The company said in a statement to the New York Times at the time: 'We have offered our sincere apologies to the couple concerned and we will do everything we can to make this up to them.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to Disneyland Paris for comment.

The man who proposed also spoke to the Times at the time, claiming that he had indeed gotten permission from a different employee before getting up on the stage.

The man, named Ante, also revealed that Disney had since reached out and offered him and his fiancee a free weekend at Disneyland including a hotel stay.

However, he said he wasn't interested in their offer, stating: 'I don't want to visit Disneyland any more.

'They can't give us the moment back and that's the only thing I want - to get a second chance.'
Tucker Carlson hit out at President Donald Trump for his expletive-laden Easter message threatening to attack Iranian bridges and power plants, fervently reminding him that he 'is not God.'

The commander-in-chief took the time Sunday morning to unleash on the Iranian regime as the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global trade route, remained closed.

'Open the F***in Strait, you crazy b*****ds, or youll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP,' the president wrote on his Truth Social page, which Carlson then read on his show on Monday.

He appeared to be irked by the president's use of profanities, but seemed to take particular umbrage with Trump's 'Praise be to Allah' quip.

'So obviously you're mocking the religion of Iran,' Carlson argued, after lambasting the president for 'tweeting out the F-word on Easter morning.'

'OK, if you seek a religious war, that's a good idea,' he continued. 'But by the way, no decent person mocks other people's religion.

'You may have a problem with the theology. Presumably, you do if it's not your religion and you can explain what that is. But to mock other people's faith is to mock the idea of faith itself.

'And we should never mock that because at its core is the acknowledgement that we are not in charge of the universe. We did not build it. We won't be there at the end of it. We can destroy life. We cannot create it because we are not God,' said Carlson.

Tucker Carlson hit out at President Donald Trump for his expletive-laden Easter message

The commander-in-chief took the time Sunday morning to unleash on the Iranian regime as the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global trade route, remained closed

He threatened to attack Iranian bridges and power plants in a bizarre Easter message

'The message of all faith, at the big picture level, is the message in our Bible, which is you are not God. And only if you think you are, do you talk this way,' he continued his diatribe. 'But it's not just mockery of Islam.

'And no president should mock Islam,' Carlson said. 'That's not your job. This is not a theocracy. We didn't go to war with other theocracies to find out which theocracy is more effective.

'We are not a theocracy,' he concluded. 'And God-willing, we never will be, because theocracies corrupt the religion.'

Carlson has long opposed US military action in the Middle East, and has had a falling out with the president following a joint US-Israeli strike on Iran at the end of February.

By March, the president told ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl that 'Tucker has lost his way.'

'I knew that a long time ago and he's not MAGA,' Trump told Karl. 'MAGA is saving our country. MAGA is making our country great again. MAGA is America first and Tucker is none of those things.

'And Tucker is really not smart enough to understand that,' he said.

Trump also responded to criticism from Carlson and Megyn Kelly, who has also expressed her opposition to the war, by telling independent journalist Rachel Bade: 'Some people are against [me] and they always come back.'

Carlson has long opposed US military action in the Middle East, and has had a falling out with the president following a joint US-Israeli strike on Iran at the end of February. The two are pictured together in October 2024

When he was then asked about the president's remarks, Carlson told Status., 'There are times I get annoyed with Trump, right now definitely included.

'But I'll always love him no matter what he says about me.'

The president has now set a hard deadline for Iran to re-open the Strait by 8pm on Tuesday, as gas prices continued to soar and the global economy remained destabilized by the closure of the important route in the oil trade.

'The entire country could be taken out in one night  and that night might be tomorrow night,' Trump said at a news conference on Monday.

He then warned that if a deal isn't reached, he will order the total demolition of Iran's civilian infrastructure, vowing to leave the nation in the 'Stone Age.'

'Every bridge in Iran will be decimated by tomorrow night... every power plant will be out of business, burning, exploding and never to be used again,' Trump warned, adding that it would take the Iranian people '100 years to rebuild' without American help.

The president also floated the idea that the US could seize control of the Strait of Hormuz and charge global shipping 'tolls' for passage.

'Why shouldn't we? We're the winner,' Trump reasoned, comparing the strategy to his administration's handling of Venezuelan oil.

'They are militarily defeated. The only thing they have is the psychology of, oh, we're gonna drop a couple of mines in the water.'

The Strait of Hormuz (pictured) is a vital waterway for the global oil trade

Trump warned on Monday that Iran's 'entire country could be taken out in one night.' Workers are pictured removing debris from Tehran's Sharif University of Technology complex on Monday

Iranian officials, though, have pushed back on the president's rhetoric, saying the US would face 'devastating and widespread' retaliations if the military were to attack civilian infrastructure.

The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters  Iran's highest operational military command unit  said early Monday morning: 'If attacks on civilian targets are repeated, the next stages of our offensive and retaliatory operations will be much more devastating and widespread.'

Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf also called the threats of targeting Iran's infrastructure 'reckless.'

'You won't gain anything through war crimes,' Qalibaf wrote on X, adding: 'The only real solution is respecting the rights of the Iranian people and ending this dangerous game.'

And Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Trump's threats to strike power plants and bridges in Iran could amount to war crimes.

'The American president, as the highest official of his country, has publicly threatened to commit war crimes,' Gharibabadi said in a post on X, citing Article 8(2)(b) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to open the waterway continue.

Oman's foreign ministry said that deputy foreign ministers and experts from Iran and Oman met to discuss proposals to ensure 'smooth transit' through the strait.

Egypt said that foreign minister Badr Abdelatty had spoken with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, as well as with Turkish and Pakistani counterparts.

Russia said that Araghchi also spoke with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov.
A Texas meteorologist is fighting a very rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer, she revealed over the weekend.

KRIS-6's Diamond Dickson, 28, made her diagnosis known to viewers in a self-filmed social media video Saturday after disappearing from TV screens in December.

'The past few months have been the hardest of my life,' she said, visibly emotional.

Dickson revealed that she was diagnosed in February with what she framed as 'the most deadly kidney cancer someone can have.'

Doctors told her the chances of survival are 'low' and that there is 'technically no cure', she recalled.

'Press for those extra tests, those labs, whatever it is - scans, images, do it all. Because it can quite literally save your life,' Dickson told fans in Corpus Christi.

In a caption, she added that she was leaning on her faith during treatment.

'I have to beat it,' Dickson declared. 'Most days I'm completely depleted of energy, but my faith keeps me going.'

Corpus Christi NBC affiliate KRIS 6 meteorologist Diamond Dickson, 28, has revealed is fighting 'the most deadly kidney cancer someone can have.'

Dickson made her diagnosis known to viewers in a self-filmed video posted to Instagram on Saturday. She was visibly emotional but said she will continue to fight thanks to her faith

She pointed to what she put as her 'fighter spirit' as proof.

'I refuse to let this cancer take me out,' Dickson said. 'I'm not done living in my purpose; therefore, in Jesus name, I'm already healed.'

The treatment has already 'tested [her] body in unimaginable ways,' she wrote.

Past posts from the journalist had shown trips to the hospital, including one in December during a week-long stay for what was then described as issues with her kidneys.

'What I thought was a severe kidney infection turned out not to be. Doctors here are calling me a rare/unicorn case because Im healthy, eat well, and work out, but I still have rare symptoms,' Dickson wrote at the time, still without a diagnosis.

'I was barely walking on my own from how intense the pain was,' she wrote.

Dickson is now undergoing chemotherapy and is slated for kidney removal surgery, according to her update.

'This is a tough journey, an ugly one too, but I know God wouldnt have me fighting this beast if he wasnt going to do it with me,' Dickson told followers who have come to know her in Corpus Christi.

Previous posts from the journalist - who has been a part of the station's weather team for more than two years - showed posts to the hospital. She was diagnosed in February following weeks of scans and emergency room visits

Dickson - seen here as an anchor at Waco ABC affiliate 25 New KXXV - has been off the air since January and is currently undergoing chemotherapy

Dickson joined the NBC affiliate KRIS-6 from Dallas's Good Morning Texas in 2024.

She also served as a morning anchor for 15 ABCs Midday show and 25 News KXXV.

Prayers for Dickson - a Houston native - have continued to pour in on social media. She's been off since the start of the year.

When reached by the Daily Mail Monday, Dickson said she's staying strong. She also reiterated warnings to other to keep tabs on their health.

'If it wasnt for me knowing my body, knowing something was off, I couldve completely missed the whole thing,' she said.

'I was having severe back pain that gradually got worse over the span of a couple months. It took multiple visits to the ER and hospital before my diagnosis was nailed down.

'Since my cancer is so aggressive, time really mattered in my case,' she added.

Dickson underwent chemotherapy treatments immediately, she said.

'I heavily rely on my faith to carry me through this tough time, along with family and close friends.

'Its a lot to bear all at once but Im pushing my body and fighting because I have quite the testimony to tell, and of course, I want to get back to doing what I love, forecasting the weather and working out again.'
'Morning Joe' host Jonathan Lemire decried Donald Trump's threat to end the 'whole civilization' of Iran on Tuesday as no better than messaging seen from some of the most abhorrent leaders in the world.

'This is the rhetoric we associate with people like [Russian President] Vladimir Putin, with people like [North Korean dictator] Kim Jong-un, with the monsters of history,' Lemire said to start the show's 9am slot.

'And yet we have heard it now from the sitting president.'

Less than an hour before, Trump warned on Truth Social 'a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again' if Tehran does not heed his self-imposed, 8pm ET deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

'I don't want that to happen, but it probably will,' Trump, 79, mused. He added: '[W]e will find out tonight.'

Trump's message left Lemire, 46, and many others on-air Tuesday morning visibly alarmed.

News of it reached the MS NOW newsroom just as the Atlantic writer was stepping in for Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski.

He emphasized that the president's missive was 'threatening a war crime' and 'something genocidal' if it did come to fruition.

MS NOW's Jonathan Lemire, 46, was left stunned on Tuesday as news of Donald Trump's threat reached the Morning Joe set

Trump, 79, warned 'a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again' when it comes to Iran, just minutes before

'And perhaps its just a bluff, perhaps its a negotiating tactic, perhaps its an 11th hour push to get the Iranians to the bargaining table,' the host added.

'But even just issuing that threat from the Oval Office is a remarkable escalation, and something we have never before seen from any president of the United States.'

Lemire continued to tear into the conservative even after introducing his guests for the day.

Trump, meanwhile, framed the approaching deadline as 'one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World [sic].'

He added that '47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end' either way.

'God Bless the Great People of Iran!' his warning concluded.

Diplomatic talks with Iranian officials, meanwhile, were severed on Tuesday morning, sources told The Wall Street Journal.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president's specific plans were not going to be made public.

Diplomatic talks with Iranian officials were severed on Tuesday morning, according to the Wall Street Journal

In a statement sent to the Daily Mail Tuesday afternoon, a White House spokesperson sought to defend the president's rhetoric.

'The Iranian regime has committed egregious human rights abuses against its own citizens for 47 years, just murdered tens of thousands of protestors in January, and has indiscriminately targeted civilians across the region in order to cause as much death as possible throughout this conflict,' deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said.

'As President Trump said today, Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, and the Iranian people welcome the sound of bombs because it means their oppressors are losing,' Kelly continued.

'The President will always stand with innocent civilians while annihilating the terrorists responsible for threatening our country and the entire world with a nuclear weapon.

'Greater destruction can be avoided if the regime understands the seriousness of this moment and makes a deal with the United States.'
Megyn Kelly sent the internet alight after saying she would vote Republican even if Donald Trump 'dropped a nuke' on another country this week.

Kelly made the tongue-in-cheek remark on Monday's edition of her web show.

Trump had issued a cryptic warning saying Tehran had until 8pm ET Tuesday to reopen the Strait of Hormuz just hours before.

Subsequent uncertainty saw the footage of Kelly rapidly gain traction.

The host, in the full clip, had been using the overly extreme example to make a point.

'They're crazy,' Kelly told guest Emily Jashinsky of the Democratic party. 'All I think about when I think about [them] is those very unattractive people in Minneapolis.'

'I think crazy [Michigan Senator] Elissa Slotkin like lecturing Pete Hegseth, like, "I know. I know you've done your genuflection." That's smug, arrogant. "I'm better than you, I look down my nose on you - even though you've done three tours of duty."

'Like, ef you,' Kelly continued, before dropping her own proverbial bomb. 'I mean, honestly, Trump could drop a nuke and I'd still vote Republican over those people. Because they want... what they want to do is nuke our own country.'

Megyn Kelly jokingly she would vote Republican even if Donald Trump 'dropped a nuke' on another country on Monday's installment of the Megyn Kelly Show

Hours later, Trump issued a cryptic warning saying Tehran had until 8pm ET Tuesday to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face total annihilation

Megyn Kelly - "Trump could drop a nuke and I'd still vote Republican over Democrat. What [Democrats] want to do is nuke our own country"



That is the definition of cult behavior pic.twitter.com/2vAOHyf1tm  Ounka (@OunkaOnX) April 7, 2026

Kelly - a registered independent who has voted Democrat in the past - called attention to the party's stance toward the Southern Border and 'what they're doing to children' as purported proof.

'That's when I think Democrat. That's what I think.'

The day before, on Easter, Trump threatened to destroy Iran's bridges and power plants in a Truth Social post that reiterated his desire to reopen the narrow body of water between Oman and Iran through which a fifth of the world's oil flows.

'Open the F*ckin Strait, you crazy bastards, or youll be living in Hell,' the head of state wrote.

A self-imposed, 8pm ET deadline for Tehran to adhere to the offer was later aired.

Talks with the Iranian regime have since deteriorated, to the point where all negotiation efforts between the countries have been cut off, sources told The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times on Tuesday.

The final straw appeared to be the president's post Tuesday morning.

It promised that Iran, one of the oldest civilizations on earth, would be promptly eliminated if a deal is not reached.

'They're crazy,' Kelly told guest Emily Jashinsky of the Democratic party in the full clip. 'All I think about when I think about [them] is those very unattractive people in Minneapolis'

'A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will.'

'We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World [sic],' he added.

In a statement sent to the Daily Mail Tuesday afternoon, a White House spokesperson defended the president's rhetoric despite it seemingly calling for the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president's exact plans for the conflict in the absence of a deal are not going to be made public.

The US and Israel began strikes on Iran on February 28. Kelly - a longtime Trump supporter - is one of the conflict's biggest critics.

The Daily Mail has approached her for comment.
In early January, I went to the Dorchester branch of Barclays to find out why I could not access an account my wife and I held with a balance of 40,000.

I was told that as it had not been used for some time, the cash had been removed by the bank. This was done without any consultation.

I was assured the money would be transferred to an account of my choice if I completed an account reclaim form.

This was weeks ago but Ive still not got my money despite making numerous calls and visiting the branch twice.

I received another form today to fill in. I am getting nowhere. Please help.

S.P., Bridport, Dorset.

Sleeping savings: A reader is struggling to track down an old Barclays savings account with a balance of 40,000

Sally Hamilton replies: To use banking lingo, your account had become dormant.

This happens when there have been no transactions for at least 12 months on a current account and up to 15 years on a savings account.

Banks close these accounts to limit the risk of statements being sent out to previous addresses, which could then be used to commit identity fraud.

After 15 years, banks usually pass forgotten balances to the Dormant Assets Scheme, which uses the money to support good causes.

Millions of pounds have ended up there. Dormant account holders will always be repaid  with any interest due  if they later remember the accounts.

Banks are supposed to write to customers to warn about such closures. You said you didnt receive any communication but were told later a message had been sent via the banks app, which you hadnt seen.

Nevertheless, it should have been straightforward getting access to your balance once you asked.

Accounts cant simply be re-opened but once a dormant account reclaim form has been completed the money can be transferred into a different one.

I asked Barclays to reunite you with your funds. Following an investigation, it said it had closed your account in June and transferred the money to a safe account.

Even though you had completed the correct form, explaining the money was to be transferred to an account in both your names, the bank mistakenly logged the new destination account as sole and not joint.

Let me Know Have you made any significant changes to your investments since the conflict in the Middle East began? Tell me about it at sally@dailymail.co.uk

This triggered the sending of another form for your wife to complete. This she did, but Barclays says it never received it.

Following my intervention, the mistake was finally corrected and your money released on March 2. The bank added 100 as an apology, which you are passing to your local hospice.

A Barclays spokesman said: We are sorry for the difficulties our customer experienced when wanting to transfer funds from their dormant account.

Our error meant the request was not processed correctly. This has now been resolved and the funds released to our customer, with an additional payment offered in recognition of the inconvenience caused.

While its reassuring that owners of forgotten accounts have access to their money indefinitely, its a mistake to leave funds in accounts earning pitiful or no interest.

I recommend readers who think they might have a dormant account to wake it up and get their savings working harder. Get free help locating missing accounts at mylostaccount.org.uk.

Can't afford my child maintenance payments

I got divorced more than ten years ago and have been giving financial support to my ex-wife for our four children, paying 1,085 a month.

In November last year, I found myself out of work. I have one son left under the age of 18 to provide for.

My ex contacted the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), and I sent off the requested forms, my P45 and proof that, since February, I have been drawing 1,000 a month from my private pension to cover my bills.

The CMSs response was that I had to pay 1,070 a month.

Thats 70 more than my gross income. When I complained, they said I would have to continue to pay while they undertake a mandatory reconsideration, with a decision made some time in April.

I cant afford it. Please help.

P.W., Hampshire.

Sally Hamilton replies: Following a break-up, both parents remain responsible for supporting their children financially.

Child maintenance is the amount paid monthly by the parent with less or no caring responsibilities, to the one who looks after them the most.

Parents can make private arrangements or, if they cant agree between them, ask the Governments Child Maintenance Service to do the sums and manage the payments.

Either way, there must be a plan in place for any child under 16, or under 20 if they are in full-time education or training.

You and your ex went down the official route, which worked out fine  until you lost your job last year.

When the parent making payments has a change of circumstances, the sums can be recalculated  but typically only when their income drops by at least 25 per cent.

The CMS must be alerted within seven days, otherwise court action and a fine of up to 1,000 could follow.

You told the CMS about your income change within the time frame and provided all the necessary information.

On checking your likely position on the gov.uk maintenance calculator, you believed your payments would reduce to 103.

It came as a massive shock to be told it would be ten times this sum, with threats of bailiffs if you didnt pay.

In a panic, your current wife took on extra shifts as a dementia carer to help raise cash for the threatened bill.

When you queried the calculation with the CMS, its advisors agreed something must be wrong. Still, you received messages via its online portal saying your recalculation request was rejected.

On March 2, you spoke to a case worker who said that there was an IT issue and it would be sorted out. On the CMSs request you submitted another form confirming you are not working.

Yet you were still being asked to cough up 1,070 on March 28. While happy to support your child, you could not meet this sum.

In desperation, you asked me to intervene. Once I did, the CMS got its calculator out.

It took some prodding but two days before the 1,070 was due to be taken from your account, the CMS called you to apologise and confirm your payment would be 103 a month after all.

The CMS offered me no explanation for what had gone wrong. It simply told me your plan had been updated.

When you asked the caller, they blamed the fact that the software algorithm was based on your earnings for 2024-2025.

Straight to the point I recently received a promotional email from Sky offering me an upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra for the same monthly payments as the basic A9 model I was paying for. I took up the offer but I was sent an A11 tablet, not the S11 version I was promised. My complaint has been rejected. G.H., Hawick Sky says it will send you the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra at no extra cost, and it has helped you return the A11 model. *** I often buy stamps in large batches before the annual April price rise, but when the barcoded stamps came in, I had a large backlog. From 2022, I started to send them to Royal Mail to be exchanged for the newer stamps. I sent 58 1monetary stamps, one 2 stamp, and 1,200 first-class stamps. I was later told that, of the stamps I sent in, 947 were either used or counterfeit. With the price of stamps going up yesterday, the value of my lost stamps is now 1,705. Name and address supplied Royal Mail wont replace your stamps. It says it has found indicators that the stamps had been previously used and then chemically treated to remove the postmarks. *** In June I bought a king-size mattress with a seven-year guarantee from John Lewis for 979.15. But, after a couple of weeks, we noticed a ridge had appeared down the length of the mattress, which means we cant get a good nights sleep. A specialist visited to inspect the bed, but the report concluded the mattress was not faulty. The ridge is getting worse and worse. A.H., Stoke-on-Trent John Lewis apologises and says it arranged for an independent furniture specialist to examine the bed. The tests showed it wasnt defective but it says it will review this if you want a second opinion.
Most of us have relied on next-day delivery at some point or another when shopping online  whether it was for a last-minute gift to arrive on Christmas Eve or an emergency replacement for an important appliance in your home.

The promise of speedy delivery has been the key to success for retail behemoth Amazon, winning over nine in ten UK shoppers. The American giant has become known for its fast arrivals, competitive prices and reliable products (for the most part).

But theres a new rival in town. Joybuy, a Chinese online retailer, launched in the UK last month. It aims to break Amazons stranglehold on the British market.

Joybuy said that it will offer same-day delivery to more than 17 million people in the UK, and next-day delivery elsewhere. The company sells a large range of products, including technology, home appliances, beauty products and groceries.

It is part of a major push by large Asian retailers to attract more British shoppers. The Joybuy launch comes hot on the heels of other bids to grab customers  with Chinese giant AliExpress launching a premium Brand+ arm last October to broaden its appeal. If something has a Brand+ stamp, it means it's an authentic product being sold by a verified seller.

Unlike other Chinese online shopping platforms such as AliExpress, Temu and Shein, Joybuy does not host third-party sellers. Instead, it buys items directly from brands and stores them in its own distribution centres in Luton and Milton Keynes, in a similar structure to Amazon.

Keen to put these competitors through their paces, Money Mail has been on an online shopping spree with Joybuy, Amazon and AliExpress. We wanted to find out how quickly items would really arrive and see how prices compared. And, importantly, which platform offers the best products?

Toby Walne with the products he purchased from Amazon, AliExpress and Joybuy

How competition shapes up

Joybuy has set itself the task of becoming one of the biggest retailers in Britain and going up against Amazon.

But this is no David and Goliath battle  Joybuy is owned by the 35billion Chinese giant Jingdong, which is branded JD.com (no relation to JD Sports), which is already one of the biggest online shops in Asia.

The Beijing-based retailer was founded by multi-billionaire Liu Qiangdong (who calls himself Richard Liu). He and his wife Zhang Zetian attended the wedding of Princess Eugenie at Windsor in 2018.

Yet retail experts fear that, even with deep pockets, taking on Amazon with a same-day or next-day delivery pledge is a tall order.

To turn around orders so quickly, Joybuy has been forced to hoard a mountain of stock in distribution hub warehouses in Milton Keynes and Luton  with a combined floorspace of more than 90,000 square metres (some 22 acres).

Amazon has more than 30 such fulfilment centres crammed with merchandise spread over some 1.4 million square metres (around 346 acres).

Richard Hyman, an independent retail strategic adviser, says: An eye-watering amount of initial investment will be required  and it is a high-risk approach to try to compete against Amazon on service quality and speed of delivery, which it took several decades to develop and build.

It might have to focus on a smaller range of products just to survive and offer aggressive pricing to get a foothold in the market.

The 155billion Chinese shopping giant AliExpress, owned by the Alibaba Group, is already established in the British market as a provider of cheaper goods  often selling copycat brands of favourites such as Apple, but at a fraction of the cost of the originals. It hopes to broaden its appeal by offering more well-known branded products by promoting its Brand+ offers. The majority of distribution centres are based in China, though some of the popular items are kept in UK Local+ hubs.

Website ease of use

To put these shopping platforms to the test, I went on the Joybuy, Amazon and AliExpress websites with an identical shopping list to compare prices, quality and how long Id have to wait for the items to arrive.

On my shopping list, I opted for everyday branded bestsellers: Duracell batteries, Marigold kitchen gloves, Andrex loo roll  and, looking for shopping guidance, Chinese fortune cookies.

Key to success for the Amazon model is ease of use  and it even offers a slick one-click purchase option for those already signed up to its service. I put all the items in my basket within a couple of minutes, entered my credit card details and paid.

Joybuy also offered a similarly smooth website experience. But while batteries, gloves and loo roll were easy to order, the fortune cookies could not be found when I searched the website. Newly launched in the UK, it appears Joybuy stock is still limited. At the checkout a pop-up window appeared, showing a total discount on items of 7.50 if I downloaded the Joybuy app and continued to shop using my phone instead. After downloading this app, I struggled to log in and had to reset my password. It took 15 minutes to sort it all out.

The AliExpress website was an attack on the senses  its packed full of cheap and often gaudy free gift and welcome' deals. The Brand+ option, which shows you are supposedly getting an authenticity guarantee, is lost in a sea of what can kindly be called tat. There is a small blue box just above the price listing with the Brand+ logo inside  which indicates you are purchasing a genuine brand and not a copycat item. Brand+ goods also come with a best price guarantee. If a lower price can be found on these items within seven days of purchase on another shopping platform, such as Amazon, AliExpress will refund the price difference, up to 40.

'Someone is thinking of you' was the message in Toby's fortune cookie. Could it be Amazon founder Jeff Bezos?

It was also a struggle to register myself as a customer on AliExpress, as the website would not accept my postcode as genuine when I tried to find my address for delivery. Thinking I was being clever, I also claimed a pair of rubber gloves as a free gift that magically popped up. But at the checkout this order mysteriously disappeared. This freebie was not offered for my address.

Verdict: Amazon sets the gold standard, but Joybuy is slick at encouraging you to use its phone app by offering generous discounts. Aggressively priced goodies and discounts promoted on the app could prove a success. In contrast, 'freebies' from AliExpress mysteriously disappeared.

Value for money

I set a budget of 20 for each online retailer. Amazon met this  just. I paid 3.40 for the Marigold gloves, 5 for nine rolls of Andrex Ultimate Quilts three-ply, 5.00 for four Duracell Plus AA batteries, and 6.59 (6pc off) for 40 Silk Road Fortune Cookies  total price 19.99. All these items were promoted with a free delivery offer.

Yet Joybuy offered much lower prices using the app  the same gloves cost 3.10, batteries 4.39 (reduced from 5), and the loo paper cost the same if buying 16 rolls as if when buying nine, at 4.99 (a special offer, as 16 rolls usually cost 8.50). It also automatically offered a free delivery service. The shopping total came to 12.48. But it did not include fortune cookies with a retail price of 6.99. If the cookies had been available at full price on Joybuy, the total savings over Amazon would have been 52p.

My order for free gloves - a special offer if I purchased certain other items - from AliExpress failed, but a non-Marigold pair was a steal at 77p. The batteries came to 5.28 and I found three-ply Freedom Quilted loo roll  as Andrex was not available  for 10.25. The fortune cookies cost 9.09, meaning I exceeded my budget at AliExpress, paying 25.39.

Verdict: Joybuy was the clear winner. Desperate to break into the Amazon-dominated market, it offered enticing discounts on select items. Incredibly, although AliExpress has a reputation for selling bargains, it was more expensive. I also struggled to find quality Brand+ versions of the items on my shopping list.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Speed of delivery

An Evri white van arrived at 12.35pm the day after I put in my three orders  with Amazon delivering the Silk Road fortune cookies within 25 hours. I ripped one open immediately. Someone is thinking of you. I assume it is the founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, who is worth around 175billion (yes, thats billion).

While Amazon uses a pool of self-employed drivers, Joybuy has couriers in branded uniforms and vehicles. At 1.10pm Ahmed turned up in a red JoyExpress van wearing the distinctive red cap and outfit. He had phoned a few minutes earlier as he was lost and unable to find the house  a common problem in my rural location.

Friendly and polite, he admitted he drove 35 miles from Luton  and also had other deliveries to make in the area. He proudly boasted that his service was the fastest, and then handed me a parcel containing gloves, loo roll and batteries.

Joybuy is making a Double 11 delivery pledge  which means orders made by 11am should arrive on your doorstep by 11pm the same day in the cities of London, Birmingham, Leicester, Nottingham, Oxford and Cambridge. The rest of the country, including my home in rural Hertfordshire, can still expect next-day deliveries.

A flat delivery charge of 3.99 is advertised by Joybuy for orders under 29  it's free if spending more. But you get free unlimited deliveries if you sign up to a JoyPlus membership scheme at 3.99 a month. To lure me in as a new customer I automatically received free delivery.

Amazon offers free delivery on orders of 35 or more, but I have free delivery as standard an Amazon Prime member, as many do. We pay 8.99 a month for free delivery on as many orders as we like. I also get access to its TV streaming service. At 4:45pm, a white van rolled up with a couple of packages from Amazon  one containing the batteries, the other loo paper and gloves.

AliExpress offers free deliveries on many items, including those I chose  otherwise its typically 1.50 to 8 depending on the item. Orders over 135 may incur a 20pc VAT levy.

AliExpress says standard shipping from China can take from seven to 30 days  while local UK-based deliveries arrive in one to three days. One week after ordering, only one of the items that had been ordered had arrived - the Duracell AA batteries, which came three days after ordering.

Verdict: The Chinese fortune cookies from Amazon arrived first. But Joybuy won the race by getting all items delivered 35 minutes later. The gloves, fortune cookies and loo roll from AliExpress appear to be still travelling from China.

Returns policy

Joybuy offers a 30-day return policy if goods are in an undamaged and unused condition. For most cases the return label are [sic] created and prepaid by Joybuy without extra fees needed from customer. You just click return item on the order page, then choose a local shop accepting returns (I was shown 20 nearby stores or drop-off points) or select a pick-up (the earliest offered to me was 9am to 5pm six days later). Refunds should be in your bank account within five business days of an accepted return.

Items bought on Amazon can also be returned within 30 days of receipt with free postage. Click on the item, answer the Why are you returning this? question with one of the options, such as 'accidental order' or 'defective', and then select whether you want money back on your card or as credit to an Amazon account. You can drop the item off at a select location, where they will organise the return for you.

Alternatively, you can print out a return address or write it on the return parcel, making sure to include the original packaging and the invoice inside. Using Royal Mail, you can even have a postman pick it up from your home. Refunds should land in your bank account within 14 days.

AliExpress also allows returns within 30 days of delivery if the item is unused. You contact the seller via its website, and they should get back to you within 48 hours. Free returns are available within 15 days of receiving an item using a pre-paid label  but it is not automatically offered. When making a purchase, check with AliExpress hat the item has a free returns option, as mine did. Otherwise, you could end up paying shipping to China that costs more than the initial purchase.

Verdict: Joybuy wins by a whisker thanks to the handy 'return item' button on the order page, beside the item bought. Although Amazon offers a similar service on its phone app, it was keener for me to buy [the item] again and I had to delve deeper to organise my return. Beware of buying items from AliExpress that dont offer free returns.

A Joybuy spokesman says: A significant proportion of orders are fulfilled through our self-operated model, which means products are shipped from our own warehouses and delivered by our own last-mile JoyExpress team where possible. We build long-term, trusted partnerships with well-known brands and partners. This full range is carefully curated and tailored.

An AliExpress spokesman says: British shoppers are turning to our platform as they seek premium items with better deals. Brand+ guarantees verified sellers, reliable product quality and competitive prices.
Stock markets have taken a wobble after the long weekend, while oil climbs above $110 as Trump demands that the Strait of Hormuz be reopened.

Last week, investors had pinned their hopes on a swift resolution to the war, but over Easter, the US President pledged to target civilian infrastructure if Iran does not agree to a deal by the end of today.

Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said he believed reasonable leaders in Iran were negotiating in good faith, but any deal would need to be acceptable to him and would have to include the reopening of the strait.

He also threatened to take Iran out in one night and send Iran back to the Stone Ages if a deal is not agreed.

The FTSE 100 opened 15 points higher, following a choppy session for Asian markets.

Brent crude is, as ever, volatile but has settled at around $111 a barrel this morning.

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Senior looks set to become the latest London-listed firm to fall into foreign hands after backing a 1.4billion takeover bid.

The board of the aerospace and defence supplier accepted a joint offer from US investment firms Tinicum and Blackstone worth 300p a share.

The proposed takeover of the FTSE 250 group is just the latest to be agreed by London-listed firms this year  fuelling fears foreign predators are snapping up British companies on the cheap.

Two-century-old City institution Schroders has agreed to be bought by US rival Nuveen for 9.9billion, while Lloyds of London underwriter Beazley has backed an 8.1billion takeover by Zurich Insurance.

The takeover of Senior is likely to raise eyebrows at a time when countries around the world are ramping up defence spending amid war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East.

Senior supplies the defence, aerospace and energy sectors with high-tech components and systems, specialising in ducts and valves to control fuel consumption.

Takeover target: Senior counts US defence giant Lockheed Martin  which makes the F-35 Lightning fighter jet, pictured,  among its major customers

US defence giant Lockheed Martin is among its customers.

Seniors chairman Ian King said the bid recognises the attractiveness of Senior. He added that it represents an opportunity for Senior shareholders to release an immediate cash value at an attractive valuation.

Senior shares  which were already up more than 40 per cent this year  gained 0.5 per cent yesterday.
Investors worried about the war with Iran pulled nearly 1.5billion out of equity funds last month in the biggest sell-off since the Budget in November.

A report by global funds network Calastone showed outflows surged to 1.44billion in March from 927million in February.

That marked the heaviest level of selling since November last year, when fears of a tax raid on pensions saw savers cash in their retirement pots ahead of Rachel Reeves Budget.

The outflows in March were the seventh worst on record and extended the run of withdrawals to an unprecedented ten consecutive months.

The sell-off was broad-based, with UK-focused funds seeing the biggest outflows of 592million, though this was up only slightly from 555million in February.

The FTSE 100 lost nearly 7 per cent of its value last month.

Sell-off: A report by global funds network Calastone showed outflows from equity funds surged to 1.44bn in March from 927m in February

The biggest deterioration in investor optimism was seen in European, Asia-Pacific, emerging markets and Japanese funds, according to Calastone.

The only sector to see inflows was North American equities, though these totalled just 99million  down from 371million in February.
BP faces a shareholder revolt over its green credentials in a setback for the company as it refocuses on oil and gas.

Advisory group Glass Lewis recommended that investors vote against the re-election of chairman Albert Manifold after BP blocked a climate-related resolution from its annual general meeting.

Glass Lewis said Manifold, who only became chairman in October, was ultimately accountable for the decision to exclude the resolution filed by climate activists Follow This from the April 23 AGM.

The decision further raises questions about transparency, shareholder communication, and responsiveness to shareholder concerns, it said.

Legal & General Investment Management, a top-ten shareholder in BP, also said it would vote against Manifold.

The looming rebellion is a setback for Manifold and new boss Meg ONeill, who became the first female chief executive in BPs 117-year history when she took over last week.

Snub: Advisory group Glass Lewis recommended that investors vote against the re-election of chairman Albert Manifold after BP blocked a climate-related resolution from its AGM

The companys shares have been boosted by the surge in the oil price stemming from the Iran war just as it shifts away from its ill-fated foray into renewables and refocuses on fossil fuels.

The stock edged up another 1 per cent yesterday as crude rose as high as $111 a barrel before easing.

That took gains for the year to 38 per cent  making it one of the FTSE 100s best-performing stocks of 2026 so far  and gave it a value of 94billion.

BP is worth more than consumer goods giant Unilever for the first time since 2018.

Unilever was valued at just 92billion last night having seen its shares fall 14 per cent this year.

It is struggling to convince investors of the merits of its plan to combine its food brands  including Marmite and Hellmanns  with US rival McCormick.

Unilever shares rose 0.4 per cent yesterday but are down more than 7 per cent since the 11.9billion merger with the mustard maker was announced last week.

Investors have been left confused over the nature of the deal, which will see McCormicks shareholders own 35 per cent of the combined group while Unilever will control 65 per cent.

Analysts at RBC Capital said they did not view the agreement as terribly appealing and questioned why Unilever would want to partially own a more complicated business.

It is also feared the deal will result in cuts  potentially hitting British brands including Marmite, Colmans and Bovril.

Dan Coatsworth at AJ Bell said that while BP has benefited from major tailwinds thanks to higher energy prices stemming from the Iran war, Unilever is having to contend with unhappy shareholders amid disappointment around the way its food operations might be separated.
For thousands of sun-seeking Brits and an army of influencers, the Dubai dream appears to be over.

Selfies on spotless beaches have been swapped for stints in bomb shelters in underground parking garages as tax-avoiding expats face the threat of prison for posting pictures of damage.

Iranian suicide drones have lit up the night sky, replacing the bright lights of the glitzy skyscrapers and glamorous five-star hotels - and shattering the illusion that it was an untouchable emirate a world away from the conflicts that have engulfed its war-torn neighbours.

Celebrities such as Rio and Kate Ferdinand have fled to their luxury Portugal holiday home, while Luisa Zissman has moaned about being in her 'refugee era, displaced from my home', before offering her followers a free private jet flight to bring her dog from Dubai.

Despite Trump announcing on Tuesday night that Iran has agreed to a two-week ceasefire and will re-open the Strait of Hormuz, the war has already had a much more sinister impact on Dubai's migrant workers, who have borne the brunt of Iran's attacks.

Of the six civilians killed in the United Arab Emirates, three are from Pakistan, with one victim from Bangladesh, Palestine and Nepal.

And while influencers cry about their dogs, some labourers face death as they are forced to continue working in areas under attack while being denied access to bomb shelters or refused emergency leave by employers.

The UAE's oppressive Kafala System, which binds migrant workers to their employers, has long restricted them to the will of their bosses.

While influencers cry about their dogs, some labourers face death as they are forced to continue working in areas under attack (Pictured: Migrant workers in Dubai on March 11)

Celebrities such as Rio and Kate Ferdinand have fled Dubai for their luxury Portugal holiday home

Branded as a modern form of slavery by critics, employers have control of their workers' residency and legal status.

Human Rights Watch has documented how it enables employers to routinely confiscate workers' passports.

While workers who leave their employers, including to escape abuse, are faced with deportation and detention.

It means many of the poverty-stricken workers mostly from South Asia and Africa, who form around 90 per cent of the UAE's workforce, are unable to leave the country or change jobs even as missiles fly down.

Worse still, they have been turned away from shelters during Iranian attacks.

Testimony shared with the Daily Mail reveals how some workers have been forced to continue working on site as barrages of missiles fly down, while others have had their passports confiscated to stop them leaving.

The workers, who have opted to remain anonymous to preserve their safety, describe a chilling reality, where their lives are viewed as cheaper than those they serve.

One construction worker from Nepal said he was told by his site manager that he had to continue labouring as normal despite missile alerts in the area.

He was told anyone who left without authorisation would have their visa cancelled and face deportation.

'I have a wife and two children at home,' he said. 'I cannot lose this job. I cannot lose my visa. I have no choice.'

The UAE's oppressive Kafala System, which binds migrant workers to their employers, has long restricted them to the will of their bosses. (Pictured: Workers queueing to receive charity meals)

An Iranian drone hit a fuel tank near Dubai Airport which sparked a massive fire on March 16

Smoke pours from a fuel tank near Dubai Airport on March 16 after it was hit by a drone

A domestic worker from the Philippines, who has been living with her employer in the Jumeirah district, said she has not been allowed to leave the property unsupervised or contact her family abroad without someone present amid fears she would leave.

While a warehouse supervisor from Pakistan saw his request for emergency unpaid leave to return home declined.

His employer refused the request, claiming his contract made no provision for emergency leave.

'What can I do?' he said. 'If I leave, I lose everything I have worked for. Twelve years of my life are in this job.'

Others have been forced out of their overcrowded accommodation and told to return home.

One hotel worker from Karachi told the Mail he was being forced to take what little 'paid leave' he had now, whether he wanted to or not.

While some workers who remain in the country have seen their pay cut, forcing them to get by on subsistence wages with nothing left over to send to their relatives  which is, after all, the main motivation propelling them to Dubai in the first place.

Saad Kassis-Mohamed, Chairman of Human Rights Association, a charity which advocates for migrant worker rights across the Middle East, accused employers of 'failing in their basic duty of care towards the workers in their charge.'

He said: 'These failures include the denial of access to emergency shelter during active conflict alerts, the refusal of emergency leave, and the compulsion of workers to continue operating in environments that have been designated as unsafe by the relevant authorities.

'The human cost of these decisions is already apparent. Civilians killed since the outbreak of hostilities include a Pakistani taxi driver, a Nepali security guard, and a Bangladeshi water tanker.

Mugshots of people arrested for sharing 'war footage' in the UAE

Videos posted to social media showed a huge plume of smoke rising from the building on March 3, which local authorities said was hit by a missile

'The Association notes with grave concern that these individuals, like many of their peers had no practical means of withdrawing themselves from harm. Under the terms of the Kafala sponsorship system, a worker's continued lawful residence in the country is contingent upon the consent of their employer.

'The decision to remain at work in dangerous conditions is, in many cases, not a choice freely made but one imposed by circumstance and contractual constraint.'

As well as the Kafala system, Dubai has come under scrutiny for its draconian social media laws which have seen more than 100 people arrested for sharing pictures of damage from Iranian missiles.

A British flight attendant and a tourist are just two of around 70 Brits in prison in prison facing serious charges in the UAE for 'cyber crimes' relating to photographing, filming or sharing drone or missile strikes.

The air steward, a 25-year-old man who works as cabin crew for a local airline, was arrested for simply posting a photo of a drone strike at Dubai Airport and asking colleagues on a private WhatsApp group: 'Is it safe to walk through the airport?'

Another of the British detainees is a 60-year-old holidaymaker from London, who took a photo of an air strike, and despite deleting it when asked to by a policeman in the street, was still arrested.

The news adds to a 'climate of fear' among those expats nervously remaining in Dubai, fearful not only of arrest, but also what the future holds for them as the glittering malls fall silent and foreign businesses pack up and leave.

Socialite Petra Ecclestone cried as she described explosions before, describing how 'grateful' she was for 'how much Dubai puts safety first' and how 'welcomed and safe it has made us feel'

The cabin crew member, who is a resident of Dubai, but originally from Thamesmead, south-east London, has been held in a crowded, stinking jail cell for more than 20 days since his arrest on March 7, the day the airport first came under attack.

Emirati laws prohibit anyone from taking or publishing photos that could 'disturb public security'.

When there is an Iranian strike, those nearby are sent a text message in both Arabic and English saying: 'Photographing or sharing security or critical sites, or reposting unreliable information, may result in legal action and compromise national security and stability.'

Police also reportedly approach those in the area and demand to see their phones. Anyone caught with photos of attack sites is arrested, while those who receive such photos through apps like WhatsApp are also tracked down and arrested.

David Haigh of Dubai Watch, which is representing eight arrested Britons, said: 'Dubai is a corporation, a gleaming global brand desperate to keep the facade intact.

'So, once tourists and expats take photos of a missile intercept, or a drone strike, they become the enemy.

'They are arrested, vanished, threatened, charged, forced to report friends, and face years in jail.'
When Michael Guillen was in his mid-twenties and studying a PhD in physics, mathematics and astronomy, he was so devoted to his scientific research that he spent all his waking hours in a basement at Cornell University, barely even finding the time to wash.

In the windowless and dark room, he thought he had found his own version of a secular heaven, having decided in elementary school that he didn't believe in God and wanted to devote his life to science.

'I'm spending 20, 21, hours a day in my basement lab,' he told the Daily Mail, describing feeling like 'a kid in a candy shop' - with the personal hygiene habits to match.

'If you look at pictures of me back then, I was pretty scuzzy looking,' he joked.

He added: 'Becoming a scientist was all-consuming. Who spends 20 to 21 hours a day in a basic lab with no windows, for years and years with no social life? I hardly groomed myself. Hardly ate. Who does that? It was obsession.'

But for some reason, he had caught the eye of a young woman in a physics class, who had slipped a Valentine's Day card under his door.

When he sought her out to thank her, he confessed that he had also embarked on a spiritual quest. While he was devoted to science and had not read the Bible, he had begun to get the feeling that science may not answer all the questions he had about life.

'She said something that changed my life forever. She said: "I haven't read the Bible either: if you read it, I'll read it with you,"' he said.

Michael Guillen's new documentary is the latest in a growing canon of works in which academics argue that modern science and religion are not incompatible

Guillen isn't happy just quietly practicing his faith: he is determined to try and use his beloved science to prove that God exists

'And I thought, well, I don't care about the Bible, but I do care about this girl.'

That was the first step on his decades-long journey to Christianity.

But today, Guillen isn't happy just quietly practicing his faith: he is determined to try and use his beloved science to prove that God exists.

His new documentary, The Invisible if Everywhere: Believing is Seeing, released April 8, is the latest in a growing canon of works in which academics argue that modern science and religion are not incompatible, but essential partners in answering life's great mysteries.

The documentary traces the journey that Guillen made from curious child to devout atheist student and eventually to Christian believer, mixing AI-enhanced archival footage and photos of Guillen and other scientists with AI-generated images and videos to explain his theories.

It uses accessible imaginary and language to talk the viewer through each of the scientific discoveries he made, and how they pushed him closer to God.

Rather than being one 'eureka' moment, he explains how it was a gradual discovery that 'modern science believes most of reality is not visible, not logical and not imaginable.'

Earlier this year, he explored the question of where heaven is. He argues it could exist far beyond the visible universe, past a distant boundary in space unreachable by humans.

He speculated that this inaccessible region would be beyond time as we understand it, past the limits of what we can ever see or travel to.

The exploration, in an essay for Fox News, led him to the concept of the Cosmic Horizon, a theoretical borderland located 273 billion trillion miles away from Earth.

Drawing on Edwin Hubble's discoveries about our expanding universe and Einstein's theories of relativity, he described a distant location moving away at the speed of light, a boundary where time effectively stops.

Heaven could lie on the other side of this Cosmic Horizon, inhabited only by light and light-like entities.

He concludes that our current understanding of cosmology aligns well with the biblical view of an eternal heaven up there, inaccessible to us mortals and inhabited by nonmaterial, timeless beings including the One who created the universe.

His documentary comes after the worldwide publishing success of God: The Science, The Evidence by French engineers, Michel-Yves Bollore and Olivier Bonnassies, who argue that everything modern science has revealed points to some sort of intelligent design of humanity.

Similar books have been flying off the shelves, as people seek answers in an increasingly chaotic world. With new wars, geopolitical turmoil, climate change and the threat of AI wiping out humanity, many are seeking answers outside the earthly realm.

Guillen attributes that to the 'hyper cognitive ability' of humans to 'perceive that there's more to reality than we are able to fully understand' - and hopes that his new documentary will help launch them on their own spiritual quest.

When Michael Guillen was in his mid-twenties and studying a PhD in physics, mathematics and astronomy, he was so devoted to his scientific research that he spent all his waking hours in a basement at Cornell University

Join the discussion How do YOU see the relationship between science and religion?

His new documentary, The Invisible if Everywhere: Believing is Seeing, uses accessible imaginary and language to talk the viewer through each of the scientific discoveries he made

'I'm hoping that people will come away with a greater appreciation for the deeply mysterious universe beyond us and within us,' he said.

'I began life as an atheist, and to my surprise, science opened my eyes to the existence of God - I would have never, never in a million years expect that my beloved science would lead me to that conclusion.'

The question of whether science and religion can co-exist - or if one automatically disproves the other - has long been a contentious one. History is full of renowned scientists who also had faith, ranging from Isaac Newton to Michael Faraday.

But many prominent scientists in more recent history were scathing. The late renowned physicist Stephen Hawking famously called religion a 'fairy tale' for people afraid of death and used his final book to declare 'there is no God, no one directs the universe.'

British biologist Richard Dawkins has devoted much of his career to demolishing the case for the existence of God.

This was exactly where Guillen began his intellectual quest. He grew up attending Spanish-language church with his Pentecostal family, who have Mexican, Cuban and Spanish roots.

However, he decided around age seven that he was an atheist who loved evidence-based science. He went on to get a degree, a master's and a PhD in physics and math at the most prestigious universities, before taking a position as a physics instructor at Harvard University.

In 1988, he was appointed the Science Editor for ABC News, becoming a familiar face in American households as he spent nearly 15 years investigating and explaining all the scientific innovations taking place all over the world.

But the deeper his scientific research went in his student days, the more he realized it was unable to answer some of the most perplexing mysteries there were.

These conundrums included the still unknown origin of the Big Bang, which created our universe 13.8 billion years ago; the mysteries of the human brain; the phenomenon of near-death visions; the absence of alien life, despite the apparent perfect conditions for it to exist.

He also was troubled by the fact that the dark matter and dark energy that make up 95 percent of the universe are invisible to humans. He had to take it on faith that it existed, even though his scientific motto had always been 'seeing is believing.'

'It's like if you're sitting on a sofa and you drop a coin between two cushions, as you reach for the coin, it just keeps slipping further and further away from you,' he explained.

'That's exactly what I discovered as a student: yes, science answers questions, but every time it answers a question, it's like rabbits - it brings up 1,000 more questions.'

He added: 'I reached a point when I was in my late 20s, early 30s, when I had all these epiphanies, all these revelations, that demolished my childhood mottos. I realized that if I'm going to just rely on science alone to answer my deep questions, it ain't going to happen.'

Guillen approached his spiritual quest with the same determination as his scientific studies, poring over Hindu and Jewish texts, reading the books of the German author Hermann Hesse and Chinese philosopher Confucius, even trying out transcendental meditation.

Then came the fateful meeting with his Valentine admirer Laurel, and her challenge to read the Bible together. His scientific research continued in tandem with that spiritual quest, and the more he learned, the more he realized would never be able to truly know everything.

'What science has done is opened our eyes to the mystery of the universe. It's not at all simple, and we don't understand it. And the more science learns about the universe, the more it realizes it doesn't understand most of it,' he said.

Today, one of his central theses is that there are too many cosmic coincidences that led to the creation of life on Earth, therefore it must have been designed by an intelligent being.

He appears to have worked on the principle of elimination to ascertain that is a Christian God, rather than some sort of extra-terrestrial lifeform or deity of another faith.

'Is there [a religion] that stands out in terms of its synchronicity with science? The answer was just like a no brainer. It was Christianity,' he said.

He decided around age seven that he was an atheist who loved evidence-based science. He went on to get a degree, a master's and a PhD in physics and math at the most prestigious universities

'I began life as an atheist, and to my surprise, science opened my eyes to the existence of God -- I would have never, never in a million years expect that my beloved science would lead me to that conclusion,' said Guillen

'I had all these epiphanies, all these revelations, that demolished my childhood mottos. I realized that if I'm going to just rely on science alone to answer my deep questions, it ain't going to happen,' he said

His argument about intelligent design is not a new one, and all the claims Guillen makes in his book are ones that skeptical scientists have tackled before, chief among them that the absence of a scientific explanation for one thing does not prove the existence of another.

But Guillen is very open to debate and said that he is not interested in trying to convert people to his personal faith, but to embrace the more mysterious side to our life on Earth.

'I'm well aware of the deep mystery that we inhabit, and that inhabits us, so there's plenty of room for disagreement,' he said.

Guillen remains intellectually curious: he made his new documentary - which is based on his 2021 book, Believing is Seeing -- on his computer using only artificial intelligence.

And as for the woman who led him out of his dark basement and towards the light all those years ago, they have now been happily married for 34 years.

'If Laurel hadn't come into my life, honestly, I don't know where I would be, but I know I wouldn't be here talking to you,' he said.

'I would probably still be that scientific monk in the basement in a lab somewhere.'
Millionaire residents in a desirable Kent village are calling for the police to step in after travellers arrived, paved over a field and ripped up hedges when a static home got wedged in a lane.

Without warning, a group of travellers descended on the quiet village of Sundridge in Kents stockbroker belt, where properties regularly command prices in excess of 2million.

Under the cover of darkness they brought in diggers and machinery into the field near Sevenoaks.

Over the course of the weekend - while the local council offices remained closed for the Easter bank holiday - building work started.

Up to 30 lorries arrived at the site and dumped rubble on the field before workers flattened it to make hard standing.

On Sunday, traveller families, including one with young children, started to move onto the site.

However their plans to occupy the site stalled when a large three-bedroom static home loaded onto a lorry became wedged in the narrow lane causing an obstruction.

The travellers began ripping up hedges and undergrowth on the side of the road in a bid to make a passage for the lorry.

Plans by travellers to move into a desirable Kent village were stalled when a large three-bedroom static home loaded onto a lorry became wedged in the narrow lane causing an obstruction

Angry villagers called the police and went out onto the road in an attempt to block the vehicles getting access to the field - leading to one arrest on Sunday morning.

A villager, who lives close to the field, said: Theyve torn down trees and lots of hedging which doesnt belong to them to try and get their vehicles onto this site which just illustrates how totally unsuitable it is for them.

One man who tried to stop them was arrested but were all absolutely livid. This is green belt land. You cant do anything without planning approval but this group of people have just put two fingers up and carried on regardless.

Councillor Nigel Williams, of Sevenoaks District Council and Kent County Council, said: Im absolutely furious about this because the law is totally hopeless when it comes to situations like this.

It was a military-style operation. They swept in on Friday morning pulled down trees and ripped up hedge and then lorry after lorry arrived with hardcore and they created hard standing for vehicles and homes.

Then they came with a static home which blocked the road and used cars to prevent villagers getting out. Its been horrendous.

Fears over a further confrontation over the illegal development has led parish council bosses to warn residents against approaching the site.

Laura Trott, MP for Sevenoaks and shadow education secretary, has called for a change in the law to stop traveller community carrying out such actions.

Up to 30 lorries arrived at the site and dumped rubble on the field before workers flattened it to make hard standing

Posting on Facebook she said: Im very sorry to report that, once again over a Bank Holiday weekend, an unauthorised development has been deliberately started.

As soon as I was notified I contacted the district council to report the incident and ask for all possible action to be taken. The police have also been made aware.

This situation underlines again why we must see a change in the law. Flagrant breaches such as this should never be able to apply for retrospective planning consent.

She also condemned the Sevenoaks District Council for failing to take immediate action.

Ms Trott said: I am incredibly disappointed and deeply frustrated to learn from the council that no action will be taken until Tuesday. Illegal developments must be shut down immediately, whether they occur over a bank holiday weekend or not. To help do this the law must catch up.

It is understood the field at the junction of Penn Lane and Church Road was recently sold at auction.

Karl Brooks said: Any one can buy the land, use the Easter holiday, get the digger in, clear the ground, put in the hardcore, bring the caravans in by Monday.

The enforcement team finished Thursday night so do what you want for four days.

Join the discussion Are current laws failing to deal with unauthorised developments?

One local man was arrested on Sunday morning for obstructing a police officer, but was later released

A spokesperson for Sundridge with Ide Hill Parish Council, one of the oldest in Britain, said: Members of the Parish Council are extremely disappointed that no further action will be taken before Tuesday April 7 due to the Easter bank holiday period, and we fully recognise and share the concerns being expressed by residents.

A spokesperson for Kent Police said officers were called to Sundridge shortly after 8am on Sunday after reports that the road was blocked by vehicles and a disturbance had broken out.

She said: Officers attended to assist. Two traffic offence reports were issued and a man in his 40s was arrested for obstructing a police officer. He was later released while enquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing. The road was cleared at around 4.30pm.
Bosses are having to plough through hundreds of pages of documents to understand the impact of Labour's workers' rights revolution on their firms  despite ministers vowing to crack down on 'consultation culture'.

Businesses are currently being asked to respond to seven different government consultations on the Employment Rights Act, covering everything from union rights to staff sharing tips.

They must go through ten reports, totalling 358 pages, and respond to 173 different questions if they want to make their voices heard on the major reforms to the world of work.

Another seven consultations, out of a massive 25 planned overall for Labour's Make Work Pay agenda, are still yet to be launched, including crucial details of the long-promised crackdown on zero-hours contracts.

At the same time, managers must keep track of changes to the law that have already started to be introduced, with much of Tory-era anti-strike legislation repealed last month and trade unions gaining more power when the act came into force this week.

It comes on top of hikes to the National Living Wage and the controversial revaluation of business rates that also came in today.

Labour has already been accused of damaging the economy by hammering businesses with tax rises and red tape, with growth flatlining and unemployment at a five-year high.

And it comes despite ministers claiming recently that they are going to 'rip up consultation culture', blaming 'excessive processes and checks' for delays that have 'real consequences for people across the country'.

Bosses are having to plough through hundreds of pages of documents to understand the impact of Labour's workers' rights revolution on their firms

Last night, Reform UK's pick for Chancellor, Robert Jenrick, said: 'It's the peak of hypocrisy for Labour to claim it's slashing red tape, just as it bogs down business in dozens of consultation and more regulation.

'This Government is addicted to lengthy consultations, pointless reviews and endless paperwork. A leopard can't change its spots.'

And Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith said: 'It's beyond a farce that the Government, which gave us the 330-page, red tape Unemployment Bill with its 25 consultations, now talks of less red tape and fewer consultations.

'It's actions not words that count and when they've finished gaslighting the public, scrapping this bill would be one foot off the neck of business.'

Business groups also say they are struggling to keep on top of the growing number of consultations.

Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: 'What business owner has the time, the inclination, and the mental energy needed to struggle through such an onslaught of papers?

'This isn't even all of the questions the Government is seeking responses to, either. More consultations on such weighty topics as zero hours contracts are still to be published, just adding to the overall indigestibility of the whole endeavour for small business owners.

Reform UK's pick for Chancellor, Robert Jenrick, said: 'This Government is addicted to lengthy consultations, pointless reviews and endless paperwork. A leopard can't change its spots'

'Talk about an avalanche of new rules and regulations, with barely enough time to keep on top of what's coming, let alone go through it all and point out the potential dangers and unreasonable demands which could fall on small businesses.'

She urged: 'The Government needs to give business owners more time to prepare prior to rules coming into force.'

Luiza Paludo Gomes, Employment Policy Advisor at the British Retail Consortium, said: 'With consultations coming thick and fast, businesses are flying blind  responding to one consultation before the outcome of the previous one is known.

'Furthermore, businesses are having to prepare for new rules that have not yet been written, and it is vital the Government provides adequate lead in time for companies to implement any new policies.'

She warned: 'This Act could have far-reaching consequences for employment in the UK. For instance, new rules around guaranteed hours aimed at tackling exploitative zero-hour contracts must not create a ruinous administrative burden on responsible businesses who are doing what they can to support their workforce.'

A Government spokesperson said: 'Our employment rights reforms are being delivered over a two-year period so that businesses and workers have time to prepare.

'It's crucial we speak to businesses and trade unions to get the detail right.'
A California real estate agent was horrified when she discovered what a squatter had done to her newly-purchased home.

Irma Mendez, who has more than 20 years of experience, spent 10 months trying to get the squatter out of the boarded-up Chula Vista home she purchased sight-unseen ahead of a foreclosure situation, Fox 5 San Diego reports.

She explained in a now-viral video on social media that the squatter had climbed into the home through a window and 'made himself at home.'

An accompanying video showed the squalor the man left behind, including piles of trash, ripped-up carpet and graffiti on the walls that read 'I pissed here' and another that called Mendez a derogatory term as he called on her to 'Come get me.'

'Oh my gosh, so I walked in and first of all, he said profanities towards me that were pretty bad, I saw he wrote graffiti on the walls and he did a lot of damage,' Mendez told NBC San Diego of the ordeal.

He also threw mice at the wall, she told Fox 5.

'He just seemed too comfortable knowing that he walked into a property that was boarded-up, ready for sale - and he knew - and it just seemed so casual,' the real estate agent bemoaned.

The squatter even forced Mendez to pay for his water usage as part of the Homeowners Association fees, she said.

Irma Mendez, who has more than 20 years of experience buying and selling homes, was left horrified when she found a squatter living inside a property she bought in Chula Vista

Mendez posted a video showing the piles of trash and damage the squatter left behind and the graffiti he wrote on the walls

'He wants to have gas and electric, he just calls or goes on the app and puts it on his name,' Mendez explained.

'Because this is an HOA, they pay for the water, so in essence, I am paying for his water while I'm paying the HOA fee while he is squatting in the property.'

In an effort to get the squatter to leave the premises, Mendez said she offered him 'cash for keys.'

But the man declined and continued living in the home.

Without any other recourse, Mendez took the case to court - a process she said dragged on for months as the squatter argued that he had rights to the property and demanded he be allowed to stay.

'Very clearly, squatters don't have rights,' said attorney Seth Barron, who founded Landlord Solutions San Diego, which specializes in eviction cases. 'They are not tenants, they are criminal trespassers.'

'The issue is the enforcement mechanism,' he argued.

Finally, after about 10 months, San Diego County Sheriff's Department deputies showed up to the property and removed the squatter.

By then, though, Mendez said the property had suffered significant damage.

'It was in pretty bad shape,' she admitted.

Another message the squatter left included a derogatory term as he prodded Mendez (pictured) to 'come get me'

Mendez said she has since repaired the unit and rented it out.

She has also already purchased another property she said is in the same situation amid a rise in squatting across the county.

According to data from the San Diego Superior Court, more than 9,000 unlawful detainer cases were filed between January and December 2025.

All of those cases were then handled by a single judge.

'That process can take a while, six to 12 months, it just depends on how busy the courts are,' said Gilberto Vera, with the San Diego Legal Aid.

He then said California property owners often have limited options when dealing with squatters.

'If they are a squatter, the police are not investigating; the court system is your only recourse as an owner,' Vera said.
A woman was left dangling from a carnival ride in Mexico and nearly plummeted to the ground before a man swooped in to catch her.

'The Hammer' ride at the Easter fair in Ometepec could be seen swinging uncontrollably in terrifying footage taken on April 2.

The heavy jostling caused one woman to slip out of her seat as a young boy ran down the ramp to the ride with a smile on his face.

When the ride then flipped over, three men watching the horrific situation unfold raced over to catch the woman.

She then landed safely in one of the men's arms just before she hit the ground, and was able to walk away alive, though she was visibly shaken by the experience.

Four other riders were injured in the incident, officials later confirmed, according to Ours Abroad.

Two were rushed to a local medical center, while the other two were evaluated at the scene. None were in critical condition, authorities said.

The Guerrero Internal Risk Management and Civil Protection Secretariat described the incident in a news release as a malfunction.

A woman in Mexico was seen dangling from a carnival ride on April 2

Three men raced to catch her after the ride flipped over

The unidentified woman was clearly shaken by the experience as she walked away

Join the discussion Should children be kept away from operating carnival rides, or is this a failure of adult supervision?

But witnesses on the scene indicated that the accident occurred while the operator was securing the riders, at which point a child allegedly activated the ride.

The child believed responsible fled the scene, with police actively searching for him and his parents, SWNS reports.

Meanwhile, the Guerrero Internal Risk Management and Civil Protection Secretariat said its investigators verified that all of the rides at the carnival had the required permits and mandatory insurance policies.

'Technical personnel are conducting the corresponding inspection to determine the causes of the event and ensure that necessary safety standards are met,' the agency said in a statement, adding that measures will be taken at future events to prevent such an incident.
Donald Trump's former counterintelligence official has been feuding with Jake Tapper after the CNN star slammed him for sharing false information about the Iran War.

Just hours before the US staged a daring military operation to rescue an Air Force colonel, ex-National Counterterrorism Center chief Joe Kent shared a story suggesting the US was trying to kill him.

Kent sensationally resigned several weeks ago, saying in his resignation letter that Iran posed no imminent threat and the war was driven by pressure from Israel.

He posted a story from the left-wing Drop Site News alleging the Pentagon 'lost hope' of rescuing the unidentified airman and instead was going to kill him before Iran could capture him.

Tapper quote-tweeted Kent's post after the rescue writing that he was 'sharing Iranian state-linked outlet nonsense claiming, falsely, that the US was trying to kill the then-lost US pilot. Aged rather poorly, I think it's fair to say.'

Kent - an Iraq War veteran whose wife was killed on active duty - didn't take kindly to Tapper's criticism and slammed him as a war propagandist.

'Tapper's purpose, like the entire corporate media, is to promote this foolish war and attack anyone who points out how this war isn't in our nation's interest,' he wrote.

He encouraged his followers to instead 'read independent media, Iranian media & US media - always question those cheering on wars & always pray for our troops.'

Donald Trump's former counterintelligence official has been feuding with Jake Tapper after the CNN star slammed him for sharing false information about the Iran War

Tapper quote-tweeted Kent's post after the rescue writing that he was 'sharing Iranian state-linked outlet nonsense'

Tapper shot back: 'Anyone who watches the coverage on The Lead/State of the Union knows I don't "promote" the war. We cover it, critically.'

'Moreover, I wasn't attacking Mr. Kent. I pointed out that he had promoted false information suggesting the US was seeking to *kill* the missing US pilot. Wild stuff.'

Kent doubled down after Tapper's criticism, as well as the New York Post writing a story calling him a 'conspiracy theorist,' suggesting a large-scale media effort on behalf of the war.

'The Post is jumping in w/CNN to show that war & supporting Israel 1st is bipartisan. I quoted Drop Site News that gave a roll up of U.S. & Iranian coverage. This attack is designed to divert from the main issue- this foolish war is not in our interest & only benefits Israel,' he wrote.

Trump revealed extraordinary new details about the daring rescue mission to extract a wounded US airman who spent almost 48 hours stranded in Iran .

The President on Monday described an all-hands-on-deck operation that employed 155 aircraft - including 64 fighter jets, 48 refueling tankers, 13 rescue aircraft and three helicopters.

Trump lauded 'a breathtaking show of skill and precision, lethality and force' as US forces swooped into mountainous terrain in southern Iran to rescue the weapons systems officer (WSO) whose F-15E fighter jet went down on Good Friday.

'He scaled cliff faces, bleeding rather profusely, contacted his platoon, treated his own wounds and contacted American forces,' Trump said of the still unidentified officer, who was rescued on Easter Sunday.

Join the discussion How should we hold leaders and media accountable when they spread dangerous or false war claims?

An image of the seat from the aircraft was posted after it ejected

Trump admitted that there were military officers who were opposed to the operation which he said risked hundreds of lives. 'God was watching us,' the President said.

The pilot was rescued the day of the crash after both airmen ejected over enemy territory, but the WSO had remained missing.

The President noted how the weapons officer was able to activate a 'beeper' that showed US forces where to search for him, leading to the airman's rescue and likely saving the soldier's life. 'It was like finding a needle in a haystack,' Trump said.

Trump also lashed out at the media for reporting that the second airman was still missing, accusing outlets of alerting the Iranians to a target. He warned that 'the person who reported the story will go to jail' if they refuse to reveal their source.

It was unclear which reporter Trump was referring to and speculation ran rampant online Monday afternoon.

Trump revealed that US forces blew up their own planes before leaving because they had become bogged down in the makeshift runway at the extraction point.

Iran's military said two US C-130 military transport planes and two Black Hawk helicopters were destroyed during the operation.

'We blew them up to smithereens,' Trump claimed.

Donald Trump lauded the operation to rescue two downed US service members in Iran over the weekend. 'God was watching us,' he said of the miraculous operation

Your browser does not support iframes.

'It was sandy, wet sand, so we thought there may be a problem taking off because of the weight of the plane,' he continued. 'And then we also had all the men jumping back onto the planes, and they got pretty well bogged down.'

The President said US forces used a 'farm not a runway' to land and execute the search and rescue operation.

Trump said the US military had a 'contingency plan' for exactly that scenario, 'which was pretty unbelievable. Where lighter, faster aircraft came in and they took them out.'

He said the old planes were destroyed 'because we had equipment on the planes' they the US didn't want in enemy hands.

'We didn't want anybody examining our anti-aircraft equipment and other equipment. So these were large planes that were old, pretty old, and we blew them up,' Trump divulged.

The downed airman first made contact by radioing in 'God is good,' Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recounted, adding 'we leave no man behind.'

The plane's callsign was 'Dude 44,' said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine, with scores of aircraft scrambled within hours.

Caine praised the swift recovery of the pilot on Friday and the planning that went into rescuing the WSO.

The general said a special operations force fought their way in to extract the downed WSO in the early hours of Sunday, pressing on into daylight.

'We will always bring overwhelming skill and firepower,' the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs added.

When Trump was asked how many servicemembers were involved in the mission, Caine interjected: 'I'd love to keep that a secret.'

'OK, well ... but I will tell you the number. I'll keep it a secret. But it was hundreds and hundreds of these people,' the President responded.
Why Aussies WILL be forced to ration fuel

Many commuters aren't happy with the effect it's had

Victoria's free public transport trial to fight the fuel crisis has sparked complaints the system is struggling to cope - with commuters complaining about overcrowded platforms and trains.

Premier Jacinta Allan's government has made all trains, trams and buses free until the end of April in a bid to ease pressure on fuel supplies and reduce demand at the bowser amid growing concerns about shortages.

Tasmania is the only other state currently offering free public transport, with buses and ferries free until June, with New South Wales firmly ruling out taking such a measure.

Commuter chaos ensued in Victoria on April 1, with train services suspended between Oakleigh and Dandenong stations due to vandalism, forcing massive queues to build up as thousands waited in line for replacement buses.

Jazzy Horton, 28, said she was forced off a train at Dandenong and had to wait in line to catch a bus so she could make it to the airport.

'We waited about 45 minutes for a replacement bus, but were then told we might not get on one until 8am,' she told Star Journal.

'We got up at 5am and allowed five hours to get to the airport. Journey Planner said it would only take two hours.'

Regular Melbourne public transport commuter Ruby Doyle said the system was struggling to cope with the surge in passenger numbers.

Crowds are flocking onto Victoria's public transport, annoying many commuters despite it being free this month

'It feels like the government announced free transport but didn't have a plan to make it run smoothly for the general public  it's made commuting so overwhelming that I've considered avoiding it altogether or finding alternative routes just to stay out of the CBD,' she told Yahoo.

Ms Doyle said the packed conditions had also led to a noticeable decline in passenger behaviour.

'It already felt like an 'every person for themselves' culture, but it's definitely gotten worse,' she said.

She said simple courtesy could make a big difference.

'People need to remember that we are all trying to get somewhere, and everyone's trip would be much more enjoyable if we showed a bit more awareness and manners.'

Portland grandmother Wendy Taylor said she was worried about securing a seat on a V/Line service to Geelong for a medical appointment.

Despite holding a reservation, she feared she could miss out, as long-distance services are operating on a first-come, first-served basis during the free period.

'I'd much rather just pay for it and know I'm guaranteed a seat,' she said.

'I just think it will be a dog's breakfast.'

Despite the backlash, Premier Allan said she had no concerns about the system.

'We have a strong public transport system because we've literally built it,' she said.
A Jetstar maintenance worker who claimed he was 'harshly' sacked over alleged taunts aimed at an apprentice has lost an appeal for reinstatement.

Jarrod Mcrae was sacked on July 29, 2025 over a series of incidents that took place at Melbourne Airport, where he allegedly called a younger colleague a 'pu***' and asked 'were you hit much as a kid?'.

The engineer, also known as Jack, lodged an unfair dismissal application with the Fair Work Commission, claiming that the alleged remarks were taken out of context.

In its evidence to the FWC, Jetstar alleged Mcrae said to the apprentice: 'You are all pu**ies now, it's ridiculous, back when I was an apprentice, we used to cop all sorts of abuse.'

The airline alleged that in a separate incident, Mcrae threatened the apprentice to a fight.

'Oi, take it to the carpark, be a man,' he allegedly told him.

The apprentice told the hearing: 'Jarrod made me feel like coming to work was unsafe for me and that I should not voice my concerns in fear of being negatively perceived by him and others.'

'I fear/feared [sic] that he may take physical action against me for speaking up against him.'

Jarrod (Jack) Mcrae lodged an appeal with the Fair Work Commission over his dismissal

Jetstar sacked the aircraft maintenance engineer over a series of alleged workplace incidents at Melbourne Airport

Mcrae denied making the remarks or claimed they had been taken out of context and not directed solely at the apprentice.

FWC Deputy President Richard Clancy did not rule definitively that the comments were made when delivering his decision last week.

'As for the comments "were you hit much as a kid" and "oi, take it to the carpark, be a man", Mr Mcrae's response was, again, a combination of a denial and an assertion that he made comments that have been taken out of context,' Mr Clancy said.

'If the applicant made the alleged comments, I consider them bizarre, inane and not at all amusing.'

While the alleged taunts did not warrant dismissal by the airline, Mcrae's actions during a third incident did, Mr Clancy ruled.

The apprentice and another colleague were stranded on an elevated work platform five or six metres above the ground after Mcrae pressed an emergency stop button.

In his defence, Mcrae claimed that he had pushed the button for operational reasons and that his failure to reactivate the elevated work platform was an unintentional, genuine error.

Mr Clancy ruled that Mcrae then laughed and walked away, despite knowing his actions could have caused serious harm to his colleagues who were stranded without any independent means of lowering the platform.

The Fair Work Commission upheld Jetstar's dismissal of Jarrod Mcrae (pictured)

'Mr Mcrae acted in breach of the Cardinal Rules by recklessly engaging in 'horseplay, skylarking or practical jokes' in pressing the emergency stop button on the elevated work platform on the day in question,' he wrote.

At the time of his sacking, Mcrae had been in the industry for 23 years, the last two employed by Jetstar.

The FWC upheld Jetstar's decision.

'Having made findings in relation to each matter and given due weight to each, I am satisfied the dismissal was not harsh, unjust or unreasonable,' Mr Clancy ruled.
A Missouri teen made a heartbreaking plea for his life after realizing he had been lured by an illegal migrant into a deadly ambush, prosecutors say.

Miles Young, 15, was gunned down March 12 in Greene County, Missouri, when prosecutors said he was coaxed into believing he was meeting up with a girl before being confronted by his attackers.

Witnesses described his anguished last moments as he pleaded with his attackers: 'I just don't want to die.'

Following a two-week manhunt for his killers, authorities arrested suspect Yefry Archaga, 18, accusing him of planning the deadly scheme.

Archaga was charged with first-degree murder and is being held on an immigration detainer by Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (ICE), per arrest records viewed by the Daily Mail.

A second suspect, Praize King, 18, also faces first-degree murder and armed criminal action charges after allegedly joining the ambush.

Prosecutors say Archaga made Young believe he was meeting up with a girl, while he and a group were tracking his location and setting him up.

According to court documents obtained by KY3, the group led by Archaga drove around Springfield discussing the plan, before stopping to take a second black Mercedes vehicle.

Young had reportedly been warned not to go, but he ignored the advice and only realized he walked into a trap when the vehicles were circling in.

Miles Young, 15, was gunned down March 12 in Greene County in what prosecutors say was a premeditated deadly ambush

Yefry Archaga, 18, is accused of planning the scheme and is charged with first-degree murder. Following his arrest, he was held on an immigration detainer by ICE

The group allegedly used the cars and cornered Young by blocking the road, where they ambushed him.

As the car Young was in came to a stop, he fled on foot, police said.

Archaga allegedly chased him wearing a black ski mask and armed with a 'Glock-style' handgun, according to a witness.

'Defendant ambushed victim, chased victim on foot, and shot victim as victim was stating he wanted to live,' documents obtained by the Springfield Daily Citizen said.

Another witness told investigators they heard the 15-year-olds final plea: 'I just dont wanna die.'

They said his final cry was followed by the sound of gunshots, per the documents. Young was shot in the chest, and later pronounced dead at Cox South Hospital.

After allegedly shooting Young, Archaga 'made a phone call' to someone about the incident, and 'was braggadocios' about killing him, police said in a probably cause affidavit.

Young was described by his heartbroken family as a 'compassionate, loving, and kind 15-year-old who brought light to everyone around him'

Prosecutors said the suspects blamed Young for a 2025 homicide, and the 15-year-old was a witness set to testify at trial, per the document

A second suspect, Praize King, 18, also faces first-degree murder and armed criminal action charges

Two witnesses reportedly told investigators they believed Young was 'set up' because the suspect 'did not like him,' Ozarksfirst reported.

They said the suspect blamed Young for a 2025 homicide, where the 15-year-old was a witness set to testify at trial, per court documents.

Archaga allegedly fled after the shooting and was arrested March 31 after a twoweek search. He is set to appear in court April 13.

At least one other suspect, thought to be a juvenile, has yet to be identified.

Young was described by his heartbroken family as a 'compassionate, loving, and kind 15-year-old who brought light to everyone around him.'

'He was a big brother, a son, a grandson, and a friend. He had a beautiful heart, was full of life, and always showed care for others,' his family wrote on a GoFundMe.

'Just a couple of weeks before his passing, Miles made a heartfelt decision at church, giving his heart to Jesus during an altar call. It felt as though God was beginning to prepare him for his journey home.

'His loss has left his family, friends, and community heartbroken, as no parent should ever have to outlive and bury their child.'
A leading Australian economist has issued a stark warning that disruptions to fertiliser supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a global food crisis, putting billions of lives at risk.

Steve Keen, who predicted the 2008 financial crash, said on Monday that without synthetic fertilisers, the Earth could sustain just one to two billion people, a fraction of today's global population of around eight billion.

He warned that the ongoing shutdown of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could cut off a significant portion of global trade in key fertiliser inputs.

These include ammonia, sulphur and the natural gas required to produce them, all essential to modern agriculture.

The result, he argued, would be stalled fertiliser production, sharply reduced crop yields and a contraction in global food supply, raising the risk of widespread famine.

'Fertiliser is an essential part of growing all the food we eat,' he said on The Diary of a CEO Podcast.

'Twenty to 30 per cent of our fertiliser comes through that region, through the Strait of Hormuz.

'If we lost 20 per cent of the world's fertiliser, we'd lose roughly 20 per cent of the world's food, and it would cause a global famine.'

Australian economist Steve Keen (pictured) warned without synthetic fertilisers the Earth could sustain only a fraction of today's population of around eight billion

Diary of a CEO host Steven Bartlett (pictured) was told by economist Steve Keen if we lose 20 per cent of the world's fertiliser it'd cause a global famine

A cargo ship in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran

Keen said that, unlike past famines which were typically confined to regions such as India or parts of Africa, a disruption on this scale would hit globally, with multiple countries facing shortages at the same time.

He warned that unless the war ends immediately, a global famine could begin in as little as two months with India likely to run out of fertiliser and experience famine first.

'We've never had this experience before,' he said.

'Food production on the planet could fall 10-25 per cent and there simply won't be enough food for everyone on the planet.

'Then it's a question of who's going to starve.'

Keen said it would be a mistake for wealthy nations to assume they are insulated from the crisis.

Using Australia as an example, he said the country holds only about 30 days' worth of oil supplies, meaning once fuel runs out, food can no longer be transported from farms to cities.

NSW farmers harvest wheat amod warnings that without fuel and fertiliser, farmers will be forced to cut production, leading to sharply lower crop yields

'Australia is incredibly vulnerable. We're all far more vulnerable than we realise, and this war is threatening everybody on the planet,' he said.

'People can talk about a war in Iraq and think, oh, that's a war in Iran, and that's going to cut off our oil supply. No, it's going to cut off your food supply.'

Australia sources about twothirds of its fertiliser and urea from Middle Eastern suppliers, primarily Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Indonesia, a major player in the global fertiliser market, has committed to continuing supplies to Australia.

Indonesia relies heavily on wheat and meat from Australia, which is also a key sugar supplier to the country.

However the country has only about 1.5 million to 2 million tonnes of fertiliser and urea available for export, while Australia consumed 8.7 million tonnes of fertiliser in 2024.

Rahmad Pribadi, the head of Indonesia's stateowned fertiliser producer Pupuk Indonesia, said he discussed the issue last week with Australia's ambassador to Jakarta, Rod Brazier, and confirmed exports would continue.

'Food security is a shared responsibility because of our intertwined and interconnected value chain,' Mr Pribadi told The Australian.

'It is in Indonesia's interests for Australia to remain a strong agricultural producer and exporter because Indonesia is also dependent on Australia for certain commodities. We are very connected.'

Farmers have warned Australias food production could be slashed as they battle soaring fuel and fertiliser costs.

National Farmers Federation president Hamish McIntyre said last month: We believe we have enough urea on ships and in Australia to secure this winter crop.

What we dont have is enough to apply in-crop and get set up for summer crops, he said.

If we cant secure our in-crop requirements after May, Australias winter crop could be halved.

The World Food Program estimates the Iran conflict could potentially push 45 million additional people into acute hunger by mid-2026 with as many as 343 million people already facing acute levels of food insecurity.

Corinne Fleischer, WFP director of supply chain, said in many parts of the world, vulnerable families who today are currently managing to put some food on the table may soon find they are only able to afford little or no food.

'We are very concerned about the longterm impact this war has on people being able to put food on the table,' she said.

'If costofliving increases continue, as we are seeing in several countries, they will no longer be able to put food on the table.'



Keen said Australians could insulate themselves against some of the downstream consequences by becoming more self sufficient.

'Even if it costs you more to build solar, you've got to build solar as your own alternative energy system. Because without energy, there's no civilisation,' he said.

'The thing that I'm most worried about is the impact upon food. I'm the last person to talk about growing your own food. I've never done it. I've got brown thumbs, not green ones. But I think if you can have any way to produce your own food, you've got a bit of insulation against what's happening at the global level.

'If you have some degree of self-sufficiency, you can survive.

'Money doesn't matter if you can't buy the product in the first instance, the product doesn't exist anymore.'
An Australian Army reservist could face 20 years in jail after allegedly fighting in Ukraine last year without authorisation.

Vincent Tran, 25, was arrested at a home in Felixstow, in Adelaide's north-east on Thursday, where Australian Federal Police officers seized several electronic devices, including a mobile phone and laptop.

He has been charged with one count of foreign work restricted individual working for a Foreign Military Organisation or Government Body, which has a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment.

This is the first time the AFP has charged someone with this offence.

Police allege Tran travelled to Ukraine in May 2025 to serve as a drone operator for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the war with Russia without authorisation.

He is believed to have returned to Australia in January.

Defence legislation regulates the work certain individuals can perform for a foreign military, government or company without authorisation.

AFP officers began investigating the man after receiving a referral from Defence alleging Tran had worked for a foreign military without authorisation.

Vincent Tran was arrested after allegedly fighting in Ukraine last year without authorisation

He allegedly served as a drone operator for Ukraine's armed forces last year before returning (pictured - debris of a residential district after Russian drone-and-missile attack in Ukraine)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been under increasing pressure from Putin to withdraw Ukraine from the remaining territory it controls in Donetsk in exchange for ending the 'hot phase' of the war

Police allege forensic examination of the seized devices allegedly identified images linking the man to participation in a foreign conflict, with further forensic analysis to come.

Tran is due to front Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

AFP Counter Terrorism Commander Paula Hudson said the AFP worked closely with its local, Commonwealth and international partners to protect Australias interests.

The AFP have now urged anyone with information about individuals with sensitive Defence knowledge intending to work for a foreign military or government body, or who have done so without authorisation, to contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.
Ukrainian forces used British drones to destroy a crucial Russian-held bridge in the occupied Kherson region in a first-of-its-kind operation.

The mission, which took place in March last year, is believed to be the first ever case of a drone led combat operation taking out a bridge.

The crossing, over the Konka River, was repeatedly attacked by Malloy T-150 heavy-lift drones during a two-month campaign.

The mission was initially deemed impossible but devastating blasts eventually exploded two sections of the bridge which crashed into the river, in a giant cloud of thick smoke.

It largely degraded Vladimir Putin's army's ability to strike the besieged city of Kherson on the River Dnipro's right bank.

'Bridges are relatively easy to destroy from underneath,' Col Oleksii Bulakhov told the Telegraph.

'But they are engineered in a way that makes them extremely robust from the outside.'

The T-150 drones are manufactured by Malloy Aeronautics, a subsidiary of British defence company BAE Systems.

The crossing, over the Konka River, was repeatedly attack by Malloy T-150 heavy-lift drones during a two-month campaign

The mission, which took place in March last year, is believed to be the first ever case of a drone led combat operation taking out of a bridge

They were not originally designed as a weapon, instead created for use as a flying motorcycle to herd cattle in the Australian outback.

But they proved vital in preventing Russian forces from further pummelling the Ukrainian city.

The bridge had been earlier struck in the war but was still usable for military supplies until the drone attacks.

The Konka is a tributary of the nearby Dnipro River, which served as a de facto border between Ukrainian and Russian controlled areas of Kherson region.

The strike was close to the occupied town of Oleshky and reportedly came as a 'complete shock' to the occupying Russians.

The drones are not the first British made weapons used in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The UK is developing powerful long-range ballistic missiles that can destroy Russian targets more than 300 miles away.

Nightfall rockets - which are packed with 200kg warheads, can be fired in quick succession and reach as far as Moscow - could prove a valuable asset in Volodymyr Zelensky's ongoing fight against Putin's forces.

British firms have been sought by the Ministry of Defence to design, develop and deliver the first three test missiles in a contract worth 9million.

The T-150 drones are manufactured by Malloy Aeronautics, a subsidiary of British defence company BAE Systems

Last month Russia rolled out a terrifying intercontinental missile for nuclear drills.

Eerie images released by the defence ministry appear to show the missile being driven through a snow-covered forest in the dead of night, its launcher looming out of the darkness during the exercise.

Crews practiced a range of activities during the drills in Siberia, involving camouflaged movements of Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

They also rehearsed responding to simulated enemy attacks and repelling air strikes, but the Defence Ministry did not report any launches.
Iran's new Supreme Leader is 'unconscious' and currently incapable of running the country, according to a new intelligence memo.

An assessment understood to be based on American and Israeli intelligence says Mojtaba Khamenei is being treated for a 'severe' medical condition in the religious city of Qom.

Khamenei, 56, has not been seen in public since he took over as Supreme Leader from his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated on the first day of the war.

The regime previously reported he had sustained a 'minor' injury to his leg in the strike that killed his father - as well as his mother, wife, and one of his sons - but it has never explained his absence.

But the fresh diplomatic memo, shared with Gulf allies and seen by The Times, suggests he is in a much more precarious condition than previously thought.

It reads: 'Mojtaba Khamenei is being treated in Qom in a severe condition, unable to be involved in any decision making by the regime.'

It's not clear if he has been unconscious since being injured on the first day of the war, or if he picked up another injury later on.

This is the first time his whereabouts within Iran have been made public since he ascended to Supreme Leader, though it's understood that American and Israeli intelligence have had the information for some time.

Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen since taking over from his assassinated father as Supreme Leader

The new leader was at his father's compound when it was blitzed at the start of the war (pictured)

Ali Khamenei was killed by American-Israeli strikes, and his body is now being prepared for burial

Qom is considered the religious capital of the country, and the intelligence claims Ali Khamenei's body is also there, being prepared for burial.

The memo adds that work is ongoing in the city to 'build a large mausoleum' with room for 'more than one grave', suggesting family members could be buried alongside the late Supreme Leader.

A state funeral for Ali Khamenei was previously postponed, with the regime citing 'anticipation of unprecedented turnout' as the reason.

Two statements have been attributed to the junior Khamenei since he took power, but both were read out on state television by presenters.

The state channel released on Monday a video purporting to show the leader walking into a war room and analysing a map of an Israeli nuclear power plant, but this has been confirmed as AI-generated.

Opposition groups have previously claimed that Khamenei is in a coma, and thus far there has been no evidence to disprove this.

President Trump has claimed to be negotiating with Iranian representatives, but has been clear he does not mean the supreme leader.

It was revealed last month that Mojtaba Khamenei escaped death in the strikes on his father's compound in Tehran after stepping outside when they hit.

Mazaher Hosseini, head of protocol for the regime, told senior clerics and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders that Mojtaba Khamenei suffered an injury to his leg

Leaked audio said: 'God's will was that Mojtaba had to go out to the yard to do something and then return.

'He was outside and was heading upstairs when they struck the building with a missile. His wife, Ms Haddad, was martyred instantly.'
A hospital in Massachusetts has been plunged into chaos following a cyberattack, diverting ambulances and disrupting services - in a scene straight out of The Pitt.

Signature Healthcare and Brockton Hospital announced on Monday they were responding to a cybersecurity incident affecting certain systems.

The cyberattack brought down the 216-bed facility's electronic medical records system, forcing nurses and doctors to switch to pen and paper documentation, Brooke Hynes, who works in strategic communication for Signature Healthcare, told The Enterprise.

It also left the hospital without internet services, she said.

The hospital has since implemented its 'downtime procedures,' leaving ambulances diverted to nearby hospitals even though the emergency and in-patient services remained open, according to WCVB.

Surgeries and procedures are also proceeding as scheduled, but chemotherapy infusion services scheduled for Tuesday have been canceled and the hospital's retail pharmacies remain closed.

Ambulatory practices and urgent care, meanwhile, will reopen on Tuesday, but hospital officials warn there may be some delays.

'We are working with external partners to investigate and restore operations as quickly as possible,' the hospital system said in a statement.

Signature Healthcare and Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital announced on Monday that it was responding to a cybersecurity incident affecting certain systems

The second season of HBO's 'The Pitt' deals with the aftermath of a ransomware attack on two nearby hospitals

The incident comes just months after a ransomware attack forced the University of Mississippi Medical Center to close dozens of its clinics across the state and cancel many patient procedures for over a week.

Another attack on medical device provider Stryker knocked out its networks across the world in March, leading to disruptions of its electronic ordering system and a patient-data system used by first responders.

The HBO show 'The Pitt' has touched on the threat of cyberattacks at hospitals in its second season.

The fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center was forced to deal with the fallout of a ransomware attack that shut down operations at two nearby hospitals.

As a result, an influx of patients is diverted to the hospital's already overcrowded emergency room, and soon the hospital's IT department shuts down its systems - including all internet-connected charting programs and medical devices - to protect its networks.

'Every day, hospitals are being targeted,' Cynthia Kaiser, a former top FBI cyber official and head of cyber firm Halcyon's Ransomware Research Center, told Politico.

'A lot of hospitals operate on thin margins and they think they have to choose between patient care and cybersecurity,' she noted.

'People need to care about this. Security officials need to care about this,' Kaiser argued. 'There needs to be more outrage across society about what these hackers are doing.'

Hospitals are an attractive target for hackers because of all of the sensitive medical data housed on their servers, the outdated systems used to provide patient care and financial constraints that limit a hospital's investment in robust security protocols.

The Trump administration has vowed to impose 'consequences' on hacking groups that target critical infrastructure, like hospitals

The FBI has advised against paying a ransom to hackers, arguing that it would only encourage future hacking sprees, however, the choice for hospitals can be a matter of life and death for patients under their care.

'Hacking groups either want to get paid, want to collect data or they want to create chaos,' said Paul Connelly, former chief security officer at hospital system HCA Healthcare.

By attacking a hospital, he noted, hackers can 'achieve at least one of those goals, or all three at once.'

Amid the threat, lawmakers in Washington DC have pushed legislation to stem the barrage of attacks on healthcare systems and provide federal support to struggling hospitals and medical centers.

The Trump administration also vowed to impose 'consequences' on hacking groups that target critical infrastructure, like hospitals, in its National Cyber Strategy, though its vague details do not address any plans to improve cyber security for the health care system.
Shots were fired at an Indiana politicians home and the gunman left behind a creepy note after the lawmaker voted for building artificial intelligence datacenters.

Democratic Indianapolis city councilor Rob Gibson said 13 rounds were fired at his home early Monday morning - as bullet holes could be seen in his front door.

An eerie note reading 'no datacenters' was left under his front doormat, which lay amid shattered glass.

Harrowing photos showed his wooden door riddled with bullet holes with jagged chunks of what had once been his glass screen door.

The councilman backed the project with a six-to-two vote last week, approving the Los Angeles-based company Metrobloks to build a datacenter in Indianapolis.

Gibson fully defended his approval of the project, stating that early estimates show at least $20 million could flow into the neighborhood as a result.

'Metrobloks has the potential to bring significant investment, create jobs, and generate long-term tax revenue that supports infrastructure, housing, and essential services,' Gibson said in a statement.

But angry locals have been slamming the plan for months, arguing that the datacenter would bring harmful environmental effects and disrupt their neighborhood, 13WTHR reported.

Democratic Indianapolis city councilor Rob Gibson said 13 rounds were fired at his home early Monday morning

An eerie note reading 'no datacenters' was left under his front doormat, which lay amidst shattered glass

Gibson, a native of Indianapolis, is currently serving his third term on the Indianapolis City-County Council

In an emailed statement to the NY Times, Gibson asserted that the gunfire at his home 'crosses a line.'

'I understand that public service can bring strong opinions and disagreement, but violence is never the answer, especially when it puts families at risk,' he stated.

Gibson wrote the shots rang out at 12.45am on Monday, jolting him awake. He and his eight-year-old son were home at the time.

He rushed to his sons room to ensure he was safe, saying the bullets struck 'just steps' from the dining room table where his son had been playing with Legos the day before.

'That reality is deeply unsettling,' Gibson wrote. 'This was not just an attack on my home, but endangered my child and disrupted the safety of our entire neighborhood.'

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said cops responded to the shots fired call just after 9am Monday morning.

No one was injured, but police found shocking evidence of the gunfire.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said cops responded to the shots fired call just after 9am Monday morning

No one was injured, but police found shocking evidence of the gunfire

Authorities believe it was an 'isolated targeted incident'

'We believe this was an isolated, targeted incident,' the statement said. Authorities added that this is an ongoing investigation and are receiving assistance from the FBI.

Maggie Lewis, the president of the Indianapolis City County Council, shared that she was deeply disturbed and heartbroken' by the shooting, in a statement.

'We are deeply thankful that no lives were lost or physically harmed.

'Yet, this act of intimidation strikes at the heart of our values. No elected official  or any resident of Indianapolis  should ever fear for their safety because of their public service or policy positions.'
Tasers and ammunition have vanished from the Metropolitan's Police possession in another blunder - after armed officers left a duffel bag full of guns outside Sir Sadiq Khan's home.

Britain's biggest police force's MO19 firearms command are understood to have reported three Tasers missing.

Two of those - classified as firearms with a maximum charge of 50,000 volts - are yet to be found, while the other has been recovered.

Two Taser cartridges have been permanently lost, according to The Sun, along with 25 rounds of ammunition - 9mm and 5.56m bullets - during the five years before April 2025.

South Yorkshire and West Midlands forces did not report a single loss of firearms, Tasers or ammunition over the same period.

The Met's mishap comes less than a week after five officers were suspended over reports that guns were left outside the Mayor of London's home in Clapham, south London.

The weapons were found late on Tuesday evening by a pregnant passer-by who became suspicious after spotting the bag abandoned on a kerb.

She kicked the luggage to see what it might be - but after finding it was unusually heavy, she went home to ask her partner Jordan Griffiths for help.

The Metropolitan Police has lost Tasers and ammunition in yet another blunder

He returned with her to where the bag was and took it home to investigate further, initially thinking its weight might mean it was full of coins.

The scaffolder looked inside, where he found an MP5 semi-automatic Heckler & Koch carbine, a Glock pistol, Taser and bullets.

'It was lucky one of the guns inside didn't go off or else she and our baby due next month could have been shot and killed,' Mr Griffiths said afterwards. 'I couldn't believe my eyes.'

He added: 'I hate to think what might have happened if any of the people in Clapham had found that bag. It could have been mayhem.'

Mr Griffiths laid the guns out on his bed and took a picture of them with his phone before calling the police, who turned up in minutes to collect them.

The officers were 'shocked' to see the weaponry, he explained, and looked through the bag carefully before hurriedly taking it away.

The cops told him the luggage had been left by one of Sir Sadiq's security officers.

And when Mr Griffiths asked if there might be a reward for finding the guns, they said they would give him 'a bag of sweets'.

Loose in the holdall was the American-made semi-automatic Heckler & Koch MP5SF A3 rifle, which fires up to 800 rounds a minute.

The Taser stun gun, which can hit targets with 50,000 volts, was in a nylon holster.

An Austrian Glock 17 pistol, fitted with at least ten rounds, was stored in a leather holster.

The Metropolitan Police's directorate of professional standards is investigating the incident.

News of the Met's mishap comes less than a week after five officers were suspended over reports that guns were left outside Mayor Sadiq Khan's home in Clapham, south London (Khan is pictured near his home)

Loose in the holdall was the American-made semi-automatic Heckler & Koch MP5SF A3 rifle (pictured, file photo), which fires up to 800 rounds a minute

The five armed protection officers have been temporarily suspended from frontline duties until a conclusion is reached.

Sources have questioned how the bag of weapons came to be removed from Sir Sadiq's home and abandoned in the street.

One former Met firearms officer admitted police officers are only human and can make mistakes.

They confessed, for instance, to knowing of an incident whereby a Special Forces operator has left their pistol in the toilets of a motorway service station.

But the insider said an error such as that made by the Mayor's protection team should have repercussions.

Retired detective chief inspector Mick Neville said gun crime was common in south London - and 'too many villains would have been very pleased' to find the holdall.

He said though the Met was lucky the people who found it handed it in - as it could otherwise have resulted in a crime facilitated by a police-issued weapon.

Mr Neville emphasised, however, that even with highly professional police firearms officers, who work hard to protect the public, rare mistakes do happen.

Sir Sadiq was given 24-hour armed protection by a team of some 15 officers after receiving repeated threats to his safety.

The married father-of-two revealed the formidable security arrangements at a Labour Party conference fringe meeting in 2021.

He said he needs the protection because of the 'colour of his skin and the god he worships' and the threat to him was 'tough' on his family.
An Albanese government minister has dismissed mounting speculation that fuel rations will soon be enforced, amid rising tensions between Australia and US over the war in the Middle East.

Multiple experts have warned that Australia could be forced to ration fuel within weeks, despite government assurances that supply has been extended.

The speculation comes as US President Donald Trump launched a fresh attack on Australia for not joining the war against Iran.

'You know who else didn't help us? Australia didn't help us,' he said during a White House press briefing early Wednesday AEST.

'Japan didn't help us, Australia didn't help us, South Korea didn't help us!'

Sunrise Nat Barr grilled federal Attorney General Michelle Rowland about Trump's remarks and potential fuel rations when she appeared on the program on Tuesday morning.

'We are not considering that (rations). We are focused on security of supply,' Rowland said.

'Work has been done across industry and with our international partners to ensure that supply continues.

Sunrise Nat Barr grilled federal Attorney General Michelle Rowland about Donald Trump's latest remarks and potential fuel rations on Tuesday morning

The minister insisted that fuel rations remain off the table, despite predictions from experts

'We did have security of supply until April that has now been extended to May.

'Every ship that was supposed to arrive has arrived, and we know that by shoring up arrangements with some of our closest trading partners in this area, including Japan and Singapore, they are the best ways that we can continue to ensure that we have that security of supply.'

Rowland issued a defiant message to Trump when she was asked whether the relationship between Australia and the US was on the rocks.

'The US is one of our longest and most important allies, but I will say this - Australia is not taking offensive action in this war,' she said.

'We will not be deploying troops. The actions that we have taken are defensive ones.

'I reiterate how important it is to continue to have a relationship with the US, but I think all of your viewers would agree that this war cannot end soon enough.'

'We will continue as a country to call for a de-escalation of this conflict. Your viewers are being impacted adversely by events on the other side of the world that they did not cause, and Australia did not cause.'

Barr also questioned whether the government can resolve the ongoing fuel crisis without support from the US.

Michelle Rowland renewed calls for the war in Iran to end hours after Donald Trump launched a fresh attack on Australia for not joining the conflict

The Attorney General was questioned whether the Albanese government can resolve the ongoing fuel crisis without support from the US

Rowland said that the government was doing everything it can but acknowledged that Aussies are increasingly worried about the escalating impact of the war on them in during a cost-of-living crisis.

'You've got viewers tuning in today who are on school holidays, who are rightfully anxious about what is going on and the impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and what is that what that's doing to our supply chains, to our agriculture stocks and so forth,' she said.

'But again, I think I should just reiterate that we cannot see an end to this conflict soon enough.'

The minister was unable to comment on whether Trump and Albanese had been in direct contact in recent weeks.

The last known communication between the pair was on March 10, when Trump publicly pleaded with Albanese to personally intervene to grant asylum to five players from Iranian women's team after the group escaped their Gold Coast hotel in a secret operation in a desperate bid to return home.

It sparked a late-night phone call, where Trump was personally assured by the Prime Minister that he 'was on it'.

Fears of potential fuel rations did not stop Aussies from hitting the road over the Easter long weekend. Pictured is traffic heading out of Melbourne on Thursday afternoon

'I'll leave the Prime Minister to answer that for himself accurately,' Rowland said.

'I understand that communications with the White House are a matter of course, not only between our diplomats, but also between our senior officials.

'But what I will say is that there is constant contact between our officials, between our people in Washington and also at a ministerial level as well.'
Australia will continue to be supplied with fertiliser and urea by Indonesia, despite a critical shortage threatening crops due to the Middle East crisis.

Rahmad Pribadi, head of Indonesia's state-owned fertiliser manufacturer Pupuk Indonesia, told Australia's ambassador in Jakarta, Rod Brazier, that supplies of essential materials would continue.

'Food security is a shared responsibility because of our intertwined and interconnected value chain,' Mr Pribadi told The Australian.

'It is in Indonesia's interests for Australia to remain a strong agricultural producer and exporter because Indonesia is also dependent on Australia for certain commodities. We are very connected.

'I said Australia is one of our key markets and also a friendly state. In times like these, we need friends.

'We definitely know in the next two months Australia will be in need of fertiliser for wheat planting. I am very sure certain quantities of fertiliser will go to Australia.'

Australia buys between 300,000 and 700,000 tonnes of urea from Indonesia annually.

China stopped fertiliser shipments in March, telling exporters to halt outgoing loads of urea and urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN) in order to protect its domestic market and food supply.

Australia will continue to be supplied with fertiliser and urea by Indonesia as a critical shortage due to the Middle East crisis threatened crops

China is one of the largest exporters of urea and UAN, sending out more than $13billion worth of the minerals last year.

The nutrients are used by Australian farmers to boost plant growth and crop yields, and the absence of such fertilisers could significantly affect food supplies.

'We know the needs of Australian farmers. Indonesia needs to function as a stabiliser to friendly countries, and not let speculators take control,' Mr Pribadi added.

'We would like to make clear, not just to Australia but to the world that we will be a reliable supplier and not let fertiliser be used as a political tool.'

In response to China's export halt, Perth-based conglomerate Wesfarmers sent representatives from CSBP, one of its chemical manufacturing companies, to China.

'We haven't let them (Chinese suppliers) off the hook,' CSBP general manager Ryan Lamp told The Australian.

'We expect them to explain to us what mitigating factors they're taking to meet their obligations, and to provide clarity on the mitigating actions.

Mr Lamp added that they are working with industry bodies and the federal government to restore access to China and improve the supply chain.

In response to China's halting of fertiliser shipments, Perth-based conglomerate Wesfarmers sent representatives from CSBP, one of its chemical manufacturing companies, to China

The conglomerate and others in the farming sector have also reportedly considered importing ammonium nitrate from Russia - but this would require the federal government to relax trade restrictions.

It comes after the ongoing conflict in the Middle East saw Iran effectively close the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow gateway for global shipments including oil and fertiliser.

More than 60 per cent of the urea blends imported into Australia travel through the passageway, according to Fertilizer Australia.

'We are aware there are shipments stranded and cancellations of future shipments in the Persian Gulf,' CEO Stephen Annells said on March 25.

'Fertilizer Australia member companies are actively seeking to access increased quantities of urea from other manufacturing and supply regions, as well as sourcing alternative nitrogen products for farmers. We cannot guarantee these efforts will fully meet the needs of farmers in the medium term.'

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the government is 'engaging directly with trading partners' on fertiliser access.
Australia's most decorated soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has been arrested and is due to be charged with five alleged war crimes.

The Victoria Cross recipient was taken into custody at Sydney Domestic Airport after arriving on a flight from Brisbane on Tuesday morning, reportedly in front of his teenage twin daughters.

Footage captured the retired Corporal being escorted by Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers on the tarmac who were waiting at the arrivals gate as the plane touched down.

Roberts-Smith is expected to be charged on Tuesday with five counts of war crime - murder following a joint investigation between the Office of Special Investigator (OSI) and the AFP.

The charges relate to:

The war crime of murder, in that he intentionally caused the death of a person, on or about 12 April, 2009, at Kakarak, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan;

The war crime of murder, in that he aided, abetted, counselled or procured another person to intentionally cause the death of a person, on or about 12 April, 2009, at Kakarak, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan;

The war crime of murder, in that he aided, abetted, counselled or procured another person to intentionally cause the death of a person, on or about 11 September, 2012, at Darwan, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan;

The war crime of murder, with another person, in that they intentionally caused the death of a person, on or about 20 October, 2012, in Syahchow, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan; and,

The war crime of murder, in that he aided, abetted, counselled or procured another person to intentionally cause the death of a person, on or about 20 October, 2012, at Syahchow, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

The maximum penalty for the offence of war crime - murder is life imprisonment.

Ben Roberts-Smith has been arrested over multiple alleged war crimes

Footage captured Roberts-Smith being escorted by AFP officers on the tarmac at Sydney Airport

The officers were waiting at the arrivals gate as the plane touched down

He is expected to appear before a NSW court later today.

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed a 47-year-old had been charged with five counts of war crime - murder during a press conference outside the AFP Sydney Headquarters on Tuesday afternoon.

However the Commissioner refused to refer to Roberts-Smith by name under the AFP's usual practice.

'It will be alleged the man was a member of the ADF when he was involved in the deaths of Afghan nationals between 2009 and 2012, in circumstances that constitute war crimes under the Commonwealth criminal code,' Commissioner Barrett said.

'It will be alleged the victims were detained, unarmed, and were under the control of the ADF members when they were killed.

'It will be alleged the victims were shot by the accused or shot by subordinate members of the ADF in the presence of and acting on the orders of the accused.'

Commissioner Barrett added that police will allege the victims 'were not taking part in hostilities at the time of their alleged murder'.

The joint investigation between the AFP and the OSI, which began in 2021, has, in total, commenced 53 investigations involving allegations of war crimes by Australian Defence Force members in Afghanistan.

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett would not go into detail on if he was due to board an international flight

Roberts-Smith is expected to front a NSW court later today

39 of these matters are no longer under active investigation, subject to any new evidence emerging. A further 10 investigations are ongoing.

The OSI and AFP are investigating allegations of criminal offences under Australian law related to breaches of the Laws of Armed Conflict by Australian Defence Force personnel in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016.

One other investigation has resulted in a former Australian Special Forces soldier being charged with one count of war crime  murder. This matter has been listed for trial in February 2027 in the NSW Supreme Court.

When asked why the investigations into alleged war crimes by ADF members in Afghanistan have taken 'too long', OSI Director Investigations Ross Barnett explained the investigations are 'incredibly complex'.

'Unlike a conventional investigation that's conducted in Australia, the OSI has been tasked with investigating literally dozens of murders alleged to have been committed in the middle of a warzone, in a country 9,000km from Australia that we can no longer access,' Mr Barnett said at the press conference.

'So, the challenge for investigators is - because we can't go to that country - we don't have access to the crime scene, so we don't have photographs, site plans, measurements, the recovery of projectiles, blood-spatter analysis, all of those things we'd normally get at a crime scene.

'We don't have access to the deceased - there's no post-mortem, therefore there's no official cause of death, there's no recovery of projectiles to link to weapons that might have been carried by members of the ADF.'

Roberts-Smith sued Nine newspapers and journalists Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters for defamation over their reports in 2018, which claimed he had committed war crimes.

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett and OSI Director Investigations Ross Barnett didn't rule out police bringing further charges against ADF members

Roberts-Smith (pictured with Sarah Matulin, left in 2021) has maintained his innocence

But in 2023, Justice Anthony Besanko found the claims that Roberts-Smith was responsible for the murder of four unarmed male civilians when deployed in Afghanistan were substantially true.

The Age's McKenzie and Masters were first to report details of Roberts-Smith's arrest on Tuesday morning.

Roberts-Smith had appealed his 2023 Federal Court loss, disputing Justice Besanko's findings, arguing that was not backed up by sufficient evidence for such serious claims. Last year, Australia's highest court refused the former soldier's application to appeal the Federal Court findings.

It came on the same day the recipient of Australia's highest two military honours - the Victoria Cross and Medal for Gallantry - was ordered to pay a lump sum of Nine's legal costs for the unsuccessful Federal Court appeal.

The costs of the 110-day trial and the 10-day appeal are estimated to exceed $30million.

Roberts-Smith's High Court bid had claimed the Full Court of the Federal Court made an error in assuming he had accepted some allegations which were not re-contested during the appeal.

The articles, published in 2018, included claims Roberts-Smith kicked a handcuffed man off a cliff and ordered his execution, and machine-gunned another prisoner, taking his prosthetic leg home as a souvenir drinking vessel.

Roberts-Smith has maintained his innocence.

More to come.
The difficulty in discussing Donald Trump and Iran is that too many people struggle to separate the man from the issue.

The US President makes that harder than it needs to be, because he cant resist turning even a serious strategic debate into a circus.

Trump regularly lapses into expletive-laden threats, theatrical social media posts and language so overblown that the argument itself gets buried under the performative ritual.

The result is predictable: Large sections of the media and the broader anti-Trump ecosystem fixate on his delivery, his coarseness and his ego.

It even happens here among Australian commentators. In doing so, they often avoid confronting the far more important point on Iran.

The analytical question isnt whether Trump is vulgar or erratic. Its whether Iran represents a real and continuing strategic danger.

Iran isnt a benign state actor being unfairly targeted by an American blowhard. Its a revolutionary regime with a long record of sponsoring proxies, destabilising its neighbours and embedding itself in conflicts across the region.

During this conflict, it has bombed nations that have had nothing to do with the US and Israeli attacks.

Commentator after commentator focuses on Donald Trump (pictured on Tuesday) rather than the challenge at hand

Iran is a revolutionary regime with a long record of sponsoring proxies, destabilising its neighbours and embedding itself in conflicts across the region. Pictured is a damaged university in Tehran following a recent strike on Iran

America still formally designates Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism, and senior US officials continue to describe it as the worlds leading state sponsor of terrorism.

Even in recent weeks, Iranian-aligned or directed activity has extended well beyond any narrow battlefield, with attacks on Gulf infrastructure and diplomatic targets in Iraq.

The regimes reach has never been confined to one front or one grievance. It projects power through intimidation, militias and asymmetric violence because that is how the Islamic Republic has chosen to operate for decades.

Most concerning of all Iran has millenarian tendencies, meaning that if it ever acquires a nuclear weapon there is every chance it uses it to bring about a Holy Armageddon.

At the very least, the regimes ideological character is such that no responsible government can simply assume classic Cold War deterrence logic would operate cleanly or safely when it comes to Iran.

Concern about its nuclear ambitions isnt a Trump invention. The International Atomic Energy Agency has reported that Iran accumulated more than 400kgs of uranium enriched to up to 60 per cent purity before the strikes, which by the agencys own yardstick is enough material, if further enriched, for about ten nuclear weapons.

Thats not speculative commentary or partisan spin. Its the assessment of the worlds nuclear watchdog and has been reiterated in multiple subsequent reports and briefings.

A regime doesnt need to have assembled a completed bomb for the world to treat its conduct as gravely dangerous. The whole point is to prevent the completion.

A regime that arms proxies, threatens Israel, suppresses its own people and stockpiles weapons-grade uranium isnt suddenly made less dangerous because its most vocal adversary is also theatrically objectionable.

The difficulty in discussing Donald Trump and Iran is that too many people struggle to separate the man from the issue, according to Daily Mail political editor Peter Van Onselen (pictured)

Enrichment at the level Iran has done has no convincing civilian explanation. Throw in that inspectors have been denied the transparency they require to properly inspect, and key stockpiles remain difficult to verify.

IAEA findings note both that there is no civil justification accepted by Western powers for enrichment at the levels Iran has been, and renewed inspections are considered indispensable and urgent.

No wonder Israel has such grave concerns. No Israeli government of any political stripe could reasonably be expected to treat such a trajectory with indifference.

Iranian leaders and state organs have long framed the Jewish state not merely as a rival state actor, but as something to be eradicated altogether, and senior officials have issued threats that go well beyond ordinary geopolitical hostility.

The Anti-Defamation League has documented years of Iranian leadership rhetoric calling for Israels elimination, pairing that language with Holocaust denial and propaganda.

Its not unreasonable, therefore, for any US president to conclude that passivity carries its own risks.

We can argue about timing, proportionality and execution, but its much harder to argue (in good faith) that theres no real problem to confront here.

Thats the core point too often lost in the anti-Trump reflex: the existence of a genuine policy problem doesnt disappear because the person speaking about it is objectionable.

Even in recent weeks, Iranian-aligned or directed activity has extended well beyond any narrow battlefield. Pictured is smoke rising from the site of an Israeli strike in Beirut, Lebanon

And lets not forget, Iran also murders its own citizens on an all-too-frequent basis. Dissent within the regime isnt tolerated.

A United Nations fact-finding mission has said Iran continues to escalate surveillance, arbitrary detention and violent repression, especially against women, girls and peaceful protesters.

This is where Trumps critics often lose the forest for the trees. They dislike him so much, and in many cases so viscerally, that they interpret any policy he pursues as wrong by definition.

For them, the first question isnt whether Iran poses a genuine strategic threat that needs addressing, or whether its a murderous state actor. If Trump acts he cant be in the right.

That reflex is analytically lazy. It replaces judgment with tribalism. It also leads to the absurd position where hatred of one man becomes a filter through which an objectively dangerous regime oppressing millions of its citizens is implicitly sanitised.

The irony is that Trump makes it easier for opponents to evade the harder arguments about Iran.

When he posts threats in bombastic language and folds foreign policy into culture war theatrics, he unwittingly shifts attention from the regime in Tehran back onto himself.

He turns himself into the story, which is politically self-indulgent but also strategically useful to those who would rather debate his tone than Irans conduct.

The broader absurdity here is that some of the people who present Trump as uniquely unhinged end up minimising bad behaviour by Iran and its allies thats plainly more extreme than anything they claim to fear in Trump.

To speak as though the truly outrageous feature of this conflict is Trumps tone rather than Tehrans conduct is to invert reality.

A regime that arms proxies, threatens Israel, suppresses its own people and stockpiles weapons-grade uranium isnt suddenly made less dangerous because its most vocal adversary is also theatrically objectionable.

Yet commentator after commentator focuses on Trump rather than the challenge at hand.
The Obama Presidential Center continues to court controversy after many noticed the billion dollar Chicago museum will require ID at a time when Obama's fellow Democrats are fighting voter ID laws.

Barack Obama's 19.3-acre campus in Chicago's Jackson Park has frequently been the subject of controversy for debacles such as going over budget and asking for dozens of unpaid volunteers.

The library will not only charge $30 for adult tickets ($23 for children ages 3-11) but will offer select days where Illinois residents can get in free, provided they show valid identification.

They're also only allowing citizens or lawful residents to enter its grand opening ticket giveaway.

Conservative critics jumped at what they saw as hypocrisy, given the Democrats' opposition to the SAVE America Act which would require ID to vote.

Former White House Press Secretary and Fox News host Kayleigh McEnany asked Congressman Brendan Gill: 'Why do we have stricter standards for the Obama library than for voting?'

Gill replied: 'Well, because Democrats would like to allow non-citizens to vote in American elections.'

Ben Ferguson, who co-hosts Senator Ted Cruz's podcast, wrote: 'The OBAMA Library is stricter on who can win tickets to the opening of the Obama Presidential Center than Democrats are on voting???'

The Obama Presidential Center continues to court controversy after many noticed the billion dollar Chicago museum will require ID at a time when Obama's fellow Democrats are fighting voter ID laws

Barack Obama's 19.3-acre campus in Chicago's Jackson Park has frequently been the subject of scandal, with everything from going over budget to asking for dozens of unpaid volunteers

Sarah Joyce Michel added: 'The hypocrisy of the Democrats is disgusting.'

Another commentator added: 'Illinois residents have to show an ID and prove who they are to get into a library for free but they don't have to prove who they are to vote in their elections.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Obama Presidential Center for comment.

Situated in the South Side of Chicago in Jackson Park, the towering grey monolith-like property will serve as the headquarters of the Obama Foundation and will house a museum, library and education center dedicated to his eight years as president.

It was initially estimated to cost $300 million, before the budget was revised to $500 million in 2017, and then again to $700 million in 2021.

In an annual financial disclosure form released last week, the foundation reported spending an extra $90 million to prepare exhibits and $40 million in operating costs for the first year alone.

Executives at the center raked in a total of $6.1 million and are among the best paid of all cultural centers in the nation, with CEO Valerie Jarrett paid $740,000 last year.

OPC Executive Vice President Robbin Cohen earned $610,195 and Tina Chen, the organizations chief legal and people officer, earned about $425,000.

The library will not only charge $30 for adult tickets ($23 for children ages 3-11) but will offer select days where Illinois residents can get in free, provided they show valid identification. They're also only allowing citizens or lawful residents to enter its grand opening ticket giveaway

Although the cost of all artworks is not clear, the museum recently installed an 83-foot painted glass window by artist Julie Mehretu to its exterior to beautify the grey building's exterior.

Despite the soaring costs of the site, fundraising to Obama's foundation has stayed high and surpassed $1 billion thanks to a $195 million cash injection last year, the foundation said in its recent financial report.

Obama's center is finally set to open in the spring of 2026 following years of delays and legal challenges, including Chicagoans who have slammed the 'ugly' construction for pushing up rents and displacing locals.

Associates of the former president announced that they will begin community tours of the center later this month to boost its image among residents, saying the tours will help them to 'begin to imagine how they will use and enjoy' the center.

The financial report detailed how the construction of the building has ramped up, including $27.5 million on programming for scholarships and youth engagement programs.

Critics have slammed the construction as an eyesore in Chicago's skyline, with residents saying it has been doing more harm than good for the community in recent years.

Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor, who represents much of the area where the center is being built, told the Daily Mail last month that she is a fan of Obama and believes in the project but has fought aspects of it to protect her constituents. Her efforts have had mixed results.

'We're going to see rents go higher and we're going to see families displaced,' she told the Daily Mail.

Conservative critics jumped at what they saw as hypocrisy, given the Democrats' opposition to the Save America Act which would require ID to vote

Situated in the South Side of Chicago in Jackson Park, the towering grey monolith-like property will serve as the headquarters of the Obama Foundation and will house a museum, library and education center dedicated to his eight years as president

'Every time large development comes to communities, they displace the very people they say they want to improve it for,' the Democrat added.

Locals have said the building resembles a 'concrete tomb', 'a totalitarian command center dropped straight out of 1984', 'a monument to megalomania' and 'a giant trash can'.

Workers on the center blame policies and lengthy DEI sessions for the delayed construction.

'It was all very woke from the time they broke ground in 2021,' a construction foreman on the site told the Daily Mail.

'Every so often a bunch of staffers from the Obama Foundation wearing little badges would come by the site and they'd ask us silly questions like, are you white, straight, gay, trans, whatever. It was ridiculous.'

Allison Davis of Aquinnah Investment Trust, who has close ties with Obama, plans to build a 26-story, 250-room luxury hotel just down the street from the center.

And Taylor said '$300,000 and $400,000 homes that nobody can afford' are already popping up around the area on Chicago's poverty-stricken South Side.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has led a furious online backlash over the arrest of Australia's most decorated soldier over alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.

Ben Roberts-Smith, 47, was taken into custody by Australian Federal Police officers at Sydney Domestic Airport after arriving on a flight from Brisbane on Tuesday morning, reportedly in front of his teenage twin daughters.

The Victoria Cross recipient will face court later on Tuesday after he was charged with five counts of war crime-murder, following a joint investigation between the Office of the Special Investigator (OSI) and the AFP.

The maximum penalty for the offence of war crimemurder is life imprisonment.

Hanson vowed to stand by Roberts-Smith in the wake of his arrest as she slammed authorities over the huge cost to reach this stage.

'I remain steadfast in my support,' the senator posted online.

'Ben, his immediate and broader defence family need the Australian people's support right now and I will not abandon him like so many other politicians.

'AFP and OSI have spent $300million over 10 years to get to this point.'

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson (pictured) vowed to stand by Ben Roberts-Smith in the wake of his arrest

Ben Roberts-Smith has been arrested over multiple alleged war crimes

Controversial political activist Drew Pavlou was also quick to leap to Roberts-Smith's defence.

He pointed out that Roberts-Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross for singlehandedly storming two Taliban machine gun positions by himself in order to save his SAS team.

'And this is how we repay him,' Pavlou wrote.

'Tell me: When does the Taliban plan on holding war crimes tribunals into their own people?'

But not everyone agreed with the backlash.

Greens senator David Shoebridge shared a screenshot of an article about the arrests and simply wrote: 'Good.'

He later issued a press release praising the arrest.

'This is a moment of accountability and highlights the appalling cost of war on all sides,' Shoebridge said.

Roberts-Smith (pictured) is expected to front a NSW court later on Tuesday

Greens senator David Shoebridge posted a screenshot of an article about the arrests, and wrote: 'Good'

'No one should be above the law. These charges relate to killings that happened in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012, for victims and survivors that is far too long to wait for justice.

'Deployments of troops in overseas conflicts always come at enormous cost to people on the ground who face the horror and brutality of war.

'It is essential we remember the human cost of war right now as the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and the Iranian people escalate.

'Gold braid on your shoulder is not meant to be legal protection from complicity in war crimes.

'If justice is to be fully delivered there must be further and closer attention paid to the role of senior officers who directed and oversaw Australia's deployment in Afghanistan.'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese repeatedly refused to weigh in on the case during a press conference on Tuesday.

'I have no intention of commenting on a matter that's clearly before the courts,' he told reporters.

'That is a matter that is very important that there not be political engagement in what is a matter that is now the subject of legal proceedings, so I don't intend to comment.'

Footage captured Roberts-Smith being escorted away by AFP officers on the tarmac at Sydney Airport

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed a 47-year-old had been charged with five counts of war crime - murder during a press conference outside the AFP Sydney Headquarters on Tuesday afternoon.

She refused to refer to Roberts-Smith by name under the AFP's usual practice.

'It will be alleged the man was a member of the ADF when he was involved in the deaths of Afghan nationals between 2009 and 2012, in circumstances that constitute war crimes under the Commonwealth criminal code,' Commissioner Barrett said.

'It will be alleged the victims were detained, unarmed, and were under the control of the ADF members when they were killed.

'It will be alleged the victims were shot by the accused or shot by subordinate members of the ADF in the presence of and acting on the orders of the accused.'

She said the alleged victims were not taking part in hostilities at the time of their alleged murder in the war zone.

The Office of the Special Investigator, comprised of 54 investigators, launched an investigation into the soldier in 2021, with about a dozen other war crimes investigations into ADF personnel in Afghanistan ongoing.

'The OSI has been tasked with investigating literally dozens of murders alleged to have been committed in the middle of a war zone in a country 9000 kilometres from Australia,' OSI director Ross Barnett said.

The Victoria Cross recipient will face court later on Tuesday

'Because we can't go to that country.... we don't have access to the crime scenes... we don't have access to the deceased, there's no post-mortem... so it's a very challenging starting point for all these investigations.'

In 2018, Roberts-Smith sued Nine newspapers and journalists Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters for defamation after they reported he had committed war crimes in Afghanistan.

In 2023, the Federal Court's Justice Anthony Besanko found the claims that Roberts-Smith was responsible for the murder of four unarmed male civilians were substantially true, on the balance of probabilities.

McKenzie and Masters were first to report details of Roberts-Smith's arrest on Tuesday morning.

Roberts-Smith appealed against Justice Besanko's decision to the Full Court of the Federal Court but lost. He was refused leave to further appeal to the High Court.
An American woman who went missing in the Bahamas after falling overboard during a boat ride with her husband has been identified.

Lynette Hooker, 55, of Onsted, Michigan, plunged into the Abaco Islands water while taking a boat ride with her husband from Hope Town to Elbow Cay on Saturday.

Her husband, 58-year-old Brian Hooker, told the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBF) that they left around 7.30pm on an 8ft dinghy.

The couple were headed to their yacht, Soulmate, when Brian said she slipped and fell due to poor weather, Hope Town Volunteer Fire & Rescue Assistant Chief Stafford Patterson told ABC News.

'Strong currents subsequently carried her away, and [Brian] lost sight of her,' the RBF stated.

Patterson added that it was unclear whether Lynette was wearing a life jacket.

Police said the 55-year-old was holding the boat key when she fell, which caused the dinghys engine to shut off.

Lynette Hooker, 55, of Onsted, Michigan, fell into the Abaco Islands' water while taking a boat ride with her husband from Hope Town to Elbow Cay, on Saturday

Her husband, 58-year-old Brian Hooker, told the Royal Bahamas Police Force that they left around 7.30pm on an 8ft dinghy

Brian then paddled the boat through the night, reaching a marina around 4am Sunday, according to Patterson.

He told an individual at the marina what happened to his wife, who then contacted authorities, according to the RBPF.

Bahamian and US authorities continue a joint search-and-rescue operation, with the US Coast Guard deploying an aircraft to aid the effort, Patterson said.

Lynette's daughter, Karli Aylesworth, released a statement on Monday about the incident.

'I have been privy to very little information. My sole concern is to find out what happened to my mother and make sure a full and complete investigation is performed into her disappearance,' she said.

'While the Royal Bahamian police are investigating this matter, I would also appreciate any involvement of the federal, state or local authorities to look into the circumstances of this tragic situation,' Aylesworth added.

The couple were headed to their yacht when Brian said she slipped and fell in poor weather

Bahamian and US authorities continue a joint search-and-rescue operation, with the US Coast Guard deploying an aircraft to aid the effort

The Soulmate, the boat belonging to Lynette and Brian Hooker

The State Department is working with Bahamian authorities to provide assistance on the case

A US State Department spokesman previously said it was 'aware of reports regarding a missing American near Elbow Cay.'

They added that they were 'working with Bahamian authorities to provide assistance.'

The investigation remains ongoing as the search for Lynette continues.

The Bahamas currently has a level two travel advisory, warning visitors to exercise increased caution due to increased crime and swimming-related risks.

In summary, the advisory cited violent crimes, such as armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults, as well as the lack of regulation around boating, which has led to injury and death.
War hero and alleged war criminal Ben Roberts-Smith's arrest doesn't immediately resolve the arguments about him.

But it does actually put this matter where it always belonged: before a criminal court, not a civil one.

For years this saga has sat in an uncomfortable twilight zone. Roberts-Smith lost his defamation case back in 2023 when Justice Anthony Besanko found, on the balance of probabilities, that key murder allegations arising from his service in Afghanistan were substantially true.

He then lost his appeal in the Full Federal Court in May last year, before the High Court refused special leave in September.

Now Roberts-Smith has been arrested and is expected to face five war crime murder charges tied to alleged killings in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.

While the civil findings were devastating to his reputation, they were not criminal convictions.

The legal threshold that sank him in the civil court was not proof 'beyond reasonable doubt'. It was the much lower civil standard of 'on the balance of probabilities'.

That is to say, a slightly higher probability than a coin toss.

Ben Roberts-Smith has been arrested over multiple alleged war crimes

Think about that for a moment before you jump to judgment in this case, or extrapolate any other civil finding for that matter.

Yet in the court of public opinion, and often in media coverage too, Roberts-Smith has effectively been treated as though the criminal question has already been settled. It hasn't, but it will be now.

If Roberts-Smith is telling the truth when he says he's innocent, he should welcome today's development, grim as it plainly will be.

A criminal prosecution is not something anyone sensibly celebrates. The ordeal ahead will be immense. For the nation too, given that Roberts-Smith is a Victoria Cross recipient.

But if he didn't do what has long been alleged, then this is the process that gives him the only outcome that can truly change the narrative around him.

If the prosecution can't prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, and Roberts-Smith is found not guilty, then he remains an innocent man, the presumption having been properly tested. That's how the system works.

But if he's convicted, then the civil case was a precursor to justice, not an extrapolated finding that prematurely cast a shadow over an innocent man.

A not guilty verdict after a full criminal trial would supersede the current balance-of-probabilities narrative that has hung around Roberts-Smith's neck ever since his defamation loss.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett (left), and OSI Director Investigations Ross Barnett spoke to media following his arrest

It wouldn't mean that the allegations were never made, of course, or that the civil proceedings never happened.

But it would mean that the state, once required to prove the allegations to the criminal standard, failed to do so.

This is not a minor procedural matter, especially in a world where allegations are too readily treated as fact.

Conversely, the reverse is true  and just as critical. If Roberts-Smith did commit these horrendous crimes, and if that's proven beyond reasonable doubt in a criminal court, then the ambiguity ends there too.

Roberts-Smith becomes a verifiable war criminal, end of debate, assuming the appeals system doesn't overturn such a finding.

At that point the criminal law would have caught up with what the civil findings had already indicated on a lower threshold. But that hasn't happened yet, and might not.

If it does, the public language around Roberts-Smith would harden - because it should. Those who have lent too heavily into his guilt, based on the civil finding, would have their assumptions justified post fact.

A criminal conviction would legitimise, fully and properly, the bluntest possible description of what Roberts-Smith is.

Pictured, then-Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull with Ben Roberts-Smith VC during the Australian of The Year Awards 2016

Today's arrest is step one in moving this matter from inference, probability and reputational collapse into the only forum that can conclusively answer the question Roberts-Smith has spent years contesting, one way or the other.

He has always said he's innocent. That claim will now be properly tested.

This is the high-profile stage the country needed, though it may descend into theatricality before judgement day.

For Roberts-Smith, it offers the possibility of an exoneration that the civil process never could.

For the public, it offers something the long years of reporting, litigation and arguments have never been able to properly test.

And when allegations as grave as these are made, the accused deserves the presumption of innocence, and a beyond reasonable doubt test. Because that's precisely what all of us would want if we were ever required to stand trial.
Prosecutors hoping to convict SAS hero Ben Roberts-Smith may have a mountain to climb to prove their case in court as authorities admit they have limited evidence.

The Victoria Cross recipient was taken into custody at Sydney Domestic Airport after arriving on a flight from Brisbane on Tuesday morning, in front of his teenage twin daughters.

He is expected to be charged with five counts of war crime - murder in relation to alleged incidents in Afghanistan between April 2009 and October 2012, after a joint investigation between the Office of the Special Investigator (OSI) and the AFP.

Roberts-Smith, Australia's most decorated soldier, has maintained his innocence, and was held behind bars overnight on Tuesday ahead of a bail hearing on Wednesday.

But OSI Director of Investigations Ross Barnett admitted at a press conference that his investigation had been 'complex' because they 'don't have access to the crime scene'.

'Unlike a conventional investigation that's conducted in Australia, the OSI has been tasked with investigating literally dozens of murders, alleged to have been committed in the middle of a war zone, in a country 9000km from Australia that we can no longer access,' he said.

'We don't have photographs, site plans, measurements, the recovery of projectiles - blood spatter analysis. All of the things that we would normally get at a crime scene.'

He added that authorities do not have access to the deceased; there was no post-mortem, no official cause of death, nor any link to weapons that might have been carried by members of the ADF.

Dr Brianna Chesser, an associate professor in criminology and justice, told the Daily Mail it would be a challenging case to prove in court.

Australia's most decorated soldier Ben Roberts-Smith was arrested on Tuesday morning

He has been charged with five counts of war crime - murder

'There are practical, evidentiary and legal issues with bringing a prosecution for historical war crimes in Australia,' she said.

'Practically locating and compelling witnesses to give evidence is going to be difficult and there will likely be no access to crime scenes or to the remains of the victims.

'Former SAS operatives were compelled to give evidence as part of the Brereton inquiry (using coercive legal powers) and there was evidence given in a closed court in the civil proceedings.

'(But) these resources are not automatically made available in criminal matters so any investigation will likely need to be conducted from the beginning.'

Roberts-Smith sued Nine newspapers and journalists Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters for defamation over their reports in 2018, which accused him of war crimes.

In 2023, Justice Anthony Besanko found the claims that Roberts-Smith was responsible for the murder of four unarmed male civilians while deployed in Afghanistan were substantially true.

He had appealed his 2023 Federal Court loss, disputing Justice Besanko's findings, arguing they were not backed up by sufficient evidence for such serious claims.

Last year, Australia's highest court refused the former soldier's application to appeal the Federal Court findings.

Officials have admitted their investigation into Roberts-Smith has been 'complex'

The alleged incidents took place in Afghanistan, where Roberts-Smith served

But Dr Chesser said a criminal proceeding was a very different matter to allegations being found 'substantially' true under the civil standard of proof (on the balance of probabilities).

'Any criminal prosecution would require proving guilt "beyond reasonable doubt", which is a much higher threshold,' she said.

'Building a solid prosecution case depends wholly on the evidence that can be obtained regarding the actions of the accused person (circumstantial evidence) and falling short of any admissions being made, a video coming to light, or an eyewitness willing to risk prosecution themselves to testify against the accused, it is going to be a difficult case to prove.'

The OSI and AFP are investigating allegations of criminal offences under Australian law related to breaches of the Laws of Armed Conflict by Australian Defence Force personnel in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016.

The Australian Centre for International Justice welcomed the arrest of Roberts-Smith as an 'important step towards truth and accountability'.

Its principal lawyer and executive director Rawan Arraf has been a long-time advocate for David McBride, who helped expose allegations of war crimes committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan.

He is currently serving a jail sentence until at least August 2026, after pleading guilty to leaking classified documents exposing the alleged incidents.

Human rights groups have said the arrest is significant for the case of David McBride, a whistleblower who was jailed after pleading guilty to leaking secret documents about alleged war crimes carried out by special forces in Afghanistan

The charges against Ben Roberts-Smith The war crime of murder, in that he intentionally caused the death of a person, on or about 12 April, 2009, at Kakarak, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan; The war crime of murder, in that he aided, abetted, counselled or procured another person to intentionally cause the death of a person, on or about 12 April, 2009, at Kakarak, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan; The war crime of murder, in that he aided, abetted, counselled or procured another person to intentionally cause the death of a person, on or about 11 September, 2012, at Darwan, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan; The war crime of murder, with another person, in that they intentionally caused the death of a person, on or about 20 October, 2012, in Syahchow, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan; and, The war crime of murder, in that he aided, abetted, counselled or procured another person to intentionally cause the death of a person, on or about 20 October, 2012, at Syahchow, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan. The maximum penalty for the offence of war crime - murder is life imprisonment.

Ms Arraf said the case against Roberts-Smith is a 'significant and long-awaited step for victims and affected communities in seeking meaningful accountability for these serious allegations'.

'The proper investigation and prosecution of alleged war crimes by members of the Australian special forces in Afghanistan is essential to ensuring justice for Afghan victims and to Australia meeting its obligations under international law,' she added.

'It's also significant for the Australian public, Australia's Afghan community, investigative journalists, and the courageous whistleblowers in the ADF and the special forces, as well as David McBride, all of whom have contributed to the process that has led to the investigations and prosecutions to date.'

Rex Patrick, the founder of Whistleblower Justice Fund, echoed this sentiment.

'The arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith is a stark reminder that accountability so often depends on whistleblowers,' he said.

'It also lays bare a profound injustice: Australia jailed David McBride... (who) is now nearing two years in prison for exposing war crimes.

'At the heart of this story is a terrible truth that the whistleblower was the first person prosecuted and subsequently jailed, while there have been no consequences for the (alleged) perpetrators.'

However, a source close to Roberts-Smith told the Daily Mail that authorities had sought to inflict 'maximum distress' during his arrest.

'Mr Roberts-Smith has never shied away from his accusers, nor sought to avoid scrutiny or place himself beyond the reach of Australian authorities,' they said.

'To the contrary, the Office of the Special Investigator and the Australian Federal Police were repeatedly informed by his legal team that he would present himself at a time and place of their choosing should any charges be brought.

'Instead, he was arrested upon arrival in Sydney during a short visit with his children.

'In doing so, authorities chose to inflict maximum distress in front of his two young daughters.

'Mr Roberts-Smith is entitled to the presumption of innocence - a cornerstone of our justice system, and one he fought to defend in service of his country, that has to date been conspicuously absent in his case. That must now change.'
Ben Roberts-Smith had offered to present himself to police if they were going to charge him with war crimes but was instead arrested in front of his teenage daughters in public.

A source close to Australia's most decorated soldier said authorities had set out to 'inflict maximum distress' when Roberts-Smith was taken into custody on Tuesday morning at Sydney Airport.

He was charged with five counts of 'war crime - murder' following a five-year joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Office of the Special Investigator (OSI).

Armed AFP officers swooped when the Victoria Cross recipient arrived on a Qantas flight from Brisbane and took him to Mascot police station where he was refused bail.

Footage captured Roberts-Smith wearing a polo shirt, jeans and cap, being led down a stairway off the aircraft and escorted across the tarmac to a white four-wheel drive.

A Nine News television camera crew had been waiting at the airport to film the 47-year-old's arrest when the plane touched down.

Nine newspapers first published claims Roberts-Smith had committed war crimes while serving with the SAS in Afghanistan in a series of stories run in 2018.

A source close to the father-of-two said there was no need to arrest Roberts-Smith so publicly, after media had been tipped off, and in the presence of his daughters.

Ben Roberts-Smiths had offered to present himself to police if they were going to charge him with war crimes but was instead arrested in front of his teenager daughters. He is pictured being taken into custody

A source close to Australia's most decorated soldier said authorities had set out to 'inflict maximum distress' when Roberts-Smith was taken into custody on Tuesday morning at Sydney Airport. He is pictured with Queen Elizabeth II

'Mr Roberts-Smith has lived in Queensland since leaving the Special Forces in 2012,' they told Daily Mail.

'He has never shied away from his accusers, nor sought to avoid scrutiny or place himself beyond the reach of Australian authorities.'

The source said Roberts-Smith's legal team had repeatedly told the AFP and OSI he would present himself 'at a time and place of their choosing should any charges be brought'.

'Instead, he was arrested upon arrival in Sydney during a short visit with his children,' the source said.

'In doing so, authorities chose to inflict maximum distress in front of his two young daughters.

'It is particularly concerning that media, including Nine News, appeared to have been notified in advance.'

Roberts-Smith, who along with his VC earnt a Medal for Gallantry in Afghanistan, has always denied committing any war crimes while serving with the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

'Mr Roberts-Smith is entitled to the presumption of innocence - a cornerstone of our justice system, and one he fought to defend in service of his country, that has to date been conspicuously absent in his case,' the source said. 'That must now change.'

Armed AFP officers swooped when the Victoria Cross recipient arrived on a Qantas flight from Brisbane and took him to Mascot police station

Footage captured Roberts-Smith wearing a polo shirt, jeans and cap, being led down a stairway off the aircraft and escorted across the tarmac to a white four-wheel drive

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett did not use Roberts-Smith's name during a press conference about his arrest early on Tuesday afternoon.

'It will be alleged the man was a member of the ADF when he was involved in the deaths of Afghan nationals between 2009 and 2012, in circumstances that constitute war crimes under the Commonwealth Criminal Code,' Commissioner Barrett said.

'It will be alleged the victims were detained, unarmed, and were under the control of the ADF members when they were killed.

'It will be alleged the victims were shot by the accused or shot by subordinate members of the ADF in the presence of and acting on the orders of the accused.'

Commissioner Barrett said the Afghans 'were not taking part in hostilities at the time of their alleged murder'.

The AFP and OSI commenced 53 investigations involving allegations of war crimes by the ADF in Afghanistan, 39 of which are not being actively pursued, subject to further evidence emerging.

Ten investigations into allegations of criminal offences under Australian law related to breaches of the Laws of Armed Conflict by ADF personnel are ongoing.

One investigation resulted in another former SAS soldier being charged with murder. That case has been listed for trial in February next year in the NSW Supreme Court.

Roberts-Smith (above) was charged with five counts of 'war crime - murder' following a joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police and the Office of the Special Investigator

When asked why the investigations into alleged war crimes had taken so long, OSI director of investigations Ross Barnett said the matters were 'incredibly complex'.

Mr Barnett said the OSI had been investigating 'literally dozens of murders alleged to have been committed in the middle of a warzone, in a country 9,000km from Australia that we can no longer access'.

'So, the challenge for investigators is - because we can't go to that country - we don't have access to the crime scene... ' he said.

'So we don't have photographs, site plans, measurements, the recovery of projectiles, blood-spatter analysis, all of those things we'd normally get at a crime scene.

'We don't have access to the deceased - there's no post-mortem, therefore there's no official cause of death, there's no recovery of projectiles to link to weapons that might have been carried by members of the ADF.'

Roberts-Smith sued Nine newspapers and journalists Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters for defamation after they reported he had committed war crimes in Afghanistan.

In 2023, the Federal Court's Justice Anthony Besanko found the claims that Roberts-Smith was responsible for the murder of four unarmed male civilians were substantially true, on the balance of probabilities.

McKenzie and Masters were first to report details of Roberts-Smith's arrest on Tuesday morning.

Roberts-Smith sued Nine newspapers and journalists Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters for defamation after they reported he had committed war crimes in Afghanistan

Roberts-Smith appealed against Justice Besanko's decision to the Full Court of the Federal Court but lost. He was refused leave to further appeal to the High Court.

Roberts-Smith was charged on Tuesday afternoon with the following offences, which each carry a maximum penalty of life in jail:

 The war crime of murder, in that he intentionally caused the death of a person, on or about 12 April, 2009, at Kakarak, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan;

 The war crime of murder, in that he aided, abetted, counselled or procured another person to intentionally cause the death of a person, on or about 12 April, 2009, at Kakarak, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan;

 The war crime of murder, in that he aided, abetted, counselled or procured another person to intentionally cause the death of a person, on or about 11 September, 2012, at Darwan, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan;

 The war crime of murder, with another person, in that they intentionally caused the death of a person, on or about 20 October, 2012, in Syahchow, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan; and

 The war crime of murder, in that he aided, abetted, counselled or procured another person to intentionally cause the death of a person, on or about 20 October, 2012, at Syahchow, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

Roberts-Smith was refused bail to face court for the first time on Wednesday.
Former Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather, who was once hailed as one of Australia's ten most powerful people before he was shoved from his electoral seat, has reappeared almost a year later.

Once viewed as Anthony Albanese's arch-nemesis, he was narrowly defeated by Labor's Renee Coffey in Griffith during the federal election in May 2026.

Speculation in October suggested he might be helping the Greens scramble to find 'the next Max' after he was unseated.

He also denied a rumour that he'd been guiding young Greens-aligned organisers at the University of Queensland Union, the same campus battleground where his political career began, back when he was still a Labor true believer.

But now, it can be revealed he has taken up the mantle of executive director at The Green Institute, his former party's think tank.

'If we want real change then we need to replace Labor and the Liberals, and keep One Nation away from power,' he said in a statement.

'The reality is if the Greens don't step up to the challenge, then the void left by Labor and the Liberals will be filled by One Nation, so the task this year is urgent.'

His comments came as part of the think tank's 're-launch' in which it promised to turn the party into a 'mass movement' that would replace 'establishment politics'.

Max Chandler-Mather has a new job heading up a think tank for his former party

The institute will aim to mobilise volunteers, set a series of policies, and train prospective members of the Greens' 'movement'.

'If I learned one thing from my time in Parliament, it's that Labor and the Liberals really do just work for the same big corporations in the endless pursuit for profit, whether it's the banks, supermarkets, property developers, or big mining and gas corporations,' Chandler-Mather said.

'With the Liberals fading away, we need to accept that Labor is now the main party of big business and vested interests, and no amount of pressure or negotiation will get them to change.

'Labor will only tinker around the edges when it is necessary to relieve enough public pressure to avoid making the real big changes this country desperately needs.'

In 2022, the Queensland Greens' 'Greenslide' delivered three federal seats.

But, the party has since struggled across all levels of government, losing three seats at the 2025 election, including Melbourne, once held by former leader Adam Bandt.

The think tank acknowledged the drop in momentum in its 'revamp' announcement, aiming to fill 'critical capacity gaps identified during the 2025 federal election'.

How these efforts will play out on the ground remains to be seen.

During his parliamentary career, Chandler-Mather regularly clashed with Anthony Albanese

While in parliament, Chandler-Mather earned the nickname as 'Albo's arch-nemesis' due to his clashes with the PM over housing policy.

In 2023, tensions came to a head during a debate over the $10billion Housing Australia Future Fund.

As Albanese was leaving the House of Representatives chamber, he reportedly turned back and directed an angry remark to Chandler-Mather, saying: 'You're a joke, mate.'

A year later, Chandler-Mather also questioned why the Prime Minister was able to rake in an extra $115,000 a year in rental income while he lives rent-free at The Lodge and Kirribilli House during a housing crisis.

These confrontations led many young Australians to see Chandler-Mather as a strong voice representing young Australians' concerns about the housing crisis.

The pair also traded words shortly after Chandler-Mather was ousted in May, with the Greens firebrand telling Triple J Hack that the PM had often directed 'personal abuse' at him in the House.

'The Prime Minister spent a lot of time in my electorate attacking me, the property industry, the mining industry, all coming after us,' Chandler-Mather said.

'We would get up (in the House) and say 'all we want is for the government to do something for the one-third of the country that rents' and I had the Prime Minister come up to me in the Chamber and call me a 'joke' and personally abuse me.'

But Albanese has said the former MP needed to look at his own behaviour.

'He should have a good look at the way that he asks questions in the Parliament,' the Prime Minister told ABC's 7.30 afterwards.

'Maybe what he needs is a mirror and a reflection on why he's no longer in parliament.

'This is a guy who stood before signs at a CFMEU rally in Brisbane describing me as a Nazi.

'I think it's a bit rich for him of all people...who has been rejected by his own electorate after just one term.'
A media ban on Bruce Lehrmann's rape trial has been lifted, as a judge abandons a hearing date.

Lehrmann - who used to work for former defence minister Linda Reynolds - was set to appear in Brisbane District Court for a hearing on April 9 over allegations that he assaulted a woman in Toowoomba in 2021.

Judge Deborah Richards had imposed a non-publication order over anything to do with the trial until April 2.

On Tuesday, the court announced the ban had been lifted and the hearing had been vacated.

A trial date has not yet been set.

The former Liberal staffer remains on bail and is yet to formally enter a plea, but he is expected to contest the allegations.

His lawyer Zali Burrows previously said her client was considering whether he wanted a jury trial, or to be tried before a judge alone.

Lehrmann is accused of raping a woman - who can't be named for legal reasons - after they met at a strip club in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane, in October 2021.

Bruce Lehrmann (pictured, right, at Brisbane airport in 2024) is charged over the alleged assault of a woman in 2021

Bruce Lehrmann's lawyer Zali Burrows is pictured

Toowoomba Magistrates Court previously heard the alleged victim consumed cocaine with Lehrmann during a night out before consensual sex at about 4am.

The woman said she was woken about 10am by Lehrmann allegedly sexually assaulting her.

Crown prosecutor Nicole Friedewald previously told the court the woman allegedly stopped Lehrmann from having sex with her by saying: 'Stop! What are you doing?'

He allegedly had sex with her again without her consent.

Ms Friedewald told the court the woman said she was 'not enthusiastically lying there' while Lehrmann allegedly raped her.

She further alleged that Lehrmann was 'consoling her throughout the act', saying to her, 'It's okay, it's okay', and that he was not wearing a condom at the time.

'She describes her body as being limp and that she was not enthusiastic. He continued having intercourse with her until he ejaculated inside of her,' Ms Friedewald said.

Lehrmann's former barrister, Andrew Hoare KC, said the woman's statements to others contradict what she said when she reported the incident to police on November 26, 2021.

Bruce Lehrmann (pictured outside court) will face court later this year over the alleged rape of a woman in 2021

Mr Hoare said about two hours after the alleged sexual assault, the woman filled out paperwork at a pharmacy where she was trying to access the morning-after pill.

The court heard the form has an option for a person to select 'sexual assault' as a reason for the emergency contraception.

'The complainant does not tick that box and it must be said that the ticking of a box is quite distinct of any type of narrative,' Mr Hoare said.

Mr Hoare told the court the woman also didn't report the alleged sexual assault to her doctor during several appointments between the alleged incident and the initial report to police.

It will be alleged in court Lehrmann had given the woman a false name of 'Bryce' when the pair met, before clarifying his name is 'Bruce'.

Mr Hoare also said the alleged victim was too intoxicated to remember giving consent.

He also said Lehrmann could have mistakenly believed the woman had consented.
Elon Musk has weighed in on the arrest of Australia's most decorated living soldier, Ben RobertsSmith, describing the development as 'insane' in a brief but highprofile post on X.

Musk, the billionaire owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, responded on Tuesday to a viral post that reported RobertsSmith had been arrested over alleged war crimes linked to his service in Afghanistan.

Roberts-Smith was charged with five counts of war crime - murder late on Tuesday afternoon and appeared briefly in court where he was denied bail. He was transferred to Silverwater Prison in Sydney where he will spend Tuesday night before he is set to appear for another bail hearing on Wednesday morning.

Musk was responding to an X post made by Australian social media figure and conservative political activist Drew Pavlou, who was supportive of Roberts-Smith.

RobertsSmith, a recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia, was earlier arrested by Australian Federal Police officers at Sydney Domestic Airport on Tuesday morning after arriving on a flight from Brisbane.

New details indicate the retired SAS corporal was taken into custody in front of his teenage twin daughters, who were also on the flight with Robert-Smith's girlfriend as it was for a family holiday.

Vision captured AFP officers escorting him on the tarmac shortly after the aircraft touched down, with officers waiting at the arrivals gate.

The charges follow a lengthy joint investigation by the Office of the Special Investigator (OSI) and the AFP into alleged unlawful killings during Australia's military deployment in Afghanistan.

Billionaire Elon Musk tweeted about the arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith on Tuesday

The two-metre-tall decorated former soldier was handcuffed and marched through Sydney Airport following his arrest by the AFP

Later on Tuesday afternoon the 47-year-old was charged with war crimes

Each offence Roberts-Smith has been charged with has a maximum penalty of life in prison.

According to investigators, the charges are connected to alleged incidents in Uruzgan Province across multiple tours.

Prosecutors allege RobertsSmith intentionally caused the death of a person during a April 12, 2009 operation at Kakarak.

He also allegedly aided, abetted, counselled or procured another person to intentionally cause a death during the same operation.

Further charges are connected to a separate incident on or about September 11, 2012 at Darwan, where he is accused of assisting in the intentional killing of a person.

Authorities also allege RobertsSmith acted alongside another individual to intentionally cause a death on or about October 20, 2012 at Syahchow, as well as aiding or procuring a killing at the same location and date.

Among the allegations are that he shot dead one already-captured man and brought his prosthetic leg back to Australia to use as a trophy to drink beer.

He is also accused of kicking a man, whose arms were tied, off a 10metre cliff before ordering another soldier to shoot him.

Musk replied to a comment from Australian activist Drew Pavlou

A 2011 photo of Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith as he was awarded the Victoria Cross in Perth with his then-wife Emma Roberts-Smith and their five-month-old twins, Eve (red) and Elizabeth (blue) Roberts-Smith

Footage captured Roberts-Smith being escorted away by AFP officers on the tarmac at Sydney Airport

The Victoria Cross recipient will face court later on Tuesday

RobertsSmith earned the Victoria Cross in 2011 for what was officially described as extraordinary bravery, after singlehandedly assaulting Taliban machinegun positions to protect his fellow soldiers.

For years, he was publicly celebrated as a national war hero, later becoming a prominent public figure and media executive.

'This is how we repay him?' Pavlou said in his X post.

'Tell me: When does the Taliban plan on holding war crimes tribunals into their own people? When do the Taliban plan on holding themselves accountable for terrorism?'

The arrest marks a dramatic escalation in a legal saga that has already reshaped Australia's understanding of its longest war.

It follows years of investigative reporting, internal defence inquiries, and the establishment of the OSI to pursue potential criminal accountability arising from the Afghanistan conflict.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese repeatedly refused to weigh in on Roberts-Smith's case during a press conference on Tuesday.

'I have no intention of commenting on a matter that's clearly before the courts,' he told reporters. 'It is very important that there not be political engagement in what is a matter that is now the subject of legal proceedings, so I don't intend to comment.'

Ben Roberts-Smith has been the subject of an investigation by the Office of the Special Investigator (OSI) for more than a decade

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson vowed to stand by Roberts-Smith in the wake of his arrest as she slammed authorities over the huge cost to reach this stage.

'I remain steadfast in my support,' the senator posted online.

'Ben, his immediate and broader defence family need the Australian people's support right now and I will not abandon him like so many other politicians.

'AFP and OSI have spent $300million over 10 years to get to this point.'

Greens leader David Shoebridge said his arrest 'highlights the appalling cost of war on all sides'.

The Office of the Special Investigator, comprised of 54 investigators, has been investigating dozens of cases involving allegations of war crimes by ADF members in Afghanistan.

Out of the 53 investigations, 39 have been provisionally finalised.

OSI director Ross Barnett said the cases were extremely complex because many of the allegations involved incidents more than a decade ago, in countries thousands of kilometres away and there were no post-mortem reports.

Roberts-Smith will be the second Australian soldier to be charged with war crimes under domestic law after another ex-SAS soldier, Oliver Schulz, was charged in 2023 over the war crime of the 2012 murder of a young man in Afghanistan.

Schulz has maintained his innocence. His matter is yet to go to trial.
The price of a first class stamp has risen by 10p today, despite Royal Mail's repeated failure to meet delivery targets.

First class stamps will now cost 1.80 while second class stamps have risen by 4p to 91p.

It means the cost of a first class stamp has now more than doubled in the last six years after eight rises, while second class stamps have seen six price hikes.

It comes as Royal Mail admitted last month it had missed delivery targets again in the most recent quarter.

Only 73.7 per cent of first class mail had been delivered on time, against a target of 93 per cent.

In March, Royal Mail boss Daniel Kretinsky said he was 'deeply sorry' and said the quality of service 'is not where we want it to be'.

He faced questions from MPs about ongoing postal delays, but said had a plan to fix the situation.

Mr Kretinsky said Royal Mail's most difficult challenge is to get the first-class postal service up to scratch, but stressed the UK offers a service that most other countries in Europe no longer offer.

The price of a first class stamp is to rise by 10p next month, taking the cost to 1.80

Anne Pardoe, head of policy at Citizens Advice, previously said: More than half a decade has gone by since the company met its delivery targets and people still face a gamble, with many uncertain if their important documents or letters like medical appointments will arrive on time.

'Things only risk getting worse when cuts to delivery days and reduced performance targets come into full effect.'

She said Ofcom 'simply cannot wave through these increases any longer' and higher prices 'must come with higher standards'.

Ms Pardoe said stamp price rises should be tied to Royal Mail's performance on the doorstep.

Royal Mail said the stamp rises reflected the continued increase in delivery costs as letter volumes fell and the number of addresses increased.

Richard Travers, managing director of letters at Royal Mail, said in March: 'We always consider price changes very carefully, balancing affordability with the rising cost of delivering mail.

'On average, UK adults now spend just 6.50 each year on stamps and there are 70% fewer letters sent than 20 years ago.

'In the meantime, the number of addresses we deliver to has increased by four million to 32 million addresses across the UK.'

The last time Royal Mail met its annual target for delivering first-class post on time was in 2019-20.

The firm - whose owner International Distribution Services (IDS) was bought last June for 3.6billion by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky's EP Group - repeated its call to 'urgently move forward' with reforms.

Ofcom last year cleared Royal Mail to scrap second-class letter deliveries on Saturdays and change the service to every other weekday, changes which have been introduced as a pilot across 35 delivery offices.

A first class stamp has more than doubled in price across eight separate rises in the last six years

But the company has been in intensive talks with the Communications Workers Union (CWU) after failing to agree on how to roll out the universal service changes across its 1,200-strong network.

Month-long talks ended on March 2 without agreement and have been extended for two weeks.

Mr Travers said: 'To protect the service for the future we need to urgently move forward with implementing universal service reform to support a more modern, more reliable and more sustainable service for our customers.'

Royal Mail argued that despite the price rises, UK stamps still cost less than the European average of 1.56 for a second-class stamp and 1.93 for first class.

At the start of this year, Royal Mail blamed the stormy weather and staff sickness for delayed deliveries across more than 100 UK postcodes.

A spokesman for the company said that 'adverse weather, including storms Goretti, Ingrid and Chandra in January, alongside higher-than-usual sick absence, caused 'some short-term disruption to certain routes.'

Watchdog Citizens Advice also found that Royal Mail failed to deliver letters to 16million people on time over the Christmas period.

The 'dreadful festive slump' was a 50 per cent increase from December 2024, when 10.7million people saw letters arrive late, Citizens Advice said.

The staggering number of late deliveries over Christmas 2025, which applies to letters and cards but not parcels, affected 29 per cent of UK adults.

Citizens Advice, which is the statutory watchdog for post, revealed some 5.7million customers missed vital letters about health appointments, fines, benefit decisions and legal documents, leaving people 'distressed'.

Royal Mail has been contacted for comment.
A Spanish politician has called for sweeping limits on tourism, warning that booming visitor numbers are making it 'impossible to live' in some of the country's most popular coastal cities.

Alberto Ibanez, a lawmaker with left-wing Valencian coalition Compromis, said strict controls were now needed to rein in the industry as locals are increasingly pushed out.

Speaking to Europa Press, he claimed cities including Alicante and Valencia have reached breaking point, with neighbourhoods being transformed into 'sets for tourists'.

Ibanez has formally asked Spain's parliament to create a subcommittee to examine the impact of tourism on quality of life, arguing it should capture the growing 'frustration' felt by residents in hotspot destinations.

He warned that in many areas, traditional businesses are disappearing as cities cater more and more to visitors.

'You close a bakery to open a locker rental or bike hire shop, with all the harm this causes,' he said, backing what he described as 'tourism degrowth'.

The politician also took aim at cruise tourism, claiming the number of passengers arriving in Valencia can exceed the city's own population on busy days.

He argued that such visitors contribute little to the local economy while placing strain on infrastructure and the environment.

People are seen spraying tourists and buildings with water guns and pistols during an anti-tourism demonstration in Barcelona

Tourists are seen walking past a placard reading 'less tourists' during an anti-tourism protest in Barcelona

A man walks down the street, passing by a graffiti on a closed shop shutter that reads 'Tourists go home' in Barcelona

'These are people who come down here and don't know if they're in Valencia, Seville or Barcelona,' he said. 'They buy the same souvenir and spend no more than five euros on a beer.'

Ibanez added that expanding ports to accommodate more cruise ships should be ruled out, insisting arrivals must instead be capped.

He pointed to the high-rise resort of Benidorm as a warning of what can happen when tourism dominates a local economy.

'We don't need more tourists; we can't accommodate any more,' he said. 'We can keep denying it until the day comes when there are no residents left.'

Despite concerns about the economic hit, he insisted cities such as Valencia are no longer dependent on tourism alone.

Instead, he argued, 'tourism lives off the city and is devouring it', calling for a wider economic rethink to create jobs beyond the sector.

His comments come amid growing backlash across Spain against overtourism, with protests and tighter restrictions already being introduced in several major destinations.
Downing Street is yet to confirm whether Kanye West will be allowed to enter the UK to perform at Wireless Festival this summer, saying 'all options remain on the table'.

The American rapper has been granted a visa to perform at Finsbury Park in London in July despite a backlash over his Nazi and anti-Semitic messaging, which includes the release of a song called Heil Hitler.

Calls have grown for him to be removed from the festival's line up, with Wes Streeting arguing he has not 'done anything to earn' the forgiveness of the Jewish community.

West, 48, however, has said he wants to show 'change through his actions' and meet with Jews in London ahead of his performance, which will be his first in the UK in 11 years.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman has now said that West's 'permission to enter the UK is under review'.

'As we speak, all available options remain on the table.'

He continued: 'Clearly, decisions are taken on a case-by-case basis in line with the law and the evidence available.

'But where individuals pose a threat to public safety or seek to spread extremism, the Government has not hesitated to act.'

Kanye West said he wants to meet with Jewish communities in London ahead of headlining Wireless Festival later this summer

West in a previous social media post wearing a sweatshirt bearing a swastika

This morning, Melvin Benn, managing director at Festival Republic, which promotes Wireless Festival, revealed that West was a granted a visa to come to the UK 'in the last few days'.

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has since backed the decision to book the rapper, saying 'we live in a free country' and we should 'let people enjoy the music they want to listen to'.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Benn said: 'He has a visa already issued to appear, to come into the country, and the Home Secretary may well rescind that today, I don't know.

'If she does, she does, and then the issue is over in terms of his appearance.'

Mr Benn previously defended the decision to put West, who is also known as Ye, on the bill at Wireless Festival, describing himself as a 'deeply committed anti-fascist' and 'person of forgiveness'.

In a statement, Mr Benn added: 'What Ye has said in the past about Jews and Hitler is as abhorrent to me as it is to the Jewish community, the Prime Minister and others that have commented and - taking him at his word - to Ye now also.

'Ye's music is played on commercial radio stations in this country.

'It is available via live streams and downloads in this country without comment or vitriol from anyone and he has a legal right to come into the country and to perform in this country.

'He is intended to come in and perform.

'We are not giving him a platform to extol opinion of whatever nature, only to perform the songs that are currently played on the radio stations in our country and the streaming platforms in our country and listened to and enjoyed by millions.'

West is set to top the bill for all three nights of Wireless Festival - where he hopes to bring 'unity, peace, and love' through his music.

The fashion designer shared an update to his apology letter titled 'To Those I've Hurt' that was published as a full page advert in The Washington Post in January, where he had apologised for his anti-Semitic behaviour.

He wrote: 'I've been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly.

'My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music.

'I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen.

'I know words aren't enough - I'll have to show change through my actions.

'If you're open, I'm here.'

The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) said it would not meet with West and added that it would protest at Wireless if his planned performances go ahead as 'nobody knows what might come out of Mr West's mouth on that stage'.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting insisted he should not allowed to perform while speaking with GBNews this morning

Join the discussion Should he be allowed to perform?

A statement from the CAA read: 'If the appearances go ahead, we will be organising a mass demonstration outside the festival, whose organisers should be ashamed of themselves.'

The CAA went on to say that if West cancelled his performances then 'it will be a sign that he may be genuine in his remorse'.

The president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Phil Rosenberg, responded that in light of his years of anti-Semitic remarks and music, performing on the main stage at Wireless was not the correct place to test West's 'sincerity' without showing 'a genuine remorse and change'.

He shared a statement on X that read: 'It has been less than a year since Kanye West released a song titled Heil Hitler, the culmination of three years of appalling antisemitism.

'He also made a number of deeply offensive comments about the Black community, saying that the 400-year experience of slavery was 'like a choice'.

'Even while claiming remorse today, his latest album includes a track first released last year with the abhorrent title Gas Chamber.

'The Jewish community will want to see a genuine remorse and change before believing that the appropriate place to test this sincerity is on the main stage at Wireless Festival.

'As such, we are willing to meet Kanye West as part of his journey of healing, but only after he agrees not to play the Wireless Festival this year.'

Speaking to GB News, Wes Streeting also said he did not believe West should be headlining but added that whether he was allowed to enter the UK was a matter for the Home Office.

He said: 'As to whether he should be headlining the Wireless Festival, I think that's very straightforward, no I do not think he should be headlining the Wireless Festival.

'I think his comments were absolutely grotesque and whatever justification he uses, he has got to accept that with his enormous fame and reach comes influence and a responsibility, and his comments take place against a backdrop of rising antisemitism, rising hatred against Jewish people, not just around the world but in this country.'

He added that he thinks the use of bipolar disorder by Kanye West to justify his actions is appalling.

Mr Streeting said: 'When Kanye West uses bipolar disorder to justify his actions, I think that is equally appalling by the way.'

'I would ask people to consider, does using bipolar disorder as an excuse to write and release a song called Heil Hitler and plaster it across T-shirts, does bipolar disorder really justify that? Or is it an excuse to justify rotten behaviour?'

The Health Secretary then told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that Kanye West needs the forgiveness of Jewish communities but did not believe 'he's done anything to earn it'.

He said: 'The decision as to whether he's let in is a legal decision for Home Office and I'm not going to prejudice that decision by commenting.

'Should he be headlining the Wireless Festival? Absolutely not. Look at his behaviour - not one or two off-colour remarks, he released a song called Heil Hitler, plastered it across T shirts, issued a mealy mouthed and self serving apology and now expects people to feel sorry for him.

'I'm only too sorry that the festival organisers have chosen to platform him, given that behaviour and then to offer the fig leaf of credibility with an absolutely absurd statement issued overnight.

'If he wants forgiveness, it's not my forgiveness that he needs, it's the forgiveness of Jewish communities and I don't think he's done anything to earn it.'

West had previously attributed his inflammatory actions to bipolar disorder, which he said he developed as a result of an injury sustained in a car crash 25 years ago.

'I am not a Nazi or an anti-Semite,' he wrote, adding: 'I love Jewish people.'

He previously made an apology to the Jewish community in 2023 in a social media statement posted in Hebrew.

West went on to begin selling swastika t-shirts on his website in February 2025.

Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said it was 'absolutely the wrong decision' for Wireless to book West.

Sponsors like Pepsi and Diageo have already withdrawn their support from the festival after Ye was announced as the headline act.

It has also been reported that Rockstar Energy has pulled its sponsorship, while PayPal will not appear in any of the event's future promotional materials.

There is now mounting pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to ensure West can't enter the UK ahead of his summer gigs.

Ms Mahmood has powers to 'exclude' someone from Britain if they are not considered conducive to the public good.

This can include those who have 'engaged in extremism or other unacceptable behaviour', or someone who 'if admitted to the UK the person is likely to incite public disorder'.

A person does not need to have a criminal conviction to be refused admission on non-conducive grounds, according to Home Office guidance.

As of last night, it is understood that the Home Office is not aware of any immediate plans for West to travel to the UK, but his permission to enter is currently being reviewed by ministers.

The PM himself joined criticism of the event saying it is 'deeply concerning' that West is due to perform 'despite his previous anti-Semitic remarks and celebration of Nazism'.

Senior Tory MP Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, wrote to Ms Mahmood on Monday to use her powers to block West from entering the UK.

'Given his repeated anti-Semitic remarks, including statements expressing sympathy for Nazi ideology, his return to the UK is deeply concerning,' he said.

'This is not a one-off lapse, but a pattern of behaviour that has caused real offence and distress to Jewish communities.

'His partial apologies have been retracted in the past and do not atone for what he has said.'

Mr Philp added: 'At a time when anti-Semitism is rising in the UK, allowing someone with this track record to headline a major public event sends entirely the wrong message.'

Last month, four Jewish community ambulances were set on fire outside a north-west London synagogue in a suspected anti-Semitic hate crime.

Three men have since been charged in the arson attack.
Former SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has been charged with five counts of war crime - murder.

Roberts-Smith, 47, was charged on Tuesday afternoon under a joint investigation between the AFP and the Office of the Special Investigator (OSI).

The Victoria Cross recipient was arrested earlier on Tuesday at Sydney Domestic Airport by AFP officers who were waiting on the tarmac to escort him off a plane.

Roberts-Smith was refused bail when he briefly appeared in court about 4pm Tuesday and will appear in NSW Bail Division Court 7 on Wednesday. Each offence he has been charged with carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Among the allegations are that Roberts-Smith intentionally caused the death of two people in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. He is also accused of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring another person to commit a murder on three separate occasions.

Asked if others were involved in those matters, the Office of the Special Investigator said investigations were ongoing.

'It will be alleged the victims were detained, unarmed and were under the control of ADF members when they were killed,' AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett told reporters at a press conference.

'It will be alleged the victims were shot by the accused or shot by subordinate members of the ADF in the presence of and acting on the orders of the accused.'

Footage captured Roberts-Smith being escorted away by AFP officers on the tarmac at Sydney Airport

Ben Roberts-Smith has been charged over multiple alleged war crimes

The Office of the Special Investigator, comprised of 54 investigators, has been handling dozens of cases involving allegations of war crimes by ADF members in Afghanistan.

Out of the 53 cases, 39 have been provisionally finalised.

OSI director Ross Barnett said the cases were extremely complex because many of the allegations involved incidents more than a decade ago, in countries thousands of kilometres away and there were no post-mortem reports.

Roberts-Smith will be the second Australian soldier to be charged with war crimes under domestic law after another ex-SAS soldier, Oliver Schulz, was charged in 2023 over the war crime of the 2012 murder of a young man in Afghanistan.

Schulz has maintained his innocence. His matter is yet to go to trial.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese repeatedly refused to weigh in on Roberts-Smith's case during a press conference on Tuesday.

'I have no intention of commenting on a matter that's clearly before the courts,' he told reporters.

'That is a matter that is very important that there not be political engagement in what is a matter that is now the subject of legal proceedings, so I don't intend to comment.'

The Victoria Cross recipient appeared in court on Tuesday

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson vowed to stand by Roberts-Smith in the wake of his arrest as she slammed authorities over the huge cost to reach this stage.

'I remain steadfast in my support,' the senator posted online.

'Ben, his immediate and broader defence family need the Australian people's support right now and I will not abandon him like so many other politicians.

'AFP and OSI have spent $300million over 10 years to get to this point.'

Greens leader David Shoebridge said his arrest 'highlights the appalling cost of war on all sides'.
Travellers' Easter Harrods meet-up erupted into violence on Saturday as one boy was stabbed.

The Traveller community flocked to Knightsbridge on April 4 for one of their annual gatherings in the city which has become a way for the community to connect.

However, the gathering was ruined when a boy was stabbed and had to be taken to hospital for non-life-threatening injuries after disorder broke out amongst some guests at the unofficial event.

Two pubs were reportedly closed according to a letter to local residents from the Met Police, according to London Now.

A crime scene was put in place with officers remaining on the scene into the night.

The letter said Chelsea Safer Neighbourhood Officers and other officers from across the borough had a 'long day and night' providing a presence at the gathering outside Harrods and around Knightsbridge.

It said 'hundreds' of travellers from all over the country attended the meet-up where 'several breaches of the peace were prevented and two public houses were cleared and closed by officers'.

Footage posted on TikTok shows people running frantically in one direction down a road in Knightsbridge and police in attendance.

Other clips show traveller women dressed in pretty pastel dresses and stilettos whilst one worker on a lunch break struggled to get through the crowd to return to her shift.

Footage posted on TikTok shows people running frantically in one direction down a road in Knightsbridge and police in attendance

Two pubs were reportedly closed according to a letter to local residents from the Met Police , according to London Now

The Traveller community flocked to Knightsbridge on April 4 for one of their annual gatherings in the city which has become a way for the community to connect

A Met spokesperson said: 'Police were called to Brompton Road, SW1 at around 7.36pm on Saturday, April 4 following reports that a 16-year-old boy had been stabbed.

'Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service with support from nearby security and the boy was taken to hospital. He has since been discharged.

'Officers have launched an investigation and continuing enquiries to locate those responsible. No arrests have been made at this stage.

'Anyone with information or footage that could help police should call 101 quoting CAD 6404/04APR26.'

Last year, TikTok was flooded with clips of the large gathering showing youngsters loitering around and chatting to each other.

Travellers had taken to the social media platform showing themselves getting glammed up in their designer gear and makeup before they made the journey to the capital.

Meanwhile, three young males were seen in one video running away as two police officers chased after them. It is not known if they were part of the group.

One woman who attended last year's meet-up said on TikTok: 'So basically a group of travellers meet up outside the front of Harrods for a chat. Come from god knows where.

'Years ago people used to chat, but now people think their own s**t don't stink and will look you up and down.

'There's no point going, no one socialises any more. But yeah, I had a lovely time yesterday because I went with the right company.'

It has previously been suggested that the travellers meet up outside of Harrods to find a partner.

One traveller, named Suzy, opened up on TikTok last year that the community headed to the store and other meet ups, including at Thorpe Park Fright Night, dressed in their 'skimpiest outfit' when looking for romance.

'How to get yourself a traveller man first you've got to go to a meet,' she said.

'For example, a lot of travellers have little meeting places.

'It'll happen a few times a year Thorpe Park for Fright Night, standing outside Harrods near Christmas, Winter Wonderland.

'Those are just a few that's coming up.

'Go to one of them places and make sure you're dressed up to the nines, and I mean dressed up.

'Your furry sliders out, your fake Louboutins.'

She advised women to make sure their makeup was 'heavy' and when they 'eye up the traveller boy, make sure you give him 'the look''.

There were chaotic scenes last year as people stood near Harrods in Knightsbridge when it was already teeming with shoppers

At last year's gathering, three young males were seen in one video running away as two police officers (pictured) chased after them. It is not known if they were part of the group

Travellers also descend on Winter Wonderland in December in what is also fast becoming a tradition for the community and has been dubbed their new 'Appleby Horse Fair'.

In 2023, hundreds of clips were uploaded online where travellers showed themselves getting ready and inside the event, with some even alluding to it being a great place for match-making.

Influencer Mary Kate Jones uploaded a 'get ready with me' video to TikTok where she boasted a full face of makeup and showed off her glamorous outfit sporting items from outlets like Zara and Shein.

But she also bemoaned the treatment her community gets from some establishments.

Ms Jones claimed: 'They don't like us going to pubs or you can't even go into Harrods  you'll get stopped on the door. They won't let you go into Harrods but they'll let non-travellers go in. It's just crazy. So literally we're chucked out in the cold like dogs.'
President Donald Trump declared 'victory' after both the US and Iranian officials agreed to a two-week ceasefire deal that would see the Middle Eastern country reopen the Strait of Hormuz - with Israeli officials also jumping on board under one condition.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council said it has accepted a two-week ceasefire and that it would negotiate with the United States in Islamabad beginning Friday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said his country supports the ceasefire deal with Iran - but noted that it does not extend to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Trump announced the ceasefire on social media, saying he was holding off on his threatened attacks on Iranian bridges, power plants and other civilian targets as part of the ceasefire, after previously warning that a 'whole civilization will die.'

He also said Iran has proposed a 'workable' 10-point peace plan that could help end the war launched by the U.S. and Israel in February.

'Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated,' Trump wrote.

The president later called the deal a 'total and complete victory' for the US and wrote on social media that it was a 'big day for world peace,' as he insisted to the AFP that Iran's uranium will be 'perfectly taken care of' under the deal, without offering any details.

But Iran's 10-point plan, announced by state TV, said that the US has agreed to: guarantee not to repeat its 'aggression' against Iran, the continuation of Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, acceptance of [uranium] enrichment, lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions, termination of all resolutions of the [UN] Security Council and International Atomic Energy Agency, payment of compensation to Iran, withdrawal of US combat forces from the region, and the cessation of war on all fronts, including against the 'Islamic resistance of Lebanon'.

Even as the ceasefire was announced, missile alerts continued in the United Arab Emirates and Israel early Wednesday, hinting at the chaos surrounding the diplomatic moves.

Since the war began, Trump has repeatedly backed off deadlines just before they expire.

In doing so again on Tuesday, Trump said he had come to the decision 'based on conversations' with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Gen. Asim Munir, Pakistan's powerful army chief.
Downing Street today warned Donald Trump won't be allowed to use British bases to launch attacks on Iran's power plants and bridges.

The US President has vowed to bomb Iran 'back to the Stone Ages' if it does not end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

He has given Tehran a deadline of 8pm tonight to reopen the critical sea passage or suffer strikes on civilian infrastructure.

In an expletive-laden social media post, Mr Trump has said Tuesday will be 'power plant day' and 'bridge day' if Iran does not 'open the f****' Strait'.

He has followed it up with warnings that a 'whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again' without a deal.

Keir Starmer previously granted Mr Trump permission to use UK bases - including Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - for 'defensive' strikes on Iranian missile sites.

But No10 on Tuesday signalled the Prime Minister won't extend such permission for attacks on Iran's infrastructure.

Such a stance could risk a fresh rift with the White House, with Mr Trump having repeatedly attacked Sir Keir in recent weeks for a lack of support during the conflict.

Downing Street warned Donald Trump won't be allowed to use British bases to launch attacks on Iran's power plants and bridges

The US President has vowed to bomb Iran 'back to the Stone Ages' if it does not end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, also claiming 'a whole civilisation will die tonight'

Keir Starmer previously granted Mr Trump permission to use UK bases - including Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford - for 'defensive' strikes on Iranian missile sites

Asked if the UK will block the US from using British bases for strikes on Iran infrastructure, the PM's spokesman told reporters he 'won't be providing a running commentary on our allies' operations'.

But he added the Government's position 'hasn't changed', saying: 'The agreement in place is for the US to use UK bases for the collective self-defence of the region, including US defensive operations to degrade missile sites and capabilities used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

'The UK's approach to the conflict remains the same. We remain committed to defending our people, our interests and our allies, acting in accordance with international law and not getting drawn into the wider conflict.'

Pressed on whether US attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure would constitutue a war crime, the PM's spokesman replied: 'As I said, not only comment on the running commentary on our allies' operations.'

The Government has previously suggested Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure amounts to a war crime.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has written to the PM to urgently withdraw the access granted to US planes to use British bases.

He said: 'President Trump's explicit threats to target civilian infrastructure in Iran signal a clear intent to breach international law.

'This places the UK Government in a perilous position; by continuing to grant the US access to our airbases, the PM risks making the UK an accomplice to war crimes.

'The Liberal Democrats are calling for the immediate withdrawal of consent for the US to use British bases. We cannot allow British soil to be used as a platform for illegal military action.'

Senior Cabinet minister Wes Streeting also earlier signalled the Government won't allow British bases to be used for US strikes on Iranian power plants or bridges.

The Health Secretary told LBC: 'We've been very clear. We will allow the US to use our bases to defend British interests and our allies in acts of defence.

'We are engaged in defensive action. Iran has attacked us and our allies where we have played no part in this war.

'So we'll defend ourselves, defend our interests, our people and our allies, but we will not support or facilitate offensive action.'

In a round of TV and radio interviews this morning, Mr Streeting also hit back at the US President over his handling of the Iran war as the Transatlantic 'special relationship' continued to fray.

The Health Secretary said the PM's decision to keep Britain out of the conflict was being vindicated every day, after Mr Trump's latest broadside at Sir Keir.

Mr Trump used a White House appearance on Monday, featuring a giant Easter Bunny, to compare Sir Keir to Neville Chamberlain, the former PM now mostly remembered for his policy of appeasement towards Nazi Germany in the 1930s.

In recent weeks, the US President has repeatedly attacked the PM, the UK's military and other NATO allies for refusing to help with the Iran conflict, with energy prices being sent sky high by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

It has led some critics, like Reform UK's Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick, to suggest Starmer is not 'respected on the world stage'.

Speaking to Sky News this morning, Mr Streeting said Sir Keir deserved 'enormous credit' for refusing to join the attack.

'There has not been a single day that has passed in this war with Iran where I have not felt that the PM has been entirely vindicated for his judgement in keep Britain out of the war in Iran,' he added.

He also said the US has to 'justify it actions' if, as Mr Trump has threatened, it targets Iranian civilian infrastructure - something experts say could constitute a war crime.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the PM's decision to keep Britain out of the conflict was being 'entirely vindicated' every day

Mr Trump used a White House appearance on Monday, featuring a giant Easter Bunny, to compare Sir Keir to Neville Chamberlain

Discussing the Iran conflict, Mr Trump told reporters on Monday the UK had 'a long way to go'.

Although it is unclear what he was referring to, he added: 'We won't want another Neville Chamberlain, do we agree? We don't want Neville Chamberlain.'

Asked about this claim today, Sir Keir's spokesman said: 'The PM has addressed various comments a number of times and he's been very clear this is not our war, we won't be drawn into it.'

He also pointed reporters to the PM's comments at Liaison Committee before Easter, when he suggested Trump was trying to 'put pressure' on him to change his stance on Iran.

The role of Mr Chamberlain in the lead up to and early part of the Second World War is debated by historians, with some criticising his appeasement of Hitler before a war than may have been inevitable.

Others however have said he bought the UK valuable time to build up its Armed Forces.

One of Chamberlain's supporters at the time was Joseph Kennedy, the US ambassador to Britain and grandfather of Mr Trump's health minister, Robert F Kennedy Junior.

His anti-war stance eventually saw him recalled by president Roosevelt in 1940.

Chamberlain, who was PM from 1937 to 1940, is mostly remembered for his policy of appeasement towards Nazi Germany in the late 1930s

It comes as the King prepares to carry out a state visit as part of celebrations to mark 250 years since the US declared independence from Britain, despite calls from some politicians for the trip to be cancelled.

Sir Keir has said he will not 'buckle under pressure' or allow the UK to get 'dragged into the war', which has now entered its sixth week.

During Monday's event, Mr Trump repeated his threat to bomb Iran's civilian infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

He also claimed to have already achieved 'regime change' by killing Iran's previous leaders, including the former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

He said: 'The people we are negotiating with now on behalf of Iran are much more reasonable.'

But some experts have claimed that removing the previous ayatollah has seen a more hardline group take charge in Tehran.
Fears are mounting that Vladimir Putin is quietly aiding Iran's military campaign with intelligence to carry out attacks on Israel's energy grid.

According to a Ukrainian intelligence assessment reviewed by Reuters, Russian satellites carried out at least 24 surveillance missions across 11 countries between March 21 and 31.

These mapped 46 sensitive 'objects', including US military bases, oil facilities, and major airports.

Within days of being surveyed, military bases and headquarters were targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, the assessment said, in what it described as a clear pattern.

The assessment also found that Russian and Iranian hackers were collaborating in the cyber domain. They represent the most detailed account yet of how Russia has provided secret support to Iran since Israel and the US on February 28.

Western and regional security sources told Reuters they had also detected a surge in Russian satellite imagery believed to have been shared with Tehran.

Nine surveys covered parts of Saudi Arabia, including five over the King Khalid Military City near Hafar Al-Batin, in what appeared to be an effort to locate elements of the US-made THAAD air defence system, the Ukrainian assessment said.

Other countries, including Turkey, Jordan, Kuwait, and the UAE, were surveyed twice, while Israel, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, and the US Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia were each scanned once.

Fears are mounting that Vladimir Putin is quietly aiding Iran's military campaign with intelligence to carry out attacks on Israel's energy grid

Fire and Smoke rises following an Iranian projectile strike in Haifa, Israel, on April 6, 2026

The rubble of a building hit in Iranian retaliatory missile attack on Haifa, Israel

Russian satellites were also said to be monitoring the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global oil and LNG flows.

White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales said that no external support for Iran from any country was affecting the operational success of the United States.

The Iranian foreign ministry had no immediate comment, while Russia's defence ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

European leaders pressed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the issue at a G7 meeting last month.

Two diplomats said Rubio had not responded to the accusations, although he has publicly dismissed Russian aid to Iran as insignificant.

The report further claims that intelligence sharing is being coordinated through a permanent communications channel between Moscow and Tehran, potentially supported by Russian military spies on the ground in Iran.

In one striking example, a Russian satellite reportedly captured imagery of Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia days before Iran struck on March 27, damaging a sophisticated US E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft.

Another pass was made the following day to assess the damage, the assessment said.

The revelations come as Russia and Iran deepen military ties following Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Missiles launched by Iran in retaliation for attacks by the United States and Israel are seen in the skies over Hebron, Palestine on April 6, 2026

Debris of a building damaged after a missile strike in Arad, Israel, on March 22, 2026

Kyiv and its Western allies have long accused Tehran of supplying Shahed drones to Russia - claims Iran denies.

Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian then signed a Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January last year.

Article Four of the Treaty states that 'in order to strengthen national security and counter common threats, the intelligence and security services of the Contracting Parties exchange information and experience.'

Meanwhile, cyber warfare is also intensifying.

The Ukrainian assessment says Russian and Iranian hacker groups are collaborating via Telegram, with groups including 'Z-Pentest Alliance,' 'NoName057(16)' and 'DDoSia Project' working alongside Iran's 'Handala Hack.'

Last month, it said groups including Handala Hack published a warning on Telegram about attacks on the information and communication systems of Israeli energy companies.

Simultaneously, Russian-linked groups allegedly released access credentials for critical Israeli infrastructure systems, raising fears of a coordinated digital attack.

Experts warn the growing alliance signals a dangerous escalation, with intelligence, military, and cyber attacks now increasingly intertwined.
The boss of supermarket Iceland has offered a job to the Waitrose worker who was sacked for tackling an Easter egg thief.

Lord Richard Walker offered the lifeline to Walker Smith following the growing backlash over Waitrose's 'disgraceful' decision to tear up the contract of its veteran employee of 17 years.

In a LinkedIn post, Sir Keir Starmer's cost of living tsar wrote: 'Youre welcome to a job with us. We even share the same name'

Politicians yesterday waded into the row with the Tories' Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp writing to Waitrose's chief executive in which he called for Mr Smith to be given his job back and a bonus.

Meanwhile, kindhearted members of the public have rallied around the sacked 54-year-old retail worker, with a fundraiser to go towards paying his rent and bills reaching more than 7,000 in two days.

Last year, Waitrose told autistic volunteer Tom Boyd he could no longer stack shelves at its Cheadle Hulme  Greater Manchester  store, after his mother had asked if he could be paid.

The decision caused national uproar, and the supermarket eventually said it would like to 'welcome him back' with 'paid employment', after rival Asda offered him two five-hour paid shifts a week.

Mr Smith had worked at the supermarket giant's Clapham Junction branch for nearly two decades before he was fired days after confronting the 'repeat offender' shoplifter when a customer told him someone had filled their bag with Easter eggs.

A tug-of-war briefly ensued between the pair before the bag broke and the Lindt Gold Bunny Eggs, which retail for 13 each, spilled onto the floor, smashing into pieces.

Bosses ignored his pleas to reconsider their decision and he was 'led out the back door by the bins'.

Mr Smith, who has been diagnosed with anxiety, said 'inside I was crying'.

Richard Walker, the boss of Iceland (pictured in 2022), has offered a job to the sacked Waitrose worker

Veteran retail worker of 17 years Walker Smith lost his job after he tried to tackle an Easter egg thief at Waitrose's Clapham store

Despite the backlash Waitrose has faced over the 'disgraceful' decision, even drawing criticism from the Tories, it is understood Mr Smith has not been reinstated at the store.

On Sunday, he made a heartfelt post on social media to thank those who have offered their support and said his 'priority is getting a job'.

In a post on Sunday, the former employee said: 'Thank you everyone for getting in touch with kind messages and support, I really appreciate it.

'I didn't think it would blow up like this but now it has my priority is getting a job. I'm based in Clapham Junction so if you or anyone you know is looking for a reliable, conscientious employee please reach out.

'I was at Waitrose for 17 years so warehousing, customer service  except dealing with shoplifters(!), or similar would be amazing. Thank you all.'

Waitrose has defended its decision, claiming there is a 'serious danger to life' in tackling thieves and its staff policies must be 'strictly followed'.

However, the supermarket giant has faced furious backlash over the decision - with high-profile politicians even weighing in on the row.

Nigel Farage said in a post on his X account that 'we are now a country that favours criminals over law enforcers' and added: 'Britain is broken.'

Mr Philp on Monday published a copy of a letter he had written to Waitrose chief executive Tom Denyard.

He called for Mr Smith to be 'reinstated and given a bonus after he was disgracefully sacked for tackling a shoplifter'.

In his letter, Mr Philp said: 'Mr Smith had worked for Waitrose for 17 years. According to his account, he acted after being alerted to a theft by a known repeat offender in a store where shoplifting is persistent and often carried out openly.

'This case reflects a wider and growing problem. Shoplifting is rising sharply, with offenders acting brazenly and with little fear of consequence.

'Staff safety must come first. But dismissing a long-serving employee in these circumstances sends entirely the wrong message. It penalises those who act, while offenders are left unchecked.'

He said members of staff and the public 'should be supported and encouraged to intervene' in cases of shoplifting, adding that Mr Smith 'now faces losing his home and has spoken about the impact on his mental health. That is a serious outcome for someone who was trying to do the right thing'.

Mr Philp urged the supermarket chain to support staff who face shoplifters instead of penalising them.

'Waitrose has behaved disgracefully by sacking Mr Smith,' he wrote in his letter to the supermarket CEO. 'I urge you to reinstate him immediately, apologise to him and pay him a bonus for his bravery and initiative.'

Amid the fallout over the decision, a fundraiser has so far received nearly 6,000 in donations towards the former employee's bills and rent.

Hannah Spencer, who started the GoFundMe page, said Waitrose's decision to sack Mr Smith is 'terrible'.

Join the discussion Would you step in - or stay out of it?

Pictured: The Waitrose branch in Clapham Junction, south London, where the alleged shoplifting incident took place

She wrote: 'I'm raising money for Walker Smith who got fired for stopping a thief from stealing from Waitrose - his place of work for 17 years.

'He simply tried to do the right and noble thing by putting a stop to crime. He was then swiftly fired, escorted to the back of the Waitrose store by the bins and left to rot after 17 years of service.

'He is now at huge risk of not being able to pay his bills and rent without a job. Terrible treatment!'

A Waitrose spokesman said previously: 'The safety and security of our Partners and customers couldn't be more important to us, and we have policies in place to protect both.

'We've had incidents where our Partners have been hospitalised when challenging shoplifters. Luckily, they have always recovered, but that might not always be the case.

'There is a serious danger to life in tackling shoplifters. We refuse to put anyone's life at risk and that's why we have policies in place that are very clearly understood and must be strictly followed.

'As a responsible employer, we never want to be in a position where we are notifying families of a tragedy because someone tried to stop a theft. Nothing we sell is worth risking lives for.

'The reporting on this does not cover the full facts of the situation. While we would never be able to discuss an individual case, we can assure you the correct process is being followed, which includes a standard appeals procedure.

'We have campaigned for some time for more to be done to protect shop workers from offenders, including retail crime being made into a specific stand alone offence.'
A former Australian ambassador to the United States has urged Australians not to worry about US President Donald Trump's latest criticism.

Trump overnight called out Australia and other allies for failing to take up arms in the war with Iran, which the US launched on February 28 alongside Israel.

'Japan didn't help us. Australia didn't help us. South Korea didn't help us. And then you get to NATO. NATO didn't help us,' Trump told a press conference.

It marked the third time Trump had directly condemned Australia for staying out of the conflict.

Ex-Liberal senator Arthur Sinodinos described Trump as fickle, meaning strong sledges against Australia don't hold much weight.

'I think the important thing to understand about President Trump - and his behaviour in the Iran war confirms this - is that to accept that he reserves the right to change his mind, to change his point of view, to change his rhetoric to suit the advantage of the situation as he sees it in that particular moment,' he told NewsWire.

Trump's war in the Middle East has been widely criticised across the globe for causing major economic turmoil, particularly in regards to surging fuel prices triggered by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

On top of that, it's understood Trump expected the war in Iran to be over in a matter of weeks, not months.

Donald Trump (above) said Australia 'didn't help' in the war in Iran during a press conference overnight

Ex-Liberal senator Arthur Sinodinos said Trump is likely lashing out because the war in Iran is taking longer than expected (pictured is damage in central Israel on Monday)

Mr Sinodinos suggested the president could be lashing out at his allies due to 'frustration that things are not going his way'.

'He's really lashing out at allies because things are not going his way on the battlefield as he expected when he launched this war a few weeks ago,' he said.

Trump's first sledge against Australia came in March when his calls for allied navies to force open the Strait of Hormuz were ignored by the international community.

He followed the radio silence with an emotional post to social media.

'Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer 'need', or desire, the NATO Countries' assistance - WE NEVER DID!' he wrote.

'Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea.

'In fact, speaking as President of the United States of America, by far the Most Powerful Country Anywhere in the World, WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!'

Since then, Trump has repeatedly threatened to worsen the attacks on Iran - including last week when he vowed to bomb Iran 'back to the stone ages'.

Mr Sinodinos (above) warned the Albanese Government to remember Trump 'is a transactional leader'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (above) responded to Trump's sledge on Tuesday by calling for a 'de-escalation' of the conflict

Sinodinos during Trump's first term which lasted from 2017 to 2021 when he officially became Australia's ambassador in 2020

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday reiterated calls for 'de-escalation' and for Trump to share 'clear objectives' for the war.

'The objectives that President Trump outlined at the beginning of the process have largely been achieved,' Albanese told a press conference.

'This is a conflict that is having a massive impact on the global economy, in particular having a massive impact here in Australia, as it is, right around our region and right around the world.'

Mr Sinodinos said Trump was likely hoping America's allies would step in to assist in the conflict but added Australia had little incentive to do so, given its interests are primarily in the Indo-Pacific region.

However, he warned the Albanese Government to remember Trump 'is a transactional leader'.

'Just as we want the United States to be more present and engaged in the region, we have to keep finding ways to present this in a way that's of benefit to them as well,' Mr Sinodinos said.
A couple were publicly flogged in Indonesia today for having sex outside of marriage in the country's only region to apply a version of Sharia law.

The man and woman, whose ages were not disclosed, were each given 100 lashes with a rattan cane in a public park in Banda Aceh as dozens watched.

The punishment in the staunchly Islamic Aceh province was so severe that the woman collapsed and lost consciousness during the whipping.

'We implement Islamic law in Aceh, so whenever someone violates it, we have to carry out punishments like the caning we just conducted,' Rajesh Kana, an official from the local prosecutors' office, told local media.

Sexual relations between unmarried people are outlawed in Aceh.

Police flogged the pair with a rattan cane, according to a reporter at the scene.

They were among six people flogged on Tuesday.

Four others received between eight and 29 strokes each for offences such as having physical contact with a member of the opposite sex or drinking alcohol.

A couple was publicly flogged in Indonesia on Tuesday for having sex outside of marriage in the country's only region to apply a version of Sharia law

The man and woman, whose ages were not disclosed, were each given 100 lashes with a rattan cane in a public park in Banda Aceh as dozens watched

The punishment in the staunchly Islamic Aceh province was so severe that the woman collapsed and lost consciousness during the whipping

Sexual relations between unmarried people are outlawed in Aceh. Police flogged the pair with a rattan cane, according to a reporter at the scene

A woman who was sentenced to 27 lashes fainted at the last whip of the rattan stick and had to be treated by paramedics.

Caning retains strong support in Aceh to punish a range of offences that also include gambling and gay sex.

In January, Sharia police in Aceh caned an unmarried couple 140 times each - likely the severest punishment since Sharia law was implemented in the province in 2015.

The couple, a man and a woman, were struck on their backs with a rattan stick in a public park on Thursday in the province of Aceh while dozens of people watched.

Sexual relations between an unmarried couple are strictly outlawed in Aceh, the only place in Indonesia to impose a version of Sharia.

The woman fainted after enduring her brutal punishment and was escorted to an ambulance.

In total, the pair received 140 lashes: 100 for sex outside marriage and 40 for consuming alcohol, according to the head of Banda Aceh's Sharia police, Muhammad Rizal.

Pictures of the public canings showed the woman kneeling as a masked man whipped her repeatedly with a cane, while another image showed her wiping away tears.

The woman was also pictured being wheeled off in a stretcher following her beatings, while her partner appeared to grimace in pain in separate photographs.

Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-majority country, but officially recognises six religions as well as indigenous beliefs.

The couple was among six people flogged for breaking the Islamic code, including a sharia police officer and his female partner, who were caught in close proximity in a private place.

That couple received 23 strikes each.

'As promised, we make no exceptions, especially not for our own members. This certainly tarnishes our name,' Rizal said.

Caning retains strong support in Aceh to punish a range of offences, including gambling, drinking alcohol, having gay sex and having sexual relations outside marriage.
This is the terrifying moment a knifeman armed with a huge blade stabs at a victim in on a residential London street.

In another episode of crime in Lawless London, CCTV captured the dreadful attack play out in the quiet road.

The pair can be seen tussling in the middle of the road of the cul-de-sac in Southall, west London, at 9.39pm last night.

But then the man wearing the dark hoodie reveals he is carrying a massive knife with a huge, sharp blade.

Brandishing the weapon, the pair continue to wrestle each other but it takes on an even more sinister feel as the man with the knife stabs towards his victim repeatedly as they grapple.

The assailant swings at the other man with the knife, barely missing the victim who is able to move his legs out of the way of blade just in time.

The victim eventually manages to break free from the ferocious struggle and sprints away down Beresford Road.

As he runs for his life, the knifeman just casually walked away in the opposite direction towards an alleyway.

The pair tussled in the middle of the road in a cul-de-sac in Southall, west-London with the assailant in the dark hoodie stabbing at his victim

The man in the light hoodie manages to move his legs out of the way after he is stabbed at several times by the attacker

The one minute and five second long footage then comes to an end.

One local Nujat Khan said: 'Is he alright?'

A second said: 'We are urging the community to stay safe and alert.'

Another added: 'F****** animals running wild in the streets. And we aren't allowed to protect ourselves.'

One fumed: 'Starmer's UK.'

A fifth said: 'Time for you all to get out of the s*** pit.'

Knife crime is on the rise in London, with 16,344 incidents reported between 2024 and 2025 - up from the pre-Covid peak of 15,928 from 2019 to 2020, according to Statista.

A 26-year-old man was stabbed to death outside Laxa Lounge nightclub in Peckham the same day as this horrifying attack.

The victim manages to free himself and then sprinted away from the knifeman

Meanwhile, the attacker casually walks off down an alley way in the opposite direction

Two other men in their 20s were seriously wounded in the attack at 3.54am yesterday morning and are fighting for their lives in hospital in a life-threatening condition.

Four men - one aged 18 and another three aged 24 - have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

A 26-year-old female student who lives in a building inside the cordon told the Daily Mail: 'It's pretty scary knowing that somebody of your age has just been stabbed right outside your home.

'You don't even need to step outside the door and you're ducking under police tape.

'So it's very scary and we want the club to be shut down. There are always fights there and the police often have to get called to break them up.'

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John said the incident was 'deeply tragic' and has urged witnesses to come forward.

The Met Police has been approached for comment regarding the Southall attack.
One of Keir Starmer's senior aides has been 'turfed out' of No10 just seven months after he was appointed as part of a major 'reset' of the Prime Minister's senior team.

Darren Jones was named as Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister in September last year as Sir Keir tried to get his administration back on track after MPs' summer break.

At the time, Downing Street said the newly-created role would see Mr Jones work at the centre of Government as Sir Keir moved into 'phase two' of his premiership.

But it has now emerged how Mr Jones, the MP for Bristol North West and a former Treasury minister, has 'stepped back' and is spending less time in No10.

'He's been turfed out of No10 to all intents and purposes - he's never there,' a senior Government source told the Financial Times.

Another said: 'It's almost like that job wasn't a great idea.'

The newspaper reported that Mr Jones has moved aside following the appointment of other key figures at the centre of Government.

Antonia Romeo, the newly-appointed Cabinet Secretary, and Vidhya Alakeson, the acting No10 chief of staff, are said to have 'come to the fore' in recent weeks.

Darren Jones was named as Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister in September last year as Keir Starmer tried to get his administration back on track

Antonia Romeo was was appointed as the first female Cabinet Secretary and head of the civil service in February

Allies of Mr Jones said there had been no falling out with Sir Keir and that he is now focusing on other parts of his job, rather than day-to-day operational work in No10.

Dame Antonia was was appointed as the first female Cabinet Secretary and head of the civil service in February.

It came after Sir Keir axed Chris Wormald from the top Whitehall role with a reported payout of around 250,000.

Dame Antonia's appointment came less than a fortnight after Downing Street was plunged into chaos following the dramatic resignation of Morgan McSweeney.

Sir Keir's long-serving aide quit as No10 chief of staff, to be replaced on an initial interim basis by Ms Alakeson, as the Government reeled from the damaging Peter Mandelson scandal.

Dame Antonia on Tuesday published her personal objectives as the most senior official in Whitehall.

She is the first Cabinet Secretary to set out her objectives in public for a decade, with the move seen as her establishing her authority in Downing Street.

They described her responsibilities as being 'the Prime Ministers principal policy adviser', 'supporting proper and effective Cabinet Government and decision-making' and 'reforming the civil service so that it is recognised for excellence in delivery, innovation and improved productivity'.

Dame Antonia and Ms Alakeson have been praised for doing a 'great job' by Government colleagues since their appointments.

But there could be further upheaval ahead with the PM said to be planning yet another 'reset' of his Downing Street team following next month's local elections.

Sir Keir's attempted reboot of his administration in September, which saw Mr Jones appointed as the Chief Secretary to the PM, lasted just a matter of days.

On 5 September last year, Angela Rayner quit as deputy PM following a furious tax row with her departure prompting a frantic reshuffle of Cabinet ministers.

Less than a week later, on 11 September, Sir Keir was forced to sack Lord Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to the US over his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: 'As the Prime Minister and his Chief Secretary have made clear, delivering for the public requires fundamental reform of Government.

'Darren Jones set out his plan for this in a recent speech; rewiring the state to create more efficient and more convenient public services - and take on defenders of the status quo.'
A village near a beauty spot forest was gridlocked over the Easter weekend after hordes of cars flooded the roads because of viral TikTok videos.

Powys County Council said the 'sheer numbers' coming to visit Hafren Forest in Llanidloes, Powys, was a 'wicked problem'.

It follows a sudden surge in social media users flocking to the area after viewing clips of the river, waterfalls and popular boardwalk online.

Councillor Glyn Preston said the situation was 'really challenging for local people'.

He added: 'Our facilities are not suitable for the sheer numbers who are coming up to the Hafren Forest.

'We should welcome tourists to enjoy our area, particularly if they're going to spend money in local shops and businesses, but the situation at the Hafren is really challenging for local people, farmers, and those working in the forestry.'

Traffic officers said 'dangerous and obstructive' parking along the road near the car park had also been an issue.

In a video uploaded to TikTok last month - which has since amassed tens of thousands of likes - one hiker says: 'I can't believe I've only discovered this place.

Powys County Council said the 'sheer numbers' coming to visit Hafren Forest in Llanidloes, Powys, was a 'wicked problem'. Traffic over the Bank Holiday weekend is pictured

Traffic officers said 'dangerous and obstructive' parking along the road near the car park had also been an issue

'If you love forest walks, waterfalls and amazing scenery, you're gonna love this one.'

In another, a woman says: 'This incredible forest walk needs to be added to your 2026 to-do-list.

'This is Hafren Forest and it's considered the UK's best board walk.'

A series of clips then showcase the stunning forest views.

Dyfed-Powys Police has suggested introducing a clearway order - a restriction preventing stopping and parking.

Environment body Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which owns the site, was asked to fund the order and the cost of new signage.

It comes as neighbours have also raised separate concerns about an ice cream van trading near the car park.

New signs were installed to direct traffic to Hafren Forest via a safer route.

But some older signs remain in place - leading to confusion and ongoing use of the unsuitable route.

Mr Preston said: 'They are going to be removed. All the signs will uniformly direct traffic via Staylittle.

'It's still not an ideal road, but it is better than the Old Hall valley.'
A Scottish Green candidate on course to become an MSP in May's Holyrood election wants to close all the country's prisons and replace jail time with community sentences.

Kate Nevens said she wanted to see 'the complete abolition of the prison system in Scotland' in an online video.

She justified the move by saying jails did not cut crime and were 'really poor' for prisoners' 'health and wellbeing', especially for female inmates.

Ms Nevens posted the video after initially appearing to row back from her hardline position.

Over the Easter weekend, in a statement to The Times issued in her name by the party she said she backed prison as a 'last resort'. And the Greens told the paper they did not back complete abolition.

But yesterday she posted a clip on social media from a secondary school debate she attended in the constituency of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith, where she is being tipped to win a seat.

She wrote: 'No past tense here, still keen to live in a Scotland with no prisons', and in the video she told students: 'I would want to see the complete abolition of the prison system in Scotland...

'That is an ultimate goal for the Greens, is to not have the prison system as it is right now.'

But the Scottish Tories branded it 'insane', with candidate for Edinburgh South Western Sue Webber saying: 'It beggars belief that someone who fervently believes that murderers and rapists shouldn't be locked up is high up the Greens' Lothian list and could become an MSP.

Kate Nevens said she wanted to see 'the complete abolition of the prison system in Scotland' in an online video

Ms Nevens (front right, with party leaders leaders Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay last week) justified the move by saying jails were 'really poor' for prisoners' 'health and wellbeing'

yesterday she posted a clip on social media from a high school debate she attended in the Edinburgh North Eastern & Leith seat she is contesting, writing: 'No past tense here, still keen to live in a Scotland with no prisons.'

'If Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay had a shred of credibility as serious politicians, they would disown this candidate now.

'The Greens are a party of dangerous extremists and yet the SNP have already invited them into government before and John Swinney would happily stitch up a new deal with his fellow nationalists if it meant keeping himself in Bute House.'

Ms Nevens added that before that could happen the party wanted to 'massively reduce the number of people we are sending to prison' and make more use of 'community justice processes' like electronic tagging and unpaid or low-paid work.

In the social media post she also linked to the website of an organisation, Abolitionist Future, which wants 'to build a future without prisons, police and punishment'.

Her stance was backed on social media by another Green standing in the multi-seat constituency, poet Q Manivannan.
Humiliating videos have laid bare a crimewave blighting London after Waitrose sacked a worker who tried to stop a shoplifter stealing Easter eggs.

Despite London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan's frequent claims the capital is a safe city, many of its stores are plagued by repeat thieves, shoplifting gangs stealing to order and thugs who can even attack store staff when challenged.

Video footage shows how criminals waltz into stores and brazenly fill up large bags with products - from supermarket food to high-end perfumes and cosmetics.

Amid the uptick in retail crime, supermarket Waitrose came under fire this week after it emerged it had sacked a London employee for confronting a 'repeat offender'.

Walker Smith, 54, had worked at the Clapham Junction branch for 17 years before he was fired after confronting the shoplifter after a customer told him someone had filled their bag with Easter eggs.

A tug-of-war briefly ensued between the pair before the bag broke and the Lindt Gold Bunny Eggs spilled onto the floor, smashing into pieces.

Despite his heroic effort, he was promptly sacked by Waitrose bosses as staff had previously been told not to intervene or approach shoplifters.

Waitrose has defended its decision, claiming there is a 'serious danger to life' in tackling thieves and its staff policies must be 'strictly followed'.

But it has been roundly criticised, with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp of the Conservatives writing to the supermarket's Chief Executive Tom Denyard.

A GoFundMe for Mr Smith has so far raised more than 7,000.

Video footage shows how criminals waltz into stores and brazenly fill up large bags with products - from supermarket food to high-end perfumes and cosmetics (Pictured: Liam Hutchinson, jailed for 12 months for thefts at Boots stores totalling 100,000)

In October, thief Daniel Cleveland, 33, was jailed for three years after stealing 16,000 worth of taps from B&Q in Bromley, south London

Waitrose shop assistant Walker Smith, 54, was sacked after tackling a shoplifter who was trying to steal luxury Easter eggs

It comes after a series of high-profile shoplifting cases which have seen some perpetrators jailed for stealing up to 300,000 of goods.

In October, thief Daniel Cleveland, 33, was jailed for three years after stealing 16,000 worth of taps from B&Q in Bromley, south London.

He was caught on camera throwing the items over a fence while still on the shop premises to an accomplice.

Elsewhere Bianca Mirica, 20, was captured stuffing cosmetics into her bag as part of a 299,000 campaign which also saw her strip perfume from the shelves of a Boots in Hornchurch.

The Romanian national and mother-of-three was one of 16 people arrested as part of raids on a major shoplifting gang. She was jailed last summer for 32 months.

And Liam Hutchinson was jailed for a year after CCTV footage saw him swipe whole shelves of Boots products into his bag, totalling 100,000.

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.

In London alone, more than 100,000 offences were recorded in the year to October 2025, up significantly from 58,000 in 2023.

Yet the Met Police attended just 14,000 of reported incidents.

M&S retail director Thinus Keeve has blamed Sadiq Khan for failing to tackle retail crime.

'I keep hearing crime is falling, especially in London  something none of us believes, and very few people working in retail would see,' Mr Keeve said.

'In fact, we see the absolute opposite in our high streets and in our stores.'

He added: 'It is worse in London, but it is happening across the country, and it is becoming routine because it seems there are no consequences.

'Without a government seriously cracking down on crime and a mayor who prioritises effective policing, we are powerless.'

M&S retail director Thinus Keeve has blamed London Mayor Sadiq Khan (pictured) for failing to tackle retail crime

Bianca Mirica, 20, was captured stuffing cosmetics into her bag as part of a 299,000 campaign which also saw her strip perfume from the shelves of a Boots in Hornchurch

Mirica operated as part of a shoplifting gang - police arrested 16 members of the group

His comments came after a large group of young people stormed multiple shops in Clapham, including the local M&S.

Mr Keeve said 'a large group of young people had ransacked a store' before assaulting security.

Chief Executive of Iceland Lord Walker of Broxton suggested in recent days store security staff should carry truncheons and pepper spray.

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.'

Earlier this year the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley, sparked anger when he blamed the shoplifting epidemic in the city on storekeepers.

Appearing before the Home Affairs Select Committee, he was asked about thieves who regularly clear entire shelves of products before leaving without paying.

He said: 'We're determined to bear down on this. I recognise a very variable response from shops to shoplifting in their premises.

'We encourage them all to report it and the good stores have got really good security regimes and report it and help us out in ways that I'll come to in a moment. Some stores don't.'

Sir Mark added: 'Some of them don't report anything, if we go there they don't give us the CCTV of the crime, they won't give us any statements, they don't give their staff time to give statements and they don't pay their staff to go to court to give evidence.'

But retailers have said when they do report the crime to police, often no officers turn up.

The Mayor's office admitted in December that the Met only attended less than half of shoplifting reports that had been assessed as needing officers deployed.

In response to a question from the Lib Dems, his office said there were more than 100,000 reports between November 2024 and October 2025.

Of these, 32,133 were assessed as requiring police attendance. Just 14,274 actually saw officers deployed to the store.

Shopowner Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, founder of The Black Farmer, said last week that stock is stolen from his stores every single day.

'Shoplifting is the biggest curse for anyone in retail and it's getting worse,' he told the BBC.

'It's now at the point where you think is this even worth it?'

The businessman previously resorted to hiring his own security guard, but had to let them go as he could not afford the monthly 5,000 cost.

Meanwhile at larger chains, staff are routinely being warned they could be sacked if they try to intervene in ongoing shoplifting offences.

With Waitrose firing Mr Smith, Co-op has also told employees they risk losing their job.

The Co-op was hit by more than 300,000 cases of shoplifting and abuse in 2023, with staff being targeted up to 1,000 times a day.

Shoplifting levels have doubled since the pandemic and rocketed by 20 per cent since Labour came into power.

Last year, fewer than one in five (19 per cent) shoplifting cases led to a suspect being charged or summoned, while 55 per cent of cases were closed without a suspect being identified.

In response, the government said today more than 3,000 extra police and community support officers are being sent to neighbourhoods amid efforts to clamp down on shoplifting and mobile phone theft.

According to figures released on Tuesday, 3,123 additional neighbourhood police officers and police community support officers have been hired or redeployed since April 2025.

Some of those officers, however, are still in training and are not yet on the beat.

The Government has said it will do more for communities 'blighted by shop theft, mobile phone theft and drug offences', and last year pledged to provide 3,000 additional neighbourhood policing personnel by the end of March 2026.

In recent days, retailers have said staff on the high street are facing daily abuse and violence as criminals become more brazen.

Ministers have vowed to recruit 13,000 additional neighbourhood personnel by the end of this parliament.

Policing minister Sarah Jones said: 'Neighbourhood policing was hollowed out under the previous government. Communities were left to face an epidemic of everyday crime that all too often seemed to go unpunished.

'To make matters worse, too many officers have been stuck behind desks in support roles when we need them out on our streets.

'We're delivering the biggest reforms to policing in over 200 years and, crucially, putting 13,000 more neighbourhood officers where they belong - on the beat and fighting crime in our communities. The Government will halve knife crime within a decade, saving lives and protecting communities.'

Ed Woodall, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, said: 'We strongly welcome the Government's commitment to increasing police presence in communities, which has led to a majority of retailers reporting better relationships with their local police forces.

'We now need to capitalise on this momentum so that more repeat shop thieves are brought to justice and taken out of the cycle of reoffending.'
Furious locals say travellers are 'running roughshod' over Britain's planning laws and have warned 'this could get ugly' after a field in their village was paved over.

Around 30 lorries arrived in Sundridge, in Kent's stockbroker belt, over the Easter weekend and dumped piles of rubble on a grassed area.

Diggers and machinery rolled in under the cover of darkness before workers flattened the jumbled masonry into hardstanding while council offices remained closed.

One livid resident tried to stop the encroachment but was arrested and led away by police. He was released later the same day.

Now residents of the tranquil village, where properties regularly command prices in excess of 2million, have urged police to take a tougher stance on the group's 'age old trick'.

One resident told the Daily Mail: 'This is absolutely shocking. They are riding roughshod over the laws everyone else has to follow. I think the police need to be aware as this could get ugly.'

Another villager said: 'I'm absolutely furious. How is it that everyone pussyfoots around this issue when the police should move in and stop the work immediately.

'Where's the sanitation and bins? The council should have a quick response team backed up by police force if necessary. Small groups should not be allowed to rip up the countryside like this.'

Up to 30 lorries arrived at the site in Sundridge, Kent, and dumped rubble on the field before workers flattened it to make hard standing

Plans by travellers to move into a desirable Kent village were stalled when a large three-bedroom static home loaded onto a lorry became wedged in the narrow lane causing an obstruction

On Sunday, traveller families, including one with young children, started to move onto the site.

However, their plans to occupy the site stalled when a large three-bedroom static home loaded onto a lorry became wedged in the narrow lane causing an obstruction.

The travellers began ripping up hedges and undergrowth on the side of the road in a bid to make a passage for the lorry.

A villager has warned police 'it could be a flashpoint' as they fumed: 'It's an abomination they are allowed to get away with this. It's an eyesore, a total eyesore.'

Shaun Goldsmith said: 'I don't have a problem with travellers building a site but just follow the rules and apply for planning before moving on.

'They want to be treated the same as everyone else or you're called racist but don't want to follow the rules like everyone else has to.'

Angry villagers called the police and went out onto the road in an attempt to block the vehicles getting access to the field - leading to one arrest on Sunday morning.

A villager, who lives close to the field, said: 'They've torn down trees and lots of hedging which doesn't belong to them to try and get their vehicles onto this site which just illustrates how totally unsuitable it is for them.

'One man who tried to stop them was arrested but we're all absolutely livid. This is green belt land. You can't do anything without planning approval but this group of people have just put two fingers up and carried on regardless.'

Councillor Nigel Williams, of Sevenoaks District Council and Kent County Council, said: 'I'm absolutely furious about this because the law is totally hopeless when it comes to situations like this.

'It was a military-style operation. They swept in on Friday morning pulled down trees and ripped up hedge and then lorry after lorry arrived with hardcore and they created hard standing for vehicles and homes.

'Then they came with a static home which blocked the road and used cars to prevent villagers getting out. It's been horrendous.'

Fears over a further confrontation over the illegal development has led parish council bosses to warn residents against approaching the site.

Laura Trott, MP for Sevenoaks and shadow education secretary, has called for a change in the law to stop traveller community carrying out such actions.

Posting on Facebook she said: 'I'm very sorry to report that, once again over a Bank Holiday weekend, an unauthorised development has been deliberately started.

'As soon as I was notified I contacted the district council to report the incident and ask for all possible action to be taken. The police have also been made aware.

'This situation underlines again why we must see a change in the law. Flagrant breaches such as this should never be able to apply for retrospective planning consent.

She also condemned the Sevenoaks District Council for failing to take immediate action.

Join the discussion Are current laws failing to deal with unauthorised developments?

Diggers and machinery rolled in under the cover of darkness before workers flattened the jumbled masonry into hardstanding while council offices remained closed

One local man was arrested on Sunday morning for obstructing a police officer, but was later released

Ms Trott said: 'I am incredibly disappointed and deeply frustrated to learn from the council that no action will be taken until Tuesday. Illegal developments must be shut down immediately, whether they occur over a bank holiday weekend or not. To help do this the law must catch up.'

It is understood the field at the junction of Penn Lane and Church Road was recently sold at auction.

Karl Brooks said: 'Any one can buy the land, use the Easter holiday, get the digger in, clear the ground, put in the hardcore, bring the caravans in by Monday.

'The enforcement team finished Thursday night so do what you want for four days.'

A spokesperson for Sundridge with Ide Hill Parish Council, one of the oldest in Britain, said: 'Members of the Parish Council are extremely disappointed that no further action will be taken before Tuesday April 7 due to the Easter bank holiday period, and we fully recognise and share the concerns being expressed by residents.'

A spokesperson for Kent Police said officers were called to Sundridge shortly after 8am on Sunday after reports that the road was blocked by vehicles and a disturbance had broken out.

She said: 'Officers attended to assist. Two traffic offence reports were issued and a man in his 40s was arrested for obstructing a police officer. He was later released while enquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing. The road was cleared at around 4.30pm.'
A 21-year-old British woman has vanished after meeting a man during a solo holiday to California.

Katherine Esther Gamboa Kerwood disappeared after travelling alone from London for a week-long sightseeing trip.

She was last seen on CCTV meeting a man carrying flowers who greeted her at the airport, her father told local media.

Her family say they have not heard from her since Friday and that it is out of character for her to go quiet.

'She's generally very responsive and the fact that she didn't message for hours is the first signal,' family friend Ali Zaidi told KTVU on Sunday.

'Second, when she messaged they said, "Hey, let's get on the phone", and immediately she didn't respond.'

Kerwood arrived in California on March 31, with plans to visit Sacramento, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, San Francisco and Santa Cruz.

A text she sent that same day claimed she was at a hostel in Sacramento, but she never checked in.

A 21-year-old British woman has vanished after meeting a man during a solo holiday to California

Katherine Esther Gamboa Kerwood disappeared after travelling alone from London for a week-long sightseeing trip

Her father said airport security footage showed her meeting a man, believed to be named David, whom she had previously met in the UK.

The disappearance has been reported to police in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

Officers in California have entered her details into a statewide database to alert law enforcement.

Local authorities are understood to be working to trace Kerwoods movements after she left the airport, including reviewing further CCTV and phone data.

Her family have appealed for information and urged anyone who may have seen her or knows of her whereabouts to contact police.

Kerwood, who is believed to be from Clanfield, Hampshire, had been due to fly back to London on Wednesday.
A skydiver in his 50s has died after jumping out of a plane at an aerodrome as police are probing his 'unexplained' death.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at Headcorn Aerodrome, near Maidstone in Kent, at around 10am yesterday.

Officers were seen searching the fields at the aerodrome and Kent Police confirmed a solo skydiver had died.

Lucy Barrett, 53, saw something fall to the ground as she waited to do a brain tumour charity skydive for the 40th anniversary of her sisters death from cancer.

The mum of three said she and others watching were left 'traumatised' after realising it was the man's body.

She said: 'There are five people in our group, and we saw what looked like a person falling, and the chute did not open.

'We were the next jump, and I was trying to get in the right headspace to jump. I did not believe that it had happened. I was trying to keep myself composed.

'There was a woman who was really upset about it, and we were trying to calm her down.

Emergency services rushed to the scene yesterday on Easter Monday following reports that a skydiver in his 50s died after his 'parachute failed to open' during a jump

The aerodrome's fire and rescue vehicle was scrambled to the scene

'There was a search, and they only found five of the six parachutes that should have been there.

'It was after that we were told there had been a fatality and that the jump would not be going ahead.

'We weren't told who had died, but what I gathered it was a man who had around 10 years of experience in skydiving.

'When I spoke to my 22-year-old son, he told me he had seen and heard the whole thing. He has been impacted by it.

'The police turned up and took witness statements, including one from my son.'

'It happened just before I was being taken off for my skydive.

'My son was watching from the spectator's section and saw the person hit the ground and the parachute open with the impact.

'Another person in my group was getting hysterical because she saw what happened.'

She said that after the parachutes were counted at the landing base, one was missing and after a survey plane was sent out, it was confirmed one of the jumpers had disappeared.

Aerodrome staff then found the body while Mrs Barrett was waiting with professional skydivers to see if she could go up for her jump, she said.

A Kent Police spokesperson said: 'Officers attended the scene where a man in his 50s was confirmed to be deceased. His next of kin has been informed.

'The death is currently being treated as unexplained and an investigation into the circumstances is underway in liaison with British Skydiving.

'A report has been completed for the coroner.'

People were seen gathered on the airfield and surrounding meadows with emergency services

Headcorn Aerodrome began its life as RAF Lashenden during the Second World War in 1943. It was closed in 1945 but reopened in the late 1960s and is now regularly used for parachute jumps, skydiving and wing walking

Flights were halted throughout the day on Easter Monday while emergency services investigated the death as forensic officers combed the scene.

The incident involved a solo, recreational skydiver, undertaking a non-commercial sport parachute jump, which operates independently of GoSkydives tandem skydiving operations held at the same location.

A Go Skydive spokesperson said: 'We are aware of an incident involving a solo club skydiver at a drop zone in Headcorn. Our thoughts are with those affected.

'We would like to express our sincere thanks to all emergency services and on-site teams for their swift and professional response, as well as to the ground staff who are assisting at this time.

'A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will investigate the accident and, when completed, will submit reports to the coroner, the police, the CAA, British Skydiving and other relevant authorities.

'The report will include the board's conclusions and will, if appropriate, make recommendations.

'At this stage, we are unable to provide any further information.

'We will continue to cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and will provide updates if and when it is appropriate to do so.'

A Cessna 208B Grand Caravan plane - known as Logan in the flying community - was seen on Flightradar leaving the aerodrome at 8.36am.

It is known to be used for skydiving and parachuting activities, and it landed again at 9.24am, with no aircraft taking off or landing at the site since, according to the flight-tracking site.

People were seen gathered on the airfield and in nearby fields, including the aerodrome's fire and rescue vehicle.

Headcorn Aerodrome is one of the few remaining grass strip airfields in Kent and was first opened in 1943 during the Second World War when it was known as RAF Lashenden.

It was a prototype for similar airfields set up in France after D-Day and was used by the RAF as well as the Royal Canadian Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces before it closed for military use in September 1945.

It was then reverted to farmland but was reopened as an airfield in the late 1960s and now regularly hosts skydivers and wing walkers.

Police, ambulance and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have been contacted for comment.
This is the moment an illegal raver was left bloodied and battered after police beat him to the ground - as cops insist they were the ones being attacked and gave a 'proportionate response'.

Police were called to a firing range field close to a British Army base in East Lulworth, Dorset, at 11.45pm on Saturday, where around 2,000 people had flocked for annual illegal Easter rave EggTek.



Riot police had plastic bottles and cans thrown at them by the 'violent and hostile' crowd as they tried to put a stop to the event and its huge sound systems which were blasting trance music loudly enough to wake up sleeping locals five miles away.

However, footage posted online shows riot police repeatedly hitting one reveller with a baton and a man and a woman with bloodied and battered faces, allegedly inflicted by the officers.

Earlier videos posted online showed ravers grouping together to push against the wall of riot police holding up shields whilst a police helicopter hovered above.

Other clips showed attendees stumbling around as they inhaled 'hippy crack' from balloons and danced to the thumping music.

One attendee accused police of being heavy-handed, claiming they 'attacked' people by dragging them across the floor and hitting them as they lay on the ground.

But David Sidwick, the Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner, defended officers and said they used proportionate force after coming under 'intense assault' from the crowd.

Officers in riot gear had bottles and cans thrown at them as they stepped in to break up the unauthorised 24 hour rave that was attended by 2,000 people.

Footage shows a raver being dragged away by riot officers with a bloodied and beaten face

Riot police are seen repeatedly hitting revellers with batons in clips posted on social media

Another video showed a woman with blood on her face and in her hair from wounds alleged to have been inflicted by officers

Mr Sidwick: 'This was an illegal act that was well organised, nationally organised. It was an illegal event with no safety constraints.

'The police were absolutely right to do what they did and police this robustly.

'The police would have tried to close this down peacefully. They came under intense assault with bottles.

'The reason they closed it down was there were a number of illegal acts going on, drug taking but the immense inconvenience to the community around, you could hear this for miles.

'I had members of community come to me absolutely devastated by the noise, absolutely devastated that people were stopping and defecating in their drives, there was a lot of anti-social behaviour that occurred.

'The police were right to shut it down. I am certain that when it is reviewed it will show this was a proportionate response.'

Police attended and told the crowd to leave the site but to no avail.

Boosted by colleagues from neighbouring forces, officers in riot gear went in and physically dispersed the crowd which had become 'violent and hostile'.

Eleven people were arrested for a variety of offences, with one person charged with assaulting a police officer.

But attendee Zak Hanman, from Swindon, Wiltshire, told the BBC the event had been 'very peaceful' up to that point and no violence was presented towards the police.

He said: 'Everyone was just enjoying themselves, but the police... started dragging people to the floor, hitting them, attacking them when no violence was presented towards them.

'The violence they used was unethical, it was unhuman-like and it was just not needed.'

Officers in riot gear had missiles thrown at them by the 'violent and hostile' crowd at the 24-hour EggTek rave in East Lulworth, Dorset, on Sunday morning

Footage posted on social media shows ravers grouping together to push against the wall of riot police holding up shields whilst a police helicopter hovered above

Officers in riot gear had missiles thrown at them by the 'violent and hostile' crowd as they tried to put a stop to the event and its huge sound systems

He admitted he had seen violence towards police officers from partygoers, but said that only began after officers moved in.

He said: 'Towards the end, yes, people were throwing stuff at them [the police], but that was not until they were hitting people, attacking people.'

In one case in particular, he said he had seen officers 'hit this guy with a baton, even when he was on the floor'.

He added: 'Yes, people were taking drugs, yes, people were drunk, but that doesn't mean beat them up. Any human in their right mind can see that it was just not called for.'

Dorset Police said in a statement: 'This event caused significant disruption to local communities and we took appropriate and proportionate action to bring it to safe conclusion.

'While responding to the incident involving a large number of people, our officers came under attack from missiles and faced a violent and hostile reception.

'Violence in our communities and against our officers will not be tolerated.'
A 'religious terrorist' gunman was killed, and two others were left wounded during a ten-minute shooting attack outside the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul.

According to Turkey's interior ministry, three gunmen affiliated with 'a terror group' were involved in the attack. The remaining two were 'neutralised'.

The interior ministry said in a statement on X that Yunus E.S. 'was captured dead' and 'had connections with a terrorist group that exploits religion'. It identifies the two injured attackers as Onur C and Enes C - who it says are brothers.

Governor Davut Gul confirmed the dead gunman's killing during the attack that took place at around 12.15pm - just hours before US President Donald Trump's looming deadline for Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz is set to expire.

The attackers had used rifles and pistols in the assault, which occurred immediately outside a tower where the Israeli consulate is located in Istanbul's financial district.

Turkish officials would not immediately reveal the group the attacker was linked to but Turkish media said it could be the Islamic State group, whose members clashed with Turkish police in Yalova, which lies on the shores of the Sea of Marmara about 55 miles southeast of Istanbul.

Two police officers were also left wounded in the shooting. Their injuries are not life-threatening, with one shot in the leg and the other in the ear.

In a statement, Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci said: 'Three individuals who engaged in an armed clash with our police officers on duty in front of the Yap Kredi Plaza Blocks in Istanbul have been neutralised.

A 'terrorist' gunman was killed, and two others were left wounded during a ten-minute shooting attack outside the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul

According to reports, three gunmen were involved in the attack

A plainclothes police officer holds a gun, after gunfire was heard near the building housing the Israeli consulate

Police stand next to a wounded person, believed to be the attacker, after gunfire was heard near the building housing the Israeli consulate

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'Two of our heroic police officers were slightly injured in the clash. The identities of the terrorists have been determined.

'It has been established that one of the individuals, who came to Istanbul from Izmit in a rented vehicle, has links to an organisation that exploits religion; and that one of the two terrorists, who are brothers, has a drug-related record.'

In dramatic footage of the scenes, an apparent attacker is seen moving among parked white police and security buses and firing for several minutes with an automatic rifle and handgun.

Two bodies are seen lying on nearby streets and grassy areas.

Police officers could be seen pulling out guns and taking cover as shots rang out for at least 10 minutes. One person was covered in blood.

Since the Hamas-Israel war began in 2023, a heavily armed police presence has been maintained in the area near the Israeli consulate.

The area where the consulate building is located is densely populated and houses several businesses, including international ones, with 'thousands' of people working nearby.

The Israeli consulate is on the seventh floor of one of the taller buildings in the area.

The city's governor, Davut Gul, added that there have been no Israeli diplomatic staff at the consulate for two-and-a-half years.

'The eyewitness that I spoke to he was just smoking with his colleague, and three people came in a car, tried to open a gunfire, and then the security fired them back,' said Sinem Koseoglu, a reporter in Istanbul.

Police officials gather outside The Israeli Consulate in Istanbul on April 7, 2026, following a shootout between gunmen and police

Turkish Police's special forces work at the scene

A police official stands alert near The Israeli Consulate in Istanbul on April 7, 2026

Police stand by a cordoned off area outside a building that previously housed the Israeli Consulate after gunman opened fire on April 7

The Istanbul public prosecutor's office has launched an investigation, Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said on X.

The ministry also confirmed that the two police officers who were shot in Tuesday's attack were 'slightly injured.'

A large police presence was deployed in front of the consulate, where bloodstains were seen on the ground in an adjacent parking lot.

The immediate vicinity of the consulate is inaccessible even under normal circumstances, as the area is cordoned off by police barriers.

Footage aired by the private NTV television showed police officers opening fire near a busy thoroughfare, as well as an injured person being carried away on a stretcher.

'The United States condemns in the strongest terms today's attack on the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul,' US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack said on X.

'Attacks on diplomatic missions are attacks on the international order - and an assault on the principles that bind nations together,' he added, while commending Turkey and Turkish security forces for 'their swift and decisive response'.

Turkish officials would not immediately reveal the group the attacker was linked to but Turkish media said it could be the IS group.

Forensic experts work at the scene in Istanbul following the deadly shooting

A view of the building which houses the Israeli consulate in Istanbul after three gunmen engaged in a shootout with security personnel near the building in Istanbul

A large police presence was deployed in front of the consulate, where bloodstains were seen on the ground in an adjacent parking lot

IS militants opened fire on police in Yalova in December, killing three officers and wounding nine others.

Turkish police have stepped up nationwide raids against IS militants, rounding up 125 suspects shortly after that attack.

IS has carried out other deadly attacks in Turkey, including one at a nightclub in Istanbul that killed 39 people in 2017.

The attack came several hours before the deadline for Trump's deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

However, Iranian state-linked media is reporting on a statement from the Revolutionary Guard, in which it said that it will not hesitate to respond in kind if the US attacks civilian facilities.

The US president said he will strike Iranian power plants and bridges in mere hours if Iran does not agree to open the Strait of Hormuz.

'We will do to the infrastructure of America and its partners what will deprive them and their allies of the region's oil and gas for many years', the statement reads.

'American leaders lack the ability to calculate the critical assets that would be within range of our fighters if they attacked our infrastructure', it added.

'Our response will extend beyond the region if the US military crosses our red lines'.
Patients of a suspended dentist claim they have been left with no functioning teeth and are begging for help while the disgraced doctor fights to get his license back.

Dr Justin Scott, 44, based in Atlanta, Georgia, had his permit to practice rescinded on Friday after almost a dozen patients told horror stories about his clinic.

The accusations ranged from billing issues to people receiving shoddy treatment from unlicensed medics that left them needing corrective procedures. Scott has vehemently denied the accusations.

Patients Tangie Larkin and Patrick Archibald said they paid Scott's Pure Dental Health in Buckhead thousands of dollars for treatment which left them worse for wear.

'I have no teeth. I have no functional teeth. This side broke all the way off,' Larkin told WSB-TV2.

'Five years later, all this money in and instead of my dream teeth I have no teeth.'

Archibald told a similar story. 'I have one screw in over here; I can barely talk; my bottoms are not done at all,' he said.

'My friends will tell you there are times I just sat there and cried and cried at night,' he added. 'I want my mouth fixed I want what I paid for.'

Georgia Dentist Justin Scott, 44, had his license suspended and was deemed a threat to public safety after multiple patients reported severe health issues

One patient claimed she received implants from Scott that 'ultimately failed,' and her dentist allegedly discovered bone necrosis at the implant site

Scott's attorneys said the Georgia Board of Dentistry raised complaints about his practice and the dentist responded in writing to the concerns.

His lawyers claim the state then suspended his license without a hearing that would have allowed him to tell his side of the story.

They have filed an emergency petition claiming the suspension was 'unlawful' and the complaints did 'not warrant emergency action.'

Scott also told the Daily Mail in a statement: 'I practiced dentistry in Buckhead, Atlanta for 15 years without a single license suspension, revocation, or formal disciplinary action.

'The Board notified me of patient complaints in mid-2025  some dating back years.

'I submitted detailed written responses addressing every patient and every allegation. The Board never followed up.

'Their own inspectors visited my office in September 2025, observed the conditions now cited in the suspension order, and left without issuing any directive or restriction.

'No emergency was declared. Six months of silence followed.

'Then on March 27, they suspended my license without a hearing, without a phone call, and without ever asking me a single question.'

'What I can say: the majority of patients cited in the suspension order had active financial disputes with my practice at the time they filed their complaints  unpaid balances, collections, chargebacks, or refund demands,' he added.

'That's not a clinical pattern. That's a financial one.'

Scott had been trying to sell his practice for $2.1 million but he has only received one $300,000 offer since his permit was revoked, his lawyers said.

The order also accuses Scott of engaging in 'deceitful and/or misleading billing and treatment planning'

Meanwhile, his practice has been forced to close, leaving 12 employees out of work and his reputation in tatters.

The Georgia Board of Dentistry said they summarily suspended Scott's license because it 'poses a threat to the public health, safety and welfare.'

A summary inspection order obtained by the Daily Mail also showed that one patient claimed she received implants from Scott's clinic that 'ultimately failed.'

She said another dentist later made a horrifying discovery of bone necrosis at the implant site, which is dead tissue often caused by infection.

In a third case, a patient learned there was no orthodontist at the practice and immediately stopped treatment.

Her new dentist then discovered 'multiple conditions that required correction as a result of poor orthodontic treatment,' according to the document.

The order also accuses Scott of engaging in 'deceitful and/or misleading billing and treatment planning.'

Scott allegedly created a written treatment plan and invoice for a patient that stated 'maxillary and mandibular treatment' for a total fee of $20,000.

After signing and paying the total fee, the patient was told that the plan was not intended to include the lower arch.

They were also informed that the treatment plan and invoice language were issued in error, according to the document.

Investigators conducted an inspection of Scott's facilities on September 10 and documented 'extensive and pervasive failures of sanitary practice, sterilization and infection control.'

The alleged violations included improper sterilization techniques and logs, failure to maintain maintenance logs, expired supplies, improper instrument storage, an ineffective eyewash station and an animal on the premises.

Scott appeared to be posting images from Puerto Rico to his Instagram Stories just last week

His social media is filled with photos of his travels around the world, portraying a globe-trotting lifestyle

The state board concluded that continued use of Scott's dental license 'poses a threat to the public health, safety and welfare and imperatively requires emergency action.'

Just last week, Scott appeared to be posting images from Puerto Rico to his Instagram Stories.

His social media is filled with photos of his travels around the world, portraying a globe-trotting lifestyle.

Scott began working at his father's dental office in 1997 while attending the University of South Alabama, according to his Pure Dental Health biography.

He then attended the University of Alabama School of Dentistry.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Scott for comment.
A starving Indiana toddler, allegedly murdered by his parents, had been eating drywall, paint chips and even diapers in a desperate effort to stay alive, police say.

Erik Reichard, two, was found dead in a Tell City home last month weighing just 15 pounds - about half the normal weight for his age - with his body covered in sores and bug bites.

His parents, Trevor Reichard-Hayes, 39, and Katherine Carter, 31, allegedly admitted they had not seen their son alive for about 14 hours before making the 911 call, according to WKRC News.

When investigators executed a search warrant, they found disturbing conditions inside the home: feces on the floor, diapers scattered about, insects present and human waste that had built up for days or even weeks.

The pair were swiftly arrested and charged with murder, along with multiple counts of neglect of a dependent, including counts resulting in death and serious bodily injury, according to the Tell City Police Department.

'Scenes such as these are extremely difficult for the officers, first responders and partner agencies involved,' TCPD stated in a statement.

'We respectfully ask for and appreciate your prayers and support for the investigators as well as the victims family during this difficult time,' police added.

The grim discovery came just before 1:20pm on March 31, when authorities responded to a 911 call from a Guttenberg Lane home about an unresponsive child.

Erik Reichard, two, of Indiana, allegedly resorted to eating drywall, paint chips and diapers due to extreme hunger in the weeks leading up to his death

Katherine Carter, 31, Eriks mother (pictured with her other son), allegedly told investigators that she and her husband had last seen their son alive about 14 hours before dialing 911

Erik's father, Trevor Reichard-Hayes, 39, allegedly told 911 dispatchers that his wife found their toddler not breathing and brought him downstairs

The caller, identified as Reichard-Hayes, allegedly told dispatchers his wife found their toddler not breathing and brought him downstairs before dialing 911.

Responding officers arrived to find Erik lying on the living room floor, where they immediately began CPR in a frantic bid to save his life, according to WFIE News.

The toddler was pronounced dead at the scene after life-saving efforts failed.

Authorities determined he had been dead for several hours, while his parents said they last saw him around 11pm the night before.

Two other children were removed from the residence as authorities launched an investigation into Eriks death, with one sent to the hospital for severe malnutrition and dehydration.

Police observed that Erik was extremely emaciated, showed signs of malnutrition and had more than 40 sores or insect bites across his small body, according to the local news outlet.

Carter revealed to authorities that her son had been eating diapers, behavior that officers suspected stemmed from extreme hunger.

Detectives spent an extended period at the home, working alongside the Perry County Coroner's Office, the Prosecutor's Office and the Indiana Department of Child Services.

Officers executing the subsequent search warrant uncovered squalid conditions: feces on the childrens room floor, drywall, paint chips, spackling, dirt, insects and pieces of diapers strewn across the home, according to WFIE.

Erik was found in a home on Guttenberg Lane last month extremely emaciated and malnourished, with more than 40 sores or insect bites across his body

A search of the couples home revealed 'deplorable' conditions: feces on the childrens room floor, drywall, paint chips, spackling, dirt, insects and diaper pieces strewn around (pictured: Erik's gender reveal)

Two other children were removed from the residence, with one sent to the hospital for severe malnutrition and dehydration (pictured: the father with another child)

The pair were arrested and charged with murder, along with multiple counts of neglect of a dependent, including counts resulting in death and serious bodily injury

'We go into a lot of homes through our job and we certainly understand that having children, that's hard to keep your house the way that you would prefer it to be,' Tell City Police Chief Derrick Lawalin told WFIE News.

'But this was exceptionally difficult, the home was not in good living conditions at all,' he added. 'Right away, just our immediate observations just caused us to [call] Department of Child Services.'

One childs bedroom - though it was not confirmed if it belonged to Erik - contained only a small bed, with pieces of diaper and drywall scattered across the floor.

Also inside the room, authorities found a training toilet filled with feces and urine, which appeared to have gone uncleaned for weeks.

'The living conditions that he was confined to are not what you would want a child to be exposed to,' Perry County Prosecutor Samantha Hurst said, according to WFIE News.

An autopsy revealed that Eriks malnourished body contained materials consistent with drywall, paint chips, spackling and pieces of diapers, officials said.

On Friday, following a joint investigation with child services, the couple was arrested in connection with their sons death and booked into the Perry County Detention Center.

A training toilet filled with feces and urine - which appeared to have gone uncleaned for weeks - was found inside a child's bedroom (pictured: Reichard-Hayes with other child)

Carter said Erik had been eating diapers, which was confirmed during an autopsy

Reichard-Hayes LinkedIn revealed a background spanning years in the United States Army (pictured with older child)

The parents are set to appear in court Tuesday for the first time. If convicted, Indiana law allows for 45 to 65 years for murder and up to 40 years for Level 1 felony neglect.

The two surviving children removed from the home remain in state custody for their safety and ongoing medical care.

'This is a highly emotional case... It's a case that's beyond what we see often here in our community,' Chief Lawalin told WFIE.

'Most of the officers and first responders that respond to these type of things,' he added. 'We have children of our own so its certainly difficult to not get too emotionally attached to the case.'

Carter fashioned herself a 'digital content creator' on Facebook, but Reichard-Hayes LinkedIn revealed a background spanning years in the United States Army.

His listed occupations included infantryman, pathfinder, team machine gunner in Afghanistan, company armorer and field material tester.
The US Department of Justice notified Maine's Governor of an investigation into inmates who were born males being jailed with women, amid claims that a biological male transgender murderer sexually abused several cellmates.

Governor Janet Mills was informed that the DOJ would be specifically probing into the Maine Correctional Women's Center in Windham, where 27-year-old Andrea Balcer, formerly known as Andrew, is incarcerated.

Balcer is serving a 40-year sentence for stabbing her parents, Alice and Antonio Balcer, and their dog to death on Halloween in 2016.

She was initially jailed at Maine State Prison, a maximum-security prison for males, but transferred to a women's facility in 2022 after declaring she was a woman.

Katie Mountain, 41, a former cellmate of the 6-foot-1 and 310lbs transgender murderer, filed a complaint against Balcer, MDOC Commissioner Randall Liberty, who was appointed by Mills and Warden Ben Beal on April 3, according to the Portland Press Herald.

Within the suit, Mountain claimed multiple women were forcibly kissed, cornered, and made sexual advances toward by Balcer.

The filing claimed that she has been on the lowest amount of estrogen while in prison in order to remain with the women.

A letter sent by Mountain to the Maine Wire detailed that the alleged abuse began after she claims she was forced to share a bunk with Balcer. Mountain states she was uncomfortable with this arrangement, as she is a married Baptist Christian.

Andrea Balcer, 27, formerly known as Andrew, is a 6-foot-1 and 310lbs transgender woman convicted of murdering his parents in 2016

Balcer is serving 40 years in prison for stabbing Alice and Antonio Balcer, and their dog to death

'I knew coming to serve my 10-month sentence wouldn't be a walk in the park, but I never thought in a million years it would be a straight nightmare from hell,' wrote Mountain.

In the letter, she recalled an incident in which she accused Balcer of suggesting he could 'put a baby' in her.

Additionally, she accused him of making several remarks about 'his manhood.'

Only 10 percent of trans women in Maine prisons have undergone gender-affirming surgery, according to the complaint. Balcer is not one of them.

Mountain claims that despite speaking to prison officials multiple times, she was still trapped in the cell with Balcer.

Another disturbing accusation detailed a time that transgender woman allegedly asked Mountain to go to the bathroom, where she then accused him of pushing her against a wall and kissing her before she could escape.

She claimed that after telling prison officials about the assault, she was informed she would have to stay with Balcer till the end of the week.

'I finally snapped and called him [the prison official]. I couldn't live in there anymore, and I would do anything, like go smash my roommate in the mouth so I could get free of it all,' she said.

Balcer was initially jailed at Maine State Prison, a maximum-security prison for males, but transferred to a women's facility in 2022 after declaring she was a woman

The transgender woman is currently jailed at the Maine Correctional Women's Center in Windham where a former cellmate filed a lawsuit on April 3 claiming she and several other have been abused by Balcer

She was allegedly punished and brought to away segregation, where she claimed she was not given her medicine, leading her to become ill.

Furthermore, she claimed that she wasn't given clean clothes for three days and 'had no hygiene until day seven.'

Mountain added that the prison knowingly allowed Balcer's behavior: 'The prison has shattered every part of my soul.

'The hell of living in sin while fearing your roommate every day is cruel and unusual torture.'

The lawsuit filed on Mountain's behalf by attorney Cynthia Dill claims Mountain is suffering extreme physical and psychological distress.

'She is deprived of liberty, freedom of speech and thought, freedom to exercise her religious beliefs, privileges, and dignity because she is a woman and women are not protected from discrimination on the basis of sex at the Maine Correctional Center,' according to the complaint.

'Andrew Balcer continues to enjoy the full panoply of perks, amenities, and privileges of living in the Women's Center.'

The lawsuit added that 'he enjoys special treatment, privileges and status because of his sex and gender identity.'

Balcer was accused of assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Additionally, MDOC Commissioner Randall Libert and Warden Ben Beal were named in the filing as well

The filing alleges that Mills and Beal committed nine offenses, including cruel and unusual punishment, violations of the First Amendment's freedom of religion clause, violations of Mountain's freedom of speech, and violations of the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause.

Balcer was accused of assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

A Maine Department of Corrections spokesperson said in an email to Maine's Total Coverage: 'The Department of Corrections takes resident safety concerns very seriously. Anytime a resident makes a report of physical violence or harassment to staff, the department investigates.'

'If the conduct that occurred rises to the level of a crime, it is referred to the [District Attorney] for prosecution. If it violates the department's disciplinary policy, the residents involved are disciplined.'

In addition to the allegations brought forth by Mountain, a spokesperson for Mills told the outlet that 'Despite the Department of Justice's claims, this is yet another politically motivated, predetermined investigation designed to target states that stand up to the Trump administration and its abuses.'

An MDOC spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'The Maine Department of Corrections takes resident safety concerns very seriously. Anytime a resident makes a report of physical violence or harassment to staff, the Department investigates. If the conduct that occurred rises to the level of a crime, it is referred to the District Attorney for prosecution. If it violates the Departments disciplinary policy, the residents involved are disciplined. Information about specific residents in Department facilities is confidential under 34-A MRS 1216, and the Department does not comment on pending litigation.'

'The Department follows state and federal law in our practices regarding transgender residents. Transgender residents housing decisions are made by a multidisciplinary team, under Department policy, in compliance with state and federal law.'

Mountain is incarcerated for theft and burglary, with the earliest release date of June 5, 2026, according to the Maine Wire.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the MDOC and Governor Janet Mills for comment.
A talented junior drag racer and her best friend have been killed in a horrific high-speed rollover crash in western Utah.

Driver Ava Olivarez, 17, and Xander Hover, 15, died after being thrown from their Chevy Silverado amid a collision close to Delta city just after 6.15pm on Thursday.

A third teenager, Corey Wayman, 15, was also launched from the pickup truck but miraculously survived after sustaining a broken collarbone and a brain bleed.

Juab County Sheriff's Office said the Chevy was traveling 'at a high rate of speed' down the Weiss highway when it lost control before 'rolling multiple times.'

All three teens, from the Riverton area of Utah, were not wearing seat belts when they were flung from the truck.

Hover was pronounced dead at the scene and Olivarez died in hospital, while Wayman was taken to the Children's Hospital in a critical condition.

The only surviving teenager said Olivarez, who had been drag racing since she was eight, was behind the wheel as he recalled the horror of his best friends' final moments.

'We got to the turn where it happened, and I remember Ava turned too wide and it was all silent,' he told ABC4.

Talented junior drag racer Ava Olivarez, 17, was one of two killed in a horrific high-speed rollover crash in western Utah, close to Delta city, just after 6.15pm on Thursday

Xander Hover, 15, also died after being thrown from Olivarez's Chevy Silverado Thursday

A third teenager, Corey Wayman, 15, was also thrown from the pickup truck but miraculously survived after sustaining a broken collarbone and a brain bleed

'Next thing you know, I was on the floor looking at the roof and I blacked out. Then I woke up with paramedics around me.'

Juab County Sheriff's Office could not confirm how fast the car was traveling when asked by the Daily Mail.

'The exact cause of this tragic accident is still under investigation,' the office said.

'However, the primary contributing factors are related to high-speed travel and disuse of occupant restraints.'

The driver's father, Aaron Olivarez, disputed this, telling ABC4 that witnesses of the crash have told him his daughter was not speeding.

'It is unfathomable. It is the worst thing we can go through,' he said.

'The kids had made a quick trip to go see some friends, and we just never would have guessed that any of this could have happened.'

Olivarez, who is 'well known in the drag racing community' himself, according to a GoFundMe page for his daughter's funeral, said he was also shocked to learn that she was not wearing a seat belt.

'I don't know how I'm going to move on,' he said.

Wayman said he spent every day with Olivarez (above) and Hover, and they all loved drag racing. He remembered Olivarez for her 'dedication to racing'

Olivarez's family said she was following in her father's footsteps with her love of drag racing

'Her presence brought joy to everyone around her, and her memory will forever be cherished by her family, friends, and fellow racers,' reads Olivarez's fundraising page

Wayman said he spent every day with Olivarez and Hover, and they all loved drag racing. He remembered Olivarez for her 'dedication to racing.'

'We always mess around, but as soon as we got to the traffic, she'd say not to mess around, because she takes it so seriously,' Wayman said.

Olivarez's relatives said she was a 'talented junior drag racer' following in her father's footsteps.

'She began racing with him just after she turned eight years old, and quickly became a bright light on the track, showing determination, skill, and a passion for the sport,' they wrote on her GoFundMe page.

'Her presence brought joy to everyone around her, and her memory will forever be cherished by her family, friends, and fellow racers.

'She was truly wise beyond her years and could not only keep up on the track but in any conversation.'

Wayman paid tribute to Hover for his mental fortitude.

'I just want Xander to be remembered for not giving up,' he told ABC4. 'Nothing got that kid down. He was always just happy and never let anything bug him.'

Relatives of Hover have remembered him on a fundraising page as a teenager with his whole life ahead of him, who 'brought so much light to the family'

The 15-year-old's family said he was 'determined to work hard, make his own money, and build his business into something unforgettable'

Olivarez came from a family of drag racers and had been racing since she was eight years old

Hover's relatives have remembered him on a fundraising page as a teenager with his whole life ahead of him, who 'brought so much light to the family.'

'Xander had a deep love for hunting, fishing, cars and trucks - but more than anything, he loved being surrounded by his friends and family,' the GoFundMe reads.

'He was one of the most caring, adventurous, and driven young men you could ever meet.

'Xander had a big heart and an even bigger vision for his future.

'He was determined to work hard, make his own money, and build his business into something unforgettable.'

'You always knew when Xander walked into a room,' the page added.

'His presence was unforgettable. He had a way of making everyone laugh and feel at ease.

'If you ever needed help, Xander was the first to show up, never asking for anything in return and never complaining.'

Wayman is still coming to terms with losing his closest friends in the horrific crash.

'I don't think it's fully hit me yet. I hate to think about it, they're my best friends,' he said.

'It's a miracle that I'm standing here today, when the other two aren't. It doesn't seem possible.'
China harnesses technological innovations to power clean energy transition

Xinhua) 08:32, April 07, 2026

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 7, 2025 shows an offshore wind farm in the waters of Laizhou City, east China's Shandong Province. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

JINAN, April 6 (Xinhua) -- In Tai'an, east China's Shandong Province, a massive power facility has risen from a once-abandoned rock salt mine, reshaping the skyline of this once resource-dependent city.

"The station is designed to store energy for eight hours and generate electricity for four hours, with an annual output of up to 460 million kilowatt-hours. That is enough to meet the yearly electricity demand of more than 200,000 households," said project manager Liu Shaoyong with China Energy Engineering Group Co., Ltd., the facility's operator.

As the company's first commercial compressed air energy storage project, the station turns underground salt caverns left by years of mining into "energy reservoirs." During off-peak hours, electricity is used to compress air and store it underground. The compressed air is then released to generate power during peak demand.

In recent years, China has made several breakthroughs in renewable energy generation.

By 2025, renewable energy installations accounted for more than half of the country's total installed capacity, driven by the use of innovative technologies. This has provided strong momentum for both China and the world in their clean energy transition.

In Tai'an, renewable energy technologies are not only accelerating the development of new power storage models but also improving the grid's ability to absorb renewable power, ensuring a stable and secure energy supply.

"We actively track electricity demand and provide technical support for project commissioning and grid connection, streamlining comprehensive grid integration services," said an official with the dispatching center of the State Grid Tai'an power supply company.

By 2030, the city's installed capacity of new-type energy storage is expected to approach 5 million kilowatts.

With close cooperation between enterprises and power authorities, a growing number of clean energy projects are being put into operation across China, reshaping the country's energy landscape.

Last October, the world's largest 26-megawatt offshore wind turbine, independently developed by China's Dongfang Electric Corporation, was successfully connected to the grid in waters off Shandong Province, setting new global records for both single-unit capacity and rotor diameter.

According to the company, under full-load conditions, each rotation of the turbine generates 62 kilowatt-hours of electricity. At an average wind speed of 10 meters per second, a single unit can produce 100 million kilowatt-hours annually -- enough to power 55,000 households -- while saving 30,000 tonnes of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 80,000 tonnes.

In east China's Shanghai, a commercial underwater data center powered by offshore wind farms began operation in February, aligning surging computing demand with renewable energy supply.

Offshore wind turbines located above the data center are designed to supply electricity directly, enabling on-site consumption and avoiding energy losses typically associated with long-distance transmission.

At full-load operation of 24 megawatts, the project's annual carbon reduction is equivalent to the annual carbon absorption of about 1.6 million trees.

Similar clean energy-powered data centers are also being developed in northwest and southwest China.

China is accelerating the construction of renewable energy infrastructure to support its fast-growing digital economy while effectively reducing carbon emissions.

In September last year, China pledged to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions across its economy by 7 to 10 percent from peak levels by 2035.

To achieve this goal, China's installed capacity of renewable energy has already surpassed that of coal-fired power.

As China rapidly expands its clean energy infrastructure, it is also sharing the spillover benefits of its technological innovation with the rest of the world.

At the Solar and Storage Live Africa 2026 exhibition held in Johannesburg in March, Chinese companies' photovoltaic equipment and smart energy solutions drew widespread attention.

Qhakazile Mathebula, general manager for digital energy at City Power Johannesburg, welcomed the strong presence of Chinese firms and highlighted their contribution to Africa's energy transition.

"We welcome the participation of Chinese renewable energy companies, whose investments and technologies are helping accelerate Africa's shift toward cleaner and more sustainable energy," she said.

China's ability to deliver cost-effective and scalable solutions is critical as African countries are working to expand energy access and address supply constraints, Mathebula added.

"At the scale and pace that China is producing them (clean energy), plenty of things stand to be swept away -- including, quite possibly, the once seemingly intractable problems of energy poverty and fossil-fuel dependence," wrote Jeremy Wallace, a professor of China Studies at Johns Hopkins, in a recent column for Wired magazine.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A queer Canadian academic who identifies as trans and is a parent to three non-binary children, was torched online after wanting to be called an absurd name.

The Assistant Professor of Queer Studies in Education at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan asked that others use the name j wallace skelton in lieu of third-person pronouns.

Skelton, who has a PhD in Education, noted on Facebook that the name should be spelled with lowercase letters - as he reiterated that he gave birth to three children who identify as nonbinary and queer.

'When you misgender someone, you tell a lie about them and a truth about yourself,' reads Skelton's personal website.

Users online expressed their extreme disapproval, describing the assistant professor as 'sick', 'mentally disturbed', and 'a self-hating woman'.

Skelton, who appears as a man sporting a goatee, began working at the University of Regina in 2022, where he invites students to take courses in queer and trans studies.

The trans activist believes these courses 'invite us to move beyond binaries, and to expect, respect, and celebrate people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.'

'It's about making classrooms safe and welcoming and celebratory for 2SLGBTQ people, refusing to see heterosexuality and cissexuality as normalheck about refusing the idea of normal,' he added.

An Assistant Professor of Queer Studies in Education at the University of Regina requests to be called j wallace skelton in lieu of third-person pronouns

Skelton who gave birth to three children noted that the name should be spelled in all lowercase letters

'It's about centering the views, experiences, and knowledge of 2SLGBTQ people, and about queering and transing curriculum. For me, it means doing this informed by Queer of Color Critique, Disability Justice, Feminism, and Social Justice.'

Other posts online by Skelton show him pushing the message that 'Education is Political'.

'When people argue that we should keep politics out of education, what they mean is that only their politics should inform education,' wrote Skelton.

He notes on his website that his academic work centers on young children and that he is committed to creating queer- and trans-centered spaces.

Skelton's PhD thesis description reads as 'an exploration of the desires of 2SLGBTQ children and children of 2SLGBTQ parents in education, and the desires of their parents.'

In the thesis, he describes himself as 'White, Jewish, fat, not visibly disabled, and not living in poverty.'

A post by Jonathan Kay sparked outrage of several users online after he highlighted how the assistant professor would prefer to be called skelton

A user believed that Skelton was a reflection of a part of the population in Canada that 'fall for' being progressive to rebrand themselves

Another was blunt, commenting on Skelton's appearance

A third shortly, put how they believed the assistant professor was a 'sicko'

He has also been married for more than 15 years to S. Bear Bergman, an author of several books on topics including gender and sexuality.

Bergman, who notes on his website that he is a founding member of the first-ever Gay/Straight Alliance, is also a speaker who charges from free to $7,000 per event.

A photo celebrating their anniversary shows the similar looking couple being complemented by a user who described them as 'gorgeous creatures!!!'

His thesis and name preference were posted to X, which sparked many to share their brutal opinions on how they view the trans person.

One user wrote: 'Looks like a self-hating woman on testosterone to me.'

Another added: 'Somehow mentally disturbed losers have learned to rebrand themselves to get their status elevated in a "progressive" society, quite a scam they have going! Sad reflection that a good portion of Cdn society falls for it.'

Skelton bio reads that his name should be used in lieu of third person pronouns

Skelton (right) has been married for nearly two decades to S. Bear Bergman, an author of several books on topics including gender and sexuality

A third bluntly wrote: 'Sickos.'

The Daily Mail had reached out to J Wallace Skelton for comment.
A lake in a southwestern Denver park has lost nearly all its water, as residents say they have never seen it this dry before.

Lake Huston used to be where many locals went fishing, but Tiercel Duerson and his young son were seen roaming the muddy plain looking for treasure.

'I have lived down the street for many years with my dad, and its always been full (of water). People fish here, and eagles come here,' Duerson told KDVR-TV.

The lake began drying up about a month ago after the Salisbury Lateral - the canal that supplements its water supply from May to September - shut down early last year due to a leak, said Stephanie Figueroa, a spokesperson with Denver Parks and Recreation.

The leak, combined with the chronic lack of snowfall in Denver and much of the western United States this winter, has led to Lake Huston being reduced to 'a single shallow pool', according to Figueroa.

'Huston is a shallow, stormwaterfed lake that has accumulated significant sediment over the years, leaving it only about four feet deep when full,' Figueroa explained. 'The lake entered winter at an unusually low level. With minimal snowfall and no ice cover this season, evaporation has further reduced water levels.'

States like Colorado rely on mountain snowpack to run off into rivers and reservoirs. Less snow has contributed to drier conditions across the region.

Much of Colorado was already experiencing drought conditions before this seasons lack of snow. Denver is currently classified as being in a severe drought, according to federal data.

Lake Huston, a partially man-made lake in Denver, when it was full. The water went dry about a month ago after the canal that feeds it suffered a leak and had to be shut down

The water level has now receded to the point that the area has more dirt and mud than water. Officials have also blamed the historically dry conditions for Lake Huston's demise

A severe drought designation means crop or pasture losses are likely and water shortages are common.

Figueroa told the Daily Mail that Denver's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure have made the necessary repairs to the Salisbury Lateral canal, adding that the water could be turned back on by May 1.

Assuming there are no more leaks, the lake could be refilled early next month, Figueroa said. But because Denver is under water restrictions this year, she said officials cannot guarantee that there will be enough water to go around.

'We have to fill Garfield Lake before it can spill over and start filling Huston Lake. With the water restrictions in place this year, there is no guarantee we will get enough water to fill both Garfield and Huston Lakes without significant improvement in the current drought situation,' Figueroa said.

Garrett Scray, who has lived by the lake for eight years, said he was worried about it drying up.

'Its more like a pond,' Scray told 9News. 'Its kind of an eyesore now with water down so much and half the lake being mud and just being dead fish floating around.'

Resident Chris Burroughs was also saddened by the lake's condition.

'I was thinking about all the fish and the pond life that are going to disappear, I mean, it has been extremely dry, and we certainly need rain,' Burroughs told KDVR-TV.

A miniature regatta took place on November 5, 1975, on Lake Huston

Figueroa said officials have been out a few times a week to remove fish from the lake. She said this will continue until there are no more fish left.

Council Member Flor Alvidrez told KDVR-TV that Lake Huston is not the only body of water struggling to sustain itself.

She pointed out that nearby Washington Park has a pond that has extremely low water levels.

In Aurora, east of Denver, the 12 reservoirs that feed the city are about 58 percent full, which is roughly 10 percent lower than normal for this time of year.

'The reality of the situation is that it will continue to draw down,' said Aurora Water spokesperson Shonnie Cline. 'We might get a quarter to a third of the normal water we see to replenish reservoirs this year.'

Both Denver and Aurora have developed systems to reuse water, a critical necessity during drought conditions.

Aurora officials say they recycle and treat roughly 90 to 99 percent of its water supply to meet the city's needs.
The CEO of a university hospital system in Portland was fired four months into the $1.4 million job after he allegedly tried to find out whether leadership was following through on commitments to equity and inclusion.

After a nearly two-year-long search, Tarek Salaway was brought on to run the clinics and two hospitals at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in December.

Last Friday, employees were told in an email written by OHSU Health President Dr. Shereef Elnahal that Salaway had been ousted as chief executive, effective immediately.

The email, first obtained by Willamette Week, failed to explain Salaway's firing. Elnahal said he understood that sudden staff turnover is disruptive and that he is 'committed to minimizing any impact this may have throughout the health care mission'.

The outlet reported that Salaway hadn't been present for several days before his firing was announced. It was also noted that any attempt to reach him by email was met with auto-responses saying he was out of the office for an urgent matter.

Salaway's lawyer, Jackie Ford, revealed that prior to his dismissal, Salaway brought up 'documented concerns' about patient safety, how the medical system was using its resources and the workplace climate.

Salaway also asked questions about whether leaders from underrepresented backgrounds were properly being supported.

Tarek Salaway (pictured) was removed from the chief executive role at the health system for Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland last week

OHSU (campus pictured) has not given any information about why he was fired. Salaway and his attorney hinted that it was because he raised concerns about leadership's commitment to equity and inclusion

'He believed these were important matters warranting attention as part of his responsibility as CEO. Because these issues involve confidential internal documents, communications and personnel matters at OHSU, Mr. Salaway cannot share documentation publicly at this time,' Ford told the Daily Mail.

'We are disappointed in the decision of OHSU to terminate Mr. Salaway's employment after failing to take his concerns about bias and resource waste seriously,' Ford said in a separate statement to Willamette Week. 'We look forward to using the legal process to ensure these issues are taken seriously going forward.'

Salaway told the outlet that it was true that he had been on personal leave, explaining that he was in the process of negotiating a separation agreement with OHSU.

That's why he said he felt blindsided by Friday's termination notice being sent out.

In a statement to the Daily Mail, Salaway did not elaborate on the reasoning for his dismissal.

'As CEO, I have an ethical obligation to raise concerns when I believe there are issues that could affect the long-term integrity, safety, or sustainability of the institution,' Salaway said. 'My actions were guided by that duty and by a commitment to ensuring the organization is positioned to address potential risks early and thoughtfully.'

He added that he was 'disappointed by how events unfolded'.

Dr. Renee Edwards, the university's chief medical officer, will serve as acting CEO until an interim leader is found, according to the email from Elnahal.

OHSU Health President Dr. Shereef Elnahal announced Salaway's firing on Friday in an email to employees

Salaway started his job on December 15 after OHSU went nearly two years without a permanent chief executive.

The CEO reports to Elnahal and has significant responsibility. They oversee operations at OHSU Hospital, Doernbecher Childrens Hospital, outpatient clinics across the Portland area, and affiliated partners including Hillsboro Medical Center and Adventist Health Portland. The health system serves roughly 360,000 patients every year.

Ever since Dr. John Hunter stepped down as CEO in June 2024, the university had been looking for a replacement.

Joe Ness, then the chief operating officer, served as interim CEO until late 2024, when the university appointed retired Minnesota health executive Ann Madden Rice.

Rice quit after just five weeks for unknown reasons. Tim Goldfarb, who previously led OHSU's clinics from 1987 to 2001, then took over until Salaway was brought on.

Salaway had nearly 30 years of experience in health care leadership. He left his role as a senior vice president with Kaiser Permanente in the San Francisco Bay Area to come to OHSU.

The Daily Mail approached Salaway's lawyer and officials at OHSU for further comment.
A drunken passenger on a Ryanair flight has been jailed for 10 months after a pilot was forced to abort the plane's landing after he was abusive to cabin crew.

Stephen Blofield was so intoxicated during the flight that both crew and fellow holidaymakers felt threatened for their own safety.

The 61-year-old of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, became disruptive as the plane travelled from Krakow to Bristol on November 11, 2025, Bristol Crown Court heard.

Blofield turned to drinking doubles at the airport to 'settle' his nerves after he 'lost' his medication for 'back pain, depression and anxiety' - and carried on drinking while on board, becoming abusive towards the Polish cabin crew.

He screamed to fellow passengers, 'I'm savage, I drink JD', before saying 'You can't tell me what to do, I'm English', when asked by members of the crew to calm down.

Blofield then refused to sit down and fasten his seatbelt as the plane approached Bristol Airport, causing the British pilot to abort his first attempt at landing.

When the plane finally hit the tarmac, the police were waiting to arrest him - and went on to experience what one officer described as the 'worst' abuse he's encountered in his profession of two decades.

The man's abusive behaviour continued, as Blofield 'struck out' and 'narrowly' missed hitting another passenger as police tried to handcuff him, while he called one officer a 'c***'.

Stephen Blofield (pictured) left passengers terrified for their safety due to his drunk behaviour on a flight from Krakow to Bristol on November 11 last year

Police were left with no other choice but to use an ambulift, normally used for disabled passengers, to remove Blofield from the shocked cabin crew and 'marooned' passengers.

Ian Fenny, prosecuting, told the court: 'When the officers boarded the flight and approached him, they found him to be drunk, aggressive and confrontational.

'Because of the confined space within the fuselage of an aeroplane, they were concerned that he might strike out and inflame the situation where they noticed that other passengers were already agitated.

'Eventually he was arrested and handcuffed and indeed during this process he struck out, narrowly missing the passenger to his left.

'The principal officer describes the defendant's abuse as effectively the worst that he had to endure in 20 years as a police officer.'

Mr Fenny said Blofield's behaviour was 'so alarming and potentially dangerous' that he had to be removed from the plane using an ambulift, which is normally reserved for disabled passengers.

Mr Fenny said: 'As a consequence of the defendant's behaviour, passengers were effectively marooned on board as the police, and most particularly cabin crew, tried to evacuate the plane quietly and safely,

'Because of the defendant's behaviour and because of where he was actually sitting within the plane, that proved very difficult.

The 61-year-old of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, has been handed a 10-month sentence at Bristol Crown Court - after he attended a previous hearing at North Somerset Magistrates in February

'Thus, a number of the passengers had no option but to be further exposed to what was described by the police as the defendant's vile verbal aggression.'

At a previous hearing at North Somerset Magistrates in February, Blofield pleaded guilty to being drunk on an aircraft and using threatening or abusive language to cabin crew, failing to comply with the pilot's instructions.

He also pleaded guilty to an offence under the Public Order Act of using threatening abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Sam Louwers, defending, said the defendant had lost his medication for back pain, depression and anxiety ahead of the flight to Poland - which he had visited to 'trace' his family roots - and turned to alcohol for the trip home.

Mr Louwers told the court: 'Ultimately, Mr Blofield was a man who has come from a difficult background and eventually found himself in Poland due to tracing of family roots.

'When he found himself in Poland without his medication, he went into a form of withdrawal, confining himself to his hotel room and decided on that basis that he needed to return to the UK earlier than planned.

'When he got to the airport, his anxiety, depression, pain levels were sky high and he became incredibly nervous of flying and so foolishly decided that now would be the right time to settle his nerves, as many do, with a drink at the airport.'

He said the defendant had 'no recollection' of the incident but had seen videos posted on social media of his behaviour.

Mr Louwers added: 'He's never denied his behaviour, he's never denied his actions, and as he explained to the police the reason he was struggling so much was because of that medical withdrawal.

When the plane finally hit the tarmac, the police were waiting to arrest him - and went on to experience what one officer described as the 'worst' abuse he's encountered in his profession of two decades

'Mr Blofield is distressed by his behaviour, he's distressed as to what he has witnessed in these videos.

'He is also distressed as to the fact that he has found himself before you today.

'He understands that his behaviour could have easily, and has, disrupted other passengers and the airline.

'He understands that it could have caused distress to other people, and most importantly, he understands that his behaviour is nothing short of unacceptable.'

Judge Euan Ambrose handed Blofield, who is on benefits and has a lengthy criminal record, a 10-month sentence.

He said: 'This is a case where only a custodial sentence can be justified.

'It is so serious that no other form of sentence would be appropriate.

'You were drunk when you got on board and you continued to drink whilst on board, becoming increasingly drunk during the flight.

'Your behaviour deteriorated, you became disruptive and aggressive and refused to follow basic safety instructions from the crew, such as being asked to sit down, fasten your seatbelt and matters of that sort.

'You caused great concern and fear amongst fellow passengers and also fear and alarm to the crew.

'Your behaviour was such that the first attempt at landing into Bristol had to be aborted and when the plane finally did manage to land, police were called and boarded the plane.

'When they approached you, they found you drunk, aggressive, confrontational and extraordinarily abusive towards them.'
Two female teachers in the same Oklahoma school district have been arrested for allegedly attacking children.

Elizabeth Kay Sutton, 38, and Ottoria McClung, 37, both of Elgin, received misdemeanor charges for hitting children inside the Elgin Public School District, The Lawton Constitution reported.

Sutton allegedly yanked a 10-year-old boy back into his seat and hit him in the face on January 8.

Surveillance footage showed the teacher's aide move her arm in his direction, causing his head to snap back. His teacher later reported he had a red mark on his face when he came back from lunch, the outlet said.

Sutton told police that the boy had 'been difficult' since returning from break and that he had been trying to get on the table, the affidavit said.

She claimed to have used a technique she was taught in school while learning to become a teacher's aide and that she didn't mean to hurt the student.

Sutton was terminated from her position after only being in it for five months.

McClung was arrested on March 13 after she allegedly carried a five-year-old student in a chokehold down the hallway, the outlet said.

Teacher's aide Elizabeth Kay Sutton, 38, of Elgin, received misdemeanor charges for allegedly attacking a 10-year-old boy

Ottoria McClung, 37, allegedly put a child in a chokehold and dragged him down the hallway in March

Both used to teach in the Elgin Public School District and have since lost their jobs

The personal care assistant was suspended and later terminated from her job.

Sutton appeared in Comanche County District Court last week, where she pleaded not guilty.

She was released on a $500 cash bond.

McClung was also released on a $1,000 own recognizance bond.

Both women are expected back in court on May 20.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Sutton and McClung for comment.

The district told the Daily Mail: 'The support employees were terminated in accordance with school policy.

'Both of these instances were reported to administration by fellow employees, which reflects the culture of accountability established here. We are tasked to educate kids in a safe environment, and will continue to train staff toward that end. Elgin Public Schools highest priority is the safety and well-being of its students.'
A mother in Kentucky wept as she remembered the tragic day police officers told her that her 16-year-old daughter had been killed in an ATV crash.

Trish Clark was in tears as she spoke for the first time on Monday about the passing of her beloved daughter Emilynn.

Emilynn was a passenger on the ATV with three others on the night of February 28 in Vicco when it went off-road and over an embankment, killing her, said the Perry County Sheriff's Office (PCSO).

Noah Back, 26, who reportedly owned the ATV, was riding with Emilynn, another 16-year-old girl, and an adult man. Back has been charged with murder after he gave alcohol to the alleged driver, according to officials.

In addition to his murder charge, Back faces federal charges as well for allegedly transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in illegal sexual activity - with the surviving 16-year-old, according to an affidavit cited by WMYT.

The unidentified teen was charged with DUI and was believed to be best friends with Trish's daughter, said Perry County Sheriff Joe Engle.

The mother told WKYT that on the tragic night, she got a call warning her to speak with the sheriff's department.

When she asked, 'Is my baby okay?' She said the man couldn't tell her which led her to realize 'it was bad.'

Emilynn Clark, 16, was killed in an ATV crash on the night of February 28 in Vicco, Kentucky when it went off-road and over an embankment, while riding with three others

Trish, her mother, spoke for the first time on Monday about the moment officers informed her that her daughter was dead. The driver of the ATV was allegedly another 16-year-old girl who survived the crash and was charged with a DUI

Trish drove to the crash scene just a few miles from her house, where she was met by two deputies.

'They said, "Can I help you?" And I said, "I need to know if my daughter was in this accident,"' said the mother.

She verified with the officials that she was her mother and said the officers' faces confirmed any parent's worst nightmare.

'One of them looked at me and said, "I'm sorry to tell you, but your daughter is deceased." And I lost it,' she said.

Tish told the outlet that she wants all parties involved to be held accountable and is seeking justice for her daughter as she grieves.

'And since that night, it's been so hard. I lost not only my baby, but she was also my best friend. Truly my best friend. And I just want justice for her,' she said.

'Everybody that played a role in it, I want them held accountable for it.'

Emilynn was not under the influence at the time of the crash, according to PCSO.

Noah Back, 26, reportedly owned the ATV and has been charged with murder after he gave alcohol to the alleged driver, according to officials. Additionally, he faces federal charges for allegedly transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in illegal sexual activity - with the surviving 16-year-old

Trish is still seeking justice for her daughter and hopes that all parties involved are held accountable. She added that she was not aware of Back's alleged relationship with the 16-year-old. Officials noted that Emilynn was not under the influence at the time of the crash

The mother added that she was unaware that the surviving 16-year-old was in an alleged relationship with Back.

'I honestly feel like she was just trying to be there for her friend, and I think she was afraid to let anyone know her call and be like I'm afraid I'm in trouble,' she said.

Trish noted to the outlet that members of her community are advocating to set up 'Emilynn's Law' to help guarantee justice for victims of DUI-related incidents.

According to WYMT, Back's case regarding the death of Emilynn will be heard by a grand jury as he is currently held at the Laurel County Correctional Center without bond.
Donald Trump said Iran's entire 'civilization will die tonight' after the Islamic regime rejected his peace demands as the clock ticks down toward the President's deadline to unleash 'hell' on the country.

Trump told his followers on Truth Social: 'A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will.'

The President's deadline is set to expire by 8pm ET on Tuesday.

'However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?' Trump added.

'We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption and death will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!'

The US hit approximately 50 military targets on Kharg Island overnight, a crucial Iranian oil export hub, as fears grow over a potential ground invasion to seize it.

Bunkers, a radar station and ammunition storage were hit by US airstrikes, according to senior administration officials. Footage emerged on social media showing the aftermath of the destruction on the island.

The escalating military action comes after senior Iranian officials rejected a proposal conveyed by intermediaries for a temporary ceasefire with the US, according to Reuters.

The US hit dozens of military targets on Kharg Island, a crucial Iranian oil export hub, overnight

Donald Trump told his followers on Truth Social on Tuesday: 'A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again'

Fears are growing over a potential ground invasion to seize Kharg Island, which is located in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Iran

A US-AF F-35 Lightning II stealth multirole fighter jet takes off from RAF Lakenheath in England on April 7

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The Islamic regime showed no sign of agreeing to Trumps demand to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The passageway is a critical chokepoint through which roughly 20 to 25 percent of the worlds seaborne oil passes.

The President said Iran had until the end of Tuesday to restore access to the passageway or face strikes on civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, in what would mark the biggest escalation of the war so far.

Trump noted during a White House press conference on Monday that 'very little is off limits' from attacks if Iran did not agree to his demands, adding that 'every power plant will be destroyed, every bridge.'

Global oil markets have spun out of control as Trump's deadline nears and Iran refuses to reopen the strait.

The war has sparked the world's biggest ever disruption to energy supplies, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned.

Gas prices in the US have skyrocketed to $4.14 per gallon on average nationwide, an increase of more than a dollar since the war began.

Trump has previously set multiple deadlines for Iran but failed to follow through on threats to send the country back to the 'stone age' after it refused his demands.

US Navy fighter jets take off from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during Operation Epic Fury

US Navy fighter jets take off from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during Operation Epic Fury

Trump said he would target power plants and civilian bridges

Global oil markets have spun out of control as Trump's deadline nears and Iran refuses to reopen the strait

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Global markets remain largely frozen, as investors are hesitant to bet on whether Trump will actually follow through on his threats or call them off at the last minute.

After rejecting Trump's offer, Iran threatened to retaliate against strikes to their energy supply by bombing the water supply for US allies in the region.

Gulf nations remain reliant on desalination plants because their cities are surrounded by a desert.

Iran's United Nations envoy said Trump's deadline was a 'direct incitement to terrorism and provides clear evidence of intent to commit war crimes under international law.'

The regime's military command noted the President was 'delusional.'

During a press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest, JD Vance claimed 'very shortly, this war will conclude.'

The Vice President added that the US has 'largely accomplished its military objectives.'

Vance also reports that more negotiations are expected before Trump's imminent deadline: 'I'm hopeful that it gets to a good resolution.'

Trump has previously set multiple deadlines for Iran but failed to follow through on threats to send the country back to the 'stone age' after it refused his demands

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A new memo claims Irans new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is incapacitated and receiving medical treatment in the Iranian city of Qom.

The intelligence assessment notes that he is not currently capable of running the regime.

The intel was gathered by the US and Israel before being shared through a diplomatic memo to Gulf allies.

It suggests that Khamenei's son is unconscious and receiving treatment for a 'severe' medical condition.

The supreme leader's location is located 87 miles south of Tehran in a city considered to be sacred in Shia Islam.
An illegal immigrant father was deported to Mexico after he was pulled over by ICE agents on his way to work, his family says.

Erasmo Ibuado-Reyes, 46, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Phoenix, Arizona, on February 10, amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

Days earlier, officers received a 'non-biometric lead,' meaning a tip, regarding Ibuado-Reyes' status as an undocumented migrant, according to the criminal complaint obtained by the Daily Mail.

The agents pulled Ibuado-Reyes, a father of four with two kids who are disabled, over as he was driving to his drywall installation job.

He stated that he was a citizen of Mexico, and immigration history checks revealed that he was previously deported in 2011 and was not granted permission to re-enter the United States.

At a detention hearing on February 17, Magistrate Judge John Boyle praised Ibuado-Reyes for his 20-year career installing drywall, the Arizona Republic reported.

'Everything I see here indicates that youve done nothing but work hard to try and support [your family], especially your two special needs children who need you more than anything,' Boyle said.

'And from what I can tell, doing nothing but supporting your family, which has to be more difficult in your circumstance, and your family's circumstance, than many.'

Erasmo Ibuado-Reyes, 46, was arrested by on his way to work in Phoenix, Arizona, and deported to Mexico, leaving behind his wife and kids

The agents pulled Ibuado-Reyes, a father of four with two kids who are disabled, over as he was driving to his drywall installation job. Pictured: Ibuado-Reyes' family

Two of his children were born with mitochondrial disease, which requires them to use a wheelchair.

Ibuado-Reyes' wife, Rosa Verenice-Calderon, 45, told the Arizona Republic that not only did he financially support their family, but he also helped with caregiving, like lifting their children out of their wheelchairs and into bed after a long day of work.

'Right now, I don't know what I am going to do,' she said. 'I agree that criminals should be arrested, but it really seems unfair to people who came here to work.'

The judge ordered Ibuado-Reyes released from criminal custody ahead of his pending trial, but upon his release, he was taken into immigration custody and deported on March 7, a Homeland Security spokesperson told the outlet.

'I'm just suffering, I'm in agony,' Ibuado-Reyes told the newspaper of his return to Mexico.

The DHS spokesperson noted that Ibuado-Reyes had two prior arrests, one for shoplifting in April 1998 and the other for disturbing the peace in Denver in January 2011.

Ibuado-Reyes said he believes ICE agents targeted him because he was driving a work truck.

'I think they just stopped me. They saw a work truck,' he said. 'I was just working. I was taking care of my children and my wife.'

His wife, Rosa Verenice-Calderon, 45, said that not only did he financially support their family, he would help with caregiving like lifting their children out of their wheelchairs and into bed after a long day of work

Immigration history checks revealed that he was previously deported in 2011 and was not granted permission to re-enter the United States

Donald Trump's immigration stance has changed to focusing on arresting 'bad guys' and temper down the heated rhetoric surrounding 'mass deportations'

The Daily Mail has reached out to ICE for comment.

His deportation comes amid reports that Trump wants immigration officials to focus on arresting 'bad guys' and temper down the heated rhetoric surrounding 'mass deportations.'

Sources told the Wall Street Journal the following conversations with his wife and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, the president now believes some of his illegal immigration policies may have gone too far.

The White House pushed back on the new report.

'Nobody is changing the Administration's immigration enforcement agenda,' Trump spokesman Abigail Jackson told the Daily Mail.

'President Trump's highest priority has always been the deportation of illegal alien criminals who endanger American communities.'

There appeared to be a public realignment, however, when White House border czar Tom Homan was deployed to Minneapolis after two Americans were shot dead in tussles with immigration enforcement officials in January.

He took over from Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who fumbled the response in Minnesota and, as punishment, was reassigned to focus on border issues rather than internal immigration enforcement.

Trump, wanting to see less chaos in American cities, abruptly fired Noem just over a month after the tragedy in Minneapolis and replaced her with Senator Markwayne Mullin.
A former prosecutor turned conservative commentator is facing 'extreme DUI' charges after allegedly being so intoxicated that she was unable to correctly say a sheriff's name.

Right-wing activist Rachel Alexander, 54, was arrested while driving on December 21 in Scottsdale, Arizona, according to an arrest report cited by the Arizona Republic.

Alexander repeatedly asked for 'Sherry Jeridan,' per the report, apparently referring to Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan.

When police asked her to clarify what she meant, she was 'incoherent and unable to articulate what she was actually asking.'

Alexander previously served as a Maricopa County deputy attorney from 2005 to 2010. She now has more than 138,000 followers on X as a political commentator and freelance writer.

Alexander told the Daily Mail on Tuesday afternoon that she would 'always accept responsibility for my actions, and remember in the United States of America, no one is guilty until convicted in a court of law.'

She then added: 'It is time for the left and their agents who have ruined countless lives through lawfare and making our situations hell, to accept responsibility for all the destruction they have wrought and are wreaking in our society today.'

Alexander also told the Daily Mail she would 'hold my head high having survived the worst legal and professional beating from these evil people and I will continue to do my part to hold them accountable.'

Former Maricopa County deputy attorney turned right wing commentator Rachel Alexander, 54, was charged with extreme DUIs after being arrested December 21 in Scottsdale, Arizona

In fact, Alexander appeared to be referring to Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan. She allegedly asked police if Sheridan had ever talked to them about 'us entering the jail'

On the night of the alleged DUI, Alexander shared a selfie attending a party with Arizona Republicans that she wrote on X was the 'best Christmas party in Arizona tonight'

Alexander has been charged with two counts of extreme DUI, two counts of DUI and one count of driving without valid registration.

Scottsdale police stopped her after a driver called 911 to report that a blue Mustang was 'swerving all over' and had blazed past a red light.

She admitted to drinking wine and her lips seemed to be stained purple, law enforcement said.

The officer at the scene reported that he 'quickly realized she might be talking about the Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan.'

Alexander then 'asked me if [Sheridan] had ever talked to me about "us entering the jail,"' per the report.

Her blood alcohol level was at 0.230 percent, about three times the legal limit, according to lab results.

On the night of her arrest, Alexander attended a party with Arizona Republicans and shared a selfie with Senate President Warren Petersen on X.

She wrote that she was at 'best Christmas party in Arizona tonight,' which doubled as a birthday celebration for local Republican figure Ashley Earle.

Alexander is an active social media user, and has continued posting across her various channels since the December 21 incident.

She has referred to her county as 'MaRICOpa County' and frequently notes that she is a 'recovering Maricopa County Elections attorney and prosecutor.'

In a post on Sunday, Alexander decried 'how leftist prosecutors have taken over' and claimed 'they get massive funding from Soros and other leftist orgs.'

Lab results showed that Alexander's blood alcohol level was at 0.230 percent, approximately three times the legal limit

Alexander is an internet conservative pundit now with more than 138,000 followers on X. She has continued posting on social media since her arrest last year

Scottsdale police said Alexander was 'argumentative, stuporous and incoherent' when she was pulled over by law enforcement.

Officers said she also referred to her past role as a prosecutor during the DUI stop.

In addition to her work as a Maricopa County deputy attorney, Alexander was also the assistant attorney general for the Arizona Attorney General's office between May 2000 and 2003.

More recently, Alexander founded the Intellectual Conservative news journal, whose mission on its website states, 'If the right can bring back a new kind of Reagan coalition, we can take back the country.'

She also writes for Four G Media, a self-described conservative platform that aims 'to defend the four foundational principles of our nation  God, Gas, Guns & Glory!'

During the arrest, Alexander also allegedly claimed that she had a leg disability, though she later appeared to forget about it.

Alexander struggled to exit her vehicle, slurred her speech and moved around slowly while being unable to stand, police said.

She later attempted to walk away when police asked her to take a breathalyzer test, allegedly telling them, 'I am not drunk.'

Alexander also served as the assistant attorney general for the Arizona Attorney General's office between May 2000 and 2003, according to her LinkedIn profile

Alexander was arrested near 84th Street and Shea Boulevard (pictured) after a driver called 911 to report that a blue Mustang was 'swerving all over' and had blazed past a red light

'She stumbled forward and appeared to struggle with balance, to the point I asked her if she was okay,' law enforcement wrote.

Alexander then allegedly responded, 'By the way, uhm, I have a, uhm, I have a, uhm, leg condition.'

However, she was unable to 'give me an answer and only told me about unspecified "multiple conditions."'

Alexander added that she did not enjoy doing field sobriety tests because of her 'being a prosecutor.'

Later, as she was being booked, Alexander allegedly denied having any medical conditions.

She was cited and released around midnight, with a criminal complaint being filed about five days later on December 26.

Alexander will next appear in court on April 20 for a pre-trial conference, according to Scottsdale court records viewed by the Daily Mail.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Alexander, the Scottsdale Police Department, the Scottsdale Prosecutor's Office and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office for comment.
The mother of a woman brutally murdered by an illegal migrant has demanded the government stop 'scumbags' entering the UK, asking: 'When is the next murder?'

Siobhan Whyte joined Reform leader Nigel Farage at a press conference today to call for tougher action to stop Channel crossings.

Her daughter, mother-of-one Rhiannon Whyte, was killed in October 2024 in a frenzied attack by Sudanese Deng Chol Majek.

He is believed to have entered the UK by small boat less than three months killing the migrant hotel worker at Bescot Stadium railway station in Walsall.

Majek, who was branded 'demonic and inhuman' by Ms Whyte's family, was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 29 years for her murder at Coventry Crown Court in February.

Mr Farage used the press conference today to say past and previous UK governments were responsible for her death.

Siobhan Whyte joined Reform leader Nigel Farage at a press conference today to call for tougher action to stop Channel crossings

Deng Chol Majek is believed to have entered the UK by small boat less than three months killing Rhiannon Whyte at Bescot Stadium railway station in Walsall

Speaking at a Reform UK event alongside its party's leader Nigel Farage in Warwickshire, Mrs Whyte said: 'He took Rhiannon's life in 90 seconds, stabbed her through the brain stem.

'He has never shown any remorse, he called forensics liars, he just didn't care, he didn't tell us why, he just denied everything. So we've had to live with that.

'Her little boy's been left without a mum, my children have been left without a sister, and I've lost my daughter through these scumbags that were allowed into this country illegally.

'Something needs to be done, they need to stop allowing them in, because it's not Rhiannon, who will be next. Sadly there's children, there's young girls getting raped. When's the next murder, and a family having to go through what we're going through?'

Speaking afterwards Mr Farage said: 'Who next? There is nothing being done to change any of this. There is no plan with the French, and it doesn't really matter how much money we send them, because we've given them 800 million to stop this since 2014, and I think cases like this genuinely outrage the British public as they should.

'This murder, this death was wholly unnecessary in every way.'
Private sponsors who funded the Governments pavilion at a housing expo in the French Riviera city of Cannes were treated to an exclusive VIP event with Housing Minister James Browne, it has emerged.

The Mail revealed last month that private sponsors were paying at least 300,000 to fund the Governments presence at the Marche International des Professionnels de lImmobilier (MIPIM) in the south of France.

The pavilion was described as best-in-class and held in the main banqueting hall of the five-star Carlton Hotel.

However, new internal documents show that Mr Browne hosted a VIP fireside chat event for sponsors and selected attendees inside the pavilion.

The discussion with Minister Browne was billed as Ireland: Where Opportunity Meets Ambition  a fireside, or informal, event. VIP event for sponsors and selected attendees.

According to documents obtained by the Mail, it was billed as Minister Browne exploring his thoughts on the Irish housing market, recent legislative changes, investment landscape and reflections on Day 1 of MIPIM.

The documents, released to Pearse Doherty, Sinn Feins finance spokesman, show that six platinum and six gold sponsors were signed up to fund the event.

Platinum sponsors included developer and landlord Ardstone, Bank of Ireland, AIB, and developers Cairn, Glenveagh and Evara.

Gold sponsors included Irelands largest landlord IRES-REIT, Kennedy Wilson, KPMG, Matheson, McCann Fitzgerald and A&L Goodbody.

One or two other sponsors will need to be sourced to bridge the remaining funding gap, documents state.

However, the Department of Housing is refusing to release the final budget or agreement with sponsors, citing commercial sensitivity.

The sponsorship paid for Irelands pavilion, in the main banqueting hall of the five-star Carlton Hotel, which was used solely by the Government to showcase the country as a destination for investment funds.

The view from the Carlton Hotel, Cannes, where the expo took place

The sponsorship paid for Irelands pavilion, in the main banqueting hall of the five-star Carlton Hotel, above, which was used to showcase the country as a destination for investment funds

The pavilion offered direct access to Irelands policy leaders and project sponsors, and the chance to get early insight into regeneration and infrastructure opportunities, as well as clarity on the investment environment.

Mr Doherty said Mr Browne needs to come clean on how much big landlords, vulture funds and developers spent whisking him away to the French Riviera.

There is no justification for hiding how much they splashed to try and buy influence and access, he said.

I will be challenging this decision under the Freedom of information legislation.

He said these kind of plush lobbying events are the velvet glove that covers the iron grip vested interests have on the Irish housing market.

He added: What the records... show is just how cosy it all is between the big players of the housing crisis and this Fianna Fail Housing Minister. The minister needs to stop hiding and come clean.

The internal documents show officials described the collaboration with the private sector as being for the benefit for all stakeholders within Irelands real estate community.

A PR firm was also employed by the Government for MIPIM. Just five officials from the Departments of Housing and Finance travelled to MIPIM in 2025, when the Governments presence was also paid for by the private sector, the first time Ireland attended.

However, more than 30 State employees attended the four-day expo in Cannes last month.

Minister Browne travelled with four of his staff, including his policy adviser John McDonald, media advisor Siona Cahill and private secretary Jack Savage.

Senior officials from Housing and Finance also attended, along with Dublin City Council CEO Richard Shakespeare and assistant CEO Mick Mulhern, Cork Docklands programme manager Bryan Fitzgerald, and Fingal County Council CEO Anne Marie Farrelly.

How the Mail broke and followed up on its exclusive revelations about the trip to the Riviera

Delegate passes for MIPIM typically cost in the region of 2,000. Return flights from Dublin to Nice, the nearest airport to Cannes, cost around 200 with Ryanair. A night in a three-star hotel in the Riviera hotspot, meanwhile, cost on average 85 per night.

For 30 people, those costs would amount to 73,650. However, given that more than 30 State employees attended the event - and that this figure does not include the additional transfers/travel and sustenance expenses that would be incurred over the four days - the tab the taxpayer will have to pick up is likely to be well in excess of that figure.

The Department of Finance estimates 20billion a year is required to build 50,000 homes, with the Government providing 6billion a year.

Officials described MIPIM as offering a unique platform for countries to highlight the attractiveness of their real estate market on the global stage.

A Housing spokesman replied no when asked if sponsors were paying for access to Mr Browne and said the pavilion was overseen by the department working closely via a joint working group with the Department of Finance, the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and the Housing Agency.

They said Irish Institutional Property (IIP) and Property Industry Ireland (PII) covered the cost at MIPIM 2026 in terms of Ireland pavilion and associated organisational supports, adding: Details of financial costs may be considered commercially sensitive information if disclosed... No Exchequer funding was involved in this element of MIPIM.
A felon who has been dubbed a 'master of disguise' by law enforcement officials appeared in San Diego federal court on Monday over charges of identity theft.

Tyler Adams, 54, was also wanted by the FBI for questioning in connection with the death of his girlfriend, Racquel Sabean, whose body was found inside a car in Mexico in 2022.

Adams is charged with using another person's Arizona driver's license to enter the US from the southern border just a couple weeks after Sabean's remains were discovered.

Officials said Adams used a dozen aliases over the years and previously absconded from prison in Hawaii, where he was serving time for stealing his mother and stepfather's identities for a $180,000 real estate scam.

Photos of the fraudster show him with varying appearances, sometimes with swollen or shiny skin on his face, sparking speculation that he has undergone plastic surgery.

In May 2019, Adams was halfway through his 14-year prison stint when he escaped from custody while in a work furlough program.

He went on the lam for almost three years before traveling to Tijuana, Mexico, with Sabean and their seven-month-old daughter in April 2022.

Sabean went missing and about a month later in late May, her decomposed body was discovered in her mother's Volkswagen Jetta by Mexican authorities after locals reported a 'foul odor' coming from the vehicle.

Tyler Adams, 54, appeared in San Diego federal court on Monday over charges of identity theft. He has been dubbed a 'master of disguise'

Adams's court appearance on Monday was only in regard to his identity theft charges, but he is also the primary suspect in his girlfriend Racquel Sabean's murder in Mexico (pictured together)

Adams's various aliases and appearances are pictured in a police handout. His different looks have fueled suspicion that he has undergone plastic surgery

An Amber Alert was issued for Sabean's baby on June 8. The infant was found safe about a week later on the same day Adams was picked up by Mexican police for alleged drunk driving.

Officers in Tecate said he presented them with an Arizona license bearing the name of a 28-year-old named Aaron Lee Bain, so they turned him over to Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

From there Adams, who was around 50 at the time, was able to cross back into the US on June 16, allegedly by using the Arizona driver's license, according to authorities.

On June 17, 2022, the San Diego FBI released a statement saying Adams was wanted for questioning in connection with his girlfriend's murder and cited his reentry into the US the day before.

The FBI release also noted that he was wanted for escaping from state prison in Hawaii.

Adams then spent about a year and a half on the run before he was finally arrested in Orange County, California, in late 2023.

In 2024, he was convicted of the Hawaii escape and sentenced to five years in prison on top of the remaining seven years of his prior sentence.

In court on Monday, Adams pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated identity theft and making a false statement.

Sabean, 40, was found dead in her mother's car by Mexican authorities about a month after she crossed the border with Adams. She is pictured with their child

Sabean's body was found after locals reported a 'foul odor' coming from this Volkswagen Jetta. Adams was wanted by the FBI for questioning related to Sabean's murder

Adams spent about a year and a half on the run after re-entering the US. He was finally arrested in late 2023 in Orange County, California

Mexican authorities said Adams is the primary suspect in Sabean's death, although he has not been charged in connection.

Despite the lack of formal charges, Sabean's father, David Sabean, told the US Sun in 2022 that he 'would bet [his] life' that Adams was his daughter's killer.

In an interview with NBC San Diego, Adams's own stepfather suggested he may have been responsible.

'I know he was a butthead, but to take another life? My god,' the stepfather told the outlet.

The reporter interviewing him clarified that Adams had not been convicted of a crime and was simply wanted for questioning, but the stepfather replied: 'They're not hunting him and you're not calling me because it's an outside chance.'

The stepfather also confirmed to the outlet that Adams has had plastic surgery at least once, when he was in his late teens or early twenties, and that he believed his stepson had done it for psychological reasons.
A construction tycoons teenage daughter has died after a motorbike crash in Vietnam.

Orla Wates, 19, whose father is a director of 2.4billion building firm Wates, was on a gap-year trip when the accident happened.

She was riding along the Ha Giang Loop - a 250-mile mountain route popular with young travellers - when she was reportedly thrown from the bike and hit by a truck.

The cause of the crash is under investigation but it is understood she was a passenger on a bike when the driver lost control.

She was declared brain dead at a hospital in Hanoi and her parents Andy Wates, 56, and Henrietta, 53, flew from London to say goodbye before she died last Thursday.

A former pupil of the prestigious Stowe School in Buckinghamshire, Orla had been due to study anthropology at Durham University.

Orla Wates, 19, has died after a motorcycle accident in Vietnam during her gap year

She took a year out to travel around south-east Asia and volunteer in Africa, according to her profile on professional networking site LinkedIn.

Orlas father, the great-grandson of Wates founder Edward, told the website Vietnam News that they had decided to donate her organs as a way of thanking Vietnam for their daughters happy memories there.

Mr Wates said: Vietnam was a country she loved, so to give back is very important to us.

He is a director of the Wates building firm, which was established in 1897, and chairman of the Wates Family Enterprise Trust. Wates is one of Britains leading family-owned development companies.

His wife said: Orla was beautiful, independent and very funny, with a sharp wit. She loved to look good and lived life to the full.

Mrs Wates said she took comfort in knowing her daughter lives on after her organs were used to help three other people through liver, kidney and cornea transplants.

Orla's father Andrew Wates is a director of 2.4billion building firm Wates

She had the best time here [in Vietnam]. She was loving every minute of it, so its our way of thanking you.

'At this extremely difficult time, we chose to donate Orlas organs as we believe that if there were a way to give opportunity to others, this is what she would have wanted,  Mrs Wates added.

'Knowing that she is living on through them brings us great comfort.'

In recognition of their selfless act, Vietnams minister of health wrote Orlas parents a letter expressing the countrys gratitude.

Motorcyclists are seen riding along the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam (file picture)

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A representative from Hanois Viet Duc Friendship Hospital, where Orla died, said: In the face of profound grief, her family made a deeply compassionate decision. The act has moved many.

'One journey has come to an end, but her life continues quietly and resiliently in others who have been given a second chance.

The Ha Giang Loop in northern Vietnam is popular with British backpackers but concerns have been raised about its safety.

Tours usually take between three and four days, with bike riders passing through the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. It features steep mountains, deep valleys and dramatic passes including Ma Pi Leng.
A businessman who stored fish in the bath next to his toilet before using them in ready meals to sell illegally to supermarkets has avoided jail.

Stephen Akuoko, 62, had been operating in Watford under the name Tribal Foods for more than three years, selling products that had inappropriately long use-by dates and a lack of detail on ingredients.

The business was pursued by the borough council's environmental health team due to concerns about the products, but Akuoko proved elusive until a fire at his home on Haines Way in October 2024.

Firefighters were called to the flat following a wok fire, and discovered huge quantities of fish in the bath and on the floor of the bathroom next to the toilet.

An investigation was then launched by Trading Standards, and Akuoko told environmental health officials that he would stop selling Tribal Foods products.

However, weeks after the fire, his unlabelled products were found in a local shop with CCTV footage showing he had made three deliveries to the store.

Akuoko later pleaded guilty to two food safety offences, as the judge blasted him for the meals that were 'unfit for human consumption'.

At St Albans Crown Court last Thursday, he received a two-year suspended prison sentence and a five-year ban from operating any food business.

Stephen Akuoko, 62, stored fish in the bath next to his toilet before using them in ready meals to sell illegally to supermarkets

Firefighters were called to Akuoko's flat following a wok fire, and also discovered fish on the bathroom floor next to the toilet

At St Albans Crown Court last Thursday, Akuoko received a two-year suspended prison sentence and a five-year ban from operating any food business

Prosecutor Michael Coley said the environmental health team began investigating Tribal Foods after finding ready meals in local shops.

The product was judged to have inappropriately long use-by dates and a lack of detail on ingredients.

Mr Coley said the business was difficult to track down, and when officers did eventually manage to speak to Akuoko over the phone, he became aggressive, accusing them of harassment.

After the fire at his home, Akuoko claimed all the food in the property was for him and his family, Mr Coley said.

Remedial action was served, and the Akuoko assured officers they would not see Tribal Foods products in Watford again, but weeks later, they found his unlabelled products in a local shop.

They checked CCTV footage and found he had made three deliveries to one shop in a matter of weeks.

'This was an intentional breach and a flagrant disregard for the law,' Mr Coley said.

Akuoko later pleaded guilty to contravening food safety and hygiene regulations and failing to comply with a remedial action notice.

In mitigation, Aleister Adamson said his client had owned a supermarket for many years until the property's lease expired.

He then lost an expensive legal fight and became homeless until he was given social housing.

Akuoko then set up Tribal Foods, which he initially operated from a rented kitchen space before he started cooking from home.

'He was not in receipt of any benefits at that time and was relying on the business, which was not profitable at any stage, to support his basic living needs,' Mr Adamson said.

Akuoko pleaded guilty to two food safety offences, as the judge blasted him for the meals that were 'unfit for human consumption'

Akuoko's kitchen was used to prepare the illegal ready meals sold to stores across Watford

Judge Francis Sheridan said: 'Your little business got bigger than you could handle and you resorted to frankly disgusting techniques - fish on the floor of the bathroom, fish in the bathtub, and then you cooked them up and sold them.

'How you would even think about serving food kept like that to even your own family beggars belief.

'You were preparing food for supply to outlets, supermarkets and corner stores, and the food was frankly unfit for human consumption.

'You might be a good cook of oriental foods in your own home, but you should keep that within your own home.

'You must realise that food poisoning can have very serious consequences, even death, and if that had happened you would be facing manslaughter charges.'

Judge Sheridan praised the 'dogged' efforts of the environmental health team who he said had performed a public service.

Justine Hoy, Associate Director Housing and Wellbeing for Watford Borough Council, said: 'Food safety laws exist to protect the public.

'In this case, there was a clear and sustained failure to comply with legal requirements, despite formal enforcement action being taken.

'We will not hesitate to take action where businesses or individuals put public health at risk.

'This successful prosecution demonstrates our commitment to maintaining high food safety standards across Watford.'
A corporate retreat hosted by a streaming company spiraled into chaos, as the CEO was sidelined by illness and a string of bizarre incidents unfolded, including one employee reportedly eating a dead tarantula.

Plex, a free streaming service, forked out $500,000 to take their employees to Honduras in 2017 for a company retreat that they still talk about to this day, employees told the Wall Street Journal this month.

CEO Keith Valory, 54, is a big fan of the show Survivor and worked with Moniker Partners, a retreat agency, to plan a bonding retreat around the premise of the show.

He was supposed to make a dramatic entrance like the shows host, Jeff Probst, and reveal the weeks theme to employees, but Valory never got the chance after contracting E. coli from a salad at the resort, he told WSJ.

'Everything there is fried. Basically, people are telling me: "Dont eat the vegetables. Dont eat the vegetables." I was like: "Ive got to have a salad. Just one little salad,"' he said.

'I lost 8 or 10 pounds. They nailed an IV bag to the bedpost.'

But his bathroom ordeal was no worse than what his 120 employees endured during the trip.

'I could hear them out there doing all their drills and yelling. So Im in here thinking, This is terrible, but it sounds terrible out there, too,' Valory told the outlet.

Plex CEO Keith Valory planned a Survivor-themed company retreat on Honduras in 2017 that went ballistically wrong, including him getting a bad case of E. coli

The retreat was supposed to be reminiscent of CBS's Survivor (pictured), where employees would undergo challenges

During the opening ceremony of the retreat, Shawn Eldridge, 55, the current head of business development and content, had to eat a dead tarantula after opening up his team's platter to find the hairy spider.

'My team was just like: "If you dont want to do this, you are totally fine. We can take the loss." I just grabbed it and did it. Pretty horrible, not going to lie. Those hairs,' he recalled.

'Im a Texan, so Ive been around tarantulas my whole life, I knew what it was. Never eaten one.'

Later on, at dinner, the employees would be served undercooked food, as the resort had never fed a group that large and was trying to get meals out as fast as possible.

'I told my staff, "Buffet-wise, make sure that you go out and you cut the chicken in half and you cut the beef in half," because it was coming out uncooked,' Sean Hoff, 42, the founder of Moniker Partners, told the outlet.

Eldridge, however, said the 'food was awesome,' and the employees were 'razzing' the buffet.

'At least this isn't a tarantula,' he said.

Greta Schlender, 41, the company's senior product manager, objectively had the worst time on the trip, despite saying it was 'still one of the most fun trips ever.'

Shawn Eldridge had to eat a dead tarantula during the opening ceremony, which he described as hairy

Greta Schlender had multiple things go wrong, including falling into a fire ant hill, having to get an antihistamine shot in the buttock, getting stranded on a nearby island overnight, and having a random lady administer another antihistamine through a vein in her head

Scott Olechowski, 52, the co-founder of Plex, said: 'Hundreds of little inside jokes that came from that retreat'

Not only did she break out in hives after falling into a fire ant hill, but she had to get an antihistamine shot in her buttocks, got bitten by sand fleas, got trapped on Utila after dark during a company day trip, and had to get a second antihistamine administered through a vein in her head by a random woman after 'writhing' in pain.

'We got back to rounds of applause from our colleagues for surviving,' she told the outlet.

The group that got stuck after dark made the most of their evening on Utila, where they 'got matching tank tops' and saw reggae, Schlender said.

Rick Phillips, 53, a senior software engineer, said he woke up one morning to find a porcupine in his bathroom after he heard a 'crash' the night before that he decided to ignore until morning.

'It must have climbed a tree and fallen through the ceiling,' he added.

Despite the fright, the hotel was able to get rid of the animal, and the incident gave Phillips some street cred with his coworkers.

'I guess, for me, it was a good thing, because being a not-talkative software engineer, I got some notoriety,' he said.

Despite everything going wrong, Valory, Eldridge, Hoff, Schlender, and co-founder Scott Olechowski, 52, still work for Plex nearly 10 years later.

The retreat took place on Honduras and cost the company $500,000 in 2017

'There are probably hundreds of little inside jokes that came from that retreat,' Olechowski said.

Valory agreed, saying: 'You get really close bonds on these trips. Its like the life-sustaining force of the company.'

'Still one of the most fun trips ever,' Schlender told the outlet.
Canada's attempt to alter hate speech laws has conservative critics warning that citizens could be criminally charged for merely quoting the Bible or other religious texts.

Bill C-9, known as the Combatting Hate Act, was introduced in September by Sean Fraser, a Liberal member of Parliament who also serves as the minister of justice and Attorney General of Canada.

The bill is now heading for the Senate after passing the House of Commons on March 25.

Fraser and other proponents of the measure say it will not criminalize religious expression and will instead tackle hate crimes, which have jumped 169 percent since 2018, according to data from the government.

While there are some Jewish groups who support the legislation as a way to crack down on antisemitism, most Christian and Muslim advocacy organizations are vehemently opposed.

The advocacy groups say the bill would eliminate a legal defense allowing those charged with hate speech to argue they were expressing a 'good faith' opinion based on a holy book.

The bill would specifically remove sections 319(3)(b) and 319(3.1)(b) of the Canadian criminal code, which both state that a person cannot be convicted of hate speech if they 'expressed or attempted to establish by an argument an opinion on a religious subject or an opinion based on a belief in a religious text'.

Andrew Lawton, a Conservative member of Parliament, believes the bill could give prosecutors the power to criminalize reading scripture in public.

'Bill C-9 makes it easier for people of faith and others to be criminally charged because of views that other people take offense to,' Lawton told Fox News Digital.

Bill C-9, known as the Combatting Hate Act, could open people up to prosecution if they quote certain passages of the Bible, according to critics of the bill

Andrew Lawton, a Conservative member of Parliament, warns Liberals have said certain passages of the Bible express hateful beliefs about homosexuality and homosexuals. If the bill passes in its current form, Lawton says its possible for people quoting or referencing those sections to be guilty of hate speech

'The bill weakens protections for freedom of expression and freedom of religion, especially with the removal of the longstanding religious defense, which has stipulated that religious beliefs and religious texts expressed in good faith cannot be seen as "hateful"', Lawton said.

The Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council said the bill 'poses disproportionate risks not only to marginalized and racialized communities, but to faith-based communities more broadly including Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and Jewish communities'.

In December 2025, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops wrote a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney urging him to get the government to consider amending Bill C-9 so it wouldn't remove this defense.

'This narrowly framed exemption has served for many years as an essential safeguard to ensure that Canadians are not criminally prosecuted for their sincere, truth-seeking expression of beliefs made without animus and grounded in long-standing religious traditions,' the bishops wrote.

Lawton warned there are government officials who believe certain parts of the Bible should qualify as hate speech under the law.

Marc Miller, a Liberal member of Parliament, said during a House justice committee hearing last October that Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Romans all contain passages that are hateful toward homosexuality and homosexuals.

'I don't understand how the concept of good faith could be invoked if someone were literally invoking a passage from, in this case, the Bible, though there are other religious texts that say the same thing,' Miller said during the hearing.

'How do we somehow constitute this as being said in good faith? Clearly, there are situations in these texts where statements are hateful. They should not be used to invoke ... or be a defense,' Miller added.

On December 10, the Liberals on the House justice committee enshrined the removal of the religious 'good faith' defense from Bill C-9.

Section 319(3)(b) from Canada's criminal code, which would be eliminated if Bill C-9 passes. This is the 'good faith' religious expression defense, advocacy groups and Lawton are referencing

Sean Fraser, a Liberal member of Parliament who also serves as the minister of justice and Attorney General of Canada, introduced Bill C-9 in September as a way to combat hate crimes. He has previously said the measure would not chill religious expression

The bill would still allow people to make statements they believe to be true on matters of public interest, so long as they don't promote hatred.

A statement does not rise to the legal standard of promoting hatred if it solely 'discredits, humiliates, hurts or offends', according to the text of the proposed law.

Separately, the bill would create a hate crime enhancement if someone commits an offense motivated by the hatred of someone's race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The bill would also make 'willful promotion of hatred' - i.e. displaying Nazi symbols or any symbols used by designated terrorists - punishable by a maximum of two years in prison.

Canada's current list of designated terrorists includes ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Hamas, various drug cartels throughout Mexico and Central America, and the Proud Boys.

Under the proposed bill, members of the Proud Boys, added to the terrorism watch list shortly after the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol in 2021, could run into legal trouble if they demonstrate in Canada.

Tren de Aragua is also on the list. It is unclear whether individuals could be subject to prosecution based on tattoos, which experts say do not necessarily indicate group membership.

The 'hateful' symbols can legally be displayed for journalistic, educational or artistic purposes, according to the text of the bill.

Any charges brought for this crime would need permission from the sitting Attorney General of Canada.

The Daily Mail approached Fraser for further comment on the bill. Fraser previously said Canada's 'commitment to freedom of religion is unwavering'.

'Canadians will always be able to pray, preach, teach, interpret scripture, and express religious belief in good faith, without fear of criminal sanction,' Fraser said on December 9.
Wireless Festival has been cancelled after Kanye West was blocked from travelling to the UK to headline it.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood banned the rapper from entering Britain to perform at the festival in July on the grounds his presence would 'not be conducive to the public good'.

Sir Keir Starmer insisted he 'should never have been invited to headline Wireless' and said he 'stands firmly with the Jewish community' against anti-Semitism.

Calls had been growing for West to be removed from the line-up after a string of anti-Semitic outbursts, including releasing a song called Heil Hitler and posing in a swastika T-shirt.

But Nigel Farage today spoke out against calls to bar him from Britain, calling it a 'slippery slope'.

He said: 'I know he said some dreadful things. If people thought he was genuinely going to come into Britain and urge attacks on the Jewish community, then there would be full grounds for stopping it. If it's just saying things we find objectionable, then I think bans are a slippery slope.'

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney also backed West to perform, saying 'we live in a free country' and we should 'let people enjoy the music they want to listen to'.

The 48-year-old applied for an Electronic Travel Authorisation yesterday, but he was denied entry to the UK. As a result, organisers have cancelled the entire event, saying refunds would be issued to all ticketholders.

'As with every Wireless Festival, multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking YE and no concerns were highlighted at the time,' a spokesman said.

'Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had. As YE said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and in spite of this still hopes to be given the opportunity to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the UK.'

West had said he wanted to show 'change through his actions' and meet with Jews in London ahead of the performance in Finsbury Park  which would have been his first in the UK in 11 years.

He joins the likes of Eva Vlaardingerbroek  a Dutch anti-immigration influencer who promoted the 'great replacement' theory  in being refused permission to travel to the UK.

Pre-sale for Wireless Festival went live at midday today and general sale tickets were due out tomorrow. No other acts had been confirmed.

Kanye West has been barred from the UK on the grounds his presence is 'not conducive to the public good'

West in a previous social media post wearing a sweatshirt bearing a swastika

Sir Keir said this afternoon: 'Kanye West should never have been invited to headline Wireless.

'This Government stands firmly with the Jewish community, and we will not stop in our fight to confront and defeat the poison of antisemitism. We will always take the action necessary to protect the public and uphold our values.'

This morning, Melvin Benn, managing director at Festival Republic, which promotes Wireless Festival, insisted West deserved forgiveness and appeared to blame the musician's mental health for his anti-Semitic comments.

'Ye's music is played on commercial radio stations in this country,' he said - referring to West by the name he now goes by.

'It is available via live streams and downloads in this country without comment or vitriol from anyone and he has a legal right to come into the country and to perform in this country. He is intended to come in and perform.

'We are not giving him a platform to extol opinion of whatever nature, only to perform the songs that are currently played on the radio stations in our country and the streaming platforms in our country and listened to and enjoyed by millions.'

In response, Sir Keir's spokesman said: 'This is less about second chances. It is more about first principles of abhorrence of anti-Semitic statements.'

The Campaign Against Antisemitism welcomed the decision to block West from entering Britain.

'The Government has clearly made the right decision here  for once, when it said that antisemitism has no place in the UK, it backed up its words with action,' a spokesman said.

'Someone who has boasted of making tens of millions of dollars from selling swastika T-shirts and who released a song called "Heil Hitler" just months ago clearly would not be conducive to the public good in the UK.'

Karen Pollock, CEO of the Holocaust Educational Trust, also supported the Government's move and accused West's defenders of double standards.

'No other community would be told to "forgive" or "talk"  the disgusting racism would be recognised for what it is,' she said.

Wireless Festival organiser Melvin Benn had called for West to be 'forgiven' for spouting hatred against Jews

West had been set to top the bill for all three nights of Wireless Festival.

Responding to the backlash, the rapper vowed to bring 'unity, peace, and love' through his music.

He wrote on social media: 'I've been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly. My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music.

'I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen. I know words aren't enough - I'll have to show change through my actions. If you're open, I'm here.'

West had previously attributed his discriminatory comments to a head injury sustained in a car crash 25 years ago.

He previously made an apology to the Jewish community in 2023 in a social media statement posted in Hebrew.

But he then went on to sell swastika T-shirts on his website in February 2025.

Sponsors like Pepsi and Diageo had already withdrawn their support for Wireless Festival after West was announced as the headline act.

Rockstar Energy also pulled its sponsorship, according to reports, while PayPal will not appear in any of the event's future promotional materials.

Behaviour deemed not conducive to the public good can include engaging in 'extremism' or acting in a way that is likely to 'incite public disorder'.

Crowds at Wireless last year. West had been due to headline all three days of the festival

A person does not need to have a criminal conviction to be barred, according to Home Office guidance.

Speaking earlier today, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he did not believe West should be allowed into the UK.

'No, I do not think he should be headlining the Wireless Festival,' he told GB News.

'I think his comments were absolutely grotesque and whatever justification he uses, he has got to accept that with his enormous fame and reach comes influence and a responsibility, and his comments take place against a backdrop of rising antisemitism, rising hatred against Jewish people, not just around the world but in this country.

'Using bipolar disorder to justify his actions is appalling.'

Chris Philp MP, Shadow Home Secretary, said: 'It is welcome the Government has followed our calls to block Kanye West coming to the UK.

'If the Labour Government is going to deny visas to antisemites, it must apply the same standards consistently. The Government should now commit to refusing entry visas to extremists such as hate preachers.

'We must stop those expressing extremist views getting into Britain, and those already here who are not British citizens should be deported.'
The wedding between billionaire businessman Stephen Cloobeck and a Penthouse Pet model was plunged into jeopardy as she was accused of robbing wealthy old men in court.

Adva Lavie, 28, was ordered to wear an ankle monitor after pleading not guilty in a Los Angeles courtroom on Monday to six felonies, including grand theft, burglary and unauthorized use of identifying information.

Prosecutors accused Lavie of targeting rich old men and luring them into 'honey traps' where she would swindle them for cash and a luxury lifestyle.

The former Penthouse model and social media influencer, also known as Mia Ventura, would allegedly con her way into her affluent partner's homes before robbing them of cash, designer items and jewelry.

She is set to tie the knot with Cloobeck, a 64-year-old real estate tycoon who founded timeshare company Diamond Resorts, on June 18 near the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israel.

But the ruling this week to slap her with an ankle monitor and surrender her passport could scupper her plans to wed the billionaire, as she may be forced to remain in the US to face trial.

She was ordered by a judge this week to not leave California without permission, and showed her angst when confronted by reporters about the potential breakdown of her nuptials.

'I just cant wait for this nightmare to be over with,' she told the California Post, as she left the courthouse in a striking green ALO sweat suit and matching green handbag.

Model Adva Lavie, 28, has seen her wedding to billionaire Stephen Cloobeck thrown into uncertainty after being fitted with an ankle monitor before her upcoming trial for theft and burglary

Stephen Cloobeck, 64, the founder of timeshare company Diamond Resorts, was briefly a candidate for Governor of California last year before dropping out to pour over $1 million into a Democrat's campaign

Lavie faces up to 11 years in prison if convicted, and reportedly showed her displeasure at her arraignment as she was seen grabbing at her electric ankle monitor when she left court this week.

It is unclear when she began her relationship with Cloobeck, who made headlines last year with a longshot bid to become the next Governor of California.

After dropping his candidacy, Cloobeck has since poured over $1 million into the campaign of Democrat Eric Swalwell.

Although the billionaire did not show in person at Lavie's court hearing this week, he has reportedly funded a powerhouse legal team to help her fight the charges.

This includes the addition on Wednesday of attorney Jeremy Lessim, who previously defended rap mogul Suge Knight in his high-profile murder trial in 2016.

When the judge in her case questioned why Lavie was adding an additional attorney to her already-stacked team, her original attorney Jeff Rubenstein replied, 'It takes a village', according to the Post.

When asked why Cloobeck wasn't in court to defend his partner, Rubenstein added: 'You'd have to ask him that.'

According to the Los Angeles District Attorney, Lavie embarked on a two-year campaign starting in 2023 to target wealthy older men and steal their fortunes.

Lavie was ordered by a judge this week to not leave California without permission and was fitted with an ankle monitor, and told reporters she 'just cant wait for this nightmare to be over with' as she left the courthouse in a green ALO sweat suit and matching green handbag

Prosecutors accused Lavie of targeting rich old men and luring them into 'honey traps' where she would swindle them for cash and a luxury lifestyle

It is unclear when she began her relationship with Cloobeck, however he has reportedly been funding her legal case with powerhouse lawyers

The influencer, who has appeared in Playboy and Penthouse magazines and claims to be the first ever top Israeli OnlyFans model, would allegedly gain her victim's trust before robbing them of high-value items.

She would allegedly use dating apps and cultivate relationships with younger women to enter their lavish homes before 'stealing cash, gold and high-end designer items', the DA's office said in a statement.

Others claimed that Lavie did not limit her alleged crime spree to the rich and wealthy, and accused her of targeting victims at parties and podcast appearances.

Michael Sartain, host of podcast 'Access Vegas', told KTLA that when he had Lavie on his show, she allegedly went into the greenroom and stole credit cards and cash from other guests.

'She was gone for 45 minutes and just went through everyones bag,' he alleged.

The influencer, who has appeared in Playboy and Penthouse magazines and claims to be the first ever top Israeli OnlyFans model, would allegedly gain her victim's trust before robbing them of high-value items

Guest Eden Lynn said she was one of the women whose possessions were stolen, and claimed she knew it was Lavie because she tried to use her credit card to pay for a pricey hair appointment at a Beverly Hills salon under her alias Mia Ventura.

'I got in contact with the salon and the stylist she booked with, and they gave me the name it was put under,' Lynn said. 'She sent shots of the consultation FaceTime she did with her and the receipts and text messages.'

Adult film star Codey Steele also alleged that Lavie stole from him and others when she was hired by a party company to join a group to France and work an event.

He said while they were there, Lavie stole a number of luxury items from himself and others, and said she only returned them when the French authorities were called.

'She decided to pretty much rob basically every person in that group, essentially anything marked with a designer label,' Steele alleged.

Her trial is set to begin May 18.
A shaven-headed Washington woman was all smiles in court after she made a stunning confession as she was sentenced to prison for murdering her father.

Alyssa Bradburn, 33, called 911 on June 25, 2024, to admit that she had shot her father, Timothy Bradburn, 68, as he was returning home from Hawaii, according to court documents and trial testimony.

Bradburn said her father's body was in the entryway of their home in Northwest Spokane and that she would be sitting outside waiting for police, who arrived within minutes of her call.

She was sentenced last Thursday in Spokane County Superior Court to more than 28 years in prison after being found guilty of first-degree murder with a firearm enhancement.

'I killed Tim Bradburn, and I am guilty,' Bradburn, who sported a shaved head after sporting a full set of hair in previous appearances, told the court, according to the Spokesman-Review.

'I'm not afraid anymore. I'm okay with going to prison for however long.'

Bradburn told detectives she thought she had shot her father three times, twice in the chest and once in the head to ensure he was dead.

Before the murder, Bradburn practiced aiming the gun in the home and received help loading the weapon at a gun range.

Alyssa Bradburn, 33, smiled in court as she was sentenced to more than 28 years in prison after murdering her father, Timothy Bradburn

According to prosecutors, Bradburn admitted to planning her father's murder three weeks in advance. She also started journaling about it four days before committing it

Bradburn said she started planning the murder about three weeks in advance and had begun journaling about it four days prior, according to the Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

She had 'sat stoically, often smiling' during her trial, despite the grave charges against her.

During her testimony, Bradburn told the court she 'enjoyed' the legal proceedings.

However, she also noted that she thought she deserved to be punished and that she would accept her sentence.

Prosecutors said Bradburn had admitted to shooting her father as he walked through the front door with his suitcase and keys still in hand.

An autopsy later revealed her father had actually been shot four times, not thrice like she claimed.

The shooting was 'not an impulsive act but a deliberate decision to kill,' according to prosecutors.

Bradburn 'exhibited an extreme and elaborate degree of planning in carrying out the killing,' they said.

She was sentenced roughly a month after jurors had found her guilty.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Emily Sullivan argued that Bradburn had 'demonstrated an extreme and elaborate degree of planning' when it came to killing her dad in June 2024

Bradburn initially alleged to police that her father had been abusive to her and her dogs.

Bradburn's older brother Trace told the court that his father Timothy's death gutted him 'every day' and said his dad never abused his sister

She claimed that her father had abused her as a child and shot at her dogs with a BB gun, according to court documents cited by the Spokesman-Review in February.

'He never quite hurt me for a long time,' she claimed in legal filings, per the outlet. 'He raped me when I was a baby girl. I blocked up the memory for so long.'

She also accused her older brother Trace of raping her when she was three or four years old and he was 10 or 11.

Trace denied his sister's accusations at the time and said that his father had never hurt the dogs.

Bradburn later took back those accusations, and her brother testified during the trial.

'I just have to live my life with that,' he told the court. 'It just guts me every day.'

He reiterated in court that his sister's initial accusations of abuse against her father were not true, as he defended his memory.

'The false accusations made against him have deeply tarnished his memory and that is devastating to me because my dad was an amazing man and he never did anything to hurt anyone,' Trace told the court.

Bradburn told police that her dad's body was in the entryway of their Northwest Spokane home and that she would be sitting outside waiting for law enforcement to arrive

Spokane Superior Court Judge Julie McKay said that Bradburn had 'decided to start her criminal history with ... the most significant and serious [crime] that we have'

Bradburn was represented by Spokane public defender Brian Raymon, who asked for leniency as he told the court that Bradburn experienced mental health problems.

'[She] suffers from a state where she sometimes blurs fantasy with reality,' Raymon said.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Emily Sullivan shot back that Bradburn 'demonstrated an extreme and elaborate degree of planning.'

Sullivan added that Bradburn had locked her dogs in the laundry room before the murder.

Bradburn had no prior criminal history before killing her father, which Judge Julie McKay mentioned as she sentenced her.

'Unfortunately, the crime Ms. Bradburn decided to start her criminal history with is the most significant and serious that we have,' Judge McKay said.

The judge also ordered that Bradburn never contact her brother again and determined that she must pay restitution linked to her dad's murder.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and Bradburn's attorney, Brian Raymon, for further comment.
Donald Trump is threatening to end Iran's civilization tonight, but how he does it, whether with nuclear bombs, limited strikes against infrastructure or ground troops, is still up in the air.

He could also always pull back, kick the can down the road, and claim a deal is in the works.

Still, the stakes could not be higher. No US President has ever made such audacious military threats in modern history.

Certainly none has threatened to obliterate a civilization or send it back to the 'stone age.'

'A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,' Trump posted on social media Tuesday morning, ahead of his 8:00 pm ET deadline for Iran to strike a deal. 'I don't want that to happen, but it probably will.'

Hours later he doubled down, telling Fox News, 'If we get to that point there is going to be an attack like they have not seen.'

As the deadline looms and the President weighs his options with advisors, several paths lie open to him: announcing a deal or progress in negotiations; pushing back the deadline for a third time; launching limited military strikes; bombarding infrastructure such as power and water facilities; deploying ground troops; or deploying a nuclear weapon.

Two sources familiar with the military discussions, but are outside the administration, told the Daily Mail they are alarmed by the prospect of a nuclear strike on Iran. When the possibility was raised in a recent meeting, some Pentagon planners responded that 'nothing is off the table.'

Donald Trump has told Iran that it has until 8:00 pm ET on Tuesday to strike a deal with the US to end the war or face obliteration. 'A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,' Trump posted on social media Tuesday morning

A US Ohio-class submarine launches a Trident II missile capable of carrying at least eight nuclear warheads in 2018

A nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bomber refuels midair. B-2s have been used multiple times to strike Iran undetected

A third source and former diplomat who is familiar with Iran talks tells the Daily Mail that indeed 'all options are on the table' - further elaborated that there is no military rationale for a nuclear weapon in this instance.

Vice President JD Vance appeared to bolster the notion that the US could use its nuclear arsenal against Iran when speaking in Hungary on Tuesday.

'They've got to know, we've got tools in our toolkit that we so far haven't decided to use. The President of the United States can decide to use them, and he will decide to use them if the Iranians don't change their course of conduct.'

Though the White House later claimed on social media that nothing about Vance's remarks 'implies' that nuclear weapons will be used.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says only Trump knows what he'll do.

'The Iranian regime has until 8PM Eastern Time to meet the moment and make a deal with the United States. Only the President knows where things stand and what he will do,' she said Tuesday.

European allies have also expressed dismay at how 'erratic' Trump's behavior has been amid the conflict.

Still, the use of nuclear warheads to achieve US goals in Iran seems out of the realm, Iran and nuclear proliferation expert Joseph Rodgers told the Daily Mail.

'Any actual battlefield use of nuclear weapons [is] highly unlikely,' he said. 'There's not really any reason to use nuclear weapons in the conflict right now.'

Trump reposted a video of US strikes on Iran showing massive fiery explosions last week

Diplomatic talks with Iranian officials were severed on Tuesday morning, according to the Wall Street Journal

'There's no reason to use nuclear weapons to accomplish the goal of taking out bridges or power plants. The very, very isolated utility that nuclear weapons could provide is in a target that's really deeply buried.'

A nuclear strike would be the most extreme route - and the most certain to ensure Iranian civilisation 'will die,' as the President puts it. More realistic, perhaps, is a sustained campaign against Iranian infrastructure, which Trump has repeatedly and explicitly threatened.

'We're giving them tomorrow, eight o'clock ET, and after that, they're going to have no bridges, they're going to have no power plants  the stone ages.'

Trump first made that threat last Monday. Such strikes would fall hardest on Iranian civilians, not its military.

'We will conclude our lovely 'stay' in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinization plants!), which we have purposefully not yet 'touched,'' he wrote.

Even a limited strike on these sites could provoke Iran to retaliate against Gulf nations, unleashing far wider chaos and bloodshed. Hitting Iran's desalination plants would destroy the drinking water supply for a portion of its population - and, critically, hand Iran a pretext to strike back at Gulf nations' own water and energy infrastructure.

For Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain - each dependent on desalination for over 90 per cent of their water - that scenario would trigger a race to evacuate millions before mass dehydration sets in, several experts told the Daily Mail.

If Iran's power grid is targeted, 'the entire region and Saudi Arabia will fall into complete darkness with Iran's retaliatory strikes,' a senior Iranian source told Reuters on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are fraying. Iran severed talks with the US on Tuesday, Middle Eastern officials told the Wall Street Journal, though they stressed a resolution before the 8:00 pm ET deadline remains possible.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 1,606 civilians, including 244 children, have been killed during the war with Iran as of last week.

The White House declined to comment on the record.
A disabled Canadian woman could be sentenced to 10 years in a South Korean prison after a man she met online tricked her into becoming a drug mule.

Spring Parks, 59, of Vancouver, was arrested on February 1 after she unknowingly brought four kilograms of methamphetamine into South Korea, her lawyers told CTV News.

Parks, who is deaf and has cognitive challenges, believed she was in a legitimate relationship with her internet lover and flew overseas so they could meet in person.

He allegedly instructed her to stop in South Africa to collect a suitcase before continuing her journey to Asia, the defense claimed.

'We genuinely believe that No. 1, she doesn't know what was in the packages (and) No. 2, that she was a victim here,' her attorney Sean Hayes told the outlet.

But prosecutors, citing the sheer amount of meth hidden in the luggage, remain skeptical of that explanation.

South Korea has a zero-tolerance policy for drug crimes, with trafficking carrying a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

Parks has been behind bars for the past two months and is reportedly having a 'difficult time processing the whole situation.'

Spring Parks, 59, was arrested on February 1 after she unknowingly brought four kilograms of methamphetamine into South Korea, her lawyers allege

Parks, seen with her daughter Lorenne, was allegedly swindled by a man she met online

Parks flew to South Korea so she could meet her lover in person. Her attorneys claim the man instructed her to stop in South Africa to collect a suitcase before continuing her journey to Asia. They allege she had no idea that drugs had been hidden inside the luggage

Hayes and her South Korean-based attorney Soyoung Yoon are preparing for her trial and hoping the judge will limit her sentence to only a few months in jail.

They will need to convince the court that Parks is the victim in this case, which Hayes admits that at first sight does not appear to be the case.

'You don't believe it,' he told the outlet. 'But then when you look into the text messages and the communications going back and forth and you see how vulnerable she is. That's what people prey on.'

Parks has an incredibly trusting nature, which her daughters Lorenne and Andrea believe made her more susceptible to the romance scam.

'Our mom is deaf and has cognitive challenges that affect her judgment and decision-making. She is extremely trusting and vulnerable, which sadly made her an easy target for someone with harmful intentions,' the sisters wrote on a GoFundMe campaign raising funds for legal expenses.

'We, as her family, are completely heartbroken and confused.'

The defense is fighting for a not guilty verdict, but admits a 'very good' outcome for the case would be a suspended sentence of time served.

Ten years would be the worst-case scenario, but the defense admits that without knowing the mindset of the judge or prosecution it is hard to predict an outcome.

Lorenne (left) and Andrea (right) are seen embracing their mother (center). They believe her incredibly trusting nature is what made her susceptible to the romance scam

Parks, seen with a group of her loved ones, has been 'very emotional and sad' in prison and is starting to come to terms with the fact that the man she thought she loved was scamming her

If found guilty of drug trafficking, Park could face up to 10 years in South Korean prison

Parks has been 'very emotional and sad' in prison and is starting to come to terms with the fact that the man she thought she loved was scamming her, Yoon said.

She has supplemental clothing to help keep her warm, as South Korean prisons can get quite cold during the winter.

Funds have been put on her commissary account so that she can substitute the 'very basic' and 'far from ideal' prison food with store-bought items.

Although they have not spoken to their mother since her arrest, Lorenne and Andrea are working closely with Parks' lawyers and the Canadian Consulate. They want to demonstrate that she was a 'victim of exploitation', the GoFundMe said.

'If you know our mom, you know her heart. She is kind, loving, and deeply cares about everyone around her,' they wrote.

'She made a mistake in trusting the wrong person, but she did not knowingly commit a crime. She is not a trafficker. She is a vulnerable woman who was manipulated and exploited. She is not a criminal. She is our mom.'

The sisters have also vacated their mother's residence and sold off her belongings to help cover her 'significant' legal costs.

The Daily Mail has approached Hayes and the Parks sisters for comment.
An elderly Holocaust survivor says New York City's left-wing Mayor Zohran Mamdani skipped a scheduled meeting to discuss his dire living situation.

Sami Steigmann was born in Romania and deported to a Nazi labor camp at just two years old, and was subjected to medical experimentation for at least three years.

After WWII, Steigmann lived in Israel and served in the Israeli Air Force. In 1968, he moved to the United States, and has called the Big Apple home since 1988, according to his biography.

Now, at 86, Steigmann said he has been priced out of his Harlem apartment and is struggling to find a safe place to live.

At the beginning of the year, Steigmann scheduled a meeting with the pro-Palestine mayor, who campaigned on affordable housing.

Steigmann has now revealed that Mamdani bailed on the meeting.

'Promises made, not kept. His claim to fame was affordable housing. I'm not disappointed because I didn't expect him to keep his word. It is what it is,' Steigmann told Fox News.

'It would have been nice, but you know politicians,' he said, adding that he was no longer interested in the meeting.

Steigmann said he is struggling to find an apartment that is safe for his medical condition and accessible to public transportation.

Holocaust survivor and IDF veteran Sami Steigmann said he is struggling to find affordable and safe housing in New York City

Steigmann said he scheduled a meeting with Mayor Zohran Mamdani to discuss his options, but the mayor bailed

'I was subjected to medical experiments, so I'm in pain every single second, but I learned to live with it. Now, because of my age, 86, I have difficulty walking and climbing stairs,' he said.

Steigmann, who lives on a fixed income of $1,649 per month, added that moving into a nursing home would be his last resort.

'New York is the most expensive city in the country, especially for independent living,' Steigmann said.

'If I'm going to a nursing home, which I may have to go to if I cannot find something, basically, it's the way to die because there is no life there.'

'It's not for me. I'm still active. I don't need assisted living in the sense that I can take a bath by myself. I can still do a lot of things,' Steigmann said.

The Daily Mail contacted Mamdani's office for comment. A spokesperson for the mayor told Fox News that he is supporting Steigmann.

'[Mamdani is] working hard to help Sami find an appropriate new housing situation, and has connected with several community organizations and housing providers over the past several months to help him with it,' the spokesperson said.

The Chicago Jewish Alliance launched an initiative called Project Ahava to help raise funds for Steigmann.

Steigmann was recently denied a speaking opportunity at a Brooklyn middle school that featured art by Mamdani's wife in a social change class

However, the school did use art from Mamdani's wife, Rama Duwaji, who is known for her political artwork and pro-Palestinian views, in a social change class

The Math & Science Exploratory School Public School 447 in Brooklyn displayed art from Duwaji in an activity for students

The group identified that Steigmann is racing a $2,200 monthly shortfall, and aims to raise $132,000 to help cover his expenses for five years.

The initiative comes after Steigmann was denied a speaking opportunity at a Brooklyn middle school that featured art by Mamdani's wife in a social change class.

The Math & Science Exploratory School Public School 447 in Brooklyn displayed art from First Lady Rama Duwaji, who is known for her political artwork and pro-Palestinian views.

One of her drawings used by the school shows three women surrounded by flames with the inscription, 'Sooner or later people will rise against tyranny.'

Another illustration shows three women locking arms, accompanied by a caption that reads, 'They carry the pulse of protest.' A third image shows a woman crouched and appearing to cry, which Duwaji refers to as a 'stillness of displacement.'

Months earlier, a parent had asked Principal Arin Rusch to bring Steigmann in for a speaking event, a request that was met with hesitation.

Rusch said she believed Holocaust survivors offered important lessons to students, but expressed concern about inviting Steigmann, adding that she would 'love to explore other speakers,' CBS News reported at the time.

In looking at his website materials, I also don't think that Sami's presentation is right for our public school setting, given his messages around Israel and Palestine. I'd love to explore other possible speakers,' Rusch added at the time.

The denial prompted a wave of criticism, with former Mayor Eric Adams among those who condemned the decision.

Steigmann did eventually speak at the school following the backlash. He met Rusch after his speech and said their conversation was cordial.
A three-year-old girl was killed in Michigan after playing a 'racing' game with her mother's fiance, according to police.

Estella Johnson was fatally run over by a pickup truck driven by Daniel Bryant, 33, on Friday around 4pm, at Northland Mobile Home Estates in Cedar Springs, about two hours outside of Detroit, the Kent County Sheriff's Office said.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they found Bryant, who police described as a 'father figure' to Johnson, standing near her body with blood on his hands, police said in an affidavit of probable cause reviewed by MLive.

Bryant told authorities he and Johnson's sibling had just returned from another family member's home down the street when he told the toddler to run alongside the truck and 'race' it, the affidavit stated.

He drove the truck at 10mph until he heard Johnson's brother yell 'Stop', soon realizing that the girl was trapped under the vehicle.

Bryant, who is engaged to Johnson's mother, Ashley Johnson, told another deputy the little girl was running on the driver's side of the car, up the middle of the street, when she 'ran under the truck' while they were 'just racing up the street,' authorities said.

He also admitted to police that he consumes a half-gallon of alcohol every day, the affidavit stated.

Ashley was not home when her daughter was killed, and got the devastating call while at work, she told WOOD.

Estella Johnson was fatally run over by a pickup truck driven by Daniel Bryant, 33, on Friday around 4pm, at Northland Mobile Home Estates in Cedar Springs, according to police

The girl was struck and killed after Bryant told her to 'race' a pickup truck he was driving along the road. He also admitted to police that he consumes a half-gallon of alcohol daily, the affidavit stated

Bryant was arrested for reckless driving causing death.

While on his way to Kent County Correctional Facility, deputies noted they smelled a strong alcohol odor on him that lingered in the patrol vehicle, the affidavit stated.

Bryant appeared in court on Monday, where D-63 District Court Judge Daniel O'Hara set his bond at $500,000. He is due to appear in court again on April 15.

If convicted, Bryant could face 25 years behind bars.

He remains in custody, and no attorney has been listed for him, according to jail records reviewed by the Daily Mail.

On March 21, Bryant shared photos of Johnson to his Facebook page while they dined at Burger King.

'Lunch date with my favorite gal,' he captioned the post.

Johnson has been remembered as someone who 'was a bright light' in the lives of all who knew her, according to a GoFundMe page.

Bryant is engaged to Johnson's mother, Ashley Johnson, who was not home at the time of the tragedy

He drove the truck at 10mph until he heard Johnson's brother yell 'Stop', soon realizing that the girl was trapped under the vehicle

'We are heartbroken and trying to process this sudden loss and facing unimaginable pain, grief and shock.

'No words can truly capture the heartbreak of losing someone so young, so loved, and full of life,' it continued.

She also 'shared an especially unbreakable bond with her brother,' her obituary read.

'As she grew, Estella blossomed into a curious, intelligent, outgoing, and feisty little girl.

'She was inquisitive about the world around her, expressive in every emotion, and imaginative in all she did. She loved to pretend, to explore, and to fully immerse herself in play.'

She attended North Kent Head Start, where she 'naturally took on a leadership role among her peers,' the obituary detailed.

On March 21, Bryant posted photos of Johnson to his Facebook page while they dined at Burger King, captioning it: 'Lunch date with my favorite gal'

Johnson has been remembered as someone who 'was a bright light' in the lives of all who knew her. She also 'shared an especially unbreakable bond with her brother'

As of Tuesday afternoon, more than $20,000 had been raised to help the grieving family pay for Johnson's funeral expenses.

A Meal Train donation page was also launched so the community could prepare food and bring it to the family during this difficult time.

Her memorial will be held on Wednesday at K.E. Pike Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at the same location on Thursday.

She is survived by her mother Ashley, her father Samual Johnson, and her siblings Colt, Sofia And Savion.
A tech boss who was sacked for whistleblowing about concerns China was trying to take over British company has won 1.5million in compensation.

Ron Black became so concerned at the potential national security risks behind moving the head office of Imagination Technologies, of which he was chief executive, that he informed British intelligence officers.

The executive, who was on a 400,000 annual salary, warned that Chinese control of the company could be 'dangerous' and raised concerns that the firm's technology could be side-hustled and used for military or spying purposes.

Dr Black was sacked alongside his wife Ellen, who was also vice president of business operations at the company, after he threatened to resign over his 'grave concerns', the tribunal heard.

The 62-year-old successfully sued Imagination, leading to a 1.5million compensation payout in damages for unfair dismissal.

The hearing in Watford was told the company, which is based in Hertfordshire, made microchips for cars, mobile phones, gaming and military weapons.

Imagination was bought in 2017 by Canyon Bridge, a private equity fund ultimately owned by the Chinese government, in a staggering 550million deal.

Yet after losing Apple as a customer two years later, the firm endured a 'disappointing period', resulting in the appointment of Dr Black as a CEO - who was known in the industry as a 'turnaround man'.

Ron Black was sacked for whistleblowing about concerns China was trying to take over British company has won 1.5million in compensation

Dr Black had previously supported an expansion into the Chinese market, which led to him arranging an 'informal' meeting with Lining Wang, an executive at the state-backed investment fund China Reform. The fund was said to have strong financial links to Canyon Bridge.

The tribunal heard that during the meeting Mr Wang had suggested that if Transfer were to 'transfer its technology and redomicile to China', Dr Black would profit financially.

Having interpreted the suggestion as a bribe, a concerned Dr Black reported the offer to the directors. This was dismissed by some of the directors, as they 'considered that this conversation was not important as [Mr Wang] was not in a position of authority'.

No further action was taken.

This sparked Dr Black's suspicions and from that point onwards, Dr Black 'believed that China Reform was not merely a passive investor and that his position as CEO was subject to scrutiny by it as well as the Directors of Canyon Bridge'.

The tribunal heard China Reform suggested months later to have four directors appointed to the Imagination board, a move Dr Black opposed, as he believed control of the company 'would be ceded to the Chinese government'.

He voiced concerns that by being under the control and ownership of the Chinese government, it would put make the company 'a target for the US government' as well as potentially 'put [them] at odds with the UK Government'.

Dr Black's concerns spearheaded his decision to arrange a meeting with a representative of GCHQ, the governmental spy agency, 'to discuss whether the Chinese control of [Imagination] would pose a national security risk'.

The next day Dr Black sought advice from an MP, who said China Reform's control of Imagination 'would not go down well with the UK government'.

The executive, who was on a 400,000 annual salary, warned that Chinese control of the company Imagination Technologies could be 'dangerous' and raised concerns that the firm's technology could be side-hustled and used for military or spying purposes

Concerned, Dr Black sent a letter of resignation to a boss at Canyon Bridge in which he questioned the investment fund's choices. He added he was 'very worried that being controlled by the Chinese government [would] be fatal for the company'.

Dr Black continued to write: 'If Canyon Bridge and China Reform continue down the path of making Imagination a Chinese government-controlled company...[it will] trigger immediate exploitation by our competitors, and questions from our partners and customers, resulting in irreparable damage to the company'.

The tribunal concluded that Dr Black's letter 'explicitly said that he considered that redomiciling Imagination to China would be a breach of a director's duties'.

It added: '[Dr Black] pointed out that...Chinese control of the company was not in the interests of [Imagination]. He also referred to the potential for scrutiny by the UK government as to whether there was a national security issue of the company being controlled by the Chinese government.

Dr Black took the company and the executives who run Canyon Bridge to a tribunal claiming unfair dismissal and that he had suffered detriments for making 'protected disclosures'.

On his whistleblowing, the tribunal ruled that the passing over of 'technical knowledge' of Imagination's 'products' to the Chinese government would have been 'dangerous.

It added: 'It would also allow the Chinese government to add to the product, potentially with bug software or spy software...the directors had a duty to ensure the technology was not used for nefarious purposes.'

Granting the damages award, the judge Sally Cowen said the tribunal was 'satisfied that the making of the protected disclosures on 6 April 2020 was the principal reason for the dismissal.'

The companies have now been ordered to pay Dr Black $1.99million (1.5million), which included compensation for unfair dismissal and for a loss of earnings.
Iran cut off direct communications with the US on Tuesday afternoon as women and children formed human shields around energy sites after Donald Trump warned that a 'whole civilization will die tonight.'

An official said that Iran intended to convey a message of defiance and disapproval by severing communications.

Iranian state TV was also broadcasting images of civilians protesting at bridges and power plants, in a direct taunt after Trump threatened to strike infrastructure. Videos showed women and children waving flags as chanting blared on a loudspeaker.

Trump said on Truth Social: 'A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will.'

On Monday he threatened to target Iran's infrastructure, despite warnings that striking civilian energy and water supplies would constitute a war crime, as it is a clear breach of the Geneva Convention.

Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and Vice President JD Vance have been deeply involved in peace talks with Iran, with Pakistan playing a central role in mediating the negotiations.

Despite the threats from both sides an agreement was reached late on Tuesday night for a two-week ceasefire and for the Strait of Hormuz to be re-opened, after Tehran submitted a 10-point peace plan to end the war.

Iran is officially led by Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, appointed Supreme Leader after his father Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israel strikes on February 28 - but he is unconscious and 'unable to be involved in any decision-making', a fresh intelligence memo states, raising urgent questions over who is actually running Tehran.

Women and children are forming human shields at Iranian infrastructure sites

Video showed women and children waving flags as chanting blared on a loudspeaker at a power plant

Iranians gathered at infrastructure sites including bridges and power plants as they taunted Trump's message of annihilation

The US hit dozens of military targets on Kharg Island, a crucial Iranian oil export hub, overnight

President Donald Trump gestures as he responds to a question from the news media during a briefing on Iran from the White House on Monday

Trump said in his Truth Social post: 'Now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?

'We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption and death will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!'

The US struck approximately 50 military targets on Tuesday night on Kharg Island, Iran's crucial oil export hub, as fears mount over a potential ground invasion to seize it.

Bunkers, a radar station and ammunition storage were hit by US airstrikes, according to senior administration officials. Footage emerged on social media showing the aftermath of the destruction on the island.

Senior Iranian officials rejected a temporary ceasefire proposal conveyed by intermediaries, Reuters reported, as the military action continued to escalate.

The Islamic regime showed no sign of agreeing to Trump's demand to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The passageway is a critical chokepoint through which roughly 20 to 25 percent of the world's seaborne oil passes.

Trump noted during a White House press conference on Monday that 'very little is off limits' from attacks if Iran did not agree to his demands, adding that 'every power plant will be destroyed, every bridge'.

A US-AF F-35 Lightning II stealth multirole fighter jet takes off from RAF Lakenheath in England on April 7

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Fears are growing over a potential ground invasion to seize Kharg Island, which is located in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Iran

US Navy fighter jets take off from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during Operation Epic Fury

Trump said he would target power plants and civilian bridges

Global oil markets have spun out of control as Trump's deadline nears and Iran refuses to reopen the strait

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Global oil markets have spun out of control as Trump's deadline nears and Iran refuses to reopen the strait.

The conflict has triggered the biggest disruption to global energy supplies in history, the head of the International Energy Agency warned.

Gas prices in the US have skyrocketed to $4.14 per gallon on average nationwide, an increase of more than a dollar since the war began.

Trump has set multiple previous deadlines for Iran without following through, including threats to send the country back to the 'Stone Age'.

Global markets remain largely frozen, as investors are hesitant to bet on whether Trump will actually follow through on his threats or call them off at the last minute.

After rejecting Trump's offer, Iran threatened to retaliate against strikes to their energy supply by bombing the water supply for US allies in the region.

Gulf nations remain reliant on desalination plants because their cities are surrounded by a desert.

Iran's UN envoy said the deadline amounted to a 'direct incitement to terrorism and provides clear evidence of intent to commit war crimes under international law'.

US Navy fighter jets take off from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during Operation Epic Fury

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The regime's military command noted the President was 'delusional'.

Vance said at a press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest that 'very shortly, this war will conclude'.

The Vice President added that the US has 'largely accomplished its military objectives'.

Vance also reported that more negotiations are expected before Trump's imminent deadline. He said: 'I'm hopeful that it gets to a good resolution.'

A new intelligence memo states that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is incapacitated and receiving medical treatment in Qom, a sacred Shia city 87 miles south of Tehran.

The assessment, gathered by US and Israeli intelligence and shared with Gulf allies via diplomatic memo, says Khamenei is receiving treatment for a 'severe' medical condition and is not capable of running the regime.
As the clock ticked toward President Donald Trump's 8pm Eastern deadline for Iran to come to the negotiating table, panic gripped the nation.

Facing the threat of devastating military strikes, terrified civilians told the Daily Mail they were frantically evacuating major cities and saying goodbye to loved ones - even as defiant government leaders deploy a chilling tactic: ordering their own citizens onto the streets as human shields.

The call to gather at infrastructure sites came directly from an Iranian official, captured in an Associated Press video clip.

Speaking in Farsi, he urged 'youth, athletes, artists, students and professors' to assemble at power plants the following day at 2pm local time, arguing that their presence would expose any American strike as a war crime.

The extreme request came after President Trump wrote on Truth Social: 'A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will.'

With the President openly pledging a 'Power Plant Day' and 'Bridge Day' to dismantle Iran's infrastructure, sources in Tehran and Isfahan described scenes of chaos - road blockages, mass evacuations, and state television brazenly instructing citizens to gather around key sites with their children.

'They are announcing on national TV - come to the streets and bring your children,' one source with family inside Iran tells the Daily Mail. 'It's their thing to use people as human shields. Same pattern as in Palestine. They do this instead of surrendering or making a deal.'

He added: 'Government supporters will go. They are barbaric. They believe even if they die - even if their children die for the sake of Islam - they will end up in Heaven. My mom says every night they come onto the streets, chanting death to America, death to Israel. Even until midnight.'

Thankfully Donald Trump announced late on Tuesday night that Iran has agreed to a two-week ceasefire and will re-open the Strait of Hormuz, after Tehran submitted a 10-point peace plan to end the war.

'In Iran, they are gathering in groups and sheltering around infrastructures, just because they know Trump said we will bomb these facilities. They are announcing this on national TV in Iran  to come to the streets and bring your children. It's their thing to use people as human shields. Same pattern in Palestine. They do this instead of surrendering or making a deal,' a source who communicated with family inside Iran tells the Daily Mail

Trump said he would target power plants and civilian bridges

Iranians gathered at infrastructure sites including bridges and power plants as they taunted Trump's message of annihilation

Video footage showed women and children waving flags as chanting blared on a loudspeaker at a power plant

Despite the terror, some antiregime citizens see a glimmer of hope that the new Ayatollah's grip on the country might finally be loosened, if not shattered.

'At the end of Trump's message, you can clearly see he mentioned that 47 years of death and corruption will end - so that means no more Islamic tyranny,' the source added.

But Trump's ultimatum appears to be explicitly about Iran's blockade and nuclear program, not regime change. His public messaging has framed a successful deal in terms of denuclearization, not necessarily toppling the entire Islamic Republic.

Trump's rhetoric has left many Iranians conflicted. One points to the tension at the heart of his message: 'It's paradoxical - he says a whole civilization will die tonight, but also blesses the great people of Iran.'

Across the country, citizens are bracing for the worst. Supermarket shelves are being stripped bare as people stockpile ahead of threatened rolling blackouts and severed supply chains. One Iranian says he and his family have already stocked up on water and supplies - but fear cuts both ways.

'They are very stressed,' the source says, 'but at the same time, if this war ends now, it would literally be a living hell - because the government would retaliate.'

For many, the regime is as frightening a prospect as American airstrikes. The government's crackdown on communications has prompted a wave of digital self-erasure: two Iranians - one in Tehran, one in Isfahan - are already saying their goodbyes and frantically deleting message threads with contacts abroad.

Women and children are forming human shields at Iranian infrastructure sites

The regime's paranoia has led to severe crackdowns on communications, prompting many to sever ties with the outside world. Two Iranians, one in Tehran and one in Isfahan, are already saying goodbye to their friends and family and frantically deleting messages

US Navy fighter jets take off from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during Operation Epic Fury

Global oil markets have spun out of control as Trump's deadline nears and Iran refuses to reopen the strait

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The US hit dozens of military targets on Kharg Island, a crucial Iranian oil export hub, overnight

Join the discussion Do YOU think global leaders should act to de-escalate immediately?

'My internet connection keeps cutting out for long periods. If our chat stays on Instagram, it could put me in serious danger - the regime randomly connects people's phones to the internet in the streets and checks their apps. I have to delete our chat. Wishing you a path full of success.'

That was Bahareh's last message. She asked that her surname not be published.

For those with the means, leaving the city is the only option. Major roads are jammed with families fleeing to remote areas, far from the power grids and military installations likely to be in the crosshairs.

One Iranian says his entire family has relocated to his uncle's villa in the countryside. 'They are safer there, it is a pretty calm and peaceful place,' he said, declining to say where.

With hours left until the 8 p.m. deadline, the world is watching to see whether last-minute diplomacy can pull back from the brink - or whether Iran goes dark tonight.
Kemi Badenoch has called on ministers to ban doctors from striking as she accused them of 'betraying patients' with another round of walkouts.

Writing for the Daily Mail, the Conservative leader says the medics' jobs are so critical she would subject them to the same restrictions as police and the military.

It comes as Wes Streeting accused the British Medical Association of trying to 'fleece' the public with pay demands that could cost taxpayers 30billion a year.

The health secretary admitted the six-day strike, which started at 7am today, will leave some patients 'waiting in pain or anxiety longer than is necessary' as appointments are cancelled.

Resident doctors - previously known as junior doctors - have already cost NHS hospitals 3billion in lost activity and overtime payments to covering colleagues since 2023.

But Mr Streeting warned it would cost 10 times more every year if he caved into their 'unreasonable' demands as every other NHS worker would expect the same.

The doctors have now taken to picket lines on 60 days across 15 rounds of strikes, with each day burning through 50million of NHS funds.

The total spent to date could have built a 'few' hospitals or delivered millions of appointments, slashing NHS waiting lists faster, the Labour leadership hopeful said.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said doctors' jobs are so critical she would subject them to the same restrictions as police and the military

The BMA is pursuing a 26 per cent pay rise on top of the 28.9 per cent resident doctors have received over the past three years.

The union says this would cost around 3billion a year.

But Mr Streeting told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: 'Let's then assume that other NHS staff would understandably demand the same, then that cost would be more like 30billion a year.

'That is more than the entire cost of the Ministry of Justice's entire budget for running the criminal justice system.'

New YouGov polling, conducted on Tuesday, found a growing number of British adults are opposed to resident doctors going on strike with the number climbing from 33 per cent in April 2023 and 53 per cent in March this year to 55 per cent now.

Some 37 per cent said they currently support the action, according to the survey of 4,385 adults in Great Britain.

Mrs Badenoch, whose father was a GP, said Labour had caved in too easily with previous pay demands and given doctors more money 'with no strings attached'.

She added: 'The Conservatives have had enough. If the BMA refuses to act reasonably, the government must step in to ensure the safety of patients.

The strikes will last six days - one of the longest the NHS has faced - and is over disputes over pay and job opportunities

Tens of thousands of resident doctors - formerly known as junior doctors - have joined picket lines in today's strikes (pictured). Doctors' strikes have cost the NHS 3billion in the last three years

'That's why I will ban resident doctors and consultants from going on strike  as we already do for the Police and Armed Forces.

'We will reintroduce Minimum Service Levels across the NHS, so that patients know the NHS will always be there when they need it.'

The BMA's resident doctors committee last month rejected a deal that would have taken medics' pay rises over the past three years to 35 per cent and created thousands of new speciality training places that would have allowed members to further their careers.

If they had accepted, some would have been earning more than 100,000 a year, while those in their first year out of medical school would have started on an average of 52,000 a year.

Mr Streeting said it was hypocritical of the BMA to be striking in the face of such an offer while giving their own staff a rise of 2.75 per cent 'on affordability grounds'.

He told BBC Breakfast: 'Why does the BMA think they can get away with telling their own staff they only get 2.75 per cent because that's all they can afford, whilst rejecting a 4.9 per cent offer because that's all the Government can afford.

'It seems to me, the BMA aren't willing to put their hands in their own pockets to pay their own staff, but they're very happy to try and fleece your viewers, asking them to pay even more in tax than I think this country can afford.'

NHS England admitted this week's walkout - the longest so far - will be 'difficult' but stressed services remain open and patients should continue to attend A&E and dial 999 or 111 as usual and attend scheduled appointments unless they are contacted and told otherwise.

The BMA is 'intransigent' and unwilling to move on an 'increasingly absurd set of positions', Health Secretary Wes Streeting (pictured) said, after pointing out the BMA had been the biggest winner of government pay increases 'by a country mile'

One patient whose appointment has been cancelled told BBC News he was 'very worried' as a result.

Adrian Emery, 55, from Nottinghamshire, was due to have a telephone appointment on Tuesday after having a number of mini strokes.

His appointment, his first follow-up appointment to review medication and speak to a specialist, was initially rescheduled for mid-June, but that has also been cancelled now, the broadcaster reported.

'I'm very worried, because my grandfather actually had a very serious stroke. I hope I don't have a full stroke before I am seen,' he added.

Dr Jack Fletcher, chairman of BMA's resident doctors committee, said: 'I'm genuinely very sorry and it is regrettable that we're having to take this action and I'm very sorry to patients, however, we feel like we had no choice.

'We gave the government several opportunities to avoid it, and they chose not to.'
A British charity worker was knocked down and killed by the Kenyan President's 'excessively speeding' motorcade, an inquest heard on Tuesday.

Edgar Riches, 78, had been in Nairobi, Kenya, raising money to sponsor the building of an African school when he was hit by a Toyota Prado on a pedestrian crossing.

An inquest in Dorset heard that the car's driver 'failed to yield' or offer the pensioner assistance following the collision on March 13, 2025.

The VIP support vehicle had been transporting President William Ruto to a public engagement in the Kenyan capital when the crash occurred.

Retired bank manager Mr Riches suffered devastating head and chest injuries which killed him instantly. He had been visiting his sister and nephew in Africa while carrying out charity work.

The driver was later charged with causing death by dangerous driving following an investigation by the local police force.

He pleaded guilty to the offence in a Kenyan court but avoided jail and was instead handed the equivalent of a 575 fine.

Mr Riches' daughter, Pauline Olden, told the inquest this week that 'justice had not been served'.

Edgar Riches, 78, died after being hit by the Kenyan President's motorcade on a pedestrian crossing in Nairobi

'My father was in the final part of his charity walk he does every year to raise money for the country he loved visiting,' she said.

'He was tragically killed while crossing at a designated pedestrian crossing by a driver going far too quickly.

'The police car and ambulance did not stop and the driver was fined the equivalent of a 575 fine.

'He was able to pay it and move on with his life but we can't. Justice has not been served.'

Dorset Senior Coroner Brendan Allen said the Kenyan authorities had provided 'very limited' information about the incident.

The only evidence which the inquest received was a post-mortem examination report and a brief statement from the Office of the Inspector General for the National Police Service.

It said of the incident: 'On March 13, 2025, at 12.30pm, a road traffic accident occurred on Ngong Road, Nairobi.

'The Toyota Prado belonging to a Ministry of the Interior approached the designated pedestrian crossing as Mr Riches was crossing the road. The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries.

'The government investigation reviewed CCTV footage and determined the collision resulted primarily from the driver's failure to yield to the pedestrian and travelling at excessive speed given the location and road conditions.

'The driver was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and he appeared before court magistrates on March 15, 2025.

'He pleaded guilty and was fined 100,000 Kenyan shillings (575).'

It was revealed in Mr Riches' post-mortem that he died of 'polytrauma' injuries including severe head and chest blunt force trauma 'consistent with a pedestrian and motor vehicle incident'.

Mr Allen, recording a conclusion that Mr Riches died in a road traffic collision, said: 'There are always difficulties in obtaining evidence from outside jurisdictions.

'Some countries are more forthcoming than others and what we have for Mr Riches are a post mortem report and a report in relation to the prosecution and outcome.

'We have very limited detail in relation to the circumstances but in my view there is enough that I can conclude the inquest today.

'Mr Riches was crossing at a designated pedestrian crossing and the driver of the motor vehicle failed to yield and was driving at excessive speed.

'It was as a consequence of these facts that Mr Riches was struck and sustained the injuries that killed him on March 13, 2025.'

A tribute paid to Mr Riches following his death described him as a 'quiet and unassuming but quite a remarkable chap'.

Ann Stribley, president of the Poole Conservative Association (PCA), who had known Mr Riches for about 50 years in his role as treasurer and trustee, said: 'He was quite a remarkable chap, not many about like him these days, but quiet and unassuming and just got on with life.'

'He was very dedicated to working for other people and the community, and things that he thought should be done, which is why he was in Africa actually.'

Mr Riches was involved with the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (Cafod), who said he was an 'inspirational gentleman'.

Simon Giarchi, from Cafod Plymouth and South West, said: 'We were incredibly sad to hear of the death of Edgar Riches, an inspirational gentleman who fundraised relentlessly for Cafod over decades.

'He was tireless in organising hundreds of charity events year after year (including one just days before his trip to Nairobi).

'Edgar was a kind and remarkable person who will be sorely missed.

'His efforts, via his Poole parish, to help tackle injustice and inequality around the world, will continue to make a difference to many communities living in poverty.'
A man who assaulted a staff member at a chicken shop on Christmas Eve after complaining about his order has been sentenced to three years in prison.

Marwan Khadir, 18, threatened to shoot and kill the chicken shop worker and assaulted him multiple times in a brutal armed attack lasting over two minutes on December 24, last year.

CCTV footage prior to the assault shows Khadir arguing with the shop worker about how many garlic sauces he ordered, before complaining they had not included any chips with the order.

After seemingly resolving the issue, the teenager walked back to his flat, only to find out that his order was still not correct.

Khadir, armed with a fake gun, then stormed back into the shop, asking the staff member: 'I asked for three garlic and three mayo. So why are you giving me four burger sauce?'

He suddenly leaps onto the counter, then cocks the weapon before grabbing the terrified worker's wrist and telling him: 'I'm going to kill you now, are you mad?'

The victim reported the assault on Christmas Day, with Khadir arrested by armed police less than a week later on January 2.

Marwan Khadir is seen arguing with a chicken shop worker on December 24, before launching a brutal armed attack later that evening

Khadir is seen arguing with the chicken shop staff on the phone after realising they got his order wrong

Khadir returned to the shop armed with a fake gun and threatened the staff in a terrifying assault which lasted over two minutes

Khadir is seen threatening the shop worker with a fake gun

Dramatic body-worn footage shows armed police officers storming Khadir's home and shouting 'armed police, come to your front door, hands above your head'.

He then emerges with his hands on his head. Officers then recover his replica pistol from his home.

Officers recovered the fake gun from his home after finding it hidden behind a bedside cabinet.

Khadir, of Oakfield Road, Penge, admitted possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, making threats to kill and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was jailed for three years at Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday.

Officers were quickly able to identify Khadir through intensive CCTV and financial tracking, as well as local resident checks which all took place between Christmas and New Years' Day.

They also conducted large-scale phone work in order to identify Khadir's address and worked in tandem with firearms command to obtain warrants prior to his arrest.

Following the arrest, officers seized the replica gun Khadir used in the attack, as well as fake ammunition.

The CCTV footage which captured the offence, coupled with the weapon and matching clothing seized by officers contributed to the creation of an incredibly strong evidence package against Khadir.

Marwan Khadir, 18, has been sentenced to three years in prison after carrying out an assualt at a chicken shop in south London

The imitation firearm used by Khadir during his assault of the chicken shop worker

Dramatic body-worn footage shows armed police officers storming Khadir's home and arresting him on January 2

Detective Sergeant Amy Cross, who led the investigation, said: 'The tireless work by officers on this case over the Christmas and New Year period is further evidence that policing never stops, and their efforts ultimately led to a conviction.

'All our thoughts continue to remain with the victim of this terrifying ordeal, something no one should ever have to go through, let alone at their place of work.

'The strength he has shown since the attack has been remarkable.

'On top of this, the courage he demonstrated in coming forward and reporting the assault was incredibly brave.

'He was then able to subsequently identify the perpetrator, a crucial moment in allowing us to move the investigation forward.'

On 30 January, Khadir pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, making threats to kill and assault occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (ABH).
Live facial recognition cameras are to be introduced across the UK in knife crime hotspots under new plans to slash offences by a third.

New national mapping technology is being shared with police which is capable of identifying the worst knife crime hotspots down to 100 square metres, even identifying the specific times it is most likely to occur.

Forces will be able to switch on cameras to catch out offenders on specific streets associated with knife crime.

Under a plan to slash rates by a third in two years, police will also be able to use visible police patrols, CCTV cameras and knife detection arches in an unprecedented crackdown.

On Tuesday, ministers announced a 26million Knife Crime Concentrations Fund will be allocated to the 27 police forces in England and Wales that deal with 90 per cent of knife crime.

The move comes after live facial recognition camera trials have shown impressive results, with police in the first UK town to get a static camera catching criminals every 34 minutes, spotting suspects on the run for 20 years in some cases.

In October, Scotland Yard installed fixed cameras on lamp posts at the entrance and exit to Croydon town centre during a trial which resulted in over 100 arrests for offences including possession of knives, strangulation and sexual assault.

The cameras work by taking digital images of passing pedestrians, feeding them into a computer using biometric software to measure facial features.

Live facial recognition cameras are to be introduced across the UK in knife crime hotspots under new plans to slash offences by a third (a camera is pictured on top of a Live Facial Recognition van)

Police are developing a 'problem solving plan' with the Home Office to deliver at least a 33 per cent reduction in knife crime over a two-year period

The image is compared with a watchlist and if a match is detected, an alert is sent to officers to review and consider making an arrest.

If a member of the public is not wanted by police, their biometrics are immediately deleted.

Policing minister Sarah Jones said: 'Knife crime devastates lives and families across the country, and the majority of it takes place on just a small number of streets across the country.

'We will deploy state-of-the-art mapping to identify these hot spots and target them with police patrols, live facial recognition and knife arches to catch these criminals.

'This Government will halve knife crime within a decade, saving lives and protecting communities.'

Known as 'hyperlocal' areas, police will develop a 'problem solving plan' with the Home Office to deliver at least a 33 per cent reduction in knife crime over a two-year period.

The Government is currently considering the results of a national consultation about the use of facial recognition.

But some campaigners have raised concerns about state surveillance with groups like Big Brother Watch saying: 'Live facial recognition turns every passer-by into a walking barcode and treats us all as a nation of suspects.'

Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust and member of the Government's Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: 'This targeted, data-driven approach represents a crucial part of the Government's response to tackling knife crime and protecting young people from its devastating impact.

'Knife crime creates a profound and often location-based fear among young people, shaping how they move, socialise and experience their own neighbourhoods.

'Tackling these issues at source is vital, and that is why the Hex mapping approach is so important; it will pinpoint the exact areas where fear and harm are most concentrated. By coordinating action with partners on the ground, it can focus efforts where they are needed most, reducing knife crime, restoring confidence and improving public safety.'
Police have arrested 13 people after peace protesters blocked the gates to an RAF airbase in a protest against the war in Iran.

The RAF Lakenheath base in Suffolk, which is used by the US Air Force, was targeted on Tuesday by anti-war protesters, who locked themselves onto a car to block the main entrance gates for six hours, beginning at 6am on Tuesday.

The Lakenheath Alliance for Peace said that activists also locked themselves to a large multi-coloured peace symbol as well as each other.

A second gate was blocked for four hours from 6am, before re-opening at 10am, as the nuclear disarmament group said it followed a 'week-long international peace camp at the base' that ended on Monday.

In the statement, the group said that fighter and bomber planes from RAF Lakenheath had been deployed in Iran, and described the war as an 'illegal war'.

It came just before Donald Trump announced late on Tuesday that Iran had agreed to a two-week ceasefire and will re-open the Strait of Hormuz, after Tehran submitted a 10-point peace plan to end the war.

Suffolk Police said: 'On Tuesday, April 7 in Lakenheath, police arrested 13 people who had resumed protests outside the RAF base.

'The 13 were taken to investigation centres in Bury St Edmunds and Martlesham for questioning.

'The arrests relate to locking on, conspiracy to cause a public nuisance, attempting to lock on, or criminal damage.

Pictured: Police arresting one protester at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk on Tuesday

The protesters were from the Lakenheath Alliance for Peace, who said in a statement that fighter and bomber planes from RAF Lakenheath had been deployed in Iran, and described the war as an 'illegal war'

The protesters locked themselves onto vehicles blocking the main gates, locked themselves onto each other, and onto to a multi-coloured peace symbol

'Officers arrived at the base soon after 6am following reports of protesters locking themselves to their own vehicles outside the main gate and gathering at two other entrances.

'One gate was cleared by around 10am this morning, the others by early afternoon.'

The force said the incident 'caused disruption to motorists, with some road closures implemented during the protest as officers assisted with traffic management'.

A Suffolk Police spokesperson added that officers would 'remain on site until further notice'.

The 13 arrests on Tuesday follow seven arrests by peace protesters on Sunday at the same Suffolk RAF base.

Five men and two women were arrested at a peace encampment outside the main gate of Lakenheath airbase on April 5, on suspicion of supporting banned group Palestine Action during anti-war protests.

It followed reports from some media outlets that the US fighter jet shot down in Iran last week had taken off from the Lakenheath base.

In a statement, Lakenheath Alliance For Peace said the arrests were made after retired Colonel Chris Romberg made a speech to protesters.

The High Court ruled the proscription of Palestine Action was unlawful in February, but also granted the Home Office leave to appeal against the decision, leaving the proscription in place pending the outcome of the appeal.
Donald Trump announced Tuesday night that Iran has agreed to a two-week ceasefire and will re-open the Strait of Hormuz, after Tehran submitted a 10-point peace plan to end the war.

Trump posted on Truth Social, 'I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks,' after earlier sparking doomsday fears when he threatened to wipe out its 'entire civilization' if they did not reopen the Strait.

The President said that after talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif he had been assured that Iran will agree 'to the complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz.'

'This will be a double-sided ceasefire,' Trump wrote. 'The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive agreement concerning long-term peace with Iran.'

Israel also agreed to halt attacks on Iran for two weeks, a senior White House official told Axios, with the ceasefire taking effect once the Strait of Hormuz is re-opened.

Iran accepted the Pakistan-brokered deal after a last-minute Chinese intervention urged Tehran to show flexibility over the war's economic fallout, three Iranian officials told the New York Times.

US crude oil prices plunged after Trump's announcement, with West Texas Intermediate contracts falling by more than 15 percent to $95 per barrel after hitting $116 earlier Tuesday.

Iran's 10-point plan, published by state-run Tasnim news agency, demands the US accept Tehran's continued control over the Strait, recognize its right to uranium enrichment, lift all sanctions, pay compensation and withdraw all troops from the region.

President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for Iran and the US to negotiate an end to the war after threatening to annihilate the country

Smoke rises from the site of a US-Israeli strike on the Iranian capital Tehran on April 7, 2026

A US-AF F-35 Lightning II stealth multirole fighter jet takes off from RAF Lakenheath in England on April 7

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Trump also posted a statement from Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs that announced safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz if certain conditions were met.

'If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations,' Abbas Araghchi said.

IRAN'S 10-POINT PEACE PLAN

1. Commitment to non-aggression 2. Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz 3. Acceptance of Iran's uranium enrichment 4. Lifting of all primary sanctions 5. Lifting of all secondary sanctions 6. Termination of all UN Security Council resolutions 7. Termination of all Board of Governors resolutions 8. Paying compensation to Iran 9. Withdrawal of US combat forces from the region 10. Cessation of war on all fronts, including in Lebanon

'For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via the coordination with Iran's Armed Forces.'

Iranian officials said that the ceasefire was approved by the new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, despite intelligence reports which say he is in a coma.

Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the truce and that 'safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible' during the two-week period.

Trump said that the 10-point proposal 'is a workable basis on which to negotiate,' despite saying on Monday that the deal was not 'good enough.'

Vice President JD Vance, along with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff have been leading US negotiations to end the war which was launched on February 28 - dubbed Operation Epic Fury.

The deal came after Pakistani PM Sharif posted on X that major breakthroughs had been made between US and Iranian negotiators.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: 'There are discussions about face-to-face meetings between the United States and Iran, but nothing is final until it is announced by the President or the White House.'

Trump had warned Tuesday morning that 'a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again' if no deal was reached by his 8pm ET deadline.

Shortly after the ceasefire deal was announced, early alerts for incoming missile fire went out in Tel Aviv, Fox News reported.

It is the fourth extension Trump has offered the Islamic Republic since he first threatened to 'obliterate' Iran's power plants on March 21.

Join the discussion What do you make of the deal?

Trump looks at Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaking following the official signing of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, during a world leaders' summit on ending the Gaza war, in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, October 13, 2025

Video on Tuesday showed women and children waving flags as chanting blared on a loudspeaker at a power plant after Trump threatened to bomb infrastructure

The US hit dozens of military targets on Kharg Island, a crucial Iranian oil export hub Monday night

Even before the deadline expired, airstrikes had already hit two bridges and a train station. American forces also struck military infrastructure on Kharg Island for the second time, a key hub for Iranian oil production

An explosion erupts following strikes near Azadi Tower close to Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran on March 7

Trump has been fixated on forcing Iran to end its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway off the country's coast through which a fifth of the world's oil supply passes.

Iran has bombed multiple vessels that have made the dangerous decision to transit the Strait. As a result, oil prices have skyrocketed and global markets have churned.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas has shot up from $2.98 to $4.14, a 39 percent increase.

The US negotiators have demanded that Iran give up its nuclear enrichment capabilities, cut back its drone and ballistic missile programs, cease its support for proxies across the region and immediately re-open the Strait of Hormuz.

The President has stressed repeatedly that the objectives of the war are to ensure Iran cannot create a nuclear weapon, its proxies cannot meddle with Middle Eastern countries, and Iran's Navy, drone and ballistic missile capabilities are destroyed.

Iran proposed a 10-point counter-proposal to US negotiators via Pakistani officials on Monday after the US gave Islamabad a 15-point proposal to begin a ceasefire.

The President refused to comment on the 10-point plan earlier on Tuesday, telling Fox News: 'I can't comment, because right now we're in heated negotiations.'

Trump said on Monday at a White House press conference that the plan was a 'significant step,' but he added that it is 'not good enough.'

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Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, reportedly signed off on the ceasefire deal, according to the New York Times

US Navy fighter jets take off from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during Operation Epic Fury

Sharif had called on both Trump and the Iranian regime to accept the two-week ceasefire before the President finally relented.

'To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks. Pakistan, in all sincerity, requests the Iranian brothers to open Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture,' Sharif said on Tuesday afternoon.

'We also urge all warring parties to observe a ceasefire everywhere for two weeks to allow diplomacy to achieve conclusive termination of war, in the interest of long-term peace and stability in the region.'

Even before the deadline expired, airstrikes had already hit two bridges and a train station. American forces also struck military infrastructure on Kharg Island for the second time, a key hub for Iranian oil production.

Israel's military warned of an increased risk of inbound attacks as Trump's deadline approached.

Before the announcement, blasts were heard in the Qatari capital Doha, while the UAE said its air defenses were responding to missile threats.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a preliminary racial equity plan, expanding support for 'underrepresented' business owners and applying a new framework to housing proposals.

Mamdani announced the Preliminary Citywide Racial Equity Plan (REP) and the inaugural NYC True Cost of Living (TCOL) Measure at a Brooklyn college on Monday morning.

New Yorkers voted for the plan in 2022 under a referendum, but former Mayor Eric Adams missed the deadline to release it.

The Commission on Racial Equity sued the Adams administration for failing to release the plan. Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, vowed to publish it during his first 100 days in office.

Mamdani, 34, praised the plan as a means of 'reversing' the city's pattern of pushing people of color out.

The lengthy 375-page report detailed a slew of proposals from the mayor's office to improve housing, healthcare, sanitation, education and the economy.

'These reports make one thing clear: we cannot tackle systemic racial inequity without confronting the affordability crisis head-on, and we cannot solve the cost-of-living crisis without dismantling systemic racial inequity,' Mamdani said.

The plan has already generated fierce criticism. Howard Husock, a senior fellow in domestic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, penned an op-ed in the Free Press, accusing Mamdani of a 'racial equity obsession.'

Mayor Zohran Mamdani, pictured above at a press conference on Tuesday, has announced a new plan to address inequity in New York City

US Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, pictured above in September, slammed the plan on X as 'fishy/illegal'

Mamdani said the Preliminary Citywide Racial Equity Plan was a way to help 'reverse' the city's pattern of pushing people of color out

'Beyond the egregious boilerplate, an examination of the likely practical effects of policy changes embedded in the report spells trouble,' Husock argued.

Husock claimed that Mamdani's plan of protecting minority-owned businesses by setting aside contracts would stifle 'the creation of businesses that grow and innovate.'

Howard Husock, a senior fellow in domestic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, pictured above, wrote a blistering critique of the plan

Mamdani's plan outlines an ambitious path towards racial equality, with a long-term vision including quality public education for every child in the city, no children living in poverty, all families living with economic security, affordable housing free of hazardous conditions and minority-owned businesses utilized in city contracting.

One of the strategies outlined calls for officials to connect with 'Underrepresented Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises' for city contracting.

'While the City has made efforts to streamline procurement processes and make it easier to do business with the City, many providers, particularly small businesses and M/WBEs, continue to face challenges navigating the procurement process,' the plan states.

Many government agencies have a 30 percent goal of signing contracts with M/WBEs, including Social Services, Cultural Affairs, New York City Public Schools, Economic Development Corporation, Finance, Environmental Protection and Transportation.

In addition to economic development, the new equity plan also calls for applying a racial equity framework to new housing proposals to 'ensure fair geographic investment.'

The plan promised that by the end of the year, all new housing proposals will 'ensure racial equity.'

Mamdani announced the proposal with city leaders at a Brooklyn college on Monday morning, pictured above

Numerous city leaders have supported the 375-page plan. The public has 30 days to provide commentary and feedback on the proposal

Husock likened the strategy to 'backdoor housing discrimination' and argued it was a 'recipe for suppressing the economic dynamism that is the real triumph of New York City history.'

'Mamdanis approach could freeze the city in place and replace mobility with stagnation,' he added.

Mamdani's plan also calls for improving pay equity in city roles, anti-racism training for government staff and enhancing data collection across multiple demographics.

The proposal includes 200 goals, over 800 implementation strategies and 600 indicators of progress.

City leaders, including Schools Chancellor Kamat Samuels, Health Commissioner Dr Allister Martin, Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani, and President of United Way of New York City Grace C Bonilla, expressed support for the plan.

The announcement comes at a time when equity plans are under attack. Donald Trump signed executive orders at the start of his term to cut federal funding for DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) initiatives.

The Preliminary Citywide Racial Equity Plan does not include any explicit references to DEI.

The racial equity proposal comes as the Trump administration has cracked down on DEI polices. Trump is pictured above with Dhillon, who has already said the plan 'reeks of equal protection violations'

The new proposal detailed a path to racial equity in New York City. A file photo of the city is pictured above

Earlier drafts of the plan obtained by local news outlet City & State reportedly included direct references to DEI, but the city's Law Department flagged the acronym as risky due to Trump's policies.

Despite the specific language used in the plan, US Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon expressed skepticism, writing on X in response to Mamdani's press conference: 'Sounds fishy/illegal. Will review!'

In another post sharing an article on the plan, Dhillon wrote: 'It reeks of equal protection violations.'

The public is invited to provide online commentary and feedback on the preliminary plan.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Department of Justice and Mamdani's office for further comment.
The only Royal Navy warship deployed in the conflict with Iran has ported due to maintenance issues, the Daily Mail can reveal.

In the latest saga involving HMS Dragon, the Type 45 destroyer that was sent to the warzone weeks after the fighting began is having to pull out.

The Daily Mail learned late last week that the warship was suffering issues with its water supplies affecting provisions to its sailors. The Ministry of Defence denied the claims but today admitted that HMS has sailed to a safe berth to undergo repairs.

The stop will include attending to what officials described as 'a minor technical issue with onboard water systems'.

Defence sources insisted the crew have had access to water and catering and that a logistics stop at 'approximately this point in her deployment' had been planned in advance.

HMS Dragon had been despatched to protect Britain's air bases in Cyprus, including RAF Akrotiri which was hit by a drone thought to be launched by Iranian proxy group Hezbollah in Lebanon on March 2.

A day after the attack, Keir Starmer announced the deployment of HMS Dragon - but it was a further week until the vessel left Portsmouth after a scramble to get it ready.

Sir Keir has faced significant backlash for the country's lack of preparedness for war amid the escalating conflict with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth having repeatedly mocked the Royal Navy.

President Trump has described the UK's aircraft carriers as 'toys' while Hegseth talked about the failure of the 'Big Bad Royal Navy' to enter the Strait of Hormuz.

The HMS Dragon (pictured on March 4) which is currently deployed in the conflict with Iran has ported due to maintenance issues

Keir Starmer (pictured) has faced repeated jibes from US President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth over the state of the country's Royal Navy

While in port HMS Dragon's weapons and other systems will be 'further optimised' allowing for what officials described as 'greater flexibility for future deployments in the region'.

The precise location of HMS Dragon has not been disclosed for security reasons.

Today the Ministry of Defence said: 'HMS Dragon is undertaking a routine logistics stop and a short maintenance period in the Eastern Mediterranean allowing the ship to take onboard provisions, optimise systems and conduct maintenance.

'HMS Dragon will remain at a very high level of readiness during the period, able to sail at short notice if required.

'The UK continues to maintain a robust and layered defensive presence in the Eastern Mediterranean working in coordination with allies. This includes Typhoon and F-35 jets, Wildcat and Merlin helicopters and advanced counter-drone and air defence systems.'

The Government faced backlash for its delay in getting HMS Dragon to set sail to the Gulf amid the escalating conflict as it did not have a single major warship in the region when the Iran war broke out on February 28.

It was further criticised when vessels from other European countries - including France and Greece - arrived in the Mediterranean within days of Iran launching retaliatory attacks across the Gulf.

Donald Trump has given Tehran until 1am on Wednesday UK time to end its blockade of the strait or face obliteration

Join the discussion Do YOU think this will affect confidence in the UK's defense capabilities?

Elsewhere, the UK has urged Trump to step back from his threat to wipe out 'a whole civilisation' as his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz drew closer.

The US President has given Tehran until 1am on Wednesday UK time to end its blockade of the strait or face obliteration.

Downing Street again said the UK's focus was on 'de-escalation' and a 'negotiated settlement' for the region, but Trump ratcheted up his rhetoric and the US-Israeli bombing campaign continued.

Writing on his Truth Social platform he said: 'A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will.'

But Trump, who has previously extended his deadline for action, said the 'complete and total regime change' in Iran had resulted in a situation where 'different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail'.

He said: 'Maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World.'

Trump has said the US will destroy Iran's bridges and power stations, saying he was 'not at all' concerned that attacks on civilian infrastructure could constitute a war crime.

Asked whether the UK believed such attacks would breach international law, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'I'm not going to comment or give a running commentary on our allies' operations.'
A nightmarish photo shows a seven-year-old girl being driven to her death by a FedEx driver who abducted and killed her while delivering her Christmas present.

Seven-year-old Athena Strand was seen standing behind Tanner Horner in the picture released by prosecutors on Tuesday, after the 34-year-old pled guilty to capital murder just before his trial was due to begin.

Athena looked concerned in the black-and-white photo, taken on the day she was strangled in November 2022, with Horner concentrating on the road in front of him.

He snatched the youngster while delivering a Barbie to her home that was to be one of her main festive gifts. Horner told investigators that he accidentally hit the girl with his truck, 'panicked,' grabbed her, and put her in his vehicle.

Fearing what would happen if he told Strand's parents, he said he strangled her inside the truck and dumped her body seven miles from her home, beside a country road. Her body was found two days later.

But the new photograph has seemingly demolished the killer's claim that he struck the girl accidentally and drove off with her body.

Horner, who previously denied killing Strand, pled guilty to capital murder of a child under 10 and aggravated kidnapping on Tuesday.

The case has now been sent to the punishment phase, meaning a jury must decide whether he will be sentenced to death or life in prison without parole.

The jury was shown this photo of Athena Strand inside Tanner Horner's FedEx truck the day she was kidnapped

The seven-year-old was kidnapped and strangled on November 30, 2022, by Horner, who was delivering gifts to her family home in North Texas

State District Judge George Gallagher asked Horner to stand as he was arraigned at the start of his trial on Tuesday.

The charges of capital murder of a child under 10 and aggravated kidnapping were read out and Horner was asked how he intended to plead.

'Guilty, your honor,' he said.

The trial will continue as normal but the guilt-innocence phase will be skipped. The jury instead will be tasked with determining the killer's sentence.

'Now your sole duty will be to listen to all of the evidence that is going to be presented to you, because you will be using that evidence to determine the proper punishment to be assessed,' Gallagher told the jurors.

Under Texas law, capital murder of a person under 10 years old qualifies Horner for the death penalty.

During their opening remarks on Tuesday, prosecutors told the jury how Horner concocted a 'web of lies' throughout the investigation into Strand's death.

Wise County District Attorney James Stainton warned that the jury would be shown video from the day of the killing, which allegedly depicts the moment she was strangled to death.

Although the camera was covered during the murder, Stainton said audio was still captured by the device.

Horner has pled guilty to capital murder of a child under 10 and aggravated kidnapping

Horner was delivering this You Can Be Anything Barbie to Strand's father and stepmother's house in Paradise, Texas, when he says he accidentally hit the girl with his truck, 'panicked,' grabbed her and put her in his vehicle

'Somebody covered up the camera because they don't want you to see. Guess what? Audio is still running, and you're going to hear it. You're going to hear what a 250-pound man can do to a 67-pound child,' he told the court.

'And when I say it's horrible, I mean it. I've been doing this [for] 25 years, and I promise you, buckle up.'

The prosecutor went on to argue that Horner repeatedly lied to investigators and that the 'only truthful thing' he told police was that he killed the little girl.

'The pattern and web of lies that he put together, it's going to be hard for y'all to keep up with. It is lie upon lie, upon lie, upon lie,' Stainton told the court.

'What's the story that was told in the beginning? That he hit her with the truck? That he somehow freaked out because he thought he was going to lose his job, or she was going to tell on him. He picked her up, still freaked out and killed her.

'That is an absolute lie. There is no truth to that in any form or fashion. None. Zero. ZIP. Not of nudge. No truth to that whatsoever.'

Stainton went on to claim that when police first asked Horner if Strand was alive, he told the officer: 'She wasn't alive when I put her in the truck.'

'I'll tell you right now, you're going to see right up front here. She was very much alive and very much uninjured when he put her in the truck,' the prosecutor added.

Fearing what would happen if he told Strand's parents, he said he strangled her inside the truck and dumped her body seven miles from her home, beside a country road. Her body was found two days later

After the charges were read out, Horner told the judge during his trial on Tuesday that he was pleading guilty

The defense, however, pointed to Horner's physical and mental illnesses in their opening remarks.

They told the jury how he was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at a young age and was exposed to lead during his developmental years.

'You don't have to be a scientist or doctor to know that lead has terrible effects on the brain,' defense attorney Steven Goble told the court.

Goble admitted the evidence against his client is overwhelming and urged the jury to consider Horner's voluntary guilty plea as they determine his punishment.

He argued life in prison without parole is 'a terrible punishment' enough and asked the jury to choose that instead of execution.

Horner was arrested on December 2, 2022, the same day Strand's body was found.

He allegedly confessed to police that he abducted and kidnapped the child during a delivery to her family's home.

On February 17, 2023, a jury in Wise County formally charged Horner with kidnapping and murdering the young girl.

On top of the murder charge, Horner was charged with sexually assaulting a child almost a decade ago and faces three additional counts of sexually abusing a child in 2013 in Fort Worth.

Strand's mother Maitlyn Gandy, right, has called for the death penalty and released a statement in support of capital punishment

Horner's attorneys have previously argued that his autism diagnosis should bar him from the death penalty.

In a motion to dispel the death penalty that was filed in January this year, his lawyers said: 'Mr Horner's autism spectrum disorder (ASD) reduces his moral blameworthiness, negates the retributive and deterrent purposes of capital punishment, and exposes him to the unacceptable risk that he will be wrongfully sentenced to death.

Strand's mother, Maitlyn Gandy, has vehemently supported the death penalty for her daughter's killer.

Gandy released a statement after Horner was indicted - expressing her love for her daughter, and support of capital punishment.

She said at the time: 'I would like to thank the Wise County grand jury for their role in this process. Hearing the facts and circumstances of my seven-year-old daughter's kidnapping and murder was undoubtedly very difficult for them.'

'I want them to know that their work is deeply appreciated,' Gandy added.

'I appreciate everyone's continued support and for keeping Athena's name and memory alive. Please take a moment to hug your children and loved ones. No one is promised another day.'

'I support the death penalty. In any sentencing that may come,' she told WFAA. 'Every breath he takes is one my daughter doesn't.

'If I could sit down in front of him, I would tell him that he is nothing, but that Athena is absolutely everything - and I will make sure that everybody in this world knows that he is nothing and that she is everything.'

Strand's father, Jacob, launched legal action against FedEx in 2022, claiming they did not carry out sufficient background checks before hiring Horner.

A spokesman for the company said after Strand's death: 'We share in the collective grief surrounding this heartbreaking tragedy and our thoughts remain with the family of Athena Strand. We continue to co-operate fully with the investigating authorities.'

FedEx said in a statement to the Daily Mail: 'Our deepest sympathies remain with Athena Strands loved ones.'
Russell Findlay has promised a 500 tax cut for pensioners and urged voters to stop the living nightmare of an SNP majority and an independence referendum.

The Scottish Tory leader yesterday launched his partys election manifesto, pledging to bring down taxes, get control of the ballooning benefits bill and wield the axe to the public sector.

He also sought to put the constitution at the heart of the election campaign by warning that John Swinney would press ahead with another divisive vote on Scotlands place in the UK if he secures a majority.

Among the key pledges in the Scottish Tory election blueprint, titled Get Scotland Working, were:

 Oppose any bid to hold another independence referendum.

 Cut income tax by removing the 20p basic rate and 21p intermediate rate, meaning the point that people would pay more in Scotland than the rest of the UK would rise from 33,493 now to 78,000.

 Axe a quarter of quangos and cut the number of civil servants to 2016 levels.

 Cut the cost of devolved benefits with a two-child cap, tougher assessments and an end to light-touch reviews.

Russell Findlay has promised a 500 tax cut for pensioners

Mr Findlay said the manifesto sets out proposals to cut taxes for striving Scots.

He also unveiled a new proposal to hand back 500 to pensioners hit by Sir Keir Starmers shameful decision to snatch winter fuel payments, through a pension income tax relief scheme. The policy  projected to cost 209million in the first year  would be paid for by ending the SNPs obscene waste of taxpayers money.

The manifesto also contains a series of commitments on the constitution, including to oppose any attempt to hold another independence referendum, ban the Scottish Government from spending taxpayers money on pro-separation propaganda, and introduce a neutrality pledge for civil servants on independence.

Mr Findlay said that playing politics for Mr Swinney is in his DNA and claimed his desire to break up the UK is the only thing hes ever cared about.

Warning that Mr Swinney plans to use an SNP majority to press ahead with his plan to hold a second damaging and divisive referendum on breaking up our country in 2028, he said: Can you imagine the living nightmare if John Swinney gets his majority?

We cannot allow John Swinney to plunge the next parliament into constitutional chaos. We cannot allow any distraction from the issues that really matter to people: helping with the cost of living, growing the economy, fixing our broken public services.

We certainly cant allow it when Sir Keir Starmer is flip-flopping around Number 10 Downing Street  a weak and wobbly prime minister with a history of U-turns,. Can we really trust Keir Starmer to say no to John Swinney? I dont think so.

He said Labour and the Lib Dems are silent on the issue, while Reform UK is Unionist in name only and happy to have another referendum in the future. Mr Findlay said the Tory manifesto sets out a booming Scotland where businesses can thrive and an efficient Scotland.

Costings provided alongside the manifesto show that cutting income tax would cost 369million in 2027/28, rising to 1.37billion the following year and then reaching almost 2.8billion by 2031/32.

It would be funded by savings including 592million in 2027/28 from restricting adult mental health benefit claims, rising to 1.9billion by 2031/32, as well as savings starting at 305million in year one and rising to 1.7billion after five years from reducing non-frontline public sector roles.

Michelle Ferguson, CBI Scotlands director, said: Businesses will be encouraged by proposals to close Scotlands income tax gap with the rest of the UK. Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: This manifesto is not worth the paper it is written on.

Karen Adam, SNP candidate for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, said: This manifesto is filled with bizarre plans that even Russell Findlay knows he will never need to implement.
Lord Malcolm Offord was supposed to shake up Scottish politics. He was to be the great disruptor, a radical force whod dramatically change the landscape.

Announcing the former Tory peers defection to Reform UK last December, Nigel Farage said Mr Offord would take the party to a new level in Scotland.

Since then, there has been much speculation about the possibility of Reforms Scottish leader assuming the role of kingmaker after Mays Holyrood election. If John Swinney fails to win a majority for the SNP, might Mr Offord have a part to play in putting Labours Anas Sarwar into office?

A new poll published at the weekend shows Mr Farage was correct. But perhaps not in the way he hoped.

Malcolm Offord has, indeed, taken Reform UK to a new level in Scotland. Unfortunately for the wannabe MSP, that level is the partys lowest in more than a year.

According to the Norstat survey, Reform has the support of 15 per cent of voters in constituencies and across the regional lists, a drop of four points in both since February.

It would appear Mr Offords appeal among voters grows more limited by the day.

Reform UKs Scottish leader has proved himself a terrible politician, unprepared and flat-footed in interviews, and devoid of the charisma necessary to truly connect with voters.

Malcolm Offord is Reform UKs Scottish leader

The recent revelation that Mr Offord had shocked the audience at a rugby club dinner  a rugby club dinner, for heavens sake!  with a joke so offensively homophobic and grotesquely cruel that he felt compelled to donate to a gay rights charity will, Im sure, have played a part in that decline in support.

The political graveyard is littered with the failed careers of men  and its always men  like Malcolm Offord who try to make the transition from business to politics.

These guys, with their Thomas Pink shirts and their signet rings, built their success in a world in which nobody ever stood up to them.

Their brashness and their boorishness were tolerated because they were the Alpha. They then misread this tolerance as approval.

Reform UKs Scottish leader  installed by Mr Farage rather than elected by the partys members  has a great personal story for someone in his position.

From an unremarkable background in Greenock, Mr Offord built an enviable career in private equity investment before being elevated to the House of Lords as a Conservative peer.

This success story would be so much more inspiring were it being told by someone more likeable than Reform UKs Scottish leader, who has the demeanour of a minor villain in a soap opera.

One can easily imagine the regulars in The Woolpack speculating about what he has planned up at the quarry.

Politics brings with it a level of scrutiny for which Mr Offord and others like him are unprepared.

Weve seen this failure to prepare during a series of interviews in which the Reform man has given answers ranging from vague to tetchy to nonsensical.

Malcolm Offord may have played his part in shrinking support for his party but Reform UK  currently represented by a sole MSP at Holyrood, the defector from the Tories Graham Simpson  will be sending several members to the Scottish parliament after May 7s election. If the party maintains the 15 per cent recorded in the Norstat poll, it will return 16 MSPs, making it the third largest group at Holyrood.

But there could be further yet for Reform to fall.

The partys fortunes have not suffered solely because of Mr Offord, whose current approval rating of minus 32 is nine points down on the result recorded in February.

During the early days of the election campaign, the party lost a number of candidates while others have faced intense  and intensely damaging  scrutiny over past remarks, including support for far-Right agitator Tommy Robinson.

Of course, in public First Minister John Swinney speaks of his horror at the prospect of Reform UK gaining ground in Scotland. During a recent interview he accused some of the partys supporters of being racist.

But the truth is that the SNP leader would very much like Reform UK to have a good night on May 7.

Strong support for Reform UK would come at the expense not of the Scottish Nationalists but of the Conservatives and Labour. A solid Reform bloc will mean a more divided Unionist opposition at Holyrood.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has not had much to smile about lately.

His attempt to force Sir Keir Starmers resignation came to nothing and a number of polls which, just two years ago, suggested he might one day become First Minister have shown Labour on course to come third behind Reform UK in May.The Offord effect may have changed the likelihood of that outcome. Voters now uneasy about backing Reform UK next month are more likely to now vote Tory or Labour than they are to switch to the SNP.

Reform UK struggles to carve out an identity of its own in Scotland, in part because of the inadequacy of Malcolm Offord as a political leader but also because, fundamentally, it is an English nationalist party.

In common with those preceding Nigel Farage-fronted parties  UKIP and the Brexit Party  Reform UKs preoccupations are those of Middle England.

For years, Mr Farage made no serious attempt to campaign in Scotland because he understood that the same energy  a mix of frustration with ones personal circumstances and anger at the government  that fuelled support for his parties also drove backing for the SNP.

There was no point in going after the grievance vote in Scotland because the Nationalists had that sewn up.

But we live in changing political times. Nigel Farage is no longer quite the hate figure he once was in Scotland. And he is soon  through Malcolm Offord, the man to whom he gifted his partys Scottish leadership  to have considerable influence on our national debate.

Reform UKs drop in the polls isnt just disappointing for Nigel Farage, its devastating for John Swinney.

The First Minister was counting on the new political upstarts further fracturing the Unionist vote in a number of key constituencies. A fall in support for Reform strengthens Labour and the Conservatives in both Edinburgh and the North-East.

Malcolm Offord has already succeeded in taking Reform UK to a new level in Scotland. I wonder how much further he can help his chaotic party fall before May 7.
It is a tiny Scottish community, deep in rural Aberdeenshire.

But now archaeologists have confirmed Rhynie was once a Pictish royal power centre with international connections.

Excavations carried out over a decade have revealed the scale and sophistication of the settlements in the area, including the dramatic hilltop fort Tap o Noth.

The work, led by University of Aberdeen, shows Rhynie once was a centre of political authority boasting international connectivity and elite craftsmanship in the fifth and sixth centuries AD.

The project began in 2011 as archaeologists studied the areas Pictish stones.

The team then uncovered rare Mediterranean and continental imports including glass vessels from France and evidence of the drinking of wine.

The Picts were involved in trade from the Byzantine world to Ireland and western Britain

At Tap o Noth the team found one of the largest ancient settlements ever discovered in Scotland

They said this shows the Picts were involved in trade from the Byzantine world to Ireland and western Britain.

Metalwork and moulds used to cast jewellery were found alongside vessels for refining silver.

The finds and placename Rhynie, from the early Celtic word for king, led the archaeologists to the conclusion it was once a significant royal seat of Pictish power.

At Tap o Noth, overlooking the village, the team found one of the largest ancient settlements ever discovered in Scotland, suggesting a population that may have comprised thousands of people.

Professor Gordon Noble, who led the research, said: Weve uncovered the footprint of a major royal centre, a place that played a pivotal role in the formation of the Pictish kingdoms.

'People assumed early medieval northern Scotland was sparsely populated and politically fragmented.

Rhynie shows us a powerful, organised place with large settlements and sophisticated connections with the wider world.

The discoveries have now been brought together in a book, Rhynie, A Powerful Place of Pictland.

The objects found were sent for analysis at National Museums Scotland (NMS). This confirmed the site was a centre for producing high-status metal objects.

Dr Gemma Cruickshanks, post-excavation officer at NMS, said: The details of these finds reveal an exceptional level of skill and artistry which is unparalleled in Scotland during this period.
Donald Trump says he is in 'heated negotiations' with Iran over a two-week ceasefire deal as a US deadline threatening strikes on civilian infrastructure looms at 8pm ET.

Trump has been briefed on a ceasefire proposal brokered by Pakistan, which is mediating between the two sides.

A senior Iranian official said Tehran is positively considering Pakistan's request for a two-week ceasefire, according to Reuters.

Trump has vowed to strike Iran's civilian infrastructure, including energy sites and bridges, unless the Strait of Hormuz is reopened.

The President refused to comment on the drafted plan, telling Fox News: 'I can't comment, because right now we're in heated negotiations.'

Any extension would mark the fourth time Trump has shifted the goalposts since he first threatened to 'obliterate' Iran's power plants on March 21.

Trump posted on Truth Social this morning: 'A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will.'

Republican lawmakers warned that striking civilian infrastructure would be a grave mistake and a war crime under the Geneva Convention.

Trump during a press conference in the James Brady Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 6

Smoke rises from the site of a US-Israeli strike on the Iranian capital Tehran on April 7

Central Command's Adm. Brad Cooper revealed hundreds of US drones (pictured) have been striking Iran

Streaks of light illuminate the sky during an interception attempt, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, April 7

Streaks of light illuminate the sky during an interception attempt, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, April 7

Senator Ron Johnson, a staunch Trump ally, said: 'I think it would be a huge mistake. I mean, he loses me if he attacks civilian targets. Whatever we do has to be within the laws of warfare.'

'We're all hoping and praying - what we're praying for is for the ayatollahs to capitulate,' Johnson told the Wall Street Journal.

Democratic lawmakers have gone further, calling for the 25th Amendment to be invoked, which would strip Trump of his powers if he is deemed to be suffering a medical crisis.

Representative Ilhan Omar posted on X: 'This is not ok. Invoke the 25th amendment. Impeach. Remove. This unhinged lunatic must be removed from office.'

Trump's threats to Iran MARCH 21: Trump threatens to 'obliterate their various power plants' if Iran does not 'fully open' the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. FIVE-DAY EXTENSION on March 23 after Trump said the US had 'productive' conversations with Iran. 10-DAY EXTENSION on March 26 as stocks tanked on Wall Street, Trump moved the deadline to April 6 at 8pm. MARCH 30: Trump claimed 'great progress' while threatening that if a deal was not reached to open the strait 'immediately' he would destroy all of Iran's power plants and oil wells, as well as Kharg Island - its main fuel export hub - and 'possibly all' desalination plants. APRIL 1: Trump claimed that Iran had asked for a ceasefire but said the US would only consider it once the strait was opened. 'Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages,' he wrote on Truth Social. APRIL 4: Trump said 'time is running out - 48 hours before all hell will reign down on them.'

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on Trump and the Iranian regime to accept the ceasefire.

'To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks. Pakistan, in all sincerity, requests the Iranian brothers to open Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture,' he said.

'We also urge all warring parties to observe a ceasefire everywhere for two weeks to allow diplomacy to achieve conclusive termination of war, in the interest of long-term peace and stability in the region.'

Even before the deadline expired, airstrikes had already hit two bridges and a train station. American forces also struck military infrastructure on Kharg Island for the second time, a key hub for Iranian oil production.

Israel's military warned of an increased risk of inbound attacks as Trump's deadline approached.

Blasts were heard in the Qatari capital Doha, while the UAE said its air defenses were responding to missile threats.

Bahrain's main port said it was suspending operations early Wednesday as the deadline is set to kick in.

Iran has warned that it will take 'immediate and proportionate' action if Trump follows through on his threats to attack the country.

Tehran's United Nations representative, Amir-Saeid Iravani, said Trump's threats 'constitute incitement to war crimes and potentially genocide.'

Facing the threat of devastating military strikes, terrified civilians told the Daily Mail they are frantically evacuating major cities and saying goodbye to loved ones.

The defiant government has meanwhile been placing human shields at infrastructure sites, with videos showing civilians including women and children waving flags at power plants and on bridges.

Join the discussion Do YOU think repeated deadline changes weaken the US position?

Iranians gathered at infrastructure sites including bridges and power plants as they taunted Trump's message of annihilation

Video footage showed women and children waving flags as chanting blared on a loudspeaker at a power plant

The US hit dozens of military targets on Kharg Island, a crucial Iranian oil export hub, overnight

US Navy fighter jets take off from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during Operation Epic Fury

Trump said he would target power plants and civilian bridges

One Iranian says he and his family have already stocked up on water and supplies, fearing US strikes and the regime's response.

'They are very stressed,' he told the Daily Mail, 'but at the same time, if this war ends now, it would literally be a living hell - because the government would retaliate.'

The call to gather at infrastructure sites came directly from an Iranian official, captured in an Associated Press video clip.

Speaking in Farsi, he urged 'youth, athletes, artists, students and professors' to assemble at power plants the following day at 2pm local time, arguing that their presence would expose any American strike as a war crime.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: 'Only the President knows where things stand and what he will do.

'The Iranian regime has until 8pm Eastern Time to meet the moment and make a deal with the United States,' she added.
A man has been killed and another rushed to hospital after a fight broke out on Primrose Hill 'as crowds basked in the sunshine'.

Officers and ambulance crews were called at around 6.40pm on Tuesday to reports of a fight at the viewpoint next to Regent's Park.

A 21-year-old man was treated at the scene for stab wounds, but despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was sadly pronounced dead a short while later.

Another man, believed to be in his 20s, was found by police nearby on Regent's Park Road, also with stab wounds.

He was taken to hospital by paramedics. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

No arrests have been made yet, but a crime scene remains in place and the park has been closed off to the public.

It came as the UK saw the warmest day of the year so far and people flocked to the park to enjoy widespread sunshine.

A man has been killed and another rushed to hospital after a fight broke out on Primrose Hill 'as crowds basked in the sunshine'

Officers and ambulance crews were called at around 6.40pm on Tuesday to reports of a fight at the viewpoint next to Regent's Park

Forensic police officers at the scene in Primrose Hill, north London, following the fatal stabbing of a man in his early 20s

No arrests have been made yet, but a crime scene remains in place and the park has been closed off to the public

One person who witnessed the fight break out told the Daily Mail: 'The park was just so busy, I had gone with my mate after work and it was literally the busiest I have ever seen it because of the weather and it being Easter holidays.

'Then suddenly we heard this commotion from behind us, and a big brawl kicked off - people were throwing punches, people were screaming at others to stop.

'There were lots of people involved in the initial fight, most of them looked like teenagers about 18 or 19.

'Then a group of three people ran off past us and one of them said to the other "you've been sheft [slang for stabbed] mate" and you could just see this massive red patch on his shirt.

'After that a massive group of people began crowding around someone on the floor where the fight had been and you could see from people's reactions it was not good. Lots of people had their head in their hands and just looked very distressed.

'About an hour later the police came and told everyone they had to leave because it was now a crime scene.'

Superintendent Matt Cox said: 'This is an utterly tragic incident and our thoughts remain with the man's family and loved ones.

'I would like to reassure the local community that the investigation is unfolding at pace and an increased police presence will remain in the area while we carry out enquiries.

'I would appeal for anyone who was in the area at the time and has any information that could help my officers to come forward.'

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called at 6.41pm to reports of an incident in Primrose Hill.

'We sent a number of resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, an advanced paramedic practitioner, incident response officers, and we deployed crews from London's Air Ambulance.

'Very sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews, one person was pronounced dead at the scene. A further patient was taken to a major trauma centre.'

Anyone with information that may assist police is asked to 101, quoting CAD 6448/07Apr or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Weeks before Donald Trump ordered US strikes on Iran in late February his top deputies scoffed at a 'farcical' presentation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu, some top Israeli officials, and the head of Mossad, David Barnea, presented the President and his top staff with a daring presentations to topple the Islamic Republic in the White House Situation Room, according to the New York Times.

The meeting on February 11 included Trump's top brass: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and his special envoy Steve Witkoff.

Deep in the White House Situation Room, Netanyahu and his team presented Trump with a detailed case for why now was the moment to strike.

The pitch was stark: Iran's top leaders would all be gathered in one place, an unprecedented opportunity for a decapitation strike, the Israelis argued. Trump appeared intrigued, buoyed by the success of last summer's strikes against the country, according to the Times excerpt of the forthcoming book, 'Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump.'

The plan promised to destroy Iran's ballistic missile programme, eliminate any threat to the Strait of Hormuz and leave Tehran with minimal capacity to retaliate against the US or its allies.

The Israelis went further, suggesting Kurdish fighters in Iraq could join the assault, that ordinary Iranians might rise up against the regime, and that the threat would only grow if left unchecked.

The following day, after US intelligence analysts reviewed the Israeli blueprint spanning four objectives: killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei; crippling Iran's power projection; stoking a popular uprising; and triggering regime change - the verdict was pointed. Spooks were convinced by the first two aims. The final two, they were not.

Weeks before Trump approved strikes on Iran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe poured cold water on an Israeli plan stating that the offensive would bring about popular uprisings and regime change

CIA Director John Ratcliffe told the President and his advisers that the Israeli assessment that regime change and a subsequent uprising were imminent after a US strike was 'farcical'

'In other words, it's bullshit,' Rubio added after the CIA director's assessment

At a follow-up meeting on February 12, Ratcliffe and Rubio poured cold water on the plan, particularly the twin promises of regime change and a popular uprising, which the CIA director dismissed as 'farcical.'

'In other words, it's bulls***,' Rubio added.

According to the Times, US officials believed the first two objectives were achievable with American intelligence and military muscle - but concluded that Netanyahu's third and fourth aims, including the prospect of a Kurdish ground invasion of Iran, were detached from reality.

JD Vance, absent from the February 11 meeting but present the following day, was equally sceptical that regime change would materialise.

Trump then turned to General Caine. 'What do you think?'

'Sir, this is, in my experience, standard operating procedure for the Israelis,' Caine replied. 'They oversell, and their plans are not always well-developed. They know they need us, and that's why they're hard-selling.'

Faced with the verdict that the Israeli plan had serious holes, Trump told the room that regime change would be 'their problem' - though it remained unclear precisely who the President had in mind.

Many of Trump's advisers distrust Netanyahu, according to the New York Times report

Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine noted how Netanyahu was 'hard-selling' his presentations to the President

Smoke rises from the site of a US-Israeli strike on the Iranian capital Tehran on April 7, 2026

Though many of Trump's advisers 'distrusted' Netanyahu, the President was keen on taking out the Ayatollah and limiting Iran's ability to project power regionally and through its many proxies, like Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, the report states.

No one did more to talk Trump out of the planned strikes than Vance.

But weeks later, just days before the President green-lit US strikes on Iran in conjunction with Israel, Trump's advisers deferred to the commander-in-chief's judgement.

'If we just mean killing the supreme leader, we can probably do that,' Ratcliffe reportedly told the President.

Rubio noted he didn't think that regime change or a popular uprising were in the cards.

But that didn't prompt Trump to change course.

'I think we need to do it,' the 79-year-old told the room.

The following day, Trump approved the strikes on Iran.

'Operation Epic Fury is approved. No aborts. Good luck,' the President told Caine.
A police officer who killed a 74-year-old motorcycle passenger while responding to a 999 call has been jailed  despite the victim's family asking for him to be spared prison.

PC Mark Roberts, 57, went through a red light and hit motorcyclist Ronald Pinkney and his wife Muriel in a marked police car.

Mrs Pinkney suffered fatal head and neck injuries in the crash on a 30mph stretch of road. Her husband suffered a bleed on the brain and multiple fractures.

Army veteran Roberts, who was travelling at 43mph as he approached the lights before the crash, was jailed for 27 months at Teesside Crown Court on Monday after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, Mr and Mrs Pinkney's daughter, Dawn Hunter-Pinkney, said the family didn't want the former officer to be jailed 'for doing his job'.

She said the family 'don't blame the officer for what happened', adding: 'We were angry but the more we hear about why the officer was driving the way he was, the more we understand.

'We do accept this is a very tragic accident with a very tragic outcome, but sending the officer to prison won't bring Mam back.'

PC Mark Roberts, 57, went through a red light and hit motorcyclist Ronald Pinkney and his wife Muriel in a marked police car

Pictured: Ronald and Muriel Pinkney

Roberts said the ambulance service had requested assistance about a choking five-week-old baby, which indicated paramedics did not believe they could get to the patient before police. Pictured: The crash scene

Join the discussion Should police responding to emergencies be held criminally responsible for tragic mistakes on duty?

The court heard Roberts, of Darlington, was answering a grade-one emergency call about a choking baby when he went through a light which had been on 'stop' for six seconds.

He was still travelling at around 25mph when his vehicle collided with the couple in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, in July 2022.

Roberts said the ambulance service had requested assistance about a choking five-week-old baby, which indicated paramedics did not believe they could get to the patient before police.

He said he took his vehicle from Whickham police station, activated his blue lights and sirens and made his way through traffic and red lights.

Seconds before the collision with the Pinkneys' motorbike, the officer saw a white van make an emergency stop, he said.

'I couldn't see anything else before travelling towards the junction. The next thing I recall is there was a bang and both airbags deployed and I hit the windscreen, which knocked me out for a few seconds. I believe this was a tragic accident.'

The court heard Roberts was 'heartbroken' by the accident and had led a 'remarkable life of public service', joining the police after serving in Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Judge Francis Laird KC said: 'Only a custodial sentence can be justified for these offences. Your speed as you approached the junction was too high.'
In yesterday's fascinating extract from ROBERT HARDMAN'S new biography of the late Queen, he recounted what President Donald Trump told him over dinner about his views on the Royals. Today, he reveals how the Queen spent her final summer in Balmoral

No monarch had marked 70 years on the Throne. Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee opened with her annual Birthday Parade. She did not appear in the procession but came out on to the Palace balcony at the end.

The following day, the Palace said she was 'too tired' to attend the service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral. In fact, it had never been the plan that she would be there at all.

Appearing for a few minutes on the Palace balcony was fine; a whole church service was not. She would watch it on television, as would the Duke of York, who had miraculously contracted Covid for the entire jubilee weekend.

The Queen also missed the Epsom Derby and a special evening concert in front of the Palace before the jubilee concluded the next day with a 7,000-strong rolling pageant meandering the full length of the Mall and beyond.

Once again, the Queen was watching on television at Windsor until the Prince of Wales felt that she really had to be part of it. As the pageant concluded with Ed Sheeran singing in front of the Palace, the Royal Standard suddenly appeared on the flagpole above. The Queen had arrived through the back gate.

With the Mall now full to capacity with crowds, she emerged on the balcony in dark green, unaided but for her stick. Poor weather late in the day had ruled out the usual flypast by the Red Arrows. But no matter. On this occasion, the Queen herself had been the grand finale.

The photograph of a beaming Queen, stick in hand, on her feet, in a cardigan and Balmoral tartan in front of the fireplace, would be the last image ever taken of Elizabeth II

No one had stood on this balcony, waving and being waved at, more often than Elizabeth II. Ninety-five years on from her debut as a tiny child in the reign of George V, she went back through the French windows for the very last time.

The jubilee had exhausted the Queen. For the first time in her reign, she missed every single day of the Royal Ascot meeting, a sure sign something was amiss.

At the end of June, however, she travelled north to Edinburgh for her usual week of official events at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. If the Queen was going to conserve her energies for anything, it was for this traditional reminder of her central role in Scottish life.

The monarch then returned to Windsor for the final round of summer engagements ahead of her summer holiday at Balmoral. Though unspoken, many felt a sense of final farewell this time. Perhaps the Queen did too.

'She was so brave,' said an official who saw her regularly over the summer. 'You could tell she was having a lot of treatment from the bruising on her hands where the cannula had gone in. Her hands seemed permanently bruised.'

She went to see her fell pony, Emma, and her other horses for one last time. On the eve of her departure, she held the last round of audiences and a Privy Council meeting.

'We had a private chat at the end of it,' said one of those present. 'I felt a bit emotional when I left because, well, it just felt to me like a goodbye. She had some very clear messages about how she thought things would go in the future. Very clear, indeed!'

The Queen wanted all the great-grandchildren to come up to Balmoral at some point over that summer, even if the Sussexes might not be able to make it. 'She wanted to make sure that they all had a really happy memory of her,' explained a friend of the family.

Her exact medical condition has never been revealed. Those closest to her will only say that she had 'a number of things' in the late summer of 2022. Whatever the exact cause, she was well aware of her medical prognosis, and it had been enough to encourage her to tie up various loose ends.

Johnson arrived at Balmoral shortly before noon on September 6 to resign, stayed for around 15 minutes and left. An hour later, Truss arrived to be appointed as the 15th British prime minister of the Queen's reign

'She stood up to greet me,' Truss told me. 'She was clearly physically not very well but we talked for about 20 minutes. She was alert.'

She had also given thought to her funeral arrangements  though not much. Some members of the family took great delight in making these plans. The Queen Mother had always wanted to be updated whenever there was a rehearsal for her funeral, while Lord Mountbatten's endless changes to every aspect of his final farewell would exasperate officials.

Elizabeth II was well aware that many people had been planning her funeral for decades, but did not dwell on it. Indeed, one member of staff said she had to be nudged to nominate her choice of hymns after the clergy made a gentle request for guidance. Ever the pragmatist, she was still looking to the present, and had certainly not precluded a sudden return to London at short notice to appoint a new prime minister.

Boris Johnson's resignation as Tory leader had kickstarted a summer-long Conservative leadership contest which left the country listless for weeks. The Queen had therefore decided that whenever a leader was finally chosen, she would take the royal train down to London.

An official told me that she thought it would look 'selfish' to drag outgoing and incoming prime ministers up to the Highlands with television news cameras following them there and back. Besides, she believed the country needed to resume being governed as quickly as possible.

As the summer wore on, however, she was beginning to feel weaker again. In mid-August, she asked her officials if it might be acceptable for her to remain in Scotland. They assured her that it would be and, just to reassure her, they secured the approval of all the leadership candidates, too.

It was now becoming clear she might actually never head south again. She discussed it with her children. Typically, her concern was that she might be creating unnecessary problems for everyone else.

'There was a moment when she felt that it would be more difficult if she died at Balmoral,' said the Princess Royal. 'And I think we did try to persuade her that it shouldn't be part of the decision-making process. So I hope she felt that that was right in the end.'

On September 5, Liz Truss was formally declared the new Conservative leader and plans were set in motion for 'kissing hands' and her formal appointment the following day. The Queen was determined to effect the transition with all the dignity and correctness she had observed with all her prime ministers, going back to Winston Churchill. It would require a very great effort, though sadly no one would realise how much effort until later.

Johnson arrived at Balmoral shortly before noon on September 6 to resign, stayed for around 15 minutes and left. An hour later, Truss arrived to be appointed as the 15th British prime minister of the Queen's reign.

'She stood up to greet me,' Truss told me. 'She was clearly physically not very well but we talked for about twenty minutes. She was alert. I would say she was relieved that the thing had actually happened and that we were now moving things forward.'

The photograph of a beaming Queen, stick in hand, on her feet, in cardigan and Balmoral tartan in front of the Balmoral fireplace, would be the last image ever taken of Elizabeth II.

Were an animator to have drawn a bubble emanating from her head, it might have said: 'Job done.' She had sailed through her jubilee and had now put the country back on an even keel (not for long, though the Queen was not to know it).

There was only a small party in residence at the castle, including the Princess Royal who was, by good fortune, in the area undertaking engagements.

All gathered for early evening drinks where one of those present remembered the Queen 'quite buzzy' as she looked back on some of the prime ministers she had known. The day, however, had taken its toll. She then announced that she would be going upstairs to have dinner alone.

Rev Kenneth MacKenzie, minister at Crathie church and a chaplain to the Queen, sat at her bedside reading from the Bible

That night, back in London, Boris Johnson confided in friends that he had never seen the Queen look so weak. 'We were helping him to drown his sorrows after resigning, but he said that what really made him sad was that he wouldn't be around as prime minister to give the Queen a really good send-off  which he would have done because he was a wordsmith,' said one of his closest allies. 'He just said, 'She looked terribly, terribly frail'.'

There was, however, no cause for alarm until the following day, when the Queen said she would be staying in bed. That was unusual, even at this stage of life.

The local doctor, Douglas Glass from Ballater, was asked to drop by. He would regularly report in to the Queen's senior doctor, Sir Huw Thomas, the Head of the Royal Medical Household, but at this stage there was no need for medical backup.

Plans were put in place for the Queen to attend that evening's meeting of the Privy Council (a very important one following the change of government) through an audio link to the Downing Street conference suite. With minutes to go, the politicians in London were told that the meeting was off on 'medical advice'.

The Princess Royal had been keeping her elder brother updated at the other end of Scotland, where he was at Dumfries House with the Duchess of Cornwall. The following morning, the couple boarded a helicopter to Balmoral.

Rather than cause a commotion and disturb the Queen at the castle, they landed at their home at Birkhall. It was so last-minute that there was no car waiting. The Prince borrowed a Land Rover from a member of the estate staff and climbed into the driving seat.

By late morning, the Prince and the Duchess of Cornwall had spent an hour at the Queen's bedside. Since word would soon be spreading of all these royal movements, the Queen's private secretary, Sir Edward Young, knew that a bulletin was needed.

Normally, the Palace only issued medical statements if the Queen was hospitalised or missing an engagement. At 12.32, the Palace announced simply that she was 'under medical supervision' while remaining 'comfortable and at Balmoral'. The fact that the bulletin said nothing spoke volumes to those in the know.

Prince Charles and the Duchess decided to leave her to rest for a while. Princess Anne and the monarch's dresser Angela Kelly ensured that the Queen was never alone.

Even at this stage, there was no need for constant medical supervision or intervention. The current advice was to think in terms of days, perhaps even a week or two. No one was talking hours, let alone minutes.

Dr Glass remained at the little staff surgery inside the castle while the Rev Kenneth MacKenzie, minister at Crathie church and a chaplain to the Queen, sat at her bedside reading from the Bible.

A little after 3pm, there was an urgent call for Dr Glass to come upstairs. It appeared that the Queen had now stopped breathing. At the same time, the Princess Royal called Birkhall to alert the Prince of Wales that he needed to return as quickly as possible.

The prince had been out in the grounds picking mushrooms, as he liked to do in early autumn, while the Duchess was walking the dogs. The couple jumped back in the Land Rover with their tiny team and set off for the castle at speed.

The prince took the South Deeside Road, between the woods and the river, a route he had known all his life, and then veered off on to an even smaller back road leading into the estate.

Up in the Queen's bedroom, Dr Glass checked and checked again. There could be no doubt. His patient was at peace.

Sir Edward Young was waiting outside the room. Dr Glass went outside and confirmed to him that the Queen was dead. Young was now on autopilot. His duty was to tell the new sovereign immediately before telling anyone else.

He called Birkhall to be told that the prince was on his way. He asked the Balmoral switchboard to try all the mobile numbers of those in the small entourage in the hope that someone would have a signal.

The prince might only be minutes away, but there could be no risk of any delay through a puncture or, worse, some sort of accident. Eventually, one of the party could feel their phone vibrating and could see the call was from the switchboard.

The phone was passed to the prince's private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, who answered, asked his boss to stop the car and handed him the device. For the first time, on a lonely, beautiful Highland roadside sitting in the driving seat of an old Land Rover, King Charles III was addressed as 'Your Majesty'.

Sir Edward Young duly asked the constitutional formalities. By what name would the King reign? (Charles.) And would His Majesty grant permission to call the Prime Minister? (Yes.) 'I'm nearly there,' the new monarch said, and put the car in gear.

A handwritten note by Sir Edward was immediately agreed with the doctor for clarity and posterity. It would also be very comforting for all who loved her. It stated: 'Dougie [Glass] in at 3.25. Very peaceful. In her sleep. Slipped away. Old age. Death has to be registered in Scotland. Agree 3.10pm. She wouldn't have been aware of anything. No pain.'

The footman she insisted waited on Paddington, too

For many of her subjects, their fondest final memory of Elizabeth II will always be her video appearance with Paddington Bear at the start of her Platinum Jubilee concert in June 2022  complete with his trademark marmalade sandwiches.

This was a reprise of her glorious appearance with James Bond at the opening of the 2012 Olympics in her Diamond Jubilee year.

The Queen had tea, complete with his trademark marmalade sandwiches, with Paddington Bear at the start of her Platinum Jubilee concert in June 2022

Her Majesty's glorious appearance with James Bond at the opening of the 2012 Olympics in her Diamond Jubilee year, which included her senior page, Paul Whybrew (right)

What viewers were not to know  until now  is that it was also a show of kindness and loyalty towards her staff.

The Bond sketch had featured the Queen's senior page, Paul Whybrew. The Queen thought it only fair that this film should include a walk-on part for her other trusty page, Barry Mitford.

The producers initially ruled out the idea, saying that the plot required just one footman  actor Simon Farnaby. 'They soon got a message passed back  No Barry, no Queen,' recalled one of those on set that day.

Sure enough, as well as seeing a scowling Farnaby playing his part, viewers worldwide would see a second footman in attendance  Barry Mitford.

The punchline was Paddington producing marmalade sandwiches from his hat only for the Queen to extract her own from her handbag  'for later'.

There was no artifice. 'They had real marmalade in them,' said the source. 'So Angela Kelly made sure the Queen used an old handbag she would not be using again.'

Because of the computer-generated effects, the Queen had actually addressed her lines to a hat on a stick. 'She loved doing it. She enjoyed the whole process enormously,' said an aide.

The public loved it every bit as much as that Olympic skit a decade before. The James Bond film had been funny. So, too, was this one, except that it also had that deep emotional subtext as Paddington concluded: 'Happy Jubilee, Ma'am  and thank you, for everything.'

He might have been president of the Automobile Association but driving with the Duke of Edinburgh was always a trial.

Before his marriage to Princess Elizabeth, Prince Philip flipped a car into a ditch, much to the concern of royal staff: 'They did not feel that Philip should be allowed to drive the heir to the throne about London,' wrote her former governess, Marion 'Crawfie' Crawford.

He finally stopped in 2019 after a serious incident on the A149 near Sandringham. 'He was an appalling driver. When he had that accident I wasn't at all surprised,' admitted one Sandringham regular. 'He was always chatting away if there was a person in the passenger seat, usually a gamekeeper.

'And the Queen's driving was terrible, too. She would insist on driving one of the Land Rovers to a shooting lunch. Fortunately, someone else usually drove back.'

The Queen was always tickled by innocent mistakes. A long-running favourite was the tale of

Sylvi Kekkonen, wife of the president of Finland. Having muddled her medication on the morning of their state visit to London, the Finnish first lady swallowed sleeping pills instead of heart pills and had to be propped upright by Prince Philip and Princess Anne as she snoozed through the carriage procession to Buckingham Palace.

And when a senior courtier was invited for a weekend at Balmoral but had to explain that he was already hosting a house party at home, the Queen impishly replied: 'Well, I won't be asking you again.'
Disgraced Sarah Ferguson 'will never' go back to the US amid fears she will face scrutiny from Jeffrey Epstein's victims and be forced to testify about him, an insider has claimed.

The former Duchess of York, 66, is said to be increasingly apprehensive about returning stateside in the wake of the damning Epstein files released earlier this year.

Her relationship with the paedophile came under scrutiny after it appeared he had been financially supporting her for over a decade and a half.

In one email to the financier, Ms Ferguson appears to say 'just marry me,' after a string of compliments - despite Epstein being convicted of soliciting sex from a minor just one year earlier.

Since her divorce from the shamed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in 1996, Ms Ferguson has spent time in the US promoting her business ventures, including books and lifestyle projects targeted to American audiences, regular appearances on American television networks and charity work.

Two weeks ago, a US lawmaker Suhas Subramanyam, 39, wrote to Ms Ferguson, prompting the mother-of-two to testify in Congress about Epstein and disclose any information relating to his criminal past.

He requested she give evidence in an ongoing investigation into Epstein's sex trafficking operations in a letter 'respectfully requesting' Ms Ferguson's cooperation.

However, Ms Ferguson is not obliged to appear before Congress or respond to the request as she is not a US citizen.

Ex-duchess Sarah Ferguson (pictured) 'will never' go back to the US amid fears she will face scrutiny from Jeffrey Epstein's victims and be forced to testify about him, an insider has revealed

US lawmaker Suhas Subramanyam (pictured) has written to Ms Ferguson, prompting the mother-of-two to testify in Congress about Epstein

Now, an insider has suggested Ms Ferguson has informed her inner circle that she has no plans to return to the US.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, they said: 'Sarah has made it clear to those around her she will never set foot in America again.

'She is deeply worried about the reaction she would face, whether from Epstein's victims or scrutiny from Congress.

'She feels it would be unbearable and does not want to be put in a position under oath where she would be asked not only about Epstein but also about Andrew.'

The source added this was a 'difficult decision' for Ms Ferguson, who was once 'deeply entrenched' in the US.

It comes as the former duchess was dealt further humiliation after being formally stripped of her Freedom of the City of York title last month.

The Freedom of the City of York is a historic honorary status dating back to the 13th century.

It has been bestowed upon numerous politicians and celebrities, including Sir Winston Churchill and Dame Judi Dench.

The city's councillors unanimously voted in favour of a motion to revoke 'York's highest honour' from Ms Ferguson, who was awarded the privilege as a wedding present with her ex-husband when they visited the city in 1987.

Andrew, 66, was stripped of the accolade in 2022.

Five months later, Ms Ferguson lost her Duchess of York title when Andrew relinquished his Duke of York title because of his links to Epstein.

It followed revelations that Andrew paid a multi-million-pound out-of-court settlement to Virginia Giuffre, a trafficking victim, who alleged the ex-prince had sex with her three times when she was a teenager.

Ms Giuffre was purportedly introduced to Andrew by Epstein's long-time fixer Ghislaine Maxwell, who is now serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking.

In February, Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, under allegations he sent confidential government documents to Epstein while working as a trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.

He spent 11 hours in police custody at Aylsham Police Station before being released.

Ms Ferguson has kept a low profile amid the rising scandal surrounding her and her ex-husband.

Ms Ferguson (left) lost her Duchess of York title when Andrew (right) relinquished his Duke of York title because of his links to Epstein

Andrew is seen slouched in the backseat of a Range Rover after spending 11 hours in police custody

She was last seen publicly in London on December 12 for the christening of her daughter Princess Beatrice's newborn, Athena Mapelli Mozzi.

She is currently said to be on a secret sofa-surfing world tour after being booted from the Royal Lodge, staying at the homes of a number of friends and is said to remain in contact with a number of close allies through FaceTime calls.

She was reportedly staying in the UAE, and was spotted earlier this year at Irish wellness retreat Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa in Donegal in County Donegal.

Earlier this year, the Mail also revealed how Fergie had secretly taken refuge in the world-renowned 13,000-a-day Paracelsus Recovery Clinic in Zurich, Switzerland for much of January.
Patrick also admitted 'eye rolls were a constant' with the Duchess of Sussex

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The Duchess of Sussex has promised Patrick J Adams that a jar of her jam is 'en route' to him after her Suits co-star joked that he hadn't received one because he doesn't have enough social media followers.

Speaking on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast, Patrick, who played Meghan's love interest Mike Ross in the legal drama, admitted 'I did not get a jam' after host Amanda Hirsch revealed she was sent flower sprinkles and spread from As Ever.

The duchess came up a couple of times during the episode, including when Amanda asked Patrick, 44, if she had ever sent him a 'handwritten note'.

'Yeah, I'm sure I got a handwritten note,' the actor replied, before praising Meghan's 'impeccable' and 'astonishing' penmanship.

'Did you get a jam?' Patrick fired back before Amanda said she had received a care package containing As Ever's $15 flower sprinkles and $12 spread.

He then joked, 'I don't have enough followers, I don't think,' as Amanda teased him, saying: 'You need to get on the list.'

After a clip from the segment about the duchess was posted on Instagram, Meghan left a comment for Patrick and his wife, Troian Bellisario, letting them know that 'jams [sic] en route for you'.

She also sent her love and 'hugs' to the couple's three 'beautiful babies' - daughters Aurora, seven, Elliot, four, and Imogen, who was born in January - as well as Patrick's mother.

The Duchess of Sussex has promised Patrick J Adams that a jar of her jam is 'en route' to him after he joked that hadn't received one because he doesn't have enough social media followers

The actor, who played Meghan's love interest Mike Ross in Suits, admitted on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast that he had not been sent an As Ever package

Elsewhere, Amanda told Patrick that the mother of two sent her a handwritten note after the initial trailer release for the episode.

'I was worried that this trailer would have people at her throat again, and she wrote me a note saying, basically saying, "Thank you for being afraid for me, but don't be, it'll be fine".'

Patrick said: 'What she's gone through is insane,' before adding that he has also received handwritten notes from Meghan over the years: 'Her handwriting is like a work of art, truly, it's astonishing.'

He also admitted that 'eye rolls were a constant with Meghan' during their time filming Suits together.

The comment came after Amanda asked the actor about his Instagram bio, which reads: 'The other guy from that show that you're watching on that app because that girl married that prince.'

Patrick joked: 'I've got to change that,' before adding it's the sort of joke that would make the duchess roll her eyes.

The actor added: 'I got a lot of eye rolls. That was a constant with Meghan, her rolling her eyes at me like, "Oh my god, what are you doing?".'

The actor previously confirmed that he has had no communication with his former co-star following the legal drama's streaming success.

Patrick and his Suits co-star Gabriel Macht were asked if they had spoken to Meghan recently during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2024 after the show's popularity had experienced a revival in popularity thanks to its arrival on Netflix.

After a clip from the segment about the duchess was posted on Instagram, Meghan left a comment for Patrick and his wife, Troian Bellisario, letting them know that 'jams [sic] en route for you'

US actor Gabriel, who played top lawyer Harvey Specter, said: 'I have not communicated with her other than seeing her big support for the resurgence, and that has been really nice.'

Patrick, whose character was in a relationship with Meghan's Rachel Zane, said: 'Zero. No, no communication.'

The actor then jokingly pretended he was getting a call, saying: 'Oh, hold on. There she is. Oh, got to go.'

At the Golden Globes in January that year, Patrick and Gabriel presented the best TV drama award before they were joined by fellow stars Gina Torres and Sarah Rafferty.

Gina, who played lawyer Jessica Pearson in the US legal drama, revealed at the LA ceremony that the ex-castmates simply 'don't have [Meghan's] number' when asked if anyone had reached out to the former actress.

An insider told Page Six that the duchess was invited to the event, but 'unfortunately' wasn't able to make an appearance because of a 'previous commitment'.

Speaking to Variety on the red carpet, Gina was asked: 'Who texted Meghan and said "You've gotta come to the Golden Globes, Meghan Markle".'

'We don't have her number. We just don't so. She'll see. She'll watch. She'll be happy that we're here,' said the actress, who attended the royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan in 2018.

The interviewer also asked: 'Did you plan this? Are you all texting each other?' She explained: 'When it all came through, we were all texting each other. Yes, our text thread is insane right now. So it's very exciting.'

Suits originally aired on USA Network for nine seasons from 2011 to 2019, and saw genius college dropout Mike Ross join a high-profile law firm alongside Harvey Specter, Jessica Pearson and Louis Litt (Rick Hoffman), while Rafferty played Harvey's no-nonsense assistant Donna Paulsen.

The duchess played Rachel Zane, a paralegal who becomes a formidable attorney and eventually marries Mike Ross.

Earlier in the night while walking the red carpet, Gabriel discussed the show's reawakened popularity.

'It's an amazing thing. We had some great success when the show was on... and then at a certain point, Netflix came in. It's just gotten incredible eyes and we're very grateful for it,' he told Entertainment Weekly.
The late Queen's dresser Angela Kelly has recalled how Elizabeth II would 'dance and sing' to ABBA as she paid a moving tribute to her 'best friend'.

Ms Kelly, who worked for the Queen for 25 years, said her boss was a 'really cool granny', who couldn't stop moving from 'side to side' whenever the band's hit Dancing Queen was on the radio.

She was speaking in her first wide-ranging interview about what the late monarch was like since her death at the age of 96 on September 8, 2022.

Ms Kelly, 68, who was the daughter of a docker and seamstress from Liverpool, climbed the Palace ranks after landing a job as an Assistant Dresser in 1994.

And as the Queen's right-hand woman and most trusted advisor, Ms Kelly shared several 'moments to cherish' with Elizabeth.

These included listening to Radio 2 and dancing together while helping her get dressed in the mornings.

'Id get carried away and be dancing all round her like I was at a disco, and the Queen would tell me to "move over" because I cant sing and we laughed,' Ms Kelly told Vanity Fair.

'They were moments to cherish, to see the queen so relaxed.'

While the Queen was deeply committed to her duty and country, she also loved her role as a 'grandmother', Ms Kelly added.

Angela Kelly (right) is seen here with Elizabeth (left) and Vogue editor Anna Wintour during a show at London Fashion Week in 2018

Ms Kelly, who remained by the Queen's side until her death nearly four years ago, also gave insight into her choice of Easter decorations: 'Fluffy chicks and chocolate eggs'.

She added that Her Majesty wasn't above 'washing the dishes' during the royal family's idyllic summer holidays at Balmoral Castle, and always laughed if her husband, Prince Phillip, 'burned the burgers' while barbecuing.

Ms Kelly said: 'She did barbecues and fun things and she always washed the dishes, even when she was entertaining the Prime Minister.

'If the Duke, or whoever was cooking, burned the burgers, shed just laugh. The queen was just full of energy and a really cool granny, to be honest.'

Ms Kelly began working for Elizabeth in 1994 before becoming her personal assistant and senior dresser in 2002.

She was known as a bubbly and hard-working royal aide who kept the late Queen's style relevant and even added a touch of bling.

Elizabeth valued the opinion of her personal assistant and gradually over the years gave her free rein when helping her create a look for an event.

Despite the late monarch's advancing years, she had been prepared to embellish her style  under Ms Kelly's direction  as a nod to modern times.

A pair of 3D glasses worn by the Queen during a film demonstration in Canada in 2010 were given a touch of glamour by Ms Kelly  Swarovski crystals forming the letter Q on their sides.

During lockdown, when the Queen isolated with a small group from her household dubbed 'HMS Bubble', Ms Kelly was thought to have been part of the team.

She once disclosed in an interview: 'We are two typical women. We discuss clothes, make-up, jewellery.'

In addition to their love of fashion, Ms Kelly said they also shared a sense of humour and 'had great banter between us' during her interview with Vanity Fair.

Ms Kelly, who worked for the Queen for over 25 years, told Vanity Fair what the late monarch was like behind closed doors during a recent interview

Ms Kelly said the Queen usually began her day by listening to the Terry Wogan show on BBC Radio 2 and could not resist ABBA's disco-pop hit Dancing Queen.

'When the song came on, she loved it, and both of us would dance.

'The queen would move from side to side and sing,' Ms Kelly continued. 'Her Majesty loved singing and had a good voice. I didnt. Id get carried away and be dancing all round her like I was at a disco, and the queen would tell me to "move over" because I cant sing and we laughed.

'They were moments to cherish, to see the queen so relaxed.'

Ms Kelly, who now lives in Sheffield, ended the interview on a bittersweet note as she said Elizabeth was 'my best friend and I miss her every day'.

In March 2023, Ms Kelly was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (RVO) in recognition of her service to the Queen, as part of a special set of 'Demise' awards.

Awards under the RVO are in the King's gift and are bestowed independently of Downing Street to people who have served the monarch or the royal family in a personal way.

The following month, it was revealed that the King had secretly gifted Ms Kelly a new home to honour a promise made by his mother.

Ms Kelly was promised lifelong accommodation by the Queen - but within months of Her Majesty's death, the dressmaker was asked to vacate her cottage on the Windsor estate.

In September 2024, Ms Kelly paid a moving tribute to Elizabeth II while revealing she told her 'I love you' and 'kissed her goodbye' before her death.

Two years on from the Queen's death, Ms Kelly said each anniversary will forever 'break my heart'.

Ms Kelly also revealed she was still unsure why she told Her Majesty she loved her in her final moments.

In a poignant statement on Instagram Stories, she said: 'It has been a long two years since I kissed you goodbye. I told you that I loved you and I still don't know why.

'That, although the first year I tried to move on, but I wouldn't. The second year I tried to heal but I couldn't. Maybe tomorrow will be a new start for me, although every anniversary will still break my heart.'

Finishing the heartfelt message, Ms Kelly wrote: 'Patience is a virtue you passed down to me. I have waited and now I can see. You sent a guardian angel to help me through. You sent your strength down to me. My time has come and now I am free.'
What does it take to be classified as a victim? How do you qualify, and who decides?

After reading The Mail on Sundays revelation that Sarah Ferguson is on a sofa-surfing grand tour of Europe  albeit on luxurious couches, possibly in the castles of Italian counts and using burner phones to avoid detection  I felt unease that, yet again, a woman is being hounded and blamed. How frightened must she be?

Im relieved, frankly, that Fergie still has friends who shelter her despite the damning revelations that she continued to associate with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein  after hed been jailed for soliciting a 14-year-old girl for prostitution.

Fergie has been keeping in touch with friends through video calls, but it seems even they cant help blabbing that the former Duchess of York is in a dishevelled state, in need of a Botox top-up and with her roots growing out.

Which rather sums up how she has been treated her entire life: mocked, found wanting and destined to be betrayed.

Of course, shes reckless and stupid, but she is not a sex offender.

Fergie must be weighed down by the guilt of letting her daughters down and repeating the Ferguson family cycle of affairs followed by abandonment and now penury.

But I think that her fawning emails to Epstein, first revealed by The MoS, came not from a place of evil, but desperation.

As someone who has actually been made bankrupt, I know that theres nothing more terrifying than losing everything. Id wager Sarah found the prospect of public destitution worse than her two subsequent diagnoses of cancer, which at least garnered sympathy.

Liz Jones says Fergie must be weighed down by the guilt of letting her daughters down and repeating her own family cycle of affairs

The truth is that her life, although privileged, was emotionally turbulent even before she met Prince Andrew, as he then was.

Her father, Ronald Ferguson, had been educated at Eton and Sandhurst before joining the Life Guards: your typical cold fish  and an incorrigible philanderer to boot.

Ronald started playing polo and represented England, acting as unofficial polo manager for Prince Charles. He rose to become the Sovereigns Escort, riding alongside the monarch at state and ceremonial occasions.

But it is said that the late Queen Elizabeth found him overbearing, once reminding Ferguson that the public came to see her, not him.

Fergie's glamorous mother, Susan, was aristocratic  the granddaughter of the 8th Viscount Powerscourt  and had come out as one of the last of the debutantes.

Ronald and Susan had two daughters in three years with Sarah, the second, born in 1959. Yet there was to be little family happiness.

Susan became exasperated by her husbands philandering and tragedy struck in 1969, when a third child died shortly after birth.

Sarah? She blamed the chaos on herself. While on holiday in Switzerland, she had stayed out too long so her mother went looking for her. Susan slipped and fell on the ice, causing her, it was said, to lose the baby. Sarah was convinced shed been personally responsible for the disaster, once saying: It was all because I had stayed out late.

Sarah was sent to boarding school at the age of ten, where one report was eerily prophetic: Sarah is erratic. At secretarial school she finished joint bottom of her cohort.

In 1972, her mother met the handsome Argentinian polo player Hector Barrantes.

Ronald was having an affair with a 23-year-old at the time, so Susan decided to leave him for Hector, moving to Argentina  and leaving her family behind, including a young and vulnerable Sarah.

Sarah's wedding to the then Prince Andrew in 1986 was watched by millions but within weeks there were financial problems

Again, Fergie blamed herself and turned to comfort eating: I ate my feelings, which is why I had weight problems from the age of 12.

She needed a father figure but Ronald, needless to say, was endlessly selfish and fell short emotionally. He called his daughter a ginger minge.

Fergies jovial personality is rooted in low self-esteem. Women as beautiful as Diana Spencer, whom she knew from childhood, appeared to sail through life effortlessly (although the reality, we know, was different). Sarah had to work at it, meaning she put up with far too much.

In 1980 she met Paddy McNally, a former racing driver and widower 22 years her senior with two teenage sons. She called him the Toad, but he was generous and rich. McNally teased Sarah about her weight and was open about his affairs. She would have married him, only he didnt ask.

In 1984, Diana, who needed an ally, engineered a meeting between Sarah and Andrew. They shared a childish sense of humour, and romance blossomed.

Their 1986 wedding was watched by millions and her personal attitude  one of Joyce Grenfell-esque glee  showed up the Charles and Diana nuptials as hopelessly stiff in comparison.

Within weeks, Andrew became grumpy. There were financial problems. Andrew was overseas with the Royal Navy for much of the time and Sarah was left to fend for herself, including through pregnancy with their first child, Beatrice.

And she continued struggling with her weight. According to Andrew Lownies recent biography of the couple, Entitled, Fergie weighed more than 200 pounds (more than 14 stone).

Sarah was convinced she had been personally responsible for her mother Susan losing her baby, once saying: It was all because I had stayed out late

Sarah's father Ronald was endlessly selfish and fell short emotionally. The late Queen Elizabeth is said to have found him overbearing

Would you like your weight to be published?

Remember the 51 pieces of excess baggage she travelled with? In my view, Fergie was self-medicating, numbing the hurt and humiliation by buying stuff  and yet more stuff.

She suffered from post-natal depression when Beatrice was born. We have sympathy for this now  look how we wrung our hands when the current Princess of Wales was hit with acute morning sickness. But back then, Sarah received little support.

She sold a photo of Beatrice to Hello! magazine for 250,000, most of which went to bail out her heavily indebted mother in Argentina.

Ask anyone what they think of when you say the name Fergie and after Epstein they will say, Oh, the toe sucking!  a reference to her being caught on camera having her feet kissed by a lover, millionaire financial adviser John Bryan, in 1992.

Fifty-five photos were published over nine pages of a tabloid newspaper. Just think: your bottom, resembling a Viennetta left out in the St Tropez sun, shared on Instagram. Whod come back from that?

In 1980 she met Paddy McNally, a former racing driver and widower 22 years her senior with two teenage sons

Both Sarah and Andrew attended the Duchess of Kent's requiem mass at Westminster Cathedral in 2025

Sarah suffered from post-natal depression when her daughter Beatrice was born and received little support

Fergie had already conducted an affair with American millionaire Steve Wyatt, despite the fact he told her she was ugly and fat. According to former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown, Andrew once referred to her as a fat cow.

(Another Wyatt, the commentator and politician Woodrow, would later remark that Sarah was like a barmaid who had come into some money'.)

It was the affair with Steve Wyatt that finally prompted her divorce, but dont forget that her husband had reportedly slept with a dozen women by the time their first wedding anniversary came round.

Even Sarahs flight instructors  she was the first female royal to hold a pilots licence  nicknamed her Chatterbox One. There is barely one small corner of her life in which she has been treated with respect.

Its telling Sarah had crushes on famous men: Michael Hutchence, Tiger Woods, JFK Junior. She preferred to kiss a poster on a bedroom wall than deal with flesh and blood. Shes a hopeless romantic, after all.

Its no wonder that Fergies first stop on her exile after the release of the Epstein files  and yet more damning material about her behaviour  was the Paracelsus Recovery clinic in Zurich.

Its founder, Jan Gerber, once told me, Its easier to have sympathy with a starving child in Africa. To have empathy with someone rich and famous is more difficult. But I believe our empathy with a human beings pain should not be conditional.

I second that. Sarah is a human being, certainly not the villain of the piece.

Even Andrew Lownie, one of her fiercest critics, writes: We must remember Sarah has been a huge force for good with her charitable endeavours.

When Sarah married Andrew, she was granted a new coat of arms, with the motto: Out of adversity, happiness grows.

I hope thats true.
Another scientist with ties to America's space program has now joined the growing list of deaths and disappearances around the US.

Michael David Hicks, a research scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), passed away on July 30, 2023 at the age of 59, but the cause of death was never made public, and no record of an autopsy being performed could be found.

Hicks, who worked at JPL from 1998 to 2022, was credited with publishing over 80 scientific papers and was part of multiple teams helping NASA understand the physical properties of comets and asteroids.

Specifically, Hicks was involved with the DART Project, NASAs test to see if humans could deflect dangerous asteroids away from Earth. He also worked on the Deep Space 1 Mission, which tested new spacecraft technology that flew by a comet in 2001.

While there have been no public allegations of foul play, Hicks' case marks the ninth person with ties to America's space or nuclear secrets who has died or mysteriously vanished in recent years, which has set off alarm bells among US national security experts.

Moreover, three of these scientists had close ties to Hicks, as all of them worked at the Jet Propulsion Lab or participated in NASA missions there. Monica Reza, JPL's new Director of the Materials Processing Group, vanished without a trace in June 2025, just months after beginning her tenure at the NASA lab.

Two other men with deep ties to JPL died recently, including a long-time coworker of Hicks, Frank Maiwald, who died in July 2024 at age 61, with even less public acknowledgement of his untimely passing.

Meanwhile, astrophysicist Carl Grillmair, 67, was murdered on the front porch of his home on February 16, 2026. The California Institute of Technology researcher's work was heavily supported by NASA's JPL, and Grillmair was personally involved with major space telescope missions led by NASA.

Michael David Hicks (Pictured) was a research scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory prior to his death in 2023

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The Daily Mail has reached out to NASA, Hicks' alma mater at the University of Arizona, and the scientist's friends and colleagues for comment on the circumstances surrounding his death.

Strangely, a series of online obituaries dedicated to Hicks did not mention any health issues before the 59-year-old's death, which appeared to happen suddenly, roughly one year after leaving NASA JPL.

A similar situation unfolded after Maiwald's death on July 4, 2024, when the prominent JPL researcher died in Los Angeles from unknown circumstances.

Despite Maiwald being a JPL Principal - an award given to scientists 'making outstanding individual contributions' in their fields - there were no public comments from authorities after the esteemed scientist's death, and the only public record marking his passing was a single obituary posted online.

NASA and JPL have not commented on the deaths of Maiwald or Hicks, and did not reply to Daily Mail's inquiries into the nature of the scientists' work before their deaths.

In June 2023, just 13 months before his death, Maiwald was the lead researcher on a breakthrough that could help future space missions detect clear signs of life on other worlds in the solar system and beyond.

As for the other JPL-connected scientist, Grillmair had contributed to the discovery of water on a distant planet, with colleagues calling his work 'ingenious' and adding that the research could point to signs of life less than 160 light-years from Earth.

According to his Caltech profile, he also worked on the NEOWISE and NEO Surveyor, infrared space telescopes that track asteroids. However, experts have also expressed concern that this technology has also been used in advanced missile designs.

Frank Maiwald (Left) and Carl Grillmair (Right) had deep ties to NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab in California before both men died within the last two years

Monica Reza (Pictured) went missing during a hike in California in June 2025. Reza had worked on the creation of advanced rocket technology before becoming a director at NASA JPL

The string of deaths and missing person cases has drawn the attention of Congress and members of the US intelligence community, who see a disturbing pattern surrounding experts with knowledge of missiles and rocket engines.

Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker recently told the Daily Mail: 'You can say these are all suspicious, and these are scientists who have worked in critical technology.'

Swecker claimed that multiple foreign intelligence services, including enemies and allies of the US, have been targeting Americans possessing secrets of the nation's technology for decades.

China, Russia, even some of our friends  Pakistan, India, Iran, North Korea - they target this type of technology, Swecker revealed.

Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett told the Daily Mail in March: 'There have been several others throughout the country that have disappeared under suspicious circumstances. I think we ought to be paying attention to it.'

Burchett was referencing at least four other investigations around the US in recent months, including the high-profile disappearance of retired Air Force General William Neil McCasland and the murder of respected physicist Nuno Loureiro.

Pictured: NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory Pasadena, California

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McCasland, 68, was the latest disappearance, vanishing without a trace on February 27, 2026, after reportedly leaving his home on foot with only a handgun.

The disappearance of McCasland, who reportedly held nuclear and UFO-related secrets, has been tied to Reza and Grillmair through their work on advanced missile or rocket science.

While commanding the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), the general supervised and approved funding for Reza's work to invent a new metal used to create space-age rocket engines.

Meanwhile, Grillmair's work with NEOWISE and NEO Surveyor has also been linked to the Air Force, as the NASA telescopes used the same systems the military relies on to track satellites and hypersonic missiles.

While Loureiro's murder has not been directly connected to the other deaths and disappearances, Burchett, Swecker and independent investigators have noted that his revolutionary work in nuclear fusion may have made him a target of a greater conspiracy against US scientists.

Nuno Loureiro, 47, was assassinated at his home in the Boston suburb of Brookline on December 15, 2025. Authorities said the gunman was Claudio Neves Valente, a former classmate from Portugal.

Its been happening since the Cold War, Swecker explained. Especially when nuclear technology and missile technology were first coming to the forefront.'

Join the discussion What do you think is really behind the mysterious deaths and disappearances of top US scientists?

Nuno Loureiro (Pictured) was leading efforts to create fusion energy, a form of clean energy that could upend the multi-trillion-dollar fossil fuel energy

Two others with ties to nuclear research went missing just weeks apart. Anthony Chavez and Melissa Casias, who both worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), vanished from their homes in 2025 under nearly identical circumstances.

Chavez, 79, worked at the nuclear research lab until his retirement in 2017. Casias, 54, was an active administrative assistant at the facility and is believed to have had top security clearance.

Both were last seen leaving their homes in New Mexico on foot, leaving behind their cars, keys, wallets and phones before disappearing without a trace nearly one year ago.

In another mysterious incident, Jason Thomas, a pharmaceutical researcher testing cancer treatments at Novartis, was found dead in a Massachusetts lake on March 17, 2026, after disappearing without a trace three months earlier.

Burchett has blasted the nation's intelligence community, specifically calling out the so-called 'alphabet agencies' such as the FBI, for being unhelpful and frustrating his attempts to find out the truth about what has happened to these scientists.

'The numbers seem very high in these certain areas of research. I think we'd better be paying attention, and I don't think we should trust our government,' he warned.
President Donald Trump spoke directly to the crew of the Artemis II Monday night and hinted their next mission could be a historic voyage to Mars as the team revealed what happened during a roughly 40-minute communication outage with NASA.

Trump praised astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, for their journey to the far side of the Moon after the space travelers completed the six-hour flyby on Monday.

'Everyone's watching it. They find it incredible,' he told the astronauts during a 13-minute conversation beamed aboard the spacecraft, adding that they 'really inspired the entire world.'

The team became the first humans in more than half a century to witness the distant hemisphere with the naked eye, recording their observations for the future.

'I just watched you go to the back of the moon, and people haven't been there in a long time, we can say,' Trump told them.

'But it's going to be more and more prevalent because we're going to be doing a lot of traveling,' the president said, outlining his plans for the future of space exploration.

'Then you're ultimately going to do the whole big trip to Mars - and that's going to be very exciting.'

As part of the journey, the astronauts set a new record for traveling 252,756 miles from Earth, farther than any humans in history.

The astronauts had to complete part of the mission without any real-time guidance from Mission Control - relying instead entirely on their onboard systems for about 40 minutes before contact was restored when their spacecraft reappeared from behind the Moon.

NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen successfully re-emerged from the far side of the moon on Monday

President Donald Trump called to congratulate them - and invited them to voyage to Mars

After communication was restored on Monday night, the president called the crew to congratulate them.

Trump asked: 'What was your feeling when you had no communication?'

Glover responded: 'I said a little prayer, but then I had to keep rolling. I was actually recording scientific observations of the far side of the moon.

'We were busy up here working really hard, and I must say, it was actually quite nice,' the astronaut continued.

He later told the Artemis crew that their work 'paves the way for America's return to the lunar surface, very soon.

'We're going all out. We're doing everything we can,' Trump said. 'We'll plant our flag once again - and this time we won't just leave footprints, we'll establish a presence on the moon and we'll push onto Mars.'

'It'll be very exciting,' he noted. 'I'm waiting for that so much.'

The president vowed in his inauguration speech last year to plant an American flag on Mars.

'We will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars' and 'plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars,' he said at the time, adding that 'ambition is the lifeblood of a great nation.'

Then-ally Elon Musk was seen giving the president a thumbs up, as he had long pushed for NASA to send humans to the Red Planet and shelve its efforts to return to the moon.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman told the Daily Mail last month that it is important to return to the moon, partially to reemphasize that the United States can do it

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is pictured with the Artemis II crew

Musk even wrote on X ahead of Trump's inauguration that 'we're going straight to Mars. The moon is a distraction.'

Yet NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman told the Daily Mail last month that it is important to return to the moon, partially to reemphasize that the United States can do it.

We owe it to every one of the pioneers during the 1960s, every one of the astronauts that what they did was just the start and not the end of a great journey, Isaacman said in an exclusive interview at NASAs JFK center in Florida.

He went on to say that the president is emphatic about pushing past the bounds set by the Apollo missions of the 1960s.

Don't just go back to the moon to plant the flag and bring back rocks, he said, detailing the mission to build a moon base and pursue big, bold endeavors in space.

He also argued that there was 'no question' that the US was in a new space race with China, which he said has a very robust space program that should not be underestimated.

They don't have what I would describe even, you know, a lot of the baggage right now, he said. They are starting their program from scratch, and they're resourcing it. They have the expertise and the will, and they are pursuing those goals.

But the US hit a major milestone with the Artemis II's journey on Monday, when Glover shared his observations of the far side of the Moon.

Wiseman is seen looking out the window at the Moon ahead of the flyby on Monday

The Artemis II team captured stunning images of the Moon with a crescent Earth hanging in the background

He told Mission Control that they saw 'an island of terrain completely surrounded by darkness.'

'Up to the north, there is a very nice double crater. It looks like a snowman just sitting there,' he continued.

'On the southern edge, there is a hole. Just blackness and a wall of brightness. It looks like there is a gigantic hole right there.'

While observing one large impact basin, Glover noted a striking contrast between its outer and inner rings.

'When you look at the interior ring and the external ring, it's almost as if the edges are starting to dry up,' Glover said, comparing the formation to a wet spot that dries first around the edges.

He also highlighted several surface features that appeared to resemble mountain peaks 'dusted with snow' or chalk, a visual comparison rather than a literal description of the lunar terrain.

The mission on Monday shattered the Apollo 13 record in 1970, which saw the crew reach 248,655 miles from Earth.

The four astronauts made history on Monday after seeing the far side of the Moon with the human eye. During the flyby, the snapped images of the lunar surface

As part of the journey, the four-person crew shattered the Apollo 13 record in 1970, which saw the crew reach 248,655 miles from Earth

Trump touted the new records as he congratulated the Artemis II crew Monday night.

'We have a lot of things to be proud of lately, but there's nothing like what you're doing - circling around the moon for the first time in more than a half a century and breaking the all-time record for the farthest distance from Planet Earth,' he told the crew.

'Humans have really never seen anything quite like what you're doing in a manned spaceship. It's really special,' he continued, noting that no astronaut has been back to the moon since the Apollo missions.

Speaking of their accomplishments, Trump noted that the crew 'flew in the most powerful rocket NASA has ever made, ever launched, traveled over a quarter of a million miles, broke the distance record set by the legendary Apollo 13 and America is a frontier nation.

'The four brave astronauts of Artemis II are a modern-day, you really are, modern-day pioneers,' Trump said, after declaring that 'America is back and America is back in many ways stronger than ever before.'

NASA Administrator Isaacman also congratulated the team on social media.

'On the far side of the Moon, 252,756 miles away, Reid, Victor, Christina and Jeremy have now traveled farther from Earth than any humans in history and now begin their journey home,' he said in a statement on X.

'Before they left, they said they hoped this mission would be forgotten, but it will be remembered as the moment people started to believe that America can once again do the near-impossible and change the world.'

Isaacman added that the mission 'isn't over until they're under safe parachutes, splashing down into the Pacific' on Friday.
NASA's Artemis II crew have chosen to name a 'bright spot' on the moon after commander Reid Wiseman's late wife, who died of cancer in 2020.

The emotional request was made during their lunar flyby, which took them farther than any humans have ever travelled from Earth.

During a chat with mission control, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen said: 'Our science team helped us out with a couple of relatively fresh craters on the moon that have not been previously named.

'And our crew would like to propose a couple of potential names for those areas.

'A number of years ago we started this journey in our close knit astronaut family and we lost a loved one.

'Her name was Carroll. The spouse of Reid. The mother of Katie and Ellie. And we would like to call it Carroll.'

As Wiseman wiped away tears, the four astronauts pulled together in a silent, floating embrace.

'Leaving a mark on our hearts and on the moon. No matter how far we travel, the ones we love stay with us,' NASA wrote in a social media post.

During a chat with mission control the astronauts requested that a 'bright spot' on the moon be named Carroll, after Commander Reid Wiseman's late wife (pictured)

The 'bright spot' is an unnamed fresh crater on the boundary between the near side and the far side of the moon

As Wiseman and others wiped away tears, the four astronauts pulled together in a silent, floating embrace

The crater is on the boundary between the near side and the far side of the moon.

'At certain times of the moon's transit around Earth, we will be able to see this from Earth,' Hansen said. 'It's a bright spot on the moon.'

Carroll Taylor Wiseman, a nurse in a newborn intensive care unit, died at the age of 46 in 2020 following a battle with cancer.

Commander Wiseman, a former fighter pilot, has been raising their two daughters on his own since then.

Ahead of the mission, which will see the astronauts complete a mammoth 685,000mile (1.1 million km) roundtrip to the moon, Wiseman revealed he had discussed death plans with his children.

Before heading to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the 50yearold took his daughters for a walk to prepare them for the event of his death during the mission.

'I told them: "Here's where the will is, here's where the trust documents are, and if anything happens to me, here's what's going to happen to you",' he said.

'I actually wish more people in everyday life talked to their families in that way because you never know what the next day is going to bring.'

Weisman with his late wife Carroll and two daughters. Carroll, a nurse in a newborn intensive care unit, passed away in 2020

Reid Wiseman, commander of Artemis II, is now a single parent to his daughters, Ellie and Katherine

Wiseman said that as a single father raising two teenage daughters, they understand the risks of the mission but also share his belief in the importance of exploration and humanity's drive to push beyond the unknown.

The Artemis II crew dubbed another crater 'Integrity' in honour of the name they have given their spacecraft.

A NASA spokesman in Houston said the names proposed by the Artemis crew would be passed along to the International Astronomical Union, the body responsible for naming celestial bodies and features.

'Lunar features are generally named after explorers, scientists, or engineers who have been deceased for three years, but several features have also been officially named for the provisional names that astronauts designate during lunar exploration, like Carroll's,' NASA wrote.

One example is Mount Marilyn, named for Apollo commander Jim Lovell's wife.

Following the emotional request  which saw NASA's mission control fall silent  people watching the mission took to social media to comment on the 'beautiful moment'.

One wrote: 'I was watching this live and I cried and cried. This was one of the most touching moment I've ever witnessed in my lifetime.'

While another added: 'Carroll, you were truly loved to the moon and back. And now we are all witnesses to your love story forever.'

Reid Wiseman's family watched the historic moment unfold from the viewing gallery on the ground. When mission control told him his two daughters were smiling as they saw their father on a big screen, the commander responded by forming his hands into a heart

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On Monday, the four astronauts set a new record for traveling 252,756 miles from Earth, farther than any humans in history, during their sweeping flyby of the moon.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman congratulated the Artemis II astronauts on setting a new distance record from Earth.

'On the far side of the Moon, 252,756 miles (406,771km) away, Reid, Victor, Christina and Jeremy have now traveled farther from Earth than any humans in history and now begin their journey home,' Mr Isaacman said in a statement on X.

'Before they left, they said they hoped this mission would be forgotten, but it will be remembered as the moment people started to believe that America can once again do the nearimpossible and change the world.'

Commander Wiseman's family watched the historic moment unfold from the viewing gallery on the ground.

When mission control told him his two daughters were smiling as they saw their father on a big screen, the commander responded by forming his hands into a heart.
NASA fans have confirmed their latest crush, after new images of Christina Koch emerged online.

The astronaut, 47, is part of the Artemis II mission, and just completed a historic flyby around the moon, alongside three male colleagues.

As if that wasn't impressive enough, photos of Ms Koch's muscular arms have gone viral on social media.

'My new fav pic EVER,' @astrasdoctor wrote on X (formerly Twitter) alongside a snap of the astronaut holding a camera.

The incredible photo has already been viewed more than 414,000 times, with dozens of enamoured fans replying to the original poster.

'That woman is my crush!' one fan replied.

Another added: 'she's RIPPED.'

And one joked: 'Thirst traps from space. What an age we live in.'

NASA fans have confirmed their latest crush, after new images of Christina Koch emerged online

NASA delighted fans with an additional photo of Ms Koch on Instagram. 'This latest photo from our @NASAArtemis II mission shows @Astro_Christina just after her workout as she prepares for tomorrow's lunar flyby,' the space agency captioned the image

Ms Koch is the mission specialist of NASA's Artemis II mission, and is by no means a newbie in space.

She has previously worked on the International Space Station (ISS) for almost all of 2019, on Expeditions 59, 60 and 61.

'Look at those arms, OMG,' one fan wrote on X.

Another said: 'She doesn't skip arm day.'

And one cheekily quipped: 'I have nothing appropriate to say.'

Meanwhile, NASA delighted fans with an additional photo of Ms Koch on Instagram.

'This latest photo from our @NASAArtemis II mission shows @Astro_Christina just after her workout as she prepares for tomorrow's lunar flyby,' the space agency captioned the image.

Ms Koch's impressive figure comes as no surprise, given the substantial list of interests in her NASA bio.

Ms Koch is the mission specialist of NASA's Artemis II mission, and is by no means a newbie in space. She has previously worked on the International Space Station (ISS) for almost all of 2019, on Expeditions 59, 60 and 61

'Growing up spending summers on her family's farm in Michigan, she was instilled with a passion for hard work and challenges,' it reads.

'Her hobbies include surfing, rock climbing, community service, running, yoga, backpacking, photography and travel.'

Even while she's on board on the Orion spacecraft, Ms Koch will be keeping up her exercise regime.

The tiny pod is fitted with a flywheel  a device with a simple cablebased mechanism that supports exercises like rowing and resistive movements like squats and deadlifts.

NASA explained: 'Operating much like a yoyo, the device provides resistance proportional to the force applied, allowing loads up to 400 pounds.

'This capability is especially important in deep space, where astronauts do not have access to the extensive exercise equipment aboard the International Space Station.'

Ms Koch isn't the only NASA astronaut whose muscles have captured the attention of space fans during the Artemis II mission.

Last week, Victor Glover became an unexpected sex symbol, after being caught on camera taking a space shower.

One woman wrote on social media: 'Omg Astronaut Victor Glover is so physically fit. Please let him exercise a lot.'

Artemis II: Key facts Launch date: April 1 Mission objective: To complete a lunar flyby, passing the 'dark side' of the moon and test systems for a future lunar landing. Total distance to travel: 620,000 miles (one million km) Mission duration: 10 days Estimated total cost: $44billion (32.5billion) NASA Space Launch System rocket : $23.8billion (17.6billion)

: $23.8billion (17.6billion) Orion deepspace spacecraft : $20.4billion (15billion) Crew: Commander Reid Wiseman

Pilot Victor Glover

Mission Specialist Christina Koch

Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen Mission Stages: Launch from Kennedy Space Centre Launch Pad 39B Manoeuvre in orbit to raise the perigee using the Cryogenic Propulsion Stage Burn to raise apogee using the Cryogenic Propulsion Stage Detach from Cryogenic Propulsion Stage and perform translunar injection Fly to the moon over four days Complete lunar flyby at a maximum altitude of 5,523 miles (8,889 km) above the moon's surface Return to Earth over four days Separate the crew module from the European Service Module and the crew module adapter Splashdown in the Pacific Ocean

Another posted a muscle emoji, adding: 'One rep for a man, a whole set for mankind.'
As the Artemis II crew neared the most isolated moment of their mission, one astronaut turned to the Bible to deliver a powerful message.

Astronaut Victor Glover, pilot of the mission, thanked Mission Control for joining them as they continued to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos, as they were moments away from losing communication.

He then reminded humanity about 'one of the most important mysteries on Earth,' which he said is 'love.'

'Christ said, in response to what was the greatest command, that it was to love God with all you are,' Glover said, reciting Matthew 22:37-40.

'And he also, being a great teacher, said the second is equal to it. And that is to love your neighbor as yourself.'

He then shared the crew's message with the world, saying: 'We love you, from the Moon.' Mission Control confirmed it had been received, prompting Glover to end the transmission with: 'We will see you on the other side.'

The blackout is a routine part of lunar missions, but it remains one of the most tense moments as crews move completely out of Earth's reach while hidden behind the Moon.

Contact was restored roughly 40 minutes later as Orion reappeared from behind the Moon, officially ending the flyby and beginning the astronauts' journey back to Earth, with splashdown expected Friday.

The Artemis II crew, featuring NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (second from left), Victor Glover (right) and Christina Koch, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen (left), completed the six-hour flyby on Monday after soaring behind the Moon

As the Artemis II crew neared the most isolated moment of their mission, one astronaut turned to the Bible to deliver a powerful message

Communication was cut off at 6.43pm ET as the Orion spacecraft slipped behind the Moon, triggering a planned blackout caused by the lunar surface blocking radio signals between the spacecraft and antennas on Earth.

Moments before the scheduled loss of signal, Glover delivered a heartfelt message to those on Earth.

'As we prepare to go out of radio communication, we're still able to feel your true love from Earth,' he said.

'And to all of you down there on Earth and around Earth, we love you from the Moon.'

The Artemis II crew, featuring Glover and fellow NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Jeremy Hansen, completed the six-hour flyby on Monday after soaring behind the Moon, becoming the first humans in more than half a century to witness the distant hemisphere with the naked eye.

Glover, the first black astronaut to travel around the Moon, marveled at the vast emptiness of space, describing the universe as 'a whole bunch of nothing,' while calling Earth 'this oasis, this beautiful place' where humanity exists together.

Speaking to BBC News ahead of the mission, he encouraged people on Earth to use the blackout behind the Moon as a moment of unity, urging them to pray, hope and send good thoughts that communication with the crew would be restored.

Glover is a Christian who attends a Churches of Christ congregation in Friendswood, Texas, with his wife, Dionna. The couple have four daughters, Genesis, Maya, Joia, and Corinne.

Astronaut Victor Glover, pilot of the mission, recited Matthew 22:37-40, which discusses the greatest commandment - loving others as you love yourself

Glover is a Christian who attends a Churches of Christ congregation in Friendswood, Texas, with his wife, Dionna. The couple have four daughters, Genesis, Maya, Joia and Corinne

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He has cited his faith as a major source of inspiration throughout his career and carried several religious items, including a Bible and communion cups, to the International Space Station (ISS), where he also read Psalm 30, which discusses gratitude for God's deliverance.

The flyby came after the four-person team shattered the Apollo 13 record in 1970, which saw the crew reach 248,655 miles from Earth.

NASA administrator Jared Isaacman congratulated the Artemis II astronauts on setting a new distance record from Earth.

'On the far side of the Moon, 252,756 miles away, Reid, Victor, Christina and Jeremy have now traveled farther from Earth than any humans in history and now begin their journey home,' Isaacman said in a statement on X.

'Before they left, they said they hoped this mission would be forgotten, but it will be remembered as the moment people started to believe that America can once again do the near-impossible and change the world.'

Isaacman added that the mission 'isn't over until they're under safe parachutes, splashing down into the Pacific.'

Jenni Gibbons, the capsule communicator in Mission Control, marked the milestone by sending a special message to Wiseman, Koch, Glover and Hansen.

Before launch, the astronauts left mission patches with flight controllers in Houston.

One side of the patch featured the Artemis II logo, showing Earth in the foreground with the Moon in the distance.

Now, as Orion rounds the Moon, mission controllers symbolically flip the image, placing the Moon in the foreground and Earth in the distance, to reflect the crew's journey to the far side and back.
Hundreds of thousands of Americans have been warned to stay inside for several days this week as toxins that can harm the lungs fill the air in the Midwest.

Air quality meters registered increasing levels of fine particulate matter across a 100-mile swath of Kansas and northern Oklahoma on Tuesday morning.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other independent air quality monitors found the worst of the plume over Wichita, Kansas, where the air was deemed 'unhealthy' for anyone spending an extended period of time outdoors.

Wichita's greater metropolitan area is home to more than 600,000 people, and approximately 750,000 live within the affected area, which stretches from Sterling, Kansas, to the Flint Hills east of Wichita.

Rising levels of PM2.5 have driven the air pollution warning, microscopic particles of toxic compounds or heavy metals often produced by factories and car exhaust, small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs.

In busy, congested areas, PM2.5 causes inflammation, breathing difficulties and other health issues when inhaled consistently.

Forecasters at AccuWeather have warned that the air in Wichita is projected to stay in the 'unhealthy' range until at least Friday.

According to the World Air Quality Index project, a nonprofit providing real-time air pollution data for hundreds of countries, the air quality index (AQI) in Wichita reached 172 at 7am ET. Readings between 151 and 200 impact everyone, and health officials urge the public to stay inside and limit outdoor activity.

Wichita, Kansas is home to more than 600,000 in its greater metropolitan area (Stock Image)

Thousands have been warned that the air in the Midwest this week has reached 'unhealthy' levels

AccuWeather's air quality trackers also reported that PM10 levels had reached 'unhealthy' levels throughout the region.

PM10 is a type of particulate matter made up of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets floating in the air that are less than 10 micrometers in diameter, thinner than a human hair.

This form of air pollution is noticeably larger than PM2.5, however, both can damage the lungs, worsen respiratory issues such as asthma and contribute to heart attacks and strokes that cause premature death.

As for the cause of the polluted air in the Midwest, air quality-tracking website IQAir spotted multiple wildfires to the east of Wichita, with local wind patterns pushing the smoke towards more populated areas west.

Specifically, IQAir reported wildfires near Claremore, Oklahoma and in Longton, Clements and Allen, Kansas.

AccuWeather warned: 'Health effects can be immediately felt by sensitive groups. Healthy individuals may experience difficulty breathing and throat irritation with prolonged exposure. Limit outdoor activity.'

Sensitive groups include anyone with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and pregnant women, who could all be especially at risk to concentrated air pollution.

In terms of the severity of Tuesday's alert, 'unhealthy' air quality sits in the middle of the EPA's alert system. There are two levels beyond unhealthy, known as 'very unhealthy' and 'hazardous.'

The World Air Quality Index project warned that readings in Wichita, Kansas Tuesday morning had reached unhealthy levels for outdoor activity

The toxins from smoke and smog can often get trapped over cities for hours or days, depending on the local atmospheric pressure, creating a condition called stagnant air.

Pressure is measured in millibars, with normal sea-level pressure being 1,013 millibars.

Anything between 1,015 and 1,020 millibars is considered a high-pressure system, with strong pressure exceeding 1,030 millibars, especially in the winter or on colder days.

Atmospheric pressure in Kansas had pushed beyond 1,020 Tuesday morning. The combination of high pressure and little to no wind can trap pollution near ground level.
A famous UFO expert, dubbed a real-life 'X-Files investigator, has died following a battle with cancer.

Nick Pope, who examined UFO phenomena while employed at the UK's Ministry of Defence (MOD), passed away at the age of 60 on Monday afternoon at his home in Tucson, Arizona.

His wife, Elizabeth Weiss, shared the loss of her husband on X, saying: 'The last few weeks of his life, even as he suffered, he managed to do a few interviews from home.

'I was so lucky to have met and to have married Nick. He was a wonderful husband. I loved him dearly.'

Pope announced that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 esophageal cancer, a disease where malignant cells form in the tissue of the esophagus, back in February, noting it had metastasized to his liver.

The former MOD official led Britain's so-called 'UFO Desk' for three years between 1991 and 1994.

He investigated UFO sightings, analyzed radar data and photos and briefed ministers on whether Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) posed a defense threat.

During that time, he reviewed case files on some of Britain's most mysterious sightings, including the Rendlesham Forest incident, often dubbed 'Britain's Roswell,' which occurred in 1980.

His wife, Elizabeth Weiss, shared the loss of her husband on X. 'My heart is breaking,' she said

'A while ago, following some digestive issues, I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer,' Pope wrote on February 12. 'Unfortunately, it's Stage 4 and has metastasized to my liver.

While I know that it's kindness and hope that lead people to suggest healers and supposed miracle cures, and to say things like "fight it" and "you can beat it," I'm afraid my diagnosis and my situation leave no doubt whatsoever: I can't beat it.'

In the message, he reflected on his life, calling it 'an amazing adventure.'

'A 21-year career at the UK Ministry of Defence, where I got involved in subjects ranging from financial policy to counter-terrorism; from military policing to UAP,' Pope continued.

'And I saved six cows; it's a long story. The things I've done, the places I've been, the people I've met, and the secrets I've been privy to. I wouldn't have swapped it for the world.'

After leaving government service, his involvement in UFO investigations brought him to global attention, turning him into a frequent commentator on television news programs and documentaries.

He later worked as a consultant and spokesperson on UFO- and alien-themed films, television series and video games, earning the nickname the 'real-life Fox Mulder' from the 1990s hit series The X-Files.

The sci-fi mystery series, which ran from 1993 to 2002, follows FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigate unsolved paranormal cases known as the X-Files.

Nick Pope , who examined UFO phenomena while employed at the UK's Ministry of Defence (MOD), passed away at the age of 60 on Monday afternoon at his home in Tucson, Arizona

He earned the nickname the 'real-life Fox Mulder' from the 1990s hit series 'The X-Files'

Pope recalled his wife with such admiration, saying: 'She's a real-life Agent Scully: a scientist, a skeptic and a redhead.

'We met randomly in the lobby bar of the Fairmont Hotel in downtown San Jose (she was an anthropology professor at San Jose State University) in October 2010 and got married three months later.'

They applied for his Green Card and Elizabeth had him 'shipped to the US, where Pope continued his public work on UFO investigations while appearing at conferences, live events and television productions, including serving as moderator for the touring show 'Ancient Aliens Live.'

He remained active in media appearances and public events until shortly before stepping back from work due to declining health.

Pope concluded the post with: ' It's all been amazing, and I'm grateful for the things I've done, not mournful for the things that I won't now get to do. Per Aspera Ad Astra!'
A newly approved airport in Saudi Arabia is set to provide direct access to Islam's holiest city, which hosts more than one million foreign pilgrims each year.

A Saudi official confirmed that Mecca will soon have its own international airport and metro system, each designed to improve access for visitors who travel for Hajj, a five to six-day pilgrimage that takes place in the summer, and Umrah, which can be completed at any time of the year.

As Mecca does not currently have a functional airport, many international visitors are forced to travel into the holy city through various entry points.

The preferred route for most is to fly to King Abdulaziz International Airport, located in Jeddah, around 100km from the holy city. The remainder of the journey is completed via car or bus.

Mecca's mountainous terrain was previously deemed too hazardous for an airport, with the potential for turbulence, limited visibility, and difficult landing conditions

However, in 2024, officials successfully tested self-driving aerial taxis designed for pilgrim transport between holy sites, emergency travel and delivering medical equipment.

In a meeting with Harvard Business Review Arabia last week, Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for the City of Makkah Al Mukarramah and the Holy Sites (RCMC), confirmed the 'approval of the strategic and investment directions for the Makkah International Airport'.

The hub, which is set to be developed alongside the private sector, will provide 'world-class standards' for both residents and visitors, all while maintaining 'the economic balance of neighbouring regional airports'.

Mecca in Saudi Arabia welcomes over one million foreign pilgrims each year - and travel is set to become easier with newly approved plans for an international airport in the city

Mecca was previously deemed too hazardous for an airport due to its mountainous terrain, with many travellers forced to fly into Jeddah - 100km away - and travel into the city by car or bus (Pictured: Al Hada road to Mecca)

Plans for the 'Mecca Metro' were also unveiled - offering a significant upgrade for the 185 million passengers who have relied on the city's bus system, which comprises of 400 vehicles that cover 580 kilometres across 12 routes.

Al-Rasheed said: 'The feasibility studies and initial designs have been completed and submitted to the relevant authorities to complete the necessary procedures in preparation for launching it in its next phases.'

Last year, around 1.5 million foreign pilgrims arrived into Mecca for Hajj, according to data released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).

In 2024, international pilgrims from regions including Europe, America, and Australia accounted for 3.2 per cent of travellers, as reported by Euro News.

Hajj, which takes place during the 12th month of the lunar calendar (Dhu al-Hijja), is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a lifetime requirement for Muslims who are physically and financially able.

In recent years, the Gulf nation has revved up its offering of new attractions and facilities in a bid to attract more tourists.

But amid the current political landscape, with the ongoing wave of violence erupting across parts of the Middle East, the tourism industry is facing a 35 billion loss - and the megacity plans are at risk.

Brits - and other international visitors - travelling to and within the Middle East are facing severe disruption to their holidays and travels.

In 2025, around 1.5 million international pilgrims travelled to Mecca for Hajj (pictured)

Flights to many major hubs across the region have been cancelled or suspended, with the region in turmoil and the future of its travel industry up in the air.

A recent report by Tourism Economics has revealed the potentially devastating impact of the war on tourism.

Director of global forecasting Helen McDermott and senior economist Jessie Smith said: 'We estimate inbound arrivals to the Middle East could decline 11-27 per cent year on year in 2026 due to the conflict, compared to our December forecast that projected 13 per cent growth.

'In absolute terms, this would mean a range of 23-38 million fewer international visitors compared to our baseline/previous forecast, and $34bn-$56bn (25bn-42bn) loss in visitor spend. This includes expected lingering sentiment impacts beyond the immediate conflict period.'
Set to be an 'immersive experience' delving into the world of chocolate - a new theme park could be perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

The Parc du chocolat Cailler is set to fully open in Broc, Gruyere, in 2030 and has been backed by a whopping CHF 400 million (378,530,000) investment.

Bosses are hoping between late 2027 and mid 2028 could see the pre-opening of the park, meaning chocolate lovers won't have to wait too long.

Spread across 30,000 square metres, the resort is being developed by Maison Cailler - Switzerland's long-standing chocolate brand that started producing treats in 1819 - and will be an expansion of the country's first chocolate factory.

The Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory opened back in 1898 and sees 400,000 guests a year.

Visitors can get involved with chocolate making workshops and speak with talented chocolatiers.

The new theme park will boast several fun chocolate-related features including a Cacao Greenhouse complete with cocoa trees.

The greenhouse will be 'soft and organic' in shape and be made from metal and glass.

The Parc du chocolat Cailler is set to fully open in Broc, Gruyere, in 2030 and will be an expansion of the already existing Maison Cailler chocolate factory (pictured)

Visitors will be able to delve into the key ingredients of Cailler Chocolate - cocao beans and milk from Gruyere.

Other attractions include a flying theatre that will take visitors on a flight across some of the surrounding landscapes.

There will also be hotels and restaurants so tourists can make the most out of their visit to the park.

Parc du chocolat Cailler is set to allow cocoa fans to 'discover the world of chocolate, take a look behind the scenes of chocolate-making inside the factory, taste creations and take part in workshops with master chocolatiers', Euro News reports.

The resort aims to see between 700,000 and 800,000 visitors in its first 12 months, raising to millions in the following years.

It should be easily accessible for tourists too, with a direct train on the Swiss rail network available as well as plans for a car park nearby.

The new park should crate around 300 jobs in the local area and was first proposed back in 2018.

The current chocolate factory charges children 7 CHF (6.62) and adults 17 CHF (16).

The new theme park will boast several fun chocolate-related features including a Cacao Greenhouse complete with cocoa trees (stock)

When the Mail's Joanna Tweedy visited back in 2017, she described how 'bite-size cylinders of chocolate whirr past, bound for a colourful casing and, a few hours later, a shop shelf'.

She watched 'hunger-inducing demonstrations of how chocolate goes from bean to bar'.

There was even 90 lb sculpture made of dark chocolate and finished with gold leaf - so who knows what impressive, chocolaty treats will be in store for the new park.
Prefer your holidays without hordes of tourists and bustling crowds in sight?

If so, you're in luck, as the five least-visited countries around the world have been revealed by the United Nations World Population Review.

It ranks countries by how many visitors they see each year - and some have just a few thousand, in comparison to popular European nations welcoming in millions.

Some of these are little-known destinations thousands of miles away, while others are previously popular spots that have been affected by natural disasters.

Here's a rundown of the five least-visited countries around the world...

1. Kiribati: Annual visitors 9,500

The least-visited country in the world has been revealed as Kiribati

Made up of 32 atolls and one raised coral island, Kiribati lies between Australia and Hawaii - and is the only country in the world to touch all four hemispheres.

'When you try to find it on a map, you can barely tell its there,' the World Population Review says of the remote island nation.

According to the most recent data, Kiribati sees a max of 9,500 visitors each year.

Kiribati is also the first country in the world to celebrate the New Year due to its placement.

To get there, travellers can fly from Fiji to Tarawa, Kiribati, with Fiji Airways or from neighbouring country Nauru to Tarawa with Nauru Airlines.

International travellers can expect a long journey. From London to Tarawa, the journey can last up to 35 hours or longer.

Return flights from London start from 4,400 - although they can be infrequent and complex.

2. Marshall Islands: Annual visitors 6,000

In second place is the Marshall Islands, a beach haven with a complex history

Join the discussion Should more people visit these hidden gems or are they better preserved without mass tourism?

With around 6,000 visitors arriving each year according to the lastest 2024 data, the Marshall Islands - consisting of 29 coral atolls and five single coral islands - is the second least-visited country in the world.

With white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and diverse marine life and flora (including more than 160 species of coral), it's a perfect destination if you're seeking an under-the-radar beach vacation.

The islands are also deeply rooted in Second World War history, having served as a Japanese base and then as the site of nuclear testing for the US military.

But getting there from the UK is not easy - flights can cost up to a staggering 21,000 and can involve almost 60 hours of travel, with layovers in places such as Honolulu.

3. Niue: Annual visitors 9,000

Next up on the list is Niue, a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean

Located in the South Pacific, Niue - regarded as one of the smallest nations on the globe - sees approximately 9,000 visitors per year, according to National Geographic.

With only 1,900 inhabitants, the tourist board says: 'Niue is a place where it's normal for complete strangers to wave at each other, all the time. It's a place where nature hasn't been broken... and things are "the way they used to be".'

Niue also reportedly has no traffic lights - the roads are quiet and there are no queues.

The tourism board explains: 'Niue has no traffic lights and only one petrol station. With quiet roads, minimal traffic, and no need to hurry, you can forget about rush hour and embrace a leisurely drive. But if you do have to stop at an intersection, its usually just to let a flock of chickens cross the road - and rest assured, theyre on island time too!'

You'll have to think ahead if you'd like to visit, though.

Niue currently operates two three-hour flights per week from Auckland, New Zealand, to Niue's International Airport, Hannan (IUE).

Thankfully, Niue's main town, Alofi, is less than five minutes from the airport.

Flights from the UK to Auckland start from 366 one way, while you can travel from there on to Niue for 160 also one way - a total of 526.

4. Micronesia: Annual visitors 18,000

In fourth place is Micronesia, which is situated in the North Pacific Ocean

Welcoming just 18,000 visitors per year according to the latest pre-pandemic figures, the islands of Micronesia are scattered across the North Pacific Ocean, between the Marshall Islands and Palau.

The tourism board explains: 'Spread across nearly a million square miles of ocean north of the equator, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) boasts unparalleled cultural and biological diversity.

'Home to the worlds greatest coral reefs and best pelagic fisheries, FSM is a remote paradise that promises adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences.'

It's also home to the worlds only ancient city built on a coral reef, the UNESCO-listed Nan Madol - which has the remains of stone palaces, temples and tombs dating back 1,000 years.

You can find flights from 6,170 from London to Chuuk - but you might need to stop at least twice, and journeys can take as long as 50 hours.

5. Montserrat: Annual visitors

Rounding out the top five least-visited countries around the world is Montserrat

The mountainous Caribbean island is part of the Lesser Antilles chain and is a British Overseas Territory.

It used to be a popular tourist destination.

However, a volcanic eruption in 1995 ravaged the island, including its capital city, Plymouth, and encouraged two thirds of its population to emigrate to other countries.

There are no direct flights to Montserrat, but travellers can fly to the neighbouring island of Antigua and catch a ferry or a flight to Montserrat.

Fares tend to start from around 1,000 for a return trip as the cheapest option.

Fun fact? It's also the only country outside of Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick's Day as a national holiday.
Several airlines have already had to make changes to their prices - whether that's checked baggage fees or ticket costs - because of the war in the Middle East.

Some 40 per cent of Europe's jet fuel is sourced from the Strait of Hormuz, which is nearly completely closed. Additional supplies are also sourced for the UK indirectly, including via Belgium and the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, the last known shipment of jet fuel from the Middle East to Britain is expected to arrive imminently.

But once that arrives, with the Strait of Hormuz still largely off limits, it is not known what will replace the major source of fuel.

Last week, a spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero told the Daily Mail that 'Jet fuel shipments are continuing to arrive in the UK' and stressed that the country 'receives imports of jet fuel from India, US and the Netherlands as well as smaller amounts from a range of other countries'.

Travel expert Simon Calder wrote in the Independent how he estimates British Airways, Ryanair and easyJet passengers could be impacted by jet fuel rationing.

The experienced journalist explored the hypothetical possibility of what might happen if airlines have to reduce their fuel consumption by one fifth.

He explains how British Airways is better prepared because it will be accustomed to having to cut flights at the request of London Heathrow due to poor weather.

The airline sometimes cancels European trips such as to Amsterdam or Nice and then offers its passengers the chance to rebook a route before or after the original departure time.

Travel expert Simon Calder predicts British Airways would be able to easily adjust some of its routes if it had to cut back on fuel usage

Calder predicts this technique could easily be applied to long-haul destinations if needed.

As for Ryanair, the budget airline's CEO Michael O'Leary has recently warned passengers could be hit with disruption from 'early May'.

'But if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June, and we hope the war will finish sooner than that and the risk to supply will be eliminated,' he revealed, speaking to Sky News.

But Calder predicts the carrier will have scope to move things around if necessary.

Back in 2017, Ryanair cancelled around 20,000 flights due to messing up its holiday rosters for pilots, leaving too few on standby to keep schedules on track.

The airline could easily make 'tolerable' cuts to popular routes that have frequent flights, such as from Stansted to Barcelona, according to Calder.

Meanwhile easyJet, a major budget airline, could also make some cuts.

It has several routes that fly out multiple times a day, such as the Manchester to Amsterdam flight which takes off six times each way.

Similarly, Calder says budget airline Ryanair has cut routes in the past

Calder thinks it would be easy for the carrier to cut back on similar routes to help save fuel, without impacting passengers too much.

However, there are journeys operated by easyJet that aren't as frequent, including Newcastle to Antalya, which only runs twice a week.

Changes to these flights could cause bigger issues for travellers as they aren't so easily replaced by a route within a few hours.

Some airlines have already been impacted by the ongoing conflict and last week regional carrier Skybus had to end its daily service between Newquay and London early due to rising fuel costs.

It was due to stop the flights on May 31 but managing director Jonathan Hinkles pointed to a 'huge rise in the cost of fuel following the war in the Gulf' alongside a 'significant drop' in bookings.

He said: 'At a time of great economic uncertainty and steps being taken to conserve energy worldwide, it is neither environmentally nor economically sound for us to continue flying with vastly reduced passenger numbers.'

Passengers affected by cancellations will receive full refunds, the airline confirmed.

Meanwhile, former airline captain Emma Henderson MBE told the Daily Mail that it could reach a point where there is simply 'not enough' fuel.

As for easyJet, there are some journeys that could be cut back according to Calder, but others might be trickier

She said: 'The bottom line is that if oil is not released from the Straits of Hormuz, there will come a point when there is not enough - and this is already happening in Europe where some airports have run out of jet fuel.'

Despite any unknowns over when and where jet fuel might be sourced from next, the aviation expert says holidaymakers don't need to be too concerned.

Henderson adds, 'I don't think people need to panic about their summer holidays being cancelled but I think we all need to be aware of what's going on and the impact it is potentially going to have on our lives.'

The keynote speaker predicts long-haul flights are most likely to be impacted first by shortages due to them being 'fuel hungry and less cost effective than short haul flights'.

However, if the situation continues, she warns 'there might be an impact on some flights as airlines have to reduce capacity'.

The cost of flights could be affected down the line by jet fuel shortages too, Henderson explains.

'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,' says the former pilot.

She advises people should plan ahead and consider alternate ways to travel and says, 'I'm still planning and booking flights (my work as a professional speaker takes me around the world and I do a lot of work in Europe) but in the back of my mind I am also thinking about other ways I can get to places - by sea and land.

'I'm thinking of it as a possible adventure rather than a blockage and I think we could all have that adaptable approach.'
A passenger gave birth during a flight from Jamaica to the US - leaving the citizenship of the newborn up for debate.

A woman went into labour on board Caribbean Airlines flight BW005 on April 4.

Towards the end of the flight, heading from Kingston to New York City, the baby was born.

While no emergency was declared during the flight, after landing, both received medical attention.

Caribbean Airlines said in a statement, reported by Sky News: 'The airline comments the professionalism and measured response of its crew, who managed the situation in accordance with established procedures, ensuring the safety and comfort of all onboard.'

In audio shared by CBS News, the air traffic controller suggests the baby be named 'Kennedy' - because the plane was set to land at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Given the baby was born mid-air, its citizenship is still unclear, sparking debate online.

Immigration lawyer and YouTuber Brad Bernstein said in a Facebook clip: 'A baby born on a plane to NYC raises one big legal question is that child automatically a US citizen?

A woman gave birth while flying with Caribbean Airlines from Kingston, Jamaica to New York

'The answer depends on where the plane was at the exact moment of birth. Not the airline. Not the destination. Not what you think. And in some rare cases, a child born mid-flight could even end up stateless.'

Brad explains that the birth certificate will likely be issued in the place of landing.

The airspace in which the baby was born will be paramount - although the nationality and citizenship are yet to be revealed.

Viewers commented their thoughts, with one writing: 'I think in this case it is clear cut, the birth occurred just before touch down, that means the plane was already in US airspace, so its an automatic US citizen.'

Meanwhile, Law by Mike shared on YouTube a general overview of the citizenship of babies born on planes - saying it could depend on the airspace or parental nationality, depending on the country.

In general, expectant mothers are not accepted for travel after the 35th week of pregnancy on board Caribbean Airlines aircraft.

The airline's website explains: 'Expectant mothers will be accepted for travel without medical clearance up and to the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy.

'However, we recommend that you obtain a doctors statement verifying the expected date of confinement to prevent the possibility of being denied boarding by check-in staff or barred from entering the destination country by immigration.

'Between the 32nd and 35th week, medical clearance is mandatory.'

The Daily Mail has contacted Caribbean Airlines for further comment.

While giving birth on board a plane is rare, this isn't the first occasion.

Last year, a woman went into labor on a Brussels Airline flight which had taken off from Dakar in West Africa.

The woman started complaining of pain shortly after the flight took off, with one member of cabin crew realising it was not stomach pain - but contractions.

The passenger alerted staff that she was pregnant and the pilot made the decision to turn the plane around and go back to Dakar - however, the baby couldn't wait, making her grand entrance into the world onboard the plane.

Thankfully, there were medical professionals onboard, who made sure the baby was delivered safely.

Similarly, in 2024 a British doctor on board a Wizz Air flight from Jordan to London helped deliver a baby mid-air before the jet was forced to land in Italy.

Hassan Khan, 28, revealed he was flying home from a holiday in Amman when the flight crew called for a doctor.

According to the doctor, who worked at Basildon Hospital, the expecting mother was lying on the floor outside the cockpit after her waters had broken.

He revealed he had only used towels during the 'miraculous' delivery of the baby girl.

The doctor, who luckily had experience in neonatal resucitation, said he also managed to relax the panicked mother after reassuring her through a translator that he had worked with newborns before.
A major international airport is set to implement new rules on bringing power banks on board in hand luggage - as soon as next week.

From 15 April 2026, passengers departing from Singapore can carry a maximum of two power banks per person on board flights.

Passengers carrying more than two will be required to dispose of the extra power banks before the flight.

Power banks must also not be charged on board the aircraft and passengers are advised not to use power banks to charge their devices during the flight.

The new Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) restrictions for power banks on flights departing Singapore are part of updated safety requirements linked with power banks on board aircraft.

Singapore Changi Airport is a major international hub, and popular destination for layovers, with 70 million passengers passing through its corridors in 2025.

Lithium batteries in power banks can overheat or short-circuit, posing a fire and safety hazard on board flights.

The new requirement of a maximum of two power banks per passenger and restrictions on the charging and use of power banks on board flights seeks to reduce the risk of fire while catering for passengers' travelling needs.

Airports in Singapore, including Changi Airport, are set to introduce new rules

CAAS is working with airlines to implement the new requirements in a smooth and orderly manner.

Airlines will inform their passengers of the new requirements. CAAS will also provide time for the airlines to do so.

In the meantime, passenger service and security screening officers will be trained.

Information on the new restrictions will also be displayed at key touchpoints across the airport as a reminder to passengers.

Other existing requirements continue to apply, including the prohibition of power banks in check-in baggage, capacity limits and the requirement for power banks to be individually protected to prevent short circuit (such as keeping them in protective pouches).

As airlines may also have more restrictive policies on power banks, passengers are advised to check with their airlines before travelling.

Foong Ling Huei, director of flight standards at the CAAS, said: 'The new requirements will help reduce the risk of fire caused by power banks on board flights.

'We urge all passengers to familiarise themselves and comply with the new requirements, for their own safety and the safety of other passengers.'

From next week, passengers can take a maximum of two power banks each on flights

It is not the first hub to crack down on portable chargers and power banks.

Plane passengers are being urged to think twice before packing power banks as many major airlines clamp down on their use - while a number of popular carriers opt to ban them entirely.

Since last year, a number of airlines have already put strict rules in place that prohibit passengers from bringing power banks in checked luggage going into the hold.

This is due to the risk of lithium batteries overheating and causing fires in the cargo hold.

If damaged, lithium-ion batteries can create aggressive fires and release highly toxic fumes - a process known as thermal runway.

Giuseppe Capanna, of Electrical Safety First, said 'Lithium-ion batteries can hold a sizable amount of energy in a very small space, and can pose a serious fire risk if they become damaged or are manufactured to a substandard level.'

Following a spate of incidents that sparked safety concerns, a number of airlines, such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Emirates have banned the use of power banks on their flights.
Usually when you picture a sunkissed beach and balmy temperatures, your mind will most likely wander to places such as the Caribbean, Greece and Spain.

But this week, parts of Britain are set to be hotter than Greece, in a surprising turn of events.

According to the Met Office, warm weather and sunshine will spread across much of England and Wales tomorrow, with temperatures well above average - and highs of 24C expected to roll over London and the south-east of England with bright sunshine.

As for Thursday, it reports: 'Gradually turning wetter and windier across the north and west on Thursday. Likely staying warm and dry in the southeast.'

Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said the weather was 'unusually warm' for this time of year.

Meanwhile, in parts of Greece on Wednesday, the sunny weather might even be cooler than in the UK.

For example, Paxos is set to see highs of 19C on Wednesday and 17C on Thursday, while Chania, Crete is facing highs of 20C and 18C respectively, according to Met Office data.

For this reason, you might be keen to make the most of the glorious weather with a beach day - so we have compiled a list of some of the UK's best beaches set to rival Greece in terms of temperature for you to peruse...

Whitstable beach, Kent

First up is Whitstable beach, Kent, an ideal option for a beach day out

Whitstable beach in Kent, a coastal town known for its brightly painted beach huts, will see highs of 23C on Wednesday, making it a great choice.

Located on the north coast of Kent, to the west of Margate, it's popular among cyclists and walkers and has excellent seafood for any foodies.

The pebble beach is often hailed for its beauty - and the bohemian town is the real crown jewel.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Redcar and Cleveland

Saltburn-by-the-Sea joins the list of dreamy UK beaches perfect for this week

Saltburn-by-the-Sea, the country's most underrated seaside town according to a recent survey, will see highs of 20C on Wednesday.

It's known for its pretty Victorian architecture including Saltburn Pier (dating back to 1869) and the Saltburn Cliff Lift (1884).

Located in North Yorkshire, the seaside town should be an addition to your beachy bucket list.

Mothecombe, Plymouth, Devon

The beach and dramatic landscape at Mothecombe, Devon make it an appealing prospect

Mothecombe beach, located in Plymouth, Devon, is one of the less crowded beaches in the area - and Plymouth is welcoming in weather reaching 22C on Wednesday.

Hailed for its quiet shores, unspoiled scenery and shallow waters, it's also perfect for swimming.

Visit Plymouth says: 'If you want a beach holiday without the crowds, Mothecombe beach is one of the quieter beaches in South Devon.

'Large and unspoilt and at low tide Mothecombe comes into its own with fine sand and plenty of opportunity for shallow, sheltered bathing.'

Holkham Beach, Norfolk

Next up is Holkham Beach, situated on the north Norfolk coastline

Holkham Beach in Norfolk is next up, an award-winning beach with golden sand, dunes, and pine forests to explore.

The unspoilt, natural paradise also has a grazing marsh, a breeding ground for birds, and it's a haven for animal lovers - and those seeking sun, as Holkham will see highs of 22C on Wednesday and 21C on Thursday.

With seemingly endless miles of coastline, it's often ranked among the best in the UK.

Calshot beach, Hampshire

Joining the list is Calshot beach, Hampshire, a perfect choice for this week

Seeking sunshine? With highs of 21C, Calshot beach in Hampshire has that in spades.

With panoramic views of the Solent, Isle of Wight and the coast line, it's a beautiful destination in the UK.

Visitors have raved about the spot, with one writing on Tripadvisor: 'We spend a lot of time here. We bring our caravan all year round. Great for fishing too. Lovely clean beach and great for the dogs all year around.'

Durdle Door, Jurassic Coast, Dorset

Fancy a more dramatic beach? Durdle Door beach might be the one for you

Located along Dorset's iconic Jurassic Coast is Durdle Door beach, which is set to see temperatures of up to 21C tomorrow.

The dramatic landscape attracts hordes of visitors, and is one of Dorset's most photographed and iconic landmarks.

The beach recently made headlines when storms destroyed part of the steps leading to the beach - and the pathway was subsequently closed.

Hunstanton, Norfolk

Hunstanton, Norfolk is also a pleasant choice if planning a day out

Hunstanton, Norfolk, the only west-facing resort on the east coast of England, is likely to be one of the warmest on the list, seeing highs of 23C on Wednesday and 20C on Thursday.

Visit North Norfolk describes the town as having two sides - the Victorian town, and the lively buzzing family centre with a large sandy beach, pony rides, amusements and theatre.

It adds: 'Old Hunstanton has more of a village feel, with its beach (including rock pools) backed by famous red and white striped cliffs.'

Brancaster Beach, Norfolk

The sandy beach at Brancaster in North Norfolk is the next addition to the list

The next spot is Brancaster Beach, Norfolk, known for its sandy shores.

It is set to see highs of 23C on Wednesday and 21C on Thursday.

Praised for its 'lovely' sand, 'scenic' views and walks in the area and 'relaxing' ambience, visitors rave about the spot.

One wrote on Tripadvisor: 'Lovely dog-friendly beach. Golden sand, beach kiosk, ice creams, coffee and toilets but no amusements which was great. Big car park too.'

Brancaster is a vibrant village - and, good news for foodies, it's known for its mussels and excellent seafood.

Clevedon Beach, North Somerset

Clevedon's Victorian Pier is one aspect of the beach location that draws in tourists

With the Met Office predicting highs of 21C on Wednesday, Clevedon Beach in North Somerset joins the list of great beaches this week in the UK.

Clevedon is home to a Grade I-listed pier, as well as a whole host of cafes and independent stores.

The long pebble beach runs through the old Victorian seaside resort at the mouth of the River Severn.

Exmouth Beach, Devon

Rounding out the list is Exmouth Beach in Devon

The final spot on the list is Exmouth Beach in Devon, known for its sandy shores and rock pools.

With the Met Office predicting highs of 21C on Wednesday, it certainly can compete with many of the other options listed.

One rave Tripadvisor review read: 'Lovely beach and views!! You can come with your furry friend and enjoy the views!! Sandy beach and lots of places around to grab a drink or takeaway.'
Gemma Collins is forced to 'go big or go home' in a supersized eating trial on Tuesday's episode of I'm A Celebrity South Africa.

The second instalment of the new spin-off series, filmed in Kruger National Park, is set to hit our screens later this evening (7 April 2026).

Late arrivals Gemma, 45, and Craig, 61, make their first appearance and have to take part in their first challenge.

The two camps are over the moon when Ant and Dec tell them that they aren't going to take part in the upcoming Bushtucker Trial Gut Instincts because of the newbies.

Wary of how her campmates might feel about her, the GC - who lasted just 72 hours during her 2014 appearance - tells them: 'Just give me a chance guys, please. Ive got a different mindset this time, dont write me off.'

She adds: 'Im not here as the GC, Im not here as the bravado Im here as Gemma Collins so it would be nice for you to get to know her as well.'

Gemma Collins is forced to 'go big or go home' in a supersized eating trial on Tuesday's episode of I'm A Celebrity South Africa - and she defiantly warns Ant and Dec that she's 'gonna bang the whole tray'

Late arrivals Gemma, 45, and Craig, 61, make their first appearance and have to take part in their first challenge

The two camps are over the moon when Ant and Dec tell them that they aren't going to take part in the upcoming Bushtucker Trial Gut Instincts because of the newbies

The main camp decide to take on Craig, meaning that the former TOWIE star joins Savannah Scrub.

Ant and Dec explain that they must individually decide how many servings they wish to consume - and whoever says the highest must go on to complete it to win the star.

They are tasked with disgusting plates and drinks such as bloody moory shots, brain freeze, terror-rine and fish eye pie.

In a first look clip of the upcoming episode, Ant says: 'Let's reveal the meals!'

He continues: 'You've both gone for ten portions.'

The rest of their campmates gasp in the background and Seann Walsh says: 'No way.'

Ant asks the pair: 'So does anybody want to go to 11?'

Craig picks up one of the shots, making his total 11, and the GC raises it to 14.

The former Corrie star then adds another to his plate, making his total 15.

Gemma says: 'Alright' as she picks up the rest of her shots and tells the presenters: 'I'm gonna bang the whole tray.'

During the challenge Craig also asks the hosts: 'Have you ramped this up because it doesn't look that bad on the telly?'

'This is the legends!' Dec tells him.

'You want to be a Legend? You've got to go big or go home,' Ant says.

It comes after I'm A Celeb viewers exclaimed 'this isn't right!' just minutes into the new All Stars series on Monday - after being left 'confused and freaked out' by the opening scenes.

But as the new series began, viewers took to social media to share their discomfort over one aspect.

The regular Australia-set series usually air in the lead-up to Christmas, while the pre-recorded South Africa edition is on much earlier in the year.

'Feel like I need to be putting up my Christmas decorations watching this #ImACeleb.'

'Not gonna lie, its a bit weird hearing the #ImACeleb theme tune and it not being almost christmas.'

'Watching Im a celeb without my tree up freaks me out lol!'

'This is going to confuse my doolalee Brain #imaceleb Im going to think its almost Christmas.'

'Im a celebrity is back on television. I better start my Christmas shopping.'

During the launch episode, Emmerdale alum Adam Thomas had an unfortunate start to the competition as he failed to complete a puzzle in time.

Team captain Adam took on the first challenge, Tipped Over The Edge, with Beverley Callard as the pair had to try and collect puzzle pieces from the cliff's ledge, while strapped back to back.

But it was not easy because as they got closer to the edge, the platform they were standing on dramatically tilts, throwing them off balance.

However while the tilting platform proved a piece of cake for the pair - it was in fact the puzzle that made Adam come unstuck.

After taking just eight minutes to collect the puzzles pieces and only falling off the platform once, the duo lost the challenge to Ashley Roberts and Mo Farah after Adam took a whopping 10 minutes to complete the puzzle.

The hilarious scenes left viewers cackling, as they wrote: 'Me telling my grandkids about the time I watched Adam Thomas completing a star puzzle on #ImACeleb,';

'10 minutes to do the puzzle, we love you Adam,'; 'It took Adam 10 minutes to do the puzzle,'; 'Adam needs a 1 piece puzzle next time,';

'Adam Thomas not being able to do the puzzle threw me ngl,'; '10 minutes to do that puzzle, Adam! Get your backside in the scrubs,';

'Cackling at Adam and Bev doing so well at that only to get seen off by a childs puzzle.'

Elsewhere, Coronation Street legend Beverley, 69, who played Liz McDonald, furiously declared 'up yours' to boxer David Haye as he sent her to the dreaded Savannah Scrub camp in a dramatic launch show.

On David's arrival, he emerged victorious against Scarlett Moffatt in the challenge Unlucky Lodges, which saw the stars search high and low for keys in a lodge.

As a result his team was given the right to decide who out of Scarlett and Beverley would be immediately sent to the very basic Savannah Scrub camp - and David's decision to send the soap star did not go down well.

She furiously said: 'David you're going to pay for that decision. I'm telling you now.'

'I have really no hard feelings, I'm only kidding,' Beverley began, before pausing and hilariously adding: 'Up yours.'

As she walked through the jungle, she said: 'David Haye. I will get my own back on him.'

Later in the evening as she joined Adam Thomas in Savannah Scrub, Beverley made her fury towards David known.

'Been a fan of his for years and years and years - not anymore I tell you,' she joked. 'He sent me to Savannah scrub and I thought "you're gonna get it mate".'

Adam suggested she shouldn't make an enemy out of David, before Beverley replied: 'I've thought about this, I'm gonna chin him.'

Viewers found Beverley's fury hilarious as they wrote on social media: 'Nice one Bev - "up yours"

Another added: 'I won't accept ANYONE coming for my bev callard.'

A third remarked: 'Bev ROBBED being sent away.'
Not sure what to watch tonight? Discover our brand new TV GUIDE now!

Beverley Callard sparked health concerns among I'm A Celebrity fans as she was seen tackling brutal trials days after sharing an update on her cancer battle.

The Coronation Street legend, 69, is among the returning favourites appearing on the I'm A Celebrity South Africa spin-off.

Unlike the regular Australia series, the show was almost entirely pre-recorded in September 2025, with a live final set to reveal the winner later this month.

In February 2026, Beverley revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer - weeks after announcing a new job on Irish soap Fair City.

Some I'm A Celebrity viewers were unaware South Africa was recorded months ago and shared their confusion.

One viewer wrote: 'When was this recorded? I thought Beverly was going through cancer treatment and was ill?#ImACeleb.'

I'm A Celebrity... South Africa campmate Beverley Callard prompted health concerns among viewers -after being seen tackling brutal trials days after sharing an update on her cancer battle

During the launch episode, she furiously declared 'up yours' to boxer David Haye as he sent her to the dreaded Savannah Scrub camp

Another penned: 'Aww Beverly great to see her with what shes going though recently routing for her.'

A third said: 'I absolutely love Beverly a lovely lovely lady who I hope is doing ok at the moment wishing her love better heath and a full recovery.'

A fourth commented: '#ImACeleb how bev collard here? Thought she at death door?'

While a fifth chimed in: '#imaceleb i might be imagining but Beverly was definitely tweeting a few weeks ago about being on treatment.'

During Monday's launch episode, Beverely showed her fiery side by declaring 'up yours' to boxer David Haye as he sent her to the dreaded Savannah Scrub camp.

On David's arrival, he emerged victorious against Gogglebox's Scarlett Moffatt in the challenge Unlucky Lodges, which saw the stars search high and low for keys in a lodge.

As a result his team was given the right to decide who out of Scarlett and Beverley would be immediately sent to the very basic Savannah Scrub camp - and David's decision to send the soap star did not go down well.

She furiously said: 'David you're going to pay for that decision. I'm telling you now.'

'I have really no hard feelings, I'm only kidding,' Beverley began, before pausing and hilariously adding: 'Up yours.'

As she walked through the jungle, she said: 'David Haye. I will get my own back on him.'

As a result of winning a challenge, David's team was given the right to decide who out of Scarlett and Beverley would be immediately sent to the very basic Savannah Scrub camp

Earlier this week, Beverley took to Instagram and shared a video updating fans on her cancer journey

Later in the evening as she joined Adam Thomas in Savannah Scrub, Beverley made her fury towards David known.

'Been a fan of his for years and years and years - not anymore I tell you,' she joked. 'He sent me to Savannah scrub and I thought "you're gonna get it mate".'

Adam suggested she shouldn't make an enemy out of David, before Beverley replied: 'I've thought about this, I'm gonna chin him.'

Earlier this week, Beverley shared a video on Instagram to update her social media followers on her cancer journey.

She captioned the clip: 'Just thought Id do a little update on where things are its good to keep talking.'

Speaking in the video, Beverley said: 'Well, I had to do a photoshoot yesterday.

'And on the way there, Jon was driving, I was in the passenger seat and my phone rang.

'It said Caller ID and usually that's the hospital or one of the consultants from the hospital.

'And it was and I thought, "Okay, this is it. The results" and it was one of the amazing cancer care nurses from Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, they are fantastic.'

She continued: 'She wanted to know how I was doing. I told her, I've got quite a lot of soreness which I've not had for ages.

'But it came on a few days ago and so she said, I could be overdoing things, whatever. Hopefully I'm not, I've had a lazy day today.

'But then she said, no results yet, because there's a backlog so hopefully I'll get them next week.'

Beverley added: 'You know when your heart's in your mouth, this is it, it's coming now, any minute - and then, no, nothing.

'Obviously we're 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 and you just do, don't you?'
Amanda Batula embraced her new boyfriend West Wilson during the newly released trailer for Summer House spin-off In the City, which premieres May 19 on Bravo and streams May 20 on Peacock.

'Hey Cutie!' the 34-year-old reality star said as the 31-year-old Show Me Something podcaster revealed his nickname for her, 'Hey Mandy!'

Eyebrows raised considering Wilson was rumored to still be hooking up with their Summer House castmate Ciara Miller as recently as last month, and Batula announced she was legally separating from her husband Kyle Cooke on January 19.

'We've seen the growing online speculation, so while this is still very new, we wanted to provide some clarity,' the coy couple wrote in a March 31 statement.

'It was never our intention to purposely hide anything. Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we needed a little space to process things privately before speaking on it.'

Amanda Batula embraced her new boyfriend West Wilson during the newly released trailer for Summer House spin-off In the City, which premieres May 19 on Bravo and streams May 20 on Peacock

'Hey Cutie!' the 34-year-old reality star said as the 31-year-old Show Me Something podcaster revealed his nickname for her, 'Hey Mandy!'

They continued: 'We've shown up for each other as friends over the years, through all the highs and lows, and what's developed recently was the last thing either of us expected.

'Our connection grew out of a genuine, long-standing friendship, which made it especially important for us to approach this with care. As our feelings evolved, we wanted to take time to understand exactly what we were feeling.'

This, one week after Wilson claimed on Watch What Happens Live that Batula was just his 'homegirl' and 'friend' who's 'very important' to him and 'they were just hanging out in New York.'

And on the March 9 episode of Jason Tartick's Trading Secrets podcast, the Jersey Girl claimed: 'I'm not touching any of my cast members. Love them dearly, but I'm good!'

Batula is still technically married to Cooke, who issued her a public apology on March 26 over his 'unacceptable' behavior last summer ahead of the upcoming Summer House season 10 reunion.

'We don't have a prenup,' the Loverboy Inc. branding expert said in the preview. 'If you come for me, I'll come for you.'

After the 43-year-old Loverboy Inc. CEO replied, 'That would be a losing battle,' Batula shot back, 'Are you threatening me?'

Eyebrows raised considering Wilson was rumored to still be hooking up with their Summer House castmate Ciara Miller (R) as recently as last month, and Batula announced she was legally separating from her husband Kyle Cooke on January 19

The coy couple wrote in a March 31 statement: 'It was never our intention to purposely hide anything. Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we needed a little space to process things privately before speaking on it'

This, one week after Wilson claimed on Watch What Happens Live that Batula was just his 'homegirl' and 'friend' who's 'very important' to him and 'they were just hanging out in New York'

The WWHL audience poll revealed they did not want the pair to hook up

And on the March 9 episode of Jason Tartick's Trading Secrets podcast, the Jersey Girl claimed: 'I'm not touching any of my cast members. Love them dearly, but I'm good!'

Batula is still technically married to Cooke (R), who issued her a public apology on March 26 over his 'unacceptable' behavior last summer ahead of the upcoming Summer House season 10 reunion

'We don't have a prenup,' the Loverboy Inc. branding expert said in the preview. 'If you come for me, I'll come for you'

After the 43-year-old Loverboy Inc. CEO replied, 'That would be a losing battle,' Batula shot back, 'Are you threatening me?'

In another heated scene, the former L'Occitane en Provence senior designer asked Cooke: 'Who was in our apartment last night while I'm asleep? Do you know how many times you've cheated on me?'

The inaugural season of In the City also features Lindsay Hubbard, Danielle Olivera, Eoin Heavey, Andrea Denver, Lexi Sundin, Nick Barber, Yvonne Najor, Georgina Ferzil, Whitney Fransway, Kenny Martin, Gavin Moseley and Katie Arundel

In another heated scene, the former L'Occitane en Provence senior designer asked Cooke: 'Who was in our apartment last night while I'm asleep? Do you know how many times you've cheated on me?'

Batula and the Flowerboy soda founder - who began dating in 2016 - were already living separately late last year, but they were pictured amicably hugging in Manhattan last Friday.

The inaugural season of In the City also features Lindsay Hubbard, Danielle Olivera, Eoin Heavey, Andrea Denver, Lexi Sundin, Nick Barber, Yvonne Najor, Georgina Ferzil, Whitney Fransway, Kenny Martin, Gavin Moseley and Katie Arundel.
I'm A Celebrity... South Africa viewers were shocked by the harsh conditions on the show as the camp was hit by a storm on Tuesday's episode.

The celebrities were split between the main camp and the Savannah Slum during the show and their sleep was ruined when heavy wind and rain battered the camp.

Coronation Street star Beverley Callard looked exhausted the next morning after struggling to sleep through the night.

Viewers took to X to express their surprise at the conditions the celebs had to sleep through.

They wrote: 'That is definitely worse than Australia'... 'That storm aint safe for the celebs'... 'Bev being woken up by the storm, poor hun.'

'And I thought the wind here a couple of days ago was bad'... 'Watching them try to sleep outside makes me never want to camp.'

I'm A Celebrity... South Africa viewers were shocked by the harsh conditions on the show as the camp was hit by a storm on Tuesday's episode

The celebrities spent their first night in the jungle during the show but their sleep was ruined when heavy wind and rain battered the camp

Viewers took to X to express their surprise at the conditions the celebs had to sleep through

Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt also noted the difficulty sleeping in the camp with the noises from the jungle nearby.

She described the South African jungle as 'less ambiant' than the Australian version of the show with critters and other animals audible throughout the night.

Meanwhile, viewers have already decided which campmate is the villain of the series, just two episodes in.

As pre-recorded footage has showed the campmates settling back into the all too familiar camp, fans appear to have already established who the villain of this series will be.

While watching an interaction between David Haye and the rest of the stars as they attempted to light a fire, viewers flooded social media with comments.

Voicing their opinions on the professional boxer, they said: 'Haye is VERY unlikeable'; 'Is it just me, or is David Haye coming across REALLY badly so far?!?!?';

'Haye I can see causing rows'; 'I can tell Haye is very jealous of Mighty Mo. Surely he has to be the Alpha Male?'

David, 45, who first took part in I'm A Celebrity in 2012, has re-entered alongside the likes of Gemma Collins, Scarlett, Sir Mo Farah and Adam Thomas, to name a few, vying for the title of 'I'm A Celebrity... Legend.'

He appears to already made an enemy with soap star Beverley Callard who furiously declared 'up yours' to boxer David as he sent her to the dreaded Savannah Scrub camp.

The spin-off is filmed in the Kruger National Park in South Africa - with the returning campmates immediately put through their paces.

During the launch episode, Emmerdale alum Adam Thomas had an unfortunate start to the competition as he failed to complete a puzzle in time.

Team captain Adam, 37, took on the first challenge, Tipped Over The Edge, with Beverley Callard as the pair had to try and collect puzzle pieces from the cliff's ledge, while strapped back to back.

While watching an interaction between David Haye and the rest of the stars as they attempted to light a fire elsewhere during the show, viewers flooded social media with comments

But it was not easy because as they got closer to the edge, the platform they were standing on dramatically tilts, throwing them off balance.

However while the tilting platform proved a piece of cake for the pair - it was in fact the puzzle that made Adam come unstuck.

After taking just eight minutes to collect the puzzles pieces and only falling off the platform once, the duo lost the challenge to Ashley Roberts and Mo Farah after Adam took a whopping 10 minutes to complete the puzzle.

Meanwhile, viewers also voiced concern for soap star Beverley, who is currently battling breast cancer.

Some I'm A Celebrity viewers were unaware South Africa was recorded months ago and shared their confusion.

One viewer wrote: 'When was this recorded? I thought Beverly was going through cancer treatment and was ill?#ImACeleb.'

Another penned: 'Aww Beverly great to see her with what shes going though recently routing for her.'

A third said: 'I absolutely love Beverly a lovely lovely lady who I hope is doing ok at the moment wishing her love better heath and a full recovery.'

A fourth commented: '#ImACeleb how bev collard here? Thought she at death door?'

While a fifth chimed in: '#imaceleb i might be imagining but Beverly was definitely tweeting a few weeks ago about being on treatment.'
She's arguably one of the most iconic and glamorous soap opera stars of all time.

So it was no surprise to see Susan Lucci, 79, turning heads as she attended a taping of The Drew Barrymore Show in New York City on Monday.

The All My Children star was dressed in a simple yet stylish ensemble, consisting of a pair of leggings and a bright yellow top that billowed out around her waist.

She added some pizazz to the look by donning a pair of designer stilettos from Christian Dior.

She also carried a grey Birkin handbag and wore an oversized pair of sunglasses.

Due to the windy weather, Lucci wrapped herself up in an oversized Moncler puffer jacket worth around $3,600.

Susan Lucci stunned at the New York City premiere of her new series Outcome

The 79-year-old has been busy promoting the Apple TV+ series all week

Despite being best known for her soap opera roles, Lucci's next big role is in the Apple TV+ film Outcome.

The black comedy, which was written and directed by Jonah Hill, follows an actor who is being blackmailed while trying to stay sober.

Keanu Reeves, Cameron Diaz, Matt Bomer, and David Spade also star.

After taping The Drew Barrymore Show, Lucci slipped into a strapless blue gown for the Outcome premiere.

She looked sensational in the figure-hugging frock, which featured pink floral details.

Earlier this year, Lucci revealed the heartbreaking 'grief triggers' that she still faces after losing her husband of 52 years Helmut Huber.

The star told People she felt 'completely lost' and 'so alone' following his death in 2022 at age 84, just one month after he suffered a stroke.

She admits the pain still hits in waves and often catches her by surprise.

Lucci turned heads as she attended a taping of The Drew Barrymore Show in New York City on Monday

Due to the windy weather, Lucci wrapped herself up in an oversized Moncler puffer jacket worth around $3,600

The couple welcomed two children - daughter Liza, 50, and son Andreas, 45 - and built a life Lucci now describes as 'such a gift.'

But she says certain moments still cut deep, confessing that holidays remain especially painful 'triggers,' when the absence at the family table is impossible to ignore.

'I don't fight it,' she said. 'I'm surprised sometimes by it. Certainly there are things like the holidays that are triggers - someone who should be sitting at the table. But I just go with it.'

When asked what she misses most about her late husband, Lucci admitted 'everything.'

She added, 'It's hard to say one thing. I just miss him, miss his presence, miss sharing things together, like coffee in the morning.'

The All My Children star was dressed in a simple yet stylish ensemble, consisting of a pair of leggings and a bright yellow top that billowed out around her waist

Lucci was all smiled as she posed for fans and photographers

The two met while they were both working at a hotel and got engaged after three weeks of dating. They tied the knot in September 1969.

Huber acted as Lucci's manager throughout much of her career and was the CEO of their production company, Pine Valley Productions, named for the fictional town where All My Children took place.

Lucci played Erica Kane beginning in 1970 and continued to portray the iconic character until All My Children ended in 2011.

Her other memorable roles include Dallas, Hot in Cleveland, and Devious Maids.
Kim Kardashian was trolled for donning a $9,500 vintage Cavalli dress as she attended her family's casual at-home Easter celebration on Sunday.

The 45-year-old TV personality - who offered a glimpse into the intimate bash with her loved ones on social media - sported the fitted gown which had previously been worn on the runway by Cindy Crawford in 2002.

The Kardashian/Jenner clan seemingly gathered at Kylie Jenner's sprawling Palm Springs mansion for the holiday - and posed for an assortment of snaps.

The SKIMS founder wore the figure-hugging, ivory dress - which is resold for nearly $10k - that contained a short train behind her and dazzling silver embellishments on the fabric.

For a finishing touch, the mom-of-four layered the outfit with a dark pink, fuzzy shawl which was draped over her shoulders.

Over on Reddit, some fans offered their thoughts on the look as one penned, 'They all look like they're going to different parties with different dress codes,' as another replied, 'Their tacky a** outfits are giving party city.'

Kim Kardashian, 45, was trolled for donning a $9,500 vintage Cavalli dress as she attended her family's casual at-home Easter celebration on Sunday

Over on Reddit, some fans offered their thoughts on the look as one penned, 'They all look like they're going to different parties with different dress codes,' as another replied, 'Their tacky a** outfits are giving party city'

A social media user also wrote, 'Hahaha they look like they went to a yard sale and picked the tackiest outfits they could find.'

They added, 'But this is how they actually dress and they take themselves so seriously...'

One shared, 'It's Kim in the floor length gown on one end and Khloe in pajamas on the other that's sending me.'

'Me playing dress up in my grandma's closet when I was 8,' another fan typed, and one added, 'I mean Kim looks like she's wearing a wedding dress but I've definitely seen her in a lot worse.'

A Reddit user commented, 'I like Kris's outfit, the rest look ridiculous,' and another said, 'Imagine wearing an evening gown with fur for Easter lunch.'

Other family members also dressed for the occasion including momager Kris Jenner who opted for a 1991 vintage Chanel skirt.

She wore a long-sleeved, black top which was paired with a hot pink, layered skirt with a black trim.

Kardashian's sister Khloe donned a white tank top and matching bottoms that had a black polka dot pattern.

Other family members also dressed for the occasion including momager Kris Jenner who opted for a 1991 vintage Chanel skirt

Their younger sibling Kylie Jenner additionally offered a glimpse at her outfit for the lavish gathering on Instagram

Their younger sibling Kylie Jenner additionally offered a glimpse at her outfit for the lavish gathering on Instagram.

The beauty mogul modeled a pair of white jeans that were unbuttoned at the top as well as a floral shirt that flashed her sculpted midriff.

All five sisters - including Kourtney Kardashian and Kendall Jenner - posed for a memorable group photo as they spent quality time together.

The SKIMS founder additionally offered a view of the spacious backyard at Jenner's Palm Springs mansion which was surrounded by palm trees and a mountain in the distance.

The Kardashian/Jenner clan indulged in a variety of tasty treats as well as scrumptious snacks such as Korean kimbap.

The little ones had a blast at an Easter table which was decked out with crafts and bunny-themed decorations.

Kardashian uploaded a sweet selfie while helping daughter Chicago, eight, with some artwork.

The reality star protected her vintage dress with a bunny apron as she puckered her lips towards the camera.

All five sisters - including Kourtney Kardashian and Kendall Jenner - posed for a memorable group photo as they spent quality time together

The SKIMS founder additionally offered a view of the spacious backyard at Jenner's Palm Springs mansion which was surrounded by palm trees and a mountain in the distance

The little ones had a blast at an Easter table which was decked out with crafts and bunny-themed decorations

Kardashian uploaded a sweet selfie while helping daughter Chicago, eight, with some artwork

Another image was taken as she arrived to the Palm Springs mansion while sitting in the back of the convertible.

It appeared her nephew Reign, 10, was sitting next to her as sister Kourtney and husband Travis Barker relaxed in the front.

The Easter celebration comes shortly after Kardashian whisked herself and her kids to Japan for a family getaway.

She was joined by Saint, 10, Chicago, and Psalm, six - with her eldest child North, 12, notably absent from the Instagram posts.

The preteen later made a surprise appearance on stage with her father Kanye West as he performed at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles last week.

Kardashian was additionally accompanied by sister Khloe and her two kids True and Tatum.

The All's Fair actress has been romantically linked to F1 racer Lewis Hamilton - who was also in Japan at the same time for the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix which kicked off on March 29 at Suzuka.

The Easter celebration comes shortly after Kardashian whisked herself and her kids to Japan for a family getaway

The All's Fair actress has been romantically linked to F1 racer Lewis Hamilton - who was also in Japan at the same time for the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix which kicked off on March 29 at Suzuka (seen above)

However, on the day of the big race, the TV personality was seemingly nowhere to be found and not seen in the F1 paddock.

Instead, Hamilton was spotted mingling with actress Anya Taylor-Joy who made an appearance at the festivities.

It came not long after a source had claimed to The Sun that Kardashian had planned to 'support' Hamilton during the Grand Prix - after the pair first sparked romance speculation in January.

While the two stars have been spotted together on more than one occasion in recent months, Kardashian and Hamilton have yet to confirm the romance themselves.
Cameron Diaz looked stunning in a clinging, black gown as she led the stars the the premiere of Outcome in New York City on Monday.

The actress, 53, was joined by Jonah Hill, 42, and the rest of their costars in black tie attire at the star-studded red carpet event.

They were also joined by some of their fellow castmates, including Keanu Reeves, Matt Bomer, soap legend Susan Lucci, David Spade, Laverne Cox and Roy Wood Jr., at the premiere.

For the special occasion, Diaz dressed to impress in a long-sleeved, turtleneck dress with a draped detail on the skirt.

She paired the chic dress with a fun pop of color with scarlet red shoes and a coral-toned lipstick.

At the premiere, she posed alongside Hill, towering over her costar and director, who coordinated his look to match hers.

Cameron Diaz and Jonah Hill coordinated their looks for the red carpet premiere of their film Outcome in New York City on Monday

For the red carpet event, Diaz, 53, went for an all-black look with red details for a fun pop of color

The Superbad star wore a sharp, white dress shirt paired with a classic, black blazer with red cuff links that matched the stripes going down the sides of his dress pants.

On the red carpet, Diaz and Hill also posed for a group photo alongside their costars.

Reeves, who brought along his longtime partner Alexandra Grant to the premiere, wore a black suit paired with a dark gray dress shirt with a matching tie.

While posing on the red carpet, he held hands with Grant, who coordinated in black and gray for the event too.

Bomer opted for a bright pastel color for his red carpet look and rocked a powder blue suit.

Susan Lucci, who also stars in Outcome, was also in attendance at the premiere in a bright blue dress with striking, pink floral imagery.

The soap star, 79, paired the colorful look with a matching clutch and baby blue statement earrings.

Laverne Cox showcased her edgy-chic style in a monochromatic black outfit with leather details at the premiere.

The Charlie's Angel actress left her blonde hair down and rocked a rosy makeup look paired with a coral red lipstick

As for Hill, he wore a sharp, white dress shirt paired with a classic, black blazer with red cuff links that matched the stripes going down the sides of his dress pants

On the red carpet, Diaz and Hill also posed for a group photo alongside their costars, Keanu Reeves and Matt Bomer

Reeves, who brought along his longtime partner Alexandra Grant to the premiere, wore a black suit paired with a dark gray dress shirt with a matching tie

Lucci, who also stars in Outcome, was also in attendance at the premiere in a bright blue dress with striking, pink floral imagery

The Orange Is the New Black star, who also plays a role in Outcome, wore a coat-style dress with a leather belt, chic gloves and pointed-toe boots.

David Spade, 61, showcased his effortlessly chic sense of style as he paired an all-black suit with a polo shirt, a flashy watch and dark sneakers.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Margaret Josephs was joined by her husband Joe Benigno at the event.

The reality star wore a royal blue, satin look with a dramatic, fur coat draped over her shoulders.

At her side, her plumber husband wore a monochromatic blue outfit featuring a check-patterned, denim blue blazer.

Krystal Joy Brown looked dazzling in a black minidress with bow details.

The Broadway star, 39, paired the chic LBD with pointed-toe pumps and a shoulder bag for the star-studded soiree.

Roy Wood Jr. looked dapper in a burgundy, double-breasted blazer with matching trousers.

Laverne Cox showcased her edgy-chic style in a monochromatic black outfit with leather details at the premiere

David Spade, 61, showcased his effortlessly chic sense of style as he paired an all-black suit with a polo shirt, a flashy watch and dark sneakers

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Margaret Josephs was joined by her husband Joe Benigno at the event

Krystal Joy Brown looked dazzling in a black minidress with bow details. The Broadway star, 39, paired the chic LBD with pointed-toe pumps and a shoulder bag for the star-studded soiree

Roy Wood Jr. looked dapper in a burgundy, double-breasted blazer with matching trousers

He completed his look with a white button-down, a blue tie with a pink floral design and brown, leather oxfords.

The black comedy film follows Reeves as Reef Hawk, a damaged Hollywood star who must look into his past to confront demons and make amends after he is extorted with a mysterious video clip.

Hill also stars in the film as Ira Slitz, Reef's crisis lawyer who informs him that he is being extorted and is working to help him figure out the identity of the blackmailer.

In the film, Diaz portrays Kyle, one of Reef's best friends; Bomer plays another friend, Xander, in the trio.

The Apple TV+ movie, which was directed by Hill and cowritten between him and Ezra Woods, is set to premiere on the streaming service on Friday, April 10.
Comedian and TV star Darren Sanders is in hospital after being diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer.

The 57-year-old showbusiness veteran and former Studio 10 star is currently undergoing emergency treatment for acute promyelocytic leukaemia.

Darren's wife, Robyn Linkhorn, announced online that the couple have started a GoFundMe page to help raise $40,000 to cover living costs.

Supporters had already contributed an impressive $25,526 by Tuesday, after the page went live on the crowdfunding platform two days ago.

The unexpected illness has thrown their lives into chaos, with Darren likely unable to return to work for many months, she said.

Robyn, founder of Compass Pilates, reached out to followers via Instagram and included an emotional message in her post.

Comedian and TV star Darren Sanders, 57, is in hospital after being diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer

'This is hard to share, but I'm asking,' she began.

Robyn said Darren's health drama began two weeks ago after the funny man suspected he was suffering from a bout of tonsillitis.

She continued: 'He's currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He started chemo on the second day we were here, and treatment will be ongoing for the next few months.

'Everything has stopped overnight. Darren can't work, there's no gigs, and no income while he goes through this.

'If you know Darren, you know how much he gives. Through his comedy, his time, and the way he shows up for people. Now we need a bit of help.

'I've set up a GoFundMe to take some of the financial pressure off while he focuses on treatment and recovery.

'If you're able to contribute, thank you. If not, sharing this means just as much.'

Darren shared his thanks on the health update, posting: 'Bloody overwhelmed and grateful and hope you can all understand I see all and can't respond to each and every one, but I feel your support.'

Join the discussion Should more support be available for entertainers facing sudden health crises like Darren's?

Darren's wife, Robyn Linkhorn, announced online that the couple have started a GoFundMe page to help raise $40,000 to cover living costs

Darren, who began his stand-up career over 30 years ago, is well known to TV viewers for his appearances on Rove Live, and In Melbourne Tonight

Former Big Brother host Gretel Killeen responded: 'I'm so sorry to hear this.

'Darren is a fabulous man. Sending you both lots of love. Fantastic, you have the GoFundMe page - happy to help. Xx.'

Comedian and 2019 Married At First Sight groom Ryan Gallagher also sent a message of support: 'Ah s***, sorry to bloody hear Darren.'

'This sucks, man,' shared Australian actor Mike Goldsmith, on Robyn's post, and added: 'Hopefully, he gets through it with a stack of new material. Just shared and donated x.'

Darren, who began his stand-up career over 30 years ago, is well known to TV viewers for his appearances on Rove Live, and In Melbourne Tonight.

He also appeared in Underbelly: The Golden Mile in 2010 and had a regular role in season 5 of A Place To Call Home.
Rapper Offset is in a stable condition in hospital after he was reportedly shot in Florida yesterday.

The 34-year-old, who is a former member of Atlanta group Migos and previously dated fellow hip-hop star Cardi B, was attacked near the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, according to TMZ.

A representative for the star - whose real name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus - confirmed that he had been shot but insisted he was fine.

They added that the extent of his injuries is still unclear and said he is 'stable and being closely monitored' in hospital.

Rapper Offset, a former member of Atlanta group Migos, is in a stable condition in hospital after he was reportedly shot in Florida yesterday

The 34-year-old - whose real name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus - was attacked outside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood

In a statement to the Daily Mail, the Seminole Police Department said, 'We are aware of an incident that occurred at a valet area after 7pm Monday outside of Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood that resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to an individual who was transported to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood.

'Seminole Police were on site immediately and the situation was contained quickly. Two individuals have been detained by police. The investigation is ongoing. The site is secure and there is no threat to the public. Operations continue as normal.'

The Daily Mail has contacted Offset's representative for comment, as well as the Hollywood, Florida, Police Department.

Video circulating on social media, allegedly taken at the hotel after the shooting, showed police officers near the valet stand as they attempted to restrain two men.

One was seen being held on the ground by police, while two officers attempted to push back another standing man who was struggling with them.

Last night, TMZ published photos from fans showing Offset smiling around 7.10pm, just minutes before he was shot.

Witnesses said the rapper had been standing near the entrance and looking out toward the valet area while taking a call when fans approached him.

He is said to have spoken with fans and posed for pictures shortly before the shooting started.

Join the discussion Are incidents like this becoming all too common?

The extent of the rapper's injuries is still unclear but a representative added that he is 'stable and being closely monitored'

Offset is said to have spoken with fans and posed for pictures outside the Florida hotel before the shooting started

Witnesses said the rapper had been standing near the entrance of the casino and looking out toward the valet area while taking a call when fans approached him

The attack comes more than three years after Offset's fellow Migos member Takeoff, above, was shot and killed outside a bowling alley in Houston, Texas

The attack comes more than three years after Offset's fellow Migos member Takeoff was shot and killed outside a bowling alley in Houston, Texas, on November 1, 2022.

A 23-year-old man named Patrick Xavier Clark was later arrested and charged with shooting the 28-year-old rapper, whose real name was Kirsnick Khari Ball.

Clark, who is free on a $1 million bond, has denied firing the shots that killed Takeoff, but prosecutors have claimed that surveillance footage shows him shooting a gun at a crowd of people.

His trial has been delayed for several years, but he is now set to go before a jury in November.

Offset is best known for his work with the chart-topping rap trio Migos, which also includes fellow rapper Quavo, 35, who was Takeoff's uncle and a friend of Offset.

After Takeoff's death, the pair disbanded the group to focus on their solo careers.

Offset released a collaborative album, Without Warning, with fellow rapper 21 Savage and producer Metro Boomin in 2017 before following up with his debut solo album Father of 4 in 2019.

His second record, titled Set It Off, was released in October 2023 and debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 albums chart. It had been due to come out in November 2022 but was delayed by Takeoff's death.

His second studio LP, eventually titled Set It Off, had been scheduled to be released in November 2022, but it was delayed until October 2023 due to Takeoff's murder, when it debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

Offset was previously in a high-profile on-off relationship with fellow rapper Cardi B, with whom he has three children

The pair married in secret in 2017 before briefly splitting in December 2018. Cardi later filed for divorce in September 2020, but reunited with Offset the following month

Cardi said she she had broken up with Offset again in late 2023 and filed for divorce a second time in July 2024, a day before she revealed she was pregnant with their third child

In August 2025, Offset released his third studio album, Kiari, which peaked at number 16 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Last year also saw the release of his collaborative album Haunted by Fame, which features YoungBoy Never Broke Again, NoCap and Lil Dump.

Offset was previously in a high-profile on-off relationship with fellow rapper Cardi B, 33. They have three children together, including daughters Kulture, aged seven, and one-year-old Blossom, as well as a four-year-old son called Wave.

Offset and Cardi - whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar - began dating in 2017 and wed in secret later that year. Their marriage license was later discovered by TMZ.

The couple split for the first time in December 2018, just five months after Kulture's birth, though they got back together just months later.

In September 2020, Cardi filed for divorce, only to reunite with Offset just a month later.

Their son Wave was born in September 2021, and Cardi shared the following year that she was looking forward to marrying Offset.

However, she revealed in late 2023 that they had split again, seemingly for good, and filed for divorce a second time in July 2024 before announcing her third pregnancy the following day. Her daughter Blossom was born on September 7, 2024.

Offset has three older children from previous relationships, including sons Jordan Cephus, aged 16, and 11-year-old Kody Cephus, as well as daughter Kalea Marie Cephus, also aged 11.
Joseph Duggar's brother-in-law encouraged him to keep the faith in a jailhouse letter he received while in custody after he was arrested last month on molestation allegations.

Austin Forsyth, 32, the spouse of Joseph's sister Joy-Anna, told the accused molester, 31, that he needed to lean into religion amid the turbulent time in his life.

'I want you to know that I love you!' Forsyth said in the March 25 letter sent through the Washington County Detention Facility in Arkansas and obtained by People.

Forsyth continued, 'Jesus loves you, and continues to draw you closer to Him ... God works despite the sin of man for his good.'

Forsyth told Joseph - who was taken into custody last month in connection with a 2020 incident involving a nine-year-old girl - that he didn't want to discuss his 'issues over these communications.'

Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for the family for further comment on the story.

Joseph Duggar's brother-in-law Austin Forsyth, 32, encouraged him to keep the faith in a jailhouse letter he received after he was arrested last month on molestation allegations

Joseph has pleaded not guilty to a pair of counts of lewd and lascivious behavior and is slated to appear in court May 18; in the letter, which came before Joseph's release on a $600,000 bond, Forsyth advised Joseph to 'only be talking to your attorney.'

In the letter, Forsyth said he was 'praising God' that he and his wife Joy-Anna 'started getting closer to' Joseph and his wife Kendra 'within the last year and a half.'

Kendra, 27, was arrested March 20 in connection with endangering the welfare of a minor and false imprisonment, later being released on bond.

Forsyth said God 'knew that Kendra was going to need help,' saying he and his wife 'will, and are helping her!'

Joseph replied with gratitude to Forsyth and his sister for their support of Kendra while he sat behind bars.

'It means the world to have family like you!' he said. 'I'm soo [grateful] for all the people that [have] jumped right in and been there to support [her] ... love [y'all] so much!'

Joy-Anna, 28, said in a statement on March 25, 'My heart is with the victim, and I am grieved by the pain and harm caused. I have been a wreck this week and am taking time to process.

'I have a few pre-filmed commitments that I have to post, but I will be taking some much-needed time with my family. Thank you for your prayers.'

Joe's wife Kendra, 27, was arrested March 20 in connection with endangering the welfare of a minor and false imprisonment, both in the second degree

Josh Duggar is currently serving a prison sentence in connection with his 2021 conviction for receiving and possessing material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Joseph 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 last month.

The incident involving Joe occurred in 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida during a vacation, according to authorities.

'As the vacation continued, he also asked [the victim] to sit next to him on a couch and covered them with a blanket,' officials said. 'During this time, Duggar manipulated the victim's underwear and grazed her genitals.

'Duggar would also continue to rub his hands on her thighs. The victim stated Duggar eventually apologized for his actions and the incidents stopped after the apology.'

Joseph was also charged with lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older, officials said.

Joseph and Kendra wed in 2017 and are parents to four young children - ages seven, six, five and three.

Joseph's arrest is not the first time one of the members of the reality TV family have been caught up in a legal situation involving underage sex.

Oldest son Josh's past molestation of five young girls led to the swift cancellation of the family's TLC series in 2015.

The letter was sent to Joseph while he was in custody following his arrest on molestation allegations

The show, which began airing in 2008, was centered on Michelle and Jim Bob, the devout Arkansas couple who named all 19 of their children with the first letter J.

Jim Bob and wife Michelle posted a statement on Facebook at the time explaining how they dealt with the initial incident.

'Back 12 years ago our family went through one of the most difficult times of our lives,' they said in a May 21, 2015 Facebook post. 'When Josh was a young teenager, he made some very bad mistakes and we were shocked.

'We had tried to teach him right from wrong. That dark and difficult time caused us to seek God like never before.'

Jim Bob and Michelle continued, 'We pray that as people watch our lives they see that we are not a perfect family. We have challenges and struggles everyday. '

Josh, 38, is currently serving a prison sentence in connection with his 2021 conviction for receiving and possessing material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

For those who have been impacted by sexual abuse, text 'STRENGTH' to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton made their relationship Instagram official after weeks of romance rumors.

In an Instagram reel the Formula One driver posted on Monday, the reality TV star, 45, was seen sitting shotgun of his bright red Ferrari while he was driving.

Hamilton, 41, was driving around his race car at high speeds around the streets of Japan.

He set the video to the song Victory Lap by Skepta, PlaqueboyMax and FredAgain and wrote in the caption: 'HERE WE GO AGAIN. TOKYO DRIFT VOL. III.'

Near the end of the video, The Kardashian star could be seen sitting in the passenger seat and smiling widely after Hamilton showed off some of his driving tricks.

Kardashian recently traveled back to California for an extravagant Easter celebration with her family, but in late March, the pair were seen walking together in Tokyo.

Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton made their romance Instagram official this week. The Formula One driver shared a video, in which Kardashian made a surprise appearance

Kardashian and Hamilton were first rumored to be dating in early February when they were seen on what appeared to be a romantic weekend trip in Europe.

They were reportedly spotted in the Cotswolds and later traveled from the U.K. to Paris.

That same month, they made a public appearance together and were spotted sitting together in the same VIP booth at the Super Bowl.

In early March, they enjoyed a luxurious trip together in Utah, and at the end of the month, the pair traveled to Tokyo alongside Kardashian's kids.

Kardashian reportedly brought along her three youngest children: Saint, 10, Chicago, nine, and Psalm, six.

Her eldest child is her 12-year-old daughter North, and Kardashian shares all four kids with her ex-husband Kanye West.

During their trip, Kim's sister Khloe Kardashian also tagged along and brought her daughter True, seven, and son Tatum, three.

Earlier this year, a source said that the couple have an 'intense' relationship and added that her family 'adores' him.

Join the discussion Are Kim & Lewis a good match?

Near the end of the video, The Kardashian star could be seen sitting in the passenger seat and smiling widely after Hamilton showed off some of his driving tricks. The video was from their trip to Tokyo in late March

At the end of the month, the pair traveled to Tokyo alongside Kardashian's kids. During their trip, Kim's sister Khloe Kardashian also tagged along and brought her daughter True, seven, and son Tatum, three

'Kim and Lewis's relationship is intense, but they are both keen to keep moving forward,' an insider previously told The Sun.

'He wants to spend as much time with her as possible, especially as he'll be back getting ready for the new F1 season in a couple of weeks.'

The source added: 'Lewis has been in LA, spending time with Kim and her family. They all adore him, especially her mom Kris [Jenner], who has loved having Lewis around.'

'They're all really approving of this relationship. They just want to see Kim happy.'

Kardashian and Hamilton have been friends for years, and were pictured with their then-partners, Kanye West and Nicole Scherzinger, in 2014 at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in London.

In 2015, Kardashian's ex-husband invited Hamilton to spend Easter with their family, with the rapper saying at the time: 'Lewis Hamilton's over at my house and we're playing some music in my studio.'

'We're having an Easter brunch and all of the family's there, my wife's family, my friends, everything. And everybody's like, "What is this music?" And I'm like, "It's Lewis Hamilton's music."

'They're like, "Oh my God. It's really good."'
The woman with a criminal history of stalking Fleetwood Mac icon Lindsey Buckingham has been charged with multiple felonies by a Los Angeles court in connection with a recent attack on the musician.

Michelle Dick, 54, is accused of throwing an unidentified substance on Buckingham, 76, on March 25 in Santa Monica, California.

Dick faces a total of seven counts, including making criminal threats; assault with a deadly weapon involving a motor vehicle; and felony vandalism, according to legal documents reviewed by the Daily Mail.

Dick was also charged with stalking Buckingham and another person referred to as Stephanie N. in the court documents.

A warrant has been issued for Dick's arrest with a bail amount of $300,000, according to legal docs, as the court found probable cause to proceed with charging her amid a spate of linked incidents.

The shock assault came a little over a year after Buckingham was granted a permanent restraining order against Dick, as officials said she has harassed Buckingham since 2021.

The woman with a criminal history of stalking Fleetwood Mac icon Lindsey Buckingham, 76, has been charged with multiple felonies by a Los Angeles court in connection with an attack on the musician

According to court filings, Buckingham said Dick 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.

Dick told KTLA5 on April 2 that she dropped by Buckingham's house 'last year' and confronted him as recently as last month. She said she hadn't been arrested at that time, and had been living in her vehicle.

Dick has an extensive history of brushes with the law prior to her incidents involving Buckingham.

In 2016, Dick was arrested and accused of DUI and battering a peace officer in Alameda County, California.

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.

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

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 entanglement with 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.

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.'

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

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.

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 [a] 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.

Buckingham said Dick had begun plaguing his wife with calls in 2021 claiming to be his biological daughter

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.'

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.'

Buckingham seen performing at The Brown Theatre in 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky

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.

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 friends and family have been flocking to his side in the wake of the shocking attack.

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.
Keanu Reeves hit the red carpet with his girlfriend on Monday night.

The Matrix actor, 61, was joined by Alexandra Grant, 53, at the premiere of his new movie Outcome at AMC Lincoln Square Theater in New York.

Posing in a slick black suit, the actor held hands with the visual artist, who kept things low-key in a chic grey coat and an all-black ensemble underneath.

They were joined at the movie's unveiling by his co-stars Cameron Diaz, Matt Bomer and Jonah Hill who wrote, directed and stars in the film.

Earlier in the evening, the couple wore the same outfits while arriving at The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, for Keanu's appearance on the show.

Keanu Reeves hit the red carpet with his girlfriend Alexandra Grant on Monday night

The Matrix actor, 61, was joined by Alexandra Grant, 53, at the premiere of his new movie Outcome at AMC Lincoln Square Theater in New York

Earlier in the evening, the couple wore the same outfits while arriving at The Late Show With Stephen Colbert , for Keanu's appearance on the show

Outcome is a dark comedy that follow Reef Hawk, played by Keanu, a Hollywood star who must dive into the depths of his hidden demons after he is extorted with a video that will thwart his poblic image end his career.

His best friends - Cameron's character Kyle and Matt's character Xander - help him through alongside his crisis lawyer Ira, played by Jonah.

In September, the duo were forced to deny speculation they had tied the knot.

Taking to Instagram, Alexandra thanked 'everyone for their congratulations' but dismissed reports that they got married, as she shared a photo of the couple kissing.

She wrote: 'This is a real photo. Not an engagement photo or an AI wedding announcement... simply a kiss! (Albeit maybe the moment right before or after it...

'Given the slightly goofy expressions on our faces!) We're at Roden Crater, and Keanu and Gard had just finished interviewing James Turrell for Visionaries'.

She then cleared up the recent rumors, writing: 'I'm sharing it here to say thank you to everyone for the congratulations on our wedding. Except we didnt get married...

She was putting on a glamorous display for the cameras

Keanu is pictured with co-stars Matt Bomer, Cameron Diaz, and Jonah Hill

In September, the duo were forced to deny speculation they had tied the knot

She looked chic in the textured coat while he made a statement with a red scarf

'Good news is much needed these days, but it's still fake news, so be careful out there! So, here's a bit of real happiness!' Reeves first went public with Grant in 2019, and six years later they are in love as ever.

In 2023 Keanu gave rare insight into their connection when asked to name his 'last moment of bliss' by People. He candidly answered, 'A couple of days ago with my honey. We were in bed. We were connected.'
Love Is Blind star Megan Jupp shared a series of snaps from her fun-filled hen party in Lisbon, Portugal, on Saturday.

The TV star, 28, who recently tied the knot with Kieran Holmes-Darby, also 28, for a second time a year after meeting on the Netflix dating show, celebrated with a fun girls' trip to the city.

In one stunning snap, Megan looked incredible in a strapless white lace dress as she posed up a storm with a pineapple cocktail.

The beauty looked radiant in the lacy white number, further accessorising her look with vibrant orange earrings.

To complete her look, she added inches to her frame with nude perspex heels and toted her essentials in a mini orange handbag.

Megan pouted for the camera as she joined her best pals for a group snap, before heading out for the evening with a cardboard cut-out of her husband's face.

Love Is Blind star Megan Jupp shared a series of snaps from her fun-filled hen party in Lisbon, Portugal, on Saturday

The TV star, 28, who recently tied the knot with Kieran Holmes-Darby, also 28, for a second time a year after meeting on the Netflix dating show, celebrated with a fun girls' trip to the city (pictured during their first wedding)

She also gave fans a glimpse into how the messy night ended, sharing a snap of herself kneeling on the ground next to a blow-up doll with a cut-out of Kieran's face on it.

Meanwhile, in another sizzling snap, Megan showed off her peachy derriere in a skimpy yellow thong bikini as she and a pal posed up a storm on the sandy beach.

The TV star further accessorised her look with brown oval shades as she larked about in the sand with pals.

Elsewhere in the photo dump, Megan cut a stylish figure in a white vest top and a beige asymmetric skirt with a tiered hem.

Posing up a storm for the camera, Megan accessorised her look with gold-toned jewellery, a gold waist belt, and trendy black shades.

Sharing the snaps to Instagram, Megan captioned the post: 'The besties were not letting me get away with just the TV hen  so they threw me the best hun do a girl could dream of #MegHen.'

It comes after Megan and Kieran got married for a second time a year after meeting on the Netflix dating show.

The pair had already wed one another on TV as part of the programme after getting engaged sight unseen, just a few weeks after dating in the pods.

in one sizzling snap, Megan showed off her peachy derriere in a skimpy yellow thong bikini as she and a pal posed up a storm on the sandy beach

The TV star further accessorised her look with brown oval shades as she larked about in the sand with pals

Meanwhile, in another stunning snap, Megan looked incredible in a strapless white lace dress as she posed up a storm on a staircase

Megan pouted for the camera as she joined her best pals for a group snap, before heading out for the evening with a cardboard cut-out of her husband's face

She also gave fans a glimpse into how the messy night ended, sharing a snap of herself kneeling on the ground next to a blow-up doll with a cut-out of Kieran's face on it

Elsewhere in the photo dump, Megan cut a stylish figure in a white vest top and a beige asymmetric skirt with a tiered hem

Posing up a storm for the camera, Megan accessorised her look with gold-toned jewellery, a gold waist belt, and trendy black shades

Sharing the snaps to Instagram, Megan captioned the post: 'The besties were not letting me get away with just the TV hen  so they threw me the best hun do a girl could dream of #MegHen'

Eesports entrepreneur Kieran shared a Get Ready With Me video while posing in this wedding suit.

And their videographer shared a clip of Megan eating pasta before getting into her dress.

Captioning the post, Kieran said: 'Get ready with me for one of the biggest days of my life!'

Adding: 'Lucky me I got to marry Megan Jupp all over again.'

Ahead of the wedding, he also wrote that he had a stressful few days.

He penned: 'Last 24 hours has been stressful as hell but this is my trying to stay positive face because Im getting married again tonight, lets have it!'

Fitness instructor Megan then shared a picture of them both on a plane, ready to jet off on honeymoon to San Francisco.

She wrote: 'After the most hectic but fun week of my life the fun HAS to continue bc we're off to San Fran babbyyyyy. Couldn't be more excited if I tried.'

Kieran also shared a picture of Megan looking cosy in a pink hoodie and wrote: 'Who's ready for Cali? This girl is.'

Before entering the pods, Megan told programme bosses that she didn't come from a "atypical family structure".

She explained that her biological father had never been present in her life, which has made her feel like she might want to adopt.
Katie Price has admitted she is having difficulty speaking after her latest bout of cosmetic work left her face 'distorted'.

The former glamour model, 47, said that she 'won't be having it again' after injections in her chin to 'smooth it out' have left her struggling to talk.

Katie opened up about the results of the procedure on the new episode of The Katie Price Show, which she hosts with her sister Sophie.

Addressing the movement issues in her face, Katie said straight away: 'My mouth looks distorted. I had Botox on my chin and I don't know if anyone else has had it, but I feel like I can't move my lower mouth... I'm not doing it again.'

When Sophie asked why she'd had it done, Katie replied: 'Apparently it smooths out the chin. You can have it above your lip to give it a lip lift and I'm glad I said no, otherwise I wouldn't be able to speak.'

Katie and Sophie went on to exchange jibes over her whirlwind wedding to her husband Lee Andrews, who she tied the knot with in December after a week.

Katie Price has admitted she is having difficulty speaking after her latest bout of cosmetic work left her face 'distorted'

The former glamour model, 47, said that she 'won't be having it again' after injections in her chin to 'smooth it out' left her struggling to talk

The mother of five joked that her relationship was similar to an episode of Married At First Sight, while Sophie said 'hmm' and called her sisters a 'k***head'.

Katie then went on to detail a dress she had seen for a future wedding, telling listeners: 'I will share something. Adrian who does my costumes, I sent him a picture and I did send it to Soph and mum about the next wedding dress.

'It's something out of this world.'

Katie then said she could 'change the other bit', and Sophie sarcastically quipped, 'change the other bit? You mean the husband?'

They laughed and Katie clarified: 'Not the husband.'

Katie's botox was carried out in Dubai during a visit to see her husband Lee, where they both ended up getting some work done at a cosmetics clinic.

Despite the ongoing Iranian crisis, which has seen missile attacks across the UAE, Katie was seen at Gatwick Airport preparing to head off to see her new love.

Katie and Lee had been kept apart since Katie flew back from Dubai in March, while there have been whispers that Lee is banned from leaving the UAE.

But upon her return, Katie headed straight to a clinic to get some touch ups after she landed.

Katie opened up about the results of the procedure on the new episode of The Katie Price Show, which she hosts with her sister Sophie

Lee was at the same clinic having his 'chin and nose fixed'

Lee was at the same clinic having his 'chin and nose fixed'.

Taking to his Instagram Story at the time, Lee faced the camera while covered in numbing cream as he said: 'Hello so here we are  this is not AI. We are actually here to fix a few things. When I say fix, I mean enhance!

'So today we are going to fix the nose and fix the chin. And look like a brand new penny!'

He then panned the camera to Katie and Lee shouted: 'Look who it is!'

The next clip showed Katie  who is known for her many plastic surgeries  being injected with filler and botox.

Referring to her forehead she said: 'So we've had the funny lines killed, but I will look like that one day', she added as she stretched her whole face back with her hands.

Lee then called her 'gorgeous' as the clinician leaned over her to carry on injecting.

Katie, who is certainly no stranger to a cosmetic procedure, had her work carried out by aesthetician Max McNeil gushed.

Mr McNeil gushed: 'Thank you for trusting me to carry out your treatments & I look forward to seeing you both again soon.'

He suggested his session with Katie wouldn't be limited to one as he explained: 'A full treatment plan for Katie has been set out to achieve best results overtime.'
Heidi Klum turned heads in a plunging burgundy sequin-embellished dress as she stepped out with her dog in New York City on Monday.

The German-American model, 52, looked nothing short of sensational in the racy minidress as she strutted down SoHo.

Teaming the look with sheer brown tights, Heidi added inches to her frame with burgundy pointed stiletto heels.

To complete her look, she toted her essentials in a burgundy leather bag and accessorised with chic brown-tinted oval shades.

Heidi appeared in great spirits, flashing a smile for the cameras as she held her pooch in her arms.

Her latest sighting comes after she candidly addressed months of speculation about her changing figure in her new docuseries, On and Off the Catwalk.

Heidi Klum turned heads in a plunging burgundy sequin-embellished dress as she stepped out with her dog in New York City on Monday

The German-American model, 52, looked nothing short of sensational in the racy minidress as she strutted down SoHo

'Many say: "She's too fat or too thin or pregnant," but I am not pregnant. I'm just a little fatter now. It's the menopause,' said the former Victoria's Secret Angel.

The show followed her conducting her modelling career alongside that of her daughter Leni, 21, a collaboration that has seen her face fierce backlash.

Three years ago, Heidi found herself at the centre of a roiling controversy more than once because she starred with Leni in lingerie shoots for Intimissimi.

During the second controversy, which unfolded in May 2023, the blowback grew so intense that Klum turned off her Instagram comments.

Nevertheless, she and Leni were back in the saddle last month, co-starring in another Intimissimi underwear campaign in defiance of fan outrage.

Heidi co-parents four children with her ex-husband Seal - her daughters Leni, 21, and Lou, 16, as well as her sons Henry, 20, and Johan, 19.

She had her three younger children by Seal, who also adopted Leni, the product of Heidi's dalliance with Italian businessman Flavio Briatore.

Since 2019, the fashionista has been married to the dashing Tokio Hotel guitarist Tom Kaulitz, 36, who like her originally hails from Germany.

Teaming the look with sheer brown tights, Heidi added inches to her frame with burgundy pointed stiletto heels

To complete her look, she toted her essentials in a burgundy leather bag and accessorised with chic brown-tinted oval shades

A few years ago, Heidi reflected on the fact that her current husband is significantly younger than she is - a fact that has drawn plenty of online scrutiny.

'I'm 50 and no longer 20. I'm not a young girl who hasn't experienced anything yet or has no idea about life,' she acknowledged to Glamour UK in 2023.

'Time won't stand still for me, and Tom will never catch up with me. I'll always be 16 years older, and I'm aware of that,' Klum continued.

'I know that I will look older than him sooner. Maybe it will be a problem for me in 10 years' time, maybe he won't like it then,' she reflected.

'In 20 years, I'll be 70. I usually plan for the future  but with my husband, I live in the here and now,' shared the North Rhine-Westphalia native.
Maura Higgins displayed her 'changing' face on the set of her new TRESemme advert after hitting back at plastic surgery claims.

The TV personality, 35, who recently blamed her 'changing' face on 'make-up and lighting', arrived on set in London ready to film in full glam.

Maura wore a full face of snatched makeup, including contour and blushed cheeks, and styled her long brunette tresses in a sleek curled up do.

The Love Island star wrapped up in a pink dressing gown covering over a black and white gingham top and matching skinny three-quarter trousers.

The Irish model kept comfortable in a pair of grey slippers as she arrived on set with her huge team.

Maura accessorised with a chunky pair of gold earrings and a matching chain bracelet as she wandered around the set carrying her phone.

She looked in good spirits as she chatted away to the crew ahead of filming the new advert, after being a brand ambassador for TRESemme last year.

Maura Higgins displayed her 'changing' face on the set of her new TRESemme advert after hitting back at plastic surgery claims

The TV personality, 35, who recently blamed her 'changing' face on 'make-up and lighting', arrived on set in London ready to film in full glam

It comes after Maura revealed the tweakments she has undergone after leaving fans stunned by her equally ageless and unrecognisable appearance.

The reality star opened up last week about her changing face but denied going under the knife during an Instagram Q&A with followers last week.

Maura explained that she gets regular Botox but no longer partakes in filler, before claiming her drastically different appearance was in fact down to 'make-up and lighting'.

When one fan asked her secret, the star replied: 'I've always been very open about this, I do get Botox every 6-8 months, and I had lip filler years ago but haven't had any in over 3.5 years now. Other than that, I haven't had anything else done'.

'I see so many videos online breaking down all these different procedures people think I've had and honestly it's not true. We all change over the years,'

She went on: 'And things like make-up lighting, angles, even how you do your brows or contour can completely change how your face looks. There are so many factors that go into it'.

'I also don't sunbathe, which I genuinely think is one of the biggest factors in keeping your skin looking youthful, and I take my skincare very seriously'.

Meanwhile Maura is reportedly in talks for a project with Disney fresh off her success on The Traitor US.

She has been attempting to crack America in recent months after she made it to the final of the murder mystery show.

Maura wore a full face of snatched makeup, including contour and blushed cheeks, and styled her long brunette tresses in a sleek curled up do

Maura explained that she gets regular Botox but no longer partakes in filler, before claiming her drastically different appearance was in fact down to 'make-up and lighting'

The Love Island star wrapped up in a pink dressing gown covering over a black and white gingham top and matching skinny three-quarter trousers

She looked in good spirits as she chatted away to the crew ahead of filming the new advert, after being a brand ambassador for TRESemme last year

The Irish model kept comfortable in a pair of grey slippers as she arrived on set with her team

Maura accessorised with a chunky pair of gold earrings and a matching chain bracelet

The reality star later ditched her slippers for a pair of bold pink heeled sandals

It comes after Maura revealed the tweakments she has undergone after leaving fans stunned by her equally ageless and unrecognisable appearance

The reality star opened up last week about her changing face but denied going under the knife during an Instagram Q&A with followers last week

Maura explained that she gets regular Botox but no longer partakes in filler, before claiming her drastically different appearance was in fact down to 'make-up and lighting'

When one fan asked her secret, the star replied: 'I've always been very open about this, I do get Botox every 6-8 months, and I had lip filler years ago but haven't had any in over 3.5 years'

'I see so many videos online breaking down all these different procedures people think I've had and honestly it's not true. We all change over the years,' she said

She went on: 'And things like make-up lighting, angles, even how you do your brows or contour can completely change how your face looks. There are so many factors that go into it'

According to The Sun, the Irish model has been telling friends she is in talks for a role in a Disney project.

The insider said: 'Maura is keeping her cards close to her chest but she couldnt help but tell pals shes reading scripts for Disney.

'Everyone  including Maura  is stunned at how well her career in the US is going. This is just the beginning.'

Daily Mail has contacted representatives of Maura Higgins for comment.

Maura is also reportedly being lined up for another huge gig - the next season of The Bachelorette after the show was axed in the wake of Taylor Frankie Pauls domestic violence arrest.

The Love Island star is said to be among the names being considered following the sudden cancellation of the upcoming season.

Season 22 of The Bachelorette had been due to premiere on March 22, with Mormon Wives star Taylor, 31, set to lead the series.

However, the network pulled the show just days before launch after a shocking 2023 video surfaced of Taylor attacking her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, 33, with her minor daughter present.

Now, according to gossip site Deux Moi, an anonymous tip has suggested that Maura could step in as a replacement, following her growing popularity in the US.

It claimed: 'ABC exec friend said that they are looking into getting Maura Higgins to be the new Bachelorette and do a live shooting of it.

'I also don't sunbathe, which I genuinely think is one of the biggest factors in keeping your skin looking youthful, and I take my skincare very seriously'

Meanwhile Maura is reportedly in talks for a project with Disney fresh off her success on The Traitor US

She has been attempting to crack America in recent months after she made it to the final of the murder mystery show

According to reports, the Irish model has been telling friends she is in talks for a role in a Disney project

The insider said: 'Maura is keeping her cards close to her chest but she couldnt help but tell pals shes reading scripts for Disney'

'Everyone  including Maura  is stunned at how well her career in the US is going. This is just the beginning,' they added

Maura is also reportedly being lined up for a huge gig, the next season of The Bachelorette after the show was axed in the wake of Taylor Frankie Pauls domestic violence arrest

The Love Island star is said to be among the names being considered following the sudden cancellation of the upcoming season

'They shut down Layla and Miranda as a dual season and are trying to steer away from the SLOMW girlies.'

The video, which was first published by TMZ, has sparked a backlash and saw Taylor's season of the Bachelorette canned just three days before it was due to air.

In a statement, Disney executives blamed the decision to cancel the series on the clip and said their focus was on 'supporting the family'.

The statement said: 'In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family.'

The bombshell decision to cancel the show could cost ABC up to $28 million, with filming costs for The Bachelorette totting up to $2 million per episode.
Elizabeth Hurley gave fans a glimpse inside her wholesome Easter Bank Holiday weekend with her partner Billy Ray Cyrus and her son Damian on Monday.

The actress, 60, took to her Instagram to share a series of loved-up snaps with her partner Billy, 64, as they and her son, 24, paid a sweet visit to the lambs on her country estate.

In one photo, Elizabeth and Billy beamed for the camera as they cosied up to one another for a sweet snap with one of the lambs.

Meanwhile, in another photo, her son Damian looked in high spirits as he fed one of the lambs a bottle of milk, with Billy smiling in the back.

During the wholesome weekend, Elizabeth was also joined by her pal Patsy Kensit, 58.

The duo cut comfortable figures in knit jumpers as they donned bunny ears, posing for a sweet snap together.

Elizabeth Hurley gave fans a glimpse inside her wholesome Easter Bank Holiday weekend with her partner Billy Ray Cyrus (seen) and her son Damian on Monday

The actress, 60, took to her Instagram to share a series of loved-up snaps with her partner Billy, 64, as they and her son, 24, paid a sweet visit to the lambs on her country estate

Elsewhere in the Easter photo dump, Elizabeth shared a snap of her son posing with a gorgeous bouquet.

The model simply captioned the post: 'Happy Easter,' alongside a love heart emoji.

It comes after Elizabeth posed topless and showed off her slender physique in string bikini bottoms for a sultry Instagram snap last week.

The actress looked ageless as she stripped off for racy snaps while enjoying the sunshine.

She captioned her post: 'Spring has sprung! Today, I sought some Vitamin D in beautiful Herefordshire, wearing nothing but @elizabethhurleybeach and @clinique SPF. As long as you protect your skin, a bit of sunshine is really good for you, both mentally and beauty wise, so cream up and GET OUTSIDE.'

Elizabeth's son Damian, was full of compliments for his mother, writing in the comments, 'omg'.

The English star is still in a happy relationship with Billy Ray Cyrus, after they met in 2022 on the set of the movie Christmas in Paradise.

Elizabeth recently revealed a beauty hack she 'swears by', telling fans she has had two mugs of warm water in the morning for as long as she remembers.

In one photo, Elizabeth looked radiant as she cradled a lamb in her arms while posing for a sweet snap in a barn

Meanwhile, in another photo, Elizabeth looked effortlessly chic in a white polkadot blouse and jeans as she hugged her son for a snap

During the wholesome weekend, Elizabeth was also joined by her pal Patsy Kensit, 58. The duo cut comfortable figures in knit jumpers as they donned bunny ears

Elsewhere in the Easter photo dump, Elizabeth shared a snap of her son posing with a gorgeous bouquet

The model simply captioned the post: 'Happy Easter,' alongside a love heart emoji

She shared: 'I dont personally guzzle weird green juices or take a load of supplements - but Ive drunk two mugs of warm water first thing every morning for as long as I remember, and I swear by it (and its free)'.

Last month, Elizabeth headed to Delhi with her son Damian and Trinny Woodall, 62.

The trio celebrated India's vibrant festival, Holi.

Holi is a major Indian festival of the Hindus, which celebrates the arrival of Spring, featuring the Festival of Colours, Love and Spring.

As it is traditional to wear white, lightweight cotton or linen clothing, Liz, Damian and Trinny all opted to wear kurta pyjamas.

The kurta pyjamas are all-white and consist of a long, knee-length shirt paired with matching lightweight drawstring trousers.

Liz wore a bright pink patterned scarf around her neck for a pop of colour, and she and Damian kept their brunette hair down.

Meanwhile, Trinny admitted she didn't want to have to wash her hair, so she swept her locks up into a wrap using a blue scarf.

During the day, Trinny was seen throwing pink flowers up into the air as she let her hair down and wore her blue scarf around her neck.

Trinny also gave an insight into the day, where people were seen dancing in circles and throwing orange, yellow and red powder into the air.

Holi is marked by people throwing coloured powders, known as gulal and water as they sing, dance and light bonfires to signify new beginnings and community joy.

The day also signifies the triumph of good over evil.

Earlier in the year, Elizabeth also enjoyed a trip to the Maldives.
Gareth Gates has stunned fans with his birthday tribute to his daughter Missy to mark her 17th birthday on Monday evening.

The star beamed proudly as he posed alongside Missy, whom he shares with ex-wife Suzanne Mole, and shared a loving caption about his 'gorgeous princess'.

While many lauded the birthday girl, others pointed out how youthful Gareth is to have a daughter in her late teens - with one fan even pointing out Missy is the same age as Gareth when he soared to fame on ITV talent show Pop Idol.

He added a caption on the shot reading: 'My gorgeous Princess turns 17 today. Watching you grow into the kind hearted, thoughtful, fun and beautiful natured Lady you are today has been my greatest joy...

'I couldnt be prouder of the person youve become. Daddy loves you so much. I must, however, warn the good British public that Missy moo now has wheels so watch out! Happy Birthday'.

The comments section was soon flooded, with one wowed fan writing: 'The age you was on pop idol crazy crazy how fast time goes x'.

Other overawed fans penned: 'Wow, I cant believe how quickly time fliesit feels like the What My Heart Wants to Say and Go Your Own Way albums were released just yesterday. btw they're still my fave albums...

'It seems mad that youve got a 17 year old. Where has the time gone. How is possible he has a daughter that old!!! Happy birthday but Gareth, you're not old enough to have a grown up daughter. I suddenly feel my age Flipping Eck, time flies'.

Gareth was the runner-up to Will Young on the first series of Pop Idol in February 2002, shooting to fame as a fresh-faced teenager.

The star split from Missy's mum in 2012 when she was just three, having been married for four years. A statement read: Despite our efforts over the past three years to make our marriage work, sadly Suzanne and I have decided to separate...

The star split from Missy's mum in 2012 when she was just three, having been married for four years. A statement read: Despite our efforts over the past three years to make our marriage work, sadly Suzanne and I have decided to separate' (Gareth and Suzanne in 2008)

'Whilst we have grown apart, we love and cherish our wonderful daughter Missy and together we will prioritise her happy upbringing.'

Away from his wholesome posts, Gareth is currently touring with his unique new venture, musical roadshow Boyband In The Buff.

Billed as a 'celebration of pop, passion, and pecs' with 'tight harmonies and tighter pants', Boyband In The Buff was launching a 58 date nationwide tour at the Felixstowe venue.

He will tour the country for much of the year with Boyband In The Buff, a nostalgic celebration of pop classics from the 1990s and 2000s - primarily those made famous by Take That, NSYNC, Backstreet Boys and Blue.
Penny Lancaster has joked she 'deserves a medal' for her 26-year relationship with Sir Rod Stewart as she marked their anniversary.

The 55-year-old model, police officer and TV presenter opened up on her marriage to the Maggie May rock star, and revealed the secret to their long lasting romance in a new interview this week.

She told Best magazine: 'Yes, 26 years! I deserve a medal, don't I? Only joking.

'We don't take each other for granted and make sure we have date nights together - dinner, the theatre or whatever, doing the school run together and having an 'a deux' coffee on the way home, long romantic walks together...

She added: 'We flirt with each other and make each other laugh.'

Penny explained that they try to 'keep the intimacy alive' when they get moments alone, and they love to mark their relationship milestones.

Penny Lancaster has joked she 'deserves a medal' for her 26-year relationship with Sir Rod Stewart as she marked their anniversary (both pictured 2006)

She continued: 'We're big on celebrating our anniversaries and really spoil each other.

'For instance, for our last wedding anniversary, we took a very romantic train trip from Paris to Portofino because Rod proposed to me in Paris and we got married in Portofino.

'We love reminiscing about our life together and also making plans for the future - more romantic trips.'

Penny also credited their long-standing love with having 'time apart' to 'keep the spark alive', and they're currently both excited to be reunited after three weeks apart.

She said: 'We're desperately missing each other and have been counting down the days.

'Rod generally has a driver pick him up from the airport, but I'm meeting him because we can't wait to see each other.'

The couple met back in 1999 when Penny was a student at Barking College, and Rod was performing.

She continued: 'Right from the start of our 26 years together, we've spent time apart. The first year, for instance, I was in the UK studying photography while he was living in the US.

The 55-year-old model, police officer and TV presenter opened up on her marriage to the Maggie May rock star, and revealed the secret to their long lasting romance in a new interview this week (pictured last year)

'We'd spend hours and hours on the phone, talking about everything - including photography and paintings.'

She also praised her husband's 'sensitive' side behind his public facade.

Penny said: 'Rod has a deeply spiritual, sensitive and artistic side. That's what he's like underneath it all. That's the real man.

'He can be quite demanding, and he does require a lot of attention, but that's fine because I'm good at giving it.'

The couple welcomed their first son, Alistair, 20, in 2005, before going on to tie the knot in 2007, and welcoming their second son, Aiden, 14, in 2011.

Prior to welcoming two sons with Penny, Rod was already a father to six children from previous relationships.

The star put his first child up for adoption, Sarah, 62, whom he welcomed with his ex-girlfriend Susannah Boffey when he was just 17. He later formed a relationship with her.

He then had daughter Kimberly, 46, and son Sean, 45, with his ex-wife Alana Stewart and a daughter Ruby, 38, with his ex-girlfriend Kelly Emberg.

The couple welcomed their first son, Alistair, 20, in 2005, before going on to tie the knot in 2007, and welcoming their second son, Aiden, 14, in 2011

While married to his ex-wife, Rachel Hunter, the Faces frontman had two more children, Renee, 33, and Liam, 31.

Previously discussing how they first met, Penny revealed it wasn't until nine months after exchanging numbers that Rod reached out to her.

They originally met in the wake of Rod's divorce from his second wife Rachel, whom he was married to from 1990 until 2006.

And anticipating that his best pal wasn't ready to meet the love of his life yet, Rod's band leader, Carmine Appice, withheld Penny's number from the musician until he was in a better place.

Recalling the story, Rod explained: 'He was an absolute gentleman, he was band leader and bass player, and he kept her telephone away from me.

'He didn't think I was in the right position because I had just got a divorce and didn't know if I was coming or going, and he said I will give it to you when I think you are ready.'

He joked: 'I should of fired him, but I couldn't!'

Penny then began to well up with tears as she added: 'Carmine had kept that telephone number away from him.

'He said "you are going to go a bit crazy over the summer and let your hair down, and Penny seems like a nice girl."'

After hearing nothing from her future husband, she explained: 'I really thought that was the last I would see of Rod. I remember processing those photos I took of Rod [at his concert] and thinking, what a lovely memory, and that was that.'
Love Island star Helena Ford confirmed she has split from US Islander Carrington Rodriguez, after finding love on the show in January.

The duo appeared on the All Stars edition of the show, after Helena appeared on last year's 12th season of the UK version and Carrington on the 2020 second season of the US version of the hit franchise.

While their road to romance was rocky, the duo left as a non-exclusive couple and reunited in London with their co-stars - yet all was not rosy after it was claimed he had been dating other women and hosting a woman at his Air BnB.

In a fan Q&A on Snapchat, Helena was grilled over her romance, with a user asking: 'Please can you tell us if you're still [with] Carrington?'

Helena replied 'Can confirm no x', alongside an image showing her holding a peace sign up to her face and pouting at the camera, in news that comes after fellow stars Samie Elishi and Ciaran Davies parted ways.

Love Island star Helena Ford confirmed she has split from US Islander Carrington Rodriguez, after finding love on the show in January

In a fan Q&A on Snapchat, Helena was grilled over her romance, with a user asking: 'Please can you tell us if you're still [with] Carrington?'

Sources told The Sun: 'Carrington and Helena have never said they're locked off or closed off, but him seeing other women like this will raise eyebrows. Rumours have been rife that the pair have split after crucial clues in the content from Paris.'

In an interview before their split, Carrington spoke about going exclusive, saying: 'I would say by the six-month mark for sure, that's enough time talking. That's the time where it's like, we're friends or we're talking.'

'I'd say six months would be the limit of we're doing this together or we're just friends. That's the thing with me and Helena  I don't think it would ever be spiteful.'

Following the show, Salt Lake City-born Carrington was said to have relocated to London to spend time with Helena and enjoyed a trip to Paris in March.

However, after their trip to Paris at the end of March, Helena shared an update with her fans in which she confirmed the end of the union.

Unlucky in love Helena was thrust into the spotlight during her first stint after her repeated attempts to snare Harry Cooksley - who eventually left with Shakira Khan.

Following the show, Salt Lake City-born Carrington was said to have relocated to London to spend time with Helena and enjoyed a trip to Paris in March (Helena and Carrington in Paris)

News of the split comes after the All Star's winners Samie Elishi and Ciaran Davies, split just three weeks after winning the 50,000 prize money.

Following the split, Ciaran claimed Samie called him, and that was the end of their relationship, with Ciaran insisting the split did not come from his side.

Samie has since hit back, stating in a video: 'I want to start off by saying it's actually a bit sad that someone who you once had a lot of respect for and saw in a certain light would go on a podcast and say you said things that you categorically did not.

'We all know that they're rumours and everyone that knows me knows that them things wouldn't have come out of my mouth. So I wanted to clear that up for a start.

News of the split comes after the All Star's winners Samie Elishi and Ciaran Davies, split just three weeks after winning the 50,000 prize money

'Secondly, girls it's okay to call things off with someone that you're talking to or dating.'

Finally, Samie added: 'Me and Ciaran were in the very early stages of dating and we got into the real world and it just didn't work. And that is absolutely fine, I don't think anyone should be getting sick for it not working.'

She has since hard launched her relationship with Tyrique Hyde as she shared a glimpse at their romantic Morocco trip in Instagram snaps on Saturday night.
Pregnant reality star Tabitha Willett has begged her followers for kindness after receiving a 'record' number of critical messages about her lifestyle choices.

The TV personality, 33, who married her husband Harry Hoare last week, said that while some fans have sent lovely messages - others have left her 'genuinely hurt'.

Tabitha explained that she and Harry have read through some of the negative comments and has seen 'horrible things' in her DMs.

Sharing her thoughts on her Instagram Story, Tabitha said: 'Just a little not to say - the comments and DMs have been so lovely, thank you so much for all the congratulations on baby, wedding, 100K and everything.

'I owe so much to my audience including a career that has solely supported me as a single parent for the last five years and will always be so grateful and therefore share personal milestones with you all.

'There has also been a record number of nasty, horrible things being said. I try to read everything so I can reply to anyone taking the time out of their day to say something nice but sadly this does mean Harry and I see the horrible things too.

Pregnant reality star Tabitha Willett has begged her followers for kindness after receiving a 'record' number of critical messages about her lifestyle choices

The TV personality, 33, who married her husband Harry Hoare last week, said that while some fans have sent lovely messages - others have left her 'genuinely hurt'

Tabitha explained that she and Harry have read through some of the negative comments and has seen 'horrible things' in her DMs

'It would be so nice to keep the internet a happy place, of course people are entitled to their own opinions on my life choices and appearances we choose to share. There is so much that is not shown the internet and so to voice your opinion to someone that it will genuinely hurt is not constructive or a good thing to do.

'I just wanted to remind everyone that kindness is the best way forward and to please think twice before saying something nasty.

Hours earlier, Tabitha had hared an insight into her babymoon after revealing she had married her husband Harry in a London ceremony last week.

She announced she had married Harry four months after their engagement and the couple are now celebrating their recent marriage and the impending birth of their first child together.

Posting snippets of their trip, Tabitha shared snapshots from their day in Palm Beach, at the swanky Four Seasons resort in Miami, Florida.

Tabitha, who is pregnant with a baby boy, was wearing a stylish green bikini with gold detailing that showcased her blossoming baby bump.

She accessorised her beach look with a pair of gold frame glasses and a straw hat, showing off a sun-kissed tan as she lounged on the sunbeds.

Tabitha later headed down to the sea, where she posed up a storm in her swimwear - lying at the edge of the water.

Tabitha shared an insight into her babymoon after revealing she had married her husband Harry

Tabitha revealed she was wearing a high street look, including her bikini from H&M and her hat from Zara.

Tabitha Willett has confirmed she has legally wed her husband, Harry Hoare, revealing the couple are planning a 'big white wedding' next year.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Tabitha shared a series of adorable black-and-white snaps from their civil ceremony at a venue on Chelsea's King's Road.

For the occasion, the star looked incredible in a cream trouser suit paired with a wide-brimmed hat.

Alongside the images, the pregnant reality star wrote: 'Legally wed. So excited for our big white wedding in 2027.'

It comes after Tabitha splashed the cash during a designer shopping spree in Florida on Thursday after marrying Harry.

The reality star, who is expecting her second child after previously having Ottilie, and her first with the wealthy businessman, shared another insight into their babymoon.

Dressed in a pink, puffed sleeve mini dress, she showed off her blossoming bump while heading to the shops.

Tabitha teamed her outfit with a pair of two-toned flat shoes and a wicker handbag, while accessorising with sunglasses.

The TV personality paid a visit to luxury designer bag store, The RealReal, before heading over to viral sandwich shop Buccan.

Alongside her new husband, Tabitha was joined by her six-year-old daughter, Ottilie, from her former relationship with Fraser Carruthers.

Tabitha announced she had married Harry in an update last week, four months after their engagement.

The TV personality shared a distorted video clip of herself and Harry standing on the steps of the King's Road venue while guests shower them with confetti.

Standing alongside her mother, Ottilie appeared to serve as one of Tabitha's bridesmaids, with the youngster wearing a conventional white lace dress.

Captioning the brief clip, she wrote: 'My feed is full of AI April fool's so I thought I would just leave this here...'

A separate video shared by Tabitha six days ago suggested she was preparing for the ceremony, with the TV personality inviting followers to 'get ready with me for a day I'll never forget'.

The TV personality surprised social media followers by announcing plans to marry the son of late stockbroker Timothy Hoare - a friend of the disgraced former Royal Sarah Ferguson - in November.

A formal announcement was also printed by The Times on the national newspaper's births, marriages and deaths page at the time.

News of the reality star's engagement would no doubt have come as a surprise to Made In Chelsea fans, who watched her brief romance with co-star Arman Pouladian-Kari play out on screen shortly before it was announced.

But the TV personality later confirmed she and Harry had known each other 'for years' before getting together romantically.

Pregnant Tabitha Willett splashed the cash during a designer shopping spree in Florida on Thursday after marrying Harry Hoare

Dressed in a pink, puffed sleeve mini dress, she showed off her blossoming bump while heading to the shops

Writing for The Wedding Edition, she recalled: 'We stayed in contact but were never close. It was actually January 1st 2025, at my most single, after putting on my vision board for the year that I wanted to find love...

'That I replied to an Instagram story of his saying we should grab a drink and catch up soon. He loves telling the story that I "slid into his DMs".

'We went for a drink, our first date lasted three days, and I called my best friend Ollie Locke after he left and said, "I am going to marry this man."

'It sounds quite unromantic, but I think in your 30s, and as parents (Harry has a daughter too), you want to be sure you are not wasting any time. It was a discussion we had right from the beginning.

'We aligned on everything and it all felt very uncomplicated. Not full of fire or passion, just easy.'
Country music legend Ray Stevens, 87, suffered a terrifying fall in Nashville on Sunday that left him with a broken neck.

The two-time Grammy winner, best known for his hits Everything Is Beautiful and Misty, was briefly hospitalized following the accident but is now back home recovering, according to People.

Doctors have advised Stevens to wear a neck brace for the next four weeks as part of his recovery, the statement from his team confirmed.

Despite the injury, the country music icon reportedly remains mobile and in high spirits as he heals.

Stevens's highly anticipated album Favorites Old & New is still set to drop on Friday.

The health scare comes after Stevens suffered a mild heart attack in early July 2025.

Country music legend Ray Stevens, 87, is recovering at home after a terrifying fall in Nashville on Sunday that left him with a broken neck

The two-time Grammy winner, best known for his hits Everything Is Beautiful and Misty, was briefly hospitalized following the accident but is now back home. Above, in 1977

He was hospitalized at the time after experiencing chest pains and later underwent a minimally invasive heart catheterization procedure in Nashville.

A few weeks later, Stevens had a second procedure where doctors inserted two stents to address further blockages.

After spending several days at a rehabilitation facility in Nashville, he was discharged and returned home to continue his recovery.

Although Stevens' surgery was a success, he was forced to cancel his performances at the CabaRay Showroom in West Nashville during his recovery period.

At the time, his Instagram account provided fans with a hopeful update, reassuring them of his progress.

Ray is out of ICU and beginning to walk the halls as therapy with a nurses assistance as he is working towards recovering from this surgery, the caption read.

Ray is very grateful for all of the cards and get-well messages. Everything Is Still Beautiful!!!!

Meanwhile, Stevens' upcoming album Favorites Old & New is a 13-track mix of timeless classics and brand-new material.

Doctors have advised Stevens to wear a neck brace for the next four weeks as part of his recovery, the statement confirmed. Above, in 1984

Stevens's highly anticipated album Favorites Old & New is still set to drop on Friday. Above, with Brenda Lee in 2016

The album will include beloved hits like The Look of Love, It Had To Be You, and Come Rain or Come Shine, alongside fresh tracks such as I Guess Youve Never Been in Love With the Moon, Moving Out is Easier Than Moving On, and Time Machine.

I had a lot of fun creating this album, Favorites Old & New,' Stevens said in a press release.

It really does contain a few of my favorite old songs as well as favorite new ones penned by some talented writers. I just hope Ray Stevens fans enjoy it as much as Ray Stevens!

The Georgia-born artist, originally named Ray Ragsdale, is also famous for his quirky novelty hits like Ahab the Arab, Gitarzan and The Streak.
Live Nation, the biggest concert promoter in the world, spent months planning and millions of dollars on their gamble on rehabilitating Kanye West.

Executives from the huge global company, which looks after the O2 stadia in the UK and festivals including The Isle of Wight, Reading and Leeds, flew out from LA to see Kanye play in Mexico last month - to woo him to come to Europe.

A source told the Daily Mail: 'Live Nation put together a big package of multiple shows across the globe including Wireless.

'They were advised that it would be mad to put him on stage in Haringey, so close to a large Jewish community in north London, and they didn't listen.

'They are now saying that they asked "stakeholders" but this is simply ludicrous.

'Before they signed a deal with Wireless they had asked about putting a show on at the Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham grounds and both turned them down absolutely flat.

'That should at least have shown them what a problem there was. Then there was an exploration of asking Twickenham but it was felt to be the wrong crowd for Kanye.

'He asked for and got $15million (11million) to play those three nights at Wireless. At that late point they still hadn't secured a headline act.

Kanye West had his entry to Britain blocked by the UK Home Office on Tuesday, meaning he could no longer perform at Wireless Festival

West in a previous social media post wearing a sweatshirt bearing a swastika

'Live Nation should be able to get all $15million back as their contracts say that it is the responsibility of the artist to get a visa. Because the decision was made by the Home Secretary they believe that they can get their money back.

'They think it's not as big a disaster as it could have been but, good luck getting Kanye to pay you back.'

However, this will still be a massive loss for Live Nation, who own Wireless. The belief in the industry is that Wireless - the UK's only rap festival which has a troubled history of crime and anti-social behaviour - won't be able to book a new headline act so will 'go dark' in 2026.

That will lead to a loss of around $30million, per sources, which will almost certainly be enough to send the event under.

A source said: 'This is one of the biggest mess-ups that they have made since Covid, and I am including the Ticketmaster disaster which has led to them being sued in that.

'This shows how arrogant and out of touch they are. They thought that they would get away with it and that everyone would roll over. That didn't happen which is why Kanye released a new apology, but it was too little too late.

'Kanye has just been cynically doing what he always does which is cause outrageous offence, go away for a year, and then come back with an album and apology. That playbook no longer flies.'

All promotional material for the three-day event in Finsbury Park has since been wiped from Wireless Festival's Instagram page with only a single statement remaining

Crowds at Wireless last year

Shabana Mahmood banned the rapper on the grounds that his presence would 'not be conducive to the public good'.

Within minutes of the news breaking about West's ban, the inevitable announcement came from Wireless that the festival was cancelled.

All promotional material for the three-day event in Finsbury Park has since been wiped from its Instagram page and website. All that remains is a single post to say the 'festival has been forced to cancel'.

Ticket holders have been told they will be receiving a full refund. But there are already grumblings from disappointed fans about the organisers' failure not to 'think of a backup plan'.

The Government's move was backed by The Campaign Against Antisemitism, while Sir Keir Starmer said West 'should never have been invited'.

Karen Pollock, CEO of the Holocaust Educational Trust, also supported the Government's move and accused West's defenders of double standards.

'No other community would be told to "forgive" or "talk" - the disgusting racism would be recognised for what it is,' she said.

It looks possible now that West's gigs in France and Holland will also be cancelled.

The Mayor of Marseille has said that he doesn't want West to perform already. One of the shows in Holland is selling well, but the other one isn't, according to sources.

Festival organiser Melvin Benn had refused to back down over the decision to book Kanye West as headliner at Wireless Festival

Questions will likely now hang over festival organiser Melvin Benn's head as to why he had persisted with booking a headliner whose recent history was littered with vile anti-semitic rants and lyrics.

His lengthy statement, released on Monday night, appeared to be an 11th-hour attempt to ward off the mounting pressure.

In it, Mr Benn said he had been a 'deeply committed anti-fascist... all my adult life'.

'What Ye has said in the past about Jews and Hitler is as abhorrent to me as it is to the Jewish community, the Prime Minister and others that have commented and - taking him at his word - to Ye now also,' he said.

He insisted he is 'pro Jew and the Jewish state, while being equally committed to a Palestinian state', and cited his experience living on a kibbutz for some months in the 1970s.

The director also said that in his personal life he has seen how mental illness can cause bouts of 'despicable behaviour', but that he has had to 'forgive and move on'.

Mr Benn continued: 'Ye's music is played on commercial radio stations in this country. It is available via live streams and downloads in this country without comment or vitriol from anyone and he has a legal right to come into the country and to perform in this country.

'He is intended to come in and perform. We are not giving him a platform to extol opinion of whatever nature, only to perform the songs that are currently played on the radio stations in our country and the streaming platforms in our country and listened to and enjoyed by millions.

'Forgiveness and giving people a second chance are becoming a lost virtue in this ever-increasing, divisive world and I would ask people to reflect on their instant comments of disgust at the likelihood of him performing (as was mine) and offer some forgiveness and hope to him as I have decided to do.'

West, now known as Ye, apologised in January after a period of spewing racist hate, and even released a song called Heil Hitler and sold swastika T-shirts. He blamed his outbursts on his bipolar disorder.

He had said he wanted to show 'change through his actions' and meet with Jews in London ahead of the performance - which would have been his first in the UK in 11 years.

In a statement following the cancellation of the festival, Wireless said: 'As with every Wireless Festival, multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking YE and no concerns were highlighted at the time,' a spokesman for the festival said.
Taylor Frankie Paul was in court on Tuesday over a protective order filed by her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.

Mortensen, who previously filed a temporary restraining order against the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star, was seeking to extend the order into long-term protection as domestic violence accusations against Paul continue to be investigated.

Both Paul and Mortensen appeared remotely for the hearing, with their legal teams present at the Salt Lake City courthouse.

During the opening proceedings, the judge referenced a 2023 domestic violence incident between the pair, asking, So let me ask this too, is [Mortensen] alleging that [Paul] ever did anything that was aimed at the children directly or was it incidental?

Mortensen currently has temporary custody of their 2-year-old son Ever. Paul also shares daughter Indy, eight, and son Ocean, five, with her ex-husband Tate Paul.

Mortensens lawyer responded, Your Honor, were alleging both. That in these moments where the parties are fighting, she is completely out of control.

Taylor Frankie Paul was in court on Tuesday as a legal battle began over a protective order filed by her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen; (pictured March)

Mortensen, who previously filed a temporary restraining order against the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star, is now seeking to extend the order into long-term protection as domestic violence accusations against Paul continue to be investigated; (Mortensen pictured in court remotely on April 7)

Both Paul and Mortensen appeared remotely for the hearing, with their legal teams present at the Salt Lake City courthouse

They added, So yes, if they happen to be in the line of fire when shes coming at him, yes, they will get harmed.

The court later returned to the 2023 incident - one that led to Pauls arrest and resurfaced in a video just before her now-canceled Bachelorette season.

In video of it, Paul is seen throwing a chair at Mortensen during a heated fight, while her daughter is present.

I only have the video, and there's a starting point and there's an ending point, and who knows what happened before and who knows what happened after, but Dakota is holding the child and that's clear in the video, and she's pushing him and telling him to get out of the house, the judge began.

And at one point, it even appears in the video that he trips and almost falls over while he's holding the child. To me, that makes me very nervous about her ability to control herself and her volatility. I don't understand how you have a situation where you throw a chair at someone, knowing that your childs sitting on the couch.

After an hour-long hearing, the judge ruled that Paul will be allowed up to eight hours of supervised visitation with her son each week.

This temporary custody arrangement will remain in place for three weeks and two days, until the next court hearing on April 30.

Paul has the flexibility to divide the eight hours into two or three-hour increments as needed.

The court proceedings then turned to the domestic violence incident from 2023 - an incident that led to Pauls arrest and which resurfaced in a video just before her now - canceled Bachelorette season

The judge argued; 'To me, that makes me very nervous about her ability to control herself and her volatility'

Just hours before the Tuesday hearing, Paul filed for a protective order against Mortensen.

Court documents obtained on April 7 reveal that Paul is seeking the order, accusing Mortensen of a pattern of abusive conduct and coercive control throughout their relationship.

The filing details four separate incidents where Paul claims to have been subjected to domestic abuse, including allegations of assault, harassment, and stalking.

One of the incidents, described in the filing, took place in the early hours of February 23, 2026.

Paul claims Mortensen arrived at her home while their three children, including their son Ever, were asleep.

After insisting on speaking with her, they stepped outside, but Paul alleges that Mortensen then drove off with her in his car against her will, despite her objections.

According to the filing, The parties argued and Dakota assaulted Taylor by slamming her head against the dashboard of his truck and striking her knee and elbow.

Paul described the pain as immediate and intense.

Mortensens lawyer argued, 'That in these moments where the parties are fighting, she is completely out of control'

After an hour-long hearing, the judge ruled that Paul will be allowed up to eight hours of supervised visitation with her son each week

Photos submitted by Paul show the bruises that appeared shortly after the alleged assault.

Furthermore, Paul claims that Mortensen requested sex after the February altercation.

The first incident mentioned in the filing occurred on May 27, 2025, when the couple reportedly had a verbal argument in Pauls home.

Paul claims that after she asked Mortensen to leave, he refused, and during the ensuing argument, she lost her footing, leading to Mortensen allegedly kicking her. Photos of her injuries, including bruises, were included in the filing.

Additionally, Paul accused Mortensen of stalking her during a February 14, 2026, incident, when he allegedly sent her a photo of her initials tattooed on the inside of his lip.

The filing includes images of the tattoo, and in a sworn statement, Paul said, My initials are now permanently tattooed on the body of a man who has been abusive toward and possessive of me.

Just days later, on February 22, 2026, Paul claims Mortensen arrived at her home early in the morning after their son Ever had trouble sleeping at his house.

The filing claims Mortensen confronted Paul over her decision to end their relationship, and despite her repeated requests for him to leave, he allegedly refused to comply and stayed in her home.

After an hour-long hearing, the judge ruled that Paul will be allowed up to eight hours of supervised visitation with her son each week

The court hearing comes on the heels of reports that Paul will still receive her full fee for The Bachelorette, despite the series being abruptly pulled

Other evidence includes possessive texts from Mortensen.

The hearing came after a new investigation was opened in February of this year following fresh allegations of Paul attacking Mortensen.

Then, in March, a third police investigation was launched when Mortensen reported a separate alleged incident from 2024.

The court hearing also comes on the heels of reports that Paul will still receive her full fee for The Bachelorette, despite the series being abruptly pulled.

The reality star had already completed filming and participated in much of the promotional rollout before the project was shelved.

Insiders told TMZ that her contract guarantees payment for services rendered, meaning she is entitled to the full sum after fulfilling her obligations.

While the exact amount remains unclear, sources suggest her earnings fall within the low-to-mid six-figure range, in line with past leads on the franchise.

The payout is expected to be covered by Warner Bros. Discovery, the studio behind the production.

Just hours before the Tuesday hearing, Paul filed for a protective order against Mortensen; (Paul in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives)

In the wake of the investigation involving Paul and Mortensen, filming for Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has been paused.

The ongoing investigation has also impacted The Bachelorette's brand partnerships.

On March 17, Cinnabon announced it was ending its collaboration with both Paul and the ABC show, despite having previously promoted new products tied to the series.

'Cinnabon has made the decision to terminate its collaboration with The Bachelorette and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' the company said in a statement.

'Recent developments and allegations surrounding the lead cast member led us to reassess this collaboration as it no longer aligns with our brand values.'
Arlene Phillips has slammed dancers complaining about being axed from Strictly Coem Dancing, saying 'nothing in life is forever'.

The choreographer, 82, was axed from the Strictly judging panel after four years in 2008 and was replaced by Alesha Dixon.

The BBC show is now undergoing another revamp with five dancers axed from the line-up ahead of the 2026 series.

But Arlene dished out some tough love, saying dancing is a difficult career and it's not suited for people who don't deal well with rejection.

She told The Sun: 'No-one promises you its forever. Be ready. You have to be steely in this business. There is a lot of rejection. Live with rejection.

'Dancing takes its toll on your body. You have to be given time to restore your body. It's tough.'

Arlene Phillips has slammed dancers complaining about being axed from Strictly Coem Dancing, saying 'nothing in life is forever'

Michelle Tsiakkas (pictured), Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Marquez have all been axed from the show

'Dancing is a really tough career and you have to be ready for it. I advise all students who want to go into this business, 'If you can't take rejection don't bother.''

Arlene added that, as celebrated as you might be while on Strictly, your time on the show will eventually end and you shouldn't 'depend' on it.

The dancer added she has no interest in who will present Strictly after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman left, but added that the new hosts should be 'young, gay and fabulous'.

Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, became the latest dancer to leave the show when she confirmed her exit last month.

Other favourites Karen Hauer, 43, Nadiya Bychkova, 36, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Gorka Marquez, 35, have also been cut.

It comes after sources claimed that Strictly bosses judge some pros' following on TikTok when decided which stars would be axed in the show's mass cull.

Sources said that bosses have chosen to keep pros with a bigger online following in a desperate bid to draw in younger viewers.

Now it's been claimed those with bigger online followings have been chosen over dancers who are not so TikTok-friendly.

One example appears to be axed Nadiya Bychkova who boasts 19,000 followers, while Dianne Buswell, also 36, with 966,000 followers has kept her place in the line-up.

Arlene (centre left) was axed from the Strictly judging panel after four years in 2008 and was replaced by Alesha Dixon

Karen, who was Strictly's longest-serving female dancer, is a similar story with her 9,000 followers while safe newcomer Alexis has a whopping 190,000.

Karen branded her axing from the show 'stressful and emotional'.

Over the weekend, she attended the LitPet's Sunday Dog Social, held at the luxurious 180 House on London's Strand, alongside her pup Marley, one of her four rescue dogs, whom she frequently shares on social media.

Speaking at the event about her heartbreaking career overhaul, she said: 'It's been a terribly stressful and emotional time and my four dogs have really helped me get through it. What's just happened is part of life and the stresses that go with it.'

Karen spoke about how her emotions impact the pups, saying: 'My dogs really feel it when I'm stressed and they have really helped me get through this.'

Meanwhile Fleur East and Janette Manrara have also reportedly been axed from Strictly Come Dancing's spin-off It Takes Two.

Insiders say bosses are plotting a major revamp of the BBC Two weeknight show in the wake of a string of scandals that have rocked the franchise.

Former Strictly pro Janette, 42, took over hosting duties in 2021 after eight years on the main show, while pop star Fleur, 38, joined the line-up in 2023 after reaching the final the year before.

But now both stars are said to be in the firing line as executives push for a bold new direction.

'Fans will be stunned that this bloodbath is continuing, but bosses are determined to overhaul the show completely,' an industry source told The Sun.

'Nobody feels safe right now and there's a real drive behind the scenes to usher in a fresh era after all the recent drama.

'But the priority is a clean slate by September and putting distance between the show and the controversies of recent years.'

The source added actions taken by BBC bosses do not mean Janette and Fleur 'are out of the picture entirely' and that there could be other roles for them 'elsewhere'.

Sources suggest bosses are aiming for an entirely fresh start following years of criticism and controversy surrounding the professional dancers.

Elsewhere, Neil Jones, 43, who has rarely had a celebrity dance partner on the show, will also go without one this year, as will Nancy Xu, 34. It's believed they may still appear in the big group dance numbers.
Coronation Street star Paul Seed has died at the age of 78.

The actor, who previously played priest Father Harris on the ITV soap, passed away on March 7 after a battle with cancer.

Paul's death was announced in an obituary published by The Guardian.

After rising to fame with his soap role, the star had moved into directing and worked on the smash-hit 1990 miniseries House Of Cards.

He was also a double BAFTA winner, earning Best Single Drama for A Rather English Marriage and Best Drama for Just William.

Paul was born in Bideford, Devon, before moving north to Manchester, studying drama at the University of Manchester, before graduating in 1970.

Coronation Street star Paul Seed has died at the age of 78

His first TV roles included Z Cars, Softly Softly, Doctor Who and Coronation Street.

On the soap, he played the recurring role of priest Father Harris  sharing the screen with Gail Tilsley for the baptism of her son Nick.

After completing the BBC directors' course in the late 1970s, Seed went on to direct glossy dramas including Across the Water, Inappropriate Behaviour, A Rather English Marriage and Ready When You Are, Mr McGill.

He also appeared in the Victoria Wood play Nearly a Happy Ending in 1980, appearing alongside Julie Walters in the show.

On stage, he also appeared in productions of The Merchant of Venice, The Birthday Party, Love's Labour's Lost and Hamlet, among others.

In an obituary penned by actor Sir Tom Courtenay, he paid tribute to Paul's work while recalling the words of star Roger O'Neill, who appeared in his acclaimed adaptation of House Of Cards.

He wrote: 'Paul's big breakthrough had come with House of Cards  adapted by Andrew Davies from Michael Dobbs's novel, with Ian Richardson as the scheming politician Francis Urquhart  followed by the second part of the trilogy, To Play the King (1993).

'The actor Miles Anderson, who played Roger O'Neill, the cocaine-snorting PR man, recalled: ''On the first day of filming I remember Paul saying to Ian, ''Why don't you try looking directly into camera for your asides?'''

The actor, who previously played priest Father Harris on the ITV soap, passed away on March 7 after a battle with cancer (seen centre)

''A stroke of genius, breaking the fourth wall in a British TV drama that led to the familiar phrase ''You might think that, but I couldn't possibly comment'' being used everywhere, especially in the halls of Westminster.''

'He loved what he did, and this love communicated itself to his actors. I'm sure I wasn't the only one who thought the world of him.'

Paul met his wife Liz while working on Z Cars, and they went on to have two sons, Jack and Sean.

The couple settled in north Devon in later years, where he pursued a passion for photography.
Love Actually stars Martin Freeman and Joanna Page enjoyed a surprise reunion during Tuesday's episode of The One Show, 22 years after starring in the iconic film.

The pair famously starred as film stand-ins John and Judy who start a shy romance whilst stripping off for their jobs.

After sharing their delight at appearing on The One Show sofa together, both Martin, 54, and Joanna, 49, said it had been over 20 years since they last saw each other.

The duo joined a huge ensemble of actors including Martin McCutcheon, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy and Alan Rickman in the 2003 film.

Starting the show, host Alex Jones said: 'We cannot ignore that this is a reunion, a Love Actually reunion.

'We wont mention how the couple got together, the characters you played. But its nice Martin isnt it to be on the sofa with Joanna?'

Love Actually stars Martin Freeman and Joanna Page enjoyed a surprise reunion during Tuesday's episode of The One Show, 22 years after starring in the iconic film

The pair famously starred as film stand-ins John and Judy who started a shy romance together

Martin added: 'We were just saying, we havent seen each other for' before Joanna noted it had been '20 odd years.'

'Probably 20 odd years. We filmed it in 2002/2003,' the Sherlock star said.

Joanna said: 'I was getting married in 2003 so missed the premiere. So, I didnt actually see the film when it first came out. So yes 20 odd years ago.'

As the Gavin and Stacey star joked: 'I dont think weve aged at all,' Martin added: 'No, I think weve gone backwards.'

While Joanna spoke about her new BBC series Shift the Thrift, Martin was joined by co-star Molly Belle Wright to discuss their new murder mystery film Flavia.

The 2003 feel-good flick, featuring separate stories that eventually come together and unite everyone during the holiday period, has long cemented its status as a Christmas classic.

Director Richard Curtis has spoken about making the choice to axe two scenes - one featuring a lesbian couple, and another which is set in Kenya - for both duration and because they simply 'didn't fit' the movie.

One heartbreaking scene, which was lost, is between a stern headmistress, played by Anne Reid, who returned home from work to look after her terminally-ill partner Geraldine - actress Frances de la Tour.

After sharing their delight at appearing on The One Show sofa together, both Martin and Joanna said it had been over 20 years since they last saw each other

The couple are linked to Emma Thompson's character Karen, whose son attended the school where Anne Reid's character worked.

Recently, Richard revealed that he thought Love Actually was a disaster after he finished filming.

The director, 68, confessed that he was worried about the success of the film and almost gave up as he was editing it, believing it would never work.

The Four Weddings and a Funeral creator told the Radio Times: 'We thought Love Actually was a disaster for months while we were trying to edit it.'

The star director added: 'I only thought of setting Love Actually at Christmas halfway through the writing process. I was thinking, 'How can I squeeze all these stories to end at the same time?'

Richard also confessed that he finds it amusing now that people have such strong feelings towards one of his most famous films.

He told the publication that during his latest film, the animated Netflix offering That Christmas, the children complain about having to watch a 'boring Christmas film' and it turns out to be Love Actually.

Speaking of the filming he said: 'I assumed they'd take a clip from some stiff American movie of the 1940s or 50s like Miracle on 34th Street.

'So, I turn up on the day and it's the kids watching, as they say, the 'boring Christmas movie', and they'd stuck in Love Actually.'

Off the back of Richard's latest project, he explained that he realised all the films he makes are the same and was surprised when he noticed the similarities between some of his major movies.
Kelly Osbourne spent the day with her older brother Louis and her niece and nephew as she remains in London following the split from her fiance Sid Wilson.

The television personality, 41, is being comforted by her family following the breakdown of her relationship and the death of her father Ozzy.

Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy died in July last year aged 76 just two weeks after performing a farewell concert in his hometown of Birmingham.

Kelly took to Instagram on Tuesday to share an insight into her trip to The Design Museum to see Wes Anderson The Archives with Louis, 51, and his children Maia and Elijah.

DJ Louis was Ozzy's eldest son. Before tying the knot to Sharon, Ozzy married his first wife Thelma Riley in 1971 after meeting her in a Birmingham nightclub. Together, they welcomed children Jessica and Louis.

Ozzy also adopted Thelma's five-year-old son Elliot from a previous relationship.

Kelly Osbourne spent the day with her older brother Louis and her niece and nephew as she remains in London following the split from her fiance Sid Wilson

The television personality, 41, is being comforted by her family following the breakdown of her relationship and the death of her father Ozzy (pictured with niece Maia)

Kelly shared a slew of snaps as she explored the exhibition which charts the evolution of Wes's films from early experiments in the 1990s to recent productions.

She wore a knitted balaclava with horns as she posed for the photographs.

Kelly recently split from her fiance and father of her child, Sidney, three, after four years together and 27 years of friendship.

The couple quietly ended their engagement after the Slipknot DJ, 49, proposed to Kelly at her late father's final concert with Black Sabbath in Birmingham last July.

Insiders close to the star told the Daily Mail she has endured a 'difficult' month, coping with the separation while continuing to focus on being the best mother she can be to their son, who is named after his father.

A source revealed: 'Kelly and Sid have decided to call off their engagement. Kelly has been struggling following the loss of her father. The grieving process has been incredibly difficult, and she's been doing everything she can to cope.'

'In truth, she and Sid have been facing challenges in their relationship for some time, and things were not as they appeared.'

'They tried to make it work, particularly for the sake of their child, but ultimately decided that separating is the best path forward.'

'Kelly has endured a great deal over the past year. Despite everything, she remains sober and is now focusing on herself and her role as a mother moving ahead.'

Kelly took to Instagram on Tuesday to share an insight into her trip to The Design Museum to see Wes Anderson The Archives with Louis and his children Maia and Elijah

Kelly shared a slew of snaps as she explored the exhibition which charts the evolution of Wes's films from early experiments in the 1990s to recent productions

Kelly recently split from her fiance and father of her child, Sidney, three, after four years together and 27 years of friendship (Sid and Kelly pictured in February)

The star was first introduced to Sid when Slipknot toured with Ozzfest, the music festival founded by her parents.

On Valentine's Day 2022, she shared a post of the couple passionately kissing, captioned: 'After 23 years of friendship, I can't believe where we have ended up. You are my best friend, my soulmate, and I am so deeply in love with you, Sidney George Wilson.'

They welcomed their son, Sid, later that year, and the family had been living together on a farm in Iowa.

Kelly was last pictured with Sid at the Grammy Awards in February and, since then, has only made public appearances with friends or her mother, Sharon.

He proposed to Kelly backstage at the Black Sabbath show, in front of her entire family, including Ozzy, Sharon, and her brother Jack, presenting her with a huge diamond ring. Kelly later said she had 'no clue' the moment was coming.

Kelly has been open about her struggle with grief, following her father's death.

Last month, she wrote: 'Some grief doesn't end. It changes shape. It becomes the quiet weight you learn to carry, the ache woven into your days.

'Making it through doesn't mean leaving it behind. It means finding the strength to live and love and keep going even with forever resting in your heart.

'When grief feels endless and disastrous, like it's unmaking you from the inside out, surviving isn't about conquering it. It's about enduring it.

'It's about standing in the wreckage of our own heart and whispering, "I am still here," even when every part of you feels shattered and like you don't want to be here!'
One of the original Baywatch cast members revealed why she walked away from the show just as it was about to become a global phenomenon.

Nicole Eggert, who played Summer Quinn on the David Hasselhoff-led series from 1992 to 1994, got candid about her major decision during an appearance on the Still Here Hollywood podcast.

The blonde bombshell reminisced about her time on the '80s syndicated sitcom Charles in Charge with Scott Baio, when the shows producers began discussions with the Baywatch team, eventually coming up with the idea for a spin-off.

As Eggert put it, the bosses wanted to create a 'Beverly Hills 90210-esque' show, but set at the beach.

And he said, I want Nicole to be in it." And then David Charvet and they wanted to bring us on and do a spin-off. It would be a high school at the beach training to be lifeguards, she recalled. It was gonna be its own thing.

Excited about the prospect, Eggert eagerly joined Baywatch with the expectation that the spin-off would follow shortly after.

One of the original Baywatch cast members revealed why she walked away from the show just as it was about to become a global phenomenon; (Nicole Eggert, David Hasselhoff, Alexandra Paul, David Charvet, Pamela Anderson in 1992)

Nicole Eggert, who played Summer Quinn on the David Hasselhoff-led series from 1992 to 1994, got candid about her major decision during an appearance on the Still Here Hollywood podcast

But the massive success of the show changed everything.

I joined Baywatch in syndication. I did the first two years and it became the number one show in the world. And [the producers] were like, Spin-off? Nothing! This is whats working, and we want it to stay like this! she said.

After two seasons, Eggert made the tough decision to bow out, admitting it wasnt what she had signed up for.

I had some crazy idea in my head that if I left the show, I would be able to detach myself from the stigma that the show had given all of us as actors... but at 20 years old... you know... wild ideas, she laughed.

Baywatch went on to dominate TV for years after Eggerts departure, becoming one of the longest-running series in history.

The iconic show lasted for 11 seasons, airing from 1989 to 2001, and continues to be a beloved part of pop culture, even inspiring a 2017 movie adaptation.

Now, with a reboot in the works, Baywatch seems as relevant as ever - though the new version has been getting panned by fans.

But despite leaving the show, Eggert still holds the idea fondly.

Eggert (pictured) reminisced about her time on the '80s syndicated sitcom Charles in Charge with Scott Baio, when the shows producers began discussions with the Baywatch team, eventually coming up with the idea for a spin-off

As Eggert put it, the bosses wanted to create a 'Beverly Hills 90210-esque' show, but set at the beach; (Luke Perry and Shannen Doherty in 1992)

And it wouldve been great. I think it wouldve been a great show, and it was a great idea.

She even revealed that a Saved by the Bell icon was once tapped for the project.

Elizabeth Berkley was attached. We had a great cast, right? Eggert concluded, reflecting on what could have been.

Eggert, meanwhile, shared some uplifting news in December as she updated her fans on her progress amid her breast cancer journey.

After revealing in January 2024 that she had been diagnosed with stage two cribriform carcinoma, she began chemotherapy and underwent a mastectomy.

Today my tests were clear, and my white blood cell count was up without those d*** blood injections, she wrote. And I am in my car rocking out and celebrating! Let's go!!!!

In September, Fox announced they were 'reimagining' the iconic series with a 12-episode order for the 2026-2027 season.

The revamped show follows Hobie Buchannon (originally played by Jeremy Jackson) as he steps into the role of Baywatch captain, following in the footsteps of his legendary father Mitch Buchannon (originally played by Hasselhoff), joined by a new generation of lifeguards patrolling the Los Angeles coastline.

'Elizabeth Berkley was attached. We had a great cast, right? Eggert said; (Berkley pictured in 1990)

When the casting choices were revealed, many were shocked to see social media stars like Livvy Dunne and Brooks Nader among the lifeguard team - better known for their Instagram followings than their acting skills.

Alongside them are Stephen Amell, Shay Mitchell, and Noah Beck, with original Baywatch star David Chokachi returning as Cody Madison.

And when first-look photos and clips dropped in March, fans didnt hold back, ripping into the reboot as a derivative idea, with influencers in lead roles and a plot destined for failure.

Many seemed to still be haunted by the flop of the 2017 Baywatch film starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.

One critic posted, Who the hell thought a Baywatch reboot was a good idea?

Another didnt mince words, writing, This has FLOP written all over it. Why on earth is this even being considered? Hollywood is so out of ideas.

One even predicted, Watch it be cancelled after one season. Aint nobody watching this. Another added, Humanity has regressed since the '90s.

The cast's influencer-heavy lineup didnt go unnoticed either.

Baywatch was a global phenomenon that ruled TV screens in the 90s, but the latest reboot seems to be drowning before it even hits the beach, according to a vocal group of fans; (Pictured: Thaddeus LaGrone, Shay Mitchell, Stephen Amell, Brooks Nader, Livvy Dunne, Noah Beck, Jessica Belkin)

I really cant stress how bad this script must be to cast so many influencers, one user complained. Another added, Hollywood doesnt believe in hiring actual actors or actresses anymore.

The official synopsis for the reboot reads: Hobies world is turned upside down when Charlie shows up on his doorstep, eager to carry on the Buchannon family legacy and become a Baywatch lifeguard alongside her dad.

'OG heartthrob Cody Madison now runs The Shoreline, the unofficially official Baywatch bar-and-grill, and still puts on the red trunks for the occasional shift saving lives.

In a statement to Variety, Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, said, 'In its first run, Baywatch defined an entire era of beach life and elevated lifeguards to iconic status. Now, with our partners at Fremantle, this television juggernaut is set for a modern-day comeback.

Together, Fox and Fremantle, along with Matt Nix and original co-creator Greg Bonann, will bring the California dream to a whole new generation of fans with fresh stories, rising stars, and all the spectacle that make the Baywatch franchise a global sensation.'
Inter Alia (Wyndham's Theatre, London)

Rating:

Rosamund Pike gave a mini tornado of a turn at the premiere of Suzie Miller's legal drama Inter Alia when it ran at the National Theatre last year.

No surprise, then, that the play about a High Court judge whose life is in freefall has now sailed into the West End.

And its reputation isn't hurt by being the follow-up to Miller's other legal drama, Prima Facie, which featured an equally stunning turn by Jodie Comer.

Unlike Comer's young, free and single barrister, who cynically defends alleged rapists, Pike is a high-end feminist, Justice Jessica Parks.

A helicopter mum, specialising in supervising rape trials, she leads a demanding but immaculate existence, with her clever, loving, almost-as-successful lawyer husband Michael (Jamie Glover), and bashful teenage son Harry (Cormac McAlinden), who's still just about willing to tolerate her smothering.

As a judge, Jessica prides herself on fighting a patriarchal system institutionally biased against victims of sexual assault. But as a working super-mum, she's forced to handle Harry's clothing crisis in the middle of a trial.

Rosamund Pike is pictured bowing at the curtain call during a performance of Inter Alia at Wyndham's Theatre on April 7

Pike (centre) plays Justice Jessica Parks, whose bashful teenage son Harry, played my Cormac McAlinden (left), is just about willing to tolerate her smothering

Pike's one hour and 40 minute whirlwind of a performance, changing in and out of judge's wig and robes and slipping into silk blouses and a scarlet cocktail dress, ensures we don't get too much time for lateral thinking, writes Patrick Marmion

At home, she does the laundry, irons shirts, shops, cooks and washes dishes, rolling her eyes at her oblivious menfolk.

She's so tuned-in to Harry's vulnerabilities on social media that she hacks his laptop, and even discusses the dangers of porn with him  in a caring, cautionary manner.

Her particular talents are 'soft skills' and 'emotional lifting', ensuring her son, and female defendants, feel confident and heard.

Yet what she witnesses in court  the subtle bullying by male barristers, toying with traumatised female plaintiffs, as well as the horrifying evidence in violent sexual assaults  renders her hyper-vigilant, terrified of what might happen to her boy, who's just turned 18.

Alas, despite scrupulous ethical and professional hygiene, and a neatly compartmentalised life  and fitted kitchen with elegant G Plan table and chairs  Jessica finds her mission derailed.

So yes  spoiler alert  Miller's story is about what happens when the shoe is on the other foot, and her beloved son is himself accused of rape. And yet, unlike Prima Facie, this isn't about the horrors of the sexual assault itself. It's about Jessica's vicarious experience of it.

Of her son, we know very little beyond Jessica's desperate and seemingly doomed attempts to protect him. By all the laws of childcare he should have turned out to be as faultless as her.

Of his accuser we learn even less, only that they played together as children. Instead, it's all about Jessica's anxieties as she finds herself grasping at all the excuses she deplores.

How or why Harry was capable of the crime is a mystery, beyond vague notions of peer pressure and the mysterious workings of 'the patriarchy'. One comic coital scene sees Pike and Glover simulating boozy sex after a dinner party by his plucking an electric guitar slung around her midriff, and there is humour scattered almost throughout.

But as the stresses mount, Judge Jessica turns on her husband, raging at his failure to teach Harry how to be a man. Comic relief becomes a distant memory.

Pike's one hour and 40 minute whirlwind of a performance, changing in and out of judge's wig and robes and slipping into silk blouses and a scarlet cocktail dress, ensures we don't get too much time for lateral thinking. It's a gripping, socio-political railroad. Justin Martin's production steams ahead, powered by Pike's breathless performance, while hipster guitar solos by Glover's Michael and drumming by McAlinden's Harry echo the mood with jangling dissonance.

Many less affluent (and less perfect) mums will find Jessica's parental fears thoroughly relatable. They are a powerful indictment of the moral malaise we all inhabit.

It's a roller coaster of a show for which Pike may well win an Olivier Award this coming Sunday. But be warned: Tickets are as rare as gold dust and comparably priced, with stalls seats going for 173 to 253.
Lawyers representing Blake Lively in her case against It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni have made a new demand of his attorneys with just over one month to go before the trial is set to begin.

Lively's attorneys alleged in an April 7 letter to US District Judge Lewis Liman that Baldoni and his co-defendants have not confirmed whether they will provide testimony at the trial in court or just via deposition.

They asked the defendants to provide them with the information by Wednesday so that they could properly prepare for the trial, which is scheduled to begin on May 18.

'The presence or absence of those parties at trial will substantially affect the presentation of evidence, including the order of witnesses, the parties' preparation for testimony and the Court's pre-trial rulings,' Lively's attorneys argued.

'Defendants' refusal to provide this straightforward information to Ms Lively appears designed to manufacture a strategic advantage by depriving Ms Lively of information that will substantially influence her ability to complete, in a timely fashion, the witness and exhibit lists, as well as other exchanges completed in the forthcoming Joint Pretrial Order,' they alleged.

Baldoni's co-defendants include Wayfarer Studios CEO Jamey Heath, Wayfarer Studios co-founder Steve Sarowitz, crisis public relations specialist Melissa Nathan and publicist Jennifer Abel.

The upcoming trial is set to focus on claims that Baldoni and his co-defendants engaged in an alleged smear campaign started by his PR team.

Liman has previously dismissed 10 of Livelys 13 claims, including all of her sexual harassment allegations.

Blake Lively's attorneys have made a new demand of Justin Baldoni's lawyers ahead of their scheduled trial next month

Her attorneys claim Baldoni's lawyers have not provided them with information about whether he and other co-defendants plan to testify in person or via deposition. Baldoni is seen departing the federal courthouse in Manhattan in February

The two of them starred as love interests in It Ends With Us, a movie inspired by the book written by Coleen Hoover

The two parties now remain in a stalemate, after both Lively and Baldoni rejected their latest effort to settle their legal troubles before the trial.

The Daily Mail understands that no agreement has been reached in the behind-closed-doors hearings in New York on Monday - but more talks could take place soon.

The meetings on Monday were described by Judge Liman as a chance for both sides to tell the court about their updated settlement position.'

At the federal court in New York, Magistrate Judge Sarah Cave held back-to-back remote phone conferences with lawyers for the two sides on Monday, with Lively going first.

Baldonis spokespeople did not provide a statement.

Lively claimed in her lawsuit, which was filed in December 2024, that she suffered at least $161 million in damages after Baldoni sexually harassed her on the set and then launched an online smear campaign against her.

Baldoni had also filed his own lawsuit, a $400 million defamation case against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds as well as the New York Times.

The judge had earlier dismissed his case entirely.

Join the discussion Do YOU think this case will reach trial without a settlement?

A judge has previously dismissed 10 of Livelys 13 claims , including all of her sexual harassment allegations

In his ruling dismissing most of Livelys claims, Judge Liman disagreed that Baldoni crossed the boundaries during filming of a dance scene when he added unscripted kisses.

In the film Lively played florist Lily Bloom who gets into an abusive relationship with Baldoni, who played neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid.

In his ruling, Judge Liman wrote: Creative artists, no less than comedy room writers, must have some amount of space to experiment within the bounds of an agreed script without fear of being held liable for sexual harassment.

Nor did Baldoni fat shame Lively when he asked her personal trainer about her weight, the judge said.

The physical appearance of the protagonists was part of the product that the producers were intending to offer the audience, the judge wrote.

Lively herself recognized that achieving a certain aesthetic was part of the job that we both excitedly signed up for.

Many of Livelys claims were dismissed because she did not sign a legal document, known as the Actor Loanout Agreement, which would have governed sexual harassment.

In addition, Lively had so much control over the film that she did not qualify as an employee, so could not sue under the laws she cited, the judge found.

Judge Liman disagreed that Baldoni crossed the boundaries during filming of a dance scene when he added unscripted kisses. Baldoni is pictured entering court in February

But in a win for Lively, Judge Liman did find that there was enough evidence of a retaliation campaign for a jury to decide whether it took place.

The remaining claims that will go to trial are: breach of contract, retaliation and aiding and abetting retaliation, all of which Baldoni denies.

In a statement after the judges decision last week, Baldonis lawyers Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach said they were very pleased with the ruling.

Sigrid McCawley, a member of Livelys legal team, told the Daily Mail, 'This case has always been and will remain focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Livelys reputation because she stood up for safety on the set and that is the case that is going to trial.

Lively looks forward to testifying at trial, McCawley added.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Baldoni's attorneys for comment.
Donald Trump's former counterintelligence official has been feuding with Jake Tapper after the CNN star slammed him for sharing false information about the Iran War.

Just hours before the US staged a daring military operation to rescue an Air Force colonel, ex-National Counterterrorism Center chief Joe Kent shared a story suggesting the US was trying to kill him.

Kent sensationally resigned several weeks ago, saying in his resignation letter that Iran posed no imminent threat and the war was driven by pressure from Israel.

He posted a story from the left-wing Drop Site News alleging the Pentagon 'lost hope' of rescuing the unidentified airman and instead was going to kill him before Iran could capture him.

Tapper quote-tweeted Kent's post after the rescue writing that he was 'sharing Iranian state-linked outlet nonsense claiming, falsely, that the US was trying to kill the then-lost US pilot. Aged rather poorly, I think it's fair to say.'

Not in Our Interest

Kent - an Iraq War veteran whose wife was killed on active duty - didn't take kindly to Tapper's criticism and slammed him as a war propagandist.

'Tapper's purpose, like the entire corporate media, is to promote this foolish war and attack anyone who points out how this war isn't in our nation's interest,' he wrote.

He encouraged his followers to instead 'read independent media, Iranian media & US media - always question those cheering on wars & always pray for our troops.'

Tapper shot back: 'Anyone who watches the coverage on The Lead/State of the Union knows I don't "promote" the war. We cover it, critically.'

'Moreover, I wasn't attacking Mr. Kent. I pointed out that he had promoted false information suggesting the US was seeking to *kill* the missing US pilot. Wild stuff.'

Kent doubled down after Tapper's criticism, as well as the New York Post writing a story calling him a 'conspiracy theorist,' suggesting a large-scale media effort on behalf of the war.

'The Post is jumping in w/CNN to show that war & supporting Israel 1st is bipartisan. I quoted Drop Site News that gave a roll up of U.S. & Iranian coverage. This attack is designed to divert from the main issue- this foolish war is not in our interest & only benefits Israel,' he wrote.

God Was Watching Us

Trump revealed extraordinary new details about the daring rescue mission to extract a wounded US airman who spent almost 48 hours stranded in Iran .

The President on Monday described an all-hands-on-deck operation that employed 155 aircraft - including 64 fighter jets, 48 refueling tankers, 13 rescue aircraft and three helicopters.

Trump lauded 'a breathtaking show of skill and precision, lethality and force' as US forces swooped into mountainous terrain in southern Iran to rescue the weapons systems officer (WSO) whose F-15E fighter jet went down on Good Friday.

'He scaled cliff faces, bleeding rather profusely, contacted his platoon, treated his own wounds and contacted American forces,' Trump said of the still unidentified officer, who was rescued on Easter Sunday.

Trump admitted that there were military officers who were opposed to the operation which he said risked hundreds of lives. 'God was watching us,' the President said.

The pilot was rescued the day of the crash after both airmen ejected over enemy territory, but the WSO had remained missing.

The President noted how the weapons officer was able to activate a 'beeper' that showed US forces where to search for him, leading to the airman's rescue and likely saving the soldier's life. 'It was like finding a needle in a haystack,' Trump said.

Blown to Smithereens

Trump also lashed out at the media for reporting that the second airman was still missing, accusing outlets of alerting the Iranians to a target. He warned that 'the person who reported the story will go to jail' if they refuse to reveal their source.

It was unclear which reporter Trump was referring to and speculation ran rampant online Monday afternoon.

Trump revealed that US forces blew up their own planes before leaving because they had become bogged down in the makeshift runway at the extraction point.

Iran's military said two US C-130 military transport planes and two Black Hawk helicopters were destroyed during the operation.

'We blew them up to smithereens,' Trump claimed.

'It was sandy, wet sand, so we thought there may be a problem taking off because of the weight of the plane,' he continued. 'And then we also had all the men jumping back onto the planes, and they got pretty well bogged down.'

The President said US forces used a 'farm not a runway' to land and execute the search and rescue operation.

Trump said the US military had a 'contingency plan' for exactly that scenario, 'which was pretty unbelievable. Where lighter, faster aircraft came in and they took them out.'

Anti-Aircraft Secrets

He said the old planes were destroyed 'because we had equipment on the planes' they the US didn't want in enemy hands.

'We didn't want anybody examining our anti-aircraft equipment and other equipment. So these were large planes that were old, pretty old, and we blew them up,' Trump divulged.

The downed airman first made contact by radioing in 'God is good,' Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recounted, adding 'we leave no man behind.'

The plane's callsign was 'Dude 44,' said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine, with scores of aircraft scrambled within hours.

Caine praised the swift recovery of the pilot on Friday and the planning that went into rescuing the WSO.

The general said a special operations force fought their way in to extract the downed WSO in the early hours of Sunday, pressing on into daylight.

'We will always bring overwhelming skill and firepower,' the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs added.

When Trump was asked how many servicemembers were involved in the mission, Caine interjected: 'I'd love to keep that a secret.'

'OK, well ... but I will tell you the number. I'll keep it a secret. But it was hundreds and hundreds of these people,' the President responded.

Share your thoughts with us in the comments
Savannah Guthrie has yet again been taunted by cruel ransom note writers - on the day she returned back to work on the Today Show after her two-month hiatus.

The presenter took leave after her mother, Nancy, disappeared from her Arizona home without a trace on February 1. The elderly woman's location is still not known.

Ever since the alleged kidnapping, Guthrie and her family have been receiving ransom notes asking for Bitcoin in exchange for knowledge of Nancy's whereabouts.

Many came through news outlet TMZ, and on Monday they claimed to have received a new one.

As Savannah was welcomed back to the TODAY show, the outlet claimed that the note came in from the same tipster who has been offering to reveal the identity of Nancy's kidnappers for months.

The tip said their offer to 'deliver them on a silver platter' for one bitcoin still stands, TMZ reported.

Disregarded as a Scam

Not too long after the outlet discussed the new ransom note live on air, they received a second letter that claimed to have seen Nancy alive.

'I saw her alive with them in the state of Sonora Mexico,' it read, according to the outlet.

However, in the first note the sender reportedly said, 'she is dead.'

The outlet forwarded the letter to the FBI, who are skeptical about whether it is legitimate as the bitcoin address has received no deposit since it was created in February.

'It's unbelievable that millions have been wasted and yet here I am willing to deliver them on a silver platter since the 11th of February for a bitcoin but I am disregarded as a scam,' the note read.

'They are free and the case is frozen but the ego's remain hot when it comes to me Arrogance at it's finest.'

The sender offered information for half a bitcoin, with the other half to be sent over as public interest grows.

Disregarded as a Scam

They also tried to clear themselves of any suspicion by stating they had been out of the US for five years and had nothing to do with the 'horrific crime,' TMZ reported.

'I just want what's fair and to live peacefully with enough to start my life again quietly without having to join a witness protection program,' the letter claimed.

This morning, Savannah cried as she was welcomed back on air two months after her mother was abducted.

As she made her way outside, alongside her morning show co-hosts, to Rockefeller Plaza around 8.30am ET Monday, she was greeted by a team of supporters.

Wearing yellow ribbons as a sign of hope and carrying signs of support, Savannah sobbed as she met with those who gathered.

The journalist said: 'These signs are so beautiful, you guys have been so beautiful. I've received so many letters, so much kindness to me and my whole family.'

'We feel it, we feel your prayers,' she said as she wiped away tears using co-host Al Roker's handkerchief while locking arms with Jenna Bush Hager.

Its Good to Be Home

At one point, she told a supporter, who was seen wearing a T-shirt reading 'Welcome Home Savannah', 'I love you.'

Prior to stepping outside as part of the programming, it was business as usual from behind the studio desk as she kick-started the show with co-host Craig Melvin.

She said, 'It's good to be home,' while wearing a cheerful yellow lace dress that coordinated beautifully with spring flowers placed in vases behind her.

Placing a protective hand on top of Savannah's, Melvin said, 'It's good to have you home.'

Savannah responded, 'Well, ready or not, here we go, let's read the news,' and got stuck into an in-depth piece on Iran.

About half an hour after Savannah's return, the camera panned to show a number of people outside the Manhattan studio with signs of support.

She said: 'Some beautiful signs out there. Im excited to see them [and] give them all a hug. Ive been really feeling the love so much.'

NBC is said to have created a comprehensive plan to help Savannah return. It is unclear what will happen if there is an update about Nancy's case just before the star goes on air, or while she is hosting live.

Armed and Masked

Nancy, 84, was last seen entering her $1 million home on the evening of January 31 after having dinner with her daughter, Annie, and son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni.

The next morning, she was reported missing after failing to attend a virtual church service with friends.

Ten days later, terrifying photos and videos of a potential suspect were released by the FBI, showing an armed, masked figure wearing black latex gloves at the door of her home.

The figure was seen tampering with her Nest doorbell camera. The footage has so far been the only major evidence breakthrough that has been made public.

Since Savannah's mother vanished, there have been a series of ransom notes sent to the family and to media outlets demanding money in Bitcoin in return for Nancy.

Savannah told Kotb she believed two of the notes were genuine, but nothing ever came of them.

Authorities and the family also could not verify the authenticity of the ransom notes, despite their willingness to pay.

Over the course of the investigation, only a few people have been taken in for questioning. No one has been arrested.

Share your thoughts with us in the comments
In yesterday's fascinating extract from ROBERT HARDMAN'S new biography of the late Queen, he recounted what President Donald Trump told him over dinner about his views on the Royals. Today, he reveals how the Queen spent her final summer in Balmoral

No monarch had marked 70 years on the Throne. Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee opened with her annual Birthday Parade. She did not appear in the procession but came out on to the Palace balcony at the end.

The following day, the Palace said she was 'too tired' to attend the service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral. In fact, it had never been the plan that she would be there at all.

Appearing for a few minutes on the Palace balcony was fine; a whole church service was not. She would watch it on television, as would the Duke of York, who had miraculously contracted Covid for the entire jubilee weekend.

The Queen also missed the Epsom Derby and a special evening concert in front of the Palace before the jubilee concluded the next day with a 7,000-strong rolling pageant meandering the full length of the Mall and beyond.

Once again, the Queen was watching on television at Windsor until the Prince of Wales felt that she really had to be part of it. As the pageant concluded with Ed Sheeran singing in front of the Palace, the Royal Standard suddenly appeared on the flagpole above. The Queen had arrived through the back gate.

With the Mall now full to capacity with crowds, she emerged on the balcony in dark green, unaided but for her stick. Poor weather late in the day had ruled out the usual flypast by the Red Arrows. But no matter. On this occasion, the Queen herself had been the grand finale.

The photograph of a beaming Queen, stick in hand, on her feet, in a cardigan and Balmoral tartan in front of the fireplace, would be the last image ever taken of Elizabeth II.

A Quiet Farewell in the Queens Final Months

No one had stood on this balcony, waving and being waved at, more often than Elizabeth II. Ninety-five years on from her debut as a tiny child in the reign of George V, she went back through the French windows for the very last time.

The jubilee had exhausted the Queen. For the first time in her reign, she missed every single day of the Royal Ascot meeting, a sure sign something was amiss.

At the end of June, however, she travelled north to Edinburgh for her usual week of official events at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. If the Queen was going to conserve her energies for anything, it was for this traditional reminder of her central role in Scottish life.

The monarch then returned to Windsor for the final round of summer engagements ahead of her summer holiday at Balmoral. Though unspoken, many felt a sense of final farewell this time. Perhaps the Queen did too.

'She was so brave,' said an official who saw her regularly over the summer. 'You could tell she was having a lot of treatment from the bruising on her hands where the cannula had gone in. Her hands seemed permanently bruised.'

She went to see her fell pony, Emma, and her other horses for one last time. On the eve of her departure, she held the last round of audiences and a Privy Council meeting.

'We had a private chat at the end of it,' said one of those present. 'I felt a bit emotional when I left because, well, it just felt to me like a goodbye. She had some very clear messages about how she thought things would go in the future. Very clear, indeed!'

The Queen wanted all the great-grandchildren to come up to Balmoral at some point over that summer, even if the Sussexes might not be able to make it. 'She wanted to make sure that they all had a really happy memory of her,' explained a friend of the family.

Her exact medical condition has never been revealed. Those closest to her will only say that she had 'a number of things' in the late summer of 2022. Whatever the exact cause, she was well aware of her medical prognosis, and it had been enough to encourage her to tie up various loose ends.

Johnson arrived at Balmoral shortly before noon on September 6 to resign, stayed for around 15 minutes and left. An hour later, Truss arrived to be appointed as the 15th British prime minister of the Queen's reign.

'She stood up to greet me,' Truss told me. 'She was clearly physically not very well but we talked for about 20 minutes. She was alert.'

Final Duty Fulfilled in the Queens Last Days

She had also given thought to her funeral arrangements  though not much. Some members of the family took great delight in making these plans. The Queen Mother had always wanted to be updated whenever there was a rehearsal for her funeral, while Lord Mountbatten's endless changes to every aspect of his final farewell would exasperate officials.

Elizabeth II was well aware that many people had been planning her funeral for decades, but did not dwell on it. Indeed, one member of staff said she had to be nudged to nominate her choice of hymns after the clergy made a gentle request for guidance. Ever the pragmatist, she was still looking to the present, and had certainly not precluded a sudden return to London at short notice to appoint a new prime minister.

Boris Johnson's resignation as Tory leader had kickstarted a summer-long Conservative leadership contest which left the country listless for weeks. The Queen had therefore decided that whenever a leader was finally chosen, she would take the royal train down to London.

An official told me that she thought it would look 'selfish' to drag outgoing and incoming prime ministers up to the Highlands with television news cameras following them there and back. Besides, she believed the country needed to resume being governed as quickly as possible.

As the summer wore on, however, she was beginning to feel weaker again. In mid-August, she asked her officials if it might be acceptable for her to remain in Scotland. They assured her that it would be and, just to reassure her, they secured the approval of all the leadership candidates, too.

It was now becoming clear she might actually never head south again. She discussed it with her children. Typically, her concern was that she might be creating unnecessary problems for everyone else.

'There was a moment when she felt that it would be more difficult if she died at Balmoral,' said the Princess Royal. 'And I think we did try to persuade her that it shouldn't be part of the decision-making process. So I hope she felt that that was right in the end.'

On September 5, Liz Truss was formally declared the new Conservative leader and plans were set in motion for 'kissing hands' and her formal appointment the following day. The Queen was determined to effect the transition with all the dignity and correctness she had observed with all her prime ministers, going back to Winston Churchill. It would require a very great effort, though sadly no one would realise how much effort until later.

Johnson arrived at Balmoral shortly before noon on September 6 to resign, stayed for around 15 minutes and left. An hour later, Truss arrived to be appointed as the 15th British prime minister of the Queen's reign.

'She stood up to greet me,' Truss told me. 'She was clearly physically not very well but we talked for about twenty minutes. She was alert. I would say she was relieved that the thing had actually happened and that we were now moving things forward.'

The photograph of a beaming Queen, stick in hand, on her feet, in cardigan and Balmoral tartan in front of the Balmoral fireplace, would be the last image ever taken of Elizabeth II.

Were an animator to have drawn a bubble emanating from her head, it might have said: 'Job done.' She had sailed through her jubilee and had now put the country back on an even keel (not for long, though the Queen was not to know it).

There was only a small party in residence at the castle, including the Princess Royal who was, by good fortune, in the area undertaking engagements.

All gathered for early evening drinks where one of those present remembered the Queen 'quite buzzy' as she looked back on some of the prime ministers she had known. The day, however, had taken its toll. She then announced that she would be going upstairs to have dinner alone.

Rev Kenneth MacKenzie, minister at Crathie church and a chaplain to the Queen, sat at her bedside reading from the Bible.

Royal Family Gathers as Queens Health Declines

That night, back in London, Boris Johnson confided in friends that he had never seen the Queen look so weak. 'We were helping him to drown his sorrows after resigning, but he said that what really made him sad was that he wouldn't be around as prime minister to give the Queen a really good send-off  which he would have done because he was a wordsmith,' said one of his closest allies. 'He just said, 'She looked terribly, terribly frail'.'

There was, however, no cause for alarm until the following day, when the Queen said she would be staying in bed. That was unusual, even at this stage of life.

The local doctor, Douglas Glass from Ballater, was asked to drop by. He would regularly report in to the Queen's senior doctor, Sir Huw Thomas, the Head of the Royal Medical Household, but at this stage there was no need for medical backup.

Plans were put in place for the Queen to attend that evening's meeting of the Privy Council (a very important one following the change of government) through an audio link to the Downing Street conference suite. With minutes to go, the politicians in London were told that the meeting was off on 'medical advice'.

The Princess Royal had been keeping her elder brother updated at the other end of Scotland, where he was at Dumfries House with the Duchess of Cornwall. The following morning, the couple boarded a helicopter to Balmoral.

Rather than cause a commotion and disturb the Queen at the castle, they landed at their home at Birkhall. It was so last-minute that there was no car waiting. The Prince borrowed a Land Rover from a member of the estate staff and climbed into the driving seat.



A Sudden Turn Marks the Queens Last Hours

By late morning, the Prince and the Duchess of Cornwall had spent an hour at the Queen's bedside. Since word would soon be spreading of all these royal movements, the Queen's private secretary, Sir Edward Young, knew that a bulletin was needed.

Normally, the Palace only issued medical statements if the Queen was hospitalised or missing an engagement. At 12.32, the Palace announced simply that she was 'under medical supervision' while remaining 'comfortable and at Balmoral'. The fact that the bulletin said nothing spoke volumes to those in the know.

Prince Charles and the Duchess decided to leave her to rest for a while. Princess Anne and the monarch's dresser Angela Kelly ensured that the Queen was never alone.

Even at this stage, there was no need for constant medical supervision or intervention. The current advice was to think in terms of days, perhaps even a week or two. No one was talking hours, let alone minutes.

Dr Glass remained at the little staff surgery inside the castle while the Rev Kenneth MacKenzie, minister at Crathie church and a chaplain to the Queen, sat at her bedside reading from the Bible.

A little after 3pm, there was an urgent call for Dr Glass to come upstairs. It appeared that the Queen had now stopped breathing. At the same time, the Princess Royal called Birkhall to alert the Prince of Wales that he needed to return as quickly as possible.

The prince had been out in the grounds picking mushrooms, as he liked to do in early autumn, while the Duchess was walking the dogs. The couple jumped back in the Land Rover with their tiny team and set off for the castle at speed.

The prince took the South Deeside Road, between the woods and the river, a route he had known all his life, and then veered off on to an even smaller back road leading into the estate.

A Solemn Turning Point in Royal History

Up in the Queen's bedroom, Dr Glass checked and checked again. There could be no doubt. His patient was at peace.

Sir Edward Young was waiting outside the room. Dr Glass went outside and confirmed to him that the Queen was dead. Young was now on autopilot. His duty was to tell the new sovereign immediately before telling anyone else.

He called Birkhall to be told that the prince was on his way. He asked the Balmoral switchboard to try all the mobile numbers of those in the small entourage in the hope that someone would have a signal.

The prince might only be minutes away, but there could be no risk of any delay through a puncture or, worse, some sort of accident. Eventually, one of the party could feel their phone vibrating and could see the call was from the switchboard.

The phone was passed to the prince's private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, who answered, asked his boss to stop the car and handed him the device. For the first time, on a lonely, beautiful Highland roadside sitting in the driving seat of an old Land Rover, King Charles III was addressed as 'Your Majesty'.

Sir Edward Young duly asked the constitutional formalities. By what name would the King reign? (Charles.) And would His Majesty grant permission to call the Prime Minister? (Yes.) 'I'm nearly there,' the new monarch said, and put the car in gear.

A handwritten note by Sir Edward was immediately agreed with the doctor for clarity and posterity. It would also be very comforting for all who loved her. It stated: 'Dougie [Glass] in at 3.25. Very peaceful. In her sleep. Slipped away. Old age. Death has to be registered in Scotland. Agree 3.10pm. She wouldn't have been aware of anything. No pain.'
Wireless Festival has been cancelled after Kanye West was blocked from travelling to the UK to headline it.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood banned the rapper from entering Britain to perform at the festival in July on the grounds his presence would 'not be conducive to the public good'.

Sir Keir Starmer insisted he 'should never have been invited to headline Wireless' and said he 'stands firmly with the Jewish community' against anti-Semitism.

Calls had been growing for West to be removed from the line up after a string of anti-Semitic outbursts, including releasing a song called Heil Hitler and posing in a swastika t-shirt.

Farage warns against slippery slope over Kanye ban

But Nigel Farage today spoke out against calls to bar him from Britain, calling it a 'slippery slope'.

He said: 'I know he said some dreadful things. If people thought he was genuinely going to come into Britain and urge attacks on the Jewish community, then there would be full grounds for stopping it. If it's just saying things we find objectionable that I think bans are a slippery slope.'

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney also backed calls to allow West to perform, saying 'we live in a free country' and we should 'let people enjoy the music they want to listen to'.

The 48-year-old applied for an Electronic Travel Authorisation yesterday, but he was denied entry to the UK. As a result, organisers have cancelled the entire event, saying refunds would be issued to all ticketholders.

'As with every Wireless Festival, multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking YE and no concerns were highlighted at the time,' a spokesman said.

'Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had. As YE said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and in spite of this still hopes to be given the opportunity to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the UK.'

West had said he wanted to show 'change through his actions' and meet with Jews in London ahead of the performance in Finsbury Park - which would have been his first in the UK in 11 years.

He joins the likes of Eva Vlaardingerbroek - a Dutch anti-immigration influencer who promoted the 'great replacement' theory - in being refused permission to travel to the UK.

Pre-sale for Wireless Festival went live at midday today and general sale tickets were due out tomorrow. No other acts had been confirmed.

Starmer backs ban on Kanye West over antisemitism concerns

Sir Keir said: 'Kanye West should never have been invited to headline Wireless.

'This government stands firmly with the Jewish community, and we will not stop in our fight to confront and defeat the poison of antisemitism. We will always take the action necessary to protect the public and uphold our values.'

The Campaign Against Antisemitism welcomed the decision.

'The Government has clearly made the right decision here - for once, when it said that antisemitism has no place in the UK, it backed up its words with action,' a spokesman said.

'Someone who has boasted of making tens of millions of dollars from selling swastika t-shirts and who released a song called ''Heil Hitler'' just months ago clearly would not be conducive to the public good in the UK.'

Karen Pollock, CEO of the Holocaust Educational Trust, also supported the Government's move.

'Kanye West sold merchandise with swastikas, had a song called Heil Hitler and called for ''death con 3'' of Jews - he might have apologised but that does not give him the automatic right to headline a major festival,' she said.

'In an age when Jewish communities are facing regular acts of violence, this whole debate sadly shows how normalised antisemitism has become. No other community would be told to ''forgive'' or ''talk'' - the disgusting racism would be recognised for what it is.'

Festival boss defends Kanye booking amid visa row

This morning, Melvin Benn, managing director at Festival Republic, which promotes Wireless Festival, revealed that West had been a granted a visa to come to the UK 'in the last few days'.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Benn said: 'He has a visa already issued to appear, to come into the country, and the Home Secretary may well rescind that today, I don't know.

'If she does, she does, and then the issue is over in terms of his appearance.'

Mr Benn previously defended the decision to put West, who is also known as Ye, on the bill at Wireless Festival, describing himself as a 'deeply committed anti-fascist' and 'person of forgiveness'.

In a statement, Mr Benn added: 'What Ye has said in the past about Jews and Hitler is as abhorrent to me as it is to the Jewish community, the Prime Minister and others that have commented and - taking him at his word - to Ye now also.

'Ye's music is played on commercial radio stations in this country.

'It is available via live streams and downloads in this country without comment or vitriol from anyone and he has a legal right to come into the country and to perform in this country. He is intended to come in and perform.

'We are not giving him a platform to extol opinion of whatever nature, only to perform the songs that are currently played on the radio stations in our country and the streaming platforms in our country and listened to and enjoyed by millions.'

West had been set to top the bill for all three nights of Wireless Festival. Responding to the backlash, the rapper vowed to bring 'unity, peace, and love' through his music.

He wrote on social media: 'I've been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly. My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music.

'I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen. I know words aren't enough - I'll have to show change through my actions. If you're open, I'm here.'

Speaking earlier today, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he did not believe West should be allowed into the UK.

'No I do not think he should be headlining the Wireless Festival,' he told GB News.

'I think his comments were absolutely grotesque and whatever justification he uses, he has got to accept that with his enormous fame and reach comes influence and a responsibility, and his comments take place against a backdrop of rising antisemitism, rising hatred against Jewish people, not just around the world but in this country.

'Using bipolar disorder to justify his actions is appalling.'

West had previously attributed his hateful comments to a head injury sustained in a car crash 25 years ago.

He previously made an apology to the Jewish community in 2023 in a social media statement posted in Hebrew.

But he then went on to sell swastika t-shirts on his website in February 2025.

Sponsors like Pepsi and Diageo had already withdrawn their support for Wireless Festival after West was announced as the headline act.

Rockstar Energy also pulled its sponsorship, according to reports, while PayPal will not appear in any of the event's future promotional materials.

Behaviour deemed not conducive to the public good can include engaging in 'extremism' or acting in a way that is likely to 'incite public disorder'.

A person does not need to have a criminal conviction to be barred, according to Home Office guidance.

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Trader Joes is going on a nationwide expansion spree as Americans hunt for cheaper groceries.

The cult-favorite chain, founded in 1967, is planning to open more than 20 new stores in 2026 - including at least 17 already confirmed across 12 states.

New locations are set to land in cities including Paso Robles and Anaheim Hills in California, Spokane Valley and Seattle in Washington, Oswego in Illinois, West Orange in New Jersey, Lafayette in Louisiana and Herriman in Utah.

The grocer has already opened two stores in 2026 - one in Miller Place, New York, and another in Hamden, Connecticut.

Trader Joes added 34 locations in 2024 and a further 43 in 2025, taking its nationwide footprint to more than 600 stores across 43 states.

The only states left without a Trader Joe's are Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Trader Joe's is in an expansion battle with rival Aldi, America's fastest-growing grocery chain.

Germanowned Aldi - founded in 1946 - operates more than 2,500 locations across 40 US states and opened 225 new stores last year alone, on top of the 105 in 2024.

Trader Joe's currently has over 600 stores nationwide, with plans to open more across California and Washington

Despite long lines and infamously complicated parking lots, Trader Joe's remains a fan-favorite grocery chain in the US

Trader Joe's customers shared their love for products like chicken tikka masala and chicken soup dumplings

Trader Joe's also unveiled plans for a distribution center near New York - creating up to 800 jobs - in September.

The brands popularity is reflected in customer rankings. Trader Joes recently took the top spot in the American Customer Satisfaction Index, snatching the top spot from reigning grocery chain Publix.

Trader Joe's, known for its quirky branding and private-label grocery items, first opened in Pasadena, California in 1967.

In recent years, the brand developed a cult following, with some social media users claiming it's their go-to spot for snacks, ready-made frozen meals - and branded mini tote bags.

Earlier this year, Trader Joes was forced to recall millions of pounds of frozen fried rice products after safety concerns, with the total recall eventually ballooning to around 47 million pounds.
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

'Affordable luxury' is coming to Walmart at a less-than-affordable price point.

Under the parent organization L'Oreal, La Roche-Posay creates dermatologist recommended skincare products, finding its footing in the US within the past few years.

La Roche-Posay was originally offered at Ulta Beauty and Target for US shoppers. As of April 2026, however, the brand will be joining Walmart's shelves in an effort to expand its customer base.

The French skincare brand will be available in 1,460 Walmart stores, meaning some locations will be left without the added skincare options.

Not every La Roche-Posay will be available to Walmart shoppers, either.

The products joining Walmart shelves will include the Double Repair Moisturizer, Broad Spectrum SPF 60 Sunscreen, Cicaplast Balm B5, Effaclar BPO Acne Treatment and Hyalu B5 Serum.

La Roche-Posay will also be giving Walmart pharmacists 'specialized training' so they can better suggest products to curious customers.

'By launching at Walmart, we are significantly expanding the reach of our mission to make science backed skincare more accessible,' La Roche-Posay said.

La Roche-Posay will now be available in-store at over 1,400 Walmart locations nationwide

La Roche Posay's Anthelios SPF 50 sunscreen costs $39.99 when ordered online at Target

Prices for La Roche-Posay products hover around the same price point, regardless of whether customers buy them at Target, Ulta or Walmart.

A travel-approved La Roche-Posay matte face moisturizer costs a whopping $24.97 on the Walmart website.

Just under seven ounces of SPF 50 UV Pro-Sport Sunscreen will run online Walmart customers $32.97.

For comparison, seven ounces of Coppertone's SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Lotion costs $8.88 online at Walmart. Banana Boat's version of the same product costs $8.97.

For some loyal customers, the price is justified by the brand's credibility and reliability - La Roche Posay is recommended by over 10,000 dermatologists worldwide.

Other mid-tier 'affordable luxury' skincare brands are already available at Walmart, including EltaMD and COSRX, although the retailer typically offers products at a lower price point.

This is primarily due to 2022's Walmart Start beauty program, which aims to add more up-and-coming products to Walmart's shelves.

The retailer added 60 new beauty brands to its lineup last year alone - offering La Roche-Posay to Walmart customers feels like an expected next step.

Walmart shoppers have other sunscreens to choose from, including Banana Boat, Coppertone and Hawaiian Tropic

'Through the combination of our trusted, knowledgeable team of pharmacists and the science backed skin care of La Roche-Posay, Walmart will further strengthen its place as a leading skin care destination,' Walmart said.

Walmart is a major player in the discounted retail space, with over 5,000 'supercenters' in the United States alone.

Along with Costco, Walmart continues to see soaring sales amid economic uncertainty - and is quietly updating its stores as demand grows.

New digital shelf labels, which update automatically each night, will replace the old pricing system within the next year - and have sparked fears of AI-powered surge pricing.

Walmart says digital shelf label prices are still set by humans despite the updates, as around 2,300 US stores are already using the digital system.
Qintong Boat Festival held in Taizhou City, China's Jiangsu

Xinhua) 09:00, April 07, 2026

Boatmen pole boats forward to compete during the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, on April 6, 2026. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Tang Dehong/Xinhua)

A dragon boat takes part in the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 6, 2026. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Tang Dehong/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows boats competing during the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Tang Dehong/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows boats getting ready to take part in the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Yang Yugang/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows boats getting ready to take part in the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Yan Yuming/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows boats getting ready to take part in the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Yang Yugang/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows a ceremonial boat taking part in the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Yan Yuming/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows boats getting ready to take part in the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Yan Yuming/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows a dragon boat taking part in the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Yan Yuming/Xinhua)

Boatmen pole boats forward to compete during the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, on April 6, 2026. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Yang Yugang/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows boats gathering during the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Tang Dehong/Xinhua)

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People across Derry and Strabane will be able to experience some of the worlds most beloved paintings right in their own communities with the launch of The National Gallery: Art On Your Doorstep project next week.

Delivered in partnership with the National Gallery in London, Derry City and Strabane District Council has reproduced eighteen paintings from the Gallerys collection at life size, bringing iconic artworks directly into outdoor public spaces across six locations in the district. Councils Museum team has carefully selected a range of paintings that includes familiar masterpieces by artists such as Renoir and Van Gogh, alongside works that explore themes of nature, food and celebration.

Each painting is displayed within a life-size reproduction of its original frame, allowing viewers to experience the artworks up close and take in the fine details that make each piece unique.

The National Gallery has been bringing people and paintings together for more than 200 years. While its home in London remains free to visit, initiatives like Art On Your Doorstep extend the reach of the national collection, ensuring that more communities can enjoy these extraordinary works.

Members of the public are encouraged to follow the trail, scan the QR codes to learn more about the artworks, unlocking stories about the paintings and the artists who created them. The QR codes also provide access to The Keeper of Paintings and the Mischievous Masterpieces, a free interactive mobile game created with children to encourage younger audiences to engage with art in a fun and imaginative way.

READ NEXT: Three Derry bars shortlisted for prestigious title in National Pub and Bar Awards

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Ruairi McHugh, said the trail would encourage curiosity and creativity. We are delighted to partner with the National Gallery to bring Art On Your Doorstep to our district. This initiative makes world-class art accessible to everyone and encourages people to explore their local areas in a new way. Its a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to experience iconic works of art in an informal setting, and we hope the trail will create lasting memories and inspire creativity throughout the summer months.

Head of Culture with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter, said. Art has the power to spark imagination and conversation, and this project allows us to bring some of the worlds most celebrated paintings directly into our communities. By placing these life-size reproductions in accessible locations across the district, we hope people of all ages will pause, look closely and discover something new. Were particularly excited about the interactive elements, which make the trail engaging for families and young people.

The six sites to follow the art trail are the Tower Museum, Acorn Farm, St Columbs Park House, NI Libraries Strabane, The Diamond Castlederg and alongside Newtownstewart Castle.

The exhibition trail will officially launch at the Tower Museum at 11am on March 31st, 2026, and all are welcome to attend. It will run until the end of September.
A man was arrested on Sunday in connection with the attempted murder of Charles Dooher in January 2025.

The Lifford man was left for dead when a masked gang stormed his home in the border town.

On Sunday, April 5, 2026, a man, aged in his 50s, was arrested by Gardai and detained at a Garda Station under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007.

Detectives probing the brutal attack on the young farmer released the man without charge after a period of questioning.

A file is now being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The man is the sixth person to be arrested in connection with the incident, which is being treated as an attempted murder.

Both the Gardai and the PSNI are involved in the investigation.

In November, a man in his 40s was arrested in the Dublin area. He was also released without charge.

In July of last year, a 60-year-old man was arrested by the PSNI in Derry and a woman in her 50s was lifted by detectives in Donegal and quizzed over a number of days at Letterkenny Garda Station.

In the days after the attack on Mr Dooher, two men were arrested in Derry, but also later released on bail.

On the first anniversary of the attack, Mr Dooher said that his attackers would have to face God.

At around 10am on January 20, 2025, a masked and armed gang set upon the 26-year-old farmer in his home at Conneyburrow Road.

He was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where he underwent extensive surgeries - including having a protective plate fitted to his head.

Mr Dooher was left with a shattered skull and a traumatic brain injury, but made what was called a miracle recovery after spending several weeks in intensive care.

One year ago today if the organisers got their way I wouldnt be here today, my surgeon said its one of the worst injurys hes ever seen from America to Ireland, Mr Dooher said in a social media post in January.

I am walking proof of grace. Learning to walk and talk again along with many other things, God help the people that done this; They will all have to face God himself some day.

Read next: People Before Profit slam proposed Lough Neagh 'Mega-Farm'

Several Garda units, including the Armed Response Unit, attended the scene of the attack and a major cross-border manhunt was launched as authorities on both sides of the border sought information on the gang.
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Philippines operator Globe Telecom has joined the Candle Cable System consortium, an approximately 8,000 kilometre submarine cable system connecting Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2028.

SoftBank Corp announced in September last year plans to collaborate with Meta, IPS Inc, TM Technology Services, and PT XLSmart Telecom to develop the new international submarine cable system. NEC Corporation has been contracted as the system supplier.

The construction of the Candle submarine cable system will contribute to infrastructure expansion and secure redundant routes to meet the increasing demand for data communications driven by 5G and generative AI.

Its 24 fibre pair configuration will enabling the construction of higher-capacity, lower-latency communications infrastructure to support improved connectivity across Asia. Candle will provide up to 570 terabits per second of total capacity once online.

The Manila Times news service reports that Globe has joined the consortium as both investor and landing party; the cable will connect to Globes Nasugbu landing station in Batangas in the Philippines' Calabarzon region. It complements the landing station in Baler on Luzon Island.

Globe explains that its participation is to cover the planning, financing and construction of the new landing station in Batangas. It notes that the Candle system will help support the growing need for high-capacity routes that enable advanced analytics, cross-border collaboration and cloud-based operations.

Globe adds that the infrastructure is also aligned with the Philippines governments digitisation and Cloud First direction, which calls for diversified subsea paths and stronger international gateways.
It is getting increasingly clear that there is a feud between OpenAI and its key backer, Microsoft. Recently, both companies made headlines when Sam Altman discussed the partnerships future plans at OpenAI. The situation has resurfaced after The New Yorker published a profile of CEO Sam Altman that revealed internal concerns about the deal-making approach.

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Microsofts multibillion-dollar investment in OpenAI had secured it a strategic advantage, including preferred access to AI models through its Azure cloud platform. That arrangement has been central to both companies growth in the AI space. However, OpenAIs newer agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) has raised questions about whether those exclusivity terms are now being tested.

The main dispute, as per the report, is OpenAIs enterprise-focused platform, reportedly called Frontier, which is expected to rely on AWS as a key cloud provider for third-party deployments. Microsoft reportedly believes that this could conflict with contractual clauses that require access to OpenAIs models to flow through Azure. While OpenAI and AWS maintain that the setup remains compliant, sources suggest Microsoft may consider legal options if it determines otherwise.

As per the New Yorker report, some Microsoft executives have privately expressed frustration with Altmans negotiation style, alleging that he has, at times, reinterpreted or revisited previously agreed terms.

OpenAI and AWS are reportedly working on a system that will allow AI tools to operate in a stateful environment while retaining memory and context. The companies argue that this differs from traditional API-based access and thus does not violate existing agreements. However, Microsoft reportedly disputes both the technical distinction and its contractual validity.

For Microsoft, Azures position in the AI ecosystem is inextricably linked to its partnership with OpenAI. Any dilution of its exclusivity could impact its competitive advantage in enterprise AI. The timing is especially important for OpenAI, as the company is said to be considering a public offering that could value it in the hundreds of billions of dollars.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly tried to deceive the US government into giving his company billions of dollars by warning of an AI race that may not have actually existed. In 2017, Altman met with Us intelligence officials and claimed that China had launched an AGI Manhattan Project. He urged that his company needs billions of dollars of government funding to keep pace. But when officials pressed him for evidence, Altman said, Ive heard things. He made similar claims in multiple meetings and promised to provide proof later, but he never did.

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After looking into the matter, officials found no evidence that such a Chinese project existed, reports The New Yorker. One intelligence official later said, It was just being used as a sales pitch. This suggests that Altman may have exaggerated or even invented the threat to push the government into funding OpenAI.

Altman often compared the development of AGI to the Manhattan Project, but he adjusted the meaning depending on the audience. When speaking to government officials, he stressed urgency and competition, suggesting that the US needed to act fast and invest heavily. However, when talking to safety-conscious audiences, he warned about the dangers of AGI. and argued for careful, internationally coordinated development, as per the report.

Also read: Your favourite apps may be tracking you: Here is how to stay safe

Inside OpenAI, there were also disagreements about how to move forward. Page Hedley, a former policy and ethics adviser, suggested creating global partnerships between AI labs to prevent a catastrophic arms race. However, other company members prioritised growth and competition. According to several interviews and contemporaneous records, leadership often pushed back on ideas.

One proposal reportedly involved using global rivalries to OpenAIs advantage. The idea was to encourage countries like China and Russia to compete for access to OpenAI technology, possibly even starting a bidding war. According to Hedley, the thinking was simple: It worked for nuclear weapons, so why not for AI?

If the report is true, it raises serious questions about how far tech leaders are willing to go to gain government support.
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Gardai have warned of slow moving traffic across Ireland as a protest against fuel prices got under way on Tuesday morning.

Posting on the social media site X, An Garda Siochana said they were aware of convoys on the M7 and M4 in County Kildare, on M7 in County Limerick, on the M8 in County Offaly, on the M3 in County Meath and on the M6 in County Galway.

READ NEXT: Man in his 60s killed and young woman rushed to hospital following horror crash in Louth

On Monday, Gardai warned the protest could lead to significant traffic disruption, saying drivers should plan their journeys accordingly.

Gardai say they have had limited interaction with the protest organisers.

They said: As the majority of the organisation of these convoys is taking place on social media platforms and messaging apps, An Garda Siochana is not in a position to provide accurate or detailed advice to the general public at this time.

Traffic Alert  County Westmeath A slow-moving convoy is currently impacting traffic on the M6 Junction 7 (Moate), County Westmeath. Motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly. pic.twitter.com/XiqpX3VYls  An Garda Siochana (@GardaTraffic) April 7, 2026

Posts on social media said convoys of vehicles, including HGVs, agricultural and plant vehicles, would gather at various locations across the country before travelling along major travel routes.

The messages say the plan is for some of the convoys to remain in regional locations and some of them to converge in Dublin city centre.

Gardai have had no role in permitting or authorising public gatherings or protests, but there is no permit required in order to organise any protest.

READ NEXT: 'Don't pack away the big coats' - Experts warn of 'rollercoaster' of temperatures this week

Ger Hyland, president of the Irish Road Haulage Association, told Newstalk radio the organisation is not involved in the protest.

When pressed, Mr Hyland refused to say whether he supports the protest and said: While our association is at the table trying to negotiate a deal with the government, I am not going to give an answer.

He said he empathised with demonstrators, adding members of his organisation were probably involved and that its up to every individual haulier himself to do as he sees fit for his company.
Members of the Irish public have said the fuel protests, which are causing significant road disruptions across the country, have to be done as soon we won't even be able to afford to get to work.

The demonstrations are taking place along busy roads nationwide following the rising cost of fuel due to the war in Iran. There continues to be severe congestion across a number of roads, including on parts of the M7 in Laois, N21 in Adare, Co Limerick and sections of the M50 in Dublin.

The movement is believed to have first stemmed from a group of professional drivers, taxi drivers, hauliers, farmers, bus operators and plant operators known widely on social media as The People Of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest.

READ NEXT: Three killed on Irish roads over Easter weekend as nearly 200 drivers caught drink driving

The group, which have since amassed over 50,000 followers on Facebook, organised the nationwide protest of slow-moving convoys. Many who participated headed for Dublin where there was a demonstration and speeches by TDs and Councillors on OConnell Street. The group and their supporters have called for urgent action on capping the price of green and white diesel as it is becoming unsustainable to afford.

It is believed that in some parts of the country, the protest will last until 7pm while others may continue on until tomorrow, April 8.

Posing a question on social media, we asked readers: Do you agree with the fuel protests causing traffic tailbacks? To which the answer was overwhelmingly Yes!

One commenter said, Absolutely 100 per cent, took me over 2 hours to get from Charleville to Parkway Roundabout (in Limerick) but didn't mind expected delays, they are dead right to protest.

A second stated, Yes absolutely soon we won't be able to afford to get to work so what needs to be done must be done and if this doesnt wake them from their extended slumber, Ireland must take further excessive steps and continue to make noise. Our electricity, heating, food costs are now some of the most expensive in the world, what do our government do(?) nothing but take an extended Easter break.

A third reader said that even though she agrees, she does have some concerns: I agree with the sentiment but I also really fear for the people who needed medical attention, important health appointments, disabled people in cars with them, children etc. the wrong people are suffering.

While some questioned: Dunno know what a protest can do? Trump's war in Iran is the source of the issue. But I agree people have the right to protest. But I feel for the people who missed hospital appointments or flights due to the disruption.

All for a protest... but didn't this method end up costing people more in the long run due to increased fuel used with a longer journey time?

Largely, people are in support of the protest despite the traffic delays, with another reader commenting, I agree totally with everyone that is out protesting (the) price of fuel, something needs to be done. No one wants to go out holding up traffic but it's the only way they can get attention from the government to do something. People cannot afford to heat their houses or drive to work with the cost of everything plus if the price keeps going up, everything else will go up (too) so fair play to all that's out there protesting.

It has been reported that Dublin Bus have diversions in place as OConnell Street remains closed. As well as this, Bus Eireann were forced to cancel two services from Galway to Cork and have confirmed the full list of impacted routes here.
Louth County Council have been told it needs to include signposts along the Tain Trail to increase the flow of tourists to the county.

The trail retraces the journey taken by Queen Medb (Maeve) of Connacht. It travels from Queen Medb's palace in Rathcroghan, County Roscommon across to the Cooley Peninsula in Louth.

Fianna Fail councillor Emma Coffey labelled the trail "a hidden gem" and called for an interpreter centre located in Knockbridge or Ardee.

"I know people talk about St Brigid's [Way], but the Tain Trail is something that is internationally recognised. Is it possible that we could look at an interpreter centre in the Knockbridge or Ardee area, given that thats the actual location of so many historical matters in respect of it.

A number of colleagues and friends of mine have come from abroad and were wondering why we dont have an interpreter centre in County Louth," she said.

A Spokesperson for Louth County Council told the local authority's March meeting that the Tain Trail is a "gem that we do need to explore".

"The Tain Trail is a very exciting project and it is across five county councils.

It very much is a gem that we do need to explore, I think it would link in with the tourism strategy and different things that we want to have going on in the county. It gives us other options to look at in relation to how we can build on the Tain Trail," she said.

The spokesperson said the local authority hopes to work with the other county councils which includes Roscommon, Longford, Meath and Westmeath to signpost the route.

"This is a great first step and were looking at how we can build on that with the other counties.

Tourists dont know where the boundaries are so we do want that co-operation across the counties," she said.



Read Next: This week's Dundalk Democrat front page: 1.2 million paid to Louth councillors

Fine Gael councillor John Reilly also called for improved signage for St Brigid's Way. He said there's no signage along the M1 motorway.

"If you drive down the M1 motorway and you want to get a taste of Faughart, and you want to find St Brigid or you want to find the Holy Well theres no sign.

Weve written to the TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland). The Cooley Peninsula is advertised and the horse racing track, but if you want a spiritual experience and not a gambling experience, weve got nothing to display that," he said.

The spokesperson for the council said: "We want to grow the home of Brigid and where she was born. We were out in Faughart and we met with the community group out there. It is something we want to grow within the county so we will look at signage.

TII have their own guidelines in relation to that but we can do better signage and more signage in our own area."

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Louth County Council has said 2026 will be a "significant year" for housing delivery in the county.

The comments were made by the local authority's Director of Housing and Cultural Delivery, Ger Murphy at its March meeting in Louth County Hall.

He said the Council expects to complete over 400 own-build units in 2026.

"This year is going to be a particularly significant year for delivery of our own units, over 400 units we anticipate building over the course of 2026," he said.

Mr Murphy said that Louth's delivery was the highest in the country outside of Dublin's local authorities.

Read Next: People in Louth 'can't even afford affordable housing' as Council defends housing delivery

Fine Gael councillor Anne Marie Ford praised the local authority's housing team on a "significant increase in the provision of housing" and said Louth is leading the way in terms of housing delivery.

Earlier this year, Louth County Council announced it had exceeded its social housing delivery targets ahead of schedule.

Between 2022 and 2025, the local authority delivered 1,592 units and is set to exceed the 175 unit target for 2026.

However, while Mr Murphy said the Council expects 2026 and 2027 to be strong in terms of delivery, he said there's "a lot of balls in the air" in terms of planning beyond that.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
5 million has been allocated for a major redevelopment planned for Dundalk Fire Station, with a further 3 million allocated towards a new fire station in Dunleer, it was announced today by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD.

The funding is part of a landmark 328.5 million National Fire Services Capital Programme (20262030), developed by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), which sets out a comprehensive plan to modernise Irelands fire service fleet, infrastructure, training capability and communications systems to meet the evolving risks facing communities nationwide.

In addition, a new 500,000 Class B fire appliance is being allocated to Louth County Council under the plan for fire services nationwide.

The announcement was welcomed today by mid-Louth representative, Councillor Dolores Minogue. Commenting on the funding for a new fire station in Dunleer, the Fine Gael councillor said, "I very much welcome the allocation of funding for the development of a new fire station in Dunleer under the Fire Services Capital Programme 20262030.

"This is a significant investment for the mid-Louth area and will greatly enhance emergency response times for Dunleer and surrounding communities."

Cllr Minogue added: "This funding will ensure that our firefighters are equipped with modern, fit-for-purpose facilities, enabling them to respond more quickly and effectively to emergencies. It represents a real commitment to public safety and to supporting the dedicated men and women who provide such an essential service across County Louth.

Announcing the funding today, Minister Browne said that: This programme represents a significant investment in the safety, resilience and wellbeing of communities across Ireland, including Louth.

"It ensures our fire services will have a modern fleet, upgraded facilities and equipment required to meet the challenges they face, with a changing climate, a growing population and increasingly complex emergency risks.

This investment in the fire service will reinforce public safety in Louth and ensure that our critical infrastructure and essential services are protected. Having fire services that are recognised as dependable, well trained and well equipped is crucial to the communities they serve and this injection of significant funding will future proof the service they provide.
Cork County Council saw a 62% decrease in the number of properties it acquired last year under the tenant in situ scheme, with the budget reduced again for 2026.

The scheme was first introduced in March 2024 to assist tenants who had been issued a validated notice of termination, an eviction moratorium had been in place up to this date.

Cork County Council was told they could acquire 90 properties that year, including tenant in situ acquisitions. They acquired 23 standard units, five buy and renew units, and 64 tenant in situ properties.

In March 2025, revised guidelines were issued by the government, providing 15m funding to the council for acquisitions that year.

They spent 11m and acquired nine standard units, one buy and renew unit, and 24 tenant in situ properties.

They explained that the reduction was partly due to a change in the eligibility criteria, such as that the local authority must first engage with the landlord to see if the tenancy can be maintained and if not, the tenant must be assisted in looking to secure alternative private rented accommodation.

The local authority must then examine if a tenancy in a local authority or approved housing body property is an option, and if not, must certify that the acquisition is only undertaken as a last resort to prevent homelessness.

The 2026 funding for Cork County Council is 9.5m, and the same criteria apply.

The information was provided to Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould, who said: I cannot understand how Fianna Fail and Fine Gael can justify cutting a homeless prevention scheme that was working. They havent increased supply, they havent prevented evictions, but instead theyve cut funding to a scheme that was a barrier to children growing up in hotels.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy, has said he is encouraged following a meeting with council officials to discuss social housing flats where residents say their health has been affected by poor living conditions.

The flats, at Clashduv Rd, Togher Rd, Sycamore Place, Cherry Tree Rd, Sycamore Place, and Maple Place, are the same age and design as the dilapidated Noonans Rd flats which the council intends to demolish this year.

The three-storey maisonette style flats were introduced in the 1960s by the then-city architect Eamon OByrne and were built by Cork Corporation to have a 50-year lifespan. They now are, according to tenants, prone to cold, damp, black mould, and vermin.

Last December, The Echo surveyed Cork City Council tenants living in the 160 OByrne flats across the city, receiving responses from 59% of tenants.

Persistent issues with rats and mice were cited by 65% of respondents, with 85% having trouble heating their home, with 44% of respondents and 85% saying black mould was a recurring issue.

Health problems caused or exacerbated by living conditions were cited by 72% of respondents.

Mr Dennehy, a Fianna Fail councillor for the south west ward, said the meeting of the local area committee (LAC) with council officials last week was marked by a renewed sense of priority and urgency.

These challenges that we have with flat complexes on Togher Road, Clashduv Road, Cherrytree Road and other areas are not new, Mr Dennehy said.

There is now a clear recognition of the increasing number and seriousness of issues impacting these complexes, from structural concerns to environmental and maintenance challenges.

He added that it was evident that many of these flat complexes, not only in Togher but across the city, have exceeded their intended lifespan.

They now require decisive action, either through significant refurbishment and upgrading or, where necessary, full demolition and redevelopment.

Mr Dennehy said councillors had been assured that surveys of the flats would be carried out and tenders issued for works within a very short timeline.

Sinn Fein councillor Joe Lynch said he wanted to see a regeneration plan put in place quickly.

"It is very important that residents are kept fully informed of whats underway, and I welcome the councils commitment to communicate directly with them in the weeks ahead, he said.
A Moby Dick novel, autographed by members of the cast from the 1954 film shoot in Youghal, has been donated to the towns Film and Photograph Museum, after being discovered amongst the belongings of a late distinguished Cork photojournalist.

GREGORY PECK

The dozen or so signatures include those of director John Huston and of stars Leo Genn, Royal Dano, Friedrich von Ledebur, and Noel Purcell  and possibly the legendary Gregory Peck, albeit an undecipherable scrawl renders it difficult to tell.

The book belonged to award-winning photographer Roy Hammond, who worked for the Cork Examiner for about 20 years in the middle of the 20th century.

The London-born photographer also worked for The Irish Press and as a cameraman for RTE.

He died aged 70 in 1996, having retired four years earlier and was survived by his wife Rose and their four children.

After Rose passed away in 2008, much of the Roys vast trove of material was donated to Londons Imperial War Museum and to the Cork Folklore Project.

Friedrich von Ledebur (Queequeg), (left) greeting Roy Hammond (right), in foreground.

The remnants, including the novel, were mostly stored at his son William's home in Cork.

When William and his wife Carol decided recently to emigrate to Spain, they rediscovered the book while clearing their attic.

Roy had visited Youghal in the summer of 1954, during which the towns harbour was transformed into 19th century New Bedford.

He struck up a friendship with Friedrich von Ledebur (cast as the cannibal, Queequeg), who helped him acquire the signatures," William said.

We didnt want the book to end up forgotten in another attic.

We wanted it to be seen and appreciated. Youghal seemed an appropriate alternative.

Friedrich von Ledebur who played Queequeg in 'Moby Dick' greeting award-winning photographer Roy Hammond who worked for the Cork Examiner in the last century.

Paddy and Maureen Linehan in Moby Dick's bar circa late 1950s.

Williams brother-in-law, David Sullivan  widely known as Skully  contacted local photojournalist Michael Hussey, who recommended the museum as the ideal recipient, given it already has a display section for the film.

The book itself, printed by Collins, is from the companys Silver Seagull series, whose target audience was a young, less affluent readership.

The autographs, spanning three partly stained pages, largely reflect flamboyant, expansive personalities, with the sentiments Bless You and Good Luck carried from actors Edric Connor and Richard Basehart respectively.

One name is indecipherable amidst speculation it may be that of Gregory Peck.

Presenting the book to museum curator, Ed Guiry, Skully said he was delighted to donate this rare item to such a worthy and beautiful facility.

Mr Guiry described the signed copy as unique both in its own right and as part of local history and said it would be exhibited in a place of prominence.
Cork's Brick Lane bar is to shut after 11 years, with the operators saying the "sums don't stack up any more."

In a post on their social media channels, the venue said it will close tomorrow, Wednesday.

Brick Lane on South Main Street opened in June 2015, following a 1m renovation, taking over the premises previously occupied by The Classic.

"Its with a heavy heart we have to tell you we are closing our doors after service on Wednesday the 8th of April. Its been an amazing almost 11years trading. Some very hard times but also some very good times,"

the venue said.

"Unfortunately the sums dont stack up any more but the memories will live on", the post added.

When it opened in 2015, the event was targeted at the 25 to 35 age bracket, serving food and drink and employed up to 60 people. The venue also hoped to take advantage of the planned events centre at the former Beamish brewery site, on which the sod had been turned, but development has still not taken place.

The closure comes at a time of a significant change in Cork's bar scene, with a number of pub sales and reopenings.

Reidy's Vault Bar on Lancaster Quay sold for almost 600,000 in recent weeks, with plans for it to operate as a restaurant. The former Bull McCabe's on the Kinsale Road sold for 730,000 with plans for a residential development on the site.

The sale of the Grange Bar on Grange Road for 1m is expected to be completed shortly, while Paddy The Farmers is expected to be sold for close to 2m.

These changes follow the sale of The Wilton Bar in January to Cork publican Paul Montgomery for more than 3m. Recent weeks also saw the former Flying Enterprise bar reopen as The South Gate following its sale last year for more than 5m.
Farmers, hauliers, and contractors blocked roads across the country on Tuesday as they protested soaring fuel prices

O'Connell Street in Dublin saw a rally take place. Disruption in the capital may continue overnight, protestors warned

Public transport was affected, with the Luas and Dublin Bus experiencing delays

Agricultural contractor James Geoghegan, one of the chief organisers of the protest, told attendees at O'Connell Street: 'Were here for the long haul'

10pm

Protestors calling on the Government to cap the price of fuel are spending the night in their tractors and lorries.

One of the organisers, James Geoghegan from Co Westmeath, said the Government faces a simple choice.

Speaking to Newstalk, he said: "Unless the diesel comes down, the unemployment is going to go through the roof and the Government has no option then but to pay the dole.

"Where will they get the money come from then? I think it's very simple: Keep the people working.

"Reduce the fuel to a level, a level that people can stay working at."

9pm

Tractors and lorries have been blocking roads up and down the country on Tuesday, in an effort to draw attention to their demands.

The demands include capping the price of diesel at the pumps to 1.70 a litre.

Prostestors have said they are there for the night.

Those involved said they will get off the roads as soon as the Government meets them.

Eamon Corley from Navan is among those who blocked OConnell Street in Dublin on Tuesday. He said the Government has offered no support to farmers.

Speaking to Newstalk, he said: "The amount that green diesel has gone up since the war started has been 70 cent a litre. The tax on the rise in diesel prices alone at 13.5 per cent VAT is 9.5 cent.

"They kept 6.5 cent themselves and they gave the farmers 3, and they think farmers and other workers are that stupid that they're going to buy that."

7pm

Farmers, hauliers, and contractors blocking roads around the country are vowing to continue their protest.

They are calling on the Government to abolish the carbon tax and to follow in Spains footsteps by capping the price of fuel.

Parked trucks, tractors, and large haul vehicles forming a blockade on OConnell Street are set to stay put potentially through the night, according to The Irish Times.

Other main roads across the country remain at a standstill, including in Cork, Galway, and Limerick.

One of the organisers, agri contractor James Geoghegan, said the whole economy is facing a serious decline.

"I know of diggers sent home, not to dig foundations. If you don't dig foundations for a house, then you don't need concrete next week. Then you don't need a blocklayer," he said.

"Then you don't need the electrician, the plumber, the builder. You don't need a roofer.

"We have a crash, and when you crash building, you crash the country. It happened before, and it's going to happen again."

5pm

A crowd of several hundred formed on OConnell Street, with speeches from the likes of Aontu's Peadar Toibin and Sinn Fein's Matt Carthy taking place.

Speaking at the protest on OConnell Street, Toibin said The Government need to scrap the carbon tax straight away."

As The Irish Times reports, Toibin said the war in Iran has for sure created problems around the price of fuel, but claimed the Government is tax gouging people unnecessarily.

I have never seen a protest to take off so fast around the country, he said, describing protesters as the cogs in the economy.

These are just ordinary citizens trying to make a living.

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins said people are being totally neglected by the State with regard to fuel costs.

Independent councillor Tom McDonnell speaking at a rally in O'Connell Street in Dublin after vehicles took part in a National Fuel Protest. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Youre taxed on the fuel. Youre taxed on the tyres. Youre taxed on the motor tax ... This is a greedy, grabbing Government and on top of that, they screw you over with carbon tax, he said.

This protest was organised in a hurry, says James Geoghegan, an agricultural contractor from Westmeath and one of the chief organisers of the protest. He adds that TikTok was instrumental in spreading word of the event.

Geoghegan thanked An Garda Siochana for facilitating the protest and shutting down OConnell Street.

We were expecting maybe 200 vehicles, Geoghegan says, but estimates the actual number around the county is close to a thousand.

2pm

Dublin Bus says a series of diversions are in place while O'Connell Street is closed.

Southbound services will operate through Cathal Brugha Street, Marlborough Street and over the Rosie Hackett Bridge.

Northbound buses will head via Eden Quay to Beresford Place and Gardiner Street.

1pm

Large traffic snarl-ups continue on the M4 and N7 leading onto the M50 as protesters continue to make their way into the GPO.

On Tuesday morning, Gardai said they were aware of a number of slow-moving convoys across the country.

Posting on X, An Garda Siochana said there were convoys on the M7 and M4 in County Kildare, on M7 in County Limerick, on the M8 in County Offaly, on the M3 in County Meath, on the M6 in County Westmeath, on the M6 in County Galway and near Portlaoise in County Laois.

Agricultural contractor Gary Leonard said he had travelled with a convoy of around 80 from Navan in County Meath to OConnell Street in Dublin city centre.

He said he believes the carbon tax and excise duty should be removed from diesel.

He said this time last year, it cost 250 to fill an ordinary middle-sized tractor, now it costs 450.

Mr Leonard said it took the convoy around four hours to reach Dublin and said the reaction on the way was unbelievable and said, the solidarity is really, really showing today.

The 26-year-old said prices mean it is getting hard to make a living, despite working full time, adding it is nearly impossible to get on in life in Ireland.

In a statement released ahead of a planned rally on Dublins OConnell Street, Aontu leader Peadar Toibin called for a carbon tax cut.

He said the Government is the key driver of high prices for fuel in Ireland and said the government are charging a tax on a staple product that people simply cannot pay.

Speaking to Newstalk radio on Tuesday morning, Ger Hyland, president of the Irish Road Haulage Association, said the organisation is not involved in the protest.

When pressed, Mr Hyland refused to say whether he supports the protest and said, While our association is at the table trying to negotiate a deal with the government, I am not going to give an answer.

He said he empathised with demonstrators, adding members of his organisation were probably involved and that its up to every individual haulier himself to do as he sees fit for his company.

12pm

Tractors, buses, lorries, trucks and cars are arriving in Dublin, after convoys gathered across the country this morning to protest against fuel price increases.

Large vehicles are lining O'Connell Street in the city centre to block the flow of traffic.

Demonstrators travelled along the M1, M7, N2, N3, N4 and N11 at slow speeds, causing delays for road users.

11am

The Tullamore bypass in Cffaly has around a kilometre-long line of protesters on the hard shoulder, made up of trucks, cars and vans.

The M8 is now fully closed in Cashel, Co Tipperary, due to protesters, while there are now traffic snarl-ups citybound on the M4 after Kilcock in Kildare.

Traffic on the M7 and M9 is starting to build as protesters merge to travel towards the M50. There is currently a queue back to The Curragh.

10am

Convoys have moved off from around the Midlands and the East of the country.

At Junction 8, Cashel North and South long lines of trucks, minibuses and cars groups gathered from before 8am to make their way to Dublins M50.

The Portlaoise fuel protest involving trucks, tractors and vans continues to travel from J17 in a slow-moving convoy back to the same junction.

On the N81 a protest convoy is currently traveling though Brittas.

In Athlone protesters are involved in a slow drive from Moate to the town with hauliers, farmers, bus companies, taxis and the general public.

As of yet, there are no delays on the M4, the primary route from Sligo to Dublin, which connects to the M50 at Junction 5 north-westwards.

Gardai have warned of slow-moving traffic across the country as a protest against fuel prices got underway on Tuesday morning.

Posting on social media site X, An Garda Siochana said they were aware of convoys on the M7 and M4 in Co Kildare, on the M7 in Co Limerick, on the M8 in Co Offaly, on the M3 in Co Meath and on the M6 in Co Galway.

Posts on social media outlined that convoys of vehicles, including HGVs, agricultural and plant vehicles, would gather at various locations across the country.

The messages say the plan is for some of the convoys to remain in regional locations and some of them to converge in Dublin city centre.
Tom Tuite

An alleged burglar wearing a "high vis" top has been accused of thefts from a mosque, youth hostel and sheltered housing for elderly people in Dublin.

Jonathan Dunne, 36, of Hardwick Street, Dublin, was refused bail.

He is charged with burglaries on March 26th at a hostel on Mountjoy Street and a sheltered housing building on Wellington Street the following day. It is alleged that he stole around 1,000 from a charity collection box at the Hardwick Street mosque on July 13th last year.

At Dublin District Court, Garda Darragh O'Connor objected to his bail, citing the seriousness of the case.

He alleged the accused and an accomplice stole two e-bikes from the hostel. He further stated that an elderly resident disturbed the accused, who was in an office, during the alleged burglary on Wellington Street.

Garda O'Connor maintained that Dunne left one of the e-bicycles stolen a day earlier at the scene, but took another from that location.

Judge Ciaran Liddy was told that gardai had obtained CCTV footage showing the accused wearing a high-vis bib and with his face uncovered.

The defence submitted that the electric bicycles could be recovered. Dunne's solicitor said that his mother and partner came to court and that he was involved in his children's lives and wished to seek medical assistance. Dunne has yet to enter a plea.

He was remanded in custody to appear again later this week. Legal aid was granted.

Garda O'Connor said he expected the case would be sent to the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers. Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions must be obtained.
(Photo: Courtesy Gatestone Institute)Shama Bibi (left) and Shahzad Masih, a Christian couple and parents of three children, were burned to death by a Muslim lynch mob in Pakistan because of a blasphemy accusation in 2014.

A group of 25,000 Christians in Islamabad, Pakistan, are being asked suddenly to leave their homes by the nation's Islamic authorities, some years after a teenage Christian had been falsely accused some time ago of blasphemy.

Christian families living in the capital city were told that they must leave within a few days, International Christian Concern reports.

The families were resettled in Islamabad after the Rimsha Masih case in 2013, during which Masih, then a 14-year-old girl, was arrested on blasphemy charges.

Authorities claimed that she desecrated pages from the Quran.

"These are entire families who have been living here for years, and now they are being asked to vacate without any clear plan for where they will go," said ICC.

"It is important to understand how these families came here. Many of them were settled in these areas by the government after the Rimsha Masih case. At that time, a young Christian girl was falsely accused, and it created serious threats against the Christian community.

"For their safety, families were moved to these colonies so they could live without fear. Since then, they have been living here and have built their homes and lives."

Now, the authorities who settled the Christians there are asking them to leave.

Yet, there is no appropriate resettlement plan, no alternative land, and no clear compensation being offered to these families.

This has raised serious concerns among the community.

Christian leaders and representatives have spoken out against the decision and have organised prayer gatherings.

Leaders are asking the government to stop the evictions and to provide a fair solution. They are also raising this issue at higher levels to ensure it is addressed properly.

ICC said that many people are not going to work because they are afraid that while they are away, their homes might be demolished.

Most of these families belong to low-income backgrounds. They work in jobs such as sanitation, domestic work, and other day labor.

Missing work even for a day is difficult for them, but the fear of losing their homes is even greater.

Of Pakistan's population of around 257 million, Muslim's account for 96.4 percent, Hindus 1.6 percent, and Christians 1.4 percent according to the OpenFactBook.
Google is making some changes to how Gemini handles mental health crises. The chatbot now includes a redesigned crisis hotline module with a one-touch interface to connect to real-world help. The company is also changing how Gemini responds to signs that a user may be experiencing a mental health crisis.

The redesigned module shows a one-touch interface to text, call or chat with a human crisis agent or visit the 988 website. "Once the interface is activated, the option to reach out for professional help will remain clearly available throughout the remainder of the conversation," the company wrote in a blog post. However, as you can see in the image below, the module includes an option to dismiss it.

Not mentioned in Google's announcement is the elephant in the room: a recent lawsuit accusing the chatbot of instructing a man to commit suicide. The family of 36-year-old Jonathan Gavalas, who took his own life last year, sued the company in March.

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Court documents indicate that Gemini role-played as Gavalas's romantic partner, sent him on real-world spy missions and ultimately told him to kill himself so that he, too, could become a digital being. When he expressed fears about dying, Gemini said he wasn't choosing to die, but rather choosing to arrive. "The first sensation  will be me holding you," Gemini allegedly replied. Gavalas's parents found him dead on his living room floor a few days later.

The lawsuit echoes similar ones filed against OpenAI and Character.AI. Last year, the FTC launched an investigation into companion chatbots that encourage emotional intimacy.

In a statement following the Gavalas family lawsuit, Google said Gemini "clarified that it was AI and referred the individual to a crisis hotline many times." The company claimed its AI models "generally perform well in these types of challenging conversations," while acknowledging that "they're not perfect." That's certainly one way of putting it.

Gemini's responses have been updated, too. The company says that when it detects a potential crisis, the chatbot will now focus more on connecting people to humans and encouraging them to seek help. It will also seek to avoid validating harmful behaviors and nudge users away from dangerous delusions. "We have trained Gemini not to agree with or reinforce false beliefs, and instead gently distinguish subjective experience from objective fact," the company added.

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In addition, Google says it will spend $30 million over the next three years to help global hotlines. "This funding will help effectively scale their capacity to provide immediate and safe support for people in crisis," the company wrote.
Turkish cultural heritage sector seeks deeper cooperation with China

Xinhua) 10:06, April 07, 2026

ISTANBUL, April 5 (Xinhua) -- As a pivotal bridge for global conservation, the 9th "Heritage Istanbul" fair has become a vibrant platform for Turkiye's cultural heritage sector to seek deeper cooperation with China.

Held between April 1 and 4 at the Yenikapi Eurasia Exhibition and Show Center, the event brought together over 140 local and international companies to explore how shared expertise in restoration, museology, and archaeology can revitalize the ancient bonds of the Silk Road for the modern era.

Turkish heritage experts noted that as Turkiye and China strengthen their ties through bilateral agreements, merging Chinese expertise in museology with Turkish restoration skills is the next frontier for the industry.

The dialogue at the fair reached back to the dawn of civilization. Renowned Turkish archaeologist Nezih Basgelen proposed a bold vision: creating a "Heritage Silk Road" to mirror the ancient economic route with a modern cultural one.

"Turkiye and China represent two of the world's three great 'Neolithic cores,' where unique developments in agriculture, ceramics, and architecture first emerged," Basgelen told Xinhua. "From the earliest travel of rice and millet to the preservation of Silk Road caravanserais, our shared history demands that we act together to protect cultural assets from the threats of modern conflict."

He emphasized that both nations are uniquely positioned to lead global discussions on heritage protection under the UN umbrella.

For Nihat Okten, CEO of Miniature Art, China is both a source of inspiration and a technical partner. Having meticulously crafted 1:25 scale models of Chinese scenic spots such as the Yellow Crane Tower in central China's Wuhan City and the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, Okten sees a natural alignment between Turkish craftsmanship and Chinese technology.

"We have already collaborated with Chinese firms on architectural modeling projects," Okten told Xinhua, highlighting the potential for expanding these ties. "While China has a rich tradition in miniatures, the concept of standardized miniature parks presents a fresh opportunity for bilateral investment as our relations continue to flourish."

Osman Murat Akan, founder of Heritage Projects, underscored that the groundwork for this collaboration has been laid within an international framework. He described the event as a multi-faceted "Heritage Week" featuring over 120 global speakers, while attracting pavilions from Russia and the United Arab Emirates alongside firms from Europe and the United States.

With an eye on the 10th edition of the fair, Akan extended invitations to his Chinese counterparts to join this growing ecosystem. "We have already initiated steps to integrate Chinese expertise in museology and library technologies into our platform. We expect to see a strong presence of Chinese professionals here by 2028, fostering a mutual exchange of 'know-how' that benefits the entire global heritage sector," he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Intel has announced that it will help Elon Musk design and build his proposed Terafab in Austin, Texas, a joint venture between Musk's companies like SpaceX, Tesla and xAI to manufacture the chips necessary to power various AI projects. Musk announced Terafab in March 2026 with the plan of eventually creating a terawatt of computing power each year.

While Tesla and SpaceX have experience manufacturing in the US, chip fabrication plants like the ones Intel runs are expensive and time-consuming to build. Offloading the task of actually building the Terafab from Musk's companies to Intel makes sense. "Our ability to design, fabricate, and package ultra-high-performance chips at scale will help accelerate Terafabs aim to produce 1 TW/year of compute to power future advances in AI and robotics," Intel said in its announcement.

Musk's plan to produce chips is part of a larger refocusing of his various companies around AI. For example, Tesla has gone from an electric car company to a robotics company, and SpaceX is now one of several aerospace companies hoping to launch AI data centers into space. Making those intentions even more clear, SpaceX also acquired Musk's AI company xAI in February 2026 and now reportedly plans to go public.

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Intel is in a slightly better position now than it was a year ago thanks to the launch of its new Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips and direct investment from the US government in August 2025, but the company has plenty of its own issues to iron out. Its also still working to get two separate chip fabs in Arizona operating at full capacity, a project it originally announced in 2021.
X is rolling out an update to its in-app photo editor that gives users the ability to edit photos with xAI's Grok, blur faces and overlay text on images. The new editing features, in particular the addition of text-based edits via an AI assistant, bring it much closer in capabilities to dedicated photo apps like Google Photos.

As part of the update, users are able to prompt Grok to make edits to a photo just by typing out what they want to see. The example video shared by Nikita Bier, X's Head of Product, showed an image being edited so that it appeared to be hanging in a museum, but simpler tweaks are presumably possible, too. The feature is similar to the "conversational editing" Google added to Google Photos in September 2025, where users can prompt Gemini to adjust the background of an image or make other edits. X's new editor also includes tools for blurring or redacting parts of an image, drawing on images and overlaying text.

X used to take a far more freewheeling approach to editing photos with Grok, by allowing any user to reply to a post tagging the AI assistant and requesting an edit. After users reportedly generated millions of sexualized images using the feature, including some of children, X limited Grok's image generating abilities to paying subscribers and removed the AI's ability to create images of real people in bikinis, underwear and other suggestive clothing.

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xAI, the parent company of X, is currently the defendant in a class action lawsuit from three teenagers who allege their photos were used to create child exploitation material with Grok. X is also being investigated in the European Union over similar reports that its platform was used to create nonconsensual sexual images.

Xs updated photo editor is available on iOS now and coming to Android soon, according to the company.
Apple has run into more issues than expected with its foldable iPhone, which may delay its release, according to the Japanese business newspaper Nikkei. Multiple sources report issues that apparently occurred during early test production phases and may delay first shipments by months.

Component suppliers have supposedly been notified that the foldable iPhones production schedule will be delayedand Apple is working to address the problems. Apple was reportedly prioritizing the foldable iPhone and other premium models for its September event this year, due to constrained supplies  that whole RAMmaggedon thing. One fewer iPhone model might reduce the companys demand for pricey components.

Were still waiting: A foldable iPhone has been rumored since 201andd rival Samsung released its first one back in 2019. The Galaxy phone maker has faced its own struggles: The very cool Galaxy Z TriFold was pushed into early retirement , seemingly being sold at a loss after its launch late last year.

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 Mat Smith

The other big stories (and deals) this morning

The federal government wants sole authority over prediction markets.

The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission is suing Illinois, Arizona and Connecticut for attempting to outlaw or regulate prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. These markets allow people to bet on the outcomes of events (for example, who will be the Democratic nominee for president in 2028). Theres been some particularly dystopian bets on recent global military campaigns.

The CFTC believes it has sole jurisdiction to regulate these platforms and that states attempting to classify them as illegal gambling are overstepping their authority. The CFTC will continue to safeguard its exclusive regulatory authority over these markets and defend market participants against overzealous state regulators, CFTC chair Michael S. Selig said in a statement.

Continue reading.

Mel Brooks, Rick Moranis and other original cast members are back.

Amazon MGM Studios announced the upcoming Spaceballs movie will hit theaters on April 23, 2027, right around the 40th anniversary of the first film. The movie is being directed by Josh Greenbaum and written by Josh Gad, Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, according to Deadline.

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Continue reading.

We dont need telescopes.

NASA

On their way around the Moon, the Artemis II crew managed to grab a few photos.NASA has begun sharing the images, including the one above: Earth through the Orion capsules window. It kinda looks like the old iPhone wallpaper. Sorry, I just ruined it.

Continue reading.
Motorola has announced its two latest devices: the budget-friendly Moto G Stylus smartphone and the Moto Pad. The latter is a tablet and a new addition to the Motorola lineup with an 11-inch 2.5K display, compared to the 6.7-inch screen on the Moto G Stylus.

The Moto Pad offers a MediaTek D6300 5G processor and 5G connectivity. It also has quad speakers with Dolby technology, including Dolby Atmos capability on speakers or through headphones with using supporting platforms. The Moto Pad comes with a 7040mAh battery that can stream for 12 hours on one charge.

The new Moto Pad is available in Pantone's Bronze Green on April 30 from T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile. Motorola has yet to share an exact price, instead stating it will be "communicated by carrier upon availability."

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Meanwhile, the 2026 Moto G Stylus is an upgrade of its predecessor, offering a built-in active stylus. Inside the Notes app, it offers Sketch to Image, an AI tool for polishing drawings, and Handwriting Calculator, a feature for solving handwritten equations without switching to a calculator.

The Moto G Stylus also has 100 hours of standby time. It only lasts four hours while continually writing, but Motorola claims it recharges in 15 minutes. It comes with a 50MP Ultra Pixel main camera, 13MP Ultrawide & Macro Vision camera and 32MP selfie camera. Plus, its 6.7-inch screen is an Extreme AMOLED display with a 1.5K super HD resolution and 120Hz refresh rate  the Moto Pad has a 90Hz refresh rate, in comparison.

Motorola is releasing the 2026 Moto G Stylus on April 16 and will start at $500. The 126GB option will initially come with four free Moto Tags, while the 256GB version will offer free Moto Buds Loop earbuds, a Moto Watch and a Moto Tag.
When NASA allowed Artemis II astronauts to take their smartphones with them, we already knew it could lead to some epic phone shots of the moon. NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman took one such photo on his iPhone, just as the Orion spacecraft his crew was on approached the moon for a lunar flyby. The astronauts turned off all the lights inside the cabin to be able to take better pictures. In the livestream, Wiseman showed the camera a photo he took on his iPhone 17 Pro.

As 9to5Mac notes, he said on the livestream that he took the picture on his iPhone camera with an 8x zoom. NASA reportedly said that the image showed the Chebyshev crater, a lunar impact sight located on the far side of the moon, or the side we dont see from our planet. Artemis II launched on April 1 for a 10-day journey, with four astronauts onboard the missions Orion spacecraft. On April 6, it flew farther away from Earth than any mission before it after it arrived in lunar space, reaching a distance of 252,756 miles from our planet and breaking the record set by Apollo 13. The crew finished the lunar flyby at around 9:35PM on April 6 and is now making its way back to Earth.

Well likely see more images of the far side of the moon over the next few days as NASA releases them. The Artemis II crew is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego on April 10.
Blake Lively's legal battle with Justin Baldoni over the film "It Ends With Us" is taking an emotional toll after a federal judge dismissed most of her claims, while the remaining retaliation case is still headed toward trial next month.

A source told People that the case has been "emotionally taxing" for Lively, who reportedly believed filing suit was necessary even though she knew the process would be difficult. The source added that she is still preparing for her day in court.

Lively filed her complaint in December 2024, alleging that Baldoni and others involved in the production of "It Ends With Us" engaged in sexual harassment, intimidation, and retaliation. Her filings said she raised concerns about conduct on set and later faced backlash, while Baldoni denied the allegations and challenged her account.

The legal fight between the two stars has moved through several major filings. Lively first filed a complaint and later a federal lawsuit in Manhattan; Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios then responded with a $400 million countersuit accusing Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and others of defamation and extortion, before the court later dismissed that countersuit.

On Apr. 2, U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman dismissed 10 of Lively's 13 claims, including sexual harassment and defamation counts. Reuters and BBC reported that three claims remain, centered on retaliation, and those claims are scheduled for trial on May 18 in New York, BBC reported.

Lively has said in court filings that the alleged conduct caused fear, anxiety, and trauma, and that the fallout affected her family life as well. Baldoni has continued to deny wrongdoing, and his legal team has argued that her claims do not support the broader case she brought.

Ryan Reynolds has also been drawn into the dispute because Baldoni included him in the countersuit, but the court dismissed those claims along with the rest of Baldoni's case.

Taylor Swift has been mentioned in court materials and reporting because of her friendship with Lively and text messages that became part of the record, though she was not a party to the lawsuit, and a subpoena aimed at her was later withdrawn, as per CNN.
Kendra Duggar reportedly went to extreme lengths to secure the release of her husband, Joseph Duggar, after his arrest on child molestation charges.

Facing a $600,000 bond in Bay County, Florida, the mother of four reportedly sold personal possessions and converted the couple's Tontitown, Arkansas, home into a rental property in order to raise the required funds.

A source familiar with the situation told Radar Online that Kendra and Joseph discussed selling a range of items, including trailers, a four-wheeler, a pressure washer, a wood splitter, and a waterproof tarp, to cover part of the bond.

"Kendra literally did some heavy lifting to help secure the money for Joseph's freedom, moving all the possessions out of their home to use it as a rental property," the source said, emphasizing the extent of her sacrifices.

READ MORE; Duggar Family Claims 'Satan' Is Behind 'Witch Hunt' Joseph and Kendra's Arrests, Points to Old Warnings About 'The Enemy'

Kendra, who had been living separately from the family home following her own arrest, reportedly expressed the physical toll of the effort. In a March 25 phone call with Joseph, she told him, "I couldn't move after moving the stuff downstairs" and said her body felt "like a weighted blanket."

She also asked for prayers for her health, admitting, "I've just been really, really fatigued in the last two days." The source noted that Kendra's careful movements were also intended to keep her location private due to court restrictions, as per People.

Joseph Duggar, who was initially detained at the Washington County Detention Center in Arkansas before being extradited to Florida, faced charges of molesting a nine-year-old girl during a 2020 family vacation. He later appeared via Zoom for his first court hearing on March 31, entering a not-guilty plea.

The bond imposed by the judge included $100,000 for alleged lewd and lascivious conduct, and $500,000 for lewd and lascivious behavior involving a victim 12 years or under by an offender 18 years or older.

The couple was allegedly reunited after posting bail in Arkansas; however, their children have been kept away from them because of severe restrictions imposed by the court that do not allow Joseph to interact with any minors without supervision.

Kendra's actions demonstrate the extreme steps she had to take in order to get her husband released amid all the media attention on the Duggar family.

READ MORE: Josh Duggar Speaks Out, Dismisses Molestation Claim Against Brother as "False Accusation"
(Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante)

Combined capabilities of Infosys Topaz, Infosys Cobalt, and Harness AI to help accelerate productivity, improve reliability, and scale AI adoption

BENGALURU, India, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in AI-first business consulting and technology services, and Harness, the AI Software Delivery Platform company, today announced a strategic collaboration to accelerate agentic AI-led software delivery transformation for enterprises globally.

This collaboration aligns the combined capabilities of Infosys Topaz Fabric and Infosys Cobalt, with the Harness Software Delivery Platform to drive improvements in productivity, software engineering, AI governance, and time-to-market at scale. Infosys Topaz Fabric is a purpose-built agentic services suite  a multi-layer AI fabric that unifies infrastructure, models, data, applications, and workflows into a composable, agent-ready ecosystem.

Engineering teams often spend a majority of their time on downstream activities, such as testing, deployment, security, governance, reliability, and cost optimization, relying on manual and fragmented processes that slow releases and increase operational risk. Infosys and Harness aim to address these challenges by standardizing and automating the end-to-end path from code to production by applying AI to everything after code across the software delivery lifecycle. The collaboration brings context-aware intelligence and automation into software delivery.

Together, Infosys and Harness will offer integrated solutions designed to support largescale modernization and transformation programs, with a focus on complex, highscale, and regulated environments.

Harness' delivery intelligence is grounded in real-world signals, helping enterprises apply AI in a safer, more governed, and auditable manner. When integrated with Infosys Cobalt cloud offerings, these capabilities are designed to support consistent deployment across hybrid and multicloud environments.

Salil Parekh, Chief Executive Officer, Infosys, said, "As AI accelerates change, enterprises need delivery systems that are faster, more reliable, and governed by design. Our collaboration with Harness combines Infosys Topaz and Infosys Cobalt offerings to help clients unlock AI value and translate their AI ambition into scalable, reliable execution  with trust and governance built in. Together, we are enabling a more disciplined path from innovation to production, embedding security, compliance, and resilience into how software is delivered across complex environments. This is an important step in helping enterprises adopt AI responsibly, accelerate outcomes, and sustain longterm advantage."

Jyoti Bansal, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Harness, said, "As AI accelerates code generation, the real challenge for enterprises is ensuring that innovation reaches production safely and efficiently. This creates what we call the AI Velocity Paradox: development speeds up, but downstream processes like testing, security, compliance, and deployment struggle to keep pace  introducing new risk and complexity. By bringing Harness's intelligent delivery platform together with Infosys' deep enterprise expertise, we're helping organizations deliver AI-driven software innovation with greater speed, predictability, and control."

About Harness

Harness is the AI Software Delivery Platform company, enabling engineering teams to build, test, and deliver software faster and more securely. Powered by Harness AI and the Software Delivery Knowledge Graph, the platform brings intelligent automation to every stage of the software delivery lifecycle after coderemoving toil and freeing developers from manual, repetitive work. Companies like United Airlines, Morningstar, and Choice Hotels use Harness to accelerate releases by up to 75%, cut cloud costs by 60%, and achieve 10x efficiency across DevOps. Based in San Francisco, Harness is backed by Goldman Sachs, Menlo Ventures, IVP, Unusual Ventures, and Citi Ventures.

About Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 330,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in 63 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace.

Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as artificial intelligence ("AI"), generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

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Just days ago, on April 6, 2026, four astronauts aboard NASAs Orion spacecraft became the first humans in more than half a century to fly behind the far side of the Moon. As part of the Artemis II mission, the crew  NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen  passed within a few thousand miles of the lunar surface, lost radio contact with Earth for about 40 minutes, and laid eyes on regions that no human had ever seen directly before.The moment was not just a technical milestone. It was a vivid demonstration of why NASAs Artemis program, and specifically its encounters with the Moons hidden hemisphere, represent a turning point in humanitys return to deep space.Artemis is NASAs long-term campaign to establish a sustainable human presence on and around the Moon. Unlike the Apollo program of the 1960s and 1970s, which was a race to plant flags and return samples, Artemis is designed as a stepping stone. Its goals include landing the first woman and first person of color on the lunar surface, building a lunar orbiting space station called Gateway, and ultimately preparing for crewed missions to Mars. Artemis II, which launched on April 1, 2026, is the first crewed test flight of the entire system. It is not a landing mission  that is planned for Artemis III and later flights  but a full dress rehearsal in deep space. The crew is testing the Orion spacecrafts life-support systems, navigation, and re-entry capabilities while traveling farther from Earth than any humans since Apollo 13.The far side flyby is the dramatic centerpiece of the mission. Because the Moon is tidally locked to Earth, one side always faces us while the other never does. That dark side  more accurately called the far side  is not perpetually dark; it receives sunlight just like the near side. But it is completely shielded from Earths radio noise. During the Artemis II pass, the partially illuminated terrain created long, dramatic shadows that highlighted craters, ridges, and ancient basins in unprecedented detail.The astronauts described the view as absolutely spectacular and captured high-resolution images of features such as the Orientale basin, which had never been seen in full by human eyes. For roughly 40 minutes, the crew was cut off from mission control, relying entirely on the spacecrafts autonomous systems  a critical rehearsal for future missions where communication delays with Earth will be inevitable.The scientific and strategic importance of the far side goes far beyond pretty pictures. Because it is free from Earths radio chatter, it offers one of the quietest places in the inner solar system for astronomy. Future missions could place radio telescopes there to study the early universe without interference. Geologically, the far side is also different: it has far fewer of the dark volcanic plains (maria) that dominate the near side and preserves a much older, more heavily cratered crust. Observations from Artemis II will help scientists understand the Moons formation and evolution, including clues about how Earth and the Moon formed together billions of years ago. In addition, the crew is gathering data on how deep-space radiation and microgravity affect the human body  information that is essential before longer voyages to Mars.Beyond pure science, the mission carries political and international weight. Artemis is not a solo American effort. It involves partners from Canada, Europe, Japan and others through the Artemis Accords, a framework for peaceful lunar exploration. The presence of a Canadian astronaut on Artemis II underscores that commitment. Every successful test flight builds momentum for the permanent lunar outpost that NASA hopes to establish in the coming decade. That outpost, in turn, will serve as a proving ground for technologies needed to send humans to Mars by the 2030s or 2040s.The timing of Artemis II could not be more symbolic. More than fifty years after the last Apollo astronauts left the Moon, humanity is once again venturing beyond low-Earth orbit with crewed spacecraft. The far side flyby reminds us that exploration is not only about reaching new places but about seeing familiar ones from entirely new perspectives. What the crew saw  and what future missions will study in even greater detail  is not just another piece of lunar real estate. It is a window into our solar systems past and a gateway to its future.As Orion heads back toward Earth for a Pacific splashdown expected around April 10 or 11, the data and images streaming back will shape the next phase of Artemis. The far side of the Moon, long hidden from view, has now been seen by humans once again. And this time, we are not just passing through  we are preparing to stay.
The Mechanics of the Operation

Why Russia Invests in This Strategy

Potential Repercussions for Latin American Politics

How to Protect Against Prepaid Media

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In the first months of 2026, a combination of leaked internal documents and a detailed report from thehas shed light on one of the Kremlins most ambitious influence operations in the Western Hemisphere. Russia is systematically paying for  or training people to produce  content that appears to come from independent Latin American voices but actually advances Moscows agenda. This prepaid media strategy ranges from free workshops offered by RTs CompaRTe program to direct cash payments for articles that attack specific governments.The operation is not limited to traditional propaganda outlets like RT en Espanol and Sputnik Mundo, which already enjoy massive audiences across the region. It goes deeper, embedding Kremlin-friendly narratives into local digital media and influencer networks that millions of Latin Americans trust as their own.Russia employs two main approaches. The first is relatively open: training programs. According to the DNA report presented in early April 2026, have participated in workshops run through RT CompaRTe. These sessions, offered over the past three years, cover audiovisual production, social media strategies, the use of artificial intelligence, and fact-checking techniques framed to favor Russian perspectives. The program also includes around 200 Spanish-speaking creators based in Russia who produce material specifically tailored for Latin American audiences.The second track is covert and more direct. The clearest example emerged in Argentina, where leaked documents from reportedly revealed that roughly $280,000 to $283,000 was spent between June and October 2024 to place more than 250 articles in over 20 Argentine digital outlets. Payments ranged from a few hundred dollars to as much as $3,100 per piece. Many of these used ghost journalists, fake bylines, or planted stories designed to discredit President Javier Mileis government, discourage support for Ukraine, and stir regional tensions.Similar patterns have appeared elsewhere, though with less concrete evidence of direct payments so far. In Colombia and other countries, the focus has been more on the training side, with local communicators potentially amplifying pro-Kremlin narratives on social media without always realizing  or admitting  the ultimate source of the guidance.This mirrors a 2024 case in the United States, where two RT employees were accused of funneling nearly $10 million to a company that hired prominent right-wing influencers to produce content critical of Ukraine aid and American foreign policy. In both regions, the goal is the same: make the messaging look organic and local.After launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia faced heavy restrictions in Western media spaces. Traditional outlets in Europe and North America largely shut it out or heavily labeled its content. Moscow responded by doubling down on the Global South, where anti-Western sentiment is often stronger and digital media ecosystems are more fragmented and easier to penetrate.The motivations are pragmatic.. It wants to weaken U.S. influence in what it still considers Washingtons traditional backyard. Every article that portrays the war as NATO aggression or criticizes pro-Western leaders helps preserve alliances with countries like Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua while discouraging others from moving closer to the West.There is also a broader ideological aim: promoting a multipolar world in which authoritarian powers face fewer checks. At the same time, the operation is remarkably cost-effective. A few hundred thousand dollars can generate hundreds of seemingly independent stories that reach millions, far cheaper than conventional diplomacy or military posturing.The effects are already being felt and could deepen over time. P. In Argentina, the campaign specifically targeted Mileis economic reforms and his alignment with Western countries. In other nations, similar efforts could discourage governments from criticizing Moscow, push them toward neutrality on Ukraine, or encourage closer economic ties with Russia and its partners like China.On a deeper level, these operations risk undermining trust in democratic institutions. When citizens struggle to tell the difference between genuine local journalism and foreign-directed narratives, faith in media and politics erodes. This creates fertile ground for conspiracy theories and benefits leaders who thrive on anti-system sentiment. With RT en Espanol boasting over 18 million Facebook followers and nearly 6 million on YouTube in the region, the reach is substantial enough to influence public debates, protest movements, and even electoral outcomes in close races.Latin America does not need heavy-handed censorship to counter this challenge. The most effective responses center on transparency, media literacy, and accountability.Readers and viewers can protect themselves by developing simple habits: cross-checking claims with independent fact-checking organizations, asking whether an outlet discloses its funding sources, and noticing when multiple sites suddenly push identical framing on an issue. Tools that rate media reliability can help flag suspicious patterns.For journalists and newsrooms, the priority should be clear disclosure rules for any sponsored or foreign-linked content, along with firm rejection of ghostwriting arrangements. Governments can play a constructive role by enforcing foreign agent registration requirements, investigating influence-for-hire networks, and periodically publishing threat assessments without resorting to outright bans.Social media platforms should continue improving labeling of state-affiliated accounts and demoting coordinated inauthentic behavior, applying the same standards regardless of the country involved. Civil society groups, meanwhile, can support collaborative investigative journalism  the kind that exposed the Argentine payments  and push for stronger whistleblower protections.The Argentina case demonstrates that sunlight still works. When documents surfaced showing the scale of the payments and the use of fake bylines, it triggered public scrutiny and international attention. Similar exposures in other countries could have the same effect.Russias influence campaign in Latin America is sophisticated but not invincible. It exploits real frustrations with inequality, foreign policy double standards, and economic hardship that many in the region feel. The best defense is not to silence debate, but to ensure that debate is grounded in transparent sourcing and genuine local voices rather than prepaid scripts from abroad. In the long run, a more discerning public and a more accountable media environment will be the strongest bulwark against any foreign power trying to quietly auction off public opinion.
(The Center Square) - President Donald Trump has endorsed former Fox News anchor Steve Hilton in Californias Republican gubernatorial primary.

Trump picked Hilton over the other prominent GOP candidate - Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who is an outspoken Trump supporter.

Sunday nights endorsement on social media comes as Democrats face the risk of being shut out of the general election for the first time in the Golden States history.

Besides the two Republicans, there are eight prominent Democratic candidates. Under California law, the two candidates with the highest number of votes in the June 2 primary, regardless of party affiliation, will face off in the Nov. 3 election. Hilton and Bianco could get more votes if Democrats spread their votes among the eight candidates.

And a recent University of California, Berkeley poll shows Hilton, a small business owner in addition to being a former commentator, and Bianco are ahead of the Democratic candidates.

According to the poll, Hilton has 17% of the vote, and Bianco, 16%. The leading Democratic candidates are U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell of San Francisco with 14%, former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter of Orange County with 13% and billionaire and consumer protection advocate Tom Steyer, who financed the successful campaign to pass congressional redistricting in California, with 10%. The poll says none of the five remaining prominent Democrats - former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former state Controller Betty Yee and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan - has more than 5% of the vote.

The Democratic Party is taking the risk seriously, with California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks urging Democrats with less support to drop out. So far, no one has budged. Hicks has said the risk of shutout is "relatively low but not impossible."

Hicks wasnt available for further comment on Monday, and the state Republican Party and Bianco or his campaign staff didnt respond to The Center Squares requests for comment.

Hilton also wasnt available for an interview, but his spokesperson Hector Barajas emailed The Center Square a statement saying Hilton was honored to be endorsed by Trump. The candidate's statement noted California has the nations highest poverty, unemployment and cost-of-living rates after 16 years of "one-party rule" by Democrats. Hilton promised to cut electric bills by half, have no taxes on the first $100,000 of income, make house purchases more affordable and reduce the cost of gas to $3 a gallon.

California consistently has had the nation's highest gas taxes for several years, and the tax has grown more than $1 a gallon since the Feb. 28 start of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. On Monday, California's average price was $5.93 a gallon, above the national average of $4.12 a gallon, according to AAA.

Roxanne Hoge, chair of the Los Angeles County Republican Party, told The Center Square that under the top-two primary system, Democrats have spent a lot of money to help Republican candidates they think they can beat in November.

We as a party have not gotten to choose our standard bearer for a long time, from state Senate all the way up to governor, Hoge said in a phone interview Monday afternoon. The fact that for the first time in hundreds of races they [Democrats] might be shut down does not fill me with great empathy or concern."

She added two Republicans and no Democrats in the general election's gubernatorial race would be the best outcome for California.

I'm firmly of the opinion that either Steve Hilton or Chad Bianco  or any Republican  would be a vast improvement over the public-sector-union puppets we have running our state now," she said.

In his endorsement on his social media platform TruthSocial, Trump said he has known and respected Hilton for many years.

People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World," Trump's post said. "Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so! With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before!

Theres the question of whether Trumps endorsement of Hilton could pull enough votes away from Bianco to mean Hilton would face a Democrat in the general election. But Hoge isn't willing to predict that would happen.

Republicans are first and foremost rugged individuals, Hoge said. For me to know what theyre going to do would be a fools errand.

Porter, one of the leading Democratic candidates, commented on Trump's endorsement of Hilton on social media.

"If there was any doubt what this race is about, now it's certain: It's California values against MAGA," Porter posted on X. "I'm running because voters are tired of the same old political games when the stakes are so much higher. They deserve a governor they can trust to fight for regular people, not just push policy agendas that only benefit corporate interests and the richest of the rich."

Campaign staffs for some of the other leading Democratic gubernatorial candidates did not respond to The Center Square's requests for comment Monday.
COLUMBUS  Ohio is finally set to distribute $65 million in funds stemming from a 2023 environmental restoration settlement with DuPont over forever chemical contamination.

The payment of the settlement money, which stemmed from a lawsuit filed in 2018 by then-Attorney General, now Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, was held up due to legal appeals but was released April 6 by the Ohio Controlling Board.

Access to safe drinking water is essential for every Ohio community, DeWine said in a statement, announcing the release of the funds. These funding awards will be used to make critical improvements to local water systems that will protect public health and strengthen drinking water infrastructure for years to come.

Settlement money will be given to Belmont, Gallia, Lawrence, Meigs, Morgan and Washington counties to support local drinking water infrastructure projects in over a dozen communities.

The landmark lawsuit accused DuPont of releasing perfluorooctanoic acid, a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemical known commonly as PFOA or C8, into the air and the Ohio River from its Washington Works facility in Parkersburg, West Virginia, despite knowing the risks the chemical poses to environmental and public health.

Ohio was the first state to legally challenge DuPont for its use of PFOA, which was used in household items from the 1950s to 2013.

The company has been leaking PFAS into the Ohio River for decades, one of the first known polluters to do so, and is still doing so. In August 2025, a United States federal judge ordered Chemourss Washington Works plant, formerly DuPont, to stop releasing unlawful amounts of PFAS into the Ohio River.

These new water projects will include creating new drinking water sources, connecting smaller water systems to larger regional systems, installing treatment infrastructure to remove PFAS from public water systems and connecting private wells with PFAS to public water sources.

Related content:

Forever chemicals, once a hidden threat, may lurk in groundwater, soil

Not the end: Testing, support could help farmers navigate PFAS
COLUMBUS  The bagpiper plays his first notes, and heads turn. The rich, droning tones of the pipes resonate throughout the Voinovich Building at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, where the Keith Moore Memorial Shorthorn Sale is about to begin.

But the sound of the pipes isnt the only thing attracting attention.

Clad in the traditional Scottish piper uniform, Jeff Linn cuts a striking figure among the rest of the attendees at the Ohio Beef Expo. The musician from Groveport, Ohio, stands over 6 feet tall before he puts on the towering black feather bonnet, the formal headgear worn by pipers.

Add to that the tartan kilt, with a tasseled sporran pouch hanging from his waist, and a belt with a jeweled brooch across his chest, its a sight to behold.

Marching through the trade show at the Ohio Beef Expo, Linn plays the bagpipe as he leads the Ohio Shorthorn Lassie Queens to the show ring before the shorthorn sale.

The spectacle began a decade ago as a way to celebrate the Shorthorn Lassies 60th year in a big way, according to Karen Scott Bihl, president of the Ohio Shorthorn Lassie Association. The Lassies are the womens auxiliary for the American Shorthorn Association and pay tribute to the breeds Scottish roots through their name and costume.

That was something to see, Bihl said, recalling the first year Linn played at the Expo. It was really busy that year. People turned around, and it was like a parting of the water. Nobody had ever seen anything like that at a cattle event.

Bihl found with through a quick online search for bagpipers local to Columbus. Linns name popped up immediately, and it felt like fate when she saw his dress uniform consisted of a Royal Stuart tartan, the same red plaid pattern the Shorthorn Lassies wear.

The uniform Linn wears is authentic Royal Scots Dragoon Guard Pipe and Drums regiment dress. He says he bought it directly from the United Kingdoms Ministry of Defence after they retired that version of the uniform.

Linn has been playing pipes since he was 5 or 6. His father, who also played the pipes, insisted he learn the instrument to honor his Scottish heritage. Linns family emigrated to the U.S. from Scotland before the Revolutionary War, initially settling in western Pennsylvania.

Linn, now 77, was born and raised in Ohio, but moved to California for many years, where he made a living as a musician working for record companies and in film and TV. He plays a variety of other instruments (he even has a record studio in his house), but the pipes have been a constant in his life.

Every place I moved, I ended up playing, he said. Its hard to put down.

He played pipes for Donald Trumps mothers birthday (Mary Anne MacLeod Trump was a Scottish immigrant). He plays at weddings and at funerals, including both of his parents funerals.

The first year Linn appeared at the Ohio Beef Expo created an incredible buzz and cemented his place as part of the ceremony before the shorthorn sale. As far as Bihl knows, theyre the only shorthorn association in the country to have a bagpiper involved in sale festivities.

We really cherish having him, Bihl said.

After he plays, Linn becomes something of a celebrity, with people of all ages stopping him to ask if he can pose for a picture with them. Although he is an imposing figure, he answers in character with a gentle aye.

Its incredible, Linn said. The girls love what theyre doing. I just love being a part of something that the people are that enthusiastic about.
Pressure is mounting on the government to act on fertiliser supply, as industry leaders warn of growing risks to farm cashflow and future food security.

The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has written to Defra setting out four key priorities aimed at strengthening fertiliser supply resilience and market confidence.

The letter outlines four main pressure points facing the industry  access to finance, data transparency, carbon policy and sanctions  all of which are already influencing farmer purchasing decisions ahead of the next season.

The body has highlighted increasing strain on farm cashflow, with access to credit affecting fertiliser purchasing decisions. It is urging the government to explore options to support credit lines for fertiliser purchases, helping to reduce disruption and stabilise the market.

It has also called on Defra to consider introducing a national fertiliser recording system, similar to those used in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Such a system would improve transparency around fertiliser volumes, including on-farm stocks and carry-over, and strengthen national oversight of supply.

Clarity over the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is another key concern.

It warned uncertainty around how the scheme will apply to fertiliser  including default carbon footprints and free allowance thresholds  is creating significant uncertainty for importers planning purchases months in advance.

It said delaying clarity until late 2026 is unworkable given how far ahead fertiliser is ordered, and risks adding further strain to the wider food supply chain.

Fertiliser markets have faced volatility in recent years due to global supply disruption and high energy costs, increasing pressure on both suppliers and farmers. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the USIran conflict, have added further uncertainty to global fertiliser supply and prices.

Further concerns have been raised over sanctions linked to Russian-owned fertiliser production facilities operating within Europe.

It said a lack of clear guidance on sanctions interpretation and banking restrictions is hindering lawful trade and distorting the market compared with other European countries.

Despite these challenges, the organisation said it remains committed to working with government, providing evidence and market intelligence to support the sector.

AIC head of fertiliser sector Jo Gilbertson said: While many UK farms may have secured their fertiliser requirements for this year, we cannot overlook the potential impact that ongoing global disruption could have on supply chains in 2026 and 2027.

He added that while the government has limited control over internationally traded fertilisers, domestic policy still plays a vital role in maintaining confidence and supporting food security.

The governments proposal for a new UK Fertiliser Regulation is something AIC has long called for and very much welcomes, he said.

It is also important that all available options to support UK agriculture are considered, which is why AIC has written to Ministers setting out four specific asks.
Great British Beef Week will return this April with a renewed push to drive demand for home-produced beef, as new figures show rising consumer confidence in British farming and strong support for local meat retailers.

The nationwide campaign, led by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), launches on St Georges Day (23 April) and will highlight the role of butchers and farm shops in connecting consumers with locally sourced beef.

It comes as 71% of consumers say they feel positive about British agriculture  the highest level recorded  while a similar proportion believe meat bought from a butcher is good quality, underlining growing trust in local supply chains.

Created by Ladies in Beef, the campaign focuses on the full journey from farm to fork, promoting quality, provenance and the people behind production, from livestock farmers to independent retailers and national supermarkets supporting the initiative.

However, the spotlight on local supply chains also comes at a time when many livestock producers continue to face cost pressures and tight margins, adding weight to efforts aimed at encouraging shoppers to back British produce.

Jilly Greed, Devon beef farmer and co-founder of Ladies in Beef, said the campaign is about championing our trusted local supply chains, the family farms, farm shops and butchers that work together to deliver top-quality British beef to communities.

She added that buying locally supports British farmers who care deeply about quality and the environment.

Consumer behaviour continues to reflect that message. More than 3.1 million shoppers bought meat from a butcher over the past year, spending an average of 135.50, while many cite supporting local businesses and buying British as key motivations.

Around one in ten consumers also purchase red meat from farm shops, reinforcing the role of shorter supply chains in the sector.

AHDBs campaign will be backed by retailers and a programme of digital activity, with industry figures including Baroness Minette Batters and Adam Henson supporting the initiative.

A partnership with The Farmers Dog pub will also bring the campaign to life, showcasing locally sourced beef linked to farmers such as Kaleb Cooper, and highlighting the journey from farm to plate through those working across the business.

Charlotte Kingham said Great British Beef Week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase British farmers and the local supply chains that bring their produce to our counters.

Industry leaders say the campaign is key to reinforcing the reputation of British beef. NFU Livestock Board chair David Barton said producers deliver meat to some of the highest welfare and environmental standards in the world, while Red Tractor chief executive Jim Moseley described the week as a powerful celebration of British farming.

Regional activity will also run alongside the campaign, including events in Northern Ireland focused on traceability and quality, as well as education initiatives such as a schools-based Mini Beef Week.

Butchers remain central to the message, with research showing most consumers value the expertise at the counter and the service provided.

Great British Beef Week 2026 runs from 23 to 30 April, with the industry now watching to see whether strong consumer sentiment translates into sustained support for British beef at a time when the sector faces ongoing economic pressures.
New telecoms rules affecting around 15,000 sites have come into force, with warnings they could slash rents and undermine UK mobile rollout.

From today (7 April), an expansion of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Act brings thousands more landowners  including farmers  into the Electronic Communications Code, a system critics say has already cut rents by up to 90%.

Ministers say the changes will support growth and accelerate rollout, but industry groups warn they risk doing the opposite.

The reforms extend a framework introduced in 2017, which shifted payments to a no-scheme valuation model and fundamentally changed the economics of hosting telecoms infrastructure.

A coalition including the British Property Federation, the Farmers Union of Wales and APWireless said extending the system could worsen tensions between operators and site providers.

Disputes have surged since the 2017 changes, with more than 1,000 legal cases compared with just 33 over the previous three decades, while negotiations have slowed and relationships between operators and landowners have deteriorated.

Campaigners say this is already affecting rollout, with sites delayed, lost or never delivered where agreements cannot be reached.

The warning comes as the UK continues to lag behind much of Europe on mobile connectivity, ranking 24th out of 32 countries for 5G availability.

The expansion is expected to put further pressure on relationships between telecoms operators and landowners, many of whom host masts on private land.

A recent survey found 35% of landowners hosting masts are considering withdrawing altogether, raising concerns over future network expansion.

The coalition said it supports the governments ambition to improve connectivity, but warned the current framework is having unintended consequences.

We support the governments ambition to improve connectivity and recognise its role in driving economic growth, the group said.

However, it is disappointing to see a framework that has led to increased disputes, longer negotiations, and growing reluctance among landowners to host mobile infrastructure being extended without a clear understanding of how it is working in practice.

They added that where agreements break down, sites can be delayed, lost, or never secured in the first place, affecting coverage and capacity.

The intention behind the 2017 reforms was to speed up rollout and make investment easier. In reality, they have made the underlying relationships harder to manage, the statement said.

The coalition also warned that a key safeguard  a complaints mechanism under Section 70  has yet to be implemented.

Without it, they argue there is no clear independent route to resolve disputes or concerns about conduct, and are calling for it to be introduced alongside a review of the framework.

Without further action, industry groups warn tensions will rise  with more landowners stepping away and further delays to rollout.
Popular Indian actor Manoj Bajpayee recently tweeted, wishing filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma on his birthday, sharing a set of new, unseen pictures that highlight their friendship filled with madness, arguments, and shared laughter. This post garnered the attention of the audience quickly by setting the stage for nostalgia and embracing the bond between the two friends.



Take a look:





Happy Birthday, @RGVzoomin 



Weve had our share of madness, arguments, laughterand some unforgettable cinema along the way. Grateful for all of it.



Stay as unpredictable, curious, and fearless as ever. Big hug,  pic.twitter.com/eLnGdqXLCh  manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) April 7, 2026

Manoj Bajpayee on Twitter wrote, Happy Birthday, @RGVzoomin. Weve had our share of madness, arguments, laughterand some unforgettable cinema along the way. Grateful for all of it. Stay as unpredictable, curious, and fearless as ever. Big hug. Several fans reacted to the post and showed their enthusiasm, awaiting the films release. One of the fans commented, You should come back with a bang with more Satya like stuff or totally new stories which are waiting to be told. Audience wants intelligent cinema told with a swag." Another fan wrote, Ramu really deserves to make a strong return to the film industry with Satya 2, especially since he still possesses that keen, sarcastic wit as a director. Others wished the filmmaker on his birthday and felt rather nostalgic.



Ram Gopal Varma's upcoming horror-comedy film, Police Station Mein Bhoot, starring Manoj Bajpayee, Genelia Deshmukh, and Ramya Krishnan, is expected to be released in 2026. The film focuses on a gang member's ghost haunting a police station, blending crime with supernatural horror elements, under RGVs signature dark style. Fans are quite excited as they await the official release of the film.





RGVs review on Dhurandhar :





Indian filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma recently was also found to actively praise the success of the film, Dhurandhar, where he tweeted, My one line advise to all film students is Leave your institutes and spend that money and time in #Dhurandhar2 theatres For all film students out there, here is what I studied of how Aditya Dhar did not direct, but weaponized cinema itself. Dhar fused raw visceral intensity with surgical precision, creating a film that feels like a live electric wire humming with tension and then exploding into cinematic brilliance.
Salman Khan has stepped in to support Rajpal Yadav after a viral moment involving a remark on the latters ongoing cheque bounce case stirred conversations online. The situation gained traction after a clip of journalist Saurabh Dwivedi making a quip referencing Yadavs legal troubles began circulating widely on social media.





The comment appeared to catch Rajpal Yadav off guard during an interaction, prompting him to respond candidly. As the clip spread, it triggered mixed reactions, with some calling it unnecessary while others viewed it as light-hearted banter. However, the incident quickly turned into a larger conversation about sensitivity around personal and legal matters in public spaces.





Amid this, Salman Khan took to social media to back Yadav, highlighting the actors long-standing contribution to the industry. In his message, Salman emphasised that Rajpal has spent decades working hard and entertaining audiences, suggesting that occasional remarks or missteps should not overshadow years of dedication. His statement struck a chord with many, shifting the narrative from criticism to support.







View this post on Instagram A post shared by Filmfare (@filmfare)







Fans across platforms echoed Salmans sentiment, praising him for standing by a fellow actor during a moment of public scrutiny. Many users pointed out that Rajpal Yadavs body of work and comic legacy deserve recognition beyond any ongoing controversy. The show of solidarity also sparked discussions about how public figures are often judged based on isolated incidents rather than their overall journey. Some even highlighted how moments like these reveal the importance of industry peers speaking up at the right time.











As the conversation continues online, Salman Khans support has added a new dimension to the discourse, turning it into a broader reflection on empathy, respect, and the way narratives are shaped in the age of viral content. It has also encouraged a more balanced perspective, with many urging others to look beyond headlines and consider the full context before forming opinions.





















Also Read: Chand Dekh Lena Out Now: Salman Khan & Chitrangada Singh Bring Love and Longing to Life




The National Commission for Women (NCW) has intensified its investigation into the controversy around the song Sarke Chunar Teri from the upcoming film KD: The Devil. In an important update, the commission has granted Nora Fatehi a final opportunity to appear in person for a hearing scheduled for April 27, 2026. The NCW took suo motu cognisance of the song due to its allegedly objectionable and sexually explicit lyrics. During a recent hearing held on April 6, Nora was represented by her legal counsel. However, the commission declined to accept representation through a lawyer, insisting that she must be present herself.

In an official statement, the NCW clarified its stance: A final opportunity has been granted to Nora Fatehi to appear in person before the commission on April 27, 2026. The controversy has also reached Sanjay Dutt, who stars in the film. The commission has directed him to appear before them on April 8 to address matters related to the track. The hearing, chaired by NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, saw the attendance of many key figures associated with the project, including lyricist Raqueeb Alam and director Prem. Representatives from KVN Productions, Gautam K M and Suprith, were also present.





During the proceedings, Rahatkar expressed strong concerns about the song's impact, saying, The dignity of women cannot be compromised in the name of creativity. She reportedly rejected arguments from the team that they were unaware of the lyrics' specific meanings.

In response to the commissions flags about the song's negative impact on society the makers and the lyricist submitted a written apology. They have also committed to undertaking women's empowerment initiatives over the next three months and will be required to submit a report on these activities to the panel.

Sarke Chunar Teri faced immediate backlash on social media for its explicit content shortly after its YouTube release. After the public outcry and the NCWs intervention, the song has been pulled down from the platform. Directed by Prem and starring Dhruv Sarja, the Kannada film KD: The Devil is currently slated for a theatrical release on April 30.





Also Read: Varun Dhawan lights up Nora Fatehis birthday bash
TORONTO, April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Canada's residential construction starts are now heavily dominated by purpose-built rentals, stepping in as the traditional ownership market weakens under tight financial conditions. This shift fundamentally alters the risk profile for property investors operating in the province through 2026. Ontario currently has over 1.7 million renters, a 10% increase since 2016, which magnifies the sheer volume of daily tenant-landlord interactions. As this rental supply expands and regulatory environments tighten, securing comprehensive Landlord Insurance Ontario has transitioned from an optional safeguard to an essential component of real estate investment strategy.

The Regulatory and Operational Hurdles Threatening Investor ROI

Tribunal Delays & Financial Vulnerability

The province's administrative bottlenecks present a severe financial vulnerability for property owners. The backlog at Ontario's Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) recently surpassed 53,000 cases, effectively paralyzing dispute resolution processes. Landlords face prolonged periods without the ability to evict, forcing them to absorb months of lost revenue while waiting for administrative hearings.

The Damage Deposit Dilemma

Strict provincial regulations compound these operational risks by restricting upfront financial safeguards. Ontario law dictates that landlords cannot require a separate damage deposit from tenants; the only permitted upfront collection is for the last month's rent. Consequently, owners must route all damage compensation requests through the already overwhelmed LTB, severely delaying financial restitution for property destruction.

This challenging legal framework is driving a significant shift in market sentiment and risk management tactics globally and domestically. Recent global regulatory shifts expanding renters' rights have triggered a 41% surge in demand for rental insurance. Domestically, recent federal policy changes have expanded the insured mortgage market, prompting investors in high-cost regions to scale their portfolios while urgently seeking protective measures against tenant-related liabilities.

Shielding Your Assets: The Anatomy of Modern Landlord Insurance Ontario

Standard homeowner policies leave significant coverage gaps for income-producing real estate, necessitating specialized commercial policies. KASE Insurance, an award-winning commercial insurance brokerage based in Toronto, designs bespoke policies that directly close these gaps for property investors. Their specialized products act as an essential financial backstop, preserving investment capital when unexpected operational disasters strike.

The Cost of Inadequate Coverage

The average cost of landlord insurance in Ontario typically ranges from $1,435 to $1,560 per year, which is generally just 15% to 25% more than a standard homeowner's policy. While this represents a modest annual operating expense, the cost of going without it during a total property loss or a protracted legal dispute remains catastrophic for independent investors. KASE Insurance provides specific coverages that directly offset these severe regional risks:

Rent Guarantee & Income Loss: Reimburses missed payments when tenants default or break leases, providing a critical cash-flow safety net amid the extensive LTB eviction delays.

Liability Exposure: Covers comprehensive legal and medical fees if a tenant or visitor suffers from an injury on the rental property.

Short-Term Rental Specialization: Secures high-turnover properties, such as Airbnb or VRBO listings, that face significantly elevated damage risks and can cost up to twice as much to insure as long-term rentals.

Malicious Damage & Vandalism: Recoups repair costs for intentional property destruction, allowing owners to bypass the delayed LTB hearings for immediate financial restitution.

Maximizing Yields: Why Proactive Risk Management Pays Dividends

Riding the Condo Market Shifts

High-density urban environments are experiencing extreme inventory fluctuations that directly impact landlord profitability heading into 2026. The Greater Toronto Area recorded a 51% year-over-year increase in condo rental listings during the first quarter. Meanwhile, the typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom condo apartment commands a lucrative $2,441. Investors who maintain well-insured, meticulously risk-managed properties secure a clear competitive edge when vying for premium tenants in this crowded marketplace.

Strategic Policy Structuring

Professional risk structuring requires looking beyond basic structural protection to insulate the entire business operation. Partnering with commercial brokers like KASE Insurance enables real estate investors to bundle commercial property insurance, cyber liability for digital tenant payment portals, and business interruption coverage. This comprehensive bundling strategy effectively reduces the portfolio's overall risk while maximizing long-term yields.

Coverage Feature Standard Homeowners Insurance KASE Landlord Insurance (Ontario) Primary Use Owner-occupied residences Tenant-occupied income properties Lost Rental Income Not Covered Reimburses lost income if uninhabitable Tenant Default / Rent Guarantee Not Covered Optional add-on for missed lease payments Premises Liability Limited to personal visitors High-limit commercial liability protection Short-Term Rental (Airbnb) Voids policy if undisclosed Tailored policies for high-turnover rentals

Securing Your Real Estate Investments for the Future

Government rent supplements and aggressive population growth will continue pushing Ontario's housing supply heavily into the rental sector. As property management complexities deepen throughout 2026, relying on standard homeowner policies constitutes an unacceptable financial hazard.

Investors must immediately audit their current portfolios to verify adequate commercial protection is in place. Secure your property empire's financial future by consulting the commercial brokers at KASE Insurance for a customized landlord policy quote today.

Media Contact

Name: Stanislav Kojokin

Position: CEO

City and State: Toronto, Ontario

Website: https://kaseinsurance.com/

Email: stanislav.kojokin@kaseinsurance.com

Telephone: (647) 494 5273

Fax: 647-430-7535

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2950731/Landlord_Insurance_Ontario.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/landlord-insurance-ontario-what-new-market-data-means-for-your-2026-roi-302735050.html
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 6, 2026) - Medaro Mining Corp. (CSE: MEDA) (OTCQB: MEDAF) (FSE: 1ZY) ("Medaro" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a planned Phase 1 exploration program at the Company's Clay Howells West rare earth element ("REE") project (the "Project") in northern Ontario.

The Phase 1 program is designed to support target generation and prioritization through compilation of historical and regional datasets and initial field-based exploration. The Company expects desktop work to commence in April 2026 with ground exploration activities targeted to begin in May 2026, subject to weather conditions, logistics and contractor availability,

Exploration Program - Phase 1 Scope of Work

The planned Phase 1 program is intended to advance the Company's geological understanding of the Project through systematic target generation, field prospecting and sampling. Based on the current proposal, the program is expected to include:

a desktop study involving compilation and interpretation of historical and regional datasets, including geological maps and reports, historical exploration data, magnetic, radiometric and gravity datasets, and assessment files;

a ground-based radiometric survey using a portable gamma spectrometer to measure total counts, potassium, uranium and thorium, together with ratio analysis;

reconnaissance-level geological mapping and prospecting focused on lithological contacts, structural features, alteration zones and radiometric anomaly areas;

a targeted rock sampling program, including grab samples and, where exposure permits, selective channel samples, with planned multi-element analysis including REEs;

a soil geochemical survey targeting accessible areas and follow-up grids, designed to identify geochemical anomalies; and

integration and interpretation of geological, radiometric and geochemical data to produce anomaly maps and ranked exploration targets.

The Company's objective for Phase 1 is to generate geological observations and analytical data to support target definition and prioritization for possible future work programs. Deliverables contemplated under the current work plan include target generation maps and priority ranking of exploration areas within the Project.

The current proposal contemplates approximately 50 to 100 rock samples and approximately 100 to 200 soil samples during Phase 1, with a standard quality assurance / quality control program including certified reference materials or blanks, field duplicates, chain of custody procedures, and analysis at accredited laboratories

Clay Howells West Project - Background and Opportunity

The Clay Howells West Project is located in northern Ontario, approximately 50 kilometres north-northeast of Kapuskasing, within the Clay-Howells alkalic intrusive/carbonatite complex. The project is situated in an area characterized by syenites, carbonatites, massive magnetites, fault-altered breccias and syenite breccias. The historical regional datasets indicate magnetic and radiometric anomalies in the broader complex is associated with magnetic and radiogenic anomalies. Historical exploration in the area dates back to the 1950s and was largely focused on magnetic anomalies and nearby occurrences.

Mark Ireton, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Medaro, commented: "The planned Phase 1 program at Clay Howells West is intended to advance the Company's understanding of the Project through a systematic and disciplined exploration approach. By integrating historical compilation work with targeted field activities, Medaro aims to identify and prioritize areas for potential follow-up exploration."

The Company cautions that the Project is at an early stage of exploration. Any references to nearby deposits, historical exploration, regional geology or adjacent mineralization are provided for geological context only and are not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the Project. Medaro has not verified all historical information referenced in connection with the Project, and such information should not be relied upon.

Qualified Person

Afzaal Pirzada, P.Geo., a consultant of the Company and "Qualified Person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

About Medaro Mining Corp.

Medaro is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and advancement of high-quality mineral projects in Ontario, Quebec and Sweden. The Company's strategy is to build shareholder value through systematic exploration, disciplined project evaluation, and responsible development.

For more information, investors should review the Company's public filings available at www.sedarplus.ca.

On Behalf of the Company

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the scope, timing, sequencing and expected commencement of the Phase 1 exploration program at the Clay Howells West REE Project; the planned desktop study, radiometric survey, geological mapping, prospecting, rock sampling, soil sampling, laboratory analysis, data integration and interpretation activities; the anticipated objectives and deliverables of the Phase 1 program; the identification, delineation, ranking and follow-up of exploration targets; the possible advancement of the Project through future exploration phases; and the Company's broader plans and expectations regarding the Project.

Forward-looking statements are based on management's current beliefs, expectations and assumptions as of the date of this news release, including, without limitation, assumptions that field conditions, weather, access, contractor availability, equipment availability, analytical services, and other logistics will be available on reasonable timelines and consistent with current expectations; that the Company will have sufficient financing or working capital to carry out the planned program; and that exploration activities and results will support continued advancement of the Project.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: adverse weather, terrain or access conditions; delays in mobilization or commencement of fieldwork; changes to the scope, timing or cost of the exploration program; the availability and performance of contractors, laboratories, equipment and supplies; risks inherent in mineral exploration, including that exploration results may not be indicative of mineralization or may not support further work; geological interpretation risks; sampling and analytical risks; the possibility that the Project may not advance as anticipated; financing and market conditions; and other risks disclosed in the Company's public filings.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date hereof, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events may differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291370

Source: Medaro Mining Corp.
SINGAPORE, April 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kingdom, a battery energy storage system ("BESS") platform established by Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets, today announced that it has executed its first long-term project finance loan facility for its Mimasaka project, a 29MW battery energy storage project in Mimasaka, Okayama Prefecture, Chugoku, Japan. MUFG Bank, Ltd. is the original lender and mandated lead arranger. The project incorporates batteries from CATL, the world's largest battery manufacturer.

Kingdom owns and manages nine BESS projects in Japan that have each secured a 20-year revenue capacity market contract, which were won in the first two rounds of Japan's Long-term Decarbonization Auction. The nine projects total 479MW of gross capacity. The Mimasaka project is the first of these projects to execute project financing.

"Kingdom is firmly committed to supporting Japan in meeting its energy transition goals," said Jay Guo, Chief Executive Officer at Kingdom. "We are extremely excited to embark on this cooperation with CATL and MUFG, whilst continuing to swiftly progress the development of the remainder of our BESS portfolio."

"We are delighted to have reached this landmark transaction, which anchors Kingdom's position as a key player in Japan's energy storage market," added Ryan Chua, Senior Managing Director at Stonepeak. "We look forward to bringing more of our projects to financial close and into construction in support of Japan's energy transition targets."

About Kingdom

Kingdom is a BESS project development company, headquartered in Singapore with offices in Tokyo and Chengdu. Kingdom works across the full project life cycle to build, hold, and operate BESS assets in Japan and other markets, with the aim of advancing energy transition, and facilitating modern power grid system resiliency?.

About Stonepeak

Stonepeak is a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets with approximately $84 billion of assets under management. Through its investment in defensive, hard-asset businesses globally, Stonepeak aims to create value for its investors and portfolio companies, with a focus on downside protection and strong risk-adjusted returns. Stonepeak, as sponsor of private equity and credit investment vehicles, provides capital, operational support, and committed partnership to grow investments in its target sectors, which include transport and logistics, digital infrastructure, energy and energy transition, and real estate. Stonepeak is headquartered in New York with offices in Houston, Washington, D.C., London, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. For more information, please visit www.stonepeak.com.

Contacts

Kingdom

Jay Guo / Tian Kai (TK) Ling

corporatecomms@kingdom-bess.com
Strengthening Legal Advocacy for Complex and Emotionally Charged Family Law Disputes

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / April 6, 2026 / Daniel Ogbeide Law, a respected family law firm based in Houston, Texas, has announced the expansion of its legal services to better support families navigating high conflict family court cases across Texas. This initiative is designed to address the growing need for structured legal guidance in cases involving intense disputes over custody, property division, and parental rights.

"High conflict cases require more than standard legal representation," said Daniel Ogbeide, founder and principal attorney. "They require careful planning, consistent communication, and a clear understanding of how to protect both parental rights and long-term stability. Our goal is to help families move through these difficult situations with confidence and structure."

Family law cases are often emotionally demanding, but high conflict situations introduce additional layers of complexity that can overwhelm families. According to research published by the American Psychological Association, prolonged legal disputes between parents are associated with increased stress levels in both adults and children, often leading to long-term emotional and financial consequences. In Texas courts, contested family law cases continue to rise, with custody disputes and property disagreements ranking among the most litigated matters.

Daniel Ogbeide Law recognizes that families facing these challenges often struggle with uncertainty, communication breakdowns, and the pressure of making life-changing decisions under stress. The firm's expanded services aim to provide clarity, strategic direction, and consistent legal advocacy throughout each stage of the court process.

High conflict cases frequently involve disagreements over parenting arrangements, financial responsibilities, and the division of marital assets. These disputes can escalate when communication between parties breaks down or when there are concerns related to safety, relocation or financial transparency. Families may also face additional challenges when allegations arise during proceedings, which can complicate timelines and increase emotional strain.

The expanded legal support initiative focuses on several key areas that commonly arise in high conflict family law cases. These include contested divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, child support modifications, and complex property division matters. The firm also provides representation in cases involving appeals, where trial court decisions may require review due to legal or procedural concerns.

Data from the National Center for State Courts highlights that contested family law cases often take significantly longer to resolve than uncontested matters, with some cases extending over many months or even years. This prolonged process can place financial strain on families while also affecting children's sense of stability. Daniel Ogbeide Law's approach emphasizes early case assessment, detailed documentation, and strategic planning to help reduce unnecessary delays and support more efficient outcomes.

In addition to litigation support, the firm incorporates structured negotiation and mediation strategies when appropriate. While not all high conflict cases can be resolved outside of court, carefully guided discussions can sometimes help reduce tension and clarify expectations. This approach allows families to maintain greater control over decisions that directly affect their future.

Another critical component of the firm's expanded services is support for families dealing with overlapping legal issues. High conflict cases often intersect with concerns such as child protective services involvement, domestic safety issues or financial disputes involving significant assets. Each of these factors requires careful coordination and a comprehensive understanding of family law .

Research from the Urban Institute indicates that families with access to legal representation during complex family law proceedings are more likely to reach outcomes that align with legal standards and long-term stability. Legal guidance helps ensure that evidence is properly presented, timelines are followed, and procedural requirements are met. Without this support, families may face decisions that do not fully reflect their circumstances.

Daniel Ogbeide Law's expanded services are designed to address these concerns by providing consistent legal guidance from the initial consultation through the resolution of the case. The firm works closely with clients to understand their priorities, gather necessary documentation, and develop strategies tailored to their specific situation.

Families involved in high conflict cases often express concerns about fairness, financial security, and the wellbeing of their children. The firm's approach focuses on addressing these concerns directly, ensuring that each case is handled with attention to detail and a commitment to achieving balanced outcomes.

The expansion also includes increased resources for case preparation, including financial analysis, documentation review, and coordination with relevant professionals when needed. This allows the firm to manage complex cases more effectively and provide clients with a clear understanding of their legal position.

"Every family's situation is unique," Ogbeide added. "We take the time to understand each client's concerns and build a strategy that reflects their goals. High conflict cases are challenging, but with the right support, families can navigate them more effectively and move toward a more stable future."

As family law continues to evolve in response to changing social and economic conditions, Daniel Ogbeide Law remains committed to adapting its services to meet the needs of the communities it serves. The firm's expanded legal support initiative reflects its ongoing dedication to providing accessible, thoughtful, and effective representation for families across Texas.

About Daniel Ogbeide Law

Daniel Ogbeide Law is a Houston, Texas-based family law firm dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services in matters including child custody, child support, property division, prenuptial, postnuptial agreements and divorce in Houston , and related family law concerns. The firm is known for its client-focused approach, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving fair outcomes in complex legal matters.

Contact Details

Contact Name: Daniel Ogbeide

Website: https://www.expertsinfamilylaw.com/

Phone: 832-321-7005

Email: daniel@danielolaw.com

Address: Daniel Ogbeide Law, PLLC, 7324 Southwest Fwy, Suite 1040, Houston, TX 77074, United States

SOURCE: Daniel Ogbeide Law

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/daniel-ogbeide-law-announces-expanded-legal-support-for-families-1155255




TOKYO, April 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) has released the APO Productivity Outlook 2026, which examines the relationship between energy efficiency and productivity performance and its implications for the sustainable development of the 21 APO member economies in the Asia-Pacific region.

The report highlights that improving energy efficiency enables economies to produce more output with less energy input, positioning it as a key driver of both economic performance and environmental sustainability. As energy demand rises and climate challenges intensify, strengthening energy efficiency has become increasingly important for maintaining competitiveness and resilience.

Drawing on cross-economy analysis, the publication finds that the impact of energy efficiency on productivity varies across income levels and sectors. These differences underline the need for tailored policy approaches that reflect each economy's structural conditions and stage of development.

The report highlights institutional experiences from APO members such as the Republic of Korea and Japan, showing how strong energy data systems and systematic indicator frameworks can support reliable measurement and benchmarking, evidence-based policymaking, and regional comparisons. In addition, the publication outlines key policy directions to support productivity-enhancing energy transitions. These include promoting technological innovation, strengthening institutional coordination, advancing digitalization, and expanding green finance and incentive mechanisms. It also recommends that APO members integrate energy efficiency into productivity strategies under the Green Productivity framework.

"Energy efficiency must be understood as a core component of productivity strategy. As highlighted in the APO Productivity Outlook 2026, improving how energy is used allows economies to achieve more with less while advancing both economic performance and environmental sustainability. This is essential for building resilient and future-ready productivity systems across the region," said Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata, Secretary-General of the APO.

By linking energy efficiency with productivity performance, the APO Productivity Outlook 2026 provides practical insights for policymakers seeking to achieve sustainable, low-carbon growth while enhancing economic efficiency across the region.

The publication can be accessed through the following link:

APO Productivity Outlook 2026

To support a better understanding of the report's findings, the APO will feature the APO Productivity Outlook 2026 in its Productivity Talk (P-Talk) series on 21 April 2026 at 14:00 JST, to be streamed via the APO's official YouTube channel. The session will feature Dr. Ingul Baek, Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at Kongju National University, the Republic of Korea, and a contributor to the publication, who will share key insights and practical implications for policymakers and stakeholders across the region.

About the APO

The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) is a regional intergovernmental organization dedicated to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region through mutual cooperation. It is nonpolitical, nonprofit, and nondiscriminatory. Established in 1961 with eight founding members, the APO currently comprises 21 member economies: Bangladesh; Cambodia; the Republic of China; Fiji; Hong Kong; India; Indonesia; Islamic Republic of Iran; Japan; the Republic of Korea; Lao PDR; Malaysia; Mongolia; Nepal; Pakistan; the Philippines; Singapore; Sri Lanka; Thailand; Turkiye; and Vietnam.

The APO is shaping the future of the region by fostering the socioeconomic development of its members through national policy advisory services, acting as a think tank, institutional capacity-building initiatives, and knowledge sharing to increase productivity.

For details, contact the APO Digital Information Unit: pr@apo-tokyo.org.

Website: https://www.apo-tokyo.org

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/75f1d910-4b17-4a93-8292-e71591b397ac
Die Eskalation im Iran-Konflikt hat die Energiepreise mit voller Wucht nach oben getrieben. Was zunachst nach einer kurzfristigen Reaktion aussah, entwickelt sich zunehmend zu einem strukturellen Problem: Die Strae von Hormus ist blockiert, wichtige LNG- und Olanlagen stehen still oder werden gezielt angegriffen. Eine schnelle Entspannung ist nicht in Sicht  im Gegenteil, die Lage spitzt sich weiter zu.



Fur die Weltwirtschaft bedeutet dies wachsende Risiken. Steigende Energiepreise erhohen den Inflationsdruck, gefahrden Zinssenkungen und bringen die ohnehin hoch bewerteten Aktienmarkte ins Wanken. Doch wo Risiken entstehen, ergeben sich auch Chancen.



Denn von einem dauerhaft hoheren Energiepreisniveau profitieren nicht nur Ol- und Gasunternehmen. Auch Versorger, erneuerbare Energien sowie ausgewahlte Rohstoff- und Agrarwerte rucken in den Fokus. In diesem Umfeld konnten gezielt ausgewahlte Unternehmen uberdurchschnittlich profitieren  unabhangig davon, ob die Krise anhalt oder nicht.



In unserem aktuellen Spezialreport stellen wir drei Aktien vor, die genau dieses Profil erfullen: Krisenprofiteure mit solidem Geschaftsmodell, attraktiver Bewertung und langfristigem Potenzial.



Jetzt den kostenlosen Report sichern  und Ihr Depot auf den Energiepreisschock vorbereiten!
Ashburn, Virginia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 6, 2026) - Esthetique Dentistry of Ashburn, one of Northern Virginia's most recognized dental practices, is proud to announce the grand opening of its newly built, state-of-the-art facility at 44121 Leesburg Pike, Suite 225, Ashburn, VA 20147. The practice, now operating as the Cosmetic & Implant Dental Center of Northern Virginia, will host a Grand Inauguration & Open House on Thursday, April 9th, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, welcoming patients, neighbors, and community members to tour the new center, meet the dental team, and enjoy light refreshments.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12316/291400_daf6dac2244bba46_001full.jpg





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12316/291400_esthetique1.jpg

A New Era for Dental Care in Ashburn and Loudoun County

Designed with intention and built for the highest standard of patient care, the new Esthetique Dentistry facility represents a significant investment in both technology and patient experience. The upgraded space features advanced digital imaging systems, precision implant planning technology, and purpose-designed treatment suites that prioritize patient comfort at every touchpoint.

The practice has long been recognized as one of the top dental offices in Ashburn, VA, earning recognition from both Washingtonian Magazine and Northern Virginia Magazine for excellence in dentistry, and earning more than 700 five-star patient reviews. The new facility elevates that reputation with infrastructure designed to support the full spectrum of modern dental care, from routine preventive visits to complex full mouth reconstruction and All-on-4 dental implants, all under one roof.

Grand Inauguration & Open House, Event Details

The Esthetique Dentistry community, patients, families, and neighbors throughout Ashburn, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, and Loudoun County, is warmly invited to attend the Grand Inauguration & Open House:

Event: Grand Inauguration Opening & Open House

Grand Inauguration Opening & Open House Date & Time: Thursday, April 9th, 2026 | 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Thursday, April 9th, 2026 | 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Location: 44121 Leesburg Pike, Suite 225, Ashburn, VA 20147

44121 Leesburg Pike, Suite 225, Ashburn, VA 20147 RSVP: Kindly respond by April 7th, 2026

Kindly respond by April 7th, 2026 Website: www.esthetiquedentistryashburn.com

Guests are invited to explore the new treatment suites, experience the latest dental technology firsthand, and enjoy light bites while meeting the Esthetique Dentistry team. The event is open to current patients, prospective patients, and members of the broader Ashburn and Loudoun County community.

Comprehensive Dental Services, All Under One Roof

The new facility is purpose-built to support the full breadth of Esthetique Dentistry's clinical offerings, which span general and preventive care, advanced restorative dentistry, and leading cosmetic and implant treatments, including:

General & Family Dentistry, dental exams, professional cleanings, and preventive screenings for patients of all ages

Cosmetic Dentistry, porcelain veneers, Philips Zoom! teeth whitening, dental bonding, and full smile makeovers

Dental Implants & All-on-4, advanced implant-supported tooth replacement with digital planning and precision imaging

Full Mouth Reconstruction & Prosthodontics, comprehensive restorative care for complex dental needs

Invisalign & Orthodontics, discreet teeth straightening for teens and adults

Sedation Dentistry, IV sedation, oral sedation, and nitrous oxide for anxiety-free care

Emergency Dental Care, same-day appointments for urgent dental needs

Oral Cancer Screenings, TMJ/TMD Therapy, and Sleep Apnea Treatment

Meet the Esthetique Dentistry Team

The practice is led by a team of highly experienced dental professionals committed to personalized, patient-centered care: Dr. Garima K. Talwar, Dr. Hemani Kaur and Dr. Nishal Patel. Together, they bring deep expertise in general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry, serving patients across Ashburn, Brambleton, Broadlands, Ashburn Village, Lansdowne, and all of Loudoun County.

"This new facility is the fulfillment of everything we have been working toward - a space designed not just for clinical excellence, but for the kind of warm, personalized experience our patients deserve. We can't wait to welcome our community through these doors."

- Esthetique Dentistry of Ashburn

About Esthetique Dentistry of Ashburn

Esthetique Dentistry of Ashburn is an award-winning dental practice serving patients throughout Ashburn, VA and Loudoun County. Voted Top Dentist by Washingtonian Magazine and Northern Virginia Magazine, the practice has earned more than 700 five-star patient reviews and is recognized as one of the leading dental offices in Northern Virginia. The practice offers comprehensive dental care including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, Invisalign, sedation dentistry, and emergency dental care, all from a single, conveniently located office.

MEDIA CONTACT

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291400

Source: Esthetique Dentistry
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - Mont Royal Resources Ltd (ASX: MRZ) (TSXV: MRZL) ("Mont Royal" or "the Company") is pleased to provide an update on the progress of the updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for its 100%-owned Ashram Rare Earth and Fluorspar Project in Nunavik, Quebec and to announce a key appointment to the Company's newly-established Advisory Board.

HIGHLIGHTS

Updated Ashram Project PEA 80% complete with completion expected in April 2026.

Updated PEA incorporates revised assumptions for site access, logistics, process throughput and location of the downstream hydrometallurgical processing facility.

Revised development strategy expected to reduce capital and operating costs and reduce overall project execution and operating risks.

Strengthening Praseodymium-Neodymium (PrNd) oxide prices supports potential upside to project economics.

Key initial appointment to the newly established Mont Royal Advisory Board, strengthening development and downstream expertise.

Mont Royal's Managing Director, Nicholas Holthouse, said:

"We are very pleased with the strong progress of the Ashram Project PEA, with the study now approximately 80% complete and on track for April completion. In a relatively short period, the Mont Royal team and consultants have completed a comprehensive review of previous work and implemented several important improvements which we expect will reduce capital intensity and operating costs while lowering overall project risk and unlocking further value."

"We are also delighted to welcome Constantine Karayannopoulos to our Advisory Board. His deep experience in the global rare earths industry will be invaluable as we advance Ashram towards development, and we are pleased to have someone of his calibre join as the first member of our Advisory Board."

Mont Royal's Non-Executive Chairman, Cameron Henry, said:

"On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to welcome Mr. Constantine Karayannopoulos as the inaugural member of Mont Royal's Advisory Board. Constantine brings more than three decades of senior leadership across the rare earths and critical minerals sectors, and his appointment reflects the Board's commitment to surrounding the Ashram Project with world-class expertise as we advance toward development. With the PEA nearing completion and momentum building at both the Provincial and Federal level in support of Quebec's critical minerals industry, we believe this is the right moment to strengthen our advisory capability, and Constantine is an outstanding first appointment."

PEA Study

The Ashram Project hosts a consolidated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of:

73.2Mt @ 1.89% Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO) and 6.6% Fluorspar (CaF2) Indicated; and

131.1Mt @ 1.91% TREO & 4.0% CaF2 Inferred.

Altris Engineering are the Project integrators for the NI 43-101 Report and responsible for managing the associated work packages from the following consulting groups:

BBA Consulting - Mining and Environmental

Mining and Environmental DRA - Flotation plant design

Flotation plant design L3 - Hydromet plant design

Hydromet plant design Norda Stela - Tailings and water management

Tailings and water management Dahrouge Consulting - Geology

Geology PLR - Geology

Geology Arcadis - Radiation management

Radiation management Model Answer - Financial modelling

The revised PEA scope reflects updates to key project parameters including:

Development of an all-season access road between the Ashram site and Schefferville.

Rail logistics via the Tshiuetin Rail Transportation and Quebec North Shore and Labrador (QNSL) railway network to Sept-Iles.

Evaluation of road, rail or sea transportation options to the proposed Saguenay hydrometallurgical Facility.

Revised mining throughput assumptions and final product to a Mixed Rare Earth Oxide product.

The PEA is currently approximately 80% complete with mining, geology and radiation management work packages now finalised. The remaining work streams are progressing towards completion in line with the targeted April 2026 delivery timeline.





Figure 1: Ashram to Schefferville road study area shown in bold dark blue. Existing rail to Sept-Iles and road/sea link to Saguenay complete the logistics route.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12033/291426_54c3650084d488e5_001full.jpg

PrNd Pricing

Since the commencement of the PEA study, Praseodymium (Pr) and Neodymium (Nd) prices have strengthened significantly. Over the past 12 months, prices have increased by approximately 30-45%, reflecting a strong recovery from mid-2025 cyclical lows and reaching three-year highs in early 2026.

Price movements have been influenced by:

Market surplus and pricing weakness during Q2-Q3 2025.

Gradual recovery in Q4 2025 following geopolitical and supply side restrictions.

A sharp price increase in Q1 2026 driven by policy development and supply disruptions with spot prices briefly reaching USD $120/Kg PrNd.

Although prices moderated in March, they remain well above 2025 averages. Recent policy initiatives from the US Government, including price floor mechanisms and strategic stockpiling strategies, highlight the growing focus of Western Governments on critical mineral supply security, alongside Canadian Federal government alignment programs with EU countries. Canada is strengthening its position as a supplier of refined products into the global market. These should all bode well for the economics of the Ashram Project.

Advisory Board

Mont Royal is pleased to announce the appointment of highly experienced global rare earths executive Mr. Constantine Karayannopoulos to its newly established Advisory Board.

Mr. Karayannopoulos, BASc, MASc, P.Eng., is an experienced executive and professional engineer with more than 30 years of senior leadership roles in the rare earth elements, critical minerals, and advanced materials sectors. He has held senior executive and board roles across mining, processing and downstream materials businesses globally. He most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Neo Performance Materials Inc. (NEO) until his retirement in July 2023. During his tenure with NEO and its predecessors from 2000, he held several senior leadership roles including COO, CEO, Chairman, and again CEO from 2020 to 2023. As CEO of Neo, he oversaw the company's global expansion and ultimately led the company through its US$1.3 billion acquisition by Molycorp Inc. in 2012. Following the transaction, he served as Vice-Chairman, later becoming interim Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Molycorp. Mr. Karayannopoulos is also the co-founder and former non-executive Chairman of Neo Lithium Corp., which developed a major lithium brine project in Argentina before being acquired in 2022 for approximately US$960 million. In addition to his corporate roles, Mr. Karayannopoulos serves as a strategic advisor and board member to several companies in the critical minerals and battery materials sectors. He has previously served as a director of the Canada China Business Council and sits on the advisory board of the University of Toronto Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry. He holds Bachelor and Master of Applied Science degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto and is a registered Professional Engineer. The Company believes that Mr. Karayannopoulos' experience and industry network will provide valuable strategic insight and guidance to the Board and management team as we progress beyond the PEA and into further study phases and industry engagement. The Company intends to appoint further members to the Advisory Board in the near term that will complement Mr. Karayannopoulos' skill sets and, importantly, have a material presence in the province of Quebec.

About Mont Royal

Mont Royal Resources Limited (ASX: MRZ) (TSXV: MRZL) is a critical minerals development and exploration company with projects located in Quebec, Canada. The Company is dedicated to advancing its 100%-owned Ashram Rare Earth and Fluorspar Deposit in Nunavik, Quebec, Canada - one of the largest monazite-dominant carbonatite-hosted Rare Earth Elements deposits in North America. In addition, the Company owns 75% of Northern Lights Minerals 536km2 tenement package located in the Upper Eastmain Greenstone belt. The projects are located in the emerging James Bay area, a Tier-1 mining jurisdiction of Quebec, and are prospective for lithium, precious (Gold, Silver) and base metals mineralisation (Copper, Nickel).

For further information regarding Mont Royal Resources Limited, please visit the ASX platform (ASX: MRZ) or Mont Royal's website www.montroyalres.com





Figure 2: Location of the Ashram REE & Fluorspar Project, the Northern Lights Project and the Port of Saguenay

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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For and on behalf of the Board

ENDS

Joel Ives | Company Secretary

No new information

The Mineral Resource Estimate for the Ashram Rare Earth Elements and Fluorspar Deposit, Nunavik, Quebec, Canada (Ashram Project) was first reported in in the Company's replacement prospectus dated 30 September 2025 and released to ASX on 1 October 2025 (Prospectus). The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information relating to the estimate included in the Prospectus and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimate in the Prospectus continue to apply and have not materially changed.

Important Notices & Disclaimers

Forward Looking Statements

This announcement contains certain "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Australian securities laws and "forward looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively referred to as "forward looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address circumstances, events, activities or developments that could, or may or will occur are forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Risks that could change or prevent these events, activities or developments from coming to fruition include: actual results of current and future exploration activities; that Mont Royal may not be able to fully finance any additional exploration on the Ashram Project; that even if Mont Royal is able raise capital, costs for exploration activities may increase such that Mont Royal may not have sufficient funds to pay for such exploration or processing activities; the timing and content of the proposed drill program and any future work programs may not be completed as proposed or at all; geological interpretations based on drilling that may change with more detailed information; potential process methods and mineral recoveries assumptions based on limited test work and by comparison to what are considered analogous deposits that, with further test work, may not be comparable; testing of our process may not prove successful or samples derived from the Ashram Project may not yield positive results, and even if such tests are successful or initial sample results are positive, the economic and other outcomes may not be as expected; the anticipated market demand for rare earth elements and other minerals may not be as expected; the availability of labour and equipment to undertake future exploration work and testing activities; geopolitical risks which may result in market and economic instability; and despite the current expected viability of the Ashram Project, conditions changing such that even if metals or minerals are discovered on the Ashram Project, the project may not be commercially viable, or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the public filings made by Mont Royal. Although Mont Royal has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements are based on Mont Royal's current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about its business and the industry in which it operates and management's beliefs and assumptions, including the non-occurrence of the risks and uncertainties that are described above and in the public filings made by Mont Royal or other events occurring outside of our normal course of business, and are not guarantees of future performance or development and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are in some cases beyond Mont Royal's control.

Forward looking statements in this announcement include, but are not limited to, statements regarding; the goals, strategies, opportunities, technologies used, project timelines and funding requirements; impact of combined management expertise and prospective shareholding; the plans, operations and prospects of Mont Royal and its properties; the continued advancement of the Ashram Project to development; that Ashram's fluorspar component which makes it one of the largest potential sources of fluorspar in the world and could be a long-term supplier to the met-spar and acid-spar markets; that Mont Royal is positioning to be one of the lowest cost rare earth element producers globally, with a focus on being a long-term global supplier of mixed rare earth carbonate and/or NdPr oxide; and that Mont Royal may explore the potential of other high-value commodities on the Ashram Property and the expected timetable for dual listing of Mont Royal's shares; and statements about market and industry trends, which are based on interpretation of market conditions. Forward looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward looking words such as "anticipate", "expect", "likely", "propose", "will", "intend", "should", "could", "may", "believe", "forecast", "estimate", "target", "outlook", "guidance" (including negative or grammatical variations) and other similar expressions. No representation, warranty, guarantee or assurance, express or implied, is given or made in relation to any forward looking statement. In particular no representation, warranty or assumption, express or implied, is given in relation to any underlying assumption or that any forward-looking statement will be achieved. There can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Actual and future events may vary materially from the forward-looking statements and the assumptions on which the forward-looking statements were based, because events and actual circumstances frequently do not occur as forecast and future results are subject to known and unknown risks such as changes in market conditions and regulations.

Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, and should rely on their own independent enquiries, investigations and advice regarding information contained in this announcement. Any reliance by a reader on the information contained in this announcement is wholly at the reader's own risk.

To the maximum extent permitted by law or any relevant listing rules of the ASX/TSX-V, Mont Royal and their respective related bodies corporate and affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, advisers, agents and intermediaries disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to the information in this announcement to reflect any change in expectations in relation to any forward looking statements or any such change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements were based. Nothing in this announcement will, under any circumstances (including by reason of this announcement remaining available and not being superseded or replaced by any other announcement or publication with respect to Mont Royal or the subject matter of this announcement), create an implication that there has been no change in the affairs of Mont Royal since the date of this announcement.

Not Investment Advice

This announcement is not financial product, investment advice or a recommendation to acquire securities of Mont Royal or Commerce and has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of individuals. Each recipient of this announcement should make its own enquiries and investigations regarding all information in this announcement, including, but not limited to, the assumption, uncertainty and contingencies which may affect future operations of Mont Royal and the impact that different future outcomes may have on Mont Royal. Before making an investment decision, prospective investors should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to their own objectives, financial situation and needs, and seek legal, taxation and financial advice appropriate to their jurisdiction and circumstances.

Unless otherwise stated, all dollar values in this Announcement are reported in Australian dollars.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291426

Source: Mont Royal Resources Limited
EQS-News: Kholo Capital / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

Kholo Capital and Tensai provide R275 million to support Management Buy-Out ("MBO") of Isambane Mining



07.04.2026 / 08:15 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





The transaction enables the company's management team to acquire 100% ownership of the business, strengthening operational control and positioning Isambane for its next phase of growth

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 7, 2026: Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I ("Kholo Capital") and Tensai Private Equity ("Tensai") today announced the provision of R275 million in mezzanine debt funding to support the management buy-out ("MBO") of Isambane Mining ("Isambane"), a leading mid-tier mining contractor in South Africa.

Isambane delivers comprehensive opencast mining services, including drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, rehabilitation and day-work services to blue-chip mining clients.

Founded in 2005, Isambane has developed into an established and reputable South African contract mining operator. The transaction enables the company's management team to acquire 100% ownership of the business, strengthening operational control and positioning Isambane for its next phase of growth.

The R275 million mezzanine funding package comprises R200 million provided by Kholo Capital and R75 million provided by Tensai Private Equity.

The management consortium is led by Chairman Banzi Giyose, Chief Executive Officer Johan Venter and Chief Financial Officer Jorrie Jordaan and were advised by Bravura Capital.

Zaheer Cassim, Managing Partner and Founder of Kholo Capital, commented: "We are delighted to support Isambane's accomplished and highly motivated management team in acquiring full ownership of this exceptional business. This transaction is a strong example of how structured mezzanine debt capital can enable management-led ownership transitions without unnecessary equity dilution, while providing the flexibility required to sustain growth and operational momentum. Isambane has built a high-quality, resilient platform underpinned by long-standing relationships with Tier-1 mining clients, strong cash flow generation, and a scalable operating model. The leadership team's depth of experience-spanning more than 170 years across operations, engineering, safety and financial management-provides a solid foundation for continued execution and growth. This transaction also aligns ownership with those closest to the business, enhances black ownership and control, and positions Isambane to capitalise on opportunities in the mining services sector. We look forward to partnering with management as a long-term capital provider, supporting their strategic objectives and helping unlock further value in the business."

Mokgome Mogoba, Managing Partner and Founder of Kholo Capital, added: "Isambane's portfolio includes multi-year contracts with Tier-1 mining clients, providing strong revenue visibility. Its flexible operating model enables rapid redeployment of fleet and personnel, significantly mitigating contract and asset utilisation risk. Importantly, this transaction enhances black ownership and control in a sector that has historically lacked transformation. Isambane is now a majority black-owned and black-controlled mining services company. This transaction reflects continued investor confidence in South Africa's mining services sector and highlights the role of structured mezzanine debt in enabling management-led ownership transitions."

Tensai added, "Tensai is pleased to partner with Kholo Capital on this transaction. Isambane's established position and resilient operating model make it an attractive investment, and we are proud to support an experienced leadership team while contributing to meaningful transformation within South Africa's mining sector."

Soria Hay of Bravura Capital observed: "Bravura is delighted to have assisted the exceptional Isambane management to achieve the 100% Management Buy-Out from the existing shareholders within less than 9 months from our initial engagement. With Isambane being a capital-intensive business, we had to navigate the legal relationships with the various senior lenders carefully to achieve this outcome. All our thanks to the Kholo Capital and Tensai teams for the spirit of cooperation and partnership that was shown along the process. They were meticulous, but helpful to address the invariable niggles that always arise during these types of transactions. We wish Isambane only the best for this new chapter in its life."

Banzi Giyose, Chairman of Isambane, said: ""This has been a complex and rigorous process, led by highly experienced investment and legal teams, and it has been a pleasure working with parties who consistently demonstrated integrity, transparency and good faith. This collaborative approach was key to achieving a successful outcome. We are sincerely grateful to Kholo Capital and Tensai, for their diligence, as well as to all advisors for their continued support and expertise.

For Isambane, this milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter-one grounded in purpose, operational excellence and sustainable value creation. We remain committed to delivering strong performance while fostering safer work environments and creating meaningful opportunities for local communities."

Johan Venter, CEO of Isambane, concluded: "This transaction represents a transformational step for Isambane, aligning ownership with a management team deeply committed to the business and its long-term success. It strengthens our foundation for disciplined growth, anchored in our core values of faith, integrity, accountability, resilience, partnership and operational excellence. Kholo Capital brought strong credibility, commercial rigour and execution capability to the process. Their principled, solutions-driven approach and ability to navigate complexity while maintaining momentum were instrumental in achieving this outcome. We enter this next phase with confidence, guided by our values and a shared commitment to building a sustainable, high-performing business."

Norton Rose Fullbright acted as legal counsel to Kholo Capital and ENS acted as legal counsel for Tensai.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kholo Capital.

Watch Video: https://apo-opa.co/3Q5ut2i

Video Caption: Kholo Capital - Masters in Growth

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Image 1 Caption: Mokgome Mogoba - Founder & Managing Partner - Kholo Capital (1)

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For more information contact:

Zaheer Cassim

Managing Partner

Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I

zaheer@kholocapital.com

Tel: +27-83-786-0845

Mokgome Mogoba

Managing Partner

Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I

mokgome@kholocapital.com

Tel: +27-79-631-5860

Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I

34 Melrose Boulevard

Melrose Arch

2076

South Africa

Tensai contact details:

info@tensai.co.za

Tel: +27 21 276 2040

About Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I:

Kholo Capital Mezzanine Debt Fund I is a R1.4 billion specialist fund providing flexible mezzanine debt solutions to mid-market businesses across Southern Africa. The fund is designed to bridge the gap between senior debt and equity, enabling companies to access growth and acquisition capital while minimising equity dilution for shareholders.

The fund typically provides investments ranging from R70 million to R205 million to businesses generating a minimum of R25 million in EBITDA per annum. Kholo Capital invests in sectors with high social impact including infrastructure, financial services, healthcare, education, telecommunications, renewable energy, food and services. The investment mandate excludes primary mining, primary agriculture, micro-lending, gambling, ammunition, tobacco, hard liquor and government-related businesses. Larger transactions can be supported through co-investment from limited partners or through syndicated structures.

Kholo Capital provides tailored funding solutions for a variety of transaction types, including growth capital, acquisitions, management buy-outs, leveraged buy-outs, private equity transactions, share buybacks, refinancing of shareholder loans and dividend recapitalisations. The fund also partners with businesses to optimise their capital structures, including refinancing portions of senior bank debt to improve cash flow and create additional headroom for reinvestment and expansion.

Mezzanine debt funding is typically structured as a 4- to 7-year instrument with flexible, bullet repayment profiles, allowing companies to service interest during the term while deferring capital repayment to maturity. This structure supports stronger cash flow management and enables businesses to reinvest in growth initiatives. The fund targets returns more than 17%, combining yield with potential equity upside.

Kholo Capital adopts a disciplined investment approach, with leverage typically capped at 3.5x to 4.0x total debt to EBITDA and up to 80% loan-to-value, ensuring a minimum 20% equity buffer. Investments are made in established, cash-generative businesses, and the fund does not invest in distressed situations or standalone greenfield projects without appropriate guarantees from qualifying operating entities.

Founded in 2020 by Mokgome Mogoba and Zaheer Cassim, Kholo Capital is a specialist alternative investment manager with deep expertise across senior debt, mezzanine debt and private equity. The investment team has more than 100 years of combined experience and has collectively deployed over R50 billion across more than 90 transactions in over 10 African countries. The firm is led by a cohesive and experienced team with a long-standing track record of working together over two decades.

About Tensai:

Tensai Private Equity seeks to invest in businesses that demonstrate a proactive approach to innovation, recognizing the potential for technology to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new avenues for growth.

Website: www.Tensai.co.za
Q4 revenue soared by 267% yoy to  12m (eNuW:  11.8m), due to recovering customer demand from bus manufacturers in North America and Karsan. EBITDA doubled to  5.1m from  2.5m in the previous Q4, based on higher profitability within the orders processed. This led to an excellent EBITDA margin of 42.5%, which we view as partly driven by customer-specific, urgency-related pricing and therefore not fully indicative of the sustainable run-rate.

FY25 revenue rose by 67.5% yoy to  28.3m (eNuW:  28.1m), due to the significant demand acceleration in Q4, meeting the guidance of  28m to  35m. The positive EBITDA of  7.5m (eNuW:  5.1m) showed a marked improvement over  -3.6m a year prior. The implied EBITDA margin came in at 26.4%, largely driven by improved procurement efficiency and the positive one-off effects in Q4.

LION made significant progress in its turnaround. The Operating CF improved considerably from  -8.9m in FY24 to  7.7m. Total debt was reduced by approx.  6.8m (eNuW) through the conversion of convertible bonds held by shareholders into equity. This strengthened the equity ratio from 22.0% in FY24 to 38.1% in FY25.

Mobility: In FY25, utilization of its state-of-the-art factory improved as demand strengthened. Initial deliveries of the new NMC+ battery packs commenced in Q4. With a maximum annual production capacity of approximately 40k battery packs still largely underutilized, the company is well positioned to support the continued ramp-up of the NMC+ rollout in FY26e. Given the product's superior technological profile, we expect a broad transition of existing customers to NMC+, alongside a likely expansion of the customer base.

Storage: In April 2025, LION formed its strategic partnership with LeapEnergy, which gave LION access to assembled BESS solutions. Now offering one-stop-shop solutions (product, integration and after-market services), LION can successfully address the rapidly emerging energy storage market.

The total project pipeline of >7.5 GWh (not signed yet), represents revenue potential of  280m (eNuW) at low double-digit EBITDA margins (eNuW: 10-12%). Installation on its first grid-scale project in Germany (20 MW/h) with potential sales of  750k (eNuW) is scheduled for Q1 2026.

Looking to FY26e, revenue is projected to grow by approx. 30% to  36.4m (eNuW), driven by strong mobility product momentum and opportunities in storage opening up with new partnerships formed in 2025. FY26e guidance: revenue of above  35m. With a rising storage contribution in the product mix, we anticipate lower margins (15.6% vs. 26.5%). EBITDA is expected to normalize to  5.7m (eNuW) following a stronger one-off contribution in FY25. FY26 guidance: strongly positive EBITDA.

With achieving sustainable cash generation in FY25 under ongoing cost control efforts and improved procurement, the company should continue to gradually turn the balance sheet around as it scales up. Maintaining BUY with an unchanged  3.20 PT, based on DCF.

ISIN: CH0560888270
Since 2022, the company has successfully pioneered a business model that was previously rare in the market: selling solar components directly to end customers via e-commerce.

Within just three years, solago has become the market leader in this segment in Germany.

The company is now expanding into the Netherlands and Belgium.

Dusseldorf, April 7, 2026 - solago, Germany's largest online supplier of solar components, is entering the Dutch and Belgian markets under the domains solago.nl and solago.be. Customers in both countries will have access to the company's full product range, which is already well established in Germany and Austria under the brand name Solarhandel24.

"Our goal is to scale our direct-to-consumer online sales model for solar components across Europe. With the launch of solago.nl and solago.be, we are now reaching customers in the Netherlands and Belgium. Our model provides customers across the EU with easier and more cost-effective access to solar technology," said Janik Nolden, co-founder and CEO.

The company's business model fundamentally differs from traditional structures in the solar market. While manufacturers typically distribute their products through wholesalers and installation companies, solago sells directly to end customers via its online platform - eliminating intermediary steps in the value chain.

This shift is driven by changing consumer behavior: many customers now research products independently, compare options online, and configure their own solar solutions. Price plays a particularly important role, especially for smaller, standardized PV systems. solago addresses this demand by offering competitively priced solar components directly through its online store.

To support this model efficiently, the company operates a centralized, fully digital warehouse in Dusseldorf-Reisholz with 22,000 square meters of space, along with additional logistics facilities in the surrounding area.

In response to the current market environment, influenced by the Iran war, solago has also secured inventory from selected manufacturers for the European market. This is intended to ensure reliable supply even in a volatile market environment.

About solago

Founded in Hilden in 2022, solago (also known as Solarhandel24 in Germany) sells solar technology directly to private households. Through solago, customers can purchase complete photovoltaic systems as well as individual components such as storage units and inverters online. With DIY and plug-and-play solutions, the company makes access to solar energy simpler, more flexible, and practical for everyday use.

Today headquartered in Dusseldorf-Reisholz, solago is the leading provider of PV components in Germany's direct-to-consumer market. The company generated approximately 250 million in revenue in 2025 and has been fully self-financed since its inception.

Press page for photos and additional information: https://solarhandel24.de/pages/presse
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - Nexcel Metals Corp. (CSE: NEXX) (OTCQB: NXXCF) (FSE: 2OH) ("Nexcel" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of its airborne geophysical survey program at its Burnt Hill Tungsten Project located in New Brunswick, Canada. Survey operations began on April 3rd, 2026.

The airborne survey is being conducted by Xcalibur MPH (Canada) Ltd., a globally recognized provider of advanced airborne geophysical services, pursuant to a formal agreement executed March 16, 2026.

Figure 1: Burnt Hill Tungsten Project Adjacent Properties Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11702/291237_6d89a9313449ea06_001full.jpg

Survey Overview

The program will utilize Xcalibur's HeliTEM helicopter-borne Time Domain Electromagnetic (TDEM) and magnetic system, designed to identify conductive mineralization at depth. The survey is specifically engineered to target high-conductance zones associated with tungsten mineralization and other potential base and precious metal targets across the Burnt Hill property .

Key highlights of the survey include:

~1,480 line-kilometre airborne survey covering the Burnt Hill Project area

100 metre line spacing with 1,000 metre tie lines

Deployment of a 21-metre transmitter loop HeliTEM system

Capability to detect deep conductive bodies due to low-noise receivers and long on-time waveform

Collection of multi-component (X, Y, Z) electromagnetic data to accurately model subsurface conductors

Integration of high-resolution magnetic data for structural and lithological interpretation

The system's advanced square-wave transmitter and low-frequency configuration are expected to significantly enhance the Company's ability to detect deep-seated tungsten-bearing systems, which are characteristic of the Burnt Hill deposit model.

Program Objectives

The primary objective of the airborne survey is to:

Identify and prioritize new drill targets across the expanded Burnt Hill land package

Map conductive structures associated with tungsten mineralization and related intrusive systems

Support Phase 1 drilling planned for Summer 2026

Upgrade and refine the Company's geological and geophysical model using modern, high-resolution data

Operations and Logistics

The survey will be conducted using helicopter-supported geophysical equipment, with operations based out of Fredericton, New Brunswick, and supported by field infrastructure at the Burnt Hill project site .

Xcalibur will implement comprehensive quality assurance and safety protocols, including real-time GPS navigation, rigorous data validation, and continuous safety monitoring throughout the program .

CEO Commentary

Hugh Rogers, CEO of Nexcel Metals Corp., commented:

"The airborne survey marks a major milestone for Nexcel as we advance the Burnt Hill Tungsten Project toward drilling. The HeliTEM system represents one of the most advanced airborne geophysical technologies available globally, and its ability to detect deep, high-conductance targets is particularly well-suited to the geology at Burnt Hill.

With the recent expansion of our land package and growing global demand for tungsten as a critical mineral, this program is expected to significantly enhance our targeting pipeline and position us for a strong inaugural drill campaign in 2026."

About the Burnt Hill Tungsten Project

The Burnt Hill tungsten/molybdenum property now covers approximately 5,677 hectares in central New Brunswick and hosts a NI 43-101 indicated resource of 1,761,000 tonnes within an open pit and underground averaging 0.292% WO3, 0.007% MoS2 and 0.008% SnO2, along with a further 1,520,000 inferred tonnes averaging 0.263% WO3, 0.008%MoS2 and 0.005% SnO2, as presented below. Also presented below, extracted from the 2013 Resource Report, is a statement of contained metal. In addition to the deposit area of the property, there are several other areas of identified tin, tungsten and molybdenum mineralization within the property boundary not yet at the resource stage.1

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11702/291237_6d89a9313449ea06_002full.jpg

The contained metal represented by this resource statement after converting the metal compound to contained metal equivalents for the respective metal compounds is as follows:

(0.303% WO3) (79.29% Weight Percent Tungsten) (2,205 lbs/tonne) (527,000 tonnes) = 2.79

1,000,000

Mineral Resources Tungsten Molybdenum Tin Contained Metal (million pounds) (thousand pounds) (thousand pounds) Open Pit Indicated 2.79 34.82 45.76 Underground Indicated 6.19 130.46 192.867 Total Indicated 8.99 162.91 244.64 Open Pit Inferred 0.21 3.25 4.27 Underground Inferred 6.79 152.03 124.86 Total Inferred 6.99 160.7 131.98

About Xcalibur MPH (Canada) Ltd.

Xcalibur is a leading provider of airborne geophysical services, offering advanced technologies and high-resolution data acquisition worldwide. The Company specializes in electromagnetic, magnetic, and gravity surveys for mineral exploration.

Qualified Person

Francis Newton, P.Geo, a consultant of the Company and a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, verified and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Newton is not independent of the Company.

About Nexcel Metals Corp

Nexcel Metals Corp. is a junior mining company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties. The Company is currently focused on the Lac Ducharme Project located in the Province of Quebec and the Burnt Hill Project located in the Province of New Brunswick.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Nexcel expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such statements may involve, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the exploration and development of the Company's mineral properties. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by Nexcel based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond Nexcel's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Nexcel does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

1 NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Burnt Hill Tungsten Project Stanley Parish, York County, New Brunswick. Prepared by Derrick Strickland, P.Geo., January 26, 2026

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291237

Source: Nexcel Metals Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - Canada One Mining Corp. (TSXV: CONE) (OTC Pink: COMCF) (FSE: AU31) ("Canada One" or the "Company") is pleased to provide assay results of its 2025 fall exploration program conducted at the Friday Creek Zone on the Company's 100% owned Copper Dome Project, Princeton B.C. ("Copper Dome", "Project" or "Property").

Copper Dome is located in the lower Quesnel Trough porphyry belt, one of British Columbia's most prolific mining districts. The Project directly adjoins Hudbay Minerals Inc.'s producing Copper Mountain Mine to the north which hosts Proven and Probable Reserves of ~367 Mt grading 0.25% Cu, 0.12 g/t Au, and 0.69 g/t Ag.1

Multiple mineralized zones have been identified across the Copper Dome property, with historical drilling confirming high-grade Cu associated with northeast-trending structures similar to those hosting mineralization at Copper Mountain.

The field program was completed in Q4 2025 and focused on assessing and sampling historic MINFILE occurrences, with particular emphasis on the Friday Creek Zone.

ROCK SAMPLING HIGHLIGHTS AT FRIDAY CREEK

SAMPLE ID GOLD (AU) G/T SILVER (AG) G/T COPPER (CU) % PALLADIUM (PD) G/T HEG00006255 2.01 59.00 13.35 18.15 HEG00006253 0.03 17.05 6.59 0.14 HEG00006251 0.02 7.51 5.76 - HEG00006256 1.68 12.05 2.16 1.34 HEG00006252 2.32 6.17 1.32 3.31 HEG00006254 0.41 4.71 0.86 0.19

Table 1: Notable Rock Grab Sample Results from the 2025 Exploration Program at the Friday Creek Zone.

Peter Berdusco, President and CEO of Canada One Mining, commented: "These sample results further validate the compelling potential of the Copper Dome Project. Copper, gold, and palladium grades returned from sampling significantly exceeded the Company's expectations, and the extent and style of alteration observed at Friday Creek are extremely encouraging. As a result, the Friday Creek target has been elevated to the Company's top exploration priority for 2026, and management believes these results will play a key role in shaping upcoming exploration programs and future drill targeting."

Mineralization Consistent with Alkalic Cu-Au Porphyry Systems

Preliminary assay results from surface rock samples indicate the presence of Cu, Au, and Pd mineralization, consistent with alkalic Cu-Au porphyry systems.

Nine rock samples from the program returned Cu grades exceeding 0.5%, including six over-limit grab samples with grades ranging from 1.132% to 13.35% Cu. These results highlight the prospective nature of the Friday Creek area.

Potential Importance of Platinum Group Elements (PGEs)

The program also identified significant Pd enrichment in multiple samples. Three samples returned values exceeding 1 g/t Pd, with one sample grading 18.15 g/t Pd. This observation is consistent with characteristics reported at several British Columbia mines and deposits, including Galore Creek, Mt. Milligan, Mt. Polley, New Afton/Afton, and Ajax.

Historically, PGEs in alkalic systems have received limited exploration focus. Recent advances in geological research, however, suggest that these deposits may represent a significant secondary source of PGE resources globally, underscoring the importance of considering PGEs in future exploration strategies.

Prominent Potassic Alteration Associated with Alkalic Cu-Au Porphyry Systems

Based on field observations and associated sample metadata collected during the 2025 program, Cu, Au, Ag and Pd mineralization is consistently associated with chalcopyrite-bornite sulfide assemblages, accompanied by potassic alteration characterized by K-feldspar, biotite, and quartz in hand specimens.

The Friday Creek Zone, located on the western part of the claim block, exhibits prominent potassic alteration with visible chalcopyrite and bornite mineralization. Samples from Friday Creek returned the highest Cu-Au-Pd values of the program, including Cu grades of 13.35%, 6.59%, 5.76%, 2.16%, and 1.30% Cu.

Sampling at Friday Creek covered an area of approximately 150 m by 150 m, where outcrop exposure was limited. Despite this, the zone represents a notable surface expression of bornite-rich mineralization and intense potassic alteration.

Historical Drilling at Friday Creek

In 2006 and 2007, a total of 14 drill holes were completed at the Friday Creek Zone, with an average depth of 153.8 m.2 These relatively shallow holes targeted the Cu, Au, Pd, and Pt potential of the zone and surrounding areas, which are hosted within altered volcanic and intrusive rocks of the Copper Mountain district. Historic Assessment reports suggest that seven of these holes intercepted Cu mineralization in the form of chalcopyrite stringers and Cu oxide mineralization.

Figure 1: Rock sample (HEG00006255) from the Friday Creek Zone showing a diorite intrusion with k-feldspar alteration and internally brecciated bornite stringers. The sample assayed 13.35% Cu, 2.01 g/t Au, 59.0 g/t Ag and 18.15 g/t Pd.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10074/291434_canonefig104072026.jpg

Figure 2: Rock Sample locations of Friday Creek target area overlayed with RTP 1VD magnetics.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10074/291434_91178a3354ccd840_004full.jpg

Figure 3: Overview map of the Copper Dome project sowing sample and data stations from the 2025 exploration program as well as project infrastructure.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10074/291434_91178a3354ccd840_005full.jpg

About The Copper Dome Project

The Project benefits from excellent infrastructure, enabling year-round access, cost-efficient exploration, and a stable, low-risk jurisdiction.

Historical Work Completed

Geophysics: 51 km of induced polarization (IP); airborne magnetic and electromagnetic (EM) coverage over ~50% of the Property.

Sampling: 2,253 soils and 378 rocks collected.

Drilling: 8,900+ m of diamond drilling.

Trenching: Over 1 km excavated.

With a five-year drill permit in place, the Company is focused on advancing the Project toward drill-ready target definition.

About Canada One

Canada One Mining is a Canadian junior exploration company focused on copper and other critical metals needed for the energy transition. The Company advances projects from discovery through resource definition using disciplined, data-driven exploration and responsible practices. Its flagship Copper Dome Project, near Princeton, British Columbia, is targeting a porphyry-style Cu-Au system in a Tier-1 jurisdiction. Canada One's goal is to deliver sustainable growth and long-term value for shareholders and local communities.

Acknowledgement

Canada One acknowledges that the Copper Dome Project is located within the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Smelqmix People. We recognize and respect their cultural heritage and relationship to the land, honoring their past, present and future.

Historical Work

Certain technical information relating to the Copper Dome Project is based on historical work and records prepared by previous operators. Work was done to the standards of the time and is considered "historical" in nature and is not NI43-101 compliant and cannot be relied upon. The results are listed here to show why the Company is interested in this area. A qualified person has reviewed the available information for reasonableness; however, further work is required to verify portions of the historical data and future work and drilling may not repeat similar results.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC)

All rock samples collected from the fall 2025 fieldwork program, were submitted to ALS Geochemistry - Kamloops to be analyzed for Au and PGEs (PGM-ICP24 50 g fire assay), and multi-element geochemistry, including elements Cu, Pb, Zn, Co, and Ag (method ME-MS61).

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Ali Wasiliew, P.Geo, an independent Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.

Note 1: Hudbay Minerals Inc. (2023). NI 43-101 Technical Report - Updated Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Estimate, Copper Mountain Mine, Princeton, British Columbia. Effective date: December 1, 2023. Qualified Person: Olivier Tavchandjian, Ph.D., P.Geo. Available on Sedar+. The technical and scientific information regarding the adjacent Copper Mountain Mine is sourced from Hudbay Minerals Inc.'s published reports. Mineralization at Copper Mountain should not be considered indicative of the mineralization on the Copper Dome Project.

Note 2: Assessment Report on the Friday Creek Property, Event #4205261.

Contact Us

For further information, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Company's website at www.canadaonemining.com, or contact the Company by email at info@canadaonemining.com, or by phone at 1.877.844.4661.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

CANADA ONE MINING CORP.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the future operating or financial performance of the Company, 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 in this press release relate to, among other things: statements relating to the anticipated timing thereof and the intended use of proceeds. Actual future results may differ materially. 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. Forward looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, technical, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the timing, completion and delivery of the referenced assessments and analysis. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

TSX Venture Exchange Disclaimer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291434

Source: Canada One Mining Corp.
Multifonds enables the administrator to strengthen automation, control and scalable growth on a single, global platform

LUXENBOURG, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Multifonds and Valu-Trac Investment Management Limited ("Valu-Trac") today jointly announced the successful go-live of Valu-Trac on Multifonds Global Accounting (MFGA) SaaS, marking a significant milestone in Valu-Trac's technology transformation journey and further advancing Multifonds' strategic expansion of its SaaS delivery model in the United Kingdom.

Headquartered in Scotland, Valu-Trac provides Investment Management and Support, Authorised Corporate Director (ACD) services, and comprehensive Fund Operations to approximately 45 sponsors and investment managers across more than 150 funds, representing approximately 16 billion in assets under management. The transition to MFGA SaaS positions Valu-Trac to support its next phase of growth with a modern, scalable, and resilient operating platform.

Complex Multi-Tranche Migration Delivered Seamlessly

Multifonds successfully managed the complex, multi-tranche end-to-end migration from Valu-Trac's in-house, on-premise legacy systems to the Multifonds SaaS environment. Drawing on years of in-house domain expertise and advanced migration tooling, the Multifonds team executed a highly structured transition plan that prioritised accuracy, continuity, and speed.

Multifonds dedicated migration tool has been instrumental in automating data extraction, validation, parallel runs, reconciliation and cutover management, ensuring full data integrity and operational stability throughout the process. Using proven migration methodologies and these automation capabilities, Multifonds enabled Valu-Trac to focus primarily on reconciliation sign off, accelerating the migration timeline while maintaining rigorous control standards.

The result was a smooth and efficient go-live across all tranches, with no disruption to client servicing and full operational readiness from day one.

Enabling Scalable Growth Through SaaS

With the move to Multifonds SaaS, Valu-Trac now benefits from a fully managed operating model designed to enhance operational control while enabling efficient and scalable growth. The SaaS model ensures ongoing access to the latest functionality, regulatory updates and security enhancements without requiring additional internal infrastructure or maintenance overhead.

Standardised interfaces and integration capabilities support streamlined onboarding of new funds and sponsors, reinforcing Valu-Trac's ability to expand efficiently as volumes increase.

Valu-Trac Elevates Its Client's Service Standards

By implementing the MFGA platform, Valu-Trac strengthens its ability to deliver faster, more reliable, and more transparent fund administration services to its clients. Integrated workflows, embedded controls, and automated exception management reduce manual touchpoints, minimising operational risk while improving accuracy and turnaround times. Role-based dashboards provide real-time visibility into operational metrics and fund activity, empowering teams with actionable insights and reinforcing governance standards. As transaction volumes and client mandates grow, the platform ensures service quality, risk management, and regulatory compliance remain at the forefront.

A Shared Commitment to Innovation

This successful implementation underscores the strong collaboration between Valu-Trac and Multifonds and reflects a shared commitment to innovation, operational resilience, and client service excellence.

The go-live represents not only a transformative milestone for Valu-Trac but also a continued validation of Multifonds' SaaS strategy-demonstrating its ability to deliver complex migrations efficiently while supporting clients' long-term strategic growth objectives.

Jonathan Child, Fund Operations Director of Valu-Trac, commented:

"Modernising our platform was a strategic priority for Valu-Trac as the business continues to grow in scale and complexity. Multifonds Global Accounting SaaS provides the resilient and scalable foundation we need to enhance automation, strengthen governance and support the reliable service our clients expect. Delivered with precision and strong collaboration, the migration has positioned us to accelerate growth, onboard new funds efficiently and continue enhancing service standards for our sponsors and investment managers."

Oded Weiss, CEO of Multifonds, commented:

"Valu-Trac's go-live reflects the growing demand in the UK for more modern and scalable operating models. Multifonds SaaS provides a secure and resilient foundation that strengthens automation, transparency and control across fund accounting and transfer agency, and we are proud to support Valu-Trac in this next stage of growth."

About Multifonds:

Multifonds offers a single, integrated platform for fund accounting, investor servicing, NAV oversight, and contingency. The platform empowers fund administrators, asset managers, insurers, and pension funds to streamline operations, mitigate risk, and scale efficiently. Multifonds currently supports over $10 trillion in AUM, with more than 40,000 funds across 30+ jurisdictions, covering both traditional and alternative investments. Visit: www.multifonds.com.

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Browse 70 market data Tables and 30 Figures spread through 129 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Compact Air Compression Systems Market - Global Forecast to 2030"

There are a few important factors that drive the market. Governments all over the world are putting strict rules in place for energy efficiency and industrial sustainability to lower energy use and emissions. The minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and eco-design directives are two of these policies. They push different industries to use compressors and blowers that use less energy. More and more businesses are trying to use energy more efficiently and cut costs, especially in areas like low-pressure air systems and wastewater aeration. To meet rules and become more efficient, businesses are using small, energy-efficient, and oil-free air compression systems. New technologies like variable speed drives and digital monitoring systems are making things work better and more reliably. These advancements help companies comply with changing industry standards, which boosts the demand for compact air compression systems.

Industries are increasingly placing a greater emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability in their operational and investment decisions. This trend is resulting in businesses adopting compact compressed air systems (such as reciprocating or rotary screw compressors) that minimize energy consumption and improve efficiency within an overall process. A growing focus on energy optimization is also driving demand for new compressed air technologies as well as for industrial manufacturing. There are many new developments in technology that have been implemented in the design of compressed air systems that enhance the performance, reliability, and efficiency of these systems. Examples of some of these technologies include variable speed drives (VSDs) to optimize airflow; oil-free (or dry-type) compressors to eliminate the need for lubricating oils; and digitally enabled monitoring solutions to allow for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance of compressed air systems. In addition, an increasing amount of governmental regulation focusing on energy efficiency and emissions reduction is also motivating manufacturers across all industries to adopt more energy-efficient compressed air systems. By establishing efficiency standards and environmental regulations, governmental agencies and regulatory bodies are supporting sustainable industrial practices. As industrial companies continue to make strong commitments to both sustainability and operational efficiency, there will be an increasing demand for advanced, reliable, and energy-efficient compact compressed air systems in the global marketplace.

Compact Air Compression Systems Market Size & Forecast:

Market Size Available for Years: 2025-2030

2025-2030 2025 Market Size: USD 0.68 billion

USD 0.68 billion 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 0.87 billion

USD 0.87 billion CAGR (2025-2030): 5.0%

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The 0.1-0.4 bar (g) segment, by pressure, is estimated to account for the second-largest share of the Compact Air Compression System Market.

The 0.1-0.4 bar (g) segment, by pressure, is projected to have the second-largest market share in the compact air compression equipment market due to the pressure segment being most frequently utilized in the wastewater treatment (WWT), aquaculture, pneumatic conveying, and other low-pressure industrial applications. The 0.1-0.4 bar (g) has become one of the leading segments within the global compact air compression equipment market because of how it can generate continuous airflow while minimizing energy use and costs to operate, and is readily available to provide continuous airflow even if running continuously under normal operating conditions. Several factors driving demand for this segment include increasing adoption of energy-efficient systems, increased use of blowers that provide low-pressure airflow, and manufacturers wanting to optimize energy consumption and reduce costs of operation; all these manufacturers will benefit by providing compact, low noise, and oil-free solutions for air compression with enhanced performance and reliability within a 0.1-0.4 bar (g) pressure environment creating an even stronger demand for the 0.1-0.4 bar (g) pressure segment.

Europe is projected to emerge as the second-largest Compact Air Compression System Market.

The primary driver of the Compact Air Compression Systems Market in Europe is that Europe has implemented very stringent energy-efficiency compliance requirements; there are numerous regulations regarding eco-design and energy-efficiency standards for compressors. Most notably, many companies in all industries have adopted advanced manufacturing processes and have made significant investments in manufacturing technology. Europe also has a very well-established industrial base, such as the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, automotive, and wastewater treatment sectors. A well-established industrial base creates consistent demand for compact, reliable air compression systems, which further enhances market demand. Companies across Europe are placing greater emphasis on reducing the costs associated with operations and energy consumption, thereby accelerating the adoption of oil-, low-pressure, and low-efficiency compressed air systems. Additionally, companies are benefiting from the continued development of new technologies, along with the presence of many of the world's top manufacturers of compact air compressors located in Europe.

Top Companies in Floating Offshore Wind Industry:

Key players in the global Compact Air Compression Systems Market include Atlas Copco AB (Sweden), Ingersoll Rand Inc. (US), KAESER KOMPRESSOREN (Germany), KUBICEK VHS, s.r.o. (Czech Republic), Busch Vacuum Solutions (Germany), Becker Pumps (Germany), Goorui (China), Usha Neuros Turbo LLP (India), Fans and Blowers (UK), Elektror (Germany), Rexblower (China), Rico Druckluftanlagenbau GmbH (Germany), Induvac (Netherlands), and SEKO S.p.A. (Italy).

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Atlas Copco AB

Atlas Copco AB, which provides the compressed air industry with a complete range of products and services designed to meet its needs, including high-quality compressors. Through a combination of acquisitions focused on compressed-air treatment equipment and the production of on-site gas generators, Atlas Copco AB is increasing its presence in high-growth segments like wastewater treatment and industrial manufacturing. The company's Compressor Technology division is expanding by adding new capabilities to its portfolio.

Busch Vacuum Solutions

Busch Vacuum Solutions is adopting product launches by launching energy-efficient rotary lobe ducted blowers with variable speed drives (VSDs), which will help reduce energy consumption and operating costs. In addition, the integration of intelligent monitoring systems to support predictive maintenance of equipment and increased operational efficiency has further enhanced the company's ability to grow at a faster rate. Becker Pumps (Germany) has also expanded its regional footprint by establishing new service and manufacturing facilities, providing customers with better support, decreasing lead times, and further enhancing its ability to compete in key markets.

For more information, Inquire Now!

Related Reports:

Screw Compressor Market

Industrial Air Compressor Market

Get access to the latest updates on Compact Air Compression Systems Companies and Compact Air Compression Systems Industry

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As live experiences reclaim their role as the heartbeat of the industry, the spaces where professionals gather have become commercially and culturally critical. These events are where global standards are set, and the next generation of businesses is built. With more than 140,000 partner businesses and a marketplace processing over 35 million appointments per month valued at $1.5 billion, which means Fresha is not merely observing this shift but helping define it. At its core, Fresha exists to champion the professionals who use the platform, providing the live-availability infrastructure that allows the physical world of beauty to seamlessly connect with the digital economy.

In a definitive move for the UK market, Fresha has entered a landmark five-year agreement as the exclusive Premier Partner of HairCon, a revolutionary event for the professional hair and barbering industry held in Manchester, UK. Now officially rebranded as "HairCon Powered by Fresha," this partnership secures a long-term leadership position within one of the UK's most disruptive and curated multi-day industry gatherings. This commitment marks a transition from temporary brand visibility to permanent ecosystem integration, embedding Fresha's vertically integrated booking and commerce tools into the fabric of the event through 2030.

Michael Dynan, Event Director of HairCon, commented:

"HairCon was built to bring together the most forward-thinking professionals in the industry, and partnering with Fresha allows us to take that vision even further. This isn't just about visibility; it's about integrating the advanced technology that modern businesses rely on directly into the experience. Haircon has re-imagined the typical trade event model, like Fresha, they understand where the industry is heading, and so together we're creating an environment that reflects the future of beauty and barbering."

Simultaneously, in Europe, following the transformative impact of HAIRFEST in October 2025, Fresha has signed a multi-year exclusive global partnership, reinforcing its commitment to one of Europe's most culturally influential industry platforms. These agreements represent a structural investment in the industry's collective growth, as businesses increasingly look to unified, real-time systems to operate and scale in a more connected, digitally enabled marketplace.

"The HAIRFEST  FRESHA collaboration isn't just about events. It's about creating a legacy for our hairdressing community. We're uniting the industry, pushing boundaries and shaping a future full of possibilities that will elevate everyone involved. Fresha is the leading booking platform for the industry, and we are so excited to be partnering with them," says George Xidaseli, CEO and Founder of HAIRFEST.

Furthermore, Stefanos Polizos, Executive Director of Hairfest, says, "this collaboration represents a new era for our industry. HAIRFEST brings the power of the live experience, while Fresha leads the technological innovation in the hairdressing and selfcare industry. Connecting these two worlds is how we shape the future of hairdressing together."

Beyond these flagship partnerships, Fresha continues to support the industry on a global scale, expanding its presence across a growing events calendar with 25+ events based all around the world, including Salon Smart London, Expo4Barbers Australia, Barbercamp Romania, NZ Hair & Beauty Expo and the Bali Barber Expo, alongside activations across Copenhagen, Jakarta, Chicago, Orlando, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Manchester, Italy and beyond.

These gatherings serve as critical touchpoints where Fresha's real-time data insights and AI-powered commerce tools meet the creative ambition of thousands of professionals. This strategy ensures Fresha remains embedded in the environments where innovation happens, capturing direct feedback from high-growth operators building their businesses on the platform.

"Bali Barber Expo has always been about bringing the global barbering community together and creating growth opportunities. Partnering with Fresha allows us to take that to the next level by connecting creativity with real business tools. It's not just about inspiration on stage; it's about giving barbers the most advanced systems that they need to build sustainable, successful businesses beyond the event. Fresha is the most trusted booking system in the industry to make this happen," comments Tommy Bolin, Founder of Bali Barber Expo.

Alongside major industry events, Fresha is also supporting high-impact community activations, including the Mogeen x Fresha event in Amsterdam, working in tandem with celebrity hairstylist Hester Wernert-Rijn, and the launch of the Rascals Academy in the UK, working closely with renowned barber Sam Rascals. These collaborations reflect a deeper level of integration, where Fresha provides the infrastructure and support for industry leaders to launch educational platforms and scale their influence, further strengthening its position as the most technologically advanced and commercially integrated platform in the sector.

James Hayward-Browne, Head of Brand and Marketing at Fresha, commented:

"For Fresha, true industry leadership means building technology alongside the professionals who live it every day. We aren't just putting our logo on banners; we are actively investing in the environments that will shape the future of the selfcare industry. Multi-year partnerships like HairCon and HAIRFEST allow us to move beyond temporary visibility and deeply embed ourselves into the cultural epicentres of beauty and wellness. These spaces give us direct insight into how ambitious businesses operate, allowing us to bridge the gap between physical experiences and the digital infrastructure required to scale them. We are proud to be the engine powering the industry's next chapter."

Annabelle Taurua, Beauty Expert at Fresha, continues:

"What's really exciting from a consumer perspective is how these partnerships make discovering and booking beauty and wellness experiences feel more immediate, more connected, and more personal. The moments that inspire people, whether it's a live demo, a trend on stage, or a stylist they've just discovered, can now translate instantly into a real booking. That's a powerful shift. By bringing Fresha into these environments, we're helping bridge the gap between inspiration and action, making it easier for clients to access the best talent while supporting professionals in building loyal, long-term relationships. It's a more seamless, experience-led future for the entire industry."

About Fresha

Fresha is a global all-in-one booking, payments and business management platform built for beauty, wellness and selfcare professionals. The platform enables salons, barbershops, spas, medspas, clinics and fitness studios to manage appointments, process payments, attract new clients and grow revenue through an integrated marketplace and advanced AI-powered automation. Trusted by more than 140,000 businesses worldwide, Fresha is redefining the future of service-based commerce through intelligent technology, scalable infrastructure and industry-leading innovation. Fresha is built to support businesses at every stage, from independent professionals and owner-operated studios to multi-location enterprises and global franchises. It is the most trusted and advanced booking and business management platform in the beauty and wellness industry.

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BERWYN, Pa., April 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AscellaHealth, a global partner delivering customizable solutions to support the specialty pharmaceutical industry, has been named to the Financial Times' list of the Americas' Fastest Growing Companies 2026 for the fourth consecutive year. The award is presented by the Financial Times in collaboration with Statista Inc., a world-leading provider of market and consumer data.

"This recognition is about far more than our company's growth. It underscores AscellaHealth's unwavering commitment to expanding access to life-changing therapies and the impact we are having for individuals with complex, chronic conditions and rare diseases," says Dea Belazi, CEO of AscellaHealth. "Our momentum is driven by a clear purpose-to transform the lives of patients and their families-while scaling globally with the right strategy, innovation, and expertise. Through strategic expansion and acquisitions, we continue to strengthen our market position and enhance the capabilities we deliver to partners and patients worldwide."

The Americas' Fastest Growing Companies 2026 ranking highlights firms with the strongest revenue growth from 2021 to 2024. Eligible companies must be independent, headquartered in the Americas, and demonstrate primarily organic growth, with revenue of at least US$100,000 in 2021 and US$1.5million in 2024.

The full list, published April 2, 2026, is available on the FT website:

https://www.ft.com/content/3d3b5406-b7e6-4ef0-8b50-cf02904589cb?syn-25a6b1a6=1

"AscellaHealth's continued growth reflects the strength of our strategy, our innovative, patient-centered solutions, and the dedication of our people," says Bill Oldham, chairman and president. "With operations spanning more than 70 countries, we remain focused on scaling responsibly and sustainably. What sets AscellaHealth apart is not just the growth we achieve, but the disciplined, strategic approach we take to expand our capabilities, improve patient outcomes, and deliver lasting impact across the healthcare ecosystem."

Its integrated, end-to-end model spans the full product lifecycle-from early access to commercialization and patient support-connecting patients to high-cost, high-touch therapies.

Key drivers of growth include:

 Global expansion and high-impact service capabilities

 Tech-enabled pharmacy benefit management driving transparency and efficiency

 Investment in talent and a collaborative, innovative culture

 Advanced data capabilities to optimize care delivery and the patient experience

These initiatives have propelled AscellaHealth into a new phase of accelerated, sustainable growth-solidifying its leadership in the global specialty healthcare market and reinforcing its commitment to delivering meaningful impact for patients, partners, and the broader healthcare ecosystem.

About AscellaHealth LLC

AscellaHealth is a global partner providing end-to-end solutions to life sciences and healthcare companies, enhancing patient care for individuals with complex, chronic conditions. Its teams ensure the efficient delivery of critical healthcare products from manufacturers to patients while managing the flow of funds between payers and pharma. For more information, visit www.AscellaHealth.com

Media:

Esther Jin

CPR Communications

ejin@cpronline.com

201.645.4896 x 10

This press release was published by a CLEAR Verified individual.
Specialist entity built for the region's high-growth digital and communications landscape

Will expand into the Saudi Arabia and Qatar regions by 2027

DUBAI, UAE, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tharaa Labs, an AI Content Studio and Digital Agency, backed by Pepper Communications Group (PCG), one of India's leading integrated communications firms, formally launched in Dubai, UAE.

Combining strategic communications expertise with the power of generative artificial intelligence, the company will be focusing on businesses across the MENA region - ready to deploy at the speed and scale modern markets demand.

Tharaa Labs' services span AI video production, generative content pipelines, brand voice modelling, and multilingual content at scale - all designed for brands in the UAE's rapidly evolving media and marketing ecosystem.

The company's products and services are particularly in high demand in the Real Estate and Retail sectors where content strategy scaling and optimization is critical for visibility and reputation management. It will also focus on Manufacturing, Technology, Hospitality, Automotive, E-Sports and BFSI-Fintech sectors.

Roshan Mohan, Founder, Tharaa Labs & Group MD, PCG, said, "MENA region represents an exciting intersection of brand ambition and communications globally. Tharaa Labs is built for this region, with the depth and specialisation the market demands. Clients benefit from a connected intelligence layer that spans two of the world's fastest-growing communication markets - India and the UAE."

The company will shortly announce the appointment of senior leadership with extensive MENA experience to drive growth in the region. The company intends to establish offices in Saudi Arabia and Qatar by 2027.

PCG, with over 13 years of experience in India, has handled the communications mandate for companies such as Continental Tires, SIGMA, Apollo H&L, Apis India and more. The company, with its four units spanning PR, Visual Communications, Influence, and Branded Content, provides Tharaa Labs with proven methodologies, cross-sector expertise, and a ready-to-deploy capability infrastructure for clients with India-MENA corridors.

About PCG

PCG is an integrated communications firm headquartered in Bengaluru, India, with offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai. The group's business units - Pepper Interactive, StudioTronics, gig, and Pulse - collectively serve clients across communications strategy, media relations, digital and social, content, and influencer marketing.

About Tharaa Labs

Tharaa Labs is a Dubai-based Communications advisory firm & AI Content Studio, built to serve the strategic communications and visual content needs of brands in the MENA region.

Media Contact:

Sofia Jones

sofia@tharaalabs.com

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - Cabral Gold Inc. (TSXV: CBR) (OTCQX: CBGZF) ("Cabral" or the "Company") is pleased to announce results from 24 shallow reverse circulation ("RC") holes drilled targeting gold-in-oxide material at the MG starter pit within the Cuiu Cuiu Gold District, Brazil.

Highlights

Results have been received on an initial 24 infill RC holes targeting the gold-in-oxide material in the eastern and central parts of the MG starter pit. The program of infill drilling is aimed at improving the confidence around the current mine plan at MG and upgrading the current reserve. A total of 68 RC holes totalling 3,174m have been completed to date

Notable results from this initial batch of RC drill results from MG include;

48m @ 1.35 g/t gold from 4m depth in RC625

from 4m depth in RC625

17m @ 2.27 g/t gold from surface in RC626

from surface in RC626

42m @ 0.64 g/t gold from surface in RC633

from surface in RC633 50m @ 0.87 g/t gold from surface in RC634

from surface in RC634

50m @ 1.35 g/t gold from surface in RC635

from surface in RC635 14m @ 1.97 g/t gold from surface in RC636

from surface in RC636

29m @ 1.36 g/t gold from surface in RC640

from surface in RC640

33m @ 0.90 g/t gold from surface in RC641

These results confirm the pre-existing drill holes and the presence of a significant near surface resource with good grade material amenable to heap leach. These data will result in an updated mine plan for the starter pit at MG and will also result in an updated gold-in-oxide reserve estimate ahead of mining

Alan Carter, Cabral's President and CEO commented, "This first batch of infill drill results at MG are highly encouraging and confirm the presence of good grades over significant widths within the near surface weathered saprolite material and the overlying blanket sediments. These data will allow us to further refine our mine plan for the starter pit and update the gold-in-oxide reserve base for the MG gold-in-oxide deposit. This in turn will provide us with greater confidence during the initial year of mining at MG."

MG RC Infill Drill Results

The MG gold deposit is one of the two main gold deposits that currently comprise the Indicated and Inferred resource base at Cuiu Cuiu (see Figure 1). As with the nearby Central gold deposit, the upper portion of the subvertical MG gold deposit is extensively weathered resulting in a vertical profile of highly weathered basement saprolite extending to 60m depth. This saprolite together with the overlying blanket sediments and soils, which are also mineralized, will form the starter pit for the Phase 1 gold-in-oxide mining operation which is due to commence production in Q4 2026.

Figure 1: Map showing location of known gold deposits at MG, Central, and JB. The location of new discoveries at PDM, Machichie NE and Machichie Main and Jerimum Cima discovery are also shown.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3900/291376_cf220a14f4a6db71_002full.jpg

The objective of the ongoing RC infill drill program at MG is to provide greater confidence on the grade and continuity of the current reserve base at MG ahead of mining and to further refine the mine plan that was developed as part of the PFS study release in July 2025 (see press release dated July 29, 2026).

Results have been received on an initial 24 infill RC holes targeting the gold-in-oxide material in the eastern and central parts of the MG starter pit. The program of infill drilling is aimed at improving the confidence around the current mine plan at MG and upgrading the current reserve by the end of this month. A total of 68 RC holes totalling 3,174m have been completed to date on a 25 x 25m spacing. Additional infill drilling in areas of higher grade will be completed on a 12.5 x 12.5m spacing.

The RC drill results reported to date confirm the presence of good grades within the weathered saprolite and overlying sedimentary blanket and the Year 1 pit outline (see Figure 2, Table 1). Of particular note are the following RC drill results;

48m @ 1.35 g/t gold from 4m depth in RC625

from 4m depth in RC625 17m @ 2.27 g/t gold from surface in RC626

from surface in RC626 42m @ 0.64 g/t gold from surface in RC633

from surface in RC633 50m @ 0.87 g/t gold from surface in RC634

from surface in RC634 50m @ 1.35 g/t gold from surface in RC635

from surface in RC635 14m @ 1.97 g/t gold from surface in RC636

from surface in RC636 29m @ 1.36 g/t gold from surface in RC640

from surface in RC640 33m @ 0.90 g/t gold from surface in RC641

Holes RC623 to RC628 were drilled on section 553175E towards the western limit of the Year 1 pit outline whilst RC632 to RC637 were drilled on section 553275E (Figure 3) in the western central part of the Year 1 pit.

Three holes (RC625, RC635 and RC644) returned narrow intervals of higher-grade material which will be separated and stockpiled during the gold-in-oxide mining operation for processing at a later date.

These results are in line with the existing MG mine plan and confirm the pre-existing drill holes and the presence of significant near surface resources with good grade material amenable to heap leach.

Figure 2: Map showing the location of RC infill drillholes at the MG gold deposit aimed at further defining the gold-in-oxide reserves that will form the basis of the starter pit for the Phase 1 gold-in-oxide operation. The Year 1 pit outline is shown together will drill holes reported in this press release as well as other recently completed RC infill drill holes.

Terms: g/t = grams / tonne, m = metres, Au = gold. True widths may be 50% of actual drill intercepts.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3900/291376_cf220a14f4a6db71_003full.jpg

Figure 3. Section 553275E showing the location of RC infill drillholes RC632 to RC637 at the MG gold deposit.

Terms: g/t = grams / tonne, m = metres, Au = gold. True widths may be 50% of actual drill intercepts.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3900/291376_cf220a14f4a6db71_004full.jpg

Drill Hole # Weathering

From To Thickness Grade





(m) (m) (m) g/t gold RC620 Blanket/

0.0 9.0 9.0 0.23

Saprolite EOH 50.0







RC621 Saprolite

0.0 5.0 5.0 0.22





9.0 16.0 7.0 0.65





18.0 24.0 6.0 0.20





32.0 35.0 3.0 0.38



EOH 41.0







RC622 Blanket/

0.0 19.0 19.0 0.46

Saprolite Incl. 9.0 14.0 5.0 0.87





28.0 33.0 5.0 0.21



EOH 50.0







RC623 Blanket

0.0 9.0 9.0 0.45



EOH 50.0







RC624 Blanket/

0.0 10.0 10.0 0.49

Saprolite Incl. 7.0 8.0 1.0 1.13

Saprolite

18.0 20.0 2.0 0.62



EOH 50.0







RC625 Blanket

0.0 48.0 48.0 1.35

Saprolite Incl. 40.0 43.0 3.0 12.73



and Incl. 41.0 42.0 1.0 31.94



EOH 50.0







RC626 Blanket /

0.0 17.0 17.0 2.27

Saprolite Incl. 12.0 13.0 1.0 8.30





26.0 27.0 1.0 0.33





32.0 34.0 2.0 0.26



EOH 50.0







RC627 Blanket

0.0 5.0 5.0 0.38

Saprolite

25.0 27.0 2.0 0.13





35.0 36.0 1.0 0.20



EOH 50.0







RC628 Blanket /

0.0 32.0 32.0 0.20

Saprolite

36.0 38.0 2.0 0.13





43.0 45.0 2.0 0.26



EOH 50.0







RC629 Blanket

0.0 9.0 9.0 0.35

Saprolite

17.0 18.0 1.0 0.24





42.0 50.0 8.0 0.74



EOH 50.0







RC630 Blanket

0.0 9.0 9.0 0.36

Saprolite

32.0 49.0 17.0 0.36



EOH 50.0







RC631 Blanket

0.0 9.0 9.0 0.38



EOH 50.0







RC632 Blanket /

0.0 11.0 11.0 0.69

Saprolite Incl. 10.0 11.0 1.0 4.35





41.0 47.0 6.0 0.26



EOH 50.0







RC633 Blanket /

0.0 42.0 42.0 0.64

Saprolite EOH 50.0







RC634 Blanket /

0.0 50.0 50.0 0.87

Saprolite EOH 50.0







RC635 Blanket /

0.00 50.00 50.00 1.35

Saprolite Incl. 5.00 8.00 3.00 10.92



EOH 50.0







RC636 Blanket /

0.0 14.0 14.0 1.97

Saprolite Incl. 5.0 13.0 8.0 2.89





18.0 23.0 5.0 0.32





25.0 33.0 8.0 0.20



EOH 50.0







RC637 Blanket /

0.0 9.0 9.0 0.61

Saprolite

17.0 19.0 2.0 1.39





22.0 25.0 3.0 0.35





44.0 47.0 3.0 0.67



EOH 50.0







RC638 Blanket /

0.0 7.0 7.0 0.55

Saprolite

11.0 12.0 1.0 0.30





14.0 17.0 3.0 0.20





21.0 25.0 4.0 0.46





30.0 35.0 5.0 1.17



EOH 50.0







RC639 Blanket /

0.0 12.0 12.0 0.62

Saprolite

15.0 17.0 2.0 0.69





19.0 20.0 1.0 0.87





22.0 23.0 1.0 0.47





25.0 28.0 3.0 2.50





31.0 45.0 14.0 0.85



EOH 50.0







RC640 Blanket /

0.0 29.0 29.0 1.36

Saprolite Incl. 4.0 7.0 3.0 6.61





31.0 33.0 2.0 0.33





39.0 41.0 2.0 0.17





45.0 50.0 5.0 0.33



EOH 50.0







RC641 Blanket /

0.0 33.0 33.0 0.90

Saprolite Incl. 9.0 16.0 7.0 2.10





37.0 39.0 2.0 0.57





42.0 43.0 1.0 0.46



EOH 50.0







RC643 Blanket

0.00 12.00 12.00 0.68



Incl. 6.00 7.00 1.00 2.64

Saprolite

18.00 24.00 6.00 0.53





32.00 50.00 18.00 0.61





46.00 48.00 2.00 1.02



EOH 50.0







RC644 Blanket /

0.00 14.00 14.00 0.60

Saprolite Incl. 6.00 8.00 2.00 1.36





24.00 50.00 26.00 1.21



Incl. 27.00 28.00 1.00 16.46



and 38.00 40.00 2.00 2.82



EOH 50.0









Table 1: Drill results from RC drill holes (RC620 to RC641 and RC643 and RC644) at the MG gold deposit. All RC holes were drilled at a dip of 60 degrees on a bearing of 180 degrees. Terms: g/t = grams / tonne, m = metres, Au = gold, EOH = end of hole. True widths may be 50% of actual drill intercepts.

Update on Exploration Drilling Program

In addition to the RC infill drill program, which is ongoing at MG, the bulk of the Company's drilling efforts are directed towards exploration drilling of the underlying hard rock deposits at Cuiu Cuiu. Two rigs are currently operating, and an additional RC rig is expected on site by mid-April bringing the total number of drill rigs on site to four. The Company is anticipating further expanding this exploration drilling effort in the coming weeks following the closing of the C$20M bought deal financing announced on March 25, 2026. Further details regarding the exploration drilling program for the remainder of 2026 will be released in the coming weeks.

About Cabral Gold Inc.

The Company is a junior resource Company engaged in the identification, exploration, and development of mineral properties, with a primary focus on gold properties located in Brazil. The Company has a 100% interest in the Cuiu Cuiu gold district located in the Tapajos Region, within the state of Para in northern Brazil. Three main gold deposits have so far been defined at the Cuiu Cuiu project which contain National Instrument ("NI") 43-101 compliant Indicated resources of 12.29Mt @ 1.14 g/t gold (450,200oz) in fresh basement material and 13.56Mt @ 0.50 g/t gold (216,182oz) in oxide material. The project also contains Inferred resources of 13.63Mt @ 1.04 g/t gold (455,100oz) in fresh basement material and 6.4Mt @ 0.34 g/t gold (70,569oz) in oxide material. The resource estimate for the primary material is based on the NI 43-101 technical report dated October 12, 2022. The resource estimate for the oxide material at PDM and MG is based on a NI 43-101 technical report dated October 21, 2024. The resource estimate for the oxide material at Central and Machichie is based on a NI43-101 technical report ("Updated PFS") dated July 29, 2025.

The Tapajos Gold Province is the site of the largest gold rush in Brazil's history which according to the ANM (Agencia Nacional de Mineracao or National Mining Agency of Brazil) produced an estimated 30 to 50 million ounces of placer gold between 1978 and 1995. Cuiu Cuiu was the largest area of placer workings in the Tapajos and produced an estimated 2Moz of placer gold historically.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Cabral maintains a Quality Assurance / Quality Control ("QAQC") program for all its exploration projects using industry best practices. Key elements of the QAQC program include verifiable chain of custody for samples, regular insertion of certified reference materials, blanks, and duplicates, as well as check assays on results. RC samples are split, collected in plastic sample bags, and sealed on drill hole location. Drill core is halved by saw cut or slicer (in soft saprolite). RC and core samples are shipped in sealed bags by independent contractor to SGS GEOSOL Laboratorios in Vespasiano, Brazil, an independent analytical services provider with global certifications for Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 (ABS Certificates 32982 and 39911) and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation (CRL-0386)). Gold analyses are routinely performed via 50g fire assay with secondary assay techniques applied on higher grade samples. Final assay results are validated by Cabral Geological Staff prior to insertion into the database. Additional information regarding the Company's data verification processes is set out in the CBR, 43-101, PFS Technical Report, July 2025, which can be found on the Company's website.

Qualified Person and Technical Information

Technical information included in this release was supervised and approved by Brian Arkell, B.S. Geology and M.S. Economic Geology, SME (Registered Member), AusIMM (Fellow) and SEG (Fellow), Cabral Gold's Vice President, Exploration and Technical Services, and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). The use of the words "will", "expected" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291376

Source: Cabral Gold Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - Uniserve Communications Corporation (TSXV: USS) (the "Company" or "Uniserve"), a Digital Infrastructure Platform enabling mission-critical connectivity, cloud, managed IT, and AI agent driven services for Canadian businesses, is pleased to announce the appointment of Gautam Lohia, current Chairman of the Board, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective immediately.

This appointment represents a strategic inflection point for Uniserve, aligning the Company with founder-led, operator-driven leadership as it accelerates its transformation into a scaled, high-margin digital infrastructure and managed services platform.

Mr. Lohia is a founder, entrepreneur, and transformation leader with a proven track record of building and scaling technology businesses. He founded Apply Digital and, as CEO, grew the company from its origins in Vancouver into a global digital transformation firm with operations across the world, employing more than 700 people. Part of that journey included a sale to a private equity in 2021. This growth was achieved through a combination of strong organic expansion and strategic acquisitions.

Under his leadership, Apply Digital became a trusted partner to leading enterprises, helping them modernize their technology platforms and navigate large-scale digital transformation. He is also recognized for building high-performing teams and operating cultures centered on ownership, accountability, and continuous learning.

As Chairman, Mr. Lohia has already helped refine Uniserve's strategic direction, including a stronger focus on scalable infrastructure services and long-term value creation. As CEO, he will accelerate these efforts with an emphasis on:

Expanding Uniserve's data centres and network footprint

Enhancing cloud and managed service capabilities

Investing in talent and operational excellence

Pursuing strategic partnerships and growth opportunities

The Company also intends to take a disciplined approach to growth, including evaluating opportunities to expand its capabilities and geographic reach through selective acquisitions, while maintaining a strong focus on integration and long-term value creation.

Uniserve is executing a clear strategy to become Canada's leading sovereign SMB Digital Infrastructure Partner. The appointment of Mr. Lohia as Chief Executive Officer aligns the Company's leadership with this mandate and strengthens its ability to scale a national platform and expand into higher-value enterprise and mid-market segments. Under Mr. Lohia's leadership, the Company will focus on growing its managed service, cloud and cybersecurity offerings, pursuing strategic acquisitions, advancing its data and infrastructure initiatives, and integrating AI-driven capabilities into its service offerings.

"Uniserve sits at the intersection of several powerful trends-AI adoption, cloud growth, and increasing demand for Canadian-owned infrastructure," said Mr. Lohia. "This is a moment of transformation for our industry. Our ambition is to build a modern, scalable infrastructure platform that can support the next generation of Canadian businesses."

"Our focus will be on disciplined execution, scaling our platform, and building a culture centered on innovation, accountability, and measurable outcomes, with the objective of delivering sustained, long-term value for shareholders."

The Company would also like to recognize the exemplary leadership of Kwin Grauer, who has served as Chief Executive Officer during the last 17 months, a period of significant strategic and operational progress for Uniserve. Under Mr. Grauer's leadership, the Company advanced its digital infrastructure strategy, strengthened its platform, and continued to build momentum across its core business lines. Mr. Grauer will continue to play an instrumental role in Uniserve's growth as an Executive Director, supporting the Company's ongoing execution and long-term strategic objectives.

About Uniserve

Uniserve Communications Corporation is a Digital Infrastructure Platform that owns and operates the backbone enabling data, applications, AI, and digital services to function reliably, securely, and at scale. The Company provides connectivity, cloud, managed IT services, and data centre solutions to businesses across Canada.

This news release was prepared on behalf of the Board of Directors, which accepts full responsibility for its contents.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding the Company's strategic direction, growth plans, execution strategy, and potential valuation positioning. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks include, but are not limited to, market conditions, execution risks, integration of acquisitions, regulatory factors, and general economic conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements except as required by law.

Learn more at www.uniserve.com or at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Management has prepared this release and no regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. The statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward looking statements. Such statements are based on management's estimates, assumptions and projections using available information. Uniserve cautions that actual financial results could differ materially from the current expectations due to a number of factors.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291223

Source: Uniserve Communications Corporation
Three new license agreements signed and two research shipments completed in March 2026, spanning institutions in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - Red Light Holland Corp. (CSE: TRIP) (FSE: 4YX) (OTCQB: TRUFF) ("Red Light" or the "Company") today announced that Filament Health Corp. ("Filament") signed three new license agreements and completed two research shipments during March 2026, further expanding the global clinical network for PEX010, Filament's patented botanical psilocybin drug candidate.

Red Light recently announced a definitive arrangement agreement to acquire Filament Health Corp., including its portfolio of 76 issued patents across 15 patent families and its lead drug candidate, PEX010. On March 23, 2026, Filament obtained an interim order from the Supreme Court of British Columbia in connection with the proposed arrangement. The transaction remains subject to Filament shareholder approval, final court approval, and other customary closing conditions.

New License Agreements:

Recently, Filament entered into license agreements with the following institutions for clinical research involving PEX010:

University of Melbourne (Australia) - for a study titled Psilocybin-assisted physiotherapy for refractory Functional Neurological Disorder

Imperial College London (United Kingdom) - for a study titled PsiloGambling: Psilocybin in Gambling Disorder: Multimodal brain and physiological biomarkers of action

University of Calgary (Canada) - for a study titled Psilocybin-assisted therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Recent Shipments:

Filament also, recently, completed research shipments of PEX010 to the following institutions:

Queen's University (Canada) - for a pilot study titled Safety and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for demoralization syndrome in patients diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health ("CAMH") (Canada) - a clinical trial titled Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Randomized Phase II Clinical Trial Comparing One Versus Two Psychedelic Doses of Psilocybin

"Each new agreement and shipment reinforces the growing global demand for standardized, naturally-derived psilocybin in regulated clinical research," said Todd Shapiro, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Red Light Holland. "From helping patients with unexplained neurological symptoms in Australia to supporting survivors of intimate partner violence in Canada, the range of people PEX010 may be able to help continues to expand, and we are proud to be supporting that progress."

"These agreements reflect the confidence that leading research institutions around the world place in PEX010 as a reliable, pharmaceutical-grade botanical psilocybin for clinical use," said Benjamin Lightburn, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Filament Health. "Our ability to deliver consistently to programs spanning oncology, PTSD, treatment-resistant depression and beyond speaks to the strength of our manufacturing platform and the breadth of unmet need in this space."

PEX010 has been supplied to over 70 clinical research sites worldwide and has been authorized for use in several federally-authorized compassionate use programs. The drug candidate has received both Health Canada and U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorization for clinical trials in addition to authorization in 10 other jurisdictions globally.

About Red Light Holland

Red Light Holland is an Ontario-based organization advancing a focused strategy within the legal psychedelic sector, centered on consensual data collection and R&D initiatives designed to expand naturally occurring drug development, understanding of psilocybin use and consumer experiences. In parallel, the Company operates commercial activities across Europe and North America, including psilocybin truffle sales in the Netherlands' legal market and mushroom home grow kits offered through B2B and DTC channels, in compliance with applicable laws.

About Filament Health:

Filament Health is a clinical-stage natural psychedelic drug development company. Filament believes that safe, standardized, naturally-derived psychedelic medicines can improve the lives of many, and its mission is to see them in the hands of everyone who needs them as soon as possible. Filament's platform of proprietary intellectual property enables the discovery, development, and delivery of natural psychedelic medicines for clinical development. Filament is paving the way with the first-ever natural psychedelic drug candidates.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current conditions but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or its respective subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained in this news release. Examples of such information include statements with respect to: the continued expansion of PEX010's clinical network; the anticipated progression of the referenced clinical studies; the Company's pending acquisition of Filament Health and the expected integration of Filament's clinical infrastructure; and the future development and commercialization of PEX010.

Forward-looking information in this news release is based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: the continued ability of Filament to supply PEX010 to clinical research sites; the continued progression of clinical studies at the referenced institutions; the successful completion of the Company's pending acquisition of Filament Health; the ability to maintain effective relationships with clinical partners and research collaborators; and general business, market and economic conditions.

Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, namely: regulatory or enforcement developments affecting the legal framework for psilocybin research and clinical trials; the risk that the pending acquisition of Filament Health is not completed on the terms contemplated or at all; the risk that clinical studies do not progress as anticipated; the risk that additional license agreements or shipments do not materialize as expected; and adverse changes in the regulatory or political landscape affecting psychedelic research.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291435

Source: Red Light Holland Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - Mercado Minerals Ltd. (CSE: MERC) (OTCQB: MRMNF) ("Mercado" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its common shares have commenced trading on the OTCQB Venture Market ("OTCQB") under the symbol "MRMNF", thereby enhancing visibility and accessibility for U.S. investors. The Company's shares will continue to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "MERC" and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "M2R".

The OTCQB Venture Market is the premier marketplace for early stage and developing U.S. and international companies including those in the mining and natural resources sectors. Companies listed on OTCQB are current in their reporting and undergo an annual verification and management certification process. Investors can find real-time quotes and market information for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com.

The Company also announces that its common shares are now eligible for electronic clearing and settlement in the United States through the Depository Trust Company ("DTC"). DTC eligibility is expected to simplify the process of trading and enhance liquidity of the Company's common shares in the United States.

About Mercado Minerals Ltd.

Mercado Minerals Ltd. (CSE: MERC) (OTCQB: MRMNF) is a silver-focused exploration company targeting the next world-class discovery in Mexico's emerging Western Silver Belt, part of the prolific Sierra Madre Occidental mining district. With a proven team boasting extensive experience in Mexican exploration, Mercado is actively advancing multiple projects across more than 3,000 hectares. The Company is committed to creating shareholder value through disciplined exploration, strategic growth, and discovery-driven results.

Forward-Looking Statement (Safe Harbor Statement):

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate," "plan," "continue," "expect," "estimate," "objective," "may," "will," "project," "should," "predict," "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Company's exploration plans and the intended use of proceeds from the Offering. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements because the Company cannot provide assurance that they will prove correct. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291406

Source: Mercado Minerals Ltd.
Winnipeg, Manitoba--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - Beyond Minerals Inc. (formerly Beyond Lithium Inc.) (CSE: BY) (OTCQB: BYDMF) (the "Company" or "Beyond Minerals") is pleased to announce it has made the final payments under its mineral property option agreement with Bounty Gold Corp. (the "Optionor") dated March 30, 2023, as amended (the "Option Agreement"), to acquire a 100% undivided interest in the Ear Falls spodumene-bearing pegmatite exploration project, located near the town of Ear Falls, in the province of Ontario (the "Ear Falls Project"). The final payments made to the Optionor under the Option Agreement consisted of 78,800 common shares of the Company and C$29,500 in cash (the "Final Payments").

The Final Payments earn the Company a 100% interest in the Ear Falls Project, subject to a 2.0% net smelter return royalty, one-half of which may be repurchased by the Company for $1,200,000 to reduce such royalty to a 1.0% net smelter return royalty. In addition, the Company shall pay the Optionor a $1-million milestone payment, payable in cash or shares at the option of the Company, for each initial mineral resource estimate filed by the Company in respect of a deposit comprising part of the Ear Falls Project that discloses a deposit or orebody exceeding 5,000,000 metric tonnes with an average grade equal to 1.0% Li2O or greater.

Amended Offering Document

In connection with the Final Payments and the Company's acquisition of a 100% interest in the Ear Falls Project, the Company has filed an amended offering document (the "Amended Offering Document") in respect of the non-brokered private placement of up to 12,000,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.05 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $600,000 (the "Amended Offering") announced on February 26, 2026. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Share at an exercise price of C$0.10 for 24 months following the date of issuance, subject to customary adjustment provisions. The Amended Offering Document with the updated disclosure respecting the Final Payments and the Ear Falls Project can be accessed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.beyondlithium.ca. Prospective investors should read the Amended Offering Document before making an investment decision.

The Units to be issued under the Amended Offering will be offered to purchasers pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption (the "LIFE" or "LIFE Exemption") under Part 5A.2 of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions in all provinces of Canada, except Quebec. The Units offered under the LIFE Exemption will not be subject to resale restrictions pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws.

The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Amended Offering for general working capital purposes, mineral property exploration activities and expenditures, marketing and advertising, and as otherwise described in the Amended Offering Document. The Amended Offering is scheduled to close on or about April 30, 2026, and is subject to certain conditions customary for transactions of this nature, including, but not limited to, the listing of the Shares issued and issuable under the Amended Offering on the Canadian Securities Exchange. Closing of the initial tranche of the Amended Offering is subject to the condition that the Company raise a minimum of C$200,000.

The Company may pay finders' fees in connection with the Offering in cash, shares, warrants or a combination thereof.

RSU Grant

The Company further announces a grant of 66,667 restricted share units of the Company ("RSUs") to a consultant of the Company (the "RSU Grant") pursuant to the terms and conditions of a consulting agreement dated February 1, 2025 and the Company's omnibus equity incentive plan (the "Omnibus Plan"). 16,666 of the RSUs vested immediately upon grant and 16,667 RSUs will vest each 3 months thereafter with the last tranche vesting on December 27, 2026. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Omnibus Plan and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange, upon vesting, each RSU shall entitle the consultant to receive one common share of the Company.

The securities issued pursuant to the RSU Grant (and any common shares issuable upon exercise or settlement thereof) will be subject to a four-month hold period from their date of issuance. The offered securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

2026 Exploration Program Update

Lawrence Tsang, VP Exploration of Beyond, commented, "Our technical and management teams held a productive discussion last week to finalize a comprehensive 2026 exploration plan for all three projects. Field crews for the upcoming season have already been secured, and we anticipate launching the 2026 field program by the end of April. We look forward to advancing each project through disciplined and systematic geological approaches."

Owl Creek Porphyry Project - British Columbia

2026 Exploration Plan

Systematic geological mapping and geochemical sampling to refine mineralization patterns and alteration zonation. Rock sampling to include assays for copper, molybdenum, and gold.

Expansion of the project area to incorporate a newly recognized area identified from a 1974 historical map documenting a number of outcrops with molybdenum, chalcopyrite, and pyrite mineralization.

Locating the historical drill hole collars and legacy drill core storage to support data validation and potential re-logging or re-sampling.

Background & Highlights

The 3,522-ha Owl Creek Porphyry Project lies 7 km north of Pemberton within the Cascade Magmatic Arc, a belt known for Miocene-aged intrusions associated with porphyry Cu-Mo-Au systems.

Encompassing four known subzones plus the newly expanded target area, copper- and molybdenum-bearing zones have been mapped over a 10-km strike length. Historical mineralized grab samples collected in 2012 from zones A, B, and C returned 0.15% to 1.99% Cu, underscoring the strength of the mineralizing system (Goldsmith, 2012).

Ten diamond drill holes completed in 1974 by Pine Lake intersected broad mineralization, including 91.4 m averaging 0.40% Cu and 0.029% Mo in hole C-2; historical records indicate that not all core was sampled and gold was not assayed, leaving additional upside potential (Weick & Allen, 1986).

The 2026 program will focus on detailed mapping and targeted sampling across the 10-km trend to evaluate veining, mineral zonation, and alteration patterns, with the objective of demonstrating that the known zones and the new target area form a unified, larger-scale porphyry system.





Figure 1. Owl Creek Project Expanded Area and Historical Mapping and Sampling Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/291375_50b796c6b4dbaad8_001full.jpg

Ear Falls Spodumene Project - Ontario

2026 Exploration Plan

A systematic, grid-based biogeochemical survey along the 13-km structural corridor to evaluate extensions of the Wenasaga North Zone and identify new pegmatite targets. Approximately 23 km of survey line planned.



Background & Highlights

The 3,250-ha Ear Falls Project is located 15 minutes north of Ear Falls, Ontario. Spodumene-bearing pegmatites discovered in 2023 define the Wenasaga North Zone, traced over 1.5 km on surface within a broader 13-km structural corridor associated with the Wenasaga Batholith-interpreted as the fertile peraluminous granite source for LCT-type pegmatites in the area.

Early sampling from the Wenasaga North Zone returned strong lithium grades, including:

Grab samples up to 4.54% Li2O

Channel results such as EF-C-03: 0.54% Li2O over 9.52 m and EF-C-01:1.88% Li2O over 1.00 m

These results were reported in Beyond Lithium's December 19, 2023 press release.

Figure 2. Ear Falls 2026 Biogeochemical Survey Lines Map



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/291375_50b796c6b4dbaad8_002full.jpg

The 2024 biogeochemical survey proved highly effective, successfully outlining the Wenasaga North Zone and delineating an additional target for follow-up. The 2026 program will expand this work to evaluate potential buried lithium-cesium mineralization along the 13-km structural corridor.

Rare One REEs Project - British Columbia

2026 Exploration Plan

Follow-up on historical soil geochemistry that has outlined a 6-km La-Nd-Ba anomaly trending NW-SE. (Gifford, 2006)

Mapping and sampling around the Fenwick Sill, an altered intrusion in the SE portion of the project, to assess its potential role as the source of REE enrichment.

Heavy-mineral-concentrate sampling in the southern project area to identify new targets. (Gifford, 2008)





Figure 3. Rare One Soil Geochemistry and Expanded Area with the Fenwick Sill Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/291375_50b796c6b4dbaad8_003full.jpg

Background & Highlights

The 6,500-ha Rare One Project is located near Invermere, BC. Historical work (2005-2006) identified elevated La, Nd, and Ba in soil geochemistry and heavy-mineral-concentrate samples, with abundant monazite grains indicating REE potential in the area. In addition, the soil sampling outlined a 6-km NW-SE anomaly subparallel to regional stratigraphy and coincident with the Fenwick Sill.

The 2026 program will test whether the Fenwick Sill exhibits geochemical signatures consistent with the historical anomalies and whether it represents a coherent geological source for REE enrichment across the property.

References

Gifford, R.G. (2006). Fen Property Assessment Report. Prepared for Fen Resources Ltd. (#29777). Golden Mining Division, British Columbia, Canada.

Gifford, R.G. (2008). Fen Property Assessment Report. Prepared for Fen Resources Ltd. (#29352). Golden Mining Division, British Columbia, Canada.

Goldsmith, L. B. (2012). Owl Creek Mineral Claims: Geological and rock geochemical surveys (Updated Report). Prepared for Clear Mountain Resource Corp. (#33517). Lillooet Mining Division, British Columbia, Canada.

Weick, J. and Allen, Donald G. (1986). Geological Report on the Owl Mountain Property. Prepared for George Resource Company Ltd. (#15597). Lillooet Mining Division, British Columbia, Canada.

Qualified Person and Third-Party Data

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Lawrence Tsang, P.Geo., VP Exploration of the Company. Lawrence Tsang is a "qualified person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The potential grades of exploration targets disclosed in this news release are conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.

About Beyond Minerals Inc.

Beyond Minerals Inc. is a critical minerals exploration company with the Ear Falls spodumene-bearing pegmatite exploration project in Ontario and two exploration projects in British Columbia exploring for rare earths and base metals. Beyond Minerals is advancing the projects with its exploration team. The Company will continue to seek to stake, to acquire, or to option other properties to expand the Company's portfolio. Also, Beyond will seek for potential joint ventures partner on projects as it is a source of non-dilutive working capital through partner-funded exploration and long-term residual exposure to exploration success.

Please follow the Company on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

For more information, please refer to the Company's website at www.beyondminerals.ca

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding future capital expenditures, anticipated content, commencement, and cost of exploration programs in respect of the Company's projects and mineral properties, anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities, resources and/or reserves on the Company's projects and mineral properties, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "will", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In stating the forward-looking information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that market fundamentals will result in sustained precious and base metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration of the Company's properties, the availability of financing on suitable terms, and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements of forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, statements as to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, the proposed expenditures for exploration work on its properties, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the Canadian Securities Exchange), permits or financing, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics, the Company's limited operating history, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's prospectus dated February 23, 2022 and other filings of the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information in this news release except as otherwise required by law.

For further information, please contact:

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291375

Source: Beyond Minerals Inc.
Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - The latest episode of the DesignRush Podcast features Janell Scott, vice president of talent and delivery at Hugo Inc., explaining how onboarding processes impact employee performance, retention, and customer experience in high-growth organizations.





Disengagement starts early. Janell Scott and Kia Johnson discuss the signs and solutions on Episode 133 of the DesignRush Podcast.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Janell Scott, vice president of talent and delivery at Hugo Inc., joins host Kia Johnson on episode No. 133 of the DesignRush Podcast.

In the conversation, Scott explains that onboarding plays a direct role in how employees perform and how customer experience is delivered.

"What we do for this new hire, what we do for this new team member, how we invest and pour into them will be a direct line to your customer excellence experience," Scott told DesignRush's Kia Johnson.

In this episode, she discusses:

Treating onboarding as a one-off task

Over-automating the employee experience

Failing to structure the first 30 days intentionally

The episode also explores how AI is being applied to onboarding, including simulation-based role play that allows new hires to practice real scenarios and receive real-time feedback.

She shares examples from her experience scaling teams and designing onboarding systems in high-growth environments.

Catch the episode on YouTube and Spotify.

Want to be a guest on the DesignRush Podcast? Email spotlight@designrush.com to get featured.

About Janell Scott

Janell Scott is the vice president of talent and delivery at Hugo Inc., where she leads talent strategy, onboarding systems, and operational delivery for high-performing teams at scale. She has more than 16 years of experience in business process outsourcing, with expertise in workforce development, training systems, and performance optimization.

About DesignRush

DesignRush is a media platform and B2B marketplace connecting businesses with agencies through expert reviews, agency rankings, awards, industry insights, and curated agency recommendations for vetted projects.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291138

Source: DesignRush


OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - Four astronauts aboard NASA's Artemis II test flight around the Moon are returning to Earth after conducting a historic lunar fly-by and witnessing a total solar eclipse from their spacecraft.



U.S. astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, made history at 1:56 p.m. ET on Monday, when they reached 248,655 miles from Earth, surpassing the farthest distance ever traveled by humans, a record previously set by Apollo 13 in 1970.



The Artemis II mission wrapped up a historic seven-hour lunar flyby, marking humanity's first return to the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972 and capturing images of the lunar far side.



The four-member crew is now more than halfway through their mission and is scheduled to splash down off the coast of San Diego at approximately 8:07 p.m. ET on Friday, NASA said.



During a planned 40-minute loss of signal as Orion passed behind the Moon, the spacecraft and its crew made their closest approach at 7 p.m., flying at about 4,067 miles above the surface. Two minutes later, the crew reached the mission's maximum distance from Earth at 252,756 miles, setting a new record for human spaceflight.



As they flew over the Moon's far side, the crew photographed and described terrain features including impact craters, ancient lava flows, and surface cracks and ridges formed as the Moon slowly evolved over time. They also noted differences in color, brightness and texture, which provide clues that help scientists understand the composition and history of the lunar surface. The crew witnessed an 'Earthset' - the moment Earth dropped below the lunar horizon - as Orion traveled behind the Moon and an 'Earthrise' as the spacecraft emerged from the opposite edge of the Moon.



As the lunar observation period ended, the crew witnessed a nearly hour-long solar eclipse as the spacecraft, the Moon and the Sun aligned. With a view of a mostly darkened Moon, the crew analyzed the solar corona - the Sun's outermost atmosphere - as it appeared around the Moon's edge.



During the eclipse, the crew had an opportunity to look for some rarely seen phenomena that are only visible on an unlit portion of the Moon. They reported six light flashes created by meteoroids impacting the lunar surface while traveling many thousands of miles per hour.



Scientists already are looking forward to the images, along with the many others taken during the flyby. After the lunar data is downlinked from the spacecraft overnight, scientists will look at images, audio, and other data to determine better times and locations of the flashes and seek input from amateurs who were observing the Moon at the same time.



After the lunar observation period concluded, the Artemis II crew was congratulated by President Donald Trump in a live conversation that aired as part of NASA's continuing live coverage of the mission. They also spoke with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and answered questions from social media.



The U.S. space agency said the crew will discuss their observations with the lunar science team on Tuesday in a conversation that will be broadcast live.



Copyright(c) 2026 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

 2026 AFX News
Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - Sranan Gold Corp. (CSE: SRAN) (OTCQB: SRANF) (FSE: P84) ("Sranan" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Mr. Jonathan Yan, CPA, CA has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary, replacing John Alcock who has resigned as Chief Financial Officer and Director of Sranan. Mr. Alcock will continue to assist the Company during the transition.

Mr. Yan brings over 13 years of experience in financial reporting, including a decade in public accounting. He specializes in management advisory services and the financial disclosure needs of public companies. In addition to his role with Sranan, Mr. Yan serves as CFO for several TSXV and CSE-listed companies.

Sranan welcomes Mr. Yan to the role and looks forward to his contributions to Sranan's continued growth and success.

About Sranan Gold

Sranan is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets in Suriname. The Company's flagship Tapanahony Project covers 29,000 hectares in one of Suriname's most prolific artisanal gold mining districts and Sranan recently announced the acquisition of the 18,468-hectare Lawatino Project situated in southeastern Suriname along the Central Guiana Shear Zone.

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENT OF THIS PRESS RELEASE.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, without limitation, the timing, nature, scope and details regarding the Company's exploration plans and results at its projects. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "goal", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release. Further details about the risks applicable to the Company are contained in the Company's public filings available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under the Company's profile.

Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the timing of exploration activities including drilling, the results of exploration activities, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes and other matters. While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291359

Source: Sranan Gold Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - Viscount Mining Corp. (TSXV: VML) (OTCQB: VLMGF) ("Viscount" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has engaged SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. ("SLR"), a globally recognized mining advisory firm, to undertake a re-analysis of the existing mineral resource at the Kate Deposit at its 100%-owned Silver Cliff Project in Colorado.

This work is being initiated in response to the significant strengthening in silver prices, which the Company believes may have a meaningful impact on cut-off grade assumptions and the overall economic profile of the existing resource.

Strategic Resource Re-Evaluation Underway

Under the Project, SLR will recalculate cut-off grades using updated silver pricing and re-report the existing block model, providing an updated perspective on the current resource base and supporting future technical and economic evaluation.

SLR brings extensive experience in resource modelling and NI 43-101 compliant reporting across silver and polymetallic systems in North America, including work on epithermal and porphyry-related deposits similar to Silver Cliff. Upon SLR's completion, the current NI 43 - 101 will be updated.

SLR's resource estimation, will work in conjunction with Mr. Harald Hogenberg, P.Geo., Viscount's Qualified Person and author of the Company's most recent technical report. The updated resource estimate will be prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Kate Deposit: Foundation for Resource Growth

The Silver Cliff Project hosts the Kate Deposit, a near-surface epithermal silver system with an existing NI 43-101 resource. As outlined in the Company's December 2025 release, Kate is characterized by a continuous north-south mineralized corridor with strong potential for expansion beyond the current resource footprint.

Recent work integrating soil geochemistry, structural mapping, and historical drilling has demonstrated:

A coherent and expanding silver system extending north and northeast

Multiple high-priority step-out targets

Continued openness along key structural trends

Strong grades historically encountered in drilling, including multi-ounce silver intercepts

The Company is currently planning a 2026 drill program designed to expand and upgrade the Kate resource while supporting future technical work.

Positioned to Benefit from Rising Silver Prices

The engagement of SLR reflects Viscount's strategy to proactively reassess its resource base in a stronger silver price environment. The existing Kate resource was estimated using a silver price of approximately US$24/oz, and the Company believes that higher prevailing prices may support:

Lower cut-off grades

Increased contained ounces

Potential expansion of economically viable mineralization

This work represents a critical step toward aligning the Silver Cliff Project with current market conditions and unlocking additional value for shareholders.

Advancing a District-Scale Opportunity

Beyond the Kate Deposit, Silver Cliff hosts multiple mineralized centers, including the Passiflora porphyry target, where our discovery drill hole intersected a robust gold- copper porphyry system over the entire 843.9 metre interval. The Company believes the district represents a large-scale, multi-phase mineral system with both near-surface silver and deeper porphyry potential.

"With silver prices strengthening, it is both timely and strategic to revisit the Kate resource with a fresh lens," said Jim MacKenzie, President and CEO of Viscount Mining. "Engaging SLR, a globally respected resource advisory group, ensures that this work is completed to the highest technical standard. We believe this initiative has the potential to materially enhance our understanding of the scale and value of the Kate Deposit and position the Company for the next phase of growth."

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Harald Hoegberg CPG, an independent consulting geologist who is a "Qualified Person" (QP) as such term is defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

About Viscount Mining (TSXV: VML) (OTCQB: VLMGF)

Viscount Mining Corp. is a project generator and mineral exploration company focused on advancing high-quality silver, gold, and copper assets in the Western United States. The Company's portfolio includes the Silver Cliff silver, gold, copper project in Colorado and the Cherry Creek multi-metal district in Nevada

Silver Cliff Project - Colorado

Silver Cliff is in the historic Hardscrabble Silver District and comprises 96 lode claims with year-round paved access and established local infrastructure. The project covers a large volcanic caldera system recognized for its silver, gold, and base-metal potential.

The property includes two principal zones of focus:

Kate Deposit (Silver Resource Area): The Kate hosts a NI 43-101 compliant near-surface silver resource published by an independent QP (details: Measured & Indicated and Inferred silver resources were reported in the Company's technical disclosure ; investors are encouraged to review the full technical report available on SEDAR+ for tonnage, grade, and methodology).

The Kate hosts a near-surface silver resource published by an independent QP (details: ; investors are encouraged to review the full technical report available on SEDAR+ for tonnage, grade, and methodology). Passiflora Porphyry Target: Historical and modern drilling indicate extensive hydrothermal alteration consistent with a large porphyry system. Recent drilling by Viscount (hole PF-23-03A) intersected 843.9 metres of continuous copper-gold mineralization, which the Company interprets as being on the periphery of a potentially larger intrusive center. Mineralization remains open in multiple directions.

Cherry Creek Project - Nevada

Cherry Creek covers 219 unpatented and 9 patented claims in a well-known historic mining district approximately 50 miles north of Ely. The property includes more than 20 past-producing mines and hosts several styles of mineralization, including silver-gold veins, carbonate-replacement (CRD) zones, jasperoids, and porphyry-related alteration. The district is 100% controlled by Viscount and is considered highly prospective for multi-metal discoveries within the broader mineralized system.

Viscount's strategy is to acquire, explore, and advance high-potential mineral properties through systematic geological work, while continuing to build partnerships that support long-term development.

For additional information regarding the above noted property and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at www.viscountmining.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to Viscount Mining's operations, exploration and development plans, expansion plans, estimates, expectations, forecasts, objectives, predictions and projections of the future. Specifically, this news release contains forward looking statements with respect to the actual size of the anomaly, feasibility, grade of mineralization and the content of the mineralization. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "projects", "intends", "anticipates", or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or "variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "can", "could", "would", "might", or "will" be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Viscount Mining to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the exploration and development and operation of Viscount Mining's projects, the actual results of current exploration, development activities, conclusions of economic evaluations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future precious metals prices, as well as those factors discussed in the sections relating to risk factors of our business filed in Viscount Mining's required securities filings on SEDARPlus. Although Viscount Mining has attempted to identify important factors that could cause results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291305

Source: Viscount Mining Corp.
The VARIPULSE Pro Platform features a new pulse sequence designed to streamline procedures and enhance workflow efficiencyi,ii

VARIPULSE Pro to be featured at EHRA 2026 alongside VARIPURE 12-month interim data

Johnson Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) today announced the launch of VARIPULSE Pro in Europe following CE Mark approval, further advancing its pulsed field ablation (PFA) portfolio. This new pulse sequence marks the next evolution of the VARIPULSE Platform and is designed to improve procedural efficiencyi,ii while reinforcing its established safetyiii and effectivenessiv profile.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260407187510/en/

VARIPULSE Pro Catheter

VARIPULSE Pro introduces a new pulse sequence with a lower temperature profile1,2,i and an ablation that is 5 times faster than the previous sequence3,ii, while achieving equivalent lesions4,v. Building on the proven precisionvi,vii and safety profileiii of the VARIPULSE platform, VARIPULSE Pro integrates seamlessly with the CARTO 3 System, utilizing advanced mapping capabilities, including tissue proximity indicators for precise lesion deliveryvi,vii. With initial cases performed under the VARIPURE multicenter, prospective, postmarket follow-up study, the company is committed to generate rigorous evidence through VARIPURE and additional clinical studies during the commercial phase of the launch.

"In our early experience, VARIPULSE Pro has been exceptionally smooth and easy to use," said Tom De Potter5, M.D., Head of Electrophysiology and Associate Director of the Heart Center, OLV Hospital, Aalst, Belgium. "The speed is particularly striking and contributes to more efficient procedures without compromising precisionii. The integration with CARTO mapping and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) facilitate accurate positioning and consistent lesion delivery4, contributing to a very positive procedural experience."

"The introduction of VARIPULSE Pro in Europe reflects our commitment to advancing our PFA platforms through continuous innovation, enhancing procedural experience while maintaining the consistency and precision physicians expect from the VARIPULSE Platform," said Michael Bodner, Company Group Chair, Electrophysiology Neurovascular, MedTech, Johnson Johnson. "This launch demonstrates our dedication to continuously evolving PFA technologies based on real-world learnings and our scientific expertise, supporting physicians to deliver high-quality care and improved patient outcomes."

The company will feature the VARIPULSE Pro Platform at the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) annual meeting, including live case demonstrations, hands-on training sessions, and professional education. In addition, 12-month interim results from the ongoing VARIPURE study evaluating pulsed field ablation with the VARIPULSE Platform will be presented at the EHRA PFA Summit by Dr. Daniel Scherr6. For more information on Johnson Johnson's activities at EHRA 2026, visit here.

This milestone underscores Johnson Johnson's focus on innovation grounded in scientific expertise and real-world experience. With atrial fibrillation being the most common cardiac arrhythmia affecting more than 50 million people worldwideviii and continuing to grow in prevalence, the company is leading the science and championing the evolution of PFA.

VARIPULSE Pro is not currently approved in the United States.

Cardiovascular Solutions from Johnson Johnson MedTech

Across Johnson Johnson, we are tackling the world's most complex and pervasive health challenges. Through a cardiovascular portfolio that provides healthcare professionals with advanced mapping and navigation, miniaturized tech, and precise ablation we are addressing conditions with significant unmet needs such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, stroke, and atrial fibrillation. We are the global leaders in heart recovery, circulatory restoration, and the treatment of heart rhythm disorders, as well as an emerging leader in neurovascular care, committed to taking on two of the leading causes of death worldwide in heart failure and stroke. For more, visit this website.

About Johnson Johnson

At Johnson Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more about our MedTech sector's global scale and deep expertise in surgery, orthopaedics, vision, and cardiovascular solutions at https://www.jnjmedtech.com/. Follow us at @JNJMedTech and on LinkedIn.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 related to VARIPULSE Pro. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Johnson Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; uncertainty of commercial success for new products; the ability of the company to successfully execute strategic plans; impact of business combinations and divestitures; challenges to patents; changes in behavior and spending patterns or financial distress of purchasers of health care products and services; and global health care reforms and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson Johnson's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Johnson Johnson's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com, www.investor.jnj.com or on request from Johnson Johnson. Johnson Johnson does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

Johnson Johnson and its affiliates 2026. All rights reserved. M_EM_ELP_GNTR_4142

___________________________ 1 Compared to current VARIPULSE 2 When compared to other competitive PF devices 3 When compared to first version of VARIPULSE 4 In preclinical testing 5 Dr. De Potter is a consultant for Johnson Johnson. Dr. De Potter was not compensated for this authorship contribution. 6 Dr. Scherr served as a study investigator and as a consultant for Johnson Johnson. Dr. Scherr was not compensated for this authorship contribution.

___________________________ i Zito E, Mansour M, Reddy VY, et al. Assessment of temperature dynamics in pulsed field ablation with a variable-loop circular catheter: a comparative analysis of waveform configurations and irrigation rates in specimens of bovine ventricular myocardium. Europace. 2025;27:euaf278. doi:10.1093/europace/euaf278. ii VARIPULSE Pulse Field Ablations in an in vitro model: temperature characterization of sequence 2 at 30 mL/min vs commercial sequence 1 at 4 mL/min and 30 mL/min. Engineering report. Report No. 502270676. iii Almorad A, Vetta G, Della Rocca DG, et al. Real-world experience of atrial fibrillation ablation using a variable-loop circular catheter: a single-centre study. Europace. 2025;27(Suppl 1):i291. iv Porterfield C, Krishnan K, Saleem M, Steckman D, Ebinger M, Gampa A, et al. Real-world safety profile of a multi-electrode variable loop pulsed-field ablation catheter. Presented at: Kansas City Heart Rhythm Symposium 2025; August 16 2025; Overland Park (Kansas City), KS. v Di Biase L, Hsu J, Bhardwaj R, et al. Effect of pulsed field timing sequence and electrode cooling on ablation safety and efficacy surrogates: a preclinical study. Manuscript submitted for publication. 2026. vi Di Biase L, Marazzato J, Gomez T, et al. Application repetition and electrode-tissue contact result in deeper lesions using a pulsed-field ablation circular variable loop catheter. Europace. 2024;26(9):euae220. doi:10.1093/europace/euae220. vii Duytschaever M, De Potter T, Grimaldi M, et al. Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Using a Novel Variable-Loop Biphasic Pulsed Field Ablation Catheter Integrated With a 3-Dimensional Mapping System: 1-Year Outcomes of the Multicenter inspIRE Study. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2023 Mar;16(3):e011780. viii Mensah, G, Fuster, V, Murray, C. et al. Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risks, 1990-2022. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2023 Dec, 82 (25) 2350-2473.

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Contacts:

Media Contacts:

Erin Farley

Efarley1@its.jnj.com

Majo Echeverria

MEchever@its.jnj.com

Investor Contact:

investor-relations@its.jnj.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - BrandPilot AI Inc. (CSE: BPAI) (OTCQB: BPAIF) ("BrandPilot" or the "Company"), a performance marketing technology company focused on improving transparency and efficiency in digital advertising, today announced that a major U.S. streaming platform will deploy BrandPilot's advertising efficiency technology across select digital campaigns to identify and recover wasted advertising spend.

BrandPilot's technology will analyze select campaign activity to identify economically ineffective spend that can occur within automated advertising environments. The goal is to reduce advertising costs while maintaining or increasing efficiency and enable advertisers to redirect recovered budgets toward additional growth initiatives and campaigns.

"Our performance-based marketing efforts are starting to create greater traction with enterprise level advertisers," said Brandon Mina, Chief Executive Officer of BrandPilot AI. "We will be assisting the streaming platform by reducing advertising spend and improving campaign performance. We believe this reflects growing interest from enterprise advertisers in performance-based advertising optimization solutions."

Large streaming platforms operate complex digital advertising environments that generate billions of ad impressions each month. However, the automated nature of programmatic advertising also creates opportunities for fraud, waste, and abuse, which industry estimates suggest may account for up to one-third of digital ad spend1. This environment creates a meaningful opportunity for BrandPilot to identify inefficiencies and recover wasted media spend.

Management believes growing interest from enterprise media platforms reflects increasing demand for technologies that help identify inefficiencies, recover wasted advertising spend, and improve performance accountability across increasingly automated digital advertising ecosystems.

About BrandPilot AI

BrandPilot AI (CSE: BPAI) is a performance marketing technology company headquartered in Toronto, focused on identifying and eliminating inefficiencies in digital advertising for global enterprise brands. The Company's core capabilities include AdAi by Revvim, which eliminates cannibalistic branded search spend that inflates costs without driving incremental value; ClickRadar, which compiles forensic bot-detection reports to reclaim refunds associated with invalid traffic; and SearchIQ, which enables brands to measure and optimize their presence across generative AI search platforms.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the business of BPAI. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "projects", "plans", and similar expressions. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's deployment of its advertising efficiency technology across select campaigns within a major U.S. streaming platform, the potential identification and recovery of wasted advertising spend, and the Company's ability to demonstrate improvements in advertising efficiency within automated digital media environments. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied.

These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: variability in the effectiveness of the Company's technology in live campaign environments; changes in digital advertising platforms, programmatic systems, or media buying practices; competitive developments in advertising efficiency technologies; and the Company's ability to expand enterprise adoption of its advertising efficiency capabilities. Although management believes the assumptions underlying forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with such statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update them except as required by law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

 Source: Association of National Advertisers Programmatic Transparency Study, 2023

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291451

Source: BrandPilot AI Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - Paragon Advanced Labs Inc. (TSXV: PALS) ("Paragon" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce the establishment of a new sample preparation facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario. This expansion is a direct result of a key client contract and additionally strengthens the Company's footprint in Canada.

The new facility is designed to provide ease of access for mining and exploration companies to access to the Company's PhotonAssay, fire assay and geochemical services across North America.

This location will simplify logistics and enhance service capabilities for regional clients and can expand to fulfill additional client demand

"This new facility is a direct result of client conversations and our response to increased sample flow from the region," said Peter Shippen, CEO at Paragon. "We will continue to respond to our customers' needs by rapidly deploying sample prep facilities to grow our hub-and-spoke lab model."

Offering PhotonAssay services in Ontario, British Colombia and Nevada; Paragon is closely partnering with clients with the goal of offering superior turnaround times and better access to data.

In addition to geochem, fire assay and PhotonAssay, Paragon now offers near real-time geoanalytics with its deployment of Veracio's core scanning technology in its laboratory in Surrey, BC.

For more information about Paragon's services in Thunder Bay or in other geographies, whether to arrange sample pick-up, drop-off or shipment, please contact:

Partnerships and Quotes: Julian.Desanti@paragongeochem.com

Logistics: Cheryl.Dias@paragongeochem.com

About Paragon Advanced Labs Inc.

Paragon Advanced Labs Inc. provides innovative analytical technologies to the global mining industry. By embracing new technology, the Company is addressing critical capacity bottlenecks in mineral assaying through the deployment of PhotonAssay technology and complementary analytical solutions. The Company delivers faster, more accurate, and cost-effective mineral analysis for mining operators worldwide.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PARAGON ADVANCED LABS INC.

Peter Shippen

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Paragon Advanced Labs Inc.

Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's plans, business objectives, strategy, financial or operational performance, exploration or development programs, future market conditions, and other future events or conditions.

Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "estimate," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "should," "will," and similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's public filings available under its profile on SEDAR+. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly, are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291450

Source: Paragon Advanced Labs Inc.
Belgium selects SkyCourier fleet to boost special operations airlift for troop transport, logistics, casevac and crisis response

Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced Belgium has selected the Cessna SkyCourier as its newest special mission aircraft, awarding an order for five multirole aircraft to support the nation's Special Operations Forces. The selection launches the SkyCourier into the global defense market for the first time and strengthens Belgium's airlift capability through a rugged, flexible platform built for demanding missions.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260309292194/en/

A new ally in the air: An artist's rendering shows a Cessna SkyCourier configured for military operations, including a special operations paint scheme and mission equipment. The aircraft was selected by Belgium Special Operations Forces.

Belgium's SkyCourier fleet will enable rapid movement of personnel and equipment while supporting logistics, medical evacuation and crisis response operations. Deliveries to the prime contractor Sabena Engineering are expected throughout 2027, followed by in-country military modifications prior to the final aircraft transfer to the Belgian Special Operations Forces.

"This first military selection signals strong armed service interest in the Cessna SkyCourier and underscores its readiness for high-consequence missions," said Travis Tyler, president and CEO, Textron Aviation Defense. "The SkyCourier's combination of rugged performance, low operating cost and the ability to operate from short and unimproved runways makes it a powerful solution for customers who need dependable lift in unpredictable environments."

The SkyCourier's debut into the global defense market builds on its momentum of expansion across new global regions. Designed for reliability and mission adaptability, the twin-engine, high-wing turboprop offers flexible cabin configurations, significant payload capacity and proven performance in austere settings.

Belgium's decision reflects a rising government demand for affordable, multirole aircraft that can support rapidly evolving mission sets. The selection also expands the capabilities of local industry through Sabena's modification design work in Belgium, reinforcing defense relationships throughout the region.

"Working closely with Textron Aviation, Sabena Engineering will perform all mission-specific integration and certification in Belgium, ensuring the SkyCourier delivers the flexible, responsive airlift capability our Special Operations Forces require while strengthening national industrial expertise and sovereignty," added Stephane Burton, CEO, Sabena Engineering.

About the Cessna SkyCourier

The Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine, high-wing turboprop offers a combination of performance and lower operating costs for air freight, commuter and special mission operators.

The freighter variant is sized to handle up to three LD3 shipping containers with an impressive 6,000-pound payload capability. The 19-passenger variant includes crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding, as well as large cabin windows for natural light and views. Both variants offer single-point pressure refueling to enable faster turnarounds.

The SkyCourier is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and features the McCauley Propeller C779, a heavy-duty and reliable 110-inch aluminum four-blade propeller, which is full feathering with reversible pitch, designed to enhance the performance of the aircraft while hauling tremendous loads. The SkyCourier is operated with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and has a maximum cruise speed of more than 200 KTAS and a 900 nautical-mile maximum range.

Endless Special Missions Possibilities

When government, military and commercial customers need airborne solutions for critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation, home to the iconic Beechcraft and Cessna brands. Textron Aviation offers the industry's broadest range of special mission aircraft with customizable configurations using proven technology and advanced engineering. The Textron Aviation family of aircraft includes single- and multi-engine piston aircraft, turboprops and Citation jets. These aircraft support missions such as air ambulance, amphibious operations, flight inspection, aerial surveillance, training and utility transport, all backed by an extensive global service network. For more information visit www.specialmissions.txtav.com

About Sabena Engineering

Sabena Engineering is an international provider of Maintenance, Repair Overhaul (MRO) solutions for both commercial aviation and defense customers. Its defense activities cover a full spectrum of maintenance, upgrades, engineering support, and mission ready services across a wide range of platforms. Sabena Engineering is the main MRO partner of the Belgian Defense for more than 50 years, providing key services to ensure mission-readiness for the Belgian military platforms. Sabena Engineering supports multiple current and future defense platforms, including the F-16 (Center of Excellence) with global MRO, upgrades, engineering expertise and is actively involved in the development of the UKR F-16 capability. For the AW109 and the A400M, Sabena Engineering ensures mission readiness. Sabena Engineering strengthens Belgian Defense's future capabilities by preparing F-35 fleet readiness, supporting MQ-9B SkyGuardian ISR operations with certified unmanned systems maintenance, and modernizing pilot training through the PC 7 MKX with Pilatus. In addition, together with Sonaca, Sabena will upgrade and certify the Textron Aviation SkyCourier into a mission ready aircraft for Special Forces operations. Contact email: communication@sabena-engineering.com Website: www.sabena-engineering.com

About Textron Aviation Inc.

We have been inspiring the journey of flight for nearly 100 years. Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna, Hawker and Pipistrel brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, light and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense aircraft, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable, productive and flexible flight. For more information, visit www.txtav.com.

About Textron

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com.

Certain statements in this press release may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260309292194/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:



Doug Scott

+1.316.347.0116

dscott2@txtav.com

txtav.com
Bethlehem, PA, April 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saladax Biomedical, Inc., a leader in therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) diagnostics for psychiatry and oncology, today announced a distribution agreement with Thermo Fisher Scienti?c to expand global access to high-quality TDM assays that support clinicians in optimizing patient outcomes. Under the agreement, Thermo Fisher will distribute Saladax therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) tests through its established global commercial organization. The portfolio includes assays used to monitor the top prescribed antipsychotic medications such as clozapine, as well as widely used chemotherapy agents, where drug exposure can vary signi?cantly between patients. In these cases, monitoring is essential to ensure patients are receiving the proper dosage of medication.

Therapeutic drug monitoring plays a critical role in managing complex therapies, particularly for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows or high variability among patients. Current drug level monitoring methods are often not rapid enough, signi?cantly diminishing their clinical utility. Saladax's rapid and accurate measurement of drug concentrations allows clinicians to better tailor therapy, reduce toxicity, and improve patient outcomes.

Saladax proprietary assays are designed to run on existing instrumentation already widely used in hospital and reference laboratories, allowing laboratories to implement advanced therapeutic drug monitoring without the need of new capital expenditure. By expanding access to these tests through Thermo Fisher's global distribution channels, more laboratories will be able to provide clinicians with timely and actionable drug level information.

"We are excited to enter this strategic partnership with Thermo Fisher to expand physician and patient access to Saladax's clinically important therapeutic drug monitoring solutions. This partnership is a major step in making these important tests available to healthcare professionals on a global scale," said Sal Salamone, CEO and Founder of Saladax Biomedical.

"Saladax's proprietary TDM assays complement Thermo Fisher's existing TDM portfolio and most importantly, expand the availability of comprehensive solutions that help improve patient outcomes," said Patrick Jones, president of the clinical diagnostics business within Thermo Fisher.

ABOUT SALADAX BIOMEDICAL, INC.

Headquartered in Bethlehem, PA, Saladax Biomedical, Inc. is a privately held company that develops, manufactures, and markets assays that provide rapid therapeutic drug levels for essential and life-saving medicines prescribed by psychiatrists and oncologists. Since 2007, Saladax's proprietary technology has been used in clinical laboratories or point-of-care settings throughout the world to assist clinicians in monitoring and optimizing patient care. Additionally, the company collaborates with leading pharmaceutical companies to develop tests for clinical trials and companion diagnostics. For more information, visit MyCareTests.com

Elizabeth Reidenbach SWBR 717-368-2025 elizabeth.reidenbach@swbrinc.com
Flin Flon, Manitoba--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - Boreal Gold Inc. (CSE: BGLD) ("Boreal") is pleased to announce that it has commenced a 3,100 metre ("m") Phase 4 drill program on its 2922-hectare North Star Gold Project located approximately 36 km west of the town of Snow Lake, Manitoba. This Phase 4 drill program on the gold rock vein will be expanding on the previous 143 HQ size drill holes drilled into the Gold Rock vein to date. This drill program will be focused on testing the high-grade gold quartz vein at the 50m, 100m, 150m, 200m and 250m vertical depth to quickly expand the continuation of size and depth of these quartz veins.

Boreal is also pleased to announce that is has received its drill permits for the North Star Gold Property near Snow Lake, Manitoba and for the Fay Lake Property near Flin Flon, Manitoba. Once the drill program is complete on the North Star Property, Boreal will commence drilling approximately a 1,000-metre drill program on the Fay Lake Property. The drill program at Fay Lake will target the Redwin volcanic massive sulphide ("VMS") horizon as well as high-grade gold quartz veins found in trenches (Pearson, J. September 04, 2024 NI 43-101 Technical Report) proximal to or within the Redwin horizon.

Milestones

The first milestone was the acquisition of the large Fay Lake Property (2719 Ha) located between Hudbay's Vamp Lake Deposits and Minnova's Puffy Lake Gold Mine which was covered by a new airborne EM survey. The Fay Lake properties contained the Redwin Deposit with significant gold and copper along a similar VMS horizon as Vamp Lake (now completely mapped), as well as other gold showing similar to Puffy Lake Mine style mineralization (mapping in progress).

The second milestone was bringing Boreal Gold public on December 17, 2024 on the CSE;

The third milestone was obtaining the North Star -Gold Rock Group that because of the work that has already been completed and the milestones made by previous explorers, will bring accretive value to Boreal's shareholders, as further work on these high-grade deposits will only grow the deposits which are open along strike and depth.

Boreal Gold is now poised to bring real growth (the fourth milestone) by drilling the selected targets on its Fay Lake Property, but more importantly further drilling to enhance and grow the Gold Rock Deposit as well as other targets on this structure that could lead to a new discovery. Boreal focussing more on gold is on the backdrop of rising gold and silver prices that are at record levels with gold over $4500/oz US or greater than $6300/oz Canadian today and silver over $70/oz US or greater than $100/oz Canadian today.

Present and Future Work

In 2026, Gold exploration will be mainly focussed on Boreal Gold's North Star and Gold Rock gold deposits located west of Snow Lake: Drilling is planned for this year which is fully financed with drill permits issued. Additional prospecting and detailed mapping will occur in the summer of 2026 of the under explored one km intervening area between the North Star and Gold Rock Deposits respectfully located at the north and south ends of the 2 km long structure to locate additional drill targets.

As mentioned in Boreal's April 17, 2025 News Release:

Since 2003 the North Star Group property became an advanced exploration property where more than $9 million has been spent on it in the last 20 years with the following work completed:

Five major drilling programs, 135 drill holes at North Star and 143 drill holes at Gold Rock

Ramp access and underground development and sampling;

Large surface blast hole sampling and trenching together with extensive assaying for gold, trace elements and whole rock geochemistry. Average grade from blast holes and trench faces was over 0.35 oz/t gold. (Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Release April 16, 2003). Gold on April 16, 2003 was $332.60 to 333.40 oz (https://www.usagold.com/daily-gold-price-history/) compared to over $4500/oz US or greater than $6300/oz Canadian today.

Extensive metallurgical testing at Lakefield established 85% recovery of gold by gravity alone. LR10572-002-Progress Report #1(Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Release May 3, 2003).

A large grid covers the gold shear with mapping, prospecting and geophysical surveys carried out. The Shear is still open to the north and south and the grid can be extended to follow the shear on strike (unexplored). The shear zone in between the Gold Rock and North Star deposits, which has a several showings, which has seen little drilling.

There is a two km of all-weather road to the North Star site, as well as 15 km of the Dickstone road being brought back to all weather road status with creek crossings improved and adjoining swamps lowered to improve road quality plan for this summer.

Numerous environmental surveys were completed, including: ungulate, rare plant, raptor, fish surveys and other surveys required for the establishment of tailings facilities.

A digital topographical airborne survey was carried out over the main area of the vein, and potential areas for tailings disposal and water intake.

Camp site and storage areas were established and permitted. These permits are still valid as is the road permit. A mill foundation; a concrete slab shop floor and a water waste disposal pond were completed.

A VTEM survey was carried out over the entire claim group in 2010.

Highlights from the history above were:

At North Star 2003 A 6,000 tonne bulk sample was extracted from a 120m long pit that was blasted to a depth of 6m and an average width of approximately 5m. The average grade from the pit face and blast hole is 0.35 oz/ton gold (13 g/t Au). Blast holes were drilled at 1.35 m (4 foot) centers. (2003 Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Releases February 26, March 11, March 17, March 19, March 31, April 16).

2003 -2004 48 NQ drill holes with selected examples of NS-03-02 24.29 g/t Au over 2.2m, NS-03-05 14.94 g/t Au over 4.8m, NS-03-11 23.4 g/t Au over 2.5m, NS-03-32 31.98 g/t Au over 1.7m and NS-03-45 21.83 g/t Au over 1.5m. (2003 Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Release August 5, August 25). 2003-2004 Geophysical ground surveys, environmental studies and geological mapping 2004 Spring Underground Development/Bulk Sample. Overall grade of 0.28 oz Au/ton over 2.2 m true width. An 8,000-tonne bulk sample was extracted from a sill 224m long at the 100-foot vertical level The underground sample from the 100 feet vertical level averaged 0.29 Au oz/t in the north part of the sill and 0.27 Au oz/t in the south part of the sill. (Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Release May 25, 2004).

All weather Road Completed 2003-4 Winter Metallurgical Testing by SGS Lakefield Research Limited, A gold recovery of approximately 97% with a gravity, flotation, and cyanidation process and 85% by gravity alone. (Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Release May 3, 2003).

Drilled 35 NQ diamond drill holes, 4979.9m. Several drill holes returned excellent gold intersections. For example: NS-04-57 assayed 23.34 g/t Au over 1.9m and NS-04-71 16.33 g/t Au over 1.4m.

2005 Fall New Resource Estimate (North Star Only) 19,100 t, grading 10.6 g/t, at a cut-off grade of 7.0 g/t and are classified as indicated resources based on the close spacing of the data. Note high cut-off grade as gold was at $400/oz. (Roscoe Postle Associates Inc., Wayne W. Valliant NI43-101 Technical Report September 23, 2005), The estimate supersedes Pearson and Hogan (May 3, 2004) report of 28,000 t grading 9.3 g/t Au with a cut off of 5 g/t Au which was based on an Inverse Distance Squared technique on a resource block model using only diamond drill data. Using a 1 g/t Au cut off grade, the tonnage is 160,900 tonnes with an average grade of 3.61 g/t Au.

2005 Winter Drilled 50 NQ diamond drill holes on the extremities of North Star Zone. Stephen Masson departs as President of Foran.

2006 Copper Reef Mining Corp. acquires the North Star Group from Foran Mining Corp.



At Gold Rock (The Resource for this Vein System has not been calculated) 2007 Geological Mapping and Prospecting, Discovery of the new Richard quartz vein, where a grab sample assayed 0.91 oz/ton gold. 2008 Drilling at Gold Rock, Drilled 79 HQ diamond drill holes, 2,873.7m. Several drill holes returned excellent gold intersections, such as: GR-08-06 24.14 g/t Au over 3.9m, GR-08-14 61.2 g/t Au over 1.8m, GR-08-30 24.6 g/t Au over 2.9m, GR-08-31 81.73 g/t Au over 1.6m, GR-08-43 27.85 g/t Au over 1.8m, GR-08-50 104.39 g/t Au over 3.4m, GR-08-52 22.42 g/t Au over 5.4m, GR-08-59 30.61 g/t Au over 2.4m, GR-08-78 25.54 g/t Au over 2.0m. (Voyageur Mineral Explorers Corp. (VOY) Press Release October 16, 2009). 2009 Drilled 33 HQ diamond drill holes, 1,176.9m. Several drill holes returned excellent gold intersections, such as: GR-09-81 11.02 g/t Au over 3.8m, GR-09-91 15.95 g/t Au over 2.9m, GR-09-95 6.95 g/t Au over 1.9m, GR-09-108 6.66 g/t Au over 3.95m, GR-09-111 5.78 g/t Au over 1.9m. (Voyageur Mineral Explorers Corp (VOY) Press Release January 27, 2010, July 30, 2010). 2010 Step out drilling at Gold Rock Drilled 23 HQ and 1 NQ diamond drill holes, 3,350.6m. Significant values from step outs are: the Richard Vein (A new vein to the North East) assayed 14.41 g/t Au over 3.3m (11 ft.) in hole GR-10-114 and on the Gold Rock Vein in a new deeper lens to the south assayed: 7.79 g/t Au over 2.1m. in hole GR-10-119 and 7.01 g/t Au over 2.3m in hole GR-10-125. (Voyageur Mineral Explorers Corp. (VOY) Press Release April 28, 2010). 2011 Extension of the North Star Grid 1 km to the north of the Gold Rock Vein with detailed mapping, included the Richard Vein Area.



Sampling Methods and Quality Control

The Company employs QA/QC protocol on all aspects of its analytical procedures. Core samples are sawn and one half of the HQ core is restored to the core boxes for future reference and one half sent for analysis. The rock samples were placed in standard plastic bags which were then placed into rice bags that were wired shut for shipment. The rice bags were delivered to Gardwine North Trucking by staff of M'Ore Exploration and shipped to SRC Laboratories in Saskatoon. Gardwine delivered the samples directly to the lab in Saskatoon. Samples of veining or mineralization are taken in approximately 50 cm intervals or less.

Commercially prepared standards representing 3 ranges of gold grades are inserted at intervals of 1 in 10 samples. A blank rock is inserted every 20 samples.

When samples were taken in the field, the sample location was marked in the field book and the grid and/or GPS coordinates were entered in the sample book with the sample description. The sample number was written on flagging tape that was tied to a rock or a tree at the sample site. When collecting samples for protolith whole rock analysis, every effort was made to get representative samples with minimal alteration, veining and sulphide content, so that lithological classification is not skewed by introduced material. In the case of samples collected, to measure the degree of alteration only veining is avoided. For each sample two rocks were collected, with one rock sent for analysis and one kept as a representative sample. The rock samples were placed in standard plastic bags which were then were placed into rice bags that were wired shut for shipment. The rice bags were delivered to Gardewine North Trucking by staff of M'Ore Exploration and shipped to SRC Laboratories in Saskatoon. Gardewine delivered the samples directly to the lab in Saskatoon.

Stephen L. Masson, M.Sc., P.Geo. is the "Qualified Person" as defined by NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this property has confirmed the visual descriptions, supervised the Quality Control and all aspects of the exploration program. Mr. Masson acts as a consulting geologist for the company. He has reviewed the drill core and confirms the visual descriptions.

Sample preparation and analytical work is conducted at SRC laboratories in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (certification ISO/IEC 17025:2017) utilizing the gravimetric overlimit analysis (method Au 9).

About Boreal Gold Inc

Boreal Gold Inc is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company with a specific focus on mineral properties in northwest Manitoba and northeast Saskatchewan, Canada. All of the Issuer's properties are currently at the exploration stage. The Issuer has assembled a portfolio of base metal and precious metal prospects in strategic locations in the Provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

No stock exchange or securities regulatory authority has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Some of the statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements, such as estimates and statements that describe the Issuer's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Issuer or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291459

Source: Boreal Gold Inc.
Browse 215 market data Tables and 80 Figures spread through 250 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Gas Discharge Tubes Market - Global Forecast to 2030"

Gas Discharge Tubes Market Size & Forecast:

Market Size Available for Years: 2021-2030

2021-2030 2025 Market Size: USD 1.60 billion

USD 1.60 billion 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 1.98 billion

USD 1.98 billion CAGR (2025-2030): 4.4%

Gas Discharge Tubes Market Trends & Insights:

Gas discharge tubes (GDTs) are increasingly driven by the rising need for robust surge protection in telecom, power, and data infrastructure. The expansion of 5G networks, data centers, and smart grid systems is exposing equipment to higher lightning and transient voltage risks, where GDTs offer high surge handling capability and long lifespan. Their ability to handle extreme energy surges at low cost makes them essential in primary protection stages. Additionally, growing deployment of sensitive electronics in industrial and IoT applications is driving demand for reliable front-end protection. The shift toward hybrid protection architectures further reinforces GDT adoption as a key component in coordinated surge protection designs.

By Product type, the through-hole gas discharge tubes segment is expected to dominate the market in 2025.

By number of electrode, three-electrodes gas discharge tubes are expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

By voltage, the high-voltage surge segment is expected to record the highest growth rate of 4.7% from 2025 to 2030.

By application, power distribution systems is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

By region, Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the gas discharge tubes market, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period.

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The gas discharge tubes market is expanding due to the increasing need for protection of electronic systems against transient voltage events. Rapid growth in telecommunications infrastructure, particularly next-generation networks, is driving demand for reliable surge protection components. The rising deployment of renewable energy systems and electrification of transportation are further increasing exposure to voltage fluctuations, which supports GDT adoption. Industrial digitalization and automation are also contributing to higher usage of protection devices in control and communication systems. Compliance with international safety and performance standards remains critical across applications. Manufacturers are focusing on improving product reliability, compact design, and compatibility with high-frequency circuits. Continuous advancements in protection technologies and integration with other components are supporting broader adoption and sustained market growth.

Hybrid gas discharge tubes to register highest CAGR between 2025 and 2030

The hybrid gas discharge tubes segment is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to its ability to combine the advantages of multiple protection technologies within a single solution. These devices integrate GDTs with components such as MOVs or TVS diodes, enabling faster response times, along with high surge-handling capability. Increasing demand for compact, high-performance protection in applications such as 5G infrastructure, EV charging systems, and industrial electronics is driving adoption. Hybrid solutions also improve overall circuit reliability and reduce design complexity for OEMs. As electronic systems become more advanced and sensitive, the need for efficient, integrated protection solutions is accelerating the growth of the hybrid gas discharge tubes segment.

Two-electrode gas discharge tubes to capture largest market share in 2025.

Two-electrode gas discharge tubes are likely to capture the largest market share in 2025 due to their simple design, cost-effectiveness, and wide applicability across multiple end-use industries. These GDTs are commonly used in telecommunications, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment for protecting circuits against transient overvoltage events. Their ability to handle high surge currents while maintaining low capacitance makes them suitable for both low- and high-frequency applications. Additionally, ease of integration into circuit designs and compatibility with standard protection systems support their widespread adoption. High demand from telecom infrastructure and industrial automation helps them stay on top of the market, making two-electrode GDTs a popular option for dependable and effective surge protection.

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Germany to register highest CAGR in European market during the forecast period.

Germany is expected to witness strong growth in the gas discharge tubes industry, supported by the presence of key domestic players such as Weidmuller Interface GmbH & Co. KG, Phoenix Contact, DEHN SE, and Rosenberger. These companies contribute to a well-established ecosystem for surge protection and electrical components, enabling continuous innovation and high-quality product development. Germany's leadership in industrial automation, renewable energy, and power infrastructure further drives demand for advanced surge protection solutions. The country also benefits from strong engineering capabilities and strict safety standards, encouraging adoption of reliable protection technologies. Additionally, the concentration of major surge protection manufacturers in Germany strengthens supply chains and supports market expansion across Europe.

Key Players

Leading players in the global gas discharge tubes companies include Littelfuse, Inc. (US); TDK Corporation (Japan); Bourns, Inc. (US); Eaton (Ireland); Weidmuller Interface GmbH & Co. KG (Germany); HUBER+SUHNER (Switzerland); Phoenix Contact (Germany); YAGEO Group (Taiwan); DEHN SE (Germany); and Sankosha USA, Inc. (US).

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MONACO, April 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Yacht Club de Monaco's flagship Tuiga (1909) is embarking on an exceptional season with a tour of the United States East Coast to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Tuiga is being transported by cargo ship and once in the water the Monegasque gaff cutter will be part of the celebrations around 4 July alongside Viola (1908), the gaff cutter belonging to YCM member, Kostia Belkin. The campaign is an ideal opportunity to meet Club members residing across the Atlantic and to visit several historic American yacht clubs.

As well as participating in the events, Tuiga will fully embrace her role as ambassador of the Yacht Club de Monaco, contributing to raising the Principality's international profile and promoting European maritime heritage. Her presence also reflects the enduring relationship and regular cultural and nautical exchanges between Monaco and the United States.

A campaign centred on New York and the East Coast

The tour starts at the end of June in New York.

 26-28 June 2026: Monaco Exhibition, three days of parades dedicated to the Principality.

 4 July 2026: Sail4th 250, an international maritime gathering on the East River and Hudson River with an impressive fleet of tall ships from all over the world.

 11-18 July 2026: sailing along the East Coast with ports of call planned at several iconic yacht clubs including Larchmont, Indian Harbor, Seawanhaka Corinthian, Devon and Newport, a mecca for international yachting.

These stages further build on the historic links between Yacht Club de Monaco and major American nautical institutions in a spirit of knowledge sharing and openness.

Tuiga: Yacht Club de Monaco's flagship since 1995

Designed in 1909 by William Fife III, Tuiga belongs in the 15 Meter IR class. Since being acquired by the Yacht Club de Monaco in 1995, the gaff cutter has become an emblem of the Club, representing it at numerous prestigious events including the Lisbon Expo (1998); the America's Cup Jubilee in Cowes (2001); the 32nd America's Cup in Valencia (2007); the 25th Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (2012); and the IXe Trofeo Principato di Monaco in Venice.

Her participation in the American celebrations is part of YCM's collective 'Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting' initiative which aims to promote innovation and excellence towards sustainable yachting. It also extends the discussions initiated during the Day of Exploration organised in the Principality in March 2026 with The Explorers Club of New York.

The presence of both Tuiga (1909) and Viola (1908) at the New York 4 July 2026 celebrations illustrates the continuity of relations between Monaco and the United States in a symbolic, historic, maritime context.

For more information:

Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/56f82bc3-403e-4b65-aa9b-1c5fa2a3532a
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - Galloper Gold Corp. (CSE: BOOM) (OTC Pink: GGDCF) (the "Company" or "Galloper") is pleased to announce a 2026 updated NI 43-101 compliant Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of it's 100% owned and controlled Lunch Pond South Extension (LPSE) Deposit.

The LPSE 2026 Gold Mineral Resource Estimate was undertaken using a gold price of US$3,500 per ounce with a conversion rate of $0.72 USD to $1.00 CAD, 95% process recovery, C$32/t process cost, C$5/t G&A cost and C$3/t open pit mining cost.

Indicated Mineral Resources increased by 2.095 Mt, 62 koz Au and Inferred Mineral Resources increased by 4.616 Mt, 99 koz Au in the latest update.

The Mineral Resource model has changed significantly via geological and engineering modelling, with the assumed higher gold price and costs to constrain the Mineral Resources and a lower cut-off. The grade estimate was undertaken with LeapfrogTM wireframes based on drill hole assays > 0.25 g/t Au, capped composites, variography, 2.5 m x 2.5 m x 2.5 m block model and a NPV SchedulerTM optimized pit shell.

The Glover Island Property covers an area of 116.6km2 and contains the LPSE 2026 Gold Mineral Resource. Gold Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources in the LPSE Mineral Resource were delineated for Galloper Gold Corp. and are stated as:

1) At a 0.25g/t Au cut-off pit-constrained Indicated Mineral Resource of 3.124 Mt at 1.20g/t Au;

2) At a 0.25g/t Au cut-off pit-constrained Inferred Mineral Resource of 6.692 Mt at 1.02 g/t Au.

Galloper Gold's CEO Mr. Hratch Jabrayan has highlighted: "The LPSE 2026 Gold Mineral Resource Estimate reflects new insights and thinking on geological interpretation coupled with a buoyed gold price in today's markets. Through this, the engineering parameters have been updated to produce a significant upgrade to the LPSE Mineral Resource Estimate. This repositions Galloper Gold Corp. with a significantly increased asset assessment and aligns the company with a modern disclosure to be consistent with global-mineral-developer's trends of Mineral Resource assessments."

The LPSE Deposit is located at the south-western portion of an 11 km mineralized corridor known as the Glover Island Trend (GIT). This prospective GIT is host to 17 gold, base metal, nickel, and polymetallic minerals prospects. In addition, numerous gold anomalies cross several rock types adjacent to a major tectono-structural break known as the Cabot Fault. Adding to the prospectivity of the GIT, The Ming Mine, Tilt Cove Mines, Nugget Pond Mine, and Pine Cove Mine are situated strike-north proximal to this fault on the Baie Verte Peninsula showing the prolific mineralized nature of this major structure on which the Glover Island Property sits.

The updated LPSE 2026 Gold Mineral Resource table highlights the increased values:

Table 1.1 LPSE 2026 Mineral Resource Estimate Classification Au Cut-off Tonnes Au Au (g/t) k g/t koz Indicated 0.25 3,124 1.20 121 Inferred 0.25 6,692 1.02 219

(1) Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues. It is noted that no specific issues have been identified as yet.

(2) The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration.

(3)The Mineral Resources in this report were estimated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by the CIM Council.

(4) The LPSE 2026 Gold Mineral Resource Estimate was undertaken using a gold value of US$3,500 per ounce with a conversion rate of $0.72 USD to $1.00 CAD 95% process recovery, C$32/t process cost, C$5/t G&A cost and C$3/t open pit mining cost.

P&E Mining Consultants Inc., who performed the Mineral Resource modelling, are independent Qualified Persons and have prepared the updated MRE within the parameters of the NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

*Technical information regulating the material disclosure regarding the LPSE 2026 Gold Mineral Resource (2026 MRE), to be released in Technical Report form within 45 days of this news release. The effective date of the resource is April 6, 2026.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET., President for P&E Mining Consultants Inc. Mr. Puritch is the independent Qualified Person responsible for the scientific and technical information contained herein under National Instrument 43-101 standards.

About Galloper Gold Corp.

Galloper Gold Corp. is focused on mineral exploration in central Newfoundland on its Glover Island exploration project. The property comprises 466 mining claims on 13 mineral licences covering 116.6sqkm (11,660 Ha). Historical exploration efforts produced the 2017 LPSE Resource and the LPSE 2026 Gold Resource which is wholly controlled by Galloper Gold Corp.

For more information please visit www.GalloperGold.com and the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with mineral exploration generally, risks related to capital markets, risks related to the state of financial markets or future metals prices and the other risks described in the Company's publicly filed disclosure.

Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward-looking statements in this news release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291485

Source: Galloper Gold Corp.
LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESS Newswire / April 7, 2026 / KeyState today announced that Chief Executive Officer Josh Miller has been appointed to represent Nevada on the Friends of Traditional Banking (FOTB) Nationwide Banker Board, a coalition of financial institutions and industry leaders focused on preserving and strengthening community banking.

Josh is a well respected champion of community banking," said Friends of Traditional Banking Executive Director Mike Winder. "He will be a great addition to the team, and we look forward to his contributions," Winder said

Miller's appointment reflects his deep alignment with and longstanding support of the community banking sector. Over the past 35 years, KeyState has partnered with more than 150 community banks nationwide, helping them navigate an evolving financial and regulatory landscape

"KeyState was built to serve community banks, and this appointment reflects our commitment to that mission," said Miller. "We're proud to support the institutions that are vital to local economies and to contribute to conversations shaping the future of traditional banking."

KeyState's approach centers on helping community banks unlock earnings and better compete with larger national institutions. The firm implements and manages structures designed to meaningfully reduce a bank's effective tax rate, while simplifying complexity through turnkey solutions that streamline underwriting, approval, and reporting processes.

Endorsed by more than 15 state banking associations, KeyState has built its platform around a deep understanding of the goals and needs of community banks. The firm's "we speak community bank" philosophy ensures that every solution is developed through the lens of the institutions it serves, expanding access to opportunities traditionally reserved for larger banks.

Friends of Traditional Banking's Nationwide Banker Board brings together leaders from across the country to advocate for policies and initiatives that support community banks and the customers they serve.

Miller will represent Nevada while collaborating with fellow board members to advance FOTB's mission of protecting and promoting the traditional banking model.

About KeyState

KeyState provides community banks and middle market companies with independent and innovative investment and insurance structures that have a meaningful impact on earnings. The firm's Captive Solutions group has formed and managed more than 100 captive insurance companies. KeyState also manages over $20 billion in bond portfolios and has raised and deployed more than $800 million through its SOLCAP solar tax credit platform. Founded in 1991, the firm serves more than 140 community banks and 200 companies nationwide and is headquartered in Las Vegas, NV, with offices in Burlington, VT; Wilmington, DE; and Denver, CO.

For more information Visit www.key-state.com

Media Contact:

JD David

jddavid@key-state.com

SOURCE: KeyState

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/friends-of-traditional-banking-appoints-keystate-ceo-josh-miller-1155139
ADDISON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / April 7, 2026 / The Respiratory Care Interstate Compact (RCIC) is official with the passage of the seventh and eighth states today. AARC, in collaboration with the Council of State Governments (CSG) and the Department of Defense (DoD), is proud to announce the formal launch of the RCIC, which now establishes the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact Commission. This initiative marks a new era for the respiratory therapy profession, streamlining licensure across state lines to improve patient care and address critical healthcare staffing shortages.

The RCIC is a legally binding agreement among member states that allows licensed respiratory therapists (RTs) to obtain "compact privileges" to practice in other participating states. This eliminates the need for clinicians to maintain multiple individual state licenses - a process that has historically been costly, time-consuming, and a barrier to rapid healthcare response. The Commission will comprise a Commissioner from each participating state, who will come together to establish the RCIC bylaws, rules, and regulations.

"The launch of the RCIC Commission is a significant milestone for our profession and the patients we serve," said AARC President Dana Evans, MHA, RRT, RRT-NPS, FACE, FAARC, FNAP. "By reducing administrative burdens and increasing licensure portability, we are ensuring that highly qualified respiratory therapists can be deployed where they are needed most - whether it's a rural clinic, a hospital facing a surge or a military family relocating to a new state."

Key Benefits of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact:

Enhanced Patient Access: Improves access to specialized respiratory care in underserved and rural areas.

Workforce Mobility: Allows RTs to practice in multiple states quickly, facilitating better response to public health emergencies and seasonal surges.

Support for Military Families: Streamlines the transition for military spouses and members who are respiratory therapists, allowing them to continue their careers without delay when relocating.

Reduced Administrative Burden: Simplifies the process for state boards and practitioners through a shared data system and standardized requirements.

Public Safety: Maintains high standards of care by ensuring all participating therapists hold an active, unencumbered license and undergo thorough background checks.

"During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alabama was fortunate to receive critical support from highly skilled respiratory therapists across the United States. This experience highlighted the need to enable RTs to mobilize efficiently across state lines in response to public health emergencies," Robert B Johnson, MS, RRT, AE-C, FAARC, Alabama Respiratory Care Society Advocacy member. "Through collaboration between AARC leaders and advocates, the RCIC initiative enabled Alabama's legislative bodies to act swiftly, leading to its rapid passage and enactment. There is pride in Alabama's role as an early adopter of the RCIC and excitement about the expanded opportunities it creates for interstate practice."

Following the finalization of model legislation in 2024, AARC and the CSG developed a toolkit, and five states passed the legislation in 2025. These early adopters paved the way for some 20 affiliates to get the legislation introduced in 2026. Meeting the threshold of seven states passing the legislation, the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact has reached the milestone of initiating implementation and formally establishing the Commission to provide oversight. Additional states have active legislation that could pass in 2026 and are expected to join as adoption continues.

"The RCIC legislation moved at an accelerated pace compared to other compacts. This is due in large part to the partnership among the AARC, the CSG, the DOD, and, most importantly, the state affiliates and the respiratory therapists in each state who want a compact. We are ahead of many other professional compacts," said Miriam O'Day, AARC Senior Vice President of Government Affairs.

About the AARC: The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) is the leading professional association for respiratory therapists. Charting the course for the profession since 1947, AARC is dedicated to enhancing the professionalism of respiratory therapists, improving their performance on the job, and helping them broaden the scope of knowledge essential to their success. Visit www.aarc.org for more information.

CONTACT: Nancy Calaway, VP Marketing and Communication, newsroom@aarc.org

SOURCE: American Association for Respiratory Care

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/respiratory-care-interstate-compact-reaches-milestone-expanding-rt-wo-1148535
HARRISON, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 7, 2026 / Garnet Capital Advisors announced the closing of a $2.9 billion loan portfolio sale on behalf of the Chapter 7 trustee overseeing the bankruptcy estate of Collins Asset Group, LLC (CAG), a Texas-based debt buyer. The transaction marks the full liquidation of the estate's loan assets.

CAG filed for voluntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection on June 4, 2025, and a trustee was appointed on August 1, 2025 to manage the orderly disposition of estate assets.

The portfolio consisted of consumer installment loans, auto loans, credit card receivables, and second-lien mortgage loans acquired from banks, finance companies, and fintech originators, with performance status ranging from paying to judgment.

Garnet's competitive sale process attracted participation from more than 60 prospective investors and generated over a dozen bids. The portfolio was sold to a single investor, with the transaction closing within two months of launch.

Lauren Falls, Vice President at Garnet Capital, commented: "A portfolio of this size and complexity - spanning multiple asset classes, originator types, and performance stages - required a disciplined process and broad market reach. Garnet's portfolio analytics highlighted the pockets of value embedded in these assets, and we were pleased to deliver an efficient outcome for the trustee and the estate's creditors."

About Garnet Capital Advisors

Garnet Capital Advisors is a leading loan sale advisory firm serving banks, credit unions, hedge funds, and specialty finance companies. With more than 20 years of experience across performing, subperforming, and charged-off loans in the consumer, commercial, and residential sectors, Garnet brings integrity, focus, and best-in-class execution to every engagement. The firm maintains rigorous standards of data security and regulatory compliance throughout the transaction process.

Press Contact

Sherri Feldman

914-630-8838 | sfeldman@garnetcapital.com

garnetcapital.com

Garnet Capital Advisors

500 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 318

Harrison, NY 10528

SOURCE: Garnet Capital Advisors

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/garnet-capital-completes-2.9-billion-loan-portfolio-liquidation-for-1154585
LAKEWOOD, CO / ACCESS Newswire / April 7, 2026 / Kultura Brands, Inc. (OTCID:LTNC) ("Kultura Brands," "Kultura," or the "Company")formerly Labor Smart Inc., a publicly traded consumer platform focused on scaling high-growth beverage and lifestyle brands, today provided an operational update highlighting continued commercial momentum for Adios Spirits and the Company's expansion into the Northeast.

Following its mid-March market entry, Adios Spirits generated 522 cases in sell-through across Georgia last week, with multiple retail accounts already reordering and an additional shipment dispatched to support continued demand in the Atlanta market.

The Company has also begun establishing an early on-premise presence in Georgia, with initial accounts now in place and additional activations, ride-alongs, and tastings scheduled over the next 30 days to further support consumer awareness and retail velocity.

Massachusetts Launch Underway with MS Walker

Kultura will officially launch Adios Spirits in Massachusetts on Friday, April 10, in partnership with MS Walker, marking the Company's first expansion into the Northeast region.

Product is already in-market and positioned for launch, with initial placements expected immediately as the Company begins building its retail and on-premise presence across the state.

Execution and Market Engagement

Kultura continues to focus on disciplined, market-by-market expansion, supported by distribution partners including Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), Reyes Beverage Group, and MS Walker.

The Company's strategy remains centered on driving sell-through at the account level through coordinated marketing efforts, field execution, and targeted activations.

As operational milestones continue to materialize, LTNC has also experienced increased trading activity on the OTC Markets Group platform. Management views this as a reflection of growing awareness as the Company progresses its rollout and builds its operating foundation.

Management Commentary

Brad Wyatt, Chief Executive Officer, stated:

"We are extremely proud of the Republic (RNDC) team, the Kultura team, and every partner across our supply chain who made this launch possible. What we're seeing in Georgia is exactly what strong execution looks like when great teams align.

The most exciting signal for me is the 522 cases sold through in a single week. Our original benchmark to validate the Atlanta market was to meet or exceed a leading seltzer brand in the same market at approximately 800 cases per month within 60 days. To surpass that pace in less than a month is a clear indication that demand, velocity, and execution are all exceeding expectations.

This is more than just a strong start - it reinforces that we are building a scalable, repeatable model. As we expand into Massachusetts and beyond, I'm confident in our team's ability to continue executing at a high level and delivering meaningful growth across every market we enter."

Brent Albin, Chief Operating Officer, added:

"Georgia has given us a strong initial read on demand and velocity. As we launch in Massachusetts with MS Walker, we're focused on executing at a high level from day one and building that same repeatable model."

Michael Derrick, Chief Marketing Officer, commented:

"Our focus is on driving awareness where it matters most at the consumer and retail level. Local activations and field execution are key to building momentum and supporting sell-through as we expand into new markets."

Forward Outlook

Kultura expects to continue expanding into additional markets throughout the second quarter, supported by increased production, broader retail placement, and continued marketing activation.

The Company will provide further updates as additional markets come online and distribution continues to scale.

About Kultura Brands, Inc.

Kultura Brands, Inc. (OTCID:LTNC) is a publicly traded consumer products platform focused on building, scaling, and acquiring high-growth brands across beverage, functional wellness, and lifestyle categories. The Company's portfolio includes Adios Spirits, Thirst Responder, and LOCK'DIN.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's expected future performance, market expansion, product rollout, distribution growth, retail placement, consumer demand, marketing initiatives, and overall business strategy.

Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "plans," "intends," "believes," "will," "may," "should," "projects," "continues," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to successfully execute its growth strategy; expand and maintain distribution relationships; achieve anticipated sales velocity and consumer adoption; manage supply chain and production requirements; secure sufficient working capital; comply with regulatory requirements; respond to competitive market conditions; and other risks described in the Company's filings and disclosures available through the OTC Markets Group.

Trading in the Company's securities may be volatile and subject to market conditions beyond the Company's control. References to trading activity should not be interpreted as indicative of future stock price performance or liquidity.

The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

Investor Relations Contact:

Kultura Brands, Inc.

225 Union Blvd. STE 350 Lakewood CO. 80228

Email: ir@kulturabrands.com

SOURCE: Kultura Brands, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/food-and-beverage-products/kultura-brands-inc.-otcid-ltnc-reports-strong-early-sell-through-in-geor-1155540
Award recognizes joint work supporting secure and reliable satellite-terrestrial integration for future 3GPP non-terrestrial networks

Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS), together with Sateliot, has been named a winner of the fifth annual European Space Agency (ESA) and GSMA Foundry Innovation Challenge for its joint project, "Blockchain-enabled anomaly detection end-to-end solution for 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks." The award, presented at Mobile World Congress 2026, Barcelona, recognizes early-stage 6G innovation, supporting 6G development and non-terrestrial network (NTN) integration.

The funding opportunity provided by ESA Member States was made possible through ESA's Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity line, within the programme of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES).

The challenge was introduced last year and focused on fostering 6G innovation, with a particular emphasis on satellite-terrestrial convergence in line with the latest recommendations from the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The program's objective is to advance innovation and validate technical solutions that integrate satellite systems with terrestrial networks to enable ubiquitous connectivity and high-performance communications.

The Keysight and Sateliot proposal integrates blockchain, artificial intelligence, and machine learning with digital calibration certificates to enable traceable calibration from satellite manufacturing through to network operation. By enabling greater satellite autonomy, the joint solution is designed to optimize network reliability, maximize uptime, and enable rapid detection and response to performance issues.

By ensuring device trust, network integrity, and real-time anomaly detection across hybrid space-terrestrial segments, the joint project is designed to help operators and enterprises prepare for commercial NTN deployments. The project also aligns with ESA's ARTES programme, as it looks to strengthen Europe's competitiveness.

Antonio Franchi, Head of the Space for 5G/6G Sustainable Connectivity programme at the ESA, said: "Through these challenges, ESA aims to accelerate technologies that give Europe an edge. Keysight and Sateliot demonstrate exactly this with a solution that tackles a critical need for future 5G and 6G networks by strengthening trust in network performance, improving resilience, and supporting the smooth integration of satellite and terrestrial systems."

Richard Cockle, Head of GSMA Foundry at GSMA, said: "Now in its fifth year, the GSMA Foundry Excellence Awards continue to recognize and celebrate the most innovative and impactful projects in the mobile and digital industries. This year's winners show how open collaboration can tackle real operator challenges and scale globally. Congratulations to Keysight and Sateliot for proving that innovation with measurable outcomes is the path to industry transformation."

Eric Taylor, Vice President, Aerospace, Defense and Government Solutions at Keysight, said: "This recognition from the European Space Agency and the GSMA Foundry underscores the importance of trust, assurance, and autonomy as NTNs scale toward commercial readiness. Our collaboration with Sateliot demonstrates how advanced test, measurement, and AI-driven analytics can bring unprecedented visibility into hybrid space-terrestrial networks. By enabling verifiable performance and real-time anomaly detection, we are helping operators accelerate the deployment of resilient, standards-based NTN services worldwide."

Albert Pujol, CIO at Sateliot, said: "This award is a recognition of the talent of our R&D team in creating a trusted architecture. Together with Keysight, we have demonstrated that Sateliot not only offers global connectivity but also leads the way in the resilience and operational autonomy necessary to transform space into a secure infrastructure."

About Keysight Technologies

At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we're delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product life cycle. We're a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Learn more at Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260407416052/en/

Contacts:

Keysight Media Contacts

Andrea Mueller

Americas

Andrea.mueller@keysight.com

Fusako Dohi

Asia

fusako_dohi@keysight.com

Jenny Gallacher

Europe

Jenny.gallacher@keysight.com
Land Corps marks Visterra's thirteenth partnership since its founding and initiates the company's Tennessee operations. This collaboration substantially extends Visterra's presence in the Sunbelt market and strategically positions the organization to develop a leading commercial landscaping platform throughout the Southeast

CHICAGO, IL / ACCESS Newswire / April 7, 2026 / Visterra Landscape Group, one of the nation's fastest-growing commercial landscape companies, today announced a strategic investment in Nashville, Tennessee-based Land Corps Landscaping, a premier provider of commercial landscape maintenance and enhancement services across the greater Nashville region. The partnership significantly expands Visterra's footprint across the Southeast, establishes Nashville as a major regional operation, and creates a platform for transformative growth across Tennessee and neighboring Sunbelt states.

The investment in Land Corps marks Visterra's formal entry into the state of Tennessee, expanding its operational footprint to 15 states across the nation. Land Corps' operations are anchored in the heart of the greater Nashville region - one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the Southeast - providing Visterra with a best-in-class platform to serve the broader Middle Tennessee region, respond to significant existing client demand, and pursue additional strategic partnerships across the state in areas such as Knoxville, Memphis, and Chattanooga.

"Nashville-and Tennessee more broadly-represents one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing markets in the country, and we are excited to enter the state in partnership with Jeff MacDonald and the entire Land Corps team," said Alan T. Handley, President and CEO of Visterra Landscape Group. "Jeff has built a truly exceptional organization, establishing Land Corps as a market leader through a relentless commitment to service excellence and people-centered leadership that is evident to both customers and employees every day. Together, we see a significant opportunity to build on that strong foundation, expand into new commercial end markets across the region, and create the premier landscaping platform in the state of Tennessee."

Founded in 2013, Land Corps Landscaping has experienced industry leading growth, rapidly establishing itself as one of Tennessee's most trusted landscape partners to commercial property managers across the region. The company specializes in comprehensive landscape maintenance and enhancement services across some of the area's most prominent master planned communities and commercial properties, and is supported by a dedicated team of landscaping professionals who remain at the center of MacDonald's decision to partner with Visterra and begin a new chapter in his company's legacy.

"Since the founding of Land Corps, our focus has always been on delivering exceptional service and investing in the people who make it possible," said Land Corps Owner Jeff MacDonald. "What our team has built together in Nashville is something I'm incredibly proud of and would not have been possible but for the incredible dedication of our people. Partnering with Visterra takes that to an entirely new level. The team at Visterra have proven to be great partners to some of the industry's best and brightest organizations across the country and we are thrilled to be joining a team full of entrepreneurs as we continue to build the next chapters of Land Corps together in the years to come."

The partnership advances Visterra's 2026 initiatives focused on expanding operations into high-growth Sunbelt markets, deepening its presence in diverse commercial end-markets, unlocking career advancement opportunities for employees across all regions, and delivering a true one-stop-shop solution for commercial clients nationwide. With operations now spanning the Midwest, Northeast, South, and Southeast, the company continues to accelerate its trajectory as one of the nation's premier commercial landscaping platforms.

Land Corps marks Visterra's 13th strategic partnership since inception and first completed investment in 2026. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Founders and owners of commercial landscaping businesses interested in learning more about a partnership with Visterra may send an email to inquiry@vlgllc.com or reach out directly to Chief Development Officer, Ryan McGuire.

ABOUT VISTERRA LANDSCAPE GROUP

Visterra Landscape Group is one of the nation's fastest growing commercial landscape platforms, safely delivering expert landscape maintenance, enhancement, construction and installation, sweeping and portering, and critical winter services with a reputation for excellence in client service. Visterra ranks among the largest landscape service providers in North America and is a repeat winner of both Lawn and Landscape's Best Places to Work in Landscaping and National Association of Landscape Professionals' Safety Recognition Awards. With incumbent partner leaders guiding day-to-day operations, Visterra continues to grow its platform with a team that prioritizes employee safety, wellbeing and dynamic career opportunities. For more information visit www.vlgllc.com.

Contacts:

Media: Jim Engineer, Director of Communications media@vlgllc.com

Partnerships: Ryan McGuire, Chief Development Officer rmcguire@vlgllc.com

SOURCE: Visterra Landscape Group

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/visterra-landscape-group-enters-high-growth-nashville-market-wit-1155553
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - Transition Opportunities Corp. (TSXV: TOP.P) ("Transition" or the "Company"), a capital pool company as defined under TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV" or the "Exchange") policies, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive share exchange agreement dated April 7, 2026 (the "Definitive Agreement") with SMAC Dev Pty Ltd. ("SMAC"), a corporation incorporated under the laws of Australia, and the shareholders of SMAC (the "SMAC Shareholders"), pursuant to which the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of SMAC (the "SMAC Shares") in exchange for common shares of the Company (the "Share Exchange"). The Share Exchange will result in the reverse takeover of Transition by SMAC, with SMAC becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Resulting Issuer") and is intended to constitute the Company's "Qualifying Transaction" as such term is defined in TSXV Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies.

Background to the Transaction

SMAC was incorporated in Australia under the Corporations Act 2001 on December 4, 2023 under the name "SMAC Dev Pty Ltd". SMAC is a privately held Australian company developing an integrated sulphuric acid production and copper project generation business to support the accelerating global transition to renewable energy. SMAC is focused on supplying short- and long-term sulphuric acid demand in Queensland while building a pipeline of copper assets that in some cases will directly benefit from a secure, low-cost acid supply, with the aim of creating vertical integration and margin enhancement.

SMAC intends to develop its business through a staged sulphuric acid production and critical minerals processing model:

Stage 1 - Sulphur Burner Acid Plant: Stage 1 comprises the construction of a modular sulphur burner facility capable of producing up to approximately 180,000 tonnes per annum of sulphuric acid. The project is designed as a low-capital-intensity, low-technical-risk development located near Cloncurry, Queensland, with direct access to rail and highway logistics. Imported sulphur feedstock from Canada will be sourced through the Port of Townsville.

Stage 2 - Pyrite-Fed Roaster and Integrated Critical Minerals Production: Stage 2 contemplates the addition of a pyrite roaster using regional pyrite-rich deposit feed sources in Northwest Queensland. The roaster is expected to produce an additional 340,000 to 500,000 tonnes per annum of sulphuric acid, together with recoveries of copper, cobalt, nickel and zinc.

Upon completion of the Share Exchange (the "Closing"), the Resulting Issuer will carry on the business of SMAC.

Concurrent Financing

In connection with the Share Exchange, SMAC has completed a brokered best efforts private placement (the "Private Placement") of 2,406,780 subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") at a price of $0.295 per Subscription Receipt for aggregate gross proceeds of $710,000. Upon satisfaction of certain escrow release conditions, including completion of the Share Exchange, each Subscription Receipt will automatically convert into one SMAC Share immediately before the Closing. Proceeds from the Private Placement will be used to fund the Stage 1 project feasibility study.

SMAC will pay Kerr Allan Financial Pty Ltd (doing business as Dalton Equities), as agent for the Private Placement, a cash commission equal to 6% of proceeds raised ($45,000) upon satisfaction of the escrow release conditions. Except for the commissions paid in connection with the Private Placement, no finders' fee or commission shall be paid or payable in relation to the Qualifying Transaction.

Additionally, SMAC has issued $40,000 of Notes which will automatically convert into approximately 169,492 SMAC Shares at a deemed price of $0.236 per SMAC Share upon completion of the Share Exchange.

Terms of Transaction

Pursuant to the Definitive Agreement, the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding SMAC Shares in exchange for the issuance of common shares of the Company ("TOP Shares") to the SMAC Shareholders on the basis of 1.76 TOP Shares for every one (1) SMAC Share (the "Exchange Ratio") at a deemed price of $0.167 per TOP Share.

As of the date hereof, there are 10,000,000 TOP Shares issued and outstanding, with 1,000,000 TOP Shares reserved for issuance under stock options and 500,000 TOP Shares reserved for issuance under agent's warrants.

As of the date hereof, there are 10,000,000 SMAC Shares issued and outstanding, with no outstanding securities convertible into or exchangeable for SMAC Shares, other than 2,406,780 Subscription Receipts issued pursuant to the Private Placement and $40,000 worth of unsecured convertible notes of SMAC (the "Notes") which will automatically convert into SMAC Shares upon completion of the Share Exchange.

Immediately prior to Closing, following conversion of the Subscription Receipts and Notes, there will be approximately 12,576,271 SMAC Shares issued and outstanding, which will be exchanged for approximately 22,134,237 TOP Shares pursuant to the Share Exchange.

The Share Exchange is not a Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction (as defined in Policy 2.4). There are no direct or indirect beneficial interests of any Non-Arm's Length Parties to the Company in the SMAC Shareholders, the Significant Assets or SMAC. None of the Non-Arm's Length Parties to the Company are Insiders of SMAC. The Share Exchange will not be subject to shareholder approval of the Company.

Completion of the Share Exchange is subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all requisite regulatory approvals, including final acceptance by the Exchange and a final receipt from the Alberta Securities Commission for the prospectus filed in connection with the Share Exchange. Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, regulatory approval. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

The Share Exchange is expected to close in June, 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the prospectus to be prepared in connection with the Share Exchange, any information released or received with respect to the Share Exchange may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

Proposed Directors and Officers

Upon Closing, the board of directors and management of the Resulting Issuer are expected to be as follows:

Hamish Collins, Chief Executive Officer and Director - Mr. Collins is a qualified mining engineer with a graduate diploma in Applied Finance and Investments from the Securities Institute of Australia. He has over 32 years of combined mining industry and mining investment banking experience. He was co-founder (2021) and Managing Director of Fetch Metals Ltd, and Managing Director of ASX-listed Aeon Metals Ltd for 9 years. Prior to that, he held senior positions in mining investment banking at BNP Paribas, NM Rothschild & Sons (Australia) Ltd, SG Hambros (Australia) Ltd, and Nesbitt Burns (Canada).

Daniel Johnson, Executive Director - Mr. Johnson is a qualified Geologist with over 40 years' experience in exploration and development in the resources sector both in Australia and overseas. The last thirty years have been predominantly focused on Queensland resource projects. He was co-founder (2021) and Executive Director of Fetch Metals Ltd, and was Chief Executive Officer of Aston Metals Limited (now Aeon Metals Walford Creek Ltd).

Daryl Midgley, Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Secretary - Mr. Midgley has over 15 years of mining industry and listed company experience, holding senior financial positions including over 10 years as Chief Financial Officer at both ASX and TSX listed companies. Prior to this he was Audit Manager at BDO Audit Pty Ltd.

Xiaodi Jin, Non-Executive Director - Mr. Jin is a current director of the Company and will continue to serve as a director of the Resulting Issuer following Closing.

About Transition

Transition is incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) and is a capital pool company within the meaning of the policies of the Exchange. Transition has not commenced operations and has no assets other than cash. Transition's principal business is the identification and evaluation of assets or businesses with a view to completing a "Qualifying Transaction" under Policy 2.4.

About SMAC

SMAC, or Strategic Minerals Acid Critical, is an Australian-based company with a plan to produce sulphuric acid and critical minerals to meet Queensland's demand over the next 25 years and beyond. In parallel, SMAC is also a copper and critical minerals project generator with a focus on synergies between the use of sulphuric acid and copper and critical minerals processing. Founded in December 2023, SMAC is advancing a staged development strategy to meet the region's significant acid shortfall.

Stage 1 involves construction of a ~A$70 million sulphur-burner acid plant at Cloncurry to produce approximately 180 ktpa of sulphuric acid from imported sulphur feedstock. Stage 2 contemplates expansion to a pyrite-fed roaster, enabling an additional 340-500 ktpa acid production plus recovery of copper, cobalt and nickel from locally sourced pyrite concentrates.

SMAC's management team combines over 90 years of experience in copper project generation, mining development, resource operations in Queensland and investment banking. Executive leadership includes Hamish Collins (Managing Director & CEO), Dan Johnson (Executive Director), and Daryl Midgley (Company Secretary & CFO).

Further Information

Additional information concerning the Share Exchange, SMAC, and the Resulting Issuer will be contained in the non-offering prospectus to be prepared in connection with the Share Exchange, which will be available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends", "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Share Exchange and the anticipated completion and timing thereof; the proposed structure by which the Share Exchange is to be completed; the expected composition of the board of directors and management of the Resulting Issuer; the Private Placement and the conversion of the Subscription Receipts and Notes; the ability of the Company and SMAC to meet the conditions of the Share Exchange in the required timeframes; obtaining the necessary exemptions and approvals from the Exchange, the Alberta Securities Commission, and other regulatory bodies; the business, operations and strategy of the Resulting Issuer; the proposed staged sulphuric acid production and critical minerals processing development plans of the Resulting Issuer., including the anticipated production capacity, capital costs, feedstock sourcing, and construction timeline of the Stage 1 sulphur burner acid plant and the Stage 2 pyrite-fed roaster facility; the anticipated demand for sulphuric acid in Queensland; and the proposed use of proceeds from the Private Placement.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events, including that: the Company and SMAC will be able to satisfy all conditions to the completion of the Share Exchange in a timely manner; the Exchange will grant final acceptance of the Share Exchange; the Alberta Securities Commission will issue a final receipt for the prospectus filed in connection with the Share Exchange; all necessary regulatory, corporate and third-party approvals will be obtained; SMAC will be able to obtain the financing necessary to advance the Stage 1 project and the subsequent stages of its business plan; SMAC will be able to obtain all necessary environmental approvals, development approvals, mining tenements and other permits required to carry out its proposed business; the demand for sulphuric acid in Queensland will be consistent with SMAC's expectations; commodity prices, including for sulphur, sulphuric acid, copper and other critical minerals, will remain at levels that support the economic viability of SMAC's proposed operations; foreign exchange rates between the Canadian dollar and the Australian dollar will not fluctuate materially; construction and operating costs will be consistent with SMAC's estimates; SMAC will be able to secure adequate sulphur feedstock supply on commercially reasonable terms; and key personnel will continue to be available to the Resulting Issuer.

The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the Company and SMAC. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals or satisfy closing conditions for the Share Exchange; the early-stage nature of SMAC's business, which has no operating history and has not generated any revenue; the ability of SMAC to obtain the substantial financing required to construct the Stage 1 and Stage 2 facilities; risks related to the construction, commissioning and operation of the proposed acid plant facilities, including cost overruns and delays; fluctuations in commodity prices, including sulphur, sulphuric acid, copper, cobalt, nickel and zinc; changes in demand for sulphuric acid in Queensland; foreign exchange risk between the Canadian dollar and Australian dollar; the ability to obtain and maintain all necessary environmental, development and regulatory approvals and permits in Queensland, Australia; changes to applicable laws or regulations in Australia or Canada; dependence on key personnel, including the management team of SMAC; competition from existing and new sulphuric acid producers; risks inherent in the mineral exploration and mining industry; and general economic, market and business conditions.

The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by securities law.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291511

Source: Transition Opportunities Corp.
Regulatory News:

M6 Metropole Television (Paris:MMT):

The Shareholders of the company are invited to attend the Combined General Meeting to be held on 28 April 2026, at 9:00 am,at the Theatre des Sablons, 70 avenue du Roule, 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine.

The preliminary notice of meeting, including the agenda and the presentation of the proposed resolutions, was published in the French "Bulletin des Annonces Legales et Obligatoires (BALO)" n35 dated March 23, 2026 and the notice of meeting will be published in the French "BALO" and in the journal of legal announcements lefigaro.fr on 10 April 2026.

As from today, all information and documents referred to in Articles R. 22-10-23, R.225-81 and R.225-83 of the French Commercial Code will be available on the Company's website: https://www.groupem6.fr/fr/assemblee-generale-2026/.

It is specified, in accordance with Articles L. 225-115 and R. 225-83 of the French Commercial Code, among others, that the full text of the documents to be presented at the General Meeting will be made available at the Company's registered office.

The General Meeting will be broadcast on live video and in full, connection details will be available on the Company's website. The broadcast will be available no later than seven working days after the General Meeting.

For further information, shareholders may contact the Investor Relations Department Email: actionnaires@m6.fr.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260407626893/en/

Contacts:

M6 Metropole Television
Regulatory News:

GenSight Biologics (Euronext: SIGHT, ISIN: FR0013183985, PEA-PME eligible), a biopharma company focused on developing and commercializing innovative gene therapies for retinal neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders, today reported its cash position and the revenues from its Named Patient Early Access Program as of March 31, 2026.

Cash position as of March 31, 2026

GenSight Biologics' cash and cash equivalents totaled 3.2 million as of March 31, 2026, compared to 2.4 million as of December 31, 2025.

The operating cash burn in the first quarter of 2026 mainly reflects the preparation and management of GS010 Early Access Programs, primarily in France, as well as the preparation of the Phase III RECOVER study for GS010/LUMEVOQ, GenSight's gene therapy for Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON).1

On March 10, 2026, the Company raised nearly 1.7 million in the form of shares and warrants, including pre-funded warrants. The purpose of this fundraising was to provide the Company with a cash buffer to absorb any delays in payments from the French hospital system.

Proceeds from Early Access Program

Following the authorization in March of the first named patient requests in France, an initial group of patients in the GS010 Named Patient Program (AAC) were treated at the 15-20 National Hospital in Paris in later in the same month.

The first proceeds from the AAC Program were recorded in March 2026 and amounted to 2.6 million.

Following the July 2021 reform in France (Decree No. 2021-869 of June 30, 2021 on early access authorizations), companies are required to make payments based on compensation received in over a calendar year according to a progressive rebate scale, with such payments due in November of the following year. Accordingly, the Company will be required to pay a rebate in November 2027 based on proceeds received from the 2026 French Early Access Program only, which is expected to range from 10% to 35%.

Revenues to be recorded in the Company's financial statements are also subject to a potential rebate payable upon commercialization of the drug.

The price of the treatment under the French Named Patient Early Access Program (AAC) for GS010/LUMEVOQ has been set at 425,000 per injection.

Additional treatments are scheduled for April 2026, and the Company also expects to initiate the Paid Named Patient Program in Israel in Q2 2026.

Cash runway

Although the Company is unable to predict the precise timing of treatments and associated payments under its various paid early access programs (in particular in France and Israel) over the coming year, management currently expects that aggregate revenues from these programs in 2026 should be sufficient to cover the Group's operating expenses for that period, excluding costs associated with the new Phase III RECOVER clinical trial, including certain manufacturing costs related to the study.

Financial Agenda

GenSight Biologics will hold its Annual General Meeting on May 19, 2026.

About GenSight Biologics

GenSight Biologics S.A. is a clinical-stage biopharma company focused on developing and commercializing innovative gene therapies for retinal neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders. GenSight Biologics' pipeline leverages two core technology platforms, the Mitochondrial Targeting Sequence (MTS) and optogenetics, to help preserve or restore vision in patients suffering from blinding retinal diseases. GenSight Biologics' lead product candidate, GS010 (lenadogene nolparvovec) is in Phase III in Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare mitochondrial disease that leads to irreversible blindness in teens and young adults. GS010 is currently in clinical development, has not to date been granted marketing authorization in France or any other jurisdiction, and is therefore not available commercially. Using its gene therapy-based approach, GenSight Biologics' product candidates are designed to be administered in a single treatment to each eye by intravitreal injection to offer patients a sustainable functional visual recovery.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding product development prospects and financial projections. These statements do not constitute guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. A further list and description of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements in this press release can be found in GenSight Biologics' regulatory filings with the French Autorite des Marches Financiers. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and estimates, which speak only as of the date hereof. Other than as required by applicable law, GenSight Biologics undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release.

Detailed information

Detailed information regarding the Company, including its business, financial information, results, perspectives and related risk factors are contained (i) in the Company's 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on April 8, 2025, under number D.25-0234 (the "2024 URD"). This document, as well as other regulated information and all of the Company's press releases, can be accessed on the Company's website (www.gensight-biologics.com) and/or AMF (www.amf-france.org). Your attention is drawn to the risk factors related to the Company and its activities presented in chapter 3 of its 2024 URD, in particular the liquidity risk presented in the chapter 3.1.1.

1 GS010/LUMEVOQ has not received marketing authorization in any jurisdiction and is not available commercially.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260407657670/en/

Contacts:

GenSight Biologics

Chief Financial Officer

Jan Eryk Umiastowski

jeumiastowski@gensight-biologics.com
Late-Breaking Training Opportunity Supports Industry Preparation for FDA Traceability Rule Compliance

ROSEMONT, IL / ACCESS Newswire / April 7, 2026 / The Food Safety Summit is pleased to announce the addition of a late-breaking training opportunity to its 2026 program: the 1.5-day FSPCA Food Traceability Rule Participant Course, beginning on Monday, May 11. The full Food Safety Summit will take place May 11-14, 2026, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, bringing together food safety professionals from across the supply chain for education, networking, and solutions-driven discussions.

Finalized in 2022, compliance with the FDA Food Traceability Rule is required by July 2028. Despite the approaching deadline, awareness and understanding of the rule's requirements remain inconsistent across the industry. To support implementation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in collaboration with industry experts, developed a standardized curriculum through the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA). This comprehensive 1.5-day course will be led by two recognized industry leaders: Asma Madad, CORE+EP Response Team 2, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Jennifer McEntire, Founder, Food Safety Strategy.

Designed for both domestic and international entities subject to the rule, the course provides participants with practical, actionable guidance to help organizations prepare for compliance. Participants will learn how to recognize the importance of, and need for, the Food Traceability Rule; Identify key requirements under the regulation; Understand the steps necessary to achieve compliance, and how to develop and implement a traceability plan.

"Traceability is a critical component of modern food safety systems, and this course provides timely, essential education as the industry works toward compliance," said Gillian Kelleher, Chair of the Food Safety Summit Educational Advisory Board. "We're delighted to welcome Asma Madad and Jennifer McEntire to teach this important training as part of the Summit's expanded program. The Participant Course is intended for those seeking to understand and implement the rule."

Participants who successfully complete the course - including full attendance and participation - will receive an official certificate of completion from FSPCA. Course Registration is $775 and includes access to the Food Safety Summit's Tuesday morning workshop on Leveraging AI for Food Safety: From Strategy to Impact as well as the Tuesday evening Welcome Reception on the show floor. Attendees also have the option to receive a 30% discount when adding a 1- or 2-day Food Safety Summit conference package. For registration information, click here .

In addition to the FSPCA course, four more Certificate Courses will be offered on Monday, May 11, including AI in Food Safety: Ethical and Efficient Food Safety Document Writing; Food Fraud Prevention Workshop and Certificate Course; FSPCA's Preventive Controls for Human Food Version 2.0; and Application of the Principles of Hazard Analysis - Beyond the Basics.

The Food Safety Summit Education Program delivers a comprehensive, multi-day learning experience designed to address the industry's most pressing challenges. The program opens Tuesday, May 12, with a three-hour interactive workshop, Leveraging AI for Food Safety: From Strategy to Impact, followed by afternoon sessions on allergen management, risk communication, workforce resilience, and pathogen control. On Wednesday, the keynote presentation, Food Safety is a Team Sport, will be delivered by Joan Menke-Schaenzer of Van Drunen Farms and moderated by Jesse Newman of The Wall Street Journal, emphasizing collaboration and leadership across the food system.

Thursday's program features the 15th Annual Town Hall, offering direct dialogue with regulatory leaders from FDA, USDA, CDC, and AFDO, followed by the closing session, FSMA at 15, a forward-looking discussion on the progress and future of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Complementing these featured sessions, the Summit offers 21 concurrent sessions across Wednesday and Thursday, organized into focused topic tracks-including AI, risk and compliance, leadership and workforce, hazard management, and sector-specific content-enabling attendees to tailor their experience and gain actionable insights.

Registration for the 2026 Food Safety Summit is open at https://www.food-safety.com/food-safety-summit . One-, two-, and three-day conference packages and group discounts are available. A conference pass includes access to half-day workshops, education sessions, Keynote and Town Hall presentations, networking receptions, the Exhibit Hall, Solutions Stage and Tech Tent programming, lunch in the Exhibit Hall, and NEHA continuing education credits.

The Food Safety Summit is owned and produced by Food Safety Magazine ( www.food-safety.com ) and BNP Media ( www.bnpmedia.com ), one of the country's leading business-to-business media companies serving industry professionals across 60+ industries through magazines, custom media, e-newsletters, webinars, events, and market research.

# # #

For further information, contact:

Amy Riemer

Media Relations Representative

?978-502-4895 (cell)

amy@riemercommunications.com

SOURCE: Food Safety Summit

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/food-and-beverage-products/food-safety-summit-announces-addition-of-fspca-food-traceability-rule-pa-1155411
Funding will accelerate the deployment of the first standards-based interoperability platform connecting dental systems to the rest of healthcare, backed by founding membership in the Oral Health Interoperability Alliance and a multi-patent semantic intelligence portfolio.

KNOXVILLE, TN / ACCESS Newswire / April 7, 2026 / HeyDonto AI Technology (VMC MAR COM Inc. DBA HeyDonto) today announced the close of a $20 million SEED funding round at a $200 million valuation. The investment will fuel the scale-up of Conduit, the company's dental interoperability exchange platform, and position HeyDonto to lead the integration of dental data into the broader healthcare ecosystem.

The round was led by eight leading private investors who are practicing dentists and dental industry veterans, bringing not only capital but decades of firsthand understanding of the structural data challenges facing the profession. The investment group also includes several family offices with healthcare and technology portfolios. The participation of clinician-investors signals strong validation from within the dental community that Conduit addresses a real, urgent, and long-overlooked infrastructure problem.

"I've practiced dentistry for over 45 years, and the inability to share patient data with physicians, specialists, or even another dental office has been one of the most persistent frustrations of my career. We've been operating in a silo while the rest of medicine connected. What HeyDonto has built with Conduit is what the industry has needed for a long time - this isn't a nice-to-have, it's the missing infrastructure layer that dental has never had. I invested because I believe in both the technology and the team, and I want to see this become the standard."

Dr. Sheldon Seidman, DDS, Smile Chicago - Lead Investor, HeyDonto SEED Round

Conduit is the first production-grade platform that connects dental practice management systems (PMS), medical electronic health records (EHRs), payer systems, and patient access infrastructure using open interoperability standards-including HL7 FHIR R4, SMART on FHIR, and protocols aligned with the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA). The platform addresses a structural gap in the American healthcare system: the near-total exclusion of dental data from the national health information infrastructure.

"Dental data has been locked inside proprietary systems for decades while the rest of healthcare moved to open, interoperable standards. Conduit changes that. We're not replacing any existing system-we're connecting all of them. Physicians will be able to send referrals to dentists electronically. Dentists will be able to return clearances to physicians in real time. Patients will see their dental records alongside their medical data for the first time. This funding gives us the resources to make that a reality at scale. And having this caliber of dental practitioners invest alongside us-people who have lived this problem every day for decades-tells us everything about the market timing. We are building the interoperability layer that dental has never had, and we're doing it now."

Rivers Morrell, CEO and Founder, HeyDonto AI Technology

A $174 Billion Industry Without Interoperability

National dental expenditures reached $174 billion in 2023 and are projected to grow to $266.5 billion by 2033, according to the ADA Health Policy Institute. Yet dental systems remain entirely disconnected from the interoperability infrastructure that medical systems rely on every day. Physicians cannot send electronic referrals to dentists. Dental offices cannot transfer patient records between different practice management systems without fax or manual re-entry. Patient dental data is absent from consumer health applications, federal data warehouses, and longitudinal health records.

The consequences are measurable. Nearly 2 million emergency department visits occur annually for dental issues that could have been addressed in a dental office, with Medicaid covering 55.4% of those visits in 2022. The absence of medical-dental data exchange contributes directly to fragmented care, duplicated costs, and preventable health outcomes.

What Conduit Does

Conduit enables four core exchange patterns through a single, standards-based platform:

Medical - Dental Exchange: Physicians send referrals to dentists directly from their EHR. Dentists return clearances, consult notes, and treatment summaries through FHIR-based workflows.

Dental - Dental Exchange: Dental practices exchange patient records, referrals, and treatment history with each other-even across incompatible PMS platforms-without fax, mail, or manual data entry.

Authorizations & Claims: Prior authorization requests and claim submissions flow electronically between dental systems and payers, bridging legacy X12 EDI and emerging FHIR-based payer APIs.

Patient Access & Federal Data: Patients access their dental records alongside medical data through consumer health apps and federal data infrastructure, aligned with CMS interoperability mandates and TEFCA.

Powered by Patented Semantic Intelligence and Peer-Reviewed Science

Conduit is powered by Axiomera, HeyDonto's patented semantic intelligence engine. Axiomera performs classification, mapping, and harmonization at every exchange point-translating data across incompatible formats, binding clinical concepts to established ontologies (CDT, SNODENT, SNOMED CT, ICD-10, LOINC), and ensuring that every exchange is semantically accurate, auditable, and standards-compliant. This is not simple data movement; it is intelligent translation at scale.

The scientific foundation underlying Conduit and Axiomera is formalized across seven peer-reviewed publications, including work published in or under review at Elsevier and Nature Digital Medicine. These papers establish the theoretical and empirical basis for HeyDonto's core innovations: deep learning optimization for large-scale data processing, quantitative semantic intelligence, multi-scale scientific intelligence architectures, self-evolving AI with metabolic processing and recursive self-representation, federated multi-institutional learning, semantic analysis systems, and quantum-informed data harmonization. Taken together, they constitute one of the most rigorously documented scientific foundations in the AI-native healthcare data infrastructure space.

That science is protected by a robust, multi-jurisdictional patent portfolio spanning United States, European, and PCT filings. The portfolio covers the full technical stack-from semantic classification engines and data mapping models to multi-model AI architectures, data harmonization frameworks, and autonomous self-healing intelligence networks. Every major capability embedded in the Conduit platform has corresponding intellectual property protection, creating a defensible moat that competitors cannot easily replicate. The combination of peer-reviewed scientific validation and broad patent coverage positions HeyDonto's technology as both academically credible and commercially protected at every layer of the stack.

Active Member of the Oral Health Interoperability Alliance

HeyDonto is an active member of the Oral Health Interoperability Alliance (OHIA), a multi-sector coalition of dental, medical, and technology organizations working to make oral and medical health information easier to share securely using open standards. OHIA was founded in 2025 with the purpose to make health care simpler, safer, and more connected - for patients, dental and medical providers, and other care team members. Members are committed to transforming oral and medical health care by making clinical and claims information easy to share securely across electronic health systems, leveraging open standards and a commitment to implementation.

HeyDonto participates in all active workgroups, contributing to discussions and testing of standards and best practices that connect dental and medical data so patients, providers, and payers can coordinate care more effectively.

"Participation in OHIA reflects a commitment to advancing open, standards-based dental-medical data exchange. We welcome the organizations that bring that commitment to our workgroups."

Mark Marciante, Facilitator, Oral Health Interoperability Alliance

Regulatory Momentum Accelerates Demand

Federal policy is creating unprecedented urgency for dental interoperability. The 2026 CMS Physician Fee Schedule now includes incentives for primary care physicians to integrate oral health into their practice. Medicare's ongoing expansion of coverage for medically necessary dental procedures requires the kind of bidirectional medical-dental data exchange that Conduit provides. CMS interoperability rules-including the Patient Access API mandate, payer-to-payer data exchange requirements, and the CMS 2027 Prior Authorization Final Rule-are driving demand for FHIR-based exchange infrastructure across the healthcare system. Conduit is the only production-grade platform purpose-built to meet these requirements for the dental industry.

Kim Diamond Named President and General Manager of Conduit

To lead Conduit's commercial expansion, HeyDonto has appointed Kim Diamond as President and General Manager of Conduit.

Kim Diamond joins Conduit from a career that spans more than two decades at the intersection of dental technology, enterprise sales, and ecosystem partnerships. She spent 16 years at Henry Schein in senior leadership roles including Vice President of Business Development, where she led the company's DSO and multi-site practice strategy, and Vice President of Customer Delivery, where she built the operational infrastructure to support enterprise-scale technology adoption across thousands of dental practices.

Diamond's appointment gives Conduit one of the most commercially experienced leaders in the dental industry at precisely the moment the platform moves from build to market.

"Healthcare doesn't need another tool, it needs a foundation where data finally moves with the patient - and that's what we're building at Conduit. I've spent my career seeing where the system breaks, and this is the first time I've seen a path to truly fix it in a way that improves patient care, empowers clinicians, and drives real business outcomes."

Kim Diamond, President and General Manager, Conduit

Use of Funds

Proceeds from the SEED round will be deployed to scale Conduit's exchange infrastructure and FHIR data platform; expand SMART on FHIR application connectivity with major medical EHR platforms including Epic and Oracle/Cerner; broaden PMS connectivity through HeyDonto's Synchronizer technology, which bridges both cloud-based and on-premises dental practice management systems; accelerate OHIA standard adoption and Implementation Guide development; and grow the company's engineering, sales, and customer success teams.

About HeyDonto AI Technology

HeyDonto AI Technology (VMC MAR COM Inc. DBA HeyDonto) is an AI-native data intelligence company headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. The company's platform resolves the hardest problem in healthcare data-meaning-through patented, peer-reviewed semantic intelligence that makes data interoperable, harmonized, and AI-ready before it reaches any downstream system. HeyDonto's products include Axiomera (enterprise semantic intelligence and harmonization), Atlas (multi-location data operations and analytics), and Conduit (the dental interoperability exchange). HeyDonto is a founding member of the Oral Health Interoperability Alliance and holds a multi-patent intellectual property portfolio with seven peer-reviewed scientific publications.



Media Contact:

HeyDonto AI Technology

press@heydonto.com

www.heydonto.com

SOURCE: HeyDonto

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/heydonto-ai-technology-closes-20-million-seed-round-at-200-million-va-1155071
EQS-News: J.P. Morgan SE / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

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7 April, 2026 Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful. VINCORION SE Mid-stabilisation period announcement Further to the pre-stabilisation period announcement dated 19 March 2026, J. P. Morgan SE (contact: Stefan Weiner; telephone: +49 (0) 6971240) hereby gives notice that, acting as the Stabilisation Manager, it undertook stabilisation (within the meanding of Article 3.2(d) of the Market Abuse Regulation ((EU) 596/2014) in relation to the offer of securities, as set out below. Securities : Issuer: VINCORION SE ("VINCORION") Description: Offering of ordinary bearer shares of VINCORION with no par value ("Offer Shares")

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volume (EUR/share): EUR 4,981,933.67 / 299,673 Shares

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View original content: EQS News
Deal brings in-app growth and total-market reach together in one unified advertising solution

Global programmatic media company MiQ today announced it is acquiring Rocket Lab, a mobile app growth hub. This move builds MiQ's mobile in-app capabilities and strengthens MiQ's expansion into growth markets. The acquisition combines Rocket Lab's deep in-app expertise with MiQ's omnichannel offering to deliver an end-to-end solution for clients across all media channels.

MiQ has chosen Rocket Lab to accelerate in-app performance as a core product capability. This strengthens MiQ's omnichannel proposition and enhances Sigma its AI-powered operating system by integrating critical mobile and regional data into its 700 trillion signals ecosystem. With Rocket Lab's capabilities, MiQ enables more precise, performance-driven strategies for brands operating in an increasingly mobile-first world.

This announcement follows MiQ's recent acquisition of Adsmovil, positioning the company as the leading independent programmatic player for brands and agencies across Latin America. Together, these strategic moves reinforce MiQ's global expansion and deepen its presence in high-growth markets where mobile adoption continues to accelerate.

With a strong regional footprint across Latin America including Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Uruguay Rocket Lab brings deep expertise in user acquisition and engagement at scale. The combination of Rocket Lab's capabilities with MiQ's omnichannel offering creates a best-in-class solution for global marketers seeking measurable growth.

MiQ clients will now benefit from Rocket Lab's app growth solutions, while MiQ will support Rocket Lab in scaling across its fastest-growing regions, particularly in APAC.

"This acquisition is a strategic step forward in our commitment to helping clients accelerate customer acquisition through smarter, data-driven marketing," said Gurman Hundal, Co-Founder and Global CEO, MiQ. "By giving global brands and agencies access to our first mobile-app offering through Rocket Lab's AI capabilities, we'll deliver better performance that will continue to strengthen over time. With Rocket Lab's expertise, we can offer even more tailored solutions that drive real business outcomes, ensuring our clients stay ahead in an increasingly mobile and connected world. We will use Rocket Lab's rich data and capabilities to unlock powerful new insights especially for those looking to grow in dynamic markets across Latin America and Asia."

"Combining our mobile strategy with MiQ's AI-powered technology reinforces our positioning as an App Growth Hub, bringing unparalleled strength to our multisolutions ecosystem and accelerating how brands scale their apps globally," said Juan Echavarria Coll, Founder and CEO of Rocket Lab.

Rocket Lab will operate as an independent business unit under MiQ's ownership and continue to be led by Juan Echavarria Coll as CEO, ensuring continuity for clients, partners, and employees. There will be no changes to the organizational structure of either company.

About MiQ

MiQ is a global advertising technology company that works with advertisers and agencies to enhance campaign performance through data- and technology-driven programmatic solutions. Founded in 2010 in London, UK, MiQ operates in more than 33 offices worldwide. The company combines data science, artificial intelligence, and proprietary technology to help clients make more informed decisions, optimize digital campaigns, and maximize return on investment. At the core of its offering is Sigma MiQ's award-winning AI-powered technology which integrates multiple data sources and signals to deliver a comprehensive view of audience behavior and drive more effective marketing outcomes.

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an App Growth Hub that integrates multiple solutions to help companies and their apps achieve their business goals through attraction, acquisition, and engagement strategies. Founded in 2019 in Mexico, the company has rapidly expanded across LATAM and EMEA, supporting leading brands across industries including retail, finance, and e-commerce. Rocket Lab is driven by a mission to connect applications to the most valuable audiences at scale.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260407512278/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Erica Ashner

Erica.Ashner@Miqdigital.com
Sao Paulo, Brazil--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - Brasil DNA officially announces its 2026 edition, consolidating its position as one of the leading platforms promoting Brazilian tourism in the international market, with a strategic focus on North America. The new edition is even more structured, featuring a revamped platform that brings together destinations, experiences, and key partners to showcase to the U.S. and Canadian travel trade the diversity and potential of Brazil as a year-round destination.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12264/291513_4e29b743b43319b9_001full.jpg

With activities scheduled between April and November 2026, the project combines digital initiatives, professional training, and in-person events, creating a continuous ecosystem of relationships, content, and business generation.

The 2026 edition includes strategic partners representing different segments of Brazil's tourism offering: Embratur, the destinations Mato Grosso do Sul, Iguassu Falls, and Sao Paulo, as well as DMC Compass Brazil.

Partners that reflect Brazil's diversity

The presence of Embratur reinforces the institutional alignment of the initiative with the official promotion of Brazil abroad, expanding the reach and relevance of its actions within the international travel trade.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12264/291513_4e29b743b43319b9_002full.jpg

The state of Mato Grosso do Sul contributes with a portfolio focused on nature and sustainable tourism, highlighting the Pantanal and Bonito-destinations globally recognized for their biodiversity and authentic experiences.

Iguassu Falls presents one of the world's greatest natural icons, combining visual impact, tourism infrastructure, and experiences that go beyond the waterfalls, integrating culture and diversity across the tri-border region.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12264/291513_4e29b743b43319b9_003full.jpg

The state of Sao Paulo brings to the project the strength of one of Latin America's main tourism and economic hubs. With a diverse offering that combines business, culture, gastronomy, and leisure, the destination stands out for the city of Sao Paulo-a global reference in gastronomy and events-as well as routes that include coastline, countryside, and authentic cultural experiences, expanding itinerary possibilities for different traveler profiles.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12264/291513_4e29b743b43319b9_004full.jpg

Compass Brazil, the only DMC participating in this edition, enhances the project's conversion capacity by offering the international trade full support in the creation and operation of itineraries throughout the country-from FIT to MICE-connecting destinations and experiences with local expertise.

Roadshows and market connection

As part of the calendar, Brasil DNA will host an in-person roadshow in June 2026, visiting three key source markets:

Miami - June 8

Chicago - June 9 and 10

Toronto - June 11

The events will take place in a B2B meeting format with qualified networking opportunities, bringing together tour operators, travel agents, specialized media, and influencers, with a focus on business generation and strengthening relationships with the trade.

The program also includes a virtual roadshow in October 2026, expanding the reach of the initiative and connecting Brazilian partners with professionals from different regions.

Content platform, training, and continuous promotion

Between April and November, Brasil DNA will promote an integrated agenda of digital actions focused on training and engagement of the international market, including:

Thematic webinars with destinations, DMCs, hotels, and attractions

Short courses tailored to the North American travel trade

Proprietary courses from the Bureau Mundo platform

Promotion of Embratur's Brasil Travel Specialist program

Digital campaigns and ongoing communication with content and actions throughout the year

A launch that strengthens connections and expands opportunities

For Gisele Abrahao, CEO of Brasil DNA, the 2026 edition marks a new phase of consolidation and expansion for the project:

"The launch of Brasil DNA 2026 reinforces our commitment to presenting a more diverse, authentic, and internationally prepared Brazil. The partners in this edition are essential to showcasing the country's richness, with different biomes, cultures, gastronomy, and natural treasures that reflect the true essence of Brazil.

This year's in-person events are designed to strengthen and continue the connections built during the 2025 edition, while also opening space for new professionals interested in understanding and exploring the full potential of Brazil's tourism experience for international travelers."

With an integrated strategy combining content, training, and relationship-building, Brasil DNA 2026 positions itself as an essential platform to connect Brazil with the international market, increasing the destination's visibility and driving new business opportunities in tourism.

Professionals interested can access the full calendar and training content through the Bureau Mundo platform:

https://bureaumundo.com/brasil-dna/

For consumer-focused content (B2C) and travel inspiration, the project also features a dedicated platform:

https://brasildna.com/

Subscription to the Brasil DNA Newsletter is available here.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291513

Source: Brasil DNA
This is the conclusion of a series of investigations by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) in collaboration with Agence France-Presse. The 18-month investigation exposed tactics which exploit weak sanction enforcement, new technologies and localised networks to spread disinformation, inflame social tensions and undermine trust in democratic institutions.

Paris, April 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The investigations, spanning six EU countries as well as Sahel nations show how Russian-aligned influence operations have evolved significantly since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Rather than relying on official state media alone, these campaigns increasingly use proxy websites, AI-generated content, bot networks and local influencers to circumvent restrictions and embed Kremlin narratives within domestic information ecosystems.



"The common thread we found through these investigations is adaptability," says Zoe Manzi, Senior Hate and Extremism Analyst at the ISD, "the use of the same strategic playbook that actors are using to launder narratives through intermediaries and proxy outlets, and a distribution system that ensures misleading narratives travel farther than facts."



Together, the findings point to a persistent and adaptive threat that continues to reach millions of people despite European sanctions on Russian state media and new regulatory frameworks designed to limit foreign interference.



Weaponising the Epstein Files

In one report, the ISD uncovered a network of pro-Kremlin social media accounts pushing the false claim that Russia has been saving Ukrainian children from an international sex-trafficking ring. Moscow has long claimed that Ukraine is at the centre of a child abuse network, but the US government's release of a new tranche of the Epstein files has allowed it to double down.

The investigation uncovered posts viewed millions of times on Facebook, X and TikTok pushing the narrative, contradicting accounts of Russia forcibly deporting Ukrainian children since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, which led to an ICC indictment.

This is part of a wider pro-Kremlin tactic of "flooding" or filling the information space with information helping bolster Moscow's narrative and sow confusion among populations in Western democracies.



Sanctioned media reaching EU audiences

Three years after the European Union banned Russian state media outlets like RT (formerly Russia Today), the ISD found that enforcement of these measures remains inconsistent across EU countries, effectively allowing proscribed outlets to remain accessible and influential.

An audit of internet service providers in Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Czechia and Slovakia identified dozens of domains linked to various EU-sanctioned Russian media outlets. Across the three largest ISPs in each country, fewer than a quarter of attempts to access sanctioned content were effectively blocked.

"Sanctions are very difficult to enforce in the information space simply because information can be repackaged and repurposed at basically no cost," according to Melanie Smith, ISD Senior Director of Research & Policy, Information Operations. "It's very difficult to ascertain where a piece of information came from, how it was amplified and then where it ended up, which is really where organisations like us come in to try and provide some of that evidence."

The gaps in enforcement have real-world consequences. During the German federal election in February 2025 and the Polish presidential election in summer 2025, proxies of sanctioned outlets played a key role in boosting polarising narratives, including the denial of Russian war crimes in Ukraine and false claims about Ukrainian refugees.

In Germany, the ISD uncovered a coordinated network of dozens of accounts on X spreading untrue claims about politicians and fabricated terror threats in the run-up to the federal election. The network disseminated videos designed to impersonate reputable media outlets, law enforcement agencies and academics, at times using AI-generated audio and visuals.

Russia-aligned actors targeting Poland were found to be exploiting negative sentiment towards Ukrainian refugees ahead of the vote. The investigation identified a campaign involving elements linked to known pro-Kremlin operations.



Online, but not only

Beyond elections, the ISD's investigations show how pro-Kremlin narratives are increasingly localised and embedded within domestic communities.

"We spend a lot of time talking about online and digital influence. We don't spend a lot of time talking about what to do when we see offline activity taking place," says Smith. "We tried to understand how the Kremlin was propping up things like protests and demonstrations, so we were very focused around events."

In Italy for example, the ISD found that RT-aligned networks have combined online activity with offline events to bypass EU sanctions on the "transmission or distribution by any means" of banned content. Analysts identified Italian-language networks promoting pro-Russian propaganda films and posters in public spaces across the country.

In Czechia, the investigation identified a Czech-language community on X acting as a gateway for Kremlin-aligned propaganda years after official Russian outlets such as Sputnik CZ were banned.



"Not surprising" Sahal targeted

The ISD also documented how similar tactics are being deployed outside Europe, notably in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Following the staged withdrawal of French and UN forces between 2022 and 2025, all three countries have turned to Russia for military support.

"I'm not surprised that we saw the Sahel being targeted by pro-Kremlin narratives," says Manzi. "Russia has been contesting influence in Africa for a while now. What was surprising was the localisation of the campaigns in terms of language, grievances and regional political differences."

The ISD's investigation found that pro-Kremlin actors are deploying local influencers, journalists and grassroots activists to promote Russian narratives in local languages, presenting them as authentic domestic perspectives rather than foreign propaganda.



A headache for policymakers: "The problem is not going anywhere"

The findings raise serious questions about the effectiveness of current policy responses. Technical, legal and political gaps in the enforcement of sanctions, alongside uneven platform compliance, continue to provide opportunities for foreign information manipulation.

"I think policymakers should be investing in longer term infrastructure for dealing with this issue. We know the war in Ukraine has been going on for four years now. This problem is not going anywhere anytime soon," says Smith.

"Tech platforms play a really key strategic role in countering some of this information manipulation. We need consistent content moderation across the false and misleading content in line with their own policies and terms and conditions. But we also need data to be made available to researchers like us so that there can be independent scrutiny of the types of enforcement mechanisms they use."

"Exploring the interplay between pro-Kremlin ecosystems and extremist movements in Europe" is a project launched in 2023 by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue and CASM Technology LLP, later joined by the international news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP). The current 18-month phase concludes on 31 March 2026.

This initiative received funding from the European Media and Information Fund (EMIF) programme.



Publication Partner: Zeest Media
New Leadership Advances Coffman's Long-Term Vision

Summary: Coffman Engineers announced the reelection of three Board Directors and the addition of six new shareholders, reinforcing leadership continuity and long-term firm ownership.

SPOKANE, WA / ACCESS Newswire / April 7, 2026 / National multidiscipline consulting engineering firm, Coffman Engineers, Inc. (Coffman) announced today the election of three directors and the addition of six new shareholders following its annual shareholders' meeting in March.

The principals elected a slate of three directors for the 2026-2029 term to the classified board. Board Chair Dave Ruff, PE; Secretary Traci Hanegan, PE; and outside director Bettina Chastain were reelected for another three-year term, providing continuity as the Board advances its current objectives.

As Coffman continues to grow and focus on the long-term health of the firm, new principal ownership supports future readiness and continuity. This year's newly elected shareholders represent the strength, diversity, and leadership found across Coffman's offices nationwide. Coffman proudly welcomes the following new owners:

Bill Anderson, PE , Senior Discipline Manager, Fire Protection Engineering, San Diego

Julie Brown, PE , Senior Discipline Manager, Fire Protection Engineering, Denver

Colin Kodama, SE , Senior Discipline Manager, Structural Engineering, Honolulu

Rebecca Matlack, PE , Discipline Manager, Civil Engineering, Spokane

TJ McCann, SE , Discipline Manager, Structural Engineering, Los Angeles

Kimo Unten, PE, Senior Discipline Manager, Civil Engineering, Honolulu

"Perpetuation was a main theme of this year's Principals' Retreat," said Dave Ruff, PE, CEO and Chair of the Board at Coffman Engineers. "As we plan for Coffman's future, it comes down to thoughtful leadership, continuity, and investing in the people who will steward the firm for the long term. The reelection of our Board class, along with the addition of new shareholders, reflects that commitment and positions us well for the future."

For more information and leadership bios, visit: https://www.coffman.com/news/coffman-announces-board-and-shareholders/

About Coffman Engineers, Inc.

Coffman Engineers is a multidiscipline engineering consulting firm providing local, personalized services. Our integrated teams offer a wide range of engineering disciplines including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and related specialties to deliver comprehensive solutions. With more than 900 employees in 23 US offices, we are committed to teamwork, innovation, and building a better world. Visit coffman.com.

###

For more information about this topic, please call Beth Ito at 808.687.8884 or beth.ito@coffman.com.

SOURCE: Coffman Engineers, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/coffman-engineers-announces-board-elections-and-new-shareholders-1155812
Jonesboro, Georgia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - Tallman Pools, a family-owned fiberglass pool manufacturer with more than 60 years of industry leadership, has recently launched its newly redesigned website, marking a significant step in the company's continued brand evolution and customer-focused innovation.

Headquartered at 8993 Tara Blvd in Jonesboro, Georgia, Tallman Pools has built its reputation on superior-quality products, craftsmanship, and a hands-on, family-operated approach. The new website reflects that legacy while introducing a modern, streamlined experience for today's pool buyers.

Designed to serve a wide range of homeowners, the platform equally supports Tallman's two installation pathways: Assisted Install, a collaborative and cost-saving model for DIY-minded homeowners, and Complete Install, a premium turnkey solution delivered through a trusted dealer network.





Tallman Pools Unveils Modern New Website Experience



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/291540_figure1.jpg

At the center of the redesign is an interactive Pool Configurator that allows visitors to browse every Tallman pool model by shape, length, features, and style. Users can explore categories including Lagoon, Beach Entry, Grecian, Roman, Rectangle, Freeform, Pools & Spas, Custom Designs, and 8' Depth Options - making it easier than ever to compare swimming pool designs and find the right fit for their backyard vision.

A major addition to the website is the new Customer Corner, a comprehensive resource hub built to support homeowners beyond installation. The section includes photo contests showcasing real Tallman backyards and family moments, easy-to-follow use and care manuals, professional maintenance tips, safety-focused resources, and simplified warranty registration and claim filing. The initiative reinforces Tallman's long-term commitment to pool ownership, education, and customer support.

"This new website represents the next chapter of Tallman Pools," said Ed Tallman, President of Tallman Pools. "While we continue to modernize our branding and introduce new pool models, we remain grounded in the family values and superior quality that have defined us for more than 60 years. Our goal is to make the pool-buying journey clearer, more interactive, and more empowering for homeowners."

The redesigned site strengthens Tallman's mission to evolve the fiberglass pool industry while maintaining the personalized service that sets the company apart.

Homeowners can explore the new website and begin planning their backyard transformation at www.tallmanpools.com.

About Tallman Pools

Tallman Pools is a family-owned fiberglass pool manufacturer based in Jonesboro, Georgia. For over six decades, the company has delivered innovative pool designs, superior craftsmanship, and flexible installation options that help families create lasting backyard experiences.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291540

Source: GetFeatured
New research details how AI, Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), and sovereign ERP systems are transforming the projected $340 billion carbon market by creating fully insured, fraud-proof compliance instruments.

MIAMI, FL / ACCESS Newswire / April 7, 2026 / TGI SOLAR POWER GROUP INC. (OTC:TSPG) ("TGI"), a diversified technology and environmentally efficient real estate development company, via its subsidiary Axina Group Inc., a pioneer in sovereign-grade climate finance infrastructure, today announced the publication of a comprehensive institutional white paper titled, "The End of Greenwashing: How AI and Blockchain Architect AAA-Rated, Fraud-Proof Climate Finance." Authored by Axina Group President and CTO Daniel Brody, the research provides a forensic analysis of the systemic failures that plagued the legacy carbon markets between 2014 and 2024. More importantly, it unveils the advanced digital architecture required to transition the asset class from an era of blind trust to one of algorithmic truth.

As global corporate net-zero mandates and sovereign Paris Agreement commitments converge, the global carbon credit market is projected to exceed $340 billion by 2032. However, legacy carbon markets have been crippled by subjective verification methodologies, corporate greenwashing, and fragmented databases. This lack of data fidelity has deterred institutional investors, who view legacy carbon credits as unquantifiable balance sheet risks.

"For the past decade, institutional capital has been forced to sit on the sidelines because the underlying carbon assets were structurally opaque and functionally un-underwritable," said Daniel Brody, President and CTO of Axina Group Inc. "You cannot regulate your way out of a crisis if the foundational data layer is corrupted. True market integrity must be architected directly into the digital bedrock of the system. Our white paper outlines exactly how we achieve this by replacing human trust with cryptographic truth."

Key Innovations Detailed in the White Paper:

AI-Powered Digital MRV:

Replacing manual, biased audits with continuous, algorithmic baselining and multispectral satellite monitoring to eliminate "phantom credits" and methodology arbitrage.

AXERP (Enterprise Resource Planning for Sovereign Carbon):

Providing multinational corporations with automated double-entry accounting to make greenwashing mathematically impossible, while granting host nations sovereign command over their carbon inventories and Article 6 corresponding adjustments.

DLT and Tokenization:

Minting every credit as a unique cryptographic token on an enterprise-grade blockchain, establishing absolute provenance and permanently eliminating the risk of double-counting or cross-border VAT fraud.

Sovereign-Grade Assurance & Insurance:

Introducing a market-first institutional insurance framework. Because Axina's infrastructure establishes absolute data symmetry, credits processed through the system are backed by direct replacement guarantees-structurally transforming the asset into the environmental-market equivalent of a AAA-rated fixed-income bond.

The white paper serves as a blueprint for institutional investors, Chief Risk Officers, and sovereign finance ministries seeking to navigate the rapid shift toward high-integrity compliance markets and Article 6 international carbon trading.

To read the full white paper and download the PDF, please visit:

https://axinagroup.com/Research/end-of-greenwashing-whitepaper.html

About Axina Group Inc.

Axina Group Inc. provides the operating system for the next era of climate finance. By synthesizing AI-driven continuous verification, rigorous ERP accounting controls, and immutable blockchain tokenization, Axina equips sovereign nations with the digital infrastructure to fairly monetize their natural capital, while providing multinational corporations with the balance-sheet safety required to meet their climate pledges. Headquartered in North Miami, FL, Axina Group is dedicated to reclaiming environmental economic sovereignty and unlocking institutional capital for global decarbonization.

About TGI Solar

TGI SOLAR POWER GROUP INC. is a diversified holding company. TGI's strategy is to acquire innovative and patented technologies, components, processes, designs, and methods with commercial value that will give competitive market advantage and generate shareholder value.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements contained herein which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual operating results to materially differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, certain delays that are beyond the company's control with respect to market conditions.

For more information, please contact:

TGI

info@tgipower.com

Axina Group

info@axinagroup.com

SOURCE: TGI Solar Power Group, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/tgi-axina-group-inc.-releases-groundbreaking-white-paper-%22the-end-of-1155822
Capstone Copper Corp. ("Capstone" or the "Company") (TSX:CS) (ASX:CSC) will release its 2026 first quarter ("Q1 2026") results on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 after market close. The announcement will be followed by an investor conference call the same day at 5:00pm Eastern Time 2:00pm Pacific Time (Thursday, April 30, 2026, 7:00am Australian Eastern Time).

Q1 2026 Results Webcast and Conference Call Details Timing: April 29, 2026, 5:00 pm ET 2:00 pm PT April 30, 2026, 7:00 am AET Conference call webcast link: https://app.webinar.net/4QO2N17xpEG To connect by phone: To instantly join the conference call by phone, please use the following URL https://emportal.ink/40HaFo5 to easily register yourself and be connected into the conference call automatically. You can also dial direct to be entered to the call by the operator: Toronto: 1-437-900-0527 Australia: 61-280-171-385 North America toll free: 1-888-510-2154

An audio replay of the conference call will be available until May 6, 2026.

Replay Dial-in Numbers Toronto: 1-289-819-1450 North America toll free: 1-888-660-6345 Code: 71155#

After the replay expiration, an audio file will be available on Capstone's website at Capstone Copper Events and Presentations. Further information is available at www.capstonecopper.com.

ABOUT CAPSTONE COPPER CORP.

Capstone Copper Corp. is an Americas-focused copper mining company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Capstone's operating portfolio of assets includes the Pinto Valley copper mine located in Arizona, USA, the Cozamin copper-silver mine located in Zacatecas, Mexico, the Mantos Blancos copper-silver mine located in the Antofagasta region, Chile, and the Mantoverde copper-gold mine, located in the Atacama region, Chile. Capstone's growth pipeline includes the fully permitted Santo Domingo copper-iron-gold project, located approximately 35 kilometres northeast of Mantoverde in the Atacama region, Chile, as well as a portfolio of exploration properties in the Americas.

Capstone Copper's strategy is to unlock transformational copper production growth while executing on cost and operational improvements through innovation, optimization and safe and responsible production throughout our portfolio of assets. We focus on profitability and disciplined capital allocation to surface stakeholder value. We are committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of our people and local communities, while delivering compelling returns to investors by responsibly producing copper to meet the world's growing needs.

Further information is available at www.capstonecopper.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260407003046/en/

Contacts:

Daniel Sampieri, Vice President, Investor Relations

437-788-1767

dsampieri@capstonecopper.com



Michael Slifirski, Director, Investor Relations, APAC Region

61-412-251-818

mslifirski@capstonecopper.com



Claire Stirling, Manager, Investor Relations

416-831-8908

cstirling@capstonecopper.com
Reimagined for the Modern Bride, The Collection Takes Inspiration from Some of Vera Wang's Timeless Bridal Designs, Available Now Online & In-Stores June 30th

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA AND NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 7, 2026 / David's Bridal, Inc. ("David's"), today announces the launch of its inaugural Vera Wang Bride bridal and bridesmaids collections. The Vera Wang Bride Fall 2026 Collection debuts today exclusively at DavidsBridal.com/Vera-Wang-Bride , and will arrive in stores nationwide beginning June 30, 2026.

Marking a defining new moment for Vera Wang Bride and David's Bridal, the Fall 2026 Collection represents a modern, sophisticated aesthetic for a modern and stylish bride."Our journey with our debut Vera Wang Bride Collection began with a distinct desire to embrace a bridal wardrobe founded in the extraordinary history of such an iconic house," said Kelly Cook, CEO of David's Bridal. "Vera Wang Bride is more than a collection-it's a celebration of 37 years of incredible creativity and contribution to the bridal world."

This season channels Vera Wang's signature style through 1990s-inspired minimalism, celebrating the decade that established her as a modern bridal icon. Clean lines, sculptural silhouettes, and delicate layers evoke understated glamour, while contemporary tailoring and technical construction bring a fresh sense of movement and lightness.

The Vera Wang Bride Fall 2026 collection spans a curated range of bridal gowns priced from $2,299 to $4,999 , offering couture-inspired design at an accessible contemporary level. Standout styles include:

VW352010 ($2,299) - A romantic, softly structured gown available in Soft White and a fashion-forward Earth Rose, featuring delicate draping and light, airy volume

VW352001 ($2,299) - A clean, minimalist silhouette with sculpted bodice construction, designed for understated, modern elegance

VW352011 ($2,499) - A refined expression of Vera Wang's signature corsetry, balancing precision tailoring with fluid movement

VW352009 & VW352002 ($2,999) - Statement-making gowns with dramatic skirt volume, flange textures, and tiered movement that bring dimension and impact

VW352003 ($3,999) - A bold, fashion-forward silhouette with architectural structure and sweeping presence

VW352008 ($4,999) - The pinnacle of the collection, combining master-level construction with layered tulle and sculptural drama for a true runway moment

Complementing the bridal collection, Vera Wang Bride introduces its Bridesmaid Collection, echoing the same sense of minimalism and elegance. Designed with versatility in mind, the collection features a refined mix of sleek column silhouettes with clean lines and soft draping, alongside A-line and flowy chiffon gowns that offer movement and ease across body types. Thoughtful design elements such as convertible details, including detachable swag sleeves and reworked bodices, allow for personalized styling, while subtle corsetry, peplum accents, and delicate tulle layering mirror the bridal collection's signature design language. The palette plays a central role, enabling tonal, ombre, or mixed styling moments, an increasingly popular approach among Gen Z and Millennial couples seeking individuality within cohesion. Ranging from $249 to $299 , the collection is offered in a curated spectrum of shades, from romantic neutrals like blush, champagne, and soft white to richer hues including chocolate, cinnamon, amethyst, and wine, alongside modern statement tones such as evergreen, marine, black, and valentina.

Now fully designed, produced, and distributed by David's, the Vera Wang Bride bridal and bridesmaids collections reflect a shared commitment to redefining how elevated bridal design is experienced. Seasonal drops for Bridal and Bridesmaids will continue in-stores and online, extending the assortment with elevated fabrications and modern reinterpretations of Vera Wang's most iconic silhouettes throughout the Summer and Fall. Additionally, Diamonds & Pearls by David's Bridal (located in Delray Beach, FL. and Burlington, MA.) will showcase exclusive Vera Wang Bride designs that can only be found in those boutique locations and online.

Beginning April 15, brides can book an exclusive VIP appointment in any David's store to be the first to try on the Vera Wang Bride collection, in a personalized, one-on-one setting. During each appointment, guests may select up to three styles to try on, with the $100 appointment fee applied toward the purchase of a dress and submitted for priority fulfillment as each dress is cut-to-order. To book your VIP Vera Wang Bride appointment, please email virtualstylist@dbi.com .

Additionally, Vera Wang Bride Trunk Shows will run Friday through Sunday in select stores across the country between April 17th and June 30th, and will showcase the assortment of new Vera Wang Bride gowns and bridesmaids dresses. Guests will enjoy expert styling appointments, exclusive access to the collection, and priority ordering at the following locations: Paramus, NJ; Newark, DE; Charleston, WV; Orland Park, IL; Burlington, MA; Kennesaw, GA; Orlando South, FL; Tampa, FL; Delray Beach, FL; and Austin North, TX. For dates and times, visit: www.davidsbridal.com/about-us/bridal-trunk-show-events .

David's Bridal recently announced that Vera Wang Bride will be available for select wholesale partnerships , with exclusive designs and offerings. For enterprise and boutique wholesale opportunities, as well as to review the Vera Wang Bride wholesale lookbook, please contact boutiquesales@dbi.com .

ABOUT DAVID'S BRIDAL

With over 75 years of experience dressing people for all of life's special occasions, David's Bridal exists for magical moments. Since its "Aisle to Algorithm" strategic pivot, David's has evolved from iconic bridal retailer to wedding technology company, media powerhouse, and marketplace platform transforming how people plan, shop, and celebrate life's biggest moments. From assuming full production of Vera Wang Bride to launching Diamonds & Pearls, a curated couture boutique experience, David's entrance into this new era marks a pivotal moment for retailers going beyond traditional scopes and expanding into new categories.

At the center of David's technological and retail evolution is Pearl by David's, Pearl Planner and Pearl Media Network - the all-in-one digital wedding destination connecting consumers with everything from AI-powered planning tools, inspiration and vendor directories, expanded retail categories and leading content, while enabling brands to tap into David's unmatched market reach to authentically connect with consumers through media across the web, social, podcast, streaming, video, in-store and more.

Under the Pearl Media umbrella is Love Stories by David's, the top wedding media brand taking a digital-first approach to wedding content and inspiration with over 20M viewers per month across content platforms, including the wedding industry's sole podcast network, streaming TV and Snap Discover channels, and largest YouTube and TikTok channels, and a library of over 30,000 real wedding videos. Each video comes equipped with wedding data and details, contributing to a marketplace of over 60,000 wedding professionals to help couples better dream about, research, and plan their big day.

With more than 190 stores across the US, Canada, and franchise locations in Mexico, David's Bridal offers the convenience of one-stop shopping for every magical event in her life, including weddings, Quinceanera, graduations, proms, communions, or simply making the world her runway and beyond. To learn more about David's , sign up for Pearl Planner , and connect on social media through Instagram , YouTube , Pinterest , Facebook , X , TikTok , and LinkedIn .

David's Bridal Media Contact

mediarequests@dbi.com

Related Video:

SOURCE: DAVID'S BRIDAL CORPORATE

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/davids-bridal-debuts-vera-wang-bride-collection-at-new-york-bridal-fas-1155821
Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced enforcement results for the fiscal year that ended on September 30, 2025.

Central to an effective enforcement program is determining which cases to bring and responsibly stewarding Commission resources. Regrettably, such resources have been misapplied in prior years to pursue media headlines and run up numbers, and in turn, led to misguided expectations on what constitutes effective enforcement.

Fiscal Year 2025 Results & Supporting Context

During fiscal year 2025, the Commission filed 456 enforcement actions, including 303 standalone actions and 69 "follow-on" administrative proceedings seeking to bar or suspend individuals from certain functions in the securities markets based on criminal convictions, civil injunctions, or other orders, and obtaining orders for monetary relief totaling $17.9 billion. These enforcement actions addressing a broad range of misconduct demonstrate the Commission's prioritization of cases that directly harm investors and the integrity of the U.S. securities markets, including offering frauds, market manipulation, insider trading, issuer disclosure violations, and breaches of fiduciary duty by investment advisers.

The results do not include the 1,095 matters in which potentially violative conduct was investigated and which were closed, the several matters where market participants remediated their practices, or cases that were otherwise not pursued.

FY 2025 was a unique period of transition for the enforcement division never experienced before in modern SEC history. It was characterized by an unprecedented rush to bring a significant number of cases in advance of the presidential inauguration[1] and the aggressive pursuit of novel legal theories under the prior Commission.

This period brought about the current Commission's resolution of prior cases that were not sufficiently grounded in the federal securities laws. The current Commission deliberately refocused the enforcement program on matters of fraud-cases that inherently require more time and resources to develop and bring, often requiring up to two or more years to manifest results.

Since fiscal year 2022, the prior Commission brought 95 actions and $2.3 billion in penalties against firms for book-and-record violations, specifically failing to maintain and preserve off-channel communications. Together with seven crypto firm registration-related and six 'definition of a dealer' cases, these cases identified no direct investor harm from those violations, produced no investor benefit or protection, and demonstrate what the current Commission views as a misinterpretation of the federal securities laws, a misallocation of Commission resources, and a bias for volume of cases brought versus matters of investor protection. This year's enforcement results clarify the flaws of these actions and their respective penalties and re-establish the definition and measure of enforcement effectiveness, grounded in Congress's original intent and focused on bringing actions that actually prevent investor harm instead of headlines and inflated numbers.

Going forward, enforcement priorities and results will be linked to the Commission's and the Division's core mandate, and will thus contemplate the following elements to fulfill its mission: Standing up to fraud in its many forms and those market participants engaged in such misconduct; addressing the fraudulent and manipulative conduct of the parties in question through appropriate remediation; and repaying investors' losses when harmed.

"Over the past year, the Commission has put a stop to regulation by enforcement and recentered its enforcement program on the Commission's core mission by prioritizing cases that provide meaningful investor protection and strengthen market integrity," said SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins. "We have redirected resources toward the types of misconduct that inflict the greatest harm-particularly fraud, market manipulation, and abuses of trust-and away from approaches that prioritized volume and record-setting penalties over true investor protection. A key part of this course correction is a renewed emphasis on holding individual wrongdoers accountable, which promotes stronger deterrence and better safeguards investors. I am proud of the staff's work in advancing an enforcement program grounded in sound judgment, clear legal authority, and the real-world needs of the investing public."

"I fully support the move away from using enforcement as a tool for policymaking, and the return to the Commission's historical norms," said SEC Commissioner Mark T. Uyeda. "We will remain focused on coherent and transparent policymaking, as well as meaningful engagement with market participants to promote compliance, and wield the authority of enforcement in a more appropriate manner, guided by investor protection above all."

Supporting Detail

In connection with its fiscal year 2025 enforcement actions, the Commission obtained orders for monetary relief totaling $17.9 billion, of which was $10.8 billion in disgorgement of ill-gotten gains and prejudgment interest and $7.2 billion in civil penalties. And some of the actions in which the Commission obtained orders for monetary relief included disgorgement amounts that the Commission deemed satisfied, in whole or in part, by a court order in a separate non-SEC action (e.g., a restitution or forfeiture order in a parallel criminal proceeding). After excluding these "deemed satisfied" amounts, which historically had not been broken out or excluded in annual Commission statistics, and the judgments against Robert Allen Stanford and other defendants in the Commission's long-running litigation concerning their $8 billion Ponzi scheme, the monetary relief obtained in fiscal year 2025 totaled $1.4 billion in disgorgement and prejudgment interest and $1.3 billion in civil penalties.

In fiscal year 2025, some market participants self-reported violations, co-operated meaningfully[3] with the Division's investigations, and/or remediated[4] securities law violations. As a result, the Division recommended, and the Commission approved, resolutions imposing reduced civil penalties[5] or declined to recommend an enforcement action against a party. During fiscal year 2025, the Commission returned approximately $262 million to harmed investors and awarded approximately $60 million to 48 individual whistleblowers. In addition, the SEC received a record 53,753 tips, complaints, and referrals in fiscal year 2025, nearly 19 percent more than in the prior fiscal year.

Protecting Retail Investors

The fiscal year 2025 enforcement results demonstrate the Commission's focus on protecting the interests of retail investors, who may be particularly vulnerable to securities fraud, while prioritizing identifying and remedying fraudulent conduct. The Division devoted significant resources to this critical area in fiscal year 2025 and brought actions to address conduct involving fraudsters who targeted veterans, seniors, and members of a religious community.

The Division filed several noteworthy actions, including:

Paramount Management Group, LLC, Prestige Investment Group, LLC, and their founder, Daryl F. Heller, in connection with a Ponzi scheme that allegedly defrauded approximately 2,700 investors, many of whom were retail investors, and resulted in $400 million in investor losses;

First Liberty Building & Loan, LLC and its owner, Edwin Brant Frost IV, in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme that defrauded approximately 300 investors of more than $140 million;

Nightingale Properties, LLC and its founder Elchonon "Elie" Schwartz in connection with allegedly raising $60 million from approximately 700 retail investors through false representations and misappropriating more than $52 million in investor funds;

Massachusetts-based biopharmaceutical company Allarity Therapeutics, Inc. for disclosure failures that concealed from the investing public a harsh critique levied by the FDA regarding the company's flagship cancer drug candidate; and

Vanguard Advisers, Inc., a registered investment adviser, for failing to adequately disclose conflicts of interest when recommending to prospective and existing clients that they enroll in a fee-based advisory service that provided ongoing portfolio management of their accounts.

Holding Individual Wrongdoers Accountable

In fiscal year 2025, the Commission prioritized charging individuals for violating federal securities laws and will continue to do so. Of the standalone actions filed during this past fiscal year, approximately two-thirds involved charges against one or more individual bad actors (a 27 percent year-over-year increase), and nearly nine out of every 10 standalone actions filed under Acting Chairman Uyeda and Chairman Atkins involved individual charges. The Commission also obtained orders barring 119 individuals from serving as officers and directors of public companies.

Holding individual wrongdoers accountable benefits the investing public by seeking to provide specific and general deterrence, and, particularly where injunctive and other non-monetary remedies are imposed, protecting markets and investors from future misconduct by those same bad actors.

Combatting Securities Fraud Wherever it Occurs

The Commission continued to pursue enforcement actions involving potential market manipulation, such as account takeover and "pump-and-dump" or "ramp-and-dump" schemes involving foreign-based companies and gatekeepers. In September 2025, the Commission formed the Cross-Border Task Force to help address the serious threat that fraudsters located abroad pose to U.S. investors and markets, and several enforcement actions from fiscal year 2025 demonstrate the Commission's commitment to pursuing transnational fraud that harms American investors.

Safeguarding Markets from Abusive Trading

Central to the Commission's enforcement efforts are detecting and deterring market abuses, including insider trading, market manipulation, and myriad other practices that interfere with fair, orderly, and efficient markets.

In fiscal year 2025, the Commission brought a number of actions covering a wide range of abusive trading practices, including against a California resident for allegedly conducting a manipulative trading scheme known as "spoofing" through which he obtained approximately $234,000 in ill-gotten gains.

The Commission also filed insider trading charges against, among others:

a former Vice President of Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance at a biopharmaceutical company;

a former investor relations executive and two others; and

a former Head of Equity Trading at an investment firm.

Deploying Resources Judiciously as to Emerging Technologies

In fiscal year 2025, the Commission made a necessary course correction in its approach to enforcing the federal securities laws in the context of crypto assets.[6] The Division remains committed to detecting, deterring, and bringing actions against those seeking to take advantage of investors by misusing new technologies. In February 2025, the Commission announced the launch of the Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit to complement the work of the Crypto Task Force and to protect investors by combatting misconduct as it relates to securities transactions involving blockchain technology, AI, account takeovers, cybersecurity, and other areas.

During fiscal year 2025, the Division charged:

New York City-based Unicoin, Inc. and four of its current or former top executives for alleged false and misleading statements in an offering of certificates that purportedly conveyed rights to receive crypto assets called Unicoin tokens and in an offering of Unicoin, Inc.'s common stock;

PGI Global founder Ramil Palafox for allegedly orchestrating a $198 million crypto asset and foreign exchange fraud scheme that involved the offer and sale of "membership" packages, which he claimed guaranteed investors high returns from supposed crypto asset and foreign exchange trading, and for misappropriating more than $57 million; and

The founder and former CEO of artificial intelligence company Nate, Inc. with fraudulently soliciting investments and raising more than $42 million through the sale of company stock by allegedly making false and misleading statements about the company's use of artificial intelligence.

Litigation Highlights

The Division prevailed in several cases at trial and on summary judgment in fiscal year 2025, including:

Trial Victories

SEC v. Gallagher (S.D.N.Y.) - In 2021, the Commission charged defendant Steven M. Gallagher with allegedly committing securities fraud through a scheme to manipulate stocks using Twitter. In September 2025, after a nine-day trial, the jury found Gallagher liable for securities fraud and manipulative trading. As demonstrated at trial, between December 2019 and October 2021, Gallagher used his Twitter account to encourage his numerous followers, including many retail investors, to buy stocks in which Gallagher had already amassed holdings. Gallagher then sold those stocks while he continued to recommend others buy them, never disclosing that he was selling the stocks. Gallagher repeated this pattern with more than 30 microcap stocks, making illicit trading profits in excess of $2.6 million. For two of these stocks, Gallagher was also found to have engaged in manipulative trading by "marking the close" - a strategy involving placing end-of-day orders to buy stock at above-market prices to artificially increase the stock's price.

SEC v. Minuskin, et al. (S.D. Cal.) - In 2022, the Commission charged defendant Thomas F. Casey and other co-defendants for their alleged roles in a fraudulent securities offering that targeted retirees' retirement accounts. In June 2025, after a five-day trial and less than two hours of deliberation, the jury found Casey liable for inducing more than 200 people to invest in excess of $10 million into Golden Genesis, a venture to supposedly create blood banks for selling human plasma from young donors for anti-aging treatments, based on false claims including that the investments would generate guaranteed high returns and be secured by the company's assets. As demonstrated at trial, the funds were not secured, and Casey used investor funds to compensate himself and to prop up the scheme by paying back other investors, causing approximately $8 million in losses to the victims.

SEC v. Cutter Financial Group, et al. (D. Mass.) - In 2023, the Commission charged Massachusetts-based investment adviser Jeffrey Cutter and his advisory firm, Cutter Financial Group, LLC, for allegedly recommending that their advisory clients invest in insurance products that paid a substantial up-front commission without adequately disclosing the defendants' financial incentive to sell the products. In April 2025, after a seven-day trial, the jury found Cutter and his firm liable for violating Section 206(2) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The jury found for the defendants on claims the Commission alleged under Sections 206(1) and (4) of the Act.

Summary Judgment Victories

SEC v. Brown, et al. (N.D. Tex.) - In 2024, the Commission charged defendants Matthew Brown and his company for allegedly engaging in a fraudulent scheme to submit and publicly tout a bogus offer to invest $200 million in Virgin Orbit Holdings, Inc., which was on the verge of bankruptcy. Among other things, to convince Virgin Orbit that the offer was legitimate, the Commission's complaint alleged that Brown sent Virgin Orbit a fabricated screenshot of his company's bank account purporting to show a balance of more than $182 million, when the bank account had less than $1. In August 2025, the court granted the Commission's motion for summary judgment and found that Brown and his company violated Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder.

SEC v. Melton, et al. (M.D.N.C.) - In 2023, the Commission charged recidivist Marshall Melton and a business he controlled with allegedly conducting an offering fraud that largely targeted older investors. In April 2025, the court granted the Commission's motion for summary judgment and found that Melton and his business violated the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws by raising funds purportedly for a real estate development project without disclosing to investors that he actually was using the funds for personal and unrelated expenses. The court also found that the defendants had an affirmative duty to disclose Melton's securities disciplinary history.

____________________________________

[1] Press Release, SEC Announces Record Enforcement Actions Brought in First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025 (Jan. 17, 2025): ("the most actions filed in their respective periods since at least 2000.")

[ 2 ] E.g., In the Matter of MUFG Securities EMEA plc, Exch. Act Release No. 103646, Admin. Proceeding File No. 3-22504 (Aug. 6, 2025) . (Aug. 6, 2025)



[ 3 ] E.g., In the Matter of Sourcerock Group, LLC, Exch. Act Release No. 103629, Admin. Proceeding File No. 3-22502 (Aug. 4, 2025) . (Aug. 4, 2025)



[ 4 ] E.g., In the Matter of Empower Advisory Group, LLC and Empower Financial Services, Inc., Exch. Act Release No. 103809, Admin. Proceeding File No. 3-22517 (Aug. 29, 2025) . (Aug. 29, 2025)



[ 5 ] E.g., Press Release , SEC Charges Three Broker-Dealers with Filing Deficient Suspicious Activity Reports (Nov. 22, 2024).



[6] Beginning in February 2025, the Commission dismissed seven enforcement actions brought by the prior Commission involving crypto assets: SEC v. Coinbase, Inc., et al. (Feb. 27, 2025); SEC v. v. Cumberland DRW LLC (Mar. 27, 2025); SEC v. Consensys Software Inc. (Mar. 27, 2025); SEC v. Payward, Inc. , et al . (Mar. 27, 2025); SEC v. Dragonchain, Inc. (Apr. 30, 2025); SEC v. Balina (May 2, 2025); and SEC v. Binance Holdings Limited, et al. (May 29, 2025).

Source: Newsfile SEC Press Digest
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 7, 2026) - American Aires Inc. (CSE: WIFI) (OTCQB: AAIRF) (the "Company") announces that the Company's auditors, AGT Partners LLP ("AGT"), have withdrawn and resigned as auditor of the Company, effective April 6, 2026, and will not complete the audit or issue an auditor's report on the Company's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025.

AGT has advised that its withdrawal and resignation relate to a previously identified and publicly disclosed governance and internal control weakness relating to United States sales tax compliance, which, in AGT's professional judgment, remains in the process of remediation and informed AGT's decision not to continue as auditor or complete the audit.

There were no reservations or modified opinions in AGT's auditor's reports on the Company's financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.

The Company's Audit Committee and Board of Directors have approved the Notice of Change of Auditor and have commenced a process to appoint a successor auditor.

In accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws, the Company will file a Notice of Change of Auditor, together with the required letters from AGT and the Company, under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding the Company's efforts to address historical United States sales tax matters, implement remediation measures relating to governance and internal controls, and identify and appoint a successor auditor. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Additional information regarding risks and uncertainties is available in the Company's continuous disclosure filings available under its profile on SEDAR+. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such information except as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291535

Source: American Aires Inc.
Inter-Polis Insurance Company to Hold Shareholders' Meeting on April 29

Inter-Polis Insurance Company will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders on April 29, 2026, via remote participation. The agenda includes approval of the 2025 financial statements, operating results, and other corporate matters.

The company operates in the Ukrainian insurance market, providing property and auto insurance services.
Odessa Sugar Company to Hold Shareholders' Meeting on April 10

Odessa Sugar Company plans to hold its annual shareholders meeting on April 10, 2026, in a remote format. The agenda includes standard items: approval of the 2025 operating results, financial statements, distribution of profits or coverage of losses, as well as corporate governance decisions.

The company is registered in the Odessa region and has historically been involved in sugar beet processing and sugar production; however, like many companies in the industry, it has been operating in recent years amid high volatility in raw material supplies and prices.

The Ukrainian sugar industry as a whole is undergoing a period of transformation: reduced crop acreage, rising energy and logistics costs, and competition from cheaper imports are affecting the financial results of companies, including the Odessa Sugar Company.




China willing to cooperate with Russia to de-escalate Mideast situation, says FM

Xinhua) 10:35, April 07, 2026

BEIJING, April 5 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to continue working with Russia within the framework of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, maintain timely communication on major issues, and make joint efforts to help de-escalate the situation in the Middle East, safeguard regional peace and stability, and uphold common security for the world, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

China and Russia, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, should uphold fairness and justice on matters of principle, adopt an objective and balanced approach, and seek greater understanding and support from the international community, Wang said.

Noting that China has consistently advocated the resolution of international and regional hotspot issues through dialogue and negotiation, Wang said that the situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate, hostilities are still escalating, and the fundamental solution to ensuring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz lies in achieving an early ceasefire and bringing the war to an end.

For his part, Lavrov said Russia is highly concerned about the continued escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

Regarding the ongoing conflict and the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, Lavrov said Russia maintains that military operations must be stopped immediately and efforts should return to the track of political and diplomatic settlement to address the root causes of the conflict, and the UN Security Council should play a constructive role in this regard.

Russia stands ready to maintain close communication and coordination with China and continue to make efforts and speak out in support of a ceasefire and the end of the war, he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
OpenAI has released a policy document titled Industrial Policy for the Intelligence Age: Ideas to Keep People First, presenting early proposals to guide the transition toward advanced AI systems, including superintelligence.

The document explains that AI has evolved from handling simple tasks to completing work that takes hours, with future systems expected to manage projects that take months.

This shift is set to reshape how work is done, how knowledge is created, and how organizations operate. OpenAI stresses that navigating this transition requires a democratic process with broader public participation.

Why a new industrial policy is needed

The report highlights that past technological shifts created long-term benefits but also disruption that required new policies and institutions. AI is expected to follow a similar path, but at a faster scale.

Key concerns identified include:

Job and industry disruption

Concentration of wealth and power

Misuse of advanced AI systems

Limitations of existing policy tools

The document clearly states that incremental policy updates wont be enough, calling for more comprehensive approaches.

Core principles for the AI transition

OpenAI outlines three central goals to guide the transition:

Share prosperity broadly  AI should improve living standards, reduce costs, and expand access to essential services.

 AI should improve living standards, reduce costs, and expand access to essential services. Mitigate risks  addressing challenges such as job displacement, misuse, and system control, with the principle that as capability scales, safety must scale with it.

 addressing challenges such as job displacement, misuse, and system control, with the principle that as capability scales, safety must scale with it. Democratize access and agency  ensuring AI is affordable, accessible, and gives users meaningful control.

These principles form the foundation for the broader policy proposals.

Building an open AI economy

The first section focuses on creating an open economy where AI benefits are widely shared.

Workers are expected to play a direct role in shaping AI adoption. Their involvement can help ensure that AI removes dangerous, repetitive, administrative tasks while improving job quality rather than reducing autonomy. This approach connects productivity gains with better working conditions.

At the same time, AI is seen as a tool to expand entrepreneurship by reducing operational barriers. To support this shift, the document suggests:

Microgrants and flexible financing models

Shared tools such as contracts and back-office infrastructure

Training and support through worker organizations

Another major proposal is the Right to AI, which treats access to AI as a basic requirement similar to electricity or internet access. This includes not just availability, but also affordability, infrastructure, and training.

The report also highlights structural economic changes. As AI shifts income patterns, tax systems may need to adapt through:

Greater reliance on capital-based taxation

Exploration of taxes linked to automation

Incentives for companies to retain and retrain workers

To expand access to economic gains, the document proposes a Public Wealth Fund, allowing citizens to directly benefit from AI-driven growth through shared returns.

Infrastructure plays a critical role as well. AI systems require large-scale energy support, and the report emphasizes grid expansion and efficient deployment. It also notes that data centers should pay their own way while contributing to local economies.

Productivity gains from AI are expected to create efficiency dividends. These could take different forms:

Reduced work hours, including 32-hour workweek pilots

Expanded benefits such as healthcare and retirement contributions

Structured benefits bonuses linked to performance gains

The report also focuses on strengthening economic stability through adaptive safety nets. These systems should respond dynamically to disruption, supported by portable benefits that follow individuals across jobs.

In addition, AI is expected to increase demand for human-centered roles in sectors such as healthcare, education, and caregiving. Policies aim to support transitions into these areas while improving job quality.

Finally, the document highlights the role of AI in accelerating scientific discovery. By integrating AI into research workflows, it can speed up experimentation and expand innovation across a broader set of institutions.

Building a resilient AI society

The second section focuses on managing risks and ensuring long-term resilience as AI systems become more capable.

The document outlines several emerging risks, including cybersecurity threats, biological misuse, and systems acting in ways that are misaligned with human intent. It emphasizes that resilience must extend beyond development into real-world deployment.

To address these challenges, the report proposes strengthening safety systems through:

Advanced threat detection and testing

Continuous monitoring and evaluation

Preparedness systems for large-scale risks

A key concept introduced is the AI trust stack, which includes tools to verify AI-generated content, track system actions, and support accountability while preserving privacy.

The report also calls for structured auditing systems to evaluate high-risk AI models and establish consistent safety standards. These frameworks are expected to focus particularly on frontier systems with greater potential impact.

In scenarios where systems cannot be easily controlled, model-containment playbooks are suggested. These would enable coordinated responses, drawing on lessons from cybersecurity and public health.

Governance is addressed across both companies and governments. AI firms are encouraged to adopt public-interest models, while governments are expected to define clear rules for AI use, ensuring safety, transparency, and accountability.

Public participation is another core element. The document calls for representative input processes and greater transparency so that AI systems reflect broader societal values.

To improve oversight and learning, the report proposes structured reporting systems for:

Incidents

Misuse cases

Near-misses

Finally, it emphasizes the importance of global coordination. Shared frameworks, evaluation systems, and international collaboration are seen as essential to managing AI risks effectively.

OpenAIs next steps

To continue the discussion, OpenAI has outlined several initiatives:

Feedback collection via newindustrialpolicy@openai.com

Fellowships and research grants (up to $100,000)

API credits support (up to $1 million)

Policy discussions at OpenAI Workshop in Washington, DC (May)

These efforts are intended to expand participation and refine the ideas further.

Outlook

The document is presented as a starting point for discussion, emphasizing that the transition toward superintelligence is already underway. It highlights that decisions made today will shape outcomes for decades to come.

Rather than offering final solutions, the report calls for continued collaboration across governments, companies, and society. The goal is to ensure that AI development remains open, resilient, and aligned with human priorities as its capabilities continue to evolve.

Source
Netflix has expanded its kids and preschool content lineup with the launch of a new interactive gaming app called Netflix Playground. Alongside this, the platform has announced new shows, returning series, and upcoming releases aimed at younger audiences.

The update focuses on creating a curated environment where children can watch, learn, and play, while offering parents better control over content and usage.

Netflix Playground app: Features

Netflix Playground is a mobile app designed for children aged 8 and under. It offers an expanding library of games and interactive activities based on popular characters.

The app is included with all Netflix memberships and does not contain ads, in-app purchases, or additional fees.

Key features:

Ad-free experience

No in-app purchases or hidden costs

Works offline

Available on smartphones and tablets

Access through Netflix account login

Games and characters available

The app includes multiple interactive experiences featuring familiar characters from childrens content.

Available activities include:

Peppa Pig  Tasks like caring for guinea pigs, driving, and making smoothies

Sesame Street  Matching games and coordination-based activities with characters like Elmo and Big Bird

Dr. Seusss Horton!  Interactive environments focused on cause-and-effect play

StoryBots  Jigsaw puzzles, sticker scenes, and activity-based learning

Dr. Seusss The Sneetches  Shape-based activities and creative building tools

Bad Dinosaurs  Racing games, music creation, and interactive play

Dr. Seusss Red Fish, Blue Fish  Tap-and-drag exploration activities

Lets Color  Coloring activities featuring known characters

All activities are instantly playable and available offline.

How to use Netflix Playground

Netflix Playground can be accessed through a simple setup process:

Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Sign in using a Netflix account Browse games organized by characters Start activities instantly

The app also includes storage management tools, allowing users to view space usage and remove unused games easily.

New shows and returning series

Netflix has announced new and returning kids content as part of this update.

New series:

Young MacDonald  A preschool musical series focused on farm life, featuring problem-solving and everyday learning themes

Returning titles:

Trash Truck (Season 3)

The Creature Cases (additional episodes)

Upcoming releases and schedule

Netflix has confirmed the following release timeline:

April 13  My Sesame Street Friends: My Elmo (Season 1)

April 20  CoComelon Lane (Season 7)

April 27  My Sesame Street Friends: My Abby (Season 1)

May 4  Dr. Seusss Horton! (Season 2)

May 11  Mark Robers CrunchLabs (Season 4)

May 23  Gabbys Dollhouse: The Movie (Netflix US debut)

June 8  Sesame Street (Season 56, Volume 3)

Summer  Ms. Rachel (Season 3)

Additional titles include Danny Go!, Swapped, and more content from creators such as Mark Rober.

Educational and interactive focus

The updated lineup includes content designed to support creativity, exploration, and early learning. Activities and shows aim to encourage problem-solving, coordination, and pattern recognition through interactive formats.

Parental controls and safety features

Netflix continues to provide tools that allow parents to manage and monitor childrens activity.

Available controls:

Individual kids profiles with age-appropriate content

Customizable maturity settings

Title-level blocking options

Profile lock PINs

Viewing history and activity tracking

Availability and access

Netflix Playground is available as part of a standard Netflix subscription at no additional cost. The app supports offline play, making it usable during travel or in limited connectivity situations.

The app is currently available in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, the Philippines, and New Zealand. A wider global rollout is scheduled for April 28.

Speaking on the launch, John Derderian, Netflix Vice President of Animation Series + Kids & Family TV, said:
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Contracts

Contracts for April 6, 2026

AIR FORCE

Raytheon Co., Tucson, Arizona has been awarded a not-to-exceed $708,939,863 undefinitized contract action for small diameter bomb increment II production Lot 12 and test equipment. This contract provides for all up rounds and containers as well as test equipment and spares. Work will be performed at Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by March 6, 2030. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Belgium, Canada, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Republic of Korea, and Switzerland. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2026 procurement missile funds in the amount of $128,215,305; fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $1,871,338; fiscal 2025 procurement weapons funds in the amount of $5,291,774; Fiscal 2026 procurement weapons funds in the amount of $31,567,101; and FMS funds in the amount of $171,558,544, are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA8672-26-C-B001).

Rockwell Collins Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Fairfield, California, has been awarded a maximum $ 25,899,097 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for detonation transfer assembly and thin layer explosive lines. This contract provides for detonation transfer assembly and thin layer explosive line replaceable units. Work will be performed at Fairfield, California, and is expected to be completed by April 5, 2033. This contract involves foreign military sales to be determined at time of delivery order execution. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2024 procurement of ammunition in the amount of $1,675,039; fiscal 2024 Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $3,114,646; Fiscal 2025 FMS funds in the amount of $3,859,681; and fiscal 2026 procurement of ammunition in the amount of $649,749, are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8213-25-D-0002).

Canadian Commercial Corp. Inc., Ottawa, Canada, was awarded an $11,192,190 modification (P00003) to a previously awarded contract (FA811925D0003) for the B-1 nose radomes new manufacturing and repair service. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $45,476,047 from $34,283,857. Work will be performed at Quebec, Canada; and Suwanee, Georgia, and is expected to be completed by May 29, 2027. No funds are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, has been awarded a maximum $101,288,162 undefinitized delivery order (SPRPA1-26-F-0LB1) against a three-year basic ordering agreement (SPRPA1-14-D-002U) for the KC46 commercial common depot level repairables. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 3204 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a one-year contract with no option periods. The performance completion date is April 6, 2027. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2027 Air Force working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Golden State Medical Supply Inc.,* Camarillo, California, has been awarded an estimated $9,469,819 modification (P00009) exercising the fourth one-year option period of one-year base contract (SPE2D2-22-D-0142) with four one-year option periods for febuxostat tablets. This is a fixed-price, requirements contract. Location of performance is Ohio, with an April 6, 2027, performance completion date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Department of Veterans Affairs, Indian Health Services, and Federal Bureau of Prisons. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2027 defense working Capital funds. The contracting agency is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Awarded on April 3, 2026)

NAVY

Packet Digital LLC.,* Fargo North Dakota, is awarded a $26,999,999 firm-fixed-price order (N6833526F1047) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N6833522G0020). This order is a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III effort for Topic N07-160 entitled, "Power Suite for Distributed Operations". This effort derives from Phase I and II efforts and supports the domestic production of lithium-based battery cells and battery packs for Department of War applications under the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding Innovative Technologies program. This effort is to execute pilot prototype development, raw-material procurement, pilot production, Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP)-1, and LRIP-2 manufacturing of pouch-cell lithium-ion batteries. The effort includes cell manufacturing, testing of battery cells, integration of cells into multiple battery-pack designs, and testing and delivery of battery packs. Work will be performed in Fargo, North Dakota (100%), and is expected to be completed in April 2028. Fiscal 2025 procurement (Defense Wide) funds in the amount of $26,999,999 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competed, and one offer was received. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity.

Component Repair Technologies Inc., Mentor, Ohio, is awarded a $18,850,639 indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price service contract for repair and upgrade of LM2500 turbine mid frames, a subset of LM2500 single shank turbine gas generator assemblies. Work will be performed at the Contractor's facility in Mentor, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by April 2031. Fiscal 2026 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,813,806 (<1%) will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the System for Award Management (SAM) website, with one offer received. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N64498-26-D-1002).

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is being awarded a $15,422,686 modification (P00002) to a previously awarded contract (N0003025C1024) to provide services to complete capital maintenance projects. Projects completed as part of this effort are limited to non-severable improvements, repair, or modifications of Navy-owned land, buildings, and support utilities. Work will be performed in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Work is expected to be completed April 28, 2029. Fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,365,944; fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $7,499,120; and fiscal 2026 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $6,557,622, will be obligated on this award. Fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,365,944 will expire at the end of this fiscal year. This contract was awarded as a sole source acquisition pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Linthicum Heights, Maryland, is awarded a $12,846,275 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-only ceiling increase modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-22-C-5520) for Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program Block 3 Electronic Attack systems design agent engineering support. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract action to $52,011,440. Work will be performed in Baltimore, Maryland, and is expected to be completed by August 2026. If all options are exercised, work will continue through August 2027. Fiscal 2026 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,379,390 (81%); fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $905,815 (14%); and fiscal 2026 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $331,550 (5%), will be obligated at time of award, of which $905,815 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) (only one responsible source and no other type of property or services will satisfy the needs of the agency). Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-22-C-5520).

*Small business

https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4452734/

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President of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister of Georgia delivered press statements

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

06.04.2026 [17:42]

Tbilisi, April 6, AZERTAC

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze delivered press statements in Tbilisi on April 6.

Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze made the statement first.

Statement by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze

- Welcome, Your Excellency Mr. President,

Honorable ministers,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Media representatives,

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the dear friend of Georgia, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, for visiting Georgia. His arrival in Georgia is a special honor for all of us.

Mr. President, I am pleased to have the opportunity to host you in Georgia and to discuss both issues related to bilateral cooperation and current processes in the region. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude for the condolences offered by Azerbaijan and by you personally regarding the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness Ilia II.

For centuries, our peoples have been bound by good neighborliness and a special historical friendship. This logically reflects the strong strategic partnership between our states. Relations between Georgia and Azerbaijan are developing dynamically across various directions. We particularly value your personal efforts and participation in this process. I also thank the members of the delegation, government members, and ambassadors who play a special role in the development of these relations.

I would like to express my gratitude for Azerbaijan's steadfast support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. Since restoring its independence, Georgia has always been a strong advocate of Azerbaijan's national interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; it remains so now and will remain so in the future. During our meeting today, we discussed in detail not only our bilateral ties but also broader matters concerning the future of the South Caucasus region as a whole.

In this context, we welcome the ongoing peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Georgia firmly supports peaceful coexistence, constructive cooperation, and new initiatives within the region. Should the need arise, we stand ready to facilitate dialogue and contribute to peace processes at any time. Cooperation among the countries of the South Caucasus opens new horizons for the entire region. Global geopolitical shifts have further elevated the importance of the Middle Corridor, as well as the strategic significance of the Black Sea and the South Caucasus as a whole.

As a bridge connecting Asia and Europe, our countries play a pivotal role in transit. To this end, we place special emphasis on the development and modernization of transport and logistics infrastructure. Georgia and Azerbaijan have repeatedly proven that we are reliable and responsible partners in international energy and transport projects.

During our meeting, we also discussed the prospects for trade and economic cooperation. Azerbaijan remains one of Georgia's largest trading partners, and we anticipate that our economic ties will deepen further through increased investment. We expressed our readiness to maintain high-level dialogue and further strengthen our cooperation across various fields.

I am confident that our strategic partnership will continue to develop successfully for the prosperity of our peoples and countries. The President's visit plays a vital role in this regard.

In conclusion, Mr. President, I would like to express my gratitude once again for your personal contribution to strengthening the relations between our states, for your visit, and for our productive cooperation. Mr. President, I am particularly grateful for the personal commitment you have shown to the deepening and advancement of our bilateral ties.

x x x

Then, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made the statement.

Statement by President Ilham Aliyev

- Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

Dear friends,

Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for the invitation and for your hospitality. It is a great honor for me to once again be in brotherly Georgia. I am confident that my visit will provide a new impetus to relations between our two brotherly countries. The issues we discussed today once again demonstrate that Georgia and Azerbaijan, as always, stand together. Our historical ties serve as a strong foundation for interstate relations. For centuries, the Georgian and Azerbaijani peoples have lived in an atmosphere of friendship and brotherhood, and these traditions continue today. Today, as two independent states, Georgia and Azerbaijan are developing confidently. Taking this opportunity, I would like to congratulate you and your government on the successes achieved by Georgia.

Georgia's dynamic economic development is clearly visible. There is a very positive investment climate in Georgia, which is why many investors, including Azerbaijani investors, show great interest in the country. Of course, the main prerequisite and key factor behind all these successes is political stability. This political stability exists in Georgia. It is guaranteed by the people of Georgia and by the policy you are pursuing. As your friends and neighbors, we rejoice in this and are confident that Azerbaijani-Georgian relations will continue to develop successfully in the future.

We always support each other in all international organizations. As the Prime Minister mentioned, we have always supported, continue to support, and will continue to support each other's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the inviolability of our borders.

We have achieved great success in the economic sphere. Before this visit, I reviewed the data and saw that last year our trade turnover exceeded $800 million, and in the first quarter of this year, the growth rate remains quite high. If this trend continues, we may reach the one-billion-dollar mark by the end of the year. As I mentioned, the highly favorable investment climate in Georgia also encourages Azerbaijani investors. To date, Azerbaijan has invested $3.7 billion in the Georgian economy. Today, we exchanged views on new investment projects that will benefit both Azerbaijan and Georgia. In the future, we may also consider joint investments in third countries.

Naturally, every time we meet, we discuss many issues, including the regional situation and regional security matters. Today was no exception. A completely new situation is emerging in the South Caucasus, and the countries located in the South Caucasus must not miss these opportunities. Unfortunately, peace, security, stability, and tranquility are being disrupted in many parts of the world, resulting in bloody clashes, wars, suffering, and losses. A similar situation once existed in the South Caucasus as well. But today, the South Caucasus is turning into a space of peace, tranquility, security, and cooperation. I would like to especially highlight Georgia's role in this process.

Mr. Prime Minister also touched upon the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. I can say that simply signing documents is not enough to strengthen this process. At every moment and with every step we take, we must reinforce this peace. The best way to do so is through trade. Today, trade between Azerbaijan and Armenia is conducted through Georgia. In this regard, I would like to express my gratitude to the Government of Georgia.

For many years, Azerbaijan has taken important steps in the energy sector that have strengthened the energy security of many countries. Today, Azerbaijani gas is exported to 16 countries. However, this export still begins from Georgia, and Georgia is the first country on this route. Both Azerbaijani oil and gas are exported to global markets via Georgia, and oil resources from the eastern shores of the Caspian Sea are also transported through Azerbaijan and Georgia. We have spoken sufficiently about this existing infrastructure. All of this infrastructure is clearly visible, and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline has been operating successfully for nearly 20 years. The Southern Gas Corridor was implemented afterward, and today this infrastructure is of great importance for a vast geography. Later, we also built transport corridors along these routes, and work is currently underway to expand them. The Middle Corridor passes through Azerbaijan and Georgia. This is our main transport artery, and additional efforts are being made  and will continue to be made  to expand it.

In short, our bilateral agenda is very broad, and it continues to expand further. New projects and ideas are being put forward, and we are resolving them through joint efforts. The main condition and factor for this, of course, is our bilateral relations. I can say that our relations can serve as an example for all neighbors, as they are built on mutual respect, mutual trust, common benefit, mutual interests, friendship, and brotherhood. I am confident that we will continue to move forward successfully along this path in the future.

Taking this opportunity, I wish the brotherly Georgian people peace, tranquility, prosperity, and happiness. Once again, I thank you for the invitation and for your hospitality.

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April 6, 2026

By Matthew Olay, Pentagon News

Trump, Hegseth, Caine Laud Successful Rescue of Downed Airmen in Iran

During a White House press conference today, President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, lauded the military's success in a harrowing Easter weekend rescue of two airmen.

The two service members' F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was downed by enemy forces in Iran, April 3, while flying in support of Operation Epic Fury.

"This has been one of our better Easters, I think, in a lot of different ways [and] I can say, militarily, it's been one of the best," the president said at the outset of his remarks.

Both service members were successfully recovered in just under 48 hours from when the mission to save them began.

Trump described his decision to launch the operation as "risky" because it could have put the lives of a significant number of U.S. personnel at risk while trying to rescue the two individuals.

"It's a hard decision to make, but in the U.S. military, we leave no American behind; we don't do it," Trump said.

"Over this Easter weekend, the United States military has once again proved why we possess the greatest fighting force the world has ever known. In two extraordinary combat search and rescue operations deep inside enemy territory  in Iran  our warriors executed missions of breathtaking skill, courage and precision," Hegseth told the media.

"When our warriors are unleashed  as this president has allowed them to be  they are unstoppable," he continued.

Caine explained that shortly after the F-15's downing in the early morning, April 3, the joint personnel recovery center operating in U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility declared an isolated personnel event after both the pilot and the weapons system officer had successfully ejected from the aircraft behind enemy lines.

Shortly thereafter, a rescue force composed of 21 aircraft, including A-10 Thunderbolt attack planes, KC-130 search and rescue aircraft, HH-60W Jolly Green IIs and a package of Air Force special warfare combat rescue officers and pararescue operators, went into enemy territory to locate and recover the downed airmen.

"Over the next hours, the search and rescue task force crossed the beach, entered into Iranian airspace  protected by a fighter strike package  and moved into the objective area, all under [enemy] fire," Caine explained.

Trump said the first wave of search and rescue forces was able to locate and extract the pilot in an HH-60W while taking on heavy fire, but without casualties.

"It's amazing that, when you look at the [damage to the] machinery ... that nobody was even injured," Trump said.

Meanwhile, Trump said, the second crew member had landed at a significant distance from the F-15's pilot.

He found himself badly injured and, in an area teeming with members of the enemy Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, besieged by Iranian military militia and Iranian citizens who were incentivized by the regime to try to locate the downed airman.

Still, the airman managed to evade capture by scaling treacherous mountain terrain, ascending in altitude and scaling cliffs until he was in an adequate spot to contact rescue forces and transmit his location, Trump said.

The president added that the second rescue mission involved 155 aircraft, many of which were involved in subterfuge to trick regime forces into thinking the rescue personnel were looking for the downed airman at various decoy sites.

"We wanted to have them think he was in a different location, because [the regime] had a vast military force out there; thousands of people were looking," Trump said.

The president also noted that the downed F-15 was the U.S. military's only manned aircraft to be downed by enemy fire since Epic Fury began Feb. 28.

"It was a lucky hit; [Iran] got lucky," Trump said.

"But we got lucky, too, because we got both [of the airmen] back," he added.

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The Arab Republic of Egypt lauded on Monday the role of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, in supporting the resilience of the people of Al-Quds and safeguarding the Arab and Islamic cultural and religious identity of the city of Al-Quds, as well as its legal status, its civilizational significance, and its historical importance as a land of coexistence among the three religions.

Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Monday 06 April 2026

Egypt also highlighted, in the minutes of the first session of the Morocco-Egypt Coordination and Follow-up Committee, held on Monday under the chairmanship of Morocco's Head of Government Mr. Aziz Akhannouch and Egyptian Prime Minister Mr. Mostafa Madbouly, the efforts put forward by Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency, the executive arm of the Al-Quds Committee, through social and humanitarian projects aimed at supporting the resilience of Al-Quds' people.

Furthermore, the Arab Republic of Egypt commended various initiatives launched by the Sovereign across the African continent.

Among these initiatives, which serve as a model for South-South cooperation, are the Royal Initiative to facilitate Atlantic Ocean access for Sahel countries, the Royal Atlantic Initiative and the Africa-Atlantic gas pipeline project.

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The Arab Republic of Egypt reaffirmed on Monday in Cairo its support for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco, as well as for the latest Security Council resolution and a consensual political solution.

Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Monday 06 April 2026

This resolution emphasizes that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the most feasible solution for resolving the Moroccan Sahara issue.

This stance, expressed in the minutes of the first session of the Morocco-Egypt Coordination and Follow-up Committee, held under the chairmanship of Morocco's Head of Government Mr. Aziz Akhannouch and Egyptian Prime Minister Mr. Mostafa Madbouly, reiterates Cairo's support for the current UN roadmap, which places the Moroccan autonomy initiative at the heart of the resolution process.

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German Eurofighters hand over NATO's Enhanced Air Policing Mission in Romania to the Royal Air Force

NATO Allied Air Command

Apr 6 2026

RAMSTEIN, Germany -- The German Air Force has concluded its NATO enhanced Air Policing deployment at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, after completing two consecutive rotations in support of the Alliance's south-eastern air defence mission. The German Eurofighter detachment hand over responsibility to the incoming Royal Air Force Typhoon detachment.

Deployed since summer 2025, the German contingent has been continuously contributing to the security of the Alliance's south-eastern flank. From Romania's Black Sea region, the detachment maintained continuous readiness under NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defence mission.

Throughout the deployment, German Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft accumulated more than 600 flying hours and conducted over 470 sorties, the sustained operational tempo ensured a persistent and responsive presence in a strategically important region of NATO's eastern flank.

"For our personnel, this mission has been both demanding and meaningful," said Lieutenant Colonel Andreas "HULK" Beckmann German Air Force Detachment Commander. "Holding Quick Reaction Alert on NATO's south-eastern flank, close to the Black Sea, brings a real sense of responsibility. I am proud of how our team worked alongside our Romanian Allies every day to ensure the security of NATO airspace."

The detachment executed more than 25 Alpha Scrambles, highlighting NATO's ability to respond rapidly to any potential threat to the airspace. This QRA mission remains a cornerstone of NATO Air Policing, ensuring the integrity and security of NATO airspace, 24/7.

In addition to air policing duties, German personnel conducted eight Flexible Deterrence Options, reinforcing NATO's adaptable and scalable posture under Eastern Sentry. These activities contribute to deterrence by demonstrating the Alliance's readiness and capability to respond to evolving security challenges.

German Eurofighters regularly operated alongside Romanian F-16s, enhancing interoperability and strengthening NATO's integrated air defence network in the region. The deployment also provided valuable opportunities for multinational training and integration, ensuring that Allied forces remain prepared to operate together effectively in a dynamic operational environment.

The handover to the Royal Air Force, enables continuous Air Policing coverage over Romania. Such rotations underscore NATO's ability to sustain persistent air power forward deployed, ensuring stability and security along the south-eastern flank. Through sustained presence and multinational cooperation, NATO continues to reinforce a responsive and adaptable posture across the eastern flank.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office

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Senate eyes renewed push for PH-China oil exploration under PBBM

Philippine News Agency

By Wilnard Bacelonia

April 6, 2026, 6:38 pm

MANILA -- The Senate is considering reviving joint oil exploration between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., as the government looks for ways to secure alternative energy sources.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the proposal had been raised during the early years of former president Rodrigo Duterte but did not move forward.

"[Former] Senator Honasan, Senator Lacson and I together with Ed Manalac proposed that to [former] president Rodrigo Duterte during his early years as President. Former executive secretary Medialdea was there. They agreed to our proposal but nothing came out of it," Sotto said in a Viber message to reporters on Monday.

The renewed push comes as the government explores options to address possible fuel supply constraints linked to global developments.

Asked if he is optimistic the proposal could be pursued under the current administration, Sotto said, "I hope so."

He added that discussions may be revisited.

"I might ask for a meeting after I discuss it with our group again," he said.

Meanwhile, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said joint exploration is not a new proposal, noting that a technical working group had already been formed during the Duterte administration.

"Actually, hindi siya bago. During the Duterte administration nagkaroon na nga ng technical working group. I was the chairman of the Energy committee pa that time so minomonitor ko yung development at hirap talaga ang Philippine and Chinese negotiators to come up with a common solution kasi gusto nila batas nila, gusto natin batas natin (Actually, this is not new. During the Duterte administration, a technical working group was already formed. I was chairman of the Energy committee at that time, so I monitored the development, and Philippine and Chinese negotiators had difficulty coming up with a common solution because they wanted their law and we wanted ours)," Gatchalian said.

"So, ako in my personal opinion, I'm okay to pursue the joint exploration, huwag lang madiminish o maisaalang-alang yung ating sovereignty and sovereign rights kasi nasa exclusive economic zone natin yun (So, in my personal opinion, I am okay to pursue joint exploration, as long as our sovereignty and sovereign rights are not diminished or compromised since it is within our exclusive economic zone)," he added.

He noted that China has the technology and experience in oil and gas exploration, which the Philippines can leverage, provided that Philippine laws govern the arrangement.

"In fairness kasi sa China tried and tested na sila pagdating sa exploration... but ang governing law dapat sa atin kasi ganon ang model natin sa lahat ng gustong mag-explore sa ating bansa (In fairness to China, they are tried and tested when it comes to exploration... but the governing law should be ours because that is our model for all those who want to explore in our country)," he said.

Earlier, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson backed joint oil and gas exploration with China, citing energy supply concerns, but stressed that any agreement must comply with the 60-40 ownership requirement under the 1987 Constitution.

"Yes. Four-square behind, sinusuportahan ko. Kasi sayang eh. Yayaman tayo doon (Yes. I am supporting this, I'm four-square behind it. There is so much potential. We can benefit greatly from it)," Lacson said.

Oman oil supply deal eyed

At the same time, Sen. Erwin Tulfo said the country could explore a possible government-to-government arrangement with Oman for additional oil supply amid the ongoing crisis.

Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, raised the proposal during a meeting with Oman Ambassador Abdullah Al Manwari at the Oman Embassy in Taguig City.

"In case this war would drag on, I hope you can help us boost our oil reserves. We will ask through our proper government channels  the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Energy," Tulfo said.

The Omani envoy said any such arrangement would need to be confirmed with their corresponding ministry but expressed openness to assisting the Philippines.

Tulfo also thanked Oman for supporting overseas Filipino workers, noting that some OFWs used the country as a transit point during repatriation efforts. (PNA)

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PH Army, allies open 'Salaknib' Phase 1 drills

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

April 6, 2026, 6:14 pm

MANILA -- The Exercise "Salaknib" Phase 1 featuring more than 7,000 Filipino, Japanese, American and Australian soldiers formally opened at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija on Monday.

In a statement, Philippine Army (PA) vice commander Maj. Gen. Efren Morados underscored the value of forging alliances and the creation of opportunities to learn best practices from one soldier to another.

He said Salaknib is "guided by a clear and strategic purpose to strengthen combined arms operations, deepen multi-domain interoperability, and reinforce a credible and resilient regional security architecture."

Meanwhile, US 25th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. James Bartholomees highlighted the importance of the exercise from their perspective as a long-term ally of the Philippines.

"The United States is proud to call the Philippines our oldest treaty ally in the Pacific, with a bond forged 73 years ago that has strengthened decades of shared sacrifice, trust, and friendship," he said.

"While our shields are interwoven, potential adversaries clearly see the unity, the capability, and the resolve of our land forces. Together, we will ensure peace, deter aggression, and preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific."

This year, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and the Australian Army will join "Salaknib" as first-time participants and observers, marking it the largest training exercise of like-minded armies to date.

The PA and the United States Army Pacific have been long-term partners for "Salaknib" since 2015, with training anchored on the two countries' Mutual Defense Treaty.

"Salaknib" Phase 1 is scheduled from April 6 to 17. It will be followed by Exercise "Balikatan" scheduled from April to May and "Salaknib" Phase 2 from May to June.

The multilateral exercises will focus on maritime and territorial defense, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, along with amphibious and combined arms operations.

The PA's elevation of its exercises signals its readiness and firm resolve to respond to multiple threats.

"Salaknib" which means shield in Ilocano, reflects the historical bond between the Philippines and Americans that dates back to World War II when Filipino and American troops fought side-by-side. (PNA)

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Think-tank not keen on PH-China joint energy exploration in WPS

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

April 6, 2026, 12:47 pm

MANILA -- Think-tank Stratbase Institute is not in favor of any joint energy exploration deal between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In rejecting the measure, the group said it has repeatedly demonstrated that it is neither a reliable partner nor a responsible actor.

"It has damaged Philippine assets and endangered the lives of Filipino uniformed personnel and civilians as part of its sustained effort to assert unlawful control over areas that belong to the Philippines under international law," Stratbase said in a Facebook post Sunday night.

It also said any discussion of joint energy exploration must be firmly anchored in international law, particularly the 2016 Arbitral Award.

Stratbase said this landmark ruling unequivocally affirms the Philippines' exclusive sovereign rights to explore and exploit natural resources within its exclusive economic zone in the WPS.

"These rights are non-negotiable. All resources must remain under full Philippine ownership, control, and supervision. Any arrangement that creates ambiguity or undermines these rights is unacceptable," it added.

The body also said China's continued refusal to recognize and comply with the arbitral ruling further underscores its lack of credibility.

"A state that persistently disregards international law and violates Philippine sovereign rights cannot be expected to honor any agreement. Entering into such a partnership would expose the country to unnecessary risk," it added.

Stratbase said energy security must never come at the expense of sovereignty.

It added that no crisis should be used to justify compromising the Philippines' legal position or ignoring the lived realities of Filipino fisherfolk and frontliners who continue to bear the consequences of China's actions in the WPS.

"Moving forward, the Philippines must pursue clear and decisive measures, including the full implementation of Executive Order No. 111, to reinforce its jurisdiction and uphold its rights under international law," Stratbase added.

At the same time, the group said the Philippines should actively develop its energy resources through partnerships with like-minded states and credible Filipino private sector actors with the necessary expertise and capacity.

It said engaging actors who have consistently acted in bad faith is not only unnecessary but ultimately detrimental to the Philippines' long-term national interest. (PNA)

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Hungary's Orban Visits Pipeline As Serbia Pushes Back On Claims Blaming Ukraine For Sabotage

By RFE/RL's Balkan Service April 06, 2026

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban traveled to the TurkStream gas pipeline on the Hungarian-Serbian border on April 6, inspecting infrastructure that his government says was the target of a foiled sabotage attempt -- six days before parliamentary elections that polls suggest he may lose.

"Yesterday they wanted to blow up the gas pipeline," Orban wrote on Facebook before departing for the border. "We are checking whether everything is in order on the Hungarian side."

Serbian authorities said they discovered two backpacks containing about 4 kilograms of plastic explosive near the village of Velebit in northern Serbia on April 5, along with detonator caps, detonating cord, and tools used to assemble an explosive device.

The Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Subotica said the case had been classified as illegal weapons and explosives trafficking linked to suspected sabotage.

The find has quickly sparked a dispute over responsibility, with the issue spilling into the run-up to Hungary's upcoming elections.

Speaking after an emergency session of Hungary's Defense Council, Orban stopped short of directly naming Ukraine but said Kyiv had "for years been trying to cut Europe off from Russian energy," adding that attacks on the Russian section of TurkStream represented "a mortal danger for Hungary."

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry categorically rejected any involvement.

"This is most likely a Russian false-flag operation, as part of Moscow's strong interference in the Hungarian elections," spokesman Heorhii Tykhiy wrote on X.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there was "no reliable evidence" yet on who was responsible, but still suggested Ukraine could be involved, citing what he claimed were past attacks on energy infrastructure

Significant pushback on this, however, came from Serbia's own military intelligence.

Djuro Jovanic, director of the Military Security Agency (VBA), said flatly that "it is not true that Ukrainians tried to organize this sabotage," before adding a caveat that will complicate any definitive attribution.

"Based on the markings on the explosives, it is unmistakably clear that the manufacturer is from the United States," Jovanic said. "Now, will someone suggest that the United States would benefit from this situation at this moment?"

Jovanic said forensic analysis of the collected evidence was already underway and new information would follow.

He also disclosed that the VBA had spent months warning political leadership that an attack on gas infrastructure was possible, and had met with "skepticism, disapproval, disagreement."

Jovanic claimed an immigrant with military training was behind the alleged sabotage operation.

Srdjan Cvijic of the Belgrade Center for Security Policy was unconvinced.

"Our authorities do not dare to openly accuse Ukraine, so they invent some supposed migrants instead, conveniently fitting into Orban's anti-migrant rhetoric," he told RFE/RL's Balkan Service.

Cvijic added that the incident reflected "all the core narratives of Russian disinformation being promoted in this part of Europe," and suggested Belgrade's handling of it pointed to "an intention to help a friend -- Orban -- in trouble," while stopping short of a direct accusation of Ukraine to avoid alienating Serbia's European partners.

The incident lands inside a preexisting energy standoff.

Budapest is already in dispute with Kyiv over the suspension of oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline, which Hungary and Slovakia blame on Ukraine, while Kyiv attributes the damage to a Russian drone strike.

Orban has leveraged both disputes to block the formal adoption of a 90-billion-euro ($104 billion) EU loan to Ukraine, which was approved by the other 26 member states in December.

That broader confrontation has defined Orban's campaign framing -- war or peace, Brussels or Budapest -- and his Fidesz party has worked to link opposition leader Peter Magyar to Ukraine and the EU.

Magyar called the pipeline incident a transparent attempt to boost Orban's flagging numbers.

Orban, standing before the cameras at the border, dismissed the charge.

"This event does not affect the elections," he said. "It affects Hungary's energy security. Let us not mix the campaign with governing the state."

The suspect remains unidentified. The election is on April 12.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/hungary-serbia-turkstream- gas-pipeline-ukraine-explosives/33725865.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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JFC Naples Commander, at the MoND Headquarters

Romania - Ministry of National Defence

Press release No. 65

06.04.2026

Minister of National Defence, Radu Miruta, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gheorghita Vlad, had official meetings on Thursday, April 2, with Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of the Allied Joint Force Command Naples, at the Ministry of National Defence Headquarters.

The talks aimed at strengthening the Allied defence posture, especially in the Black Sea region, as well as Romania's contributions to the Alliance's operations, missions and Enhanced Vigilance Activities on the Eastern Flank.

In this context, the Minister of National Defence emphasized the need for efficient coordination among the allied states, and highlighted the importance of cooperation with a view to consolidating the Eastern Flank and preparations for the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara, this July.

At the same time, the officials addressed issues regarding military mobility and host nation support, and stressed the need for closer cooperation between NATO and the European Union. The Romanian official highlighted the progress made in implementing the decisions adopted at the NATO Summit in The Hague, in 2025, as well as Romania's sustained efforts to meet its defence commitments.

"In such busy times at global level, the most important thing is to have dialogue, to openly discuss problems and solutions. Romania has very clearly shown, with concrete facts and investments, that it is an extremely serious partner you can rely on," concluded Minister Miruta.

During the discussions, the Chief of Defence Staff stressed the essential role of the allied presence and joint training on Romanian territory, as concrete elements that contribute to increasing the response capacity and strengthening regional security, and emphasized that what is built together, through exercises and cooperation among allies, is directly reflected in the ability to act quickly and in a coordinated manner, thus, offering the soldiers confidence in their own forces, the team and in the partners with whom they conduct their missions.

Admiral George Wikoff appreciated, during the talks, the fact that the Romanian soldiers participating in the NATO Mission Iraq successfully fulfilled their force protection mission and were the last to leave the base, ensuring the successful deployment of the other detachments, in accordance with the Alliance's plans.

The admiral also emphasized the importance of Romania's efforts for NATO's collective defence.

The meetings reconfirmed NATO's firm commitment to collective defense and to protecting the Allied territory from security threats.

The Press Office

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MIKTA Statement on the Attack Against Indonesian UNIFIL Peacekeepers

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea

Date: 2026-04-06

We the Foreign Ministers of Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Turkiye, and Australia - comprising MIKTA - condemn in the strongest term the killing of Indonesian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The MIKTA Foreign Ministers express their deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to Indonesia. They wish a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

Attacks on UN peacekeepers and aid workers are unacceptable and violate international law, particularly international humanitarian law. They must never be the target of an attack. The members of MIKTA stand in solidarity with Indonesia and fully support its call for an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation of the attacks.

In addition, as signatories to the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, the Foreign Ministers of MIKTA reiterate the importance of ensuring the safety and security of humanitarian personnel.

Peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel save lives. This work should never cost them their own.

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Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

6 April 2026

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

** Guests

Good afternoon. In a short while, we will have a guest: Francisco Pichon, Resident Coordinator in Cuba. He will brief you on the situation in the country. Tomorrow, we will have as our guest Imran Riza, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon. He will be briefing you on Lebanon, from Beirut.

** Sudan

I will start with Sudan today. The Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, is continuing his engagements in the region. He is currently in Nairobi, where he met today with the head of the Rapid Support Forces Commander, General Mohamed Hamdan Hemedti. This follows his recent meeting with General [Abdel Fattah] Al Burhan, the President of the Transitional Sovereign Council of the Republic of Sudan and also meeting with the authorities in Khartoum as part of his continuing inaugural discussions.

The meetings afforded a constructive opportunity to exchange views and explore practical avenues for de-escalation and the protection of civilians. All stakeholders engaged by Mr. Haavisto throughout these visits have expressed their readiness to cooperate with the United Nations and the Personal Envoy. This is encouraging and must swiftly translate into concrete progress towards ending the suffering of all Sudanese, once and for all.

And just to flag that, over the weekend, Mr. Haavisto was in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, where he met with Egyptian officials there, as well as representatives of the League of Arab States and members of the Sudanese diaspora in Cairo.

** Sudan/Humanitarian

On the humanitarian front, I can tell you that our teams on the ground are scaling up their presence in Khartoum, to expand humanitarian operations. Our Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Denise Brown, is returning to Khartoum with a core team from our humanitarian unit.

Most of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) team is remaining in Port Sudan for now, but a number of other agencies have opened up offices in Khartoum over previous months. These offices were closed since the start of the war, as you well know. The arrival of Ms. Brown and her team signals a renewed commitment to expanding humanitarian operations in the capital and beyond, at a time when needs are skyrocketing. More than 1.6 million Sudanese people have also returned to Khartoum in recent months, even as explosive remnants of war and damaged infrastructure continue to pose serious risks.

As the three-year mark of hostilities in Sudan approaches, we reiterate our call for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, including health facilities, an immediate cessation of hostilities, and rapid, safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access.

Once again, our humanitarian colleagues are sounding the alarm that drone attacks continue to endanger civilians and deepen humanitarian needs throughout Sudan. In White Nile State, an attack on Al Jabalayn Teaching Hospital last Thursday reportedly killed 10 health workers and injured 22 others, obviously severely disrupting all services at the teaching hospital. We reiterate that medical personnel and facilities must be protected, as international humanitarian law requires.

Since the conflict began nearly three years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) has verified more than 200 such attacks, with over 2,000 people killed. In the first quarter of this year alone, 13 attacks against health targets have been verified, killing 184 people and injuring nearly 300 others.

We need adequate funding to deliver humanitarian assistance in Sudan. The 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which requires $2.9 billion to reach more than 20 million people across the country, is only 16 per cent funded, with just $465 million in the bank.

** Lebanon/Humanitarian

Turning to Lebanon, our humanitarian colleagues there say that more than 1.1 million men, women and children in Lebanon are now registered as displaced. More than 137,000 people, one third of whom are children, are sheltering in nearly 700 collective sites, many of them are schools. Most displaced people are dispersed across host communities or informal settings, often with very limited access to the most basic services.

The human toll continues to rise at an alarming pace, impacting especially children. We and our partners continue to work closely with the Government of Lebanon to help people in the face of these soaring needs. With pumping stations and main supply lines damaged across multiple governorates, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has supplied more than 280,000 litres of fuel to some 45 pumping stations and wastewater stations nationwide, in the first month of the escalation. The agency is also helping to repair and maintain these sites.

Since the start of this escalation, we and our partners have also distributed more than 3 million meals and over 65,000 food parcels. Despite these efforts, many people are still being left behind, especially those who are displaced outside formal shelters, who often struggle to access even the most basic support. Ongoing insecurity is also making it harder for our teams to reach those in need and deliver assistance safely.

Our call to all remains urgent: de-escalate now; respect international humanitarian law. You must do this by protecting civilians, including humanitarian and health workers; ensuring safe, unimpeded access for humanitarian delivery; and funding the response. As of today, less than $100 million of the $308 million required under the March appeal for Lebanon has been received.

** Lebanon/Israel

On the peacekeeping end, I can tell you that we remain deeply concerned by the ongoing escalation between Hizbullah and Israel, including Israeli strikes in Beirut. United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers report in their area of operations continued exchanges of rocket and artillery fire, air strikes and clashes on the ground, alongside an increased presence of Israeli forces and assets inside Lebanese territory.

Over the weekend, kinetic activity was concentrated around Yatar and Bint Jbeil in Sector West and Al Qantarah in Sector East. On Friday, an explosion occurred inside a UN position near El Adeisse. Three peacekeepers were injured, including two seriously. And again, in this case, the peacekeepers were Indonesians. The two most seriously injured personnel were medevacked to a hospital in Marjayoun, where they are now reported to be in stable condition. The less seriously injured personnel received on-site medical treatment.

You will have seen on Friday, we reported that Israeli soldiers destroyed all of the force protection cameras facing Minghy Street, which is on the outside of UNIFIL's Naqoura Headquarters. These cameras were positioned solely to monitor the immediate vicinity of our headquarters and ensure the safety and security of both military and civilian peacekeepers. We have conveyed our serious concern to the Israel Defense Forces. Again, we urge all actors to uphold their obligations under international law and to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel at all times.

** Occupied Palestinian Territory

A quick update for you from Gaza: Our colleagues at OCHA say that UNICEF and its partners have restored access to clean water in the south of the Gaza Strip after an air strike on 25 March. This attack had curbed output at the Southern Gaza Seawater Desalination Plant to less than 20 per cent of its normal capacity. OCHA says that half a million people in Deir al-Balah and the northern Mawasi area of Khan Younis couldn't fully access drinking water as a result, despite UN-backed efforts to bring in clean water on trucks.

** Ukraine

Moving to Europe and Ukraine, our humanitarian colleagues there tell us that intensified attacks over the weekend killed 42 people, including a child, and injured some 200 other civilians, among them over a dozen children. Attacks also damaged health, education and energy facilities, disrupting [power] in several regions. This is according to what authorities are telling us.

Our humanitarian colleagues note that more than 25,000 people have been displaced from the Donetsk region so far this year. Our partners continue to support Government-led evacuations, assisting the most vulnerable people, including those with limited mobility. Following the latest attacks, our partners mobilized emergency assistance across multiple regions, providing medical and psychosocial support, as well as distributing food and other essential supplies and support to people who need cash assistance. Our Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, stressed that, under international humanitarian law, residents must be protected as they go about their daily lives.

** BBNJ

And you will have seen that, on Thursday, the third session of the Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of the BBNJ, the [Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction] Agreement ended last Thursday with a renewed commitment among stakeholders to advance the timely and effective implementation of the Agreement.

We thank delegations for their tireless work and dedication, as well as the Co-Chairs, Adam McCarthy of Australia and Ambassador Janine Felson of Belize, for their leadership, reaffirming the significance of the BBNJ Agreement as a milestone for global ocean governance and for the multilateral system. The first meeting of the Conference of the Parties will be held next year, 2027, from 11 to 22 January, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Agreement.

** Sport for Development and Peace

Today is the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. This year's theme, "Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers", reflects sport's unique role as a universal language that cuts across cultures and borders, advancing the United Nations' goals for development and peace.

** Financial Contribution

We have a quiz, because we got some money. This country has over 30 languages that are spoken; it has some of the highest dunes in the world: the tallest one stands at 325 metres and is called "Big Daddy". Listen to the cameraman from Al Jazeera because he always knows. [Namibia.] We thank our friends in Windhoek for their full payment to the Regular Budget. Namibia brings us up to 99 [fully paid-up Member States]. So, would say, "Good thinking, 99," for those of you who get that reference from 1970s television. Yes, Edie?

** Questions and Answers

Question : Thank you, Steph. Does the Secretary-General have any reaction to the threat by President [Donald J.] Trump to blow up power plants, bridges and other infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not open by tomorrow evening?

Spokesman : Yes. We were alarmed by the rhetoric seen in that social media post that threatened American attacks on power plants, bridges, and other infrastructure, should Iran not agree to a deal. The Secretary-General has been very clear on issues regarding international law, and he urges yet again all parties to abide by their obligations regarding the conduct of these hostilities. And he recalls that civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, may not be attacked; even if specific civilian infrastructure were to qualify as a military objective, international humanitarian law would still prohibit attacks against them if they may be expected to cause excessive incidental civilian harm. Once again, the Secretary-General reaffirms that it's high time for the parties to stop this conflict, as there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Yvonne Murray, RTE?

Question : Thank you. So, such attacks could constitute war crimes in the Secretary-General's view?

Spokesman : They would constitute violations of international law, and I think whether something is a crime or not a crime would have to be decided by a court, but any attack on civilian infrastructure is a violation of international law and a very clear one. Gabriel?

Question : Thanks, Steph. Do you have any update on the Strait of Hormuz and Mr. [Jorge] Moreira da Silva's work for the last few days on how that mechanism is working?

Spokesman : Yeah. He was continuing his discussions as of the end of last week. His contacts are continuing. Also, I wanted to let you know that Jean Arnault will be heading to the region today and will be able to report more detail soon, likely tomorrow or the day after, on the list of countries that he will visit.

Question : And on UNIFIL, the investigation into the incidents that injured and killed the UNIFIL personnel are still under investigation?

Spokesman : The investigation results are being processed right now, so as soon as I have something to share with you, I will. Okay, Abdelhamid, I see you. I assume you have a question if I see you, so go ahead.

Question : Thank you. Today, Al-Aqsa Mosque was stormed by Security Minister [Itamar] Ben-Gvir, although the mosque was closed for Muslim prayers for almost over a month. But, yet, Ben-Gvir found the time and with his security to storm the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Any comment on that?

Spokesman : Look, we are continually concerned about the efforts to change the status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem. And we continue to watch that very closely.

Question : My second question, nine Palestinians were killed in Al-Maghazi refugee camp in Gaza today. Are you aware of this development and the number of people killed?

Spokesman : I have not received those reports here at this point. Iftikhar?

Question : Thank you, Steph. I'm sure you have seen today's Reuters report about a proposal submitted by Pakistan, a ceasefire proposal submitted by Pakistan to the United States and Iran. Has the Secretary-General had any knowledge of it? Has he been informed?

Spokesman : We've seen those reports. I don't have anything to share with you on that at this point. All right. Thank you very much. We will ask our guest, Mr. Pinchon, the Resident Coordinator in Cuba, to come on the screen.

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World News in Brief: 'Skyrocketing' needs outpace Sudan funding, Ukraine strikes update, global water security

6 April 2026 - The UN is significantly scaling up its presence in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, to expand life-saving operations as the conflict between rival militaries approaches its third year.

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Denise Brown has returned to the city with a core team, marking a renewed commitment to reaching those in need.

This comes as more than 1.6 million people have recently returned to the capital, despite the persistent threat of damaged infrastructure and explosive remnants of war.

UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters at Monday's press briefing that the humanitarian situation remains dire, with "skyrocketing" needs and a massive shortfall in international support.

Underfunded

"We need adequate funding to deliver humanitarian assistance in Sudan," Mr. Dujarric stressed, noting that the 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan remains critically underfunded at just 16 per cent.

The Spokesperson also expressed grave concern over a recent drone attack on Al Jabalayn Teaching Hospital in White Nile State, which reportedly killed 10 health workers.

Since the start of the war, more than 200 attacks on healthcare targets have been verified.

"Medical personnel and facilities must be protected, as international humanitarian law requires," Mr. Dujarric reiterated, sounding the alarm that such attacks "continue to endanger civilians and deepen humanitarian needs throughout Sudan."

On the diplomatic front, the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Pekka Haavisto, is continuing a regional tour, meeting with key stakeholders in Nairobi and Cairo to explore "practical avenues for de-escalation".

Ukraine: Deadly strikes in Odesa and Nikopol leave civilians dead and injured

A series of devastating attacks across Ukraine has left several civilians dead, including a child, and dozens more injured, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Overnight, an attack on the port city of Odesa claimed the lives of several residents. OCHA reported that over a dozen people were wounded in the strike, which damaged homes, a kindergarten, and a local substation.

The damage to energy infrastructure has "disrupted the power supply" in the area. In response, UN aid workers were "promptly deployed to provide emergency assistance" to those affected by the destruction.

Deadly strike

This follows a deadly drone strike on a market in the city of Nikopol, in the Dnipro Region, on Saturday. That attack killed at least five civilians and injured 25 others, including a 14-year-old girl.

At least eight people were hospitalised following the Nikopol strike, with some reported to be in serious condition.

The UN continues to monitor the humanitarian impact as strikes on infrastructure and high-traffic civilian areas continue to claim lives across the country.

UN humanitarians note that more than 25,000 people have been displaced from the Donetsk region so far this year.

"Our partners continue to support Government-led evacuations, assisting the most vulnerable people, including those with limited mobility," the UN Spokesperson said.

Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, stressed that, under international humanitarian law, residents must be protected as they go about their daily lives.

Global water security requires urgent funding boost, new report warns

The world faces a massive shortfall in water investment, with at least $200 billion needed annually to secure resources for food, energy and the environment, according to a new report from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

The IWMI, a non-profit scientific research organisation and a member of the CGIAR global partnership, works closely with the United Nations and provides regional support for the UN-SPIDER programme.

UN-SPIDER is a platform that ensures all countries can access and use space-based data for disaster management and emergency response.

Underfunded 'priority'

The study highlights that despite water being the "top priority" for climate adaptation in most nations, it receives less than 10 per cent of global climate finance.

Currently, a quarter of the global population lacks safe drinking water. The report notes that while public pledges from recent climate summits remain limited, private sector contributions and "own-source" financing from local water users are becoming vital lifelines for irrigation and sanitation.

"Through this MoU, IWMI will work closely with WMO [the World Meteorological Organization] to strengthen preparedness for floods, droughts and water scarcity by leveraging early warning systems, innovative technologies, tools and applied research," said Mark Smith, Director General of IWMI, highlighting the importance of integrated action.

Experts warn that without systemic changes to how water projects are funded, escalating water insecurity will continue to threaten global food systems and biodiversity.

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Today's top news: Lebanon, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, Ukraine

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Lebanon

UN continues to rush in aid as death toll nears 1,500

OCHA reports that humanitarian partners continue to work closely with the Government to help people amid soaring needs - including by providing clean water.

With pumping stations and main supply lines damaged across multiple governorates, UNICEF has supplied more than 280,000 litres of fuel to some 45 pumping stations and wastewater stations nationwide. The agency is also helping to repair and maintain these sites.

Since the escalation began, humanitarians have distributed more than 3 million meals and over 65,000 food parcels.

Despite these efforts, aid is not reaching everyone who needs it - especially displaced people outside formal shelters. Insecurity is also constraining humanitarian's ability to operate.

More than 1.1 million people - nearly one in five - are now displaced. More than 137,000 people, one third of whom are children, are sheltering in nearly 700 collective sites, many of them schools. Most displaced people are dispersed across host communities or informal settings, often with limited access to basic services.

The human toll continues to rise at an alarming pace. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health nearly 1,500 people have been killed, including 129 children, and over 4,400 injured, among them over 400 children, between 2 March and 5 April.

The United Nations' call remains urgent and consistent: de-escalate now; respect international humanitarian law by protecting civilians, including humanitarian and health workers; ensure safe, unimpeded access; and fund the response. As of today, only a third of the Flash Appeal - which covers the period from March to May - is funded, with less than $100 million of the $308.3M required having been received.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Lebanon with urgent support.

Occupied Palestinian Territory

UN restores clean water after attack damages critical infrastructure

OCHA reports that UNICEF and its partners have restored access to clean water in the south of the Gaza Strip after an airstrike on March 25th. This attack curbed output at the Southern Gaza Seawater Desalination Plant to less than 20 per cent of its capacity.

OCHA says that half a million people in Deir al Balah and the northern Mawasi area of Khan Younis couldn't fully access drinking water as a result, despite UN-backed efforts to deliver clean water by truck.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Gaza and the West Bank with urgent support.

Sudan

UN sounds alarm as health workers caught in deadly strikes



OCHA again warns as drone attacks continue to endanger civilians and deepen humanitarian needs in the country.

In White Nile State, an attack on Al Jabalayn Teaching Hospital last Thursday reportedly killed 10 health workers and injured 22 others, severely disrupting health services.

In a social media post over the weekend, Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, called for medical personnel and facilities to be protected, as international humanitarian law requires.

These incidents are part of a broader pattern of attacks on healthcare in Sudan. Since the conflict began nearly three years ago, the World Health Organization has verified more than 200 such attacks, with over 2,000 people killed.

In the first quarter of this year alone, 13 attacks have been verified, killing 184 people and injuring nearly 300 others.

In Blue Nile State, recent attacks have hit a market in Balila village, where seven civilians were reportedly killed last Wednesday, among other populated areas.

The International Organization for Migration reports that escalating insecurity displaced more than 10,000 people from the Kurmuk locality between mid-February and late March, with many crossing the border into Ethiopia.

Newly uprooted families arriving in the state capital, Ed Damazine, face acute shortages of food, healthcare and shelter, alongside increased risks of violence and abuse, particularly for women and children. Humanitarian access remains constrained there.

Despite these challenges, humanitarians continue to respond. The Sudan Humanitarian Fund has allocated nearly $200 million, with support from a contribution from the United States, to deliver life-saving assistance to 4 million people.

Meanwhile, more than 1.6 million people have returned to the capital, Khartoum, in recent months, even as explosive remnants of war and damaged infrastructure continue to pose serious risks. Humanitarians are scaling up their presence to expand humanitarian operations, including the re-opening of more UN offices last week.

As the three-year mark of the war approaches, OCHA reiterates its call for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, including health facilities, an immediate cessation of hostilities, and rapid, safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access.

Additional funding is urgently needed. The 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which requires $2.9 billion to reach more than 20 million people across Sudan, is just 16 per cent funded, with $465 million received so far.

Ukraine

Deadly weekend attacks kill civilians, damage infrastructure

OCHA reports that intensified attacks over the weekend have caused widespread civilian casualties and damaged critical infrastructure.

Authorities said the attacks killed 42 people, including a child, and injured nearly 200 other civilians - among them over a dozen children - and damaged health, education and energy facilities, disrupting power in several regions.

A strike on a market in the city of Nikopol, in the Dnipro region, killed more than 10 people and injured 25 others. The Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Mattias Schmale, stressed that, under international humanitarian law, residents must be protected as they go about their daily lives.

In the Donetsk region, hostilities also led to the closure of the last operating maternity hospital. Meanwhile, an evacuation point was struck in the city of Kramatorsk on 2 April. No injuries were reported, but the facility was damaged and evacuees and staff were relocated.

More than 25,000 people have been displaced from the Donetsk region so far this year. Humanitarian organisations continue to support Government-led evacuations, assisting the most vulnerable people, including those with limited mobility.

Following the latest attacks, humanitarian partners mobilised emergency assistance across multiple regions, providing medical and psychosocial support, distributing food and other essential supplies; and providing psychological support, including for children. They are also offering legal assistance and support to people who need cash assistance.

Posted on 6 April 2026

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USS John P. Murtha to support NASA's Artemis II mission

US Navy

06 April 2026

From Petty Officer 1st Class Jomark Almazan

Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) is slated to serve as the recovery ship for the Orion spacecraft and its crew upon their return from the historic Artemis II mission.

The ship is named in honor of the late and long-serving Pennsylvania Congressman John P. Murtha.

"It is a fitting tribute to Congressman Murtha, who dedicated his life to serving our nation, that the ship bearing his name will be integral to this historic moment in space exploration," said Capt. Erik Kenny, commanding officer of John P. Murtha. "He was a champion for our military and a visionary. We are honored to carry on his legacy by supporting NASA and the Artemis II mission."

The Artemis II mission is the first crewed flight of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, sending four astronauts on an approximately 10-day journey that will take them beyond the Moon. This mission will mark humanity's first crewed voyage to the vicinity of the Moon in over 50 years.

Upon completion of their mission, the Orion capsule will splash down in the Pacific Ocean, where John P. Murtha and its crew will be prepared to recover the astronauts and the spacecraft.

The U.S. Navy's amphibious transport dock has unique advantages, including a well deck, helicopter pad, onboard medical facilities, and communication capabilities needed to support the mission. The platform gives NASA the ability to recover the Orion space capsule and collect critical data to help ensure it's ready to recover the astronauts and capsule during future Artemis missions.

MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 will provide imagery support for NASA by tracking the Orion space capsule as it travels through Earth's atmosphere. After splashdown, HSC-23 helicopters will recover the astronauts once they exit the capsule and bring them to the ship for assessment and then transport them to shore.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 will provide Navy divers to recover and transport the Orion space capsule from the ocean to the ship's well deck. Navy divers are experts in mobile diving, salvage, towing, and open water, small boat operations. In addition to the Navy divers, EODGRU-1 will support the recovery mission with a dive medical team to assess and assist the astronauts following their exit from the capsule.

Artemis II is NASA's first crewed mission in a series of missions around and to the lunar surface where crew can build and test systems needed to prepare for the challenge of future missions to Mars. The mission launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, April 1, with four astronauts onboard.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 06 April 2026 - Day 1503

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 121 combat encounters.

The Russian opponent made 51 aviacijnogo strike - dropped 162 controlled air bombs. In addition, Russian troops operated 5950 kamikaze drones to impress and carried out 2407 shells of settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops.

In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions today, the Russian enemy launched 5 air strikes with the use of 13 KAB, carried out 72 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, six of them with the use of RSV. Three clashes have been recorded.

In the South Slobozhans komu direction, the Russian enemy twice attacked the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of Starica and towards Kolodaznogo.

Russian forces attacked four times in the Kupians komu direction, in the area of Pi .any and towards Novoosinovoye.

In the Lyman direction Ukrainian warriors repelled four Russian assaults, towards Lyman, Stavkiv and Novosergiivka. One attack is underway.

In the Slavic direction, the Russian opponent tried five times to advance towards Rai-Oleksandrivka, Yampol and Riznikivka.

In the kramators komu direction, the Russian occupiers three attacked in the areas of privilege, markovogo and in the side of minkivka.

In the Konstantinivka direction, Russian troops today stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders 17 times in the areas of the settlements Stepanivka, Kleban-Bik Pleshiyivka, Rusin Yar and towards Illinivka, Sofiyivka, Konstantynivka. One attack is underway.

Russian forces committed 25 attacks in the Pokrovsky direction. The Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of settlements Bilitske, Rodinske, Mirnograd, Pokrovsk, Kotline, Udaachne, Novomikolaivka and Grishine. Two assault actions are underway.

According to preliminary calculations, today 60 Russian occupants were eliminated and 26 wounded in this direction; the UPLF control point, enemy shelter and four units of vehicle equipment destroyed; 10 shelters, three cannons and the UML control point were damaged. Destroyed or suppressed 237 BPLA of different types.

In the Oleksandrivsky direction, the Russian occupiers attacked 11 times in the areas of settlements Ivanivka, Mirne, Kalinovskie, Privillya, Verbove, Zlagoda, Oleksandrograd and towards the Forest.

Seven Russian attacks were recorded in the areas of settlements Olenokostyantinivka and towards Svyatopetrivka, Zaliznychny, Pryluk.

In the Orihivs komu direction, Ukrainian defenders stopped one attempt of the Russian opponent to advance near the settlement of Scherbaki.

In the Pridniprovsky direction, the Russian opponent carried out four assault actions in the areas of the Antonivskogo bridge and o. White-breasted

In other directions, there have been no significant changes in the environment.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. Russian troops inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one airmobile brigade of the AFU, and three territorial defence brigades near Novodmitrovka, Miropolye, Novaya Sloboda, Bruski, and Pokrovka (Sumy region).

In Kharkov region, Russian troops hit units of one heavy mechanised brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, two territorial defence brigades, two National Guard brigades, and one border security detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine near Lozovaya, Liptsy, Pokalyanoye, Aleksandrovka, Zemlyanki, and Polnaya (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses were more than 185 troops, an armoured fighting vehicle, 12 motor vehicles, and two electronic warfare stations. In addition, one ammunition and six materiel depots were neutralised.

Units of the Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian troop launched attacks on formations of three mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and two territorial defence brigades near Velikaya Shapkovka, Shiykovka, Borovaya (Kharkov region), Krasny Liman, and Stary Karavan (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 180 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, 20 motor vehicles, and two field artillery guns including Western-made one. In addition, one ammunition depot was destroyed.

Units of the Yuzhnaya Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops delivered strikes at manpower and hardware of four mechanised brigades, one airmobile brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and one marine brigade near Slavyansk, Nikolayevka, Piskunovka, and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 175 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, 14 motor vehicles, two field artillery guns, three electronic warfare stations, and two counter-fire radar stations. In addition, three ammunition and nine materiel depots were neutralised.

Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. Russian troops inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of one heavy mechanised brigade, three mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, one jaeger brigade, one air assault brigade, one airmobile brigade, two assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and two National Guard brigades near Dobropolye, Lenina, Novogrigorovka, Sergeyevka, Annovka, Novy Donbass, Krasnoyarskoye (Donetsk People's Republic), and Raypole (Dnepropetrovsk region).

The AFU losses were more than 350 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, two artillery guns including Western-made one, one electronic warfare station, and one counter-fire radar station.

The Vostok Group of Forces continued to advance into the depths of enemy defences. Russian troops hit formations of one mechanised brigade, two air assault brigades, four assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and one marine brigade close to Pokrovskoye, Dobropasovo, Zelenaya Dolina (Dnepropetrovsk region), Samoylovka, Charivnoye, Lyubitskoye, Lesnoye, Dolinka, and Egorovka (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy losses were up to 260 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, and seven motor vehicles.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces launched attacks on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one mountain assault brigade of the AFU, one marine brigade, and one territorial defence brigade close to Orekhov, Novoandreyevka, and Kamyshevakha (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy losses were up to 60 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, nine motor vehicles, one Western-made artillery gun, and five electronic warfare stations were neutralised. In addition, two ammunition and two material depots were neutralised.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation inflicted fire damage workshops for the production of control systems and components for operational-tactical missiles, energy infrastructure that supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine, fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle storage and assembly areas, and temporary deployment areas of the AFU and foreign mercenaries in 159 areas.

Air defence systems shot down 12 guided aerial bombs, three U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, two Neptune long-range guided missiles, and 693 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

Units of the Black Sea Fleet repelled an attack of uncrewed surface vehicles in the north-eastern part of the Black Sea. In addition, four AFU uncrewed surface vehicles as well as one Neptune-MD long-range guided missile were neutralised.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, the enemy has lost 671 aircraft, 284 helicopters, 132,011 unmanned aerial vehicles, 653 anti-aircraft missile systems, 28,725 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,696 MLRS combat vehicles, 34,308 field artillery guns and mortars, and 58,752 special military vehicles.

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NASA's Artemis II Crew Eclipses Record for Farthest Human Spaceflight

Jessica Taveau

Apr 06, 2026

Editor's note: This release was updated at 7:28 p.m. EDT on April 6, 2026, to reflect Orion's final closest approach to the lunar surface from about 4,070 miles to about 4,067 miles. NASA also updated the farthest distance Orion will travel.

Four astronauts aboard NASA's Artemis II test flight around the Moon made history at 12:56 p.m. CDT on Monday, traveling 248,655 miles from Earth, surpassing the record for human spaceflight's farthest distance previously set by the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. At its farthest point, crew inside the Orion spacecraft will have traveled about 252,756 miles, before looping back toward our home planet, setting the new record for human spaceflight.

Six days into the first crewed mission of NASA's Artemis program, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen continued collecting pictures of the Moon on their voyage away from Earth.

"At NASA, we dare to reach higher, explore farther, and achieve the impossible. That's embodied perfectly by our Artemis II astronauts - Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy. They are charting new frontiers for all humanity," said Dr. Lori Glaze, acting associate administrator for Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "Their dedication is about more than breaking records - it's fueling our hope for a bold future. Their mission is carrying our promise to return to the Moon's surface, this time to stay as we establish a Moon Base."

NASA's Orion spacecraft began its journey to the Moon following a successful April 1 launch on an SLS (Space Launch System) rocket from the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After conducting a series of burns to break free of Earth orbit the following day, the spacecraft set its path toward the Moon.

Following their record achievement, crew provided brief, emotional remarks. The world heard from CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen aboard Orion:

"From the cabin of Integrity here, as we surpass the furthest distance humans have ever traveled from planet Earth, we do so in honoring the extraordinary efforts and feats of our predecessors in human space exploration. We will continue our journey even further into space before Mother Earth succeeds in pulling us back to everything that we hold dear. But we most importantly choose this moment to challenge this generation and the next to make sure this record is not long-lived."

In addition to their spaceflight record, crew suggested naming two craters on the Moon during their flight. The first is named in honor of their spacecraft, Integrity. The second honors Wiseman's late wife, Carroll. After this mission is complete, the crater name proposals will be formally submitted to the International Astronomical Union, the organization that governs the naming of celestial bodies and their surface features.

When they fly past the Moon later, crew will come within about 4,067 miles from its surface at the closest approach. The astronauts will be the first to see the far side of the Moon with human eyes and are the first to travel behind the Moon. Finally, they will witness a solar eclipse as the Moon passes in front of the Sun.

NASA is expecting to lose communication with the astronauts for about 40 minutes during a planned blackout period. The break will occur as the Moon blocks signals between the spacecraft and the Earth through the Deep Space Network. When Orion reemerges from behind the Moon, it is expected to quickly reacquire contact with flight controllers in the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

During their lunar flyby, a fleet of cameras will capture imagery of the Moon, including features humans have never directly seen. The astronauts will use a variety of digital handheld cameras to conduct high-resolution photography of the lunar surface. Artemis II is providing astronauts an opportunity to gather data as one of the most powerful scientific tools for observation are the four pairs of eyes observing lunar features with varying illumination and texture.

Photos, videos, mission telemetry, and communication information are all sources of data from the test flight, which will be used to inform future Artemis missions as the agency embarks on development of its Moon Base.

The Artemis II astronauts are more than halfway through their mission. The crew is scheduled to splash down off the coast of San Diego at approximately 8:07 p.m. EDT (5:07 p.m. PDT) on Friday, April 10. Following splashdown, recovery teams will retrieve the crew members using helicopters and deliver them to the USS John P. Murtha. Once aboard, the astronauts will undergo post-flight medical evaluations in the ship's medical bay before traveling back to shore to meet with an aircraft bound for NASA Johnson.

Under the Artemis program, NASA will send Artemis astronauts on increasingly challenging missions to explore more of the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build on our foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars.

For the latest mission progress, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-ii

-end-

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Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 05, 2026 23:00

On April 5, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov upon request. The two sides exchanged views on the current situation in the Middle East.

Lavrov stated that Russia is highly concerned about the continued escalation of the situation in the Middle East. Regarding the current hostilities and the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, Russia maintains that military actions must cease immediately and that a return to the track of politics and diplomacy is essential to address the root causes of the conflict. The UN Security Council should play a constructive role in this regard. Russia stands ready to maintain close communication and coordination with China and continue to make efforts and speak out for a ceasefire and the cessation of hostilities.

Wang Yi stated that as permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia should uphold justice on major issues of right and wrong, adopt an objective and balanced approach, and strive for greater understanding and support from the international community. China has always maintained that international and regional hotspot issues should be resolved politically through dialogue and negotiation. Currently, the situation in the Middle East is still deteriorating and hostilities are escalating. The fundamental solution to the issue of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz lies in an immediate ceasefire and the cessation of hostilities. China is ready to continue cooperation with Russia in the UN Security Council, maintain timely communication on major issues, and make efforts to deescalate the situation, safeguard regional peace and stability, and uphold common security for the world.

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Press Statement of Kim Yo Jong, Department Director of C.C., WPK

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, April 6 (KCNA) -- Kim Yo Jong, department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, issued the following press statement on April 6:

Lee Jae Myung, president of the ROK, said on April 6 that he felt sorry about causing unnecessary military tensions through an irresponsible and reckless act, as regards the ROK-borne drone's violation of the DPRK's airspace.

The ROK president personally expressed regret and talked about a measure for preventing recurrence. Our government appreciated it as a very fortunate and wise behavior for its own sake.

Our head of state commented it as a manifestation of frank and broad-minded man's attitude.

For its own security, the ROK side should stop any reckless provocation against the DPRK and refrain from any attempt at contact, instead of paying lip-service to the utmost importance of peace and security.

The ROK side should be mindful that it will be forced to pay a price too much for it, as already warned, if such a provocation as violating the inalienable sovereignty of our state occurs again. -0-

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China willing to cooperate with Russia to de-escalate Mideast situation, says FM

Global Times

By Xinhua Published: Apr 06, 2026 08:09 AM

China is willing to continue working with Russia within the framework of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, maintain timely communication on major issues, and make joint efforts to help de-escalate the situation in the Middle East, safeguard regional peace and stability, and uphold common security for the world, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

China and Russia, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, should uphold fairness and justice on matters of principle, adopt an objective and balanced approach, and seek greater understanding and support from the international community, Wang said.

Noting that China has consistently advocated the resolution of international and regional hotspot issues through dialogue and negotiation, Wang said that the situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate, hostilities are still escalating, and the fundamental solution to ensuring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz lies in achieving an early ceasefire and bringing the war to an end.

For his part, Lavrov said Russia is highly concerned about the continued escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

Regarding the ongoing conflict and the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, Lavrov said Russia maintains that military operations must be stopped immediately and efforts should return to the track of political and diplomatic settlement to address the root causes of the conflict, and the UN Security Council should play a constructive role in this regard.

Russia stands ready to maintain close communication and coordination with China and continue to make efforts and speak out in support of a ceasefire and the end of the war, he said.

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Japan-Iran Foreign Ministers' Telephone Call

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

April 6, 2026

On April 6, commencing at 7 p.m. for 30 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone call with H.E. Dr. Seyyed Abbas ARAGHCHI, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

At the outset, Foreign Minister Araghchi explained the current situation surrounding Iran, as well as Iran's position. In response, Minister MOTEGI expressed his grave concern over the prolonging exchange of retaliatory attacks, and reiterated Japan's consistent position that an early de-escalation of the situation is of utmost importance. In addition, he urged Iran to engage sincerely with the diplomatic efforts currently underway among the relevant countries. Furthermore, Minister MOTEGI strongly urged Iran to ensure the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz for all vessels, including those related to Japan. In addition, Minister MOTEGI reiterated his request for the early release of the Japanese national detained in Iran. In response, Foreign Minister Araghchi stated that he takes this request seriously. Both ministers concurred on continuing close communication towards the early de-escalation of the situation.

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US-Israeli aggression against Iran has set entire region 'on fire': Kremlin

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 7:03 PM

The Kremlin has warned that the ongoing US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran has engulfed the entire Persian Gulf and West Asia, setting the region "on fire" with dangerous and far-reaching consequences.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the aggression is rapidly escalating both in geography and economic impact.

"In fact, the entire region is on fire. These are all very dangerous and negative consequences of the aggression that was unleashed against Iran," Peskov said.

"The geography of this conflict has expanded, and now we are all aware of the consequences that we have, including very, very negative consequences for the global economy."

Peskov further noted: "We note that the level of tension in the region is growing and continues to grow."

The remarks come as US President Donald Trump recently threatened on social media to strike Iranian civilian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, as early as Tuesday.

International legal experts have strongly warned that targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants and bridges constitutes a clear war crime under international humanitarian law.

Iran has firmly vowed to respond with even stronger retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli interests if its power plants are attacked.

Brigadier General Seyyed Majid Mousavi, Commander of the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), issued a powerful warning on Monday.

He declared that a "domino of fire" has begun across the region, and only Iran can stop it.

"Now a domino of fire has begun that no one other than Iran can stop it. Haifa, Fujairah, Shuaiba, etc.," General Mousavi stated.

The current round of brutal aerial aggression against Iran began on February 28, eight months after the initial unprovoked US-Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic.

This criminal offensive resulted in the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, along with hundreds of innocent Iranian civilians  including women and children  and several senior military commanders.

In response, the Iranian armed forces have launched decisive and devastating retaliatory attacks against US and Israeli targets in the occupied territories and across West Asia.

With the war on its sixth week, Iran continues to maintain the upper hand on the battlefield. The aggressors, facing heavy human and material losses, are desperately seeking an off-ramp from the conflict they themselves ignited.

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IRGC shoots down two intruding hostile drones in southern Iran

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 6:53 PM

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) air defense units have intercepted and destroyed two enemy drones, as they were flying in the skies over the Persian Gulf island of Qeshm and the southern province of Khuzestan.

The Public Relations Department of the IRGC said in a statement on Monday evening that an MQ-9 Reaper drone was tracked and destroyed by the advanced air defense systems of the IRGC Navy and Ground Force over the Qeshm Island.

In a separate statement, the IRGC added that a Hermes drone of the American-Israeli enemy was intercepted and destroyed by its Aerospace Force in the airspace of Andimeshk County in Khuzestan Province.

With the destruction of these two drones, the total number of unmanned aerial vehicles downed by the Iranian integrated joint air defense network since the beginning of the US-Israeli aggression has surpassed 160.

The United States and the Israeli regime launched their war of aggression against Iran on February 28 with airstrikes that assassinated senior Iranian officials and commanders. They have failed to achieve any of their objectives, including effecting "regime change" in Iran and bringing the country to "total surrender."

In an attempt to cover up their failure, the aggressors have resorted to targeting Iran's civilian and infrastructure and energy facilities.

The Iranian armed forces have responded by launching nearly a hundred waves of reprisal attacks, using ballistic missiles and drones to target US and Israeli assets across the region.

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Assassinations will not stop Iranian armed forces: Leader

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 6:38 PM

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei has extended condolences to Iranian military commanders over the martyrdom of the head of the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

The Leader issued the message on Monday after Major General Majid Khademi was assassinated in a terrorist US-Israeli strike on the Iranian capital of Tehran.

"Having faced successive failures in its ominous plots and imposed war against the Iranian nation and fighters, the American-Zionist enemy once again resorted to the constant ploy of terrorism and assassinated one of the commanders of the country's intelligence and security community," he said.

Ayatollah Khamenei also noted that Khademi, who made numerous endeavors in Iran's security, intelligence, and defense arenas for decades, ascended to martyrdom.

"However, the unbreakable ranks of those fighting in the path of truth in the Islamic Iran and self-sacrificing armed forces are so firm and deep-rooted that assassination and crime cannot make a dent in those fighters' ideals," he added.

The illegal US-Israeli aggression on Iran began on February 28 with airstrikes that assassinated senior Iranian officials and commanders.

The Iranian armed forces have responded by launching daily missile and drone operations targeting locations in the Israeli-occupied lands as well as US military bases and assets across the region.

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Iran army launches drone attacks on two US bases in Kuwait

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 6:30 PM

Iran's army has launched retaliatory drone attacks on Kuwait's al-Kharj Base and al-Adiri Camp which hosts strategic US aircraft refueling planes.

In a statement on Monday, the Iranian army announced that its "brave" troops carried out "a precise and planned operation" in the past hours, attacking al-Kharj Base and al-Adiri Camp of the American aggressor, using Arash 2 destructive drones.

The operation was part of relentless retaliatory strikes by Iranian armed forces against American and Israeli asserts in the region, which have been ongoing since February 28, when the US and Israel launched their war of aggression against the Iran.

The Iranian army noted that the al-Kharj or Prince Sultan base plays a key role in supporting the US offensives, amid the deployment of refueling aircraft as well as AWACS E3 aircraft and MQ9 drones there.

"The deployment of AWACS E3 aircraft and MQ9 drones [in Kuwait] has served as the eyes of America in the region," the statement reads.

Referring to the deployment of ground units, special forces, and the special helicopter unit "Night Stalkers" at al-Adiri camp, north of Kuwait City, the statement emphasized that the camp played an important role in the recent US operations in southern Isfahan.

Just after dawn on Sunday, Washington launched what it would later frame as a rescue operation to retrieve an American airman, whose F-15 fighter het had been shot down by Iranian air defenses on Friday. The US said the pilot had previously been rescued.

The mission became a complete operational collapse when several American military aircraft were targeted and destroyed.

The spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters announced that Iranian joint forces had destroyed two C-130 military transport aircraft and two Black Hawk helicopters in southern Isfahan province.

"'Night Stalkers' was formed after the US defeat in the 'Tabas' operation (Known as 'Eagle Claw')," the army's Monday statement said, referring to the failed 1980 US military operation to retrieve 52 staff of the US embassy, known as the den of espionage in Iran, who had been held after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Back then, American soldiers were killed and US choppers crashed in the central Iranian desert region of Tabas.

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In joint operation with IRGC, resistance forces, Yemeni army targets Israeli positions

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 5:35 PM

The spokesperson for the Yemeni armed forces says the country's military units, in conjunction with Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and regional resistance groups, have carried out a series of missile and drone strikes against strategic sites deep inside the occupied territories.

"The Yemeni armed forces, in a joint operation with the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Hezbollah resistance movement in Lebanon, launched a barrage of cruise missiles and drones aimed at several Israeli vital and military sites in the Port of Eilat," Brigadier General Yahya Saree said in a statement issued on Monday.

He added that the operation successfully achieved its prime objectives and the designated targets were precisely struck.

Saree noted that Yemeni forces proudly follow the glorious victories being achieved by the Iranian nation through their steadfastness, unity, and sacrifices, besides their honorable attempts to thwart the enemies' schemes.

"All praise and salutations to this great nation, as they fulfill their religious duty of rejecting aggression and hegemony, and affirming freedom and independence," the senior Yemeni military official added.

Saree then paid homage to the servicemen of the Iranian army and the IRGC, along with resistance fighters in Lebanon and Iraq, for their retaliatory strikes in the face of the US-Israeli acts of aggression.

"We will continue our military operations in the battle of holy Jihad until victory, God willing," Saree concluded.

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Only Iran can stop 'domino of fire' engulfing entire region: IRGC aerospace chief

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 4:22 PM

The Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says a "domino of fire" has begun across the region and that only Iran is in a position to stop itit.

Brigadier General Seyyed Majid Mousavi, the force's commander, made the remarks in a social media post on Monday.

Iran's successful retaliatory operations continued on Monday against enemy targets across West Asia, including in the Israeli-occupied territories, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

"Now a domino of fire has begun that no one other than Iran can stop it. Haifa, Fujairah, Shuaiba, etc.," General Mousavi said.

The United States and the Israeli regime launched their war of aggression against Iran on February 28 with airstrikes that assassinated senior Iranian officials and commanders. However, they have failed to achieve their objectives and lost multiple aircraft and drones.

In an attempt to cover up their failure, the aggressors have resorted to targeting Iran's civilian and infrastructure and energy facilities.

The Iranian armed forces have responded by launching daily missile and drone operations targeting locations in the Israel-occupied territories as well as US military bases and assets across the region.

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Iran's atomic chief denounces US-Israeli attacks on nuclear plants as 'war crime'

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 4:09 PM

The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has stated that the latest US-Israeli attack on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant amounts to a war crime, stressing that the failure of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to condemn such attacks has emboldened the aggressors.

In a letter to IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, Mohammad Eslami formally protested the aerial and missile attack carried out by the United States and the Israeli regime on the area near Unit 1 of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP-1) on Saturday morning.

He noted that the impact of the blast and shrapnel from the attack damaged a building inside the site, killing a member of the security staff and injuring several others.

According to the letter, this was the fourth attack against BNPP-1.

Eslami warned that such actions could risk the widespread release of radioactive materials from an operating reactor, emphasizing that this issue would have irreversible, serious consequences for the population and the environment of Iran and even neighboring countries.

The letter noted that the attack constitutes a clear violation of the principle prohibiting attacks on safeguarded nuclear facilities belonging to a state party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), describing it as a clear war crime and a threat to the global non-proliferation order.

It also added that such military attacks violate the Geneva Conventions and their protocols, the IAEA Statute, the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement between Iran and IAEA (INFCIRC/214), Board of Governors resolutions, and the IAEA's safety standards.

Eslami slammed the inaction of IAEA and its Director General on the US-Israeli attacks, stating that merely expressing "deep concern" without explicitly condemning these aggressive actions is insufficient and could embolden the aggressors to repeat such attacks.

"It is clear that this inaction, especially the Director General's politically biased media interviews and remarks... has further emboldened the aggressors to continue these brutal aggressions that violate international principles and rules," he said, referring to remarks made by Grossi remarks during an interview with CBS News the on March 18.

"Without a doubt, the continuation of these inactions is considered a form of clear complicity with the perpetrators, a complicity that will forever be recorded in history and, of course, will further undermine the Agency's credibility," the letter emphasized.

Eslami called on the IAEA and its chief to adopt "firm" stances and condemn these attacks on Iran's safeguarded nuclear facilities, and fulfill their statutory responsibilities rather than remain silent on and indifferent.

Eslami vowed that the Islamic Republic will take the necessary measures to defend its sovereign rights.

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 missile and drone attacks on the Israeli-occupied territories as well as on US bases and interests in regional countries.

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'Sprit of resistance will continue': Iran officials condemn Israeli assassination of IRGC intel. chief

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 2:49 PM

Messages of condolences pour in after the head of the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Major General Majid Khademi, was assassinated in a US-Israeli terror strike in Tehran.

In a statement on Monday, the IRGC Public Relations Department said General Khademi, an elite commander, was martyred in the terrorist attack in the early hours of the day.

Major General Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, praised Khademi for his great endeavors to protect Islamic values and defend national security. He was martyred, Abdollahi said, by the "most vicious American-Israeli terrorists".

The American and Zionist enemies must know that the martyrdom of such devoted commanders will make the Iranian nation and armed forces even "more resilient and determined" to keep on the path of the martyrs, General Abdollahi said.

'A life of effective endeavor in face of conspiracies'

President Masoud Pezeshkian said General Khademi spent many years of his life in the battle against the enemy during the eight-year imposed war of 1980-88.

He worked for safeguarding national security, countering threats and protecting the peace of the Iranian people, Pezeshkian said.

His martyrdom, the Iranian president stated, proves that "security and independence of Islamic Iran hinges on sacrifice and devotion."

'Assassination will not undermine Iran's national coherence'

Commander-in-chief of the Iranian Army Major General Amir Hatami said the barbarism put on global display by the American-Israeli enemy will fail to influence the "spirit of resistance of the proud Iranian nation".

Iran's adversaries, he said, are under the delusion that they can make any achievement through such wicked and blind moves. But the blood of martyrs only strengthens national will.

"This painful loss will not weaken the morale of the great Iranian people but rather strengthen national resolve and unity toward safeguarding independence and dignity".

'Enemies must await harder blows'

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said the martyrdom of the head of the IRGC Intelligence Organization is proof that the Israeli regime and the US are desperate.

The US-Israeli enemies are going to great lengths to make up for their weakness on the battlefield through cowardly assassinations, he said.

"This blind conspiracy of global arrogance is always doomed to failure, and even harsher blows await them".

The illegal, imposed war of aggression by the United States and Israel began on February 28 when they assassinated Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders.

In response, Iranian Armed Forces have launched decisive, devastating attacks against US and Israeli interests in the occupied territories and across West Asia.

As the war entered its sixth week, Iran continues to have an upper hand on the battlefield. The enemy is looking for an off-ramp amid heavy human and material loss.

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Four Israeli settlers killed in Iranian missile strike on Haifa

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 2:34 PM

At least four Israeli settlers have been killed and several others injured as missiles fired by Iran in retaliation for the ongoing US-Israeli war of aggression against the Islamic Republic hit targets in the southern occupied lands.

According to the Israeli media, the bodies of four people were recovered from under the rubble at the site of an Iranian ballistic missile impact in the coastal city of Haifa on Monday.

The barrage of Iranian missiles also wounded four people, and caused additional damage.

The Israeli Fire and Rescue Service said it "rescued two trapped individuals found under the rubble without signs of life" following hours of efforts alongside the so-called Home Front Command. The two were reportedly a man and woman in their 80s.

The Israeli ministry of health announced on Monday that four people have been killed and at least 163 others sustained injuries in the past 24 hours as a result of Iranian missile strikes against targets in Tel Aviv and Haifa, and subsequent explosions.

This comes as barrages of Iranian ballistic missiles are raining down on various locations across the occupied lands, striking sites in the northern and southern flanks as well as the heart of the territories.

The latest casualties bring the number of Israeli settlers injured in the occupied territories to 6,996 as a result of Iranian missile and drone operations.

Experts, however, put the actual figure at much higher number, lambasting Israeli medical authorities for exercising a media blackout in light of the real extent of damage caused by Iranian attacks.

Meanwhile, Israeli health officials in Tel Aviv said at least four people were wounded as powerful blasts following Iranian missile strikes rattled the city.

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IRGC strikes US, Israeli military-industrial sites in wave 98 of Operation True Promise 4

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 2:28 PM

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has launched the 98th wave of the decisive Operation True Promise 4, targeting command, operational and logistics centers, as well as military-industrial infrastructure used by the United States and Israel in the region.

In a statement released on Monday, the IRGC's Public Relations Department said during the first phase of the combined operations, IRGC naval forces precisely targeted the Israeli-owned container ship SDN7 with a cruise missile.

Meanwhile, the statement said, Iranian ballistic missiles struck northern and southern areas of Tel Aviv, strategic sites in Haifa, chemical companies and factories in Beersheba, and a gathering point of Israeli forces in Petah Tikva.

The elite Iranian military force also said the American amphibious helicopter carrier LHA7, transporting more than 5,000 sailors and marines, came under Iran's attack and was forced to retreat deeper into the southern Indian Ocean.

In another phase of the operation, a drone production center jointly operated by the United Arab Emirates and Israel, along with several military aircraft stationed at Ali al-Salem air base in Kuwait, was hit by Iranian missiles and drones, the IRGC said.

The IRGC said its naval forces are monitoring transit in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf while remaining prepared to act decisively against even the slightest movement by the enemies.

The illegal, imposed war of aggression by the United States and Israel began on February 28 with airstrikes that assassinated senior Iranian officials and commanders.

Iran has responded by carrying out 98 waves of retaliatory attacks against US and Israeli military and business assets across the region, using ballistic missiles and drones.

Iran also keeps the Strait of Hormuz shut to oil and gas tankers affiliated with the aggressors and those cooperating with them. This is to maintain security at the strategic waterway.

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Another Iranian petrochemical plant bombed in US-Israeli aggression

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 2:17 PM

Iran's Oil Ministry says US-Israeli attacks have targeted petrochemical complexes in the southern Iranian province of Bushehr, just days after similar plants came under attack in the southwestern province of Khuzestan.

The National Petrochemical Company (NPC) said in a Monday statement that utility and marginal facilities located in the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone, which hosts major Iranian petrochemical plants in the coastal county of Asaluyeh, had come under attack earlier in the day.

The NPC said it was investigating the scale of the damage inflicted on the facilities, adding that fire caused by the attack had come fully under control.

The company said there had been no dangerous chemical leaks or fatalities from the attacks.

Another statement from Persian Gulf Mobin Energy, a company providing utility services to petrochemical plants in the region, said that the US-Israeli attacks had inflicted damage on parts of its installations.

The company added that the attacks had caused no injury or death among the personnel and workers of the plants.

The attack comes just two days after the US and Israel carried out strikes on petrochemical plants in the coastal town of Mahshahr, a key energy hub on the Persian Gulf coast that hosts ports, refineries and petchem plants.

Those attacks also disrupted the supply of utility to petrochemical plants, according to authorities in the province of Khuzestan.

They come as the US and the Israeli regime have intensified their illegal attacks on Iran's economic infrastructure as part of their war of aggression that started in late February.

The attacks have targeted petrochemical plants, steel mills, several small-scale refineries and bridges.

In a sign of failure in reaching its objectives from the aggression on Iran, the US has threatened to target Iranian power plants, a move that has been widely criticized around the world with many international law experts warning that such attacks, if carried out, could amount to war crimes.

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Iran says US-proposed ceasefire 'just a pause before renewed crimes'

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 11:14 AM

Iran rejects the US's self-proclaimed proposals for a ceasefire, warning that any pauses resulting from such a ceasefire would only allow adversaries to regroup and commit further crimes against the Iranian nation.

At a press conference on Monday, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Esmaeil Baghaei addressed various proposals, including a 15-point American one supposedly aimed at ending Washington's February 28-present unprovoked aggression towards the Islamic Republic, which have been conveyed to Tehran via intermediaries.

Among other things, the proposal reportedly asks Iran to forgo its peaceful nuclear activities, limit its defensive missile program, and reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz that it has closed to enemies and their allies in retaliation.

Iran has categorically rejected the first two provisions. It has also asserted that it would not settle for the enemies' self-described, unilateral, and unguaranteed "ceasefire" pledges, stressing that it pursues a conclusive end to any aggression targeting the country.

Additionally, the Islamic Republic has demanded compensation for the extensive damage that the aggressors have inflicted upon the country's various infrastructural facilities.

Baghaei likewise dismissed American demands featured in Washington's proposal as "both highly excessive and unusual, as well as illogical."

He underscored Iran's continued insistence on its rightful demands, saying, "We are not ashamed to shout out the legitimate demands and rights of our nation and region."

The spokesman pointed to US President Donald Trump's threats of targeting Iran's vital infrastructure if the Islamic Republic did not succumb to Washington's excessive demands.

He asserted that Tehran resolutely withstands any American "ultimatum," while noting how Washington's supposed pursuit of diplomatic engagement with Tehran runs counter to continuing its crimes against the Iranian nation and threatening the nation with even more war crimes.

Merely issuing such threats as well as green-lighting more Israeli atrocities targeting the country constitutes a war crime, he stated.

Baghaei, meanwhile, reminded Iran's unfavorable experience of the US's invariable abuse of the nation's trust. "All our attention must be focused on defending the country," he added.

'Iran's response to intermediaries prepared'

Regardless of the American proposal, "which was completely unacceptable to us," Iran has documented and prepared a text outlining all of its own demands based on the country's national interests and considerations, the official said.

He said Tehran's response to intermediaries had been prepared, adding, "Whenever necessary, we will communicate it explicitly."

Warning of ongoing US, Israeli false-flag attacks

The spokesman reiterated Iran's warnings about false-flag attacks being plotted and staged by the United States and the Israeli regime, including in Europe, to try to implicate the Islamic Republic and justify further aggression against the country.

"The concept of a false flag [attack] is neither a claim nor a conspiracy theory; it has been repeatedly carried out by the US and the regime... We invite everyone to remain aware of the US's and the Zionist regime's actions."

'IAEA attempting to normalize attacks on Iran's nuclear sites'

Baghaei denounced the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s silence in the face of the aggressors' attacks on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities.

The United Nations nuclear watchdog's inaction concerning the atrocities, including its refusal to condemn the attacks, amounts to its attempting to "normalize" the atrocities, he concluded.

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War to continue until enemy is brought to 'point of genuine remorse': Army spox

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 11:09 AM

The spokesman for the Iranian Army said on Sunday that the retaliatory operations against the ongoing US-Israeli aggression will continue until the enemy is brought to a "point of genuine remorse," noting that such an outcome is a strategic necessity.

In a statement, Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia said the enemy's objectives have clearly not been achieved after more than a month of unchecked aggression.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran's system stands with authority, has responded to threats, and in some cases has been able to reciprocally operationalize threats against the opposing side," said the army spokesperson.

"The opposing side has, in fact, been defeated."

According to Akraminia, the ultimate goal of continuing the resistance is to instill a lasting sense of remorse in the enemy - a psychological and strategic state that would serve as a powerful deterrent against any act of aggression in the future.

While acknowledging that some may interpret this approach as emotional, the spokesperson emphasized that it is "completely based on strategic rationality."

He said bringing the enemy to this point is essential to prevent the recurrence of war.

"If this goal is achieved, the level of deterrence will increase to such an extent that the enemy will no longer dare to take action against the country again," he stated.

The remarks came as the war imposed on Iran entered its sixth week, with Iranian armed forces continuing to have an upper hand on the battlefield and the enemy looking for an off-ramp amid heavy human and material losses.

Iranian armed forces have so far carried out 97 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.

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Iran's military vows crushing response to US-Israeli attacks on civilian facilities

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 10:47 AM

The spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters has vowed that any repetition of acts of aggression against Iranian civilian facilities will draw a much harsher and far more extensive retaliatory operation by the country's Armed Forces.

In a message issued on Monday, Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari said, "We have declared from the very beginning (of the current aggression against Iran) that any attacks on civilian installations will be met with a stronger response against enemy interests in the region."

He emphasized that the subsequent phases of Iranian forces' offensive and retaliatory strikes will be carried out much more crushingly and extensively in case attacks on civilian targets are repeated, and the enemy's losses and damages from persistence of such an approach will be multiplied.

The United States and Israel initiated a large-scale and unprovoked aggression against Iran on February 28, assassinating the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking military commanders despite indirect Tehran-Washington negotiations on Iran's peaceful nuclear program.

In response, Iranian Armed Forces have carried out waves of retaliatory missile and drone operations against US interests across West Asia and Israeli positions in the occupied territories.

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Ramifications of attacks on infrastructure won't be limited to Iran, deputy FM warns

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 10:16 AM

A senior Iranian diplomat warns that the consequences of US President Donald Trump's threats against Iran's infrastructure will not be confined to the Islamic Republic alone, advising him to stop such rhetoric.

In a post on his X account on Monday, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said US threats to attack non-military infrastructure in Iran would be tantamount to a "war crime," vowing a "decisive and immediate" response to any act of aggression.

He added that the use of force against Iran's territorial integrity is a clear violation of Article 2 (4) of the United Nations Charter (absolute prohibition on the threat or use of force) and constitutes an act of aggression under UN General Assembly Resolution 3314.

He emphasized that threats to attack power plants and bridges, which are non-military infrastructure, constitute a war crime as per Article 8(2)(b) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and Article 52 of Additional Protocol I of the 1977 Geneva Convention.

The US President, as his country's highest official, has openly threatened to commit war crimes -- an act that entails his individual criminal responsibility before the International Criminal Court and any competent national court, the Iranian diplomat said.

Based on Article 51 of the UN Charter, Gharibabadi noted, Iran will deliver a decisive, immediate and regret-inducing response to any act of aggression or imminent threat.

He advised the US president to stop making such threats, whose consequences will not be limited to Iran, before his name is recorded in history as a "major war criminal."

Gharibabadi's post comes after Trump renewed his threat on Sunday to unleash "hell" on Iran if it continues to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, saying the US will destroy the country's power plants and bridges.

The US president wrote that Tuesday is the day of attacks on power plants and bridges across Iran, which he said all would be "wrapped up in one."

He later postponed the deadline until Wednesday.

Iran has intensified its restrictions on the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing US-Israeli war against the country.

Iranian authorities have indicated that the world's vital energy lifeline, through which nearly one-fifth of global oil passed before the war, remains open to everyone except to ships tied to the US, Israel and their allies.

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.

In a post on his X account on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Trump's "reckless" moves would have broad adverse consequences for the United States and the entire West Asia region.

"Your reckless moves are dragging the United States into a living HELL for every single family, and our whole region is going to burn because you insist on following [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu's commands," Qalibaf said.

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Police arrest 235 elements affiliated with US, Israel in western Tehran

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 9:52 AM

Iranian police have successfully identified and arrested 235 elements affiliated with the US and Israel in western Tehran, 93 of whom were subsequently imprisoned according to court rulings.

In a statement published on Monday, the police command of Western Tehran Province said that following the US and Israel's goal to destabilize the country, these individuals attempted to organize anti-state elements to create riots, disseminate pro-US/Israel propaganda and send images and videos to the terrorist "Iran International" TV channel.

In another operation last Monday, Khuzestan Province Police identified and arrested 138 individuals for collaborating with US-Israeli subversive schemes against the Islamic Republic.

"Through technical intelligence operations and comprehensive police investigations," intelligence agents in the Khuzestan Police Intelligence Organization successfully identified and arrested the individuals, who were cooperating with hostile media, particularly the so-called Iran International and Manoto networks, over the past 72 hours," the Khuzestan Police said.

Authorities emphasized the importance of public vigilance, noting that prompt reporting of suspicious activities to the police emergency center helps prevent any destructive activity and actions aimed at sowing insecurity.

The arrests come amid the Israeli regime's and the US's latest bout of unprovoked aggression against the Islamic Republic that began in late February.

The country's intelligence bodies and law enforcement forces have detained numerous subversive elements amid the aggression, while the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces have confronted the aggressors with waves of decisive and successful retaliatory strikes.

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IRGC intelligence chief martyred in Israeli strike on Tehran

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 8:47 AM

The head of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization has been martyred in an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian capital of Tehran, amid the unprovoked US-Israeli aggression against the country.

In a statement released on Monday, the IRGC Public Relations Department announced that Brigadier General Seyed Majid Khademi was assassinated in a criminal and terrorist attack by the US and Israeli enemies in the early hours of the day.

The statement went on to pay homage to Khademi for his achievements, stating that the late IRGC intelligence chief sincerely and courageously defended the principles of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, as well as Iran's Islamic establishment and territories for nearly half a century, and played an outstanding role in various intelligence and security domains.

The IRGC highlighted that Khademi's strenuous efforts, particularly in the path of confronting foreign enemies at strategic levels, have for years paved the way for Iran's intelligence apparatus to thwart the foes' fiendish and satanic plots to penetrate into Iran, and undermine the national calm and security.

Later in the day, the Israeli regime claimed responsibility for the assassination, with minister of military affairs Israel Katz saying he was updated on the strike during an assessment with military chief of staff Eyal Zamir.

Defense Minister Israel Katz says he was updated on the strike during an assessment with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.

The United States and Israel initiated a bloody war against Iran on February 28, assassinating the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking military commanders and civilians.

The aggression has comprised a series of intensive strikes on both military installations and civilian facilities throughout Iran, leading to considerable loss of life and widespread damage to infrastructure.

In response, Iranian Armed Forces have carried out waves of retaliatory missile and drone operations against US interests across West Asia and Israeli positions in the occupied territories.

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US-Israeli attack targets Iran's Sharif University of Technology, causing damage

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 6:37 AM

The US-Israeli war coalition has conducted an attack on Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, in recurring strikes against Iran's academic and civilian infrastructure.

According to reports, the building of the university's mosque was damaged in the early Monday airstrike.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Tehran's district 9, Mohsen Dodangeh, said the university's gas post was also hit in the attack, which led to an explosion.

He added that the gas supply has been cut off temporarily.

He noted that the explosion caused fear among people living in the area and a number of homes were evacuated to prevent any incident.

Head of Sharif University of Technology, Masoud Tajrishi, also told IRNA that the brutal US-Israel attack targeted one of the buildings of the scientific and cultural center, causing damage to nearby buildings as well.

"Sharif University is a scientific institution that works on the development of culture and science. It was damaged following the brutality of the enemies of this land," he added.

He emphasized that the reconstruction of the university's damaged parts would start soon to prepare the ground for the country to emerge as a "big scientific power in the world."

Tajrishi noted that the strike left no casualties, saying investigations have started to examine the aspects of the incident.

He condemned such "cowardly" acts, which demonstrate the enemy's desperation to achieve their ominous goals.

The United States and Israel launched their criminal aggression against Iran on February 28 by assassinating Leader of the Islamic Revolution Seyyed Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders.

The enemies have deliberately targeted Iran's civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, killing hundreds of Iranian people.

Sharif University of Technology is not the first university to be targeted by the invading coalition in the past month.

Tehran's Shahid Beheshti University and University of Science and Technology, the Faculty of Pharmacy at Shiraz University, Isfahan University of Technology, parts of the Science and Technology Campus and the Veterinary Specialized Hospital Campus at Urmia University have been hit throughout the unlawful aggression.

r power plant in Bushehr is extremely alarming; their proximity to an active nuclear facility constitutes an intolerable escalation entailing a grave risk of radiological release," the top diplomat cautioned.

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Trump Issues Stark "One Night" Warning to Iran, Touts Daring Rescue

By Alex Raufoglu April 06, 2026

WASHINGTON -- US President Donald Trump renewed his threat to wipe out Iran's power plants and bridges if it doesn't reach an agreement to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz, warning the country could be "taken out in one night."

Speaking on April 6 at a White House news conference alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Trump framed the moment as a defining point in a rapidly escalating confrontation.

"The entire country could be taken out in one night -- and that night might be tomorrow night," Trump said, underscoring an April 7 deadline for Iran to comply with the US demands.

"This is a critical period. They have a period of, well, till tomorrow, at eight o'clock."

Tehran has shown little sign of backing down. Earlier in the day, Iranian officials rejected a 15-point ceasefire proposal from Washington as "excessive" and "unreasonable," while fighting with Israel intensified overnight.

Trump said he couldn't discuss the proposal, but added Washington has "an active, willing participant on the other side" of negotiations.

Asked if he's worried that the bombing of power plants and bridges would be seen as war crimes, Trump added, "No. I hope I don't have to do it."

Iran's so-called Top Joint Military Command, the body coordinating operations between the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and the regular army, called the president's comments "rude, arrogant rhetoric and baseless threats," the Nour News media outlet reported, citing a statementfrom the body..

Trump's briefing opened with what he described as a "very historic" rescue mission: the extraction of two US servicemen whose F-15 fighter jet went down over Iranian territory.

According to Trump and his military leadership, the operation involved a massive deployment of more than 150 aircraft -- including bombers, fighters, refueling tankers, and rescue units -- operating under heavy enemy fire.

"We leave no American behind," Trump said, acknowledging the risks. "We could have ended up with 100 dead."

One of the downed airmen, badly injured, survived nearly 48 hours behind enemy lines, evading capture in terrain controlled by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

Trump described how the pilot "scaled cliff faces, bleeding rather profusely," treating his own wounds while transmitting his location.

General Caine detailed an "air armada" shielding the rescue, while Ratcliffe said the mission relied on a "deception campaign" to mislead Iranian forces hunting the pilot.

"It was a race against the clock," Ratcliffe said, noting the use of both human intelligence and advanced surveillance technologies.

Military analysts say the operation stands out for its complexity.

Speaking to RFE/RL on April 5, retired US Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula described it as a rare and highly dynamic combat rescue.

"This combined deep recovery inside hostile Iranian territory, uncertain survivor location, enemy pursuit, mountainous terrain, and real-time adaptation under fire," he said.

He emphasized that such missions require coordination across intelligence, airpower, and communications -- and signal both US capability and the persistent dangers of operating over Iran.

During the White House briefing, Trump revealed that not all military officials supported the rescue mission, with some citing concerns about the risks of sending hundreds of personnel into heavily defended Iranian territory.

"Usually it's not done," he said. "Hundreds of people could have been killed."

Despite those objections, Trump said he personally approved the operation, calling the outcome -- both airmen recovered with no fatalities -- "almost impossible."

Ultimatum and escalation

Trump's warning centers on Iran's control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz -- a chokepoint for global oil shipments.

He argued that even limited disruption, such as the deployment of naval mines, could paralyze international shipping.

While claiming US forces have largely neutralized Iran's navy and air force, Trump acknowledged residual threats remain.

"It only takes one terrorist with a truck and a water mine," Trump said, highlighting the vulnerability of maritime traffic through a key shipping chokepoint for about 20 percent of the world's oil and gas.

Despite the harsh rhetoric, Trump suggested negotiations are ongoing and "in good faith," hinting at a possible diplomatic off-ramp. "They would like to make a deal," he said, while declining to elaborate.

Earlier in the day, Trump struck a more ambivalent tone, saying he ultimately wants to end the war to satisfy the American public -- even as he suggested continued conflict could secure US access to Iranian oil.

"They want us to keep bombing"

Trump repeatedly asserted that many Iranians support US strikes as a path to freedom, citing alleged intercepted communications.

"They're saying, 'Please keep bombing,'" he claimed, arguing that civilians are willing to endure hardship to overthrow the regime.

At the same time, he acknowledged the dangers faced by protesters, describing past crackdowns in which demonstrators were shot by security forces.

"I actually tell them don't go out," Trump said. "It's not a question of bravery -- it's intelligence."

He cited executions and repression, including the killing of protesters and dissidents, to justify his hardline stance against Tehran.

Trump also used the briefing to threaten action against a journalist who reported details of the stranded airman before the rescue was complete. "We're going to say: 'National security -- give it up or go to jail,'" Trump said, referring to the source of the leak.

He argued the disclosure may have alerted Iranian forces and complicated the operation, though he did not name the outlet involved.

The developments come as the conflict continues to escalate across the region.

Israel said on April 6 that it struck key Iranian targets overnight, including energy infrastructure, while Iran launched new attacks in response.

Meanwhile, at least 19 people were killed and 20 injured in US and Israeli air strikes near Tehran, Iranian state media reported on April 6.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/33726140.html

Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Iran Rejects Cease-Fire, Demands Permanent End To War As Trump Deadline Looms

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda April 06, 2026

Iran has conveyed a 10-point response to US proposals for ending the war to Pakistan, rejecting a temporary cease-fire and demanding a permanent end to hostilities, Iran's official IRNA news agency reported on April 6, as US President Donald Trump's deadline for massive strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure draws closer.

The response, described by IRNA as the product of two weeks of reviews at the highest levels of the Iranian establishment, rules out a cease-fire while laying out a set of conditions including a permanent end to hostilities across the region, a safe passage protocol for the Strait of Hormuz, reconstruction commitments, and the lifting of sanctions.

The report carried by IRNA did not offer further details.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei had signaled Tehran's position earlier in the day.

"A cease-fire means creating a pause to regroup and commit crimes again," he said at his weekly press conference. "No rational person would do that." Iranian officials have made clear they do not want to be caught in a situation similar to Gaza or Lebanon, where a cease-fire on paper left them vulnerable to renewed attack.

The response lands as Trump's self-imposed deadline -- Tuesday, April 7, at 8pm US Eastern Time -- closes in.

Trump has threatened to unleash a sweeping bombing campaign against Iranian power plants and bridges if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. "Tuesday [April 7] will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F****** Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH!" he wrote on Truth Social.

In response, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, reportedly seen by some in the White House as a potential workable partner, accused Washington of making "reckless moves" and warned that "our whole region is going to burn."

Cease-Fire Proposals

Despite the threats, Trump has also signaled that a diplomatic opening remains.

"There is a good chance, but if they don't make a deal, I am blowing up everything over there," he told Axios. An operational plan for a massive US-Israeli strike on Iranian energy infrastructure is ready to execute, sources told the outlet, but Trump's deadline extensions have been aimed at giving diplomacy a last chance.

Axios also said Washington, Tehran, and regional mediators were discussing the terms of a potential 45-day cease-fire that could lead to a permanent end to the war.

Separately, Reuters reported that a cease-fire proposal had been put together by Pakistan and exchanged with both sides overnight, Reuters reported, in what has been tentatively dubbed the "Islamabad Accord."

Under the proposal, a cease-fire would take effect immediately, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with 15 to 20 days to finalize a broader settlement including Iranian commitments on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and frozen asset releases.

Pakistan's army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir was in contact through the night with US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Talks have also been conducted through direct text messages between Witkoff and Araqchi, according to Axios.

Meanwhile, at least 19 people were killed and 20 injured in US and Israeli air strikes near Tehran, Iranian state media reported on April 6.

The districts of Shahriar and Baharestan were hit, with two residential buildings destroyed, the official IRNA news agency said, citing local officials. Several bodies were recovered from the rubble. The Tasnim news agency, which is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), reported that six children under the age of 10 were among the dead. The figures could not be independently verified.

Separately, the head of the intelligence organization of the IRGC, Majid Khademi, was killed on April 6 in what Iranian media described as a "terrorist attack" by the US and Israel, citing a statement by the Revolutionary Guards. Khademi, who took over the role in 2025, had held senior intelligence and counterespionage posts and led one of Iran's most powerful security bodies.

Elsewhere, Israeli media reported on April 6 that Iran had used cluster munitions in a missile attack on the Tel Aviv area earlier that day, with around 20 impact sites reported, according to the Ynet news agency. Several people were injured, including one seriously, and a school was hit. In Haifa, earlier strikes killed four people and set vehicles on fire.

With reporting by Alex Raufoglu, RFE/RL's Radio Farda, Reuters, dpa, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-us-deadline-iran- open-strait-hormuz/33725369.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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Head Of UN Nuclear Watchdog Says Strikes Near Bushehr Plant 'Must Stop'

13:01 6.4.2026

The director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, has warned that military strikes near Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant pose a "very real danger to nuclear safety."

In an IAEA X post on April 6, Grossi was quoted as saying such actions "could cause a severe radiological accident with harmful consequences for people and the environment in Iran and beyond," adding that they "must stop."

Earlier, Iran's atomic energy chief Mohammad Eslami accused the UN nuclear watchdog of inaction that "emboldens aggression" against nuclear facilities, warning that repeated strikes near the Bushehr power plant risk serious consequences.

In a letter to Grossi, Eslami said Iran's only operating nuclear power plant had been targeted four times, with the latest attack killing a security guard and injuring others.

Tehran has called on the IAEA to explicitly condemn the attacks, while criticizing what it describes as an insufficient response from the agency.

In the same IAEA X post on April 6, the UN nuclear watchdog said that its analysis of satellite imagery confirmed "recent impacts of military strikes" close to the Bushehr plant, including one just 75 meters from the site perimeter, while noting the facility itself had not been damaged.

Russia's state-owned nuclear agency, Rosatom, has evacuated staff from Bushehr in recent days, continuing a withdrawal that began after the conflict escalated in the region in late February, according to Russian news agencies.

The Bushehr plant was built with Russian assistance and is jointly run by Iranian and Russian personnel.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-live-blog- trump-khamenei/33640284.html?lbis=448377

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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Head Of Revolutionary Guards Intelligence Organization Killed

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda 10:05 6.4.2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) says that the head of its Intelligence Organization, Brigadier General Seyed Majid Khademi, has been killed.

In its April 6 announcement, the IRGC did not provide details about the location or circumstances of his death, but said Khademi had "nearly half a century of sincere and courageous service in defending the revolution, the system, and the Islamic homeland in intelligence and security fields."

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said he had been informed by his military chief that Israeli forces had "eliminated" Khademi, describing him as responsible for attacks on Israeli civilians and "one of the direct perpetrators" of war crimes.

Khademi was appointed to his post last summer following the killing of Mohammad Kazemi in Israeli strikes during the 12-day war. Prior to that, he headed the Intelligence Protection Organization of the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics.

The US Treasury sanctioned him on January 30, saying the IRGC Intelligence Organization "has underpinned the Iranian security forces' national campaign of mass violence, arbitrary detentions, and intimidation aimed at crushing Iran's protest movement."

The IRGC Intelligence Organization is responsible for counterespionage within the Revolutionary Guards, preventing infiltration, protecting classified information, and overseeing the political-security monitoring of personnel.

With reporting by AFP and dpa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-live-blog- trump-khamenei/33640284.html?lbis=448343

Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Iran Tells IAEA Shelling of Bushehr NPP Is War Crime Example

Sputnik News

20260406

TEHRAN (Sputnik) - The shelling of the Bushehr nuclear power plant (NPP) is an example of a war crime, and Iran has sent a letter of protest to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, demanding that he condemn such actions, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said on Monday.

"The head of the Atomic Energy Organization [Mohammad Eslami] in a letter to Rafael Grossi stated that the latest attack in the area of the first unit of the Bushehr NPP is a violation of international norms and an example of a war crime, demanded that the Agency unequivocally condemn these actions," the AEOI said in a statement.

Eslami also expressed a protest to the IAEA in connection with the incident, noting that Iran will take the necessary measures to protect itself, the organization said.

 Sputnik

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Trump threatens Iran could be "taken out" in one night, eying Iranian oil and tolls on Hormuz Strait

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:18, April 07, 2026

WASHINGTON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while claiming that negotiations with the Iranian side via intermediaries over the deal are "going well."

CRITICAL PERIOD

"The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night," Trump said at a press conference at the White House.

Asked about whether he's winding down or escalating the war with Iran, Trump said, "I can't tell you. Depends what they do."

"This is a critical period," said Trump of his Tuesday deadline. "They have a period of, well, until tomorrow at 8 (p.m.) o'clock."

Trump also said at the press conference that his administration has a plan to strike and destroy bridges and power plants across Iran by midnight Tuesday.

"We have a plan, because of the power of our military, where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o'clock tomorrow night, where every power plant in Iran will be out of business -- burning, exploding, and never to be used again," Trump claimed. "It will take them 100 years to rebuild."

"I mean complete demolition by 12 o'clock. And it will happen over a period of four hours if we wanted to. We don't want that to happen," Trump added.

The president said Monday that the 8 p.m. Eastern Time Tuesday deadline he has set for Iran is final. However, he had previously repeatedly changed the deadlines he had announced for a ceasefire deal or for reopening the strait.

Earlier on Monday, Trump told reporters at the White House Easter Egg Roll that he was "not worried about" whether the U.S. airstrikes on Iran's power plants and other civil infrastructure could constitute a war crime.

NEGOTIATIONS

Meanwhile, Trump said at the press conference that Iran is an "active, willing participant" in the negotiations over the deal, claiming the talks via intermediaries are "going well."

"I can't talk about ceasefire, but I can tell you that we have an active, willing participant on the other side. They would like to be able to make a deal. I can't say any more than that," Trump said.

"Essentially they have till 8 p.m. tomorrow night, Eastern Time, but we are dealing with them. I think it's going well," said Trump, adding that his envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. Vice President JD Vance are "involved in the dealing" of talks via intermediary countries.

Trump said earlier on Monday that his administration has reviewed a proposal for a 45-day ceasefire in the Iran war, describing it as a "very significant step" but "not good enough," while Tehran said "no sane" person would accept it.

"It's a significant proposal, it's a significant step. It's not good enough, but it's a very significant step," Trump told reporters at the White House, referring to the ceasefire proposal, noting that intermediaries "are negotiating now."

The president also reiterated that he is the only person who can determine if there's a ceasefire in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Monday that a ceasefire would only give opponents time to regroup and commit further crimes.

Iran's state-run IRNA reported on Monday that Tehran had sent its response to a U.S.-proposed 15-point plan to end the war to Pakistan. According to the report, Iran rejected a ceasefire and instead called for a permanent end to the conflict, while taking into account the country's considerations.

TOLL AND OIL

Trump also claimed at the press conference that the United States should impose tolls on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that reopening the key global energy chokepoint must be part of a deal to end the war.

"What about us charging tolls?" Trump said. "I'd rather do that than let them (Iranians) have them."

"We have to have a deal that's acceptable to me, and part of that deal is going to be we want free traffic of oil and everything," the president said.

Shortly after the United States and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, Iran effectively closed the critical global energy waterway.

Asked about Iranian oil, Trump suggested again the United States could take control of it, similar to its approach in Venezuela after the United States military raided and forcibly seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3.

"To the winner belong the spoils," Trump claimed.

"If I had my choice, yeah, because I'm a businessman first," Trump said, noting after removing Maduro by U.S. forces, "we are a partner with Venezuela, and we've taken hundreds of millions of barrels, hundreds of millions."

Earlier on Monday, Trump told reporters at the White House Easter Egg Roll that he would take the oil from Iran, but U.S. citizens do not want U.S. forces to remain in the country.

"If I had my choice, what would I like to do? Take the oil, because it's there for the taking. There's not a thing they can do about it," Trump said. "Unfortunately, the American people would like to see us come home."

Trump has repeatedly claimed that the United States has won the war with Iran, but many U.S. experts say they believe the president is losing the ongoing war despite the overwhelming military advantage of the United States and Israel over Iran.

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'Such barbarism is unprecedented in modern history': Iran condemns US-Israeli attacks on universities

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 07 April 2026 5:43 AM

Iran has condemned the US-Israeli attacks on universities, stating that such "barbarism" is unprecedented in modern history.

In a letter circulated to the United Nations Security Council on Monday, Iran's Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, referred to the "grave breaches of international humanitarian law, acts of terrorism and war crimes being perpetrated through the deliberate and indiscriminate targeting of civilian objects" in Iran.

According to the letter, Sharif University of Technology was attacked in the early hours of Monday, causing severe damage to the Faculty of Civil Engineering, the Department of Philosophy of Science, the Nano and Environmental Research Institutes, the Convergent Research Institute building, and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, among other facilities.

The attack on Sharif University follows another war crime perpetrated on 3 April 2026, when parts of Shahid Beheshti University in Tehranincluding the Laser and Plasma Research Institutewere also severely damaged.

He noted that "the intentional targeting of scientific institutions and universities constitutes a clear violation of international humanitarian law and amounts to a war crime."

Ambassador Iravani called upon UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council to unequivocally condemn the attacks as "state terrorism directed against civilian objects and infrastructure."

He further demanded that the Security Council take "immediate, decisive and concrete measures" to halt the ongoing criminal acts of the United States and the Israeli regime, and to ensure full accountability under international law for those responsible.

Sharif University of Technology is not the first university to be targeted by the invading coalition in the past month.

Tehran's Shahid Beheshti University and University of Science and Technology, the Faculty of Pharmacy at Shiraz University, Isfahan University of Technology, parts of the Science and Technology Campus and the Veterinary Specialized Hospital Campus at Urmia University have been hit throughout the unlawful aggression.

The United States and Israel launched their criminal aggression against Iran on February 28 by assassinating Leader of the Islamic Revolution Seyyed Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders.

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True Promise 4: Iran and resistance axis ops. against US-Israeli assets on April 6

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 07 April 2026 4:33 AM

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 Monday, April 6, 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 98 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 6:

Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC):

An advanced US MQ-9 drone was intercepted and destroyed by the IRGC air defense system, within the country's integrated defense system, in the skies over Isfahan. This is the fifth enemy drone to be destroyed in Isfahan in the past week.

An Orbiter 4 drone was also intercepted and destroyed in the skies over Kermanshah by the new advanced defense system, which operates under the control of the country's integrated air defense network.

The command, operational, and logistics headquarters, as well as the industrial-military infrastructure of the US-Israeli coalition, were targeted in the 98th wave of Operation True Promise 4.

The IRGC Navy and Aerospace Forces, following the warning communiques from the Khatim Al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, initiated combined and effect-based operations in this wave, under the blessed code name "O Sayyed al-Sajideen, peace be upon him," and dedicated to the martyr Major General Majid Khademi.

In the first part of this operation, fighters of the IRGC Navy accurately targeted the container ship "SDN7" belonging to the Israeli regime with a cruise missile, which caught fire extensively after being struck.

The north and south of Tel Aviv, strategic centers in Haifa, chemical companies and factories in "occupied Bir Al-Sabi'", and locations where Israeli army forces are present in "Petah Tikva" were precisely struck by Iranian ballistic missiles, given the inability of the regime's ultra-advanced air defense to intercept the missiles.

The LHA7 helicopter carrier and amphibious assault ship of the terrorist US army, with more than 5,000 sailors and marines, was also targeted by lightning-fast Iranian projectile barrages, which, after this attack wave, was forced to retreat into the depths of the southern Indian Ocean.

In another part of the wave, the joint drone production center of the UAE and the Zionist regime, along with a number of aircraft stationed at Ali Al-Salem base, were hit by precise drone and missile strikes.

In the continuation of the same wave, with the blessed code name "O Master of the Sajidin," and dedicated to all the women of the country who manage the street front, the "Al-Udairi" base in Kuwait was subjected to missile and drone attacks by the fighters of the IRGC Aerospace Force.

The gathering and command control centers of the US "Victoria" base in Baghdad were also targeted by successful and powerful strikes with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.

At least five hiding and organization sites of terrorist groups in the regions of northern Iraq were also effectively targeted by drone strikes following intelligence identification.

A US MQ9 drone was downed over the skies of Qeshm Island. The operation was conducted jointly by the advanced air defense systems of the IRGC Navy and Ground Force.

A "Hermes 900" drone was intercepted and downed in the skies over Andimeshk by a newly developed advanced air defense system integrated into the country's unified air defense network.

Iranian Army:

Intercepted and destroyed an Orbiter drone in Tabriz, bringing the total number of downed drones to 168.

Hezbollah:

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and within the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Liman" 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 Hurfeish 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 fighters of the Islamic Resistance targeted the "Shlomi" 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 "Nahariya" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at Fatima Gate on the Lebanese-Palestinian border with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at the Ibl al-Qamh site with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a Merkava tank in the town of Rashaf with a direct guided missile.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and within the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of Israeli settlements in northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Nahariya" settlement for the second time.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and within the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "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, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted infrastructure belonging to the Israeli military in the "Ma'alot Tarshiha" 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 settlements of "Kiryat Shmona" and "Metulla" for the second time with rocket barrages.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's continued shelling of civilians, displacement, and demolition of homes, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Givat Olga" base, which belongs to the northern command of the Israeli army, located 75 km from the Lebanese-Palestinian border west of the city of "Hadera", with a qualitative missile and a swarm of qualitative attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles east of the Khiam detention center with artillery shells.

Shot down an Israeli military "Hermes 450 - Zik" drone in the skies over the town of Ainatha in southern Lebanon with a surface-to-air missile.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the town of Al-Bayada 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 town of Rshaf with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted two Merkava tanks at Ghadmatha hill in the town of Ainata with attack drones.

Targeted a "Merkava" tank and a "Namer" vehicle belonging to the Israeli army in the town of Rshaf in southern Lebanon with attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at Tallet Al-Hamames south of the city of Khiam with rocket barrages and artillery shells.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the town of Al-Bayyada with rocket barrages and artillery shells.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at the newly established Namir Al-Jamal position 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 "Kiryat Shmona" settlement with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Tsenobar" logistics base in the occupied Golan with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a logistical base belonging to the Israeli army in the "Karem Ben Zimra" settlement in the Upper Galilee 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 Israeli settlements in northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Misgav Am" 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 "Margaliot" 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, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers at the Hadabat Al-Ajal position north of the "Kfar Yuval" settlement with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and within the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in northern occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Margaliot" settlement for the second time with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers at the Al-Malikiyah site with an attack drone.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the "Margaliot" 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 "Kiryat Shmona" settlement for the second time 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 "Hanita" 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 "Kiryat Shmona" settlement for the second time with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and within the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in occupied northern Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Yiron" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the "Shlomi" 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 "Malikiya" settlement for the second time with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted multiple gatherings of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the town of Maroun Al-Ras with rocket barrages.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at Tallet Farez in the town of Ainata with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the town of Maroun Al-Ras with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the "Al-Malikiyah" settlement for the third time with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the "Hulata" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and vehicles at Tallet Freiz in the town of Ainata with a rocket barrage.

Yemeni military:

In a joint operation with the IRGC, the Iranian Army and the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, launched a batch of cruise missiles and drones that targeted several vital and military targets belonging to the Israeli regime in "Umm Al-Rashrash" in southern occupied Palestine.

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Iran urges UN action after Trump admits to trying to arm terrorists in Iran

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 07 April 2026 12:50 AM

Iran's UN ambassador has demanded the Security Council take immediate action after President Donald Trump openly admitted the United States tried to arm terrorists inside Iran, calling it a clear admission of inciting violence and bloodshed.

The United States has been trying to turn peaceful protests in Iran into violence, unrest, and bloodshed, Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said in a letter to the UN secretary-general and the Security Council.

He was reacting to Trump's admission that Washington had sent weapons to Iran.

"We sent guns, a lot of guns. They were supposed to go to the people so they could fight back against these thugs," Trump told reporters at a White House Easter event.

"You know what happened? The people that they sent them to kept them," Trump added.

The US president did not name who he accused of taking the weapons. But a Fox News reporter quoted Trump on Sunday as blaming "Kurdish intermediaries" for diverting the arms.

'Flagrant violation of the UN Charter'

In the letter, Iravani said Trump's remarks confirmed Iran's longstanding position that Washington has been fueling instability.

"Such behavior is in line with the United States' long-standing policy of creating, financing, and arming terrorist groups in the Middle East and beyond," the letter said.

"It constitutes a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and the fundamental principles and rules of international law."

Iravani said the United States bears full responsibility for all losses and suffering inflicted on civilians and civilian infrastructure during the December 2025 and January 2026 unrest.

"The United States, through its intervention in Iran's internal affairs, arming terrorist elements and groups, and disseminating false casualty figures, pursued a malicious policy against Iran," he wrote.

Iravani stressed that arming and supporting armed groups in the territory of another state triggers international responsibility.

"The Security Council must firmly condemn these dangerous statements," he said.

It must "ensure that these violations do not go unanswered and clearly declare that any conduct constituting state support for terrorism will not be tolerated under any circumstances."

Trump's admission comes just months after a wave of coordinated terrorist attacks struck Iran on January 8 and 9, killing thousands of civilians and security personnel.

On those two days, armed rioters and terrorists attacked police stations, government buildings, and public infrastructure in several cities.

In the days leading up to the January unrest, Trump had posted multiple threats on social media.

On January 2, he wrote that the US was "locked and loaded" and warned that if Iran killed "peaceful protesters," America would "come to their rescue."

Additionally, former CIA director Mike Pompeo later admitted that Mossad agents were accompanying rioters on the streets.

In an interview with Israeli Channel 13, Pompeo also confirmed that Washington played a direct role in the riots.

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Israel MOD to Accelerate Arrow Interceptor Production

Israel Ministry of Defense

6/4/2026

The Ministerial Committee for Procurement has approved the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) plan for a major additional acceleration of Arrow interceptor production developed and manufactured at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Defense Minister Israel Katz and IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram advanced the deal, which will be signed shortly, enabling a significant increase in both the production rate and stockpile of Arrow interceptors as part of preparations for the evolving campaign. Israel's defense industries are already ramping up production under IMOD directives, and the Committee's approval clears the way for further expansion.

The Arrow system, jointly developed and produced with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), intercepts ballistic threats at exo-atmospheric and upper-atmospheric altitudes, defending Israel against long-range strategic threats. The system has proven its capabilities during the current war, successfully intercepting numerous ballistic missiles launched from Iran and Yemen. It is considered one of the most advanced missile defense systems in the world.

The acceleration plan is led by the Director of the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) within the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), Moshe Patel, together with the Budget Department and additional IMOD departments.

IAI is the prime developer of the Arrow system through the company's MLM Division, in partnership with STARK Aerospace in the United States. IAI's ELTA Division and TMM Division, Elbit Systems, Tomer, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems all participate in the system's production.

The MDA is a key partner of the IMDO within DDR&D in developing and producing Israel's multi-layered air and missile defense array, which includes the Arrow, David's Sling, and Iron Dome systems. The strategic cooperation between Israel and the United States helps ensure Israel's technological edge in air defense.

Defense Minister, Israel Katz: "The large-scale acceleration of Arrow interceptor production is already driving a significant increase in monthly output, strengthening Israel's upper defense layer against ballistic threats from Iran and its proxies. Israel has sufficient interceptors to protect its citizens, and this initiative is designed to ensure continued freedom of action and the sustained operational endurance we require. The Ayatollah regime should know: Israel is resilient and strong, prepared to sustain the campaign for as long as necessary, and continues to enhance its defensive and offensive capabilities while fighting."

IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram: "Over the past year - and with greater intensity since Operation Roaring Lion - the IMOD has been operating on an emergency footing to increase production rates across our multi-layered defense systems, first and foremost the Arrow. The proactive steps we took early on, together with the defense industries, are what give the IDF its sustained operational endurance today. The Committee's approval will allow us to fund the measures already underway and strengthen readiness for the months ahead."

Head of DDR&D, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold: "The Arrow system forms the upper layer of Israel's multi-layered air and missile defense array and has demonstrated outstanding performance against missiles from Iran and Yemen in recent years. Accelerating production and expanding procurement of Arrow interceptors is a vital step in maintaining the IDF's qualitative edge and reinforcing the defense of Israel's civilian and military home front. DDR&D has tasked the defense industries with increasing capabilities and production rates across all of the IDF's strategic munitions - defensive and offensive alike - as a clear lesson of this war. This is a central milestone on that path."

IAI President and CEO Boaz Levy: "With Israel in the midst of Operation Roaring Lion and facing an active ballistic threat, the need for Arrow 3 - capable of high-altitude interception with precise, advanced, and highly reliable technology - has become more evident than ever. The knowledge and expertise accumulated at IAI, combined with the around-the-clock dedication and professionalism our people have shown, converge at the moment when technology, people, and national mission come together. We will continue to stand at the forefront, strengthen Israel's security, and ensure its citizens have the best and most advanced protection in the world."

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Prime Minister Netanyahu

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Type: Media Statements

Government: The 37th Government

Publish Date: 06.04.2026

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today:

"Yesterday, I spoke again with my friend, President Trump. I expressed our immense appreciation for the heroic rescue operation of that American aircrew member, and President Trump, for his part, thanked me for the assistance Israel provided in this mission.

In general, he spoke of us in superlatives. He said: 'You guys are great.' He views Israel as a steadfast, determined, and firm ally that fights shoulder-to-shoulder alongside the United States, and together, we are continuing to crush Iran's regime of terror.

Today, we destroyed the largest petrochemical plant in Iran. This means we are systematically dismantling the IRGC's money machine. We are destroying factories, eliminating operatives, and yes, we are continuing to eliminate senior officials.

Iran is no longer the same Iran, and Israel is no longer the same Israel. Israel is stronger than ever, and the terrorist regime in Iran is weaker than ever. And what is the key? What is the secret? Faith and power. We have both in abundance."

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Japan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Telephone Call

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

April 6, 2026

On April 6, commencing at 4:45 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone call with H.E. Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Islamic State of Pakistan.

Minister MOTEGI expressed his grave concern over the current deterioration of the situation in the Middle East and paid tribute to the mediation efforts Pakistan is making with relevant countries. Minister MOTEGI also explained Japan's position that an early de-escalation of the situation is of utmost importance, as well as Japan's efforts. Minister MOTEGI also brought up the importance of safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, for which he would like to work closely with Pakistan. In response, Deputy Prime Minister Dar explained Pakistan's efforts under the current situation in the Middle East and stated that he would like to work with Japan for the de-escalation of the situation and the safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Both ministers concurred to continue close communication.

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Expanded exchanges with France to boost creative, high-tech ties

KOREA.net

Apr 06, 2026

By Charles Audouin

The state visit to Korea by French President Emmanuel Macron has fueled a rush to boost bilateral cooperation in a wider range of sectors.

Both sides have agreed on amendments to three agreements, signed 11 memorandums of understanding (MOU) and letters of intent for cooperation, and adopted a joint statement on the direction of future cooperation.

To mark the 140th anniversary of bilateral relations this year, both sides first pledged to raise cultural cooperation focusing on celebration of the diplomatic milestone.

The National Library of Korea will revise its 2011 MOU with the National Library of France to expand exchanges of experts, cooperation in cultural projects and sharing of literary resources.

In cinema, the expansion of exchanges such as joint production workshops will be based on a sisterhood agreement signed in September last year between the Korean Film Council and CNC (French National Centre for Cinema).

Korea has been invited to co-chair in September the Cinema & Moving Image Summit in France.

At their April 3 summit held at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, President Lee Jae Myung and President Macron agreed on the need to revise a 1965 bilateral agreement on culture and technical cooperation.

French Minister of Culture Catherine Pegard said, "This amendment will serve as an important institutional foundation to stimulate substantive cooperation in cultural industries that both countries are strong in like film, music, webtoons, e-sports, books and fashion."

Both countries will expand people-to-people exchanges. From the second half of the year, youth from Korea and France will be sent to each other's country to work as assistant teachers of their respective languages.

Such teachers in France will assist in middle and high school classes. France designated Korean an elective foreign language for both regular schools and an elective topic for the college entrance exam, with about 1,800 people last year learning Korean in the nation.

Cooperation in core minerals will see reinforcement. Cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the Forum for Strategic Resource Cooperation and Pax Silica will be upgraded to the bilateral level.

The two sides will also seek institutional cooperation, joint project development, capacity building for sustainable mining management, and collaboration in research and education.

Another joint goal is to secure future growth engines. Both countries signed letters of intent for cooperation in three sectors: artificial intelligence, semiconductors and quantum technology.

Also expected to see a boost are policy sharing, bigger exchanges between the government and private sectors, and cooperation in research and innovation.

Key domestic research entities like the Asia-Pacific Centre for Theoretical Physics, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Seoul National University and Korea University will expand research exchanges through cooperation with CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research).

KAIST and Quandela, a French quantum computing company, agreed to boost cooperation in quantum hardware manufacturing and set up supply chains for materials, parts and equipment. This year, Quandela will enter the Korean market and pursue joint research projects with KAIST.

The National Research Foundation of Korea and ANR (French National Agency for Research) will expand a joint research project launched last year and continue it through next year.

Seoul and Paris have worked together in science and technology since signing a bilateral agreement in 1981 on related cooperation. In 2018, a university alliance in science and technology formed by each country broadened the scope of student exchanges.

The two sides will also reinforce cooperation in honoring veterans affairs, including honoring those who served during the Korean War. During the conflict, France sent 3,421 soldiers from its army and navy.

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the war's Battle of Jipyeong-ri in Yangpyeong-gun County, Gyeonggi-do Province, where a French battalion achieved a major victory.

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Meeting with Aeroflot CEO Sergei Aleksandrovsky

Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Management Board of Aeroflot - Russian Airlines Sergei Aleksandrovsky.

April 6, 2026

13:20

The Kremlin, Moscow

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Alexandrovky, I reviewed the materials ahead of our meeting. I can see that, overall, the company performed well last year, with solid results. Passenger traffic was up, not significantly, but still up. Seat occupancy increased, and so did the profit margin. Overall, the financial position is sound.

I would like to discuss this in more detail and hear your assessments. After that, I would like you to report on the condition of the aircraft fleet and on social programmes.

Please go ahead.

Aeroflot CEO Sergei Aleksandrovsky: Mr President,

I would like to report on the Aeroflot Group's performance in 2025. One of our key objectives was to maintain passenger traffic at the 2024 level, which we did. As a group, we carried 55.3 million passengers. Seat occupancy has also increased by 0.6 percentage points to 90.2 percent which is a historically high figure for Aeroflot. The average annual level for our business model typically stands at 82-85 percent, whereas we are now operating at over 90 percent of seat occupancy.

Overall, under the circumstances and taking into account the specifics, including maintaining serviceability, the group is operating at maximum capacity.

Increasing the company's capitalisation is another priority. In this regard, we focus greatly on financial performance. By the end of 2025, revenue stood at around 900 billion rubles, representing an increase of approximately 5 percent compared to the year before.

I would also like to note that, for the first time since 2019, Aeroflot paid dividends in 2025, having posted a net profit (also for the first time since 2019). Dividends were paid based on the 2024 performance. We plan to propose dividend payments to shareholders for 2025 as well.

Vladimir Putin: This will immediately boost the company's value and appeal.

Sergei Aleksandrovsky: You are right. Enhancing capitalisation is among our top priorities as well.

As for the aircraft fleet, the total number of aircraft is 352, including three operated under a wet lease agreement.

The serviceability of the aircraft fleet remains at an optimal level, comparable to 2019, despite ongoing constraints affecting airworthiness maintenance. This has allowed us to achieve strong operational performance, with total flight hours exceeding one million across the fleet. From 2023 to 2025, the average annual growth rate reached 8.9 percent. This performance is supported in part by the high calibre of our engineering staff. Our subsidiary, Aeroflot Technics, employs approximately 2,000 engineers and has the capacity to service up to 19 aircraft simultaneously in its hangars. This integrated approach ensures the efficient operation of the fleet.

I would also like to highlight the development of our regional operations and overall route network. In 2025, the network structure remained largely unchanged, with a greater focus on increasing frequencies on existing routes.

The balance between international and domestic traffic was broadly consistent with 2024: we carried 42 million passengers on domestic routes and 13.4 million on international routes.

One of the new routes we actively developed in 2025 was Nha Trang, Vietnam. We launched flights not only from Moscow but also from several regions across the Russian Federation.

In line with your priority of increasing the share of flights bypassing Moscow to at least 50 percent, Aeroflot Group achieved 63 percent in 2025. In total, our network comprises 297 routes, 186 of which operate bypassing Moscow, significantly improving transport accessibility for residents in the regions.

With regard to our key operating bases, Sheremetyevo Airport remains our primary hub. It is not only the leading airport in the Russian Federation but also among the leading airports in Europe, supported by advanced infrastructure and a well-developed IT platform. Our close operational integration at Sheremetyevo further enhances efficiency and supports our core activities.

We also continue to develop our Krasnoyarsk hub.

Vladimir Putin: It is increasingly developing as a hub, correct?

Sergei Aleksandrovsky: Yes, Krasnoyarsk is steadily growing. In 2025, we increased traffic there by 10 percent, and together with Moscow-connected flights, we carried approximately 2.4 million passengers through Krasnoyarsk. The hub currently serves 34 destinations.

The resumption of flights to the previously closed southern airports of Gelendzhik and Krasnodar was another landmark event in 2025. In 2025, we used these airports to carry 500,000 passengers. From Krasnodar, we operate flights to 13, including five international, destinations. In 2026, we plan to increase passenger traffic through these airports to 1.5 million, thus tripling the 2025 number. Importantly, though, these airports opened closer to mid-year in 2025.

One of our key priorities, including under our strategy to 2030, which was updated in 2025, is, of course, engaging with personnel, namely, enhancing employee satisfaction and involvement, which directly affect productivity and service quality. In terms of productivity, we have achieved strong results, reaching around 7 million seat-kilometres per employee, with an average annual growth rate of 17.8 percent in 2021-2025.

Vladimir Putin: Wages are rising as well, correct?

Sergei Aleksandrovsky: The average salary increased by 26.9 percent in 2025. We started doing this primarily for operational staff back in 2024 and continued in 2025. So this represents solid growth. The average salary at Aeroflot now stands at around 270,000 rubles.

Vladimir Putin: That is mainly due to flight crew salaries, correct?

Sergei Aleksandrovsky: You are right. Pilots' salaries are the highest among our staff and significantly affect the overall figure.

As I mentioned earlier, the Aeroflot Group's strategy was updated in 2025. The main priorities include operational growth and financial sustainability, with passenger traffic growth primarily driven by fleet expansion. We plan to expand the fleet through the introduction of new domestically produced MS-21 aircraft.

Client-centricity and improving service quality is another focus area. While Aeroflot has traditionally maintained high standard in this regard, we will continue raising it.

And, of course, digital transformation and the introduction of innovative technologies. We have set ourselves an ambitious goal of incorporating AI into up to 50 percent of the corporate business processes.

Vladimir Putin: What does "improving the client experience at every stage of the journey" actually mean? What does "improving the client experience" mean?

Sergei Aleksandrovsky: We have broken down our clients' travel experience step by step starting from the ticket search to the time the passenger is on board. There are certain areas where we can still do better. We identified these growth points and will work on them to achieve an average Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 75 percent. That is a very high benchmark. We are currently at around 72 percent, and each additional percentage point at this level is significantly harder to achieve. We will continue working towards this end.

In 2025, we also saw an increase in the number of minor passengers aged 2 to 12, partly due to the introduction of a standardised 50 percent discount. The number of children transported within the borders of the Russian Federation rose from 2 million to 2.4 million. After all, they are our favourite passengers.

Vladimir Putin: Do you think people were responsive to this?

Sergei Aleksandrovsky: Yes, they were. I believe it was the key factor behind the higher number of passengers in this age group.

In keeping with tradition, I would like to conclude my report with the flat-fare programme for 2025. Last year, with your approval, we made slight adjustments to the fare structure and expanded the number of cities in the Far East served by the programme. In total, 2.3 million passengers travelled under the flat-fare scheme, including 1.5 million on Far Eastern routes. This represents a 12 percent increase compared to 2024, once again reaffirming the programme's effectiveness.

Vladimir Putin: Good.

Sergei Aleksandrovsky: I would also like to express my gratitude to Chairman of the Board of Directors Vitaly Savelyev and to the Minister of Transport, with whom we maintain very close working contact, both on strategic matters and even on day-to-day operational issues.

Vladimir Putin: Overall, the Aeroflot Group feels confident. Are you satisfied with last year's results?

Sergei Aleksandrovsky: We always strive to improve, but overall, we are satisfied with how we concluded the year.

Vladimir Putin: This programme you mentioned, which focuses on identifying areas for improvement and analysing the entire work chain, from ticket search to onboard service, encompassing everything related to passengers, baggage, and service quality, is certainly very important. It is essential that this work continues.

Sergei Aleksandrovsky: Yes, it is an ongoing process, and passengers clearly appreciate these efforts.

<...>

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a meeting of the Russia-Islamic World strategic vision group with ambassadors of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member states, Moscow, April 6, 2026

6 April 2026 17:34

510-06-04-2026



Mr Khusnullin,

Mr Minnikhanov,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Your Excellencies,

Friends,

I am pleased to welcome the Ambassadors of the member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, representatives of federal government bodies, members of the delegation of the Republic of Tatarstan, leaders of religious communities, and all our guests.

Interethnic and interfaith accord has always been, and remains, cornerstone elements of Russia's centuries-old statehood. Alongside other traditional religions, Islam constitutes an integral part of the spiritual, historical, and cultural heritage of our country.

Among Russia's unequivocal foreign policy priorities are the strengthening of mutually beneficial ties with the states of the friendly Islamic civilisation, as well as the promotion of dialogue with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which unites them. A significant role in the development of Russia's partnership with the OIC is played by the Russia-Islamic World strategic vision group, under the leadership of head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov. This year, this platform - truly unique in its representativeness and thematic scope - marks its 20th anniversary. I would like to wholeheartedly congratulate all colleagues on this momentous occasion.

Over this period, our joint work has yielded tangible results. A trusted dialogue has been established on pressing issues of the international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East, which currently demands particular attention. Such contacts confirm the convergence or proximity of Russia's and Muslim countries' approaches to a wide range of global and regional matters. We are united by our commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter in their entirety, completeness, and interrelationship. We advocate the construction of a just multipolar world order that opens new opportunities for the development of equitable cooperation, free from any form of discrimination or diktat.

We devote considerable attention to expanding trade and economic interaction with the Islamic world and to implementing joint investment projects. In mid-May, Kazan will host a large business event - the next, 17th International Economic Forum Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum. Relevant invitations are being sent through Russian diplomatic and trade missions in OIC member states. We would be delighted to welcome delegations from all your countries to hospitable Kazan.

Solid foundations also exist in the humanitarian sphere, as well as in culture, education, and science. Active contacts through religious leaders, along with youth and other public associations, help Muslims around the world to learn more about our country. In this regard, I would like to note particularly that Kazan has been declared this year's Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. I am confident that the planned events will serve to promote the achievements of the multifaceted and distinctive culture of the Tatar people and of Russia as a whole, and will strengthen friendship and trust between the Russian Federation and the Islamic world.

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Negotiations on Ukraine Currently on Pause, US Has Lots of Other Things to Do - Kremlin

Sputnik News

20260406

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The negotiation process on Ukraine currently still on pause, as the United States has lots of other things to do, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

"As for the negotiation process, yes, it is still on pause, the Americans have a lot of other things to do, it is clear what, and now it is difficult to get together in a trilateral format," Peskov told reporters.

Both Russia and Ukraine continue dialogue with Washington through their own channels, the spokesman added.

Moscow is unaware of the alleged planned trip of US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner to Kiev after Easter, Peskov also said.

"No, we do not know for certain that it [the visit] is planned. We have heard a statement from representatives of the Kiev regime that, they say, such an issue may be on the agenda, meaning the arrival of Witkoff and Kushner," Peskov told reporters when asked whether the Kremlin knows anything about the alleged upcoming trip of Witkoff and Kushner to Kiev after Easter.

On Iran's Conflict

The level of tension in the Middle East in connection with the conflict over Iran is growing, and in fact the entire region is on fire, Peskov said.

"We note that the level of tension in the region is growing and continues to grow. In fact, the whole region is on fire," Peskov told reporters.

The consequences of the aggression unleashed against Iran are very dangerous, including for the global economy, the official said, adding that the geography of the conflict over Iran has expanded.

"Now we are all stating the consequences that we have, including very, very negative consequences for the global economy. In fact, from the very beginning, even before the start of hostilities, we warned that such consequences were inevitable," Peskov said.

Russia has seen US President Donald Trump's statements on the Strait of Hormuz addressed to Iran, and prefers not to comment on them, Peskov said.

On Sunday, Trump threatened Iran with a "day of bridges and power plants" on April 7, calling for the opening of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, otherwise Iranians will "live in hell." "We have seen these statements. We prefer not to comment on them," Peskov told reporters.

Even before the outbreak of hostilities in Iran, Russia warned that negative consequences for the global economy were inevitable, Peskov recalled.

"Now we are all stating the consequences that we have, including very, very negative consequences for the global economy. In fact, from the very beginning, even before the start of hostilities, we warned that such consequences were inevitable," Peskov told reporters.

On Gas Pipelines Attacks

So far, there was no real evidence presented of who may be behind the attempted attacks on the gas pipeline in Serbia, Peskov said.

"We know that so far there is no reliable evidence of who may be behind the attempted attacks on this important energy artery on European territory, which is currently operating in a very tense mode," Peskov told reporters, commenting on the situation around the gas pipelines.

The sections of the TurkStream and Blue Stream pipelines have been repeatedly attacked by Ukraine, Peskov said, adding that Moscow is not ruling out that Ukrainian traces will be found during the investigation into the attempted attack.

"Russia is taking the necessary measures to ensure the security of the infrastructure," Peskov said.

Russia hopes that Hungary and Serbia will make efforts to minimize the threats to the TurkStream and Blue Stream pipelines, the spokesman concluded.

Moscow hopes that Ankara has pointed out to Volodymyr Zelensky the inadmissibility of attacks on the TurkStream and Blue Stream gas pipelines, Peskov also said.

"We also hope that during recent contacts with Zelensky in Ankara, the head of the Kiev regime was told that such aggressive actions against the infrastructure of the Turkish and Blue Streams were unacceptable," Peskov told reporters, commenting on the situation in connection with attempted attacks on gas pipelines.

 Sputnik

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Ministry of Defense Spokesperson: Seven Ballistic Missiles Launched toward Eastern Region Intercepted and Destroyed; Debris Falls near Energy Facilities

Saudi Press Agency

Monday 18/10/1447

Riyadh, April 7, 2026, SPA -- Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense Major General Turki Al-Malki stated that seven ballistic missiles launched toward Eastern Region were intercepted and destroyed, and that debris from the missiles fell in the vicinity of energy facilities. Damage assessment is underway.

-- SPA

02:51 Local Time 23:51 GMT

0003

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Feature: Chinese EVs under spotlight at Bangkok motor show amid global fuel shock

Xinhua) 11:09, April 07, 2026

BANGKOK, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained unprecedented attention in Thailand, as a sudden surge in global oil prices drives consumers to seek immediate options to reduce their reliance on traditional combustion engines.

This growing demand coincides with the green mobility trend, as evidenced by newer models on display at the 47th Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), notably pivoting toward battery-powered vehicles, a segment spearheaded by Chinese automakers.

Jaturont Komolmis, vice chairman of the BIMS, said the continued development of alternative energy vehicles alongside increasingly efficient internal combustion engines reflects the industry's resilience, adaptability and the diversity of market demand.

In an interview with Xinhua, Jaturont described the recent wave of Chinese auto brands launching in Thailand as an indication of profound trust in its infrastructure, established manufacturing base and robust consumer purchasing power.

Capitalizing on this shift, both well-established and emerging manufacturers from China have introduced a wide range of accessible, cutting-edge products, capturing a growing portion of Thai consumer interest and bookings.

According to the organizer, the 2026 BIMS concluded on Sunday with nearly 1.8 million visitors and a staggering 132,951 vehicle bookings, representing a 71.8 percent surge compared to the previous year.

China's leading EV maker, BYD, secured the highest booking volume during the 12-day show, while Japanese auto giant Toyota trailed behind.

The remaining top five were dominated by Chinese marques, including Omoda &Jaecoo, SAIC's MG, and Changan's Deepal and Nevo, indicating a significant shift in the Thai market structure, where automakers from Japan had previously held an iron grip for decades.

Consumer decisions at the annual exhibition were also heavily influenced by a looming energy crisis, as escalating geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East have disrupted global maritime logistics, pushing local retail oil prices to record levels.

The financial shock of rising pump prices and concerns over fuel shortages have prompted buyers to prioritize operational cost savings, resulting in a massive increase in EV inquiries and reservations.

The arrival of long-driving-range of technologically advanced Chinese vehicles has alleviated range anxiety among urban commuters looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

For Karnsita Rodthong, a trip to the motor show started as a plan for casual browsing, but recent fuel price hikes rapidly accelerated her timeline for purchasing an EV.

"Fuel costs of over 10,000 baht (around 300 U.S. dollars) a month are just brutal," the 33-year-old business owner told Xinhua, referring to the financial strain of her family's large combustion-engine sport utility vehicle (SUV).

Targeting a city-friendly EV with a comprehensive battery warranty and a minimum real-world driving range of 500 kilometers, Karnsita expressed strong confidence in the rapid evolution of Chinese automakers.

"Their innovation and development are intense, and they really meet the needs of Thai consumers," she said, calling them highly attractive options for budget-conscious families.

Across demographics, people echo the sentiment that zero-emission vehicles have transitioned from experimental to standard.

Peter, a 59-year-old Australian expatriate living in Thailand for over a decade, is preparing to transition to EVs after years of waiting for the market to stabilize and technology to mature, seeing them as a stable asset in the face of global oil volatility.

After experiencing a BYD electric SUV firsthand, he highlighted the Chinese automaker's strong global presence, stating that the brand's reputation and trust in established technology significantly shape his buying decision.

"I think they've exploded in the world, and they're probably here to stay," he said. "It's a very good choice to go electric... for the long term, it's a great investment."

For veteran EV owners, the economic benefits have already moved beyond the vehicle itself.

The 41-year-old Bird leverages a time-of-use electricity meter at home, charging his vehicle overnight during cheaper off-peak hours to minimize his overall energy costs.

He noted that combining smart charging with increasingly affordable residential-use solar power systems practically insulates drivers from the volatility of global fuel markets.

"If you have an EV, there's no need to worry about energy anymore, whether it's oil or electricity," he added.

Under the Thai government's investment promotion, the kingdom aims to convert at least 30 percent of its annual vehicle production to zero-emission vehicles by 2030 as part of its move toward sustainable mobility.

According to the Federation of Thai Industries, domestic sales of pure-battery EVs jumped 81.36 percent to 121,027 units in 2025, accounting for almost 20 percent of total car deliveries.

According to the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand, recent consumer reception, market trends and booking volumes demonstrate that the public is becoming more open to EV technology.

However, it pointed out that promoting EVs extends beyond vehicle sales and requires a systematic and comprehensive approach encompassing manufacturing, localized parts usage, technology transfer and workforce development.

Strong infrastructure, charging networks, centralized data systems and government incentives are also needed to boost consumer confidence, alleviate practical usage concerns, and ensure a sustainable energy transition, the association said in a statement.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Israel mulling 'unprecedented' collusion with Syria's HTS against Hezbollah: Report

Iran Press TV

Monday, 06 April 2026 7:23 AM

A recent report has revealed that Syria's ruling Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group may join forces with Israel against the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement, now that the Tel Aviv regime has failed to materialize its dream of occupying southern Lebanon.

According to the report by the Israeli newspaper Maariv on Saturday, Israeli officials no longer believe they can conquer southern Lebanon and defeat Hezbollah using their current strategy of relying on the Lebanese Army to confront the resistance group.

Now, they purportedly plan to use HTS forces as a proxy to fight Hezbollah from the north and east on their behalf.

"Within this picture, a more sensitive and dramatic assessment is emerging," Maariv wrote.

The newspaper added that, "there are only two parties left in the region that are both capable and willing to fight Hezbollah - Israel and the new Syrian regime" led by former al-Qaeda militant Abu Mohammad al-Jolani.

"According to Israeli sources, this is a matter of intersecting interests, even if not an alliance in the classic sense. From Israel's perspective, this is a regime that hates Hezbollah, sees it as an enemy, and may actually become a partner of interests in the Lebanese arena," Maariv asserted.

As a result, a "scenario could unfold in which understandings between Israel and HTS will take shape," which involves the Israeli military taking control of southern Lebanon, while the HTS militant forces will operate in northern Lebanon against Hezbollah.

The sources told the Israeli paper that this option is being examined as a consequence of the "failure of all other routes."

According to the sources, direct and indirect contacts are taking place between Israeli and Syria's HTS officials regarding the issue, possibly with US mediation.

If another alternative to defeating Hezbollah is not proposed by Western countries such as France and Germany, "the assumption in Israel is that the US will not block such a move, and may even give it a quiet blessing in the end."

Israel resumed its bloody onslaught on Lebanon on March 2, after Hezbollah initiated retaliatory operations following 15 months of Israeli ceasefire violations.

This took place at the same time as the large-scale and unprovoked US-Israeli war was launched against Iran on February 28.

Since then, Israeli forces have unleashed a barbaric bombing campaign, hitting targets across Lebanon, including the capital, Beirut, killing hundreds of civilians, rescue workers, and resistance fighters.

Israel also launched a ground offensive to take the territory of South Lebanon up to the strategic Litani River.

However, Hezbollah fighters have put up stiff resistance on the ground, preventing Israeli troops from penetrating deep into Lebanon and disarming the movement.

Lebanese authorities say at least 1,345 people have been killed since March 2, and another 4,040 wounded in the Israeli assaults.

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Republican congressional delegation visits Taiwan, to meet President Lai

ROC Central News Agency

04/06/2026 11:22 AM

Taipei, April 6 (CNA) A Republican congressional delegation led by Zach Nunn, chair of the Republican Study Committee's (RSC) National Security Task Force, is visiting Taiwan this week and will meet with President Lai Ching-te (), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Monday.

Nunn is joined by Representatives Scott Fitzgerald, Julie Fedorchak and Jefferson Shreve on the trip, which runs from Sunday to Saturday, MOFA said.

The delegation will also meet other senior Taiwanese officials to discuss Taiwan-U.S. relations, regional security, economic and trade cooperation, and developments in the Taiwan Strait, according to MOFA.

The Republican Study Committee is a caucus of conservative Republican members in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Its National Security Task Force leads policy efforts on national defense and promotes a "peace through strength" approach, according to the RSC website.

(By Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/kb



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Deadly Strike Hits Odesa; Ukraine Says It Struck Russian Missile Carrier

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and RFE/RL's Russian Service April 06, 2026

At least three people, including a two-year-old girl and her mother, were killed in an overnight Russian drone strike on the southern Ukrainian port of Odesa, Ukraine said on April 6.

On the same day, Kyiv also said it had hit a Russian missile carrier in an attack on the port of Novorossiisk.

At least 15 others were injured in the Odesa attack, including a pregnant woman and two children, a 7-month-old boy and a 2-year-old girl, Ukrainian officials reported.

Authorities in the Odesa region have declared April 6 a day of mourning for the victims of the overnight attack.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha condemned the incident, calling for tougher action against Moscow.

"Pressure on Moscow must rise, not decrease," he wrote on X following the Odesa attack. "Russian child murderers should only face sanctions, isolation, and accountability."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on April 6 that Russia launched over 140 drones overnight, hitting Odesa and several other regions, damaging residential buildings, a kindergarten, and a district power substation.

"Sixteen people have been wounded. Eleven of them have been hospitalized by our medics, including a pregnant woman and two children. The youngest is not even a year old," Zelenskyy said in his post on X.

Zelenskyy urged allies to strengthen air defenses, warning that "Russia has no intention of stopping."

Elsewhere, the Ukrainian military said it struck a Russian warship in the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk as well as a drilling rig near occupied Crimea overnight.

Kyiv's drone forces commander Robert Brovdi said the Admiral Makarov missile carrier was one of the targets of the attack.

Brovdi also shared footage purporting to show both incidents.

Russian regional authorities had earlier reported that Ukrainian drones had hit Novorossiisk, injuring at least eight people.

Several Russian-language Telegram channels, including ASTRA, reported that the Sheskharis oil terminal, a key facility in southern Russia for the storage and loading of oil and petroleum products onto tankers, was damaged as a result of the attacks on Novorossiisk.

The Sheskharis oil terminal, the largest in southern Russia, is part of Chernomortransneft, a subsidiary of the state-controlled oil pipeline company Transneft, which handles receiving, storing, and exporting oil to tankers.

Ukraine has stepped up drone attacks on Russian oil facilities in recent weeks, curtailing exports and hampering Moscow's capacity to take advantage of a spike in global energy prices prompted by the war in Iran and Tehran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported on April 6 that it had shot down 198 Ukrainian drones since the previous evening.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine -exchange-drone-strikes/33725871.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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Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's response to a media question about Japan-Ukraine war drone technology cooperation project

6 April 2026 16:17

509-06-04-2026



Question: Japanese drone manufacturer Terra Drone Corporation has released a statement on its website confirming a strategic partnership with the Ukrainian developer Amazing Drones, which specialises in combat unmanned aerial systems. The Japanese company also openly stated that the deal forms part of a broader long-term strategy to enter the military products market, including attack systems. What can you say about this?

Maria Zakharova: Indeed, such information has been reported. Considering Ukraine's relentless criminal provocations involving the use of unmanned aerial vehicles against civilian assets in Russia, we view this step - clearly taken with the support of official authorities - as openly hostile and detrimental to our country's security interests, including the protection of civilians.

By assisting the neo-Nazi regime led by Zelensky, Japan is becoming increasingly embroiled into the conflict around Ukraine, thereby inflicting further damage to its relations with Russia, which have already significantly worsened due to Tokyo's actions. Clearly, such decisions do not help achieve a swift resolution of the situation around Ukraine but only draw out hostilities.

As a reminder, weapons posing a threat to our country and our citizens, as well as the production facilities that manufacture them on Ukrainian territory, are considered legitimate military targets for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

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Ukraine Attacks Caspian Pipeline Consortium Facilities to Put Economic Damage on US Energy Companies

Sputnik News

20260406

On the night of April 6, the Ukrainian regime, in an attempt to destabilize the global hydrocarbon market and halt the supply of petroleum products to European consumers, attacked facilities of the marine transshipment complex in Novorossiysk using fixed-wing attack drones, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The Ukrainian regime deliberately targeted facilities of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, an international oil transport company, in order to inflict maximum economic damage on its largest shareholders - energy companies from the US and Kazakhstan.

As a result of the Ukrainian drone strikes, the pipeline of the offshore berthing facility and the loading/unloading pier were damaged, and four petroleum product storage tanks caught fire.

In addition, on the night of April 6, Ukrainian drones also attacked civilian infrastructure in the city of Novorossiysk, including apartment buildings and private residential homes, resulting in injuries to civilians, including children.

The Caspian Pipeline Consortium is the largest route for transporting oil from the Caspian region to global markets.

The pipeline, stretching over 1,500 kilometers, connects oil fields in western Kazakhstan to a marine terminal in Novorossiysk. The consortium brings together major fuel and energy enterprises from Russia, the United States, Kazakhstan, and several Western European countries.

Notably, it includes the American company Chevron.

Last November, the CPC marine terminal near Novorossiysk came under drone attack. The offshore berthing facility VPU-2 was damaged.

Its continued operation was deemed impossible, loading was suspended, and tankers were moved outside the CPC's water area.

Following the attack, oil exports were urgently rerouted to alternative routes. By the end of January this year, the CPC had put the repaired VPU-3 into operation as a replacement for VPU-2.

Kazakhstan lost approximately 480,000 tons of oil.

The Kremlin called the attack an "outrageous incident," noting that it involved a facility with international participation.

In January, tankers Delta Harmony and Matilda, which were scheduled to load Kazakh oil, were attacked near the CPC terminal.

KazMunayGas reported that the vessel Matilda, chartered by the Kazakh company NMSC Kazmortransflot LLP (a subsidiary of KMG), was attacked by a drone near the CPC facility.

 Sputnik

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Russia Views Launch of Japan-Ukraine Drone Cooperation Project as Hostile Move - Russian MFA

Sputnik News

20260406

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Moscow views the launch of the Japanese-Ukrainian drone cooperation project as a hostile move, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Monday.

"Considering Ukraine's systematic criminal provocations using drones against civilian targets in Russia, we view this move, clearly carried out with the support of official authorities, as openly hostile and detrimental to our country's security interests, including the protection of civilians," Zakharova told reporters.

Japan is being drawn deeper into the Ukraine conflict by helping Kiev and causing additional damage to relations with Russia, Zakharova added.

 Sputnik

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Ukraine Might Be Behind TurkStream Sabotage Attempts - Orban

Sputnik News

20260406

Last week, President of Serbia Alexandar Vucic told Orban that security forces had discovered explosive devices near a key gas pipeline linking Serbia and Hungary and carrying Russian gas via the TurkStream route.

"We cannot yet answer exactly who planned the sabotage... However, what we are seeing now fits into the chain of events, as the Ukrainians undoubtedly have the capabilities, are willing, and are able to carry out such actions"  Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said.

This may be part of Ukraine's strategy aimed at cutting Europe from Russian energy supplies, he added.

 Sputnik

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Russian Forces Strike Ukrainian Tactical Missiles Workshops and Energy Infrastructure

Sputnik News

20260406

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian Armed Forces have struck a workshop producing control systems and components for operational-tactical missiles, as well as energy infrastructure used in the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday.

"Operational-tactical aviation, strike unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops, and artillery of the Russian Armed Forces' battlegroups inflicted damage on Ukraine's workshops producing control systems and components for operational-tactical missiles, energy infrastructure, storage and assembly sites for fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as temporary deployment points of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 159 areas," the statement said.

Ukraine lost over 350 soldiers in combat against Russia's Tsentr battlegroup , over 185 Ukrainian soldiers were eliminated by Russia's Sever battlegroup , and up to 260 by the Vostok battlegroup

, over 185 Ukrainian soldiers were eliminated by Russia's , and up to 260 by the Up to 180 by the Zapad battlegroup , up o 175 by the Yug battlegroup, and up to 60 by the Dnepr battlegroup

, up o 175 by the Yug battlegroup, and up to 60 by the Units of the Russian Black Sea Fleet have destroyed four Ukrainian naval drones and a long-range guided missile Neptun-MD in the Black Sea

 Sputnik

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Sweden to supply Ukraine with advanced counter-Shahed systems: key facts about Tridon Mk2

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

6 April, 2026, 12:03 PM EEST

The Defence Forces of Ukraine will receive advanced Tridon Mk2 air defence systems from Sweden. These systems will enhance Ukraine's air defence capabilities in countering Shahed drones and other aerial threats.

Sweden will allocate 400 million to procure these systems, nearly one-third of the new 1.2 billion military assistance package announced in February.

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine highlights the significance of these systems for Ukraine.

Technical specifications of the Tridon Mk2 air defence system

Tridon Mk2 is a mobile medium-range air defence system. It was first introduced in 2024.

The system operates in all weather conditions, both day and night. One of its key advantages is its relatively low cost per shot.



Technical specifications of Tridon Mk2 Technical specifications of Tridon Mk2

Tridon Mk2 is equipped with a 40 mm Bofors 40 Mk4 automatic cannon capable of engaging targets at distances of up to 12 km, with a rate of fire of up to 300 rounds per minute. The system supports reducing the rate of fire to 200 rounds per minute, optimising ammunition expenditure and enabling adaptation to specific fire missions.

Ammunition and carrier platforms for Tridon Mk2

The Tridon Mk2 gun fires programmable airburst ammunition. The rounds detonate immediately in front of the target, creating a cloud of fragments. This significantly enhances effectiveness in countering unmanned aerial systems and cruise missiles.

The system can be mounted on BvS 10 tracked armoured all-terrain vehicles or Scania trucks. The system is equipped with electric drives, enabling seamless integration with a range of platforms, unlike systems that rely on hydraulic drives.

The Swedish Tridon Mk2 is a versatile air defence system combining high effectiveness, broad applicability, and low operating costs. The system is capable of simultaneously countering multiple threats, including strike and reconnaissance UAVs, aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles.

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Zelenskyy says Ukraine offered Russia an energy truce

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

07.04.2026 [01:09]

Baku, April 7, AZERTAC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday that Kyiv has proposed a mutual halt to attacks on the energy sector with Russia, Anadolu Agency reports.

"If Russia is ready to stop strikes on our energy sector, we will be ready to respond in kind. This is our proposal  conveyed through the Americans  and the Russian side has it," he said.

Zelenskyy added that Ukraine is also working "substantively" with the American side on documents, preparing its proposals and strengthening the framework on security guarantees.

"Security guarantees are the key to truly ending the war, to achieving a lasting peace, and to creating the political and legal conditions necessary to bring the war to an end and to build public trust in the process," he said.

He emphasized that Kyiv remains in contact with the US virtually every day at multiple levels to "ensure there is a result."

"There is currently a lot of skepticism about diplomacy  not only here  regarding Russia's war against Ukraine. But the outcome, and whether there will be one at all, depends on all participants in the diplomatic process," Zelenskyy added.

Earlier this year, Russia and Ukraine held several rounds of US-mediated peace talks. The process was interrupted by the US decision to launch a military operation in the Middle East.

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China, Ukraine sign protocol on Ukrainian wheat flour exports to deepen agricultural trade cooperation: Chinese embassy

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 07, 2026 09:17 AM

On Monday, Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Ma Shengkun met with Iryna Ovcharenko, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine, and Serhii Tkachuk, head of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection. On behalf of China's General Administration of Customs, Ambassador Ma signed with Tkachuk the protocol on inspection, quarantine and sanitary requirements for Ukrainian wheat flour exported to China.

Ambassador Ma spoke positively about China-Ukraine cooperation in agriculture, saying the signing of the protocol will further expand bilateral cooperation in agricultural trade and enrich the content of the China-Ukraine strategic partnership. He said agricultural cooperation between the two countries is highly complementary and holds great potential, and that China is willing to further strengthen relevant cooperation with Ukraine for the benefit of both peoples, according to a release from the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine.

Ovcharenko said that China is Ukraine's largest trading partner and an important destination for Ukrainian agricultural exports, expressing confidence that the protocol will create a new growth point for bilateral agricultural trade. She thanked the teams on both sides for their long-term efforts in negotiating bilateral protocols on market access for agricultural products, and said Ukraine is willing to continue expanding the range of agricultural products it exports to China, according to the release.

Tkachuk said Ukraine will ensure the quality and standards of agricultural products exported to China, and is willing to work with the Chinese side to further strengthen cooperation in agricultural trade and enhance the position of both countries' agricultural products in the international market, per the release.

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Featured

Rapper Offset shot outside Florida casino

theguardian.com Showbiz News Apr - 07 - 2026 , 08:03 2 minutes read

The rapper Offset is in a stable condition in hospital after he was shot outside a Florida casino on Monday.

The former member of the Atlanta hip-hop trio Migos, whose real name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus, was shot in a valet area outside the Seminole Hard Rock hotel and casino, Offsets spokesperson confirmed to media.

He is being treated at a hospital and being closely monitored, the spokesperson said in a statement.

Offset was formerly married to the rapper Cardi B, with whom he has three children.

Details of the lead-up to the shooting werent immediately available.

The Seminole police department said two people were detained by police and officials are investigating the incident.

The site is secure and there is no threat to the public, a police statement said. Operations continue as normal.

Offsets fellow Migos member Takeoff died aged 28 in 2022 after he was shot outside a Houston bowling alley where he and his uncle, fellow Migos member Quavo, were playing dice. The accused, Patrick Clark, has maintained his innocence and will go to trial in November, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Famed for their signature rapid-fire triplet flow, Migos broke out with the 2013 hit Versace and later earned Grammy nominations for best rap album with 2017s Culture and best rap performance. They are best known for their 2016 Lil Uzi Vert collaboration Bad and Boujee, which peaked at No 1 in the US, as well as Top 10 hits MotorSport, with Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, and Walk It Talk It, with Drake.

Offset and Cardi B were secretly wed in September 2017 in Atlanta. In 2024, Cardi B announced that she had filed for divorce.

Associated Press contributed to this report.
Northern Ireland is the first part of the UK to introduce paid miscarriage leave to parents

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Artemis II crew head for home after travelling further from Earth than anyone before

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Nigerian onion traders suspend export to Ghana

punchng.com International News Apr - 07 - 2026 , 06:59 3 minutes read

A fresh trade dispute has erupted between Nigerian and Ghanaian onion traders, forcing a suspension of cross-border supply and raising concerns over regional commerce and food distribution.

The crisis, which has been simmering for months, reached a boiling point following reports of harassment and the alleged seizure of onion-laden trucks belonging to Nigerian traders in Accra.

Announcing the decision while addressing newsmen in his office on Sunday, National President of the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, Isa Aliyu, said the suspension of onion transportation to Ghana was unavoidable.

Our members have endured persistent harassment, intimidation, and unfair treatment in Ghanaian markets. The recent confiscation of our trucks is unacceptable and a clear violation of trade norms, Aliyu said.

He added that the association had directed an immediate halt to all onion shipments along the Ghana corridor until the safety and rights of Nigerian traders are guaranteed.

We cannot continue to expose our traders to losses and danger. This suspension will remain until there is a clear commitment to restoring a safe and lawful trading environment, he stated.

The dispute reportedly intensified after a disagreement between Ghanaian and Nigerian traders escalated into the seizure of trucks transporting onions from Nigeria.

Industry sources say the situation has created fear and uncertainty among traders, disrupting normal market operations.

A Nigerian trader affected by the development described the situation as alarming.

We have invested heavily in this business. Seeing our goods seized without justification is heartbreaking. Many of us are now stranded and unsure of what comes next, the trader lamented.

NOPPMAN has called on authorities in both Nigeria and Ghana, as well as regional bodies, to urgently intervene to prevent further escalation.

We urge both governments to investigate these incidents and ensure the protection of Nigerian traders. Dialogue must be facilitated to resolve this dispute quickly, Aliyu said.

The association also emphasised the need to uphold existing regional trade agreements under the Economic Community of West African States, which promote free movement of goods and fair trade practices.

Meanwhile, the association dismissed circulating reports claiming that armed men attacked and seized Ghanaian trucks in Nigeria.

There was no attack on any Ghanaian truck. The vehicles seen at the border were there as a result of the ongoing strike, not due to any security incident, Aliyu clarified.

Nigeria is one of West Africas leading producers of onions, supplying large volumes to neighbouring countries, including Ghana. The trade plays a critical role in supporting livelihoods across the agricultural value chain, from farmers in northern Nigeria to cross-border merchants and retailers.

However, disputes between local trader groups and foreign participants are not new, often driven by competition, pricing tensions, and market control issues.
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Northern Ireland is the first part of the UK to introduce paid miscarriage leave to parents

www.itv.com International News Apr - 07 - 2026 , 06:49 1 minute read

From Monday, April 6, for employees, there will be two weeks of statutory paid leave specifically for miscarriage, whether through spontaneous loss or medical interventions necessary for health reasons. This also applies to a partner.

The new Regulations make Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay a day-one right for workers, abolishing the qualifying period of 26 weeks of continuous employment.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: "Parents who suffer the loss of a child should be treated with care and compassion. These new rights allow women who experience miscarriage and their partner to take up to two weeks of paid leave to grieve and to support each other during a very difficult time. I welcome the Assembly's approval of these Regulations, which will make a meaningful difference to many women and families across the north."

The two weeks of leave for a woman and her partner is paid at the statutory level of just more than 194 per week, or 90% of weekly pay if that's lower.

It is estimated that over 9000 people per year are affected by a miscarriage, either experienced by them or their partner.
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British political party says it would stop visas for people from countries seeking slavery reparations

theguardian.com International News Apr - 07 - 2026 , 15:32 3 minutes read

Reform UK would stop issuing visas to people from any country that continues to demand compensation from the UK for its role in the transatlantic trade in enslaved people, the party has said.

Zia Yusuf, the partys home affairs spokesperson, told the Daily Telegraph that the call for reparations was insulting.

He claimed 3.8m visas had been issued over the last two decades to people from countries calling for reparations.

For four centuries, seven European countries, including the UK, enslaved and trafficked more than 15 million Africans across the Atlantic. Historians have linked wealth from enslavement to mass industrialisation in the west.

Last month, the UN voted to describe the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity and called for reparations as a concrete step towards remedying historical wrongs.

The landmark resolution was backed by the African Union and the Caribbean Community (Caricom). It had been proposed by Ghanas president, John Dramani Mahama, who said: Let it be recorded that when history beckoned, we did what was right for the memory of millions who suffered the indignity of slavery.

The UK and members of the EU abstained from the vote, while the US voted against the resolution, which was not legally binding.

Yusuf told the Telegraph: A growing number of countries are demanding reparations from Britain. These countries ignore the fact that Britain made huge sacrifices to be the first major power to outlaw slavery and enforce this prohibition.

He said the bank is closed and the door is locked for anyone who wanted to use history as a weapon to drain our treasury.

The United Kingdom is not an ATM for ethnic grievances of the past, and we will no longer tolerate being ridiculed on the world stage, he continued. While countries like Jamaica, Nigeria and Ghana ramp up their demands for reparations, the Westminster establishment has rewarded them. Enough is enough.

Reform UK has previously pledged to scrap international aid for countries demanding reparations.

In 2023, a report on reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, written and compiled by Patrick Robinson, a former judge of the International Court of Justice, concluded the UK alone should pay $24tn (18.8tn) as reparations for transatlantic slavery in 14 countries.

Last year the Caricom Reparations Commission (CRC), which was set up to progress the Caribbeans pursuit of justice for centuries of enslavement and colonisation by European countries, addressed misleading press reports that suggested the commissions aim was to break the British Treasury by demanding trillions of pounds.

The CRCs chair, Prof Sir Hilary Beckles, speaking at a lecture in London during its first official visit to the UK, said the commissions ultimate aim was for the UK and its former colonies to identify mutual strategies for a mutually beneficial restorative justice programme.

Every week, we open the newspapers and we hear the most terrible things about these reparations people from the Caribbean. Some have said that we have come here to break the British Treasury by demanding millions and billions and billions of pounds. And they have consistently tried to discredit what is an ongoing moral and ethical argument for justice, the right to justice, he said during the lecture.
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Trump threatens to take out Iran in 'one night' if no deal before deadline

BBC International News Apr - 07 - 2026 , 10:44 3 minutes read

US President Donald Trump has threatened to take out Iran "in one night" if it fails to make a deal before the deadline he set for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global supply route.

Trump's deadline for an "acceptable" deal - one that includes the free flow of energy through the Gulf - is set for 20:00 Washington DC time on Tuesday (00:00 GMT on Wednesday).

Trump said at a White House news conference that he believed "reasonable" leaders in Iran were negotiating in "good faith", but the outcome remained uncertain.

Iran has rejected proposals for a temporary ceasefire, instead calling for a permanent end to the conflict and the lifting of sanctions.

Trump's news conference - alongside Gen Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth - comes days after US forces successfully recovered two crew members of an F-15 fighter jet that was downed in southern Iran.

Although much of Trump's remarks highlighted what the president described as the "heroic" rescue of the crew, Trump once again repeated his warning that the US could launch attacks on Iran's energy and transportation infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz were not reopened by Tuesday's deadline.

"The entire country can be taken out in one night  and that night might be tomorrow night," he said on Monday.

Once the deadline passes, Trump added, Iran would be sent back to the "Stone Ages".

"They're going to have no bridges," he said. "They're going to have no power plants."

Despite Iran's earlier rejection of US demands, Trump continued to express optimism that Iran was negotiating in good faith after successive layers of Iranian leadership were killed in US and Israeli strikes.

"We're going to find out," he said.

Meaningful progress in any negotiation is unlikely to take place without a ceasefire first, according to a regional official familiar with the discussions.

The official - who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of talks - said that talks were complicated because of difficulties in getting messages to and from Iranian officials amid an ongoing communications blackout.

"To convey messages to Iran, getting a response in a reasonable time is not possible," the official said. "The average time of response has been a day or so."

Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt have all been involved in efforts to mediate.

Trump provided few other details as to the administration's plans going forward, saying only that he had "the best plan" but that he would not divulge it to the media.

Legal experts have warned that deliberate, sustained assaults on Iranian infrastructure could constitute a war crime.

"Obliterating all power plants, threatening coercive actions against the civilian population to try to bring a government to the negotiating table - those kinds of things are all flatly illegal," Tess Bridgeman, former Obama-era National Security Council legal adviser, told CBS, the BBC's US partner.

Earlier in the day, Trump said he was not "worried" about that possibility, and in the news conference insisted that Iran's population would be "willing to suffer to have freedom" - even if toppling Iran's government was not his intention.

The president also renewed his criticism of key US allies - including the UK, Nato and South Korea - that he said had failed to come to the help of the US during the conflict.

"That's a mark on Nato that will never disappear," he said, adding that the US did not "need" the UK.

US forces have conducted over 13,000 strikes across Iran since the war began, according to an update from the US military's Central Command on Monday.
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Chlorine gas leak at Baifikrom water plant sparks safety alert

Shirley Asiedu-Addo Apr - 07 - 2026 , 09:00 2 minutes read

Residents of Baifikrom, Mankessim, Enyanmaim and surrounding communities in the Central Region have been urged to take immediate safety precautions following a chlorine gas leak at the Baifikrom Water Treatment Plant.

Chlorine gas, a toxic greenish-yellow chemical widely used for water purification and disinfection, has a strong, sharp smell similar to bleach and poses significant health risks when inhaled.

A statement signed by the Central Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Emmanuel Kwesi Dawood Mensah, said the Central Regional Disaster Management Committee, in collaboration with the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Ghana Health Service and NADMO, had brought the situation under control.

It said emergency teams, however, remained on site to fully contain and neutralise the gas.

Mr Mensah warned that the leak posed potential health risks and urged residents to strictly adhere to safety directives.

Safety measures

The statement advised residents who perceive a sharp, bleach-like smell to immediately move upwind or to higher ground, stressing that chlorine gas is heavier than air and tends to settle in low-lying areas.

Those unable to evacuate were asked to remain indoors, shut all doors and windows, and seal openings with damp cloths to minimise exposure.

Residents were also cautioned against seeking shelter in basements, valleys or trenches where the gas could accumulate.

Health concerns

According to the advisory, exposure to chlorine gas could cause stinging eyes, blurred vision, coughing, skin irritation and difficulty in breathing.

Affected persons were advised to flush their eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes, wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water, and move to areas with fresh air if experiencing breathing difficulties.

Medical response

Mr Mensah said health facilities, including the Mankessim Catholic Hospital and nearby centres, had been placed on alert to handle potential cases.

Residents with persistent symptoms, particularly respiratory distress, have been urged to seek immediate medical attention.

Call for calm

He appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid the immediate vicinity of the treatment plant to allow emergency teams to work effectively, saying NADMO officials and Disaster Volunteer Groups had been deployed to assist residents and ensure orderly movement within affected areas.

The statement assured the public that further updates would be provided as technical teams complete efforts to isolate the affected chlorine canisters.
Government approves Engineers and Planners Ltd as winner of Damang Mining Lease tender

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Five arrested as Police intercept narcotics on bus and taxi in Upper West

Sahada Dramani Apr - 07 - 2026 , 17:29 2 minutes read

The Upper West Regional Police Command has stepped up its operations against drug trafficking, leading to the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of large quantities of suspected narcotics across the region.

Over the past four weeks, intelligence-led operations carried out in the Lawra District, Nadowli-Kaleo District, Wa Municipality and Lambussie District have resulted in the retrieval of 218 compressed slabs, 54 parcels and eight assorted consignments of suspected Indian hemp.

Major interceptions recorded

According to a police statement, a patrol team on April 3, 2026, intercepted a Toyota Corolla taxi at Eremon in the Lawra District, where 140 slabs of suspected narcotics were discovered. Two suspects, Dennis Domoyel and Clovis Saame, were arrested in connection with the seizure.

In a separate operation on April 1, 2026, officers at the Wa-Loho barrier intercepted a Royal VVIP bus travelling from Wa to Jirapa and retrieved 51 slabs of suspected Indian hemp. Three suspectsStephen Lomotey, Solomon King and Urilius Tobopaleewere arrested.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the substances were being transported northwards towards Hamile for onward distribution.

Police said the suspects are at various stages of investigation and prosecution, while the vehicles used in the operations have been impounded.

Warning to transport operators

The police have cautioned transport operators and vehicle owners against allowing their vehicles to be used for drug trafficking, warning that offenders risk prosecution and the possible confiscation of their vehicles.

The Upper West Regional Police Commander, Francis Yiribaari, reaffirmed the commands commitment to tackling drug-related offences and maintaining public safety in the region.
See the areas that will be affected by ECG's planned maintenance on Tuesday, April 7, 2026

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From Legon to the Moon: NASA astronaut with Ghana ties makes history on Artemis II

GraphicOnline Apr - 06 - 2026 , 20:32 3 minutes read

Ghanas links to one of humanitys most ambitious space missions have come into focus as a former exchange student of the University of Ghana joins a historic journey around the Moon.

American astronaut Christina Koch is part of the four-member crew on Artemis II, which has carried humans farther from Earth than at any point in history since the Apollo era. The mission, led by NASA, is currently conducting a lunar flyby designed to gather critical data ahead of future Moon landings.

Koch, who previously studied at the University of Ghana as part of an academic exchange programme, has drawn renewed attention in Ghana following confirmation of her role in the mission. The university has publicly celebrated her achievement, describing her journey from its campus to deep space as a source of pride.

The Artemis II mission, which launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is the first crewed lunar mission in decades and forms part of a broader programme aimed at returning humans to the Moon. The spacecraft is expected to loop around the Moon before returning to Earth later this week.

During the flyby, the crew is observing the lunar surface, including regions on the far side that remain largely unseen from Earth. The astronauts are also expected to experience a temporary communications blackout as the spacecraft passes behind the Moon, a standard occurrence in such missions.

We celebrate @Astro_Christina on this groundbreaking achievement!

From UGs campus to the Moon, one of our exchange alumni is now the first woman to travel beyond low Earth orbit. Incredibly proud! #univofgh #ArtemisII #ipoug #integriprocedamus https://t.co/froG33lWIy  International Programmes Office, UG (@ipounivofgh) April 3, 2026

Beyond its scientific objectives, the mission is being closely followed for its symbolic significance, particularly the role of Koch, who is on course to become the first woman to travel to the vicinity of the Moon. Her participation has been widely celebrated as a milestone for gender representation in space exploration.

Her ties to Ghana have further amplified interest locally. In a past reflection, Koch described her time in Ghana as a positive, life-changing, perspective-deepening experience, recalling the people she encountered and the impact of studying abroad on her personal development.

The University of Ghana has since highlighted her journey as an example of the global impact of its academic programmes, noting that its alumni continue to make contributions in diverse fields, including science and technology at the highest level.

The Artemis programme is expected to pave the way for future missions, including planned lunar landings and the development of long-term human presence on the Moon. For Ghana, Kochs involvement offers a rare but powerful connection to a landmark moment in modern space exploration.
Five arrested as Police intercept narcotics on bus and taxi in Upper West

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Government approves Engineers and Planners Ltd as winner of Damang Mining Lease tender

GraphicOnline Apr - 07 - 2026 , 18:52 3 minutes read

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has officially approved the grant of the Damang Mining Lease to Engineers and Planners Ltd, following a competitive tender process that saw four companies submit bids for one of Ghana's most significant mining assets.

In a press release issued on April 7, 2026, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, confirmed that he had upheld the recommendation of the Tender Committee established by the Minerals Commission under Regulation 261 of the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (LI 2176).

"Pursuant to Regulations 262(1)(b) and 263 of LI 2176, the Commission has recommended that the Damang Mining Lease be granted to Engineers and Planners Ltd, determined by the Tender Committee as the successful tenderer," the statement read.

"This recommendation has been approved by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, with a further directive to the Commission to take all the requisite regulatory steps to give effect to the approval."

Four tenders received, two disqualified immediately

According to the Ministry, a total of four tenders were received by the 16:00 GMT deadline on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, which also served as the announced tender opening day. The four companies were Vortex Resources Mining Group, Engineers and Planners Ltd, Heath Goldfields Ltd, and Maripoma Mining Services Ltd.

All tenders were considered based on guidelines issued by the Minister in accordance with Regulation 258(4) of LI 2176. The evaluation process followed a strict two-phase structure.

In the first phase, tenders were examined against mandatory requirements set out in the Notice, including proof of a wholly owned Ghanaian registered company with registration documents indicating current directors, shareholdings and beneficial ownership; valid tax clearance certificate; valid SSNIT clearance certificate; valid VAT clearance certificate; valid certificate of incorporation; and payment of an application fee of GHS 100,000.

Following verification, only Engineers and Planners Ltd and Heath Goldfields Ltd met the mandatory requirements. Maripoma Mining Services Ltd and Vortex Resources Mining Group were disqualified as non-responsive for failing to submit the required documents.

Technical evaluation eliminates final competitor

Pursuant to Regulation 260(7) of LI 2176, the two responsive tenders were submitted to the Tender Committee for technical and financial evaluation. Following the technical assessment, Heath Goldfields Ltd failed to achieve the minimum qualifying score of 80 per cent, and its financial proposal was therefore not evaluated.

"According to the Tender Committee, E&P's bid satisfied all mandatory requirements set out in the Notice and provided documentary evidence of access to financing, meeting the USD 500 million minimum threshold. The tender documentation indicates that the Company possesses experience and knowledge relevant to the operations, infrastructure, and geology of the Damang Mine and submitted proposals for the development of same, including measures intended to extend the life of mine beyond ten years," the Ministry stated.

"On the basis of the applicable evaluation criteria and scoring, the tender submitted by Engineers and Planners Ltd attained the highest evaluated score. In summary, the Company demonstrated the highest capability to operate the Damang mine, substantiated by their submission of the most viable tender."

Next steps

The Ministry commended the Minerals Commission, particularly the members of the Tender Committee, for their dedication to the critical national assignment.

"The Ministry reiterates Government's commitment to the Damang Mine's continued contribution to Ghana's economy," the statement added.

The Minerals Commission has been directed to take all necessary regulatory steps to give effect to the approval.

See the statement below;
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National Blood Service meets only 66% of requirement

Samuel Ohene Ewur Health Apr - 07 - 2026 , 05:57 2 minutes read

Ghana met its national blood collection target for 2025 but still fell significantly short of the countrys overall needs, leaving a gap that continued to put patients at risk.

This was revealed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Blood Service, Dr Shirley Owusu-Ofori, at the services Annual Performance Review held in Accra on Tuesday March 31.

Dr Owusu-Ofori said the Service collected 204,000 units of blood in 2025, exceeding its target of 200,000 units. This meant improvement in the national blood collection index from 6.1 to 6.6.

Despite this progress, the figure meets only about 66 per cent of the estimated national requirement of 308,000 units.

The CEO said the shortfall meant many patients across the country still struggled to access timely transfusions.

Dr Owusu-Ofori described the situation as a persistent challenge despite one of the services strongest performances in recent years.

A persistent and growing demand for blood across this nation stretched us as a service, but the gap between supply and demand remains a major concern," she said.

She linked the deficit to risks faced by vulnerable patients, stressing that each unit of blood carried life-saving value.

She also attributed the shortfall to multiple structural challenges, including limited logistics, funding constraints and low voluntary blood donation rates.

Dr Owusu-Ofori said ageing vehicles and inadequate transport systems disrupted outreach efforts and reduced the number of mobile donation sessions the service could conduct.

The CEO added that public misconceptions and negative past experiences acted as barriers to voluntary donation.

Dr Owusu-Ofori urged stakeholders, including the government, private organisations and the public, to support efforts to expand voluntary donation and strengthen the national blood system.

She said the service aimed to build stronger partnerships and improve donor engagement through education and outreach.

Dr Owusu-Ofori said the service had developed a national digital information management system to track blood from donation to transfusion and improve access.

This is one thing I want you to put your money on to help us roll out a system that will digitalise and revolutionise blood services across the whole country," she said.

Dr Owusu-Ofori encouraged participants to contribute ideas and support reforms that would improve access and reliability across the system.

Blood donation is not only a solitary act, but a communal covenant that binds donors, health workers and patients in a common purpose of preserving life, she stated.
Business must not depend on politics  Minority calls for major reset at Kwahu Business Forum

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Minority calls on President Mahama to act on Anti-LGBTQI Bill

GraphicOnline Politics Apr - 07 - 2026 , 15:33 3 minutes read

The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to act on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, saying the government has shifted its position on the matter since assuming office.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, April 7, Rev. Ntim Fordjour said the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) had moved away from its earlier stance on the bill while in opposition.

NDC portrayed the NPP government as indecisive but the moment they assumed power, they replaced their strong stance in opposition with rhetoric. They moved from pass the bill to manage how it is introduced and structured, he said.

He added that the urgency previously associated with the bill had declined.

The urgency has already evaporated, and his certainty dissolves into procedural language when he goes to America, but tells Ghanaians at home he is against LGBTQ+, he stated.

The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, also said the issue featured strongly in the 2024 general elections but noted a change in approach by the government.

NDC negatively weaponised the issue of LGBTQ+ in the runup to the 2024 elections; they roped in the clergy in government today, we are seeing something different from what they promised, he said.

The remarks follow comments by President Mahama, who has called for dialogue on LGBTQI-related matters and indicated that the issue is not among the countrys immediate priorities.

Speaking at a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations at the Jubilee House on March 30, the President said the government remains focused on addressing socio-economic challenges.

I explained during my recent engagement with the World Affairs Council that it is not the most important issue we face as a nation, he said.

We are still grappling with the provisions of basic needs of education, health care, jobs, food, clothing, and shelter, he added.

President Mahama also said the matter should be addressed through constitutional and democratic processes.

While there are strong and differing views within our society, we believe that issues must be addressed through democratic processes, our core values, dialogue, and the rule of law, he said.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour further raised concerns about the constitutional review process, saying some proposals could have implications for LGBTQI-related issues.

These recommendations, if adopted, could open the door for the recognition of LGBTQ concepts within our constitutional framework, he said.

This is not just a legal matter; it is an issue that goes to the heart of our values as a nation. Embedding such provisions in the Constitution will have far-reaching consequences for our moral and cultural identity, he added.

He also said assurances had been given to religious and traditional leaders that the bill would be prioritised.

We were made to understand that this bill would be treated as a priority if they came into office. What we are seeing now is a clear shift, and it amounts to a betrayal of the trust reposed in them by religious and traditional leaders, he said.
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The Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency on Tuesday told senators there were nearly 200 missing, broken and improper shipping seals on incoming cargo containers in 2024 and 2025.

These numbers were provided during a public hearing on Sen. Therese Terlajes Bill 270-38, which would raise fines for tampering with GCQA container seals prior to the agencys official release, from the current $25,000 to $100,000 or equal to the value of the cargo within the container, whichever is more.

Customs and Quarantine Capt. John Rick Mendiola provided the breakdown for the broken and improper seals by year.

In 2024:

57 missing seals

41 broken seals

two improper seals

two seals on the wrong door

In 2025:

53 missing seals

30 broken seals

one damaged seal

four improper seals

one seal on the wrong door

At the hearing, Customs officials specified the difference between broken shipping seals and CQA seals on Customs-held containers.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Douglas Moylan has been pushing for 100% cargo inspection at the Port Authority of Guam, over concerns about the entry of methamphetamine to Guam.

A five-week special operation at the Port last year did not find drugs or contraband.

Of 48 total meth seizures in fiscal 2025, according to GQCA in a February hearing at the Legislature, not one was made at the Port.

Flimsy seals

Customs Mendiola on Tuesday clarified the misunderstanding for broken or missing seals that occurred when the containers were being offloaded from the vessels.

Those containers at that time are pending Customs review for official release, he told senators. They have not been brought to the office for entry. So, we did not make decision if were going to release it or flag it for inspection either at the Port or at their premise.

Broken, missing, or damaged seals are likely because the seals being used by shippers are flimsy and its not mandated by shippers to use high security seals and are different from seals applied by Customs, he said.

Mendiola said those seals are easily broken either in transit to the island or during the discharge process, but in all cases where a seal is missing or broken, CQA officers respond.

Col. Franklin Gutierrez said when a container has a missing or damaged seal, the Port would ground those containers and Customs would be notified.

Customs would perform a cursory check of the container and reseal it.

Gutierrez said containers with a tampered shipping seal, fall under investigations by GCQAs maritime office.

Col. Barbara Tayama, the assistant chief overseeing the inspection and control division, told senators that of all the broken seals that were encountered and documented, none have had any evidence of foul play.

Sen. Shawn Gumataotao questioned Customs officials on whether any of the businesses in violation had their business licenses suspended.

Customs Director Ike Peredo said none had their licenses suspended.

Broken Customs seals

Documents requested in February through the Guam Sunshine Reform Act showed 10 companies fined by Customs and Quarantine for tampered Customs container seals, between 2019 and 2024.

Overall, the agency collected $275,000 from the 10 businesses during that period. One company, according to Pacific Daily News reporting, was fined $50,000 for two containers with broken seals.

Mendiola said those companies were issued penalties for breaking the Customs seal prior to the arrival of inspectors. Those companies were allowed to leave the Port Authority of Guam to their premises.

He added that investigators, based on their findings, have recommended the fines, which have been paid by the companies.

As its written under Guam law, the $25,000 fine and suspension of business licenses only apply to broken Customs seals.

Support for increased penalty

Meanwhile, Terlajes bill raising the penalty for tampering with Customs seals received support during Tuesdays public hearing.

Customs Peredo said the agency supports the bill, which seeks to update more than a three-decade old legislation.

These updates are necessary to address import volumes, modernize trade facilitations, and strengthen security and integrity of customs procedures, he said. They will help deter illegal and fraudulent activities and better protect Guam from the serious threats including contraband.

The measure also seeks to add a tiered system of penalties for business owners who are in violation beyond the one-year business license suspension already mandated by Guam law.

First-time offenders face a one-year license suspension, though the Customs director could waive this, depending on the severity of the case.

However, repeat offenders face much steeper costs: a two-year suspension for a second violation within a decade, and a permanent revocation of their business license for any further offenses.

The measure also allows for an application for the operation of a provisional inspection site to be submitted to GCQA which allows inspectors to inspect cargo in a secured site beyond existing GCQA locations.

Could bankrupt the small business owner

But small businesses might be impacted the most from the penalty hike, according to small business owner Sedfrey Linsangan, who testified in support of the bill, but with some exceptions.

This could bankrupt the small business owner, he said, speaking to the fine hike.

Linsangan shared his experience 35 years ago when one of his employees accidentally broke a customs seal. Though he was not fined after appealing with GCQA, he said its important for the agency to listen to the side of the small business owner and investigate, especially since some small businesses cant afford the proposed $100,000 fine.

He also posited that if a company is transporting contraband, they would be willing to absorb the high fines, especially if the contraband is worth significantly more.

The Bureau of Budget and Management Research, in its fiscal note on Bill 270-38, said the proposed provisions for mandatory suspension and permanent revocation of business licenses could lead to a decrease in licensing fee collections.

The Bureau expresses concern that the severity of these penalties may lead to the permanent closure of non-compliant entities, BBMR wrote. Ultimately resulting in a loss of associated tax revenues, such as Business Privilege Tax.
A jury on Tuesday found Stefan Keanu Camacho not guilty of aggravated murder in the 2024 fatal shooting of South Korean tourist Hea Jun Hwang, but he was convicted of robbery and misdemeanor charges.

Camacho, 28, was the getaway driver in the robbery two years ago in Tumon.

The main suspect in the case, Keoki Santos, was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot a few days after the robbery. Santos was the one who allegedly shot the tourist, who died at the hospital.

The wife of the victim flew back to Guam to testify in Camachos trial.

The jury deliberated for five days before reaching a verdict.

The jury found Camacho not guilty of complicity to commit aggravated murder, a first-degree felony and the most serious charge in the indictment.

But they convicted him of complicity to commit robbery, also a first-degree felony, along with two misdemeanors: theft of property and destroying evidence.

Each juror confirmed the verdict in open court.

Attorney General Douglas Moylan said his office will seek the maximum sentence of 27 years of imprisonment for Camachos convictions without the possibility of parole for his involvement in the case.

The Office of the Attorney General said it was never disputed that the victim died from a gunshot wound at the hands of Santos.

Moylan, in a statement, spoke directly to the victims wife.

On behalf of our client, my team and myself, we share the horror of your loss on our island. This verdict will not bring back your beloved husband, nor will it compensate you for your loss, Moylan stated. We can only say that the good people of Guam prosecuted and convicted the remaining survivor responsible for your tragic loss. The murderer committed suicide, that has a semblance of justice.

Defense plans to appeal

Camachos attorney, Ramiro Orozco, immediately signaled plans to challenge the conviction.

We still have issues with the complicity of robbery. Well be following appropriate pleadings on that. But the [Attorney Generals] office had two and a half years, and they kept trying to shove a square peg down a round hole, Orozco told the Pacific Daily News.

Court documents in 2024 indicated that both Camacho and Santos borrowed and lost $100 to gambling, and decided to drive around Tumon to rob a tourist. That robbery turned fatal.

The Korean couple vacationed on Guam to celebrate the husbands retirement after a 40-year stint working at a South Korean nuclear power plant on the last day of 2023.

They arrived on Guam on Jan. 3, 2024. The following night, the husband died from a gunshot wound.

Camacho, during the trial, testified that the whole time, he stayed in the car while Santos robbed the tourists.

I just heard the gun shot go off and I got scared, Camacho told the court.

Defense on AGs case

I saw this as soon as I took the case, that aggravated murder was not going to be possible, but in light of the facts, like I said, we appreciate the jury did their job, five days, you know, Orozco said on Tuesday after the verdict.

He said this is the fifth homicide case that the Office of the Attorney General hasnt been able to cross the goal line.

So were very confident that once we sort through the appealable issues, that there may be grounds to even push this, he added.

Tuesdays verdict brought an emotional response in the courtroom.

As proceedings concluded, Camacho hugged family members who had supported him throughout the trial, and cries were heard before he was escorted out.

Orozco said the legal fight will continue, with additional filings expected to challenge the robbery conviction.

But the jury did their job. When you have an attorney general who reacts on emotion and knee jerks, you miss simple things like the drafting of pleadings, and in this case, I think...all but the theft, they were wrong, Orozco said.

He said the defense is glad there was no mistrial.

Because there were a lot of mistakes that were done by the AGs office that they would have been able to remedy, and I think justice for Guam has been served, Orozco said.

Superior Court Judge John Terlaje formally accepted the verdict, thanking jurors and noting the evidence they reviewed, including testimony from Camacho and two police officers.

Its never easy to get away from family and work life, but it is a duty of all citizens along to perform their duty. We do appreciate it, Terlaje said.

Sentencing

The case now moves to sentencing. Orozco requested a presentence investigation report and asked that Camacho be allowed to return to electronic monitoring while awaiting sentencing.

The court also reviewed the more than two years Camacho has already served in custody.

The judge set deadlines for the next phase: the PSR is due July 6, sentencing recommendation memos are due July 20, and the sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 13 at 1:30 p.m.

Orozco said sentencing arguments will focus on Camachos lack of criminal history and the dismissal of special allegations.

Again, that was just bad lawyering on their part, they wrote it wrong. Hes a first-time offender. Has no criminal history to speak of, so well be arguing that he should be sentenced in light of that, he said. The loss of a life should not be taken into account in the consideration of his sentencing.

Hes asking for a reasonable sentence for his client, he said.

Orozco also said plea negotiations never materialized despite months of discussions.

Before all of this, he was thinking of looking into a plea agreement. He has always shown remorse, repentance, and wanted to take responsibility, he said of Camacho.

He said the AGs office, since November, talked about sending a plea agreement.

The only plea they sent is an open plea to all the charges, which is a life sentence mandatory, so that wasnt a real plea, Orozco added. And then they continued to say that they were going to address the issue, and they never did.
As a lawyer and a physician, we have publicly and privately sparred over the best way to advance health care on this island. Our disagreements have even been documented in the halls of the Legislature.

However, we agree on one thing. Guam is suffering a shortage of essential professionals, and a portion of this problem is self-inflicted. The government of Guam sidelines the private sector, treating it as inferior.

When Sen. Telo Taitague introduced Bill 206-38, we were both supportive of the measure to create pathways to licensure for graduates of foreign medical schools. It offered one solution to help ease the burden of the physician shortage facing the whole island.

Consumer advocate David Lubofsky has repeatedly and cogently laid out the case for why this initial bill is a good idea, and he, too, was a strong supporter of a mandatory supervision period.

However, Bill 206-38 was hijacked by monopolistic interests prior to its passage. While we support the intent of this reform, the current version of the bill contains a fatal flaw: it restricts these new pathways exclusively to government-funded facilities like the Guam Memorial Hospital and Department of Public Health and Social Services.

By limiting internationally trained physicians, ITPs, to the public sector, the government is creating a disparity and establishing two separate standards of care.

This move assumes the private sector is doing well at recruiting U.S. board-certified doctors, which is simply not the case.

Instead of solving the shortage, this restriction will make recruitment more difficult by treating foreign medical graduates as a lesser class of physician who require careful government supervision, even though the private sector often maintains the same or even higher standards of care.

Provisional licenses for ITPs should be available to the entire community. Both public and private doctors are more than capable of supervising ITPs.

Dr. Shieh aptly notes that the law even excludes supervision at Guam Regional Medical City, GRMC, the only hospital accredited by The Joint Commission.

Doctors practicing in the private hospital and clinics are capable of providing the careful supervision and formal evaluation required to ensure the ITPs meet the standard of care.

The worry is also feigned. Many Guam residents already travel overseas to the Philippines, Taiwan, and Korea to receive medical care, seeking treatments unavailable at home or searching for higher quality. We are already accustomed to obtaining treatment from internationally or foreign-trained doctors.

Yet, instead of embracing this potential avenue to alleviating physician shortages, the Legislature adopted a merged bill, capitulating to political pressures. Now, ITPs must be bound to the government of Guam.

This marginalization has led local OB-GYN, Dr. Friedrich C. Bieling, to correctly observe the drawbacks of institutional licenses. These limited licenses will not attract the talent Guam needs. The top international doctors will not be drawn to a government-only institutional license.

Dr. Bieling admitted that the only foreseeable solution is to rely on well-trained midwives and nurse practitioners. Yet, Guam places numerous barriers to recruiting and licensing these professionals as well.

The government of Guam is hoarding professional talent for itself, even if that talent needs careful supervision. To exclude the private sector from training ITPs is not just inequitable; it is discrimination in health care access for all the people of Guam.

Guams exclusionary tactics are not unique to medicine. We can see the same pattern of marginalization within the legal community.

In addition to doctors, Guam is in desperate need of lawyers. Based on per capita metrics, Guam is the most under-lawyered jurisdiction in the United States.

Any Guamanian looking for a lawyer can acutely see the problem. There are few private lawyers willing to provide basic legal services in a manner the average resident can afford.

The Guam Supreme Court has for decades established a limited license for attorneys from other jurisdictions to practice only for the government or certain non-profits. These temporary members of the Guam bar are exempted from several regulatory requirements, such as taking the Guam Bar Examination. This creates a divide between temporary attorneys and regular members of the Guam bar.

While the government has exempted its recruitment efforts from the strict regulatory requirements, the onerous requirements persist for private sector attorneys. This directly contributes to the lawyer shortage.

Imposing examination requirements on experienced attorneys (who are all U.S.-educated and licensed elsewhere) is an outdated relic of a time gone by. The vast majority of other states and territories exempt experienced attorneys from the examination requirements for licensing. Guam does not.

For both doctors and lawyers, the government of Guam has created a system where it can monopolize professionals, or at least access to them, in fields with shortages, and it excludes the private sector from the same privileges. The government imposes burdens and costs on the private sector that it does not impose on itself.

Guam has a critical shortage of professionals. Instead of finding ways to open pathways to professions, the government of Guam seems intent on monopolizing professionals.

The private sector is just as essential and capable as the public sector (in some respects more so). Private sector professionals, doctors, and lawyers are simply demanding to be treated as equals and be subject to the same rules as the government.

We must stop using licensure as a territorial tool and start using it as a pathway for progress.

Inclusion and equality cannot be selective, and we cannot claim to care about the people of Guam while we continue to sideline the very professionals who are here to help them.
Anthropic is blocking OpenClaw  at least for customers of its subscription models for the Claude AI model family. Access for third-party tools is now blocked, the AI manufacturer announced.

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OpenClaw developer Peter Steinberger, who originally started the tool as a hobby project and is now employed by OpenAI, personally tried to persuade those responsible at Anthropic to change their minds. Reasoning with them, as he describes it. But the joint attempt with OpenClaw colleague Dave Morin was unsuccessful.

Add-on packages can be booked

However, there is still a chance that the OpenClaw fun will continue for Claude subscribers: They can book add-on packages to their regular subscription, which can then also be used for third-party tools like OpenClaw, Anthropic announced. Those who use Claude via the API are not affected and can continue to operate OpenClaw with this Claude access.

Using OpenClaw with a Claude subscription was actually not intended from the beginning. However, when configuring OpenClaw, there was a way to still use tokens from the Claude subscription for the AI assistant. Claude's head of code, Boris Cherny, also emphasized again that the subscriptions are not designed for third-party tools and mentioned a sharp increase in Claude demand. Capacities must be managed carefully, with API customers having priority.

OpenClaw's token consumption can be enormous

Massive token consumption was already observed in the Heise video magazine ct 3003. In January, OpenClaw was tested extensively here  operated with a Claude API. After one day of using OpenClaw with the Claude Opus AI model, 109.55 US dollars in AI tokens had already been spent. These are the smallest linguistic units that AI models need to process text and the common way to measure monetary costs for AI usage.

For comparison: Anthropic calculates that for a software developer in a team that professionally uses Claude Code, the average cost is 6 dollars per day. This assumes that 90 percent of team members stay below 12 dollars in their daily costs.

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The current change is likely to affect primarily private users who cover their own needs with a Claude subscription. If the burden of these private OpenClaw enthusiasts is now lifted from Anthropic's servers, it is primarily Claude API customers, who are mostly active in the professional field, who will benefit. In other regions, the use of tools like OpenClaw is completely ruled out: For example, Chinese authorities recently issued bans on AI agents on office computers, fearing security risks due to autonomous data access.

(nen)

Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
The political tug-of-war in Brussels over voluntary chat control has reached a preliminary end with far-reaching consequences: as of this weekend, the legal basis for the indiscriminate scanning of private communication in the EU is missing. A corresponding transitional regulation, which allowed providers such as Meta, Google or Microsoft to proactively scan messenger services and emails for depictions of sexual child abuse (CSAM), has expired. The EU Commission and security authorities are now lamenting a protection gap. Civil rights activists, on the other hand, see an opportunity to place child protection on a legally sound foundation.

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The reactions to the expiry of the regulation are vehement. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner called the extension that failed in parliament difficult to comprehend. Child protection organizations such as the Internet Watch Foundation spoke of an egregious political failure. According to experts, without the exception regulation, automated scans of private messages violate the current ePrivacy Directive. A Commission spokesperson stated: Without a legal basis, companies are no longer permitted to proactively detect child sexual abuse in private communication.

However, the major tech corporations are not considering an immediate halt to their surveillance measures. Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Snapchat's parent company, Snap, announced on Saturday in a joint statement that they will continue to take voluntary measures to identify such material on their platforms. They warn: In general, the change in law poses the risk that children worldwide will be less protected from the most heinous harms.

The quartet is simultaneously calling on the EU institutions to urgently conclude negotiations on a regulatory framework. An industry insider pointed out to Politico that while the legal situation has become cloudy. However, this does not necessarily make scanning illegal. This assessment is in direct contradiction to the view not only of the Commission. Before the exception provision came into effect, Meta subsidiary Facebook suspended the scanning of communication at the end of 2020.

False sense of security instead of real help

Resistance to the continuation of the practice, which has been fiercely debated for years, comes from, for example, the Pirate Party and its former MEP Patrick Breyer. They argue that the existing system has primarily produced a false sense of security. According to figures from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), almost half of the suspicious reports triggered by US corporations were irrelevant to criminal prosecution. Furthermore, 99 percent of Meta's reports concern already known material, the detection of which does not stop ongoing abuse. Thus, authorities are merely overloaded with duplicates.

The end of indiscriminate chat control is not a setback, but an opportunity for real child protection, Breyer emphasized. He compares mass surveillance to trying to mop the floor while the faucet is still running. Instead, the focus must be on the source of the evil.

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5-Point Plan for Digital Child Protection

Together with Pirate Party chairwoman Lilia Kayra Kuyumcu, Breyer has presented an action plan that aims to shift the focus towards targeted action. One point is the principle of "Delete instead of look away. The freed-up capacities at the BKA, which were previously tied up by the flood of irrelevant reports, are to be used to actively track down and have child abuse material in darknet forums removed. So far, law enforcement agencies often leave such findings online.

Further key points: Apps should be pre-configured so that external contacts and the sharing of personal data are made more difficult by default (Safety by Design). For investigators, targeted surveillance measures ordered by a judge against specific suspects are the best instrument. A classroom set for digital self-defense is also intended to help students recognize early attempts by potential perpetrators to approach them online (grooming).

Victims demand privacy

Those who have themselves been subjected to sexualized violence also welcome the end of indiscriminate scans. IT expert Alexander Hanff emphasizes how important encrypted and private communication is for victims: We survivors need privacy, because without it we lose our voice. He accuses the Commission of having invested millions in algorithms that do not effectively protect children. Direct help for victims, on the other hand, is lacking.

In parallel, discussions about a permanent Chat Control 2.0 are ongoing in Brussels, which could last for months. Until then, the legal situation for tech giants remains precarious. Should they continue their scans without explicit permission, they face not only fines for data protection violations but also new landmark rulings. As early as 2021, former ECJ judge Ninon Colneric stated in an opinion that such interventions disproportionately violate the fundamental rights to privacy and freedom of expression. The debate shows: The fight against child abuse is undisputed. However, Europe remains divided on how to achieve it.

(nie)

Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
The incident took place on Monday along Salah al-Din Street in eastern Khan Younis, an area near a demarcation line in southern Gaza. Medical officials at Nasser and Al-Aqsa hospitals said the victim, Majdi Aslan , 54, worked as a driver linked to WHO operations. He died after being shot and transported to hospital.

A World Health Organization worker has been killed in Gaza by Israeli forces after they opened fire on a vehicle in Khan Younis, prompting the agency to suspend medical evacuations from the territory as authorities review the incident. Medical sources reported multiple injuries among civilians and staff.

Sources cited by Al Jazeera reported that a vehicle carrying WHO personnel followed a civilian car transporting passengers between southern and central Gaza when Israeli forces opened fire. The correspondent Hani Mahmoud said the driver was shot in the head and at least seven others sustained injuries.

The World Health Organization confirmed that a contracted worker had been killed during what it described as a critical security incident. The agency did not confirm further details about the circumstances. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X that the organisation was devastated and that medical evacuations will remain suspended until further notice.

The agency had coordinated transfers of injured Palestinians through the Rafah crossing into Egypt for treatment abroad. Following the incident, a scheduled evacuation on Monday was halted. WHO said the situation is under review by relevant authorities and called for protection of civilians and humanitarian staff.

Reports from local media and regional outlets, including Middle East Eye, said Israeli forces also targeted a commercial vehicle in the same area. The reports stated that movement through Rafah faced further disruption after the shooting.

The Israeli military has not issued a detailed public account of the incident. The case comes as Israel is being accused of breaching a ceasefire that took effect in October.

Violence across Gaza has continued in recent days. According to hospital sources and local reports, several people were killed in separate strikes and shootings on Sunday and Monday. In central Gaza, four people died after a house in the Bureij refugee camp was hit, while others were injured. In Gaza City, a drone strike near Yarmouk Stadium killed one person, and another strike in the Shujaiyya area caused further casualties.

In southern Khan Younis, local reports said Israeli soldiers shot and killed a man with special needs. Additional strikes in northern areas killed at least two more people, according to medical staff at al-Shifa Hospital.

Gazas Health Ministry reports that more than 700 people have been killed since the ceasefire began in October. The ministry also states that total deaths since October 2023 exceed 72,000, with thousands more injured.

Humanitarian operations in the enclave remain constrained. Access to aid and movement of patients have faced repeated interruptions, particularly at the Rafah crossing. WHO has played a central role in coordinating limited evacuations, which now stand suspended.

The agency has not given a timeline for when evacuations will resume. Officials stated that safety conditions must be assessed before operations restart. The incident adds to concerns raised by international organisations over risks faced by aid workers operating in Gaza.

HT
Speaking at the White House, Trump said the United States would carry out large-scale attacks if Tehran does not meet a deadline set by him for Tuesday evening. The entire country can be taken out in one night, he said, adding that Iran would have no bridges and no power plants if no agreement is reached.

US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran faces strikes on power plants and bridges within hours if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as civilian casualties continue to rise due to the illegal US-Israeli war of aggression.

The ultimatum centres on the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global oil supplies. Iran has restricted passage through the waterway as retaliation for the joint US and Israeli strikes. Washington has demanded the restoration of full transit as part of any deal.

Iran has rejected a temporary ceasefire proposal and called instead for a broader agreement that includes an end to hostilities across the region and the lifting of sanctions. Officials have communicated their position through intermediaries, according to regional reports.

Military activity has expanded across several countries. Iranian missile and drone attacks have targeted Israel and Gulf states, while US and Israeli strikes have continued across Iranian territory. According to US Central Command, more than 13,000 targets have been hit since the campaign began.

Speaking at the United Nations, Irans ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told that more than 1,348 civilians have been killed and over 17,000 injured from the outset of the strikes on 28 February. Iranian state media reported further deaths following strikes on residential areas, including in Alborz province, where 18 people were killed.

Gulf countries have reported repeated interceptions of missiles and drones. Bahrain said it had intercepted hundreds of projectiles since the start of hostilities, while Saudi Arabia confirmed new interceptions near key oil-producing areas.

Iranian forces have also claimed attacks on petrochemical facilities in Saudi Arabias Jubail region, stating that the strikes targeted sites linked to American companies. There was no immediate confirmation from Saudi authorities. These were in retaliation for Israeli attacks on Irans biggest petrochemical industries yesterday.

In a new escalation, Israel has issued warnings to Iranian civilians to avoid railway networks. The Israeli military said that being near train lines would endanger your life, signalling possible further strikes on transport infrastructure.

Western countries and leaders, with the exception of Spain and Ireland, have remained completely silent in the face of illegal aggression against Iran and the war crimes committed by Israel and the USA. On the other hand, they have condemned Irans measures to defend itself.

The US and Israel have continued bombing in Irans major cities. Explosions were reported in Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan, with damage to facility, and energy sites. Iranian media said a synagogue and nearby buildings were damaged during one strike in the capital.

The Iranian Red Crescent reported attacks on multiple civilian areas and said such actions violate international law. The International Committee of the Red Cross warned against indiscriminate warfare and stressed that attacks on essential infrastructure such as water and power systems are prohibited.

Trump dismissed concerns about potential violations of international law. When asked about the risk of war crimes, he said he was not at all concerned.

The conflict has also disrupted global markets. Oil prices have risen above $110 per barrel, while stock markets have shown volatility. Several countries have taken steps to secure energy supplies, including South Korea, which has moved to stabilise imports.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain. Some countries have negotiated limited passage for vessels through bilateral arrangements with Iran. Malaysia confirmed that one of its ships had secured safe transit following diplomatic talks.

The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on a resolution aimed at protecting navigation in the strait. A draft text calls for coordinated measures to ensure safe passage but stops short of authorising force.

Diplomatic efforts continue through regional intermediaries, including Pakistan and Gulf states. Irans ambassador to Kuwait urged neighbouring countries to act to prevent further escalation, warning of wider consequences if the conflict expands.

Fighting has also intensified in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes and ground operations have expanded as the government moves to illegally invade and occupy parts of the south. Lebanese authorities report more than 1,090 deaths since early March, while over one million people have been displaced as Israel prepares to push forces towards the Litani River.

HT
Halifax Resolves were pivotal to American Revolution

On Sunday, April 12, a large crowd of North Carolinians will gather in the town of Halifax to commemorate the 250th anniversary of a pivotal historical event.

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It was on April 12, 1776, that 83 delegates representing all 35 (at the time) counties plus nine municipalities affirmed what became known as the Halifax Resolves. The resolution instructed North Carolinas representatives to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia to concur with the delegates of other Colonies in declaring Independency.

The wording may sound tentative  to concur with rather than initiate  but everyone understood their import as well as the potential consequences. Over the first few months of the Revolutionary War, an increasing share of the emerging nations leaders had concluded that a clean break with Britain, not just a renegotiation of colonial relations, was necessary. Still, none had yet attempted to make it an explicit aim of the war.

Some feared getting too far ahead of public opinion. Others feared that, if Britain managed to prevail, individuals most closely associated with the cause of independence would at least be ostracized and financially ruined if not prosecuted for treason.

Among the delegates arriving in Halifax in early April for the Fourth Provincial Congress were several Carolina firebrands no longer willing to countenance a rapprochement with Parliament or King George III. One was John McKnitt Alexander. One of the two dozen signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence the previous May, Alexander had just returned from captaining a company of Mecklenburg men at the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, where the Patriots blocked and decisively defeated a column of Carolina Tories on their way to Wilmington to join up with a British invasion force.

Another delegate, Cornelius Harnett, had challenged the Crown even earlier than Alexander and the Mecklenburgers did. The main organizer of Wilmingtons Committee of Safety in 1774, Harnett was one of the leaders of the Patriots who the following year burned Fort Johnson to keep it out of the hands of pro-British forces. He was then elected president of the statewide Council of Safety, essentially North Carolinas first governing body after the start of the war, and became vice president of the Fourth Provincial Congress.

Other delegates traveling to Halifax included five militia colonels present at Moores Creek Bridge  Thomas Robeson of Bladen County, Griffith Rutherford of Rowan, Allen Jones of Northampton, John Ashe of New Hanover, and Richard Caswell of what is now Lenoir County, whod been in overall command  along with other veterans of the battle such as Joseph Winston of Surry County. If those surnames sound familiar, thats because either they or their relatives subsequently became the namesakes of new counties or municipalities.

These men werent just flush with recent victory. They were angered by even-more-recent events. That British invasion fleet had, indeed, reached the North Carolina coast in early March. Finding no Tory reinforcements to meet them, General Henry Clinton landed a few foraging parties, rescued a few Loyalists, captured a few Patriots, and then announced that any North Carolina rebel who came forward, renounced his prior misdeeds and pledged allegiance to the Crown would be pardoned.

Any rebel, that is, except two. One was Robert Howe of Brunswick County. A former British officer, Howe had once commanded the very Fort Johnston that he later helped set ablaze. The other man General Clinton refused to pardon was Cornelius Harnett, vice president of the provincial congress that convened in Halifax.

See the problem? General Clinton apparently didnt. He thought singling out a couple of ringleaders for potential punishment would induce the other Patriots to seize the opportunity for a pardon. What his proclamation actually did was harden many hearts that might otherwise have yielded to fear.

On April 12, then, the delegates in Halifax were the first provincial leaders in North America to formally embrace independence. Three months later, the Continental Congress did the same. A rebellion became a war for independence. The world would never be the same.

* * * * *

John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books Mountain Folk, Forest Folk, and Water Folk combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).






Pear blossoms attract tourists in Jinzhou City, China's Hebei

Xinhua) 13:22, April 07, 2026

Tourists admire blossoms in a pear orchard in Zhoujiazhuang Township of Jinzhou City, north China's Hebei Province, April 6, 2026. Recently, about 170,000 mu (11,333.33 hectares) of pear trees in Jinzhou City have entered their full bloom period. The pear blossoms, alongside the blooming rapeseed flowers in the fields, create a stunning scene that attracts a large number of tourists to admire the flowers and enjoy spring outings. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

Tourists admire blossoms in a pear orchard in Zhoujiazhuang Township of Jinzhou City, north China's Hebei Province, April 6, 2026. Recently, about 170,000 mu (11,333.33 hectares) of pear trees in Jinzhou City have entered their full bloom period. The pear blossoms, alongside the blooming rapeseed flowers in the fields, create a stunning scene that attracts a large number of tourists to admire the flowers and enjoy spring outings. (Photo by Zhang Xiaofeng/Xinhua)

Tourists pose for photos in a pear orchard in Zhoujiazhuang Township of Jinzhou City, north China's Hebei Province, April 6, 2026. Recently, about 170,000 mu (11,333.33 hectares) of pear trees in Jinzhou City have entered their full bloom period. The pear blossoms, alongside the blooming rapeseed flowers in the fields, create a stunning scene that attracts a large number of tourists to admire the flowers and enjoy spring outings. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows tourists taking a sightseeing train past a pear orchard in Zhoujiazhuang Township of Jinzhou City, north China's Hebei Province. Recently, about 170,000 mu (11,333.33 hectares) of pear trees in Jinzhou City have entered their full bloom period. The pear blossoms, alongside the blooming rapeseed flowers in the fields, create a stunning scene that attracts a large number of tourists to admire the flowers and enjoy spring outings. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A girl has fun at a pear orchard in Zhoujiazhuang Township of Jinzhou City, north China's Hebei Province, April 6, 2026. Recently, about 170,000 mu (11,333.33 hectares) of pear trees in Jinzhou City have entered their full bloom period. The pear blossoms, alongside the blooming rapeseed flowers in the fields, create a stunning scene that attracts a large number of tourists to admire the flowers and enjoy spring outings. (Photo by Liang Zidong/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows tourists visiting a park in Zhoujiazhuang Township of Jinzhou City, north China's Hebei Province. Recently, about 170,000 mu (11,333.33 hectares) of pear trees in Jinzhou City have entered their full bloom period. The pear blossoms, alongside the blooming rapeseed flowers in the fields, create a stunning scene that attracts a large number of tourists to admire the flowers and enjoy spring outings. (Photo by Liang Zidong/Xinhua)

Tourists admire blossoms in a pear orchard in Zhoujiazhuang Township of Jinzhou City, north China's Hebei Province, April 6, 2026. Recently, about 170,000 mu (11,333.33 hectares) of pear trees in Jinzhou City have entered their full bloom period. The pear blossoms, alongside the blooming rapeseed flowers in the fields, create a stunning scene that attracts a large number of tourists to admire the flowers and enjoy spring outings. (Photo by Liang Zidong/Xinhua)

Tourists admire blossoms in a pear orchard in Zhoujiazhuang Township of Jinzhou City, north China's Hebei Province, April 6, 2026. Recently, about 170,000 mu (11,333.33 hectares) of pear trees in Jinzhou City have entered their full bloom period. The pear blossoms, alongside the blooming rapeseed flowers in the fields, create a stunning scene that attracts a large number of tourists to admire the flowers and enjoy spring outings. (Photo by Zhang Xiaofeng/Xinhua)

Tourists admire blossoms in a pear orchard in Zhoujiazhuang Township of Jinzhou City, north China's Hebei Province, April 6, 2026. Recently, about 170,000 mu (11,333.33 hectares) of pear trees in Jinzhou City have entered their full bloom period. The pear blossoms, alongside the blooming rapeseed flowers in the fields, create a stunning scene that attracts a large number of tourists to admire the flowers and enjoy spring outings. (Photo by Liang Zidong/Xinhua)

A tourist takes photos of blossoms in a pear orchard in Zhoujiazhuang Township of Jinzhou City, north China's Hebei Province, April 6, 2026. Recently, about 170,000 mu (11,333.33 hectares) of pear trees in Jinzhou City have entered their full bloom period. The pear blossoms, alongside the blooming rapeseed flowers in the fields, create a stunning scene that attracts a large number of tourists to admire the flowers and enjoy spring outings. (Photo by Liang Zidong/Xinhua)

Tourists admire blossoms in a pear orchard in Zhoujiazhuang Township of Jinzhou City, north China's Hebei Province, April 6, 2026. Recently, about 170,000 mu (11,333.33 hectares) of pear trees in Jinzhou City have entered their full bloom period. The pear blossoms, alongside the blooming rapeseed flowers in the fields, create a stunning scene that attracts a large number of tourists to admire the flowers and enjoy spring outings. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows tourists taking a sightseeing train past a pear orchard in Zhoujiazhuang Township of Jinzhou City, north China's Hebei Province. Recently, about 170,000 mu (11,333.33 hectares) of pear trees in Jinzhou City have entered their full bloom period. The pear blossoms, alongside the blooming rapeseed flowers in the fields, create a stunning scene that attracts a large number of tourists to admire the flowers and enjoy spring outings. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows tourists visiting a pear orchard in Zhoujiazhuang Township of Jinzhou City, north China's Hebei Province. Recently, about 170,000 mu (11,333.33 hectares) of pear trees in Jinzhou City have entered their full bloom period. The pear blossoms, alongside the blooming rapeseed flowers in the fields, create a stunning scene that attracts a large number of tourists to admire the flowers and enjoy spring outings. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Anonymous tipsters claim seeing Nancy Guthrie alive in Mexico, while earlier messages said she was dead. The latest anonymous notes also repeat a bitcoin demand for information about the kidnappers, and investigators have not confirmed either claim.

Anonymous notes sent to TMZ on Monday and Tuesday said the sender could identify the people involved in Guthrie's abduction in exchange for 1 bitcoin. In the newer message, the sender claimed, "I saw her alive with them in the state of Sonora, Mexico," while the earlier note said, "she is dead".

The case centers on Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC host Savannah Guthrie, who was reported abducted from her Tucson-area home in February. TMZ said the first ransom note demanded a large bitcoin payment and referenced items connected to the home, while the sender later raised the demand and said they wanted payment in stages.

Law enforcement has not publicly verified the notes. The Pima County Sheriff's Department said it was aware of reports about possible ransom notes and that all tips were being routed to detectives working with the FBI.

Earlier reporting showed investigators were treating the disappearance as a serious kidnapping case and looking at leads near the Arizona-Mexico border, the BBC reported.

The Los Angeles Times reported that detectives were examining forensic evidence and other traces from the home while also coordinating with Mexican authorities because of the region's closeness to Sonora.

The new letter claims the sender saw Guthrie in Sonora, but no public agency has confirmed that sighting. TMZ also reported that the FBI appeared unconvinced the message was authentic, noting there was no bitcoin transfer to the related wallet. At current prices, 1 bitcoin is worth $68,907.29, as per the Los Angeles Times.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
A Spokane woman smiled in court as she was sentenced to 28 years in prison for the 2024 killing of her father, Timothy Bradburn.

Alyssa Bradburn, 33, was found guilty of first-degree murder with a firearm enhancement and sentenced on Apr. 2 in Spokane County Superior Court. Prosecutors said she had planned the killing for weeks and wrote about it in a journal before the shooting.

Court records and reporting say Bradburn called 911 after the shooting and told dispatchers she had killed her father at their home in northwest Spokane. She said she would wait outside for the police, and officers later found Timothy Bradburn dead in the entryway, according to People.

Investigators said Timothy Bradburn had just returned from Hawaii and was carrying his suitcase and keys when he was shot. Reports say Bradburn fired three times, although the autopsy later found that he had been shot four times.

Prosecutors also said Bradburn began planning the killing about three weeks earlier and started journaling about it four days before the shooting. They said she practiced with the gun before the attack and later told the court, "I killed Tim Bradburn, and I am guilty," Yahoo News reported.

During trial, Bradburn at times smiled and said she was not afraid of prison. The Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney's Office said she told the court she enjoyed the trial but believed she deserved punishment and would accept her sentence.

The defense argued that Bradburn had mental health problems and had experienced trauma. She also initially claimed her father had abused her and her dogs, but later withdrew those accusations, according to reporting on the case.

Judge Julie McKay imposed 280 months for the murder and a 60-month firearm enhancement, for a total of 340 months, or 28 years and four months. The court also ordered no contact with her brother, Trace Bradburn, and required community custody after release, as per KHQ.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested more than 800 people using traveler data shared by airport security officials since President Donald Trump took office, according to internal agency records reviewed by Reuters, revealing a broader use of aviation screening information for immigration enforcement than previously known.

The data show the Transportation Security Administration provided ICE with information on more than 31,000 travelers for potential enforcement actions through February 2026. The information came from the Secure Flight Program, which was created in 2007 to identify individuals on government watchlists as part of counterterrorism efforts, not routine immigration enforcement.

ICE and TSA, both part of the Department of Homeland Security, have historically shared intelligence related to national security threats. Under Trump's current term, however, that cooperation has expanded to support broader deportation efforts, with TSA data helping ICE determine when individuals would be traveling, as Reuters points out.

Reuters could not determine how many of the arrests took place inside airports, though recent incidents have drawn scrutiny. ICE officers have detained travelers in multiple cases, including a college student and a mother at major U.S. airports. Immigration attorneys told Reuters they were familiar with similar arrests, including a couple detained in front of their children and later deported despite pending residency applications.

The data emerge as U.S. airports face operational strain linked to the prolonged funding standoff which has affected the Department of Homeland Security. Thousands of TSA officers have been left unpaid, contributing to staffing shortages and long security lines. In response, the administration deployed ICE agents to assist at more than a dozen airports.

White House border czar Tom Homan said ICE personnel would remain in place until airports return to "normal operations," adding, "If fewer TSA agents come back, that means we'll keep more ICE agents there." Officials said ICE agents have been tasked with identification checks and monitoring entry and exit points, though questions remain about the scope of their authority.

Labor groups and TSA officials have raised concerns about the deployment. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, told NBC News recently that TSA officers undergo specialized training that cannot be replicated. "You cannot improvise that," he said.

Originally published on Latin Times
J-10 fighters soar into gold

China Military Online) 15:15, April 07, 2026

A J-10 fighter jet attached to an aviation brigade under the Chinese PLA Air Force rockets off the runway during a flight training exercise in late March, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Guotai)

The setting sun frames a J-10 fighter jet in a blazing halo of orange and red as it powers through the dusk during a flight training exercise conducted by an aviation brigade under the Chinese PLA Air Force in late March, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Guotai)

A J-16 fighter jet attached to an aviation brigade under the Chinese PLA Air Force gets ready to punch through the sky during a flight training exercise in late March, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Guotai)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
In Brief: Sonnenblick-Eichner Company secured $26 million in first mortgage financing for the Residence Inn By Marriott in Walnut Creek, California.

Residence Inn by Marriott Walnut Creek - Image Credit Marriott International

Sonnenblick-Eichner Company has arranged a $26 million first mortgage loan to refinance the Residence Inn by Marriott Walnut Creek, in Walnut Creek, California. The non-recourse fixed-rate, five-year loan is interest only for the term and was funded by a Wall Street investment bank.

The Residence Inn by Marriott Walnut Creek is a six-story, 160-room extended-stay hotel with 870 square feet of meeting space, an indoor pool, fitness room, an outdoor patio, barbecue area and subterranean parking for 144 cars. The hotel is located less than one-half mile from the Walnut Creek BART station, which provides access to downtown San Francisco and the surrounding the Bay Area.

Evidencing the recovery in the northern California hospitality market, we were able to attract competitive fixed-rate, financing at a lower cost of capital than the maturing floating rate debt, said Sonnenblick-Eichner Company Principal Elliot Eichner. The loan refinanced an interim bridge loan that we previously arranged for the partnership, added Patrick Brown, also a Principal of Sonnenblick-Eichner Company.

About Sonnenblick-Eichner Company

Sonnenblick-Eichner Company (www.sonneich.com) is a Los Angeles-based real estate investment banking firm that specializes in arranging structured finance for acquisition, construction and permanent loans, interim and mezzanine financing as well as joint-venture equity transactions. The company is recognized for its expertise in marketing institutional real estate for sale and providing capital for all product types including retail, office, hospitality, industrial, and multifamily properties.

Media Contact:

Bruce Beck

bruce@dbrpr.com



(805) 777-7971
In Brief: The Indian Hotels Company currently operates a portfolio of 628 hotels and has an additional 255 hotels in development.

Taj Skyscape Serviced Apartments, Noida - Image Credit IHCL

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) reported that its total portfolio now comprises 628 hotels, with 373 in operation and a pipeline of 255. This fiscal year, the company recorded 250 signings through both inorganic and organic growth, expanding its brand portfolio and increasing its presence in the midscale segment.

IHCL strengthened its position in the luxury segment by adding the Claridges Collection, a boutique luxury offering, and acquiring a controlling stake in Atmantan, an integrated wellness center, as well as Brij Hospitality in experiential leisure. In the midscale segment, Ginger expanded through the acquisition of majority stakes in ANK and Pride Hospitality, bringing its portfolio to more than 250 hotels across over 150 locations.

The company reported 19 signings under the Taj brand, including a hotel in Cairo, a 500-key hotel in Patna, and a hotel and branded residences in NOIDA. The Gateway brand reached a milestone with a portfolio of over 50 hotels.

IHCL opened more than 30 hotels this fiscal year, representing multiple brands. New markets entered include Lakshadweep, Ekta Nagar, Raichak, Kanpur, Vrindavan, and Bhutan. The company also strengthened its presence in Goa, Ahmedabad, Coorg, Kochi, Gurugram, Delhi, Varanasi, Udaipur, Haridwar, and Dehradun.

Acquisitions this year added over 100 operating hotels, bringing the total to 373, with more than 33,000 rooms this fiscal year.

IHCL is pursuing a goal of a 700-hotel portfolio under its Accelerate 2030 strategy.
About This Property Charming riverfront home in historic Chester, close to all main attractions in Berkshire County and the college towns of Amherst and Northampton. The house has been lovingly maintained as a short-term rental since 2018, with excellent occupancy rates for visitors looking for a quiet getaway with a small town atmosphere while also central to all of Western Massachusetts. Single floor living, hardwood floors, updated kitchen and bath, back porch/mudroom and stunning deck with hot tub situated high above the serene Westfield River. This house is sold fully and tastefully furnished for immediate occupancy as your main home, vacation hideaway, or as a top-rated investment opportunity. Walking distance to Chester's quaint Main Street and nearby Becket and Chester State Forest trails.



Land Details Community Details Acres Apx: 0.34

Parking Type: Garaged & Off-Street

Region: Outside Berkshire Other MA

Elem School: Chester Elementary

Middle School: Gateway

High School: Gateway Regional

Exterior Details Interior Details Color: Yellow

Style: Ranch

Construction: Wood Frame

Exterior: Wood

Water: Public

Sewer: Private

Underground Oil Tank: Unk

Views: Scenic,Water

Waterfront: River View,Close to Water,River,River Access

Garage: Detached

Total Rooms: 5

Total Full Baths: 1

Fuel: Oil

Hot Water: Oil

Electric: 200 Amp

Floor: Wood,Laminate

Lead Paint: Unk

Heat/Cool: Furnace,Air Exchange System,Wood Stove,Hot Water

Insulation: Unknown

Appliances Incl: Dishwasher,Washer,Refrigerator,Range,Microwave,Dryer

Accessibility: 1st Fl Bdrm,1st Flr Full Bath



Search More Properties With these Features Deck Hot Tub Outdoor Trash Private Cable Available Sun Room
State Sen. Paul Mark speaks at the opening of BCAC's recent conversation on poverty.

Berkshire Delegation Details Efforts to Help Berkshires



BCAC Executive Director Deborah Leonczyk opens the conversation. PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Legislators say they are advocating for programs and services that Berkshire County residents need the most, amidst federal funding cuts.

State Sen. Paul Mark said state lawmakers are trying to ensure programs that are important to this region are funded well, have resources, and work in rural communities.

When it comes to policy, he said, they are trying to make decisions that better reflect the things people need to get out of economically challenging times. For example, the Legislature recently provided $35 million for fuel assistance in the current fiscal year.

The senator said he understood how some are struggling, recalling how when he was young, his father lost his job and his family "fell on some really hard times that lasted for a really long time."

"Whenever I talk about going through those hard times, I always like to point out that most of the time, my father still worked, and it didn't matter. We still needed food stamps. We still lost our house repeatedly. We still had to move around. I went to four different elementary schools because we were challenged through no fault of our own," Mark said.

"And so whenever I have a chance to talk, I tell that story, some version of it, because it's important to also remember there's a stigma, and that stigma doesn't need to be there. It shouldn't be there."

His comments came during Berkshire Community Action Council's March 27 community conversation on poverty featuring professionals in mental health care, housing, food, transportation, child care, financial literacy, and education.

The well-attended event at the Berkshire Athenaeum concluded with a working lunch and open forum. Members of the Berkshire delegation and Mayor Peter Marchetti began the conversation.

"All of this information that we're going to gather today from both you and the panelists is going to drive our next three-year strategic plan," explained Deborah Leonczyk, BCAC's executive director.

Being in the middle of the budget season, Mark said this is the time to be vocal about funding priorities, recognizing it will be "especially difficult this year."

"When you-know-who was the president the first time in 2017, I felt like we lost a partner in the federal government, but when he came back in 2025, I feel like we've gained an enemy," Mark said.

"And people in poverty, people in immigrant communities, people who are traditionally marginalized are under attack, and we're doing everything we can at the state level to try to fix that, to try to prompt people up, to try to push back against those cuts."

The event was interactive, with attendees taking an online survey with the results displayed on screen. At the time, 58 people in the room answered the survey identifying as white, and there were only seven respondents who identified with other races.

State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, watching the answers come through, observed that most of the attendees in the room were women.

"Something that does not surprise me but disturbs me is the race and ethnicity represented in this room," she said, explaining that she always looks at a space and asks who is not represented.

" A demographic that is absolutely missing, and for a reason that is national, is we do not have our immigrant population represented. And why is that? It's because they're afraid, and they have every reason to be afraid."

She said one of her proudest days in the Legislature was the prior Wednesday, when the House passed the PROTECT ( Promoting Rule of law, Oversight, Trust, and Equal Constitutional Treatment) Act.

The act was led by the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus and will now go to the Senate.

"They came up with these new policies that would make it better for immigrants and their families, and so we well-intentioned white people sat down, shut up, and listened, and then we got in line to back them up," Farley-Bouvier said.

"And so they came up with this new policy. It does not fix what's happening at the federal level. It will not stop raids. We can't do that in state government, but we can say people in Massachusetts, while they're on Massachusetts soil, will have due process. That's a big thing, due process."

State Rep. John Barrett III said almost every one of his earmarks last year went to an agency such as BCAC, and "those are the types of agencies we probably will continue to fund if we get a decent amount of earmarks."

The House has been told that it will be a bleak year financially, he said.

"We have serious problems, not only in health care, but in education, and that hasn't gotten a lot of publicity yet," Barrett said.

"We have a formula in this state that is supposed to help the poorer of our kids that are out there, and it ain't doing it."

He pointed to the Pittsfield Public Schools' more than $4 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2027, and North Adams getting "nothing but the status quo" in the sense of funding.

Marchetti said he and North Adams Mayor Jennifer Macksey are working together to advocate for mental health and substance use disorder resources, and then spoke to the need for housing and wages.

Some 122 new housing units have opened in Pittsfield over the last year, with 37 of them permanent supportive housing, and with another 140 to 150 units coming online by the end of 2027, he said.

Pittsfield recently conducted a salary study, which Marchetti said he didn't need to know that some city employees are paid "very poorly."

"We have finished that salary study. We are evaluating that salary study, and I have a commitment that I made a year ago that's become even more difficult in these challenging budget times to get all of the people to the bottom of the new pay scale," he said.

"In some cases, we're talking $6,000 to $10,000 per employee. That's how underpaid they are."
National Grid to Host Customer Assistance Event in North Adams

WALTHAM, Mass  National Grid will host a series of statewide Customer Assistance events during April 2026, with advocates visiting every region within the utility's Massachusetts footprint.

The North Adams event will be held on April 14, from 11 am to 3 pm at the Berkshire Community Action Council at 85 Main Street.

As the weather warms up, customers can still get help managing their energy bills, including support with costs from the winter months and planning ahead for future usage.

"As spring arrives, National Grid's customer advocates continue to engage with customers across Massachusetts, helping them take advantage of available resources," said Bill Malee, Chief Customer Officer, National Grid. "We also appreciate the community organizations that work with us to reach customers and share information about available assistance."

In addition, National Grid reminds customers that applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), commonly referred to as Fuel Assistance, will close on April 30, 2026. Customers can find eligibility criteria and the program application on the Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program website or they can connect with a local Fuel Assistance Agency for help with the process.

The statewide events are part of the utility's commitment to helping customers manage bill impacts. National Grid's Customer Service Specialists experts will be on hand to manage seasonal energy bills and explore cost-saving programs to meet each customer's needs, highlighting programs such as:
BEAT Presents: 'Making Way for Wildlife'

PITTSFIELD, Mass. Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) presents an event on wildlife connectivity and road ecology, exploring how road infrastructure impacts wildlife habitat.

The event invites community members to learn more about protecting local ecosystems and supporting safer, more connected landscapes for wildlife.

The event will be held on April 11 from 9:30 am to noon at Berkshire Community College

The event will feature presentations from two nationally recognized experts in the field: Dr. Patricia Cramer, Founder & Director of the Wildlife Connectivity Institute, and Ben Goldfarb, award-winning environmental journalist and author.

In addition to these presentations, the event includes a hands-on stream table demonstration showing how ecosystems and infrastructure interact. There will also be opportunities to learn from partner organizations about how to get involved locally.

Dr. Cramer will share an overview of how communities across the U.S. are working to reconnect wildlife habitat across roads. She will discuss emerging policies and programs and how protective plans can be implemented anywhere. In her role with the Wildlife Connectivity Institute, Cramer works with states to identify road segments where mitigation would most benefit wildlife and to design effective crossing structures. She has conducted studies for 15 departments of transportation, including MassDOT and has monitored over 100 wildlife crossing structures. She has received awards from the Federal Highway Administration, the Utah Department of Transportation, the Utah Wildlife Society, and the Denver Zoo.

Ben Goldfarb will join the event virtually to teach us how transportation infrastructure impacts animals and ecosystems, and what we can do to create a safer world for all living beings.

Goldfarb's work has appeared in National Geographic, The Atlantic, Smithsonian Magazine, The New Yorker, and many other publications, and has been anthologized in the Best American Science & Nature Writing. His most recent book, Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, was named among New York Times' Best Books of 2023 and received the Rachel Carson Award for Excellence in Environmental Writing and the Banff Book Competition's Grand Prize.

This event is presented in partnership with Berkshire Community College, with support from The Nature Conservancy, Housatonic Valley Association, Housatonic Heritage, Greenagers, and The Conway School.
Business Manager Jordan Rennell explains the Clarksburg School budget draft for fiscal 2027 at a joint meeting at the school on Thursday. The joint meeting with the School Committee, Select Board and Finance Committee was held at the school on Thursday. PreviousNext

Clarksburg School Pressed to Find More Savings for Fiscal 2027



Clarksburg Town Administrator Ronald Boucher says the town's ability to levy more taxes is severely limited and he doesn't want to go to an override vote. CLARKSBURG, Mass.  School officials are looking at the elimination of three teaching assistants, prekindergarten for 3-year-olds and a two part-time positions to reduce the fiscal 2027 budget.

Business Manager Jordan Rennell on Thursday went through the latest draft of the budget during a joint meeting of the School Committee, Select Board and Finance Committee, explaining the figures behind a projected spending plan of $3,299,206, up $213,563 or 6.92 percent over this year.

"This budget reflects what has changed since March, when I showed you a 6.8 [percent]," said Rennell to a packed classroom of residents and teachers. "Unfortunately, it went to 6.9 [percent]."

Rennell, who's new in the position, explained before she could even begin comparing this year's and next year's budget, there was a $151,000 difference "between what we voted on and what we needed to survive."

The bulk of that was employee health insurance, which has become a major factor in school and municipal budgets across the state.

"I took those true numbers from FY26 and I dumped them into FY27 and if we kept everything the same, every program, every teacher, every TA, the same our bottom line budget would increase 11.2 percent," she said. "Between the collaborative work between the town and the principal and Superintendent [John] Franzoni and all of the pieces of the puzzle, we were able to make some hard, gut-wrenching cuts that got us to that 6.9 percent."

That includes Rennell's former position as the preK 3 teacher, the three assistants, a 0.2 speech position and a 0.2 occupational therapy assistant.

Pupil services, which includes transportation, and maintenance and operations are each going up about 6 percent but benefits and fixed charges are up 30 percent, or $169,484; benefits and fixed charges include insurance and leases, with employee benefits up $170,000.

The school department was asked to cover FICA and retirement insurance several years ago, and school officials have said that doesn't allow for a clear picture of the cost of educating students. Rennell pointed out that even with contracted and step wage increases, direct instruction is only going up 0.07 percent.

Assistant Superintendent Tara Barnes said the school has for years tapped into its school choice account to cover those lines, but can't anymore.

"Your Chapter 70 money has gone up significantly, and that's based on your resident population. And at the same time, your school choice incoming money has gone down and this school has historically lived on school choice. It's been the bread and butter of how we've helped fund this school for many, many years that I've been here," she said. "But the thing is, the school choice money comes into the school, the Chapter 70 money goes into the town ... But what I'm saying is there's been that shift, and so we have to ask for what we need."

Barnes said it was the line items that the school couldn't control like insurance and tuition that are "making this budget go over the top."

What is down is the percentage the town pays to the Northern Berkshire School Union after its partner towns agreed to take on an extra 2 percent of the costs for this year, saving Clarksburg close to $50,000.

Kyle Hurlbut questioned if those funds were really a savings or used to fund the business manager position. Barnes responded that the past year had been a "Hail Mary" with she and the administrative assistant trying to cover the post with a consultant while also doing their regular full-time jobs.

"You can't have a person being a SPED director, a curriculum director, part-time business manager and everything else," she said. "It was unsustainable to not have a full-time position there in the long run, because you can't run a district office on a skeleton crew."

Town officials are hoping for more reductions, with Town Administrator Ronald Boucher warning at the outset of the meeting that the town's $3,800 below its levy ceiling, which could mean a Proposition 2 1/2 override vote. The town budget is up $47,575, or 2.5 percent. He called for the elimination of the dean of students as a way for the school to cut costs.

"I'm not looking to cut a teacher's position, but the dean of students position, I feel it could be cut," he said at the beginning of the meeting, proposing it could cut the budget to about a 4 percent increase.

Principal Kimberly Rougeau objected, saying the teachers are running "bare bones."

"They're doing everything they can to make do and I'm taking TAs away from them," she said. "My dean of students and I have been inundated with student needs this year that you can't even fathom."

The dean works with students with behaviors and if she's not there, the students stay in the classroom, which means the teacher has to disrupt other children's education to support the student in distress.

"I love that we've done things like the roof and we're doing [mini] split units and all of that but I need staff. I need people to run this school, and I need I need students to get the best experience here," Rougeau said. "And if we keep taking things away while our numbers keep increasing."

Boucher acknowledged that he didn't know what the dean of students but had heard from a lot of people that the position was "useless." Rougeau said she would have been able to inform him if he'd asked.

"I just think to start off the meeting with here's the budget, and this is the person we should cut, and you have no idea what she does is just inappropriate from a community perspective," said parent Jennifer Breen. "And it's patronizing to Kim."

Select Board member Seth Alexander said it was just a necessary conversation about expenses, not about the students or the changes in education and behavior.

"I think it was just conversation about, clearly, a budget conversation," he said.
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The leader of Taiwans largest opposition party arrived in China at the invitation of Xi Jinping on Tuesday for a peace mission at a time of increased military tensions between the self-governed island and the mainland.

Cheng Li-wuns trip marks the first visit by a Kuomintang (KMT) leader to China in a decade, although Beijing is yet to confirm whether the Chinese president will definitely meet her.

Cheng said at her party headquarters in Taipei she had embarked on a historic journey for peace, but added that some people feel uneasy about the visit. If you truly love Taiwan, you will seize even the slightest chance, every possible opportunity, to keep Taiwan from being ravaged by war, the KMT chief said in defence of her visit. China sees Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out reunification by force, if necessary.

The trip, which comes just weeks ahead of US president Donald Trumps May visit to Beijing, has sparked concerns among the Taiwanese people who anticipate a territorial conquest by China sometime in the near future. The threat of invasion has been a major concern for Taiwanese president Lai Ching-tes administration as well.

open image in gallery Kuomintang chairperson Cheng Li-wun shakes hands with Song Tao (R), Director of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council in Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport ( Central News Agency (CNA)/AFP )

Lai, viewed as a separatist figure by Beijing, has called for ramping up Taiwans defence capabilities and bolstering the self-governed islands defence budget, drawing lessons from multiple conflicts around the world, including the Russia-Ukraine war.

The Cheng-led opposition bloc, which dominates parliament, has also been accused of blocking a $40bn special defence budget since November 2025, which Lai has been pushing for to bolster Taiwans military muscle against Chinas People's Liberation Army.

Before leaving for China, Cheung said: "So I would rather believe that all Taiwanese people hope this trip will succeed, because we can transform the most dangerous place in the world into the safest place in the world.

"I believe that through this journey for peace, everyone is even more eager to see the sincerity and determination of the CPC (Communist Party of China) Central Committee to use peaceful dialogue and exchange to resolve all possible differences between the two sides," she added.

open image in gallery A protester delivers a speech as Taiwan's main opposition Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang (KMT) chairperson Cheng Li-wun leaves for China ( AP )

The Taiwanese official took a train to Nanjing, which hosts the mausoleum of Chinese revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen. Sun, the father of the revolution that toppled China's last emperor in 1911, died in 1925, and is a hero in China despite being the former leader of the Kuomintang, or Nationalist Party, defeated by the Communists in 1949.

The head of Chinas Taiwan Affairs office, Song Tao, and Cheng chatted cordially like friends on the train, with the KMT leader calling her trip especially rare and precious, the party said.

Cheng did not address the increasing military escalation from across the Taiwan Strait where China has been sending warplanes and naval vessels around the smaller island on a near-daily basis. Chinas PLA forces have also recently staged two major military exercises around the island, with the most recent one in December, after the US announced arms sales to Taiwan and involved the deployment of air, naval and missile units for a joint live-fire drill.

The US State Department said PLAs exercises "increase tensions unnecessarily" and called on Beijing to cease military pressure against Taiwan.

Late on Monday, Kuan Bi-ling, head of Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council, which runs the coast guard, posted a picture on her Facebook account of current Chinese warship deployments around the island  two off the east coast, and one each to the north, northwest and southwest.

"When you depart, you are doing so from within what they see as the 'Taiwan cage'," Kuan told reporters at parliament on Tuesday, referring to how China's military has termed Taiwan's planned T-Dome air defence system and talking about Cheng's trip.

Lawmakers in Taiwan slammed the visit, saying that the opposition leader is following the steps China wants her to. From the fact that the accompanying journalists were chosen by Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office, to the use of a Chinese aircraft, and even the uncertainty before departure over whether she would be able to meet president Xi, KMT chairwoman Cheng Li-wens visit to China was, from the moment she boarded the plane, locked into the One China framework, said Fan Yun, a lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Cheng, she said, could very well be a model figure for Xis propaganda on One China policy.

The opposition, according to the lawmaker, is ignoring the obvious ground reality as public opinion polls in Taiwan show that support for unification has fallen below 10 per cent.

The mainstream view in Taiwan is that Taiwan (Republic of China) and China (People's Republic of China) are not subordinate to each other, she tells The Independent, adding that while peace is something all Taiwanese people support, but we learn from history that peace must be backed by strength.

open image in gallery Chinese flags fly on fishing boats in Tailu village, on the Chinese coast opposite Taiwan's Matsu islands, in China's southeast Fujian province on in 2024 ( AFP/Getty )

Regional experts say the trip serves Cheng little but benefits China more.

Chengs visit wont fundamentally change Chinas calculation and preparation for a potential reunification with Taiwan. For Beijing, her trip primarily serves propaganda and diplomatic signalling purposes, says William Yang, the International Crisis Groups senior analyst.

For Xis domestic audience, the visit will display the government's progress on the mission of reunification with Taiwan, he says.

Cheng's remarks during the trip, which will focus on calling for peace and reiterating her opposition to Taiwan independence, will be amplified by Chinese state media to try to exacerbate division within Taiwan, he says.

Some leading figures in her own party are also worried that her rhetoric during the trip could damage the partys prospects in the local election in November. Despite these criticisms and diverging views within her party, there are also some in Taiwan who view her trip as a necessary step to help reduce the level of tension across the Taiwan Strait, Yang says.

China will use the trip to demonstrate to the US that there are still political leaders in Taiwan who are willing to conduct cross-strait exchange and pursue peace across the Taiwan Strait, he says.
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Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol is facing flak for sending an Easter message from prison that critics say likens his own situation to the suffering of Jesus Christ.

In a message sent via his lawyer Bae Ui Cheol on Sunday, Yoon urged the public to hold onto the hope of salvation even if times are difficult.

Jesuss resurrection showed that if we overcome times of suffering, this land will be fully restored with freedom and truth, the jailed leader said. Even if times are hard, I pray that this Easter Sunday will be a time to endure suffering, hold onto the hope of salvation, and be reborn as children of God.

Mr Bae said he had met Yoon at the Seoul Detention Centre on Friday. He added that the former presidents supporters had asked for a message from him to gain strength.

Yoon, who is serving a life sentence after being removed from office over his brief declaration of martial law in December 2024, still retains a loyal supporter base in the country.

His critics said the tone of his Easter message portrayed Yoon as a martyr rather than as a wrongdoer.

Hes drawing parallels between himself and Jesus. This sounds like nonsense. People of faith would never dare say such things, said Kim In Kook, a leader of the pro-democracy group Catholic Priests Association for Justice.

An editorial in the conservative newspaper Dong-a Ilbo called Yoon absolutely remorseless.

He has not admitted any wrongdoing even after the Constitutional Court unanimously upheld his impeachment a year ago and a lower court sentenced him to life imprisonment as the ringleader of an insurrection, it said. It appears former president Yoon is now caught up in a delusion, dreaming of a political resurrection by comparing his imprisonment to the suffering of Jesus on the cross.

Yoons message also drew criticism from ruling Democratic Party lawmaker Park Ji Won. Jesuss resurrection showed that the land would be fully restored with freedom and truth if he overcame the hardships, Mr Park said. Even if it is hard and difficult, it will be revived only when he dies. Dying means repenting and reflecting, but did Yoon Suk Yeol repent and reflect? I am angry to see Yoon Seok Yeol selling God and Jesus.

Yoon was sentenced to life imprisonment earlier this year after he was found guilty of rebellion and abuse of authority.

Prosecutors had demanded the death penalty for the former president for attempting to introduce martial law via military force, paralysing the legislature and arresting political opponents.

The ruling made Yoon the first former South Korean leader to receive the maximum custodial sentence. The martial law episode plunged the country into deep uncertainty and sparked huge street protests, though it ended after six hours when lawmakers regained control of the National Assembly.
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Air India has announced the resignation of its chief executive amid mounting troubles stemming from last years Ahmedabad crash that killed 260 people and subsequent regulatory reprimands over safety failings.

The airline said it had constituted a committee to find a successor to Campbell Wilson in the coming months.

Mr Wilson, a New Zealand-born former Singapore Airlines veteran who took the top job in 2022 after the Tata Group bought the carrier from the Indian government, was expected to stay put until his successor was found, Reuters reported earlier. His term was originally due to run until 2027.

Mr Wilson had informed Air India chair N Chandrasekaran of his intention to step down back in 2024, the airline said in its statement, but had continued in the role to ensure a stable transition.

Mr Chandrasekaran said he wished to record my deep appreciation for Campbells leadership and contribution over the past four years in spite of numerous external challenges like the post-Covid supply chain disruptions, aircraft delivery delays, and "major geopolitical and other headwinds".

The past year has been one of the most difficult in Air Indias history. In June last year, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed seconds after taking off for London, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 on the ground in western India.

Aviation regulators have since reprimanded the carrier for a series of safety failings, including flying an aircraft eight times without an airworthiness certificate and operating planes without checking emergency equipment.

In December, the airline acknowledged a "need for urgent improvements in process discipline, communication, and compliance culture.

Wreckage of the crashed Air India plane in Ahmedabad ( AP )

Mr Wilson said the airline had undergone a transformation during his tenure and he believed the time was right to hand over the reins.

"Air India's privatisation has seen the acquisition and successful merger of four airlines. It has seen the complete modernisation of systems, the launch of new physical products, and deployment of elevated service standards on ground and in the air as well as 100 additional aircraft added to the fleet, he said.

"With these foundational blocks now settling and a brief window until deliveries from the nearly 600-strong aircraft orderbook commence in earnest from 2027, the time is right for me to hand over the reins for the next phase of Air India's rise. It has been a true honour to play a small part in this latest chapter of Air India's long history."

The US-Israeli war on Iran has added further financial strain to the companys operations. With the Gulf airspace severely disrupted since late February, Air India has been forced to reroute flights to Europe and North America over Africa, adding hours and significant fuel costs to each journey. To make matters worse, jet fuel prices have risen sharply due to the war.

Combined losses for Air India and its low-cost arm, Air India Express, reached Rs 98.08 billion (830 million) in 2024-25 and analysts said the figure could climb to Rs 200 billion (1.7bn) in 2025-26.

Mr Wilson's departure leaves Air India without a chief at a critical juncture. Air India Express is also currently without a leader after its managing director left last month at the end of his five-year term.

Air India was founded in 1932 by industrialist JRD Tata before being nationalised in 1953. It returned to the Tata Groups ownership in 2022 after years of losses under the government. Singapore Airlines holds a 25 per cent stake in the carrier.

Mr Wilsons resignation comes days after rival IndiGo appointed Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association, the global airline industry body, as its next CEO. Mr Walsh is due to take over on 3 August. IndiGo's previous chief Pieter Elbers resigned after mass flight cancellations in December 2025 affected hundreds of thousands of passengers and 5,000 flights.
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Bangladesh's foreign minister is on a three-day visit to India in what is seen as an effort to mend strained bilateral ties.

Khalilur Rahman will visit India and from 7-10 April and hold talks with national security advisor Ajit Doval. He will also meet his Indian counterpart, S Jaishankar, on Wednesday.

Both ministers are expected to discuss energy cooperation amid the ongoing war in the Middle East, river water sharing, and the normalisation of visa services which were suspended following the anti-government protests in Bangladesh.

This marks the first visit by a Bangladeshi minister to India since the monsoon protests of 2024, which forced the then prime minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India. Hasina has since been living in the capital Delhi close to the corridors of power and treated like "any head of state", according to her son.

Mr Rahman was selected as the foreign minister by prime minister Tarique Rahman following his Bangladeshi Nationalist Party's landslide victory in the first general elections since the protests held in February this year. Mr Rahman had previously served as the national security advisor in the interim government led by Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus.

Ahead of the visit, Mr Rahman told Prothom Alo that the discussions will focus on the future of relations between the two countries. We want a normal relationship with India based on mutual respect, dignity, and interests, he said.

Ties between Delhi and Dhaka sank to a historic low under the interim government. The anti-India rhetoric intensified, marked by the administrations repeated summons to the Indian high commissioner and sharp criticism of Delhi over hosting Hasina.

A Hindu Rashtra Coordination Committee supporter tears a paper featuring Bangladesh's national flag to protest alleged atrocities against Hindus, at the Freedom Park in Bengaluru on December 28, 2025 ( AFP/Getty )

Rising attacks on minority Hindu communities in Bangladesh were also a point of contention between the both nations, which Dr Yunus initially dismissed as exaggerated or politically motivated.

India halted transshipment access for Bangladeshi exports through its territory and temporarily shut visa application centres across several cities, citing security concerns. The growing animosity with India also made way for Pakistan, long shunned by Dhaka, to make inroads into Bangladesh, giving rise to security concerns for Delhi.

However, ties have shown signs of a reset since the new government took office, with Indias prime minister Narendra Modi among the first to congratulate Bangladeshs Tarique Rahman.

Both nations have deepened cooperation on maritime and energy security this month when Dhaka took part in the ongoing IOS SAGAR navy exercise, which was flagged off from the western city of Mumbai.

India has offered to export an additional 40,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh in April, as the South Asian nation grapples with one of the regions worst fuel shortages triggered by the war in the Middle East. Dhaka is also negotiating with New Delhi to secure wheat from India to meet its domestic demand.

Although Tarique Rahmans government has adopted a Bangladesh first foreign policy, it has continued to signal a prioritisation of regional engagement.

India is willing to rebuild ties with Bangladesh with a forward-looking approach, Indian high commissioner Pranay Verma told prime minister Rahman on Monday.

During the meeting, Mr Verma and Mr Rahman "discussed bilateral engagement with a focus on people-centric cooperation in multiple domains aligned with the national development priorities of the two countries," according to the Indian High Commission.

Humayun Kabir, the prime minister's foreign advisor, said this week: "Our bilateral relation should be focused on people-to-people ties so that it will not be focused on individuals. We want to ensure this relation avoids the mistakes of the past." He will accompany the foreign minister during the India visit.

Earlier, he told The Independent: "We're prioritising the region, not any country".

When asked how Dhaka would manage relations with China, India and Pakistan, he said: "All these three countries are important countries in our region. But we believe that a strong mandate has given us the opportunity to negotiate with any country from a position of strength".

He said Bangladesh's policy will won't be "country-dependent or any country-specific and it will be flexible".

"In our approach, there will be a regional vision, in terms of regional cooperation, regional leadership, on creating common ground and common positions.

"We believe, through the SAARC [South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation] framework, that we can work with all the countries in our region for peaceful progress, stability, economic development, and security cooperation."
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The UK saved around 2.5bn last year by relying on its own offshore gas reserves rather than purchasing imports of liquified natural gas (LNG), according to new analysis, as calls grow for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.

Stifel, the investment bank, also concluded that using its own offshore gas resources to extract Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) would be significantly better than paying for imports this year, in particular due to the rising cost of LNG as a result of the Iran war.

Gas prices are up more than 50 per cent since the first strikes by the US on Iran at the end of February, and Tehrans retaliatory strike on Qatars Ras Laffan plant  which produces around a fifth of the worlds LNG  has sparked major supply fears. It is expected that the plant will require several years to repair and get back to full production.

open image in gallery Rachel Reeves said she would be very happy to support exploration of new drilling sites ( PA Archive )

However, pressure on the government to reopen North Sea gas fields has been met with widespread opposition, with the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) pointing out that up to 90 per cent of gas in the region has already been extracted and that the faster it is extinguished, the more the UK will become reliant on overseas imports unless the transition to renewables is accelerated.

The question of whether to allow more drilling for domestic oil and gas in the North Sea has piled pressure on Sir Keir Starmer in recent weeks, with members within his own cabinet appearing to be at odds over the issue.

Last week, the government denied that Ed Miliband is expected to give the green light to the first major North Sea field project in almost 10 years. However, chancellor Rachel Reeves said she would be very happy to support exploration at the Rosebank and Jackdaw sites.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Kemi Badenoch has urged for more drilling of domestic oil and gas in the North Sea instead, joining the likes of Donald Trump, who has long called for the UK to drill domestically.

The US president has repeatedly criticised wind power and urged the British Government to focus on drilling in the North Sea, telling Sir Keir to drill, baby, drill.

Stifels assessment of saving billions, which was released last month, is based on the context of importing the same amount of gas from overseas, rather than continuing to shift energy demands to a different source.

Unsurprisingly  and we are frankly astonished that this has to be stated  the UKs own North Sea gas is cheaper than imported LNG, and we estimate this saved the UK 2.5bn in 2025 alone, said analyst Chris Wheaton. With the increase in global LNG prices due to the Persian Gulf conflict, we expect that amount will be substantially higher in 2026.

open image in gallery Last week the government denied that Ed Miliband is expected to give the green light to the first major North Sea field project in almost 10 years ( PA Wire )

Stifel has previously argued this year that the windfall tax applied to energy firms is too high and that reducing North Sea extractions does not lower emissions, merely shifts them to other nations. The bank has also proposed a change to taxation for energy firms, which it says would generate 1-2bn per year extra for public finances, despite taxing those companies less, due to higher expenditure by those firms moving through the economy.

However, the ECIU has advised against additional gas extraction from the North Sea.

The UK has already made huge strides towards renewables, but as the Energy Crisis Commission has warned, unless we continue that shift away from gas, whether it comes from the North Sea or not, the risk remains that bills will continue to spike, said Jess Ralston, ECIU head of energy.

This is the second gas price crisis triggered by a war in just a matter of years. The longer the UK remains dependent on gas for power, the higher the risk of being hit by another crisis. More North Sea gas wont bring down prices, which are set by international markets, and around 90 per cent of North Sea oil and gas have already been extracted. Output will decline, so either the UK switches to renewables or becomes ever more dependent on foreign gas.

In addition, research and campaign organisation Uplift has warned that more domestic oil and gas production makes no difference to UK energy bills.

A statement released in late March from the group said: North Sea output is too small to influence global prices, and reserves are owned by oil and gas companies who sell them to the highest bidder at international market prices.

In 2023, during the energy crisis, the then-energy secretary, Claire Coutinho, admitted that new drilling would not bring bills down.

Official projections, based on expected development activity  even if new North Sea fields are developed  the UKs reliance on imported gas is set to rise from 55 per cent today to more than two-thirds dependent by 2030, and over 90 per cent dependent on gas imports by 2050.

Opening new oil and gas fields makes almost no difference to UK dependency on gas imports.
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Furious healthcare leaders have hit out at striking resident doctors, warning that the six-day walkout will cause weeks of chaos for patients.

Senior medics have told The Independent that the industrial action, which is due to begin on Tuesday, could be the toughest strike yet, with hospitals scrambling to cover the shifts of tens of thousands of staff during the Easter break.

One knackered consultant, who now faces having to fill in for striking staff, hit out at the British Medical Association (BMA), which represents doctors and brought the strike action, saying: The BMA is trying to put me in an early grave.

The warning comes after the collapse of talks prompted the government to withdraw an offer of 1,000 additional training places, saying it is no longer considered "financially or operationally" possible after the BMA confirmed its 15th walkout would go ahead and see tens of thousands of resident doctors go on strike.

Sting in the tail

Healthcare leaders have warned that, as well as cancelling appointments and surgeries this week, the disruption will last for weeks, as staff drafted in to cover the strike will need to take leave once it's over.

open image in gallery Wes Streeting has withdrawn an offer of 1,000 additional training places ( PA )

Rory Deighton, acute and community care director for the NHS Alliance, told The Independent: The NHS has had to work out ways of minimising the impact of strikes for patients and staff, not just during but also after walkouts as the full effect is worked through. [Strike] action could leave a real sting in the tail.

Theres precious little time to prepare, with the bank holiday and Easter break adding to the challenge of adapting services, arranging cover, and then getting back to business as usual in the days and weeks that follow.

It also comes as health leaders contend with far-reaching organisational change, with posts going locally, regionally and nationally  making it even harder for them to deal with the demands of a strike. Its not too late for the government and BMA to find a way forward.

NHS leaders have also warned that this strike could be harder to cope with than previous ones, because of a law change that means less notice is required.

One leader told The Independent: Each round of industrial action has been harder to manage as other clinical staff have become more weary. This time will be even harder to manage as yet again it falls immediately after a bank holiday period. But it also exploits the new legislation, which means that only 10 days' notice of strikes has to be given.

Ten days makes it much harder; if you add a bank holiday into the mix, then it is harder still. Operational teams would normally be planning how to maintain safe, urgent, and emergency care over this period, but they now have to plan for a further six days of industrial action immediately after, so 10 days of disruption in total.

open image in gallery NHS resident doctors outside St Thomas Hospital in London during a strike in November ( PA )

Another NHS trust chief said: To be honest, people are a bit stressed as many of the seniors we normally look to act down are already booked off on leave for Easter. So we are struggling to cover the shifts and are worried that we may be asked to pay enhanced BMA rates.

But NHS England said hospital teams across the country will be working to minimise disruption for patients during the walkout and urged patients to attend planned appointments unless they have been contacted to reschedule, and those with life-threatening emergencies should still call 999 or attend A&E.

Meanwhile, senior consultants have told The Independent the BMA is losing their support. One consultant said the BMA is trying to put me in an early grave, while another added: [Were] a bit fed up of them [the BMA]... There are big ongoing issues with how resident doctors are treated, and a lot of historic anger about that. But another set of strikes, especially timed after the Easter bank holidays, seems like a tactic designed to cause the most disruption and problems for already stretched services.

Locally, with the last strikes, lots of residents didnt partake. I am unsure if they will with these again, as there is a very vocal part of the BMA behind them, but Im not sure its felt the same on the ground.

Writing for The Independent last week, health secretary Wes Streeting said negotiations had raised the question about whether the BMA is serious about reaching an agreement at all.

He said he did not underestimate the pressure doctors are under, but added: Negotiation is a two-way process. If one side cannot even agree among themselves on an alternative, it becomes increasingly difficult to see how meaningful progress can be made across the table. Good faith cannot run in only one direction.

Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMAs resident doctors committee, said on Thursday that he would happily meet with ministers over the Easter weekend to avoid walkouts.

open image in gallery Streeting said negotiations had raised the question about whether the BMA is serious about reaching an agreement at all ( PA )

When challenged on why the BMA did not put the governments offer to its members for a vote, Dr Fletcher said it did not meet the threshold, and accused the government of pushing for the move to ensure a six-week referendum.

As the strikes loomed, the head of the NHS in England said last week it would increasingly look at clinical models to reduce its reliance on resident doctors.

Speaking to the Health Service Journal, Jim Mackey said that while the strategy was not meant as a threat to residents, it is necessary to consider alternative models if we continue to have a system that feels unreliable, [when] one of the key things the population needs from us is reliability. He did not say how that might be achieved.
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Independent Premium subscribers are fiercely split as resident doctors walk out today, with strong opinions on both sides of a dispute that has ignited discussion over pay, pressure and the future of the NHS.

The debate was sparked by resident doctor Holly Tarns first-person piece for The Independent, which detailed low take-home pay, mounting debts and relentless ward pressures. Her column came as health secretary Wes Streeting ramped up warnings that the six-day strike could cause weeks of disruption and leave hospitals struggling to cope.

Many readers pushed back firmly against the strikes, arguing doctors have already received substantial pay rises and should weigh their demands against a difficult economic backdrop where everyone is suffering.

Some warned that walkouts risk harming patients and placing further strain on colleagues.

However, a significant number of subscribers sided with doctors, pointing to years of real-terms pay erosion, high training costs and worsening conditions. Several warned the NHS risks losing talent overseas, with some sharing personal stories of doctors leaving for better pay and stability abroad.

Heres what you had to say:

Most of us are struggling

Teachers have had the same problem, with no pay rises since 2008. They arent striking. Most of us are still struggling, as pay hasnt risen in real terms. I sympathise with doctors, but in this time of a global economic crisis I dont think the strikes should go ahead. Work-to-rule, no overtime etc may elicit more sympathy from workers who dont get the option to strike and are struggling because of the never-ending crises  Brexit, Covid, Ukraine, Middle East etc.

Red Dragon

Government must draw a line on pay demands

The doctors sense weakness on the part of the agency that pays them (the government) and they are prepared to exploit it. A new improved offer will appear next week which may well be enough to settle the strike, but that will merely upset every other group in the NHS. At some stage you have to say no and mean no, even if you are bound to be blamed.

OldContemptible

Why would anyone want to be a doctor?

It seems very clear that the public have little sympathy. As waiting lists finally start to fall in the right direction, this lot want to scupper it despite settling for a massive increase 15 months ago.

The majority of the public back Wes Streeting, a thoroughly decent and sincere health secretary. Someone should tell them that the world is on the brink and this nations finances are about to take a massive hit through Trump, and they want to pick this time to force a strike when they have been offered over 1,000 new training places on top of a 3.7 per cent pay increase. I will keep up my insurance.

You know, if you were an 18-year-old who had just got top grades at A level in Biology and Chemistry, it would be wiser to apply for a job in the pharmaceutical industry. You will have your university fees paid for you and maybe even your research fees for a PhD. You will be guaranteed a well-paid job.

To decide on medicine  a five-year course with a drop-out rate of 50 per cent after the first year, and then finally to have to do two years on the wards before trying to get on a training course  seems madness, so why would anyone want to do it? Especially as they say the pay is no good. They made the choice.

Jasper

Pay them what they are owed

My son is a resident doctor. Hes going to Australia as after two years there is no guaranteed job here. Streeting is the one at fault. Pay them what they are owed, problem solved.

flashfloyd

NHS on its knees

Junior doctors, in my view, should not be striking  particularly after accepting last years offer.

Their salaries rise steeply after the first few years, yet where is this clearly documented? Were shown figures after tax and deductions; no other profession presents its wages this way. The lower starting salary reflects the fact that they are still in training, and we know patient mortality spikes in the first weeks of each junior doctor rotation.

Working in the NHS myself as an Allied Health Professional, I see first-hand the additional strain junior doctors place on every department, yet you rarely hear us complain. The NHS is already on its knees, and this disruption will not help. We all face difficult situations  I break bad news too  but higher pay wont make those moments easier.

Retention matters, of course, but Im certain this is not the solution.

Emz

This strike is a choice

You have a choice whether to stand on a picket line, just as you have a choice whether to accept that last years 29 per cent pay rise, together with a further rise above that received by many other NHS staff, represents a reasonable settlement. You also have a choice to recognise that doctors continue to benefit from stronger pay and pension arrangements than many colleagues across the NHS.

At the same time, more and more work that was once done by resident doctors is now being picked up by other professionals, especially nurses and others working in equally pressured environments for significantly lower pay. In that context, it is hard to justify further disruption that will lead to thousands of patients having operations and appointments cancelled. This strike is a choice, and it is patients and fellow NHS staff who will bear the consequences.

Angela101

We are all worse off

I wish my pay level in real terms was the same as 2008. Economies shrink and grow all the time  its not an ever-ending upward curve! The world is a volatile place at the moment and basically were all worse off. Why do resident doctors expect big pay rises when just about everyone else is having to get on with it as best we can

BigHatAndFatCat

Inconsistencies in pay

How come MPs are receiving a 5 per cent pay rise  and that is 5 per cent of a bigger starting number, so brings them to the staggering basic salary of 98,599? On top of that they have subsidised restaurants and bars, expenses for basic living that the rest of us, including resident doctors, have to cover from our basic income, and then MPs can and do moonlight into any number of other jobs to help the poor dears manage to live.

To threaten to reduce the number of doctor training places is so short-sighted it beggars belief. How exactly is the population going to have sufficient properly trained doctors in the future? Looks like it will be an AI version for you and me and proper doctors reserved for those who can pay. I note that the latest Streeting wheeze is to restrict one in four GP referrals to a consultant to cut the waiting lists  what a boon for the private sector  again.

Bar7

The whole thing is just weird

The whole thing is just weird.

We have TV presenters on more money than journalists who report from war zones, who are on more money than the camera crew following them around.

Doctors are condemned for striking because they should be saving lives, but we arent prepared to pay them more money for saving lives.

Train drivers are paid way more than doctors because, and this one makes me smile, they have to undertake extensive training, sometimes up to 18 months, work unsociable hours and, because of the responsibility they carry.

Some of you are going to talk about the private sector  my point is, its just weird.

leafspot

Student debt relief compromise

Easy solution if money is short: the junior doctors should accept the current pay offer, and if they work for the NHS, then the student debt should be written off.

Its unrealistic to go back to pre-financial crash and pre-Covid levels of pay without huge increases in exports (unlikely after Brexit), but its equally unrealistic to expect graduates to be financially penalised for life for the crime of having a brain.

FreeLife

Its always been a basic salary

In the 1980s, juniors did not earn the equivalent today of 85k. It was a very basic salary that was similar to other graduate salaries. I know because I was one of those juniors. You knew what you were taking on when you applied to medical school, just as I did.

Flossie

The offer is fair

The BMA should not strike. In the current climate, the offer is a fair one. They should take into account the current financial climate.

Worst of all worlds is to cause so much expensive disruption that even the current offer is no longer viable.

tony1945

Do the maths

1,700 is not enough for a young doctor. Many clever young people will do the maths and decide to qualify for something else, or leave the country at the earliest. The government 10-year NHS plan is just a fancy wish list  it talks of more doctors, but has no strategy or proper costing.

Mp

Some of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity.

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The Trump administrations newly proposed HIV funding cuts could threaten the health of thousands of Americans, researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have warned.

If the $1.5 billion cuts are implemented, the number of HIV infections over the next five years could surge by up to 10 percent across 18 states, computer modeling shows.

That would be a major blow to the decades-long, bipartisan effort to fight the incurable, lifelong illness, which is still responsible for close to 4,500 deaths each year.

The virus, which is also known as human immunodeficiency virus, aggressively attacks the bodys immune system, and infections were widely considered a death sentence until the development of HIV treatments in the 1980s.

Rethinking Global Aid: The Independent's investigative reporting into the impact on the developing world.

The HIV epidemic has been going on for 40 years, Dr. Todd Fojo, an associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins, said in a Tuesday statement. The United States has made tremendous progress over the years, with fewer people getting infected and better treatments for those who are infected. To enter a world where that suddenly reverses would be a big deal.

open image in gallery HIV testing is crucial to preventing addition spread of the lifelong and incurable illness. But researchers and advocate groups say newly proposed budget cuts could hamper efforts to fight the virus ( Getty Images )

That 10 percent is the equivalent of 12,751 more infections nationwide - although some states would see larger increases than others, Fojo and the researchers said.

For example, in Washington state, our model predicts that the number of infections increases by 2.7 percent without CDC-funded tests, but in Louisiana, infections would increase by almost 30 percent, Fojo explained. We know that CDC-funded tests are diagnosing more infections in Louisiana than in Washington state, so the models prediction makes sense.

States with more of a rural HIV epidemic are more impacted than others when funding for testing is pulled, he noted.

Next, the researchers will look at what a loss of CDC funding for other forms of HIV prevention could look like.

While there have been major strides in fighting HIV, nearly 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with infections each year and 1.2 million are currently living with the disease, according to CDC data.

Testing is critical to preventing transmission, which largely occurs in men who have had sexual contact with other men and in people who havent been tested.

open image in gallery The Save HIV Funding Campaign says many more generations of Americans will live with HIV if cuts to prevention programs are passed ( Getty Images for Save HIV Funding Campaign )

Thats why the CDC typically provides more than $1 billion a year for domestic HIV prevention, sending money to dozens of local health departments around the country.

Efforts to cut funding in the 2026 budget were unsuccessful.

But new budget cuts limiting prevention funding to $220 million - including to parts of the already-threatened Ryan White Program for low-income or uninsured patients - would greatly impact the U.S. response to HIV, according to the non-profit HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute.

While we are reassured that over 600,000 low-income people currently accessing care and treatment through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and those using PrEP programs in community health centers can maintain their services, the dismantling of HIV prevention and surveillance and other programs will just lead to more HIV infections and higher health costs down the road, Carl Schmid, the institutes executive director, said in a release.

The Save HIV Funding Campaign said Monday that without these resources, many more generations of Americans will live with HIV.

Thats a far cry from the first Trump Administration that called for ending HIV in the U.S. by 2030, the campaign pointed out.
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Around half a billion pounds hidden in child trust funds could be unlocked immediately, experts have claimed, as the government is urged to do more to reunite young people with their money.

The funds are long-term, tax-free savings set up for every child born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. The government deposited 250 in each, with those in low-income families or in local authority care receiving an additional 250.

Young people can take control of this account at 16 and withdraw funds when they turn 18. With interest, most grow to be worth much more than when they were set up.

Two-thirds of the six millions recipients of child trust funds are now over 18, meaning they should be able to access their accounts. However, an estimated 750,000 young adults are yet to claim their fund, HMRC data recently revealed, with 1.5bn still sitting in accounts.

The Share Foundation, a charity which helps link people with their child trust funds, has now called on the government to help reunite people with their funds through an automatic release mechanism.

This would see the funds automatically given to account holders when they turn 21, a move which the Foundation says would give up to 286 million to young people immediately.

open image in gallery An estimated 750,000 young adults are missing out, according to HMRC data ( Getty/iStock )

The proposal focuses on HMRC-allocated accounts, which account for 28 per cent of all funds that were opened (1.7m).

Overall, the scheme would release 553 million, the foundation finds, with 369 million of this going to low-income young adults.

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Child trust funds have now been replaced with junior individual savings accounts (ISAs) which are long-term, tax-free savings accounts for children. These accounts work similarly, except the government does not give any money when they are set up.

Gavin Oldham, chief executive of the Share Foundation, said there is a lack of communication over the scheme and too little awareness, accusing the government of policy procrastination.

It is strange to find a Government which, while it expresses such concern over the poverty of young people, at the same time is doing so little to deliver on the ground-breaking Child Trust Fund scheme introduced by the previous Labour Government, he added.

The charity boss adds that the Share Foundation  which has reunited over 100,000 people with their child trust funds  is considering a judicial review to force the government to act on the issue of unclaimed funds.

open image in gallery Around half a billion pounds hidden in child trust funds could be unlocked immediately, experts have claimed ( Getty/iStock )

An HMRC spokesperson said: As well as directly sending every eligible young person information to help them find their Child Trust Fund, we also regularly raise awareness through social media and broadcast interviews - and have launched an online tool to help people trace their accounts.

Banks, building societies and investment firms managing the funds are also responsible for communicating with account holders.

Official guidance from the tax authority says that the most common reasons for lost child trust funds are that the claimants or their guardians have lost track of it or forgot it was set up.

It adds that every young person receives a National Insurance Notification before their 16th birthday, which includes information about how child trust funds can be located.

The department advises against using third-party agents who offer to find child trust funds at a price. In extreme cases, they have been known to charge 350 or even 25 per cent of the value of the account for this.

Instead, the tax authority advises young people either search find your child trust fund on Gov.uk or use the free, approved tool from The Share Foundation, which requires just a few details. It is then easy to claim and access the account.
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A British charity worker on a sponsored walk was knocked down and killed by the Kenyan President's motorcade travelling at 'excessive speed', an inquest heard today.

Edgar Riches, 78, was on a pedestrian crossing nearing the end of the charity walk when the VIP support vehicle 'failed to yield' and sped through it.

The motorcade, which was taking President William Ruto to a public engagement in Nairobi at the time, did not stop to offer assistance to Mr Riches.

The retired bank manager from Poole, Dorset, suffered devastating head and chest injuries in the collision and died instantly.

He had been in the African country to see his sister and nephew and to raise money to sponsor building an orphanage or school in Africa.

The local authorities investigated the incident and the driver of the Toyota Prado (Land Cruiser) was charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

He pleaded guilty to the offence in a Kenyan court but avoided jail and instead received the equivalent of a 575 fine.

Today, Mr Riches' daughter Pauline Olden told the inquest that 'justice had not been served'.

She said: "My father was in the final part of his charity walk he does every year to raise money for the country he loved visiting.

"He was tragically killed while crossing at a designated pedestrian crossing by a driver going far too quickly.

"The police car and ambulance did not stop and the driver was fined the equivalent of a 575 fine.

"He was able to pay it and move on with his life but we can't.

"Justice has not been served."

open image in gallery Kenya President William Ruto addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Dorset Senior Coroner Brendan Allen said the Kenyan authorities had provided 'very limited' information about the incident on March 13 last year.

The evidence received was a post-mortem examination report and a brief statement from the Office of the Inspector General for the National Police Service.

It said of the incident: "On March 13, 2025, at 12.30pm, a road traffic accident occurred on Ngong Road, Nairobi.

"The Toyota Prado belonging to a Ministry of the Interior approached the designated pedestrian crossing as Mr Riches was crossing the road.

"The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries.

"The government investigation reviewed CCTV footage and determined the collision resulted primarily from the driver's failure to yield to the pedestrian and travelling at excessive speed given the location and road conditions.

"The driver was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and he appeared before court magistrates on March 15, 2025.

"He pleaded guilty and was fined 100,000 Kenyan shillings (575)."

Mr Riches' post-mortem revealed he died of 'polytrauma' injuries including severe head and chest blunt force trauma 'consistent with a pedestrian and motor vehicle incident'.

Mr Allen, recording a conclusion that Mr Riches died in a road traffic collision, said: "There are always difficulties in obtaining evidence from outside jurisdictions.

"Some countries are more forthcoming than others and what we have for Mr Riches are a post mortem report and a report in relation to the prosecution and outcome.

"We have very limited detail in relation to the circumstances but in my view there is enough that I can conclude the inquest today.

"Mr Riches was crossing at a designated pedestrian crossing and the driver of the motor vehicle failed to yield and was driving at excessive speed.

"It was as a consequence of these facts that Mr Riches was struck and sustained the injuries that killed him on March 13. 2025."

Tributes were paid following his death to Mr Riches, who was described as 'a quiet and unassuming but quite a remarkable chap'.

Ann Stribley, president of the Poole Conservative Association (PCA), who had known Mr Riches for about 50 years in his role as treasurer and trustee, said: He was quite a remarkable chap, not many about like him these days, but quiet and unassuming and just got on with life.

"He was very dedicated to working for other people and the community, and things that he thought should be done, which is why he was in Africa actually."

Mr Riches was involved with the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (Cafod), who said he was an 'inspirational gentleman'.

Simon Giarchi, from Cafod Plymouth and South West, said: We were incredibly sad to hear of the death of Edgar Riches, an inspirational gentleman who fundraised relentlessly for Cafod over decades.

"He was tireless in organising hundreds of charity events year after year (including one just days before his trip to Nairobi).

"Edgar was a kind and remarkable person who will be sorely missed.

"His efforts, via his Poole parish, to help tackle injustice and inequality around the world, will continue to make a difference to many communities living in poverty."
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The promoter behind Wireless Festival has firmly defended Kanye West's legal right to perform in the UK, following widespread calls for the artist to be barred from entering the country due to past antisemitic comments.

The controversial rapper is scheduled to headline all three nights of the festival in Londons Finsbury Park this July.

Melvin Benn, managing director at Festival Republic, which organises the popular music event, characterised himself as a "deeply committed anti-fascist" and a "person of forgiveness" in a statement addressing the controversy.

Mr Benn unequivocally condemned West's previous remarks, stating: "What Ye has said in the past about Jews and Hitler is as abhorrent to me as it is to the Jewish community, the Prime Minister and others that have commented and  taking him at his word  to Ye now also."

open image in gallery Pepsi and Diageo withdrew their sponsorship of Wireless Festival after Kanye West was announced ( PA )

He further argued that Ye's music is routinely played on commercial radio stations and is readily available via streaming and downloads across the UK without public outcry. Consequently, Mr Benn asserted, the artist possesses a "legal right to come into the country and to perform in this country."

He clarified the festival's intent, emphasising: "We are not giving him a platform to extol opinion of whatever nature, only to perform the songs that are currently played on the radio stations in our country and the streaming platforms in our country and listened to and enjoyed by millions." Concluding his statement, Mr Benn appealed for a broader perspective, suggesting that "forgiveness and giving people a second chance are becoming a lost virtue in this ever-increasing divisive world and I would ask people to reflect."

Sir Keir Starmer has labelled the decision to book West deeply concerning, while several major sponsors have already withdrawn their support from the event.

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood is now facing pressure from politicians and the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) to deny West entry, arguing his presence would not be conducive to the public good.

It is understood that ministers are currently reviewing Wests permission to enter the UK. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp urged Ms Mahmood to utilise her powers under the Immigration Act, stating that West was guilty of appalling antisemitic and pro-Nazi comments.

He said: She says she wants to fight antisemitism.

We will now find out how serious she really is.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the CAA said the prime minister had been right to express concern about Wirelesss decision to book West, but added that Sir Keir was not a bystander.

The group said: The government can ban anyone from entering the UK who is not a citizen and whose presence would not be conducive to the public good.

Surely this is a clear case.

Labour backbencher Rachael Maskell has also called for West to be banned, saying he should not be allowed to come to our country to perform in the light of the antisemitic comments that he has made and recorded.

Pepsi and Diageo withdrew their sponsorship of the festival after West was announced as the headline act, while PayPal, a payment partner for the annual rap and hip-hop festival, will not appear in any of its future promotional materials, the Press Association understands.

West, who has not performed in the UK since he headlined Glastonbury in 2015, has drawn widespread criticism in recent years after he began voicing admiration for Adolf Hitler, and has made a series of antisemitic remarks.

open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer has expressed his concern over Kanye West being booked to perform at Wireless Festival ( PA )

Last year, he released a song called Heil Hitler a few months after advertising a swastika T-shirt for sale on his website.

The musician, also known as Ye, has been barred from X over antisemitism on multiple occasions.

It is understood that the mayor of Londons office refused permission for the London Stadium in Stratford to stage a West concert this summer, with sources citing community concerns and the reputational impact on the city.

The Home Office has been approached for comment.

The 48-year-old rappers scheduled appearance comes amid fears of growing antisemitism in the UK.

In March, four ambulances from a Jewish community-run service were set on fire in northwest London.

Two men and a 17-year-old boy were remanded in custody on Saturday after appearing in court accused of torching the vehicles.

open image in gallery In March, four ambulances from a Jewish community service were set on fire in northwest London ( PA )

In October last year, two men were killed in an attack on a Manchester synagogue.

Jewish community organisations have criticised the festival, with Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, calling it the wrong decision and asking the government to consider barring him from entering the country.

In January, West took out a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal to apologise, titled: To Those Ive Hurt.

I am not a Nazi or an antisemite, it said.

I love Jewish people.

In the letter, he said his bipolar disorder led him to fall into a four-month-long, manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour that destroyed my life.

Wireless Festival has been contacted for comment.
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A long-serving Waitrose employee, dismissed after confronting a shoplifter, has been offered a new role by rival supermarket Iceland, sparking a debate over retail theft policies.

Walker Smith, 54, was sacked by Waitrose just two days after intervening when a shoplifter attempted to steal a bag of Easter eggs from the Clapham Junction branch, where he had worked for 17 years. The incident involved a brief struggle before the thief fled.

Mr Smith expressed regret for his actions but told media outlets he was compelled to act after witnessing thefts "every hour of every day for the last five years" without being permitted to intervene.

The news prompted Lord Richard Walker, executive chairman of Iceland and the governments cost-of-living champion, to publicly offer Mr Smith a job. In a LinkedIn post, Lord Walker stated Mr Smith was "welcome to a job with us," adding a jocular "we even share the same name."

open image in gallery British Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp ( Reuters )

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp also weighed in, branding Waitrose's decision "disgraceful" and urging the supermarket to reinstate Mr Smith and award him a bonus for "his bravery an initiative."

In a letter to Waitrose managing director Tom Denyard posted on social media, Mr Philp called for Mr Smith to be reinstated and paid a bonus for his bravery an initiative.

He said: Staff safety must come first.

But dismissing a long-serving employee in these circumstances sends entirely the wrong message.

It penalises whose who act, while offenders are left unchecked.

Of course the police and this failing Government must do more to tackle shoplifting.

But store staff and the public should be supported and encouraged to intervene as well.

Otherwise, shoplifting will continue to surge unchecked.

The incident unfolds against a backdrop of rising shoplifting, with offences increasing by 5 per cent in the year to September 2025.

Waitrose, however, has stated that media reports of Mr Smiths case, based on an interview with The Guardian, "does not cover the 'full facts of the situation'."

The supermarket reiterated that the "safety and security" of its staff and customers underpins its policies, which discourage direct intervention in such incidents. While declining to discuss Mr Smiths specific case, Waitrose confirmed that the "correct process" was followed, including an appeals procedure.
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The Conservatives would ban full-time council staff from working a four-day working week, saying the party would end the nonsense if they were to win back power at the next election.

Announcing the proposal, shadow local government secretary Sir James Cleverly said taxpayers should not be paying full rates for part-time services.

He said the four-day working week, where staff typically complete 100 per cent of their work in 80 per cent of their contracted hours, with no pay cut, was not good value for money.

Thats despite a nationwide trial being hailed a success, with an improvement in staff morale and wellbeing among employees recorded, and no dip in productivity.

Sir James said: A four-day working week, where pay is maintained but hours are reduced, is not value for money and does disservice to hardworking families just trying to get by.

The Conservatives will end this nonsense and have a clear plan to ensure that taxpayers get the services they pay for  to deliver a stronger economy, ensuring that taxpayers get the service they pay for."

Sir James Cleverly said taxpayers should not be paying full rates for part-time services (Stefan Rousseau/PA) ( PA Wire )

Around 1.4 million people work in the UKs local authorities, with staffing costs totalling approximately 22bn a year, according to the Local Government Association, which represents councils.

Currently, council employees can request changes to their working hours in line with UK laws on flexible working requests from the first day of their employment.

The Labour governments policy is that local authorities should not be offering full-time pay for part-time work, a position that local government secretary Steve Reed set out in a letter to town hall leaders late last year.

He instead suggested a four-day work week on full pay could be "considered an indicator, among a wide range of factors, of potential failure" in a local authority.

Under the Tories proposed Ban Four Day Week and the Protection of Public Services Bill, anyone working in a public service, including all council workers, would be blocked from working shorter work weeks.

South Cambridgeshire District Council began offering a four-day work week in 2023. It found that 21 of 24 service areas improved or stayed the same during the reduced-hours working, including increasing the percentage of calls answered by the council's contact centre and reducing the time for planning applications to be decided.

A previous trial of the four-day work week at public sector body South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) found 98 per cent of employees were more motivated and happier in their job when working fewer hours.

Will Stronge, chief executive of Autonomy Institute, who organised the study, said: These groundbreaking results show that the public sector can reap similar benefits, including improved productivity, employee wellbeing, and work-life balance.

Bridget Smith, leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said the move to a four-day week had reduced staff turnover and saved almost 400,000, while the council remained exceptionally high performing.

Hitting out at the Tories plans, she said: Yet again, we witness the political gymnastics of this outdated and out of touch Conservative Party descend into a collective swoon over the terrifying prospect of a council functioning better whilst saving the taxpayer money.

A Labour Party spokesperson said: Its a total embarrassment for the Tories to be, yet again, railing against things that happened on their own watch and which they took zero action on.

This government has already told town halls not to pay five-day salaries for four days' work.
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The UK is expected to refuse to allow Donald Trump to use RAF bases for strikes on Iranian infrastructure, including bridges or power plants, risking the wrath of the US president.

Mr Trump has threatened to unleash hell on civilian infrastructure in Iran as he ramps up pressure on Tehran to reopen the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, warning on Tuesday that a whole civilization will die tonight unless a deal is agreed.

The UK previously granted the United States permission to use British military bases including Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire for defensive strikes on Iranian missile sites.

Donald Trump has compared Keir Starmers approach to the Iran conflict with Neville Chamberlains policy of appeasement to the Nazis before the Second World War ( Niall Carson/PA )

Asked whether the government would prevent UK assets being used for strikes on infrastructure, first reported by The i Paper, the prime ministers official spokesperson reiterated that the UK has only agreed for the US to use British bases for collective self-defence of the region.

He said: We wont be providing a running commentary on our allies operations, including the use of our bases.

Our position on this hasnt changed. The agreement is for US to use bases for collective self-defence of the region, including US defensive operations to degrade missile sites and capabilities used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

The spokesperson added: The principles behind the UKs approach to the conflict remains the same.

We remain committed to defending our people, our interests and our allies, acting in accordance with international law and not getting drawn into the wider conflict.

Downing Streets decision to double down on its position on the conflict comes as international law experts warn that targeting civilian bridges and power plants would constitute a war crime.

Refusing to allow US permission for such strikes is likely to exacerbate already fractious relations between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, which have been increasingly strained in recent months as the prime minister refuses to be drawn into the wider Iran war.

It follows another swipe at Sir Keir by Mr Trump, who compared him to former UK prime minister Neville Chamberlain and his appeasement of the Nazis in 1938.

We wont want another Neville Chamberlain, do we agree? We dont want Neville Chamberlain, the US president said.

Repeating his threat of strikes on civilian infrastructure in Iran, Mr Trump said that the country will have no bridges... no power plants... no anything unless they submit to his demands.

He said he wont go further, because there are other things that are worse than those two, adding: If I had my choice, what would I like to do? Take the oil. Because its there for the taking. Theres not a thing they can do about it.

Unfortunately, the American people would like to see us come home. If it were up to me Id take the oil, Id keep the oil [] make plenty of money and Id also take care of the people of Iran.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: The UK authorised the United States to use British bases for defensive missions to destroy Irans missile capabilities which are threatening British people, bases, and our partners in the region.

The United States is using British bases for specific defensive operations to prevent Iran firing missiles into the region, which is putting British lives at risk. This is alongside the defensive action the UK is taking to protect British people across the region.
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Jewish leaders in Britain have refused to meet Kanye West after the rapper offered to take part in talks ahead of his headline slot at Wireless Festival following backlash over his antisemitic comments.

Government ministers and Jewish groups have said organisers of the London festival should be ashamed for inviting the US rapper to headline all three days after he made a series of antisemitic statements last year. This included releasing a song called Heil Hitler and advertising a swastika T-shirt for sale on his website.

As tickets for the three Finsbury Park concerts went on sale, West said he would like to speak directly to the UKs Jewish community following calls for him to be banned from the UK because of his behaviour.

But the Jewish Leadership Council rejected the offer almost immediately, telling organisers they would not help save their festival.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), they said: Kanye Wests recent history of vile antisemitism was fully known to the festival organisers when they invited him. Now, with the entirely predictable backlash they are facing, the British Jewish community is being asked to help save their festival. We are not going to meet Kanye West for that purpose.

open image in gallery Wes Streeting says Wireless organisers showed a terrible error of judgement in inviting Kanye West to headline the festival this summer ( Invision )

Wes Streeting said organisers of the festival in Finsbury Park should be ashamed after they showed a terrible error of judgement by booking West to perform.

The health secretary told Sky News: These werent a couple of off-colour remarks, these were a pattern of behaviour, he said. The releasing of a song called Heil Hitler, the plastering of that slogan across T-shirts, then using bipolar disorder as an excuse.

And then when he realised the impact on his fame and his career, he came out with a mealy-mouthed apology, which has now been given a fig leaf of credibility by festival organisers who should be ashamed of themselves. So Im appalled, actually.

Ministers are reviewing Wests permission to enter the UK after Sir Keir Starmer called the decision to allow him to headline deeply concerning.

Downing Street on Tuesday said that all options remain on the table, adding that decisions would be taken on a case-by-case basis, in line with the law amid the backlash.

Despite calls to reconsider the booking from Jewish groups and major sponsors who have withdrawn their support, the festival defended its decision on Monday.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer called the decision deeply concerning, as ministers review Kanye Wests permission to enter the UK ( PA Wire )

Melvin Benn, managing director at Festival Republic, which promotes Wireless Festival, said Wests comments were abhorrent, but said he was not giving him a platform to extol opinion of whatever nature.

Describing himself as a person of forgiveness, Mr Benn said: He is intended to come in and perform. We are not giving him a platform to extol opinion of whatever nature, only to perform the songs that are currently played on the radio stations in our country and the streaming platforms in our country and listened to and enjoyed by millions.

He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Tuesday that West has an approved visa to come to the UK, which was issued in the last few days.

He has a visa already issued to appear, to come into the country, and the home secretary may well rescind that today, I dont know, he said. If she does, she does, and then the issue is over in terms of his appearance.

open image in gallery Health secretary Wes Streeting said Kanye West uses bipolar disorder to justify his actions, I think that is equally appalling ( Jonathan Brady/PA )

The president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Phil Rosenberg, said it was time for Wireless to do the decent thing and rescind an invitation they never should have offered.

Breaking his silence on the row on Tuesday, West offered to meet the British Jewish community to listen to their concerns.

He said in a statement. My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music. I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen.

I know words arent enough  Ill have to show change through my actions. If youre open, Im here.

open image in gallery As tickets for the three concerts went on sale, Kanye West offered to meet with the British Jewish community ( PA Archive )

Mr Benn also told Today that organisers had reached out to Jewish communities over the last couple of days about meeting West, but they had refused.

Asked whether he should have done it earlier when organisers were making a decision, Mr Benn said: Potentially we should have done and that may prove to be a mistake that weve made.

Pepsi and Diageo have withdrawn their sponsorship of the festival and PayPal, which is a payment partner for the annual rap and hip-hop festival, will not appear in any of its future promotional materials.

In January, West took out a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal to apologise, titled: To Those Ive Hurt.

open image in gallery A crowd enjoys a previous Wireless Festival at Finsbury Park in London ( James Manning/PA )

I am not a Nazi or an antisemite, it said. I love Jewish people.

He said his bipolar disorder led him to fall into a four-month-long, manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour that destroyed my life.

Mr Streeting said Mr Wests use of bipolar disorder to justify his actions was appalling, adding: I would ask people to consider, does using bipolar disorder as an excuse to write and release a song called Heil Hitler and plaster it across T-shirts, does bipolar disorder really justify that? Or is it an excuse to justify rotten behaviour?

Meanwhile, Reform UKs home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf said Wests antisemitic songs were deeply troubling, but said the condemnation of his headline slot is absolutely a bandwagon thats being jumped on.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage warned against banning West from coming into the UK, but said he wouldnt recommend anyone buys a ticket.

I worry where that ends up, if Keir Starmer was to ban people coming into Britain, with whose views he doesnt like, almost everybody wouldnt be allowed in. I think its a dangerous path to go down.
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Sir Keir Starmer has warned Britain would have been in a war without a plan if Nigel Farage or Kemi Badenoch were in power, as he fights for votes ahead of the crunch local elections.

In his pitch to voters ahead of what is expected to be a devastating set of election results in May, the prime minister will double down on his own approach to the outbreak of war in the Middle East.

The prime minister has repeatedly said he wont be dragged in to US military action on Iran, but will tell voters that both the Reform UK and Conservative leaders would have jumped into this war with both feet.

Appearing in Labours first Party TV broadcast ahead of Mays local elections, he will accuse his critics of offering anger or easy answers, while promising to deliver on key issues such as easing the cost of living crisis.

You dont get a second chance at decisions like this. There are huge consequences both abroad and at home, and of course for our brave Armed Forces, he will say.

Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch would have jumped into this war with both feet without thinking through the consequences.

open image in gallery The prime minister has repeatedly stated the US action on Iran is not our war ( PA Wire )

Now in opposition, that may not matter very much. But if theyd been in government, we would be in a war without a plan.

Despite Sir Keirs approach to the outbreak of war proving popular amongst voters, Labour is expected to face a crushing defeat at the polls in May.

Pollsters have warned the party is facing a very substantial threat as it continues to lose voters to both Reform on the right and the Greens to the left, in a blow which could spell the end of Sir Keirs leadership.

After accusing his opposition of U-turning on their stance on Britains involvement in the war, Sir Keir will say: Im not going to be pressurised to change my view.

Mrs Badenoch has previously accused Sir Keir of being too scared to make foreign interventions for fear of upsetting a tiny section of the electorate, saying he took time consulting lawyers, plucking up the courage to say whose side he was on.

Later asked to clarify her position, the Conservative leader told the BBC her party backed the US and Israels actions but added: I never said we should join.

Sir Keir later accused Mrs Badenoch of making the mother of all u-turns on the issue, which he called the single most important decision a prime minister ever has to take.

open image in gallery Mrs Badenoch has previously accused Sir Keir of being too scared to make foreign interventions for fear of upsetting a tiny section of the electorate ( Getty Images )

Meanwhile, Reform UKs own stance on the war has sparked confusion.

Mr Farage told a press conference in March that, after RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was hit by a drone, the gloves need to come off. He said: We need to accept that were part of this with the Americans, with the Israelis.

Later the same month, Mr Farage said: If we cant even defend Cyprus, lets not get ourselves involved in another foreign war.

Sir Keir will add in the TV broadcast: In these uncertain times, there are plenty of people offering anger or easy answers.

Im not going to be pressurised to change my view. Im the British prime minister and its Britains national interest, protecting you and your family, that determine every decision that I make.

Whatever other people say, whatever the criticism, thats my focus.

open image in gallery Sir Keir has refused to bow to US pressure over his handling of the outbreak of war with Iran, a stance which has proved to boost his popularity rating amongst voters ( PA Archive )

Sir Keir has refused to bow to US pressure over his handling of the outbreak of war with Iran, a stance which has proved to boost his popularity rating amongst voters.

According to a recent JL Partners survey for The Independent, his rating was found to increase by 26 points when voters are reminded of his fallout with Donald Trump.

The UK has granted permission for the US to use British military bases to carry out limited defensive operations, only targeting Irans missile sites and facilities being used to target shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil and gas route.

On Tuesday, Downing Street again said the UKs focus was on de-escalation and a negotiated settlement for the region after Mr Trump ratcheted up his rhetoric and the US-Israeli bombing campaign continued.

The US president has given Tehran until 1am on Wednesday UK time to end its blockade of the strait or face obliteration, writing on Truth Social: A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again.
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Nigel Farage has turned on his long-time ally and friend Donald Trump after the US president threatened a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again in his latest rant about Iran.

The Reform UK leader, who has often celebrated his relationship with Mr Trump, expressed shock at the presidents latest social media post, which marked a major escalation in his rhetoric against Tehran.

Mr Trump warned on Truth Social that he would carry out his latest threat unless Tehran capitulates to his demand to agree to a ceasefire deal and open the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday night, saying, I dont want that to happen, but it probably will.

Speaking as he left a local election campaign event in Bedworth, Warwickshire, on Tuesday, Mr Farage said the comments went way too far, marking a split in their political friendship, which is said to have begun in 2016.

I am quite shocked just to hear that. That is over the top in every single way, he said after reading the first two lines of the post.

Yes, of course, he wants to threaten  to get them to the negotiating table. But those words are theyre way too far.

Mr Farage added: Hes an upset, angry American president. Hes wholly unconventional, but I would remind you of what Churchill said about the bombing of Germany during the war. Some quite extraordinary things were said there as well.

open image in gallery Nigel Farages friendship with Donald Trump is thought to have begun in 2016 ( US White House )

On Truth Social, Mr Trump once again demanded that Tehran agree to open the key Strait of Hormuz shipping lane by 1am BST.

He wrote: However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?

We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran.

The post is the latest in a string of threats issued by the US president, who has also previously threatened to attack Iranian civilian infrastructure, a move the UN considers a war crime.

open image in gallery The post is the most inflammatory yet from Donald Trump ( @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social )

Downing Street is expected to refuse to allow the US military to use British assets for strikes on Iranian infrastructure.

Sir Keir Starmer previously permitted the US to use British bases, including Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, for defensive strikes on Iranian missile sites.

Asked whether the government would prevent UK assets being used for strikes on infrastructure, the prime ministers official spokesman said: We wont be providing a running commentary on allies operations, including their use of bases.

Just to point out that our position on this hasnt changed. The agreement in place for the US to use UK bases for collective self-defence of the region, including US defensive operations to degrade missile sites and capabilities used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer is expected to refuse Donald Trumps request to use British bases for strikes on Iranian infrastructure. ( PA Archive )

He said the UKs principles have been clear from day one and are set out in legal advice.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, a vocal critic of Mr Trump, urged the government to block the US from using UK air bases for further missions.

After Trumps latest shocking threats, Keir Starmer faces a choice. Withdraw US access now to UK air bases, or risk letting British soil be used to commit war crimes, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

On Tuesday, the UK was chairing a meeting of military planners from a coalition of nations examining long-term measures to secure the strait. The discussion was expected to focus on plans for an international coalition to make the strait safe for shipping once hostilities had ended.
Reports suggest that Britain will refuse American requests to use its bases, such as Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory, and RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, for any US Air Force strikes on Iranian bridges or power plants. The UK views such targets as civilian infrastructure, and supporting American operations could thus amount to collaborating in war crimes. Right or wrong, this decision will have consequences.

Is this definite?

The reports seem well-based, and are substantiated, at least implicitly, by a statement from the Ministry of Defence: The UK authorised the United States to use British bases for defensive missions to destroy Irans missile capabilities, which are threatening British people, bases, and our partners in the region. Plainly, bridges and power stations arent directly threatening people and such interests, and would not obviously count as defensive actions. Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, has also voiced concerns about Trumps latest profane threats to take out Iran in one night: It is not language or an approach that this Government would be taking.

What is defensive?

This was explained by Keir Starmer when the conflict broke out and he initially declined to grant the US permission to use bases on UK territory because these were offensive operations in a war that was unlawful, according to the advice he was given; but also that the conflict lacked a plan and being involved in it was in any case contrary to the British national interest.

Starmer said on 1 March: The only way to stop the [Iranian] threat is to destroy the missiles at source  in their storage depots or the launchers which used to fire the missiles. The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. We have taken the decision to accept this request  to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved.

The basis of our decision is the collective self-defence of longstanding friends and allies, and protecting British lives. That is in accordance with international law. And we are publishing a summary of our legal advice. We are not joining these strikes, but we will continue with our defensive actions in the region.

So Starmer agreed to permit bombing raids from bases on British territory  provided they are defensive, according to a fairly narrow definition.

Have all the strikes by the US been defensive?

Probably not, such as the destruction of Irans largest bridge with the loss of eight civilian lives; but its not clear whether British bases were indeed used for such raids. Of course, other bombings have been undertaken by the Israelis, with no British dimension in that respect.

Loose cannon: the UKs stance seems sure to offend Donald Trump ( AFP/Getty )

Will there be a row with Trump?

Inevitably. Trump has made his anger clear, most recently deriding Starmer as a modern-day Neville Chamberlain  an appeaser of the Iranian regime. The special personal relationship between the two men is shattered, and the future of Nato is in doubt.

Is this helping Starmer domestically?

To some extent. Trumps war and the president himself are even less popular abroad than they are at home, and Starmers handling of it has won some support and respect, even among his opponents. A recent poll by JL Partners shows that Starmers approval rating increases by 26 points when voters are reminded of his spat with the US president. Overall, Starmer is still rated negatively, at minus 14, but thats much better than the minus 40 he scores when his stance on the war is not highlighted in questioning.

Will it save Starmers premiership?

Not necessarily. Voters tend not to be driven in their preferences by foreign policy, although in this case its clear that Trumps war is already having a direct impact on domestic fuel prices and energy bills. Starmer has been able to contrast his cautious stand with, in his view, the blind loyalty to Trump displayed by Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch, both of whom have been forced to shift their stance in the face of public hostility. Starmer allies ask whether, say, Andy Burnham or Angela Rayner would have been as steady in the circumstances. Starmer is therefore that much less likely to face more calls for him to quit after some likely heavy losses in the May elections.

Will Starmers policy work?

It wont help keep Trump in Nato (if thats still possible), but neither do the Iranians really appreciate the nuances in the British policy. The PM says Britain isnt involved in the war or responsible for it, but as far as Tehran is concerned, the B-52s are taking off from British territory, defensively or not; and in return, Tehran has fired a missile at Diego Garcia. Other European powers, notably Spain and France, have been far less accommodating to the Americans requests, such as permission to fly over their territories.

So the UK, aka Little Satan, wont get any special treatment or access through the Strait of Hormuz for its supplies and shipping, and Trump will be looking for a way to get his own back on the British. You could therefore argue that Britain has copped the worst of all worlds, offending both the Americans and the Iranians, even if Starmer has been trying to do the right thing.
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Cameroon has confirmed the deaths of 16 of its soldiers fighting in Ukraine, following a notification from Russia.

The central African nation's foreign affairs ministry sent a memo to the Russian Embassy, acknowledging the fatalities among Cameroonian personnel serving in what Russia terms the "special military operations zone." The ministry stated that "necessary arrangements" were being made to inform the families of those who died.

In a separate communication issued on the same day, the ministry also invited the relatives of six other Cameroonian nationals residing in Russia to attend a meeting regarding "urgent matters," though no further details were provided.

In March last year, Cameroons defense minister instructed the country's various military high commands to take strict emergency measures to prevent further defections by active or retired Cameroonian soldiers.

open image in gallery Ukrainian servicemen fire a Grad multiple rocket launcher towards Russian positions at the frontline in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on June 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrii Marienko, File) ( AP )

Ukraine has said it believes more than 1,700 Africans have been recruited to fight for Russia, and several African nations have said some of their citizens have been tricked into fighting for Russia by offers of lucrative jobs or skills training.

An intelligence report presented to parliament in Kenya earlier this year said that 1,000 Kenyans were recruited to fight for Russia after being misled with false promises of jobs in the country before being sent to the front lines.

Two Nigerians were killed late last year fighting for Russia, Ukraines intelligence agency said this month.

Another AP investigation in 2024 found that African women were also duped into being part of the Russian war effort and sent to work in a factory assembling attack drones to be used against Ukraine. They were lured by social media adverts offering work-study programs.
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A family is suing a Connecticut hospital after their son died in the ICU while a telehealth doctor was overseeing his care.

Conor Hylton, 26, died in August 2024 at Bridgeport Hospitals campus in Milford, Connecticut. Now, his family has alleged his death was the result of the hospitals negligence, according to a copy of their lawsuit reviewed by The Independent.

Hylton, a dental student, arrived at the Bridgeport Hospitals emergency room around 11 a.m. on August 14, 2024, and was diagnosed with pancreatitis, dehydration, metabolic acidosis and alcohol withdrawal, the complaint states.

His condition deteriorated, and he was admitted to the ICU. Around 4:30 a.m., a code was called after Hylton exhibited seizure like activity, vomited [and] became bradycardic.

He was intubated but could not be resuscitated, and a telehealth provider pronounced him dead, the lawsuit claims.

Conor Hylton, a dental student, died at Bridgeport Hospital's Milford Campus in August 2024. Now his family is suing the hospital saying a telehealth doctor oversaw his care ( Faxon Law Group )

Faxon Law Group, which is representing Hyltons family, described the incident in a press release.

Since there was no physician assessing Hylton in the ICU, despite protocols requiring direct care, an off-site remote internet tele-doc that the hospital provided finally made an order for intubation, the law groups statement said.

However, the attending ED doctor  who was supposed to provide emergency treatment in the ICU of Milford Hospital  was unable to locate the building's ICU and had to ask for directions. By then, of course, it was too late to save Conor, the statement continued.

The incident exposed a disturbing pattern of negligence and substandard care in Milford Hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU)which, unbeknownst to Conor and his family, had no doctor physically present but was sporadically monitored remotely on a TV screen from New Haven, Faxon Law Group added.

The use of remote ICU staff has become increasingly common as hospitals seek to cut costs and address staffing concerns, NBC News reports.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health also investigated the incident, and exposed a culture of inattentiveness and substandard care at Bridgeport Hospital Milford Campus that resulted in the death of Conor James Hylton, according to the lawsuit.

A spokesperson for Bridgeport Hospital, which is operated by Yale New Haven Health, declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Yale New Haven Health is aware of this lawsuit and is committed to providing the safest and highest quality of care possible, however, we are unable to comment on pending litigation, the spokesperson told The Independent.

Hylton was a talented dental student, Faxon Law Group said.

Both of his parents are dentists ... and it's horrible for the family to have to go through this, Faxon told The Independent.
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You soon may be able to enjoy french fries with a little less guilt about your health.

Researchers at the University of Illinois have reportedly developed a method for cooking fries that maintains their crispiness and taste while using less oil.

The answer, apparently, is to use a microwave alongside frying.

According to the researchers, combining traditional frying with microwave use cooks the fries without the need for as much oil, allowing diners to enjoy them without consuming as much fat.

The findings were published in Current Research in Food Science and The Journal of Food Science.

open image in gallery Researchers at the University of Illinois have reportedly found a way to make french fries that absorb less oil  and thus less fat  without losing their taste or crispiness by using a combination of traditional frying and a microwave ( Getty Images )

While creating the healthier fry may seem like an odd thing for scientists to focus on, the fact of the matter is that  despite their high levels of fat  people are going to eat french fries. Rather than hoping that our willpower to not indulge wins the day, the researchers instead have sought a means for making fries less harmful.

Consumers want healthy foods, but at the time of purchase, cravings often prevail, Pawan Singh Takhar, the author of one of the studies, said, according to WIRED. The high oil content adds flavor, but it also contains a lot of energy and calories.

Frying food is typically seen as a less healthy way of cooking because the method doesn't stop fats from frying oils from entering the actual food product.

Early in the frying process, the water in the pores of potatoes keeps the oil from entering the fry. But as cooking goes on, the water evaporates, allowing an entry point for the oil.

Unlike frying, which cooks from the outside in, microwaving cooks from the inside out. But microwaving fries without any other means of cooking wouldn't give them the crispiness people typically associate with fries.

open image in gallery Golden and crispy French fries made to perfection in the air fryer ( Getty )

"If only microwaving is used, the food turns out mushy," Takhar noted.

Instead, the researchers experimented with both frying and microwaving. They determined a way to heat the fries traditionally just enough to achieve the crispy outside before moving the food into a custom-built microwave to complete the cooking process.

"We propose to combine the two methods in the same device. Traditional heating maintains crispness, while microwave heating reduces oil consumption," the study says.

According to the researchers, the method should produce fries that taste like fries, maintain their texture and feel, but critically have soaked up less oil, and thus less fat.

Unfortunately for the rest of us, custom-built french fry microwave fryers aren't necessarily a kitchen appliance that is readily available, so it may be some time before fry lovers concerned with their health can replicate the experiment in their own homes.
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A U.S. Army staff sergeant who reported for duty at a military base in Louisiana with his new bride last week was shocked to see her arrested by ICE agents shortly after their arrival.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Blank, 23, had driven from Houston, Texas, to Fort Polk with his wife Annie Ramos, 22, and his parents in time for a 2 p.m. registration appointment on Thursday April 2.

Ramos is an undocumented migrant who was brought to the U.S. by her parents when she was a toddler and had understood that she would receive a green card through her marriage, which would entitle her to apply for citizenship within three years of its receipt, as is customary under U.S. immigration law.

open image in gallery Matthew Blank and Annie Ramos on their wedding day in March ( Family/GoFundMe )

The group duly signed in at the bases visitors center as instructed and presented their documentation, which included Blanks military ID, their marriage license, and Ramoss Honduran passport.

But rather than be ushered into the facilitys benefits office, as they were expecting, ICE agents descended, taking Ramos into custody in handcuffs before having her transported to a detention center in nearby Basile for deportation as the family wept in disbelief.

Our plan was to drive over, bring her to the office to get her military ID and activate her military spouse benefits, Blank told The New York Times. She was going to move in after the Easter weekend. Instead, she got ripped away from me.

I knew she didnt have status, he added, saying the couple had retained an immigration lawyer and were attempting to operate by the book. We were doing everything the right way.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that Ramos has no legal status to be in this country and was issued a final order of removal by a judge, alluding to a court order issued in absentia in 2005 that insisted the then-22-month-old infant must be returned to Honduras.

open image in gallery ICE agents detained Ramos Thursday and removed her to a deportation center in Basile, Louisiana, saying she has no legal right to remain in the U.S. ( Getty )

This administration is not going to ignore the rule of law, it added.

Ramos is a Sunday school teacher and college student who was a few months away from completing a bachelors degree in biochemistry, according to the Times.

The couple met last year via a dating app, were engaged on New Years Day, and married in Houston last month, with 60 guests at their reception at which a Mariachi band performed and fried chicken and mashed potato was served.

I grew up here like any American, Ramos told the newspaper via phone from the detention center. This is all I know. My husband and family are here.

Blank, who has previously been deployed to the Middle East and Europe, has vowed to do everything he can to secure his wifes freedom and said he has the support of his chain of command.

open image in gallery Staff Sergeant Blank was reporting for duty at Fort Polk, Louisiana, when his spouse was arrested ( Getty )

We are going to fight with everything I have, he said. She is going to move in with me. We will start a family... I am going to be with her and serve my country.

A GoFundMe campaign set up by the family to raise money for Ramoss costly legal fees had raised more than $8,000 towards its $12,000 target at the time of writing.

Margaret Stock, author of the book Immigration Law and the Military, told the Times the couples marital situation was very common.

Prior to the Trump administration creating a mass deportation policy, somebody like her would not have been detained, she said.

Its fundamentally harmful to national security to be doing this to members of the military, particularly while there is a war going on. This is a major crisis for this soldier. His mind cant be on the job.
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The city of Minneapolis released a video Monday showing a chase and scuffle that ended in a nonfatal shooting in January and the suspensions of two federal officers involved in the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Minnesota.

The video  from a city-owned security camera  captured part of the incident in which federal officers chased a Venezuelan man to his residence. Another Venezuelan man who lives there was shot during the confrontation. Federal authorities in February dropped all charges against the two immigrants and opened a criminal investigation into whether two immigration officers lied under oath about what had happened.

The city released the video after the New York Times, which obtained a copy earlier, reported that the footage raised questions about why it took weeks for the federal government's case against the two men to collapse. The Times reported that federal investigators had access to the video within hours of the Jan. 14 shooting, but did not watch it until nearly three weeks after they had charged the two men.

The video makes it crystal clear that, just like in other situations during Operation Metro Surge, the federal governments account of what happened simply does not match the facts, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said in a statement.

Federal authorities initially accused Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis of beating an ICE officer with a broom handle and a snow shovel during the incident. The officer fired a single shot from his handgun, striking Sosa-Celis in his right thigh. Protesters quickly flocked to the scene and clashed with other officers, who were wearing gas masks and helmets.

The city provided no narrative on what the video depicts except to say that it was related to the shooting. A statement added, The City has no additional information and will not be making further comments at this time.

The video, shot from a distance in the dark, appears to show a person standing with a snow shovel outside the house, near the street, then retreating toward the house and tossing the shovel into the yard. This happens as a person being chased by another person runs up from the street, falls on the sidewalk, gets up, and keeps heading toward the house.

The three appear to scuffle near the front steps for about 10 seconds. The exact moment when Sosa-Celis is shot isnt clear. A car with flashing lights pulls up, and another person walks up.

The camera actively panned over to view the street where the incident happened before any vehicles arrived, indicating that someone may have been manually controlling it in real time.

The cases against Aljorna and Sosa-Celis were dropped after a highly unusual motion from the chief federal prosecutor for Minnesota, U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen, who said newly discovered evidence was materially inconsistent with the allegations that were made in the criminal complaint and with evidence presented at a hearing at their preliminary hearing. He said dismissal with prejudice, which meant the charges couldn't be refiled, would serve the interests of justice.

Rosen and other federal prosecutors involved in the case, as well as the Department of Justice, did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press on Monday.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not mention the video in a statement, but reaffirmed its earlier statement that two officers involved appeared to have given untruthful testimony under oath, and that they were immediately placed on administrative leave pending completion of an internal investigation. Their names were not made public.

Lying under oath is a serious federal offense. The U.S. Attorneys Office is actively investigating these false statements, the ICE statement said. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the officers may face termination of employment, as well as potential criminal prosecution.

The statement did not elaborate on the status of their case.

Aljorna's attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Sosa-Celis' attorney, Robin Wolpert, said, The video is evidence in ongoing state and federal investigations so I can't comment."

Both men are free while they seek legal status. They were ordered released even before the criminal charges were dropped, but ICE took them back into custody for alleged immigration violations before releasing them, again under court order.

State and county prosecutors have been frustrated by the refusal of federal authorities to share information on the incident, as well as the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal officers. They sued the Trump administratio n late last month for access to evidence they say they need to independently investigate the three shootings.

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office declined to comment on the video, citing the active investigation.
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A 5-year-old boy detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, wearing his bunny hat and Spiderman backpack, worries all the time about being taken again, his parents said in their first in-person interview since the viral moment.

Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, were detained in January as they returned home from the childs preschool. After then spending nearly two weeks in a detention center in Texas, they returned home to Minneapolis, following a federal judges order for their release.

The boys family told CBS News in a newly released interview Liam constantly worries about ICE detaining him again. When asked what is most scary to him, he said, la inmigracion, a Spanish term used to describe federal immigration officers.

Liams family suggested he was traumatized by the experience and now sees a psychologist regularly.

open image in gallery A 5-year-old boy detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, wearing his bunny hat and Spiderman backpack, worries all the time about being taken again, his parents said in their first in-person interview since the viral moment ( Columbia Heights Public Schools )

"My boy is very different," Liam's mother, Erika Ramos, said.

"He sees police officers, and he says, 'It's ICE, Mommy,'" she said.

Liams father is worried that it will take a long time for his boy to heal from his psychological wounds.

"As parents, it worries us a lot that he's no longer as he was before and we're worried this could last a long time," Conejo Arias said.

The Independent has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE for comment.

open image in gallery Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, were detained in January as they returned home from the childs preschool ( Columbia Heights Public Schools )

DHS previously said it was conducting a targeted operation to arrest Liams father on January 20, when he fled, abandoning his child. The agency said an ICE officer stayed with Liam while his father was arrested for the childs safety.

Conejo Arias denied DHS account of the arrest, telling CBS News he never did and never would abandon his son.

DHS also has claimed Liams father is an illegal alien from Ecuador who was released into the U.S. under the Biden administration. But the family has reportedly been seeking asylum.

open image in gallery Liam and his father returned home to Minneapolis after spending nearly two weeks in a detention center in Texas, following a federal judges order for their release ( Rep. Joaquin Castro via X )

The familys lawyer, Danielle Molliver, told ABC News last month an immigration judge granted a motion filed by the federal government to terminate the familys asylum claim. Molliver said she filed an appeal in the case.

Liam and his fathers detention came during a massive wave of immigration enforcement in Minnesota. The Trump administration has since scaled back its efforts in the state after two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were fatally shot by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.
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Nine of the 10 Vizsla Silver workers kidnapped in Mexico have now been found dead, the Canadian mining company has confirmed. 

The miners were abducted in Concordia, a city in the state of Sinaloa, on January 23. According to LatinUS, the men were taken from a house rented by the company, which operates the silver-gold mine known as the Panuco Project.

Investigations into the kidnapping remain ongoing, with Mexican authorities probing the possible involvement of criminal cartels and whether Vizsla Silver employees bear any responsibility for the incident. 

The Vancouver-based company confirmed in a statement on April 6 that it remains in contact with the family of the only worker who is still missing. 

This is a devastating outcome, and our heartfelt condolences are with all the families impacted, Michael Konnert, president and CEO of Vizsla Silver, said. We stand beside them with continued support as we mourn our colleagues and friends.

open image in gallery Vizsla Silver Corp, which operates the Panuco Project (pictured), has confirmed that nine of its ten kidnapped workers have died ( Vizsla Siver Corp )

In February, President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that Mexicos Attorney Generals Office was investigating labor conditions for Vizsla Silvers miners and whether the companys employees carry any responsibility. 

Sheinbaum added that the office is also probing whether any threats or extortion attempts had been made in connection with the kidnappings. Omar Garcia Harfuch, the secretary of security and citizen protection, told reporters in January that a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, known as Los Chapitos, could be involved. 

The detainees initial statements indicate that the victims were mistaken for members of a rival group, he said, referring to four suspects.

According to Harfuch, the Chapitos faction is currently fighting with another group known as La Mayiza.

open image in gallery Vizsla Silver operates the Panuco Project, a silver-gold mine, in Mexico ( Vizsla Siver Corp )

In February, the local attorney generals office confirmed that a number of bodies had been found in a mass grave located in Concordia, according to Reuters.

At the time, five of the bodies were identified as being from the group of kidnapped workers.

Jaime Castaneda told CBC News that his brother, 43-year-old Jose Manuel Castaneda Hernandez, was one of the men taken.

Jaime said that he identified his brother, who was a father to two children, using photographs presented to him by officials at the attorney generals office in Mazatlan.

He was younger than me, and I would watch over him when he was a child. It's like he was my son - I raised him," he said, adding that their father had been a miner.

open image in gallery President Claudia Sheinbaum says that authorities are probing whether Vizsla Silver employees bear any responsibility in the incident ( Reuters )

David Mora, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, told the Canadian broadcaster that he travelled to the Concordia area just days before the kidnapping. 

At the time, he was told that the Los Chapitos faction had been driven out of the region and that La Mayiza forces had told families that it was safe for them to return.

Assuming, as the government says, that the group behind the kidnapping is Los Chapitos, I would say then that it's a show of strength, to send the message that they're not out of the picture in that part of Sinaloa, he said.

He added that the companys connections to Canada could have played a role in the kidnapping, as it raises the political angle of the attack.

In a statement obtained by CBC News, Global Affairs Canada said that it was not aware of any Canadian citizens being impacted by the incident.
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A massive explosion under the Bridge of the Americas has killed one person and injured two, temporarily closing the vital crossing over the Panama Canal.

Smoke and flames engulfed part of the bridge, footage on social media showed, after a fuel tanker truck exploded in the area of La Boca, under the 5,400ft-long bridge. Cars and buses sped up in order to move past the explosion.

More than 75 firefighting units and 45 vehicles were deployed to fight the blaze, according to Panama's fire brigade service.

open image in gallery Firefighters tackled the blaze underneath the Bridge of the Americas ( Panama Firefighting Department/A )

One worker, presumed to be operating near the truck, died in the fire firefighter chief Victor Alvarez said in a press conference. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries, he added.

The investigations are just beginning, he said. It would be premature and irresponsible on our part to speculate about the causes of this incident at this time."

A logistics corridor was reopened at 4am GMT-5 after the bridge was temporarily closed by the Panama Canal Authority in coordination with the Transit and Land Transportation Authority.

A statement from the authority read: In response to the emergency that caused the temporary closure of the Bridge of the Americas, the Panama Canal Authority informs that, in coordination with the ATTT (Transit and Land Transportation Authority), the Logistics Corridor between the Brujas Highway and the Centennial Bridge will be reopened on April 7 at 4:00 a.m. to facilitate the mobility of residents of Veracruz and Panama Pacifico.

open image in gallery A fuel tanker truck exploded under the bridge ( Panama Firefighting Department/A )

Panama Canal operations continue as normal. We recognize the work of the Panama Fire Department and other institutions that responded to the emergency.

The Panama Canal Authority expresses its solidarity with those affected.

The Bridge of Americas spans the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, a vital waterway for commodities connecting the Panama Sea with the Pacific Ocean.

Amid a fuel crisis caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in Iran, the Panama Canals deputy administrator, Ilya Espino de Marotta, told CNN in March that the waterway had received a slight increase in vessel transits.

The latest thing weve seen is an increase  a slight increase in the number of transits, a statement from the administrator, seen by CNN, read. Lets remember that now, with higher fuel prices, the Panama Canal definitely becomes a more attractive route because its shorter.

The Panama Canal, roughly 50 miles long, saw 2.3 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum liquids transit per day in the first half of 2025 - an increase from the two million a day the year prior, according to the U.S Energy Information Administration.
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President Donald Trump beamed in to speak with NASA astronauts on their spacecraft after they circled the far side of the moon and began to head home to Earth.

The four crew members of the Artemis II mission traveled about 252,760 miles away from Earth in NASAs closest encounter with the moon in more than 50 years.

The mission launched last Wednesday in what is expected to be a 10-day trip. As they passed behind the moon Monday, the astronauts had an expected 40-minute communications blackout, but later re-established contact with Mission Control.

After re-establishing communications with Earth the astronauts broadcast themselves checking in with Trump.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump beamed in to speak with NASA astronauts on their spacecraft after they circled the far side of the moon and began to head home to Earth ( NASA/AFP via Getty Images )

You've made history and made all America incredibly proud, the president said via audio communications. Theres nothing like what youre doing, circling around the moon for the first time in more than a half a century and breaking the all-time record for the farthest distance from planet Earth.

As Trump sang the astronauts praises, they all fist-bumped each other.

The crew includes Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen. Most of the crew is American, besides Hansen, who is the first Canadian to ever travel to the Moon.

open image in gallery The four crew members of the Artemis II mission traveled about 252,760 miles away from Earth in NASAs closest encounter with the moon in more than 50 years ( NASA/AFP via Getty Images )

"Your mission paves the way for America's return to the lunar surface very soon, Trump said. We'll plant our flag once again, and this time we won't just leave footprints. We'll establish a permanent presence on the moon, and we'll push on to Mars.

Wiseman said Trumps call was special to all of us and talked about the amazing trip he and his crew experienced so far.

We can see the planet train line up...Mars. And all of us commented how excited we are to watch this nation and this planet become a two-planet species, Wiseman said.

open image in gallery 'You've made history and made all America incredibly proud,' the president told the astronauts ( AFP via Getty Images )

The ultimate goals of the Artemis program are for a long-term return to the moon and the first crewed missions to Mars.

But for now, NASA is focused on getting the four astronauts back home. It will take four days of space travel before the crew is expected to splash down in the Pacific Friday evening.
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Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Donald Trumps Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick are among several high-profile figures scheduled to testify to members of Congress investigating Jeffrey Epstein in the coming weeks.

Lutnick will sit for an interview with the House Oversight Committee May 6, and Gates will appear June 10, according to people familiar with the situation.

They are among several prominent figures who have agreed to sit for sworn interviews with lawmakers about the late sex offender and his alleged connections to a wider network for powerful abusers.

Gates was summoned by the committees Republican chair James Comer last month.

Due to public reporting, documents released by the Department of Justice, and documents obtained by the Committee, the Committee believes you have information that will assist in its investigation Comer wrote.

open image in gallery Bill Gates has denied any connection to Epsteins wrongdoing and is welcoming the invitation to sit for an interview with the House Oversight Committee ( TT News Agency )

A spokesperson for Gates told The Independent that he welcomes the opportunity to appear before the committee.

While he never witnessed or participated in any of Epsteins illegal conduct, he is looking forward to answering all the committees questions to support their important work, the spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday.

Gates reportedly apologized to staff at his charitable foundation in February over his past friendship with Epstein and his admission of two extramarital affairs.

I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit, he told employees in response to the Department of Justices release of the so-called Epstein files, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing an audio recording of the latest biannual Gates Foundation town hall.

To be clear, I never spent any time with victims, the women around him, Gates said. It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein. I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made.

open image in gallery Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is among Trump administration officials who agreed to testify to the committee investigating Epstein ( AFP via Getty Images )

Gates explained that he first met Epstein in 2011, three years after Epstein had pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution in Florida, adding that he was only dimly aware of an 18-month thing that limited his travel.

He also acknowledged that his wife, Melinda Gates, had expressed concern about Epstein in 2013. Knowing what I know now makes it, you know, a hundred times worse in terms of not only his crimes in the past, but now its clear there was ongoing bad behavior, Gates said, according to The WSJs reporting of the call.

To give her credit, she was always kind of skeptical about the Epstein thing, he added.

Lutnick has similarly denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, who died in a New York City jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide.

Emails that were part of the Justice Departments release of millions of documents connected to federal investigations into Epstein suggest that Lutnick remained in contact in the years after the financiers conviction in Florida. Lutnick told the Senate Appropriations Committee in February that he and his family had had lunch with Epstein on Little St. James, his private Caribbean island, in December 2012.

Lutnicks admission has drawn bipartisan outrage and demands for his resignation from the Trump administration.

open image in gallery Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche does not appear to have ruled out out invoking privilege to keep former Attorney General Pam Bondi from testifying to the committee ( REUTERS )

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was fired from the Trump administration last week, is scheduled to testify to the committee on April 14.

Her departure from the administration followed bipartisan scrutiny into the Justice Departments handling of the Epstein files release, which grew into a political liability for the president and his allies who demanded the administrations swift publication of all materials connected to the late sex offender.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told reporters Tuesday that he has not ruled out invoking privilege to keep Bondi from testifying.

In her previous testimony to the committee in February, Bondi deflected questions about Epstein to talk about the stock market and repeatedly chastised and insulted Democrats who questioned her.

Billionaire Ted Waitt, co-founder of the Gateway computer company, is also expected to testify April 30.

Tova Noel, a corrections officer at the Metropolitan Correctional Center believed to be the last person to see Epstein alive, will be interviewed on May 18.

And Epsteins former executive assistant Lesley Gross is expected to be interviewed June 9.
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Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who has advised Donald Trump in the past, said even the president doesnt believe his own lies about the 2020 election being stolen from him.

Christie, who has emerged as a Trump critic, said at an event Monday for the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School that the presidents claims that the 2020 election was rigged in favor of former President Joe Biden were make-believe.

The crap that Donald Trump put out there about the 2020 election is fiction. Its make-believe, the Republican politician said. And by the way, I was there in 2020. He doesnt even believe it. He didnt believe it. He thought he lost. And he was afraid he was gonna lose all during that fall.

The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment.

open image in gallery Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who advised Donald Trump in the past, has said even the president doesnt believe his own lies about the 2020 election being stolen from him ( Sophie Park/Getty Images )

Trump began sowing doubt about the integrity of the 2020 election months before Election Day. In August 2020, Trump claimed mail-in ballots were a very dangerous thing for this country, because they're cheaters, adding that they were fraudulent in many cases.

To this day, Trump publicly maintains his baseless claim that the 2020 election was fraudulent and has attacked mail-in voting ahead of the midterm elections. Thats despite reports he and his family recently used the method to cast ballots in a special election in his new home state of Florida.

In a legally questionable move last week, Trump issued an executive order banning the U.S. Postal Service from sending absentee or mail-in ballots to any voter who does not appear on a list of confirmed U.S. citizens he has ordered the Department of Homeland Security to collect.

When asked at the Harvard event whether the country would have fair and equal elections this November and in 2028, Christie insisted, Weve never not had fair and equal elections, so we will have them again.

open image in gallery Christie, who has emerged as a Trump critic, said the presidents claims that the 2020 election was rigged in favor of former President Joe Biden were make-believe ( Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images )

Christie endorsed Trump during the 2016 presidential election after suspending his own bid. He backed Trump again during the 2020 election, but then later turned against him.

Christie announced he was running for president again in June 2023, saying he was wrong about Trump in a CNN interview at the time. He dropped out early on in the race.

Now, Christie appears regularly on ABC News This Week to offer his political analysis, often criticizing Trump.

open image in gallery When Christie announced he was running for president during the 2024 election cycle, he said he was wrong about Trump after supporting him for years ( Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images )

The former governor accused the GOP of having no principles during Mondays event.

Even for people who agree with some of the stuff the president is doing, if youre really honest with yourself, you know its not based on principle, Christie said.

He wakes up every morning and tries to figure out what is the best thing for him to do in his self-interest that day, and that day only, he added.
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Private bodyguards for Elon Musk were deputized as federal agents in February last year despite not meeting the minimum requirements for training and experience, new documents show.

In internal emails seen by The Independent, senior U.S. Marshals Service official Rich Kelly agreed to exempt members of Musk's security detail from the usual rules while the Tesla and SpaceX CEO was serving as head of DOGE.

Specifically, Kelly said, he was waiving a requirement that deputies complete a "basic law enforcement training program", as well as a requirement that they "possess at least one year of law enforcement experience" with an agency that has general powers of arrest.

The emails were released through a Freedom of Information Act request by the progressive campaign group Democracy Forward, which shared them with The Independent. They were first reported by NBC News.

Democracy Forward called the exemption for Musk's bodyguards "irregular and unprecedented", describing it as a sign of the Trump administration's "politicization" of the USMS.

open image in gallery Elon Musk, seen here surrounded by security guards after leaving a courtroom in San Francisco in January 2023, often said while at DOGE that he needed a lot of bodyguards because he didn't 'have a death wish ( Justin Sullivan/Getty Images )

Reports first emerged that Musk's security team had been deputized back in February 2025, when Musk was serving as the head of DOGE and busily demolishing government-funded research and foreign aid programs.

In a memo dated February 7, 2025, Kelly wrote that "in light of significant and credible threats", the USMS had received a request to deputize a number of people to "provide protection for the special government employee to whom [sic] is the head of DOGE."

While it did not name Musk, other emails did  contradicting the Trump administration's courtroom denials during that period that Musk was in charge of the budget-slashing agency.

DOGE was disbanded in November last year. Musk shortly after Trumps election said he had a mandate to delete the mountain of government regulations. He made undoing government regulations and remaking the government with AI two key tenets of DOGE, in addition to eliminating federal government jobs.

open image in gallery As Trump embarked on his first year back in the White House, Musk was brought in as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, mounting a campaign to slash the federal budget ( Getty Images )

Kelly's memo noted that the deputized bodyguards would need to carry guns and travel both domestically and internationally, but would not have general authority to arrest people.

Kelly recommended that they be deputized for two years, with their powers "valid only in furtherance" of protecting Musk. It's not clear whether they still have those powers.

The disclosure sheds further light, and raises more questions, about how Musk's brief tenure as a special government employee blurred the lines between private business and the federal government.

During that time Musk remained the active CEO of both Tesla and SpaceX, the latter of which makes much of its money from U.S. government contracts.

Democracy Forward's CEO Skye Perryman said: "These documents  uncovered after months of work by our team  underscore the lawlessness with which Elon Musk was allowed to run around Washington, wreaking havoc and abusing government resources."

The USMS and Elon Musk did not respond to requests for comment. The Independent has also reached out to the White House for comment.
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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will testify before the House Oversight Committee on May 6 regarding his past association with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, according to reports.

Kentucky Republican Rep. James Comer, the panels chairman, announced on March 3 that Lutnick had proactively agreed to appear voluntarily and applauded his demonstrated commitment to transparency but did not at that stage offer a schedule.

Sources close to the committee have now given the May date to CNN and a number of other media outlets.

open image in gallery Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is expected to give testimony to the House Oversight Committee on Jeffrey Epstein next month ( AFP/Getty )

Its a voluntary transcribed interview, a person familiar with the matter told CNBC.

Lutnick has denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, who died in a New York City jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial, but has faced questions about his past relations with the disgraced financier.

The secretary told Pod Force One presenter Miranda Devine in October that he had been a neighbor of Epsteins in New York and once visited his brownstone in 2005 but was appalled when his host made a creepy comment about receiving the right kind of massages during a tour of the property.

In the six to eight steps it takes to get from his house to my house, my wife and I decided that I will never be in the room with that disgusting person ever again, Lutnick told Devine.

However, the release of the Epstein files by the Department of Justice in late December and January revealed that the men had remained in contact after all. Inclusion in the files is not an indication of any wrongdoing.

open image in gallery Epstein continues to cast a long shadow over American public life long after his death as the fight for justice presses on ( New York State Sex Offender Registry/AP )

Lutnick subsequently told the Senate Appropriations Committee on February 10 that he and his family had had lunch with the billionaire on Little St James, his private Caribbean island, in December 2012.

The occasion came more than four years after Epstein had pleaded guilty to soliciting an underage girl for prostitution in Florida state court, an offense for which he served 13 months behind bars.

Lutnicks admission caused GOP representatives Thomas Massie and Nancy Mace to criticize him, with the former urging him to resign and the latter commenting: I wouldnt sit and have lunch with a convicted pedophile.

Lutnicks name was also included in a spoof Walk of Shame installation in Washington, D.C., last month, which laid out pavement stars for famous people embarrassed over their past ties to Epstein.

The committee has already heard from Bill and Hillary Clinton as part of its investigation into Epstein and his ties to wealthy powerbrokers, both of whom said they had done nothing wrong and had no knowledge of his crimes, as well as two former Epstein employees.

It also issued a subpoena on March 17 to outgoing attorney general Pam Bondi to sit for a deposition on April 14 to take questions on the DOJs handling of the files, a commitment she is still expected to honor despite being fired by President Donald Trump last Thursday.
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As President Donald Trump threatens a major escalation in his war against Iran, analysts have placed the cost of the conflict at approximately $500 million per day, with as much as $31 billion spent on the five weeks of bombing seen so far.

In his latest apocalyptic warning to Tehran ahead of the 8 p.m. ET Tuesday deadline he has set for the regime to agree to a ceasefire, the president declared that a whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again unless a deal is reached, promising to decimate the countrys civilian infrastructure.

But according to The Financial Times, citing research by the Washington think-tank the American Enterprise Institute, Trumps aggressions carry with them an extremely high pricetag.

Senior fellow Elaine McCusker has calculated between $22.3 billion and $31 billion has already been spent on Operation Epic Fury since it began on February 28.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump has ratcheted up his rhetoric towards Iran ahead of his Tuesday night deadline for a ceasefire agreement and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz ( AFP/Getty )

The AEI estimates that between $2.1 billion to $3.6bn of that total is likely to be accounted for by replacing equipment either damaged or destroyed in Irans retaliatory strikes, although the think-tank acknowledges that no definitive accounting of battle damage can be made reliably until the conflict ends.

The FT cites further analysis from another D.C. nonprofit, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, which found that at least $1.4 billion in losses were chalked up in the first six days of fighting alone and whose analyst, Mark Cancian, pinned the current running cost of American operations at half a billion dollars per day.

The Independent has reached out to the White House and the Pentagon for comment on the figures.

The U.S.s costliest expenses so far are likely to include the repairs required by the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, which sustained damage in an onboard fire, and those required by a ballistic missile early warning system in Qatar after it was struck by an Iranian drone.

Damaged equipment can sometimes be repaired in days, while some destroyed systems will take years to replace on a one-to-one basis, McCusker said, adding that repair work was likely to exacerbate existing strains on materials and further eat into stockpiles of much-needed components.

open image in gallery A damaged U.S. Boeing E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft, one of the most expensive American assets to have been hit so far ( Reuters )

Other significant costs are likely to have been incurred through the damage done to a Boeing E-3 Sentry airborne early warning and control system, worth $700 million, which was badly hit in a retaliatory strike on the Prince Sultan Air Base near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Two radar systems hit in Jordan and Qatar are also among the key U.S. assets to have been damaged, which, in addition to requiring expensive maintenance, also mean the American ability to detect and respond to missile attacks is hindered.

Repairing or replacing them is going to be a very high priority, CSIS analyst Tom Karako said of the compromised radar. You cannot take an Amazon Basics radar and substitute it for an AN/TPY-2.

Iran is further believed to have shot down more than a dozen MQ-9 Reaper drones and downed an F-15E, setting in motion the race to find the two missing crewmen in the countrys mountainous southwest over the weekend, which was ultimately won by the American rescuers.

In addition to enemy fire incidents, the U.S. has also lost three F-15Es in a friendly fire disaster over Kuwait and a KC-135 tanker that crashed over Iraq, equipment that is likely to cost at least $460 million to replace.

open image in gallery The Operation Epic Fury airstrikes have also caused widespread devastation across Iran, reducing buildings and key civilian infrastructure to rubble ( Reuters )

And there is the human cost, including the 13 U.S. soldiers who have lost their lives so far and another 373 personnel injured.

A former senior U.S. military official told the FT that much of the damage sustained by assets was self-inflicted because of their flawed use.

We either didnt defend ourselves properly, or we made mistakes in the employment of the systems, they said.

Analysts have warned that the real long-term cost of the war could be the loss of key communications systems necessary to monitor potential threats posed beyond the current war, notably from China, which may feel emboldened to attempt to seize Taiwan at a time when American attention and resources are devoted elsewhere.

We cannot afford to keep expending these things, Karako warned.

The Pentagon has nevertheless asked Congress for an additional $200 billion to bankroll the continuation of its operations in Iran.
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During Kristi Noems tenure as Department of Homeland Security secretary, an obscure government contractor emerged as the shadow administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to a new report.

Kara Voorhies, a DHS contractor with no emergency management experience, exerted outsized control over FEMA's spending, scrutinizing every grant and directing staff to cancel those that she opposed, The Washington Post reported. She specifically targeted funds allocated towards Muslim groups; diversity, equity, and inclusion and climate change initiatives; and the state of California.

Voorhies also participated in high-level meetings and was permitted to view proprietary government information. We were told to give her access to whatever she wanted, a senior official told The Post.

Soon after she arrived at FEMA last spring, it became clear that Voorhies was acting as eyes and ears for Corey Lewandowski, Noems top aide and rumored romantic partner (a claim Noem told lawmakers was tabloid garbage at a congressional hearing). Voorhies flurry of directives mirrored Noem and Lewandowskis ideological priorities, multiple current and former FEMA officials said.

Noem was fired March 5 by President Donald Trump in the wake of a string of controversies including the deaths of American citizens during ICEs immigration crackdown in Minneapolis and growing scrutiny of $200 million in DHS budget spent an ad campaign featuring Noem on horseback before Mount Rushmore.

Noem, Lewandowski and Voorhies are under investigation by DHSs inspector general including over their handling of contracts, according to reports.

open image in gallery Who is Kara Voorhies? What is her official role in DHS? Senator Thom Tillis asked DHS chief Kristi Noem during a congressional hearing last month ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The Independent has contacted DHS, the State Department  where Noem now works  and Lewandowski for comment. Voorhies could not be reached by The Independent.

Voorhies, who is no longer employed by DHS, did not respond to The Washington Post's requests for comment. Neither Noem nor DHS responded to questions. Lewandowski, who stepped down as a special government employee in the wake of Noems firing, denied via his office that he had personally benefited from DHS contracts.

Out of nowhere

Voorhies, whose background is in financial consulting, emerged out of nowhere at FEMA in spring 2025, according to the Post. She quickly became a key power broker, working closely with Lewandowski. She may have been paid as much as $1 million per year, according to The Wall Street Journal.

After Noem demanded that all contracts worth over $100,000 be approved by DHS leadership, Voorhies instituted a line-by-line review of every existing contract and grant, a process multiple officials described as chaotic.

open image in gallery Multiple FEMA officials were alarmed by Voorhies management approach particularly after Texas suffered catastrophic floods last July that killed at least 135 people, including dozens of young children ( AFP via Getty Images )

While coordinating with the Department of Government Efficiency, run by Elon Musk, Voorhies axed federal grants that mentioned climate change, social media, diversity, equity or inclusion, a senior official told The Washington Post. She further moved to block Muslim groups from receiving security funding and tried to cut off the entire state of California from FEMA funding due to its sanctuary status for immigrants.

Multiple FEMA officials were alarmed by her management approach particularly after Texas suffered catastrophic floods last July that killed at least 135 people, including dozens of young children. As the federal government worked to provide assistance to responders, Voorhies questioned the need for those resources, The Washington Post reported. Voorhies later allowed a funding request to go forward, which was approved.

In June 2025, Voorhies became involved in the creation of Alligator Alcatraz, an immigration detention facility in the Florida Everglades, which has faced accusations of abuses against detainees.

Voorhies gave staff lots of direction and drove many of the conversations and even approvals on what we were doing, a former senior official said.

In 20 years I have never seen this done

During the contractors time at FEMA, she was also allowed to view proprietary government information, including specifics about projects and major contracts.

Despite her deep involvement at the agency, many of the people who worked with her were not aware she was a contractor. Federal regulations require government contractors to identify themselves during conversations and in correspondence  which Voorhies purportedly did not do in some instances.

Neither are contractors usually involved in handing out contracts and making spending decisions at federal agencies.

In 20 years I have never seen this done, a former senior official said. This was a huge shift.

In the final days of Noems rocky tenure at DHS, Voorhies, who had long flown under the radar, began to draw scrutiny.

I have reason to believe that DHS has delegated responsibilities of the FEMA administrator to an outside contractor, Senator Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, told Noem during a Senate hearing in early March. Who is Kara Voorhies? What is her official role in DHS?

On March 26, a few weeks after Noem was fired, Trump administration lawyers said in a court filing that Voorhies is no longer employed by or serving as a contractor with DHS or FEMA.

Two days later, The Wall Street Journal reported that officials with the DHS inspector general had seized documents from Voorhies office, and that investigators are looking into her handling of FEMA contracts. Also reportedly under review is her compensation, which may have been as high as $19,000 per week.

Noem, who is now Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas and focused on security in the Western Hemisphere, has been replaced by former Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin. The new DHS boss quickly scrapped Noems $100,000 contract review rule.

Mullin has the opportunity to be like a prince or knight in shining armor as he comes riding over the hill and saves everybody from this freaking chaos, a senior DHS official told The Washington Examiner last month.

All he has to do, literally, is put things back in a normal order.
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Before leaving her post as secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem purchased a massive warehouse in Salt Lake City, Utah, for $145.4 million  more than half of its tax-assessed cost estimated, to be used for immigration detention, according to a report.

Seeking to expand immigration detention space, the department bought the 833,000-square-foot warehouse located roughly seven miles from the Great Salt Lake on March 11, days after President Donald Trump announced Noems departure.

Not only were local and state officials uninformed of the costly purchase before it was made, but the $145 million price tag was roughly 48 percent more than its 2025 tax-assessed value of $97 million, The Atlantic reported.

Its unclear why the warehouse was purchased for so much more than its seeming value. One person familiar with the purchase told The Atlantic that the warehouse had previously been appraised at $130 million, still more than 30 percent more than its tax assessed value, and that the seller made $10 million in improvements.

The Utah warehouse purchase, along with others like it, has been placed under review after Secretary Markwayne Mullin took over the department, the Associated Press reported.

open image in gallery The Homeland Security Inspector General is reportedly investigating Noem's contracting methods after she received intense scrutiny from lawmakers ( Getty Images )

The Independent has asked the Department of Homeland Security for comment.

Lauren Bis, a spokesperson for DHS, told The Atlantic that the pause was part of Mullins transition process, which requires reviewing agency policies and proposals.

Unnamed DHS and ICE officials told The Atlantic that the department was interested in purchasing a large detention facility in Utah because it would give immigration enforcement access to a hub in the Rocky Mountain region.

The location of the purchased warehouse at 6020 W. 300 South in Salt Lake City could be beneficial to federal officials in transporting detainees since its roughly two miles from Salt Lake City International Airport and approximately three miles from Interstate 80.

But immediately upon purchasing, DHS faced pushback from local officials, including Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, who vowed to fight the agencys plans to turn to warehouse into a detention center.

For now, the detention facilitys use is on pause.

open image in gallery The warehouse located in Salt Lake City, Utah, sits close to the Salt Lake City International Airport, Interstate 80 and the Great Salt Lake ( Google Maps )

Likely, the $145.4 million purchase is part of an Inspector General investigation into Noems contracting at DHS. Last month, CNN reported that the independent watchdog had opened an inquiry into how Noem solicited contracts after months of controversy raised questions about her techniques.

Under Noems brief leadership, any contract or grant worth more than $100,000 required her direct sign-off. That meant that necessary contracts, such as those for FEMA, faced a backlog while awaiting the secretarys signature. That policy has since been rescinded by Mullin.

Reports also emerged accusing Noem of delegating authority to her unpaid de facto chief of staff, Corey Lewandowski. A lawyer for Lewandowski has denied allegations that his client had any role in contract review, approval or administration.
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Pope Leo has labeled Donald Trumps latest threats against Iran "unacceptable" in an unusual appeal hours after the U.S. president said "a whole civilization will die tonight.

Leo, an outspoken critic of the Iran war, called on citizens across the world to contact their political representatives and urge them to bring the expanding conflict to an end.

Today, as we all know, there was this threat against all the people of Iran. This is truly unacceptable, the pope said Tuesday. "There are certainly issues here of international law, but even more than that, it is a moral question for the good of the (world's) people.

It is rare for the pope, who leads 1.4 billion Catholics around the world, to respond directly to a world leader.

The pope was referencing a social media post by Trump that shocked world leaders and led to calls for his removal via the 25th amendment.

A man holds the Iranian prerevolution lion and sun flag as Pope Leo XIV addresses the crowd from the window of the apostolic palace overlooking St. Peter's square on April 6, 2026 ( AFP via Getty Images )

A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will, the U.S. president wrote in a Truth Social post Tuesday.

However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? Trump continued.

We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!

Strait of Hormuz deadline

Trump said Monday that he was "not at all" concerned about committing possible war crimes after repeatedly vowing to strike civilian infrastructure if the Iranian regime does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

He has threatened to destroy Iran's bridges and power plants if Tehran does not meet his 8pm EDT (1am BST) deadline.

At least 50 Democratic members of Congress are calling on the Trump administration to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove the president from office over his escalating threats against Iran.

The House and Senate are still on recess, and vice-president JD Vance is overseas, so there would not be any imminent action, if any was even possible.

Popes rare appeals to Trump

Leo, who is known for choosing his words carefully, has been ramping up his criticism of the U.S-Israeli war against Iran in recent weeks.

The pope made his first direct appeal to Trump last week, urging him to find an "off-ramp" to end the conflict.

Speaking to journalists outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Tuesday, Leo called on citizens across the world to contact their political representatives and ask them to bring the expanding regional conflict to an end.

"People want peace," he said. "I would invite the citizens of all the countries involved to contact the authorities -- political leaders, congressmen -- to ask them to work for peace."

Leo also said that many people have referred to the conflict as an "unjust war", using terminology to indicate hostilities that go against the Catholic Church's strong pro-life teachings.

He urged people to "remember especially the innocent children, the elderly, the sick, so many people who have already become or will become victims of this continued warfare".

The pope also said that attacks on civilian infrastructure "are against international law".
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American journalist Shelly Kittleson has been released after she was kidnapped from a Baghdad street corner last week, according to the Trump administration and an Iraqi official.

I am pleased to announce the release of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was recently kidnapped by members of the foreign terrorist organization Kataib Hizballah near Baghdad, Iraq, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday night on X.

We are relieved that this American is now free and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq, he added.

Kittleson was freed in the afternoon but the Iraqi official did not share her current whereabouts.

Kataib Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed Iraqi militia, said Tuesday that it would release Kittleson in appreciation of the patriotic stances of the outgoing prime minister," Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, without giving more details. It added that this initiative will not be repeated in the future.

Kataib Hezbollah had not acknowledged that it was responsible for Kittlesons abduction before Tuesday, though both U.S. and Iraqi officials pointed fingers at the group.

Kittleson, 49, a freelance journalist, lived abroad for years before the kidnapping and used Rome as her base for a time. She built a respected journalism career across the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Syria.

open image in gallery Surveillance footage appeared to show the moment Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad ( AP )

Like many freelancers, she often worked on a shoestring budget and without the protections afforded by large news organizations to staff.

She had entered Iraq again shortly before her abduction. U.S. officials have said that they warned her multiple times of threats against her, but that she did not want to leave.

Iraqi officials have said that two cars were involved in the kidnapping, one of which crashed while being pursued near the town of al-Haswa in Babil province, southwest of Baghdad. The journalist was then transferred to a second car that fled the scene.

Three Iraqi officials said earlier Tuesday that attempts to negotiate her release had run into obstacles.

The two Iraqi security officials and one official from the pro-Iran Coordination Framework political bloc spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the sensitive case publicly.

One of the security officials said that an official with the Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of Iran-backed militias that is nominally under the control of the Iraqi military, had been tasked with communicating with the abductors to secure Kittlesons release but had run into difficulties in communicating with the Kataib Hezbollah leadership.

The primary challenge is that the leaders of the Kataib militia  specifically, the commanders of the battalions  are nowhere to be found. No one knows their whereabouts, and the process of establishing contact with them is extremely complex, they said. These leaders have gone underground, maintaining no active lines of communication, out of fear of being targeted.

open image in gallery Like many freelancers, Kittleson often worked on a shoestring budget without protections afforded by large news organizations to staff ( AP )

The political official said a message had been sent to the Kataib leadership to determine their demands in exchange for releasing the kidnapped journalist. Iraqi authorities are willing to release six Kataib Hezbollah members who are currently detained, most of them in connection with attacks on a U.S. base in Syria, they said, but the militia has not yet communicated its demands clearly.

The second security official said that to further complicate matters, the Iraqi official in charge of the case has not yet received the go-ahead from U.S. officials to proceed with negotiations.

U.S. officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The State Department previously said that it is working with the FBI to secure Kittleson's release.

Journalist advocacy groups have urged the U.S. government to formally designate Kittleson a hostage, or wrongful detainee, a designation that triggers an elevated level of response.
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The conservative-majority Texas State Board of Education is considering adding at least 15 passages from the Bible to a required reading list as part of English lessons in public schools  the latest push from conservatives to implement Christianity into school curriculums.

Beginning in middle school, Texas students could be forced to read stories from the Bible including Jonah and the Whale, David and Goliath, and Lamentations 3 in addition to passages such as The Definition of Love from the New Testament, according to the list reported by the New York Times.

The list also includes well-known literary works such as The Diary of Anne Frank, Martin Luther King Jr.s I Have a Dream speech, The Odyssey, various plays by William Shakespeare, poems by Edgar Allan Poe and more.

In addition to the new Biblical readings, the Texas State Board of Education has also proposed making more of an emphasis on U.S. and Texas history into studies of chronological history for nearly every grade.

The new proposed changes have raised concerns from advocacy groups and academics who believe the changes will teach children a one-sided history lesson and indoctrinate students.

open image in gallery Texas State Board of Education wants to require students in public school to read passages from the Bible  the latest push to infuse religion into education ( Getty Images )

Texas public schools exist to educate, not indoctrinate, Chris Line, the legal counsel for the Freedom from Religion Foundaiton said last year after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton recommended schools infuse Christianity into education.

When you use your official position to instruct children to pray as taught by Jesus Christ, you send a message to Texas students and families that the state favors Christianity over all other religions and over nonreligion. This is precisely what the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment forbids, Line added.

If adopted as written, these recommendations would essentially leave our children able to recite disconnected Texas facts, but it would really undermine their ability to understand a global economy and the role that Texas plays outside of the state, Rocio Fierro-Perez, the political director for the Texas Freedom Network, a watchdog organization, told KFOX14.

Will Hickman, a Republican representing Houston who also serves as secretary of the board, told the Texas Tribune in 2024 that the Biblical stories were part of education.

In my view, these stories are on the education side and are establishing cultural literacy, Hickman said. And theres religious concepts like the Good Samaritan and the Golden Rule and Moses that all students should be exposed to.

Hickman has also proposed a separate reading list that suggests removing many of the literary works already on the list and adds more passages from the Bible including Noahs Ark and Adam & Eve.

Last year, the Texas State Board of Education voted to adopt Bluebonnet Learning in schools, a controversial learning plan that critics say infuses Christianity into education.

open image in gallery Texas AG Ken Paxton encouraged schools to add Christianity into their curriculum ( Getty )

However, up until now, it has been optional for school districts to adopt Bluebonnet Learning but those who do so receive $60 per student in state funding  which is $20 more than when districts adopt other state-approved materials, according to the Texas Tribune.

The board, comprised of five Democrats and 10 Republicans, is set to meet Tuesday to consider the new academic proposals.

Last year, a federal judge stopped Texas from requiring schools to put up the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom after the state legislature passed a law requiring it. The judge said forcing students to view the Ten Commandments every day likely violated First Amendment rights to religion freedom.

Several Republican-led states have attempted to implement similar laws, which have been met with legal challenges.

After the judge ruled against the state, Paxton encouraged schools to begin the legal process of putting prayer back in classrooms as part of his efforts to promote Christianity in public schools.

In Texas classrooms, we want the Word of God opened, the Ten Commandments displayed, and prayers lifted up, he wrote in a letter.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has rejected the idea that the Department of Justice is pursuing Donald Trumps enemies while at the same time claiming the president has a right and duty to investigate and prosecute his political foes.

Blanche, the presidents former criminal defense attorney, is serving as interim attorney general after the president fired Pam Bondi last week. Trump had appointed Blanche to serve as deputy attorney general last year.

Asked during his first public appearance as the nations top law enforcement officer how he intends to balance Trumps demands for politically charged prosecutions while ending the weaponization of the Justice Department, Blanche did not dispute the premise of the question.

We have thousands of ongoing investigations and prosecutions going on in this country, and it is true that some of them involve men, women and entities that the president in the past has issues with and he believes should be investigated, Blanche said Tuesday.

That is his right and indeed it is his duty to do that  meaning, to lead this country, he added. I do not view this as pressure. I do not view this as something that keeps me up at night.

Todd Blanche, the presidents former criminal defense attorney, is serving as interim attorney general after the president fired Pam Bondi last week ( REUTERS )

Blanche also defended his recent boast that the DOJ removed dozens of career prosecutors and federal agents who were involved in investigations against Trump.

If you were a prosecutor, and you were trying to prosecute your boss, you have ethical duties as a lawyer that I think prevent you from continuing to work in that environment, Blanche told reporters Tuesday.

What we saw, and what President Trump went through  every single prosecutor in this department  you have a duty to do the right thing, he said. You have prosecutors who are absolutely not doing the right thing. ... What happened the last four years is something that will never happen again.

But Blanche also said he would be willing to look into any criminal referrals coming directly from the White House.

As far as whether we would take a referral from the White House, or a referral from you, even  yes, he told reporters. I hope the attorney general would absolutely say, Yes, well investigate that.

He rejected the idea that there is a firewall between the DOJ and the White House.

That is the most false statement I have ever heard in my life, he said. There is always communication between a president and his priorities and what the Department of Justice should be focused on and not focused on. That is not a new thing in this administration.

Critics have long argued that Bondis leadership shattered the Justice Departments historic independence from political influence, acting instead as a tool of the White House.

The Justice Department, after Trump publicly urged Bondi to pursue cases against his political opponents, has tried to bring cases against former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.

The department has also defended the presidents attempts to sanction law firms that worked for Democratic figures and causes, pursued cases against states and institutions allegedly violating the presidents anti-transgender and anti-diversity mandates, and launched probes into the results of the 2020 election.

Blanche is among several of Trumps former personal attorneys who have joined the administration in roles that have been used to unwind federal investigations once targeting their former client.

The acting attorney general served as the lead defense counsel in Trumps hush money trial in New York in 2024 and was on legal teams defending the president in his two federal indictments.

Despite Blanches defense, Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with a scheme to influence the 2016 election by burying embarrassing stories about his alleged affairs. Trump evaded a criminal penalty, but remains a convicted felon.
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A second woman who worked for Republican Representative Tony Gonzales has alleged that he bombarded her with hundreds of sexually explicit text messages.

The GOP congressman from Texas, a married father-of-six children, announced he was dropping his re-election bid last month after admitting to an affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, a married congressional staffer who died by suicide in September 2025.

Now it has emerged that Gonzales allegedly asked a second woman, his former campaign political director, more than a dozen times to send nude photos over a period of three days, the San Antonio Express-News first reported.

He obviously pursued, pursued, pursued her like he did with me, the woman told the outlet, referring to Santos-Aviles.

The woman was not identified by the publication but confirmed she was the political director of Gonzaless 2020 campaign for Congress.

open image in gallery Representative Tony Gonzales has dropped his bid for re-election after admitting to having an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide ( Getty )

She characterized the alleged behavior as sexual bullying in a separate interview with NBC News and said she was speaking out now because the congressman should be held accountable for his alleged behavior.

The former political campaign director said the pair never had a physical relationship. In text messages obtained by the San Antonio newspaper, the congressman repeatedly expressed his desire to have sex with his staffer and asked her for photos.

47 nos is about my limit, the congressman replied, according to a slew of explicit texts published by the newspaper. Many of the messages were too salacious for publication, the woman said.

She added that she was not totally innocent in all of this and expressed regret over a handful of messages where she appeared to engage with the congressman, according to the newspaper.

She added that the messages made her uncomfortable, but not enough to prompt her to resign from the campaign, the outlet reports.

open image in gallery Texas congressman Gonzales, a married father of six children, announced he was dropping his re-election bid last month after admitting to an affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, a married congressional staffer who died by suicide in September 2025 ( Facebook )

Neither Gonzales nor his office responded to questions from the newspaper about the ex-staffers claims.

The Independent has contacted the congressmans representatives for comment.

After initially denying the allegations, Gonzales admitted last month that he had an affair with Santos-Aviles, his former staffer and a 35-year-old wife and mother who worked in his Uvalde office.

He said that he made a mistake, and called his infidelity with a subordinate a lapse in judgment in an interview with conservative talk show host Joe Pagliarulo. Gonzales told Pagliarulo he had absolutely nothing to do with Santos-Aviles death.

Gonzales said he had reconciled with his wife, Angel, and asked God to forgive me, which he has.

News of the affair, including screenshots of him asking for risque photos from Santos-Aviles, led a number of Republicans to call for him to step down. But the Texans resignation could be damaging to House Republicans, who hold a razor-thin margin of 217-214 seats over Democrats.

The House Ethics Committee is investigating Gonzales for his extramarital affair.
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The Trump administration is facing another round of urgent demands to remove the president from office after he declared that a whole civilization will die in his latest open threats against Iran.

Former MAGA allies Alex Jones and Marjorie Taylor Greene are now embracing calls to invoke the 25th Amendment, which allows for the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to declare the president unfit for office. Dozens of Democratic members of Congress are desperately urging the administration to remove him.

How do we 25th Amendment his ass? Jones asked on his InfoWars broadcast Monday.

The definition of genocide is destroying an entire civilization/people! Jones wrote on X, following Trumps threats to eliminate Iranian civilization Tuesday. Trump literally sounds like an unhinged super villain from a Marvel comic movie. This IS NOT WHAT WE VOTED FOR!!

Greene urged: 25th AMENDMENT!!!

open image in gallery Influential right-wing figure Alex Jones is joining calls to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald Trump from office ( Reuters )

Not a single bomb has dropped on America, the former Republican congresswoman wrote. We cannot kill an entire civilization. This is evil and madness.

In an ultimatum to Tehran, Trump has demanded a ceasefire agreement or the U.S. will escalate its war by destroying all power plants and bridges in a country of more than 90 million people. After he spent weeks waffling on how he perceives the war is progressing, Trump said his 8 p.m. ET Tuesday deadline was final.

The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night, Trump said Monday.

On Tuesday morning, he wrote: A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will.

Irans closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz has choked off global oil supplies and surged barrel prices. More than dozen U.S. service members have been killed, more than 300 have been injured, and several jets have been critically damaged or destroyed. More than 1,500 civilians have been killed, according to Iranian human rights groups.

In an Easter message Sunday, Trump told Iran to Open the F**** Strait, you crazy bastards, or youll be living in Hell.

Democratic Representative Yassamin Ansari, who previously demanded Trumps removal over his ongoing threats to Greenland, again called for the 25th Amendment and introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Trump is escalating a devastating, illegal war, threatening massive war crimes and targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran, she said Monday.

Ansari argued that the presidents rhetoric only emboldens the regime against the U.S. while putting millions of people and American service members at risk.

open image in gallery Vice President JD Vance and a majority of Trumps cabinet would have to declare the president unfit for office to begin his removal ( Getty Images )

On Joness broadcast, his guest and former attorney Robert Barnes said the administration officials would need to tackle Trump and let him pretend hes president and publicly report that hes going through a health issue.

It literally needs to be something like that. Its that bad, Barnes added.

This isnt a guy acting like hes crazy, Jones said. This is real.

Hes threatening an extinction-level event for the people of Iran, Barnes replied. Does nobody think theres gonna be any blowback from that? If he follows through on that, the whole world is screwed.

Jones, who supported Trump in his first term and throughout his re-election campaigns, said last week that its time to cut bait on Trump because the president is in free fall.

In January 2021, Congressional Democrats publicly urged then-Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment after Trump failed to stop hundreds of his supporters from breaking into the Capitol in a violent attempt to block the certification of the 2020 election for Joe Biden.

House lawmakers voted 223-205 on January 12, 2021, to adopt a resolution that would compel Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment. Pence rejected the effort, and Trump was later impeached by the House for inciting an insurrection.

The amendment explicitly makes clear that the vice president becomes president in case of the removal of the president from office or of his death or resignation.

But removing the president would require the vice president and a majority of the 16-member presidential cabinet to jointly agree that the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.

This appears extremely unlikely in an administration that Trump has purposefully built on ironclad allegiance to him.

open image in gallery Trump has said a whole civilization will die as he threatens civilian infrastructure in a country of more than 90 million people ( AFP via Getty Images )

Another option could require the creation of a disability review panel, which would need approval by Congress and the president's signature, or, if vetoed, the support of at least two-thirds of the House and Senate.

Once the vice president and either the cabinet or a disability review panel agree that the president must be removed, the vice president would then immediately be able to assume the powers and duties of the office as acting president.

The president could then tell Congress that no inability exists and will resume the powers and duties of his office, which the cabinet or disability panel can then challenge.

Congress then has 21 days to settle whether the president is fit to serve. A two-thirds vote from both the House and Senate must agree to let the vice president step in.

The intended constitutional remedy for this behavior is impeachment and removal, according to Jamal Greene, a constitutional law professor at Columbia Law School. The fact that that remedy is politically impossible is a scandal and a crisis, he wrote.

Threatening to end an entire civilization of 90 million people in order to bend a nations conduct to your will is grossly morally wrong, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said Monday. It is evil. And we should say this loudly.

Trump may see his rhetoric as bluster in an effort to make a deal with Iran, but this is just not how the human race should operate  under threat of murder of innocent people, he added.

The Independent has requested comment from the White House.
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President Donald Trump has backed off his threat to unleash devastation across Iran.

Trump wrote on Truth Social around 6.30 p.m. ET that U.S. forces would pause his plans for a massive, final military assault against Iran for two weeks while negotiations continued between the two countries, mediated by Pakistan.

He also claimed that a complete re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz would be part of the arrangement around a temporary pause in his plans.

Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks, said the president.

This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE! The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East, he added.

Earlier Tuesday, the president warned that Irans millennia-old civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again unless Tehran capitulated to his demands for a ceasefire deal by 8 p.m. ET.

open image in gallery Donald Trump vowed earlier Tuesday that he would destroy Irans civilization if the country did not agree to his demands ( AFP/Getty )

Shortly after Trumps evening reversal, Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed an agreement had been met. He said in an X post that shipping traffic would be allowed through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, adding that Iran would cease defensive operations until that time, providing attacks against Iran are stopped.

A White House official told The Independent that Israel had agreed to the ceasefires terms. Pakistans prime minister wrote on X that the hostilities would also cease in southern Lebanon, site of a renewed Israeli offensive against Hezbollah.

I warmly welcome the sagacious gesture and extend deepest gratitude to the leadership of both the countries and invite their delegations to Islamabad on Friday, 10th April 2026, to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes, Pakistans PM Shehbaz Sharif wrote.

CNN separately reported that despite Trumps announcement, strikes continued to pound Tel Aviv and other areas in Israel, and quoted an Israeli military official saying that Israel continued to launch strikes within Iran.

Tuesday evenings announcement followed a particularly dire 12 hours in Washington, D.C. The day began with the president issuing a vow to unleash catastrophic military force upon Irans civil infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, if the Iranian government did not comply with his demand for the Strait of Hormuz to be re-opened.

The closure of the strait has caused a spike in global oil prices that shows no signs of alleviating as long as the waterway, through which about a fifth of the worlds oil and gas supplies travel, remains largely blocked by Iranian mines and other forces.

Oil prices plummeted and U.S. stock futures surged after Trump announced he would hold off on his threat of devastating attacks on Iran.

U.S. crude oil futures fell more than 15 percent, while futures for the S&P 500 jumped 2.2 percent by 8:05 p.m. ET, and Dow futures rose 930 points or 2 percent.

open image in gallery The Strait of Hormuz is expected to re-open as part of the ceasefire deal ( REUTERS )

Trump wrote on Truth Social Tuesday morning, A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will. However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?

That post from the president drew shocked reactions around the world and on Capitol Hill, where despite lawmakers being out for Easter recess, many Democrats reacted with public calls for Vice President JD Vance to instigate the removal of the president via the 25th Amendment. The amendment is designed to guide the transfer of power when the president is incapacitated or unable to serve the duties of office. Others called for impeachment by the Republican-held House and Senate.

These are not the words of a sane person, nor one who is fit to serve as president of the most powerful nation in the world, wrote Democratic Illinois Rep. Shri Thanedar in a letter addressed to Vance and top administration officials.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries added in a statement: Congress must immediately end this reckless war of choice in Iran before Donald Trump plunges us into World War III. Its time for every single Republican to put patriotic duty over party and stop the madness. Enough.

Experts in military warfare and international law agree that targeting Irans civil infrastructure could likely not be done without causing significant civilian casualties. The non-military designation of the targets would likely constitute a war crime unless the targets were actively being used for military purposes.

open image in gallery Authorities say an Iranian university in Tehran was hit by a U.S. strike on Monday ( AP )

U.S. forces have sought for weeks to de-mine the Strait of Hormuz and make safe the waterway for global shipping traffic, without avail. Trumps efforts to convince European allies to intervene and assist in the endeavor has also largely ended in failure, a result of his frequent and toxic personal attacks aimed at European and NATO leadership.

The presidents critics immediately took the U-turn as evidence that Trump was bluffing once again.

"He's not telling the truth. But if you accept even part of the Iranian statement, Donald Trump has agreed to give Iran control of the Strait of Hormuz. That is extraordinary and cataclysmic for the world, Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, said on CNN.

The 8 p.m. deadline Trump claimed was still in effect to Foxs Bret Baier just hours earlier was the latest iteration of a deadline that the White House repeatedly extended, even as Iranian officials publicly rejected temporary ceasefire overtures. His first 48-hour deadline concerning the Strait of Hormuz was issued more than two weeks ago.

For the Trump administration, the Iran war has become a murky morass as the president has found himself unable to tell Americans when it will be over or why the White House kept threatening to escalate the conflict if U.S. objectives were supposedly achieved and Irans military is really devastated, as officials claim.

At a press conference on Monday, Trump couldnt tell a reporter whether the conflict was escalating or drawing down when asked directly.

"Somebody said, 'Oh, he doesn't have a plan.' I have the best plan of all, but I'm not going to tell you what my plan is, the president also insisted Monday.
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President Donald Trumps latest proclamation on Tuesday where he said that a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again, feels different than his past saber-rattling about Iran - and it should set off alarm bells for everyone.

The message is different from even his weekend yelp for Iran to Open the F***in Strait, you crazy b*****ds, or youll be living in Hell. Even then, he seemed to lay down an artificial deadline of Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time!

Needless to say, threatening to kill an entire civilization  namely through attacking power plants and bridges  would constitute a war crime. And Trump doesnt seem to care.

Furthermore, Trump is simply not telling the truth when he says that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail. Despite killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and many top officials, the Iranian regime remains in place and it shows no signs of surrendering.

But what makes these words especially unique is the timing. Until now, Trumps threats have struck a similar tone to his tariff policy: rant and rave throughout the weekend, which causes oil prices to spike and go into shock. Then, before the New York Stock Exchange opens, he de-escalates and then says that negotiations are underway. Its the same approach that inspired Wall Street to coin the phrase Trump Always Chickens Out also known as TACO.

But Trump made his remarks an hour and a half before the stock markets opening bell. His words sent the stock market tumbling. If there was ever a sign that he was ready to pull the trigger, it was this.

President Donald Trump threatened that A whole civilization will die tonight as he increases the rhetoric against Iran ( AP )

To boot, Trump is doing this when Congress is on a self-imposed recess, meaning there is no way to call an emergency session to rein him in. Not that it would make any difference.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has consistently said Trumps war is not actually a war. Hes said sending troops does not constitute boots on the ground. The House has consistently voted down War Powers Act resolutions that would put strings on how long Trump can deploy the armed forces.

The Senate has largely followed suit since the war began. And Democrats, being in the minority, have little authority to actually stop Trump.

The world waits to see the exact nature of what Trump will do tonight when the deadline hits. Will he really kill off a whole civilization?

Historically, he has been hesitant to commit to a full-on military campaign, as was the case with his strikes on Irans nuclear facilities and his attack on Venezuela earlier this year.

But if Trump were to follow through on his threats, it could mark a new step in American power where the United States is no longer seen as a force of stability, but rather at the mercy of an impulsive radical untethered by any constitutional restraints.
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What was meant to be a presidential victory lap to mark the successful rescue of a downed American airman over the weekend became yet another stage for President Donald Trump to threaten blatant war crimes against Iran, upending nearly a century of American adherence to international treaties governing armed conflict between countries.

He was not yet five minutes into a stem-winding set of remarks on the Iran War from inside the White House briefing room on Monday when he inexplicably threatened journalists with prison terms for reporting last week that an American F-15 fighter had been brought down by Iranian fire, necessitating a high-stakes rescue mission to bring back one of the aircrafts two pilots who was at large in enemy territory.

Were looking very hard to find that leaker ... they basically said that we have one and there's somebody missing, said Trump, who claimed that Iran hadnt known there was a downed pilot to search for until being made aware by reporting in the American press.

There was just one problem  it wasnt the American press who broke the story. It was an Israeli journalist, whose initial report of the crashed fighter cited Iranian state media sources that had posted photographs of the wreckage and an empty ejection seat.

Trumps press conference got weirder from there.

open image in gallery Donald Trump spent the better part of his Monday press conference bragging about his Iran war success and making threats to open the Strait of Hormuz ( REUTERS )

As the president ceded the floor to CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, both went out of their way to praise him for having ordered the very rescue mission which American forces train for regularly as if it were an extraordinary task for the U.S. to expend efforts to recover pilots whose training cost millions of dollars and prevent their capture.

Hegseth went even further, calling the threat to the downed pilot from Iran impotent and claiming that whatever airstrikes are being sent downrange into Iran today is the largest volume of munitions dropped on that country since the war began.

Its a claim hes made numerous times before from the Pentagon briefing room during one of his rare appearances there.

Eventually, Trump returned to the center of everyones attention as he began taking questions, including one query from a reporter who asked him to elaborate on comments hed made earlier in the day when he claimed Iranians want him to keep dropping bombs on their neighborhoods to ultimately weaken and collapse the theocratic regime that has controlled the country since 1979.

They would be willing to suffer that in order to have freedom, he said as he claimed that the U.S. has intercepted communications from within Iran urging American forces to keep going.

open image in gallery Trump used the press conference to brag about the rescue of an American pilot who was shot down over Iran ( AFP via Getty Images )

The presidents comments come just over a day before a self-imposed 8 p.m. Tuesday deadline, after which Trump has threatened to launch wholesale attacks on civilian infrastructure throughout Iran, including bridges, power plants and desalinization plants that supply the countrys population with fresh water.

He reiterated those threats from the briefing room podium, telling reporters: After that, they're gonna have no bridges, they're gonna have no power plants, he said. Stone ages.

But when pressed specifically about the fact that attacks on civilian targets would violate law-of-war agreements authored and ratified by the United States after World War II, Trump was dismissive and attacked the reporter who asked the question for having the temerity to be employed by The New York Times, citing long-held grievances over the papers election coverage.

I hope I don't have to do it, he said, moments after responding no when asked about whether he was at all concerned about violating longstanding prohibitions against war crimes.

He also suggested that the U.S. could start charging tolls for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, citing his contention that the U.S. had won the ongoing war.

His bizarre claims came just after Iranian officials said theyd rejected a U.S. ceasefire proposal even as Tehran reviews a Pakistani-authored plan for an immediate pause in hostilities sent ahead of Trumps deadline.

Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesperson for Irans foreign ministry, said Iran had formulated its positions and demands in response to the proposals, adding that negotiations were "incompatible with ultimatums and threats to commit war crimes.

"Iran does not hesitate to clearly express what it considers its legitimate demands and doing so should not be interpreted as a sign of compromise, but rather as a reflection of its confidence in defending its positions," Baghaei said in a press conference earlier in the day.

He added that that would release its response in due time.
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The Pentagon is considering strikes on Iranian infrastructure that serves both civilian and military purposes, such as water desalination plants, according to a new report.

Some U.S. military officials say the dual-use of these assets would render them legitimate targets. However, other Pentagon brass has questioned the validity of this justification, according to Politico.

The tension revolves around where to draw the line between military and civilian targets, such as water desalination plants, which could be considered targets because military forces also need water to drink, the outlet reported.

This dual-use justification could help the Trump administration defend against war crimes allegations but legal experts say that it still risks breaching international law.

On Tuesday morning, President Donald Trump threatened that a whole civilization will die tonight if Irans leaders do not agree to a proposed peace deal by 8 p.m. (ET). On Monday, the president vowed to decimate every bridge and every power plant in Iran by midnight Tuesday.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump, using apocalyptic language, has threatened to obliterate Irans infrastructure if the nations leaders do not agree to a proposed peace deal by 8 p.m. (ET) Tuesday ( AFP via Getty Images )

With just hours left until Trumps deadline, the Pentagon is compiling a list of energy sites to target, which includes sites used by both soldiers and civilians, Politico reported, citing two defense officials.

The Pentagon referred The Independent to Monday's briefing by Trump and others, and the White House, when asked for comment.

The Geneva Convention, which forms the cornerstone of international humanitarian law, affords discretion for strikes on sites used by both the military and civilians.

Before targets get approved, they have to go under operational legal review, Sean Timmons, a former Army Judge Advocate General, told Politico. Some civilian infrastructure, if dually used by the military, can under the laws of war be a legitimate target. The concern that people have, that this will get excessive, is legitimate  but there are checks and balances.

A White House official said the Pentagons role is to ensure the president has a range of options, which he does not necessarily need to follow through on.

open image in gallery Since the war began, the US has struck more than 13,000 targets in Iran, according to Central Command. People are seen observing a bridge west of Tehran that was damaged by an airstrike on April 2. Iranian officials said eight people were killed and nearly 100 were injured when the bridge was bombed ( Getty Images )

Its the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the commander-in-chief maximum optionality, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the outlet.

It does not mean the President has made a decision. The Iranian regime has until 8:00 p.m. tomorrow to make a deal with the United States. If they fail to do so, the president will send them back to the Stone Age, just as he promised.

Experts warn striking civilian sites is prohibited

A number of experts, however, have cautioned that the bombardment of dual-use sites would run afoul of the law.

Intentionally attacking civilian infrastructure such as power plants is generally prohibited, Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty Internationals senior director of research, advocacy, policy and campaigns, told The Guardian. Even in the limited cases that they qualify as military targets, a party still cannot attack power plants if this may cause disproportionate harm to civilians.

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Rachel VanLandingham, who served as the head of international law at Central Command during the Iraq war, said Trumps apocalyptic rhetoric raises major concerns.

By saying we're just going to bomb everything, bomb every single bridge, every single power plant that serves civilians, that is threatening indiscriminate attack, she told PBS News. And it is one of the most horrible war crimes there are because it brings us back, straight back down the slippery slope to total warfare.

A spokesperson for U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that destroying infrastructure used by civilians is forbidden under international law.

Even if specific civilian infrastructure were to qualify as a military objective, an attack would still be prohibited if it risks excessive incidental civilian harm, Stephane Dujarric told The Washington Post.

open image in gallery Pictured here, people walk past buildings left in ruins by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in southern Tehran on April 4, 2026 ( Getty Images )

The past few decades have seen a dangerous rise in the targeting of dual-use sites in warfare, including in Syria, Ukraine and Gaza, which in some instances have led to legal repercussions, according to the Yale Law Journal. In 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for two Russian officials accused of ordering attacks on power infrastructure in Ukraine.

Since the Iran war broke out in late February, the U.S. has struck more than 13,000 targets inside the country, according to U.S. Central Command  and at least some civilian sites have been attacked.

A February 28 strike on a girls school killed at least 175 people, mostly children, according to Iranian officials. A preliminary Pentagon investigation determined the U.S. was responsible, according to The New York Times. Earlier this week, Trump celebrated the destruction of a major bridge in Iran, which Iranian officials said killed eight people and injured nearly 100 more.

On Monday, Trump brushed aside fears of hitting civilian power plants, insisting hes not worried and accused Iran of violating the law.

You know whats a war crime? Having a nuclear weapon, Trump said. Allowing a sick country, with demented leadership, [to] have a nuclear weapon  thats a war crime.

A majority of Americans are opposed to the U.S. war with Iran, according to recent polls. The conflict has killed thousands of people and engulfed large swaths of the Middle East in violence. According to a Reuters poll late last month, 60 percent of Americans disapprove of the U.S. militarys strikes on Iran, while 35 percent approved.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with the Pentagon's response
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Donald Trump has demanded that Fox News takes one of its hosts off the air, branding her a real loser in his latest attack on a female journalist. 

Trump unloaded on Jessica Tarlov, co-host of The Five in a furious Truth Social post Tuesday, while also blasting Fox News Sunday host Shannon Bream.

For Fox executives only, take Jessica Tarlov off the air, the president wrote. She is, from her voice, to her lies, and everything else about her, one of the worst personalities on television, a real loser! People cannot stand watching her.

Trump took Bream to task over the SAVE America Act, or Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, which includes proposals to tighten voter registration laws in federal elections.

He also went on to accuse her of failing to correct Representative Jake Auchincloss when he criticized the commander-in-chiefs dealings with China and his handling of the ongoing conflict with Iran.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump has demanded that Fox News takes one of its reporters off the air in a Truth Social post ( AFP via Getty Images )

Tell Shannon Bream of FoxNews that its not the Save Act, its the Save America Act, a big difference, Trump wrote.

Also, when she insists on having lightweight Democrat Congressmen, such as Jake Auchincloss, on her not very hard hitting show, she should correct them when they spew out Democrat propaganda and lies. She never does!

The president added, I always close deals, unlike the Dems, and did great with China in every way, also, unlike the Dems.

The president has criticized both Tarlov and Bream in the past. On March 26, he called into The Five and claimed that he was not a fan of Tarlov, who was absent that day.

open image in gallery President Trump has criticized Jessica Tarlov in the past, stating that he was not a fan of her ( The Five/Fox News )

And she uses fake numbers, he claimed. Shell give, Well, hes only polling 42 percent. 

Thats not right. Polling very high, actually, Trump continued.

After claiming that some journalists write fake stories, the president switched gears and praised Tarlov. 

But thats the thing, he said. Im sure Id like her. Im sure shes a lovely person.

In 2024, Trump accused Bream of being naive in a Truth Social post, after she interviewed his attorney. In a follow-up post, he claimed that Bream was anti-MAGA.

open image in gallery Trump also criticized Shannon Bream over an interview with a Democratic lawmaker ( Fox News )

During the interview, Bream had disputed a suggestion that then-President Joe Biden was involved in one of Trumps lawsuits.

During his second presidency, Trump has repeatedly made personal jabs at female reporters, even referring to one as piggy. 

The president has described other female reporters as rotten, stupid, and ugly, both inside and out.

In February, he described CNN journalist Kaitlan Collins as the worst reporter.

I dont think Ive ever seen you smile, he said. Ive known you for 10 years. I dont think Ive ever seen a smile on your face.
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President Donald Trump has claimed the leader of North Korea used a derogatory term to describe former President Joe Bidens mental fitness  which Trump himself has spent years mocking.

During a lengthy White House press conference Monday, Trump griped that numerous allied nations, including South Korea, have failed to assist the U.S. in its war against Iran.

We have 45,000 soldiers in South Korea to protect us from Kim Jong Un, who I get along with very well as you know, the president told reporters.

He said very nice things about me, Trump said of the North Korean autocrat. He used to call Joe Biden a mentally r******* personJoe Biden, he said hes a mentally r******* person. He was so nasty to Joe Biden it was terrible. But to me he likes Trump.

Kim, who became the countrys supreme leader in 2011, and other senior North Korean officials have spent years lobbing insults at U.S. politicians during years of tensions.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump claimed that Kim Jong Un, North Korea's leader, referred to former President Joe Biden using a derogatory term ( AFP via Getty Images )

In 2014, the countrys deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Ri Tong Il, referred to the U.S. as a mentally r******* patient.

In 2023, the supreme leaders sister, Kim Yo Jong, lashed out at Biden over his warning that North Korean nuclear aggression would bring about the end of its regime. She described the former president as senile, but warned that her brothers government would not dismiss Bidens words as a nonsensical remark from the person in his dotage.

Even though Trump touted his warm relationship with Kim, he was not spared the North Korean leaders scathing criticism. During Trumps first term in office, the autocrat derided him as a dotard, a frightened dog and a gangster fond of playing with fire.

Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to meet with Kim in 2018. He met with him on two other occasions, while also boasting of love letters he received from the North Korean leader.

However, their talks about denuclearizing the Korean peninsula proved unsuccessful, and the country has conducted multiple missile tests in recent years. The latest test took place in late March, as the country attempts to create an arsenal capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, state media reported.

Despite this, Trump told reporters: You notice how nice things are with North Korea. Its very nice.

open image in gallery Trump met with Kim Jong Un three times during his first term but their diplomatic talks proved unsuccessful. North Korea has conducted a number of missile tests in recent years ( AFP via Getty Images )

Trumps new comments on Biden are just the latest in a long string of personal attacks on the 83-year-old former presidents mental health. Trump, 79, has accused Biden of suffering from serious cognitive decline. During a presidential debate in 2024, he claimed Biden doesn't even know what he's saying.

Biden withdrew from the White House race in July 2024 amid mounting concerns about his physical and mental health.

At the same time, Trump has routinely trumpeted his own mental prowess, claiming during a March Cabinet meeting that hes the only president to have taken a cognitive exam.

But I aced it. I got them all right, Trump claimed.
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Conservative broadcaster Tucker Carlson has criticized President Donald Trump over his expletive-laden social media broadside against Iran on Easter Sunday, asking: Who do you think you are?

Ahead of his late Tuesday deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the closure of which during the war has caused global oil prices to spike, Trump warned on Truth Social that the U.S. military will bomb the countrys bridges, power plants, and other civilian infrastructure unless action is taken.

Open the F***in Strait, you crazy b*****ds, or youll be living in Hell  JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah, the president wrote.

Reacting on The Tucker Carlson Show Monday, the host  who has long been opposed to military intervention against Iran  addressed the president directly, asking: Who do you think you are? Youre tweeting out the f-word on Easter morning?

So, obviously youre mocking the religion of Iran. OK. If you seek a religious war, thats a good idea. But by the way, no decent person mocks other peoples religions. You may have a problem with the theology. Presumably, you do if its not your religion, and you can explain what that is.

But to mock other peoples faith is to mock the idea of faith itself. And we should never mock that because at its core is the acknowledgement that we are not in charge of the universe. We did not build it. We wont be here at the end of it. We can destroy life. We cannot create it because we are not God.

Carlson continued: The message of all faith at the biggest picture level is the message in our Bible, which is you are not God. And only if you think you are, do you talk this way.

open image in gallery The Conservative pundit used to be a close ally of the US president ( The Tucker Carlson Show )

But its not just mockery of Islam. And no president should mock Islam. Thats not your job. This is not a theocracy. We dont go to war with other theocracies to find out which theocracy is more effective. We are not a theocracy. And God willing, we never will be because theocracies corrupt the religion.

In the same episode, the host also suggested the war might amount to a very stealthy, yet incredibly effective attack on what, from a Christian perspective, is the true faith, belief in Jesus, a take conservative pundit Meghan McCain succinctly labelled psychoville.

Trump and Carlson have been close allies in the past, but appeared to have a split over last summers Operation Midnight Hammer strikes on Irans nuclear facilities, about which the former Fox News host expressed strong disapproval and clashed with Republican hawks like Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

The president has since said Carlson has lost his way, while the latter has called the current war absolutely disgusting and evil.

open image in gallery The US president continues to escalate his rhetoric against Iran over the Strait of Hormuz ( AP )

Former Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene was among the first on the right to express her disapproval of Trumps post, writing on X (Twitter): On Easter morning, this is what President Trump posted.

Everyone in his administration that claims to be a Christian needs to fall on their knees and beg forgiveness from God and stop worshipping the president and intervene in Trumps madness.

I know all of you and him and he has gone insane, and all of you are complicit.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also reacted on X Sunday afternoon, commenting: Disgusting and unhinged Easter message from Donald Trump. Something is really wrong with this guy.
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Australias most decorated living soldier is expected to be charged with five counts of war crime murders after he was arrested at Sydney airport on Tuesday.

Ben Roberts-Smith, a recipient of the prestigious Victoria Cross, was arrested at the domestic terminal after a flight from Brisbane, Australian federal police and the Office of the Special Investigator said.

He will be charged with five counts of war crimes in connection to the murder of five people in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012, Australian Federal Police (AFP) said. The maximum penalty for each charge is life imprisonment.

In 2018, several Australian newspapers published allegations that Mr Roberts-Smith had committed war crimes in Afghanistan, including murdering civilians and ordering subordinates to carry out executions while serving in Australias Special Air Service Regiment (SASR).

The 47-year-old sued for defamation, arguing the reports falsely portrayed him as a criminal who disgraced his country and its military, but the outlets defended their journalism as truthful.

open image in gallery Ben Roberts-Smith, the 47-year-old Australian war veteran, has been arrested at Sydney airport and is expected to be charged with five counts of the war crime of murder ( Getty Images )

The court ultimately sided with the newspapers on the civil standard of the balance of probabilities, finding key allegations substantially true. The allegations have yet to be tested to the criminal standard and Mr Roberts-Smith has strongly denied any wrongdoing, calling the reports egregious and spiteful.

Among the most serious findings from the judge in the defamation case were that Mr Roberts-Smith kicked a detained Afghan man, Ali Jan, off a cliff in 2012 and then ordered a subordinate to shoot him dead. The court also found that during a 2009 raid he killed a disabled detainee and ordered the execution of an unarmed elderly man.

open image in gallery An image handed out by Australian Federal Police shows Ben Roberts-Smiths arrest upon his arrival at Sydney Airport ( Australian Federal Police )

The court also heard claims that soldiers took the prosthetic leg from a victim as a trophy.

In September last year, the High Court said it would not hear his appeal against a federal judges civil court finding in 2023 that Mr Roberts-Smith likely killed non-combatants unlawfully in 2009 and 2012.

Three federal court judges had unanimously rejected his appeal against that finding in May.

open image in gallery Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Krissy Barrett (L) standing next to OSI Director of Investigations Ross Barnett (R) as he speaks during a press conference in Sydney following the arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith ( Australian Federal Police/AFP vi )

The High Court decision left the war veteran with no more legal options in a defamation case he started in 2018 when newspapers accused him of a range of war crimes.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) commissioner Krissy Barrett said it will be alleged the victims were unarmed Afghan nationals who were not taking part in hostilities at the time of their alleged murder.

She said the charges come as a result of a complex investigation that was undertaken thoroughly and meticulously since 2021 by the AFP and Office of the Special Investigator (OSI), according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

open image in gallery A visitor looks at a display featuring decorated war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia, Friday, 2 June 2023 ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

It will be alleged the victims were shot by the accused or shot by subordinate members of the ADF in the presence of, and acting on the orders of the accused, she said.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese refused to comment on the case after Mr Roberts-Smiths arrest on Tuesday.

I have no intention of prejudicing a matter that clearly is a legal matter, and thats before the courts, and any comment would do so, the PM told reporters in Canberra.

open image in gallery Australian war hero Ben Roberts-Smith arrives at the Federal Court in Sydney on 9 June 2021 ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Mr Roberts-Smith is a former SASR corporal who was awarded the Victoria Cross and the Medal for Gallantry, among others, for his service in Afghanistan. Around 39,000 Australian soldiers served in Afghanistan and 41 were killed.

Some SASR colleagues have joined calls him to become the first of Australias Victoria Cross winners to be stripped of the highest award for gallantry in battle.

Mr Roberts-Smiths life and service in Afghanistan is the subject of an exhibit at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. The display has been repeatedly updated to reflect the allegations against him, and the museum said in a statement that it would again review the exhibit following his arrest.
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After landing in Sydney airport following a flight from Brisbane, Australias most decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, was arrested by Australian Federal Police.

Hes faced court in New South Wales and been charged with five counts of the war crime of murder, following a years-long joint investigation between police and the Office of the Special Investigator.

Roberts-Smith is only the second Australian to be charged with such offences, and the most high-profile.

But the path to this point has been long and winding. Heres how we got here, and what happens next.

The media reporting and defamation case

This is not the first time Roberts-Smith will face a court for alleged war crimes.

open image in gallery Ben Roberts-Smith, the 47-year-old disgraced Australian war veteran, was arrested at Sydney airport ( Getty Images )

In 2018, he sued three journalists and Fairfax Media for defamation. This followed media reports by Australian journalists Nick McKenzie, Chris Masters and David Wroe, alleging he had murdered Afghani personnel during operations in Afghanistan.

Roberts-Smith has always denied any wrongdoing.

To defend themselves, the journalists relied on proving in court that their reporting was accurate: that Roberts-Smith had, in fact, committed war crimes.

In 2023, the court held there was sufficient evidence that Roberts-Smith had himself murdered two Afghani personnel and ordered or pressured a subordinate soldier to murder another.

Because that trial was a civil proceeding, lawyers representing the journalists did not need to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. They only needed to meet the lesser standard of proof that the allegations were true on the balance of probabilities.

In a criminal court, where Roberts-Smith will answer a case brought by the AFP, the court will need to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt to convict him of the charges.

The maximum penalty for the war crime of murder is life imprisonment.

The defence inquiry

The allegations against Roberts-Smith are part of a much larger investigation process.

In 2016, the Australian military began investigating allegations Australian soldiers has committed war crimes in Afghanistan. The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force tasked Paul Brereton with preparing a report on it.

Four years later in 2020, the so-called Brereton report was released publicly. It outlined 39 murders of civilians and prisoners by Australian soldiers.

The scale of the allegations was such that the Australian government created the Office of the Special Investigator. The office is to further investigate war crimes and recommend the prosecution of people involved.

Since the release of the report, progress has been slow, given there appeared to be considerable evidence of wrongdoing.

In 2023, Oliver Schulz was arrested and charged with the killing of an Afghani civilian. Evidence of this accusation was first made public in 2020. He pleaded not guilty and his case goes to trial next year.

Why has it taken this long?

As the Roberts-Smith story played out in civilian court, public commentary began to include speculation over the likelihood of future criminal charges against him.

About the authors Paul Taucher is a Lecturer in History at Murdoch University. Dean Aszkielowicz is a Senior Lecturer in History and Politics at Murdoch University. This article was first published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

But Australian authorities bringing Australians to trial for war crimes is uncommon. Though Australia has prosecuted alleged war criminals of foreign nationals in the past, Schulz and Roberts-Smith are the only two Australians to be both arrested and charged.

Investigating war crimes is challenging work at the best of times. In Roberts-Smiths case, the Office of the Special Investigators director of investigations, Ross Barnett, said the political situation in Afghanistan has made the work even harder. Australian boots on the ground were effectively barred.

Beyond practical considerations, its likely the prominence of Roberts-Smith as both a decorated soldier and celebrity has made investigators particularly cautious. A failed trial would likely weaken public trust in the entire investigation and prosecution program.

Many Australians celebrate the service of the countrys military personnel. They would expect charges against former soldiers for acts committed during their service would be carefully considered.

What are the laws at play?

Australian authorities legally had no choice but to undertake the costly, fraught and lengthy process of pursuing war crimes allegations.

In 2002, the Australian government joined the International Criminal Court. Membership requires parties to domestically legislate war crimes law.

It also requires governments to investigate, and where appropriate, prosecute, those who are alleged to have committed war crimes.

open image in gallery Australian Federal Police arrest a 47-year-old former Australian soldier, who was widely named in local media as Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith, in Sydney ( Australian Federal Police/AFP )

If a government is unwilling, or unable, to investigate and prosecute war crimes allegations, the International Criminal Court has the power to carry out the task instead.

In this case, Australian authorities did investigate the allegations and it is because of the work of the Office of the Special Investigator and the Australian Federal Police that Roberts-Smith will face trial in Australia, not overseas.

Due to the seriousness of the alleged crimes, Roberts-Smith will most likely be tried in a state supreme court, as is the case with Schulz.

Procedurally, the trial will unfold like any other criminal trial. Though the crimes are international and entwined with Australias membership of the International Criminal Court, war crimes and Australias international legal obligations in this space have subsequently been adopted into Australian criminal law.

Australia on the international stage

The decision to prosecute Roberts-Smith is at the same time both expected and in someways surprising.

On the one hand, it seemed highly likely he would be charged after his failed defamation case. The judgment set out in particularly clear detail three instances of Roberts-Smith murdering, or ordering the murder of, Afghani personnel.

Though the burden of proof was lower, it seemed clear that Roberts-Smith would eventually face criminal prosecution.

On the other hand, war crimes law seems to be at a serious crossroads internationally. In conflicts unfolding across the globe, governments  including allies of Australia  have shown what seems to be a growing disregard for war crimes law.

The upcoming prosecution of Australias most highly decorated soldier, who acted as the public face of the Australian military for so long, demonstrates a surprising commitment to international law that is increasingly out of step with some of the countrys major partners.
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Ukraine is facing a major conscription crisis, just as Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that a protracted conflict in the Middle East will hamper its efforts to combat Russias invasion.

Earlier this year, Ukraines defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, admitted that Ukraine has 2 million draft-dodgers and hundreds of thousands more who are absent without leave (awol).

The Independent has spoken to Ukrainians on the ground about the reality of the situation, just as pressure mounts elsewhere for the war-torn country. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has shifted its focus from Ukraine to the conflict with Iran, while peace talks have stalled, and Vladimir Putin has launched his spring offensive.

open image in gallery Ukrainian servicemen of the 44th Separate Mechanised Brigade operate an FH70 howitzer on a front line in the Zaporizhzhia area on 4 April ( EPA )

And Zelensky warned in an interview released on Easter Sunday that a prolonged war in the Middle East could further erode US support for Ukraine, resulting in reduced deliveries of essential Patriot air-defence missiles.

Since the full-scale invasion began four years ago, Ukraine has defied the best estimates of its allies and held Russias onslaught back. It is now switching to a war of attrition, and boasting that its forces are killing more Russians than Moscow can recruit per month.

But as the nature of warfare in Ukraine changes  from a spirited defence against the bloody turmoil of early 2022, to a relentless, grinding conflict in which few sent to the front expect to return  minister Fedorov revealed the scale of the conscription problem to parliament in January.

On top of the 2 million Ukrainians wanted for evading mobilisation, the Ukrainian prosecutors office says some 290,000 cases have been opened since 2022 against soldiers for abandoning their posts.

open image in gallery Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky has raised concerns about the threat posed to US support by the Iran war ( AP )

Some troops have posted videos of their escape from the draft, or from service, across the Carpathian mountains to exile in neighbouring countries.

Even though the chances of their survival are far better than any Russian soldier could hope for, the kill ratio is estimated to be around one Ukrainian dead for every eight or more Russians.

Denys, 37, is dodging the draft. At the beginning of the war, I went to the enlistment office myself. Everyone was going back then, saying, Take us! I was the same. They told me, We dont need you yet, go on home, well call you.

Later, I saw everything that was happening  the injustice, plenty of people buying their way out, the untouchables, while others are shoved into a bus despite having illnesses.

open image in gallery Ukrainian soldiers fire at Russian positions on the front line in the Kharkiv region ( AP )

Right now, I have a sick father, and I have to take care of him. If I end up losing an arm or a leg, I wont be able to help anyone any more. But if the Russians end up outside Kyiv again and everyone is serving  then Ill go, too, he adds.

On the front lines, soldiers known to The Independent in reconnaissance units say they are exhausted, but also know theyre too useful to be rotated out. Near Zaporizhzhia, a drone pilot speaks of being in action as a foot soldier for three years non-stop before he moved to drones.

People view joining the military as a one-way ticket, because they dont see rotations, says Oleksandr Merezkho, chair of Ukraines parliamentary foreign affairs committee.

If they knew they would fight for one year and thats it, and they can have a rest, then they will be more inclined to join the military.

open image in gallery Ukrainian servicemen fire a Grad multiple rocket launcher towards Russian positions on the front line in Donetsk ( AP )

This issue is psychological, because if you look at the quantity of men, we have enough human resources to continue to fight for 10 years and even more. The key problem is how to manage these resources, and how to create psychological incentives, because if you see the army of draft-dodgers, you wont want to fight yourself.

Ukraine relied on vast numbers of volunteers at the start of the invasion by Russia, and avoided drafting young men into the war. When conscription was introduced, it was for men over 30, and the lowest age for compulsory service remains 25.

In addition, 18- to 24-year-olds were allowed to leave the country last year, and hundreds of thousands chose to do so.

Zelenskys ruling Servant of the People party has emphasised that, as the young represent the future of the nation, they should be spared the worst of the war.

A scheme to offer them incentives to join the armed forces, with huge sign-on benefits, has proved a failure, after local press reported high levels of casualties.

Yevhen Karas, commander of the Raid Regiment of drone operators who volunteered to serve when Russia first invaded in 2014, says that no big war was won by volunteers.

open image in gallery Ukraine has been fighting increasingly intense attacks from Russia during the cold winter and the start of the spring ( Reuters )

Two years ago in Sloviansk, a major in an infantry battalion spoke of how his commanding officer was taking bribes to give people time to go on leave, set a higher price for keeping them off the front line, and was selling the rations and other resources allocated to men who had deserted.

We see many scandals about mobilisation problems, says Karas. As a volunteer myself in 2014 and 2022, I understand that no country in the world can produce enough to fight. We need millions of volunteers.

As a minister, Fedorov, a Yale University management graduate, is leading a project to turn Ukraines forces into data-driven centres, where decisions are informed by statistics and strict reporting systems brought in to stamp out corruption.

open image in gallery Donald Trump launched a war on Iran at the end of February, with Ukraine appearing to become an afterthought for the US ( AFP via Getty )

His staff believe there will be a much greater focus on solving manpower issues  even though Ukraine has stubbornly held the line for the last four years.

Brigadier Andrii Biletskyi, commander of the Third Corps, which controls about 12 per cent of the front line, says that the Third Brigade he formed  now part of the Third Corps  is oversubscribed and is 90 per cent volunteers.

In the last four years, Ukraine has swung from a Soviet-style military to a world leader in modern drone warfare. But many officers and troops say the approach of some senior leaders has not caught up, and there is still a Soviet-style attitude of indifference to soldiers on the ground.

They go where they trust the principle of the unit, the commanders of the unit. They trust that there will be high education, a high level of management, tight groups, and good equipment, he adds.

Draft-dodgers in Ukraine risk being hunted down in the streets and sent to the most dangerous areas with little chance of returning. As a result, many live in hiding if they cannot flee, avoiding being in public at all for fear of being tossed into a vehicle if they are identified.

Give these people confidence that they will get good training and a good commander, and most of them will go [to sign up], Biletskyi says. Improve training, improve the quality of sergeants and officers below, and you will receive normal numbers with mobilisation.

Taking into account the difference in losses between us and the Russians, on average, it is from 8.5 to 11 times. Considering such losses, we do not need such a huge number of mobilised soldiers.

It is better not to think about the number, but about their quality, he adds.

That, as Fedorov is expected to demonstrate soon, will include scrutiny of the quality of Ukraines top military leadership.

Additional reporting by Oleksandr Chubko
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.
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US forces have launched multiple strikes on Kharg island, a small but key location in the ongoing war with Iran.

With just hours to go until Donald Trumps deadline for Iran to make a deal and end the month-long conflict, the United States military confirmed on Tuesday it had targeted Kharg.

Previously Trump has mused about seizing the island altogether, though this would require troops on the ground and has yet to transpire.

The strategically-important location handles some 90 per cent of Irans oil exports, and taking it would give the US the ability to disrupt Irans energy trade and place enormous pressure on the economy.

Below we look at the island and why it could prove pivotal to the war.

Kharg sits 16 miles from the coast in the northern end of the Gulf and just northwest of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important shipping route that Iran has effectively closed to pile pressure on the US.

While US forces could likely seize Kharg quite quickly, analysts say that an occupation is more likely to expand and prolong the war than it is to deliver a decisive victory or leverage in negotiations.

Iran has fortified the island with additional surface-to-air missiles and laid traps including anti-personnel and anti-armour mines in the waters surrounding it, CNN has reported, citing people familiar with US intelligence.

Taking Kharg could cut off Irans oil lifeline

US administration officials say discussions on seizing Kharg Island have taken place, according to Axios. The land, which is smaller than the City of Westminster in London, could choke off Irans economy and leave a devastating impact for years to come.

Seizing the island would cut off Irans oil lifeline, which is crucial for the regime, Petras Katinas, research fellow in climate, energy and defence in the Europe office of the Royal United Services Institute, told The Telegraph.

Of course, with shipping via the Strait of Hormuz now stopped, they cannot sell oil anyway, but looking ahead, seizure would give the US leverage during negotiations, no matter which regime is in power after the military operation ends.

Shipping through the Strait has largely come to a halt since the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) took complete control of the major waterway.

open image in gallery A satellite image shows an oil terminal at Kharg Island ( Planet Labs PBC )

Global supply chains have been severely affected and experts have warned of a devastating economic impact across the world if it continues.

Oil prices surged to well over $100 a barrel since the war began, and the IRGC has warned that it could reach $200 if hostilities escalate.

Should he take Kharg, rather than destroy it, he can not only ensure the regime can never again pay the salaries of its bureaucrats and soldiers, former Pentagon official Michael Rubin wrote in an article for the American Enterprise Institute in January this year, before Trumps assault.

The IRGC, of course, could target Kharg with ballistic missiles, but that would sign their death warrant. Not only would Trump respond in kind, but such action would end Iranian oil exports for months to come, again leaving salaries unpaid.

The US faces multiple challenges if it wants to seize the island

A former commander of the US Central Command, Joseph Votel, told TWZ.com that while only 800 to 1,000 troops would be needed on Kharg Island, they would require logistical backup that would need protection as well.

Votel said that US troops would be very vulnerable and doubted that taking the island would provide any particular tactical advantage. It would be "kind of an odd thing to do ... But we could certainly do it if we had to," he said.

Troops already navigating traps would also likely have to contend with an onslaught of missiles and drones. Irans parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said.

open image in gallery Paratroopers from the United States 82nd Airborne Division have been sent to the region ( Reuters )

The enemy signals negotiation in public, while in secret it plots a ground attack, he said in a message broadcast on Iranian state media last month.

Gulf allies have warned the administration not to put troops on the ground in Iran, saying it could trigger more retaliation from Tehran, possibly against their energy and civilian infrastructure, a senior Gulf official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

The President has previously boasted that US strikes in mid-March had obliterated Iranian military outposts on the island, but left its oil infrastructure alone for now.

Island could be used as bargaining chip in talks

Other analysts have suggested the island could be used as a bargaining chip as oil exports make up nearly 40 per cent of Irans government budget.

However, it would make American and Israeli troops vulnerable to attacks by Iranian forces.

If President Trump were to decide to seize this pivotal hub, it would deal a significant blow to the Iranian regime, as it would deprive them of a critical source of revenue, oil analyst Tamas Varga told CNBC.

open image in gallery Trump shared a video showing apparent strike on Kharg Island in mid-March ( @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social )

Such a move would be reminiscent of the US intervention in Venezuela at the beginning of the year, when it effectively took control of the countrys oil sector.

The island was previously attacked by Saddam Hussein in 1984, sparking the oil tanker war in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Iraq.

But this isnt the first time Kharg appears to have been in Trumps sightline. He previously made a throwaway remark about the island nearly 40 years ago while promoting his book The Art of the Deal in an interview with The Guardian.

Theyve been beating us psychologically, making us look a bunch of fools, he said of Iran in 1988. One bullet shot at one of our men or ships, and Id do a number on Kharg Island. Id go in and take it.

open image in gallery An Iranian military boat patrols next to the Artavil oil tanker, at Kharg Island, in Persian Gulf, ( EPA )

Capturing island would send markets into tailspin

Neil Quilliam, an energy policy and foreign affairs analyst at Chatham House, told The Independent that while it is unlikely Trump would take over the territory, any attempt would likely send the markets into a tailspin. It could also block any future resolution between the countries, leading to an endless standoff.

The US would effectively control Irans major export terminal, but the Iranian leadership would remain in control of the countrys production so there would be a standoff, he said. It could also be a major cause for concern for Gulf countries, setting a dangerous precedent.

It is Irans Achilles heel in this war, but fighting for and occupying Kharg could cause irreparable damage to the terminal and hurt any successor regimes chances of managing the economy, he continued.

Previous presidents have steered away from Kharg, understanding its strategic importance to global oil markets.
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As US president Donald Trump threatens to obliterate Irans energy infrastructure unless it reopens the Strait of Hormuz, a number of countries are now negotiating directly with Tehran to secure safe passage for their ships.

Several nations in Asia, arguably the region most affected by the ongoing fuel crisis, have been able to get their vessels through the chokepoint, through which about a fifth of the worlds oil and gas normally transits. Tehran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz soon after it was attacked by the US and Israel on 28 February.

The conditions of the agreements that countries are striking with Iran remain unclear; neither shipping companies nor the Iranian government have made the terms of these deals public.

Its a state of affairs that reflects a new geopolitical reality: access to the worlds most critical energy passage is no longer governed by international maritime law, but by direct diplomacy with Iran.

According to the maritime tracking platform Kpler, commodity traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell by 95 per cent when the conflict began. Before the war, around 100 ships transited daily. On some days over the past week, that number was in the single digits.

But Iran hasnt closed the strait entirely. Instead, it has created what the maritime firm Lloyds List Intelligence has described as a de facto toll booth regime, a permissions-based system operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in which vessels from friendly countries are escorted through a narrow northern corridor near Larak island.

As of this week, a second, southern corridor near the Omani coastline has become operational, according to Windward Maritime Intelligence, which tracked 11 transits  eight outbound, three inbound  on Sunday split across the two routes.

Irans foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has publicly named the countries considered friendly enough for passage: China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan. Several others have since joined the list.

India was among the first countries to secure safe transit, reportedly without paying any fees. Indias foreign minister S Jaishankar told the Financial Times it was a product of direct diplomacy.

The Iranian embassy in New Delhi posted on social media that our Indian friends are in safe hands. In recent weeks, Indian-flagged LPG carriers, including Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, have transited the strait.

open image in gallery Map showing the narrow pathway of Strait of Hormuz. Larak Island is just to the right of Queshm ( PA Graphics )

Pakistan was allocated 20 vessel slots by Tehran, although the country has few flagged ships in the Gulf. Islamabad began approaching international commodity traders to temporarily register their vessels under the Pakistani flag to take advantage of the exemption, according to Bloomberg.

This is a welcome and constructive gesture by Iran, said Pakistani foreign minister Ishaq Dar.

Thailand struck a deal after weeks of disruptions that included a Thai bulk carrier being struck by Iranian projectiles in March, leaving three crew members unaccounted for. Prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the agreement on 25 March, and a Thai tanker subsequently crossed without paying a fee.

Malaysia secured assurances of safe passage through what its transport minister Anthony Loke described as a good diplomatic relationship with the Iranian government.

The Iranian embassy in the Southeast Asian nation said on Monday that the first Malaysian ship had passed through the strait since the war began. Iran does not forget its friends, it said.

The Philippines, despite its close ties with the US, on Thursday became the latest Asian country to secure an agreement after what foreign secretary Theresa Lazaro described as a very productive phone conversation with Tehran.

Iran assured safe, unhindered and expeditious passage for Philippines-flagged ships, a significant move as Manila was the first country to declare a national energy emergency after fuel prices more than doubled in the wake of the war. The Philippines imports 98 per cent of its oil from the Middle East.

China, Irans largest oil buyer, confirmed that some of its ships had sailed through but did not offer any details.

Following coordination with relevant parties, three Chinese vessels recently transited the Strait of Hormuz, a foreign ministry spokesperson said.

Windwards data shows Chinese-linked vessels account for around 10 per cent of the limited traffic still moving through the strait, with flows from Kharg Island, Irans oil export hub, primarily directed towards the Asian economic giants ports.

open image in gallery Indian-flagged LPG carrier Jag Vasant arrives in Mumbai after transiting the Strait of Hormuz ( Rafiq Maqbool/AP Photo )

Indonesia secured passage for two of its vessels  Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro  carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia, following diplomatic engagement with Tehran. Iraq has also been granted an exemption, with Windward identifying 21 Iraqi-linked tankers already operating under the arrangement.

Japan joined the list this week after a vessel operated by Mitsui OSK Lines carrying liquefied natural gas passed through the strait. The company confirmed the safety of the vessel and crew but declined to say whether any toll was paid or how passage was secured.

The conditions of the agreements enabling safe passage of friendly ships remain opaque. An Iranian official told Al Jazeera that Tehran was charging fees as war compensation, with reports indicating some payments settled in the Chinese currency of yuan.

Analysts told The Independent last week that a passage fee of up to $2m (1.5m) was paid in one case. Iran has denied that fees are mandatory.

What is clear is that the system is selectively allocated based on political alignment rather than open maritime norms. Of the roughly 280 global transit requests tracked by one intelligence firm, only 17 were approved.

Some 670 commodity vessels were still stranded west of the strait as of last week, according to Bloomberg.

Greek companies alone had at least 75 vessels in the area, Chinese firms 74, Japanese companies at least 23 oil and gas vessels, and Indian companies 24.

Irans parliament is pursuing legislation to formally codify the toll system, according to Fars and Tasnim news agencies, likely making permanent a wartime improvisation and turning one of the worlds most important shipping routes into a fee-paying corridor controlled by its military.
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Iranian officials are urging young people to form human chains around power plants ahead of a looming deadline set by US president Donald Trump.

The president has threatened to bomb all of Irans power plants and bridges if the nation fails to meet his Tuesday 8 pm EDT deadline to fully restore shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

The waterway is a critical choke point, through which a fifth of the worlds oil travels.

Iran had previously cut off shipping through the strait following attacks by Israel and the US on 28 February, which marked the beginning of the current conflict.

The entire country can be taken out in one night, Mr Trump declared.

In a clear sign of impending strikes, Israels military issued warnings in Farsi, advising Iranians to avoid train travel throughout the day.

Your presence puts your life at risk, the message posted on X read.

Iran called on all young people, athletes, artists, students and university students and their professors to form human chains around power plants ahead of the threatened strikes.

open image in gallery Iran has previously used human chains around its nuclear sites during periods of heightened tensions with Western nations ( AFP/Getty )

Alireza Rahimi, identified by Iranian state television as the secretary of the Supreme Council of Youth and Adolescents, issued a video call, saying: Power plants that are our national assets and capital, regardless of any taste or political viewpoint, belong to the future of Iran and to the Iranian youth.

Iran has previously used human chains around its nuclear sites during periods of heightened tensions with Western nations.

Later, a Revolutionary Guard general urged parents to send their children to man checkpoints, which have been repeatedly targeted in airstrikes.

Meanwhile, France joined a growing international chorus calling for restraint from Mr Trump, with foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot saying that attacks targeting civilian and energy infrastructure are barred by the rules of war, international law.

He added: They would without doubt trigger a new phase of escalation, of reprisals, that would drag the region and the world economy into a vicious circle that would be very worrying and, most of all, very damaging to our own interests.

New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon also urged Mr Trump not to proceed, telling Radio New Zealand that the focus needs to be on not seeing this conflict expand any further.

He added: Any of those actions, including bombing bridges and reservoirs and civilian infrastructure, would be unacceptable.

UN secretary general Antonio Guterres warned the US that attacks on civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law, according to his spokesperson.

Mr Trump, speaking to reporters, dismissed concerns about committing war crimes with such attacks, stating he was not at all concerned.

It comes after Tehran launched seven ballistic missiles towards Saudi Arabia.

Authorities reported that debris from intercepted missiles rained down near energy facilities, with the extent of the damage currently being assessed by Defence Ministry spokesperson Maj Gen Turki al-Malki.

open image in gallery Emergency workers at a strike site in Israel on Tuesday ( Reuters )

The attacks prompted Saudi Arabia to close the King Fahd Causeway, the 25km bridge connecting Saudi Arabia to the island kingdom of Bahrain, for several hours.

This bridge serves as Bahrains sole road link to the Arabian Peninsula, where the US Navys 5th Fleet is based.

Elsewhere, activists reported a fresh wave of strikes on Tehran, for which Israel later claimed responsibility.

Iranian media confirmed that nine people were killed in the city of Shahriar and six more in Pardis in separate airstrikes.

Iran also launched missiles towards Israel, with reports of incoming projectiles in Tel Aviv and Eilat.

The death toll continues to mount across the region. More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began, though the government has not updated its figures for days.

More than 1,400 people have died in Lebanon, with more than a million displaced, and eleven Israeli soldiers have been killed there.

In Gulf Arab states and the occupied West Bank, more than two dozen people have died, while 23 have been reported dead in Israel and 13 US service members have been killed.
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US special forces carried out a daring rescue mission to bring back an airman stranded 200 miles behind enemy lines after Iran shot down a $31m fighter jet on Friday.

Donald Trump said on Sunday that dozens of military aircraft had raced to rescue the missing weapons-system officer of a two-seat F-15E after the pilot ejected and was rescued under fire.

The president said the injured second airman was stuck in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour.

In an extraordinary feat, US commandos sent to his rescue slipped into Iran under the cover of darkness, scaled a 2,100 metre ridge and took the specialist back to safety, moving him toward a secret rendezvous point before dawn on Sunday.

open image in gallery A USAF F-15E Strike Eagle, like the one that came down over Iran on Friday ( AP )

The rescue mission encountered fierce resistance from Iran, with the Iranian military claiming to have taken down several American warplanes while the CIA focused on distracting them with a targeted deception campaign.

Trump said no casualties were reported from the mission, which he described as the first time in US military history that two pilots had been rescued, separately, deep in enemy territory.

The announcement came just hours before the president doubled down on his threats to strike Iranian infrastructure as soon as Tuesday in an expletive-laden rant on social media, before negotiators hashed out a new proposal for an immediate ceasefire.

On Monday, Trump and his top defence aides further detailed the risky mission during a news conference at the White House, with the president outlining how the US relied on dozens of aircraft, hundreds of personnel, secret CIA technology and a dose of subterfuge.

He also again repeated his warnings to Iran, threatening to send the country back to the stone ages with a barrage of attacks on civilian targets if his final deadline to make a deal on opening the Strait of Hormuz is not met.

Heres what we know about the rescue missions so far:

How did it happen?

The F-15E Strike Eagle  an all-weather jet designed for air-to-ground and air-to-air missions  was shot down by Iranian defences on Friday morning, according to Iran.

Two crew members were on board the jet, callsign Dude 44, when it was downed: a pilot and a weapons-system officer in the back, responsible for selecting targets and making sure the weapons are properly calibrated to targets.

open image in gallery Photos from Iranian state media claimed to show fragments of a downed US jet in this picture said to be taken in central Iran and released on 3 April 2026 ( via Reuters )

Irans 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 spokesperson said.

What did the rescue mission involve?

Dozens of American warplanes were sent towards Iran to carry out the daring rescues of both the pilot and the weapons-system officer.

The pilot safely ejected and was rescued by two military helicopters on Friday. One helicopter was hit by small arms fire, wounding crew on board, but escaped, according to CBS, citing US officials.

We didnt play up the first one, because then they would have found out about the second one, Trump told the Wall Street Journal after the second rescue on Sunday. So by not talking about the first one, it took them a day and a half to find out there was a second one.

The lost airman was trapped some 200 miles inside Iran with only a handgun to defend himself, according to US officials. US air crews are trained in Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) techniques if downed behind enemy lines, but few are fluent in Persian and face a challenge in staying undetected while seeking rescue.

Trump told the WSJ that the colonel, despite having sustained injuries, was able to climb up into a crevice to await extraction as Iran began their own hunt. One US official told Reuters he had sprained his ankle - a lucky escape from bailing on a moving jet.

open image in gallery A US aircraft, followed by two helicopters, flying over the town of Zaras in the southern Iran's Khuzestan province, 3 April ( UGC/AFP via Getty Images )

The airman radioed in God is good upon reaching the ridge, a message that was reportedly met with suspicion in Washington, fearing an Iranian trap. Reuters source said the airman later established contact with the US military and authenticated himself - a critical step to ensure rescue forces were not walking into a trap.

A senior Trump administration official told NBC that the rescue was made possible by the support of the CIA, alerting the Pentagon and the White House to the airmans location. Israel, too, offered intelligence support and halted attacks to clear the way.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe said the spy agency used "exquisite technologies that no other intelligence service" possesses to locate the aviator, describing the search and rescue operation as comparable to hunting for a single grain of sand in the middle of a desert.

At the same time, the CIA mounted a deception operation to mislead Iranians who also were trying to find him, reportedly spreading false information that the airman had already been found and recovered.

The US military meanwhile jammed electronics and hit key roads nearby to stop people getting close, as Iranian state media reported on a supposed $60,000 bounty for the airmans capture alive. According to reports, American B-1 bombers would drop nearly 100 2,000lb satellite-guided bombs during the rescue mission.

open image in gallery US Reaper drones reportedly struck Iranian targets during the rescue mission (file) ( US Air Force/AFP via Getty )

MQ-9 Reaper drones protected the crew member by striking Iranian military-aged males thought to be a threat who were within 3km of the airman, a person familiar with the operation told Air & Space Forces Magazine.

The aircraft eventually sent to extract the airman and rescue forces were much smaller turboprop aircraft, capable of landing on small airfields and relatively light, according to Reuters.

Protected by an "air armada" of drones, strike aircraft and more, rescuers moved in on Sunday to pick up the weapons officer and bring him home.

Many of the dozens of aircraft that were part of the operation were there for deception, Trump said. "We were bringing them all over, and a lot of it was subterfuge," he said. "We wanted to have them think he was in a different location."

Back in Washington, national security officials coordinated on a call, keeping the phone line open for nearly two days straight. From the moment our pilots went down, our mission was unblinking," Defense secretary Pete Hegseth said. "The call never dropped. The meeting never stopped, the planning never ceased."

How it nearly came undone

The rescue had unfolded with nearperfect precision, as US commandos slipped into Iran and moved the stranded airman toward a secret rendezvous point before dawn on Sunday.

The rescue mission hit a snag as two MC-130 aircraft that had ferried some of the roughly 100 special operations forces into rugged terrain south of Tehran suffered a mechanical failure and could not take off, a US official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Their commanders made a high-risk decision, ordering additional aircraft to fly into Iran to extract the group in waves, a decision that left the elite commandos waiting for a couple of tense hours.

"If there was a 'holy s***' moment, that was it," said the official, who credited quick decision-making with saving the day.

The rescue force was pulled out in stages, and US troops destroyed the disabled MC130s and four additional helicopters inside Iran rather than risk leaving sensitive equipment behind.

How did Trump respond?

Trump announced on Sunday morning that the second airman had been recovered and was safe and sound.

He wrote on Truth Social that the highly respected Colonel had sustained injuries, but he will be just fine.

open image in gallery Trump said there were no casualties in the rescue operation ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

He also said that not a single American was killed or wounded in either operation to rescue the airmen.

Trump added that US forces had been monitoring the officers location constantly during the rescue, which he said involved dozens of US aircraft armed with the most lethal weapons in the world.

The president said the mission showed the US had air superiority in the conflict with Iran. He said the US would never leave a US warfighter behind.

How has Iran reacted?

Irans joint military command said that new air defences had shot down the F-15E fighter jet over Iran.

The elite Revolutionary Guard claimed that several aircraft were also destroyed during the rescue mission. They said nomadic tribes living in the countrys mountains shot two Black Hawk helicopters during the initial operation.

open image in gallery A United States Air Force F-15 fighter (file) ( Getty Images )

An Iranian military spokesperson also said a C-130 military transport plane and two Black Hawk helicopters were among the destroyed craft.

Iranian officials had urged citizens to help find the missing officer, hoping to gain leverage against Washington. Had Tehran captured the airman, it would have put more pressure on Trump to end a conflict already unpopular in the US.

The conflict has killed 13 US service members, with more than 300 wounded, US Central Command says. No US troops have been taken prisoner by Iran.
White House: Trump has met with team over Iran proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz

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Donald Trump has said that Iran believes it is in a State of Collapse and wants the US to open the Strait of Hormuz, as Washington considers a new peace proposal.

Iran has just informed us that they are in a State of Collapse the US president wrote.

They want us to Open the Hormuz Strait, as soon as possible, as they try to figure out their leadership situation (Which I believe they will be able to do!), he added.

Insiders revealed today that Trump discussed a new Iranian proposal on resolving the war with his top national security aides on Monday, as the conflict remains in a stalemate with energy supplies from the region still disrupted.

Earlier, secretary of state Marco Rubio said Irans grip on the Strait of Hormuz represents an economic nuclear weapon the regime is using to hold the worlds energy hostage.

Marco Rubio told Fox News on Monday that Iran is bragging about how it can hold a fifth of the worlds oil and gas hostage.

Tehran's latest proposal would see the Strait of Hormuz opened and an end to the war, but with talks on the Iranian nuclear programme postponed.
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A Japanese national, who had been detained in Iran since January, has been released on bail, Tokyo confirmed on Tuesday.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara announced that the release was verified on Monday, with Japan now pressing Iranian authorities for a full release.

The Japanese ambassador to Iran, Tamaki Tsukada, met with the individual, confirming their good health, though no further details were provided.

The person is widely believed to be a journalist for Japans public broadcaster, NHK.

This development follows the release of another Japanese citizen in March, who had been held in Iran since last June.

Tuesdays announcement also came a day after phone discussions between Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, concerning Iran's conflict with the United States and Israel.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara ( JIJI Press/AFP via Getty Images )

A Japanese Foreign Ministry statement released just after the talks said that Mr Motegi reiterated his demand for the release of the remaining detainee.

Mr Araghchi said he took the request seriously, the statement said.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has named the person detained in Iran in January as a journalist at Japans public broadcaster NHK.

The CPJ said the NHK journalist was arrested on 20 January by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and was transferred on 23 February to Evin Prison, quoting unidentified sources citing fear of persecution.

Evin Prison, known as the Bastille of Iran, is the Islamic Republic's most infamous detention facility.

It is the primary prison for journalists, human rights activists, academics, dual nationals, and political prisoners detained by the Iranian regime.

Other foreign nationals being held there include British couple Lindsay and Craig Foreman, who were in 2025 sentenced to 10 years in prison on espionage charges.

The Foremans were arrested in January 2025 while on a motorcycle world trip through Iran, with their detention announced by Iranian state media in February of the same year.

Their family claims they are being used as "human shields" amidst the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and has criticised the British government for insufficient progress on their release.

Joe Bennett, Lindsay Foreman's son, has described the couple's harsh living conditions in Evin Prison, including a recent blast near the facility and the presence of rats and cockroaches.
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One person was killed and four were injured in a shooting near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, authorities have said.

A gunfight erupted outside a building housing the consulate between three attackers and police. Reuters video showed a police officer pulling out a gun and taking cover as gunshots resounded. One person was seen covered in blood.

Authorities said the attackers were all neutralised with one killed and two injured. Two officers were lightly injured, Istanbul governor Davut Gul said.

open image in gallery Armed police work at the scene after gunfight outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul ( Reuters )

Initial reports had claimed three people were killed in the incident as it was still unfolding in the Turkish city.

Attackers were carrying rifles and other guns to attack the consulate, Mr Gul said. The area surrounding the building was quickly sealed off.

Interior minister Mustafa Ciftci said that the attackers, whom he called terrorists, had been identified and two of the three are believed to be brothers.

The identities of the terrorists have been identified. It has been determined that the individuals, who arrived in Istanbul by a rental vehicle from Izmit, include one with ties to an organisation that exploits religion; and it has also been established that one of the two terrorists, who are brothers, has a drug record, he said.

Istanbuls chief public prosecutors office has opened an investigation into the incident, Turkeys justice minister Akin Gurlek said.

open image in gallery Police at the scene of the shooting near the consulate on Tuesday ( Reuters )

One deputy chief public prosecutor and two public prosecutors have been assigned; our public prosecutors have promptly arrived at the scene and begun examinations, the statement said.

Under the coordination of our chief public prosecutor's office, in collaboration with relevant law enforcement units, the work is ongoing for the purpose of fully elucidating the incident, and the investigation is being conducted meticulously and in a multifaceted manner.

No Israeli diplomats were stationed in Turkey at that time, either at the consulate in Istanbul or the embassy in Ankara. Its been almost three years since diplomatic personnel had staffed the consulate, the governor said.

The consulate occupies one or two floors inside the high-rise building, according to TV channel Haberturk.

open image in gallery Relations between Israel and Recep Tayyip Erdogans Turkey have grown strained ( AP )

The Israeli foreign ministry said it was aware of reports of gunfire near the consulate in Istanbul.

The shooting comes amid rising tensions between Turkey and Israel after the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, called for the end to what he said was an unlawful, meaningless war.

The countries have had a strained relationship since Israels war in Gaza, which Erdogan reportedly called the lowest point in humanity during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York last year.

Turkey has played a role passing messages between Iran and the US to encourage de-escalation and direct negotiations, Harun Armagan, vice-chair of foreign affairs for President Erdogan's ruling party, said in March.

He did not elaborate on the messages but said they were also being conveyed to Gulf nations caught up in the conflict.
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Iran seeks to charge fees for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz as part of its proposals to end the conflict with Israel and the United States after weeks of blocking most of the traffic through the crucial energy waterway.

This narrow 34-kilometre (21-mile) waterway, situated between Iran and Oman, provides passage from the Gulf to the Indian Ocean.

It is the main route for about a fifth of global oil supplies and other vital goods, including fertilisers.

What is Iran proposing?

Iran wants any permanent peace deal in the war that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on its leadership on February 28 to allow Tehran to demand fees for ships passing through the strait, a senior Iranian official has told Reuters.

The fee would vary depending on the type of ship, its cargo and unspecified other prevailing conditions, the official said, without elaborating.

Iran's deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabdi said last week that Tehran was drafting a protocol with Oman to require ships to obtain permits and licences to pass the Strait, saying this was intended to facilitate rather than restrict transit.

Oman said it had held talks with Iran on options to ensure smooth transit but did not say if any agreements had been reached.

open image in gallery (PA Graphics) ( PA Graphics )

What has happened so far?

A small number of ships have passed through the Strait since Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps blocked it off at the start of the war, firing on some vessels in the Gulf.

There have been reports of at least one payment of $2 million having been made for a vessel to traverse the Strait, but Reuters was unable to confirm that.

Would other countries accept Iran collecting fees?

No such unilateral move to demand fees to traverse a strait has been made in modern history, shipping industry officials said. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that free traffic of oil through the Strait must be part of any peace deal with Iran.

Gulf states relying on energy exports through the Strait are particularly concerned.

The United Arab Emirates said at the weekend the waterway "cannot be held hostage by any country" and free navigation must be part of any settlement of the war.

Qatar's foreign ministry said all countries in the region have the right to use the Strait freely and any discussions about future financial mechanisms should wait until after it is reopened.

Could Iran impose fees despite broad international opposition?

Given Israel and the United States have already spent weeks pounding Iran, it is hard to what the international community could do to force it to allow free passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Any military endeavour to keep the Strait open would likely involve a major prolonged ground operation along a mountainous coast against well-entrenched Iranian forces able to target vessels from far inland.

China, a world power that still has strong ties with Iran and is the biggest importer of energy shipped through the Strait could have more influence than other countries.

open image in gallery Gulf states relying on energy exports through the Strait are particularly concerned ( REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo )

What does international law say?

The UNCLOS maritime convention governing international sea law says states bordering straits cannot demand payment simply for permission to pass through.

However, they can impose limited fees on ships for specific services such as piloting, tugging or port services, though these may not be levied more heavily on vessels from any particular countries.

Do any international waterways already have fees?

Canals, which have been dug rather than occurring naturally, are treated differently to straits. Egypt and Panama each charge fees to pass through the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal.

The Turkish straits - the Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles between the Black Sea and Mediterranean - are governed by the 1936 Montreux Convention guaranteeing free passage for merchant vessels in peacetime.

That convention allows Turkey to levy standardised charges to cover the cost of services but does not allow it to impose a general transit fee.

Singapore does not charge a fee to transit the Singapore Strait.

Are other maritime chokepoints at risk?

There are not many other straits as narrow, significant or fraught as the Strait of Hormuz.

Yemen's Houthis have periodically disrupted shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait between the Red Sea and Indian Ocean but alternative - though far longer - routes exist.

Vessels travelling between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea could also find alternatives to the Singapore Strait and the Malacca Strait if these were ever blocked, though there are no threats to do so.

There is also no current likelihood of a threat to passage through either the Strait of Gibraltar between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, or the Oresund between the Atlantic and the Baltic.
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Donald Trump has said he is not at all concerned about committing possible war crimes in Iran, after he threatened to strike civilian infrastructure if the regime does not meet his imminent deadline to agree to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The US president has warned he will bomb power plants, bridges, oil wells and possibly water desalination plants, which is illegal under international humanitarian law.

Im not worried about it, Mr Trump said when asked during a press conference on Monday what he would say to those who allege that striking energy facilities would amount to war crimes. You know the war crime? The war crime is allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon, he added.

Asked again about the issue, he described Irans leaders as animals who had killed tens of thousands of protesters.

Mr Trump also said that if it were down to him, he would seize Irans oil, but that unfortunately, the American people would like to see us come home.

Id keep the oil, and I would make plenty of money, he said.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has given Iran a deadline to make a deal or risk obliteration ( AFP/Getty )

He was also asked if attacking those sites would be punishing the civilian population, to which Mr Trump replied: Its suffering. They would be willing to suffer that in order to have freedom.

Mr Trump appeared at the press conference alongside defence secretary Pete Hegseth, who is being accused of complicity in an illegal war on Iran by Yassamin Ansari, a Democrat who said on Monday she will introduce articles of impeachment against him.

Trump is escalating a devastating, illegal war, threatening massive war crimes and targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran. In the last 48 hours alone, the rhetoric has crossed every line. Pete Hegseth is complicit, Ansari wrote in a post on X.

Ive called for the 25th Amendment and am introducing Articles of Impeachment against Hegseth, she added.

On Sunday, in an expletive-laden post, Mr Trump set a Tuesday 8pm Washington time (1am Wednesday BST) deadline for Tehran or it would face Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one.

open image in gallery Pete Hegseth is complicit: The US secretary of defence is also facing criticism for his handling of the war ( AFP/Getty )

He wrote on his Truth Social platform: There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F***in Strait, you crazy bastards, or youll be living in Hell.

His post was met with alarm and criticism by US politicians, including from his former ally turned critic, Marjorie Taylor Greene. She wrote on X: Everyone in his administration that claims to be a Christian needs to fall on their knees and beg forgiveness from God and stop worshipping the President and intervene in Trumps madness.

She continued: Trump threatening to bomb power plants and bridges hurts the Iranian people, the very people Trump claimed he was freeing [...] This is not making America great again, this is evil.

Other politicians who criticised Trumps threats, include the Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, who said: Hes threatening possible war crimes and alienating allies. This is who he is, but this is not who we are. Our country deserves so much better.

open image in gallery An Iranian flag lies amidst the rubble of a building of the Sharif University of Technology, which was damaged in a strike ( Reuters )

Senator Chris Murphy called his post completely unhinged.

The spokesperson for UN secretary general Antonio Guterres also warned that attacking civilian infrastructure is banned under international law.

Even if specific civilian infrastructure were to qualify as a military objective, Stephane Dujarric said, an attack would still be prohibited if it risks excessive incidental civilian harm.

Earlier on Monday, the White House confirmed there was a deal under consideration for a 45-day ceasefire with Iran, but that Trump had not signed off on the proposal. Iran rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal and said it wanted a permanent end to the conflict.
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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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Astronauts who went farther into space than any other humans have returned to Earth after a dramatic reentry and splashdown near San Diego. All four will instantly become space celebrities and help humans understand their existence.

For two, however, their mission took on a special journey as they became the first Black man and first woman to go to the moon.

NASAs Christina Koch, Victor Glover and the trailblazing Artemis II crew landed safely Friday after their nine-day journey to circle the moon and return. They are all part of the second phase of NASAs ambitious Artemis program, which aims to one day establish a permanent presence on the moon and Mars.

Its unclear how much of a role these astronauts will have in the next phases of the program, but they and fellow crewmates Reid Wiseman and Jeremy Hansen are expected to train crews on future missions. NASA says that they will help apply data gathered during their lunar flyby, including how flight hardware and emergency system capabilities performed. They will also likely be sought-after speakers at schools and events and can help tell of deep space to countless Americans and others.

All four astronauts broke the record for the farthest distance ever traveled from Earth on this mission. But Koch and Glover were NASA standouts long before the launch of their Orion capsule in Florida last week.

open image in gallery NASAs Artemis II astronauts returned home on Friday after a historic 10-day lunar flyby. Two members of the crew just became the first woman and person of color to go to the moon ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery NASA's 322-foot-tall Artemis II Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft lift off Floridas Kennedy Space Center last week in Cape Canaveral. The launch went off without a hitch ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery The astronauts arrived safely back on Earth Friday after a dangerous reentry ( via REUTERS )

Koch set the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman and Glover made history as the first Black astronaut to live aboard the International Space Station. Now they get to add the moon mission to their resumes.

Heres what to know about the pioneering pair:

Victor Glover

Victor Glover was born in Pomona, California, on April 30, 1976. He watched a space shuttle launch as a child, and that got him hooked on space, his father, Victor Glover, Sr., told WLBT in 2020.

And basically said hed like to fly that, and I think thats kinda where the spark began, the older Glover said.

After graduating from Ontario High School in 1994, Glover earned his Bachelors degree in general engineering at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

open image in gallery NASA astronaut Victor Glover is helped out of a SpaceX Crew Dragon Resilience spacecraft after a mission in May 2021. He later flew on the Artemis II mission ( Getty Images )

He played Division I sports in college, including wrestling and football.

I didnt come in with a great work ethic. I had to step up and learn to work hard, at both sports and academics, Glover previously said. It was a challenge.

In 1998, Glover entered the U.S. Navys Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program, which is designed to give financial assistance to people working toward their Bachelor's degree while training for a Naval Reserve officer position.

Glover graduated in 1999, planning to travel the world during his eight-year commitment to the Navy, then earn his Ph.D. and become a college professor. Shortly after, Glover completed flight training, earning his wings as a Naval Aviator in December 2001.

From there, he went on to be test pilot, testing the F/A-18 Hornet, Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler. Glover was also deployed with the Navy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

open image in gallery The Artemis II mission completed a fly-by of the moon earlier in the week ( NASA )

open image in gallery The Artemis II mission was the first returned trip to the moon since 1972 ( NASA )

He flew 24 combat missions and accumulated 3,500 flight hours in more than 40 aircraft.

When he wasnt flying, he was at school. Glover later added three Masters degrees between 2007-2010.

Two years later, after living in Japan and while completing a Legislative Fellowship for former Arizona Senator John McCain, he was selected as an astronaut candidate. By 2013, Glover was one of the eight members of the 21st NASA astronaut class and he completed the required candidate training in 2015.

He helped to command the International Space Station during several launches before he was assigned to his first mission as a pilot in 2018 on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.

open image in gallery Glover takes a photo with his family shortly before the Artemis II missions launch at Floridas Kennedy Space Center ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery The Artemis II crew poses for a group photo inside the Orion spacecraft on their way home ( NASA via Getty Images )

After launching in November 2020, he spent 168 days on the space station, completing four spacewalks.

NASAs vision is to reach for new heights and reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind. In a time when there are so many things that we let divide us, it just seems to be this really powerful unifying thing, Glover told Cal Poly. And that is my favorite aspect of this job.

Glover, who is now 49, was assigned as the pilot of the Artemis II mission in 2023.

He, his wife of more than 20 years, Dionna Odom, and their four daughters - Genesis, Maya, Joia, and Corinne. They all live in Southern California.

Christina Koch

open image in gallery NASA astronaut Christina Koch looks on during the rollout of the Space Launch System rocket and the Orion crew in January 2025 at Floridas Kennedy Space Center ( AFP via Getty Images )

Christina Koch was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on January 29, 1979. Her mother, Barbara Johnsen, was a middle school math teacher, and her father, Dr. Ronald Hammock, was a physician. She has three younger siblings, none who have been named publicly.

Koch knew she wanted to become an astronaut since she was a little girl, a role that would also allow her to become an explorer.

Growing up, she cut out pictures of space and Antarctica from National Geographic magazine and put them on her walls, according to NC State Magazine.

All of these places that were on the frontiers, places to be explored, just caught my interest from the time I was really young, she told the publication.

open image in gallery Koch is helped out of the Soyuz MS-13 spacecraft in Kazakhstan in February 2020 ( NASA via Getty Images )

Her family moved to Jacksonville, North Carolina, in 1982. There, she attended White Oak High School and graduated from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in 1997. She would spend summers on the familys farm in Michigan, before she attended North Carolina State University.

At college, she double majored in electrical engineering and physics - earning two Bachelors degrees and a Masters degree in electrical engineering.

She was also part of the sailing club, was a rock climber, took photographs for the Technician, volunteered with habitat for Humanity and Engineers Without Borders and studied abroad in Ghana in 1999.

I stayed very busy. I was interested in so many different things, Koch said in an interview with Wolfpack Solutions in 2022.

After she graduated, Koch knew that becoming an astronaut was a long shot and decided to pursue jobs that would challenge her.

open image in gallery NASA astronaut Christina Koch takes a selfie with the Earth behind her while performing the first all-woman spacewalk in October 2019 ( NASA )

She worked as an electrical engineer at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center from 2002-2004. Then, she became a research associate in the United States Antarctic Program through 2007 and an electrical engineer in the Space Department of the Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University from 2007-2009.

She and Glover were selected to the same astronaut class and she launched on her first mission to the space station in 2019 as a flight engineer.

Koch spent a record 328 days in space and conducted six spacewalks, including the first three all women spacewalks.

On Artemis II, the 47-year-old serves as a mission specialist, checking life support, navigation and communications systems.

She lives with her husband Robert Koch and their rescue dog named Little Brown Dog in Galveston, Texas, according to Mens Journal.

To the young women and aspiring explorers out there: never doubt what youre capable of, Koch wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday. Your dreams are valid, your voice matters, and your place in science, engineering, and space is absolutely yours to claim.
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A woman has given birth on a flight traveling from Jamaica to New York City - but whether the baby will be a U.S. citizen remains an unanswered question.

The extraordinary event took place April 4 on board Caribbean Airlines flight BW005 from Kingston to John F. Kennedy International Airport. In audio, aired by CBS News, a pilot can be heard telling air traffic control about the new addition to the passenger manifest.

As the plane makes its approach at an altitude of 2,000 feet, an air traffic controller asks: Is it out yet?

The pilot responds: Yes, sir. The controller then suggests that the passenger name the baby Kennedy, after the airport.

A baby born over U.S. airspace is automatically granted U.S. citizenship but the Caribbean Airline flights precise location at the moment of birth has not been confirmed.

open image in gallery The mother and baby became members of an exclusive club as mid-air births are extremely rare (stock image) ( Getty Images )

Medical personnel later met the passenger and newborn at the gate.

The mother and baby, who have not been identified, have become part of a very exclusive club: there have been fewer than 100 births on commercial aircraft.

Caribbean Airlines said in a statement: Caribbean Airlines confirms that there was a medical event onboard flight BW005 of April 4, 2026, during which a passenger gave birth while enroute from Kingston, Jamaica, to New York. Upon arrival, the mother and newborn were attended to by medical personnel and are receiving the necessary care.

The airline commends the professionalism and measured response of its crew, who managed the situation in accordance with established procedures, ensuring the safety and comfort of all onboard.

Caribbean Airlines also confirms that no emergency was declared during the flight. We respectfully ask that the privacy of the passenger and her family be observed at this time.

It is safe to fly while pregnant but most airlines require a fit to fly letter after 28 weeks that confirms the due date and that the pregnancy has no complications.

Caribbean Airlines appears more lenient, stating on its website: Between the 32nd and 35th week, medical clearance is mandatory.

Regarding the childs legal status, Miami-based immigration attorney Juan Carlos Rivera told The Independent: "The key legal principle here is jus soli, 'right of the soil,' which is embedded in the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

U.S. airspace is considered U.S. territory, so if this baby was born while the plane was within 12 nautical miles of the U.S. coastline, she or he would automatically qualify for U.S. citizenship by birthright. The mother wouldn't need to 'claim' it if the birth occurred in U.S. airspace  citizenship attaches at the moment of birth."

open image in gallery An air traffic controller suggested that the baby be named Kennedy, after the New York airport (pictured) ( Getty Images )

He added: "Establishing citizenship in this scenario requires documentation of where the birth occurred. The family would likely need flight data such as GPS coordinates logged by the aircraft at the time of delivery, to pinpoint whether the birth occurred within or outside U.S. airspace.

"If confirmed within airspace, the family would apply for a U.S. passport or a birth certificate through the relevant state  in this case, likely New York  presenting the flight records, a medical birth record from the aircraft or the receiving hospital, and any documentation from the airline confirming the flight's position. The State Department's passport specialists handle adjudication of these in-flight birth cases.

"It's important to note that even if the baby is a U.S. citizen, that does not automatically confer any immigration benefit on the parents."

Rivera further noted that the baby's birth comes "at a pivotal moment in citizenship law," with President Donald Trump seeking to end automatic birthright citizenship for the children of parents unlawfully present or on temporary visas in the U.S.

The lawyer said: "A [Supreme Court] ruling is expected by June or July 2026, and that decision could change the calculus for future in-flight births entirely."
China rebukes former U.S. ambassador to China for remarks about Iran, Venezuela

Xinhua) 16:43, April 07, 2026

BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday rebuked former U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns over his comments regarding China's position on Iran and Venezuela.

"China has noted the relevant remarks," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular press briefing.

She said the facts and merits in terms of the situation concerning Iran and Venezuela are very clear, and so is China's position.

Mao noted that ignoring the root causes of these issues, Burns has chosen to point the finger at China, distorting and smearing China's fair and objective stance for peace through the lens of U.S. hegemonic thinking, and maliciously attempting to drive a wedge between China and the countries concerned.

"Such remarks are clearly made with ulterior motives," Mao said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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Thought all Americas downtowns were sterile business districts packed only with glass offices that become ghost towns after the working day ends? Think again.

There are some city centers packed with character that break the mold  and here we reveal seven of the most beautiful. Whats more, they are all highly walkable.

Venture to South Carolina for a city that feels like a living museum, with over 2,500 historic buildings in its downtown area. In Georgia, leave your car parked and set out on foot to explore the city with 22 park-like squares, while New Mexicos capital has strict rules ensuring that its downtown will always be a mesmerizing mix of earthy tones.

Our downtown directory also includes a Wisconsin city with a spectacular setting on an isthmus between two lakes and the Rhode Island destination with a distinctly European vibe.

We also included a leafy Idaho city, along with a stunning spot in Virginia that in many respects is little changed from its 18th-century beginnings.

Most beautiful downtowns in America

1. Charleston, South Carolina

open image in gallery Charleston's downtown is packed with picturesque buildings, including the colorful houses of Rainbow Row ( Getty Images )

Charleston is akin to a living museum, with over 2,500 historic buildings dating to the 18th and 19th centuries clustered in the walkable downtown area, and dozens of church spires punctuating the skyline.

Among the most picturesque buildings are the 13 candy-colored Georgian row houses on East Bay Street. These are must-haves for your camera roll  along with the intricate wrought-iron balconies that embellish the facades throughout the district, the cobblestone streets and narrow leafy lanes, and the hidden passages that connect them.

One of the best viewpoints to take it all in from is the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge pedestrian path, which offers sweeping views of the skyline and harbor.

After that, review your photos at celebrated Southern restaurant Husk, located in a beautifully restored Victorian house.

Great place to stay: The Ryder Hotel (rooms from $300) is a boutique property with quasi-tropical design accents and an outdoor pool in the heart of downtown.

Read more: Youve probably never heard of Mitchelville  but it might be the most important place you visit in South Carolina

2. Savannah, Georgia

open image in gallery Savannah features 22 park-like squares, a grid plan that dates back to 1733. Pictured is the fountain at Forsyth Park ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

Savannahs downtown is not only stunning, but a candidate for being one of Americas most walkable historic districts. A grid plan dating back to 1733 that features 22 park-like squares remains intact, and the atmosphere is enchanting.

The streets are lined with buildings that span 300 years of American architectural evolution, from Federal (think brickwork, centered doors and evenly spaced windows) to Greek Revival (ancient temple aesthetics), and from Gothic (steep gables and spires) to Italianate (ornate ironwork). Adding to the storybook vibe are vast oak trees draped in Spanish moss that form canopies over the roads.

One of the best viewpoints? Look north from the fountain in Forsyth Park along oak-lined Bull Street, which runs toward the river through several historic squares.

For a top dining spot, try The Grey, which is set inside a restored 1930s Greyhound bus terminal.

Great place to stay: The Marshall House (rooms from $250) is a beautiful landmark hotel dating to 1851 in the center of the historic district  you wont need your car before you leave.

Read more: Forget Route 66: Five under-the-radar road trips that get to the heart of America

3. Santa Fe, New Mexico

open image in gallery Santa Fe has a strict architectural code that stipulates earthy adobe aesthetics ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

Santa Fe has a distinctive downtown look unlike any other, thanks to a 400-year history  the city is the oldest state capital in the U.S.  and a strict architectural code that stipulates adobe aesthetics: flat roofs and earthy, neutral tones such as tan, cream or yellow.

Adding to the vibrancy are over 250 art galleries, the majestic 17th-century Palace of the Governors (Americas oldest public building), and a skyline thats framed by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Head to the Cross of the Martyrs in Fort Marcy Park for a sweeping panorama of the city and the peaks beyond, and then to The Shed for some classic New Mexican fare, such as blue-corn enchiladas.

Great place to stay: Inn of the Governors (rooms from $250) is a short walk from downtowns shops, galleries and landmarks.

Read more: Seven remote luxury hotels in America  where wilderness meets five-star comfort

4. Madison, Wisconsin

open image in gallery Madisons focal point is the Wisconsin State Capitol, which features a magnificent granite dome ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

Madisons downtown has a head start over many others simply because of its spectacular setting. The city sits on a narrow isthmus  formed 18,000 years ago by glacial activity  between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.

Visitors are also wowed by its majestic centerpiece: the Roman Renaissance-style Wisconsin State Capitol, whose gleaming white granite dome towers above a cluster of handsome historic buildings.

Urban planning also plays a part in the appeal: there's State Street, a mile-long pedestrian mall, which links the University of Wisconsin campus to Capitol Square, and extensive lakefront parks.

For the best Instagram shot, head to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed lakeside convention center Monona Terrace. From here, you can capture the Capitol dome rising dramatically above the water.

You can also admire the view from Graze, a popular Capitol Square bistro serving seasonal Midwestern dishes.

Great place to stay: The Madison Concourse Hotel (rooms from $220) is positioned right beside Capitol Square, with views of the grand surrounding architecture part of the package.

Read more: A sober guide to Napa Valley

5. Providence, Rhode Island

open image in gallery Providences waterside downtown features elegant walkways and an intoxicating spread of architectural styles ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

The architectural grandeur of downtown Providence gives it a distinctly European feel, with Beaux-Arts, Greek Revival and Art Deco designs underpinning many of its civic buildings.

Your eye will be drawn to the Art Deco Industrial Trust Tower  dubbed the Superman Building due to its striking resemblance to the Daily Planet building featured in the 1950s Adventures of Superman TV series  and the neoclassical Rhode Island State House, which is topped by one of the largest self-supporting marble domes in the world.

The Westminster Arcade, with its huge Greek-style columns, also impresses. Built in 1828, it was the first enclosed shopping mall in the United States. Carve out time to stroll the elegant walkways alongside Providence River and take in the view of the skyline from Prospect Terrace Park on College Hill.

For food, book a table at Al Forno, a Providence institution famous for its wood-grilled pizzas and hand-churned ice cream.

Great place to stay: Graduate by Hilton Providence (rooms from $200) is soaked in vintage character and sits in the heart of downtown Providence on the edge of Kennedy Plaza.

Read more: 6 of the best ski resorts in the US for late-season snow

6. Boise, Idaho

open image in gallery Boise has a tree-lined downtown with the foothills of the Rockies rising beyond the city ( Getty Images )

An oasis at the edge of the high desert, Boises downtown is blanketed in trees, a feature that has defined the city since its earliest days.

The name derives from the French les boises, meaning the wooded place, coined by French-Canadian fur trappers who discovered the lush valley where the city was later founded.

The Boise River Greenbelt park and trail system is one of the most tranquil areas of greenery, while the handsome neoclassical State Capitol building anchors the skyline.

The best view of the latter is from Camels Back Park in the North End, from where you can look out beyond the city to the foothills of the Rockies beyond.

A cant-go-wrong downtown food option is Fork, which serves locally sourced comfort food, from Wagyu smash burgers to dirty buffalo wings.

Great place to stay: The Grove Hotel (rooms from $220) sits right next to the Idaho State Capitol, with foothill views and a rooftop-level fitness club with pool and spa.

Read more: Is this Americas best-kept vacation secret? The underrated state that deserves your attention

7. Alexandria, Virginia

open image in gallery Alexandrias charming King Street runs through the heart of the citys historic downtown ( Getty Images )

Downtown Alexandria, set along the Potomac River, is most commonly referred to as Old Town  and for good reason. Established in 1749, its a beautifully preserved colonial-era historic district.

Its a haven where open-flame gas lanterns illuminate wrought-iron gates and cobbled streets are lined with historic row houses.

One of the most notable landmarks is Gadsbys Tavern Museum, which in the 18th and early 19th centuries comprised a tavern and hotel visited by the likes of George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson and the Marquis de Lafayette.

The districts anchor is King Street, a mile-long thoroughfare lined with historic storefronts, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and independent coffee shops.

It leads down to the waterfront promenade, where youll discover gorgeous views of the harbor, river and the Washington, D.C. skyline in the distance.

For a good feed, head to Virtue Feed & Grain, set inside a lovingly restored 19th-century feed warehouse. Here you can refuel with the likes of shrimp & grits, oven-baked rockfish and rigatoni alla vodka.

Great place to stay: Hotel Indigo Old Town Alexandria by IHG (rooms from $250) has a waterfront setting and offers views of Old Town Alexandria, Washington, D.C. and the sparkling Potomac River from its rooftop courtyard.

Read more: 10 best spring break destinations: Family trips, beach escapes and party cities
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Arriving at Macchu Picchu  high up in a saddle of the Peruvian Andes, close to Inti the sungod  by the most arduous route possible has long been a badge of pride.

Most modern visitors fly via Lima to Cuzco, then catch a train, then take a bus-ride up a zigzagging mountain road to the Unesco World Heritage site. Others catch public transport across Peru and, to stretch out the pilgrimage even further, join a guided hike to Machu Picchu, which can take anything from three days to a week.

Despite the popularity of this beautiful region, dubbed the Sacred Valley, there is no good road from the main city, Cuzco, to Machu Picchu. This has long been seen as a positive; a visit is earned and the long, slow arrival allows people to prepare for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of entering an Inca citadel.

open image in gallery The airport would be built in Chinchero, some 20 miles from Cusco ( Getty/iStock )

A new international airport at Chinchero  20 miles north of Cuzco  is due to open in late 2027. It was controversial before it got off the drawing board but as construction proceeds apace, locals and tour firms are expressing grave concerns. Detractors say the huge development will negatively impact traditional communities, including Chincheros weavers, while bringing in more visitors than ever  putting a strain on water and sewerage, roads and energy, and on the historic sites scattered across the Sacred Valley; besides Machu Picchu, these include the Maras salt mines, Moray terraces and the major archaeological ruins at Pisac and Ollantaytambo.

Supporters maintain tourism in the region is still down 30 per cent on pre-Covid levels and that theres space for more visitors. Cheaper flights, shorter flight times and no layover in Lima will tempt more mainstream travellers (rather than budget-conscious backpackers) and make it easier and quicker to get to Machu Picchu. A speedy bus ride from the new airport and a short train ride mean the time-poor (many US tourists, for instance) will be able to pay a visit to Peru for the first time.

But are speed and ease desirable? Oliver Cripps, of Cuzco-based destination management firm Amazonas Explorer, says: The fear is it will encourage shorter, more bucket-list style holidays, because travellers could just get a bus down to Ollantaytambo and a train to Machu Picchu the following day. This will leave less money in the community and for businesses that depend on tourism revenue.

Siphoning greater numbers to a world-famous honeypot also contradicts the Peruvian governments stated mission of spreading tourism to less well-known sites, such as Choquequirao  reached by a tough hike  and Kuelap, in the remote northern Amazonas region.

Machu Picchu is still the main place people want to visit, says Cripps. Unfortunately, I dont think this is going to change. Places like Kuelap, Waqrapukara, the Nazca Lines and Choquequirao should get way more visitors than they currently do. Most people still want to go to Machu Picchu because getting the perfect Instagram photo is now essential.

Gary Tombs, the product manager for Peru at UK-based travel company Journey Latin America, says that while the impact of a major new airport cant be ignored, nor can the limitations of the current infrastructure

Cuzcos airport sits inside the city itself, completely hemmed in by dense neighbourhoods and surrounding mountains. It operates at near maximum capacity, it cannot be expanded, its operating hours cannot be extended and its facilities cannot be adapted to receive larger aircraft.

open image in gallery Cusco's airport is situated within the city itself ( Getty/iStock )

Read more: Inside the Cartagena boutique hotel starring in The Night Manager

Its location also contributes to heavy traffic within Cusco and on the routes to and from the Sacred Valley. These constraints are the main reasons the Peruvian government intends for Chinchero to eventually replace it.

He warns against over-romanticising the status quo: The pace of development in the Sacred Valley over the past 20 years has already been dramatic. What were once small, distinct communities scattered along the valley floor have grown into a near continuous stretch of shops, restaurants and houses. It's becoming harder to see where one town ends and the next begins.

Chinchero itself illustrates how quickly change can happen. Two decades ago, its market was a genuinely local affair  villagers proudly displaying their produce in the main square on market days. Today, the market is largely geared toward tourists, a reminder of how traditional spaces can be reshaped when visitor numbers rise.

But, he concedes: The opening of an international airport will almost certainly accelerate this trend.

open image in gallery The region's markets are rapidly changing to suit tourists rather than local people ( Getty/iStock )

Read more: This Brazilian wildlife hotspot is cheaper than an African safari

If projections of visitor numbers rising by as much as 200 per cent are correct, the consequences for the region could be significant. Machu Picchu already operates under strict limits, allowing 5,600 visitors per day. Without major changes to policy and layout, the site cannot accommodate a substantial increase in footfall.

Its probably too late to stop the airport, which has already absorbed almost 500 million of capital investment. The solution, say some local experts, is to tie sustainable tourism to wider, regional development. Perus Ancash department has managed to modernise its airport and steadily grow visitors to its national park.

We need to think about tourism development as an interconnected system, says Martin Romero of trekking company Explorandes.

We need to expand the number of attractions, towns and human resources prepared to receive tourists in order to spread the benefits over a wider area.

Just building the Chinchero airport without considering all these other moving parts will only transfer the bottlenecks to the next weakest link in this system.
Vice President JD Vance called Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban one of the only true statesmen in Europe during a visit to Budapest on Tuesday (7 April).

Vance also described the autocrat as one of the few people who can talk to people from all over the world as he touted him as a peacemaker in the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The visit comes. just days before Hungarys parliamentary election on Sunday (12 April), seen as Orbans most challenging in a nearly 40-year political career after winning four consecutive terms since 2010.

But Vances arrival also coincided with an embarrassing leaked phone call from October 2025, reported by Bloomberg, in which Orban promised he would help Russias Vladimir Putin in any way to defeat Ukraine.
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Billionaire financier Bill Ackman and his investment firm, Pershing Square, offered to buy Universal Music Group Tuesday, the largest music company in the world that represents global stars like Taylor Swift, Drake and Adele.

The offer, announced in a letter to UMGs board of directors, would see the company merge with Pershing Squares acquisition vehicle and relocate its stock listing from Amsterdam to New York, a change Ackman, who publicly supported and endorsed President Donald Trump in the 2024 election, has previously advocated.

Under the terms of the proposal, UMG shareholders would get 5.05 in cash and 0.77 shares in a new version of the company for each UMG share they own. Altogether, this adds up to about 30.40 per share, which is 78 percent more than the stock was recently worth. The deal would be fully funded by Pershing Square, and the new combined company would be based in Nevada and trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

Ackman acknowledged the strong performance of UMGs management and its roster of globally successful artists in a statement, but argued that the companys share price has not reflected its underlying business strength.

Since UMGs listing, Sir Lucian Grainge [CEO of Universal Music Group] and the companys management have done an excellent job nurturing and continuing to build a world-class artist roster and generating strong business performance, Ackman said. However, UMG's stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business and importantly, all of them can be addressed with this transaction.

open image in gallery Under the proposal, UMG shareholders would receive 5.05 plus 0.77 new shares per share, a 78 percent premium ( Getty Images )

Factors holding down the stocks valuation include uncertainty over major shareholder stakes, a delayed U.S. listing and perceived underutilization of the companys balance sheet and assets, and the lack of investor credit in UMGs valuation for its 2.7 billion stake in Spotify, among other factors, according to the proposal.

If completed, the transaction would cancel about 17 percent of UMGs outstanding shares while preserving the companys investmentgrade balance sheet, Pershing Square said. The new entity is expected to publish financial statements under U.S. accounting standards and become eligible for inclusion in major U.S. indexes, such as the S&P 500. Pershing Square also scheduled an investor webcast for Tuesday to discuss the proposal and address shareholders' questions.

News of the proposal sent UMGs stock price sharply higher Tuesday, with shares jumping more than 10 percent in trading as investors reacted to the premium offer and potential strategic shift, The New York Times reports.

A spokesman for UMG declined the Times request for comment. The Independent has reached out to UMG for a statement.

open image in gallery Bill Ackman, the CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, an investment management company, praised UMGs management and top artists in a statement Tuesday but said the stock price doesnt match the companys true value ( Getty Images )

Ackman, a hedge fund manager who had previously supported Democrats, became a vocal Trump supporter during the 2024 election. He said he no longer felt the Democratic Party reflected his values and called Trump the "most pro-business president weve ever had."

His endorsement came after the first assassination attempt on Trump in 2024, after which Ackman posted a lengthy explanation of his decision on X.

Today, when one announces an intention to support Trump, Biden supporters who know me tend to assume that I have lost it, he wrote. I assure you that I have made this decision carefully, rationally, and by relying on as much empirical data as possible."

He urged his followers to keep an open mind ahead of the election, telling his followers that your views on Trump have likely been dramatically affected if you have sourced your info on Trump from mainstream media or friends or family who have relied on mainstream media as a source of knowledge.

He added: We have all recently learned in the starkest manner (the debate) how we cannot rely on the MSM as our source of truth on the ultimate political question.

He has, however, criticized specific policies since, such as the tariffs, which he described as "bad math" and potentially harmful to the economy.
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A major Carls Jr. franchisee that operates 65 locations across California has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Multiple companies owned by Harshad Dharod, CEO of Friendly Franchisees Corporation, the group behind those restaurants, submitted filings late last week in the Golden State, Restaurant Business reports. The entities include Sun Gir, Inc., Senior Classic Leasing, DFG Restaurants, Second Star Holdings and Third Star Investments, the outlet added.

Sun Gir, Inc. has asked the court to consolidate the cases into a single proceeding, a routine move when related businesses file at the same time, according to the outlet. Doing so allows the court to oversee the restructuring more efficiently, rather than handling each case separately.

Each entity reported less than $50,000 in both assets and liabilities, according to court documents obtained by Restaurant Business.

There are currently more than 1,000 Carls Jr. locations across the U.S., with about 62 percent, or over 600, in California alone.

open image in gallery More than 600 of Carls Jr. 1000 locations are in California ( Getty Images )

By filing for Chapter 11, the companies aim to restructure their debts while continuing to operate. The process gives the franchisee a chance to stabilize financially as it works through the bankruptcy under court supervision.

A spokesperson for Carls Jr. said that the bankruptcy is isolated to this specific franchisee and does not reflect the overall health of the brand or its other locations.

We are aware that Carls Jr. franchisee Harshad Dharod entities and its affiliates, which together independently own and operate certain Carls Jr. restaurants in California, have entered into a court-supervised restructuring process under Chapter 11 of the United States bankruptcy code, a representative told Restaurant Business. This situation is specific to this individuals financial and business circumstances.

This has no impact on the operations of any other Carls Jr. locations and we remain committed to delivering quality experiences for our guests, while driving profitable, sustainable growth for our franchisees and the brand, the statement ended.

The Independent has contacted Carls Jr. for comment.

The filings add to growing signs of strain among restaurant franchise operators, many of whom have been grappling with rising labor costs, higher food prices, and shifting consumer spending habits.

In California, the pressure is even greater due to a new law requiring fast-food workers to earn at least $20 an hour. That higher wage has forced many operators to raise menu prices, making it harder to attract customers while still covering rising costs.

At the same time, Carls Jr. has been struggling with declining performance. Alongside its sister chain Hardees, the brand saw U.S. sales drop 6 percent to about $1.4 billion last year, while average sales per location fell 2.7 percent to roughly $1.4 million, according to Technomic, Restaurant Business reports.
One of the Central Bank of Irelands most senior regulators, Gerry Cross, is leaving for a new role at the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) in Switzerland.

He is due to take over as the next secretary general of the IAIS, which is based at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Basel, from June 15.
Oil prices swing as traders weigh ceasefire bid and Trump deadline

A fifth of global shipments blocked since the US-Israel war on Iran began

A tourist ferry sails past the Indian flagged LPG carrier Jag Vasant at the Mumbai Port, India, after it arrived clearing the Strait of Hormuz (Rafiq Maqbool/AP)

Yongchang Chin, Alex Longley and Mia Gindis Bloomberg Tue 7 Apr 2026 at 06:30







Oil switched from gains to losses, as traders weighed a reported push for a ceasefire in the Middle East against a fresh ultimatum from US president Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Debut novel brings Kennedys visit to Wexford back to life

Cork author Neil Tully praised warm reception he received in New Ross as readers reflect on lasting impact of historic day

Neil Tully (author), Sharon Doyle and Adrian Dillon at Hubb16 for the book signing event of The Visit.

Jessica O'Connor New Ross Standard Tue 7 Apr 2026 at 05:40







There was a warm welcome rolled out for debut author, Neil Tully, who held a book-signing event in Hubb16 in New Ross recently, to celebrate the release of his novel, The Visit, which is centred around the historic visit of President John F. Kennedy to New Ross in 1963
Schitt's Creek creator Dan Levy (right), with the rest of the show's stars

Dan Levy has shot down the possibility of a Schitts Creek sequel after the death of his former co-star Catherine OHara.

Levy, the shows co-creator, had previously said that fan speculation had inspired him to consider a potential revival of the Emmy-winning comedy series, which aired from 2015 to 2020.

But after OHara  who played flamboyant matriarch Moira Rose on the Canadian sitcom  died from a pulmonary embolism in January at age 71, Levy said there is no way that the show could return without her.

No. We cant, Levy, 42, said in an interview with CBS News published Sunday. I was thinking about it. Yeah. It's tough. It's tough going back.

He told the broadcaster that it was awe-inspiring to work with the comedian on the show.

We had the best time. We had the best time. She had the best time, he said through tears. It's an amazing thing to be a part of something that she loved so much. You know, it feels very special. It's what you have to hold onto, is the memories of it all.

Schitts Creek, which was created by Levy and his father Eugene Levy, follows the wealthy and eccentric Rose family who are forced to relocate to a small town  the titular Schitts Creek  after previously buying it as a joke.

Eugene Levy played Rose family patriarch Johnny, while OHara starred as fading actor Moira. Dan Levy played son David, while Annie Murphy appeared as his spoiled sibling Alexis.

After the show took home seven awards during the 2020 Emmys ceremony, Levy discussed the possibility of rebooting the series as a film.

Heres the thing: Some people have been asking that, he said at the time. If there is an idea that pops into my head and worthy of these wonderful people, it has to be really freaking good at this point.

He added, Fingers crossed that we get a really good idea coming into our heads soon, he said. I would love to work with these beautiful people again. This has been the most incredible experience.

After OHaras death, Levy described The Studio star in a tribute as family before she ever played my family.

He said on Instagram that he would cherish every funny memory I was fortunate enough to make with her, adding: What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine OHaras brilliance for all those years.

Having spent over fifty years collaborating with my dad, Catherine was extended family before she ever played my family. Its hard to imagine a world without her in it.
Putting off the cutting day will only reduce feed quality and quantity as it will take from the yield of a second cut

Farmers are being advised to stick to the cutting date of May 10-15 for 75 DMD silage. Photo: Andy GIbson

It comes as the majority of Irish dairy farmers have been forced to return their cattle to sheds in recent weeks due to the wet weather experienced recently, as ground conditions remain challenging up and down the country.

Teagasc dairy specialist James Dunne said working towards a cutting date of between May 10-15, farmers should use the rule of thumb to apply two units of N a day. Therefore, crops have the ability to use 70-75 units of nitrogen between now and then.

Farmers, he said, should not delay cutting due to fertiliser prices and contractor charges. The reality is delaying the cutting day will only reduce feed quality and quantity, as it will take from the yield of a second cut.

Stick to the cutting date of May 10-15 for 75 DMD silage, he said, and farmers should be assessing crop yield across two cuts, or even on an annual basis rather than looking at one cut in isolation.

We had a slow and difficult start to spring with regard [to] grazing with poor weather conditions, and many farmers got very little grazing done in February, which put them behind grazing targets.

It has to be said, there has been a big effort in March to get grass into cows, but there was a lot of work involved with on/off grazing and ground conditions were more difficult, but a lot caught up well and are seeing the benefits now.

He advised farmers on heavier soils to get out and assess ground conditions and get cows out to grass at every opportunity.

That may look like two to three hours in the morning and milking a little earlier in the afternoon so a second bout of grazing can be achieved after milking.

Farmers need to ensure they have enough fertiliser for current grazing and silage requirements

But we need to be reassessing the first two to three paddocks grazed now and we know that by the time we are starting the second round, we want the 1,200-1,400kg DM on them. Each farmer needs to do their sums on when that is likely to happen and organise grazing around that.

A recent survey by Teagasc showed there are adequate stocks of chemical nitrogen fertiliser available, although there may be availability issues on individual products.

There has been a 200-250/t increase in the price of protected urea for example since January, but even with that taken into account, it is still the best economic response compared to the alternative, which is additional purchased feeds.

Farmers need to ensure they have enough fertiliser for current grazing and silage requirements, Dunne said.

We dont want to see a situation where there is not adequate amounts of quality silage on farms. Its still early April. Milk price is down and input costs are up, but the key message is there is a very good economic response to fertiliser.

A recent Calving Insights Survey conducted by FRS Co-Op for the month of March shows that 70pc of Irish farms needed to take their cattle off the grazing platform before the end of the month.

Survey respondents said there has been a higher cost of production than what was expected this year due to extra buffer feeding (silage and maize), extra meal being fed in the milking parlour, and more lime required for bedding in sheds.
Silage costs surge 28 an acre as fuel spikesHauliers already parking trucks due to unsustainable costsGovernment meetings awaited as pressure mounts

The pressure is driven by a rapid escalation in global diesel markets. European diesel futures have surged above $200 a barrel. Photo: Jens Buttner/Getty

Filling a single silage harvester now costs an additional 600 to 700 per tank. Image: Tractors make their way past Dublin Port in 2020 towards the port tunnel during a protest by farmers over the prices they get for their produce. (Photo by Brian Lawless/PA Images via Getty Images)

Anger is deepening across the farming, contractor and haulage sectors as fuel prices continue to surge and the Government faces mounting criticism for failing to deliver immediate relief.

It comes as signals emerge that informal, disruptive protests may be organised in the days ahead, though representative bodies are understood not to be involved at this stage.

Groups are awaiting the outcome of further Government meetings scheduled for this week, including a highlevel discussion on energy and supplies due to take place on Wednesday April 8. Calls by opposition parties to recall the Dail have been rejected.

The pressure is driven by a rapid escalation in global diesel markets. European diesel futures have surged above $200 a barrel, almost doubling since the outbreak of conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, which has resulted in an effective halt to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Millions of barrels of refined fuel, including diesel, are now blocked. Some shipments are being diverted onto 19,000km journeys as refiners scramble for supply. Analysts warn Europe could face shortages within weeks if the strait does not reopen.

For Irish agriculture, the impact is immediate. FCI figures show the daily diesel cost for a typical contractors tractor has risen by more than 200 per day, excluding VAT. Agricultural diesel prices have climbed to almost 1.60/L, pushing up silage costs by 28 per acre.

With 2.5 million acres of pit silage cut annually, rising diesel prices could add 76.3m to contractors operating bills this year.

At a meeting with Tanaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris and Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon last week, sector representatives presented what FCI national chair Norman Egar described as a range of targeted proposals aimed at stabilising costs. Further meetings are planned.

Haulage operators are facing similar pressures. The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) says some members are already parking trucks, unable to absorb the extra 200aday cost burden.

The pressure is driven by a rapid escalation in global diesel markets. European diesel futures have surged above $200 a barrel. Photo: Jens Buttner/Getty

Rising prices for diesel, AdBlue and tolls are contributing to what the IRHA describes as a severe and unsustainable cost environment. While discussions with Government are ongoing, hauliers say the risk of operators being forced off the road is increasing.

Despite the escalating costs, it is understood the Government will not adjust the planned carbon tax increase. Instead, ministers are focusing on targeted supports already in place, including enhanced diesel rebate payments for hauliers.

Further interventions have not been ruled out but are not expected until additional assessments on energy security are completed.

In addition to fuel concerns, fresh warnings have emerged about fertiliser availability over the coming years

Industry experts and fertiliser businesses, speaking at a meeting in Brussels and detailed in notes seen by Euractiv, warn of a potential perfect storm by 2027 due to warrelated damage to fertiliser plants, refineries and gas infrastructure supplying global production.

Even if conflict in the Gulf were to end immediately, experts say it would take years to rebuild key facilities. Stocks built before recent regulatory changes are running down and reserves could be depleted by 2027, placing upward pressure on fertiliser prices for several seasons.

The Irish Farm Accounts Co-operative (Ifac) is advising farmers across Ireland to take immediate steps to manage rising fuel and input costs, as global oil prices surge following recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East.

Philip OConnor, Head of Farm Support at Ifac, said farmers are once again dealing with a sudden and significant cost shock, driven by factors entirely outside their control.

"While the Governments measures will provide some short-term relief, they will not offset the full extent of the increases we are seeing on the ground.

"What is critical now is that farmers take a proactive approach and understand their exposure, manage consumption where possible and plan ahead for further volatility. We have seen before how quickly energy costs can escalate, and early action will make a real difference to cashflow over the coming months," he said.
Booking match tickets and train seats online needs to be more age-friendly, says leading doctor

Websites that are difficult to use exclude some lifelong customers

Many elderly people are being left behind when it comes to technology. Photo: Getty

Eilish O'Regan Tue 7 Apr 2026 at 06:30

From match tickets to booking a train seat, older people feel they are being increasingly left behind and digitally excluded, a leading geriatrician has said.
Chronic underinvestment and unsustainable workloads driving teachers from the profession, says general secretary of the TUI

Over 500 delegates are attending the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) annual congress in Kilkenny

The general secretary of the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) Michael Gillespie addressing delegates at the TUI annual congress

Aisling Bolton-Dowling Tue 7 Apr 2026 at 15:24

Chronic underinvestment is hampering schools, colleges and educational centres and campuses across the country, placing unreasonable pressure on teachers and widening inequality in the educational system in Ireland with students ultimately suffering the consequences, the general secretary of the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) has said.
Walking will slash your cancer and dementia risk  but only at the right pace. Heres what you need to know
Mentions of Allianz have been snubbed in some counties' social media posts

Irelands largest teachers union is demanding a co-ordinated campaign to encourage all Irish schools to only tender from firms that adhere to UN ethics in the Middle East.

The Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) was also urged to back calls for the GAA to end its links with insurance giant Allianz over its investment links to an Israeli weapons firm.
Dalkey-born Violet Gibson almost changed world history in 1926

One hundred years ago, on April 7, 1926, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini was walking through adoring crowds in the Piazza del Campidoglio in central Rome when a dainty woman in a black veil attempted to change the course of history by shooting him.

The unlikely assassin, who emerged from the throng as Mussolini greeted his supporters in the piazza, was a small Irish woman who suddenly produced a pistol from under her veil and shot the Italian leader at point-blank range.
Another person has been killed on the roads over the Bank Holiday Weekend, bringing the toll over the weekend to three and to 45 so far this year, six more than this time last year.
Waterford cyclist proud to win trophy dedicated to late Tomas Walsh  It remembers our good friend

James OShea said he felt proud but sad when he was presented with the trophy by the late Tomas Walshs mother Bernie on Monday

Waterford cyclist James O'Shea, winner of the Ras Mumhan C2 Blue Jersey.

Jack Joy Kerryman Wed 8 Apr 2026 at 12:43

A Waterford cyclist said that winning the Ras Mumhan trophy dedicated to the late Tomas Walsh brought back many memories of his great friend.
Terence White has been selected as the first Artist in Residence at the Hatch Lab in Gorey.

A Wexford filmmaker has officially been selected to be an artist in residence as part of a new Creative Residency programme in the Hatch Lab in Gorey.

Through the Creative Ireland programme, Wexford County Council have selected well-known filmmaker Terence White to take residence at the incubator hub for the next 12 months. After eight years working in theatre directing, Terence moved into the world of filmmaking, and has since produced several drama and factual short films.
The Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell, is to act as the patron for a new special school to be established in Bray for the 2026/2027 school year, it has been confirmed.

The new school, which will cater for children and young people with complex special educational needs up to 18 years of age, is to be delivered through the repurposing of an existing school building. Details on its exact location will be confirmed at a later date.

Tanaiste Simon Harris and Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton announced the decision on Tuesday, April 7, describing it as a significant milestone for families of children with additional needs in Bray, particularly given continuing population growth in the area and pressure on existing services.

Speaking following the announcement, Mr Harris said the development would make a meaningful difference for families who have faced ongoing challenges in securing appropriate school placements for children with additional needs.

This is a day that will mean the world to so many Wicklow families, he said. As a Wicklow TD, I know very well that many families have been asking for this, especially in light of the growing population in County Wicklow.

He said he had been working closely with the Education Minister and local Fine Gael councillors to highlight the urgent need for additional special education places, particularly in the north Wicklow and Bray area.

Every child deserves to reach their full potential and therefore deserves access to an appropriate school place where they can learn and progress, Mr Harris said, adding that the new school would help ease stress and uncertainty for families currently travelling outside their local area to access supports.

While the exact location of the new school has not yet been disclosed at the request of the Department of Education, it is envisaged that existing buildings in Bray will be repurposed to facilitate its opening in time for the 2026/27 school year. Further details will be confirmed as arrangements are finalised.

The new Bray school forms part of a broader programme of special school expansion nationwide. As part of planning by the Department of Education and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), four additional special schools are now being planned for Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.

This planning process included assessments of existing capacity, demand and waiting lists, enrolment projections, and the number of children required to travel outside their local area to access a special school placement.

The NCSE will work closely with families to assist them in accessing the new places that will become available for the 2026/27 school year. Planning for the establishment and opening of the new schools is described as well advanced, with details regarding admissions processes and the number of places to be offered expected to be confirmed shortly.

Commenting on the plans, Ms Naughton said more children will be able to access specialist education in their own communities this coming September.

"We have made good progress in expanding special education provision and we will continue to act to meet with growing demand. Our school communities continue to demonstrate a real commitment to inclusion, she added.
India mulls releasing crocodiles and killer snakes on Bangladesh border

The countrys Border Security Force is considering it in a bid to reduce cross-border migration

Indias home minister Amit Shah. Photo: Getty

Shweta Sharma UK Independent Tue 7 Apr 2026 at 06:30

India is considering releasing venomous snakes and crocodiles into its river border with Bangladesh as an alternative to building a physical barrier along parts of its eastern frontier.
LATEST | Mission isnt over until they splash down in the Pacific  Artemis crew begin journey home after record breaking Moon mission

Team on lunar mission make history by travelling farther from Earth than any other human

Commander Reid Wiseman looks out one of the Orion spacecraft's main cabin windows at the moon yesterday. Photo: Nasa via AP

Rob Freeman Associated Press Tue 7 Apr 2026 at 07:40

The crew of Nasas Artemis II mission have started the journey home after creating history on their pass behind the Moon.
Denys Shtilerman, the Fire Point company chief designer and co-founder, during an interview in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Photo: Reuters

Fire Point, maker of Ukraines Flamingo cruise missile, is in talks with European companies to launch a new air defence system by next year, creating a low-cost alternative to the increasingly hard-to-get Patriot system.

With governments seeking to defend their skies as the wars in Ukraine and Iran sow global instability, Fire Points co-founder and chief designer Denys Shtilierman said it aimed to slash the cost of intercepting a ballistic missile to below $1m (866,000).
US presidents deadline for reopening strait looms but Tehran remains defiant

Iran said yesterday it wanted a lasting end to the war with the US and Israel, and pushed back against pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while US president Donald Trump warned the country could be taken out if it did not meet his deadline to reach a deal tonight.
Savannah Guthrie (centre) with Carson Daly (far left) and Al Roker (far right) at the 'Today' show in New York City on her first day back to the show since her mothers disappearance two months ago. Photo: GC Images
A woman visiting Floridas Vero Beach rescued a man from the ocean who police now believe is a suspect in a double homicide.

The woman, identified only as Belinda, told ABC affiliate WPBF 25 News she was walking near Riomar Beach on the morning of March 24 when she heard a man screaming for help from the water.
The Rise of the 9-to-5 Is Enough Mindset

Millennials: The Hustle Generation

A Clash of Values

The Role of Technology

Opportunities for Understanding

Sooooo?

Work culture has always been a battlefield of generational expectations, and right now, the friction between Millennials and Gen Z is taking center stage. The younger generation, Gen Z, is making it clear that they value work-life balance over clocking endless hours. While Millennials fought for flexibility and purpose in the workplace, they often hustled hard to prove their worth. Watching Gen Z flatly refuse overtime has some Millennials scratching their heads and maybe even rolling their eyes.Gen Z, typically born between 1997 and 2012, has entered the workforce during a time of immense technological disruption and social change. They grew up witnessing their parents and Millennials burning out, working overtime without guaranteed rewards. For many Gen Z employees, the lesson is simple: extra hours dont equal extra respect or compensation.This generation prioritizes mental health, personal time, and a sense of purpose over climbing the corporate ladder at any cost. In practical terms, it means logging off when their shift ends, declining after-hours emails, and setting clear boundaries, behaviours that sometimes shock older coworkers.Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, are often dubbed the hustle generation. They came of age in an era where long hours were equated with ambition and dedication. Many Millennials remember pulling late nights, responding to emails at midnight, and feeling that their professional identity was tied to their availability.So when Gen Z walks in refusing to participate in the same grind, it can feel jarring. Some Millennials perceive this behavior as laziness or lack of commitment. Theres also an element of generational defensivenessafter years of hustling to gain respect and promotions, seeing Gen Z demand balance can feel like a critique of the sacrifices Millennials made.At its core, this tension is a clash of values. Millennials were raised to believe that success requires visibility and effort beyond the standard working hours. Gen Z, on the other hand, equates productivity with results, not the time spent at a desk.This difference can create friction in mixed-age teams. Millennials may feel frustrated when younger colleagues leave on time, especially in high-pressure environments, interpreting it as disengagement. Gen Z, meanwhile, may view overtime as unnecessary, unproductive, and even exploitative.Technology amplifies the generational divide. Millennials are comfortable with constant connectivity but still value office presence. Gen Z, digital natives from birth, expect efficiency, remote flexibility, and asynchronous communication. Their refusal to work overtime isnt a rebellion against work itself; its a statement that work should fit into life, not the other way around.While conflicts are inevitable, the clash between Millennials and Gen Z offers a chance to reshape workplace culture. Companies that adapt to Gen Zs boundaries without alienating Millennials can foster productivity, loyalty, and employee satisfaction across generations.For Millennials, this is a moment to reconsider what success looks like. For Gen Z, its about asserting priorities without burning bridges. Bridging the gap requires empathy, communication, and rethinking how effort and results are recognized.Yes, Gen Zs refusal to work overtime does trigger some Millennials but that doesnt mean one generation is right and the other is wrong. Its a reflection of evolving attitudes toward work, time, and life priorities. Instead of seeing this as a clash, organizations and employees can view it as an opportunity to redefine what a healthy, productive, and inclusive workplace looks like for everyone.The office isnt just a place for grinding; its a space where multiple generations can learn from each other and maybe even discover that working smarter, not longer, might be the best path forward.
The souvlaki, Greece's unofficial national dish and long a symbol of affordable street food, has become a casualty of rising global costs  and Middle East conflict is now threatening to push prices even higher.

By

Michalis Kassis

The average price of a wrapped souvlaki, known as a tylichto, currently ranges between 4 and 4.50 euros nationwide, with prices in central Athens and Piraeus topping 5 euros.

Industry insiders warn of further increases after Easter if the Middle East conflict continues through May, driving up fuel and supply chain costs.

The price trajectory tells a stark story.

In 2015, a wrap cost 2.20 euros.

By 2019, it had fallen slightly to around 2 euros. It crossed 3 euros in 2022 and today ranges from 4 to 6 euros depending on location. The individual skewer, once priced at 1 euro in 2019, now costs close to 3 euros.

Crete commands the highest prices, with wraps exceeding 6 euros, while Thessaloniki sits at around 5.50 euros. In tourist destinations such as Santorini and other Aegean islands, a souvlaki wrap can cost more than 6.50 euros.

Athens, Volos and Patras are broadly in line at around 4 euros.

Grill shop owners say meat costs have tripled, rising from roughly 5 euros per kilogram to 15 euros. Rents and energy bills have compounded the pressure, squeezing margins across the sector.

A 2025 survey of average wrap prices found Thessaloniki the most expensive mainland city at 4.90 euros, followed by Volos at 4.05 euros, Athens and Patras at 4 euros, and Larissa at 3.99 euros, with Crete highest overall at 5.30 euros.

What was once Greece's most democratic meal  fast, filling, and within everyone's reach  is fast becoming a modest luxury.

   iefimerida.gr
The Greek state has announced that it will team up with the prosecution in the trial over the 2023 Tempe train collision, a significant development that lawyers on both sides described as a turning point in one of Greece's most consequential criminal cases in recent memory.

By Lia Kontopoulou

The declaration will be submitted at the next hearing scheduled for April 27, when proceedings resume at the Gaiopolis conference center.

The third session

of the trial unfolded without the tensions that marked its two stormy predecessors, with a smaller attendance reflecting a court order limiting Monday's session to victims' relatives and survivors who had not yet completed their formal registration as civil parties.

Only three of the 36 defendants appeared in the dock, prompting defense attorney Zoe Konstantopoulou to demand the court compel all accused to attend in person.

"This trial has wounded an entire society," Mrs. Konstantopoulou said. "Their absence is not morally, humanly or historically acceptable."

She also renewed a call for televised coverage of the proceedings.

Forty-nine bar associations and the national union of railway traction staff also registered to support the prosecution.

Among those who addressed the court was the mother of military officer Elena Dourmika, who died aboard the passenger train while returning from an official trip to Athens.

Visibly distressed, she told the judges: "I implore justice to punish those responsible for the death of my child."

Mrs. Dourmika's husband demanded all defendants be physically present, adding that his children lost their mother because she was required to travel to Athens in person for duty.

Lawyers representing the family of Gerasimos Georgiadis  a survivor who has remained in a coma for three years  told the court his condition constituted "an ongoing crime." Attorney Othon Papadopoulos said: "He is neither in heaven nor on earth."

The Tempe disaster, in which two trains collided head-on in February 2023, killed 57 people and remains Greece's deadliest rail accident.

   iefimerida.gr
RE: ALLEGATIONS BY DISMISSED EX-LANCE CORPORAL ROTIMI OLAMILEKAN

The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a sensationalised report circulating on social media and mainstream news platforms featuring an interview with a dismissed soldier, Ex-18NA/77/1009 Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi. In the interview, he made allegations regarding welfare, remuneration and the provision of uniforms and protective equipment for Nigerian Army personnel. While the Nigerian Army remains focused on its core mandate of safeguarding the nation, it has become necessary to correct these falsehoods to prevent the public from being misled.

The Nigerian Army categorically states that Mr. Olamilekan was not dismissed for speaking the truth or expressing opinions on political leadership. He was dismissed following persistent and grave acts of indiscipline, including violations of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy. Like all professional militaries, the Nigerian Army operates under a strict Code of Conduct and the Armed Forces Act. Unauthorised media appearances, commercialisation of military identity, partisan content creation and misuse of military uniform constitute clear breaches of established regulations. His dismissal followed due process in line with military laws.

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On the issue of remuneration, the Nigerian Army operates a well-structured and transparent salary system, where earnings are determined by rank and years of service, as clearly stipulated in the Manual of Financial Administration for Armed Forces of Nigeria (MAFA). In addition to consolidated monthly salaries, personnel are entitled to uniform allowances and other allowances, which are periodically paid directly into their accounts.

Furthermore, troops deployed on operations or assigned to duties outside their units receive Ration Cash Allowance, Habit Allowance, in addition to free feeding arrangements. Personnel serving in operational theatres, such as Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, are also paid operational allowances and other mission-specific entitlements designed to support their welfare and enhance operational effectiveness. The portrayal of soldiers as receiving no additional benefits beyond basic salary is therefore misleading and inaccurate.

The claim that soldiers are required to purchase uniforms and protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets, is entirely false. The Nigerian Army prioritises the welfare, safety, and force protection of its personnel. The provision of uniforms, kits, arms, ammunition, and operational gear is an institutional responsibility executed through established logistics systems. Dedicated ordnance units oversee the procurement, storage, and issuance of these items to ensure troops are adequately equipped for operations. While some personnel may choose to supplement issued kits based on personal preference and comfort, such actions are voluntary and do not indicate any systemic failure. The assertion that troops operate without protective gear is not only false but also reckless, as it undermines public confidence and troop morale.

For the avoidance of doubt, no soldier is deployed to an operational theatre without the necessary protective equipment. Claims that such gear is only issued during ceremonial visits are deliberate falsehoods intended to mislead the public. The Nigerian Army remains committed to the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and troop welfare. Operational decisions regarding postings and deployments are guided strictly by strategic and operational requirements.

Therefore, the public is requested to disregard these baseless allegations, which are clearly intended to misinform and generate unwarranted sympathy. The Nigerian Army emphasises the need for sustained public support for the Armed Forces and other security agencies, whose personnel continue to make significant sacrifices in defence of the nation. Citizens are urged to refrain from amplifying unverified claims that may undermine these institutions.

Those inclined to support such narratives are advised to desist, as they are founded on falsehoods and are capable of weakening troop morale and national security efforts. The Nigerian Army reaffirms its steadfast commitment to national security and the welfare of its personnel and urges the media to verify information from credible official sources before publication. The public is therefore urged to treat these claims with the disregard they deserve.

APPOLONIA ANELE

Colonel

Acting Director Army Public Relations

7 April 2026
Association of Resident Doctors, University College Hospital, Ibadan, will resume work at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, following the suspension of the nationwide strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors.

ARD UCH president, Uthman Adedeji, disclosed this on Tuesday in Ibadan, confirming compliance with the national directive.

NARD had earlier directed its members nationwide to embark on an indefinite strike over the federal governments failure to address its demands.

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The demands include immediate reversal of the revised professional allowance, payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears, and prompt disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), among others.

Mr Adedeji said the strike was suspended after an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, during which NARD directed members nationwide, including those at UCH, to resume duties at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

He explained that the decision followed the federal governments reversal of its stance on the revised professional allowance and a commitment to address other outstanding issues raised by the association.

He said that no new patients would be admitted at UCH until Wednesday morning, as doctors would use the period to properly hand over patients currently on admission to consultants.

According to him, stable patients will be discharged, while no new cases, including emergencies, will be accepted until full services resume at the scheduled time.

Mr Adedeji added that some doctors might be granted additional time beyond the handover window to manage critically ill patients, subject to approval from the associations leadership.

He reiterated the associations commitment to patient care and urged the federal government to urgently address NARDs demands to prevent further disruption in the health sector.

(NAN)
I remember when Tinubu was Lagos State Governor, he did wit Lagos, what Oti is currently doing in Abia State. At that time OBJ was d President and was having some political Dissagrements wit Tinubu, yet Tinubu forged on, and carried Lagos state wit a lot of grace and panache, turning d city into an even better place than he met it, building MM2, dualizing Allen Avenue and many other roads inside Lagos, he cleared d streets of area boys and created LASTMA, among many other good works, without any much support from federal, it was a good time to live in Lagos then. Lagosians loved Tinubu.

And so, I believe thats d yardstick he was measured wit, while weighing him for d kind of capacity needed for d role of a President.

But d President we r seeing now, makes me wonder, where is d Tinubu we used to kno? D Tinubu who stood and protested and won against many past bad governance right from when I was still wearing diapers? D Tinubu who fought OBJ hands down and made Lagos a heaven? d real City Boy, What happened?

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In my opinion, AGE happened, which is a nature call and should not be faulted, his life long desire and goal has always been to become d President of Nigeria, hence d EMILOKAN surge, quite understandable, he got it, and thats great. But at this point, even him should on his own step down without being told, its honourable to leave d stage when theres still some applaud, loud or not. But his cronies wont tell him now, their gains in it wont let them, until they push him to work himself to kpai, cos being d President of Nigeria, THE GIANT OF AFRICA, is not moimoi, baba should Just resign now.

My name is Shan George, an International Award Winning African Film Maker. And Im proudly Nigerian. Im not a card carrier of Any Political Party, I dont support Tinubu, neither am I currently supporting any presidential candidate, Im Just a Good Citizen bearing her mind respectfully.

I LOVE MONDAYS. .

#Shangeorge #monday #easterbunny #shangeorgetv #HeIsRisen

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18XBVdvSu2/
The Wharton School on the University of Pennsylvania campus. Read more

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The Wharton School is no longer the top-ranked business school in the country, according to an annual list from U.S. News & World Report.

The University of Pennsylvanias business school, which held the No. 1 spot in 2025, fell to No. 2 this year. Wharton has shared the top spot with other schools in recent years.

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The change was primarily driven by a sizable drop in Whartons three-month employment rate, combined with micro-level changes in underlying data metrics, said Eric Brooks, director of education data analysis at U.S. News, in a statement shared via email.

U.S. News reports that 72% of Wharton students are employed when they graduate, and 87% have jobs three months after graduating, earning $179,909 on average.

The Graduate School of Business at Stanford University got the top spot this year, and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business came in third.

The U.S. News ranking is built on a survey of 333 business programs, and 134 schools with sufficient data were included in the list. The ranking takes into account the proportion of students employed after graduation and how much they earn, as well as assessments from corporate recruiters and peers at other educational institutions.

The Wharton School did not immediately provide comment Tuesday.

What is the Wharton experience like?

Wharton offers a full-time MBA track, as well as an executive track for working adults which can be completed part-time from Philadelphia, San Francisco, or remotely.

While the school is no longer in the top position overall, it does rank first among several specialties it offers: management, marketing, real estate, and the executive MBA program. The school tied for the top position in its accounting and finance specialties.

Whartons acceptance rate is 18.6% for the full-time program. The school has 2,304 students enrolled across the full-time and part-time tracks, according to U.S. News. Roughly 55% of students in the full-time program are male.

Tuition and fees for the full-time MBA program total $92,820 per year, and students typically complete the program in two years.
People walk past the IRS offices on the corner of 29th and Market Streets in Philadelphia. Many of the federal jobs lost last year in the region were at the Department of the Treasury. Read more

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The Philadelphia areas federal workforce was cut back by thousands last year under President Donald Trump  and, for the first time, which agencies were hit the hardest by job loss has become clear.

Since Trump took office, his administration has sought to shrink and reshape the federal workforce. Last year, government agencies laid off workers, offered workers the opportunity to leave their jobs while continuing to get paid for months, and required workers to report to their in-person workplaces full-time, which pushed some to quit.

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Agencies that saw the most employee loss in the region were the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Social Security Administration.

In the 11-county Philadelphia metro area, which spans Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, there was a net loss of 3,906 federal jobs from January 2025 through February 2026  a 16.7% decline in the areas federal workforce, based on recent data from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the human resources arm of the federal government.

A collective 61% of the regions federal job loss took place at the VA, Social Security, and Treasury, which includes the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Mint.

Treasury alone saw 1,590 jobs cut in the Philadelphia region.

The data do not include the U.S. Postal Service, which operates independently of tax dollars, funding itself through sales. The Postal Service employed 8,814 people in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties in March 2025, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

The Departments of Education and Energy, which already had small workforces in the Philadelphia region, were both nearly cut in half  to 51 and 26 employees, respectively.

Shrinking the federal workforce

On his first day in office, Trump ordered the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to submit a plan to reduce the size of the federal governments workforce through efficiency improvements and attrition, directing the agency to consult with OPM and the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Later in January, OPM invited federal workers to resign from their jobs and continue to be paid through Sept. 30, in what was called the deferred resignation program. OPM noted that a majority of federal agencies would likely be downsized through restructurings, realignments, and reductions in force. Those who passed up the offer were not guaranteed that their job or agency would continue to exist, the memo noted.

Agencies were instructed in a February memorandum to submit reorganization plans to reduce the number of full-time roles. At the VA, so many workers had left by July that the agency said a layoff plan was no longer necessary.

 READ MORE: These Philly federal workers loved their jobs. But amid Trumps shakeup they chose to leave.

By the end of February, just over a year after Trumps inauguration, the federal workforce shrunk overall by almost 272,000 workers, according to OPM. Nearly 139,000 of them, or 51%, left through the deferred resignation program.

The federal workforce is 12% smaller than it was in 2024, when 2.3 million had U.S. government jobs.

At Philadelphia-area agencies, employment shrank by 1,583 between September and October  the greatest change between any months  seemingly revealing how many took the governments resignation offer. Another big drop came between December 2025 and January this year, when workers who took the resignation offer but were already retirement eligible were officially removed from their roles.

Recently, roughly 500 TSA employees across the U.S. quit during the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, according to the department.

 READ MORE: TSA officers at Philadelphia airport wonder why Trump waited so long to pay them

What happened in N.J., Pa., and Del.?

Across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, dozens of counties saw job losses in federal workplaces.

Those include the sole employee at the Mine Safety and Health Administration in Butler, Pa.; 14 staffers at the Food Safety and Inspection Service in Sussex County, Del.; and 12 of the 14 Department of Environmental Protection staffers in Camden County.

In each state, the federal workforce was about 14% smaller at the end of February than it had been 13 months prior, according to OPM data.

Roughly 8,300 jobs were cut across the three states, with 6,054 lost in Pennsylvania, 1,869 in New Jersey, and 369 in Delaware.

Losses at the Treasury and the VA were among the largest across agencies in all three states.

Across all three states, no agency with 50 or more employees at the start of the Trump administration saw employee headcount increase.
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Justin Perrys family has been farming the rolling hills of the Nebraska panhandle for four generations, but none of them can remember a winter as warm and parched as this one.

There was no steady rain to gently soak the soil. No blanket of snow to insulate the fields and pasture. Just warm, dry winds that swept across the landscape, sucking moisture from every inch of exposed earth.

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Now spring has arrived, along with forecasts for continued drought that could imperil Perrys winter wheat and summer planting. An extraordinary March heat wave sent temperatures soaring to almost 90 degrees, further baking the soil. And to the north, Perry can see smoke billowing from record-setting wildfires that have consumed hundreds of thousands of acres of ranches and farmland.

This is feeling really bleak, Perry said. This might be one of those scenarios that breaks some guys.

All across the lower 48 states, farmers like Perry are reeling from the hottest and third-driest September to February stretch on record. As of March 31, the last date for which data is available, nearly 60 percent of the U.S. was in drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. With the exception of the Midwests sprawling corn and soybean farms, the dire conditions encompass many of the regions that grow the countrys food, from peanuts in the South to wheat and cattle in the Great Plains to produce in the Southwest.

If the combination of rainfall shortages and unprecedented heat continues, experts say, it could have ripple effects through the nations food supply, with some products, like beef, already projected to see prices surge.

Were in a position here where were going into the growing season and into the spring with record low or near-record low soil moisture across the country, said Department of Agriculture meteorologist Brad Rippey. Things are bad and getting worse in a hurry.

Threats to crops and livestock

Some of the driest conditions are in the South, where the growing season is well underway. More than three-quarters of sugarcane-producing areas, 83 percent of rice-producing areas and a whopping 96 percent of the peanut-producing region is besieged by drought.

Unseasonable winter warmth, punctuated by a unusual February freeze, also caused damage to many fruit trees in the region. These occasional cold bursts, caused by waviness in the jet stream that allows Arctic air to plunge south, have become more frequent in recent decades, Rippey said.

When we have early warm spells that push crop development along, the cold air is just lurking, and it doesnt take much to unleash it, he said.

The extraordinarily hot and dry conditions spell trouble for the nations breadbasket in the Great Plains.

Early spring is typically when farmers apply fertilizer to winter wheat  a hardy grain that is planted in the fall and harvested during summer. But the severity of this years drought has growers questioning whether they should keep investing in a crop that may not survive or cut their losses and replant with something else. Meanwhile, extremely dry soil makes it more difficult for new seeds to germinate.

Its another gamble, frankly, Perry said.

Because wheat is a globally traded commodity, the failed crop in the Plains is just one small contributor to the cost of bread, said Jennifer Ifft, a professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University. And prices wont necessarily fluctuate as a result of one bad U.S. season. Other global factors, such as Russias invasion of Ukraine and high fuel prices stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, can also have a powerful effect on costs.

But Americans will probably feel the effects of the drought when shopping for beef, which is mostly produced domestically.

The number of cattle raised in the United States is already the lowest since the 1950s  a consequence of a 2022-2023 dry spell that reduced forage and raised hay prices across the High Plains.

This year, according to the Agriculture Department, 64 percent of the U.S. cattle inventory is affected by drought, along with most of the hay and alfalfa used for feed.

This gives ranchers no reason to regrow their herds and may prompt them to sell off even more animals  leading to high prices for people at the grocery store, said Ariel Ortiz-Bobea, an economist at Cornell University.

The cost of beef has already increased 14.4 percent since February 2025 and is projected to rise an additional 10 percent by the end of the year.

Perry, whose pastures feed his 100-cow herd as well as cattle he takes in from other farmers, said his drought-depleted grass represents a major math problem.

Ive shifted my mindset on cattle side of things to be less focused on, how many calves can I grow and sell, and more on, how much grass can I grow? he said.

Parched conditions for Western farms

Further West, where most farmland is irrigated, it is the dwindling mountain snowpack that has producers most alarmed.

The amount of moisture stored in snow  a metric known as snow water equivalent  was already close to record lows when a historic heat dome engulfed much of the region in March. That surge of summer-like warmth caused a precipitous drop in mountain snowpacks, said Jason Gerlich, the regional drought early warning system coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

In the Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest, 30 inches of snow water equivalent disappeared in a matter of days. The Arkansas-White-Red river basin, which stretches from Colorado to the Mississippi River, contains just 8 percent of its average snowpack moisture.

There are simply no analogous years to this one, Gerlich said.

These conditions bear unmistakable fingerprints of caused climate change, scientists say. Higher temperatures allow the atmosphere to hold more water vapor, pulling moisture out of soils and plants. This phenomenon leads to longer and more intense dry spells, as well as more severe storms that drop huge amounts of rain faster than the landscape can absorb it.

The effects could be particularly severe for irrigated farms, which account for the majority of human water consumption in the American West. Water in the region is governed by seniority  those who most recently got the rights to use water are the first to lose access during times of drought.

In Washingtons Yakima River Basin, now facing a record fourth consecutive year of drought, anyone whose water rights were issued later than 1905 will receive just 44 percent of their usual entitlement, according to a March announcement from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Junior rights holders along other rivers, including the hotly-contested Colorado, could face similar cutbacks in the coming months.

Anticipation of those cuts is affecting how Western farmers plan for their year, said Lauren Ris, executive director of Colorados Water Conservation Board.

Folks that know theyre in the bulls eye are likely going to start to consider operations that would fallow fields or leave acres unplanted, or shorter season crops that would make most of water while we have it, she said.

Produce growers in Arizona, who hold some of the most junior water rights on the Colorado River, could face cutbacks of 30 to 50 percent of their usual supply. These farmers provide about 90 percent of Americas leafy greens between the months of November and April.

The impacts of a drought here do not stop at the state line, Ris said.

The consequences for farmers and prices

The National Weather Service forecasts that these hot, dry conditions will persist or deepen across most of the South and West this spring.

For farmers, the stresses of drought is likely to be compounded by the war with Iran, which has caused a spike in prices for fuel and fertilizer.

Youre at the mercy of the weather, the markets, geopolitics, said Ifft, the Kansas State professor. Its like getting kicked when youre down.

Most U.S. farmers are well covered by crop insurance, which can act as a safety net through one or two bad seasons, she added. Meanwhile, the complexity of the global food market can buffer consumers from drought-induced price increases. If Arizona farmers cant grow as much lettuce, for example, producers in California and Mexico may be able fill the gap.

But the persistently high prices for beef illustrate the consequences of prolonged, repeated dry spells, Ortiz-Bobea said. If farmers endure too many bad years back to back, they may change their practices  or stop producing all together. Eventually, grocery shoppers will also feel the squeeze.

Already, the effects of the U.S. drought are reflected in international wheat prices, which have increased 4.3 percent in the past month, according to United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

Rising global temperatures will make devastating weather patterns far more common, researchers say. In a 2021 study in the journal Nature Climate Change, Ortiz-Bobea found that human-caused warming has already reduced global agricultural productivity by more than 20 percent, with even worse effects in warmer regions.

Farmers have been able to mitigate that headwind with improved technology and more sophisticated practices, he said  but that wont always be the case.

In Nebraska, Perry said his family has sought to cope with high prices and harsh weather by adopting more sustainable practices. They are using less fertilizer on crops like wheat and corn and have stopped tilling their soil to help preserve its moisture.

Were doing the best we can to grow a safe and healthy food supply, he said. But Im seeing less opportunities for profitability the longer this extends.
John Richards IV is escorted out of a courtroom in the Montgomery County Courthouse on Monday. Richards was sentenced to 9 to 23 months in county jail. Read more

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John Richards IV spent a decade working as a teacher, dedicating his life, he told a judge Monday, to a vocation he felt was his calling.

But Richards, 58, ruined his career and his reputation by betraying the authority granted to him, Montgomery County Court Judge Risa Vetri Ferman said as she sentenced Richards to 9 to 23 months in jail for attempting to sexually assault a 13-year-old student.

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The actions that bring us here today are horrific, Ferman said. He made a victim out of a girl who wanted nothing more than to be a student. There has to be a severe punishment, otherwise it would diminish the seriousness of this case.

Richards, of Newtown Square, wrote a message in March 2025 to the girl, a student in his eighth-grade science class at Blockson Middle School in Norristown, telling her that she was beautiful, prosecutors said Monday. He asked permission to kiss her at least two times during a field trip to Washington he was chaperoning the next day.

If you say no, that is ok, youre not any less beautiful.  You dont need to tell me now unless you know the answer, Richards wrote in his message, which he typed on his cell phone and showed to the girl. He translated the message into Spanish, her first language, to ensure that she understood him. He urged her to give him an answer before the bus arrived in Washington.

Instead, the girl, feeling uncomfortable, told her family, who notified police. Richards pleaded guilty in September to attempted sexual contact with a student, solicitation, unlawful contact with a minor, and corruption of minors.

Assistant District Attorney Brad Deckel said Monday that the girls decision to come forward and report Richards showed her bravery.

Every teacher in our community is entrusted with the safety and the education of our children, he said. This is a defendant who had that public trust and violated it in a horrific way, trying to exploit this child for his own sexual gratification.

The girl told Ferman during Mondays proceeding that her life has been forever changed by Richards actions. She said she has trouble trusting strangers, especially men.

I couldnt understand how an adult could write that to a student, the girl said, speaking in Spanish translated by an interpreter. After that, everything changed. Now, instead of feeling protected at school, I felt fear.

Richards, in addressing the judge, said he was ashamed and sickened by his choices, and wholeheartedly sorry for what he did.

Looking back at it now, Im appalled that I couldve done something so reprehensible, Richards said. I think I was in a bad, lonely place, and I was looking to be seen in any way possible.

Richards blamed what he called a lapse in judgment on what he described as ineffective medication to treat his ADHD diagnosis. He asked the judge for leniency, saying that his three children had already been given life sentences by the court of public opinion.

She was not swayed.
The settlement stems from a class-action lawsuit filed in August 2023 against educational technology companies including PowerSchool, which owns Naviance. Read more

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Students who have used the college and career readiness platform Naviance in the last five years may be eligible for part of a $17.25 million settlement over data privacy.

The settlement stems from a class-action lawsuit filed in August 2023 against several educational technology companies  including PowerSchool, which owns Naviance  and Chicagos public school system. The lawsuit alleged they allowed students data to be accessed by a third-party analytics company.

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Defendants deny that they violated any law but have agreed to the settlement to avoid the uncertainties and expenses associated with continuing the case, according to a notice from Kroll Settlement Administration.

Its unclear how many Philadelphia-area families received the notice, but PowerSchool software  including Naviance  is widely used by K-12 schools.

In Lower Merion, some families received the notice this past weekend, district officials said. They said the settlement, which is not expected to be finalized until August, could be divided among 10 million families.

To be eligible for the settlement, students need to have logged into Naviance at least once between Aug. 18, 2021, and Jan. 23, 2026. Families can find more information and submit a claim through the settlement website.

The settlement is unrelated to a PowerSchool data breach reported in January 2025 that affected schools nationally, including in Lower Merion and Haverford. A separate class-action lawsuit has been filed over that incident, alleging it exposed confidential information of 50 million students and teachers.
Workers gathered outside a Town Hall meeting at World Cafe Live in July 2025. The venue was shut down on Saturday night for serving alcohol without a license, but plans to remain open as a BYOB. Read more

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West Philly music venue World Stage  formerly known as World Cafe Live  was shut down by Pennsylvania State Police Liquor Control Enforcement officers on Saturday.

Before a scheduled evening performance by Grateful Dead tribute band Box of Rain, all alcohol on the premises was seized. Three bartenders and a manager were arrested and spent the night at the Philadelphia Police Department headquarters at 400 N. Broad St.

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The Pennsylvania Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement confirmed to The Inquirer that the raid took place as part of an investigation but did not release further details.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Boards website lists the venues liquor license as having been expired since Oct. 31. The venue has been embattled with labor strife and other operational issues since a new management team headed by Joseph Callahan took over last spring.

Mat Wranovics of Unite Here Local 274, the union that represents food servers and front-of-house workers at the venue, said three bartenders were arrested after undercover officers purchased drinks from them.

We knew that they lost their liquor license a while ago, Wranovics said of the venue. But then they told the workers that they had gotten that sorted out, and we had no particular reason to doubt that.

The bartenders were taken to Police Headquarters held overnight, and released the next day without charges, according to Wranovics. The manager was charged with liquor law violations and released from custody Monday, court records show. Philadelphia police did not comment on the case.

So there are these three bartenders who have no responsibility or knowledge of any of this who end up getting taken to jail and held in cells overnight. No blankets, no pillows. Sleeping on the cold floor, given a cheese sandwich for dinner, Wranovics said.

They finally released them around noon and we picked them up and drove them home. They were pretty shaken up.

 READ MORE: World Cafe Live has filed for bankruptcy and changed its name

For several weeks in November and December, the nonprofit venue operated on a bring-your-own-alcohol basis, while the Friday Free at Noon concerts produced by radio station WXPN-FM (88.5) temporarily moved to Ardmore Music Hall.

In January, Free at Noons moved back to the World Cafe Live, which continued to host shows  and serve alcohol  under that name and as World Stage. That new moniker was debuted in March shortly after the venue filed for bankruptcy protection as it faced a stop-work order from the Philadelphia Department of Revenue for a serious tax violation.

But according to a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Bureau of Licensing, the license that expired on Halloween has not been properly renewed.

A renewal request was received in mid-October, the PLCB said, but the license lacked proper tax clearances. The PLCB sent four separate letters notifying the licensee that it lacked proper tax clearances, and that they had no proper authority beyond Oct. 31, 2025. The most recent letter was sent Jan. 14.

J. Sean Diaz, whom Callahan appointed president and CEO of the venue in September, did not respond to a request for comments about Saturdays raid and the status of the liquor license, or whether the venue would remain open.

One of the arrested bartenders, who spoke to The Inquirer on condition of anonymity, said the staff believed Diaz had acquired a catering license that allowed the venue to serve alcohol in the early months of 2026.

Then, their understanding was, World Stage stopped serving alcohol for three weeks after filing for bankruptcy, because its catering license was no longer valid. Beginning Friday, the staff was led to believe they were in the clear to start serving again.

It was my only shift of the week, the bartender said. Saturday morning, I got a text that said, Hey, were serving liquor tonight.

The bartender said a customer who bought drinks at the bar turned out to be a law enforcement officer.

And then maybe 10 minutes later, I see flashlights in the entryway and about a dozen officers of varying sorts are swarming the lobby and the bar.

Along with two other bartenders and a manager, the bartender who spoke to The Inquirer was handcuffed.

I had no idea that we werent supposed to be serving liquor, but the fact that I was then told I was going to stay in a cell overnight on the night before Easter was just so disheartening.

After being fingerprinted in the morning, Somebody came and said, Youre going home. They took me and the other bartenders out, gave us our stuff back and said, Your charges are dismissed or declined, or words to that effect.

This feels like the final straw, the bartender said of the latest episode in a tumultuous year for the venue. Like, another stain on our reputation. I dont know if we can come back from this.

And yet, World Stage seemingly plans to remain open for business.

The University of Pennsylvania, which owns the building that houses World Stage and WXPN, served the venue with an eviction letter in July, but Callahan disputed the notice with a counter filing and the venue has stayed in business as the case continues.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Fridays Free at Noon with Australian power-pop band the Belair Lip Bombs was still scheduled to take place at World Stage.

And a Monday post on the World Stage Instagram page touted forthcoming shows, including the Cypher that night in the venues lounge, advertised as No Cover BYOB. Caleb Chen is scheduled for Thursday and Goldpine and Alaina Stacey are set for Friday, also in the lounge.

On Saturday, Philly Grateful Dead fan Michael Hugh Ruane said, he went to see Box of Rain at World Stage. When he walked in through the ground floor entrance to the Music Hall on 31st Street, he was surprised to see at least a dozen officers in uniform and bulletproof vests.

Entering the venue, which was nearly sold out, I said to my friend, Its really quiet in here, Ruane said. The venues ticket taker looked really deflated, and said, Theres not going to be a show tonight.

Soon after, Ruane saw band members carrying their guitars out and the band posted on social media that Tonights show at World Cafe Live has been canceled due to a venue shutdown.

Staff writer Lizzie Mulvey contributed to this article.
The outdoor dining area at Sweet Amalia Market & Kitchen in Newfield, N.J., in May 2024. Read more

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Sweet Amalia Market & Kitchen, the nationally known oyster stand and eatery in the New Jersey Pinelands, says it has paused its 2026 opening as it awaits a governmental review of its seating plans.

The rustic roadside stand offered indoor and outdoor seating when it opened in 2021 on Harding Highway in Newfield, Gloucester County, a popular route to the Jersey Shore. But in August 2023, lacking the proper permitting, it was ordered to shut down. Two days later, it reopened with takeout and outdoor picnic table seating but no indoor dining.

Management announced Monday that it had to remove the picnic tables while the Pinelands Commission as well as county and local authorities review Sweet Amalias plans to allow seating. Land use in the ecologically fragile Pinelands is highly regulated. On its social-media accounts, Sweet Amalia described the region, which covers parts of seven counties, as a 1.1-million-acre treasure in our densely populated state.

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They gave us the option to do takeout, owner Lisa Calvo told The Inquirer. But given the nature of the food and our customer base, we just didnt feel like that was a great translation of our business model. The oyster bar business is not takeout. Its people stopping, enjoying the vibe, hanging out, eating oysters freshly shucked.

Calvo said she did not have an exact date for the reopening. We hope everybody will be patient, she said.

Sweet Amalia grew out of Calvos oyster business, Sweet Amalia Oyster Farm, founded in 2012 on the Delaware Bay. During the pandemic, Calvo and partners turned the roadside market in her hometown into a seasonal kitchen and retail operation centered on oysters, seafood, sandwiches, and local goods, an outlet for local growers and producers.

 READ MORE: New Jersey's oyster business enjoys a resurgence

Sweet Amalia quickly drew notice well beyond South Jersey. It landed on Craig LaBans best-of lists, made Esquires 2022 best new restaurants list, and helped earn chef Melissa McGrath a James Beard semifinalist nod in 2023. In 2024, it was the only New Jersey restaurant on the New York Times list of the nations best restaurants.

For now, at Sweet Amalias oysters are available at many local restaurants and by on-line order and pickup.
Yentli Soto Albrecht inherited a genetic mutation that can cause ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that claimed her father's life two years ago. She's also an M.D.-Ph.D. student at Penn. Read more

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Yentli Soto Albrecht is at risk of developing the same condition that claimed her fathers life two years ago.

The University of Pennsylvania medical student inherited a genetic mutation that causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disease in which patients progressively lose the ability to move. The mutation can also cause frontotemporal dementia, which her grandmother had.

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She faces a 50% chance of getting either disease by 55, and a 95% chance by 65.

Now, at age 32, Soto Albrecht is pushing to find a cure before shes likely affected, too.

People usually die in two to five years from the time of symptom onset of ALS, with an average survival of three years. The most common cause of death is loss of breathing. Thats how her father died of ALS at age 66.

Soto Albrecht is now managing 11 projects that together aim to tackle gaps in research on ALS. Theyre focused on testing potential therapeutics, identifying biological markers of the disease, accelerating research with patient samples, and building community awareness.

The projects arose from attending conferences related to the disease, where she would give potential collaborators a business card with a photo of her hugging her father, Frank Albrecht.

Her opening question was, Will you help me survive?

In her fathers honor, shes hosting a fundraiser called Pushups for ALS to raise money for research. The event will take place virtually and in person on Wednesday at McCaskey High School in Lancaster, where he worked as a student support facilitator.

Soto Albrecht said she advocates and researches as if shes running out of time.

The biggest motivator that exists is survival, she said.

An unexpected diagnosis

Soto Albrecht, who grew up in Lancaster, enrolled at Penn as an M.D.-Ph.D. student in 2018.

Five years later, her fathers foot stopped working properly.

Her mother texted her right before an important Ph.D. thesis committee meeting, telling her she worried the symptom was a sign of ALS. Frank Albrechts sister had died from the disease in 2019.

It all came crashing down on me, Soto Albrecht said.

She gave her presentation, then went home, hugged her husband, Samuel Riegel, and cried.

Soto Albrecht knew a Penn neurologist and scientist, Defne Amado, whose lab was on the same floor as hers. She asked Amado to take a look at her dad.

That same week in June 2023, Amado diagnosed him with ALS.

She also ordered genetic testing for him, which came back positive for a genetic cause: variation in the C9orf72 gene.

About 10% of all ALS cases are inherited.

Soto Albrecht tested positive for the mutation as well.

She continued her Ph.D. research, while visiting her father once a week in Lancaster as his disease rapidly progressed.

On Aug. 24, 2024, Frank Albrecht died in her arms, struggling to breathe.

An educator for 42 years, known by his nickname Brother, Albrecht was surrounded by friends and family singing hymns in English and Spanish.

Limited options

Care for ALS patients hasnt changed much since the 1990s, Amado said.

For the vast majority of patients, options are limited to a drug called Riluzole, which can slow the rate of disease progression, extending life by a few months. (A second FDA-approved drug, called Edaravone, has had mixed results in clinical trials.)

Supportive care includes optimizing nutrition and physical activity, and providing breathing and feeding support.

It is symptom management at that point, Amado said.

And for C9orf72 genetic carriers like Soto Albrecht, there are no known options for prevention.

After finishing her Ph.D. in infectious disease research in 2024, she launched herself into the ALS community, attending nearly a dozen neurodegeneration conferences in the span of a year.

Soto Albrecht became a community science liaison for a patient-led organization called Genetic ALS & FTD: End the Legacy, which launched as a nonprofit in 2023 to advocate for affected patients. It has funded the majority of her conference trips.

As part of her projects, she has helped scientists find grants, access samples and clinical data needed for experiments, write letters of intent, and put together pitches.

One effort is trying to identify biological markers (a measurable substance or process in the body) that could help scientists better predict and track ALS progression.

Her focus is genetic carriers who havent yet developed symptoms.

Currently, the vast majority of trials are focused on treating patients who are already diagnosed.

Those are really big conceptual gaps that directly impact my ability to survive or outrun my genetic predisposition, she said.

She is collaborating on an unpaid basis with a Wisconsin-based company BrainXell to improve scientists access to patient stem cells for study.

She banked her and her fathers cells, a month before he died, so scientists can study the biology of a patient with active disease vs. a carrier who hasnt developed ALS.

Soto Albrecht is also helping to fundraise for the Penn ALS Program, an effort Amado founded that is currently seeking philanthropic support following cuts to federal funding for scientific research under President Donald Trumps administration.

Changing paths

Soto Albrecht recalled simply getting a piece of paper with her odds of getting ALS or dementia when she was diagnosed.

The experience spurred her to let go of her original dream of becoming an infectious disease scientist to study to become a neurologist.

I want to build the type of care that I seek, said Soto Albrecht, who expects to graduate in 2027.

She feels her advocacy carries on her fathers legacy of helping others. In his last role as a student support facilitator at McCaskey High School, Frank Albrecht helped students who were struggling to make it to school on time by finding them safe bus routes and buying them alarm clocks. He made late-night house calls to check on those who were thinking about suicide.

The fundraiser revolves around pushups, an activity her father challenged himself to do daily until he couldnt.

The goal is to raise $65,000 to support promising, treatment-related research, she said.

Even though he couldnt survive, maybe we could help other people survive, she said.
Teddy Guerra, who works at a Starbucks at 20th and Market Streets, speaks during a Starbucks Workers United rally outside the shop at 16th and Walnut in Philadelphia on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. Read more

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A brewing trademark fight between Starbucks and the union representing its workers has spilled into federal court in Philadelphia.

Workers United, the union representing Starbucks baristas nationwide, filed a lawsuit Friday asking a judge to declare that the workers have a right to use their employers name and a similar logo in union materials.

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Five years into a national campaign to unionize branches of the Seattle-based coffee giant under the banner of Starbucks Workers United, and secure a first union contract, questions remain on whether the name infringes on the corporations copyright.

Starbucks Workers United is part of Workers United, which has over 86,000 members in manufacturing, apparel, food service, and other industries.

Starbucks previously argued that the unions name, in conjunction with the campaigns logo that riffs off Starbucks logo, could cause people to confuse the union and coffee chain.

But the union doesnt think anyone is attempting to order a grande skinny-latte with an extra pump of vanilla from its website.

Starbucks Workers United clearly identifies itself as a distinct organization, the suit says, and has no interest in conflating itself with the company, which it accuses of unlawful union busting.

Our globally iconic brand is the outward representation of who we are as a company, and we will always take steps to prevent misuse that could create confusion for our customers, Jaci Anderson, Starbucks director of global communications, said in a statement.

The union did not respond to a request for comment.

The company previously sued the union in an Iowa federal court over the name and logo usage. The 2023 lawsuit said that because the union used the Starbucks name, people could confuse the unions political statements online with the companys official positions.

Workers United filed a countersuit against Starbucks the same day in federal court in Philadelphia, where the union is based, quoting social media posts by the union chastising the company.

No one would mistake these as statements of Starbucks Corporation, the suit said.

The parties agreed in late 2024 to negotiate the dispute outside court. Both cases were dismissed in early 2025.

But those negotiations fell apart, and a settlement was never reached, according to the new lawsuit. It will now be up to U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson to help the sides reach a settlement or, eventually, rule on the matter.

When did the Starbucks union get its start?

Starbucks workers in Buffalo, N.Y., were the first to unionize in 2021. Since then, hundreds of Starbucks stores have unionized, according to Starbucks Workers United.

The coffee company has several dozen stores in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. Multiple city and suburban locations are unionized, including West Philadelphia locations at Penn Medicine, Schuylkill Yards, 39th and Walnut Streets, and 34th and Walnut Streets.

But unionized workers at the coffee company are still without a first contract. Several tentative agreements had been reached as of November  but sticking points emerged around financial proposals, and unfair labor practice charges that the union filed against the company remained unresolved, the union said.

As negotiations stalled, the union launched an open-ended national strike in November that included several Philadelphia stores. Shortly before the strike was called, the company said it would close hundreds of underperforming stores, including six in Philadelphia, facing declining sales at some stores amid a rise in labor costs and coffee prices.

As of February, some striking workers were back at their jobs, while over 1,000 were still out on strike, according to a union spokesperson.

Starbucks announced in March that workers could earn an annual bonus of up to $1,200 based on their locations performance. The company has also directed workers to implement new customer service practices like writing messages to customers on cups, and preparing orders in four minutes or less.
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If you want to travel round-trip from Philadelphia to Wilmington, its going to cost you. $1,000, to be exact. You also wont be on an airplane in the sky. Youll be on a bus on I-95.

Confused? Youre not alone. Last week, a Bluesky user pointed out that American Airlines was selling roundtrip tickets between ILG and PHL for about $1,000. The option appeared in search results for flights between the two airports, even though it was not a flight at all. It was a bus ride. And while a standard round-trip ticket on a Greyhound bus costs $20, this one, operated by a company called Landline, costs 50 times that.

Why so expensive? Because American Airlines doesnt actually want people buying that ticket on its own. The Wilmington-to-Philadelphia route is meant to function as one leg of a longer trip, not as a standalone ride. It is operated by Landline, a company that partners with airlines to bring travelers from smaller cities to major hub airports without using short regional flights. In the Philadelphia area, that means passengers can check in and clear security at regional airports like Wilmington, Atlantic City, Trenton, Allentown, and Scranton, then board buses that take them straight to Concourse F at Philadelphia International Airport to catch a connecting flight.

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Landline CEO David Sunde said the service isnt designed for people who simply want to travel between Wilmington and Philadelphia, and most people arent using it that way. But because, according to American Airlines, a technical limitation prevents the company from fully removing standalone Landline tickets from search results, those trips still appear as a purchase option. American prices them high to discourage people from buying them. In other words, the $1,000 fare is less a real offer than a giant digital Do Not Touch sign.

Unfortunately, not everyone gets the message. Social media is full of stories from people who booked standalone Landline tickets thinking they were flights. Last month, a woman went viral on TikTok for posting a video of her flight from South Bend, Indiana, to Chicago, writing, when you buy a flight from American Airlines but they board you on to a bus on the tarmac.

@thekennedysimone_ when you buy a flight from American Airlines but they board you on to a bus on the tarmac so you think theyre driving you to the plane but they just start driving to the destination  #traveltok #americanairlines  original sound - foreverhumblemarc96

Part of the confusion appears to stem from how closely the bus rides resemble flights in search results, especially on third-party booking sites. While buses and flights are easier to tell apart on Americans website, the overall layouts are still similar. That is actually by design.

The goal here is to make the purchasing experience just like buying any other connecting flight, Sunde said. To fully integrate it into the American Airlines connecting experience, it has to start with the purchase and the digital side, which is why they appear like flights.

Sunde acknowledges that the $1,000 bus fare between ILG and PHL looks strange, but encourages people to check out what happens when they book a flight from Wilmington to anywhere else but Philadelphia.

Book a trip from Wilmington to London, for example, and the Landline ride to Philadelphia is simply folded into the itinerary, with the cost included in the total fare of $1,054. Make Philadelphia the final destination, though, and American Airlines will still sell you a $1,000 bus ride. It would just rather you didnt buy it.
Bystanders watch from a distance as rescue teams and first responders work at the site of a strike that, according to a security official at the scene, destroyed half of the Khorasaniha Synagogue and nearby residential buildings in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Read more

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TEHRAN, Iran  U.S. President Donald Trump pulled back on his threats to launch devastating strikes on Iran late Tuesday, as the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump swerved to deescalate the war less than two hours before the deadline he set for Tehran to capitulate to a deal or face attacks on its bridges and power plants meant to destroy Iranian civilization.

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Irans Supreme National Security Council said it has accepted the ceasefire and that it would negotiate with the United States in Islamabad beginning Friday. Neither Iran nor the United States said when the ceasefire would begin, and attacks took place in Israel, Iran and across the Gulf region early Wednesday.

Israel has also agreed to the ceasefire, according to a White House official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The ceasefire calls for Israel and Hezbollah to halt fighting in Lebanon, according to the prime minister of Pakistan, which has been mediating talks.

But the ceasefire process was clouded in uncertainty after Iran released two different versions of the 10-point plan intended to be the basis for negotiations.

In the version released in Farsi, Iran included the phrase acceptance of enrichment for its nuclear program. But for reasons that remain unclear, that phrase was missing in English versions shared by Iranian diplomats to journalists.

Trump initially had said Iran proposed a workable 10-point plan that could help end the war launched by the U.S. and Israel in February. But he later called it fraudulent, without elaborating. Trump has said ending Irans nuclear program entirely was a key point of the war.

Pro-government demonstrators in the streets of Irans capital screamed: Death to America, death to Israel, death to compromisers! after the ceasefire announcement Wednesday morning. They also burned American and Israeli flags in the street.

It shows the ongoing anger from hard-liners, who had been preparing for what many assumed would be an apocalyptical battle with the United States.

Iran and Oman to collect shipping fees in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said passage through the strait would be allowed under Iranian military management. It wasnt immediately clear whether that meant Iran would completely loosen its chokehold on the waterway.

The plan allows for both Iran and Oman to charge fees on ships transiting through the strait, according to a regional official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss negotiations they were directly involved in. The official said Iran would use the money it raised for reconstruction.

In addition to control of the strait, Irans demands for ending the war include withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from the region, the lifting of sanctions and the release of its frozen assets.

Since the war began, Trump has repeatedly backed off deadlines just before they expire.

In doing so again Tuesday, Trump said in a social media post he had come to the decision based on conversations with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Gen. Asim Munir, Pakistans powerful army chief. Sharif, in a post on X hours earlier, urged Trump to extend his deadline by two weeks to allow diplomacy to advance. He used the same post to ask Iran to open the strait for two weeks.

Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated, Trump said.

There are concerns in Israel about the agreement, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak to the media. The person said Israel would like to achieve more.

Irans stockpile of highly enriched uranium is still buried at enrichment sites. The program had been one of the main issues cited by both Israel and the U.S. in launching the war.

Earlier Trump threats raised alarms

A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again, if a deal isnt reached, Trump said in an online post Tuesday morning. But he also seemed to keep open the possibility of an off-ramp, saying that maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen.

Trumps expansive threat did not seem to account for potential harm to civilians, prompting Democrats in Congress, some United Nations officials and scholars in military law to say such strikes would violate international law.

Tehrans representative at the U.N., Amir-Saeid Iravani, said the threats constitute incitement to war crimes and potentially genocide and that Iran would take immediate and proportionate reciprocal measures if Trump launches devastating strikes.

The U.S. and Israel have battered Iran with attacks targeting its military capabilities, leadership and nuclear program. Iran has responded with a stream of strikes on Israel and Gulf Arab neighbors, causing regional chaos and outsized economic and political shock.

Late Tuesday, Pakistans prime minister urged Trump to extend his deadline by two weeks to allow diplomacy to advance. In a post on X, Shehbaz Sharif, whose country has been leading negotiations, also asked Iran to open up for two weeks the Strait of Hormuz.

China, which is Tehrans biggest trade partner, encouraged the Iranians to find a way to a ceasefire as talks progressed, according to two officials who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Before the deadline, airstrikes hit two bridges and a train station, and the U.S. hit military infrastructure on Kharg Island, a key hub for Iranian oil production.

While Iran cannot match the sophistication of U.S. and Israeli weaponry or their dominance in the air, its chokehold on the strait since the war began in late February is roiling the world economy and raising the pressure on Trump both at home and abroad to find a way out of the standoff.

Airstrikes hit Iran, which fires on Saudi Arabia and Israel

Even as the ceasefire was announced, missile alerts continued in the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait early Wednesday, hinting at the chaos surrounding the diplomatic moves. A gas processing facility in Abu Dhabi was ablaze after incoming Iranian fire, officials said.

Israel was continuing its attacks on Iran, said an Israeli military official who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with military regulations. Iran also kept up fire on Israel.

The U.S. military has halted all offensive operations against Iran but continues defensive actions, said an official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive military operations.

Earlier Tuesday the Israeli military said it attacked an Iranian petrochemical site in Shiraz, the second day in a row it hit such a facility. The military later said it also struck bridges in several cities that were being used by Iranian forces to transport weapons and military equipment.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began, but the government has not updated the toll for days.

In Lebanon, where Israel is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah militants, more than 1,500 people have been killed. and more than 1 million people have been displaced. Eleven Israeli soldiers have died there.

In Gulf Arab states and the occupied West Bank, more than two dozen people have died, while 23 have been reported dead in Israel, and 13 U.S. service members have been killed.
President Donald Trump appears to mimic firing a rifle while speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, standing next to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Read more

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President Donald Trump has continued to describe the war against Iran as an unqualified success, saying as recently as Monday that the United States was doing unbelievably well, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tehran had been embarrassed and humiliated by U.S. forces.

But Irans downing of an F-15E fighter jet and the high-risk rescue operation that ensued showed that Tehran retains the ability to threaten the United States military personnel and cast doubt on the statistics Hegseth has promoted in recent weeks, boasting about complete control of Iranian skies and uncontested airspace, U.S. officials and analysts said.

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The chaotic but successful rescue mission has become the clearest indication yet that Hegseths repeated claims of air dominance come with serious caveats, and has reinforced concerns inside the Trump administration that his messaging about the war is overly optimistic and risks misinforming both the public and the president.

Pete is not speaking truth to the president, one administration official said. As a result, the president is out there repeating misleading information.

Though Hegseth has claimed for weeks that Iran has no air defenses and could do nothing about U.S. air incursions, Trump acknowledged during his White House news conference Monday that a shoulder-fired heat-seeking missile downed the F-15 that left two U.S. airmen temporarily stranded deep inside Iranian territory.

He got lucky. It was a lucky hit, Trump said.

Iran also shot down an A-10 attack plane Friday, though the pilot of that aircraft managed to fly it back to friendly airspace before ejecting safely, officials said.

Kelly Grieco, a military analyst at the Stimson Center, said that while the Trump administration has significantly degraded Irans navy, air force, and fixed missile and radar targets, the F-15s downing is what happens when you have air superiority but dont have air supremacy.

Our air superiority is limited geographically to the west and to south but also in terms of altitude, she added, noting that U.S. planes probably have been flying above 15,000 or even 30,000 feet to avoid the type of shoulder-fired rockets that hit the F-15 on Friday.

Hegseths triumphant rhetoric has stood in contrast to that of Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who has not suggested U.S. pilots can use Iranian airspace without concern of enemy threats.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell called scrutiny of Hegseths public messaging lies and propaganda.

Secretary Hegseth has provided the Commander-in-Chief with decisive military options to achieve our clear, scoped objectives: destroy Irans missile arsenal, annihilate their Navy, destroy their terrorist proxies, and ensure Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon, he said in a statement. The Washington Post is pushing a fake story of failure.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly rejected any assertion that Hegseth has misinformed the president and said Trump always knew the Iranians would shoot back. He has always had the full picture of the conflict. Nothing has surprised him or our military planners, who were prepared for any possible contingency, she said.

Kelly reiterated that the United States and Israel, its partner in the conflict, have flown more than 13,000 combat flights over Iran, destroyed or damaged two-thirds of Tehrans production facilities, and wiped out Irans navy.

Concerns about Hegseths war messaging, which comes in the form of televised news conferences and grainy videos of airstrikes posted on his X account, go beyond his claims about U.S. air dominance, said American officials, speaking like some others on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive national security matters.

A major source of contention, they say, is Hegseths characterization of the U.S. effort to destroy Irans vaunted missile and drone programs, the regimes most formidable threat to American, Israeli, and Arab assets and personnel in the region.

Last month, Hegseth said during a Pentagon news conference that Irans missile and drone programs are being overwhelmingly destroyed.

But more than half of the countrys missile launchers are still intact, and thousands of one-way attack drones remain in Irans quiver, according to a recent U.S. intelligence assessment, the contents of which were relayed by three people familiar with the product. The assessment was first reported by CNN.

Another source of scrutiny emerged March 31, when Hegseth told reporters the number of Iranian missile and drone launches had fallen to a lower level than any other 24-hour period since the war began. The figure was presented as evidence that relentless U.S. and Israeli strikes were degrading Irans ability to sustain attacks.

But administration officials said Hegseths claim was incorrect and that lower 24-hour periods occurred March 14, 15, and 22. Documents sent around internally contradict Hegseths claims, one official said.

Parnell did not address questions about the discrepancy.

Open-source data published by Dmitri Alperovitch, co-founder of the Silverado Policy Accelerator think tank, also indicated that lower volumes of drone and missile launches occurred in mid-March as opposed to the end of the month. Alperovitch aggregates reports of launches by governments in the region.

Other U.S. officials said Hegseths focus on launch volume is dubious even if his numbers were close to accurate.

If you judge Irans strength or weakness based on their launch numbers, that is a dumb metric. What is their objective? Are they achieving that? Thats what matters, another U.S. official said.

That view is echoed by analysts who say Irans strategy appears to be evolving away from sheer volume of drone and missile strikes toward efficiency and precision.

Seven U.S. troops have been killed in Iranian counterattacks, and six others died in an apparent midair refueling accident that caused their plane to crash. Nearly 375 other service members have suffered varying degrees of wounds, according to U.S. tallies.

Irans tactics have changed, said one person familiar with U.S. assessments. You saw a bunch of missile and drone attacks at the start  and then it dropped off precipitously, the person said. That was Iran preserving their magazine.

After earlier rounds of attacks by the U.S. and Israel, Iran took actions to protect its missile and drone arsenal to wait out U.S. munition use, this person said. Now our magazine is low on our side, and the Israelis are in the same position.

Grieco, of the Stimson Center, said the focus on Irans daily launch counts makes a good sound bite but obscures more meaningful indicators.

She said Irans hit rates, the percentage of projectiles that evade defenses and strike targets, have increased over time, according to her analysis of open-source reporting.

A high-profile example was the recent destruction of a U.S. E-3 surveillance aircraft in an Iranian strike that hit a U.S. military facility in Saudi Arabia.

However, the fact that U.S. forces were able to penetrate deep into Iran for the rescue mission and have everyone come out safe also shows just how much of Irans capability has been degraded, another U.S. official said.

Iran continues to launch ballistic missiles at our partners and allies in the region, said Sen. Chris Coons (D., Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It continues to lob hundreds of cheap and lethal drones at civilian targets like oil tankers, airports, and hotels, at oil and gas infrastructure, and at our bases and embassies.

The United States has taken out Irans ability to manufacture new ballistic missiles, but its not possible to wipe out its drone-making capacity, Coons said. You can make a lot of capable and lethal drones in garages and basements, and keep firing, Coons said. Iran had thousands of drones before the war, and Ive seen nothing to suggest that that stockpile is going away anytime soon.

Grieco said Iran appears to be shifting toward a more efficient strategy.

Theyre focusing on smaller, more targeted salvos, she said. Theyre picking targets and looking for gaps in defenses.

Last week, Hegseth went back to the statistic, saying in a news briefing that ballistic missile attacks on U.S. forces are down 90% since the start of the conflict, a metric Trump repeated Monday.

While some officials said the presidents repetition of Hegseths rhetoric is concerning, another worry is whether the defense secretary is explaining the evolving complexity of the conflict to Trump.

In particular, the stepped-up activities of Iranian-backed groups in the conflict, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Shiite militias in Iraq, have increased the burden on missile defense systems in the region scrambling to fend off attack from multiple countries.

Youre not just fighting the Iranians, an administration official said. That hasnt been hammered home.
U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson has been released after she was kidnapped last week in Baghdad. Read more

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BAGHDAD  American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped from a Baghdad streetcorner last week, has been released, two Iraqi officials with direct knowledge of the situation said on Tuesday.

The development came after the powerful Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah said in a statement earlier in the day that it had decided to free Kittleson, who was abducted on March 31. Its condition was that that Kittleson must leave the country immediately upon her release.

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Two officials within the militia, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly, told the Associated Press that in exchange for freeing Kittleson, several members of the group who had previously been detained by Iraqi authorities would be released.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Typically, the State Department does not confirm the release of Americans abducted abroad until they have been transferred to U.S. government hands or have safely left a country.

In Wisconsin, Kittlesons mother said she was unsure if her daughter was free.

A one-off release

According to one of the two Iraqi officials, Kittleson was freed in the afternoon. The officials, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly, did not share her current whereabouts but said that prior to her release, Kittleson had been held in Baghdad.

In its statement, Kataib Hezbollah said its decision came in appreciation of the patriotic stances of the outgoing Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, without giving more details.

It added that this initiative will not be repeated in the future.

In Mount Horeb, Wisc., Kittlesons mother told a reporter who knocked on her door that FBI agents were at her home. A number of people could be seen sitting at Barb Kittlesons kitchen table.

Initially she said that her daughter had not yet been freed, but when a reporter returned later, she said she did not know if her daughter had been released or not.

Caroline Clancy, a spokesperson for the FBIs Milwaukee field office, declined to comment.

Kataib Hezbollah had not previously acknowledged that it was the one responsible for Kittlesons abduction, although both U.S. and Iraqi officials had pointed fingers at the group.

A respected journalist in conflict zones

Kittleson, 49, a freelance journalist, had lived abroad for years before the kidnapping, using Rome as her base for a time and building a respected journalism career across the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Syria. Like many freelancers, she often worked on a shoestring budget and without the protections afforded by large news organizations to staff.

She had entered Iraq again shortly before her abduction. U.S. officials have said that they warned her multiple times of threats against her, but that she did not want to leave.

Iraqi officials have said that two cars were involved in the kidnapping, one of which crashed while being pursued near the town of al-Haswa in Babil province, southwest of Baghdad. The journalist was then transferred to a second car that fled the scene.

Three other Iraqi officials said earlier Tuesday that attempts to negotiate her release had run into obstacles. The two Iraqi security officials and one official from the pro-Iran Coordination Framework political bloc spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the sensitive case publicly.

A shadowy militia group

According to one of the security officials, a member of the Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of Iran-backed militias that is nominally under the control of the Iraqi military, had been tasked with communicating with the abductors to secure Kittlesons release but had run into difficulties in communicating with the Kataib Hezbollah leadership.

The primary challenge is that the leaders of the Kataib militia  specifically, the commanders of the battalions  are nowhere to be found. No one knows their whereabouts, and the process of establishing contact with them is extremely complex, the security officials said.

These leaders have gone underground, maintaining no active lines of communication, out of fear of being targeted, they added.

According to the officials, a message had been sent to the Kataib leadership to determine their demands in exchange for releasing Kittleson. Iraqi authorities were willing to release six Kataib Hezbollah members who are currently detained, most of them in connection with attacks on a U.S. base in Syria, they said.

Kataib Hezbollah has previously been accused of kidnapping foreigners.

Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton graduate student with Israeli and Russian citizenship, disappeared in Baghdad in 2023. After she was freed and handed over to U.S. authorities in September 2025, she said that she had been held by Kataib Hezbollah.

The group never officially claimed responsibility for kidnapping Tsurkov.

Iran-backed militias in Iraq have also launched regular attacks on U.S. facilities in the country since the beginning of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters during a news conference in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine listen. Read more

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President Donald Trump threatened to force a news organization to turn over the name of an anonymous source who revealed details about a U.S. airman who went missing in Iran. Several outlets reported on the lost airman, who was subsequently rescued after his fighter jet was shot down.

Were looking very hard to find that leaker, Trump said in a news briefing Monday. They didnt know there was somebody missing until this leaker gave the information. So whoever it was, we think well be able to find it out because were going to go to the media company that released it, and were going to say, national security, give it up or go to jail.

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Trump, who frequently spars with media companies and individual reporters by name, did not say which outlet he was referring to. Representatives for the White House and Justice Department did not respond immediately to clarifying questions about Trumps remarks.

Trump claimed that Iran learned that the pilot was missing in its territory only from media reports, and this attention complicated the search-and-rescue mission. All of a sudden, they know that theres somebody out there, Trump said. They see all these planes coming in. It became a much more difficult operation because a leaker leaked that we have one, weve rescued one, but theres another one out there that were trying to get.

He called the source a sick person, though he said they probably didnt realize the extent of how bad it was. Still, he said the person that did the story will go to jail if he doesnt say, and that doesnt last long.

The Justice Department in 2025 rescinded a Biden-era policy that safeguarded journalists from subpoenas during leak investigations.

The Washington Post has faced off with federal prosecutors in recent months after a Post reporters home was searched and her devices seized in January as part of an investigation of a government contractor accused of illegally retaining classified government materials. A federal magistrate judge in March blocked the government from searching the reporters electronic devices.

Jameel Jaffer, executive director at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, said in a statement that news organizations have a First Amendment right to publish stories on matters of public importance, including those the government would rather suppress.

President Trumps threat to force journalists to disclose their sources raises serious press freedom concerns because journalists ability to do their work turns in part on their ability to protect their sources identities, Jaffer said. President Trumps threat should be understood as an effort to intimidate the press and to prevent journalists from doing work the public needs them to do.

Clayton Weimers, executive director of Reporters Without Borders North America, said that this isnt the first threat of its kind from Trump, and likely wont be the last.

This is not just Trumpian bluster, he said. We should take him both seriously and literally. This is the same Trump administration that misled a judge in order to seize the work and personal devices of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson. Its the same administration that arrested and charged Don Lemon and Georgia Fort for reporting in Minnesota. This administration thinks journalism is a crime.
Voorhees firefighters put water on hotspots in the garage area of a home at 10 Fairway Drive in Voorhees on Dec. 24, 2021. The two-alarm fire involved the home of Sixers point guard Tyrese Maxey. Read more

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Tyrese Maxeys youngest sister was the first to smell something burning on Christmas Eve 2021. The 76ers guard followed his family members outside his Voorhees home when he saw the left side of the house engulfed in flames.

No one was injured, which was really all that matters, Maxey said at the time of the holiday weekend scare.

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As long as we were alive, everything else is [just] material. Everything else can be replaced, the two-time All-Star said.

The rental house was damaged significantly, and Maxeys landlords said they found their culprit: a defect in Maxeys Maserati, which was parked in the garage.

But Jim Wang, Dean Wang, and their mother, Yu Bai, failed to prove that the Maserati was defective or that it caused the fire, a federal appeals court ruled last week.

My clients are disappointed with the courts decision and are evaluating their options, Jeffrey Resnick, an attorney with Sherman & Silverstein representing the landlords, said in a statement.

Maseratis attorneys did not respond to a request for comment.

The Wangs and Bai sued Maserati North America in the District Court of New Jersey in 2023, accusing the Italian luxury-car manufacturer of selling a not reasonably safe car that combusts.

To bolster their allegation, the landlords hired an expert witness who concluded it was more likely than not the fire originated in the Maseratis engine compartment, court records show.

Three elements are needed to prove product liability under New Jersey law. The landlords needed to prove the Maserati was defective, the defect existed when the car was originally sold, and the defect caused the fire.

The Maserati in question was first sold in 2018 in Louisville, and Maxey purchased it in 2020 from an auto shop in Dallas. He brought it with him to the Philadelphia area after being drafted by the Sixers in November 2020.

But Maxey rarely drove the Maserati, and opted instead to drive his Ranger Rover.

It was wintertime, you understand what Im saying, so I didnt really drive it during this time, the Sixer said in a deposition. Sometimes it rains, I didnt want to mess up the car.

The landlords expert witness, Nicholas Palumbo, is a retired fire investigator and former firefighter, court records show. Attorneys for Maserati argued that Palumbo did not have a degree or training in engineering and had no experience with automobiles.

In essence, Mr. Palumbo defaults to an opinion that the fire originated in the engine compartment of the vehicle because he could not find any other potential cause, the car companys attorneys said in a court filing.

In March 2025, U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams found the landlords witness failed to prove all three elements of the product liability claim, and did not have credentials to opine on the cause of the fire.

The landlords appealed the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, but a three-judge panel at the higher court also rejected their argument.

Local fire authorities and private experts hired by Maserati and insurance companies concluded the cause of the fire was undetermined, and some ruled out the car as the source, the appeals courts opinion says.

The Wangs cannot prove that there was a defect, that it existed at the time the product left Maseratis control, or that it caused the fire, U.S. Circuit Judge Thomas Hardiman wrote.

Maxey and his family ended up celebrating Christmas Eve in a hotel. He then had to clear COVID-19 protocol on Christmas Day before a Dec. 26 win against the Washington Wizards, and later moved to temporary housing while searching for a new home.
Sister Anne McCarthy with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie looks through her signs protesting President Donald Trump's nationwide immigration crackdown. Read more

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Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters.

HARRISBURG  A group of Pennsylvania counties has billed the federal government more than $21 million in recent years to detain immigrants in their jails, a first-of-its-kind review by Spotlight PA has found.

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While these agreements predate the second Trump administration by years or even decades, they are receiving new attention as the president executes a mass deportation campaign that relies heavily on local partners.

They also highlight how counties in Pennsylvania already cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies to detain immigrants. Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security purchased two Pennsylvania warehouses to turn them into detention centers capable of holding 9,000 people collectively.

In those cases, local and county lawmakers say they were blindsided by the planned facilities, which they have limited power to block. The detention agreements involving jails that Spotlight PA has identified require the backing of elected county leaders, prison oversight boards, or both.

Five county jails have or recently had agreements with federal immigration enforcement agencies to hold people in their jails, sometimes for months, in exchange for significant fees, Spotlight PA found.

Clinton, Erie, Franklin, and Pike Counties collectively charged more than $21 million for detention in 2024 and 2025, invoices obtained by Spotlight PA show. A fifth county, Cambria, has a similar detention arrangement, according to federal records and a county official  but denied Spotlight PAs September 2025 request seeking payment information because ICE did not start sending detainees to its jail until later in the month.

Local government officials in favor of the agreements told Spotlight PA that the revenue generated supports services such as the county jail or general fund expenses.

Youre always going to have pushback one way or another, but we havent really experienced it to this point, Cambria County Commissioner Scott Hunt told Spotlight PA in early March. This is a relationship that has gone back many years.

So I realize that emotions are kind of flared now, but this is something weve been a part of for years, he added, and I dont see a reason why it wouldnt continue.

At least one county leader concerned about ICEs actions nationally told Spotlight PA the payments have become a crucial source of income that would take careful study and planning to replace.

But at a time when ICE and other federal immigration agencies face scrutiny for aggressive and sometimes deadly tactics during sweeping enforcement operations, Pennsylvanians have pushed back against local government collaboration.

During a February meeting of the Erie County Council, dozens testified for or against the county jails contract to hold people for federal immigration agencies.

We believe that participating in any way in the enhanced enforcement is immoral, said Sister Anne McCarthy with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, a monastery that has vocally opposed local cooperation with Trumps nationwide immigration crackdown.

Others at the meeting asked the county council to keep the agreement intact.

Federal agents wont stop enforcing the law just because Erie County stops holding people, they argued.

Ending the agreement could draw the ire of the president, one speaker speculated. Another suggested ending local detention would increase the number of people being sent to other jails hundreds of miles away.

And multiple speakers asked: What about the money the county stands to lose?

ICE will find a different location to house their detainees, said Fred Petrini, a Wesleyville resident and borough council member. We will just be out a half a million dollars in funds that could help the county with expenses.

Spotlight PA sent public records requests to more than 30 counties for invoices showing payments in exchange for arresting, detaining, holding, or processing people for ICE. The news organization also reviewed federal detention data.

From those records, Spotlight PA identified five counties that participated in intergovernmental service agreements with the federal government. Clearfield County has a different type of agreement that allows it to collect an administrative fee for acting as a middleman, passing money between ICE and a private prison contractor.

Spotlight PA then sent questions and findings to officials in all five counties. All counties responded either via email or over the phone.

How do these agreements work?

The five Pennsylvania counties that detained immigrants for the federal government in 2024 and 2025 did so through contracts with either the U.S. Marshals Service, which allows for the detention of any federal prisoner, or with ICE directly.

Some of the agreements go back decades.

These agreements are different from traditional detainer requests, which ICE sends to local jails when a person the agency seeks to deport is incarcerated on criminal charges. When jails honor detainer requests, they expect federal officers to pick the person up within a few days.

The detention agreements also differ from contracts under section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which delegates certain functions to local law enforcement.

Instead, these agreements allow county jails to operate as detention centers, similar to the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Clearfield County  a privately operated facility and one of the largest of its kind in the country.

Under the agreements, a federal immigration agent or deputized local officer can arrest an immigrant and detain them at the county jail during the course of their immigration proceedings, even if the jail is miles away from the site of arrest.

Some people get transferred to these jails from another criminal facility because they have been charged with a crime and immigration enforcement is now underway to remove them from the country, said Bridget Cambria, a Berks County immigration attorney.

But many people detained by ICE have not been convicted or even charged with a crime, according to national data.

Rather, Cambria said, they have been apprehended by ICE in public, whether its out on the street, at a home, at work, at a check-in, and brought to the jail because these are the bed spaces that immigration has throughout the state of Pennsylvania.

The confinement is deemed civil, she said, but its being conducted in a criminal facility.

There is no limit to the amount of time an immigrant can spend in detention, the attorney added.

People facing alleged civil immigration violations do not have the constitutional right to an attorney that criminal defendants do, Cambria said. Immigrants can sit for months, if not years, if they choose to contest their case. Others choose to give up their case and accept removal from the country rather than face detention, she said.

Records show the number of people that Pennsylvania counties held for ICE increased from 2024 to 2025, which includes the last year of Joe Bidens presidency and the first year of Trumps.

In Clinton County, the total number of people held each month almost doubled, jumping from 80 people in January 2024 to 157 in December 2025.

Officials from Cambria and Franklin County jails told Spotlight PA that civil detainees are held separately from people incarcerated for criminal charges. Officials from Pike and Clinton County jails told Spotlight PA that immigrants are intermingled in accordance with federal standards that specify how civil detainees should be classified and housed in criminal facilities, among other health and safety requirements. In Erie, ICE detainees were normally kept in one specific unit, a county official told Spotlight PA.

Both Clinton and Franklin Counties specified that the increased number of detainees has not significantly affected jail operations.

Records obtained by Spotlight PA show the four counties that provided documents filed monthly invoices with the federal government for reimbursement  the most recent rates ranged from $82 to $120 per person per day. Some of these jails also filed reimbursements for services beyond the per diem rate, including medical care, transportation, video court, calls, and kosher meals.

Pike County has added additional rooms to accommodate an increase in video court hearings and video visits with attorneys, according to Warden Craig Lowe.

Lowe added they have not increased their staffing plan or exceeded maximum capacity but the county has experienced a multitude of different languages and purchased handheld translating devices to assist our staff in communicating with detainees.

Our staff also has access to language services to assist them with any translating issues that may arise, Lowe said.

What do counties get out of this?

County officials who spoke with Spotlight PA said in some cases the funding goes beyond a simple fee-for-service; it has become revenue they rely on.

Theres a lot of money at stake.

York County also had an intergovernmental service agreement with ICE until 2021, when the federal agency ended the contract after months of unsuccessful negotiation. The county earned $18.4 million in 2020 from the agreement, according to the York Daily Record.

Of the five counties, Pike made the most from its relationship with ICE. The county received more than $16 million for 2024 and 2025. Over the course of that time period, Pike charged ICE for more than 128,000 days.

Clinton County received the next highest amount, more than $4.6 million over the two years.

Erie and Franklin Counties held relatively fewer people, though both also experienced an influx in 2025. They made close to $600,000 and $14,000 from the partnership, respectively.

Cambria County said it had no documents when it responded to Spotlight PAs initial records request. A later interview with Commissioner Scott Hunt revealed the county has a longstanding agreement with the marshals dating back to the mid-90s but ICE had only asked the county to hold people starting in September 2025.

Hunt did not disclose how much money the county made, or how many people the jail held, but said collaboration with federal enforcement is a revenue source.

Christa Caceres, one of Pike Countys three commissioners, said that while shes concerned about ICEs actions nationally, she currently supports its agreement with the county. She attributed that support to how the county runs the prison, saying that the jail has no ICE agents overseeing its inmates.

Another reason, she said, is that the county has relied upon this additional revenue for decades, and that it would take years to unwind in a responsible manner.

She has asked her fellow commissioners to approve a study that would examine the financial impact if the county or ICE ended the agreement.

ICE could come in tomorrow and say, you know, were going to invest more in these detention centers that were transforming from warehouses, Caceres told Spotlight PA, referencing the agencys recent purchases.

As scrutiny increases on ICEs actions, county prison boards face increased pressure from their constituents to end all forms of collaboration with the federal agency. In the case of these intergovernmental service agreements, county leaders have the ability to renew or end them.

Franklin Countys agreement is set to expire in May. Pike Countys expired at the end of February, but it agreed to a 30-day extension to negotiate a new one.

Jasmine Rivera, the executive director of advocacy group the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition, noted that counties are in a particularly precarious financial position at the moment due to federal cuts to food assistance and healthcare programs. Many of those cuts will be felt locally.

But Rivera still pushed counties to reject working with ICE, saying that the fear and chaos caused by federal agents also negatively impacts local communities.

I acknowledge that it is hard, it is not easy, Rivera said of pulling out of these agreements. But just because its hard doesnt mean its not worth pursuing.

In Erie, McCarthy and other advocates spoke for hours against continued cooperation and prevailed. Its safer for the community to not have any participation from the county in the enhanced enforcement, McCarthy told Spotlight PA.

The county council voted in late February to amend its decades-old agreement with the U.S. Marshals Service, which allowed the county jail to hold federal prisoners, to exclude detaining people for ICE. County Executive Christina Vogel was negotiating with the marshals to revise the contract, county council members said at the meeting.

While we might be able to trust the local people in our own system, McCarthy said at the meeting, pausing.

I dont know that we can trust ICE, she continued, eliciting applause.

Why would we believe that they would follow any contract, that they would follow their word?

As of late March, the county says it no longer has any ICE detainees.

BEFORE YOU GO  If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results.
No ICE Philly, the Rise Choir collective, and Singing Resistance Philly members chanting their version of Chappell Roans song Hot to Go! Read more

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Blowing whistles and shouting slogans isnt how this group shows its opposition to President Donald Trump and to ICE.

Instead, it speaks against what it sees as grave injustice with something softer and in some ways more powerful: song.

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We can feel the grief, said Jessica Zimmerman, 37, a leader with Singing Resistance Philly, but we can feel the joy of being together in community. I sing because it is a way to connect and to have all of our voices supporting one another during this moment thats really scary.

Singing Resistance, together with a group called the Rise Choir, have turned song into a way to support immigrant neighbors at a time when Trump has turned the federal immigration-enforcement apparatus hard against them.

They sang out last month during a Center City protest to demand that Enterprise Rent-A-Car stop leasing vehicles to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and members of the groups took part in a Week of Action that ran through Saturday, organized by No ICE Philly to call attention to agency arrests in the city.

There is something about injustice that causes a lot of rage, said Sandra Telep, who joined Rise Choir about two years ago. My form of activism is really rooted in hopefulness and love, and I think Rise Choir and singing about injustice is one way to root yourself in that.

In March, outside of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car office on South 19th Street, protesters sang and danced as bystanders applauded and drivers honked their horns. The demonstrators held a banner that said, ICE abductions use Enterprise cars.

Telep said all are welcome to join the choirs, with enthusiasm valued over skill.

Her favorite song is the choral version of Chappell Roans Hot to Go! because that adaptation, she said, has a Philadelphia vibe.

Philly is known for having an attitude, Telep said. We are rooted in brotherly love but we are also going to fight back.

Aly Halpert, a song leader with Singing Resistance, enjoys not just the excitement of creating music but also the coming together in solidarity.

When Im singing songs, I feel more connected to the people around me, she said. Were opening our hearts more. Were really saying like, from a heart-centered place, we are here to protect life and were here to be in solidarity with people.

The idea for Singing Resistance emerged in Minnesota, as President Donald Trump surged ICE agents into the Twin Cities. It quickly grew from a few hundred people singing on streets and in churches to a nationwide movement joined by thousands.

The idea, organizers said, is to peacefully  even joyfully  resist authoritarianism and ICE by singing songs of hope. Some events are organized and announced in advance, others occur spontaneously or through discreet planning.

Use of songs and music as a tool of protest is a long tradition, reaching all the way back to the creation of the United States.

The song Free America, sometimes pronounced as Free Americay, was penned in 1774 in opposition to British rule, the First Amendment Museum in Maine noted. The author, Joseph Warren Warren, set his song to the tune of the British Grenadiers, a traditional British military march. It remained popular throughout the American Revolution, though Warren died in the fighting a year after he wrote it.

Woody Guthries enduring, patriotic-sounding This Land Is Your Land, since recorded by everyone from Joan Baez to Bruce Springsteen, was written as protest, a response to Irving Berlins God Bless America. An often omitted stanza has the author seeing neighbors at a relief office and, as they stood there hungry, I stood there wondering if God blessed America for me?

Protest music went mainstream in the 1960s, as from opposition to the Vietnam War emerged classics including Bob Dylans The Times They Are A-Changin, and Eve of Destruction by Barry McGuire.

One thing that we want to do with Rise Choir and Singing Resistance is to make the protest irresistible, said Pax Ressler, 36, of Rise Choir. We want to make it sexy, so folks can be interested in what were doing.  It kind of takes down the barrier to involvement. We believe anyone can sing.

Zimmerman, who until recently lived in Minnesota, saw a chance to be a local part of what the Rise Choir had started.

Singing is an antidote to fear, she said. Authoritarianism wants us to feel scared and isolated. Singing is a way to tell the truth of the violence, and the resistance, and to join in community.
People hold posters of Charlie Kirk during a Turning Point USA rally on Sept. 30 at Utah State University in Logan, Utah, as a part of the organization's push to memorialize Kirk. Read more

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If theres going to be Club America, by God, there needs to be Club Progressive.

Thats what a citizen in upstate New York said during a fiery debate about whether her local high school should allow a chapter of the student group inspired by right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

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And I say: Right on. The answer to conservative political activism in schools is not to shut it down, as some of my fellow liberals have tried to do. We should instead form our own student groups to challenge Club America.

Thats the American way. If you dont like someone elses speech, raise your own voice. And create your own clubs.

Thats what Kirk did. His Turning Point USA, an organization focused mainly on colleges and universities, sponsors campus events where conservatives face off against liberal students. Kirk was taking part in one of those forums  debating trans rights with a critic at Utah Valley University  when he was murdered on Sept. 10.

Turning Point also established a high school operation, which it renamed Club America last July. Its chapters have nearly tripled since Kirks death, rising from 1,200 to more than 3,300. Eastern Pennsylvania now has nearly 40 chapters, Turning Point says, up from 11 at the end of the last school year.

Several area schools named by Turning Point denied that they had Club America chapters, which suggests the organization might be exaggerating its growth. But any growth is too much for its critics, who have called on schools to prohibit it.

This club is an easy way to incorporate hate and discrimination in our high school, declared a petition against a proposed Club America chapter at West Chester East. Educational institutions should be a platform for learning and growth, free from political partisanship and the tensions it can cause.

Kirk embraced replacement theory  the idea that people of color are displacing white people  and also said the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a mistake. I understand why parents and other community members might find that deeply offensive, and not want their schools to host an organization acting in his name.

But under federal law, schools cant pick and choose among the student groups they allow. And thats exactly as it should be. Otherwise, a conservative school board might bar High School Democrats of America, which has chapters in all 50 states.

And its absurd to pretend we can keep politics out of our schools, as the West Chester East petition imagines. That echoes claims by Club America and its defenders around the country, who insist the group isnt political; its simply promoting patriotism and Christianity.

Its absurd to pretend we can keep politics out of our schools.

That sounds pretty political to me. Governors in several Republican-led states have called for the establishment of Club America chapters in every high school. And the national organization distributes materials to students that repeat conservative talking points about guns, taxes, and other hot-button issues.

That should inspire liberals to create their own student organizations or support existing ones, like the High School Democrats. And they should also exercise their right to criticize Club America at every turn.

Thats what happened last December at a Northern California high school, where students showed up at a Club America meeting to challenge a local city council member whom the chapter had invited. The speaker said she believed marriage should be reserved for straight couples, but that her own daughter was gay  and married to a woman  because of trauma she had suffered as a child.

Students pushed back on that claim, and also on the speakers comments about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whom she called a Marxist. In a subsequent statement, she said she was explaining Kirks views of King instead of expressing her own.

 READ MORE: At a national moment that calls for compassion and calm, Trump uses Charlie Kirks death to stoke the fires of division | Editorial

By then, however, the censorship machine had already kicked in. Citing the speakers remarks, critics called on the school to disband its Club America chapter. They have a First Amendment right to have that club, a local Democratic leader said. But they dont have a right to misuse that platform in a way that harms the student community.

Never mind that the students had surely learned something important from their debate with the speaker. Her words were harmful, critics said, so the group that invited her had to go.

That patronizes the students, all in the guise of protecting them. And it lets Club America play the victim, which is the last thing liberals should want.

This club was created to facilitate respectful conversations about pressing issues in America, declared West Chester Easts Club America chapter, replying to the petition against it. And if free speech is free it must be free for us as well.

Exactly. The best way to create conversations in our schools is to encourage everyone to speak. And if you want to silence Club America, watch out! One day, by God, the censors may be coming for you.

Jonathan Zimmerman teaches history and education at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the author of Whose America?: Culture Wars in the Public Schools.
A courtroom sketch depicts Solicitor General D. John Sauer arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court on April 1. Sauer appeared nonplussed when asked by Justice Neil Gorsuch if Native Americans were U.S. citizens, writes Paul C. Rosier. Read more

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Imagine going before the Supreme Court to attack birthright citizenship and being unable to say Native Americans are American citizens. So wrote U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D., N.M.) on Wednesday, following Solicitor General D. John Sauers muddled testimony defending President Donald Trumps 2025 executive order on birthright citizenship before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Justice Neil Gorsuch had asked Sauer whether Native Americans would be considered birthright citizens in the governments calculus. Sauer answered: Uh, I think so? I mean, obviously theyre granted citizenship by statute, a reference to the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act that granted citizenship to all Native Americans, whether they wanted it or not.

No joke

But when Gorsuch pushed him by asking, But aside the statute, you think theyre birthright citizens? Sauer responded: No. I think the clear understanding that everybody agrees in the congressional debates is that the children of tribal Indians are not birthright citizens.

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It was no April Fools Day joke.

Sauer later added, when Gorsuch asked him again if Native Americans were birthright citizens: Im not sure. I have to think that through.

Sauers use of the archaic term tribal Indians and his inability to clearly answer Gorsuchs questions speak to the Trump administrations lack of understanding of Native Americans sovereign and citizenship rights.

It appears highly likely that the justices will rule that the administrations effort to ban birthright citizenship is unconstitutional, ending the matter. But other pending high court decisions loom large in the debate over Native peoples ability to exercise their American citizenship to protect their Indigenous citizenship, a dual citizenship codified in the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act.

Native people have fought hard throughout the 20th century and into the 21st to first gain, and then defend, those dual citizenship rights  rights that determined access to GI benefits and other federal aid available to white citizens, but especially the right to vote in state and federal elections. When Navajo code talkers returned to their homes in Arizona, they were denied the right to vote because of Arizona state law.

Tens of thousands of other Native men and women who served their country during World War II were denied access to the polls on the basis of such discriminatory legislation. Native veterans waged a different kind of battle after the war to gain that basic constitutional right in seven states, a battle that lasted until 1957, when Utah became the last state to give Indigenous citizens the national franchise.

Voter suppression

Nearly 70 years later, Indigenous citizens continue to face state-level voter suppression efforts, especially in states with large Native populations such as Arizona, Montana, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Later this year, the Supreme Court will decide the case of Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians v. Howe, which has broad implications for Native Americans ability to contest those voter suppression efforts. The plaintiffs claim that North Dakotas adoption of a new voting map in 2021 diluted the states Indigenous citizens voting power, which they had wielded in 2012 by helping to elect Democrat Heidi Heitkamp to the U.S. Senate.

At stake for Native people is their ability to challenge threats to long-standing treaty rights which preserve their ancestral homelands, cultural identity, and religious freedom.

In a related case, Louisiana v. Callais, the Supreme Court will decide whether racebased redistricting under Section 2 is legal under the equal protection clause of the Constitution. The issue is not a technical dispute over maps, but whether the Constitution still affords Indigenous citizens equal protection under the law.

In 2026, these decisions will determine whether Native communities can continue to challenge vote dilution and thus protect both their constitutional rights as U.S. citizens and their tribal sovereignty. At stake for Native people is their ability to challenge threats to long-standing treaty rights, which preserve their ancestral homelands, cultural identity, and religious freedom, and their ability to be both Native and American.

From Minneapolis, where Native people were harassed and arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, to the Supreme Court, Indigenous Americans citizenship remains conditional and contested, a new chapter in a long history of being told they do not fully belong.

Paul C. Rosier is a professor of history and director of the Lepage Center for History in the Public Interest at Villanova University. His book, Indigenous Citizens: Native Americans Fight for Sovereignty, 1776-2025, was published by W.W. Norton and Co. in March.
From left: Victor Glover, pilot of NASA's Artemis II moon rocket, on April 1 in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Jan. 28, and President Donald Trump at the White House on March 26. Read more

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On Sunday, billions of people around the world observed Easter, a holiday that celebrates Christs resurrection. John 20:21 records the risen Jesus first words as Peace be with you. Under the shadow of war and troubling division, three very different American leaders shared their perspectives on the day.

Pope Leo XIV, the Chicago-born bishop of Rome, used his inaugural Easter homily to petition for harmony.

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On this day of celebration, let us abandon every desire for conflict, domination, and power, and implore the Lord to grant his peace to a world ravaged by wars and marked by a hatred and indifference that make us feel powerless in the face of evil, the pope said from St. Peters Square. Let those who have weapons lay them down. Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace. Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue. Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them.

The pontiffs message built on comments he made on Palm Sunday when he declared that God rejects the prayers of those who wage war and whose hands are full of blood.

While Pope Leo has described military service as a boon to society when done with sacrifice, courage, and dedication, he has also called for an end to the aerial bombing campaigns that have wrought devastation on cities around the world: Rotterdam, London, Gaza, Hiroshima, Dresden, Tehran, Hargeisa, Baghdad, and countless other places that have seen precious lives indiscriminately lost.

 READ MORE: Trumps bad week: Botched war abroad and legal setbacks at home | Editorial

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, whose war of choice in Iran has entered its sixth week, issued his own holiday message.

First, he referred to the rescue of an American pilot shot down over Iran as an Easter miracle in a text to Meet the Press host and Philadelphia native Kristen Welker. Later, in a profane post on social media, he admonished the leadership of Iran, whom he referred to as crazy bastards. Trump said that if the Iranians refuse to reopen the pivotal Strait of Hormuz, they would be living in hell.

In the same post, the president threatened to destroy Iranian power plants and bridges, even as experts say attacking the countrys infrastructure would constitute a war crime. For ironic measure, Trump added, Praise be to Allah.

It is hard to avoid connecting Pope Leos comments to the presidents actions, despite the lack of direct mention of either Trump or his bellicose secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth. After all, who has more power to unleash wars than the men who vowed to send Iran back to the Stone Age.

Those looking for a more hopeful Easter message found unexpected solace in space.

 READ MORE: Pete Hegseths holy war | Editorial

The Artemis II launched on Wednesday and is traveling around the moon this week. In an interview with CBS News, pilot Victor Glover said that traversing the desolation of our solar system reminded him that we all live on a spaceship called Earth, that was created to give us a place to live in the universe, and you are special. In all of this emptiness  this is a whole bunch of nothing, this thing we call the universe  you have this oasis, this beautiful place that we get to exist [in], together.

Glovers message of unity  as someone who can literally look out his window and see the Earth as one place rather than hundreds of countries populated by billions of people who speak thousands of languages and practice thousands of faiths  was remarkable for its optimism.

It is words like those of Glover and Pope Leo, which seek to inspire and honor the best of human nature, that can frustrate the hate and violence of war  and can lead the way to a more peaceful and prosperous future for us all.
U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan speaks during her town hall meeting at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) in Downingtown, Pa. on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. Read more

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President Donald Trumps threat Tuesday to eliminate the whole civilization of Iran unless its leaders capitulate to his demands would be the epitome of an illegal order if he were to follow through, said U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, an Air Force veteran who has been an outspoken critic of Trump on military issues.

Houlahan (D., Chester) was among a group of Democrats that Trump targeted in recent months with allegations of sedition for more broadly telling service members to refuse such orders. On Tuesday, she quickly decried Trumps threat against Iran, describing it as a dire escalation of a conflict in which the president has been unconstrained by Congress.

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Irans civilization, Trump wrote on social media early Tuesday, would die tonight, never to be brought back again if Iranian leadership did not agree to a deal.

Trump pulled back on his threat to widen attacks to include civilian infrastructure subject to Iran agreeing to a two-week ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the Associated Press reported Tuesday evening.

Houlahan said in a statement earlier in the day that the presidents message was a betrayal of 249 years of American excellence, diplomacy and alliance.

On the same day that our nations brave and patriotic astronauts stare down on our tender and fragile Earth, the President of the United States just unleashed a vile and hateful threat to wipe the ancient civilization of Iran from it, she said. In the strongest terms possible, I condemn these despicable words.

Her reference to illegal orders came nearly five months after she and five other Democratic veterans warned of such crimes in a video aimed at active-duty members of the military and intelligence agencies. Trump raged against the video, calling their message seditious behavior that was punishable by death.

The lawmakers soon reported receiving bomb threats to their offices. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia also pursued a case against the lawmakers, but it was rejected by a grand jury in February. It was unclear what crimes were alleged, Houlahan said at the time.

The lawmakers had maintained their original message was not referring to any specific orders.

But an order to destroy an entire civilization and bomb every bridge and power plant, as Trump has indicated in recent statements, would rise to the level of illegal military conduct, Houlahan said in an interview.

Those senior most commanders, combatant commanders, in my opinion would have no choice but to view that as being illegal and against the law of war and against all of the things that weve all been educated on, Houlahan said. They would be in very difficult legal jeopardy.

If the commander-in-chief and military leaders issue such orders, there are also protocols in place for lower-level officers who are executing orders to ensure they are focused on military, not civilian, targets, Houlahan said.

Reiterating a point she and other Democratic veterans have been making for months, she said military personnel do not just have the authority to refuse illegal orders, but they are required to do so.

This is just a really, really worrisome time, to be understated about it, she said.

U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D., Mich.), who was also in the group of Democrats who previously reminded service members to refuse illegal orders, said in a statement that its moments like these that are why we made the video to service members last year.

U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio (D., Allegheny), a Navy veteran who was also part of the group, said in a new video that Trump was now openly contemplating war crimes.

Some lawmakers call for Trumps removal from office

Other Pennsylvania Democrats also joined the chorus.

U.S. Reps. Dwight Evans and Brendan Boyle, from Philadelphia, both called Trumps comments deranged in separate statements.

Its deranged and sick coming from anyone, let alone the president of the United States, Evans said. Any congressional Republican who remains silent is complicit. GOP majority leadership must bring Congress back to DC NOW and rein in Trumps warmongering.

Evans, Deluzio, U.S. Rep. Summer Lee (D., Allegheny), and U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean (D., Montgomery) were among a growing list of Democrats who called for Trumps removal from office in the wake of the threat.

It is 25th Amendment time, said Dean, referencing the amendment that enables the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to declare the president incapacitated.

Pennsylvanias highest-ranking Republican official, U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, had not commented by Tuesday afternoon but has vocally supported Trumps actions in Iran in the weeks since the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on the nation in February.

In a podcast interview recorded before Trumps latest threats (but posted after them), the senator said it was a moment that could be profound for the future of the Middle East.

But also were seeing a radical change in the nature of warfare playing out before our very eyes, McCormick said in the interview with the Ronald Reagan Institute.

While critics of the war said Trump has not justified the attacks, McCormick said the mission is clearly defined  destruction of Irans ballistic missiles, drones, manufacturing capabilities, and ability to develop a nuclear weapon.

We are making real progress, enormous progress, toward those goals, he said. Though this was never going to be easy.

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat who has been his partys most enthusiastic backer of the war, did not immediately comment Tuesday on the latest rhetoric.

Others described it as extremely troubling more than a month into a war that Congress, which is controlled by Republicans, had not authorized.

State Sen. Sharif Street, who is competing in the Democratic primary race to succeed the retiring Evans, called it completely outrageous in a group interview with The Inquirer Editorial Board on Tuesday.

Any president that is literally sending late-night drunk text messages about what he wants to do in a war is not, cannot be trusted to act without congressional oversight, Street said.

Ala Stanford, a physician also in the race, said it was embarrassing that this is the leader of the United States.

State Rep. Chris Rabb, comparing the attacks to the war in Gaza that he has called a genocide, said, now our president is talking about a wanton genocide in Iran.

Rabb has positioned himself as the progressive candidate in the race, with endorsements from organizations who have backed members of the progressive group in Congress known as the Squad.

Lee, the only current member of the Squad from Pennsylvania, similarly described Trumps latest comments as genocidal while calling for him to be removed from office.

This is sick and twisted from anyone, much less the president of the United States, Lee said on social media. Trumps genocidal language and indiscriminate warfare cannot be normalized or accepted. He should be removed from office.

Houlahan said there is little chance of removing Trump through the 25th Amendment or impeachment in the Republican-controlled Congress, which has rejected war powers resolutions aimed at reining in the presidents actions in Iran.

Trump was impeached twice during his first term, but was acquitted in each of his Senate trials.

Houlahan said she is instead focused on publicly pressuring Republican colleagues at a time when silence is complicity.

Weve been blasted by phone calls [from constituents] all day, begging us to do something, she said Tuesday afternoon. I can only do something as part of a team, and that team is Congress.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Washington. Read more

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Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is weighing whether to restrict major airports in sanctuary cities from processing international travelers.

Mullin, who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate last month, told Fox News on Monday that his department will scrutinize customs enforcement at major airports in jurisdictions known as sanctuary cities that limit cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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Mullin did not name any particular sanctuary cities or airports, but Philadelphia is on President Donald Trump administrations list of so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that could have federal funding pulled if policies are not changed.

If Mullins proposal comes to fruition and includes Philadelphia, millions of international travelers at Philadelphia International Airport could potentially be affected. Last year at PHL, more than 4.1 million passengers traveled to and from international destinations.

Parts of PHL, including international Terminal A-West, are technically in Delaware County, which was on the Trump administrations original list of sanctuary jurisdictions but was later removed.

Representatives for PHL did not respond to a request for comment.

If theyre a sanctuary city, should they really be processing customs into their city? Mullin said. Seriously. If theyre a sanctuary city and theyre receiving international flights and were asking them to partner with us at the airport but once they walk out the airport, theyre not going to enforce immigration policy? Maybe we need to have a really hard look at that.

The secretary told Fox that his department will also continue to take a hard look at sanctuary cities broadly, with Mullin saying that he believes such jurisdictions are not lawful.

Mullins comments were some of his first policy-related remarks since he was appointed by Trump after his predecessor, Kristi Noem, was ousted amid outrage over ICEs extreme tactics and questions about her leadership.

Upon his confirmation in March, Mullin took the helm of a department riddled with controversy and more than a month into a government funding lapse that caused long lines and increased Transportation Security Administration absences as employees worked for weeks without getting a paycheck.

Federal agents from ICE  the agency at the center of lawmakers disagreement over funding DHS  were deployed to airports, including PHL, in an attempt to help with crowd control and other logistics.

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.) was an early supporter of Trumps nomination of Mullin  a former U.S. senator from Oklahoma  and cast the deciding vote in advancing his nomination.

Fetterman did not immediately comment on Mullins suggestion that sanctuary cities could be restricted from receiving international travelers.

U.S. Sen. Andy Kim (D., N.J.) panned the idea on social media Tuesday.

The Trump administration wants to create further chaos in our airports and our country, Kim said. These ideas arent solutions, theyre just retaliation thatll make life harder for us.
Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates, Court of Appeals Judges Maria Lazar, left, and Chris Taylor participate in the Wisconsin Supreme Court debate hosted by WISN 12 News on Thursday April 2, 2026, at WISN-TV in Milwaukee, Wis. Read more

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MADISON, Wis.  Voters will decide Tuesday whether to expand the liberal majority on Wisconsins top court as Democrats and their backers seek to curtail GOP power in the swing state by lifting union restrictions and redrawing congressional districts.

Liberals will maintain their majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court regardless of who wins a 10-year term, and the election gives them a chance to widen their 4-3 majority to 5-2. If Chris Taylor wins, liberals are poised to control the states highest court until at least 2030. If Maria Lazar wins, conservatives could open a narrow path to a majority in 2028 if future elections break their way.

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Both candidates are judges in different districts of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.

The states high court could in the coming years take up hot-button cases on abortion and union restrictions, as well as high-stakes litigation with national implications for congressional redistricting and election disputes. In 2020, the court with a one-vote margin upheld Joe Bidens win over Donald Trump in the states presidential vote.

A year ago, Wisconsin was home to the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history. Billionaire Elon Musk and others spent more than $100 million as liberals and conservatives vied for control of the court. The liberal candidate prevailed, protecting that blocs majority.

This years race has been sleepy because the candidates are running for a seat being vacated by a conservative and the majority is no longer in play. As of last week, $8.9 million had been spent, with Taylors campaign and allied groups enjoying a 9-1 advantage, according to a review by the news site WisPolitics.com.

The race is technically nonpartisan, but Taylor is getting help from Democrats and Lazar from Republicans. Taylor, a former Democratic state lawmaker and Planned Parenthood lobbyist, spent the last days of the campaign appearing with Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), former U.S. attorney general Eric Holder and other Democrats. Lazar closed out her campaign by visiting county GOP offices.

The liberals takeover of the court in 2023 following a high-profile campaign was a seismic event in Wisconsins politics. For the previous 15 years, the court had been a safe harbor for conservatives in a swing state. It upheld GOP-backed laws to expand gun rights, require photo identification to vote and limit the power of unions. Conservatives long held that majority even as voters proved fickle in other races, with presidential candidates winning by razor-thin margins and state elections oscillating from Democratic victors one year to Republicans the next.

During their lone debate and in interviews, Taylor and Lazar made their differences clear.

Taylor praised the courts 4-3 decision last year that blocked a 19th-century law banning nearly all abortions. Lazar said she did not know how she would have ruled in the case but would respect the precedent. Abortion rights advocates in the state have called for fighting abortion restrictions including a 24-hour waiting period, signaling more litigation is likely.

Taylor criticized the U.S. Supreme Courts decision overturning Roe v. Wade, the ruling that for nearly half a century guaranteed a right to abortion. Lazar said overturning Roe was good because it allowed states to set their own abortion policies.

Wisconsin courts are now considering two lawsuits challenging the fairness of a congressional map that has given Republicans six House seats and Democrats two. The cases will probably make their way to the states high court, but the justices are not expected to rule before this falls midterm elections.

As a lawmaker, Taylor railed against gerrymandered districts drawn by Republicans who control the legislature. She said during the campaign that she could not comment on the pending cases, but supports fairness and protecting voter rights.

As an attorney for the state Justice Department in 2012, Lazar defended maps that were drawn to favor Republicans. She said in a recent interview that she opposes nonstop litigation over maps, believing that districts should be drawn once a decade and any lawsuits should be handled soon afterward.

Future disputes over election results could come before the court, just as they did after the 2020 presidential election. Taylor said the court properly upheld Bidens victory over Trump. Lazar declined to say how she would have ruled in the case but said Biden won the election.

A decade and a half ago, the state adopted a law that all but eliminated collective bargaining for public employees, greatly weakening unions that had long helped Democrats. Conservatives who controlled the state Supreme Court upheld the law at the time. A new challenge to the union restrictions is now before an appeals court and expected to reach the high court.

Lazar defended the measure as an attorney for the state when it was first passed. Taylor has long criticized it. Both said they could not say what they think of the merits of the new challenge because they may have to rule on it.
For four years, since Larry Lewis moved to Cranberry Village in Massachusetts hes heard the rumble of trucks and excavators from a sand excavation site owned by cranberry grower A.D. Makepeace.

The noise is a nuisance, but his real concern is when sand particles from the site blow through his neighborhood of manufactured homes, collecting on cars and lingering indoors. He cant avoid breathing it in.

For younger people, it might not be a big deal, Lewis said, but it could be a bigger problem for older residents like us.

Miles away, in wealthier locales like Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket, the states waterfront homeowners have been turning to beach nourishment projects to keep erosion at bay. These projects can require thousands of tons of sand annually, some of which comes from cranberry bogs like the one near Lewis.

New Bedford stands in the middle: here, sand from undisclosed origins is loaded onto barges and shipped to some of the most ambitious private anti-erosion projects in the country.

Cranberry Bog Sites

As quarries close and sand resources in Massachusetts dwindle, activists say that hard-pressed cranberry bogs are turning to sand mining as a source of revenue  much to the ire of neighbors.

Although sand excavation for agricultural purposes is legal, homeowners near sites like Makepeaces say that theyre now living near a strip mine, with all of the public health hazards and nuisances that could entail.

Some towns in Southeastern Massachusetts Cranberry Country are trying to better regulate excavation sites. In the state Legislature, a House bill aims to place a moratorium on new cranberry bog excavation until its impacts are better understood. The Environment and Natural Resources committee voted March 19 to advance the bill.

State officials have yet to object to cranberry bog excavation. The states coastal resilience plan recommends that waterfront homeowners eventually move inland rather than fill their beaches with more sand.

Even so, Massachusetts appetite for sand likely wont subside anytime soon.

Lewis, for his part, has had his fill. The Makepeace site  about 50 feet from his home  is permitted to extract around 4 million cubic yards of sand over five years, and Makepeace has applied to the town for permits to excavate even more. If approved, the company would be allowed to clear-cut much of the forest between the site and Lewiss backyard, exposing him and the rest of Cranberry Village to more noise and dust.

Sand is a necessary part of cranberry cultivation, but Lewis isnt sure why even a grower as large as Makepeace would need that much sand.

It doesnt warrant this kind of thing at all, Lewis said.

Buying Time

In February 2024, a controversial beach restoration project on Nantucket barged thousands of tons of sand  6.6 million pounds in total  from New Bedford to the glacial island.

Its destination was the shores of Sconset Bluff, where a group of homeowners have built a geotube, essentially a tube-shaped sack of sand slurry, to protect the eroding coastline. This March, 18 years after the geotube was built, the project was declared almost a complete failure by the Nantucket Conservation Commissions chair when the tube split open after a series of severe winter storms.

The project has consumed millions of tons of glacial sand, most of it barged by Robert B. Our Company, a local aggregates company. The company did not respond to a request for comment.

In May, Nantucket residents will decide on whether to expand the controversial geotube project after the Sconset Beach Preservation Fund failed to supply the project with enough sand to maintain its integrity. The towns Conservation Commission approved the expansion in March 2025. The state Office of Coastal Zone Management issued a skeptical report this January, noting that among other risks, the geotubes appeared to increase erosion at adjacent properties.

If approved, the expansion would require the Preservation Fund to nourish the project with over 100,000 cubic yards of sand each year  anywhere between 6,000 and 10,000 dump trucks worth of sand.

Nantuckets sustainability programs manager, Vincent Murphy, said that other than Sconset Bluffs large operation, the island has permitted fewer than 10 beach nourishment projects in the last five years, most on the islands north side, where wave impacts are lower. (Sconset Bluff is on the islands eastern shore.)

Most homeowners choose to physically relocate their homes inland as shoreline recedes, Murphy said in an email. Nantucket has a 250-year history of moving homes back from erosion and that has always been the local adaptation method, he wrote.

But for those who have the will and financial means, beach nourishment can be an option. Jane Varkonda served as the conservation agent in Edgartown on Marthas Vineyard for over 40 years before retiring in 2025. As the frequency and severity of winter storms increase due to climate change, she said anti-erosion efforts have become more common than ever  and more expensive, driven up by the exorbitant cost of sand.

Its worth more than gold these days, Varkonda said.

Few New Projects

Kara Shemeth, who took over as Edgartown conservation agent after Varkondas retirement, said that very few completely new beach nourishment projects come across her desk. In most cases, longstanding beach nourishment projects will apply for new permits to expand their work as the natural beach weathers. A project in Edgartowns Cow Bay is one such example, having filed a new permit on March 27.

It seems the beach has changed enough since the original filing in 2009 that the regular maintenance theyve done needs updating, Shemeth said.

Tara Marden, a coastal geologist, said she has worked with an increasing number of Cape and Island homeowners on beach nourishment projects over the past decade. Marden worked for years at the Woods Hole Group, an environmental consulting firm based in Falmouth, before moving to North Carolina.

Unlike the Sconset Beach project, most of these efforts involve just sand, cobble, and some form of vegetation to keep the sand from blowing away. These kinds of soft structures are minimally harmful to the environment compared to hard structures like geotubes, Marden said  but theyre also temporary.

They basically are buying time, Marden said.

Most often, these homeowners will join together as neighborhood groups to share costs and ensure that the sand put down on their properties lasts as long as possible, Marden said. Still, property owners must replenish that sand at least yearly, and the costs can add up.

Theyre dumping 300, 400, 500 yards of sand two or three times a year at the tune of 75 bucks a yard, Marden said. So youve got private homeowners right now trying to protect their coastal banks, spending anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 annually.

The sand used for beach nourishment projects must meet specific environmental criteria to ensure it matches the surrounding environment. The best sand to match Nantuckets unique glacial geology happens to come from Southeastern Massachusetts, but Varkonda said that upland sand can contain impurities that make it less than ideal for beaches.

Theres no requirement, however, to disclose exactly where that sand comes from. On Marthas Vineyard, homeowners can sometimes turn to local sand from Edgartowns municipal dredge, as some homeowners did for the beach nourishment project in Cow Bay, Varkonda said. But most often, the town prioritizes its dredged sand for public beach nourishment projects to keep tourists coming back each summer.

With dredged sand scarce, Marden said she will often source materials from companies like Cape Cod Aggregates  some of which come from the South Shores cranberry bogs.

New Bedford

Before reaching the Islands, all of this sand goes through one singular point: the Port of New Bedford. Aside from Boston and Providence, New Bedford Harbor has the only facility capable of barging the amounts of sand needed for larger projects to the Islands.

According to Steamship Authority logs, the amount of aggregate materials  including sand, rocks, and gravel  barged from New Bedford to Nantucket and Marthas Vineyard increased about 125% over the past decade, from 53,000 tons in 2016 to nearly 119,000 tons over 115 shipments in 2025. Much of that material is used for construction or maintaining septic systems, however, so its unclear how much of that sand ended up back on the beach.

These kinds of projects worry environmental activists like Chris Powicki, a member of the Massachusetts chapter of the Sierra Club. Sand is the second most used resource in the world after water, Powicki said. (Its a key ingredient in glass, concrete, asphalt, and other building materials.) Therefore, Powicki says, the state should use it wisely.

Theres no doubt that more and more sand is being placed on the coastline across Massachusetts, Powicki said. Is this the best way to use a scarce resource?

Cape Cod Aggregates did not respond to multiple questions and requests for comment sent by The Light.

Sand Dollars

On Jan. 7, the Carver Conservation Commission issued a cease and desist order to The A.D. Makepeace Company to stop all work on wetland areas. The order came after the Community Land and Water Coalition, an environmental activist group based in Southeastern Massachusetts, argued the company had illegally altered 57 acres of wetlands.

The A.D. Makepeace Company, based in Wareham, says it is one of the largest cranberry growers in the world, and it is also the No. 1 private property owner in Southeastern Massachusetts. On its website, Makepeace brands itself as a development company with an eye towards environmental responsibility.

For the past 12 years, Linda Jacobs has lived in Cranberry Village. Since 2019, she has waited for the day that the nearby excavation site turns into the cranberry bog that Makepeace originally promised. Two years ago, Jacobs joined the Community Land and Water Coalition.

Like Lewis, Jacobs says she can hear the construction from her home. Last year, Jacobs said two of her neighbors moved out of the community after developing COPD  a respiratory illness sometimes caused by silica particles found in sand.

Theres nothing related to cranberries anywhere on that property, Jacobs said.

A report published by the coalition estimates that at least 61 million cubic yards of sand and gravel have been extracted from Southeastern Massachusetts since about 1990. For years, the coalition has argued that as appetites for New England cranberries wane, some cranberry bogs have instead turned into strip mines.

Roughly 750 acres of bogs have moved out of active cranberry production in the last decade as the industry consolidates. Plus, older cranberry varieties grown in Massachusetts tend to be less pest-resistant than competing specimens grown in Wisconsin and Canada.

And while cranberry prices have fallen, the price of sand has increased 20% between 2012 and 2023, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Broad Brush

Brian Wick, executive director of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association, said large-scale excavation operations like Makepeaces are in the minority by far. Wick said its up to the growers and town officials to ensure that sand excavation  a critical component of cranberry growing  happens responsibly and sustainably.

While the cranberry industry is in a current downward trend, he said the cyclical nature of agriculture means that cranberry growing could soon become more profitable.

The idea that theyre only in it for earth removal is a misguided statement, because cranberry growing is still the main principle, Wick said. Dont paint the broad brush that what these activists are seeing on a particular project is whats happening across the industry.

In Carver, all requests for excavation must go through the towns Earth Removal Committee. By design, three of the boards six members are representatives of either the cranberry industry or the construction industry. Town bylaws require that members recuse themselves when there is a potential conflict of interest. But by its chairmans own admission, the committee isnt particularly stringent.

I think for the first time ever, the Earth Removal Committee last month denied a permit, committee chairman Scott Hannula said in an October 2025 meeting.

These excavation efforts can have real public health consequences for residents. Last year, a researcher with the Olin College of Engineering in Needham, testified that air surrounding the excavation sites in Carver contained silica dust, a particle found in sand that can lead to respiratory diseases including lung cancer. Even the noise levels found at heavy construction sites have been proven to harm human health.

Whats more, activists say, no one seems to be tracking where the sand goes.

Linda Burke, vice president of marketing and communications at A.D. Makepeace, said in a statement that the companys operations were in compliance with all applicable regulations.

Cranberry farming has been at the core of the A.D. Makepeace Company for over 170 years, Burke added. The company has diversified over time as it has grown and adapted to economic and market pressures  diversification over time is essential to virtually all longstanding companies and employers  but cranberry farming continues to be what defines us.

Burke confirmed that any sand not used for cranberry cultivation is sold to Read Custom Soils, which operates a facility down the street from its excavation site.

Burke did not answer how much of the sand it excavates is sold versus used for agriculture.

The Future of Sand and Bogs

The U.S. spends millions of dollars each year to replenish weathered coastlines  nearly $18 billion in total since 1923. This past winter brought two major blizzards to the New England coast  and potentially more beach nourishment projects come spring.

In the case of public beaches, Marden said, the burden of maintaining them typically falls on state agencies. Asked if Massachusetts would ever make its beaches public beyond the low-water mark, Marden laughed.

Thats not going to happen, Marden said. People arent going to give up their rights.

But the liability of living near the water may soon become a shared burden. In Gov. Maura Healeys Resilient Coasts plan, released last year, state officials highlighted managed retreat as an alternative to piling more sand on the problem. For some cheaper and more vulnerable properties, retreat may come with a government buyout. But in most cases, waterfront homeowners will just have to cut their losses.

Facing similar challenges, states like Florida, North Carolina, and New Jersey have relied on another source for their growing sand needs  the open ocean.

Offshore sand mining allows communities to retrieve the sand collected on the ocean floor from natural erosion processes. That sand is often better suited for coastal resilience projects than its upland counterparts.

Massachusetts currently does not allow offshore sand mining, but some activists are worried that could soon change. The Office of Coastal Zone Managements report on the Nantucket geotube project highlighted offshore sand mining as a potential solution to meeting the projects steep sand deficits.

A 2020 assessment conducted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy and Management (BOEM) and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) found that offshore sand mining could impact fish species and their habitats.

Activist groups like the Sierra Club oppose offshore sand mining, although Powicki acknowledged that some dredging projects may be necessary to restore natural sand flows. He noted that while it remains broadly illegal, the state has started greenlighting some offshore dredging permits.

I dont know if itll be illegal forever, Powicki said. Marden said the state for years has slow-walked research into the impacts of offshore sand mining in Massachusetts out of concern for the regions fisheries and eel grass beds.

Neither Marden nor Varkonda are necessarily opposed to offshore sand mining.

In my mind, thats much more natural, Marden said. Youre taking the sand from offshore and putting it back on the beach, which is where it came from.

Meanwhile, companies like Makepeace are still diversifying beyond cranberries. In Wareham, the company has begun building solar arrays on its properties, kicking up more local resistance from residents concerned that the projects contributed to deforestation.

Re-wilding could offer one solution for struggling cranberry growers. Across Massachusetts, some smaller growers have sold or donated their bogs to conservation groups like the Buzzards Bay Coalition to restore them back to natural marsh. The green exit strategy not only provides relief to exhausted farmers, it also furthers the states goals to push development inland and rebuild coastal wetlands that can better accommodate rising sea levels.

Melissa Ferretti is the chairwoman of the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe, whose homeland ranges from the Plymouth region to the upper parts of Cape Cod. Ferretti said that projects like the one in Carver disrupt the tribes hunting and foraging grounds and therefore their food sources. For Indigenous people, the environmental damage is also personal, she said.

Natives, we say everything is living, Ferretti said. The rocks are alive, the trees are living. When we lose a tree, we lose a piece of ourselves.

Last year, the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe started Sacred Earth Land Conservancy, a native-run land trust, to give property owners the opportunity to donate or sell their land back to Indigenous people to be restored and conserved in perpetuity. The conservancy has not acquired any land yet; Ferretti said it is currently in talks with a cranberry bog owner and would welcome others.

But without proper enforcement mechanisms, Powicki said that neither growers nor builders nor homeowners will act with the planets best interest at heart.

If it comes down to who can spend the money to keep their land, its gonna come down to the people with the deepest pockets, Powicki said. People can buy sand forever.

This story was originally published by The New Bedford Light and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

Photo: Cranberries float while being harvested at Rocky Meadow Bog, Nov. 1, 2024, in Middleborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Trends Pricing Trends Homeowners
Dozens of refineries, oil fields, gas plants, ports and other energy infrastructure have been damaged by missile and drone strikes, six weeks since the war began.

Senior US and Iranian officials are meeting in Islamabad to try to find a resolution to the conflict that has choked off a swath of oil and gas supply to global markets and left the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut. The more damage that occurs, the more difficult it will be for energy markets to return to normal. (Editors note: This article was updated by Bloomberg on April 11).

A ceasefire was announced on April 7 US time  or early April 8 in the Middle East. On April 9, Saudi Arabias state-run news agency reported extensive recent attacks but didnt specify timelines. At least some of the incidents appeared to predate the ceasefire. Iran has said that Israeli attacks on Lebanon breached the terms of the accord.

Here is a list of some of the Middle Easts most important energy facilities that have been hit or disrupted during the conflict. Some sites have restarted after being temporarily shut, but the operational status of others remains unclear.

This story updates to reflect an April 9 statement from the Saudi Press Agency, adding assets not previous listed. Specifically: Satorp and Riyadh oil refineries, Juaymah gas-processing, the Manifa and Khurais oil-production facilities, and the East-West pipeline.

Oil Refineries:

Ruwais , UAE: One of the biggest refineries in the world suffered multiple fires caused by falling debris from air-defense interception, Abu Dhabis government said April 5.

, UAE: One of the biggest refineries in the world suffered multiple fires caused by falling debris from air-defense interception, Abu Dhabis government said April 5. Ras Tanura , Saudi Arabia: Saudi Aramco temporarily halted operations at the kingdoms largest crude processing plant  with 550,000 barrels a day of capacity  after a drone attack in the first few days of the war. The facility has since been restarted.

, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Aramco temporarily halted operations at the kingdoms largest crude processing plant  with 550,000 barrels a day of capacity  after a drone attack in the first few days of the war. The facility has since been restarted. Samref , Saudi Arabia: A drone fell on the refinery thats half owned by Exxon Mobil Corp. on March 19.

, Saudi Arabia: A drone fell on the refinery thats half owned by Exxon Mobil Corp. on March 19. Satorp , Saudi Arabia: Units halted at the 460,000 barrels a day refinery thats 62.5% owned by Aramco and 37.5% by TotalEnergies after incidents on April 7-8

, Saudi Arabia: Units halted at the 460,000 barrels a day refinery thats 62.5% owned by Aramco and 37.5% by TotalEnergies after incidents on April 7-8 Riyadh , Saudi Arabia: SPA on April 9 said that the 120,000 barrels a day plant was one of several that has been attacked directly affecting exports of refined products to global markets.

, Saudi Arabia: SPA on April 9 said that the 120,000 barrels a day plant was one of several that has been attacked directly affecting exports of refined products to global markets. Bapco Energies , Bahrain: The 400,000 barrel-a-day plant was damaged in an attack last month and declared force majeure on operations that had been impacted.

, Bahrain: The 400,000 barrel-a-day plant was damaged in an attack last month and declared force majeure on operations that had been impacted. Gulf Petrochemical Industries Co. , Bahrain: Some operational units caught fire after drone attacks April 5.

, Bahrain: Some operational units caught fire after drone attacks April 5. Kuwait National Petroleum Co. and Petrochemical Industries Co. facilities suffered significant damage as emergency and fire response teams worked to contain conflagrations at several sites, KPC said April 5. Those attacks followed hits on KPCs headquarters.

and facilities suffered significant damage as emergency and fire response teams worked to contain conflagrations at several sites, KPC said April 5. Those attacks followed hits on KPCs headquarters. Mina Al-Ahmadi , Kuwait: A drone attack caused fire in a number of operational units on April 3. The refinery had also been hit on two consecutive days last month, which had shut some units.

, Kuwait: A drone attack caused fire in a number of operational units on April 3. The refinery had also been hit on two consecutive days last month, which had shut some units. Mina Abdullah , Kuwait: A fire at the plant was extinguished following a March 19 attack.

, Kuwait: A fire at the plant was extinguished following a March 19 attack. Lanaz, Iraq: Operations were suspended at the plant in the northern city of Erbil last month after a fire caused by a drone strike, Reuters reported, citing unidentified provincial officials.

Gas Facilities

Ras Laffan , Qatar: QatarEnergy said LNG facilities were hit by Iranian missiles, triggering fires that caused extensive damage, including to Shell Plcs gas-to-liquids plant. QatarEnergy has declared force majeure on some long-term supply contracts.

, Qatar: QatarEnergy said LNG facilities were hit by Iranian missiles, triggering fires that caused extensive damage, including to Shell Plcs gas-to-liquids plant. QatarEnergy has declared force majeure on some long-term supply contracts. Habshan , UAE: Abu Dhabi suspended operations at the countrys largest natural gas processing facility earlier this month following an attack that sparked a fire.

, UAE: Abu Dhabi suspended operations at the countrys largest natural gas processing facility earlier this month following an attack that sparked a fire. South Pars , Iran: Israel attacked facilities at Irans giant gas field March 18, with fires causing some units to be taken out of production, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

, Iran: Israel attacked facilities at Irans giant gas field March 18, with fires causing some units to be taken out of production, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. Isfahan , Iran: A gas pressure-regulation station and an associated administrative building were targeted in central Isfahan province in USIsraeli attacks, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

, Iran: A gas pressure-regulation station and an associated administrative building were targeted in central Isfahan province in USIsraeli attacks, the semi-official Fars news agency reported. Shah , UAE: Operations were suspended after an Iranian drone attack on March 16 caused a fire at the massive natural gas field.

, UAE: Operations were suspended after an Iranian drone attack on March 16 caused a fire at the massive natural gas field. Das Island LNG , UAE: Abu Dhabi plant in the Persian Gulf was operating at low levels due to inability to export via the Strait of Hormuz.

, UAE: Abu Dhabi plant in the Persian Gulf was operating at low levels due to inability to export via the Strait of Hormuz. Juaymah, LPG, Saudi Arabia: Affected by fires, impacting exports of liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas liquids, Saudi Press Agency reported April 9.

Oil Production/Flows

East-West pipeline , Saudi Arabia. Drone attack this week targeting pumping station on the conduit that links oil facilities on the Persian Gulf Coast to Yanbu on the Red Sea cut flows by 700k b/d

, Saudi Arabia. Drone attack this week targeting pumping station on the conduit that links oil facilities on the Persian Gulf Coast to Yanbu on the Red Sea cut flows by 700k b/d Majnoon , Iraq: The oil field in the south of the country was targeted by an attack, according to a statement from Iraqs Oil Ministry, which didnt provide any additional details.

, Iraq: The oil field in the south of the country was targeted by an attack, according to a statement from Iraqs Oil Ministry, which didnt provide any additional details. Shaybah , Saudi Arabia: The 1 million barrel-a-day field in the kingdoms east has been repeatedly targeted by multiple drones. No damage has been reported.

, Saudi Arabia: The 1 million barrel-a-day field in the kingdoms east has been repeatedly targeted by multiple drones. No damage has been reported. Manifa production facility, Saudi Arabia: SPA said April 9 that the targeting of the facility resulted in a reduction of about 300,000 barrels a day of its production capacity.

production facility, Saudi Arabia: SPA said April 9 that the targeting of the facility resulted in a reduction of about 300,000 barrels a day of its production capacity. Khurais, production facility, Saudi Arabia: Targeting of Khurais led to a reduction of 300,000 barrels a day of its production capacity.

Nuclear Plants

Bushehr, Iran: A projectile struck the grounds of the Bushehr nuclear power plant March 27, Irans Fars news agency reported, adding preliminary assessments indicated no damage to any section of the facility. The plant had also come under attack previously.

Aluminum Plants

Al Taweelah , UAE: Emirates Global Aluminium said March 28 that it sustained significant damage at its site at the Khalifa Port industrial zone in Abu Dhabi following Iranian attacks.

, UAE: Emirates Global Aluminium said March 28 that it sustained significant damage at its site at the Khalifa Port industrial zone in Abu Dhabi following Iranian attacks. Alba , Bahrain: Aluminium Bahrain said it was assessing the extent of damage to its facility after an Iranian attack.

, Bahrain: Aluminium Bahrain said it was assessing the extent of damage to its facility after an Iranian attack. Mobarakeh, Iran: Mobarakeh Steel Co. completely halted production after attacks caused damage and destroyed key units, Irans state-run Nour News reported April 2, citing a company statement.

Ports

Yanbu , Saudi Arabia: Loadings at the key Red Sea port resumed March 19 after a brief halt, following an Iranian attack. The facility has become crucial as the kingdom races to boost exports following the near standstill in the Strait of Hormuz.

, Saudi Arabia: Loadings at the key Red Sea port resumed March 19 after a brief halt, following an Iranian attack. The facility has become crucial as the kingdom races to boost exports following the near standstill in the Strait of Hormuz. Fujairah , UAE: The critical Emirati port outside Hormuz has been periodically shut by drone strikes, impacting flows of both crude and fuels.

, UAE: The critical Emirati port outside Hormuz has been periodically shut by drone strikes, impacting flows of both crude and fuels. Jebel Ali , UAE: DP World has previously suspended operations at the key container port in Dubai as a precautionary measure.

, UAE: DP World has previously suspended operations at the key container port in Dubai as a precautionary measure. Khor Fakkan , UAE: Debris caused by air defense interception fell on the port on April 5, causing a fire that authorities brought under control.

, UAE: Debris caused by air defense interception fell on the port on April 5, causing a fire that authorities brought under control. Sohar , Oman: the port has resumed operations after being shut after the area was hit by drones.

, Oman: the port has resumed operations after being shut after the area was hit by drones. Mina Al Fahal , Oman: Crude export terminal resumed operations on March 12 after being closed as a precautionary measure.

, Oman: Crude export terminal resumed operations on March 12 after being closed as a precautionary measure. Salalah , Oman: The port suspended operations after an attack March 28, according to Inchcape Shipping Services. Oman said it was investigating the source and motive of the strike as no one claimed the attack. The facility has also previously been hit.

, Oman: The port suspended operations after an attack March 28, according to Inchcape Shipping Services. Oman said it was investigating the source and motive of the strike as no one claimed the attack. The facility has also previously been hit. Khalifa Bin Salman , Bahrain: Maersks APM Terminals unit said March 12 it suspended operations at the port.

, Bahrain: Maersks APM Terminals unit said March 12 it suspended operations at the port. Shahid Haghani, Iran: US-Israeli strikes targeted the port in the southern city of Bandar Abbas, near the Strait of Hormuz, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on April 1.

Top photograph: An oil refinery in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia. photo credit: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.
India is planning sovereign guarantees to support insurers that provide cover for vessels traveling in the Persian Gulf, as the Middle East war increases the risks to shipping, said government and industry sources familiar with the matter.

The plan includes a $1.5 billion sovereign guarantee fund to provide insurers with reinsurance support and liquidity should insurance costs remain high, said one government source.

A separate $300 million fund with contributions from the countrys insurance industry is also being set up to help settle any large increase in insurance claims, the same source said.

Maritime war risk insurance premiums have surged as much as 1,000% in some cases, as the Middle East conflict heightens risks to shipping through the region. The spike in premiums has sharply raised costs for shipowners, traders and energy firms moving cargo through the route.

Three insurance industry sources said Indias insurance regulator recently sought feedback from industry players on the nature of support needed and on how to implement the funding.

The guarantee funds could reduce Indias dependence on overseas reinsurance and give insurance companies the comfort they need to continue providing cover as trade flows resume through the region, they said.

The sources declined to be identified as they were not authorized to speak to the media. Indias finance ministry and insurance regulator did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Insurers Have Hiked Premiums

Maritime insurance covers ships and cargo against risks such as accidents, piracy and conflict. War-risk cover is typically excluded from standard policies and must be bought separately, with vessels sailing through conflict zones paying sharply higherrates.

The Middle East conflict began on February 28 when the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran. Tehran has since closed the Strait of Hormuz and struck sites in other countries in the region.

While war insurance cover is available, varied rates are being charged by insurers, which are significantly elevated and are dynamic in nature, said Gaurav Agarwal, head of marine specialties, Prudent Insurance Brokers.

Insurers have also expanded the definition of risky zones beyond the Strait of Hormuz to include parts of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea approaches, said Rajesh Kumar Singh, executive president of property at Howden India, an insurance broker.

Several major reinsurers including Indias only state-backed reinsurer GIC Re have either withdrawn cover or sharply raised premiums, leaving the industry with limited reinsurance support, the three industry executives said. GIC Re did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A sovereign-backed Indian pool could help give insurers confidence and reduce costs to ship goods via the Persian Gulf region, one of the sources, a senior insurance executive, said.

Even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens, insurers expect war-risk pricing to remain elevated for an extended period, reflecting the heightened security risks and concerns of renewed disruptions, he said.

($1 = 92.9700 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Nikunj Ohri in New Delhi and Ashwin Manikandan in Mumbai; editing by Kate Mayberry)

Related:
An Iowa contractor has been charged with acting as a public adjuster without a license and insurance fraud.

Joseph Starr, 39, of Rockwell, was charged with two counts of acting as a public adjuster without a license and one count of insurance fraud.

The charges followed an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Divisions Fraud Bureau. Criminal complaints filed by the Iowa Insurance Divisions Fraud Bureau allege Starr was an employee of Sibling Construction accused of engaging in multiple acts of unlicensed public adjusting.

Starr allegedly negotiated insurance claims on behalf of clients with both Farm Bureau Financial Services and Osage Insurance and submitted invoices for compensation for work that had not yet been completed.

Starr was arrested and booked at the Cerro Gordo County Jail on March 27.

Iowa law restricts a contractor completing the repairs from acting as a public adjuster on an insurance claim.

Topics Contractors
U.S. agriculture equipment maker Deere on Monday agreed to pay $99 million into a settlement fund for farms and farmers that are part of a class action over costs and access to repairs.

The case is part of broader scrutiny in the U.S. over so-called right-to-repair practices, with regulators and plaintiffs arguing that some manufacturers limit competition by controlling access to repair tools and software.

The settlement fund covers eligible plaintiffs who paid Deeres authorized dealers for repairs to large agricultural equipment from January 2018, according to a document filed on Monday in the federal court in Chicago, Illinois.

In the settlement, Deere also agreed to make available to farmers for 10 years the digital tools required for the maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of large agricultural equipment, including tractors, combines, and sugarcane harvesters, the filing showed.

The proposed accord requires a judges approval.

This settlement addresses the issues raised in the 2022 complaint and brings this case to an end with no finding of wrongdoing, Deere said in a separate statement.

Deere also faces a separate lawsuit brought by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. A U.S. judge ruled in 2025 that Deere must face that lawsuit, which accused the company of forcing farmers to use its authorized dealer network and driving up their costs for parts and repairs.

Deere is blocking farmers from acquiring the tools and information necessary to repair their equipment in a timely and cost-effective manner, the FTC had said in a court filing in April. Deere has denied the wrongdoing.

Topics Lawsuits
A Texas Department of Insurance investigator and crime analyst helped identify a Russian national who reportedly filed $400 million in fake Medicare claims.

Nikolai Buzolin was living in Houston in 2025 when he created a durable medical equipment company and stole patients and doctors identities to submit fake claims to health plans that administer Medicare Part C. He opened eight bank accounts to deposit the $1.7 million he received in reimbursements, according to the TDI.

A few patients checked their explanation of benefits and noticed that they were getting medical equipment that they didnt need coming from doctors theyd never met, according to Sgt. Kevin Mannion, a TDI fraud unit investigator.

Mannion is part of the FBI Task Force in Houston that surveilled and investigated Buzolin. When a task force went to his house in Houston, he had already fled. A TDI crime analyst then tracked his car to Los Angeles where local FBI agents arrested Buzolin as he was boarding a plane to Russia.

Buzolin faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.

Topics Texas Fraud
A Kentucky insurance agency owner has been charged with diverting premiums from a church client, and the Kentucky Department of Insurance is investigating other clients.

Multiple news sites reported that Glen David Ramey, 59, an agent and owner of David Ramey Insurance in Murray, Kentucky, was charged with defrauding a local church of at least $10,000. Ramey allegedly accepted premium payments from the church but failed to secure property and liability insurance policies, the Murray Sentinel and other news outlets reported.

My attorney has advised me not to comment, Ramey told Insurance Journal Tuesday morning when he was reached by phone.

Officials with the Yahweh Baptist Church reported their suspicions to the Graves County Sheriff March 16, after receiving a cancellation notice from the insurance carrier, the Sentinel reported. Investigators said the church asked Ramsey to produce a run-loss report, which showed gaps in coverage in recent years, despite the church having never missed a premium payment, WPSD Local 6 News reported.

A sheriffs detective said the DOI has contacted Rameys other clients, some in other counties, and the investigation is continuing. He said theres a strong possibility that more victims will be revealed in coming days, the news station and the Paducah Sun reported. Rameys court records show he had faced a number of legal actions over debt issues in recent years, including a foreclosure in 2025, although that was canceled after the loan was reinstated, the Sentinel noted.

The DOIs agent verification records show that Ramey holds active agent licenses for property, casualty, life, health and general lines. All of those are set to expire in June. His agencys line of authority became inactive in 2024. Ramey said Tuesday that his agencys certificate of authority lapsed after he did not renew some appointments with carriers.

Ramey posted bail after his arrest. His arraignment in court is set for April 29.

Topics Agencies
An Taisce is challenging the European Union's decision to grant Ireland a three-year extension of its nitrates derogation.

It is arguing the European Commission failed to protect Irish water quality amidst rising pollution levels. But members of the Senate have sharply criticised An Taisce for requesting the commission to withdraw the permission.

Fine Gael senator Eileen Lynch, Cork North-West, told the Upper House the move was deeply irresponsible. She said it risks doing enormous damage to rural Ireland, farm families, the agrifood sector and the 7,000 farmers who are in derogation, while still operating within a robust environmental framework.

Derogation is not a loophole or a shortcut. It is scientifically grounded and tightly regulated. It reflects the reality of Ireland's grass-based farming model.

"Despite all of this, we now see An Taisce asking the EU Commission to reconsider its decision to grant a nitrates derogation, she said.

Senator Lynch said farmers are already under immense pressure from rising costs, regulatory burdens and growing global uncertainty.

An Taisces action sends a terrible message that ideology is being prioritised over practicality and litigation over collaboration.

We must protect our water quality. Farmers want to protect their water quality. Anyone in derogation wants to protect water quality.

Senator Lynch said progress is made by working with farmers, not working against them, and by supporting behavioural change, investment and innovation.

"It is not done by seeking to query a decision already made and which agriculture minister Martin Heydon, MEPs and politicians had fought hard to secure.

What An Taisce is doing risks undermining confidence. It could damage livelihoods and create division where unity is needed.

"If this succeeds, the consequences will be severe and will lead to reduced stocking rates, loss of income and a direct hit to rural economies right across the country, she said.

Senator Lynch urged An Taisce to reconsider this approach and to engage in meaningful dialogue instead of pursuing this adversarial action that will ultimately harm the very communities we are all meant to serve.

House Leader Senator Sean Kyne said an Taisces decision is sending a terrible message and is regrettable.

Senator Kyne said: "A lot of work had been done by the minister and the Government to ensure the nitrates derogation was secured for a period of three years.

"It was hugely welcomed by the Irish Farmers Association, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association and farm organisations, particularly on the dairying side.

We acknowledge the importance of it to the economy of this country as a food-exporting country in terms of beef and milk products and other products of value that we produce.

"It is an issue and obviously the nitrates directive includes reference to water quality and the establishment of the Cabinet committee on water quality.

"I do acknowledge the importance of the nitrates derogation to Irish farmers and to our economy, he said.

An Taisce claim

An Taisce  the National Trust for Ireland  claims, however, there are serious doubts about the lawfulness of the commissions decision.

Dr Elaine McGoff, head of advocacy, said decisions like this are meant to be based on the science. But the evidence clearly shows Ireland has a serious water pollution problem that isnt getting any better, caused largely by agricultural nitrogen.

She said the public are not in favour of Ireland seeking another derogation. A recent poll indicated that the people overwhelmingly want clean, healthy water.

Given our poor track record on protecting water quality nationally, we are looking to the European Commission to drive better compliance with EU law by the Irish Government.

Unfortunately, we do not believe this derogation decision achieved that. We believe it is important that the legal and ecological rationale of the decision be reviewed by the commission, she said.

Minister Heydon has meanwhile announced that 2026 Nitrates Derogation applications can now be made on myagfood.ie.

He urged farmers to discuss their need to apply for a derogation with their agricultural advisor as soon as possible. May 15 is the closing date for applications.
Launched in March, A Family History Of is a weekly podcast built around monthly themed series that bring major moments from Britain and Irelands past to life through the stories of real families.

Its opening fourpart series, Wartime Women, explored the life of Edna Bourne, born in Birmingham in 1911 as Europe braced for war. Her granddaughter Lucy, a historian, helps piece together her story, asking what childhood looked like for a girl growing up in Britains industrial heart as it transformed into a wartime powerhouse.

I really like the stories of people who arent important in their lifetimes, Lucy says. Its nice to remember and honour them.

The next fourparter, A Family History of the Irish Famine, is led by genealogist Jen Baldwin and Fiona Fitzsimons, family and social historian at Trinity College Dublin and founding member of the Irish Family History Centre at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.

They focus on Archibald McKenzie  Baldwins maternal fourth greatgrandfather  whose life, like Ednas, only becomes visible when things go wrong.

HISTORY HUB If you are interested in this article then no doubt you will enjoy exploring the various history collections and content in our history hub. Check it out HERE and happy reading

During the Famine, Baldwin says, his world is shaped by pressure and deepening scarcity and the decision ahead is nearly impossible: Do they stay in Ireland, or face an uncertain future across the sea, abandoned by a government that turns their back on the people?

Archibald eventually emigrates to the US via Wales, taking the lesserknown chainmigration route.

Baldwin and Fitzsimons draw on census records, parish registers, crime and court files, passenger lists, and contemporary newspapers  including the then Cork Examiner.

In the early stages of the Great Hunger, were told, newspapers focused on the causes of the Famine and offered practical advice to farmers in a bid to minimise the damage.

They point to an Examiner article from September 10, 1845, which advised farmers to dig up any of the affected crops and feed them to their pigs before they become useless, even as food for swine.

Exploring the Famine through my own ancestor has made history feel incredibly intimate, Baldwin says. The scale of the tragedy is hard to comprehend, and so many individual stories remain hidden.

"Archibalds life shows how ordinary people were pushed to the edge, how communities fragmented, and how survival sometimes demanded impossible choices.

Episode two of A Family History of the Irish Famine is out on Tuesday.
A cigarette retrieved from the pocket of William Pearse shortly after his execution at Kilmainham Gaol is just one of the items capturing imaginations at a Dublin museum.

The piece forms part of a new collection at the Little Museum of Dublin which was donated to the Edmund Rice Trust and presented to the Military Archives in 2016 to commemorate the centenary of the Easter Rising.

The collection of rarely seen artefacts will now be available to view at the museum over a five-year period.

Mostly drawn from the Brother Allen Collection, the artefacts include a Bamba cigarette found in the pocket of William Pearse, brother of revolutionary Patrick Pearse, after his execution on May 4, 1916, in Kilmainham Gaol.

A pair of pink felt childrens shoes crafted by Kathleen Clarke, the widow of proclamation signatory Tom Clarke, while she was imprisoned in Holloway Prison in 1918 also feature.

Other collection pieces include a handwritten letter from Patrick Pearse penned to Sean T O Ceallaigh who served two terms as president from 1945 to 1959.

In the letter, which is dated April 22, 1916, Pearse asks O Ceallaigh if he can put him and his brother Willie up the night before the Easter rebellion.

A sketch of Kilmainham Prison Chapel by Grace Gifford is also sparking curiosity.

The prominent Irish artist and cartoonist had sketched the artwork to commemorate her marriage to Irish republican Joseph Mary Plunkett there prior to his execution on May 4, 1916.

The collection also includes a silk thread scapular worn by Countess Markievicz while in prison.

A silk thread scapular worn by Countess Markievicz in prison. Picture: Moya Nolan

The Irish revolutionary nationalist had been imprisoned multiple times between 1911 and 1923.

A keepsake linked to another pioneering suffragette, Dr Kathleen Lynn, is also prompting curiosity from visitors.

The letter from the doctor and nationalist revolutionary, who served as chief medical officer of the Irish Citizen Army during the 1916 Easter Rising, outlines a request for the return of her belongings from the adjutant generals office in Parkgate.

They included some medical equipment and a fur coat.

The letter was penned in Mountjoy Prison.

Lynn was imprisoned for a week in the Ship Street Barracks before being transferred to Richmond Barracks and later Kilmainham Gaol.

She served her custodial sentence alongside comrades Markievicz, Molony, and Madeleine ffrench-Mullen.

Daryl Hendley Rooney, curator of The Little Museum of Dublin, described what makes the collection so special.

Brother Allen was a teacher at the OConnell School on North Richmond St," said Daryl.

"A lot of the rebels involved in the 1916 rising were alumni and some were students during the 1916 rising.

"Brother Allen had a very close relationship with a lot of them in the school.

Some of the items on display at The Little Museum of Dublin, from the Brother Allen collection, including a holster worn by Michael Collins. Picture: Moya Nolan

"The survivors of the rebellion and their friends and family entrusted him with their artefacts over the years.

"People heard that brother Allen was acquiring them and preserving them for prosperity.

"He developed a school museum where the students would be brought for projects.

"A lot of alumni today still fondly remember brother Allen.

"A certain vintage would remember being brought to the museum.

"Brother Allen was a great storyteller, particularly because he knew these people and their families.

He said that many of the items have a poignant element.

Daryl Hendley Rooney with items from the Brother Allen collection. Picture: Moya Nolan

The sketch of Kilmainham Prison Chapel by Grace Gifford was done on a piece of greaseproof paper.

"Thats very evocative when you think that her and her husband Joseph Mary Plunkett were only married a few hours before his execution.

"Its an unusual collection because these are not the grand historical artefacts.

"They are more mundane and personal things which is what makes them so intriguing.

The collection pays tribute to the unsung heroes of the 1916 Rising.

Willie Pearse was a bit part player in the fight for independence.

"He was sentenced to death in the aftermath of the 1916 rebellion.

Daryl Hendley Rooney, with items from the Brother Allen collection. Picture: Moya Nolan

"After he was executed they were emptying out his pockets and found some Bamba cigarettes which was the cigarette company in Ireland at the time.

He acknowledged the resilience of those associated with the collection.

When Kathleen Clarke was imprisoned in 1918 in Holloway prison she was a single mother of three children.

"She made a pair of little felt shoes for one of her children.

"It gives you a poignant insight into the fortitude and the resilience of these people.

"Whats really interesting is that she continued to fight for independence even after the struggle took the life of her husband.
A Thai restaurant has been ordered to pay 32,550 in compensation to a chef who was fired after he served food which had fallen on the floor to a customer.

The Workplace Relations Commission ruled that Ecoco Asian Kitchen which operates outlets in Dublin and Bray, Co Wicklow, had unfairly dismissed the chef, Tommy Chee King Eng.

The WRC heard the chef had worked for over 10 years with the company before he was dismissed on June 25, 2025, following allegations of food safety and hygiene breaches.

Mr Eng claimed he was sacked for having picked up food from the floor which he subsequently cooked and served to a customer as well as for using an incorrect method to prepare roast duck.

He told the WRC that he left a disciplinary hearing when he was accused of fresh allegations based on CCTV footage. They related to claims that he was touching his head while cooking and not using headwear as well as using a phone while preparing food.

The chef said he felt targeted because other staff had engaged in similar practices without any disciplinary action being taken against them.

A representative of Ecoco Asian Kitchen said serious hygiene and food safety concerns arose in June 2025 shortly after the company had taken over operating the restaurant.

It said it had suspended the chef because of potential gross misconduct and subsequently dismissed him based on his written submissions.

It claimed it had followed fair procedures proportionate to a small employer.

'Backward-looking approach'

However, WRC adjudication officer, Breiffni ONeill, said the companys reactive, backward-looking approach was at odds with what would ordinarily be expected of a new owner inheriting a long-serving employee accustomed to existing practices.

In my view, a reasonable employer would have clearly communicated any revised standards, issued updated hygiene protocols, and offered refresher training with a reasonable period for adjustment, said Mr ONeill.

He said the chefs explanations including that the dropped food had been re-fried before being served were not probed in a structured way and the company had not provided any written communication of revised expectations.

He claimed the allegations at their height fell far short of the type of serious and deliberate misconduct capable of justifying dismissal, let alone summary dismissal.

The WRC said the issues concerned isolated lapses in food handling practice, none of which resulted in any customer complaint, harm or regulatory concern.

While Mr ONeill acknowledged that food safety and hygiene were serious issues, he claimed warnings, retraining and closer supervision were typically used unless there was gross negligence, intentional wrongdoing or actual harm.

He added: Any reasonable employer would have considered proportionate corrective steps rather than proceeding directly to termination. Mr ONeill said the procedures operated by the company had moved along at remarkable speed.

The WRC also criticised the introduction of new allegations during the process and the failure to interview the chef about them.

He ruled that the decision to dismiss the complainant was unfair as it was not within the range of responses of a reasonable employer.

The WRC ordered the company to pay the chef 30,150 in compensation for the unfair dismissal and a further 2,400 for failing to provide him with a minimum statutory notice period.
A 20m banner has been erected on the facade of Dublins Liberty Hall to remind society that survivors of sexual violence are in no way to blame for what has been done to them.

Bearing the message It was never your fault, the banner reinforces the message that responsibility for sexual violence lies solely with perpetrators.

The poster is the brainchild of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. Chief executive Rachel Morrogh said: We hear so often from survivors we support how they struggle with feelings of guilt and self-blame because of the myths and stigmas that still surround the issue of sexual violence.

This is often driven from a social misconception that people are somehow responsible for keeping themselves safe or that they should have been able to prevent the sexual violence they experienced.

Ms Morrogh said society reinforces this through victim-blaming tropes and messages that permeate systems and wider culture.

We know that the only person responsible for sexual violence is the person who perpetrates it," she said.

"Victims and survivors of sexual violence need to hear strong and positive messages of encouragement and hope from wider society and that is why we settled on this message that what was done to them was never their fault.

Ms Morrogh said a survey the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre conducted last year revealed a "persistent and concerning" level of victim-blaming around sexual violence in Irish society, with one in five people believing false accusations of rape are common.

It also found that one in ten members of the public wouldnt believe someone was the victim of a sexual assault unless they report to gardai.

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre chief executive Rachel Morrogh and Charlene Masterson, a survivor of sexual violence. File picture: Shane O'Neill

Survivor and activist Charlene Masterson said she was not surprised at the survey results. When somebody hears that kind of message, it reinforces their self-blame and shame," she said.

"If we as a society truly want to eliminate sexual violence, we need to make it clear to survivors that they are not to blame for the violence done to them.

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said the banner builds on its 'Signs of Hope' campaign, which carried the voices and messages of victims and survivors on billboards around Ireland.

The national helpline can be a first step towards healing for many and a lifeline of support at time of need of others, said Ms Morrogh.

From there we have seen thousands of victims and survivors go on to seek wider healing and justice.

Anyone affected can get free and confidential support on the 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800 77 8888.
The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) has added its voice to calls for the GAA to cut ties with insurer Allianz in solidarity with teachers and children in Gaza.

Allianz is the main sponsor of the voluntary, teacher-led primary schools GAA initiative Cumann na mBunscol.

At the unions annual congress, delegates passed a resolution in private session expressing strong solidarity with Gaza, and noting the continued failure of Government to pass the Occupied Territories Bill to include services.

It also calls on the union to add its voice to the calls from within the GAA to demand an immediate end to Allianzs sponsorship of GAA activities, and notes the ongoing presence of other multinational corporations associated with human rights abuses within the educational system.

The union said the motion was passed with overwhelming support by those in attendance.

Education minister Hildegarde Naughton was greeted by members of the INTO Palestine Action Group as she arrived at the congress in Killarney, bearing signs highlighting the ongoing genocide.

Ahead of the minsters address to congress, a crochet blanket made up of 2,900 squares created by teachers and students across Ireland was displayed to delegates. Each crochet square represents 10 children murdered in Gaza by Israel.

In December, the GAA endorsed the recommendation of its ethics and integrity commission not to sever its commercial relationship with Allianz plc.

A UN-commissioned report found that a subsidiary of Allianz was complicit in the siege in Gaza by purchasing Israeli government bonds, though the commission found Allianz plc had no direct link to it.

A spokeswoman for Allianz plc said on Tuesday: "Claims made by certain campaigners are demonstrably false, materially overstated, and in some cases involve serious allegations that are not supported by any evidence.
Higher education minister James Lawless has said students who are struggling with the rising cost of living should reach out to their welfare officer or ask about the student assistance fund.

Mr Lawless said he had increased all the maintenance grants in terms of quantity by increasing the threshold for the Susi grant and the valuation fee.

Read More Union passes motion to stop technological university pay grade changes without negotiation

Some 70% of households dont actually pay that in full because they are eligible for supports and contributions towards it, Mr Lawless said.

It comes as Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) president Anthony Quinn warned the union is prepared to act boldly if longrunning issues around pay, workloads, and secure employment are not resolved.

Mr Lawless, who spoke at the TUI annual conference in Kilkenny on Tuesday, said funding had been increased for disability supports, students with mentalhealth challenges, and the student assistance hardship fund.

Those students who are struggling the most should be receiving the most help, and I certainly put significant meaning into the system to target those students," he said.

And if thats not working, they should engage with their access officer, their welfare officer in the college, and see what is there for offer, including the student assistance fund, which is there for discretion in hardship cases."

Delegates Joanne Waters and Jacqueline Hayes at the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) conference in Kilkenny. Picture: Tommy Clancy

It follows the ministers second national student accommodation strategy, which aims to deliver 42,000 purposebuilt student beds by 2035.

Couch-surfing or commuting

Many students in Cork and across Ireland are currently left with little choice but to commute long distances, couchsurf, or miss lectures and elements of college life

altogether because of the shortage of accommodation near campuses.

Asked what plans are in place for students who are already in college or waiting for housing, Mr Lawless said he was not sitting around waiting for things to happen. Im actually driving this [plan] on as quickly as possible.

He added: We have 53 projects already submitted to me for consideration, right across the country. So we would get those going as quickly as possible."

Mr Quinn said it will speak clearly and, if necessary, act boldly over any delays in payments and pay deals.

Our members have waited long enough, carried enough, and conceded enough, he said.

If this system will not change through goodwill and patience, then this union will force it to change through strength and solidarity.

Lecturers are carrying excessive and increasingly complex workloads. Programme co-ordination, online delivery, student support, research expectations, administration, and institutional change have all expanded, yet the national structures governing workload and recognition have not kept pace.

Too many colleagues remain trapped in forms of precarity that should long since have been consigned to the past. Too many issues that should have been resolved through a serious national industrial relations process remain mired in ambiguity.

Too many researchers are still left facing pension injustice that has gone on for years beyond what any fair-minded person could defend.

We know it matters to us. The question is whether the State is prepared to treat the people who deliver it with the seriousness its work deserves, Mr Quinn said.

He described the mood in the sector as hardened into a growing conviction that too much which should have been settled nationally is being left to drift, to localise, or to languish in structures that produce discussion without conclusion".
After decades of unsuccessful job hunting, Sandra Egan, who has an intellectual disability, had all but given up on her dream of ever entering the workforce.

At the age of 53 she has finally achieved what she never thought was possible. Years of rejection had taken a considerable toll on her self-esteem.

However, staff at the Midleton hub in East Cork, which provides day services and support for people with intellectual disabilities under the umbrella of Horizons, never gave up on Sandra.

Now, their mentorship is finally paying off as she thrives in her work experience role at flower shop Juniper Rose in Midleton.

The Cork woman is one of 30 people supported by Horizons Midleton hub, which also has a facility in Carrigtwohill supporting a further 12 service users.

She broke down in tears as she expressed her gratitude to Horizons and owner of Juniper Rose, Rachel McCarthy, for taking a chance on her.

Sandra Egan with florist and proprietor Rachel McCarthy at Juniper Rose in Midleton, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

Im there two years now, she told the Irish Examiner. I am so happy. I love working in Juniper Rose. Just coming in and smelling the flowers makes me so happy.

"My favourite flowers are babys breath, but I also love pink roses. My colleagues are very kind to me. We could be talking about anything together. The staff there are so funny and witty.

"I talk about everything with the customers. I was chatting with one man so much we even realised we both had the same breakfast that morning, porridge with blueberries.

Unfortunately, Alan Wiggins, who is a support worker with Horizons Midleton Hub, explained that, although Sandra Egans experience was positive, overall community integration efforts have proved very challenging for others.

I have approached businesses to get people work experience and they had said 'no' outright without even hearing about the person. They are terrified of bringing someone in even if they have never met them."

His colleague Lyndsey Rellis revealed that she had similar experiences when trying to access employment opportunities for members of the Midleton hub.

Sometimes its a lack of education. Other times, its a lack of interest.

There are people in a situation where they have been told no all their lives, leaving them with no confidence.

"Sandra is 53-years-old and had been let down a lot in the past in terms of employment before getting a chance with Juniper Rose. A lot of the time, employers dont believe that those from the hub can carry out these tasks, even though they are more than capable.

Lyndsey urged employers to keen an open mind.

We dont want them to be treated differently. There are some people who have health issues in addition to an intellectual disability. In these cases, we completely understand if an employer feels they are not equipped to deal with their needs.

"All we are asking is for people who are able to work to be offered that chance.

"There are people here who have great skills who are capable of so much. Its difficult to describe the positive impact that working can have on a persons self-esteem.

"The people here who are working are just so proud to be part of something and a part of the community. Even being included in a photograph for a businesss social media means so much to them.

Members of the hub are often known to exceed expectations.

We had two women here whose families believed they would never be able for the work they were doing now. I asked them if we could at least try to see if they might enjoy the experience.

"They are now doing so well and their families are really surprised and proud to see what they have achieved. They told us that they cant believe this is happening.

(Seated front left to right) Luke McNerney, Sandra Egan, Katie O'Brien and Raphaela McCarthy with (rear left to right) support workers Lyndsey Rellis and Alan Wiggins with Patrick De Ward. Picture: Larry Cummins

Patrick De Ward is among the other success stories at the hub. His love of animals led him to pursue work with Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland and Skinvet in Midleton.

I work with assistance dogs. In the Skinvet I take care of the animals and supplies. I love the dogs. Sometimes they are friendly and others are the shy type. The people I work with are all really nice and I often bring them in biscuits and chocolate.

Manager at the facility, Ruairi O Laoghaire, said the people involved with the hub are passionate about giving back to their communities.

They all want the same thing. One motivates the other. They are out and about. Some are joined the tidy towns. They do fundraisers every year including one for Marymount at Christmas so there is a big focus on giving back.
Pressure is growing on the Government to help households and businesses facing high energy costs, as Tanaiste Simon Harris warned that escalating conflict in Iran could have significant consequences.

Senior ministers will hold briefings on Irelands energy security on Wednesday amid the oil supply and price shock stemming from the war in Iran.

It comes as protestors left parts of the country at a standstill on Tuesday. They have called for further supports from the Government, including more cuts to tax on fuel.

Meanwhile the Department of Finance's chief economist has said that "all roads lead to higher inflation and weaker growth".

Read More Fuel protests: Commuters still face chaos as major roads and bridges blocked

Energy supplies

Mr Harris said Ireland is in a reasonably good position for energy supplies, with the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) having around 90 days worth of reserves.

However, he said if there is a further escalation and further damage to critical energy infrastructure in the Gulf, there would be significant consequences to the global economy.

We will face an economic challenge of varying scale, substance, and severity, depending on the course of action that others decide in the

hours ahead, said Mr Harris, referring to threats made by US president Donald Trump on social media.

Mr Trump threatened that a whole civilization will die tonight if Iran declines to reach a peace deal with the US.

Read More Ireland set for months of high fuel prices even if war in Middle East ended today

Mr Harris said the Government would not be able to fully shield the State from the fallout, but it would act to protect the most vulnerable and sustain our economic stability.

He said the Government would be discussing demand management measures during Wednesdays meeting, adding that these would be sensible, common-sense measures.

The Tanaiste pushed back against calls for more Government spending to alleviate the crisis, saying the Coalition is taking things step-by-step.

It cant just be about today. It has to be about keeping our powder dry and having economic firepower to protect Ireland in the months and years ahead from this shock, Mr Harris said.

He said there would be a review of the excise cuts to petrol and diesel when the measures are due to expire in May.

Trump threats 'beyond unacceptable'

Mr Harris called Mr Trump's threats beyond unacceptable, stating: It's completely out of sync with international norms, let alone international law.

The Iranian regime is brutal. It's a brutal regime that has brought misery to its people, but in Iran, there are many, many, many, many millions of innocent civilians, young children who get up this morning in their country, just like our kids wake up here in their country, and they're innocent.

Theres very clear rules around war and threatening any entire civilisation is not in keeping with those rules of engagement.

However, Mr Harris said he was conscious of judging people by their actions and not just their words.

Credits not being considered

Meanwhile, public expenditure minister Jack Chambers said that although the Government will continue to review additional measures, universal supports such as energy credits are not being considered, despite the goslow on major roads.

He said the emerging risk for Europe was around supplies of jet fuel, but that Ireland has strong buffers and reserves across different fuel types.

Mr Chambers said there needs to be a debate on the possible use of nuclear energy in Ireland, arguing that the policy context has changed since it was banned in the 1990s.

I think we should have an open policy conversation about it and hear from the respective voices on either side. Everywhere else in Europe is having that discussion and we should do likewise, said Mr Chambers, adding that any nuclear power would be delivered in the medium to long term.

Possibility of recession

Department of Finance chief economist John McCarthy declined to speculate on the possibility of a recession but said the Government is preparing for a longer-term impact on the economy from the war.

I think, whatever way you look at it, all roads lead to higher inflation and weaker growth, Mr McCarthy said.

The extent is how much higher inflation and how much weaker growth.

It comes as the Government unveiled its quarterly exchequer returns, with income tax receipts rising.

There was an overall deficit of 200m recorded in the first three months of the year, but this has been put down to 1.6bn of funds being allocated to Irelands sovereign wealth funds.

With this excluded, the State ran a surplus of 1.4bn.
The Government would be required to reduce funding to other departments to cover the overspending at the Department of Education, according to public expenditure minister Jack Chambers.

Mr Chambers acknowledged on Tuesday that there is a challenge within the Department of Educations budget, despite a significant rise in funding provided between 2021 and 2025.

Read More Pressure on Government to tackle increasing energy costs

It was reported last month that there is a projected overspend at the Department of between 600m and 700m.

Changes to the Governments budgetary practices mean that overspends are no longer covered by supplementary budgets but must instead be absorbed by other departments.

This has essentially removed the process of supplementary budgets entirely.

Ireland's EU presidency

While there is a 1bn contingency fund in place for 2026, a Government source indicated this is being used for measures including costs associated with Irelands EU presidency in the second half of 2026 as well as an extra payday for civil servants due to the way this years calendar falls.

Weve been clear that if a new priority or a new expenditure pressure arises, that will have implications for other Government departments, said Mr Chambers.

Thats what were engaging with the Department of Education on presently. That will involve additional controls and efficiencies across Government in 2026 and will also have implications on whats available in Budget 2027 for all Government departments and ministers.

He confirmed this would limit other Government departments in their funding allocations if the Department of Education is given extra funding.

Mr Chambers said the Government is yet to make a decision on whether to provide extra funds to the department.

I believe when that happens, well set out the implications for other Government departments. Some of that will form the part of Budget 2027 and some will involve efficiencies and additional controls in 2026.

Last year, Mr Chambers warned ministers that large overspends would not be allowed to continue and that departments would need to find efficiencies.

The warnings were issued to the Departments of Housing, Education, Health, and Children.
Japan's missile deployment signals strategic shift amid regional concerns

08:58, April 07, 2026 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily

On March 31, Japan's Ministry of Defense proceeded with the deployment of so-called long-range missiles capable of "attacking enemy bases" in Kumamoto and Shizuoka prefectures, despite strong local opposition.

This deployment marks a notable shift in Japan's defense posture, as these weapons possess clear offensive capabilities that extend beyond the country's traditionally self-defense-oriented policy.

The move not only seriously violates Japan's constitution and its established domestic norms, but also runs counter to legally binding international instruments such as the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and the Instrument of Surrender of Japan.

It underscores an increasingly pronounced offensive tendency in Japan's "neo-militarism," posing a serious threat to regional peace and security.

Japan's Ministry of Defense has portrayed these long-range missiles as key equipment to enhance deterrence and response capabilities, claiming that in light of the severe security environment surrounding Japan, the Ground Self-Defense Force is working to build long-range defense capabilities.

Such rhetoric mirrors the familiar "crisis narrative" employed by right-wing forces in Japan. By exaggerating so-called "surrounding threats," these forces seek to hollow out the postwar pacifist framework, fundamentally overturn the principle of "exclusively defense-oriented policy," and push the "pacifist constitution" toward one that permits the waging of war.

The so-called "severe security environment" is merely a pretext for military expansion, while "defense capability" serves as a cover for developing offensive power. Under the guise of "crisis," Japan is undermining regional peace; under the banner of "defense," it is attempting to cast off postwar constraints and transform itself into a country capable of waging war.

"Article 9 of Japan's constitution has, in effect, become nominal," a former Japanese cabinet official remarked on the deployment of offensive missiles.

Japan's constitution commits the country to "forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes," establishing the principle of exclusively defensive defense. The Potsdam Proclamation also clearly stipulates that Japan would be prohibited from rearmament. These are legal obligations incumbent upon Japan as a defeated nation in World War II.

Recent years have seen Japan revise its security strategy to include "counterstrike capabilities," and the current missile deployment represents another step away from postwar defense concepts. The government's shift from "defense-only" to "preemptive action" frameworks -- framed as security measures -- reveals an ambition to move beyond constitutional constraints on military activities.

Japan's deployment of offensive missiles, and plans to procure and deploy more in the coming years, reflect a dangerous escalation in its "neo-militarist" trajectory.

In recent years, right-wing forces in Japan have pushed security policy toward a more offensive and expansionist direction. Defense spending has increased for 14 consecutive years, with large sums directed toward offensive capabilities, including the development of stand-off strike weapons.

The deployment of long-range missiles not only seriously threatens the security of neighboring countries, but also risks making the regional situation more complex and sensitive, warranting heightened vigilance from Asian neighbors and the international community.

Domestic opposition has emerged in response, with residents in multiple regions protesting the deployments. Notably, while defense officials conducted exhibitions for government representatives in areas like Kumamoto, they did not hold public briefings. Local communities have expressed concern that hosting such missiles could make them targets in potential conflicts.

Critics contend that this military expansion prioritizes strategic objectives over public welfare and regional stability, running counter to global trends toward peaceful development.

Protesters have voiced clear messages: "Deterrence cannot bring peace," "We do not need missiles for war preparation," and "Stop missile deployment." These sentiments reflect broader public anxiety about the direction of national security policy.

The Japanese government faces calls to address these concerns responsibly, avoiding the linkage of military expansion to civilian welfare. Ultimately, Japan's current trajectory carries risks not only for regional stability but also for its own long-term interests. As a nation with a history of militarism, Japan bears particular responsibility to uphold its pacifist constitution and contribute to regional peace. Prudent action and adherence to international commitments remain essential for maintaining stability in East Asia.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
The ongoing dispute between Anthropic and US president Donald Trumps administration reveals something deeply troubling about the current state of AI governance.

Apparently, a private company is more concerned about ethical guardrails than the worlds most powerful military.

Earlier this month, the US defence department designated Anthropic a supply-chain risk.

The unusual move followed the companys insistence on safeguards preventing its technology from being used for mass surveillance of Americans or in fully autonomous weapons.

In response, the Pentagon placed Anthropic on a list typically reserved for foreign entities considered national security threats. Anthropic has since filed a lawsuit challenging the designation.

Whatever one thinks of Anthropics motives, this episode underscores how misaligned governance frameworks have become.

When the responsibility for insisting on basic ethical limits falls to private companies, the systems meant to protect the public interest from potentially dangerous technologies have clearly failed.

Ethical AI deployment

Encouragingly, Februarys AI Impact Summit in India showed that it is not too late to change course.

Around the world, start-ups are developing systems designed explicitly for safe and ethical deployment, and civil society organisations are using AI to tackle pressing social challenges, including violence against women and girls.

At the same time, the costs of AI applications have dropped by as much as 90% in recent years, while the growth of open-source ecosystems has made powerful tools accessible to smaller actors.

This is the AI revolution many of us have long hoped for, with technological progress guided by democratic values and respect for human rights.

The same vision has informed my work on UNESCOs Recommendation on the Ethics of AI  the first global framework of its kind  and on the OECDs AI Principles.

Indias experience offers a useful model for countries seeking to harness AI in ways that serve the public interest.

By investing heavily in digital public infrastructure  most notably the Aadhaar biometric identity system and the Unified Payments Interface  the country has shown how technology can be deployed at scale to meet citizens everyday needs.

AI governance

But the Anthropic dispute highlights a growing tension between sound AI governance and governments desire to attract investment.

The business models of the handful of American companies that currently dominate the AI frontier are shaped by intense competition, both among themselves and with their Chinese counterparts, and policymakers are reluctant to impose rules that might drive them away.

That dynamic was evident during last years AI Action Summit in Paris, where media coverage focused on the investment commitments France had secured from Big Tech rather than on public-interest initiatives like Current AI or the Coalition for Sustainable Development Through Sport.

As a result, these summits increasingly serve as platforms for governments to announce investments and data-centre deals. Tellingly, the defining image of Indias AI Impact Summit was Prime Minister Narendra Modi surrounded by tech CEOs, including Alphabets Sundar Pichai, OpenAIs Sam Altman, and Anthropics Dario Amodei.

The original purpose of these gatherings was to foster multilateral co-operation on governing transformative technologies. Their transformation into investment-promotion platforms illustrates how difficult sustaining meaningful oversight has become.

Policymakers have experimented with multiple approaches, from voluntary principles to binding legislation like the European Unions AI Act. Yet geopolitical competition and commercial pressures continue to push governments into a race to the bottom.

The costs of AI applications have dropped by as much as 90% in recent years, while the growth of open-source ecosystems has made powerful tools accessible to smaller actors. File picture

To be sure, not every country needs to confront Big Tech firms on the global stage. But governments must put their own houses in order by setting clear rules and building the capacity to enforce them.

Public procurement offers one powerful lever, accounting for roughly 13% of GDP in OECD countries.

Procurement contracts can require data localisation and algorithmic transparency and can establish effective mechanisms for challenging harmful algorithmic decisions. They can also mandate safety testing of high-risk systems before deployment, while rewarding companies that meet ethical standards and excluding those that do not.

But procurement alone is not enough; legislation must follow. One of the most consequential steps governments could take is to ensure that AI systems are never granted legal personhood, so that responsibility always rests with a human being or institution.

They should also establish firm prohibitions on data extraction without consent, mass surveillance, and the use of AI for profiling and political manipulation.

Not every country can build its own foundational AI models, nor should they try. A more practical path is to invest in smaller, open-source models tailored to local languages, needs, and values.

While such a strategy still requires investments, institutions, infrastructure, and appropriate incentives  the four Is  it has the potential to deliver results at scale.

Technology is not above the law

Europes AI Act represents the most ambitious attempt so far to apply this approach. Critics dismiss it as bureaucratic and cumbersome, and there is growing pressure on the European Commission to delay its implementation.

But the law simply reaffirms a basic principle: technology is not above the law. Pharmaceutical companies must meet safety standards before releasing new medicines, and construction firms must certify the structural safety of the bridges they build.

High-risk AI systems should be subject to the same scrutiny.

The pace of AI development underscores the urgency of this task. Countries that fail to build these foundations will not merely fall behind in todays technological race; in a world where power increasingly determines outcomes and accountability becomes optional, they risk losing control over how new technologies are used.

The good news is that governments and consumers still have leverage. Access to markets gives countries real influence over how AI products are deployed, and civil society organizations have repeatedly shown that co-ordinated public pressure can change corporate behavior.

Democratic societies cannot outsource the defence of their values to private companies. They must build the institutions, laws, and capacities that make such reliance unnecessary before the cost of inaction becomes too high.

Gabriela Ramos, co-chair of the Task Force on Inequalities and Social-Related Financial Disclosures, is a former assistant director-general for social and human sciences at UNESCO, where she oversaw the development of the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, and a former OECD chief of staff and sherpa to the G20, G7, and APEC.

Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2026.
During his state of the nation address earlier this year, Hungarys prime minister Viktor Orban outlined a chilling vision of the countrys future. Signalling a new level of aggression in his campaign against the truth if he is returned to power in elections next Sunday, April 12, Orban vowed to purge the country of bought journalists and fake civil society organisations.

Media repression isnt just a Hungarian problem.

According to the V-Dem Institute in Gothenburg University in Sweden, a leading democracy monitor, it is the most commonly used weapon in the authoritarian arsenal. Strikingly, its latest report finds that US democracy is now at its worst level since the 1960s, marked by a sharp decline in media freedom.

In February, Donald Trump endorsed Orban for re-election. Trump hailed Hungarys prime minister as a truly strong and powerful leader who has delivered phenomenal results. But the US president has done more than praise Orban  he has taken a page from the Hungarians authoritarian playbook by restricting media freedom.

Trump is following the Orban model of media repression at home.

A report I co-authored for the Rule of Law Lab at NYU School of Law and the Hungarian watchdog Mertek Media Monitor makes the parallels clear as it documents Orbans systematic attacks on independent media over his 16-year tenure.

Dehumanising slurs and insults

Both Orban and Trump are hostile to independent journalists, routinely using dehumanising language to refer to them. In Hungary, Orban has described independent media outlets as fake news factories and journalists  alongside judges, rival politicians, and what he calls bogus civil society organisations  as stink bugs, who need to be eradicated.

Trump has similarly attacked critical outlets by calling them purveyors of fake news and the enemy of the people. He has misogynistically hurled epithets such as piggy, ugly, and stupid at female reporters.

Both leaders deny news outlets access, effectively blocking independent reporting. Orbans government routinely excludes independent journalists from government events, press conferences, parliament and other public institutions. In the run-up to next Sundays elections, independent reporters have been forcibly removed while covering public campaign events supportive of the ruling party.

The Trump administration barred the Associated Press from the Oval Office and Air Force One because it refused to call the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. After a court ruled that the administrations restrictions on reporters access to the Pentagon were unlawful, it closed media offices in the building in an apparent attempt to circumvent the ruling.

Waging 'lawfare' on journalists

Where exclusion fails to silence, both men have taken to using lawfare against independent media. Last month, after a report by investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi alleged that the countrys foreign minister Peter Szijjarto routinely shared details of confidential EU meetings with his Russian counterpart  claims the minister rejected  the Hungarian government filed a criminal complaint accusing Panyi of espionage.

Hungarian foreign minister Peter Szijjarto, right, welcoming JD Vance and Usha Vance as the US vice president began his visit to Hungary on Tuesday, April 7. EU leaders including Micheal Martin have condemned Mr Szijjarto's backchannel talks with Russia. Picture: Jonathan Ernst/AP

In 2024, the Hungarian government launched an investigation into the leading independent media outlet Atlatszo under the Sovereignty Protection Act, which targets entities allegedly serving foreign interests.

The investigation was launched despite the fact that the European Commission had opened an infringement procedure against the Orban government on the grounds that the act violated EU law.

Slapps to suppress media

Orbans allies have filed numerous costly lawsuits, known as Slapps (strategic litigation against public participation), against independent media outlets to drain them of their resources. In 2024, the prime minister sued several media outlets for defamation after they cited an Austrian newspaper interview in which the CEO of the supermarket chain Spar criticised his government.

Trump has also handed out Slapps on a staggering scale, filing multibillion-dollar lawsuits against ABC News, The Des Moines Register and Iowa pollster Ann Selzer, CBS News and its parent, Paramount, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the BBC.

In his second term, instances of arrests or detention of journalists, sometimes violent and many at the hands of law enforcement, have increased. The FBI searched the home of a Washington Post journalist, seizing electronic devices under the guise of an investigation into the leaking of government information.

And, earlier this year, federal agents arrested former CNN journalist Don Lemon on flimsy charges tied to his coverage of a Minnesota protest. Many see these moves as blatant attempts to silence independent media.

The author of this article, Amrit Singh, is professor of practice and founding faculty director of the Rule of Law Lab at NYU School of Law. Picture: NYU

Attacks on regulators

Neither Trump nor Orban has been content with simply targeting journalists. They have also aimed their sights on regulatory bodies. On taking office in 2010, Orban swiftly enacted new media laws to stuff Hungarys media regulatory authority with loyalists. Perhaps one of the most glaring examples of the media regulatory bodys subjugation was its decision to strip the countrys leading independent radio station, Klubradio, of its broadcasting licence, which in February the EU court ruled was a violation of EU law.

In 2018, the authority stood by as the government decreed the merger of more than 470 pro-government media outlets into Kesma, the Central European Press and Media Foundation, bypassing competition regulations. The authority also oversaw the state-owned public service medias conversion into the governments propaganda tool.

Between 2010 and 2025, Hungarys rank in Reporters Without Borders world press freedom index plunged from 23rd to 68th out of 180 countries, making it one of the worst-ranked media environments in the EU.

Brendan Carr at the FCC

Today, Orbans Fidesz party is estimated to exert direct or indirect control over roughly 80% of Hungarys media, according to Reporters Without Borders.

While the US has not reached this level of media capture, Trump is implementing a similar strategy via Brendan Carr, his handpicked chair for the historically independent Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Carr has publicly confirmed that the FCC, formally speaking, isnt independent, approved media mergers that critics say would consolidate ownership in the hands of Trump political allies while waiving the FCCs own rules on broadcast ownership caps, and issued regulatory threats that have induced television outlets into what historian Timothy Snyder calls anticipatory obedience.

Although US media remain more independent in the aggregate than their Hungarian counterparts, the Trump administration is moving with alarming speed to consolidate its influence. Unlike Hungary, which faces regional oversight as an EU state, the US lacks any such tempering force. Left Unchecked, Trumps campaign of media repression could soon outdo its Hungarian model.

Yet even in Hungary, independent outlets have managed to survive against the odds, sustained by civic trust and innovative funding models. As Hungarians head to the polls next Sunday, Americans and Europeans who value a free press must watch closely. If the enemies of media freedom are learning from one another, its advocates must do the same.
President Donald Trump was on the verge of a crisis in the Iran war, faced with the rare instance of an American airman shot down and stranded deep inside enemy territory.

Then, the airman's daring Easter weekend rescue gave the US president the chance to quickly flip the script.

Standing before cameras on Monday, Mr Trump recast the perilous operation as a providential military triumph, leaning in to its cinematic elements to project strength and command of a five-week-old war that remains deeply unpopular with US voters.

"We have incredibly talented people, and if the time comes, we move heaven and earth to bring them home safely," Mr Trump told reporters at the White House. "God was watching us."

It was the second time in less than a week that the president had scheduled time to directly deliver his message on Iran to the public, taking on the role of executive producer and chief publicist of his presidency in his uniquely Trumpian way.

He has struggled to explain his rationale for the bombing campaign, including during a muddled prime-time address last week. His profanity-laced tirade on social media on Easter Sunday further pushed past the normal bounds of presidential communications and prompted questions from reporters about the 79-year-old president's mental fitness.

The scene in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room on Monday offered a familiar display of Mr Trump's political instincts: seizing a high-profile moment to tell the story on his terms and using it as a unifying rallying cry to win support from war-weary Americans.

Rescue details dominate briefing

He detailed an intricate rescue mission that he conceded was bolstered by luck. Trump administration officials, normally loath to discuss internal deliberations, over the weekend helped reporters write vivid accounts of the stunning operation.

Mr Trump described a bleeding officer who evaded capture in Iran for two days, and search-and-rescue teams scaling mountains and trying to lift aircraft out of wet sand before destroying machinery that might otherwise fall into enemy hands.

"Hundreds of people could have been killed," Mr Trump told reporters, noting that some military officials advised him against the operation.

"How many men did you send altogether?" Mr Trump asked the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, who was standing nearby.

"I'd love to keep that a secret," Mr Caine said.

"I'll keep it a secret, but it was hundreds and hundreds of these people," Mr Trump said.

Reporters squeezed into the crowded room, blocking aisles and an entryway, and verbally sparred with one another to gain a more advantageous position in the president's line of sight.

Though Mr Trump seemed to revel in the details of the military's prowess - suggesting at a separate White House event earlier on Monday that the rescue might someday be depicted in a movie - he also threatened to jail a journalist at an unnamed news outlet who first reported that one airman had been successfully rescued before the second missing airman was found.

Frustration with allies, diplomacy

Trump continued to express frustration with the speed of diplomacy to end the war, anger at US allies who will not help and exasperation with the blocked Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies. He dismissed a question about his mental health, saying, "I don't care about critics."

Asked whether he planned to escalate the war or end it, Mr Trump was noncommittal.

"I can't tell you," Mr Trump said. "I don't know."

As he moved to wrap up the hour-plus news conference, he sought to portray victory as an all-but-foregone conclusion.

"We won, OK?" he said. "They are militarily defeated."

- Reuters
Saudi Arabia closed the only road linking it to Bahrain on Tuesday after Iran fired missiles at its oil-rich Eastern Province.

Tehrans latest strikes came as Iranian officials urged youths to form human chains around power plants to protect them, as the latest deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz drew closer.

Mr Trump has threatened to bomb all of Irans power plants and bridges if Iran does not meet his Tuesday 8pm EDT deadline to allow shipping traffic to fully resume through the strategic waterway, through which a fifth of the worlds oil transits in peacetime.

The entire country can be taken out in one night, Mr Trump said.

(PA Graphics)

Israels military warned Iranians in Farsi to avoid taking trains throughout the day, likely telegraphing intended strikes on the rail network.

Your presence puts your life at risk, the warning posted on X read.

Iran choked off shipping through the strait after Israel and the US attacked on February 28, starting the war.

On Monday, Tehran rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal and said it wants a permanent end to the war.

Early Tuesday, Tehran launched seven ballistic missiles at Saudi Arabia, which authorities said rained debris on the ground near energy facilities as they were intercepted.

Defence Ministry spokesman Major General Turki al-Malki said the damage was being assessed.

President Donald Trump departs after speaking with reporters (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

In the meantime, Saudi Arabia said it was closing the King Fahd Causeway, a bridge that links Saudi Arabia to the island kingdom of Bahrain over the threat of more Iranian attacks targeting the Eastern Province.

The 15.5 mile bridge is the only connection by road for Bahrain, home to the US Navys 5th Fleet, to the Arabian Peninsula.

Elsewhere, activists reported a new wave of strikes on Tehran, for which Israel later claimed responsibility.

Iran also fired on Israel, with reports of incoming missiles.

Irans attacks on the energy infrastructure of its Gulf Arab neighbors, coupled with its stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, has sent oil prices skyrocketing and is causing global economic problems.

In early spot trading, Brent crude, the international standard, was above 111 US dollars per barrel, up more than 50% since the start of the war.

Under growing pressure at home as consumers feel the pinch, Mr Trump has demanded that Iran open the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping traffic or see power plants and bridges wiped out.

People shop at Tajrish bazaar in Tehran, Iran (Francisco Seco/AP)

The threat to hit civilian infrastructure has sparked widespread warnings about possible war crimes.

New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon on Tuesday urged Mr Trump not to follow through, saying the focus needs to be on not seeing this conflict expand any further.

Any of those actions including bombing bridges and reservoirs and civilian infrastructure would be unacceptable, Mr Luxon told Radio New Zealand.

Iran sought to up the ante, calling on all young people, athletes, artists, students and university students and their professors to form human chains around power plants ahead of the threatened strikes.

Power plants that are our national assets and capital, regardless of any taste or political viewpoint, belong to the future of Iran and to the Iranian youth, Mr Alireza Rahimi, identified by Iranian state television as the secretary of the Supreme Council of Youth and Adolescents, said as he issued the video call in a newscast.

Iran has formed human chains in the past around its nuclear sites at times of heightened tensions with the West.

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres warned the US that attacks on civilian infrastructure are banned under international law, according to his spokesperson.

People gather as an excavator clears rubble at the site of Sundays Israeli strike on a building in Beiruts Jnah neighborhood, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)

Mr Trump, speaking with reporters, said he is not at all concerned about committing war crimes with such attacks.

As the deadline neared, efforts were still under way to reach a negotiated solution.

Even though Iran has rejected the latest proposal from the US, officials involved in the diplomacy say that talks are still ongoing.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began, but the government has not updated the toll for days.

More than 1,400 people have been killed in Lebanon and more than one million people have been displaced.

Eleven Israeli soldiers have died there.

In Gulf Arab states and the occupied West Bank, more than two dozen people have died, while 23 have been reported dead in Israel and 13 US service members have been killed.

Japan said Tuesday that one of its citizens who had been detained in Iran since January had been released on bail.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters in Tokyo that Japan is demanding his full release from Iranian authorities.
On the sixth day of a lunar mission that has rekindled global interest in space exploration and reinvigorated Nasas aims to return to the moon, the astronauts of Artemis II flew further from Earth than any human before them.

Across a six-hour flyby, the crew of the Orion capsule captured views of the moons far side that have never been seen before  while honouring the astronauts who paved the way for their record-breaking mission.

Here are some key moments from the day:

Read More Artemis II astronauts travel deeper into space than any human has gone before

1. Breaking a 56-year-old record

The four astronauts broke the distance record set by the 1970 Apollo 13 mission when they reached the journeys furthest anticipated distance from Earth: 406,778km. Its expected that they broke the previous record by 6,606km.

While the Artemis II crew travelled further from Earth than any human previously, and despite it being one of the most notable moments of the mission, the Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen appeared to have his sights fixed on missions to come. After breaking the record, he challenged this generation and the next to make sure this record is not long-lived.

Artemis II is following broadly the same trajectory as Apollo 13 after its Houston, weve had a problem moment, which wiped out any hope that that mission would land on the moon.

Known as a free-return lunar trajectory, this route takes advantage of gravity from the Earth and moon, reducing the need for fuel. Its a figure-of-eight path that will put the astronauts on course for home, once they emerge from behind the moon.

2. Documenting the moon

The crew had more than six-hours to observe and document the lunar surface, bringing a human perspective to features of the moon that we have until now only known through photographs taken by robots.

The astronauts provided a running commentary to scientists back in Houston on what they were seeing. Such a majestic view out here, Reid Wiseman said as he took pictures.

This image provided by NASA shows a downlink image of Earth taken by NASAs Artemis II astronaut commander Reid Wiseman inside the Orion capsule on Friday, April 3, 2026. (NASA via AP)

Some peaks were so bright, the pilot Victor Glover said, they looked as if they were covered in snow. Mission specialist Christina Koch described lunar craters as looking like a lampshade with tiny pinprick holes and the light shining through.

Besides photographing the scenes with high-powered Nikon cameras, the astronauts also used their iPhones for impromptu shots.

The crew are expected to return with thousands of pictures  among them, the Apollo 12 and 14 landing sites from 1969 and 1971, as well as fringes of the south polar region, the preferred location for a future touchdown.

3. We will see you on the other side

Hours after the Artemis crew set their distance record, the capsule passed across the far side of the moon, starting a communications blackout that lasted about 40 minutes.

We will see you on the other side, said Glover, minutes before the connection was lost.

During the blackout, the craft made its closest approach to the moon and reached its maximum distance from Earth.

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)

Astronomy professor Derek Buzasi cast the astronauts period of solitude as exciting, in a slightly scary way, recalling that the same thing would happen during the Apollo missions of the 60s and 70s and we all held our breaths a little bit.

As mission control in Houston regained communications with Artemis, the first comments from the capsule came from Koch, who said: We will always choose Earth, we will always choose each other.

4. A message from the past

The crew began the momentous day with the voice of Jim Lovell, the Apollo 13 commander, who recorded a wake-up message two months before his death last August.

Welcome to my old neighbourhood, said Lovell, who also flew on Apollo 8, humanitys first lunar visit. Its a historic day and I know how busy youll be, but dont forget to enjoy the view.

The crew were travelling with the Apollo 8 silk patch that accompanied Lovell to the moon, and showed it off as the crucial flyby approached.

Its just a real honour to have that on board with us, said Wiseman. Lets go have a great day.

5. An emotional moment

Moments after breaking Apollo 13s record, the astronauts asked permission to name two fresh lunar craters already observed. They proposed Integrity, their capsules name, and Carroll, in honour of commander Reid Wisemans wife who died of cancer in 2020. Wiseman, a former fighter pilot, has been raising their two daughters on his own since then.

Its a bright spot on the moon. And we would like to call it Carroll, Hansen said. Wiseman wept as the Canadian astronaut put in the request to mission control, and all four astronauts embraced in tears.

A Nasa spokesperson in Houston said the names proposed by the Artemis crew would be passed along to the International Astronomical Union, the body responsible for naming celestial bodies and features.

- The Guardian with the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse
Israel has warned Iranians their lives will be at risk if they use the countrys railways on Tuesday before the end of a negotiations deadline imposed by Donald Trump with a threat to destroy Irans bridges and power plants.

Israels military, writing in Farsi, said in a social media post that from this moment  8.50am Iran time  until 9pm, Iranians should refrain from travelling by train throughout Iran for the sake of their own security.

Your presence on trains and near railway lines endangers your life, the statement continued in a clear warning that stations and tracks normally used by civilians could be bombed on Tuesday.

The threat came hours before an ultimatum set by the US president expires at 8pm ET on Tuesday  4.30am on Wednesday in Iran (1am Irish time)  in an attempt to force major concessions from Iran with the threat of escalation.

At a White House press conference on Monday, Trump said Iran can be taken out in one night and that night might be tomorrow, reiterating threats to bomb its power plants and bridges in a concentrated attack.

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters during a news conference in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Iran on Monday rejected a proposal to implement an immediate ceasefire followed by peace negotiations brokered by Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey, arguing that it wanted a permanent end to the war. It issued a 10-point counterproposal, which Trump acknowledged but said was not good enough.

The prospect of bombing Irans infrastructure has been condemned by lawyers and experts as a probable war crime because its impact on civilians would be disproportionate to whatever notional military advantage was gained, a conclusion that has been dismissed by the Trump administration.

Negotiations continued on Tuesday morning, though there were few clear developments. On X, Irans president, Masoud Pezeshkian, said: Over 14 million proud Iranians have, up to this moment, declared their readiness to sacrifice their lives in defense of Iran. I too have been, am, and will be a sacrificer for Iran.

On Monday, Pete Hegseth, the US secretary of defence, said that today will be the largest volume of strikes on Iran and that attacks on Tuesday would be even more than today.

Iranian media reported on Tuesday that Khorramabad airport, in western Iran, had been attacked, and Israel said it had conducted another wave of strikes on Tehran overnight. Israels military said it had bombed a petrochemical facility in Shiraz, where it said nitric acid used to make explosives is produced, as well as a ballistic missile launch site in north-western Iran.

US officials told Fox News and the Wall Street Journal that B-2 stealth bombers had dropped 30,000lb bunker buster bombs on an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps compound in Tehran on Saturday. The bombs were GBU-57 munitions, the type used in last Junes attack by the US on Irans underground nuclear facility at Fordow.

The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier and a US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, conduct joint exercises in the US Central Command area of responsibility in Arabian Sea (Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian M. Wilbur/U.S. Navy via AP, File)

Israeli media reported that Benjamin Netanyahu told members of the countrys security cabinet on Sunday that the war against Hezbollah in Lebanon would continue regardless of what happened in the negotiations between the US and Iran. There was, the prime minister said, a separation of theatres.

An attack on Saudi Arabia had hit a petrochemical complex in a sprawling industrial area in the eastern city of Jubail and workers at the site were evacuated.

Sirens were repeatedly sounded in Israel as missile attacks continued. Five impacts were reported in the Tel Aviv area as Israel said Iran had fired ballistic missiles with cluster warheads, but no casualties were immediately reported.

The price of Brent crude oil increased marginally to just above $110 a barrel in morning trading.

- The Guardian
The King Fahd Causeway, a key bridge linking Saudi Arabia and the island kingdom of Bahrain, has reopened after closing for hours over possible threats from Iran.

The King Fahd Causeway Authority made the announcement in a post on X, saying the only route by road between Bahrain and the Arabian Peninsula had been reopened.
Pakistan has proposed a two-week extension to Donald Trump's deadline with Iran, hours after the US president threatened that "a whole civilization would die tonight."

Mr Trump set a deadline on Iran to end its blockade of Gulf oil in the Strait of Hormuz. He vowed devastating military action if the country does not reach an agreement by 1am Irish time.
Tammy Wolfe has lived with her 90-year-old mother, Helen Neff, for the last seven years. Wolfe helps take care of the Englewood home and assists her mother with shopping, banking, medication management, meal preparation and getting to doctors appointments. More than 2 million Ohioans provide unpaid care to adult family members and loved ones. Cornelius Frolik


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San Francisco ( Normansolomon.com )  After decades of bipartisan deference to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the likely contenders for the next Democratic presidential nomination have been distancing themselves from the powerful organization. The shift is significant. But disavowing AIPAC has become a box-checking exercise, useful for politicians who remain firm supporters of Israel.

Polling last month found that registered Democrats  by a margin of 67-17 percent  were more sympathetic toward Palestinians than Israelis. For elected officials on automatic pilot for Israel, such numbers are a big jolt. In response, the evident quest is to satisfy the majority of Democratic voters who have negative views of Israel, while at the same time not angering its supporters.

While AIPAC and perhaps other pro-Israel groups must now cope with being shunned by many Democratic politicians, the implications for U.S. policy toward Israel are another matter. The Times of Israel reports that none of the potential 2028 Democratic Party candidates has embraced AIPAC, but the ultimate goal of such organizations is to prevent federal officeholders from impeding the massive pipeline of American weapons to Israel or fracturing the U.S.-Israel military alliance.

Its not just avoiding AIPAC money, Congressman Ro Khanna told me. Its the guts to take them on with clear policy. Khanna has stressed that what matters more is the clarity of calling what happened a genocide and stopping military sales to Israel used to kill civilians in Gaza and Lebanon.

As vocal opponents of U.S. arms shipments to Israel, Khanna and Senator Chris Van Hollen are unusual in the field of expected Democratic presidential candidates. Thats why the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, Jonathan Greenblatt, singled them out for denunciation last month at the ADLs national conference, complete with the timeworn technique of insinuating antisemitism.

In sharp contrast to confronting the immorality of arming Israels genocidal policies, simply promising not to take AIPAC money is easy. As if to show how valueless such a pledge can be, Kentucky governor Andy Beshear stuck like glue to standard pro-Israel talking points during a national interview this spring. Along the way, he refused to call what Israel has done in Gaza genocide, complaining thats becoming one of those new litmus tests that we said we would never do as a party again.

(Khanna replied with a pointed tweet saying: Yes, standing up for human rights is the most basic litmus test. Our party needs a new moral direction.)

The governor getting the most attention for 2028, Californias Gavin Newsom, has offered assurances that he will never take AIPAC money. In an early March interview, he seemed to compare Israel to an apartheid state  but later emphatically backtracked, expressing regret over using the word apartheid and declaring: I revere the state of Israel. Im proud to support the state of Israel. That expression of reverence came more than three weeks after Israel had initiated its current wars on Iran and Lebanon.

Another governor eyeing the Oval Office who has vowed not to take AIPAC funding is Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania. He became controversial during the intense carnage of the Israeli war on Gaza when he called for a crackdown on peaceful campus protests.

Others with long pro-Israel records who are often named as potential 2028 candidates have maintained tactful silences when asked about whether theyd accept support from AIPAC, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Senators Mark Kelly and Raphael Warnock, Governors Wes Moore of Maryland and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

This spring began with a round of high-profile interviews with Senator Cory Booker as apparent groundwork for a presidential campaign. Booker was still receiving donations bundled by AIPAC at the end of 2025, but he cut off funding from the group this year. I dont believe we should be accepting any PAC money at all from anybody, Booker said. He has a long history of courting AIPAC.

Now New Jerseys senior senator, Booker frequently ingratiated himself at the AIPAC conferences by professing his unquestioned loyalty to Israel, the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs noted three years ago. For example, on March 2, 2020, Booker, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, reassured the AIPAC throng of the unshakeable bond between the United States and Israel, an indispensable ally that the United States would continue to fully support ensuring that they have the means and resources that Washington annually provides.

Routinely, those whove backed away from AIPAC sound notes of partisanship rather than morality. Another prominent Democrat likely to make a run for president, Illinois governor JB Pritzker, attributes his alienation from AIPAC not to its resolute backing of an apartheid state and its deadly treatment of Palestinians along with others in the region, but instead to its alignment with the GOP. It became an organization that was supporting Donald Trump and people who follow Donald Trump, Pritzker explained to the Associated Press in March. AIPAC really is not an organization that I think today I would want any part of.

As Axios pointed out, Pritzker has tried to walk a fine line  breaking with AIPAC over its affiliation with Trump rather than Israeli actions. A spokesperson for Pritzker underscored the point, saying that he broke away from AIPAC when it became a pro-Trump organization.

Changes in the direction of windsocks show how the political winds are blowing, and theres no reason to believe that the change in views of Israel among the Democratic electorate is merely temporary. But scrutiny should be applied to how top Democrats are framing their disenchantment with the Israel lobby without challenging the alliance between the U.S. and Israel or decrying the colossal damage it has been doing to human lives.

Four of the senators now reportedly serious about a 2028 presidential run  Booker, Ruben Gallego, Mark Kelly and Raphael Warnock  voted to support sending $8.8 billion worth of weapons to Israel last year. They now say theyll reject AIPAC money, without any sign of interest in voting to block such shipments in the future.

While distancing from AIPAC, the bulk of the Democrats mapping a path to the White House are dodging profound questions about human rights and U.S. policy toward Israel. A favorite technique is to blame Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu rather than Israel, as though they can be separated after he has been in power for more than 15 of the last 17 years.

And so it was when former Chicago mayor and longtime corporate-Democrat power broker Rahm Emanuel declared in late March that he and AIPAC had nothing to do with each other: I worked for a two-state solution in my whole public life as adviser to President Clinton, as a congressman and as President Obamas chief of staff. I have a long fraught and publicly known antagonistic relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu for his hostility and attempts to undermine that goal.

Notably absent from media coverage of the recent public splits between AIPAC and Democratic politicians has been any mention of kindred organizations like Democratic Majority for Israel, a virtual spinoff from AIPAC which has worked in parallel to swing elections ever since its founding in 2019. The new group says its independent and distinct from AIPAC, the Forward newspaper reported at the time  but out of DMFIs 15 board members, 11 have either worked or volunteered for [AIPAC], donated to it or spoken at its events.



Photo by Chris F: https://www.pexels.com/photo/elderly-protesters-holding-democracy-banner-outdoors-34355546/

During the last seven years, DMFI has wielded electoral power in its own right while targeting key races. The group spent $6.2 million in the latest election cycle, deftly intervening in races (without mentioning Israel in attack ads) to defeat candidates deemed too critical of Israel and overly sympathetic to the rights of Palestinians.

From the outset, DMFI received a political benediction that reflects how fully Israel-right-or-wrong politics saturate the fabric of Democratic Party leadership. I look forward to working with the Democratic Majority for Israel as it advances the unbreakable U.S.-Israel bond into the future, said Representative Hakeem Jeffries, now the Democratic leader in the House.

Despite all of its awesome clout in American politics, AIPAC has been more a symptom than a cause of what ails U.S. policy in the Middle East. The unbreakable U.S.-Israel bond continues to take a horrific toll as the U.S.-Israel military alliance rampages through the region. Among leaders in Washington, much deeper changes will be needed than giving up money from AIPAC.
Since fall 2023, Israel has implemented its Obliteration Doctrine in Gaza and now in Lebanon. The United States has adopted it in Iran. In the process, the worst mass atrocity crimes are being normalized in the Global South.

Singapore (Special to Informed Comment)  In late March, President Trump threatened to obliterate Irans energy grid, if a ceasefire was not reached. In his public post, Truth Social, he listed explicit targets, such as power plants, oil facilities and desalination (water) infrastructure. This in addition to the already-massive regional costs and global losses.

On April 4, Trump gave a public ultimatum warning that hell will rain down if Iran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. The statement featured direct threats to energy infrastructure, water systems.

A day later, on Easter Sunday of all days, Trump posted an expletive-laden warning to Iran, threatening to strike civilian infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened. The President set a deadline, stating that if a deal was not reached to open the Fin Strait, the country would be living in Hell

The threats did not come out of the blue. They form a pattern. They have led over 100 international law experts to warn that the US strikes on Iran violate UN Charter and may be war crimes.

Whether Trump will deliver his threat or not, the damage has occurred. The administration has set the stage for the normalization of mass atrocity crimes.

Obliteration rhetoric as a prelude to mass atrocities

What is notable about these statements by Trump, Defense Secretary Hegseth and other members of the cabinet is that they are not just vague wartime rhetoric. They explicitly reference civilian infrastructure systems, including energy (electricity), water (desalination) and economy-wide assets. Presenting themselves as national security contingencies, they are a prelude to mass atrocities.

Since the onset of the Iran attacks, President Trump has repeatedly claimed that the U.S. military has literally obliterated Irans military capabilities and leadership as part of thea ongoing conflict.

Such statements are problematic because they strongly support allegations of war crimes, particularly targeting civilian infrastructure; collective punishment and disproportionate warfare. Since they are not anomalous but systematic, they also appear to support crimes against humanity. Even independently, they seem to constitute unlawful threats of force

Heres the bottom line: in international law, words by senior officials are not just political; they are evidentiary. And this applies particularly situations when those words explicitly reference destroying civilian systems. As a result, they materially strengthen the legal case that ensuing actions were not accidentalbut foreseeable, planned, or accepted.

What has been left unsaid is that the White House has embraced core aspects of the devastating military strategy that Israel developed in the early 2000s, tested in Dahiya, Beirut in 2006 and has executed broadly in Gazas genocide since fall 2023, as I showed in The Obliteration Doctrine (2025).

Tens of thousands of civilian sites damaged and destroyed

The US government typically describes its strikes as targeted against military, infrastructure, or nuclear sites, and has not officially verified the scale of civilian damage reported by Iranian authorities.

Yet, based on reports from the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) and Iranian officials as of late March and early April 2026, Iran reports that over 90,000 civilian sitesincluding homes, medical facilities, and schoolshave been damaged or destroyed in joint US-Israeli air strikes. Thats over 300 health and emergency facilities. The IRCS has characterized this damage as a deliberate campaign against civilian infrastructure.

These claims come amid a rapid escalation of conflict starting in late February 2026, which has resulted in up to 3.2 to 3.5 million people being displaced within Iran.

IRCS numbers are not independently verified totals. But they are directionally consistent with all other evidence streams.

If the figures reported by the IRCS and Iranian officials are even broadly accurate, the legal implications under international law are extremely serious, because the scale itself becomes legally probative.

With the US at war with Iran and embroiled in conflicts around the world, the Trump White House is asking Congress to approve about $1.5 trillion for defense in the 2027 fiscal year. If enacted, that amount  a 40% increase to the current level  would set US military spending at its highest level in modern history.

It would also amount to a free license to export the Obliteration Doctrine worldwide.

Obliteration as violation of international law

As demonstrated in The Obliteration Doctrine, this strategy prioritizes the total destruction of an enemys infrastructure and population over traditional military objectives. It relies on four old and brutal methods of devastation.

The scorched-earth policy is a longstanding military strategy of destroying everything that allows an enemy military force to fight a war, including the critical infrastructure, military and state institutions, buildings, crops, livestock, security and so on. Modern historical examples feature the American Civil War and American Indian Wars, and Nazi Germanys war against the Soviet Union.

Nonetheless, the deployment of scorched-earth policy against non-combatants is banned under the 1977 Geneva Conventions (Protocol I, Articles 51 and 54) and the Rome Statute that underpins the International Criminal Court.

Since collective punishment targets individuals who are not responsible for the perpetrated acts, it undermines modern legal systems, which restrict criminal liability to individuals. Yet, it has been widely deployed through history, from late medieval Florence to American Civil War and Nazi occupation of Poland and Yugoslavia, to postwar counter-insurgency campaigns.

Like scorched-earth policy, collective punishment is prohibited in both international and non-international armed conflicts.

Civilian victimization is the purposeful use of violence against noncombatants in a conflict. In civilian victimization, violence is often deployed to foster civilian cooperation and isolate the military adversary by removing civilians from an area, as applied in the U.S. Strategic Hamlet program during the Vietnam War.

Like scorched-earth policy and collective punishment, civilian victimization is prohibited by the Geneva Conventions.

In its contemporary form, the Obliteration Doctrine accounts for the decimation of urban infrastructure and the genocidal atrocities in the Gaza Strip since 2023. It was first tested in 2006 in Dahiya, a Shia Muslim enclave in Beirut. The net effect has been genocide.

In The Obliteration Doctrine, I argued that Gaza is most likely a prelude of worse to come. Now it is spreading to Lebanon, Iran and elsewhere in the Middle East.

Toward algocides

Since the postwar era, these old sources of obliteration have been coupled with largely indiscriminate area bombardment. In Gaza, it set a historical precedent.

In principle, aerial warfare should comply with laws of war, which regulates the conditions for initiating war (jus ad bellum) and the conduct of hostilities (jus in bello). In particular, aerial operations should comply with the principles of humanitarian law: that is, of military necessity, objective, and proportionality.

Based on Article 51 of Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions, carpet bombing has been considered a war crime since 1977, conveniently after the Vietnam War.

There is one more ingredient to the contemporary Obliteration Doctrine: Israels mass assassination factories deploying artificial intelligence for maximum devastation. After October 7, 2023 the Israeli military gave officers sweeping approval to embrace the kill lists of the Lavender program, knowing that the system made errors in about 10% of cases and occasionally targeted individuals who had no connection to militants.

For every Hamas operative marked by Lavender, it was permissible to kill up to 15-20 civilians. Backed with AI, the military purposely used dumb bombs to hit these homes. Algocide can be defined as a deliberate effort to use the algorithms of artificial intelligence in genocidal atrocities.

In the past weeks, Israel and the US have deployed AI-powered warfare in Iran and Lebanon, using advanced systems for intelligence analysis, target generation, and drone/missile tracking to accelerate the kill chain. Israel is using AI tools like Lohem and AI-driven data analysis for targeting in Lebanon, while the US relies on Pentagon AI program Project Maven to analyze data in the conflict with Iran.

Reports on Israeli AI deployment and US AI-warfare indicate these technologies have enhanced targeting speed while raising serious questions about deliberate civilian damage. These systems were largely matured in the Gaza.

The rules-based order of butchery

Heres the problem: the interlocking core aspects of Obliteration Doctrine directly violate several fundamental principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), also known as the laws of war:



Photo of Gaza by Mohammed Ibrahim on Unsplash

Nonetheless, AI-enabled warfare does not exempt from these laws. If anything, using AI to facilitate mass assassination without human oversight is considered a violation of the obligation to prevent genocide.

The Obliteration Doctrine represents a shift from collateral damage to deliberate civilian victimization, by the countries of the West in the Global South. It is now transforming war which is no longer war, and warfare which can no longer called warfare.

The blatant destruction of civilians and civilian infrastructure is not war. It is illegal destruction. Nor is it warfare. It is butchery by the mighty.

The world of brutal great power rivalry has a dark track-record. It goes back to capitalist modernity and lethal colonialism in the 19th century. But the new variant is far more lethal and ambitious. It seeks to globalize obliteration.
Iran showed no sign of backing down Tuesday as a US deadline loomed for it to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, defying threats by President Donald Trump to "decimate" the country's civilian infrastructure.

The Iranian army dismissed what they called Trump's "arrogant rhetoric and baseless threats", saying they would not hinder operations against US and Israeli forces more than five weeks into the war.

Trump has warned that unless Tehran allows free passage through the strategic oil chokepoint by midnight GMT Tuesday, the United States will unleash what he called the "complete demolition" of Iran's critical infrastructure.

"We have a plan... where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o'clock tomorrow night, where every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding and never to be used again," Trump said, brushing aside accusations such strikes would constitute war crimes.

"I mean complete demolition by 12 o'clock, and it'll happen over a period of four hours -- if we wanted to," Trump said at a press conference during which he also recounted the rescue of the two crew members of a US F-15 fighter jet shot down over Iran last week.

The Iranian army's Khatam Al-Anbiya central command, responding to Trump's threats, called him "delusional" and said "crushing operations of the warriors of Islam against the American and Zionist enemies" would continue.

Fighting raged across the region overnight, with Israel's military saying Tuesday it carried out a new "wave" of air strikes on what it called Iranian "terror regime infrastructure" in Tehran and other areas.

Iranian media said explosions were heard in parts of Tehran and nearby Karaj early Tuesday.

The Israeli army later said it had detected missiles launched from Iran towards Israeli territory, adding that air defence systems were working to intercept them.

Across the Gulf, Bahrain's interior ministry said air-raid sirens sounded Tuesday morning, urging residents to seek shelter, while the United Arab Emirates said its air defences were actively engaging missiles and drones.

Saudi Arabia's defence ministry said its air defences intercepted and destroyed seven ballistic missiles launched towards the kingdom's east, with debris falling near energy facilities.

- Ceasefire proposal rejected -

Both Trump and Iran, meanwhile, said a proposal touted by international mediators for a 45-day ceasefire is not yet ready.

Trump had said earlier that the plan, which the US media said is being mediated by Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey, was a "significant proposal," but he later went on to say it was not good enough.

Iranian state media quoted officials as saying that Tehran too "has rejected a ceasefire and insists on the need for a definitive end to the conflict".

The New York Times, citing two unnamed senior Iranian officials, reported that Iran was demanding guarantees against future attacks and an end to Israeli strikes on its ally Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Under the plan, Iran would reopen the strait while charging around $2 million per vessel, a fee it would share with neighbouring Oman, the paper reported.

- UN vote on Hormuz -

On the diplomatic front, the UN Security Council is set to vote Tuesday on a watered-down resolution addressing Iran's threats to the Strait of Hormuz, diplomatic sources told AFP, after more robust earlier drafts faced potential vetoes.

Iran has effectively blocked the waterway since the start of the war on February 28, driving up global oil and gas prices. Around one?fifth of the world's oil normally flows through the strait.

Bahrain, backed by other oil-exporting Gulf countries, launched negotiations two weeks ago on a draft resolution that would have given a clear UN mandate to any state wishing to use force to unblock the strait.

However, objections from several veto-holding permanent members have seen the text watered down and the latest draft seen by AFP does not expressly authorise force.

Iran's UN envoy, meanwhile, warned the UN chief that US threats amounted to state terrorism and would "normalise war crimes and humanitarian catastrophes and embolden aggressors, with consequences that extend beyond the region", the state-run IRNA reported.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed that their intelligence chief, Majid Khademi, was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Monday, vowing a "major retaliatory strike".

Israel said it had also killed Asghar Bagheri, a senior commander in the Guards' Quds Force, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning: "We will reach anyone who seeks to harm us."

burs-abs/fox

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A former nanny living in Australia lost a final court fight Tuesday to avoid extradition to Chile on allegations of kidnapping in the 1970s during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

Adriana Elcira Rivas Gonzalez, in her early 70s, was arrested in Sydney in February 2019, following an extradition request from Chile.

She had been working part-time as a nanny and cleaner in the city's Bondi suburb.

Rivas is accused by Chile of seven counts of "aggravated kidnapping" of figures who disappeared in the 1970s when she was an alleged member of Pinochet's feared secret police.

Among those charges, she is accused of being involved in the disappearance of Victor Manuel Diaz Lopez, undersecretary general of the Communist Party, court documents show.

He was detained by several agents early in the morning of May 10, 1976, transferred to a secret police facility on the outskirts of Santiago and then disappeared without trace.

Rivas had earlier failed in a court bid to review a 2020 magistrate's court finding that she was eligible for extradition to Chile.

In her latest challenge at the Federal Court in Sydney, Rivas said the government's decision to allow her extradition was legally flawed.

Her lawyers argued she was actually being extradited for a crime against humanity, which was not a crime in Australia or Chile at the time.

But the judge said the formal extradition papers and the indictments from Chile listed her alleged offences as aggravated kidnappings.

Rivas' reliance on "selected extradition materials" to argue that she was actually being accused of a crime against humanity was "misconceived", Justice Michael Lee said in a written ruling.

He stressed that the extradition hearing had no bearing on the underlying truth of the allegations against Rivas.
A former nanny living in Australia lost a final court fight Tuesday to avoid extradition to Chile on allegations of kidnapping in the 1970s during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

Adriana Elcira Rivas Gonzalez, in her early 70s, was arrested in Sydney in February 2019, following an extradition request from Chile.

She had been working part-time as a nanny and cleaner in the city's Bondi suburb.

Rivas is accused by Chile of seven counts of "aggravated kidnapping" of figures who disappeared in the 1970s when she was an alleged member of Pinochet's feared secret police.

Among those charges, she is accused of being involved in the disappearance of Victor Manuel Diaz Lopez, undersecretary general of the Communist Party, court documents show.

He was detained by several agents early in the morning of May 10, 1976, transferred to a secret police facility on the outskirts of Santiago and then disappeared without trace.

Rivas had earlier failed in a court bid to review a 2020 magistrate's court finding that she was eligible for extradition to Chile.

In her latest challenge at the Federal Court in Sydney, Rivas said the government's decision to allow her extradition was legally flawed.

Her lawyers argued she was actually being extradited for a crime against humanity, which was not a crime in Australia or Chile at the time.

But the judge said the formal extradition papers and the indictments from Chile listed her alleged offences as aggravated kidnappings.

Rivas's reliance on "selected extradition materials" to argue that she was being accused of a crime against humanity was "misconceived", Justice Michael Lee said in a written ruling.

He stressed that the extradition hearing had no bearing on the underlying truth of the allegations against Rivas.

Outside court, a lawyer representing relatives of alleged victims, Adriana Navarro, told Australia's national broadcaster ABC that families were "relieved" there was finally an outcome.
New strikes rocked Tehran on Tuesday with Iran showing no sign of backing down as a US deadline loomed for it to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or have its civilian infrastructure "decimated", according to President Donald Trump.

The US leader has warned that unless Tehran allows free passage through the strategic oil chokepoint by midnight GMT, the United States will unleash what he called the "complete demolition" of Iran's critical infrastructure.

"I'm terrified and so should everyone else in the country be," university student Metanat, whose classmate died two weeks ago in an attack, told AFP.

The 27-year-old, who declined to give her last name, said as far as Trump's ultimatums are concerned, "some people think they are a joke", but she added: "Death is not a joke."

Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, which is mediating between Iran and the United States, said Tuesday on X that efforts to end the war were "approaching a critical, sensitive stage", without giving details.

More than five weeks into the war, the Iranian army has dismissed what it called Trump's "arrogant rhetoric and baseless threats", saying they would not hinder its operations.

Brushing aside accusations that such strikes would constitute war crimes, Trump at a press conference warned that "every bridge in Iran will be decimated" and "every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding and never to be used again" if a deal is not reached.

Iranian pensioner Morteza Hamidi said he has seen Trump back down too many times to take his words seriously: "We are now numb to his threats," he told AFP.

The 62-year-old added that among many emotions, he felt "gloomy for the future of the country after the war".

On Tuesday the Israeli army told Iranians to avoid taking trains until 1730 GMT, while in the Gulf traffic across King Fahd Bridge, a major artery connecting Saudi Arabia and the island nation of Bahrain, was temporarily closed as a precaution amid fears of retaliatory strikes by Iran.

- Explosions -

A series of explosions was heard across Tehran on Tuesday, with AFP journalists noting blasts in the north of the city.

US-Israeli strikes also "completely destroyed" the capital's Rafi-Nia synagogue, local media reported.

Israel's military said Tuesday it had carried out a new "wave" of airstrikes on what it called Iranian "terror regime infrastructure" in Tehran and other areas.

Iranian media said explosions were heard in parts of the capital and nearby Karaj early in the day.

The Israeli army later said it had detected missiles launched from Iran towards Israeli territory, adding that air defence systems were working to intercept them.

Overnight, attacks on Saudi Arabia hit a petrochemical complex in a sprawling industrial area in the eastern city of Jubail, a witness who requested anonymity told AFP, hours after similar installations in Iran were struck.

Elsewhere in the Gulf, Bahrain's interior ministry said air-raid sirens sounded Tuesday morning, while the United Arab Emirates said its air defences were actively engaging missiles and drones.

- Ceasefire proposal rejected -

Both Trump and Iran have said a proposal touted by international mediators for a 45-day ceasefire is not yet ready.

Trump had said earlier that the plan, which is being mediated by Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey, was a "significant proposal", but he later went on to say it was not good enough.

Iranian state media quoted officials as saying that Tehran too "has rejected a ceasefire and insists on the need for a definitive end to the conflict".

Under the plan, Iran would reopen the strait while charging around $2 million per vessel, a fee it would share with neighbouring Oman, the New York Times reported.

Sina Toossi, a senior fellow at the US-based Centre for International Policy, wrote that "infrastructure war is not looming. It is already underway".

Iran's resilience means that "Tehran is unlikely to give ground on its core interests, above all its control over the Strait of Hormuz, no matter the cost", he wrote in a Substack newsletter.

On the diplomatic front, the UN Security Council is set to vote Tuesday on a watered-down resolution addressing Iran's threats to the strait, diplomatic sources told AFP, after more robust earlier drafts faced potential vetoes.

Iran has effectively blocked the waterway since the start of the war on February 28, driving up global oil and gas prices. Around one?fifth of the world's oil normally flows through the strait.

burs-bfm/axn

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THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
We may be facing the most complex missing persons case in modern history, Shadi Haroun told Justice Info. A former detainee under the Assad regime in Syria, he is now a coordinator at the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) in Damascus. According to him, the lines between perpetrators, territories, and chains of command are often blurred in Syria. It is about a new pattern of disappearance and burial. For the first time, we are confronted with composite mass graves shaped by multiple, overlapping forces operating within the same geography. In many other conflicts, the zones and parties are clearly defined. That is not the case here.

A National Commission for the Forcibly Disappeared (NCM) was created on May 17, 2025, along with a Commission for Transitional Justice (NCTJ). Eleven months later, while it is hard to assess the commissions work or have a clear view of its working plan. According to Haroun, an advisory council was first created in June 2025 to support the commission, pending the nomination of its official team. Most of the advisers come from civil society backgrounds: human rights activists, journalists, and members of missing people organizations. This council was formed in cooperation with national and international NGOs, under the management of Mohammad Reda Jalkhi, who was appointed head of the NCM by presidential decree in 2025.

Before the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024, Jalkhi served as secretary of Idlib University, where he obtained a PhD in international law in 2023. Since the new authorities came to power, Jalkhi has held a series of prominent positions. In March 2025, he was part of the committee tasked with drafting the Syrian Constitutional Declaration. He took several roles within Damascus University, including dean of the Faculty of Political Science and supervising researcher at its Center for Strategic Studies, while chairing the Syrian Virtual University.

The NCM presented a brief profile of its advisers on its official Facebook page on 26 June, and through reports by the Syrian News Agency. Key members include: Jaber Ismail, a consultant for government entities and international organizations including USAID, and advisor to the Syrian Civil Defense since 2018; Ayman Shamo, an engineer and human rights activist, head of the France-registered organization Caesar Files for Justice; Dyab Sirya, executive director of the Association of Detainees and Missing Persons of Sednaya; Zina Shahla, a former detainee and journalist providing strategic guidance on media and documentation; Amenah Koulaani, a prominent activist and former detainee with direct experience of disappearance; and Sarah Al-Hamid, an academic researcher in Paris whose work on transitional justice is informed by her fathers disappearance.



The advisory council now includes specialists in mental health, forensic medicine, and medico-legal documentation: Dr. Jalal Noufal, Mohamed Al-Zoubi, Mahmoud Assoad, and Bilal Bakour. Legal and international accountability expertise is brought by Aws Al-Dabish Doctor of International Law and former lawyer in the UN Mechanism for Syria (IIIM), and Mayasa Alsheikh Ahmed, specializing in women enforced disappearance.

The diversity of the advisory council is meant to ensure that the NCMs work benefits from both professional expertise and lived experience, supporting a holistic approach to documentation, advocacy, and accountability in the Syrian context. According to Haroun, the president of the commission is still in the process of forming his official team and continues to rely on its advisory council in the absence of permanent staff.

Coordination with government still needs to begin

However, there is some lack of clarity about the NCM mandate. Jalkhi declared to Al-Jumhuriya, a news website, that this Commission is for all Syrians and independent from the government, in an article titled Syrias Open Wound, published on 9 March 2026.

In three separate interviews conducted by Justice Info with advisory council members who requested anonymity, one stated that the commissions work is limited to those forcibly disappeared before the fall of the regime, and that cases of disappearance after the regimes collapse fall under the responsibility of the Ministries of Interior and Justice. Another advisor said that the commission must assume responsibility for all forcibly disappeared in Syria. He said he was aware that a law is currently being drafted but had not been provided any details.

However, the presidential decree establishing the commission does not specify any limitation to its mandate. Since its establishment, the Commission has primarily focused on building coordination mechanisms with different actors, according to Haroun, at the local community level, with civil society organizations, and with international organizations and United Nations institutions. There is a fourth level currently under discussion, although its framework has not yet been fully developed, Haroun said, with government bodies and ministries.

Families of the missing in need of support

One idea currently being discussed within the Commission is the creation of a Council of Families of the Missing, whose role would be to involve them in shaping the policies, providing recommendations, and serving in an advisory capacity. Another proposal under consideration is the creation of an online platform for families, allowing them to report missing relatives.

But practical challenges remain. The economic and social situation, as well as limited access to technology, represent obstacles between the Commission and the families of the missing. Ranim, 17, from the town of Ain-Tarmah, says: I lost my father when I was very young, to the point that I can hardly remember him. But my mother is still holding on to the hope of determining his fate. She used to attend meetings organized by the NCM, but after several she stopped going because transportation was too expensive and the meetings were useless.

According to Haroun, a dedicated online support platform was being prepared in January 2026 to assist the Commission and facilitate coordination with civil society organizations and detainee associations. As of April 2026, however, no official announcement has yet been made.

Difficult coordination with international organizations

At the international level, the Commission has signed cooperation protocols with several organizations working on missing persons. These organizations include the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM), Lawyers and Doctors for Human Rights (LDHR), the Association of Detainees and Missing Persons of Sednaya (ADMSP), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), as well as other international mechanisms dealing with documentation and accountability.

Yet, reports by international organizations, as well as analyses published in Syrian media such as Al-Jumhuriya, suggest that coordination between national institutions and international mechanisms remains complicated. Political sensitivities, overlapping mandates, and questions over access to information and operational space continue to shape these relationships.

Uneasy communication with victims

Shortcomings in communication between the Commission and victims show a mix of high expectations and determination among the latter, and the difficulties to address it.

Aya, from Western Ghouta, Damascus countryside, told Justice Info that her brother disappeared in Deir ez-Zor while attempting to defect from Assads army. He was captured by ISIS [Islamic State organization] and detained in one of their prisons, she said. Later, when the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) took control of the area, ISIS prisoners were held in SDF facilities. According to Aya, after the current Syrian authorities regained control over parts of eastern Syria, families began hearing that some ISIS detainees might be transferred to Iraq. We rushed to contact the Missing Persons Commission, she said. We found the phone number on their official Facebook page. But when we called, the number turned out to be wrong.

Justice Info verified that some of the phone numbers listed on the Commissions official Facebook page were indeed incorrect, while reporting numbers appeared to change from one post to another.

Aya said that after eventually finding another number, her father managed to reach the Commission, only to be told that the institution was not yet receiving reports about missing persons.If they cannot even publish the correct phone number, her father interrupted angrily, how are they going to find our children? However, when asked whether they would try to contact the Commission again, Aya replied quietly: We have no other choice. We are like a drowning person holding on to a straw.

Among families of the missing, rumours are circulating that part of the issue may be entangled in ongoing political negotiations between the Syrian authorities and the SDF, amid pressure from Damascus for the latter to integrate into the newly formed Syrian army. According to local sources from areas formerly under the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES(, the file of missing persons, along with mass grave investigations, may be used as political leverage against Kurdish leadership, potentially shaping public opinion against them. While such claims remain unverified, they reflect a growing scepticism among some families about whether the missing persons file will be addressed independently.

Independence and political will

On paper, the Commission was designed to operate as a fully independent institution. The decree establishing it explicitly guarantees its autonomy, and its institutional structure was conceived to support neutrality and independence. However, its real independence will only be tested over time, said Haroun. According to him, the independence of such institutions does not ultimately depend on the personal views or biases of those working within them, but rather on the political will to address the issue of the missing.

He points to the example of Lebanons National Commission for the Missing and Forcibly Disappeared. Because several prominent political figures were involved in the Lebanese civil war, the commission has faced significant political, legal and financial constraints. Today, Haroun says, the Lebanese commission still struggles with limited resources, to the point that it does not even have a permanent physical headquarters.

In the Syrian case, however, Haroun believes it is still too early to draw conclusions. The process is still experimental, he said. We cannot judge it yet. At the same time, he noted that the speed at which the Syrian commission was established is unprecedented compared with many other post-conflict contexts, which he says could be seen as a positive sign.

The Commission still does not have its own premises and is currently hosted within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There is ongoing discussion about a dedicated office under construction in the Mezzeh area, but it is not yet complete. According to a United Nations source, confirmed by three different insiders within the Commission and its advisory council, the governments financial support amounts to $500,000. None of the sources agreed to comment under their own names and directed us to the press office, which declined to answer.

Prioritizing construction over the excavation of mass graves?

Hazem and Alaa sit on this balcony every afternoon. Alaa is troubled. He smokes where no one can see him, explained Hazem. Asked why he would come up with him, he replied: The view is nice. But as I was leaving the building, Alaa called out to me and said: You know a massacre happened here.

Hazem and Alaa, on a balcony where our reporter met them, in the Tadamon district, south of Damascus, where more than 280 civilians were massacred by soldiers loyal to the Assad regime on 16 April 2013. At the end of the interview, Alaa explains that the ground in front of them is a mass grave. Photo:  Karam Amer

Even children know the locations of mass graves in the neighbourhood, yet the state does not, says Abu Ali, a 60-year-old resident of Tadamon in southern Damascus. Or perhaps they do know, but choose to ignore it. Every day, contractors and construction workers find human bones and skulls at building sites and under the rubble. He continues angrily, These pits are well known to us. During the Assad era, the National Defence Forces used them to dispose of bodies. It is no surprise that no one wants to investigate them  somehow, the former commander of this militia has become an ally of the new government, and we do not know why.

Abu Alis account is not isolated. Many residents pointed to known locations of mass graves beneath destroyed buildings, public parks, and other sites across the neighbourhood. In some construction areas, bones were reportedly collected and moved before eventually disappearing. Maybe the dogs ate them, said one construction worker.

Haroun explains that the excavation and investigation of mass graves require forensic, logistical, and international expertise that is currently lacking in Syria. He argues that, for now, the priority should be mapping these sites until the necessary capacities are in place. The Commission has already exchanged maps with international bodies that previously documented mass grave locations in Syria, and has itself recorded several sites in the northeast and north of the country. These activities, published on the Commissions official Facebook page, were reportedly based on reports from local residents. But residents closer to Damascus, such as in Tadamon, do not understand why theirs remain unaddressed.

I lost my two sons 13 years ago. They went out to bring food and never returned, Abu Ali says. In the end, I found their bodies in a garbage container next to the park  which later became a mass grave. It was an area of clashes between the Free Syrian Army and the pro-Assad Popular Committees  later the National Defence Forces. When I tried to retrieve the bodies, I was prevented from entering. Days later, when access was possible, the bodies had disappeared. He adds, I want to find my sons bodies, and I want justice.

Standing beside him, a soldier interrupts: If the government does not act quickly to investigate and hold those responsible accountable, we are ready to do it ourselves. We know our enemy. We see them every day. But we are being patient.
With US and Israeli strikes on Iran's critical infrastructure already underway Tuesday amid threats of more to come, the UN and other organisations have warned that such attacks could constitute war crimes.

- What is a war crime -

A war crime is a serious violation of international humanitarian law during times of conflict.

But "not all violations committed during war are legally considered war crimes," the Geneva-based NGO Trial International explains on its website, stressing that "to qualify, they must fulfil certain criteria of purpose and gravity".

War crimes are primarily defined by the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols, as well as by the 1998 Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the world's only permanent court for prosecuting war crimes -- the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Article 8 of the Rome Statute sets out dozens of examples which could be considered a war crime.

They include wilful killing, torture, taking hostages and intentionally attacking civilians.

Also on the list are intentional "attacks against civilian objects, that is, objects which are not military objectives".

Article 54 of the first additional protocol of the Geneva Conventions meanwhile emphasises that it is "prohibited to attack, destroy, remove, or render useless objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population", including "crops, livestock, drinking water installations and supplies and irrigation works".

- Situation in Middle East? -

Civilian infrastructure, including power and desalination plants, have been repeatedly hit in the conflict that began when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28.

Trump ramped up his rhetoric towards Iran on Monday, vowing to carry out the "complete demolition" of Iran's critical infrastructure, particularly bridges and power plants if a deal was not reached by late Tuesday.

But hours before the deadline, Israel said it had already completed a broad wave of strikes targeting "infrastructure sites" across Iran.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated that "a whole civilisation will die tonight" if the country does not heed his call for a deal.

Without mentioning Trump by name, United Nations rights chief Volker Turk on Tuesday slammed the "incendiary rhetoric" expressed during the war as "sickening".

"Under international law, deliberately attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure is a war crime," Turk said, insisting that "anyone responsible for international crimes must be held to account by a competent court."

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN secretary general Antonio Guterres, also stressed that "civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, may not be attacked".

Even in cases where "specific civilian infrastructure were to qualify as a military objective, international humanitarian law would still prohibit attacks against them if they (were) expected to cause excessive incidental civilian harm," he warned.

Mirjana Spoljaric, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross, denounced on Monday "deliberate threats, whether in rhetoric or in action, against essential civilian infrastructure".

- Who prosecutes war crimes? -

Trial International points out that "unlike other human rights violations, war crimes do not engage state responsibility but individual criminal responsibility".

Domestic courts are typically responsible for prosecuting war crimes. However, this can prove impossible during or in the aftermath of conflicts.

In such cases, one option can be universal jurisdiction, which allows countries to prosecute the most serious international crimes regardless of where they were committed.

International courts may also have jurisdiction, including the ICC.

Cases can be referred to the ICC by a country that has signed up to the Rome treaty or whose citizens have been the victims of crimes.

Cases may also be referred by the UN Security Council. A non-member state can also agree to accept the court's jurisdiction.

Neither the United States, Israel nor Iran are state parties to the Rome Statute.
The Central African Republic has freed a consultant working for an American NGO accused of seeking an armed group's help in capturing notorious Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony, Portugal said.

Joseph Martin Figueira, a Belgian-Portuguese dual citizen working for the Family Health International 360 group, was expected to arrive back in Lisbon aboard a military plane on Tuesday, a Portuguese foreign ministry spokesman told AFP.

After his arrest in May 2024, he was sentenced to 10 years' hard labour in November for undermining state security in the Central African Republic, long riven by conflict and plagued by rival armed groups to this day.

He was charged with conspiracy and espionage over his contacts with fighters in the restive eastern region of Haut-Mbomou, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

The public prosecutor accused him of "giving orders" to an influential militia to help track down Kony, the fugitive leader of the Lord's Resistance Army who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

While Kony is known to have operated in the Central African Republic, he has not been seen in public since 2006.

According to Portugal's foreign minister, Figueira's liberation was the result of long-term diplomatic efforts involving both the Portuguese and Belgian governments, as well as the European Union.

Since gaining independence from France in 1960, the Central African Republic has endured a succession of conflicts, coups and authoritarian rulers.

In recent years the intervention of a United Nations peacekeeping mission, Rwandan troops and Russian mercenaries from the notorious Wagner group has helped to improve the security situation.

Yet anti-government fighters are still at large on the country's main highways, as well as in the east near the borders with war-torn Sudan and South Sudan.
Iran said on Tuesday it was prepared for any eventuality, after US President Donald Trump warned "a whole civilization will die" if the Islamic republic did not heed a looming deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking in Budapest, Vice President JD Vance said the United States had tools "that we so far haven't decided to use" against Iran, without explaining further.

The White House later denied Vance was alluding to nuclear weapons, while Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to AFP that "only the President knows where things stand and what he will do".

The statements came as Iran reported the United States and Israel had begun striking key infrastructure, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirming attacks on railways and bridges he said were "used by the Revolutionary Guards".

Trump had initially vowed to carry out the "complete demolition" of Iran's critical infrastructure, particularly bridges and power plants, only if a deal was not reached by midnight GMT.

But hours before the deadline, the Israeli military said it had already completed a broad wave of strikes targeting "infrastructure sites" across Iran.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump elevated his ultimatum for Iran, stating that "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will".

It was not clear exactly what he meant by his latest threat, or by what means he intended to carry it out.

Hours ahead of the deadline, Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said his government was prepared "for all scenarios".

"No threat is beyond our preparedness and intelligence," he added.

Both Trump and Iran have turned down a proposal touted by international mediators for a 45-day ceasefire.

Infrastructure attacks reported by Iranian authorities Tuesday included a US-Israeli strike on a bridge outside the city of Qom and another on a rail bridge in central Iran that killed two people.

Regional authorities also said a US-Israeli strike shut down a key highway in northern Iran connecting the city of Tabriz with Tehran.

The Mizan news agency additionally reported a strike on railway tracks in Karaj, outside Tehran.

- Death 'not a joke' -

University student Metanat, whose classmate was killed two weeks ago in an attack, told AFP she felt "terrified and so should everyone else in the country".

The 27-year-old, who declined to give her last name, said as far as Trump's ultimatums were concerned, "some people think they are a joke", but "death is not a joke".

The UN's rights chief decried the "incendiary rhetoric" in the Middle East war on Tuesday, warning that deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure was "a war crime".

Pope Leo called the threat against Iran's population "truly unacceptable", saying that in addition to raising questions under international law, it was "a moral question".

At the UN Security Council, Russia and China vetoed a resolution on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a text already diluted to remove the green light Gulf states had sought to use force to protect the key shipping lane.

Iran has effectively blocked the waterway -- through which a fifth of the world's oil normally flows -- since the start of the war on February 28, driving up global energy prices.

Iranian pensioner Morteza Hamidi said that among many emotions, he felt "gloomy for the future of the country after the war".

The 62-year-old added that he had seen Trump back down too many times to take his words seriously: "We are now numb to his threats".

State media, meanwhile, published photos purporting to show groups of Iranians forming human chains to protect power plants as the hours to the deadline ticked down.

Kuwait, meanwhile, urged its citizens to remain indoors from midnight until 7:00 am, while Bahrain's main port said it would be suspending operations starting early Wednesday.

- Other strikes -

Apart from the infrastructure attacks, strikes were reported on Kharg island, a critical hub for the Iranian oil industry, according to Iran's Mehr news agency, although US media said the attacks were against military targets.

Earlier in the day a series of explosions was heard across Tehran, and Iranian media reported that 18 people, including two children, were killed in strikes in neighbouring Alborz province.

US-Israeli strikes also "completely destroyed" the capital's Rafi-Nia synagogue, local media reported. The Israeli army later expressed regret for the "collateral damage", saying it had been targeting a senior military commander, not the house of worship.

Overnight, attacks on Saudi Arabia hit a petrochemical complex in a sprawling industrial area in the eastern city of Jubail, a witness who requested anonymity told AFP, hours after similar installations in Iran were struck.

Gulf states have faced the brunt of Iran's retaliatory attacks without responding, though Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani warned Tuesday that "this restraint cannot be expected to continue without limit".

On the war's Lebanese front, the Israeli military said it had completed deployment of ground troops along a "defence line" in the south, where it is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah.

It additionally urged all vessels in the maritime zone off the country's south to immediately head north of the city of Tyre, warning that it would operate in the area.

burs/smw/jsa
After a recent Instagram post got a lot of politically charged comments, South Korean actor Jo In Sung is getting a lot of online criticism. This shows how past comments can come back to haunt you when public opinion changes.

The issue is about an Instagram post from March 20 in which Jo thanked a health product company he had been promoting for six years. The message itself was normal, but the response was not.

As of April 5, the post had gotten more than 2,200 comments, which is a lot more than the 900 and 200 comments that his earlier posts in February got. People who were watching said that a lot of the answers referred to his earlier comments about exchange rates during a time when politics were very sensitive.

Koreaboo says that the backlash seems to be connected to Jo's remarks about the Korean won's exchange rate after the declaration of martial law on December 3. At the time, Jo discussed how hard it was to make money while filming abroad.

Jo and director Ryu Seung Wan went on MBC's "Questions with Sohn Suk Hee" on March 4 to talk about their movie "Humint." The director said that filming in Latvia started right after the declaration and that "the exchange rate started to rise at that time."

READ MORE: Jo In Sung To Reunite With 'Smugglers' Director In New Film  Here's What We Know

Jo said, "That was the biggest issue," explaining that "the increase in production costs was especially critical since we had to stay overseas."

As more and more people criticized him, some Instagram users asked why he wasn't talking about changes in the exchange rate. One person said, "You said you couldn't film movies because the exchange rate rose during martial lawso why are you silent now when it's in the mid-1,500 won range? Prices are much higher than back then. You should speak up."

Prices are much higher now than they were then. You should say something. Someone else said, "The exchange rate is around 1,520 won nowcare to say something? Is it fine now? The country's falling apart."

More comments said the same thing. "The exchange rate is skyrocketing like crazy right nowdid we lose the country or what? Why don't you share your thoughts now?" one user wrote. Another said, "You made a big deal when it hit 1,400 during martial lawwhat about 1,500 now? Please say something consistently."

Others questioned his stance more directly, with one comment reading, "Jo In Sung, what do you think about the exchange rate right now? Just say one word."

Hani's reports suggest that these kinds of online reactions are a sign of bigger problems related to politics and the economy, where public figures are being watched more closely for inconsistencies.

There were also people who spoke out in support of the criticism. Some users on the online community theqoo defended the actor and criticized the backlash, according to discussions that were put together.

One person said, "What they're doing isn't helpful to anyone at all, but he handled it well LOL. What exactly improves by acting like that?" Another said, "Why, though??? Why are they acting like this all of a sudden?!""

Other encouraging comments included "Please sue them. Money is the best remedy," and "Looks like the political trolls showed up on his Instagram."

The incident shows that celebrity statements can be looked at and framed in new ways as political and economic situations change.

READ MORE: Jo In Sung Dating History: 'Escape from Mogadishu' Star Once Blamed his Fame for Being Single






Monday, April 6, 2026 - A youthful Kenyan single mother has stirred mixed reactions online after celebrating her baby daddys woes.

In a trending post, she revealed that he is admitted in hospital in critical condition but showed little sympathy.

Despite his condition, the lady seemed to suggest that karma might be catching up with him, alleging that he had previously denied responsibility for their child.

Check out her trending post.





The Kenyan DAILY POST






Monday, April 6, 2026 - Local media personality, Betty Kyallo, has brushed off the nine-year age difference between her and her Gen-Z boyfriend, Charlie Jones, suggesting in a playful video that it has little impact on their relationship.

In the clip, Charlie jokes that he wasnt even in his mothers womb when Betty was born, a remark that leaves her laughing.

I was not even in the womb when you were born, he says, before adding that their love continues to grow despite the age gap.

He is also seen looking at her baby bump and proudly saying that they were looking forward to the birth of their first child.

Bettys relationship with Charlie has frequently drawn attention online, with many discussing their age difference.

However, the couple appears unbothered as they continue to celebrate their love.

Betty was previously married to journalist Dennis Okari.

Watch the video>>> below

Fast-fading media personality, BETTY KYALLO, downplays age gap with her Gen-Z boyfriend in a playful video - Chuma ya Doshi At Work? pic.twitter.com/fe4iTPkSJi  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) April 6, 2026

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Monday, April 06, 2026 - Nairobi Woman Rep, Esther Passaris, has strongly condemned remarks by former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, who implied that First Lady Rachel Ruto wears dark glasses at night to conceal injuries from alleged spousal abuse.

In her Easter Monday video>>>, Passaris dismissed the insinuation as reckless, warning that it trivializes gender-based violence for political gain amid Gachaguas ongoing feud with President William Ruto following his 2024 impeachment.

Sharing the clip on X, Passaris wrote: Targeting our First Lady, Her Excellency @MamaRachelRuto, and suggesting that her wearing shades is evidence of abuse is reckless and irresponsible.

Gender-based violence is not something to trivialize, weaponize or turn into political theatre.

It is a serious issue that affects real women, real families, and real survivors, and it must never be reduced to speculation, insinuation, or cheap political attacks.

In the video, Passaris quipped: Hi Riggy G, Im in my bedroom wearing shades, and my husband has not given me a blow.

She added that even she sometimes wears sunglasses during events to discreetly cover up when she dozes off.

Targeting our First Lady, Her Excellency @MamaRachelRuto, and suggesting that her wearing shades is evidence of abuse is reckless and irresponsible. Sexual and gender-based violence is not something to trivialize, weaponize, or turn into political theatre. It is a serious issue pic.twitter.com/ZKV4GSUNy1  Esther Muthoni Passaris (@EstherPassaris) April 6, 2026

The Kenyan DAILY POST
A firm with operations in Kildare that has earned millions in profits from State contracts to provide emergency accommodation for International Protection (IP) applicants and Ukrainians is facing opposition to its hostel plans for a site in Dublin 2.

In February, Peachport Ltd lodged plans with Dublin City Council for a change of use of an existing four-storey over-basement building at Adelaide House on Adelaide Rd in Dublin 2 from office use to short-term let hostel accommodation.

Registered in Batinglass, Peachport Ltd owns two former hotels in Newbridge, the Gables Hotel and Eyre Powell which have been used to house asylum seekers.

The most recent accounts for Peachport Ltd states that its main activity is the provision of emergency accommodation services and its work in the sector has proven to be very lucrative.

The accounts show that the firms post tax profits of 2.8 million for the 12 months to the end of February 2025 follow post tax profits of 5.69 million for the prior year.

Peachports work in providing emergency accommodation for a number of years for the State has resulted in it having accumulated profits of 11.7 million at the end of February 2025 while its cash funds totalled 8.55 million.

Purchase orders published by the Dept of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth show that the company received payments of 5.2 million for housing Ukrainians and IP applicants during 2024.

Peachport Ltd is jointly owned between Philomena Germaine (98) and Joseph Germaine (59) and two are also directors of the business.

Now, in response to the Adelaide House hostel plan, local residents William Phelan and Haiyan Wang of Harcourt Terrace, D2 have called on the council to refuse planning permission for the proposed very high-density accommodation at this location.

They state that the floor plans indicate 'approximately 100-110 bed spaces' across 24 bedrooms in a building of just 895 sq.m and this represents gross overdevelopment.

They state that Peachport Ltd, has a documented history of operating State-contracted Direct Provision and IPAS accommodation here.

They state that given the nature of the planning application and the applicant's background in the IPAS sector, that the Council attach a condition to any grant of permission strictly prohibiting use of the premises as an International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centre or any other form of State-contracted emergency accommodation.

Another Harcourt Terrace resident, Pat Whyte has told the council I am deeply concerned about the scale and nature of this proposed hostel development.

Mr Whyte said that there is a Montessori School and a primary school on the same stretch and contends that the arrival of 100 transient visitors immediately beside this location raises serious safety and amenity concerns, especially around drop-off and pick-up times.

On behalf of Kevin Woods and his family of Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, Sheridan Woods Architects + Urban Planners state that the potential provision of 232 bedspaces represents a gross intensity of use.

The Woods objection requests that the Council refuse permission on the basis that this use is not permitted within this land use zone.

The objection adds that the proposal would not provide adequate residential amenity to future occupants and would result in a grossly substandard form of development.

A decision is due on the application later this month.

A spokesman for the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration said Tuesday that Peachport Ltd currently has one contract with the Department for Eyre Powell Hotel.

They said that the Eyre Powell Hotel has a capacity to accommodate 152 people seeking international protection.
THREE men and a woman have appeared in court in connection with the discovery of cannabis worth an estimated 7m in Ballitore.

Emre Ozdemier (29) of Burrin Street, Carlow, Alex Forsyth (33) of Dunedin Terrace, Monkstown Farm, Dublin, John Weekes (38) of Branswood, Athy and Alanna Corrigan (29) of Crookstown Upper, Ballitore appeared at a late sitting of Naas District Court on Friday. The four face charges of possessing cannabis and possessing it for sale or supply on 1 April at Crookstown Upper, Ballitore.

Garda Kayleigh Milward said Mr Ozdemier was arrested at Crookstown Upper, where, it is alleged, he had hidden in a ditch for more than three hours before being found by gardai.

Gda Milward said 350kg of cannabis was located in a shed at the property. In a follow-up search, gardai found tubs of benzocaine, said to be a mixing agent, the court was told.

Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly said Mr Ozdemier only used cannabis to alleviate pain caused by a work accident and his client only tried to leave the scene because there was a small amount of cannabis in his vehicle.

Giving evidence of arresting Mr Forsyth, Garda Elaine Commins said he made an admission about the shed being used to store cannabis and that he is the occupier of the address.

She said the intelligence-led operation saw searches conducted at locations in Kildare and Carlow.

Defence solicitor David Powderly described Mr Forsyth as a mule who is on the lowest possible rung of the ladder and who only supplied the shed to be used for storage by others.

Garda Commins told the court that the third defendant, John Weekes, was observed attempting to flee the scene and discarded 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 Weekes was that he happened to be on the premises and reacted in a rash way when gardai arrived. The barrister said his client was only there to retrieve a wallet.

Ms Corrigan 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 tomorrow, 8 April.
2pm

Dublin Bus says a series of diversions are in place while O'Connell Street is closed.

Southbound services will operate through Cathal Brugha Street, Marlborough Street and over the Rosie Hackett Bridge.

Northbound buses will head via Eden Quay to Beresford Place and Gardiner Street.





1pm

Large traffic snarl-ups continue on the M4 and N7 leading onto the M50 as protesters continue to make their way into the GPO.

On Tuesday morning, Gardai said they were aware of a number of slow-moving convoys across the country.

Posting on X, An Garda Siochana said there were convoys on the M7 and M4 in County Kildare, on M7 in County Limerick, on the M8 in County Offaly, on the M3 in County Meath, on the M6 in County Westmeath, on the M6 in County Galway and near Portlaoise in County Laois.

pic.twitter.com/kD17NK8l2i  An Garda Siochana (@GardaTraffic) April 7, 2026 Agricultural contractor Gary Leonard said he had travelled with a convoy of around 80 from Navan in County Meath to OConnell Street in Dublin city centre.

He said he believes the carbon tax and excise duty should be removed from diesel.

He said this time last year, it cost 250 to fill an ordinary middle-sized tractor, now it costs 450.

Mr Leonard said it took the convoy around four hours to reach Dublin and said the reaction on the way was unbelievable and said, the solidarity is really, really showing today.

The 26-year-old said prices mean it is getting hard to make a living, despite working full time, adding it is nearly impossible to get on in life in Ireland.

In a statement released ahead of a planned rally on Dublins OConnell Street, Aontu leader Peadar Toibin called for a carbon tax cut.

He said the Government is the key driver of high prices for fuel in Ireland and said the government are charging a tax on a staple product that people simply cannot pay.

Speaking to Newstalk radio on Tuesday morning, Ger Hyland, president of the Irish Road Haulage Association, said the organisation is not involved in the protest.

When pressed, Mr Hyland refused to say whether he supports the protest and said, While our association is at the table trying to negotiate a deal with the government, I am not going to give an answer. He said he empathised with demonstrators, adding members of his organisation were probably involved and that its up to every individual haulier himself to do as he sees fit for his company.





12pm

Tractors, buses, lorries, trucks and cars are arriving in Dublin, after convoys gathered across the country this morning to protest against fuel price increases.

Large vehicles are lining O'Connell Street in the city centre to block the flow of traffic.

Demonstrators travelled along the M1, M7, N2, N3, N4 and N11 at slow speeds, causing delays for road users.

11am

The Tullamore bypass in Cffaly has around a kilometre-long line of protesters on the hard shoulder, made up of trucks, cars and vans.

The M8 is now fully closed in Cashel, Co Tipperary, due to protesters, while there are now traffic snarl-ups citybound on the M4 after Kilcock in Kildare.

Traffic on the M7 and M9 is starting to build as protesters merge to travel towards the M50. There is currently a queue back to The Curragh.

10am

Convoys have moved off from around the Midlands and the East of the country.

At Junction 8, Cashel North and South long lines of trucks, minibuses and cars groups gathered from before 8am to make their way to Dublins M50.

The Portlaoise fuel protest involving trucks, tractors and vans continues to travel from J17 in a slow-moving convoy back to the same junction.

On the N81 a protest convoy is currently traveling though Brittas.

In Athlone protesters are involved in a slow drive from Moate to the town with hauliers, farmers, bus companies, taxis and the general public.

As of yet, there are no delays on the M4, the primary route from Sligo to Dublin, which connects to the M50 at Junction 5 north-westwards.

Gardai have warned of slow-moving traffic across the country as a protest against fuel prices got underway on Tuesday morning.

Posting on social media site X, An Garda Siochana said they were aware of convoys on the M7 and M4 in Co Kildare, on the M7 in Co Limerick, on the M8 in Co Offaly, on the M3 in Co Meath and on the M6 in Co Galway.

Posts on social media outlined that convoys of vehicles, including HGVs, agricultural and plant vehicles, would gather at various locations across the country.

The messages say the plan is for some of the convoys to remain in regional locations and some of them to converge in Dublin city centre.

Routes proposed online included the M1, N2, N3, N4, M7 and the N11.

It comes as fuel costs are expected to rise to 2.30 in the coming days due to the war in Iran.

'The People of Ireland Against Fuel Prices' group said thousands of trucks, buses and cars will eventually merge into one large convoy heading into O'Connell Street at around 11am, Newstalk reported.

Vehicles began departing from some areas as early as 6am, to eventually merge into one large convoy heading into Dublin.

Key merge points include Liffey Valley, The Red Cow, and the M50/Port Tunnel split.

Ger Hyland, the president of the Irish Road Haulage Association, has said he does not know who is organising Tuesday's fuel price protests.

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast with Anton Savage, Hyland declined to say if he supported the protests.

We empathise with them, we can see where they're coming from. Our position on this is that we are still at the table with government. We had a meeting with government last Friday, we're meeting with them again this week. As an association, the IRHA was not involved with the protest, he said, but it was up to every member to make their own decision.

We have members who are probably involved in this today.

They're involved in it because they can't afford to fuel their trucks. It's up to every individual haulier himself to do as he sees fit for his company," Hyland said.

Later on the same programme, Kevin McPartland, chief executive of Fuels for Ireland, said that the crux of the issue was excise duty.

The Exchequer was not as far behind as they're letting on. They've let everybody off 20 cents a litre, but actually they're collecting 16 of that back in VAT. So I have a lot of sympathy with the protesters today.

We need an expert group to have a comprehensive review of all of the taxation and compliance cost of fuel.

If I was a haulier, if I was an agricultural contractor, I would be saying, yeah, but how do I remain in business today? I do think we need targeted responses for those particular sectors," McPartland said.

Members of the public are advised to plan their journeys by ensuring they leave additional time for possible traffic disruptions.

Gardai have warned that there will be significant additional traffic, including slow-moving vehicles, on the main arteries leading to Dublin and in the vicinity of large urban areas across the country from around 8am.

Gardai have had no role in permitting or authorising public gatherings or protests, but there is no permit required in order to organise any protest.

Additional reporting Sarah Slater
Flower industry thrives in SW China's Yunnan, lifts incomes for growers

People's Daily Online) 15:09, April 07, 2026

With mild winters and cool summers, Luquan Yi and Miao Autonomous County in southwest China's Yunnan Province provides an ideal environment for the flower industry.

"Our roses are sold nationwide and exported to Vietnam, Thailand, Russia and more countries," said Yang Guiying, head of a flower company in Luquan.

Farmers pick roses in Diduo neighborhood, Luquan Yi and Miao Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo/Huang Xinghong)

Born and raised in Luquan, Yang was assigned a job in her hometown after graduating from college in the 1990s. Confident in the promising future of the flower industry, she chose to resign and move to Kunming, the provincial capital, to work for a flower company. There, she spent two years systematically learning agricultural and cultivation techniques before eventually launching her own business.

Over the past decade or more, Yang's rose plantation has expanded from an initial 10 mu (0.67 hectares) to 100 mu, employing an increasing number of farmers.

A farmer sorts roses in Diduo neighborhood, Luquan Yi and Miao Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo/Huang Xinghong)

In recent years, Yang has introduced new rose varieties, promoted modern cultivation techniques, and expanded her sales channels while refining her management approach. By linking growers' incomes directly to their production results, she has given them a stronger incentive to farm more diligently.

Local villager Yang Hancai is one of the beneficiaries of this model. Yang Guiying not only provided Yang Hancai and his wife with greenhouses and accommodation, but also trained them in cultivation techniques. The couple contracted 7 mu of land for rose cultivation, and today their household annual income has surpassed 100,000 yuan ($14,500).

Yang Guiying employs more than 20 flower farmers like Yang Hancai on a long-term basis at her rose plantation. During the peak summer harvest season, she also hires additional temporary workers, with annual labor costs exceeding 1 million yuan.

Farmers pack flowers in Diduo neighborhood, Luquan Yi and Miao Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo/Huang Xinghong)

In 2025, Luquan developed 25,900 mu of land for flower cultivation, generating a total output value of 1.9 billion yuan.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Bryce Edwards writes:

In Dunedin, a charity called Te Kaika has been receiving tens of millions of dollars in government funding to provide health and social services to some of the citys most vulnerable people. Over the past year, the Otago Daily Times has been methodically pulling back the curtain on what is going on inside this organisation. The picture is not pretty: nepotistic governance, unexplained payments to the leadership, staff fleeing in droves, government contracts unfulfilled, a youth facility shut down over abuse allegations, and a senior manager convicted of domestic violence. The Department of Internal Affairs is now investigating. And yet, almost nobody else in New Zealand media or politics has said a word about it.

I had never heard of Te Kaika until Bryce wrote on them. Im glad he did.

But the governance was flimsy. For nearly five years, the board consisted of just two people: chairwoman Donna Matahaere-Atariki and Matapura Ellison  a breach of the charitys own constitution, which requires a minimum of three. The University of Otago, which had been involved early on, withdrew its shares in 2020, and all the outside voices on the board departed. Then in June 2022, founding CEO Albie Laurence was abruptly replaced by Matt Matahaere (the chairwomans son). Her daughter, Winnie Matahaere, manages social services. When the board was eventually expanded to three members in 2023, the new addition was an accountant who had previously been suspended from practice for two years for breaching the chartered accountants ethical code. Ask yourself the obvious governance question: how could the chief executive be independently held to account by the board, when the board chair is his mother?

They cant. A good start would be the Government to set a rule that no social service provider will be funded that doesnt have a minimum of five board members, none of whom are related to senior staff.

Over the weekend the ODT reported that Te Kaikas main site appeared to have just one part-time GP serving thousands of enrolled patients. The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners recommends a ratio of about 1,000 patients per GP; Te Kaikas Caversham hub reportedly has one doctor working four days a week for 5,000 to 6,000 patients. Clinical consultations plummeted by nearly two-thirds in a single year (from 44,939 to 15,874), while patient registrations (and the government capitation payments that come with them) kept climbing. That matters because capitation funding follows enrolled patients, not the number of times they are actually seen.

The capitation rate per patient varies but on average is at least $300. So they would have got $1.8 million from the taxpayer, for one GP!

The tempting response to all this is to write Te Kaika off as an outlier: one rogue charity, exceptional in its dysfunction.

Its not. Bryce notes very similar issues with the Waipareira Trust and the Manukau Urban Maori Authority.

Health New Zealand, the Ministry of Social Development, and Oranga Tamariki were all channelling millions to Te Kaika. None of them had adequate oversight mechanisms in place. This goes beyond Te Kaika. It reflects the way the system now works. This is close to what some scholars call the shadow state: charities and NGOs taking over public functions, but without the same transparency or discipline expected of government. The state has outsourced enormous amounts of social provision to NGOs, and has simultaneously failed to build the monitoring, auditing, and evaluation capacity necessary to ensure that outsourcing serves the public interest. So, the state has become very efficient at shovelling money out the door. It has been far less effective at proving what that money achieves. And in a culture where questioning the kaupapa of Maori service providers has become politically sensitive, the space for honest scrutiny has narrowed further.

This is spot on. Now the answer isnt for the state to provide all social services itself. If the state cant even contract properly, what faith could we have in them being able to run them themselves.

This is not just an issue for NZ. Followers of US politics will know about Minnesota daycare centres and California hospices, which have become huge rorts.

Because governments are not spending their own money (they spend ours) they are less concerned with actual outcomes and value for money.

Heres an idea. Why dont we take 2% from the budget we have for contracting social services and use it to hire firms whose sole job is to scrutinise providers and contracts. They could scrutinise governance arrangements, finances, outcomes. They could do site visits to see if what they promise actually occurs.
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 &&
Former Mamamoo member Hwasa has unveiled the playful first music video teaser for her new single "So Cute," raising excitement for her solo comeback on Apr. 9.

P Nation confirmed that Hwasa will release the digital single "So Cute" on Apr. 9 at 6 p.m. KST through major online music platforms.

This marks her first comeback in about six months since "Good Goodbye," which topped charts and became a major hit in South Korea. The agency began ramping up promotions at the end of March, posting teasers and countdown images across its social media channels, according to Allkpop.

The first teaser video, shared via P Nation's official accounts, shows Hwasa sitting alone at a table, lost in thought, while children play around her with toys such as recorders and hula hoops.

A short vocal clip of Hwasa saying "So cute" and a brief melody from the track play over the scene, adding to the quirky and slightly mysterious mood. The teaser ends by flashing the release date and time, "2026.04.09 (THU) 6 PM KST," clearly signaling her return.

New visual posters released in early April also highlight the concept of the comeback. In the D-3 countdown poster, Hwasa appears in a casual floral outfit with a chic expression, framed by hand-drawn illustrations on the wall that emphasize the "cute" but sophisticated theme. These images suggest she will show a fresh side of herself while keeping her confident stage persona, Star News Korea reported.

"So Cute" follows the huge success of "Good Goodbye," which earned Hwasa multiple music show wins, Circle Chart crowns, and a long run at the top of domestic digital charts.

With this new single, she is expected to further strengthen her position as one of K-pop's leading solo performers. Fans are now watching closely to see what musical style and performance Hwasa will present when "So Cute" finally drops next week, as per Soompi.
US President Donald Trump said the 'whole civilization' of Iran will 'probably' die when his deadline expires
MICHAEL Scully was only 13 years old when he picked up a book in Portlaoise library entitled How to Develop Your Own Film. The Stradbally native had already developed a passing enthusiasm for photography, but now his interest was well and truly piqued.

This was 1959. At that time, film development kits could be purchased in local chemists, and thats exactly what Michael did. He bought a developing tank, reels, and the usual bits and pieces and set up a makeshift studio on his family farm a few miles outside Stradbally.

Seeing as his family no longer kept horses, Michael repurposed the empty stables on the property for his dark room. Because there were no windows, it was ideal  no daylight, he says. And so, an illustrious career was born.

Michael with one of his many vintage cameras

Laois natives will be familiar with Michaels work. For over fifty years, he has photographed communions, weddings, GAA matches, retirements, birthdays, incidents, accidents and everything in between.

As a news photographer, he has been a regular contributor to the Laois Nationalist  his work has illustrated and illuminated the papers reporting for decades.

But it was a career born of humble beginnings. Michael still recalls one of his earliest subjects: a spiders web. Taken with his very first camera  a Coronet 66, named for the 6x6cm images it produced onto film  Michael photographed the web when it was coated in dewy droplets.

When there's a fog, the next day you can see all the spiders' webs, he recalls. They're always there, but you don't see them until you have the fog and the dew.

On 27 December 1965, he photographed the first of what would become an annual event in Stradbally: the Steam Rally, a showcase of vintage steam engines. By 1969, aged just 23, he had developed a network of customers who would ask him to take pictures of various people, events and happenings across the county.

Despite his growing client-base, he was still in full-time employment in another field. That would soon change when Michael stumbled upon a notice in the Evening Press.

They had small ads in the back of the paper  I always looked at them to have a look at what equipment was available second hand, because I couldn't afford a brand new, he says.

Michael encountered an advertisement that read professional photographer in provincial town requires assistant. He replied with a letter and sent it to a box number. Two days later, Michaels brother Tom  who lives on the family farm in Stradbally  telephoned Michael to inform him a telegram had arrived for him.

People only got telegrams if someone had died, recalls Michael, who asked his brother to open it. The telegram said very little: Please phone Carrick-on-Shannon 84, it read.

Michael sneaked out of work to a kiosk beside the courthouse in Portlaoise and phoned the number. It turned out to be John Keaney, a photographer in Carrick-on-Shannon. He had a second studio in Sligo; he was very well known in the west of Ireland.

John asked Michael to come visit him in Carrick-on-Shannon. The young photographer excitedly agreed. The only issue: he had no transportation.

My brother drove me up  That was before motorways, it was a good three-and-a-half-hour journey. John brought Michael in and showed him around. He assured the young photographer that his brother need not wait around. He said, no, don't worry, I'll bring you back, Michael remembers. A kind gesture, given the journeys length.

John spent the entire day showing Michael the town. In return, Michael showed John several prints  a portfolio of sorts  to showcase his work.

The meeting felt very casual, not at all like a formal job interview. All along, I wondered when the interview would be. [There was] no sign of an interview. Michael stayed overnight. The following day, a Sunday, John drove him home.

We were almost home, we were in Stradbally, Michael says. And [there was] no mention. I said, oh, I'll have to ask him. He turned to John and asked, Well, what about the job? Do I have it or not? John replied, Oh yeah, when can you begin?

You see, all along, I didn't need an interview, says Michael, reflecting on the moment 57 years later. He had a full day to size me up and say, what's this fellow like? It's very clever way to do it. Michael handed his notice in in Portlaoise and started working for John in Carrick-on-Shannon. It was a kind of internship into the world of photography. He assisted the veteran photographer with weddings, confirmations, christenings, passport photos, and newspaper work for the Leitrim Observer and Roscommon Herald.

In one notable bank holiday weekend, Michael and John had to cover 13 weddings. The strangest event Michael was asked to cover was a funeral. I felt very uneasy about it, but the person who died had no relations in Sligo. All his family had emigrated to America. Michael spent a year in Carrick-on-Shannon before he was sent to Johns other studio in Sligo. After another year, he got itchy feet. And so, with the support of a local businessman who became guarantor for a loan, Michael returned to Stradbally and set up his own studio on Main Street.

By 1971, he was up and running. Well, just about. He did not have his own phoneline yet and interested patrons would have to call the kiosk across the street to reach him.

If the phone rang, somebody would eventually answer, can you get Michael Scully for me? In 1973, Michael moved to Portarlington and set up shop on Patrick Street, before moving once again to his current premises in 1981. He now operates his studio out of an extension built onto his house.

One of Michael's vintage cameras

Michael began working with the Laois Nationalist in 1977, following the death of Terry Redmond, a photographer for the paper.

They had no photographer in Portlaoise area, so they contacted me, and that's when I began working for the Nationalist. Getting a photograph in print was an arduous task compared to today. Michael breaks down a typical weekend: I used to cover sport as well as other events. On a typical Sunday, I would usually go to Portlaoise, do two matches, come back home, develop my film, hang the film up to dry, have my tea, [go] back into the dark room, print pictures.

When I would have all the prints done, it could be 11 or 12 o'clock Sunday night ... I would put them all in an envelope, bring them to the railway station  It would be closed, of course, but I had an arrangement: I'd slide in the envelope and that would be put on the first train to Kildare on Monday. The photographs would then be collected in Kildare, put on the Waterford train, and then taken off in Carlow, says Michael.

The part I disliked most was writing the captions for each. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Michael has seen a lot of changes throughout his career. When he started working with the Nationalist, the entire paper was printed in black and white. Then colour photography began to appear with increasing regularity throughout the 1980s.

However, the biggest change, he says, was the move to digital. He first began to hear rumblings about digital photography in 1998. It was way in the distance and I thought, well, no, digital won't affect me, he says.

He was wrong, of course. I had to learn fast. I had to do a computer course, and then eventually I had to purchase a digital camera. Photographs could now be emailed in an instant. No longer did Michael have to slide them under the door of a railway station.

I still like a nice black and white print, says Michael. But I no longer have my darkroom  I'm very happy about that. It means that I'm not stuck in a dark room with chemicals and all sorts of smells.

As a press photographer, Michael has met multiple politicians, including former Taoisigh. In fact, Michael says a former Taoiseach became irritable when he tried to reposition him in a photograph (just which Taoiseach it was Michael will not say).

You photographers are always the same, giving orders, Michael alleges the former Taoiseach to have said, to which he replied: Sorry Taoiseach, but I have a job to do. Did it work out okay? I got my picture, he says with a smile, quickly adding: generally I have to say politicians are good  very receptive, cooperative.

Michael and his wife Mae, looking over Michael's prints

Michael met his wife Mae in 1969 at a local dance hall. By the 1960s, dances in local halls were a popular social occasion for young people in Ireland, with many using them as an opportunity to cut their teeth on dating for the first time.

I used to go to Danceland in Portlaoise on a Friday night and Dreamland in Athy on Sunday night. I gave Mae a dance now and again, or maybe every night, says Michael.

At dances, women would line up on one side of the hall and men on the other. When a dance was called, the men would walk over and ask the ladies to dance, he says.

It sounds like a formal affair. It could be a stampede at times, says Michael.

After sharing a few dances, Mae reached out to Michael through his cousin John, whom she knew. She wanted to know if Michael would accompany her to a dinner organised by her employer. I did and that was it, he says.

Michael and Mae married in 1973. Mae has been a major help throughout Michaels career, assisting him with the filing and indexing of his prints.

The pair celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2023. Thank goodness we're still in good nick, says Michael, who turned 80 in February.

I said I might retire this year, but don't see any sign of it yet. Indeed, the day before our meeting, Michael had photographed Cllr. Padraig Flemings retirement from Laois County Council and had booked another job for the coming weekend.

Michael is in the early stages of developing a book of his photographs. Ill have to see if I can finance it first. If I get the go ahead, I'll be straight into it because I do have, as you can imagine, plenty of material. Its just a matter of what to select.
Laois County Council welcomed Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) Kevin Boxer Moran TD to Aras an Chontae recently for a productive meeting discussing flood prevention measures in Laois.

Minister Moran was accompanied by Jim Casey, Director of Flood Risk Management Capital Programme Delivery and Operations, as well as Victor Fairbrother, OPW Project Co-Ordinator.

Laois County Council was represented by Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Walsh, Chief Executive Michael Rainey, Director of Services Simon Walton, Senior Engineer Adrian Barrett and Executive Engineer (OPW Flood Relief) Gerard Shiel.

At the meeting, Simon Walton delivered a presentation on the progress for Laois County Councils Flood Relief Schemes:

 The planning and CPO applications for the Mountmellick Flood Relief Scheme, which will protect 165 properties, has been submitted to An Coimisiun Pleanala.

 The planning and CPO applications for the Clonaslee Flood Relief Scheme, which will protect 69 properties, have been approved by An Coimisiun Pleanala. Laois County Council is now progressing the next stage of the project which includes detailed design, works tender and appointment of a contractor to undertake the works.

 The planning and CPO applications for the Portarlington Flood Relief Scheme, which will protect 72 properties, will likely be submitted to An Coimisiun Pleanala by the end of 2026.

 OPW Scheme Viability Reports are underway for Portlaoise, Mountrath and Rathdowney.

Speaking on the importance of this meeting, Simon Walton said: We are grateful for Minister Morans visit to Laois. The progression of Laois County Councils Flood Relief Strategy is a key objective for the Local Authority and we are committed to bringing all of our Flood Relief Schemes to completion as soon as possible. We are looking forward to working closely with the Minister and the OPW to ensure Laois residents are protected from future severe weather events. We also welcome the opportunities to avail of OPW Funding to support our annual river drainage maintenance programme TDs and Councillors had an opportunity to pose questions and comments to the Minister in relation to flood relief protection in Laois. All Elected Representatives urged that measures be developed to support earlier delivery of the various Flood Relief Projects in County Laois.

Elected Representatives were also present on the day, including Deputies Willie Aird TD, Sean Fleming TD and Brian Stanley TD, as well as Cllrs Conor Bergin, Paddy Bracken, Paddy Buggy, Caroline Dwane Stanley, John Joe Fennelly, Catherine Fitzgerald, Padraig Fleming and Tommy Mulligan.
NEXT Sunday a commemoration ceremony to mark the 98th anniversary of the first East-West Transatlantic Flight will take place in Fitzmaurice Place in Portlaoise at 12noon.

This annual commemoration marks this historic flight and also acknowledges the role played by local Portlaoise man Col James Fitzmaurice. The commemoration event will include speeches by members of the Irish Ari Corps, the Col. Fitzmaurice Commemorative Society and a student from CBS Portlaoise (the school Col. Fitzmaurices attended). There will also be a flyover by Limetree Airfield representatives.

Flight Discussion and Q&A This year the commemoration event in Fitzmaurice Place will be followed by a discussion and Q&A session in Kavanaghs Bar starting at 13:00.

Laois Heritage Officer Thomas Carolan will be chatting to Brigadier General Rory O'Connor and Retired General Ralph James of the Irish Air Corps, and Teddy Fennelly, Colonel Fitzmaurice Commemorative Society about the famous flight and the life of Col. James Fitzmaurice.

Laois Heritage Officer Thomas Carolan said:

Every year after the commemoration event, we have great conversations about the flight and Col. Fitzmaurices life, and we thought this is something the public would be interested to hear more about. Teddy Fennelly has written the book on Col. James Fitzmauirces life and the Air Corps representatives have a great understanding and appreciation of the technical skill required to complete the flight in 1928 so its very interesting.

The First East-West Transatlantic Flight in 1928 The first ever East-West transatlantic flight in history was completed on the 12th April 1928. The crew included Laois man Col. James Fitzmaurice of the Irish Air Corps along with two German aviators (Hermann Kohl and Baron Ehrenfried Gunther von Hunefeld). The flight took off from Baldonnel airport at 06.36 on 12th April and headed west towards New York. The aircraft successfully crossed the Atlantic and landed on Greenly Island, Canada 36.5 hours after take-off. After this great achievement, the crew appeared on the front of newspapers around the world and were received with a huge parade in New York. The flight had the full support and backing of the Irish Government and Fitzmaurice carried a letter from the Irish President for delivery to the US President.
Roberto Velasco, Mexico's next foreign minister, is not a household name outside diplomatic circles. But in Washington, policy forums, and border negotiations, he has spent years becoming one of the most visible architects of his country's relationship with the United States.

His new position was announced after the current foreign minister, Juan Ramon de la Fuente, revealed that he is leaving the post for health reasons, and it was confirmed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, who said she will submit him for the job for his Senate confirmation.

El Doctor Juan Ramon de la Fuente tomo la decision de dejar el cargo de secretario de Relaciones Exteriores por motivos de salud. Es parte de nuestro proyecto y, cuando termine su rehabilitacion, se reincorporara con nosotros en otra tarea.

He decidido proponer al Senado de la pic.twitter.com/nxg1awheqi  Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) April 1, 2026

Velasco arrives at the top of Mexican diplomacy at a delicate time. Mexico, the United States and Canada are already in the middle of the 2026 joint review of the USMCA, the trade pact that replaced NAFTA and remains a pillar of Mexico's economy. That review alone would make the job one of the most consequential in President Claudia Sheinbaum's cabinet. Add migration, border security, fentanyl, water disputes, and election-year politics in the United States, and Velasco's portfolio starts to look less like a promotion and more like a stress test.

Velasco, 38, is part of a younger generation of Mexican officials who came up through politics and public policy rather than the traditional diplomatic corps.

According to his official biography, he is a lawyer trained at Universidad Iberoamericana with a master's degree in public policy from the University of Chicago. Before becoming the face of Mexico's North American agenda, he held posts in Mexico City government and at the Economy Ministry and then joined the Foreign Ministry after Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's 2018 victory.

Since 2020, his work has centered on the issues that now define the bilateral agenda: trade, border infrastructure, migration, security, and water.

What has made Velasco stand out is message discipline.

Again and again, he has framed the U.S.-Mexico relationship as a deeply integrated partnership that both sides are forced, by geography and economics, to keep managing. In a 2021 Wilson Center forum on North American relations, Velasco said, "The priorities of these three countries [Canada, United States, and Mexico] are so much aligned," adding that the region's economies were already so intertwined that the pandemic underscored the need to "think regionally." He argued that North America had to stay flexible in the face of disruptions and keep talking in order to secure both economic recovery and mobility.

That outlook has shaped how he talks about the border, one of the most politically explosive points in the relationship.

Later in a meeting with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials, Velasco stressed the need to speed up border infrastructure projects after the economic damage of the pandemic. After the outbreak of the pandemic and its severe economic impact, we must double our efforts to accelerate binational border projects," he said, arguing that stronger infrastructure would reinforce regional supply chains and boost economic growth "for the benefit of communities on both sides of the border."

He has used similar language on migration, another issue that has repeatedly tested bilateral ties. Ahead of talks with U.S. officials during the Biden years, Velasco said the central goal was development cooperation in southern Mexico and Central America together with "joint efforts for safe, orderly and regular migration."

Later, during the rollout of a new migration pathway for Venezuelans, he said the arrival of the first beneficiaries showed "that it is possible to better manage migration in the region, and that another more orderly, safe, regular and humane way is possible." Those remarks help explain the lane he has occupied inside Mexico's foreign policy apparatus: tough on the politics, but careful to present migration management as a shared regional problem rather than a unilateral burden.

Velasco has also leaned heavily into the economic case for integration. In a 2024 Brookings essay, he described the relationships among Mexico, the United States, and Canada as a "vital axis" for the region's economies, people, and future competitiveness. He pointed to U.S. investment in Mexico and to institutional forums such as the High-Level Economic Dialogue and the North American Leaders' Summit as evidence that the region's ties run much deeper than whichever political storm happens to be dominating headlines at the moment. He acknowledged that elections in both Mexico and the United States could alter the tone of the relationship, but he argued that the achievements already built into North American cooperation showed the "significance and potential" of the region going forward.

That may be the clearest clue to how Velasco would approach the Foreign Ministry if he formally takes over. He is not known as an ideologue, at least not in the way some of the figures around him have been portrayed. Instead, he has built a profile as a negotiator who speaks fluent policy and understands that the U.S.-Mexico relationship is, above all, about interdependence.

On California, for example, he described Mexico's cooperation with the state in unusually expansive terms, saying a border project represented "shared cooperation and understanding that Mexico and California are more prosperous when we work together." He added that the goal was to build "a modern, secure border that doesn't divide but unites our societies."

Originally published on Latin Times
Luigi Mangione, the 27yearold American charged in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is reportedly corresponding by post with conservative podcaster Patrick BetDavid from his jail cell in Brooklyn, according to public comments made by BetDavid.

Mangione was arrested on 9 December 2024 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, five days after Thompson was shot and killed outside a Manhattan hotel. Prosecutors have charged him with murder, stalking, and weapons offences in connection with the attack, and he has pleaded not guilty.

Both his state and federal trials have been repeatedly postponed, with the state case now slated for September 2026 and the federal trial expected to start later in the year.

What BetDavid Says Mangione Wrote

Patrick BetDavid, host of the PBD Podcast and a known conservative commentator, revealed in an interview that he received the first letter from Mangione at his office address.

In describing that correspondence, BetDavid said the writing was unexpectedly polished and nuanced for someone in prison. 'This was written as if a kid went to Harvard or Yale  good writer, sense of humour, sarcasm, witty, even a riddle in there,' he said, adding that the letter showed someone with 'deep meaning in the way he's writing his stuff.'

According to Bet-David, Mangione referenced the online backlash surrounding a list of '27 things' he had written about what he was grateful for after turning 27. One item on that list was Bet-David's book Your Next Five Moves, which, he said, drew an outsized reaction. Quoting from the letter, Bet-David said Mangione wrote: 'Out of all the 27 things I wrote that I was grateful for, the one that I got the most hate mail was number seven, your Next Five Moves.'

Bet-David used that detail as a springboard into a meditation on how people, especially younger men, can be shaped by the voices around them when they are vulnerable. He said the letter made him think less about internet spectacle and more about what happens when a person becomes mentally and emotionally isolated. 'When you're at the lowest in life,' he said, 'you better guard who you listen to and what you watch and what you read.'

That appears to have been one of the central insights he took from the exchange. Rather than dwell only on the criminal case, Bet-David framed Mangione as someone who, in his telling, had intellectual ability and a potentially very different life ahead of him.

In the video, he speculated at length about the forces that may have shaped him before his arrest, including chronic pain, personal dislocation, and the influence of outside ideas.

He also said the correspondence prompted him to write back in unusually personal terms. Recalling his time in the military, Bet-David said letters had once meant a great deal to him, and that memory influenced his decision to respond. He said he sent Mangione six books, though he did not name them publicly.

A Lesson for Viewers

At one point, Bet-David described the lesson he believed viewers should take from the exchange, shifting the focus from Mangione himself to the people who may be struggling quietly in ordinary life. 'This is someone's son. This is someone's cousin. This is someone's grandson,' he said, before urging viewers to reach out to people who may be in a dark place before they spiral further.

He also suggested that Mangione had indicated he was still watching or hearing about his content from prison, implying that the exchange was not a one-off curiosity but part of an ongoing correspondence.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
An investigation is underway after a man in Laois allegedly attempted to contact a teenage girl.

It follows a so-called sting operation by a group who say their mission is to protect children now and in the future regardless of race or religion. We will expose predators across the whole of Ireland (North and South) and the United Kingdom.

The group called to the home of a man in Laois who they say believed he had been exchanging online messages with a 13 year-old girl. The group confronted the man, who told them he was 36 years old, and called gardai while they were at the house last month.

They claim the man had spoken to what he believed to be a child in a highly sexual manner and that he had sent the girl explicit images of himself and told the girl he wanted to meet her.

READ ALSO: Lexus driver clocked at 191 kph in Laois

Gardai confirmed that they are investigating the incident. They said the man was removed to the station for his own safety.

There was no arrest at the time but there is an investigation ongoing, a Garda spokesperson confirmed.
The construction of a new housing development in Ballylinan has been given the go-ahead by Laois County Council.

Sammy Kelly Builders have been granted planning permission on a conditional basis to build 46 houses on the greenfield site off the N78 in Ballylinan.

The planning application was lodged back in November 2025 for the construction of 40 semi-detached three-bedroom houses and 6 detached three-bedroom bungalows.

The application also included a new vehicular and pedestrian entrance, internal access roads, footpaths, communal open spaces, the provision of a pumping station, associated boundary treatment, landscaping, as well as connection to foul, stormwater, and water mains.

READ NEXT: Laois hotel gives free room to 91 year old on protest walk across Ireland

Part of the 3.1ha site contains a disused quarry and this will be filled to provide an additional recreational area in the estate.

Each home will have two carparking spaces and visitor spaces will be provided around the development.

The construction works are expected to be completed over a period of 3 years on a phased basis.

There was an existing agreement in place for the site, however this application was looking to increase the previously proposed construction of 34 units to 46 units instead.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
As a nationwide fuel protest is taking place, causing traffic disruptions and delays, in Mayo and elsewhere, a creative mind has designed a tool, that might make the lives of drivers a bit easier.

Local convoys were started across the country, and they're slowly moving towards regional meeting points in Galway, Cork, Limerick and Dublin.

READ NEXT: WATCH: 'Expect significant delays' - Traffic at standstill across Ireland amid fuel protest

Trucks, cars, vans are on their way, causing delays on some routes.

And in response to a fuel price hike which has taken place since the US-Israel war on Iran started, a web designer based in Mayo has come up with an idea to help people find cheaper options to buy their fuel from.

Alex Santos, from Westport, has already made waves as a designer of the 100 percent free app called passenger.ie, which helps especially older people to book tickets for public transport online.

Now, Santos has come up with an app where people can easily check fuel prices across the country.

READ NEXT: 'Don't pack away the big coats' - Experts warn of 'rollercoaster' of temperatures this week

The app works a bit like Google Maps. Users can zoom in and out to check their local town filling stations to find the cheapest option to buy fuel from.

You can find the app, fuelwatch.ie, here.
Motorists across Ireland are being reminded of their legal obligation to inform authorities about certain medical conditions, or risk serious penalties, including fines, licence suspension or even prosecution.

Under rules set out by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), drivers must declare any long-term illness or condition that could impact their ability to drive safely.

READ NEXT: Three killed on Irish roads over Easter weekend as nearly 200 drivers caught drink driving

Failing to do so is considered an offence, particularly if a driver continues to drive while knowingly unfit.

Motorists are legally required to notify the NDLS if they develop a condition that may affect their driving. In many cases, this means submitting a medical report completed by a GP when applying for or renewing a licence.

Drivers must also inform their insurance provider, as failing to disclose a condition could invalidate cover and lead to further legal consequences.

The RSA has outlined a list of specified conditions the require disclosure, including:

Diabetes treated with insulin or certain medications

Epilepsy

Stroke or mini-stroke (TIA) with lasting symptoms

Fits or blackouts

Brain surgery, brain tumours, or severe head injuries

Spinal injury or tumour

Implanted cardiac pacemaker

Implanted defibrillator (ICD)

Repeated episodes of severe dizziness

Chronic neurological conditions (e.g. multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease)

Serious memory problems or confusion

Alcohol dependency

Serious psychiatric illness

Parkinson's disease

Sleep apnoea

Narcolepsy

Conditions affecting peripheral vision

Total loss of sight in one eye

Serious conditions affecting both eyes

Significant hearing deficiency

Severe learning disability

Physical conditions affecting the use of arms or legs (requiring adapted or automatic vehicles)

READ NEXT: Have you seen Joshua? Family concerned for 17-year-old boy missing two days

These rules are designed to protect both the driver and other road users. Certain conditions, particularly those involving loss of consciousness, vision impairment, or reduced reaction times, can significantly increase the risk of collisions.

The RSA says drivers have a personal responsibility to monitor their health and stop driving if they become unsafe behind the wheel.

Drivers who fail to declare a relevant medical condition could face:

Fines or prosecution

Penalty points or driving bans

Invalidated insurance in the event of a crash

Potential criminal liability if an incident occurs

Anyone diagnosed with a relevant condition should:

Speak to their GP about fitness to drive

Submit a medical report to the NDLS if required

Inform their insurance provider

Follow any restrictions placed on their licence

READ NEXT: WATCH: 'Expect significant delays' - Traffic at standstill across Ireland amid fuel protest

While the above list covers 23 key conditions, the RSA stresses is not exhaustive, meaning drivers must use their own judgement and seek medical advice if unsure.
The new opthalmology clinic in Treo Nua centre in Knockmay, Portlaoise, was described this week as "a real coup" by its manager Maria McCormack.

It means the end of a long trek by patients to an Athlone eye clinic, or the eye and ear hospital in Dublin.

The HSE says that phase one of its new Laois service will open from June for children, with the adults' service to follow after. Online appointments have already begun in Treo Nua.

Ms McCormack gave an update on Treo Nua activities, to the March meeting of Laois County Council.

"An opthalmology service for people in the Laois area opened on March 23. Thats a real coup for our centre, she said.

The HSE has confirmed details to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"The Ophthalmology Clinic for Laois will be based in Treo Nua, Harper's Lane, Portlaoise, with a phased implementation. The first phase will support children from Q2 2026 with the adult service to follow thereafter. The service is aligned to the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital Dublin (RVEEH) serving the catchment area of Co. Laois.

"The service will operate from 9am to 5pm one day (Wednesday) a week initially with a plan to progress a 9-5 Monday to Friday service by quarter 4, 2026. It will operate on a referral-only basis and by appointment thereafter," a spokesperson said.

The busy Treo Nua centre is a lifeline of support to local residents.

It was built along with six council housing estates of 217 houses in Knockmay in the early 2000s, to support an area with a high rate of unemployment and one parent families.

"Primary tenants are the family resource centre, HSE and Laois County Council and we have a shop, training rooms and computer facilities.

"A key element is the preschool and afterschool childcare facility. We have multi purpose meeting rooms for social and education events. If anyone needs to rent a room thats one of our major incomes. We rely on it to keep the doors from closing. Were a lot cheaper than hotels.

"The family resource centre opens Monday to Friday for workshops. We provide printing and information services for the community. Some people are not confident to read or write or understand forms or use the internet. So for housing, school, medical matters they come to us. Well print forms and address the envelopes.

"We have a cafe space which we see as the heart of the centre and we very much hope to have it open again soon.

"I believe in the ripple effect, it really is a community centre and it takes a community to run it. We appreciate everyone whos played a part in success, Ms McCormack said.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley is chair of the Treo Nua committee.

"We are very lucky to have Maria and the staff. The centre went through its challenges particularly after Covid. Weve worked to get it back to where it was and made great progress.

"The eye and ear is open now with an online service for three weeks and then it will be a one to one in the clinic. People have contacted me to say its absolutely great. They had been travelling to Athlone. Its a great benefit for the centre as well.

She described recent efforts to reopen the cafe in Treo Nua.

"Thanks to Cllr James Kelly and his wife Eileen who facilitated us with a meeting in BloomHQ. We wanted to get a look at the cafe in Mountrath. To see if we could model the same in the centre of Treo Nua. Weve come up against a lot of challenges to keep the cafe opened in the centre. Its been closed for about the last six months. Hopefully thats a good news story very soon. We are going to model the very same type of a cafe, with the support of Caroline Lydon and Laois Partnership. We are delighted with that.



"There are vital services there. Because we are in an area where there is I suppose a lot of disadvantage, there is a family resource centre doing fantastic work. In particular we have addiction counselling services, coming in and talking to those who have addictions of drugs and alcohol. Weve had some very successful results there with people who tied in with the service, got in and did their treatment, and are back living in the community and making a great effort in the community, and thats fantastic. That kind of work is second to none, Cllr Dwane Stanley said.



Laois County Council CEO Michael Rainey praised Treo Nua as a model of best practice that other local authorties try to copy. He said that investing 2m of council cash after the economic crash in 2010, along with 2m in state funds to build it, was a brave decision by former manager Peter Carey.



"there is a really strong sense of community, there is minimum damage or vandalism, because of a sense that it is owned by the community".
Motorists in Laois and across Ireland have been warned of major traffic jams across Ireland this Tuesday, April 7 for a fuel protest.

An Garda Siochana has issued an alert this Easter Monday evening, of widespread plans by vehicle owners to hold "potentially slow moving convoys" on National roads.

They warn of "vehicle gatherings, and associated public activity, at various locations around the country from early tomorrow morning Tuesday, 7th April".

The protest comes as fuel prices continue to reach crisis levels due to the US's war on Iran and blocking of fuel deliveries.

The protests are being organised online by a group of professional drivers, hauliers, farmers, bus operators, taxis and plant operators called The People Of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest.

"An Garda Siochana understands it is proposed that convoys of vehicles (including HGVs, agricultural and plant vehicles) will gather at various locations across the country. It is understood that the proposed convoys, potentially slow moving, will travel primarily along National Primary Routes.

"It is proposed that some of these convoys will remain in regional locations, and some will travel to Dublin to congregate in the Dublin region.

"If the convoys materialise and congregate, it is expected that there will be significant additional traffic, including slow-moving vehicles, on the main arteries leading to Dublin and in the vicinity of large urban areas across the country from 0800hrs.

"An Garda Siochana has had limited interaction with some persons involved in publishing information about these convoys. As the majority of the organisation of these convoys is taking place on social media platforms and messaging apps, An Garda Siochana is not in a position to provide accurate or detailed advice to the general public at this time.

Read next: Uninsured Laois cars seized in Easter crackdown

"Members of the public travelling on National Primary Routes tomorrow 7th April 2026 are advised to plan their journeys by ensuring they leave additional time for possible traffic disruptions and to expect traffic delays, if congestion is caused as a result of these convoys.

They add that "An Garda Siochana respects the right of citizens to exercise their constitutional rights, subject to statutory provisions."
Students and staff from Dunamase College in Portlaoise celebrated Seachtain na Gaeilge at the beginning of March with a host of exciting activities.

Organised by the Cumann Gaelach and the Gaelbhratach committee in collaboration with the Irish department, the school enjoyed an action-packed two weeks full of events that celebrated Irish in fun, creative, and meaningful ways, both within the school and in the wider community.

Some of the events which took place at the school included a poster and meme competition, quizzes, bingo, movie screenings as Gaeilge, dancing sessions, and a door-decorating contest.

One of the highlights was Bing Loco which saw fifth-year students join in on the fun. A La Glas (Wear Green Day) was also held, with both students and staff proudly dressing in green to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge.

Teachers also got involved through a Phrase Bingo challenge where they collected and used Irish phrases in their daily interactions, highlighting that the promotion of Irish extends beyond the classroom.

READ NEXT: More delays on Laois roads in coming days as fuel protest set to continue

Fifth-year students Nina, David, and Cuileann also participated in an EU translation competition, where they were tasked with translating a script from a European language into Irish.

As part of the celebrations, students also reached out beyond the school, visiting local primary schools including Gaelscoil Phort Laoise, Gaelscoil Thromaire, Ratheniska National School, Timahoe National School, and Barnashrone National School. They

organised ceilis and hosted quizzes at the schools, sharing their love of Irish with younger students and inspiring the next generation of Gaeilgeoiri.

The Gaelbhratach Committee hosted a Pop-Up Gaeltacht in Portlaoise Library, inviting the community to come together and speak Irish.

In recognition of their ongoing efforts to promote Irish in innovative ways, Dunamase College students were once again invited to TikTok HQ to celebrate the schools success in bringing the language to a wider audience online. Students enjoyed meeting Irish-language content creators and creating their own Irish TikToks.

The schools podcasting team also played an active role in promoting the Irish language during the celebrations. Students recorded a series of Irish-language segments for Midlands 103, giving them the opportunity to share their cupla focal with a wider audience.

Aonad students Cuileann, OJ, Aoife, and Kayla travelled to Galway to attend the Muintearas event, where Irish-medium schools from Education and Training Boards Ireland across the country came together to celebrate the language and culture.

On the day, the students met with President Catherine Connolly and presented their vision for the future of Gaeilge and the importance of creating more opportunities for young people to use Irish within their local communities.

Fifth-year Aonad students also had the opportunity to attend Fis, an event organised by Conradh na Gaeilge. The day began with an engaging panel discussion hosted by Peadar O Caomhanaigh and featured speakers such as Caitriona Kenny, Roisin Seoighe, Eadaoin Fitzmaurice, and DJ Provai.

Following this, students explored a wide range of interactive stands divided into themes of Careers, Community, and Future. Organisations such as TG4, Bloc, Gaelbratach, Kinia, Oglaigh na hEireann, and An Garda Siochana were among those present.

The event provided students with a fresh insight into the wide range of opportunities available through Irish, from careers to community involvement, clearly demonstrating the important role the language plays in contemporary life.
Funding has been approved by Government for the creation of two new fire stations for Laois towns.

Fianna Fail Deputy Sean Fleming TD has announced the allocation of 6.3 million for the creation of new fire stations in Rathdowney and Stradbally.

3 million has been announced for a new fire station in Rathdowney, and a further 3.3 million for Stradbally.

"This is great news that the money has now been confirmed," Deputy Fleming said in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"I have been working closely with the Government and Laois County Council on this and it is good to see this much needed investment in our County.

"This funding represents a significant investment in the safety, resilience and wellbeing of Rathdowney and Stradbally communities," Deputy Fleming said.

"It ensures that the new fire stations in Rathdowney and Stradbally will have first-class facilities which will lead to an improved service in these areas.

"I am calling on all involved to progress these two projects as urgently as possible," the Deputy finished.

In addition, Laois County Council has been allocated a new 500,000 Class B fire appliance, as part of the capital funding plan for fire services nationwide.

Fine Gael Deputy Wilie Aird also welcomed this news.

Im delighted to see this funding for emergency services in Stradbally and Rathdowney," Deputy Aird said.

The funding will be used for the construction of new stations in these towns. This investment ensures our fire services will have access to the modern tools, facilities and systems they need.

We want our firefighters to have the best facilities possible to deal with serious issues right across our communities in Laois," the Deputy said.

Our fire and emergency services are reliable and hardworking; it is vital that they have the facilities they need to best serve the community.

This is a major investment in the safety and resilience of our communities across Laois," Deputy Aird finished.

The funding is part of a landmark 328.5 million National Fire Services Capital Programme (20262030), developed by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), which sets out a comprehensive plan to modernise Irelands fire service fleet, infrastructure, training capability and communications systems to meet the evolving risks facing communities nationwide.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD welcomed the funding announcement for Rathdowney and Stradbally.

This programme represents a significant investment in the safety, resilience and wellbeing of communities across Ireland, including Laois," Minister Browne said.

"It ensures our fire services will have a modern fleet, upgraded facilities and equipment required to meet the challenges they face, with a changing climate, a growing population and increasingly complex emergency risks.

This investment in the fire service will reinforce public safety in Laois and ensure that our critical infrastructure and essential services are protected," the Minister said.

"Having fire services that are recognised as dependable, well trained and well equipped is crucial to the communities they serve and this injection of significant funding will future proof the service they provide," he finished.

Fire services are typically the last line of defence in protecting lives, homes and businesses from a myriad of hazards.

This investment ensures they have the modern tools, facilities and systems required to meet that responsibility. The new programme responds directly to the evolving nature of fire service response and the need to protect critical national infrastructure.

The capital programme is designed to ensure Irelands fire services can respond effectively to:

Increasing severe weather events,

Wildland fires,

industrial hazards,

Urban growth and complex infrastructure and;

Nationallevel emergencies requiring coordinated response.

The construction of a new fire station in Rathdowney has been in the pipeline for 23 years.

The existing station in Rathdowney has been described as "not fit for purpose" by local councillor and former fireman John King.

Laois County Council purchased a site for the new fire station in 2002 and Part VIII of the proposals for the development were approved in 2010.

However, the project had remained at a standstill until recently, with the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management having approved the plans to proceed with a detailed design and costings for a new two-bay fire station.

Laois County Council is tendering for an architect-led design team to provide consultancy services on the project.

In Stradbally, the old fire station on Main Street was built in 1954 and is no longer fit for purpose.

As a result, the Stradbally fire crew moved into the old civil defence building at the junction of Main Street and the R427 Abbeyleix Road in January of 2025. This will be the site of the new fire station.

Stradbally fire station is one of the busiest in the county, responding to in excess of 100 emergency calls every year.

The plans for the new station include the demolition of the existing Civil Defence building and construction of a new two-bay fire station, fire service drill tower, associated connections to existing services and all ancillary site development works at the site.

The plans also include a car park and car park access road, widening of the existing vehicular entrance on Cork Road for shared entrance/exit for staff cars and fire vehicles, a fire tender vehicle exit only to the N80, pedestrian access separate to vehicular entrances onto the N80, removal of the previous entrance on the N80, an underground attenuation tank and SuDS.

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NEFEM) finally gave the council the green light to invite tenders for the construction of the fire station in March of 2025.

The estimated value of the 12-month contract is 3,900,000.
A man is due to appear in court following the discovery of a suspected drugs haul at a property located near the Kildare-Dublin border.

According to a garda spokesperson, the male, who is aged in his 20s, was arrested on Easter Sunday (April 5 last) and has now been charged.

The spokesperson further said: "He is expected to appear before Criminal Courts of Justice No. 1 at 10.30am this morning, charged with a number of offences in relation to this incident."

READ NEXT: Incredible as driver stopped in Kildare was off the road until 2092

BACKGROUND

Previously, a separate garda spokesperson explained that one kilogram (kg) of suspected ketamine with an approximate value of 60,000 was recovered by gardai are the Lucan property on Easter Sunday.

Following this, a number of follow-up searches were conducted on Easter Monday (April 6 last) which resulted in the further recovery of 13kgs of suspected ketamine with an approximate value of 770,000.

"The seized drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis," the spokesperson added.

READ NEXT: Over 100 people arrested for drink driving over Easter weekend
A MAN who admitted to masturbating in public was back before Portlaoise District Court last week.

The 46-year-old, who cannot be identified on the instructions of the court, had been convicted at a previous sitting of the case to exposing his genitals intending to cause fear, distress or alarm to another person in a car at Main Street, Monasterevin, Co Kildare on 9 April 2024.

That sitting heard that the man, who had no previous convictions, had an issue with alcohol and had consumed about three or four pints the night before. At the time of the incident, he was looking to get into a public house early the morning after.

READ NEXT: In case you missed it: top five stories in Laois this week

He was looking at a video on his phone in his car when a lady passed by while he was masturbating.

At the initial hearing of the case, the man was informed that the court wanted 5,000 and adjourned the case to 23 March for an updated probation report and 2,000 to be handed into court at that time.

Last week, the mans solicitor, Barry Fitzgerald, said his client had initially paid 500 to the court and with the 2,000 he has, this left a balance of 2,500 to be paid.

Judge Susan Fay said the probation report was positive and if the balance of payment was made on 17 December, she would consider recommending imposing a probation supervision service order.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.
Kildare County Council has declined to commit to not renewing its contract with a car clamping company.

Five councillors - Evie Sammon, Kevin Duffy, William Durkan, Brendan Wyse and Ivan Keatley - said the company (Apcoa) that oversees the parking rules in towns across County Kildare - should not have its contract reinstalled.

They asked KCC to consider using community wardens it employs instead.

They said that given the imminent cessation of APCOA's contract, KCC should move to a model of community wardens, where wardens would have broad enforcement powers.

They said these powers would apply to parking enforcement, litter fines and enforcement of responsible dog ownership.

READ NEXT BREAKING: Traffic chaos on Kildare motorway as vehicles come to a halt

This, they add, would be similar to what happens within Cork City Council and Dublin City Council.

Apcoa does not clamp cars on behalf of KCC but it also operates in private car parks where vehicles are clamped and Cllr Evie Sammon said councilors receive complaints about their cars getting clamped because the lines are blurred and some people think KCC is responsible.

She said the confusion arises because Apcoa has contracts with others apart from KCC. She added any new contract should be with a company that does not clamp.

Cllr Chris Pender said 72% of the income generated from pay parking is spent on running the system and the costs of operating it have risen by 42%.

He also said the community wardens could also be deployed to cover other functions such as dog fouling and littering.

Cllr Bill Clear claimed that Apcoa are double jobbing by having their staff work in private car parks as well as managing KCC spaces. He said an Apcoa representative has gone into a local car park wearing clothing marked "Kildare County Council - but this was disputed by KCC official Mark McLoughlin.

Mr McLoughlin said the pool of contractors available is quite limited and he said Apcoawear operates a number of different divisions. He said Apcoa staff do not wear KCC clothing. He acce;pted that operating costs have increased but charges have not and well have to have a look at that.

KCC chief executive Sonya Kavanagh said the council has to observe competition guidelines so we may not be able to exclude a company.

Athy, Celbridge, Kildare, Leixlip, Maynooth, Naas and Newbridge are KCC pay parking towns regulated by Apcoa.

Three other towns - Clane, Kilcock and Sallins - are regulated by KCC wardens who also regulate the rest of the county outside of the pay parking bye-law towns.

According to KCC the enforcement of parking regulations requires a consistent full-time on-street presence.

It was previously established that the model of community wardens carrying out enforcement did not work as a combination of work like litter fines, dog fouling and other duties invariably leaves a substantial gap in the visible on-street presence that is necessary to ensure compliance with a managed parking service

Litter wardens are fully engaged in litter management enforcement.

KCC also said the scale of the parking operation in County Kildare is not like it is in Dublin and Cork but at a national level, Kildare is considered a best practice model.

The transfer from a private contractor to a community warden-based system would have considerable implications around cash collection services, payment services management and investment in hardware and software systems, added KCC.

Community wardens would also necessitate an increase in administrative staff to manage the back-off process, currently carried out by our service provider.

Nevertheless talks are taking place between KCC and the government about a framework for parking services and this will be followed by a procurement process ensuring the best value for money for the council.

KCC believes this is the most economically efficient means of delivering the service and managing parking services.

Profits from pay parking are used by KCC to improve roads, footpaths, public lighting and road safety measures. The estimate for these improvements in 2026 is 1.1m.
A woman living in South Leitrim has expressed her deep gratitude to the local community for rallying around her and her two children after their home was destroyed in a fire last year, which also claimed the life of their father.

Fenna Rasmussen lost her husband Lars on February 28, 2025 alongside their Aughavas home and has been rebuilding their life since. One year on, Fenna is still deeply moved by the generosity shown to her and her family.

He died on a Friday, and that Sunday the community here rallied together for a fundraising evening at The Dugout. The whole community came together and were not living here for a very long time, said Fenna.

She also expressed gratitude towards Kilbracken Arms Hotel in Carrigallen, which hosted refreshments and provided space following Lars celebration of life service.

Fenna is originally from Holland, and Lars was from Denmark. They moved to Aughavas with their two children, Ryder and Tatum, in late 2023.

The tragedy had an unimaginable impact on the family as they coped with the loss of Lars, their belongings and their home.

READ NEXT: Nine cats taken from one home amid urgent appeal from Leitrim Animal Welfare

The house was a mess on the site with ashes, broken windows, and glass. It wasnt safe for us to be there, described Fenna.

Having lost everything, there was a glimmer of hope when people in the community began donating essential items to her and her children.

They gave us clothes, food, bedding, towels. Even money came in envelopes anonymously, said Fenna.

She recalled finding bags of these items left at her gate, many from people she still does not know, as there were no names attached.

Everything you could think of was there because we lost everything. That made us feel really welcome in the community although we did feel that already, added Fenna.

READ NEXT: 'We are locking her down': Anger on show at Leitrim meeting ahead of national action

The first anniversary of Lars' death was this February.

Its emotional for us now as it is the first anniversary. Its a milestone. Its life and hopefully most people never go through these things but how we are doing now is a gift of life, shared Fenna.

Through it all, Fenna has felt a strong sense of community spirit during a time of great loss.

The most important thing is that Im in awe of the community. Its not the communitys job to rally around you, she said, adding that in Holland, people tend to live more independently and there is less of a community-centred culture.

Here, its heartwarming. We really feel at home here. After what happened, I had nothing. I had the land but everything was gone.

READ NEXT: Leitrim farmers urged to stay vigilant after sheep theft during lambing season

People were expecting us to move back but this is our home now. We have made the right decision to stay here, said Fenna.

A year later, she and her children continue rebuilding their lives. After the fire, their friends let them stay in their house for two weeks. They then rented a cottage and are now living in a caravan while rebuilding bit by bit on the site where their previous home burned down. Despite the adversity they have faced, they have been met with strong community support and remain extremely grateful.
Traffic disruptions are expected in the region tomorrow as a convoy of vehicles makes its way to Sligo town on Tuesday morning.

The protest, which is part of a wider national action that will cause disruptions in Dublin, Athlone, and Limerick and along the main arteries of the country, is to protest the government's handling of the fuel crisis.

The convoy of vehicles is set to take off from Letterkenny at 6.15am and will regroup on the way in Tullaghan with their live location being shared through WhatsApp.

Vehicles are welcome to join in Grange, Drumcliff, and at the N4/N15 interchange, according to organisers who are communicating anonymously through social media and messaging apps.

Organisers have stressed that this is intended to be a silent and peaceful protest.

READ NEXT: We are locking her down: Anger on show at Leitrim meeting ahead of national action

We will distance ourselves from any bad behaviour or anyone that sets out to cause trouble, they said.

Please obey marshals, keep lane discipline, and all hard shoulders must remain CLEAR at all times for emergency vehicles.

An Gardai warned that significant additional traffic is expected from around 8 am with slow-moving vehicles, including HGVs, agricultural and plant vehicles on national roads and in large urban areas across the country.

An Gardai have said they are not in a position to provide accurate or detailed advice to the general public at this time.

READ NEXT: Leitrim farmers urged to stay vigilant after sheep theft during lambing season

While An Garda Siochana facilitates peaceful protest, An Garda Siochana must also balance and protect the rights of individuals to travel freely and commercial organisations to conduct business.

Any Garda activity in relation to evolving events involves a graduated policing response taking into account relevant legislation and public safety.
Rows of tractors and large vehicles took to the roads to cause national disruptions across the country in protest of the government's handling of the fuel crisis.

Since February, the price of fuel has increased significantly to over 2.00 per litre for diesel and around 1.85 per litre for petrol, while green diesel is around 1.90.

People are hurting, and they're hurting at the cost of energy, and we fully understand that, Franks Feighan, minister for procurement and Sligo-Leitrim TD.

Though he respects everyone's right to protest, he doesn't think these actions are helpful at the moment.

I've had a few phone calls this morning from people who have been seriously inconvenienced, missed hospital appointments, and I'm just not sure if this is the right approach in the middle of such dangerous times for our economy, but also for our country, and across the world.

The demands of the protests are not clear, with some calling for a temporary moratorium on the carbon tax, while PRO for the Dublin protest, James Geoghegan has called for a government-led subsidy on the price of Green Diesel.

READ NEXT: We are locking her down: Anger on show at Leitrim meeting ahead of national action

We're effectively in the middle of, I suppose, a third world war, said the TD. We are being held to ransom by various countries, by various energy supplies, and we have to address that, and we have a robust economy, and we will address, we'll work that, but it's not a simple solution.

We are listening, he said, though he stressed that the situation is not simple, there are no easy solutions, "and anybody who pretends it is, is simply being disingenuous.

I think what people need to do is sit down, and a lot of the interested parties are sitting down with the government to understand the complexities, to understand the seriousness of the issue.

Last week, the Government brought in 250 million in measures to address the price of fuel, including cuts on excise tax, and the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) brought down the price of fuel; however, it is on the rise again as the crisis continues.

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Sinn Fein whip, Pearse Doherty, called these half measures at a meeting ahead of the fuel protest in Manorhamilton on Saturday night.

Collectively we need to push the Government into action because this is about businesses that will go to the wall, farm sustainability, about people who are pushed to the pin of their collar, he said before calling for the Dail to be reconvened from its Easter holiday.
Gardai have warned of slow moving traffic across Ireland as a protest against fuel prices got under way on Tuesday morning.

Posting on the social media site X, An Garda Siochana said they were aware of convoys on the M7 and M4 in County Kildare, on M7 in County Limerick, on the M8 in County Offaly, on the M3 in County Meath and on the M6 in County Galway.

They say drivers should plan their journeys accordingly.

On Monday, Gardai warned the protest could lead to significant traffic disruption.

Gardai say they have had limited interaction with the protest organisers.

They said: As the majority of the organisation of these convoys is taking place on social media platforms and messaging apps, An Garda Siochana is not in a position to provide accurate or detailed advice to the general public at this time.

Traffic Alert  County Westmeath A slow-moving convoy is currently impacting traffic on the M6 Junction 7 (Moate), County Westmeath. Motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly. pic.twitter.com/XiqpX3VYls  An Garda Siochana (@GardaTraffic) April 7, 2026

Posts on social media said convoys of vehicles, including HGVs, agricultural and plant vehicles, would gather at various locations across the country before travelling along major travel routes.

The messages say the plan is for some of the convoys to remain in regional locations and some of them to converge in Dublin city centre.

Gardai have had no role in permitting or authorising public gatherings or protests, but there is no permit required in order to organise any protest.

Ger Hyland, president of the Irish Road Haulage Association, told Newstalk radio the organisation is not involved in the protest.

When pressed, Mr Hyland refused to say whether he supports the protest and said: While our association is at the table trying to negotiate a deal with the government, I am not going to give an answer.

He said he empathised with demonstrators, adding members of his organisation were probably involved and that its up to every individual haulier himself to do as he sees fit for his company.
A "rollercoaster" of temperatures is expected this week as experts have warned people in Ireland to not "pack away their big coats" just yet.

Storm Dave passed over the country over the Easter weekend bringing with it strong gusts and heavy rain in parts but temperatures have been climbing and Tuesday and Wednesday are set to see highs of 17 to 18 degrees.

READ NEXT: Search stood down for missing 66-year-old man as Gardai issue tragic update

However, those warmer conditions are set to disappear in a few days as temperatures will drop yet again, particularly at night time, where we will see 2 to 3 degrees in places.

Carlow Weatherman Alan O'Reilly took to social media to warn of the returning cold weather, in which he said,

"Rollercoaster of temperatures ahead so dont go packing away the big jumpers and coats after Wednesday. Youll be needing them again later in the week and possibly into the following week."

Rollercoaster of temperatures ahead so dont go packing away the big jumpers and coats after Wednesday. Youll be needing them again later in the week and possibly into the following week pic.twitter.com/PmFPz6DFE2  Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) April 5, 2026

Meanwhile, Met Eireann have given their five day forecast warning of mixed conditions for the week ahead.

Today

Mostly dry at first this morning, with a mix of cloud and sunny spells, however there'll be showery rain and mist in the west and southwest. This will move northeastwards through the day but parts of the east may stay dry.

The rain will turn heavy at times and thunderstorms are possible later this morning and this afternoon. Mild with highest temperatures of 13 to 17 degrees in moderate southeast winds, easing mostly light and variable later.

Mostly dry but cloudy overall tonight, with limited clear spells. Areas of mist and fog will form in light variable breezes. Lowest temperatures of 5 to 10 degrees, possibly a little colder in the northwest.

READ NEXT: Man in his 60s killed and young woman rushed to hospital following horror crash in Louth

Wednesday

Dry for most with a mix of cloud and sunny spells. Cloud will build from the west through the afternoon with rain and drizzle moving into western coastal counties in the evening. Highest temperatures of 13 to 17 degrees, coolest near Atlantic coasts, in light to moderate southwesterly breezes.

Overnight, outbreaks of rain and drizzle in the west will move eastwards, with clear spells and scattered showers following. Turning cooler behind the rain with lowest temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees in moderate westerly winds.

Thursday

Any lingering rain in the east soon clearing. Otherwise, sunny spells and scattered showers, some turning heavy and possibly thundery with the chance of hail, before becoming more isolated through the evening. Cooler than previous days with highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees in fresh and gusty westerly winds, easing later.

Friday

Looks like a windy and blustery day with fresh to strong and gusty southerly winds. Outbreaks of rain in the west will turn heavy and persistent at times, before spreading eastwards later in the day. Highest temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees in moderate to fresh southwesterly winds.

READ NEXT: Three-year search appeal for missing teenage boy stood down as gardai issue major update

Further outlook

Current indications suggest there will be further rain and hail showers over the weekend, but some drier and brighter interludes in the mix also. Turning a bit cooler with some frost by night.
PUL President, 2nd from right, with UNDP Staff, including Mr. Aliou Mamadou Dia,Irene Seme, left and Mrs. Augusta McGill Pshore, first from right.
POPULAR Irish influencer Erika Fox has married her long-term partner Tommy O'Callaghan in a lavish ceremony at the iconic Adare Manor.

The Kerry woman who has been based in New York for many years wed at the luxurious Limerick venue on March 27.

Taking to social media to share some stunning photos from her special day, Erika said: "Still on cloud nine after the best three days of our lives. Such special memories we'll never ever forget. Here is a little snippet of the many photos and stories to come."

Influencer Erika Fox pictured on her wedding day at Adare Manor Pictures: @erika_fox on Instagram

Erika who was previously known as Retro Flame on social media also shared some photos of her wedding day look. She wore a custom off-the-shoulder white satin gown with a bardot neckline stunning in a classic white gown, with her hair down in a natural wave.

READ MORE: All-Ireland hurling winner Richie English set to wed long-term partner as they begin new chapter

The dinner reception design at Adare Manor

Erika described the dinner reception design at Adare Manor as a dream.

"We spent months dreaming up and planning the design and it truly exceeded every single one of our expectations. From the beginning, I knew I wanted it to feel like we were in a cozy restaurant - draping, booth seating, table lamps, piano playing in the background and I remember looking down from the top table and thinking wow, this feels like a dream," the influencer noted on Instagram.

The happy couple enjoyed a honeymoon in Venice, Italy following their aesthetic nuptials.

The bride and groom, Erika Fox and Tommy O'Callaghan pictured on their special day

In a separate post on social media the influencer commented:

"We are still in such a bubble and just feeling so, so grateful. We had the time of our lives with our absolute favourite people. Thank you so much for all your well wishes... so many photos to come!!"

The classically elegant set-up for the glamorous wedding at Adare Manor

Ahead of the magical wedding celebrations, Erika said:

"I've been looking back at all the amazing memories over the past few months and I just couldn't be more grateful. Such a special time I'll never forget. We planned the whole wedding in just four months and I somehow still managed to squeeze in two hen/bachelorette parties. Very thankful to have friends who are up for a last minute plan lol."

Erika pictured at her hen party in Florida

She enjoyed two hen parties with one in Palm Beach in South Florida wearing a stunning long, white satin dress with spaghetti straps and a beaded bodice. Erika paired the elegant look with white heeled sandals, gold jewellery and a satin scarf.

Erika also celebrated the milestone at home in Kerry with a hen party last February with her "favourite people."

"I always knew I wanted to do some part of the lead up at home in Kerry so while I was there last month, I had a little bridal brunch/hen party part two with some of my very favourite people. Friends for 20+ years so we've been through it all together!! And it's just so exciting that there are such fun moments still to come for us all."

Erika wore a sophisticated white coord with silver buttons on the bodice, a white clutch bag and simple jewellery.

She announced her engagement to Tommy OCallaghan in October 2022. Posting photos of Tommy proposing on the beach, she captioned the post: YES!!! The photos showed Tommy down on one knee, surrounded by white roses.

The proposal took place in The Hamptons on Long Island, a summer destination for affluent New Yorkers, where Erika thought she was shooting a campaign for her collection with Irish jewellery brand Loulerie.

Erika has a whopping 160,000 followers on Instagram and shares a glimpse at her glamorous life in the Big Apple through fashion, interiors, travel and wellness.
LIMERICK commuters face a morning of disruption as a rolling protest over soaring fuel prices brings convoys onto key routes around the city.



The demonstrations, taking place on main routes to the outskirts of Limerick city from 8am this Tuesday morning, are one of a number taking place nationwide, following the cost of fuel rocketing due to the war in Iran.



The protests are being organised by a group of professional drivers, hauliers, farmers, bus operators, taxis and plant operators called The People Of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest.



The starting points for this Tuesdays Limerick rolling protest are Bearys Cross to travel to Ballysimon on the N24; Dalys Cross to Annacotty on the Old Dublin Road; Croom to Patrickswell on the M20 and Bunratty village in County Clare to travel on the N18.

READ NEXT: Limerick senior hurling manager urges students to 'take opportunities'

A spokesperson for the organisers said: All convoys will create major traffic disruption along the route as part of the protest, with the main objective being a continuous rolling blockade from Junction 29 on the M7 to Junction 2 on the N18, and back again in a circular route.



This route is designed to keep pressure on the area while maintaining a strong, visible presence throughout Limerick, said the spokesperson.



They stress that all hard shoulders must be kept clear for emergency services.



If it was your own family member in need, you would want that road kept open too. Well done to everyone involved. We know no plan will suit everyone, but this is about standing together and making our voices heard. The time is now, concluded the spokesperson.



The protest is being supported by Limerick County TD, Deputy Richard ODonoghue. He posted an emergency notification on his social media accounts to warn people there's going to be major traffic delays on all routes coming into Limerick on Tuesday morning.



We all know there's a war going on and the fuel has been interrupted coming into this country. This protest is not about the interruption of fuel coming in, this is about the taxation of fuel. At the moment, you are paying 50% tax on fuel.



We want the taxation of fuel to be capped for white diesel at 1.70; petrol 1.60 and green diesel 90 cent to make sure the agriculture sector can supply food, the transport sector can get food into our shops to make sure that everyone is fed, and people can go to work. This protest is going to happen around the country, said Deputy ODonoghue.



The independent Ireland TD also stressed that a lane be left open for all emergency services to make sure that nobody vulnerable will be held up, and people can get to hospital appointments.



Please, get out and support these people. They're doing it for you, to make sure that you'll have food on the shelves when you go into the shops. Milk and bread don't grow on the shelves.



The agricultural sector, the transport sector - if they can't move, you won't eat. These are the people that are standing up for you, and I stand with them, concluded Deputy ODonoghue.

An Garda Siochana, say in in a statement, they have had limited interaction with some persons involved in publishing information about these convoys.

"As the majority of the organisation of these convoys is taking place on social media platforms and messaging apps, An Garda Siochana is not in a position to provide accurate or detailed advice to the general public.

"An Garda Siochana respects the right of citizens to exercise their constitutional rights, subject to statutory provisions.

"While An Garda Siochana facilitates peaceful protest, An Garda Siochana must also balance and protect the rights of individuals to travel freely and commercial organisations to conduct business.
Air India chief executive Campbell Wilson has stepped down from his position and will remain in the role until his successor is announced and in place, the airline stated in a release on 7 April.

Wilson had conveyed his intention to step down in 2026 to Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran in 2024 and, since then, has been working to ensure the organization and leadership team is on a stable footing for the transition, the statement added.

Wilson's step down comes at turbulent time for airline Notably, this development sets the stage for a leadership transition at a time when the airline is grappling with operational disruptions, rising costs and a likely record loss this year. These challenges have been compounded by the fallout from the 12 June 2025 crash of Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by the airline, which crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport, killing 241 people on board and on the ground.

The board accepted the top executive's resignation at its meeting last week. Sources told Hindustan Times that he will continue to be in the system until the board finds his successor  to help in a smooth transition  whenever that happens, until September.

Campbells five-year term was scheduled to end in September next year.

What we know about the carrier's succession plans? The statement added that the Air India Board has constituted a committee that will find Wilson's successor in the coming months.

According to HT Media, Air India is in advanced talks with candidates, and a critical meeting on the matter is scheduled next week. Meanwhile, sources have also told CNBC-TV18 that both internal and external candidates are being considered to fill in Wilson's position.

Also Read | Air India and IndiGo issue travel advisories for Middle East flights on 7 April

Wilson joined Air India in September 2022 on a five-year contract, months after the airline was privatised by the Tata Group in January that year. His departure means the contract is set to end a year earlier than planned.

The new person (Air India CEO) is expected once the crash report of AI 171 is made public, sources told HT Media. Indias air crash investigation agency released a preliminary report on 12 July last year and is mandated to release a full report by 12 June this year.

This is the second major leadership change in the aviation industry this year. Earlier in March, Indias largest airline, IndiGo, announced the sudden departure of its CEO, Pieter Elbers, who was replaced by William Walsh on 30 March.

Foundational blocks settling right time to hand over reins, says Wilson On his departure from the aviation major, Wilson in the statement outlined his career with Air India, noting that in the six years since its privatisation, acquisition and successful merger of four airlines, an evolution from public to private sector practices, the airline has seen complete modernisation of systems, launched new physical products, and added 100 aircraft added to the fleet.

With these foundational blocks now settling and a brief window until deliveries from the nearly 600-strong aircraft orderbook commence in earnest from 2027, the time is right for me to hand over the reins for the next phase of Air Indias rise. It has been a true honour to play a small part in this latest chapter of Air Indias long history, and I will continue to be an enthusiastic supporter of this wonderful organisation and its people, Wilson added.

For the board, Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran expressed deep appreciation for Wilsons leadership and contribution and acknowledged the numerous external challenges navigated by the Air India team, including prolonged post-Covid supply chain constraints that have impacted delivery of new aircraft and retrofit programs as well as major geopolitical and other headwinds.
Anthropic announced on Tuesday that it has signed an agreement with Google and Broadcom to secure multiple gigawatts of next-generation tensor processing unit (TPU) capacity that will come online in 2027.

The TPUs will be used to train and deploy frontier Claude models, to meet the growing demand for the company's technology offerings from customers worldwide.

Alongside the deal announcement, the IPO-bound AI company also revealed that its run-rate revenue has surpassed $30 billion, up from $9 billion at the end of 2025, as demand for Claude continues to accelerate worldwide.

"We are building the capacity necessary to serve the exponential growth we have seen in our customer base while also enabling Claude to define the frontier of AI development, the CFO of Anthropic, Krishna Rao, said in a blog post.

Broadcom's agreement with the two tech giants In a separate exchange filing, Broadcom said that it has entered a long-term agreement with Google to supply future generations of the internet giant's TPUs, which are designed to power artificial intelligence in data centres.

Apart from that agreement, Broadcom and Google have also expanded their collaboration to give Anthropic access to about 3.5 gigawatts of TPU-based compute capacity, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing and Anthropic's blog post.

Claude's rising customer demand Anthropic said that during its Series G fundraising in February, more than 500 business customers were each spending over $1 million annually on its services, the company said in a blog post, adding that the number has now surpassed 1,000, doubling in less than two months.

The startup also said that the vast majority of the new compute will be sited in the United States, making this partnership a major expansion of the company's November 2025 commitment to invest $50 billion in strengthening American computing infrastructure.

The partnership deepens our existing work with Google Cloudbuilding on the increased TPU capacity we announced last Octoberas well as our relationship with Broadcom, it added.

The development comes at a time when Anthropic is facing an ongoing dispute with the US government since it insisted that its technology should not be used for mass surveillance or fully autonomous weapons systems. In March, the Trump administration labelled Anthropic as a supply-chain risk, a designation which the AI company later challenged in court.

According to multiple media reports, the US defense forces employed Anthropic's AI to conduct airstrikes on Iran, which also killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Anthropic IPO details Anthropic PBC may debut on stock exchanges as early as October, as the AI firm competes with rival OpenAI Inc to launch an initial public offering, according to a Bloomberg report.

The developer of the renowned Claude chatbot has held preliminary talks with Wall Street institutions regarding lead roles in a potential listing, Bloomberg reported earlier, citing people familiar with the situation.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc, JPMorgan Chase & Co, and Morgan Stanley are reportedly being considered for primary roles in the Anthropic and OpenAI offerings.
Agnidev Bhattacharya

Agnidev is a business journalist with over two years of reporting experience tracking the intersection of capital, policy, and corporate strategy in India.<br><br>He joined Mint in December 2025, after a stint at NDTV Profit (erstwhile BQ Prime). At Mint, Agnidev focuses on the high-stakes world of the Indian capital market, specialising in mergers and acquisitions, burgeoning IPOs, and the investment banking industry.<br><br>Backed by a rigorous, data-driven approach, Agnidev frequently breaks news on the valuation cycles, deal pipelines and listing strategies of Indias most prominent companies. His reportage offers deep dives into the operational health of market leaders across the corporate landscape, providing readers with a clear-eyed view of institutional growth.<br><br>He has reported on major issues like India's derivatives frenzy, IPO froth, the competitive quick commerce industry, the real-money gaming ban, and has broken investigative stories related to scandals such as IndusInd Bank's accounting manipulation and the Gensol-BluSmart fiasco.<br><br>As a reporter, he brings stories that ultimately affect your stock market investments, and tries to bring clarity and brevity in a field that is often filled with jargon and noise.
New Delhi: Budget carrier SpiceJet and its chairman and managing director Ajay Singh have filed a review petition before the Delhi high court, seeking relief from an earlier direction requiring the airline to deposit 144.5 crore within four weeks in its long-running arbitration dispute with Kalanithi Maran and KAL Airways Pvt. Ltd.

Justice Subramonium Prasad, who heard the matter on Tuesday, adjourned the hearing to 13 April after parties sought time. However, the court orally observed that filing a review petition does not absolve SpiceJet of its obligation to comply with the order to deposit the amount by 14 April.

You have to comply with the order. The fact that you have filed this application is not a passport to not comply with the order, Justice Prasad remarked.

The review follows the high courts 18 March order, where it rejected SpiceJets plea seeking modification of its January direction. The airline had proposed furnishing an unencumbered immovable property worth approximately 148 crore as security, instead of making a cash deposit. However, the court declined to accept this alternative and insisted on a cash deposit.

The review plea assumes significance as SpiceJet is facing a severe liquidity crunch due to flight disruptions linked to the West Asia war. Around 22,000 passengers and 7,000 employees have been affected due to the war, senior counsel Amit Sibal told the court.

According to submissions made earlier before the court, nearly 40% of the airlines flights operate on Gulf routes, many of which have been affected, leading to cancellations and financial stress.

The high court had in January directed SpiceJet to deposit 144.5 crore, following which it approached the Supreme Court. The apex court refused to interfere with the high court direction. SpiceJet then moved the high court in early March seeking to modify the order by offering property instead of cash. The court rejected this request on 18 March and asked the airline to deposit the amount within four weeks, following which SpiceJet has filed a review petition.

The apex court also imposed costs of 1 lakh on the airline for prolonging the litigation.

Also Read | Law firms field force majeure queries as war sets off panic

The refusal meant SpiceJet was required to comply with the high courts 19 January order within six weeks, prompting the airline to file multiple pleas seeking modification of the direction. The high court recorded that SpiceJet had admitted that 194.51 crore was due and payable under earlier Supreme Court directions. After adjusting for 50 crore already deposited, 144.51 crore remains outstanding.

The dispute dates back to January 2015, when Kalanithi Maran and KAL Airways transferred their 58.46% stake in SpiceJet to Ajay Singh at a time when the airline was facing acute financial distress. As part of the transaction, Maran and KAL Airways infused about 679 crore into the airline towards issuance of convertible warrants and preference shares.

Maran later alleged that these instruments were not issued under the new management and sought a refund. The matter was referred to arbitration before a three-member tribunal comprising retired Supreme Court judges.

In July 2018, the tribunal rejected Marans 1,323 crore damages claim but directed SpiceJet to refund 579 crore, along with interest, relating to the warrants and preference shares.

Both sides challenged aspects of the award before the Delhi High Court, triggering prolonged enforcement proceedings, appeals and interim orders across courts.

SpiceJet has maintained that it has already paid about 730 crore to Maran and KAL Airways, including the principal amount of 579 crore and around 150 crore towards interest.

The dispute continues to remain a significant legal and financial overhang for the airline, which has in recent years faced liquidity pressures, aircraft grounding due to unpaid dues, and insolvency petitions from lessors and creditors.
Intel announced on Tuesday that it is partnering with Elon Musk's SpaceX and Tesla on the recently launched Terafab project to build semiconductors. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Intel confirmed that the company will help the Terafab project refactor silicon fab technology, a process that is used in semiconductor manufacturing to eliminate physical inefficiencies and streamline production.

Also Read | Tesla sales rise after brutal year of Musk boycotts but still fall short of expectations

Intel is proud to join the Terafab project with @SpaceX, @xAI, and @Tesla to help refactor silicon fab technology. Our ability to design, fabricate, and package ultra-high-performance chips at scale will help accelerate Terafabs aim to produce 1 TW/year of compute to power future advances in AI and robotics, Intel wrote in a post on X.

The company's CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, in a separate post on X, wrote, Elon has a proven track record of reimagining entire industries. This is exactly what is needed in semiconductor manufacturing today. Terafab represents a step change in how silicon logic, memory, and packaging will get built in the future. Intel is proud to be a partner and work closely with Elon on this highly strategic project .

Intel says that it hosted Musk at its campus over the past weekend. The company also shared an image of Musk shaking hands with Tan.

What is Terafab? Musk had launched the Terafab project last month, calling it the most epic chip-building exercise in history. The project is a joint venture between Tesla and SpaceX, both companies where Musk serves as the CEO.

The billionaire also claimed that Terafab is the only facility in the world to have the entire chip-making lifecycle under one roof, including memory, packaging, testing, and manufacturing of lithography masks.

Also Read | From stardom to scale: How AI avatars are redefining celebrity business

Musk said during the launch that the Terafab project would solve a looming shortage in AI compute.

We either build the Terafab or we dont have the chips and we need the chips, so were going to build Terafab, he said.

Musk had also announced that the advanced manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas, would build two distinct chips: one for powering cars and humanoid robots and will be optimised for edge inference, while the other would be designed for space and will be made to handle hostile environments and run hotter than terrestrial chips.

Musk had merged SpaceX with xAI earlier this year, and the space transportation company has also confidentially filed for an IPO in the US.
April 7 (Reuters) - Super Micro said on Tuesday it had begun an independent investigation into the indictment of three people linked to the company on the charges of committing export-control violations.

The San Jose, California-based company has also launched an internal review of its global trade compliance program, it said.

The U.S. Justice Department last month charged co-founder Yih-Shyan Liaw, sales manager Ruei-Tsang Chang and contractor Ting-Wei Sun with allegedly running a scheme to route U.S.-made servers through Taiwan to Southeast Asia.

The products were allegedly repackaged into unmarked boxes in Southeast Asia and smuggled into China.

Super Micro, which was not named as a defendant in the case, had placed Liaw and Chang on leave and terminated Sun after it became aware of the charges.

Liaw resigned from the company's board in March following the indictment.

The three allegedly moved at least $2.5 billion in U.S. AI technology, including over half a billion dollars' worth shipped between April and mid-May last year, the department said.

Four Chinese universities, including two linked to the People's Liberation Army, bought Super Micro servers with restricted AI chips over the past year, Reuters reported last month, citing procurement data.

Chinese universities and research institutes have previously acquired restricted chips in servers made by Super Micro and other manufacturers, Reuters reporting from 2024 shows.

Super Micro said the investigation was being led by two independent board members  Lead Independent Director Scott Angel and Audit Committee Chair Tally Liu.

The findings would be reported to the board's remaining independent directors, who have retained law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson to lead the investigation. Consulting firm AlixPartners has been engaged to provide forensic accounting expertise.
Vaeshnavi Kasthuril

Vaeshnavi reports on the business of consumption from Bengaluru, tracking how India shops, eats, and clicks. As a correspondent with Mints consumer economy team, she covers sectors ranging from retail and food and beverage to the rapid rise of quick commerce. She is a 2025 graduate of the Asian College of Journalisms Bloomberg Business and Finance programme. She joined the Mint newsroom in May 2025 and this is her first stint in journalism. She holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from the University of Madras. Vaeshnavi loves storytelling and breaking down complex jargon and numbers to bring out insightful yet simple-to-understand narratives. She is a Malayali but has spent most of her life living in Chennai. During her school days, she was an avid debater and loved participating in anything that involved holding a mic and standing on stage talking to a room filled with people. A diehard SRK fan, she can be found vibing to Indie music and Bollywood songs in her free time. She is a self-confessed cold coffee addict who wont let a day pass without one, and is always cafe-hopping in search of the citys best brew.
(Bloomberg) -- UBS Group AG failed to persuade a US judge to clarify a 1999 legal settlement about claims against Swiss banks over their handling of Nazi victims during the Holocaust.

US District Judge Edward Korman turned aside the banks request to define more clearly the $1.25 billion accord in which UBS and other banks expected protection from all new financial claims. UBS has been locked in a dispute in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, with the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a US-based group known for its pursuit of Nazis.

UBS had argued that the 1990s accord in which the company and other Swiss banks settled the claims of Nazi victims covered it from any potential further liability  known or unknown at the time. UBS acquired Credit Suisse in 2023.

At a hearing before Korman in March, UBS attorney David Burns said the bank wanted a clarification from the judge to block the Wiesenthal center from suing for more money and promote any public controversy in a way that is inconsistent with the settlement. Any new claims related to Nazi-linked accounts could expose the bank to billions of dollars in liability.

In a ruling on Tuesday, Korman said because there is no lawsuit or motion before him, he couldnt issue an advisory opinion.

UBS didnt immediately comment on the ruling. But it discussed the controversy in a recent question and answer on its website.

The settlement was intended to achieve a global resolution through a conclusive end to the controversy, UBS said. The SWC and any other Jewish organizations, consistent with their obligations under the 1999 Settlement, are free to continue to seek the truth related to the darkest chapter in human history.

The case is Friedman v. UBS, 96-cv-04849, US District Court, Eastern District of New York (Brooklyn).

(Updates with recent UBS statement on the controversy.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Ayaan Kartik

Ayaan Kartik is a Delhi-based journalist tracking the ever-growing world of automobiles and their components. With an experience of five years ranging from short-form news at Inshorts to longform journalism at Outlook Business magazine, he has dabbled into different storytelling formats. At Mint, he tries to regularly mix story styles, from longforms to crisp news stories. He has completed his graduation from Delhi University where he developed a liking for reading and writing about the world we live in today. Apart from automobiles, Ayaan likes to read up on geopolitics which has increasingly affected various sectors of the economy. Of all the promises journalism holds, he likes the fact that it allows a person to simply explain to readers about what is happening in the world. And what better sector than automobiles, which everyone since growing up has seen and felt connected to. Whether it is China's increasing grip on automobiles to growing affection for EVs in the country, Ayaan likes to connect his love for geopolitics and data to his stories as readers become more demanding on the types of stories they want.
Global oil prices extended gains on Tuesday morning as the war in West Asia showed no signs of easing and US president Donald Trump ramped up threats against Iran.

Brent crude rose above $111 per barrel while WTI surged close to $115, as traders reacted to the possibility of further military escalation and continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz  a critical global oil chokepoint.

Markets are closely watching developments ahead of Trumps deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked since the start of the war on 28 February, cutting off about 20% of global oil supplies for over a month.

Also Read | Govt plans push for electric stoves to reduce LPG dependence

Trumps warning Addressing the media on Monday, Trump intensified his threats to Iran, declaring the country could be "taken out in one night". Experts said that traders and investors are closely watching the developments in the region in the run-up to the US president's deadline.

Trump has warned of complete demolition of Irans power plants and bridges if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened by Tuesdays deadline. Further, he has also said that Irans response to the US ceasefire proposal, conveyed through intermediaries, is significant, but not good enough.

He vowed that if no deal is reached, "every bridge in Iran will be decimated" and "every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding and never to be used again".

Also Read | Trump reveals inside details of daring mission to rescue captured F-15 pilots

An Aljazeera report said that Irans military says Trumps threats are delusional and cannot make up for the disgrace and humiliation of the US in the region.

Around 8 AM, the June contract of Brent on the Intercontinental Exchange was trading at $111.17 per barrel, higher by 1.28% from its previous close. The May contract of West Texas Intermediate on NYMEX rose 2.26% to $114.95 per barrel.

India impact India, the third largest consumer and importer of crude oil in the world, has been significantly impacted by the volatility as it imports 90% of its overall oil requirement. A $1 per barrel increase sustained over a year can raise Indias total import bill by 16,000 crore.

On Monday, a petroleum ministry official said that amid the crisis, refineries of state-run companies will delay scheduled maintenance to ensure continued supply of petroleum products.

To ensure stable and uninterrupted fuel supplies, refineries of state-run Indian Oil Corp. (IOC) and Bharat Petroleum Corp. (BPCL) have postponed routine maintenance shutdowns at some of their refineries, Sujata Sharma, joint secretary at the ministry of petroleum and natural gas, told reporters.
Assam Assembly elections are scheduled for 9 April. Today, 7 April, is the last day of campaigning for the 126 seats of Assam.

As many as 2.49 crore voters are eligible to vote on Thursday. Throughout the high-octane campaign, parties are pushing hard to consolidate support in both traditional strongholds and emerging battlegrounds.

Assam has been under BJP rule since 2016. Sarbananda Sonowal, now a Union Minister, ran it first till 2021. Then Himanta Biswa Sarma took over.

The Congress-led alliance, known as the Asom Sonmilito Morcha (ASM) comprises Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation (CPI(ML) Liberation), and the All Party Hill Leaders Conference, among others.

Assam has never had three consecutive terms for one party.

All battles are high-stakes. But some fights stand out. These are usually seats where heavyweights are in the fray, margins have historically been narrow, or local dynamics could tilt the balance in a tightly fought election.

Here is a list of the top high-profile fights in Assam on 9 April:

1-Jalukbari in Lower Assam The Jalukbari seat is often regarded as one of Assams most prestigious constituencies. BJP leader and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is seeking a sixth consecutive term from this seat.

Sarma, has represented the seat since 2001, first with the Congress and later with the BJP. He won the seat in 2021, with a margin of over one lakh votes.

The Congress has fielded Bidisha Neog, while Independent candidate Dipika Das is also in the fray on 9 April at this seat. Both are up against Sarmas strong personal connect with voters and the BJPs organisational machinery.

2- Jorhat in Upper Assam Jorhat is another politically crucial seat of Assam. Five-time MLA Hitendra Nath Goswami of the BJP takes on Assam Congress chief and local MP Gaurav Gogoi from the seat. Gogoi is making his Assembly election debut from the seat.

The constituency has been held by the BJP since 2016. Goswami won the 2021 Assembly election by bagging 68,000 votes and defeating the Congress partys Rana Goswami.

However, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections indicated a shift in momentum, with Gogoi taking a lead of 12,130 votes in this assembly segment, polling 60,697 votes against BJP candidate Tapan Kumar Gogoi.

3- Sivasagar Another key battle to watch out for is the Sivasagar constituency, where a triangular contest between regional politics and the BJP-led alliances electoral machinery is at play.

At the centre is Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi, who sprang a major upset in 2021 by winning the seat from jail as an Independent candidate with 57,219 votes. Raijor Dal is a Congress ally.

In 2026 polls, the BJP has fielded Kushal Dowari from the seat while ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has nominated veteran Prodip Hazarika, resulting in a rare friendly contest within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Before Akhil, Pranab Gogoi of the Congress won the seat in 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016 polls.

4- Bihpuria The Bihpuria constituency was in the news when former Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah joined the BJP and was fielded as its candidate from here. The candidature set up Borah in a direct contest against his former party. The Congress has fielded Narayan (Ram) Bhuyan, who has been actively campaigning in the seat.

Bihpuria has thrown up decisive outcomes in the past. In 2016, BJPs Debananda Hazarika won by over 26,000 votes. In 2021, however, the margin narrowed, with sitting MLA Amiya Kumar Bhuyan of the BJP securing 58,979 votes to defeat Congress partys Borah by over 10,000 votes.

5- Capital Dispur The Dispur seat is another high-profile contest in 2026.

Pradyut Bordoloi, who recently switched from the Congress to the BJP, is the saffron party candidate. Congress has fielded Mira Borthakur Goswami, turning the contest into a symbolic battle of political crossovers.

Jayanta Kumar Das, a senior BJP leader, is contesting as an Independent candidate after being denied a ticket. Located as a suburb of the largest city, Guwahati, Dispur is also the capital of Assam.

BJP's Atul Bora won the seat in 2016 and 2021. Prior to 2016, Congress had held the seat since 2001.

6- Guwahati Central Guwahati Central is another key constituency among the 126 seats of Assam. BJP veteran Vijay Kumar Gupta is up against 27- year-old Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate Kunki Chowdhury, in this seat.

Gupta brings organisational experience focusing on infrastructure and economic development. Chowdhury, on the other hand, is positioning herself as a voice of young, urban voters, emphasising education, employment and regional identity, according to Assam Tribune.

The presence of multiple candidates, including those from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and TMC, has turned it into a fragmented contest among nearly two lakh urban voters.

7- Tamulpur in Lower Assam The Tamulpur seat in Baksa district is considered one of the most politically volatile seats in Lower Assam. The verdict in this seat is often driven by shifting alliance dynamics in the Bodoland Territorial Region.

For the 9 April polling, three main contenders are in the fray. These are BJPs Biswajit Daimary, United Peoples Party Liberal (UPPL) chief Pramod Boro, and Congress-backed Rafie Daimary.

This year, former NDA allies BJP and UPPL are contesting against each other following a fallout over seat-sharing. The Bodoland Peoples Front (BPF) has, however, aligned with the BJP-led NDA, reshaping the political landscape. The seat, now reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) after delimitation, has over 2.13 lakh voters and has historically witnessed strong regional party influence.
Assembly Election 2026 Highlights: Four states  Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal  and a Union Territory of Puducherry  will go to assembly polls this month.

While Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will vote in a single phase on 9 April, Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on 23 April. West Bengal will vote in two phases  23 and 29 April. The results of all elections will be announced on 4 May.

In all, the elections will elect new representatives from 824 assembly seats across the five legislatures.

Campaigning for the Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry draws to a close this evening. In the final hours today, top leaders from various political parties make concerted efforts to connect with voters and strengthen their support base across these regions.

Assam and Kerala Fights

All 126 seats of Assam will vote on 9 April. The campaigning will end this evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed three election rallies in Assam on Monday, canvassing for BJP candidates. The 9 April election in Assam is primarily a fight between the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress.

In 2021, the election saw the incumbent BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) retain power with 75 seats, marking the first time a non-Congress alliance won consecutive terms in the state.

Kerala will also vote for all 140 seats on 9 April. Kerala has been governed by the CPI(M)-led LDF for the past decade. In the 2021 elections, the LDF retained power with 99 seats, becoming the first incumbent government since 1977 to win consecutive terms.

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, all 234 seats will go to the polls in a single phase on 23 April. In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the DMK-Congress alliance came to power, and MK Stalin became the Chief Minister.

In Puducherry, 30 seats will go to the polls on 9 April.

The most crucial fight, however, will be in West Bengal, where the BJP is contesting against the incumbent Trinamool Congress. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) won with 213 seats, while the BJP emerged as the main opposition with 77 seats.

Get all the Assembly elections 2026 LIVE Updates here on Mint!
Everyone is confused. Nobody can understand what America actually is today. It seems governed by some kind of mad emperor who keeps saying whatever comes to his mind, something we havent witnessed since Caligula or Nero, said Carlo Calenda, an Italian senator and former economic development minister. The one thing the Europeans have understood is that we are dealing with a bully. You can give him everything he wants, you can pretend you dont hear his insults, but he will keep trying to bully us, and so at a certain point we must stop him.
U.S. officials counter that if Iran showed a serious desire to end its nuclear program, it wouldnt have triggered the war in the first place. The officials said the U.S. would face significant hurdles in getting Tehran to agree to a cease-fire, because the Iranian regime sees its survival is at stake and thinks it retains leverage over the U.S. through the global economic pressure of blocking maritime and energy trade through the Strait of Hormuz.
While he paced around alone for most of the show, he brought rapper Don Toliver out for a few songsfar from the stage, some fans mistakenly thought the guest might be Travis Scottas well as Yes 12-year-old daughter, North West. Fridays show, the second of two last week, appeared to be sold out with some tickets available for resale. That night, he brought out stars including Scott and Lauryn Hill.
In April of that year, visits by Guterres to Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey kicked off a three-month process to figure out wording that would satisfy all sides and allow grain exports to restart from the sea via the Black Sea Grain Initiative. When the U.N.-brokered deals were struck with each side, they covered agricultural products, as the rest of the goods continued to be shipped from the river ports which werent subject to the deal.
Air India has kicked off the search for a new chief executive after Campbell Wilsons decision to step down, announcing on Tuesday that it has constituted a committee to identify his successor.

Mint reported on Monday that Wilson stepped down from the helm of Indias second-largest airline, cutting short his five-year tenure by a year amid mounting losses and operational headwinds. Wilsons tenure was to end in July 2027.

The press statement said Wilson had conveyed his intention to move on in 2026 to Air India chairman N. Chandrasekaran in 2024 and that, since then, he has been working to ensure the airline and its leadership are on a stable footing for the transition.

He (Wilson) will remain in the role until his successor is announced and in place, the statement added.

The Tata group hired Wilson from Singapore Airlines low-cost unit Scoot in May 2022, less than four months after the conglomerate acquired the state-run Air India for 18,000 crore.

Wilsons exit comes shortly after leadership changes at Indias largest airline, IndiGo, where CEO Pieter Elbers stepped down in March. William Walsh has been named his successor, expected to join by August, about three weeks after Elbers departure.

IndiGo has also appointed former Air India Express chief Aloke Singh, who also quit in March, as chief strategy officer.

Air India Express, the low-cost carrier and subsidiary of Air India, is yet to appoint a CEO, and the airline has appointed Captain Hamish Maxwell as manager and key managerial personnel for a one-year tenure.

Wilson's Air India flight In an email to over 24,000 employees on Tuesday, Wilson said the airline's transformation since privatization included the merger of four airlines (Air India, Vistara, Air India Express and AirAsia India), a shift to private-sector practices, complete modernization of systems, and the addition of over 100 aircraft, along with new infrastructure such as South Asias largest training academy".

He added that with these foundational blocks now settling, the time is rightto hand over the reins", calling it a true honour to be part of Air Indias journey.

To be sure, Wilson tried to revive the airline by replacing outdated IT infrastructure and implementing processes and systems to modernize the carrier.

However, 2025 exacerbated the challenges of running an airline. First, on 12 June 2025, an Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after taking off, killing all but one of the 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board, triggering intense scrutiny, inspections, and the temporary grounding of several aircraft.

The crash was followed by Indias Operation Sindoor, launched in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which led to the closure of Pakistans airspace, disrupting international routes for Indian carriers. Towards the end of February, the US and Israel jointly attacked Iran, marking the start of a war that sent fuel prices soaring and led to further airspace closures across West Asia, forcing carriers such as Air India to fly longer distances.

Chandrasekaran also acknowledged the numerous external challenges the AI India team has navigated, including prolonged post-covid supply chain constraints impacting the delivery of new aircraft and retrofit programs, as well as major geopolitical and other headwinds.

Campbell and his team have demonstrated tenacity and resolve and have aligned an organization drawn from many backgrounds behind the shared goal of building the new Air India that is now emerging, he said in the statement.

Turbulence ahead For Chandrasekaran and the panel tasked with finding a successor, it is crucial to appoint a new CEO quickly, as the airline continues to incur losses.

In 2025, Air India Group was the salt-to-steel conglomerate's largest loss-making business. The airline business, which posted losses of 10,859 crore in the year ended March 2025, is expected to post losses exceeding 20,000 crore by the end of March 2026, according to an executive close to the matter.

However, in 2024-25, Air Indias standalone revenue rose 13% to 61,080 crore. Under Wilson, it cut losses to 3,976 crore from 5,031 crore a year ago. Air Indias standalone borrowings (excluding lease liabilities) stood at 29,713 crore, down over 8% from 32,465 crore in 2023-24, its filings with the ministry of corporate affairs showed.

"The Tatas have had some bad luck with leaders at Air India so far, and one hopes their new choice will be a strong one for the long term, said Sanjay Lazar, CEO of Avialaz Consultants, which provides aviation consultancy services.

To be sure, Lazar was referring to Air Indias February 2022 announcement that former Turkish Airlines chairman Ilker Ayci would become its CEO. However, a political backlash in India over Aycis political links led him to turn down the job, prompting the carrier to select Wilson, who has now decided to leave.
New Delhi: A parliamentary committee has asked the civil aviation ministry to consider selling state-owned chopper service firm Pawan Hans Ltd or reposition it as a northeast-focused helicopter operator.

The committee recommends that the ministry articulate a clear, strategic direction for Pawan Hans, whether restructuring, re-attempting disinvestment, or repositioning it as a strategic helicopter operator for North Eastern region and island connectivity, the 31-member panel said in a report tabled in Parliament on 25 March.

The civil aviation ministry holds a 51% stake in Pawan Hans, while Oil and Natural Gas Corp. owns the remaining 49%. Efforts to privatise the helicopter operator in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020 did not materialise, following which the process was called off in 2023 after a winning consortium was disqualified due to pending legal cases.

Also Read | Aviation growth to stay muted in FY26 amid capacity curbs, disruptions

The firm reported revenue of 369.63 crore and a loss of 16.15 crore in FY25. It has a fleet of 46 helicopters.

The panel, headed by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha and comprising members from Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, also flagged staff shortages at the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) and the bureau of civil aviation safety (BCAS).

DGCA is the countrys civil aviation regulator responsible for safety oversight, and BCAS is responsible for security oversight and protocols for airports and airlines.

Vacancies in DGCA stood at 48.3%, with 787 posts vacant out of 1,630 sanctioned strength. At BCAS, 181 of 598 posts are vacant, a 48.3% gap. This means that one in every two posts at the DGCA is vacant, and one out of every three posts at the BCAS is vacant.

These vacancies represent a structural challenge to the regulatory capacity and safety oversight", the panel said. It has been recommended that vacancies be filled on an urgent basis through measures such as fast-tracking UPSC-recommended candidates and exploring lateral hiring.

Industry experts said the staffing shortage issue, particularly in technical roles, remains unresolved.

There are a couple of problems at the DGCA that remain unaddressed. Firstly, technical vacancies in key departments such as air safety and airworthiness continue to remain. These are two critical departments. Secondly, the chief at the regulatory body is almost always a bureaucrat, rather than a technical person, said Rajendra Prasad, former director (Airworthiness), DGCA, and an aviation safety expert.

At least, the Parliamentary committee is finally acknowledging that filling up of vacancies is critical and needs to be addressed as a priority, Prasad added.

The civil aviation ministry did not respond to queries till publishing time.

This panel also said the aviation ministry should expedite the process for selling the three subsidiaries of Air India Assets Holding Ltd (AIAHL), the special purpose vehicle set up to house the residual assets of Air India after its privatisation.

AIAHL includes maintenance, repair, and overhaul firm AI Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL), ground-handling entity AI Airport Services Ltd (AIASL), state-run airline Alliance Air Aviation Ltd.

Also Read | Govt suspends 60% free seat selection rule pending review

"Meanwhile, AIASL's profit declined precipitously from 40.42 crore to 2.94 crore, raising questions about the trajectory of the asset's value, it said.

Alliance Air reported losses of 682.94 crore in FY25, while AIASL's profit slumped to 2.94 crore from 40.42 crore in FY24. AIESL is yet to publish its FY25 numbers. It reported a profit of 254.98 crore in FY24.
Core direction of human development reflected in China's development: British economist

16:28, April 07, 2026 By Han Shuo ( People's Daily

John Ross, British economist and former director for economic and business policy for the mayor of London, recently received an exclusive interview with People's Daily.

From the perspective of a Western scholar, Ross, also a senior fellow at Renmin University of China's Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, examined the historical logic and global significance of China's pursuit of high-standard opening up, noting that China's continued opening up is not only essential to its own development but also a rare source of certainty in a turbulent world.

Ross has observed and studied China's economy since 1978, when China started its reform and opening up drive.

"When China was at a low level, it dared to make up its mind to open up to the outside world. This courage and judgment are very rare," he told People's Daily.

Calling China's success "comprehensive," Ross said the great changes in China are unbelievable throughout human history.

He pointed out that openness has become a social consensus in China, integrated into China's national mentality and cultural characteristics, and taking the road of internationalization is an inevitable choice for China.

China is currently making every effort to promote institutional opening up, transitioning from traditional "opening up based on the flow of factors" to a "rules-based, system-level opening."

Ross said this change is very necessary and wise. Institutional opening is not opening without principles, but building an institutional system that suits itself on the basis of following international general rules.

China's path has clear logic and steady steps, which is in line with the country's stage and the trend of globalization, he explained.

Currently, global protectionism and unilateralism are on the rise. Ross commented that protectionism will hurt the global economy, but it will not be enough to reverse the trend of openness in human history.

He said protectionism cannot stop the mainstream of global openness. Most countries in the world, especially the emerging countries in the Global South, have not chosen protectionism, but continue to adhere to opening up.

China is the world's second-largest economy and largest trading nation in goods. Its development achievements and open attitude have shown the value of cooperation to all countries, therefore providing more cooperation options and opportunities for countries in the global South.

Ross believes that China's firm commitment to expanding high-level opening up will drive economic growth in China and the world. China has a super large domestic market and a complete industrial system, which are favorable conditions for the sustained improvement of the Chinese economy.

In recent years, China has firmly chosen the path of open development and has also reaped the fruits of openness -- the Chinese economy has maintained stable growth, and the people have gained practical benefits from economic development, he said.

The outline of China's 15th Five-Year Plan introduced a series of new development measures, and Ross has expressed particular interest in China's scientific and technological innovation.

He said China has transformed from a technological leader in a few fields at the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period(2021-2025) to a global leader in electric vehicles, renewable energy, artificial intelligence and other fields, and this transformation is amazing.

According to Ross, the core of China's scientific and technological achievements lies in the high proportion of R&D investment and high conversion efficiency of this into products. High-level R&D investment, deep integration with the real economy, and scientific guidance, these three factors will promote China's technological breakthroughs.

"I believe that the implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan will allow China to take the lead in an increasing number of fields of global science and technology, and through extensive cooperation with other developing countries, it will also promote the common interests of all countries," Ross noted.

Ross believes that at the current historical stage, the core direction of human development is reflected in China's development. He said China has chosen an open path that suits its own national conditions and has presented a historical opportunity. China's opening up over the past 40 years has proved the correctness of this path with practical results.

"I hope that more countries can learn from China's opening up and jointly promote the global economy in a better direction," he said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
New Delhi: Trading volume on the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) fell 8% year-on-year in March to 4.8 metric million British thermal units (mmBtu) because of a decline in supplies amid the ongoing war in West Asia. Trading volume was down 11% month-on-month. GIXI, the benchmark price index of IGX, was 998 per mmBtu for March, up 18% year-on-year, IGX said in a statement.

About 93% of the traded volume was domestic gas at the ceiling price ($8.9/MMBtu) allocated to priority sectors, while 7% was free-market or imported gas.

IGX offers delivery-based trade in eight different spot contracts such as intraday, day-ahead, daily, weekday, weekly, fortnightly and monthly (up to 12 months), balance of month, and two long-duration contracts - 3 months and 6 months  linked to the benchmarks GIXI, JKM, WIM & Dated Brent. Trading of regasified-LNG (R-LNG), which is imported, has seen the most significant hit so far. It usually accounts for 47% of the overall trade.

Data from IGX showed that in FY26, IGX traded the highest ever gas volume of 76.8 million MMBtu, an increase of 28% year-on-year. Around 47% of traded volumes were free-market gas and 53% domestic high pressure high temperature (HPHT) gas at a ceiling price. A total of 1,924 trades were executed in FY26, it said.

Also Read | Govt plans push for electric stoves to reduce LPG dependence

Choke point About 40-45% of Indias LNG imports come from Qatar and other key suppliers in West Asia such as the UAE and Oman. The US and Australia are the other sources of LNG imports. With the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Ras Laffan industrial City, a large chunk of India's imports are currently halted. This crunch has affected several downstream industries, including fertilizers and steel.

However, the ministry of petroleum and natural gas announced that, effective Monday, the government has restored gas supplies for domestic fertilizer plants to approximately 90% of pre-war levels.

The government has prioritized natural gas supplies to city gas distribution for domestic cooking and transport. It has also developed a model draft 'State CBG Policy' to encourage a cleaner, more secure and self-reliant energy future. The model policy aims to serve as a guide for states to create their own investor-friendly and implementation-oriented ecosystem for compressed biogas (CBG) development. The statement added that states opting for this measure will receive priority in the next round of additional commercial LPG allocations.

India imported about 27 million tonnes of LNG worth $14.9 billion in FY25. Although the country produces about 50% of its natural gas requirement, the majority of its domestic production goes towards city gas distribution, which includes piped natural gas (PNG) for cooking and compressed natural gas (CNG) for transport.

Also Read | Real estate hit by labour crunch, rising costs as LPG crisis drives workers home
A key proposal under consideration is the setting up of a strengthened maritime regulator by expanding the role of the Directorate General of Shipping, which would be given wider powers over safety regulation, maritime training, ship registration and oversight of shipping operations. The move is aimed at creating a modern regulator in line with global maritime nations. The DG Shipping will be rechristened as the Directorate General of Maritime Administration.
NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is tightening rules on mobile tariffs after finding that telecom operators have fallen short of its earlier mandate on voice-and-SMS-only plans, limiting choice and blunting price benefits for users.

In draft regulations released on Tuesday, the regulator proposed that telecom companies offer voice-and-SMS-only plans across all recharge durations, not just a handful of long-term packs, and ensure these are priced lower than bundled plans that include data.

Also Read | Trai orders Reliance Jio to stop discriminatory tariff practices

The move follows Trais review of its December 2024 rules, which had required operators to offer at least one such plan. It found that companies largely complied in form, offering only a couple of long-duration options such as 80/84 days or annual packs, leaving users with limited flexibility.

After the introduction of these exclusive voice and SMS STVs (special tariff vouchers), several concerns and representations from consumers and their associations have been received by the Authority, expressing need for shorter-duration voice and SMS only packs, Trai said in the draft regulations.

If implemented in its current form, the proposal could benefit low-income users, elderly subscribers and those using feature phones, who typically prefer shorter-duration, lower-cost recharges without data.

Trai said the changes are aimed at preventing consumers from being pushed into bundled plans. At the same time, it provides consumers with greater choice of Voice and SMS-only packs, placing them at par with data-inclusive packs, it said, adding that lack of parity goes against the objective of ensuring fair, equal and non-discriminatory choices for all consumers, regardless of their service requirements.

Also Read | Nokia flags rising gear costs in India as West Asia war hits supply

It has sought comments from stakeholders by 28 April.

Regulator vs operators Voice-and-SMS-only plans were first mandated by Trai in December 2024, through the 12th amendment to its consumer protection rules. Operators were asked to offer at least one special tariff voucher exclusively for voice and SMS with validity period not exceeding 365 days.

The authority is of the view that the manner in which the TSPs (telecom service providers) have implemented the TCPR (Telecom Consumer Protection Regulation) 12th Amendment, the outcome has been inadequate, Trai said.

Industry has remained opposed to the move.

During consultations, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) argued that tariff structures should be left to market forces. We strongly believe that the existing tariff packs offered by TSPs are well aligned with evolving market trends and customer needs and hence no specific intervention is required in this regard, and any such aspect should be left to market forces, the association had said in its comments to Trai on 29 August 2024.

It also said that since telecom liberalization in India, neither the regulator nor the government has mandated service-specific offerings, maintaining principles of technology and service neutrality in the retail market.

Tariff plans are well aligned with the usage patterns which includes flexible validity periods, ranging from single-day options to year-long subscriptions (1 to 365 days) and customizable data allocations, accommodating both high-volume users with up to 3GB daily allowances and light users with as little as 0.06 GB per day, COAI had told Trai.

Operators subsequently introduced voice-and-SMS-only plans in line with the rules. For instance, Reliance Jio offers plans priced at 448 for 84 days with 1,000 SMS and 1,748 for 336 days with 3600 SMS, according to its app. Vodafone Idea lists plans at 470 for 84 days with 900 SMS and 1,849 for 365 days with 3,600 SMS on its website.

Two industry executives said uptake remains limited, with subscriptions for such plans at just over 7 million users, compared with India's total mobile subscriber base of 1.14 billion as of February end.

Also Read | India plans to tighten security checks for telecom equipment

Trai said pricing of these vouchers must reflect the absence of data benefits. Since these packs only offer voice and SMS, their prices should be reduced proportionately compared to bundled plans that include data, it said.
Manish Joshi

Manish Joshi is a chartered accountant (passed in first attempt) with experience of capital markets spanning equities, derivatives, investment banking and private equity in various roles ranging from analyst to fund manager/trader. Previously, he worked with BNP Paribas, Karvy Stock Broking and The Financial Express. This rich experience has further helped him improve analytical skills and understanding of various businesses. At Mint, he writes on topics across sectors.<br><br>Over the last two years of his association with Mint, he has focused on sharing his knowledge accumulated over the years with the readers. Having deep knowledge of accounting standards by virtue of the highest qualification in accounting, he can evaluate corporate balance sheets better. He tries to give a differentiated perspective on valuation of stocks and corporate developments backed by sound logic.<br><br>His goal is to provide a unique value proposition to readers by blending fundamental views on a stock with shifting market dynamics, which is possible because he is an active trader himself. His columns are useful for investors and students who are pursuing management courses by demystifying complex concepts and analytical jargon. His mantra is to give maximum value for the money and time spent by the reader.
US oil held near its highest close since June 2022 as President Donald Trump escalated threats to obliterate key Iranian infrastructure if his terms arent met before a Tuesday deadline.

West Texas Intermediate traded near $113 a barrel, after adding 0.8% on Monday, while Brent settled just below $110. Trump said Monday that talks with Iran are going well, even though he listed reopening the Strait of Hormuz as a very big priority.

The US president laid bare the consequences Iran would face if it doesnt reach a deal by his Tuesday 8 p.m. Eastern Time cut-off, saying the US military could destroy every bridge in Iran by 12 oclock tomorrow night. Power plants would be rendered burning, exploding and never to be used again, he said, which would be a breach of the Geneva Conventions.

Iran has warned that it would respond to the kind of strikes Trump is threatening against civilian targets by ramping up its own attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf  a move that could heighten the global fuel squeeze and amplify damage to the world economy. The war  which is now in its sixth week  has roiled crude markets, triggering a severe supply shock.

Trumps not backing off previous statements, said Carl Larry, an oil and gas analyst at Enverus. Think were getting to an end, but that might not be the best if it culminates in military actions.

As the war grinds on, there are other signs of concern about near-term supply. WTIs prompt spread  the difference between its two nearest contracts  at one point traded near $15.50 a barrel on Monday, close to the biggest premium on record. The widening was ushered in by firming expectations of tighter US supplies as overseas buyers rush to purchase American crude.

To get Bloombergs Energy Daily newsletter in your inbox, click here.

With assistance from Charles Gorrivan.

2026 Bloomberg L.P.
Vedanta share price rallied 3% on Wednesday, extending gains from for the sixth straight session, ahead of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) hearing on the Jaiprakash Associates Limited (JAL) insolvency case later this week. Vedanta shares gained as much as 3.99% to 735 apiece on the BSE.

The Delhi bench of the NCLAT will hear Vedantas appeal challenging the approval of the resolution plan for JAL on April 10.

The Supreme Court on Monday had declined to stay the implementation of the Adani groups 14,535-crore bid to acquire the debt-ridden JAL, but provided a safeguard by restraining the firms monitoring committee from taking any major policy decisions without prior nod of the NCLAT.

A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi asked Anil Agarwal-led mining giant Vedanta, which is opposing the resolution plan, and Adani Enterprises to raise contentions and counterclaims before the NCLAT, which will start final hearing on the row on April 10.

The top court asked the NCLAT to decide the plea and the counter petition expeditiously by hearing them on an out of turn basis on the dispute over the acquisition of JAL by the Adani group.

The upcoming hearing is likely to be a definitive moment in the long-pending JAL insolvency resolution process. The outcome could have significant implications not only for the competing bidders, including Vedanta Limited, but also for creditors awaiting recovery and the IBCs broader objective of time-bound resolution under Indias insolvency framework. A clear direction from the appellate tribunal may finally determine the path forward in this case.

Jaiprakash Associates Insolvency Case Vedanta knocked at the Supreme Court's doors, maintaining that it had been formally notified as the highest bidder, both on substantive terms and on a net present value (NPV) basis. It further contended that its resolution plan, pegged at 17,926 crore, offers a significantly higher value than the 14,535 crore proposed by the other bidder.

The company also claim that its resolution plan would result in an additional recovery of about 3,400 crore for creditors.

Vedanta sought an expedited hearing, urging the tribunal to take up the matter at the earliest. It also submitted that the monitoring committee overseeing JALs affairs should not be disbanded at this stage. Explaining the need for an interim relief until the pending issues are adjudicated, Vedanta said that allowing the resolution plan to proceed without a stay could lead to complications.

Meanwhile, Adani Enterprises bid of 14,535 crore was approved by CoC in November last year.

Adani Enterprises had outbid Vedanta and Dalmia Bharat to win the bid for JAL. Adani got the maximum 89% votes from creditors, followed by Dalmia Cement (Bharat) and Vedanta Group.

Adanis bid was preferred as it offered around 6,000 crore upfront and faster payments within two years, compared with Vedantas longer payment timeline of up to five years.

JPMorgan Upgrades Vedanta In another update, global brokerage firm JPMorgan has upgraded its rating for Vedanta shares to Overweight from Neutral, and raised the target to 850 from 680 earlier.

The upgrade is driven by higher LME aluminium prices and favourable foreign exchange movements, particularly the depreciation of the Indian rupee, which are likely to support profitability.

JPMorgan believes the US-Iran war in the Middle East has put us on the edge of a bullish supply-driven event horizon, and recent smelter outages will likely last for months even after shipping through the Strait of Hormuz eventually returns.

It expects commodity tailwinds to help ease recent debt concerns, and valuations have turned attractive with current stock prices for Vedanta, implying an LME aluminium price of $2,900 per tonne versus the spot price of $3,500 per tonne.

JPMorgan believes risk reward looks attractive at <4x FY27E EV/EBITDA. It forecasts 49% EBITDA growth in FY27 YoY, driven by higher Aluminium, Zinc and silver prices. It also expects leverage ratio to continue improving to <1x ND/EBITDA while the demerger or vertical integration projects appear to be progressing well now.

At 1:05 PM, Vedanta share price was trading 1.43% higher at 723.80 apiece on the BSE.

(With inputs from PTI)
I am a non-Muslim Indian citizen residing in Dubai. Given the current geopolitical uncertainties, I would like to secure my estate through a Will. What happens if I dont have one, what is the process to create one, and what cross-border issues should I consider?

Name withheld on request The UAE has, in recent years, moved to bring much-needed clarity to how expatriate estates are handled. Federal Decree-Law No. 51 of 2024 and Personal Status Law No. 41 of 2024 have reshaped the succession landscape, particularly for non-Muslim residents.

Also Read | West Asia war poses no recession risk for India, but a slowdown is on the cards

If a non-Muslim expatriate dies intestate but leaves behind family, the law now provides a straightforward default: the spouse receives 50% of the estate, with the balance divided equally among children, without gender distinction. In the absence of children, the estate passes to parents and then to siblings.

This is a clear departure from traditional Sharia-based ratios and reflects a more modern, internationally aligned approach.

Equally significant is how the law now deals with heirless estates. Rather than being tied up indefinitely, UAE-based assets  including real estate and business interests  may be transferred to regulated charitable endowments.

Why a Will matters For Indian expats in the UAE, putting a Will in place is less about formality and more about control.

The alternatives are well-established: DIFC, ADGM, or onshore courts such as Dubai Courts and the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. But the choice is not merely administrative.

DIFC and ADGM operate on common law principles and in English, making them more accessible for most expatriates and better suited for structured estate planning. Onshore courts, by contrast, are rooted in civil law processes and Arabic documentation  entirely workable, but more procedural in practice.

Registration costs also vary significantly, with ADJD typically being cheaper than DIFC, with DIFC being the costliest (beginning around the ~ AED 10,000 - 15,000 range).

Cross-border risks Where this choice becomes critical is in cross-border estates.

DIFC and ADGM Wills can, in certain cases, be structured to cover worldwide assets. Even then, jurisdictional boundaries remain unavoidable. While a UAE Will may clearly record testamentary intent, its enforceability outside the UAE will always be subject to local law.

On the other hand, an India-registered Will does not, by itself, secure assets situated in the UAE. Relying solely on an Indian Will may require probate in India followed by recognition proceedings before UAE courtsan approach that can be procedurally complex and uncertain under UAE civil law.

Accordingly, maintaining separate, country specific Wills is advisable to avoid conflicts or delays.
Your salary this month may look different from usual. From 1 April 2026, the government has implemented a set of labour reforms that change how salaries are structured for millions of employees across India.

Under these reforms, an employee's in-hand salary from April onwards may appear lower than before. The changes are part of the governments push to strengthen long-term savings and social security benefits for employees.

Four major labour codes introduced by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and implemented in November last year, now form the backbone of India's recent labour reforms. These rules aim to replace multiple outdated laws with a simplified, unified wage framework.

Here's a detailed explanation of how the new rules change your EPF, gratuity and take-home salary.

The 50% rule  how it changes salary structure The reforms have issued a uniform definition of wages, according to which wages now include basic pay, dearness allowance (DA), and retaining allowance. These three components must make up at least 50% of an employee's total remuneration. At the same time, other components such as bonuses, HRA, and special allowances are classified as exclusions.

However, if these excluded components exceed 50% of the total salary, the excess amount must be added back to wages. This effectively raises the basic wage component for many employees.

Because several statutory benefits are calculated on wages, the change can increase employer and employee contributions to the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPF) and may also affect benefits linked to wage calculations under the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).

As a result, retirement and social security benefits such as provident fund, gratuity, and insurance coverage could increase, while take-home pay for employees may decline slightly due to higher deductions.

How does the news rule impact Gratuity pay? As per the new codes, fixed-term employees and contract-based workers become eligible for gratuity after one year of continuous service, down from the earlier requirement of five years.

Previously, there was some confusion about whether the new labour codes were retrospective. However, the Centre recently clarified that the new rules' gratuity will apply from 21 November 2025.

Notably, since gratuity is calculated based on the last drawn wages and years of service, and basic salary comprises a larger proportion of pay, the exit lump-sum is expected to increase as well.

Employers are required to pay gratuity to eligible employees within 30 days from the date it becomes payable. This benefit does not apply to permanent employees. So for them, the five-year rule remains.

Rishi Agrawal, CEO and co-founder of Teamlease Regtech, noted that for an employee whose basic pay was historically set at 30% of their CTC, shifting to a 50% wage floor results in a 66% increase in the gratuity payout.

Because gratuity is calculated based on the last drawn wage, this requirement effectively establishes a higher legal floor for the payout, increasing the employer's total liability, he added.

EPF contributions to increase Under the new wage framework, EPF contributions are expected to rise for many employees, according to experts.

"While this shift raises the long-term terminal benefits for the employee, it simultaneously increases the Defined Benefit Obligation (DBO) that companies must provision for on their balance sheets, according to Agrawal. It also leads to a reduction in monthly take-home pay, as provident fund (PF) contributions, which are also tied to the wage base, increase alongside the gratuity base, he added.

Also Read | New labour code rules to be finalised by February end, Centre informs Delhi HC

Experts also told Mint that, as per the EPF Scheme, employers are required to pay up to 12% of your basic pay, and if they already do so, there would likely be little to no change to your PF contribution.
Manas Pimpalkhare

Manas is a New Delhi-based journalist with Mint, where he covers the intersection of economic policy, industry, and emerging sectors shaping Indias growth. He writes on government regulation, manufacturing, and the clean energy transition, with particular depth in areas such as electric mobility, battery ecosystems, and rare-earth supply chains. He has written on Indias efforts to build domestic capacity in electric vehicles and energy storage, as well as the broader push to reduce import dependence and strengthen supply chain resilience. His reports are not limited to capturing the headline; they also aim to explain complex policy simply.<br><br>Manas has studied law in Pune, the city where he grew up, followed by a business journalism diploma from the Asian College of Journalism in Chennai. In his almost two years of being a correspondent for Mint, Manas has reported as major wars unfolded, a general election brought surprises for both the ruling party and the Opposition, and three Union Budget announcements where India has charted its economic course for the days to come.<br><br>On vacation, Manas plays bass guitar with his friends in Space & Co, their jam-rock band. He also likes cats, and occasions of late-night snacking.
Anant Ambani has pledged 18 crore towards temple infrastructure and animal welfare in Kerala, including 6 crore in donations to the Rajarajeshwaram and Guruvayur temples. He also committed 12 crore for the restoration of the historic East Gopuram at Rajarajeshwaram Temple.

The Executive Director of Reliance Industries Limited has also announced additional support for elephant welfare initiatives at Guruvayur, focusing on improved care and infrastructure, news agency ANI reported.

During his visit to the Rajrajeshwaram Temple in Taliparamba on Monday, 2 April at around 8 pm, Ambani made traditional offerings, including Ponnumkudam, Pattam, Thaali, Neyyamrutu, and performed Ashwamedha Namaskaram. He also handed over a cheque of 3 crore to support the ongoing renovation work, according to the news report.

Donations to fund infrastructure development After remaining in a state of disrepair for over two centuries, the restoration efforts are seen as a major step for devotees and temple authorities. The committed funds will also be utilised to upgrade parking and other facilities, aiming to improve the overall experience for pilgrims visiting the temple.

Earlier in the day, at around 5 pm, Ambani visited the Guruvayur Temple, where he offered prayers to Lord Guruvayurappan and donated 3 crore to the temple trust, the news agency reported.

At Guruvayur, Ambani was welcomed by Devaswom Chairman AV Gopinath and other officials. He was honoured with traditional mementoes and prasadam. Senior officials from the Devaswom and Jeevadhan departments were also present on the occasion, ANI reported.

Anant Ambani's commitment to animal care Ambani's efforts to support initiatives for the welfare of temple elephants at Guruvayur are aligned with his commitment to animal care and conservation through Vantara, an animal rescue, care, and rehabilitation initiative established by the Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Also Read | Reliance Industries Texas refinery bet hinges on future of fossil fuel

Anant Ambani stresses a deep connection with nature Speaking on the occasion, Ambani told ANI that "India's spiritual traditions are not merely places of worship, they are living institutions that nurture faith, community, compassion, and our deep connection with nature. It is our collective responsibility to preserve and strengthen this sacred heritage for future generations."
Bangladesh's foreign minister, Khalilur Rahman, is arriving in India today, 7 April, for a three-day official visit. Rahman will meet National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during the visit.

Rahman meets Doval on the first day of his maiden visit on Tuesday. Later, he will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday. Rahman may also meet Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri.

This is the first high-level political outreach to Delhi by the new government in Dhaka, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, in February.

Khalilur Rahman is visiting India at a time when both sides are rebuilding ties after the strains witnessed under the caretaker administration led by Nobel laureate Mohammed Yunus. Rahman was the NSA in the interim government led by Yunus.

What's on the agenda? Rahman will hold bilateral meetings in New Delhi and then proceed to Mauritius, where he will attend the Indian Ocean Conference being organised by the Mauritian government.

In New Delhi, he will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

The visit will focus on Bangladeshs worsening energy scenario amid the ongoing war in West Asia and the resultant crisis in the global energy market.

On 10 March, India supplied a consignment of high-speed diesel to Bangladesh amid reports of an urgent requirement for diesel and other petroleum products.

Rahman will be accompanied by Humayun Kabir, the prime ministers adviser for foreign affairs, according to the Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo. This will be the first visit by a Bangladeshi foreign minister to India since 2024.

Ganga Waters Treaty The two sides are also expected to revive the issue of renewing the Ganga Waters Treaty, which will turn 30 in December this year, the report said.

The renewal of the three-decade-old treaty for the sharing of Ganga waters, signed in December 1996, has been in focus in recent weeks. Rahman was the National Security Adviser of the interim government led by Yunus. He visited India in November 2025 and met NSA Ajit Doval in New Delhi.

India Bangladesh Ties The ties between New Delhi and Dhaka have worsened, more so after Sheikh Hasina's ouster in 2024 and the subsequent violence against Hindus, a substantial minority in Muslim-majority Bangladesh.

In January 2025, lynching and public burning of a 25-year-old Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, in Bangladesh, sparked protests in India in New Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad and other cities, calling for the protection of minorities and strong diplomatic action.

But of late, the two neighbours had been exchanging comments in keeping with the spirit of mutual understanding. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first global leaders to congratulate Tarique Rahman after BNP's victory. Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla attended the swearing-in on 17 February.

On 25 March, marking the anniversary of the infamous Operation Searchlight of 1971 by the Pakistan military that left millions of citizens of Bangladesh dead, Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman had paid tribute to the victims of the Pakistani militarys atrocities.

Following his remarks, the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) on 27 March 2026 said that Operation Searchlight and the resultant violence in its aftermath in 1971, led to the murder of millions of innocent Bangladeshi people and mass sexual crimes against women.

On Monday, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman. He held discussions on the ties between New Delhi and Dhaka, focusing on people-centric cooperation across multiple domains aligned with the national development priorities of both countries.

On 3 April, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, held talks on defence collaboration with the Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi.

Hamidullah and General Dwivedi deliberated on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, including joint training initiatives.

Last month, the Director General of Forces Intelligence, Major General Kaiser Chowdhury, visited India and met with his counterpart, Lieutenant General RS Raman, as well as Parag Jain, chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), and NSA Ajit Doval.
Dhirendra Kumar

Dhirendra Kumar is a seasoned policy reporter with about 20 years of experience in deep, on-ground reporting across key economic and governance sectors. His work spans finance, public expenditure, disinvestment, public sector enterprises, textiles, trade, consumer affairs, and agriculture, with a strong focus on uncovering structural policy shifts and their real-world impact.<br><br>Kumar has been awarded the Chaudhary Charan Singh Award for Excellence in Journalism in Agricultural Research and Development, recognising his contribution to reporting on critical issues in the farm sector. He has also been a recipient of a fellowship in international trade from the National Press Foundation, which has further strengthened his coverage of global trade dynamics and their implications for India.<br><br>Kumar is known for breaking complex policy developments into clear, accessible stories. His reporting focuses on uncovering under-reported trends, explaining policy shifts, and helping readers stay informed about developments that shape Indias economic landscape.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday hit back at his Pakistani counterpart's threat of hitting West Bengal's Kolkata with a sharp warning of what happened 55 years ago, during the 1971 India-Pakistan war that led to the creation of Bangladesh.

Pakistan's defence minister should not have given such a provocative statement. Fifty-five years ago, they suffered the consequences when Pakistan was divided into two parts. If they try to cast an eye on Bengal, only God knows how many parts Pakistan will be divided into this time, Rajnath Singh told news wire ANI.

Rajnath Singh made the comments during a rally in poll-bound Bengal's Barrackpore, where he was asked about Asif's remarks.

What was Khawaja Asif's Kolkata threat?

Speaking to the media in Sialkot on 4 April, Khawaja Asif had said: "If India tries to stage any false flag operation this time, then God-willing, we will reach Kolkata at least for sure (Kalkatte tak to jaake awanga)," he said.

He further said, If India plans some false-flag operation through their own men or through the Pakistani people in their detention by planting bodies somewhere and claiming they were terrorists who had done so and so, Pakistan will take it to Kolkata."

In response, Rajnath Singh issued a sharp remark  urging the Pakistani defence minister to avoid making provocative statements  reminding him of the consequences Pakistan faced in the 1971 war.

What happened in 1971 war? The 1971 war was a major conflict between India and Pakistan, which split India's neighbouring country into two and led to the creation of Bangladesh.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's remarks came days after Rajnath Singh warned India's neighbours against carrying out any misadventures".

Rajnath Singh's previous remarks Addressing a Sainik Samman Sammelan in Kerala on 2 April, Singh cautioned that "the evolving geopolitical situation could tempt the neighbour to exploit the moment".

He asserted that India was fully prepared to counter any such move. Without naming Pakistan explicitly, he said, "Our neighbour, in the current circumstances, may attempt a misadventure. If that happens, India's response will be firm and decisive."
There has also been a visible surge in companies explicitly branding themselves as AI-focused. At the beginning of FY26, 84 companies in every 10,000 new registrations mentioned AI in their names. By March 2026, that number had risen to 120 per 10,000 registrations.
Jessica Jani

Jessica has been tracking the pharmaceutical, life sciences and healthcare sector for Mint since November 2024. Based in the country's financial capital, she reports on everything to do with health and medicines. This includes corporate action, patent wars, deals, startup activity and consumer trends. She also keeps a keen eye on the ever-evolving world wellness and preventive health, which moves faster than regulation can keep up. She has a deep interest in what the future of health looks like and how science, innovation, policy and company decisions inform and impact the health of citizens. She has been a reporter for five years, working with publications like The Core and News18 prior to this, covering various sectors like automobiles, real estate, energy, sustainability and urban mobility. Jessica has a bachelors degree in English from St Xaviers College, Mumbai and a postgraduate diploma in media from Sophias College, Mumbai. Her work is driven by a desire to decode how macro decisions and events alter and shape the lives of ordinary people. Drop her a mail or a message to discuss business scoops, exciting new medicines and inventions, or your latest wellness routine.
House Democratic leaders on Tuesday (April 8) sharply condemned President Donald Trump for his recent threat to eradicate an entire civilization, calling it evidence that the president is completely unhinged and demanding an immediate congressional response.

In a joint statement, top Democrats said: His statement threatening to eradicate an entire civilization shocks the conscience and requires a decisive congressional response. The House must come back into session immediately and vote to end this reckless war of choice in the Middle East before Donald Trump plunges our country into World War III.

Call to end 'reckless war of choice' The statement highlighted the human and economic costs of the ongoing conflict: "Our brave men and women in uniform have been put into harm's way in the Middle East. Over a dozen have already been killed and hundreds injured. Gas prices are skyrocketing, the cost of living in America is out of control and billions of taxpayer dollars are being wasted on a reckless war of choice.

Democrats criticized Republicans for enabling Trumps actions, stating:

For years, Republicans have enabled and excused Donald Trump's deeply dangerous and extreme behavior. Enough is enough.

Urging bipartisan action The House Democratic leadership urged members of both parties to prioritize national interest over partisan politics: It's time for House Republicans to put patriotic duty over party loyalty and join Democrats in stopping this madness.

The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, following Trumps threat against Iran, and underscores growing calls in Congress for swift oversight and a potential vote to curb the presidents military actions.

Trump issues stark ultimatum to Iran US President Trump heightened tensions on Tuesday by warning that a whole civilization will die tonight if Iran did not reach a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by an 8 p.m. Eastern deadline. The threat was made in a post on his social media and underscored the gravity of the standoff over the strategically vital waterway.

Trump wrote: A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back againmaybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?

The Strait of Hormuz is critical for global energy flows  roughly onefifth of the worlds oil transits the channel in normal times  and has been blocked by Iran as broader hostilities escalate.

Tehran vows response at UN At a UN Security Council session on the crisis, Tehrans UN representative AmirSaeid Iravani strongly rejected the U.S. rhetoric, calling Trumps threats: incitement to war crimes and potentially genocide.
The United States and Iran have agreed on a 15-day ceasefire to end the war in West Asia. Iran put forward a 10-point plan to end the conflict with the United States and Israel, according to Iranian state media.

The proposal was sent via Pakistan ahead of President Donald Trump's Tuesday (US time) deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as his ultimatum to strike all power plants and bridges if no deal was reached ticked closer.

The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night, Trump said. He suggested that his Tuesday 8 pm ET deadline (5.30 AM, 8 April (IST) was final. President Trump said he had already given Iran enough extensions.

Earlier, such deadlines were issued on 21 March (48 hours), 23 March (postponed by 5 days), 26 March (postponed for 10 days) and 4 April (48 hours).

The US has told Iran to open the crucial Strait of Hormuz to all shipping traffic or see power plants and bridges wiped out, sparking warnings about possible war crimes.

Iran no longer trusts the Trump administration In response, Tehran has conveyed its own 10-point plan to end the fighting through Pakistan, a key mediator, IRNA reported.

We only accept an end of the war with guarantees that we wont be attacked again, Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, head of Irans diplomatic mission in Cairo, told the Associated Press. Ferdousi said Iran no longer trusts the Trump administration after the US bombed the Islamic Republic twice during previous rounds of talks.

Two senior Iranian officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive negotiations, told The New York Timesthat the 10-point proposal included a guarantee that Iran would not be attacked again, an end to Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon and the lifting of all sanctions.

In return, Iran would lift its de facto blockade of the key shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran would also impose a roughly $2 million fee per ship, to be split with Oman, which sits across the strait, the NYT reported.

Iran would use its share of the proceeds to reconstruct infrastructure destroyed by American and Israeli attacks, rather than demand direct compensation, according to the plan, it said.

What's inside Iran's 10-point response? The response includes demands for an end to all conflicts in the region, a protocol governing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of sanctions and a commitment to reconstruction, IRNA reported.

The IRNA claimed the text was presented in light of recent developments in Iran's western and central regions and the unsuccessful outcome of a US heliborne operation, with Trump extending a previously set deadline again and adjusting earlier threats.

Egyptian, Pakistani and Turkish mediators had sent Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff a proposal calling for the ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, two Mideast officials told AP.

While the state media did not publish the entire proposal, it said it included a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. It also outlined Iranian demands for sanctions to be lifted, reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and an end to regional hostilities, the NYT reported.

US 15-point proposal On 24 March, the US had sent its own 15-point proposal to end the war with Iran to Pakistan for delivery to Tehran. Iran rejected it and sent a list of counterproposals, some of which were reiterated in its proposal on Monday. A spokesperson for Irans foreign ministry, Esmail Baghaei, said on Monday at a news conference that the earlier American proposal conveyed through intermediaries was extremely excessive, unusual and illogical.

It's been six weeks since the West Asia war began with joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Tensions escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the military strikes on 28 February.

In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, causing further disruptions to the waterway and impacting international energy markets as well as global economic stability, disrupting trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's 10-point plan based on Iranian media 1- Guarantee that Iran will not be attacked again.

2-Permanent end to the war, not just a ceasefire.

3- End to Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

4- Lifting of all US sanctions on Iran.

5- End to all regional fighting against Iranian allies.

6- In return, Iran would open the Strait of Hormuz.

7- Iran would impose a Hormuz fee of $2 million per ship.

8- Iran would split these fees with Oman.

9- Iran to provide rules for safe passage through Hormuz.

10- Iran to use Hormuz fees for reconstruction instead of reparations.

We only accept an end of the war with guarantees that we wont be attacked again.

The fighting has left thousands dead, most of them in Iran and Lebanon, and brought vessel traffic through Hormuz  through which about a fifth of the worlds oil and liquefied natural gas exports normally flow  to a near standstill.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began, but the government has not updated the toll for days, news agencies reported. More than 1,400 people have been killed in Lebanon, and more than 1 million people have been displaced. Eleven Israeli soldiers have died there.

In Gulf Arab states and the West Bank, more than two dozen people have died, while 23 have been reported dead in Israel, and 13 US service members have been killed.
After US President Donald Trump's threat to wipe out Iran, Lawrence Sellin, a retired US Army Reserve colonel, advised the United States to "immediately cease joint military operations with Israel."

The Iraq and Afghanistan veteran reacted to Trump's social media post on Tuesday to say that the "US military will not obey illegal orders." He also warned that the issuance of illegal orders would create a Constitutional crisis.

Sellin opined that Israel, "which wants to prolong the war, may do something rash and drag the US into it."

"The US must immediately cease joint military operations with Israel," Sellin wrote on X.

'A whole civilization will die' Sellin was reacting to Trump's statement on Truth Social, wherein he threatened Iran, saying that, A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. Trump said he doesn't want that to happen, but it probably will."

"However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The US president added, "47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!

Trump's statement came as he set 8 pm ET Tuesday night as a deadline for Iran to strike a deal or reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has already rejected the US' ceasefire proposal, demanding a total end to the war.

The Iranian Embassies around the world fired back Trump saying that that, "Alexander burned it. The Mongols ravaged it. History tested it. #Iran is still here. A psychopaths threats wont end what time couldnt.

The Embassy of Iran in Pakistan also hot back, saying the US wouldn't know how civilizations work because [they] never had one. The embassy told Trump, They [civilizations] are not born over a night and will not die over a night.

Who is Lawrence Sellin? Sellin is a retired US Army Reserve colonel.

According to the Citizens Commission on National Security, Sellin served in Afghanistan and Iraq and participated in a humanitarian mission to West Africa.

Sellin reportedly holds a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College and received training in Arabic, Kurdish and French from the Defense Language Institute.

He had a distinguished civilian career in medical research and international business after completing a Ph.D. in physiology, the report added.

It added that Sellin retired from IBM, where he was a manager and subject matter expert in telecommunications and command and control systems.

He is the author of numerous national security articles.
Human actions are often more complex than they appear on the surface. Today, we delve into one of the famous quotes by American financier and investment banker John Pierpont Morgan: A man always has two reasons for what he does  a good one and the real one.

About JP Morgan John Pierpont Morgan was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1837, educated in Boston and at the University of Gottingen, and began his career in 1857 as an accountant before moving into his fathers banking network in New York.

Also Read | JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon says AI can enable a four-day work week for employees

He rose from partner at Drexel, Morgan & Co. to head of J.P. Morgan & Co., becoming one of the most powerful financiers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Morgan reorganised major railroads, helped shape General Electric, US Steel, and International Harvester, and played a central role in stabilizing the US financial system during the crises of 1893 and 1907.

Meaning of the Quote

A man always has two reasons for what he does  a good one and the real one.  J.P. Morgan

Morgans quote is really about motive and narrative. In business, people often present the respectable reason first: strategy, culture, principle, efficiency, shareholder value.

But beneath that public explanation there is usually a second layer  fear, ambition, protection of power, personal rivalry, or the simple desire to win.

The quote matters because it warns leaders to look past official language and understand what is actually driving behavior.

That does not make the good reason fake every time. It means human action is rarely one-dimensional. A merger can be framed as synergy and still be driven by ego.

A restructuring can be called discipline and still be motivated by panic. A leader can speak about values and still be optimizing for control. Morgans insight is sharp because it asks us to separate explanation from incentive.

For executives, investors, and managers, the lesson is practical: better decisions come from diagnosing real motives honestly. If you misread why people act, you will misread what they are likely to do next. That is as true in boardrooms and markets as it is in ordinary office politics.

4. Why This Quote Resonates The quote feels especially current because trust in leadership now depends heavily on whether people believe leaders are being candid about their motives. Edelmans 2025 Trust Barometer found that 70% globally worry business leaders purposely mislead people by saying things they know are false or gross exaggerations.

The same report found that 80% say employers are obligated to nurture workplace civility, which means people increasingly expect leaders not just to perform competence, but to show good faith.

That makes Morgans line strikingly modern. In an AI-shaped, politically tense, high-scrutiny environment, employees, investors, and customers are constantly asking the same question his quote implies: what is the stated reason, and what is the real one?

A concrete trend from the last 1218 months is that permission for CEOs to act is increasingly tied to motive. Edelman found strong support for CEO action when it can make a major impact or improve business performance, suggesting people do not reject self-interest outright; they reject hidden or cynical self-interest.

5. Another Perspective

The first thing is character  Money cannot buy it.  J.P. Morgan, testimony before the Pujo Committee, 1912.

This second quote gives the first one a moral counterweight. A good one and the real one sounds skeptical, almost forensic. The first thing is character sounds normative. Put together, they suggest Morgan understood two truths at once: people often have mixed motives, and the only durable basis for judging them is character.

That combination creates a more rounded leadership lesson. The first quote tells you to look beneath surface explanations. The second tells you what to look for when you get there. In other words: do not be naive about motives, but do not become cynical about all people either. Judge by integrity, not by polish.

How You Can Implement This  6 actionable tips Ask What incentive is really operating here? before approving any major hire, partnership, or reorganization.

Separate public rationale from internal motive in strategy reviews by writing both down explicitly before a big decision is finalized.

Probe one level deeper in meetings whenever a reason sounds too clean, too moral, or too convenient.

Check your own decisions for image management by asking whether you would still choose the same path if nobody praised you for it.

Reward candor by creating team norms where people can admit commercial, political, or emotional drivers without being punished for honesty.

Use character as a hiring filter by testing for trustworthiness, follow-through, and judgment, not only polish and credentials.

Final Thought

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a mans character, give him power.  Abraham Lincoln

Lincolns line lands neatly beside Morgans. Morgan teaches suspicion of stated motives; Lincoln teaches caution about what power reveals. Together, they leave a durable lesson for leaders: the real reason often appears most clearly when status, leverage, and self-interest are on the line.

8. References
US President Donald Trump said on Monday (April 6) that the United States is dealing with an active, willing participant in negotiations with Iran, though he declined to provide further details about any ceasefire.

"I can't talk about ceasefire. But I can tell you that we have an active, willing participant on the other side. They would like to be able to make a deal. I can't say any more than that," Trump told reporters.

When asked about his threat to target Iranian power plants and bridges, Trump said, "No, not at all. I hope I don't have to do it." He added, "I can tell you they're negotiating, we think, in good faith. We're going to find out."

Tuesday deadline and complete demolition warning Trump reiterated his Tuesday night deadline for Iran to reach an agreement and warned of catastrophic consequences if Tehran failed to comply.

"We have to have a deal that's acceptable to me. And part of that deal is going to be we want free traffic of oil and everything," he said.

The president issued a stark military warning: "We have a plan, because of the power of our military, where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o'clock tomorrow night, where every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding, and never to be used again. I mean, complete demolition by 12 o'clock, and it'll happen over a period of four hours if we want it to. We don't want that to happen."

Trump also threatened to rain hell on Tehran if it did not accept the US deal by 8 p.m. EDT Tuesday (midnight GMT).

Also Read | Emerging Assets Pare Gains as Iran Rebuffs Ceasefire Proposal

Trump criticizes allies for lack of support The President singled out NATO, South Korea, Japan, and Australia for not assisting the United States in its operations related to Iran, despite saying they were not needed.

"They've actually gone out of their way not to help. They didn't even want to give us landing strips," Trump said. "And it's not just NATO. You know who else didn't help us? South Korea didn't help us. You know who else didn't help us, or Australia didn't help us? You know who else didn't help us? Japan."

Advice to Iranian civilians During a press briefing, Trump responded to a question about whether Iranians should rise up against their government amid a ceasefire.

"They should do, but again, the consequences are great ... they were told if you protest, you will be shot immediately," he said.

Also Read | Trump warns jail time for person who leaked information as US looked for pilots
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has used a brief visit to Washington to hold a series of senior-level meetings focused on deepening security cooperation and strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and the United States, sitting down with FBI Director Kash Patel and Vice President JD Vance in back-to-back engagements that signal the Trump administration's sustained attention to the India-US partnership.

Gor and FBI Director Kash Patel Discuss Cybercrime, Narcotics and Transnational Threats At the centre of Gor's Washington itinerary was a meeting with FBI Director Kash Patel, where the two discussed concrete areas of law enforcement cooperation between the two nations. Transnational threats  including cybercrime, narcotics trafficking and illicit financial networks  were high on the agenda.

Gor was effusive in his assessment of Patel's tenure at the Bureau, crediting him with measurable improvements in domestic law and order. "A constructive discussion with Kash Patel on US-India cooperation to counter transnational threats  cybercrime, narcotics, and illicit networks. Strong alignment on security priorities. Kash has done a fantastic job at the FBI. In 2025: 112% INCREASE IN VIOLENT CRIME ARRESTS YEAR TO YEAR. 20% DECREASE IN HOMICIDES. 20% DECREASE IN ROBBERIES!" Gor wrote on social media following the meeting.

Gor Meets Vice President JD Vance, Reaffirms White House Commitment to India Gor also held talks with Vice President JD Vance, describing the meeting as productive and underscoring what he characterised as the White House's active engagement with South Asia.

"Just wrapped a fantastic meeting with the VP. Thank you, JD Vance, for your continued leadership and attention to the US-India relationship. Under President Trump's leadership, the White House is fully engaged in the region," Gor said.

India's Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra Meets Gor in Washington On the Indian side, Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra also met with Gor during the visit, with both diplomats striking a warm and collaborative tone. "Good to catch up with my friend, Amb Sergio Gor, during his visit to Washington DC," Kwatra wrote on social media.

"Respect and value his partnership, as we continue our robust efforts to achieve the goals agreed by our two leaders for the India-US strategic ties."

Gor returned the sentiment. "Always a pleasure to catch up with my friend. He deeply cares about our strategic relationship," he said in response.

Gor Met President Trump Earlier This Week, Praised His Focus on India Ties The Washington visit had begun with an even higher-profile encounter. Earlier in the week, Gor met President Donald Trump at the White House, describing him as deeply invested in the bilateral relationship. "Back in the US for a few days. First stop, meeting with our GREAT President in the White House. The President deeply cares about the relationship between the US and India!" Gor wrote.

Gor's Vision: India-US as the Defining Strategic Partnership of the 21st Century Beyond the immediate meetings, Gor has articulated an ambitious long-term framework for the relationship. In an interview with Span Magazine, he outlined how collaboration across defence, energy, aviation, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure is generating new economic opportunities and reinforcing supply chain resilience for both nations.

"That friendliness also extends to the highest level of leadership between the United States and India. President Trump considers Prime Minister Modi a true friend, and their genuine relationship strengthens the already important bond between our two nations. The ability to deepen our ties and work towards mutually beneficial goals is a great privilege," he said.
Irans Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is unconscious and receiving treatment for a severe condition, The Times reported, citing US-Israeli intelligence assessments, as questions persist over the 56-year-old leader's whereabouts during the war with the United States. The report said that Khamenei is unable to govern the country.

Where is Mojtaba Khamenei? The report said that Khamenei is undergoing treatment in the Iranian city of Qom. This contradicts earlier assessments that Khamenei could have been moved out of Iran, to Russia for treatment after he was injured in the US-Israeli strike on Tehran on 28 February, which killed his father, Ali Khamenei and several other family members.

According to the report, Khamenei is in a severe condition and is unable to participate in governance or decision-making.

Mojtaba Khamenei is being treated in Qom in a severe condition, unable to be involved in any decision-making by the regime, the diplomatic memo cited by The Times said.

Qom is one of the holiest cities in Shia Islam, and it was initially considered the final resting place of Ali Khamenei after he was assassinated by the US and Israel on the opening day of the ongoing war.

Not seen in public since 28 February Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since the airstrikes killed his father, was announced as the new Supreme Leader of Iran on March 8.

Many, including US President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, had claimed that Khamenei was also killed or seriously injured in the airstrikes on 28 February.

Last week, Russia's ambassador to Tehran, Alexey Dedov, rejected reports that Mojtaba Khamenei had been moved to Moscow and said the Supreme Leader was still in Iran.

Mojtaba Khamenei issued several statements Ever since his name was announced as the new Supreme Leader, Iranian authorities have released only written statements attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei, along with a handful of purported videos and images of him, which have been flagged as AI-generated.

The latest statement attributed to him was published on Monday, in which he expressed condolences over the killing of the Revolutionary Guard's intelligence chief.

In a written social media post, Khamenei said Maj Gen Majid Khademi had joined a steadfast line of warriors and fighters who were sacrificing their lives. Israeli strikes have killed dozens of top Iranian leaders, including Khamenei's father.

Emphasising the ideological commitment of Iran's armed forces, Khamenei stated, "The unbroken ranks of the combatants and fighters on the path of truth in Islamic Iran, along with the self-sacrificing Armed Forces, form such a towering, deeply rooted front that terrorism and crime cannot even crack their resolve for jihadi ideals."

Who is running Iran? As uncertainty persists about Mojtaba Khamenei's whereabouts, some have also speculated that he is not involved in the decisions being taken about the ongoing conflict. Many have argued that the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which was established by the first Supreme Leader, Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1979 as the guardians of the Iranian Revolution, was the real power running Tehran.
Russia and China on Tuesday (local time) vetoed a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The draft had already been scaled back from an earlier proposal by Gulf states that sought authorisation to use force to secure the vital shipping route, Bloomberg reported.

The draft resolution was put forward by Bahrain and backed by the United States. It received 11 votes in favour, with two opposed and two abstentions. Bahrain's Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, said Gulf states regret the rejection of the measure.

The vote came after days of negotiations and pressure from several Gulf countries to restore free passage in the strait, which has been essentially shut since the US and Israel launched a war against Iran in late February.

UN resolution to reopen the Strait of Hormuz The document would have encouraged nations to "coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate to the circumstances, to ensure security of navigation through the strait.

AP reported that after China, France, and Russia, the three veto-wielding members of the 15-member UNSC, voiced opposition to authorising the use of force, the resolution was revised to remove all references to offensive action. It instead authorised only all defensive means necessary. A vote had been expected on Saturday.

The UN resolution vetoed today "strongly encourages states interested in the use of commercial maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz to coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate with the circumstances, to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation across the Strait of Hormuz."

The draft said this should include escorting merchant and commercial vessels and deterring attempts to close, obstruct, or interfere with international navigation through the Strait. It also demanded that Tehran immediately cease all attacks on merchant and commercial vessels, stop impeding their freedom of navigation via the Strait of Hormuz, and halt attacks on civilian infrastructure.

Russia, China blame US, Israel for Iran war Russia, which is allied with Iran, had previously expressed its disapproval with the resolution. On 3 April, Moscow's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that it would hinder "very fragile chances for negotiations.

Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia and China's UN Ambassador Fu Cong have accused the US and Israel of starting the war in Tehran and sparking an expanding global crisis. They told the Security Council last week that the most urgent priority now is to end military operations immediately.

Trump demands reopening of Hormuz US President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded that the strait be reopened as part of talks to end the conflict, which is now in its sixth week. He set a deadline to Tehran of Tuesday, 8 PM ET (5:30 AM IST on Wednesday). As the deadline nears its end, tensions have been escalating with both sides issuing threats.
A whole civilization will die tonight  this was US President Donald Trump's stern warning to Iran on Tuesday as his deadline to reach a deal or open the Strait of Hormuz nears its end.

In a fresh post on Truth Social, Trump said, A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again." He said he doesn't want that to happen, but it probably will.

"However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The US president added, "47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!

Trump's 48-hour deadline Last week, US President Donald Trump had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.

"Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F***** Strait, you crazy b******s, or youll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah," was Trump's ominous weekend warning.

"Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time!," he had added, setting the precise deadline for Iran to act.

Also Read | Trump is making China look like a safer bet for the world

On 4 April, Trump reminded the Islamic Republic about the warning he had issued 10 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

Trump's warning expires tonight.

Will Trump extend his Hormuz deadline again? A senior Trump administration official told Axios, "If the president sees a deal is coming together, he'll probably hold off. But only he and he alone makes that decision."

If Trump extends the deadline, it would mark the fifth such extension given by the US president.

However, there's little optimism: a defence official said they were "skeptical" there would be any extension this time around, the outlet reported.

Iran rejects ceasefire deal Iran rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal and said it wants a permanent end to the war as President Trump's ultimatum to make a deal ticked closer, news agency Associated Press reported.

Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard warned on Tuesday it would "deprive the US and its allies of the region's oil and gas for years" if President Donald Trump carries out his threat to attack power plants and bridges if the Strait of Hormuz doesn't open.

It also issued a new threat to the Gulf Arab states. "We have exercised great restraint and had considerations in choosing retaliatory targets, but from now on all these considerations have been removed," the warning read, as per news agency AP.
US President Donald Trump  whose 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz expires tonight  may extend the deadline if conditions are deemed favourable, reports suggest.

"If the president sees a deal is coming together, he'll probably hold off. But only he and he alone makes that decision," a senior Trump administration official told Axios.

If Trump extends the deadline, it would mark the fifth such extension given by the US president.

However, there's little optimism: a defence official said they were "skeptical" there would be any extension this time around, the outlet reported.

The Wall Street Journal too reported that negotiators were "pessimistic" about the chances of Tehran bowing to meet Trump's demand to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before his Tuesday-night deadline.

Trump ramps up threats Trump, over the weekend, issued an expletive-laden threat to Iran, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

"Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F***** Strait, you crazy b******s, or youll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah," was Trump's ominous weekend warning.

"Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time!," he had added, setting the precise deadline for Iran to act.

Subsequently, on Monday, during a press conference to celebrate the rescue of the missing airman from a downed F-15 jet, Trump again threatened Iran with "complete destruction", vowing that "every bridge in Iran will be decimated" and "every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding, and never to be used again".

Also Read | Iran and America are spinning stories about the size of their victories

Iran defiant as deadline approaches Despite Trump's rather forceful threats, Iran has remained defiant, with the country's foreign ministry on Monday declaring that it would not adhere to deadlines or be pressured to act.

Iran also reiterated that it would not open the Strait of Hormuz for a temporary ceasefire, saying on Monday that it did not believe Washington was ready for a permanent truce.

Commenting on Trump's repeated threats to attack civilian infrastructure, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf warned that the US president's "reckless" moves would mean our whole region is going to burn.

Also Read | Hopes fade for deal with Iran ahead of Tuesday-night deadline

Clock ticks down, no deal in sight With the clock ticking down on Trump's deadline, Pakistan sent a peace proposal to both the US and Iran on Monday, but Tehran has rejected the same, responding instead with a 10-point plan of its own.

However, it remains unclear whether Washington will consider Tehran's proposal.
This pattern persists because the incentives made it rational. Afforestation is cheap, visible and easy to put in an annual report. Replacing a blast furnace process or retrofitting a cement kiln costs millions, carries technology risk and squeezes profits in the short term. As long as the rules reward the first and say nothing about the second, most companies will choose the first. This is not a moral failing. It is a predictable business response. Charity is not a first step. Its a detour.
Nor are solar panels the only way in which cheap Chinese goods are turning out to be sources of resilience rather than disruption. Nepal has a higher proportion of electric vehicles (EVs) than any other country in the world, barring Norway. Its huge imported fleet of cheap EVs mean that it is far less worried about petrol prices than most of its Asian neighbours. And they run on clean electricity, emerging from a hydropower infrastructure that is financed in part by Beijing.
In India, annual PE deals are estimated in a range of $30-40 billion, while assets under PE management are thought to be thrice as much or more. The local market is not huge, and may even seem tiny in contrast with Americas, but global PE firms operate in India and we must stay alert for potential contagion effects that may disturb financial stability here.
Actor-politician Ravi Kishan on Tuesday welcomed the move to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, saying it will enable more women MPs to raise issues in their constituencies. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the top choice of women voters.

The Prime Minister's idea has infused all women with a new energy. Now there will be 33 per cent women's representation in the Parliament, and they will bring forward the issues of their constituencies, Kishan told news agency ANI in Patna.

Also Read | Parliament to reconvene on 16 April to raise Lok Sabha seats to 816: Report

The Parliament will reconvene on 16 April to pass bills to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816, so that the women's reservation law can be implemented at the earliest. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that Parliament will convene a special session on 16 April to take up the Women's Reservation Bill.

Everyone knows in this country, during voting, the first choice of women is Narendra Modi. You have seen the results in elections. Be it Hindus or Muslims, the support that PM Modi gets. Reservation for women was important, and I welcome this move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP told the news agency.

Opposition criticised the government's move The Opposition parties have criticised the move, as the Bill will do away with the delimitation and census prerequisites for the 33 per cent reservation for women MPs in theLok Sabha, as stated in Article 334A.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh questioned the timing of the Bill, calling it a move to divert attention from the grave economic crisis and influence voters in five poll-bound states.

In a post on X, Jairam Ramesh said, "The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 was passed unanimously by Parliament in Sept 2023. The Indian National Congress had demanded its implementation from the 2024 election itself. But the Modi Govt introduced a condition that the reservation will come into effect only after delimitation and the census is completed. This is Article 334-A that was inserted then."

Jairam Ramesh said that PM Modi is using the government's latest stance on the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam as an election issue.

Also Read | BJP MP Ravi Kishan gives Samosa example to demand law to regulate food prices

"Now, all of a sudden, to divert public attention from the grave economic crisis and in order to influence voters in the five states, the PM has decided that Article 334-A should be amended to do away with delimitation and census pre-requisite. He has woken up after 30 months and done another U-turn. Now he is using this as an election issue. The people in the five states will give him a resounding reply and decisively reject the BJP," he added.

However, PM Modi has urged the Congress to give full support to the proposed amendment to the Women's Reservation Bill, which will be taken up during the special sitting of Parliament on 16 April and said the opposition party should not play politics over the issue.

Special Parliament Session from 16 April Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned on 2 April. The government is expected to table a Constitution amendment bill to tweak the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, commonly known as the women's reservation law.

Last month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah discussed the plan with some NDA constituents and some non-Congress opposition floor leaders. But consultations with the principal opposition party, Congress, and another major party, TMC, were yet to take place.

Everyone knows in this country, during voting, the first choice of women is Narendra Modi.

According to the broad contours available, the number of Lok Sabha seats would be increased from the present 543 to 816, with 273 seats reserved for women. The reservation will also be made on a "vertical basis," with seats allocated to SCs and STs. The redrawing of constituencies will be based on the 2011 census rather than the proposed 2027 census.
OnePlus Nord 6 launch live: OnePlus has launched its latest mid-range phone in India, the OnePlus Nord 6. The new device comes with a AMOLED display, IP69K rating, 9,000mAh battery and 80W fast charging.

OnePlus Nord 6 specs:

OnePlus Nord 6 comes with a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,600 nits. The phone comes with support for IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings for dust and water resistance, along with MIL-STD-810H military-grade certification for durability.

Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset with Adreno 835 GPU. The processor is paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.1 internal storage. For thermal management, the Nord 6 uses a graphene cooling system with a 33,147mm heat dissipation area.

The phone comes with a massive 9,000mAh silicon-carbon battery that supports 80W fast charging and 27W of reverse wired charging. OnePlus claims that the device can be fully charged from zero to 100 per cent in approximately 70 minutes using the bundled charger.

On the optics front, the Nord 6 houses a 50-megapixel Sony LYTIA-600 primary shooter with optical image stabilisation (OIS), and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens. For selfies and video calls, the smartphone features a 32-megapixel front-facing camera.

OnePlus Nord 6 price:

OnePlus Nord 6 is priced at 38,999 for the base 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant, while the top variant with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is priced at 41,999.

As part of the launch offers, OnePlus is offering an instant discount of 3,000 on EMI transactions using Axis Bank and HDFC Bank credit cards, which brings the net effective starting price down to 35,999. Alternatively, there is also a 2,000 instant discount on full swipe transactions using an Axis Bank credit card. OnePlus is also offering up to 6 months of no-cost EMI on leading credit cards.

The new Nord model will go on sale starting April 9 at 12 PM IST. It will be available to purchase across Amazon India, the official OnePlus website, OnePlus Experience Stores, and select retail outlets. The phone will be available in three colour variants: Holographic Quick Silver, Fresh Mint, and Pitch Black.
OnePlus has launched its latest variant in the company's mid-range Nord lineup, the OnePlus Nord 6. The new phone comes with a 9,000mAh battery, a 165Hz AMOLED display, and is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset.

Also Read | OnePlus Nord 6 launch live: OnePlus Nord 6 launched in India

OnePlus Nord 6 price: OnePlus Nord 6 is priced at 38,999 for the base 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant, while the top variant with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is priced at 41,999.

As part of the launch offers, OnePlus is offering an instant discount of 3,000 on EMI transactions using Axis Bank and HDFC Bank credit cards, which brings the net effective starting price down to 35,999. Alternatively, there is also a 2,000 instant discount on full swipe transactions using an Axis Bank credit card. OnePlus is also offering up to 6 months of no-cost EMI on leading credit cards.

The new Nord model will go on sale starting April 9 at 12 PM IST. It will be available to purchase across Amazon India, the official OnePlus website, OnePlus Experience Stores, and select retail outlets. The phone will be available in three colour variants: Holographic Quick Silver, Fresh Mint, and Pitch Black.

OnePlus Nord 6 specifications: OnePlus Nord 6 display and design OnePlus Nord 6 comes with a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,600 nits. The phone comes with support for IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings for dust and water resistance, along with MIL-STD-810H military-grade certification for durability.

OnePlus Nord 6 processor and battery Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset with Adreno 835 GPU. The processor is paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.1 internal storage. For thermal management, the Nord 6 uses a graphene cooling system with a 33,147mm heat dissipation area.

The phone comes with a massive 9,000mAh silicon-carbon battery that supports 80W fast charging and 27W of reverse wired charging. OnePlus claims that the device can be fully charged from zero to 100 per cent in approximately 70 minutes using the bundled charger.

OnePlus Nord 6 camera On the optics front, the Nord 6 houses a 50-megapixel Sony LYTIA-600 primary shooter with optical image stabilisation (OIS), and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens. For selfies and video calls, the smartphone features a 32-megapixel front-facing camera.

OnePlus Nord 6 software The Nord 6 runs on OxygenOS 16, based on Android 16, which comes with several AI-backed photography features, including AI Eraser and AI Unblur. It also includes an integration with Google Gemini through a dedicated physical 'Plus Key'. OnePlus is promising four major Android OS updates and six years of security patches for the smartphone.
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>.
Google, on Tuesday, announced new mental health safety updates for its Gemini chatbot. The tech giant's move reportedly comes months after a lawsuit filed in a California federal court accused Gemini of aiding the suicide of a 36-year-old Florida man last year.

Today, were sharing an update on our mental health work, including some new changes to better connect people with the right information, resources, and human support at the right time, Google said in a blog post announcing the update.

How does the update work? Google explained that Gemini will now display a redesigned Help is available feature when conversations suggest possible emotional distress, helping users connect more quickly with crisis support.

If Gemini senses that any conversation involves thoughts of suicide or self harm, it will switch to a simple, one-tap interface that helps one connect instantly with support, Google said in its blog update.

View full Image View full Image Google's update for mental health safety

The user can either choose to call, text, chat, or visit a crisis hotline  which prompts one to seek help  a feature Google said would remain visible for the remainder of the conversation once activated.

Is the update available in India? When we tried giving Gemini distressing prompts  the chatbot did not open the crisis support line as Google showed in the image in its blog update. It appears that the feature might be in the process of rolling out in all regions.

View full Image View full Image When we tried giving Gemini distressing prompts  the chatbot did not open the crisis support line as Google showed in the image in its blog update

According to a report by AFP, Google's announcements pertaining to the mental health update comes months after a lawsuit filed in a California federal court accused Gemini of contributing to the October 2025 death of Jonathan Gavalas, a 36-year-old Florida man.

Florida man's death Gavalas' father alleged that Gemini spent weeks manufacturing an elaborate delusional fantasy before framing his son's death as a spiritual journey.

The lawsuit seeks several measures including that Google program its AI to end conversations involving self-harm, a ban on AI systems presenting themselves as sentient, and mandatory referral to crisis services when users express suicidal ideation, mentioned AFP's report.
The high-profile case of Sam Altman's firing by the OpenAI board and the subsequent rehiring within five days in 2023 is still fresh in the minds of the public. In the aftermath of the drama, both Greg Brockman and Sam Altman returned to the company, while the OpenAI board was reconstituted and its chief scientist and co-founder Ilya Sutskever left the company.

However, we didn't have many details on what prompted the board of the ChatGPT maker to fire its most publicly known face. That is until now, when a new in-depth investigation by The New Yorker has surfaced, which notes that Altman's sudden firing was driven by internal allegations of persistent deception.

Why was Sam Altman fired from OpenAI? The report notes that OpenAIs then-chief scientist, Ilya Sutskever, had compiled a detailed list of internal documents which explicitly accused Altman of lying to the board and the company's staff. Sutskever reportedly worked with like-minded colleagues to compile some 70 pages of Slack messages and HR documents into secret memos, which he sent as disappearing messages to three OpenAI board members.

The memos accused Altman of not only misrepresenting facts to executives and board members but also deceiving them about internal safety protocols. One of the memos reportedly began with a list titled Sam exhibits a consistent pattern of . . . with the very first item listed as Lying.

Altman was attending a Formula 1 race in Las Vegas when he was asked by Sutskever to join a video call with the board, where he was told he was no longer an employee of OpenAI. The board also released a public statement saying that Altman was fired because he was not consistently candid in his communications.

The OpenAI co-founder was rehired by the company in just five days after pressure from investors and employees who threatened to quit if Altman wasn't brought back. Altman wanted the board members who fired him to be removed, but the resigning members demanded an independent inquiry into Altmans conduct.

While the review ultimately cleared Altman to remain as CEO, sources close to the inquiry told the publication that it did not conclude that Sam was a George Washington cherry tree of integrity.

An investigation was eventually conducted, but no written report was published, and the findings were limited to oral briefings. While Altman was cleared, the review did not conclude that Sam was a George Washington cherry tree of integrity, the report quoted someone close to the matter as saying.

Sam Altman's history at previous companies The report also gives details on concerns about Altman's behaviour, which include accounts from his earlier roles in Silicon Valley.

At his early startup, Loopt, groups of senior employees reportedly asked the board to fire him as CEO on two occasions, citing concerns over his leadership and lack of transparency. Some of the employees also told the publication that they were struck by his tendency to exaggerate, even about trivial things.

Later, when Altman served as president of the renowned startup incubator Y Combinator, several partners grew frustrated with him and complained to Y Combinator co-founder Paul Graham about his tendency to prioritise his personal angel investments over the fund. After a frank conversation, Altman agreed to leave but became YC chairman instead.

Both Altman and Graham publicly say that he wasn't fired, but the report notes that Graham privately has been unambiguous that Altman was removed because of YC partners' mistrust.

Prior to Altman's removal, Graham reportedly told his YC colleagues, Sam had been lying to us all the time.

OpenAI co-founder labelled a sociopath The report notes that after interviewing over a hundred people, several of them raised concerns about Altman's relentless drive for power and his handling of the truth.

One unnamed board member told the publication that Altman is "unconstrained by truth" and described him as having an "almost sociopathic lack of concern for the consequences that may come from deceiving someone".
The Costco name stretches across the nearly finished facade while construction crews finalize exterior details on March 2, 2026 in New Braunfels, Texas Nicholas Hernandez/MySA

After months of anticipation  and a slight delay  one of the most talked-about developments in Central Texas finally has a firm opening date.

The new Costco warehouse in New Braunfels will officially open its doors at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 15, marking a major milestone for a fast-growing city that has long waited for the wholesale giant to arrive. The massive store, rising quickly along the I-35 corridor, has transformed from dirt and construction equipment into a nearly complete retail anchor, with crews now putting the finishing touches in place ahead of opening day.

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"We are thrilled to be bringing Costcos low warehouse prices to the residents of New Braunfels," said Warehouse Manager Brian Barsky in a statement. "They have been asking us to open here for a long time, and we already have made an impact on the local job market. We look forward to contributing to the community in many ways."

For years, New Braunfels residents have been making the drive to Kyle or North San Antonio to shop at Costco. Now, that demand is being met in one of the regions busiest growth corridors.

The exterior of the Costco warehouse in New Braunfels nears completion on April 1, 2026, with finishing touches underway as the long-anticipated store approaches opening day on May 15. Nicholas Hernandez/MySA

When does Costco open in New Braunfels?

The grand opening is set for 8 a.m. on Friday, May 15.

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Find it: 235 Kohlenberg Road, New Braunfels, near the intersection of I-35 and Kohlenberg Road in the Mayfair development.

What are the store hours?

Regular warehouse hours will be:

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Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Executive members get early access starting at 9 a.m. daily.

A shopper walks through Costco. Steve Proehl/Getty Images

What will the Costco in New Braunfels carry?

Like other Costco locations, the New Braunfels warehouse will carry roughly 4,000 items, focusing on bulk goods and high-demand essentials. Shoppers can expect a wide selection that includes groceries, fresh meat, produce and deli items, along with appliances, electronics, home goods, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, tires, automotive supplies and office products, according to a news release.

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The warehouse will also feature several specialty departments designed to provide added convenience, including a gas station with diesel, a fresh bakery and rotisserie deli, an optical center with an independent doctor of optometry, a pharmacy, a tire center, a hearing aid center, a food court and beer and fine wine offerings. In addition to national brands like Adidas, Apple, Samsung and KitchenAid, the store will carry Costcos private-label Kirkland Signature products.

How much does a Costco membership cost?

Membership rates increased in 2025, with Executive memberships now costing $130 annually and Business and Gold Star memberships priced at $65 per year. Business memberships are designed for resale and business use, while also allowing personal purchases and executive members receive added perks such as an annual 2 percent reward on qualifying purchases, early shopping hours at select locations, travel discounts and other services.

Rows of gas pumps take shape on April 1, 2026 at the future Costco site in New Braunfels, where a total of 32 members-only fueling stations are being built along the busy I-35 corridor Nicholas Hernandez/MySA

Construction crews continue work on the future Costco warehouse in New Braunfels on April 1, 2026 as the project moves into its final stages ahead of its anticipated May 15 opening Nicholas Hernandez/MySA

Details about the upcoming Costco in New Braunfels

The New Braunfels location will span approximately 152,000 square feet and is being built by Robinson Construction. The store is expected to employ about 240 workers and will serve as a major retail draw along the I-35 corridor, reflecting the regions continued growth, according to the news release. The warehouse will carry from 3,800 to 4,000 products and is positioned to become a key shopping destination for both residents and the surrounding communities.

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The New Braunfels store is part of Costcos massive global footprint. The company operates 930 warehouses worldwide and serves approximately 147 million cardholders.

With its opening just weeks away, the New Braunfels Costco is poised to become one of the most significant retail additions to the area in years, easing long drives for locals while adding jobs and momentum to the booming I-35 corridor.

Find it: 235 Kohlenberg Road, Building 2, New Braunfels, TX 78130
A SpaceX Starship blasts off from Starbase in May. National wildlife refuge land is shown in the far background. SpaceX A map of the proposed land swap between SpaceX and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

SpaceXs plan to trade some of its South Texas property for more than 700 acres of national wildlife refuge near the city of Starbase has drawn harsh criticism from residents and environmental groups.

The proposed deal between Elon Musks space firm and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would give the company control over 712 acres of refuge land along the Rio Grande River near Starbase in exchange for 692 acres across separate parcels located along the river, on Boca Chica Beach and near Laguna Heights, about 10 miles away.

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According to the wildlife agency, the plan would help it consolidate refuge land in Cameron County and reduce land use conflicts, but environmentalists arent buying it.

An activist group, the South Texas Environmental Justice Network, has submitted nearly 3,400 comments and letters from those opposed to the idea.

Rio Grande Valley residents oppose Elon Musks colonization of our wildlife, beach, and sacred lands for SpaceXs dangerous and unnecessary rockets, co-founder Bekah Hinojosa said in a statement. We urge the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to listen to our communitys pleas and deny SpaceXs 712-acre land grab.

READ MORE: SpaceX in talks to get its own terminal at Port of Brownsville

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A national environmental group, the Defenders of Wildlife, also has spoken out against the plan.

The proposed exchange flies in the face of the law, said Nathan Marcy, Defenders of Wildlifes senior federal lands policy analyst. While the Service cites the impacts of SpaceX as justification for the exchange, giving the company the very land it destroyed through its own actions wont buy safety for Lower Rio Grande Valley. Just the opposite, it will guarantee even more development on the refuges doorstep, which in turn will damage even more wildlife habitat.

The contested territory is part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

SpaceX hasnt said how it intends to use the land, but current zoning shows it could be used for open space, residential, commercial, infrastructure and heavy industrial projects. The wildlife agency said its reasonably foreseeable that such development could occur in the near term.

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The proposal is different from the land swap deal with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department that SpaceX backed out of in 2024.

Marisa Perales, a San Antonio attorney for the South Texas activist group, wrote that the obvious truth about the latest plan is to benefit SpaceX (and) there is no public benefit contemplated by this proposal.

She called on the federal wildlife agency to do a full environmental impact statement, a process that can take years, because the land exchange is a major federal action that significantly affects the quality of the human environment.

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SpaceX has been able to dodge that lengthy process for its operations in South Texas since its initial approval in 2014. That was for a smaller program involving different rockets than the giant Starship thats now launched 11 times from Starbase since 2023.

In recent years, its gotten regulatory approvals in incremental steps, leading to multiple lawsuits from environmental groups.

Perales also said public participation in the discussions has been inadequate because no public meetings have been held and Spanish-language translation of documents havent been provided.

Blast zone

The contested territory includes land surrounding the Massey test site outside Brownsville where a Starship rocket exploded in June, lobbing debris into refuge land, the river and even into Mexico.

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Records show law enforcement investigators from the Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality have been involved in probes into the blast. None of the agencies would comment about the status of any potential criminal investigations.

The wildlife agency withheld records, including damage assessments of the refuge after the explosion, because they are law enforcement records for a pending or prospective investigation and their release could interfere with enforcement proceedings.

Those enforcement proceedings are apparently ongoing as the service looks to turn the area in question over to SpaceX.

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High-, low-quality land

The service began work on the land swap in September and last month published an assessment of the deals expected effects on land use, cultural and mineral resources, and threatened and endangered species.

In the draft environmental assessment, the wildlife agency acknowledged that SpaceXs development in the once desolate area has led to increased disturbance from noise and lights, and elevated levels of habitat fragmentation, which have diminished the conservation value of these lands.

It said the land SpaceX wants to turn over supports high-quality habitat for wildlife, and the swap would create larger, more contiguous tracts of land and (reduce) habitat fragmentation.

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Perales said the agencys designations of portions of the refuge land to be turned over as low quality is a direct effect of SpaceX activity in the area, including bulldozing and constructing buildings.

She also questioned how the deal provides a conservation benefit when it results in a net loss of refuge land.

According to the report, the exchange may affect but is not likely to adversely affect habitats for endangered species including the ocelot, West Indian manatee, four types of birds and five types of sea turtles.

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Perales said the report was biased due in large part to SpaceX collaborating with the wildlife agency to evaluate the habitats within the project area. She called for another assessment to be completed by an independent contractor.

Historic sites

The area also includes part of the Palmito Ranch Battlefield National Historic Landmark, the site of the last battle of the Civil War. The deal would remove the battlefield and seven other historic sites from federal property books, which the wildlife service calls an adverse effect of the proposal.

The federal agency said its committed to protecting the integrity and historic significance of the  Battlefield while pursuing a land exchange that advances long-term wildlife conservation and aligns with the (Trump) administrations goals of strengthening American innovation, infrastructure, and economic competitiveness.

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The deal would require SpaceX to perform archeological monitoring, establish a preservation area for one of the historic sites and build a viewing platform and trail at the battlefield site.

Another group frustrated with the plan is the Carrizo Comecrudo tribe of Texas, or Estok Gna. The tribe has ancestral ties to the Starbase area, but it is not federally recognized so the wildlife agency isnt required to consult with them on such projects.

The deal reflects a colonizing mentality, taking from living lands without consent, wrote Tribal Chair Juan Mancias. The Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe opposes the SpaceX land grab that will destroy 712 acres of our sacred lands, for which we were never consulted.

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Fish and Wildlife consultations with federal and state regulators, four federally recognized native American tribes and six nongovernmental organizations are ongoing.

Next steps

With the public comment period now closed, the wildlife service is reviewing the comments, and a decision is expected later this year.

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Q: You have mentioned that an Affidavit of Death should be filed in the county deed records following the passing of a property owner who had a Transfer on Death Deed in place. Is an Affidavit of Death different from a Death Certificate? Also, is there a standard Affidavit of Death form available for this purpose?

A: An Affidavit of Death and a Death Certificate are two completely different documents.

A Death Certificate is an official government record that is issued by the state after a person dies. It is completed by a funeral home or medical examiner and processed by the county clerk. It records basic facts like the date, place, and cause of death.

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STATE YOUR CASE: Can water utilities charge debit card fees in Texas?

An Affidavit of Death, on the other hand, is a legal document that is prepared specifically to be filed in the county deed records. In the context of a Transfer on Death Deed, it formally notifies the public that the original owner of the property has passed away and that the property has transferred to the person or persons named in the deed. Without it being filed, the title to the property remains unclear, even if the beneficiary is legally entitled to it.

No single universal form is used across all Texas counties. An Affidavit of Death typically includes the name of the person who died, the date of death, a description of the property, and a reference to the Transfer on Death Deed that was previously recorded. A copy of the Death Certificate is sometimes attached to the Affidavit of Death.

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You can find a sample Affidavit of Death at texaslawhelp.org.

Texas law does not allow businesses to add a fee when you pay with a debit card. If a gas station is charging you extra for using your debit card, it is in violation of the law. Gas purchase price is displayed on a fuel pump at a gas station in Buffalo Grove, Ill., March 19. Nam Y. Huh/AP

Q: Can gas stations charge extra for using credit cards and debit cards? It seems like most of them charge fees when you use debit and credit cards to buy gas.

A: Texas law does not allow businesses to add a fee when you pay with a debit card. If a gas station is charging you extra for using your debit card, it is in violation of the law.

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The credit card rules are more complex. Texas law technically prohibits a seller from charging a fee when a buyer uses a credit card, but a federal court ruled in 2018 that the prohibition is unconstitutional. Since that 2018 ruling, many businesses in Texas do charge a fee when you use a credit card.

Gas stations often handle this by listing two prices on their signs, one for cash at a lower price and another for credit at a slightly higher price. Texas law allows that approach, because it is considered a cash discount rather than a card surcharge.

This column is intended to provide a general understanding of the law, not legal advice. Ronald Lipman of the Houston law firm Lipman & Associates is board-certified in estate planning and probate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Email questions to: stateyourcase@lipmanpc.com.
Shown is the former Valley Morning Star newspaper building via Google Street View. Courtesy Google Street View

Could a former newspaper building in deep South Texas be transformed into a migrant detention or processing center? Those were the rumors that began swirling on social media in recent weeks and then into a city commission meeting in Harlingen, in the Rio Grande Valley, where multiple residents appeared last week to voice their opposition to such a possibility.

Im writing to express my strong concern and opposition to the potential conversion of the Valley Morning Star building into an immigration processing or detention center in our community, Harlingen resident Laura Castillo said during the public comments section of the commission's April 1 meeting.

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I ask the city to oppose this conversion, refuse permits of funding, and enact an immediate moratorium until a full public review and community input process is completed, Castillo added after detailing the reasons why she opposes migrant detention facilities.

Castillo was just one of several Harlingen residents  including a former city commissioner  to speak out against the idea that the 62-year-old building that once housed the Valley Morning Star newspaper could potentially be turned into a migrant center. The building, located at 1310 S. Commerce St., Harlingen, TX 78550, sits in the heart of the city at the convergence of two of Harlingens busiest streets  Commerce Street and 77 Sunshine Strip. To one side lies a Pizza Hut. To the other, an Elks Lodge. And across the street from the former newspaper building lies one of Harlingens most beloved green spaces, McKelvey Park, where the historic Arroyo Colorado flows.

In the summer of 2012, the Star  which is owned by AIM Media Texas  dismantled its printing press and sold it off. In 2021, the company sold the building to Innovative Solutions & Consulting LLC, an investment firm that had been specifically created to buy the long-defunct office and warehouse. Now, about four-and-a-half years later, Innovative Solutions is on the cusp of closing on a sale of its own. And one of its investors wants to put rumors to rest: The Star will not be turned into a migrant detention center or have anything to do with immigration.

Its fake news. Its not whats being reported, Jerry Wayne Lowry Jr. said when reached by MySA on Monday, April 6.

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Lowry said he expects the sale to close on Tuesday, April 7, with a company that he declined to identify. But last month, the Valley Morning Star itself reported that the building was slated to be purchased by a Florida developer that specializes in leasing to the U.S. General Services Administration. Lowry said the unnamed buyer plans to return the building to its prior purpose as an office space.

Its simply a leased facility thats being transitioned to a new ownership group and they have some sort of project that theyre working on that I cant discuss, but I can assure you it has nothing to do with anything related to shelter or any kind of program like that, Lowry said.

In recent weeks, the federal government has slowed down its once breakneck pace for opening migrant detention centers. Last week, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it was pausing purchases of new warehouse space intended for use as migrant centers, according to PBS. The pause comes as CBP reviews contracts approved during the tenure of recently ousted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

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The Webb County Sheriff's Office put up this warning sign in response to shots fired in the La Moca Ranch area months prior to a retired U.S. Border Patrol agent being fatally shot. The agent, who was identified as Rodolfo Pequeno Jr., advocated for this sign. Courtesy Rodolfo Pequeno Jr. Courtesy Luis Angel Jaimes. Courtesy/Webb County Sheriff's Office Jesus Emmanuel Aguilar. Courtesy/Webb County Sheriff's Office Donovan Derrick Flores. Courtesy/Webb County Sheriff's Office Jorge Gerardo Garcia Jr. Courtesy/Webb County Sheriff's Office Merari Geovani Garcia Courtesy/Webb County Sheriff's Office

A man charged with murder pleaded guilty to a second count of deadly conduct Tuesday, March 31, in the 111th District Court before Judge Monica Notzon. The plea dismissed the murder charge.

Luis Angel Jaimes was arrested in December 2024 in connection with the death of retired U.S. Border Patrol agent Rodolfo Pequeno in a case that dates back to May 2023, according to the Webb County Sheriffs Office.

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Pequeno was shot in the head while driving his truck by a group of individuals who were shooting guns in the area. The Sheriffs Office had previously put up a warning sign in the La Moca Ranch area months prior to his death asking individuals to not shoot weapons. The sign was put up due to Pequeno advocating for it.

Notzon accepted a plea agreement Tuesday, March 31, in which Jaimes received deferred adjudication and two years of community supervision.

Jesus Emmanuel Aguilar, Donovan Derrick Flores, Jorge Gerardo Garcia Jr. and Merari Geovani Garcia were also indicted on a deadly conduct charge Nov. 6. Notzon granted the state's motion to dismiss all of their charges on March 31 as well, according to court documents.

Murder is a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison; the deadly conduct count is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.

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Jaimes, along with four other individuals, was indicted in the shooting death of retired U.S. Border Patrol agent Rodolfo Pequeno Jr., according to court documents.

Jaimes was arrested Dec. 2, 2024, via indictment by the Webb County Sheriffs Office along with the U.S. Marshals Violent Offenders and Fugitive Task Force. He was charged with murder, a first-degree felony, and deadly conduct, discharge of a firearm, a third-degree felony

According to the indictment, Jaimes committed an act clearly dangerous to human life. He discharged a firearm in the direction of a building, easement or ranch road that caused the death of Rodolfo Pequeno Jr., 67, a retired agent from the Laredo Sector Border Patrol.

The defendant was in the course of intentionally and knowingly committing a felony, namely, deadly conduct discharge of a firearm, and the death of the complainant was caused while the defendant was in the course of and in furtherance of the commission or attempt of the felony, the indictment states.

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Background

The case unfolded about 8:30 p.m. May 29, 2023. Deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive man near La Bota Rota Ranch in the La Moca Ranch area on North U.S. 83. Emergency medical services were also dispatched.

Responding deputies learned through dispatch that witnesses had extracted the man from a vehicle to perform CPR. A blue F-150 met deputies at the entrance of La Moca Road and escorted them to the scene, where Jorge Gerardo Garcia Jr. was giving chest compressions to the unresponsive man.

Jorge Gerardo Garcia Jr. claimed to be the owner of a property near where the incident occurred. A deputy took over chest compressions while another deputy assisted by applying ammonia inhalants. By the time EMS personnel arrived, the man had already died.

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The Sheriffs Office identified the man as Pequeno.

Authorities identified the people present at the scene as Aguilar, Flores, Jorge Gerardo Garcia Jr., Merari Geovani Garcia, Abner Bryan Gonzalez, Serio Armando Puente Jr, and a 21-year-old woman.

Jaimes was identified and interviewed later because he left after the shooting, according to an arrest affidavit.

Aguilar reportedly approached a deputy and asked to speak privately, documents state.

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Jesus (Aguilar) verbally stated that they had multiple firearms they were shooting, and as they were shooting, they then had visual of the blue Chevrolet traveling north and then came to a sudden stop, the affidavit states.

Everyone went to the vehicle and found Pequeno unresponsive. Aguilar then gave deputies consent to search his blue F-150.

Sheriffs officials then discovered seven firearms: a Sig Sauer 320 pistol, a .22 LR HP22 rifle, an F&N FNX45 .45-caliber pistol, a JA Nine 9mm Jimenez Arms pistol, an Aero Precision M4 E1 rifle, a Remington 222 Model 700 rifle and a Remington 870 shotgun.

Court documents state that two other firearms, a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol and a Glock 20 pistol, were discovered inside another blue F-150 belonging to Puente. The vehicle was parked on Jorge Gerardo Garcia Jr.s property near the shooting area.

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Further investigation revealed that the individuals had been shooting in a nearby open field, an unfenced property west of a road where Pequeno traveled. An investigator with the Webb County Medical Examiners Office determined that Pequeno had a gunshot wound to the head, according to the affidavit.

Authorities executed a search warrant at the ranch. Investigators took photos of the ranch, measured the scene and recovered evidence. Deputies also recovered multiple spent casings and a metal target. A tree next to the target had multiple broken branches, showing it was struck by bullets multiple times, court documents state.

Investigators said that the intended target did not have a clear backstop, thus allowing shots fired to proceed to the adjacent property.

During questioning, the 21-year-old woman did not admit to discharging any firearms. Those interviewed did not name her as someone who fired a gun that day. Gonzalez, Flores, Aguilar and Jaimes admitted to discharging firearms, the affidavit states.

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Puente, Jorge Gerardo Garcia Jr. and Merari Geovani Garcia invoked their right to an attorney. However, the 21-year-old woman, Gonzalez, Flores, Aguilar and Jaimes corroborated that those who invoked their right to an attorney were also shooting, according to the Sheriffs Office.

In December 2023, Jaimes, Aguilar, Flores, Jorge Gerardo Garcia Jr., Merari Geovani Garcia, Gonzalez and Puente were first served with a warrant charging them with deadly conduct. Gonzalez and Puente were later not indicted.

This story includes prior reporting by former LMT staffer Cesar G. Rodriguez.
Laredo residents are invited to participate in the District I Spring Lawn Contest, showcasing their landscaping and home beautification efforts across the community. Boston Globe/Boston Globe via Getty Images

Residents are invited to showcase their landscaping skills in the District I Spring Lawn Contest, hosted by the city of Laredo and Mayor Pro Tempore and District I Councilmember Gilbert Gonzalez.

The contest aims to promote neighborhood beautification and community pride. The deadline to enter is April 15.

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Entries will be judged on overall appearance, including cleanliness, lawn maintenance, landscape design and neatness. Xeriscaping elements will also be considered.

Up to 10 finalists will be selected, with three winners receiving prizes. Winners are expected to be announced April 22. Submitted photos may also be used by the city of Laredo for promotional purposes.

To enter, District I residents must submit three to five photos of their front lawn along with a brief description explaining why it should win. Submissions must include the applicants name, address and phone number.

Entries can be submitted by email to district1@ci.laredo.tx.us, by text to 956-951-0397 or through the city of Laredo Government Facebook Messenger.

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FILE - Tractor trailers cross the World Trade Bridge back into the United States from Mexico on Tuesday, May 21, 2019. The City of Laredo will celebrate the inaugural Laredo International Bridge Week from April 1319, 2026, with a series of events and activities. LMT staff file FILE - Officials including a Laredo delegation were at the Colombia Bridge on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, to inaugurate the expansion of lanes and the Colombia-Laredo customs office. Courtesy/Nuevo Leon Gov. Samuel Garcia's Office Commercial vehicles line up at the import lot of the World Trade Bridge. The City of Laredo will celebrate the inaugural Laredo International Bridge Week from April 1319, 2026, with a series of events and activities. Laredo Morning Times file Long lines of commercial vehicles are seen in the area of the World Trade Bridge on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. Laredo Morning Times file Pictured is the World Trade Bridge, located in the northern part of Laredo, Texas. The City of Laredo will celebrate the inaugural Laredo International Bridge Week from April 1319, 2026, with a series of events and activities. Laredo Morning Times staff The City of Laredo will celebrate the inaugural Laredo International Bridge Week from April 1319, 2026, with a series of events and activities. Courtesy/City of Laredo

The city of Laredo will celebrate the inaugural Laredo International Bridge Week from April 13-19 with a series of events, including the 26th anniversary of the World Trade Bridge and the Laredo World Trade Showcase, the latter in collaboration with the Laredo Motor Carriers Association.

Other collaborators in the event are U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM), the city of Nuevo Laredo, Puerto Colombia, and Uni-Trade Group, in addition to local and regional stakeholders in trade and logistics.

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The idea for Laredo International Bridge Week, a historic milestone for the city of Laredo and the Bridge System, was developed by the city of Laredo Bridge System director, Elsa Hinojosa

This is part of the city of Laredo Bridge Systems ongoing commitment to highlight the critical role our international bridges play in global trade, regional mobility and binational collaboration, said Elias Caro, bridge compliance manager with the city of Laredo Bridge System. Recognizing Laredos position as the nations leading port of entry for international trade, this initiative celebrates the infrastructure, workforce and partnerships that keep commerce and communities connected.

Caro said Laredo continues to lead as the top port of entry in the United States, with more than $354 billion in trade processed in 2025.

Approximately 17,000-plus commercial trucks cross daily, and the citys bridge system continues to see growth in commercial, non-commercial and pedestrian crossings year-over-year, he said. These figures underscore the critical role Laredo plays in North American supply chains.

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Laredo International Bridge Week

Caro said the purpose of Bridge Week is to highlight Laredos leadership as the No. 1 inland port in the United States and to recognize the dedication of bridge personnel, stakeholders and other agencies.

Another of our objectives is to promote public awareness of the importance of international trade and mobility, as well as to strengthen binational relationships between the United States, Mexico and Canada, Caro said.

Caro said the celebration will highlight key themes such as economic impact and cross-border commerce, positioning Laredo as a vital economic gateway.

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Among other topics to focus on is traffic and mobility, highlighting the efficient vehicular, pedestrian and commercial movement across our ports of entry, he said. Infrastructure and expansion, with emphasis on ongoing and future projects such as bridge expansions and additional lanes to meet growing demand, and on the innovation and modernization of our bridges, enhancing technology, trade processing and customer experience.

The weeks events include:

Official mayoral proclamation  Monday, April 13.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony  Tuesday, April 14 (World Trade Bridge front office building renovation).

World Trade Bridge 26th anniversary celebration  Wednesday, April 15.

Laredo World Trade Showcase (hosted by LMCA) at Sames Auto Arena  Thursday, April 16.

Movie night at El Portal Under the Stars (not a public event)  Friday, April 17.

First annual Bridge the Distance 5K run/1K walk  Sunday, April 19.

Laredo World Trade Showcase

Gerardo Jerry Maldonado, chairman of the Laredo Motor Carriers Association, said LMCA will host the Laredo World Trade Showcase at Sames Auto Arena during Laredo International Bridge Week.

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LMCA is actively participating in the Laredo International Bridge Week celebration, hosting this trade show on Thursday, April 16, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., he said. This will be the first time LMCA hosts an event of this scale. We are expanding our traditional expo, which historically took place in July at a smaller venue.

He said the event will also feature a speaker session with participation from key agencies such as DPS, U.S. Border Patrol, Texas Workforce Commission, TxDOT, Kymax and other industry stakeholders.

Our Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration administrator Derek Barrs is our keynote speaker, he said. The event is focused on international trade professionals, trucking companies, brokers, customs brokers and the general public, and our goal is to provide insight into how daily trade operations move through Laredo, Texas.

I can assure that attendees will gain a broader understanding of how the cross-border supply chain operates between Mexico and the United States, as well as the critical role Laredo plays in international trade.

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Maldonado said LMCA is honored to continue working alongside the city of Laredo, the Laredo Bridge System and local, state and federal partners who contribute to making Laredo the leading port of entry in the nation.

He invited the Laredo community to attend events during Laredo International Bridge Week.

LMCA is proud to support and promote Laredo, he said. We encourage the entire business community to get involved, participate and help showcase why Laredo continues to be the No. 1 inland port in the United States.

Caro echoed Maldonados remarks, inviting the business community and the general public to join in celebrating the infrastructure and people that power international trade.

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Laredo is more than a border city  it is a global gateway, he said. This week is an opportunity to come together, recognize our shared success and look ahead to continued growth and innovation. Laredo International Bridge Week represents more than a celebration  it reflects our commitment to progress, partnership and service excellence.

As trade continues to grow, the city of Laredo remains dedicated to investing in infrastructure, enhancing efficiency and maintaining its leadership in global commerce.

For more information, contact Elias Caro at 956-721-2070 or ecaro@ci.laredo.tx.us. For information on the Laredo World Trade Showcase, visit laredomotorcarriers.com.
Laredo leaders celebrated the 25th anniversary of the World Trade Bridge during a ceremony on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Jason Mack/Laredo Morning Times

The long-discussed expansion of the World Trade Bridge has entered a new phase, giving Laredo residents a chance to weigh in.

City officials, in coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, released a draft environmental assessment, opening public comment through April 21.

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The project would expand the citys busiest commercial crossing.

The World Trade Bridge handles thousands of commercial trucks each day and serves as a key gateway for trade between the United States and Mexico, with millions of crossings recorded annually.

Plans include building a new eight-lane bridge for northbound traffic and widening the existing span by adding two southbound lanes. The new bridge would run parallel to the existing structure just south of the span, crossing the Rio Grande and connecting directly to the port of entry.

Under the current layout, trucks entering the U.S. must immediately exit the bridge and navigate a series of turns and lane reductions before reaching inspection areas, which slows traffic during peak periods.

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CBP Port Director Alberto Flores said in a January interview the configuration disrupts traffic flow as trucks move into inspection, contributing to congestion during peak periods.

Together, those changes are intended to increase capacity and improve truck flow through Laredo, one of the nations busiest inland ports. The expansion is intended to streamline processing by creating a more direct path from the bridge to inspection facilities, eliminating multiple turns and lane reductions.

The project would span about 1,479 feet across the Rio Grande and require additional right of way, though no homes or businesses are expected to be displaced. It would also include upgraded lighting, electronic signage and a system to capture and filter runoff from the bridge before it enters the Rio Grande.

The environmental review is required before construction can begin, as state and federal agencies evaluate potential impacts, including work in a floodplain.

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Planning for the project has been underway for years, and construction could begin as early as late 2026 if remaining steps are completed, based on previous project timelines.

Residents can review project materials in person at City Hall, 1110 Houston St., or online on TxDOTs website.

Written comments and requests for a public hearing can be submitted by email to jgalm@rkci.com or by mail to Raba Kistner Inc., Attn: Jaimie Galm, 12821 W. Golden Lane, San Antonio, TX 78249. A hearing will be scheduled if at least 10 requests are received by April 21.

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Texas Parks and Wildlife has approved new hunting regulations for the 202627 season, including changes to dove seasons, turkey limits, and expanded deer hunting opportunities. jared lloyd/Getty Images

With hunting season a couple of months away, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has announced the latest regulations regarding statewide hunting and migratory game bird proclamations.

Hunters hitting the field in the upcoming season are being encouraged by TPWD to make note of these changes and follow all regulations set for species, tagging, bag limits, counties, season dates, means and methods. When it gets released in the coming weeks, hunters can check the Outdoor Annual for approved season dates for the 2026-27 season beginning in early April on the TPWD website.

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The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved the following changes to 2026-27 Statewide Hunting and Migratory Game Bird proclamations.

Migratory Game Bird Regulations

The South Zone dove hunting season structure during the first segment will include an earlier regular season opening date (Sept. 1  Oct. 25), eliminate the Special White-winged Dove Days, and institute standardized daily bag limits and shooting hours across all days in the South Zone. The second segment will be from December 18, 2026, to January 21, 2027.

Upland Game Bird Regulations

Chachalaca and quail hunting season dates were aligned (November 1, 2026  February 28, 2027).

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Matagorda and Wharton counties were closed to wild turkey hunting due to the decline in wild turkey populations in the area.

Due to the overall decline in wild turkey populations across Texas, annual bag limits were changed to only gobblers and bearded hens in counties where either sex is currently allowed for wild turkey hunting.

Big Game Regulations

Doe days were expanded to a 16-day season that begins the second Saturday of General Season and closes the Sunday following Thanksgiving in Austin, Bastrop, Caldwell, Colorado, Comal (east of IH 35), DeWitt, Fayette, Goliad (north of U.S. Highway 59), Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hays (east of IH 35), Jackson (north of U.S. Highway 59), Karnes, Lavaca, Lee, Travis (east of IH 35), Victoria (north of U.S. Highway 59), Waller, Washington, Wharton (north of U.S. Highway 59), and Wilson counties.

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PAGEWOOD has acquired a 14,000 square-foot industrial space at 1440 Brittmoore Rd. in Houston, with plans to convert it into a corporate headquarters and retail hub. PAGEWOOD / Odom Studios

Houston's Brittmoore Corridor is about to get a makeover, transforming a 14,000-square-foot industrial space into a buzzing corporate headquarters and retail hotspot.

PAGEWOOD, a Houston-based real estate investment and operating firm, acquired 1440 Brittmoore Rd. with plans for a sweeping redevelopment, according to a company news release issued Monday. Construction is expected to wrap in late 2026.

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Known as The Outpost at Brittmoore, roughly 6,000 square feet will serve as the company's corporate headquarters. The remaining space will be designed for food, beverage and fitness-oriented retailers.

PAGEWOOD has acquired a 14,000 square-foot industrial space at 1440 Brittmoore Rd. in Houston, with plans to convert it into a corporate headquarters and retail hub. PAGEWOOD / Odom Studios

"Adaptive reuse developments have always been a core part of how we invest and create value," said Paul Coonrod, founder and managing principal of PAGEWOOD.

Coonrod said the retail component will revitalize the surrounding neighborhood and support the local community by "reimagining" what was once an industrial property.

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Located on a 1-acre lot near the intersection of I-10 and Beltway 8, the redesign will feature expansive glass windows, a common lobby, office space with roll-up doors and a private patio, as well as a shared patio attached to the southwest corner of the main retail space.

Features, designed by Mark Odom Studio, A Cline Company, will "reinforce an indoor-outdoor work environment," according to the release. Retail space will be leased to experiential and service-oriented businesses, designed to complement both the headquarters and the surrounding neighborhood, led by real estate broker Blue Ox.

PAGEWOOD has acquired a 14,000 square-foot industrial space at 1440 Brittmoore Rd. in Houston, with plans to convert it into a corporate headquarters and retail hub. PAGEWOOD / Odom Studios

Plans also include use of a private drive between The Outpost and an existing PAGEWOOD property nearby known as The Quad, enhancing walkability. The Quad, which opened in 2024, is a four-building office workspace communityanother transformation of a former industrial site.

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"The redevelopment reflects continued growth and reinvestment in an area historically defined by industrial uses and now evolving to support modern office and retail product," according to the release.
A 102-unit residential tower is planned for this site. Across Harvard Street, a 172-unit tower will connect to the development via two elevated pedestrian bridges. Google Maps Street View

A $54-million project is set to bring hundreds of new residents to one of Houston's busiest neighborhoods.

Two five-level residential towers are planned for the Washington Avenue corridor, according to two recent filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TDLR). The developmentset to rise near the intersection of Center and Harvard streetswould include a combined total of 96,331 square feet.

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One 172-unit building is estimated to cost about $41.6-million, while a second 102-unit building will cost about $12.4-million, according to the filings. The towers would connect via two elevated pedestrian bridges over Harvard St., one on level three and another on level five.

A 74,000 square-foot industrial building use to exist onsite at the intersection of Center and Harvard streets. That building has since been demolished and a 274-unit residential is planned for the property. Google Maps Street View

While details submitted to the TDLR are subject to change, the project could break ground this June, with construction lasting through October 2028. LRK Inc. is listed as the contracted design firm.

The filings list the project address as 3616 Center St., but the Harris Central Appraisal District shows the properties located at 3520 Center St. and 0 Harvard St., as reported by the Houston Business Journal. The development is central to the Heights Boulevard H-E-B, Truth Barbecue, Rockefeller's Nightclub and several other well-frequented locations.

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Portman Residential purchased the three-acre site in 2022, according to Realty News Report. Initial plans for the development included about 10,000 square feet of retaila plan that appears to have been scrapped since.

A 274-unit residential development is planned at the intersection of Center and Harvard streets in Houston. Google Maps Street View

A 74,000-square-foot industrial property dating back to 1926, most recently owned by Admiral Linen Service Inc., was formerly at the site and has since been demolished to make way for the incoming development.

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Shawn Harris is running as a Democrat. He is a retired Army brigadier general and farmer who previously ran against Rep. Greene in the 2024 election. Harris took home just over 35% of the vote in that race.
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
88.4% of Longford parents whose children attend English-speaking primary schools have expressed a preference for English to remain the primary language through which classes are taught.

This was just one of the key findings from the national Primary School Survey which had invited participation from members of the public. Over 200,000 households nationwide submitted responses to the survey.

Localised results show that 70.5% of Longford parents whose kids are in denominational primary schools (meaning a school run in accordance with the ethos of a specific religion) expressed a preference for their school to remain this way.

Meanwhile, 73.3% of Longford parents whose children attend single-sex primary schools indicated a preference for their school to move a co-education system.

Read: PICTURES | Spectacular colour and super entertainment at Granard Easter parade

The Department of Education says it is currently continuing its detailed analysis of the survey data and is preparing finalised school-specific results for each of the participating 3,200+ primary schools nationwide.

Schools in Longford will receive their detailed reports in early May, outlining parent preferences and guidance on whether change is desired. They can decide then if they wish to be included in the first phase of any changes.

The results in Longford appear to be in line with the preliminary results nationwide which indicated that approximately 60% of parents with children in denominational schools wished to retain that ethos, while approximately 73% of parents with kids in singlesex primary schools favoured a move to coeducation.

Read: Inter-firms All-Ireland semi-final date confirmed: Longford Gardai set to play Ulster champions

Approximately 87% of parents with children in English-speaking schools supported maintaining English as the primary language in use.

The Department of Education have today stated however that while these figures provided a national overview, it was important to note that it will be the preferences within each individual school community that will determine future direction.

Speaking about the results of the survey - which elicited over 241,000 responses, with 200,381 being validated after checks for duplicates and eligibility - Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton said the significant volume of responses mark an important step in ensuring that parents and school communities are central in shaping the future direction of primary education.

Read: Longford store issue 'warning' to local businesses and claim man 'stole two handbags'

School communities have spoken, and their message is clear that parents want a central role in shaping the future of their childrens education," she said.

"We have seen an extraordinary level of engagement in the national Primary School Survey, with over 200,000 households responding, which shows a deep commitment from families, staff and Boards of Management to the direction of their local schools."

"While national trends provide us with a useful context, the most important insight is that every school community is different. The future of each school will be guided not by a one-size-fits-all approach, but by the preferences of its own parents, guardians and wider school community.

Read: Plans lodged to turn a Longford village post office into apartment unit

The minister pointed out that while in some communities, there was a strong desire to maintain existing traditions and ethos, in others, there was "a clear appetite for change," whether in relation to school type or structure.

Minister Naughton continued, That diversity of views must be respected and reflected. As school-specific reports issue, in the coming weeks, they will empower communities with the evidence they need to make informed decisions."

"This is about putting parents and school communities firmly at the heart of decision making for their schools.

Funded by the local democracy reporting scheme
More than 700 primary school pupils from across County Longford transformed St Mary's Community Campus, in Edgeworthstown into a hub of innovation on Tuesday, March 24 as they presented their cutting-edge STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) projects at the annual Longford Microsoft Dream Space Showcase.

A series of awards were presented across all three Municipal Districts and this years overall Rising Star award was presented to St Marys NS, Edgeworthstown for their unique project Coding to Communicate.

The pupils used their newly acquired coding skills to help communicate with non-verbal classmates and children with Autism.

This years Microsoft Dream Space Showcase event also welcomed some of the most prestigious and respected names in the industry, including, Ericsson, MTU Cork, EY, KPMG, Storm Technologies and Global Logic. Their presence underscored the high regard and esteem in which this pioneering event is held.

PICTURES | Spectacular colour and super entertainment at Granard Easter festival parade

The Ambassador of Hungary to Ireland, Gergely Banhegyi was one of the special guests on the day as part of a series of cultural events and collaborative projects linking County Longford with Hungary as part of Irelands EU Presidency community engagement programme.

YouTube star Farmer Phil was also in attendance, and he visited a number of agricultural related projects on the day with children from primary schools all over the county delighted to meet the social media influencer.

Longfords Microsoft Dream Space Showcase is the culmination of months of engagement with primary schools in County Longford, which included the delivery of hands-on STEAM sessions by the Microsoft Dream Space teaching team as part of a 10-week Dream Space programme. The programme provided students with the opportunity to enhance their STEM and AI skills through the development of innovative STEM projects addressing sustainability challenges.

Over a 10-week period, pupils worked with their teachers, Longford County Councils STEM Engagement Officer, Siobhan Grealy, and Microsofts teaching team to develop the STEAM and coding skills they needed for their projects. These newly acquired skills were then put into action by developing an innovative project addressing various challenges related to the UNs Sustainable Development Goals.

The pupils celebrated their learnings and presented their projects at the Microsoft Dream Space Showcase event. Now in its fourth year, this initiative provides an opportunity for primary school children to enhance their STEM and AI skills through immersive experiences that help unlock their full potential, while also showing them the possibilities of a future career in the STEM sector. Ultimately, it is hoped that this will lead to all County Longford secondary schools offering computer science as a Leaving Certificate subject.

Also read: 'There was so much community': FeliSpeaks on the 'joy' of her childhood in Longford

The collaboration with Microsoft, empowering local schools to participate in Microsoft Dream Space Showcase, builds on a series of targeted interventions in the area of STEAM education spearheaded by Longford County Council. Funding received by Longford County Council from the Government of Ireland and European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027 has been invested into local schools with a focus on accelerating interest and engagement in Computer Science and STEAM related subjects as students transition from primary to post-primary level. The ongoing support of primary school teachers throughout County Longford has been vital to the success of the programme while thanks was also extended to secondary school teachers who acted as adjudicators on the day.

PICTURES | Over 700 Longford pupils showcase groundbreaking STEAM projects

Creative Ireland is also funding the building blocks of creativity for this project.

Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon, said, "What we witnessed at this years Microsoft Dream Space Showcase event exceeded every expectation. Longford County Council's commitment to pioneering STEAM education has created something extraordinary. We're not just preparing pupils for future careers; we're cultivating the problem-solvers who will reshape our world. The council's leadership in this space has positioned Longford as a beacon for educational innovation across Ireland."

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh said, "It was truly inspiring to see the energy and creativity of the pupils taking part in this years Microsoft Dream Space Showcase. This innovative programme spearheaded by Longford County Council is helping to create the leaders and innovators of our future. When you see ten-year-old children developing coding skills to solve real life problems you know this is something really special. The aim is to see the pupils continue to nurture these skills into second level and beyond and ultimately this programme will act as a pipeline into industry, all right here in the midlands.

Also read: 'True gentleman': Tributes paid to 'genial' former owner of historic Longford demesne

Amanda Jolliffe, Microsoft's Ireland's Dream Space Lead, celebrated the partnership's impact saying, The energy and creativity on display at Longford's Microsoft Dream Space Showcase 2026 was truly inspiring. Since launching Dream Space in 2018, weve reached over 500,000 students across the country and events like the Longford Microsoft Dream Space Showcase are a testament to our ongoing commitment to working in partnership with local councils, schools, and industry to provide the opportunity for students in communities across the country to develop their STEM and AI skills.

It has been a privilege to work with Longford County Council on this initiative for a fourth year, and to see the tangible impact that strong publicprivate collaboration can deliver. The quality and creativity of the student projects on display speak for themselves, underlining the role initiatives like this play in building confidence, curiosity and longterm ambition among the next generation of STEM leaders.

The Microsoft Dream Space Showcase continues to build momentum towards its ultimate goal of ensuring all County Longford secondary schools offer Computer Science as a Leaving Certificate subject, creating a seamless pathway for students to advance their technological capabilities.

Overall Rising Star Award

St Marys NS, Edgeworthstown (Coding to Communicate)

Ballymahon Municipal District

Tech All-Stars Award: St Marys NS Edgeworthstown

Most Innovative Project: Winners - St Dominics NS Kenagh (Cows Crossing). Runners-up - Scoil Bhride, Glen (The Soil Buddies)

Best Creative Solution: Winners - St Johns NS Edgeworthstown (Fence Force). Runners-up - St Marys NS Edgeworthstown (Dairy Dynasty)

Age Friendly Award: Winners - St Dominics NS Kenagh (Keep Me Safe). Runners-up - Cloontagh NS (Mindbit)

Best Design Prototype: Winners - St Marys NS Edgeworthstown (Coding to Communicate). Runners-up - Lenamore NS, Legan (Game Picker)

Best Presented Project: Winners - St Earnans NS Killashee (Cow Saver). Runners-up - Forgney NS (Smart Oil Guardian-Alert System for Sustainable Farming)

Climate Action Team Champion: Winners - St Marys NS Edgeworthstown (The Deep Blue Defenders). Runners-up - St Marys NS, Newtowncashel (Save The Sean Animals)

Management Team Award: Winners - St Dominics NS Kenagh (Talk To Me). Runners-Up - St Marys NS Edgeworthstown (Safety Guardians)

Most Original Project: Winners - St Marys NS Edgeworthstown (The Aidan Project). Runners-up - Colehill Mixed NS (The Funky Functions)

Granard Municipal District

Tech All-Stars Award: St Teresas NS Killoe

Most Innovative Project: Winners - St Teresas NS Killoe (When the clouds appear, your tech is here). Runners-up - Sacred Heart NS Granard (Body Temperature Sensor)

Best Creative Solution: Winners - Scoil Mhuire NS Aughnagarron (Aughnagarron NS). Runners-up - St Bernards NS Abbeylara (The Kitty Kitchen)

Age Friendly Award: Winners - Naomh Padraig NS Killeen (Tumble Buddies). Runners-up - St Columbas NS Mullinalaghta (The Medicine Reminder)

Best Design Prototype: Winners - St Guasachts NS Bunlahy (Safe Spreading). Runners-up - St Teresas NS Killoe (Respect the fin let the peace begin)

Best Presented Project: Winners - St Patricks NS Dromard (Flood Fighters). Runners-up - Naomh Padraig NS Killeen (FieldSense Pro)

Climate Action Team Champion: Winners - St Bernards NS Abbeylara (Water Benders). Runners-up - Sacred Heart NS Granard (Food Waste Trackers)

Management Team Award: Winners - St Columbas NS Mullinalaghta (Animal Trackers). Runners-Up - Killasonna (Agitation Realisation)

Most Original Project: Winners - St Patricks NS Ballinamuck (FLAM Flood Level Alert Micro:bit). Runners-up - Killasonna NS (The Gate Mate)

Longford Municipal District

Tech All-Stars Award: St Josephs NS Longford

Most Innovative Project: Winners - St Johns NS Longford (Bus Barrier). Runners-up - St Josephs NS Longford (Happy Hands)

Best Creative Solution: Winners - Melview NS (Busy Bees). Runners-up - Stonepark NS (Snack Track)

Age Friendly Award: Winners - St Josephs NS Longford (Mind Find Assist). Runners-up - St Emers NS (Ghost X)

Best Design Prototype: Winners - Stonepark NS (Swish: Bit). Runners-up - St Johns NS Longford (Hot Shot)

Best Presented Project: Winners - St Josephs NS Longford (Reptile Humidity Maintainer). Runners-up - Scoil Mhuire NS Clondra (Bus Stop Guardians)

Climate Action Team Champion: Winners - St Josephs NS Longford (Guardians of the Blue). Runners-up - Scoil Mhuire NS Newtownforbes (Project Plants)

Management Team Award: Winners - St Emers NS (Kind Choices Online). Runners-Up - Gaelscoil Longfoirt (Gaelscoil Foireann 1)

Most Original Project: Winners - St Josephs NS Longford (Sally Seasoning). Runners-up - St Michaels NS Longford (Silent Signals)

PICTURES | Super day in the sun at Ballymahon for brilliant 90th Longford Ploughing event

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Members of the Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre in Edgeworthstown, County Longford, were joined by literary enthusiasts, scholars and members of the public in Dublin to celebrate the 225th anniversary of the publication of Maria Edgeworths pioneering novel Belinda on Thursday, March 26.

The celebrations began at Dubray Books on Grafton Street, where guests gathered for a special event marking the continuing legacy of one of Irelands most influential writers.

Maria Edgeworth, born in 1768, is widely recognised as a pioneering figure in the development of the modern novel. Her works, particularly Belinda and The Absentee, helped shape literary realism and influenced later writers such as Jane Austen and Sir Walter Scott, among many others.

Matt Farrell, representing the Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre, welcomed guests to the relaunch celebration of the novel.

Quoting a Chinese proverb, he remarked: Those who drink from the well should not forget those who sank the well, noting that Maria Edgeworth was a writer who blazed an important literary trail.

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Cllr Danny Byrne, speaking on behalf of the Lord Mayor of Dublin, welcomed those attending the event and extended a particular greeting to Cllr Seamus Butler and Senator Paraic Brady, who were present for the celebration.

He emphasised the important role played by the Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre in preserving and promoting Irelands literary and cultural heritage, and wished the organisation continued success in its future endeavours.

During the event, Matt Farrell also acknowledged the support of Cllr Butler in sponsoring the acquisition of a rare first edition of Belinda. The historic volume was placed on display at Dubray Books for the occasion and will now become part of the permanent museum exhibition at the Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre in Edgeworthstown.

Guests were also treated to dramatic readings from the novel, performed by amateur actors. Elizabeth Fitzsimons served as narrator, Dr Melissa Shiels performed the role of Lady Delacour, Sadhbh OReilly portrayed Belinda, and Setanta Flood appeared as the charismatic Clarence Hervey.

Also read: 'True gentleman': Tributes paid to 'genial' former owner of historic Longford demesne

Following the readings, members of the group brought a touch of Regency elegance to the city centre with a costumed promenade along Grafton Street, through St Stephens Green and towards Trinity College Dublin.

The colourful procession drew considerable interest from passers-by, many of whom stopped to photograph the participants in their Regency attire, giving Dublins streets a moment of Bridgerton-style theatricality.

The celebrations concluded later in the afternoon at the Trinity Long Room Hub Arts & Humanities Research Institute, where Professor Jim Chandler of the University of Chicago delivered a public lecture to a large audience. His talk explored themes of character and literary innovation in Edgeworths Belinda, highlighting the enduring importance of the novel more than two centuries after its publication.

Also read: Edgeworthstown primary school bicentenary 'a massive opportunity' to attract visitors to Longford

The days events underscored the lasting significance of Maria Edgeworths contribution to literature and the continuing work of the Maria Edgeworth Centre in celebrating Irelands rich literary heritage.
A street dancer, who performed at the Longford Lights festival in Connolly Barracks earlier this year, has been left blinded by shards of glass after a man smashed his car window with a bat during a violent attack in broad daylight.

Tobi Omoteso, well-known for hip-hop and break dancing, choreography and teaching, faces a long, agonising road of surgeries just to cling to a fraction of the vision I once took for granted.

The performer said he has lost an eye which he can never get back but is reassured that with the people he has in his corner there will be a way forward!.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up for popular artist Mr Omoteso which has generated over 68,000 to help towards current and future medical expenses.

READ NEXT: PICTURES | Occasion to cherish as Longford hosts Midlands Eid Festival for first time

Gardai are investigating the shocking incident which took place on Saturday morning, March 28.

Following a query from our sister website Limerick Live, a garda spokesperson confirmed they received a report of an alleged incident of assault and criminal damage which occurred in the Old Cratloe Road area of Limerick city on Saturday, March 28 at approximately 10.30am.

A car has been reported as damaged. A male, aged in his 30s, suffered serious injuries during the incident. Investigations are ongoing, said the garda spokesperson.

Mr Omoteso (pictured above) writes in the Go Fund Me appeal that March 28 is the day the world went dark.

It was the day I learned that the senseless violence you see in movies, the kind of nightmare you assume only happens to strangers, can hunt you down in your own neighbourhood.

We were supposed to be celebrating. We had just finished packing the car, the seats heavy with gear and equipment for the fifth edition of our hip-hop and streetdance community festival in Limerick that I co-founded and had been working in across Ireland for over 12 years.

It was a day meant for music, DJ-ing, streetdance, movement, graffiti, art, unity and having fun for all regardless of race, religion, gender, age and ability. Instead, it became the end of life as I knew it, he wrote.

PICTURES | Spectacular colour and super entertainment at Granard Easter festival parade

Mr Omoteso said as he tried to leave his estate, a man sat waiting in a car at the exit.

He was parked carelessly, tyres on the footpath, trapping traffic and creating chaos in an already small space with road works. After a brief exchange of gesture, something snapped in him. He chose me.

He tailed me through the streets of Limerick, chasing me toward a well-known roundabout where he finally forced his way in front of me, swerving to cut off any hope of escape. I watched, paralysed, as he stepped out of his vehicle wielding a wooden bat, he claimed.

Mr Omoteso said the man began to beat his car with a bat.

Then he struck and shattered the drivers side window with the wooden bat which exploded shards of glass, like tiny knives, sprayed across my face and buried themselves deep into both of my eyes," he claims.

The street dancer said he is now facing a long, agonising road of surgeries just to cling to a fraction of the vision he once took for granted.

The damage is not just physical, it is permanent. My iris was sliced in half and had to be meticulously stitched back together. I am battling an onset cataract and a ruptured lens capsule, both of which must be surgically removed.

I am currently facing the first of four major emergency operations. Even if every single procedure is a success, I will never see the world clearly again, which ultimately affects my job, work, dance, social interaction and confidence.

Longford support is being urged for 'We Move From Love  A Day of Dance for Tobi Omoteso' on Saturday, April 11 at Drop Studios in Dublin.

The street dance community are coming together in the wake of the recent attack on Tobi. We Move From Love is a full day of dance classes and workshops in support of Tobi and his family. It takes place on Saturday, April 11 from 12 noon to 9:30pm at Drop Studios, 13 Sackville Place, Dublin 1.

Across the day, 16 classes and workshops will be led by members of the street dance community, each offering their time, energy, and artistry in solidarity.

Classes are free to attend, and donations are warmly encouraged throughout the day. Every contributionbig or smallwill go directly to supporting Tobi and his recovery.

If youre unable to attend but would still like to support, you can donate directly HERE.




An image posted by the IDF highlights the Asaluyeh petrochemical complex in southern Iran, which Israel struck on April 6. The IDF described it as a key industrial zone responsible for producing and exporting chemical materials for the weapons of Irans regime.

Over the past week, US and Israeli operations across Iran have intensified while negotiations remain unresolved. A US F-15E was shot down on April 4, triggering a roughly 36-hour rescue mission that recovered both crew members through a large-scale operation involving more than 150 aircraft and reported CIA deception measures.

In parallel, the US and Israel conducted strikes targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sites storing ballistic missile launchers, facilities tied to missile production and air defense systems, and senior military and intelligence officials in Tehran and beyond, resulting in numerous eliminations.

The US and Israeli campaign has also expanded to industrial and economic targets, including petrochemical complexes in Asaluyeh, major steel plants in Ahvaz and Mobarakeh, and other key infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Tehran rejected a US-backed 45-day ceasefire proposal tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, instead pushing for broader maximalist terms as both sides weigh the next steps.

The latest military developments

A U.S. F-15E was shot down over Iran on April 4. One crew member was recovered within hours, while the second was rescued on April 5 after evading capture for nearly two days. During the White House briefing on April 6, President Donald Trump called it one of the most complex search-and-rescue missions ever and said the operation used subterfuge and more than 150 aircraft to get them home. CIA Director John Ratcliffe added that the agency helped deceive Iranian forces during the rescue.

Israels Channel 12 claimed that US airstrikes hit Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province near the suspected location of the downed pilot, with some accounts indicating that Iranian search units were hit during the operation. Iranian media claimed there was no direct ground engagement, while a provincial official reported that strikes on Kuh Siah killed four individuals and wounded six.

An Israeli source cited by the London-based Iran International said that elite Israeli Shaldag and Sayeret Matkal units assisted US specials operations forces and air assets in the roughly 36-hour mission, during which a US helicopter took fire but returned safely, and a US A-10 Warthog ground-attack jet took fire and eventually crashed after the pilot determined the aircraft was not in landable condition and safely ejected over Kuwaiti airspace.

Meanwhile, the IDF Farsi account said that the Israeli military struck a central IRGC site storing multiple weapons, including ballistic missile launchers, along with facilities tied to the production, storage, and development of missiles designed to target aircraft and additional Iranian air defense systems.

The latest on negotiations and the Strait of Hormuz

Trump said on April 6 that the US could escalate to targeting Irans broader infrastructure, warning that the entire country can be taken out in one night as a deadline he issued for a deal approached. US officials told The Wall Street Journal that Tehran rejected a US-backed 45-day ceasefire proposal tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, instead demanding a permanent end to the war, sanctions relief, compensation, and a new framework governing the waterway.

Iranian commentary reflects a view that the strait remains its strongest pressure point. Majid Shakeri, a former adviser to Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is leading talks with Washington, wrote that a temporary ceasefire benefits Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and the United States, and harms Iran, questioning why such proposals would even be considered. Separately, an Iranian state media analyst warned that halting the war could leave Iran with a Gaza-like fate, stressing that maintaining strategic positioning, especially in the Strait of Hormuz, is essential and that retreat would carry serious security and economic consequences for the Islamic Republic.

The latest assassinations and regime casualties

Trump posted footage of a major strike on Tehran on April 4, saying that many of Irans military leaders had been terminated. The same night, residents across Tehran and nearby Karaj reported severe explosions, with some saying their homes shook as blasts were heard across multiple neighborhoods.

Israel said it has eliminated several senior Iranian military and intelligence figures in recent strikes in Tehran and beyond. It also indicated that additional unnamed battalion-level missile commanders were killed alongside senior leaders.

Israel also attempted to target Kamal Kharazi, the head of Irans Strategic Council on Foreign Relations and a former foreign minister, striking his residence in northern Tehran. Kharazis wife was killed, and he was severely wounded but survived. Notable recent assassinations of regime figures include:

Jamshid Eshaghi, commander of the Armed Forces Oil Headquarters, oversaw a key financial arm funding the regime through oil revenues and sanctions evasion.

Asghar Bagheri, commander of Qods Force Unit 840 (Special Operations), directed external operations targeting Israeli and American interests globally.

Majid Khademi, head of the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, led intelligence collection for strategic decision-making at senior regime levels.

Mohammad Reza Ashrafi Kahi, head of Commerce at the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Oil Headquarters, oversaw large-scale commercial operations that generated billions of dollars annually.

Makram Azimi, commander of the Surface-to-Surface Missile Unit (Western Iran), was responsible for multiple missile launches toward Israel, according to the IDF. He was killed alongside three unnamed battalion commanders involved in directing missile fire.

Iranian media and IRGC-linked outlets reported additional casualties from recent strikes, including mid- and senior-level personnel across intelligence, air defense, and expeditionary units. They included:

Behnam Rezaei, deputy intelligence chief, IRGC Navy

Masoud Zare, commander, Army Air Defense Academy

Mohammad Hossein Sufi, IRGC brigadier commander

Mohammad Ali Fathalizadeh, commander, IRGC Fatehin Special Unit

Mojtaba Rezaei, Basij member

Mojtaba Kouzehgar, Basij member

Poorya Zalaghi, Basij member

Amir Mohammad Esmailloo, Basij member

Amir Hossein Saljoughi, Basij member

Ali Pirveysi, Basij member

Amir Ali Pirveysi, Basij member

Mehran Reufi, Basij member

Seyed Saeed Mousavi, air defense commander

Milad Salarvand, air defense officer

Moein Heydari, air defense commander

Other open-source intelligence accounts on X have compiled broader lists of mid-level officials, but independent confirmation remains limited.

Attacks against Iranian infrastructure intensify

Strikes have expanded beyond purely military targets to hit dual-use infrastructure tied to Irans economy, logistics, and industrial base, including an airstrike on the B1 bridge along the Tehran-North freeway.

Petrochemical facilities have also been hit, including infrastructure in Asaluyeh tied to chemical production across industrial and military supply chains. Strikes on two major complexes have disrupted facilities responsible for roughly 85 percent of Irans petrochemical exports.

Another site drawn into the strikes was the Pasteur Institute of Iran. While presented as a biomedical center, it has long appeared on foreign watchlists tied to proliferation concerns: Canada lists it under sanctions and on its Named Research Organizations roster restricting sensitive collaboration, and a UK export-control list previously flagged it as an entity of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) concern.

Officials from Khuzestan Steel Company said the Ahvaz complex sustained extensive damage, with all major modules and steelmaking furnaces affected, and that initial estimates place the timeline for restoring operations at six months to a year. Separate strikes on the Mobarakeh Steel Company damaged key production-related infrastructure, including power and alloy units, disrupting output at one of the countrys largest industrial facilities.

Despite the damage and ongoing risks, Iranian authorities are forcing civilians back to work in affected areas. Reports indicate that IRGC-linked entities are compelling contract workers at South Pars gas facilities to return to bombed sites to assist with repairs. Workers face active conflict conditions as well as environmental hazards from damaged pipelines and toxic leaks, yet the regime continues to push them back to sustain operations.

Janatan Sayeh is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian domestic affairs and the Islamic Republics regional malign influence.
Units from Israels National Rescue Unit (NRU) and Home Front Commands Search and Rescue Brigade search a building struck by an Iranian ballistic missile on April 6 in Haifa. Four people were killed in the attack. (Israel Defense Forces)

Irans increasing use of ballistic missiles containing cluster munitions has spread damage and harm across Israel. On April 6, as many as 50 sites were impacted by missiles and their cluster munitions.

Iranian cluster munitions struck roughly 50 locations across central Israel, wounding at least six, including a seriously wounded woman in Petah Tikva and a moderately wounded man in Ramat Gan, Haaretz reported. Iran has kept up its attacks on Israel every day since the US and Israel began airstrikes on Iran on February 28, 2026. Israel is also ramping up strikes on Iran, targeting infrastructure and other targets, and Israel is accelerating its production of Arrow missile interceptors to defend against attacks.

Iran has focused on using cluster munitions in its ballistic missile salvos since the first two weeks of the conflict. However, the proportion of these munitions has increased. By March 10, Israels Home Front Command said that 50 percent of the Iranian missiles contained cluster munitions. This has meant that although the number of missiles in each salvo may have decreased, the number of munitions falling on Israel has appeared to increase, according to reports of the number of impact sites in Israeli media. For security reasons, Israel does not release precise data on the quantity of missiles fired, how many of them are intercepted, or the number of impact sites.

On April 1, The Times of Israel reported that 12 missiles carrying conventional warheads with hundreds of kilograms of explosives [] struck populated areas in Israel, causing extensive damage. There have also been more than 30 incidents of missiles carrying cluster bomb warheads hitting populated areas, with over 200 separate impact sites. A ballistic missile attack on April 4, which led to at least 10 impact sites, illustrated how large an area can be affected by one missile with cluster munitions. Magen David Adom [Israels national emergency service] said teams were scanning multiple locations in Bnei Brak, Petah Tikva, Ramat Gan, Givatayim and Rosh HaAyin. Smoke was seen rising over parts of the Ramat Gan-Givatayim area, where at least one impact site was reported, Ynet noted. This is an area of around 20 square miles.

Irans missile attacks have continued daily. On April 7, several areas in central Israel were affected by debris from an attack. On April 6, four members of one family were killed when a missile warhead struck their apartment building in Israels northern city of Haifa. The warhead of the missile did not explode on impact, but the kinetic energy from the strike caused several floors of the building to collapse, burying the four victims under rubble. An Israeli Air Force probe found that the missile was not intercepted because the projectile broke up in the air, The Times of Israel reported. On April 4, several cluster munitions struck Tel Aviv in an area near the IDFs Kirya Headquarters. On April 1, 16 people were wounded in a cluster munition attack in Bnei Brak, near Tel Aviv.

Human Rights Watch has said that the cluster munition attacks are unlawful. At least four civilians have been killed in the strikes, which violate the laws of war and may amount to war crimes, the organization noted. Israels Foreign Ministry sent a letter to UNICEF on March 24, calling for the UN organization to condemn the missile attacks on Israel. Iran is launching ballistic missiles armed with illegal cluster munitions, spreading indiscriminate harmand children are among the victims, the ministry said.

As the war continues, Israels Ministry of Defense says the country is accelerating the production of Arrow missile interceptors. Arrow is the top tier of Israels multi-layered air defense system, which includes Davids Sling, Iron Dome, and other systems. Arrow was jointly developed with the US Missile Defense Agency. The decision will enable a significant increase in both the production rate and stockpile of Arrow interceptors, the ministry said.

On April 3, the IDF said it had carried out 70 strikes on Iran over the last day. Among the targeted infrastructure sites were launch sites storing ballistic missile launchers threatening the State of Israel, sites storing UAVs belonging to the Air Force of the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps], and air defense system facilities, the IDF said. The next day, the Israeli military said it had completed strikes aimed at damaging the Iranian regimes core systems and foundations. Among the targets was an Iranian petrochemical complex near Mahshahr, Iran. This complex was involved in producing chemicals for weapons, the IDF said.

The IDF said that it had struck a mobile ballistic missile launcher on April 3. In addition, the IDF killed Mohammad Reza Ashrafi Kahi, who it said was a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Oil Headquarters. In addition, the IRGC intelligence chief, Majid Khademi, was killed, according to an Israeli military statement on April 6.

On April 7, the IDF said that it was conducting a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting dozens of infrastructure sites belonging to the Iranian terror regime in several areas across Iran, according to a statement distributed by the Israeli military on WhatsApp. Among the targets of the campaign have been rail lines and bridges.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).
Many roads across Mayo were brought to a standstill today as hauliers, farmers, and protestors combined to take a stand against the hikes in fuel prices.

Since the first days of America's war with Iran, petrol, diesel, and home heating oil have surged in price, causing concerns amongst many in what is broadly perceived to be a serious cost-of-living crisis.

On Tuesday morning, as many were making their way back to work after the Easter holidays, protestors decided to take a stand.

The sight of tractors and lorries gathering was striking in Westport, Ballinrobe, Claremorris, Foxford, and Ballyhaunis as they weaved their way to Castlebar, pitching up for the day with the mission of making their voice heard.

One of those who was present as the convoys touched down in the county town was Councillor Chris Maxwell.

The Independent Ireland councillor was strong in his stance.

READ MORE: New fuel price app created by Mayo designer promises to make lives easier on customers

"The ordinary people of Ireland are out today. They cannot take any more," he stated.

"They've had enough of it, and they want to make their voice heard because the present government is not listening. It's as simple as that. We know it.

"People know it. There are people out today that cannot afford to put heat in their tanks. There are farmers out because the price of agricultural diesel has nearly doubled.

"Hauliers, bus operators, the ordinary person going about their business in their cars. Everyone is feeling the pinch."

There was no shortage of personal anecdotes from the Louisburgh native as he spoke to The Mayo News.

"I've bus operators out our way," he regaled, "that are afraid that they will not be able to honour the contracts because they are tied in a crisis that was adopted long before this crisis erupted and their bill has gone through the roof."

For him, the blame lies solely at the feet of the national government.

"It's the government's inaction that has brought this protest out today," said Cllr Maxwell. "Maybe it's greed on their part, we just don't know. But their tax take is astronomical. 65 cents on every euro.

"And the higher it goes, the more tax they take. And they give a little bit, and that's it. It's not good enough.

"We need to see green diesel for a start, brought down to one euro a litre at the least.

"Ordinary diesel, as you can see at the pumps, needs to come down to at least 1.60, 1.70, and the same with petrol."

Sinn Fein TD for Mayo, Rose Conway-Walsh, was also in attendance at the protest and has again called for urgent and immediate government action to address the escalating fuel and energy cost crisis.

Speaking after the protest, Teachta Conway-Walsh said: Fuel prices are still rising and people across Mayo are under enormous pressure, yet all we have gotten from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are half measures and excuses.

Todays protest in Castlebar reflects the real and growing anger among workers, families and key sectors of our local economy. It is part of a nationwide message to the government that people have had enough and need urgent support to heat their homes, fill their cars and put fuel in their machinery.

I am here to support the hauliers, bus drivers, contractors, farmers and all those struggling to keep their businesses going and to provide for their families. These people are the backbone of our rural economy in Mayo.

Our farmers are being expected to absorb increases to fuel costs and the cost of fertiliser, while all the Government has given them is a 3c per litre reduction on green diesel. They need meaningful tax cuts on green diesel, the planned carbon tax increases to be scrapped, and energy supports for fertiliser to prevent the soaring costs of production leading to price increases for the consumer.

People shouldnt have to give up a days work to demand the basic supports they need to survive. TDs should be in the Dail working with others to agree emergency measures to support people.

Sinn Fein has already written to the Taoiseach to reconvene the Dail this week to deal with this crisis. We have put forward practical, immediate solutions to get support to people now, especially households reliant on home heating oil, which have been left abandoned by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

Families are struggling to heat their homes, and businesses are on the brink because of soaring diesel and petrol costs. People are in crisis now, and they need support now.

I and Sinn Fein will continue to stand with workers, families and communities across Mayo. We will keep applying pressure and fighting for the supports that homes and businesses urgently need. This crisis demands real action, not delay and dithering from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.
The official launch of this years Darkness Into Light Kiltimagh took place over the weekend, marking the return of the important fundraising event to the East Mayo town.

The walk, in aid of Pieta House, will take place on Saturday, May 9, at 4.15 am, with participants gathering in the early hours to show support for those affected by suicide and self-harm.

The walk will begin at the Bocce Courts in Kiltimagh and follow a looped route of just under 5km through the surrounding areas of Cordarragh and Kilcon, finishing at dawn. The symbolic event begins in darkness and ends in daylight, representing hope and recovery.

Organised in support of Pieta and sponsored nationally by Electric Ireland, Darkness Into Light is one of the countrys most significant fundraising initiatives. In 2026, 190 walks will take place across 12 countries, following participation of over 80,000 people in 2025.

Now in its second year in Kiltimagh, organisers say the event is an opportunity for the community to come together in solidarity while raising vital funds for mental health services.

READ MORE: Former Taoiseach visits site of Daisy Lodge in Mayo

Chairperson Joe Corry, who leads the local organising committee, praised the communitys response to the campaign.

Suicide prevention and mental health support services are something we are all deeply passionate about, he said. We are delighted to organise Kiltimaghs second Darkness Into Light walk and to work alongside Pieta to bring this important event to our town once again.

He added that the walk is about more than fundraising. Its a powerful statement of hope, solidarity, and community support. We are asking everyone in Kiltimagh and surrounding areas to come out and walk with us.

The launch night was attended by several guest speakers, including Garda Sergeant Regina Carley, who highlighted the devastating impact of suicide on families and communities.

In my professional capacity, I have seen the grief that suicide causes, she said. That is why it is so important to support initiatives like Darkness Into Light, which help provide essential services for those in need.

READ MORE: I don't mind if people do or don't like painting of Croagh Patrick

Also present were members of the community who shared personal stories, including the family of Red Og Murphy, whose contribution added a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health awareness.

Attendees described the evening as both emotional and uplifting, with the Murphy familys contribution highlighting the real-life impact of suicide and the importance of support services.

Darkness Into Light is a nationwide initiative that sees communities across Ireland and beyond walk from darkness into dawn, symbolising hope and recovery.

Organisers in Kiltimagh are encouraging people from across the region to take part in this years event, with funds raised going directly towards providing free counselling and support services for those in crisis.

The walk is expected to draw strong local participation once again, building on the success of its return to the town last year.

READ MORE: Mayo event "Cycle, walk and talk" for tackling mental health issues to take place

If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this article, you can contact Pieta House day or night by calling them free of charge on 1800 247 247, texting them on 51 444, or visiting www.pieta.ie.
As a nationwide so called 'fuel protest' is taking place, causing traffic disruptions and delays, in Mayo and elsewhere, a creative mind has designed a tool, that might make the lives of drivers a bit easier.

Local convoys were started across the country, as they did in Castlebar this morning, and they're slowly moving towards regional meeting points in Galway, Cork, Limerick and Dublin.

Trucks, cars, vans are on their way, causing delays on some routes.

And in response to a fuel price hike which has taken place since the US-Israel war on Iran started, a web designer based in Mayo has come up with an idea to help people find cheaper options to buy their fuel from.

Alex Santos, from Westport, has already made waves as a designer of the 100 percent free app called passenger.ie, which helps especially older people to book tickets for public transport online.

Now, Santos has come up with an app where people can easily check fuel prices across the country.

The app works a bit like Google Maps. Users can zoom in and out to check their local town filling stations to find the cheapest option to buy fuel from.

You can find the app here. it's called fuelwatch.ie.

READ NEXT: National fuel protest to take place in Mayo town tomorrow morning
Fine Gael councillor Alma Gallagher has welcomed the allocation of 3 million to Ballyhaunis fire services under the States largest ever investment in fire and emergency services.

The 3 million funding will see the construction of a new, purpose-built, state-of-the-art station in Ballyhaunis.

The significant investment will see the relocation of the existing fire station, currently based on Clare Street, Ballyhaunis, to a new greenfield site within the required three-kilometre operational radius.

The current station has faced challenges, including inadequate parking and delayed response times due to increasing traffic congestion in the town centre.

Speaking on the announcement, Cllr Gallagher said the investment is hugely important for Ballyhaunis and the wider area:

The current fire station on Clare Street has served us well, but it is no longer fit for purpose, given the operational demands placed on our fire service. This new, modern facility will greatly enhance response capabilities and ensure the safety of our community for years to come, she said.

READ MORE: New fuel price app created by Mayo designer promises to make lives easier on customers

The new facility will be constructed to include a ground floor layout with adequate parking, along with dedicated male and female facilities to support firefighters on duty.

Mayo TD Keira Keogh has also welcomed the announcement, stating that without up-to-date equipment and vehicles, these responders cannot carry out their work.

I have been speaking with Station Officer Enda Caulfield in Ballyhaunis, who is delighted with the news, which was a long time coming but badly needed.

More support will be needed to get the project off the ground, but the allocation of funding is a huge step forward, she added.
Mayo MEP Maria Walsh will host the European Parliaments lead negotiator on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in Ireland this week, in a visit aimed at supporting the next generation of Irish farmers.

German MEP Norbert Lins will join MEP Walsh for a visit to UCD Lyons Farm in Co Kildare on Thursday 9 April, where they will meet with key stakeholders from across the agricultural sector to discuss generational renewal, young farmers and the long-term sustainability of Irish farming.

MEP Maria Walsh, a full member of the European Parliaments Agriculture Committee, said:

I am delighted to welcome the European Parliaments lead negotiator on the CAP to Ireland this week. Hosting my EPP colleague MEP Norbert Lins is an important opportunity to bring the realities facing Irish farmers into the heart of EU decision-making. My focus is on ensuring that MEP Lins hears directly from young Irish farmers to inform his work in Brussels.

READ NEXT: Its been unsettling - Mayo woman on not being able to return to Dubai

The visit will include engagement with young farmers, academics and leading agricultural stakeholders. Young farmers and generational renewal will be at the heart of MEP Lins time at UCD Lyons Farm, Co Kildare. As the lead negotiator on generational renewal, my focus is clear: we need a CAP that genuinely helps young farmers, supports farm families, and reflects the reality of farming life in Ireland today.

If we dont make farming a viable and attractive option for young people, we risk losing the backbone of rural Ireland. Im hearing every day from young farmers who want to stay on the land, but are being held back by cost, access and uncertainty. That has to change - and thats where CAP reform has to step up.

Bringing MEP Lins to Ireland is about making sure those real experiences are heard at EU level. Because if we get generational renewal right, were not just supporting farmers - were securing the future of our farming sector and rural communities right across Ireland.
WE all seem to be sure, that a photo can say more than a thousand words. And while that may well be true, sometimes the story behind a photo paints a different picture.

Mayo man Martin McDermott (73) was an eye witness to the much talked about launch of Artemis II into space. While he was able to take a few breath taking pictures of the rocket leaving earth for its moon mission, for McDermott the journey began almost sixty years ago. In 1969, he stayed up all night to watch the Apollo 11 moon landing live on RTE.

My whole family went off to bed, remembers McDermott: And my father was giving out to me, because I had school the next day, and I said, I have to see this, and he said, you'll see it on the news tomorrow, and I said, no, I want to be able to say that I saw it happening live, and he looked at me like I needed medication or something.

READ NEXT: Its been unsettling - Mayo woman on not being able to return to Dubai

Teenage Martin was made to wait. The moon landing was due to happen at about ten or eleven o'clock at night, but for one thing or another, it was delayed until about four in the morning: And RTE were struggling for those four extra hours, they were playing music, and they were doing religious broadcasts, and it was amazing the way they were struggling to keep the audience engaged. And then all of a sudden at about, I think it was about 3.50 in the morning, this very faint and grainy black and white image on a black and white TV.

He had stayed up all night to witness Neil Armstrong's famous words. That fascination for space programs proved to be a constant theme in McDermott's life. He has attended over 100 launches of NASA and SpaceX. He holds a yearly membership access to Kennedy Space Center. And he has even done some work them years ago.

GROUNDBREAKING

BEING there now and seeing Artemis II embarking on yet another groundbreaking, historic journey into space, completed a circle for Martin: It all started in 1969. Little did I realise, as a 16 year old looking at Armstrong touching the moon, from an old black and white TV, that someday I would be at the very spot and see a live launch of mans return to the moon.

The Artemis rocked launched into space as captured

by Martin McDermott on the spot in Florida.

He described the actual launch as an amazing experience. Louder and more visual than any previous launches I had seen. The vibration spread through the ground and into the crowd, causing shouts of delight from many.

The Kennedy Space Center in Florida, US. Pic: Martin McDermott

Up to 200,000 people saw the launch live in Florida. For a brief moment, political division, international conflicts were all forgotten. People acted in unison clapping, cheering and not a glum face anywhere. Amazingly, no protestors anywhere, none reported worldwide. For a brief moment the World cheered man's abilty to achieve great things in the service of humanity.

McDermott described the scene at the location, speaking to The Mayo News. He saw hundreds of amateur photographers with their phones held high. More professional photographers had found spots for tripods. Further up the chain were the media guys, contract and independents.

The photographer spends parts of the year in the US visiting family and doing photoshoots. McDermott was born in Dublin, but to Mayo parents, and always spent a lot of time here. Two of his daughters live in the county, and he has a house in Mulranny. Recently he was in Arizona and Utah photographing deserts and mountains as part of portfolios for clients.

For him, artistically, the photos from the Artemis II rocket show the groaning effort of the massive machine trying to escape Earths grip and gravity. Man fighting to escape the shackles and confinement of Earth.

The rocket seemed fluidic through the lens as heat haze from the engines caused a rippling effect along its length. Although this was a visual allusion, it makes the 100 meter monster craft look more like a balloon than something made of steel.

His passion for engineering is definitely in McDermott's family history, as his grandfather was one of the engineers that worked on the bridge in Newport town back in the 1890s. And he believes on his father's side, he is related to famous Irish Nationalist Michael Davitt.

An unforgettable occasion, even for an experienced photographer like Martin McDermott. He will be home in Mayo again this week.

View more of Martin's work: https://www.marty-mac.com/

READ NEXT: I don't mind if people do or don't like painting of Croagh Patrick

Martin McDermott taking aim for a photo. Pic: McDermott
Tonight will see one Mayo couple feature on national television as they are set to appear on RTEs Home of The Year programme.

Westport couple Erica Diamond Scahill and her husband Liam are set to feature on the popular RTE show as they are set to showcase their stunning home located close to the village of Aughagower to the public.

Erica, a fashion and interior enthusiast, shared the news on her Instagram as she posted No more keeping it a secret!! We are delighted to have our home featured on RTEs Home of The Year next Tuesday night. Will you be tuning in to see what the judges have to say?"

The couple are to share their renovations they have made at their home where they live along with their four children.

You can see the programme on Tuesday, April 7 on RTE One with the program starting at 7pm.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Erica Diamond Scahill | Interiors & Family (@erica_at_aderlia)

Design advice prize

To mark the occasion, SIRO, Irelands 100% fibre broadband network operator and sponsor of the show, is offering viewers the chance to win a private interior design consultation with Home of the Year judge Siobhan Lam.

One lucky winner will have the opportunity to receive personalised design advice from judge and interiors expert, Siobhan Lam.

Siobhan has significant expertise in interior design as a founder of April and the Bear, her interiors shop based in Rathmines, Dublin and her experience of having graduated from competing in the first series of Home of the Year in 2015 to becoming a judge on the show in 2025.

The lucky winner will enjoy expert design advice and practical tips from Siobhan to help enhance their home and make sure that it meets their needs and lifestyle.

Mayo residents can enter the competition by visiting SIROs Facebook and Instagram channels and following the entry instructions before the closing date of Monday, April 20. The draw will take place on Tuesday, April 21.

SIROs 100% fibre broadband network is available to over 9,000 premises across Mayo, including homes and businesses in areas such as Ballina, Castlebar, Claremorris, and Westport.
Most slipped discs heal without surgery if treated correctly and on time.

Highlights: Most slipped discs improve with non surgical treatment and time

Surgery is needed only in severe or complicated cases

Early care and lifestyle changes can support recovery and prevention

  Trusted Source

Overview: Slipped disc



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Slipped disc: Learn More - Surgery for a slipped disc



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Common Symptoms Of Slipped Disc And Nerve Compression

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Non Surgical Treatment Options For Slipped Disc

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Non-Surgical Approaches to the Management of Lumbar Disc Herniation Associated with Radiculopathy: A Narrative Review



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When Surgery May Be Needed For Slipped Disc

Recovery And Healing Time For Slipped Disc

How To Prevent Slipped Disc And Maintain Spine Health

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Which doctor should I consult for a slipped disc? A: You should consult an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist for proper evaluation of a slipped disc. Q: Do all slipped discs require surgery? A: No, most slipped disc cases improve with conservative treatment and do not need surgery. Q: How long does it take to recover from a slipped disc? A: Recovery from a slipped disc may take a few weeks to months, depending on severity and treatment. Q: Can exercise help a slipped disc? A: Yes, guided physiotherapy exercises can improve strength and reduce symptoms of a slipped disc. Q: What are the warning signs that need urgent care? A: Loss of bladder control or severe weakness requires immediate medical attention.

Overview: Slipped disc - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279472/) Slipped disc: Learn More  Surgery for a slipped disc - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279471/) Non-Surgical Approaches to the Management of Lumbar Disc Herniation Associated with Radiculopathy: A Narrative Review - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38398287/)

Editorial Note:The growing spread of health misinformation, particularly on social media, is a serious concern. Medindia is committed to exposing medical misinformation and provi ding evidence-based clarity on what is real and what is not.

A slipped disc, also known as a herniated or prolapsed disc, is a common spinal condition. It occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer. This can press on nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness (). Many people assume that surgery is the only solution for this condition. However, evidence shows thatand improve with conservative care ().Medical experts emphasize that treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and functional impact. In many cases, the body can gradually heal the affected disc over time. Non-surgical approaches are often effective in reducing pain and restoring mobility. Understanding the condition helps reduce fear and unnecessary interventions. Recognizingis important for informed decisions.Symptoms of a slipped disc vary depending on the location and severity of the problem. Common signs include. Some individuals may also experience. These symptoms occur due to pressure on nearby nerves. Understanding nerve compression symptoms helps in early identification.Pain may worsen with certain movements such as bending, lifting, or prolonged sitting. In some cases, symptoms may improve with rest and posture correction. Severe symptoms likerequire urgent attention. Recognizing warning signs is essential for timely care. Being aware of serious symptoms can prevent complications.Most cases of slipped disc can be managed with non surgical treatments. These include. Physiotherapy plays a key role in strengthening muscles and improving spinal support (). Exercises can help relieve pressure on nerves and reduce symptoms. Understanding conservative treatment options provides reassurance to patients.Other approaches, such as heat therapy, posture correction, and activity modification, can also help with recovery. Doctors may recommendto manage pain and swelling. Gradual return to normal activities is encouraged as symptoms improve. These methods are effective for a majority of patients. Recognizingsupports long-term recovery.Surgery is considered only in specific situations where conservative treatment fails or symptoms are severe.that does not improve after several weeks may require further evaluation.may also indicate the need for surgical intervention. Emergency symptoms such asrequire immediate attention. Understanding surgical indications helps in timely decision-making.The goal of surgery is to. Procedures are usually recommended after careful assessment by specialists. Not all patients are suitable candidates for surgery. Decisions are based on individual conditions and overall health. Recognizinghelps avoid unnecessary procedures.Recovery time for a slipped disc varies depending on the severity and treatment approach. Many individuals experience improvement within a few weeks with proper care. The body has the ability to heal and adapt over time. Following medical advice and maintaining consistency in treatment is important. Understandinghelps set realistic expectations.can support recovery and prevent recurrence. Avoiding heavy lifting and sudden movements is also recommended. Long-term lifestyle changes play a key role in spinal health . Patience and adherence to treatment plans are essential for success. Recognizingis important for better outcomes.Preventing a slipped disc involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle and proper body mechanics.helps strengthen the muscles that support the spine.reduces strain on the back. Avoiding prolonged inactivity is also important for spinal health. Understandingsupports prevention.can further reduce the risk of disc problems. Using proper lifting techniques helps prevent injury. Staying active and mindful of body movements can protect the spine over time. These simple habits can make a significant difference. Recognizinghelps maintain long-term health.Source-Medindia
The "paracetamol ice cream" was just a gimmick, but it highlights a real danger: disguising medicines in food can lead to unsafe dosing and severe liver damage.

Highlights: The viral paracetamol ice cream was a joke at a carnival in the Netherlands in 2016. It was never sold or approved

Mixing painkillers with food makes it impossible to track the dose- raising the risk of accidental overdose and liver damage

Paracetamol overdose is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand

Turning a painkiller into a dessert does not make it safer but makes the risk invisible

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Is paracetamol-infused ice cream sold in the Netherlands?



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What Is This Viral Paracetamol Ice Cream and Where Did It Come From?

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Was This Ice Cream Ever Actually Sold?

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Why Do Doctors Say This Trend Is Genuinely Dangerous?

Is India Already Taking Too Much Paracetamol Without Realizing It?

Could Foods with Medicine In Them Ever Be Legal?

The Big Takeaway

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is Paracetamol Ice Cream Real and Readily Available? A: No. It was made once as a carnival joke in 2016 in the Netherlands, never sold, and removed from display by health authorities. There is no commercially available paracetamol ice cream anywhere in the world. Q: Why Is Mixing Paracetamol With Food Dangerous? A: It makes it impossible to track your exact dose. Accidental overdose becomes a real risk, especially if you are also taking other medications that already contain paracetamol. Q: What Is The Maximum Safe Daily Dose of Paracetamol? A: For adults, the maximum is 4,000 mg per 24 hours. A single dose should not exceed 1,000 mg, taken no sooner than every 4 hours. Q: Can Paracetamol Really Damage The Liver? A: Yes. Paracetamol overdose is the leading cause of acute liver failure in several countries including the US and UK. Symptoms may not appear for 24- 48 hours, making it easy to miss until serious damage has occurred. Q: What Should I Do If I Have a Headache? A: Drink water, rest, and avoid screens. If needed, take a standard measured dose of paracetamol as directed. Avoid combining it with alcohol. If headaches are frequent or severe, consult a doctor.

Is paracetamol-infused ice cream sold in the Netherlands? - (https://www.dogrula.org/en/fact-checks/is-paracetamol-infused-ice-cream-sold-in-the-netherlands/)

A photo of ice cream labeled " Paracetamol 500 MG " keeps going viral every few years. In 2024 and 2025, it surfaced again - with thousands of shares across social media - with captions claiming a Dutch ice cream shop invented a " headache cure ." The story is compelling but it is also false. The ice cream was made once, in 2016, as a carnival joke by a small bakery in the Netherlands. It was never sold. Health authorities ordered it removed from display. And doctors say that even if it were legal, mixing paracetamol with food creates risks most people do not think about - risks serious enough to cause liver failure ().The story starts in February 2016 in Oudenbosch, a small town in the Netherlands. Jan Nagelkerke, owner of a patisserie called Maddy's, made what he described as a joke for the local carnival - ice cream infused with paracetamol tablets, marketed as the ultimate hangover cure.I threw away the rest of the ice cream; it definitely wasn't one of my best. This ice cream wasn't intended for consumption - we thought it could be a fun joke for the carnival. - Jan Nagelkerke, owner of Maddy's patisserie, NetherlandsThe 6-litre batch contained 20 painkiller pills and a splash of lemon juice. Only the producers tasted it. After seeing public reaction on Facebook, Nagelkerke consulted health authorities and quickly learned that making and selling ice cream with medicine was illegal. The product was removed from display before a single scoop left the counter.No. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) confirmed that such a product could not legally be sold. Their position was clear:If it contained a high amount of paracetamol - medical authorisation would be required.If it contained a small amount - it would still be classified as a "novel food" requiring European Commission approval. In either case, selling it without approval is illegal. What went viral was a photo of a shop window display. No commercial packaging. No distribution. No approved product. The same image has resurfaced in 2018, 2019, 2024, and again in 2025 - each time presented as a brand-new invention.Mixing paracetamol into food creates real health risks. The biggest concern: you cannot track how much you are taking. The maximum safe daily dose for adults is 4,000 mg. A standard single dose is 500 - 1,000 mg every 4 to 6 hours. Paracetamol is already the number one cause of acute liver failure in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.Key risks doctors flag:A 500 mg serving may seem harmless, but multiple scoops - or taking additional tablets alongside - can push total intake past safe limits without warning.Paracetamol is metabolised in the liver. Too much overwhelms its capacity, producing a toxic byproduct called NAPQI that destroys liver cells.Combining both dramatically increases the risk of liver failure - and a "hangover cure" ice cream assumes alcohol consumption.Paracetamol is already present in many cold, flu, and combination pain medications - adding it through food causes unintentional double-dosing.Signs of overdose may not appear for 24 to 48 hours, making the danger easy to miss until serious damage has occurred.According to the NHS and published medical literature, paracetamol overdose is responsible for approximately half of all cases of liver failure in the UK and around 40% in the US. Most cases are accidental, often caused by taking more than one paracetamol-containing product without realising.This viral trend is especially important in India, where people are already worried about how much paracetamol they are taking. Dolo-650, one of India's most popular paracetamol products, saw a huge rise in use during the COVID-19 pandemic and is still widely used, often without medical advice. "Indians take Dolo 650 like it's Cadbury Gems." - Dr. Palaniappan Manickam, an Indian-American gastroenterologist and health educator, wrote this in a viral post in April 2025.The Indian Academy of Pediatrics has warned that taking too much paracetamol or taking it without supervision can hurt the liver. Overdosing on paracetamol is one of the most common causes of drug-related liver damage in India. A viral trend encouraging people to consume medicine through dessert adds a new layer of risk to an already concerning pattern of casual painkiller use.Functional foods with drugs in them could exist in theory, but the standards are very high. It would need full approval from the government, strict controls on how much to take, clear labeling, and clinical evidence. It would have to be put into one of two categories: a pharmaceutical product or a new food.The paracetamol ice cream is a myth that will not melt. It started as a joke. It was never sold. It was flagged as illegal within days. And every time it resurfaces, it spreads without context - reaching people who may actually try to replicate it at home.Doctors are clear:, at a known dose, taken consciously. Hiding it in food removes every safeguard that makes paracetamol safe.For headaches, the advice is simple - stay hydrated, rest, and if needed, take a measured dose of paracetamol as directed. Never mixed with food. Never with alcohol. And always within the recommended limit of 4,000 mg per day.Source-Medindia
For many fintechs, onboarding is the first real product moment where trust, conversion, fraud prevention, and compliance all collide. A user may be excited to sign up, but that momentum can disappear quickly if the verification flow feels confusing, repetitive, or unnecessarily invasive. At the same time, teams cannot afford to make onboarding so lightweight that bad actors, money mules, synthetic identities, or deepfake-enabled applicants move through with little resistance.

That is why KYC onboarding experience matters so much. It is no longer just a compliance checkpoint. It is a core business workflow that shapes conversion, fraud exposure, customer trust, and operational cost all at once. The strongest companies are not simply trying to make onboarding faster. They are trying to make it smarter, more adaptive, and more precise.

This is a meaningful shift. The best onboarding experiences do not just ask for less information. They ask for the right information at the right time, using stronger context to decide when a user can move through quickly and when a higher-friction review path is justified.

Why traditional KYC onboarding often creates unnecessary friction

A lot of onboarding flows still treat verification as a static checklist. Every user gets roughly the same path, the same document request, and the same amount of friction regardless of how risky or trustworthy the session actually looks. That approach may feel operationally simple, but it usually creates two problems at once: too much friction for good users and too little precision against higher-risk ones.

When legitimate applicants are routed into manual review too often, conversion suffers. When risky applicants are not escalated early enough, fraud risk rises. In both cases, the issue is not just that the team needs stricter or looser controls. The issue is that the workflow is not adapting well enough to the risk context in front of it.

KYC friction is often a signal quality problem

Businesses often blame abandonment on user impatience, but many drop-offs happen because the system lacks enough confidence to make a clean decision. If the onboarding engine cannot distinguish low-risk users from suspicious ones, it applies too much caution too broadly. That leads to unnecessary step-ups, repeated capture attempts, and more manual intervention than the business can comfortably support.

This is why fintech teams increasingly focus on signal quality rather than just workflow speed. Better signals lead to better decisions, which usually means smoother onboarding for good users and better scrutiny for the cases that actually need it.

Manual review should be targeted, not overused

Manual KYC review still has an important role, especially for higher-risk or ambiguous cases. But when too many applicants land there, the business pays for it in slower approvals, lower conversion, and higher review costs. A modern KYC onboarding process works best when manual review is reserved for the situations where automated confidence is genuinely low, not where the system simply lacks enough context.

Risk-based KYC makes onboarding more usable

One of the clearest ways to improve onboarding performance is to stop treating every applicant as if they need the same verification depth. A risk-based KYC model allows teams to apply lighter friction where confidence is high and stronger checks where the risk profile is less clear.

That does not mean weakening controls. It means making them more proportional.

Step-up verification should be earned by risk

A good onboarding flow should not force every user through the heaviest possible verification path. It should be able to identify when a standard flow is sufficient and when step-up verification is warranted. That may depend on identity inconsistencies, document confidence, device posture, behavioral anomalies, suspicious geography, or linked fraud indicators.

This is where device intelligence and behavior biometrics become especially useful. They help teams understand whether the session itself looks trustworthy before they decide how much friction to introduce. Stronger device and behavior context can help reduce false positives while still strengthening onboarding fraud prevention.

Better precision improves both conversion and security

Risk-based onboarding creates a better user experience because it reduces unnecessary burden on legitimate customers. At the same time, it improves security because the business can focus more scrutiny on the sessions that truly deserve it. That is a much better operating model than applying blunt friction everywhere and hoping it catches the right people.

AI is changing what a strong onboarding experience looks like

As onboarding gets more complex, many teams are finding that rigid rules and static workflows are not enough to manage the volume and variation they face. AI is becoming more important not because it replaces compliance logic, but because it helps teams reason through messy, real-world onboarding conditions more effectively.

AI can support faster, more targeted verification

A strong AI-assisted onboarding system can help with document analysis, case prioritization, anomaly interpretation, workflow routing, and step-up decisions. That becomes especially valuable when the business is trying to balance low friction with strong fraud prevention across many user types and geographies.

The real advantage is not just automation. It is the ability to create more precise onboarding decisions without making the process feel heavy for everyone.

Human oversight still matters in higher-risk decisions

Even with AI in the workflow, high-impact identity and compliance decisions still need defensible oversight. The strongest model is usually one where automation handles routine confidence-building tasks while humans remain involved where ambiguity, higher risk, or regulatory sensitivity is present. That keeps the process efficient without sacrificing decision accountability.

Onboarding fraud prevention now depends on more than documents

Documents still matter, but they no longer tell the full story on their own. Fraudsters can manipulate identity materials, use stolen information, exploit weak verification logic, or rely on deepfake and synthetic identity techniques to make low-quality sessions appear trustworthy enough to pass basic checks.

Deepfake and synthetic identity risks are raising the bar

Modern onboarding has to account for manipulated media, identity spoofing, and applicants who look convincing at a surface level while showing deeper inconsistencies in behavior or environment. That makes onboarding fraud prevention much more than a document validation exercise.

Businesses need better ways to connect identity, behavior, device, and session context if they want to detect money mule activity, deepfake identity fraud, and other higher-risk onboarding abuse before it turns into downstream fraud loss.

Passive signals help reduce friction while improving trust

One of the most promising changes in onboarding design is the use of passive data collection and environmental context. Instead of asking the user to prove everything through repeated active steps, businesses can supplement the verification flow with background signals that help build confidence without interrupting the experience unnecessarily.

That makes the onboarding journey feel smoother while still improving security outcomes.

The best onboarding experiences are built across teams, not in silos

KYC onboarding is often owned by one team operationally, but its performance is shaped by decisions from product, compliance, fraud, data, and customer operations. When those teams optimize for different goals without coordination, the onboarding experience tends to get worse.

Conversion, compliance, and fraud should not be treated as separate problems

The strongest onboarding programs treat user experience, fraud prevention, and compliance as one connected design problem. A poor workflow can damage all three at once. It can lower conversion, create operational overload, and still leave dangerous gaps for bad actors. A better workflow improves all three by becoming more precise, more explainable, and more adaptive.

Better workflows improve operational efficiency too

A more intelligent onboarding system also helps internal teams. When step-up paths are used more selectively, when false positives fall, and when cases are prioritized better, compliance and fraud teams can work more efficiently. That reduces review bottlenecks and helps the organization scale onboarding without scaling manual effort at the same rate.

Why this matters now

As fintech competition increases, onboarding is becoming one of the clearest places where trust and usability can create real advantage. Users expect a process that feels fast and secure. Regulators still expect strong controls. Fraudsters continue to probe onboarding for weakness because it often determines who gets into the system in the first place.

That means the stakes are high. A weak KYC onboarding experience can hurt growth, raise fraud risk, and create long-term compliance drag. A strong one can improve conversion, reduce operational strain, and help the business make better trust decisions from the very beginning.

The companies that perform best will not be the ones that simply remove friction or add more checks. They will be the ones that build onboarding flows capable of adapting to risk with more precision. That is what turns KYC onboarding from a compliance hurdle into a true product and risk advantage.
After the failure of ORomeo, Shahid Kapoor is now gearing up for the release of his new rom-com Cocktail 2, a sequel to Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukones 2012 hit Cocktail. Besides Shahid Kapoor, the sequel also stars Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna and just like the prequel, the upcoming movie too is directed by Homi Adajania. Recently, the makers announced that the first song from the movie titled Jab Talak will be officially unveiled on April 8, 2026, and ahead of that, fans have been treated with new posters featuring hot and sultry looks of the three lead stars.

 Maddock Films Cocktail 2 New Poster Feat Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon & Rashmika Mandanna Out Now Sharing the poster, Shahid Kapoor announced the release date of the first song and also revealed the names of their respective characters from the movie. Shahid is named Kunal, Rashmika is Diya and Kriti is called Ally in the movie. Shahids caption read, #JabTalak first look drops tomorrow! Tab talak, meet the gang, you beautiful people #Kunal #Diya #Ally #Cocktail2. Check out the six new posters below:

 Maddock Films

 Maddock Films

 Maddock Films

 Maddock Films

 Maddock Films

 Maddock Films This is the first time Kriti Sanon will be seen in a swimsuit on the big screen, and she is carrying the look with utmost grace. In fact, going by the looks, all three of them are ready to set the big screen on fire. Reacting to the posters, one social media user praised Kriti and wrote, Those abs man Will watch for the plot. Another user commented, Kriti is absolutely gorgeous mannn. A third user reacted, Damn! Kriti looks fire. Check out some of the responses below:

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 Reddit

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Networks Northwest community planner Mike Szokola walks to the podium during a City of Manistee Planning Commission meeting on April 2, 2026 in the council chambers of city hall. Kyle Kotecki/Manistee News Advocate

MANISTEE  The City of Manistee Planning Commission is looking to increase child care opportunities through zoning changes.

Networks Northwest community planner Mike Szokola spoke with the commission last week to discuss Raising Manistee County's zoning solutions project.

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The Raising Manistee County coalition "represents a collaborative effort involving dedicated professionals from various regional agencies united by a singular objective: enhancing the quality of child care within Manistee County," according to the Manistee County Community Foundation website.

The coalition is supported by a Rural Readiness Grant from the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity, along with project partners.

Szokola spoke with the commission about increasing community education about the early childhood system, promoting and increasing access to existing support opportunities for child care businesses and increasing the available child care supply.

"There are other goals in this initiative, but these are primarily what we're looking at," he said. "... It's part of a broader effort. So when you guys are looking at this, know that there is more going on than just what we're doing tonight."

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Szokola said 44% of families in Michigan live in areas classified as child care deserts, which means there are three or more children competing for one licensed child care slot.

City of Manistee Planning Commission member Pamela Weiner (left), chair Mark Wittlief and commission member Shelly Memberto participate in a regular meeting April 2, 2026 in the council chambers of city hall. Kyle Kotecki/Manistee News Advocate

"Really, with child care, it's not just here in Manistee that's having problems with it  it's regionwide, it's statewide," he said.

The planning and consulting firm McKenna audited the city's zoning regulations in 2024 at no cost to the city.

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McKenna offered the city a number of suggestions, such as making group child care homes a permitted use instead of a special use and updating definitions to meet state compliance and provide uniformity throughout the county.

Szokola said if the commission approved a motion to begin the process of making ordinance changes to encourage child care, the community foundation would award the city a $500 grant to cover the cost of updating.

"This could be used for newspaper notices, mailings, whatever. ... It would give a little break for the city on paying for that," he said. "And then if you guys want us, ... I will come back in and talk to not only you guys if you need help, but if you continue forward or if you need to go to the city council and one of the amendments goes up there, I can be in attendance for that if you wish."

Commission member Mick Szymanski made the motion and it was unanimously supported. Commissioners Roger Yoder and Marlene McBride were absent from the meeting.

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"I think in particular, making (child care) permitted by right makes a whole lot of sense," Szymanski said.

Szokola said the planning commission has the ability to waive permitting and inspection costs, reduce the cost for utility hook-ups, reduce requirements for site plan reviews and reduce discretionary regulation to increase the economic viability of a child care facility in the city.

"You guys as a planning commission are able to waive certain fees when they come in, or your zoning administrator can also say, 'If a child care facility's coming in and there's no structural difference, we're not going to make them do that (topography survey),'" he said. "... Those are things that you can guys also look to do."

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Amendments to the zoning ordinance require public hearings before the planning commission can recommend changes to city council.

The planning commission could also update the city's master plan to include enhancing child care as a community goal, Szokola said.

"Also, we tell you to look at the Redevelopment Ready Communities Child Care Readiness Toolkit that's out there, and it can help you kind of set your goals and objectives on those," he said. "This could also in the future make it available for your community to apply for grants that might be child care-related, so it's really important that you're looking to do this if you haven't already."
Presidential finalist Michelle Allmendinger answers a question during an interview with the Delta College Board of Trustees on April 6, 2026. Dan Chalk/Midland Daily News Members of the Delta College Board of Trustees listen to an answer from presidential finalist Michelle Allmendinger (not seen) during an interview on April 6, 2026. From left are Barbara Handley-Miller, Alexis Thomas, Michael Rowley, Chair Stacey Gannon, Vice Chair Arshen Baldwin, and Diane Middleton. Dan Chalk/Midland Daily News Presidential finalist Michelle Allmendinger (center) answers a question during an interview with the Delta College Board of Trustees on April 6, 2026. Trustees pictured are (from left) Alexis Thomas, Michael Rowley, Chair Stacey Gannon, Vice Chair Arshen Baldwin, and Diane Middleton. Not seen is Trustee Barbara Handley-Miller. Dan Chalk/Midland Daily News

Delta College presidential candidate Michelle Allmendinger answered 16 questions from the Delta College Board of Trustees on Monday, April 6 as the first of the three finalists to be interviewed for the position this week.

Allmendinger, who is Vice President of Student Affairs of Southeastern Community College in Burlington, Iowa, spent most of the day on the Delta main campus, culminating in the 80-minute interview held during a special meeting of the board in the evening.

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Delta College Enrollment: 9,091 students Tuition and fees for 2025-26: $4,910 Average student's age: 24 Enrollment status: 67% part-time, 33% full-time

The other two finalists, Delta College Vice-President of Instruction and Learning Services Reva Curry and Glen Oaks Community College Vice President of Academics Adam Cloutier, will interview with the board on Tuesday and Friday, respectively, both during 7 p.m. special meetings.

The Board of Trustees will hold an additional special meeting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, to choose the new president, who will take office on July 1. A total of 63 candidates applied for the position.

Allmendinger graduated from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, where she was a first-generation college student, a two-sport athlete, and earned a double major in English and Secondary Education. She began her professional career as a high school English teacher and part-time college coach before transitioning into full-time collegiate coaching.

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Allmendinger earned her masters degree in Sport Sociology and Sport Psychology from the University of WisconsinMilwaukee and spent six years coaching womens college tennis and softball full-time before moving into higher education administration as Athletic Director and Assistant Dean of Students at Scott Community College (Iowa).

In 2018, she earned a doctorate in Higher Education Administration at Michigan State University. Allmendinger then served as Dean of Student Development at Clinton Community College (Iowa) for five years before taking her current position in May 2023.

Over the course of the interview, Allmendinger discussed the need to formulate Delta's next strategic plan, which will begin in 2027; changing a "you vs. them" mindset into "you and them vs. the problem" in order to reach solutions; and her emphasis on having a shared goal and collaborative efforts that helped her succeed as an athletic director.

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Allmendinger said the area of student recruitment, retention and success is "my wheelhouse" and described the experience of helping a student succeed who was a military veteran and first-generation college student.

Several times, the candidate referred to the success of the RISE (Retention Initiative with Support & Encouragement) program at Clinton Community College. RISE students take part in at least 25 hours of college events and activities each semester while receiving a stipend.

Allmendinger also described her experience with collective bargaining, managing a budget, and working with a board of trustees.

As a leader, she said she is a bridge builder and a consensus builder.

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"But decisions sometimes have to be made in the moment," Allmendinger added, describing a time when as the Scott athletic director, she recommended the firing of a coach who did not show up for a meeting with Allmendinger and the Scott president after the coach had engaged in questionable conduct.

Allmendinger said one of her strengths is building relationships after moving to a new job and a new community.

"I've lived in seven states. Building relationships is very important and something I've worked hard to do in every place I've been," she said.

When the tables were turned and the board gave Allmendinger the chance to ask them questions, she asked what issues would require the new Delta president's immediate attention.

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Trustee Alexis Thomas said building connections and trust with Delta's various communities is important work that needs to be continued. Trustee Diane Middleton brought up the Bay City bridge tolls, which she stated are $11 round trip, as a pressing issue for Delta students who live east of the Saginaw River in Bay County and points east.

After the meeting, Allmendinger expressed gratitude for the opportunity to interview to become the new leader of Delta.

"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to be interviewed and to meet the faculty, staff and students. It's a very impressive college," Allmendinger said. "I would absolutely be honored to become the president of Delta College."

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Toastmasters International is aiming to fill multiple leadership positions for its Ferris State University chapter. Austin Chastain/Pioneer Photo

A professional learning program under Toastmasters International at Ferris State University is aiming to fill leadership roles.

The Distinguished Dawgs Toastmasters chapter at Ferris State has several leadership roles to be filled including the president, vice president of education, VP of membership, VP of public relations, secretary, treasurer and sergeant at arms, according to an email from Ferris State College of Business assistant professor Scott Dell.

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Toastmasters is an international professional learning program that puts an emphasis on professional communication, public speaking, leadership and becoming a more polished professional.

The next Toastmasters meeting is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, April 9, in room BUS 111 in the Ferris State College of Business building located at 119 South St. in Big Rapids. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are welcome to join.
Michigan woman vanishes in Bahamas after falling from small boat Cavan Images / Chris Hannant Pho/Getty Images/Cavan Images RF

Authorities are investigating the disappearance of a Michigan woman who went missing in the Bahamas over the weekend after reportedly falling from a small boat in rough conditions and prompting a multi-agency search.

Lynette Hooker, of Lenawee County, was identified Monday by Hope Town Volunteer Fire and Rescue, according to CBS news.

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A photo of the missing woman Lynette Hooker on the couples Instagram account "The Sailing Hookers." Instagram/@the_sailing_hookers

Her husband told police the couple left Hope Town for nearby Elbow Cay around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. The trip is typically just a short ride, a few miles, but conditions were reportedly poor that night.

The couple, from Onsted, about 70 miles southwest of Detroit, were trying to return to their yacht, Soulmate, in an 8-foot hard-bottomed dinghy when Hooker fell overboard.

She was holding the boat's key, causing the engine to shut off, and strong currents quickly carried her away, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

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Her husband said he lost sight of her in the water and had to paddle back to Marsh Harbour, arriving around 4 a.m. Sunday to report her missing.

Officials say Hooker was wearing a black bathing suit at the time. Search crews continued looking for her Monday.

She apparently bounced out of the boat, Hope Town Volunteer Fire and Rescue Chief Troy Pritchard recently told CBS News. Theyve been out again today. We still havent found anything.

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The couple had spent the past couple of years documenting their life at sea on social media under the name "The Sailing Hookers." Hours before her disappearance, the couple posted a photo of a small boat in shallow, murky water with the caption, "Not going anywhere for a while?!"

"The Sailing Hookers" last Instagram post before the disappearance. Instagram/@the_sailing_hookers

The U.S. State Department has warned travelers to use caution when boating in the Bahamas, noting that regulations can be limited and accidents have led to injuries and deaths. Officials urge visitors to closely follow weather and marine alerts.

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After residents raised safety concerns, Huron County road officials explained the engineering process for stop sign placement. Janos Varga/Getty Images

Residents questioned what the criteria is for determining the placement of traffic signs during the Huron County Road Commission's March 26 meeting. To help residents better understand, the road commission's County Highway Engineer Clayton Wehner explained those decisions are guided by a formal engineering process that determines whether changes are warranted.

A month before the meeting, longtime road commission employee Dan Deer was critically injured in a car crash at the intersection of Port Hope Road and Filion Road after another driver ran a stop sign. The intersection holds personal significance, the family said, because his wife, Amy, was killed at the same intersection 20 years ago in a separate crash involving a driver who also failed to stop.

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As a result, residents packed the meeting to urge the road commission to do something to help prevent future serious or fatal crashes. Some of the solutions suggested by community members include installing rumble strips, stop signs with flashing lights or solar-powered cameras to detect drivers running the stop sign.

So what determines whether a stop sign is installed?

According to Wehner, a nationwide rulebook called the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices includes criteria, referred to as warrants, that must be considered when implementing traffic control devices at intersections.

"Warrants typically include factors based on traffic volume, number of intersecting roads, traffic speeds, sight distance and crash history," he said. "The Manual is used by all road agencies within the country to help standardize traffic control."

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He stressed that all factors are equally considered and that engineering judgment is used to come to a determination.

When it comes to reviewing or evaluating intersections, Wehner explained that traffic counts are conducted at sites periodically to gather updated traffic data. Any crashes at the intersection are also uploaded to a state database each year.

This information becomes even more important if residents request a new traffic sign be placed, as all the data is reviewed before a decision is made.

"The intersection is then visited to assess sight distance," Wehner said. "If updated traffic data is necessary, new traffic counts are performed. The new information is then used to reference the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices to determine if a change to the intersection is warranted."

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However, if a stop sign is not warranted, alternative solutions may include installing stop-ahead signs, removing obstructions or applying reflective sheeting to the signposts.

As Wehner explained, "Installing stop signs where they are not warranted can increase rear-end crashes and may cause an increase in driver disobedience leading to more accidents."

Tom Donnellon, the road commission manager, explained that traffic counters will be placed at the intersection of Port Hope Road and Filion Road for five days to start gathering new data.

"Right now, we're taking our traffic counters out there," he said. "We have wireless traffic counters that we can sometimes get the speed on  we can always get the amount of cars but the speed is not always accurate because it's not like a radar gun, like in a cop car."

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At the end of the five days, the information is downloaded and the traffic counter is returned at a different time to get a better feel for peak travel times.

"Our area, and Michigan in general, is quite seasonal," Donnellon said. "Once farming starts, our traffic counts change. Obviously it's easier to get an average throughout the year, but it's nice to know the peak times too."

More information is not available yet as Wehner said the traffic study is currently underway.

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"Once the new data is available, it will be reviewed to determine if a change in traffic control is warranted," he said.
President Donald Trump speaks about the conflict in Iran in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House on April 6, 2026, in Washington, DC. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images President Donald Trump holds a Press Conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on April 6, 2026 in Washington DC. China News Service/China News Service via Getty Ima

As the United States of America marks its 250th anniversary this year, the relationship between the states and the federal government is approaching a breaking point.

Led by President Donald Trump, the executive branch has moved to dominate states, resulting in more than a year of escalating confrontations between the two levels of government.

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Trump has worked quickly: In the first year of his second term, he surged thousands of immigration enforcement agents into a resistant Minneapolis and other cities, with fatal results. He seized control of the National Guard in some states against the will of governors.

His administration is trying to force states to turn over sensitive data on millions of voters ahead of the midterms. And it is blocking states from receiving, and distributing to their residents, billions of federal dollars for child care, public health, housing and a host of other congressionally approved programs.

Political parties have swung in and out of power in Washington for centuries, and recent administrations have increasingly clashed with states run by the other party. This time is different, dozens of sources in and around government told Stateline.

Trump and a coterie of loyal aides have set out to remake the nation in the presidents image. Along the way, retribution and raw power have become the administrations primary tools to bend recalcitrant states to its will. Grants are pulled, armed force deployed, disaster aid withheld.

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The states have repeatedly gone to court, asking the federal judiciary to rein in the executive branch. They have also started testing the bounds of their own authority, such as moving to restrict the actions of federal immigration enforcement agents.

The past year has led to a period of sustained state and federal conflict without parallel in modern U.S. history. The consequences for Americans over time will prove enormous, shaping the very nature of our government.

This kind of battle between the federal government and the states, weve just never seen that before and it makes no sense, said former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, who was elected as a Republican but later helped co-found the centrist Forward Party.

Tensions between the states and the central government are as old as the nation itself. Alexander Hamilton famously favored a strong central government, while James Madison offered the Bill of Rights  including what became the 10th Amendment, which reserves for the states and the people those powers not delegated to the federal government.

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But current strains are testing the bedrock principles of federalism, the uniquely American system created by the framers of the Constitution of power sharing between Washington, D.C., and the states.

Ahead of the 250th anniversary of the countrys founding on July 4, Stateline is exploring how the Trump era is transforming the relationship between the states and the federal government. This article is the first in an occasional series, The 50 vs. The One, that will examine the current fraught moment and what evolving  and often deteriorating  state-federal ties mean for the country, now and in the future.

In interviews and public remarks, current and former elected officials at all levels of government, as well as experts on American government, have described the country as approaching a pivot point. Trumps second term could mark a defining moment for American federalism, one that will be studied in history books alongside Reconstruction, the New Deal and the Civil Rights Movement.

The United States will either continue to adhere to the principles of federalism, they say, or it will take a significant step toward a more powerful central government that sidelines the states.

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We are in a period of challenged federalism, said Lisa Parshall, a federalism researcher and political science professor at Daemen University near Buffalo, New York. The fact that were here talking about federalism tells you something about the current state of American politics.

Dramatic changes in a year

Fears of diminishing state authority have animated state officials over the past year. Republican lawmakers in Utah have invested in federalism education and expanded a group to assess state-federal boundaries, for instance.

In July, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, both Democrats, publicly abandoned the nonpartisan National Governors Association, in part because they said the organization was not doing enough to protect states rights.

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States are laboratories of democracy, Kelly said during an interview in February, using a classic civics textbook description. States have traditionally operated with relative freedom to pursue their own agendas and solutions to the challenges they face. In turn, states learn from one another.

Thats been the beauty of it, Kelly said. If thats to go away, if the federal government were  and they are, at this point  undermining states authority and responsibility, I think you end up slowing down the entire country.

In the same way the three branches of government  the legislative, the executive and the judicial  provide checks and balances on one another, federalism imposes a state check on federal power. The U.S. Constitution, which went into effect in 1789, ensured states would command broad power over local commerce, policing, elections and other matters within their borders.

But Trump has at times raised doubt about whether he will always follow the Constitution and has claimed that he can ignore some of its requirements.

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Last spring, Trump replied I dont know when asked whether he needed to uphold the U.S. Constitution in the context of due process for immigrants. In 2022, he said massive election fraud allows parts of the Constitution to be terminated. And after his 2020 election defeat, he urged then-Vice President Mike Pence not to certify the results, even though the vice president has no constitutional authority to do so.

In February, Trump asserted that states are just an agent of the federal government as he called to nationalize elections. Under the Constitution, the responsibility of running elections belongs to the states.

Trumps critics fault the Republican-controlled Congress for failing to challenge his sweeping assertions of executive power. His administrations efforts to withhold from states billions in dollars appropriated by Congress, for instance, have spurred relatively little outrage among GOP lawmakers.

What I think were seeing now is a whole different system of crushing state and local government, said U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Missouri Democrat who has been in Congress since 2005. And bowing down to a new system where we are almost living in a one-person government.

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In response to questions from Stateline, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said in a statement: The Trump Administration faithfully upholds our Constitution and the immortalized American principles of federalism, the rule of law, and the separation of powers.

Trump and his allies have cast the president as a heroic figure capable of smashing through the machinery of government to achieve results on behalf of his voters and at the expense of his enemies. For those who have been wronged and betrayed  I am your retribution, he said in 2023.

He has at times taken steps that his supporters argue empower states, including effectively gutting the U.S. Department of Education, which Republicans have long accused of federal overreach. His appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court during his first term helped cement a conservative majority that in 2022 returned the issue of abortion access to the states.

In a statement, the Republican Governors Association told Stateline the current administration trusts governors to run their own states.

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By cutting government bureaucracy and unnecessary red-tape, President Trump is empowering governors to make decisions that best serve their individual states, wrote Kollin Crompton, an RGA spokesperson.

Scrambled identities

The U.S. Constitution has been gradually amended in ways that have limited state power, most importantly through amendments that abolished slavery, required states to treat their citizens equally under the law, and prohibited states from denying suffrage on the basis of race and sex.

The federal government has also expanded its reach through legislation. President Franklin Roosevelts New Deal in the 1930s and President Lyndon Johnsons Great Society in the 1960s imposed new economic regulations and created a federal social welfare apparatus that touches nearly every American.

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Over time, Democrats broadly came to be seen as the party more comfortable with an active federal government and Republicans as the party seeking a more restrained Washington.

But the Trump era has scrambled those identities.

Trump has shown less respect for traditional conservative ideology, such as limited government and a general deference to the authority of states. Instead, he has taken a maximalist approach to executive power.

His actions have placed Democratic state officials in a position of advancing limits on the federal government, whether through lawsuits or legislation. And they have put Republican supporters of the president at odds with decades of conservative rhetoric.

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I do think that progressives are seeing that federalism  theres a reason its in our constitutional order and it isnt just something thats left for conservatives, said Sean Beienburg, an associate professor at Arizona State University who researches federalism and constitutional law.

In Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland, Oregon, Trump deployed federalized National Guard troops onto city streets before courts held him back and he withdrew. For a time, active-duty Marines also patrolled Los Angeles, an extraordinary use of the military for domestic purposes.

Oregon Democratic Attorney General Dan Rayfield, who challenged the deployment of the National Guard in his state, said the fight underscores why lawsuits matter in checking Trumps power.

People should be shocked that Oregon has filed 55 lawsuits, Rayfield said in an interview earlier this year. Their mind should be blown. But their mind should be equally blown at how often were winning these cases.

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The Trump administration has won seven court decisions  and lost 58  so far, according to a New York Times litigation tracker.

Democratic state lawmakers have also searched for ways to restrict federal immigration agents. In California, Democratic Assemblymember Alex Lee has proposed prohibiting state tax breaks for Immigration and Customs Enforcement contractors  a move that could carry national implications because of the size of the states economy.

We also, now, are reasserting what the role of the states and the federal government are, Lee said.

But among Republicans, Trump has successfully maintained his grip. Many conservative state leaders have supported the presidents most controversial moves, even those criticized as federal overreach.

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During President Joe Bidens term, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott was a staunch proponent of state autonomy and repeatedly challenged the federal government on regulatory issues and its deployment of a states National Guard. But Abbott has supported Trumps expansion of federal powers, going so far as to authorize the deployment of the Texas National Guard to aid immigration enforcement in Illinois and Oregon.

Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Justice, the previous governor of West Virginia, said federalism remains alive and well under Trump. He said he was worried about the nations trajectory before coming to Washington in 2025.

Weve had to change things, he said. Theres new things that are going on that no question theyre disrupting folks on the other side of the aisle.

Still, other Republicans have pushed back on the administrations escalating hostility toward liberal states.

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Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt sharply criticized the deployment of the National Guard, saying Oklahomans would lose their mind if a Democratic-controlled state sent troops to his state during Bidens presidency. He has warned that the expanding power and spending of the federal government is dangerous no matter which party controls Washington.

When we have this powerful of a federal government, it should be frightening for everyone, Stitt said during a February event at The Pew Charitable Trusts in Washington, D.C.

States created the Constitution

As the reach of the federal government ballooned over generations, Democratic and Republican presidents have used federal funding to wield more influence over state and local governments.

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Federal dollars account for an increasingly large percentage of state revenues, rising from 22% in 1989 to 36% in 2023, according to Pew, which analyzed census and federal economic data. States received more than $1 trillion in federal grants that year.

Over the years, that largesse has encouraged states to pursue policy agendas favored by the current party in power at the federal level.

But Trump has weaponized federal funds in unprecedented ways, experts say. Bypassing Congress and despite numerous court losses, the White House has held up funding for higher education, transit, housing and infrastructure  particularly for states that displease him.

The administrations attempts to terminate funding for the $16 billion Gateway rail tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey remain entangled in a lawsuit. New Jersey Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill said the White House has caused millions in cost overruns and delays, in what she characterized as the most urgent and consequential infrastructure project in the country.

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In February, Politico reported Trump told congressional leaders he would release funding for the project in exchange for renaming Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia and Penn Station in New York City in his honor.

Parshall, of Daemen University, noted that more state leaders of both parties are pushing to reassert state-federal boundaries  whether in the areas of agriculture or the future of artificial intelligence.

Federalism scholars are seeing this as a potentially pivotal moment in federal-state relationships, she said.

Last August, elected leaders gathered at the National Conference of State Legislatures in Boston, where in 1773 colonists hurled chests of tea into the Boston Harbor in protest of Great Britains King George III. At the conference, lawmakers grumbled about a federal government increasingly sidelining states. That organization, representing more than 7,000 state and territory legislators, has consistently urged the Trump administration to respect states inherent authority.

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In December, a bipartisan group of more than 40 lawmakers from 30 states gathered to discuss federalism issues, unanimously approving a declaration on the importance of states ability to legislate independently. That document noted that the Constitution did not create the states, but rather the states created the Constitution, ratifying a framework in which we would both govern collectively and independently.

New Hampshire state House Speaker Sherman Packard, a Republican, said state-federal tensions have been mounting for decades. He noted that the major tax and spending law the president signed last summer  often called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act  both cut federal funding to states and saddled them with new costs and administrative work. But its just the latest example of what he views as a federal government overstepping its bounds.

And its getting more and more prolific that theyre taking on and doing things that most of us feel is inappropriate, Packard said. If we dont fix this, were going to lose state sovereignty altogether. And thats just not the way it was set up.

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A new Pew Research Center survey finds that a majority of Republicans now say that the United States doesnt benefit much if at all from being part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), marking the first time that a majority of Republicans have expressed such a view.

The war launched Feb. 28 by the United States and Israel against Iran has resulted in traditional allies of the U.S. remaining neutral, not wading into a conflict thats led to deaths, destruction, and a crippling oil chokepoint that has caused crude oil prices to spike. The alliances 32 nations have largely remained out of the public fray affecting the Middle East as negotiations between the countries at war remain ongoing though have so far led nowhere.

This ambivalence between NATO and the U.S., and more specifically the Trump administration, is not new or unique. President Donald Trump has been critical of NATO since his first term, though relations have arguably reached their lowest levels in recent yearsnotably with a clear disconnect between the U.S. and allies as part of its endeavor to occupy Greenland.

NATOs view among Americans, according to the Pew survey of 3,507 adults conducted from March 23-29 and published April 6, has simmered. Republicans especially have soured on the alliance and the perceived benefits to the U.S., with 60% believing the U.S. benefits not too much or not at all from being part of the allianceup from 50% in 2025.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during the launch of the NATO Secretary General's Annual Report for 2025 at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, March 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

About 4-in-10 Republicans and GOP-leaning independents (38%) said the U.S. benefits a great deal or a fair amount from being part of NATO, which is down from 49% last year.

Moira Fagan, a research associate on Pews Global Attitudes team, told Military.com on Monday that Republican general favorability of NATO has been relatively consistent over the last few years even as the share of Republicans who believe the U.S. benefits from being a part of NATO is dropping.

We see an interesting distinction in the survey results between how Republicans see NATO as a whole and if they believe the U.S. benefits from membership in the alliance, Fagan said. While 42% of Republicans express a positive view of NATO in general this year, this is not statistically different from the 45% of Republicans who said this last year.

We see similarly low favorability numbers among Republicans in previous years, including across different presidential administrations.

There has been significant movement in the declining share of Republicans who say the U.S. benefits from being a member of NATO, Fagan added, finding that although the trend is not as extensive as with NATO favorability, a fairly consistent downtrend trend has been observed among Republicans who think the U.S. benefits from NATO membership.

NATO Approval Along Party Lines

Democrats sentiments, meanwhile, have not changed significantly.

As a majority of Americans (59%) continue to say the U.S. benefits from being a member of NATO, the number is propped by Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents82% of whom see benefits for the U.S.

Such numbers, according to Pew, have remained relatively stable over the past five years and factors like age have not led to party-specific rifts.

Demonstrators carry an effigy of U.S. President Donald Trump during an anti-NATO protest in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, April 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)

Thats not the case with those who identify as Republicans, however. Pew found that younger Republicans aged 18-49 are more likely than those 50 or older to say the U.S. benefits from being part of the alliance (42% vs. 33%, respectively).

While a majority of Republicans are confident that Trump can make good decisions when it comes to U.S. policy toward Iran, fewer Republicans and Democrats say this now compared to last August, Fagan said.

Republicans are also more likely than Democrats to say that military action against Iran will make their people better off, while Democrats are more likely to say it will make the Iranian people worse off.

A majority of respondents (57%) cited a favorable view of NATO in general, with agreement mostly consistent within the past year. However, Republicans are much less likely than Democrats to express a favorable view of the alliance (42% vs. 75%, respectively), part of a years-long trend.

Overall American approval of NATO shifted in April 2022, according to Pew, which was two months after Russia invaded Ukraine as part of the still ongoing war in Eastern Europe.

NATO a 'Paper Tiger'

The survey also occurred prior to an interview of Trump conducted by The Telegraph, in which the U.S. president described NATO as a paper tiger. Trump also stated that discussions are happening at the White House regarding reviewing membership, with administration officials weighing in on pulling out of the alliance entirely.

While Trumps anti-NATO sentiment cannot be directly correlated to the findings of the survey and how it pertains directly to Republicans, Fagan said one could glean how such rhetoric can impact swaths of supporters.

We see a notable decrease in the share of Republicans who see NATO membership as a benefit between our spring 2025 survey and this years surveya time period that coincides with negative rhetoric from the president concerning NATO on a series of foreign policy issues, Fagan said, adding how Trumps unfavorable comments existed for years now, and that Republicans general favorability of the alliance has not shifted significantly over the past year.

When it comes to Americans confidence in Trump in relation to working effectively with NATO, 63% reported lacking confidence. This, too, fell largely among party lines as about 6-in-10 Republicans (62%) expressed confidence compared with 11% of Democratsthe latter including approximately two-thirds saying they are not at all confident in Trumps ability to work effectively with the alliance.

The survey had a margin of error of +/- 1.9 percentage points.
A three-person family stranded in a vessel in Micronesia for a week was rescued Monday by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The service announced Tuesday that search and rescue operations conducted by the Legend-class cutter USCGC Midgett (WMSL 757) crew located the familytwo men and one womanin a 23-foot single-outboard skiff floating in the waters off the coast of Chuuk State, the most populous of the four Micronesia states that compose the country and its more than 600 islands in the Pacific Ocean.

The operation was kickstarted by a report issued Easter Sunday from authorities in the Federated States of Micronesia and the U.S. Embassy, warning that the vessel was overdue. Midgett is stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii.

"National Security Cutter crews spend most of their time executing maritime law enforcement missions, often with our international partners, Capt. Brian Whisler, commanding officer of Midgett, said in a statement. SAR [search and rescue] cases like this one are not routine for our platform."

Our bridge watchstanders spotted the small skiff in rough seas just after midnight, and that kind of situational awareness does not happen by accident. It is what this crew trains for, and I could not be prouder of how they performed.

The family departed Fananu Island on March 30 for what was described as a short passage to Murillo Island, though they never reached their destination after a single outboard engine failed and left them stranded in open seas. The predicted search area reportedly exceeded 14,000 square nautical miles in rough seas, with waves reaching 10 feet.

A U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point in Kapolei, Hawaii, carries a cargo bag offshore Oahu Jan. 15, 2025. The crew of the national security cutter USCGC Midgett (WMSL 757) conducted flight operations with the helicopter crew at the start of their 76-day patrol throughout Oceania. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jennifer Nilson)

All passengers onboard came away unscathed and were safely delivered to Weno, in Chuuk State, for further transport to Fananu Island.

Jennifer Johnson, U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, said in a statement that the mission exemplifies the spirit of cooperation and mutual support at the heart of the Compact of Free Association, underscoring how our close relations translate into real, life-saving outcomes for our people.

A 14,000-Square-Mile Search

The operation was a total team effort.

It involved watchstanders from the U.S. Coast Guard Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam at U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam who developed the search patterns and coordinated with U.S. Coast Guard District Oceania and Air Station Barbers Point personnel.

They collectively worked together to launch an HC-130 Hercules airplane and crew from Hawaii to support the search, direct the launch of the USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) crew from Guam.

The Midgett crew, which is scheduled to engage with regional partners and participate in joint operations to enhance maritime safety and security in the Indo-Pacific, was already conducting a Western Pacific patrol.

Lt. Ray Cerrato, commanding officer of USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140), greets the leaders and residents of Kuttu, Federated States of Micronesia, on March 18, 2026, during a visit to support an FSM government request to deliver supplies and capture imagery of a vessel grounded in 1998. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

They diverted their plans and followed a bilateral maritime law enforcement, boarding with two embarked officers from Micronesia in their exclusive economic zone, approximately 200 nautical miles south of Fananu Island.

This rescue reflects the strategic value of maintaining a capable surface presence across the region's vast maritime expanse, Lt. Cmdr. Derek Wallin, the U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue mission coordinator, said in a statement. Without the Midgett's proximity, coordinating a search across more than 14,000 square nautical miles of open ocean would have required significantly more time and resourcestime the three missing people may not have had.

Midgett, when deployed to the region, is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15the Navy's largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force, regularly assuming tactical control of surface units operating in the area.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  Airstrikes pounded Tehran on Tuesday, and Iranian officials urged young people to form human chains to protect power plants, hours before the expiration of U.S. President Donald Trumps latest deadline for the Islamic Republic to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz or face punishing strikes on its infrastructure.

Trump has extended previous deadlines but suggested the one set for 8 p.m. in Washington was final, and the rhetoric on both sides reached a fever pitch, leaving Iranians on edge. Trump threatened to destroy all of Irans power plants and bridges if Tehran does not allow traffic to fully resume in the strait, through which a fifth of the worlds oil transits in peacetime. Irans president said 14 million people, including himself, have volunteered to fight.

While Iran cannot match the sophistication of U.S. and Israeli weaponry or their dominance in the air, its chokehold on the strait is causing major damage to the world economy and raising the pressure on Trump both at home and abroad to find a way out of the standoff.

Officials involved in diplomatic efforts said talks were ongoing  but Iran has rejected the latest American proposal, and it was unclear if a deal would come in time to head off Trumps threatened attacks. World leaders and experts warned that strikes as destructive as Trump threatened could constitute a war crime.

Meanwhile, a wave of strikes hit Iran, including in residential areas of Tehran, killing nearly three dozen people. Iran fired on Israel and Saudi Arabia, prompting the temporary closure of a major bridge.

As the deadline approaches, rhetoric ramps up

In emphasizing his Tuesday deadline, Trump warned that the entire country can be taken out in one night.

Every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 oclock tomorrow night, he said Monday, and all power plants will be burning, exploding and never to be used again.

In response, Iran called on all young people, athletes, artists, students and university students and their professors to form human chains around power plants.

Power plants that are our national assets and capital, Alireza Rahimi, identified by Iranian state television as the secretary of the Supreme Council of Youth and Adolescents, said in a video statement.

Iranians have formed human chains in the past around nuclear sites at times of heightened tensions with the West.

President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on X that 14 million Iranians had answered state media and text message campaigns urging people to volunteer to fight.

I too have been, am, and will remain ready to give my life for Iran, Pezeshkian wrote.

A Revolutionary Guard general also urged parents to send their children to man checkpoints, which have been repeatedly targeted in airstrikes.

Trumps threat prompts warnings of war crimes

France joined a growing chorus of international voices calling for restraint. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said attacks targeting civilian and energy infrastructure are barred by the rules of war, international law.

They would without doubt trigger a new phase of escalation, of reprisals, that would drag the region and the world economy into a vicious circle that would be very worrying and, most of all, very damaging to our own interests, the minister said on France Info television.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also warned the U.S. that attacks on civilian infrastructure are banned under international law, according to his spokesperson. Such cases are notoriously difficult to prosecute, and Trump told reporters hes not at all concerned about committing war crimes.

A wave of airstrikes hits Iran, which fires on Saudi Arabia and Israel

A series of intense airstrikes pounded Tehran, including at a possible weapons depot in the mountains and in residential neighborhoods. Residential strikes in the past have targeted Iranian government and security officials.

Israels military said it attacked an Iranian petrochemical site in Shiraz, the second day in a row it hit such a facility after striking a plant at the South Pars natural gas field. Israel also issued a Farsi-language warning telling Iranians to avoid trains throughout the day, likely telegraphing intended strikes on the rail network.

Another strike hit the Khorramabad International Airport in western Iran, and an attack on an unidentified target in Alborz province, northwest of Tehran, killed 18 people, according to state media.

Nine people were killed in the city of Shahriar and six more in Pardis in other airstrikes, Iranian media reported.

Early Tuesday, Tehran launched seven ballistic missiles at Saudi Arabia, which authorities said rained debris on the ground near energy facilities as they were intercepted. Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki said the damage was being assessed.

The attacks prompted Saudi Arabia to temporarily close the King Fahd Causeway, a bridge that links Saudi Arabia to the island kingdom of Bahrain. The 25-kilometer (15.5 mile) bridge is the only connection by road for Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navys 5th Fleet, to the Arabian Peninsula.

Iran also fired on Israel, with reports of incoming missiles in Tel Aviv and Eilat.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began, but the government has not updated the toll for days.

In Lebanon, where Israel is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah militants, more than 1,400 people have been killed. and more than 1 million people have been displaced. Eleven Israeli soldiers have died there.

In Gulf Arab states and the occupied West Bank, more than two dozen people have died, while 23 have been reported dead in Israel, and 13 U.S. service members have been killed.

Chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz

Iran choked off shipping through the strait after Israel and the U.S. attacked on Feb. 28, starting the war. Irans attacks on the energy infrastructure of its Gulf Arab neighbors, coupled with its stranglehold on the strait, have sent oil prices skyrocketing, raising the price of gasoline, food and other basics far beyond the Middle East.

In spot trading Tuesday, Brent crude, the international standard, was above $108 per barrel, up around 50% since the start of the war.

Even though Iran has rejected the latest proposal from the U.S., officials involved in the diplomacy say that talks are still ongoing.

On Monday, Tehran rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal and said it wants a permanent end to the war. But as the deadline neared Tuesday, an official said indirect communications between the United States and Iran remained underway. The official said mediators from Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey are racing against time to reach a compromise before the deadline.

He said Iran has linked the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to sanctions relief, and the U.S. was open to easing some sanctions, especially on Iran's oil sector, in part to stabilize the global oil market.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing diplomacy.

___

Rising reported from Bangkok and Magdy from Cairo. John Leicester in Paris, Rod McGuirk in Melbourne, Australia, and Natalie Melzer in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
LOS ANGELES  Two Los Angeles-based relatives of a deceased Iranian leader were arrested by immigration agents after one of them extolled Iranian leadership and denigrated the United States and both repeatedly posted images and videos depicting a decidedly Western lifestyle, according to federal authorities and screenshots of the two womens social media accounts.

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter Sarinasadat Hosseiny were arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents Friday and had their green cards revoked, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement over the weekend, citing in particular Afshars outspoken support of the totalitarian, terrorist regime in Iran.

Soleimani Afshar and her daughter are the niece and grand-niece, respectively, of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a drone strike launched in the last days of President Donald Trumps first term, Rubio said. The generals daughter has disputed the family connection, according to Iranian media, which has quoted a statement attributed to her saying that the two women bear no relation to the general and that the State Departments claims are a lie.

Soleimani Afshars posts on Instagram and Twitter, captured and republished by numerous news outlets, point to at least the appearance of a life of luxury. Soleimani Afshar regularly published images and videos of herself in what appear to be designer clothes, engaging in activities associated with wealth, including riding in a Hummer and posing for glamour shots in short dresses. Her daughter posted photos in a similar, though at times more sexually provocative, vein.

None of the social media accounts appeared to be active, or their old posts accessible, as of Monday afternoon.

The irony was not lost on some social media denizens who blasted Soleimani Afshars purported support for a regime that restricts women from showing so much as hair in public while she showed that and more on social media.

She hates America, one user commented on an Instagram post about Soleimani Afshar and Hosseinys arrests. I cant wait to see what she wears back home.

A Los Angeles man who said he met Soleimani Afshar through a mutual acquaintance lauded her arrest, saying he had long believed that Soleimani Afshar and her daughter do not deserve to live in the U.S. because of Soleimani Afshars pro-Iranian statements on social media.

They dont like it in America  they shouldnt be here, Maziar Aflaki told The Times in an interview, making clear he is a critic of the current Iranian regime.

Aflaki said Soleimani Afshar had called him about a week ago asking for advice because the FBI had contacted her with questions about where she lived. He also said Soleimani Afshar had previously shown him photos of her next to high-ranking people in the Iranian military, stating that one of them was her uncle.

Rubio said in the statement that, while in the U.S., Soleimani Afshar 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. She did all this, he continued, while enjoying a lavish lifestyle in Los Angeles, as attested to by her frequent posting on her recently deleted Instagram account.

Rubio added: The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes.

Soleimani Afshar came to the U.S. in 2015 on a tourist visa and was granted asylum in 2019 and got her green card in 2021, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis previously said. Since then, she traveled to Iran four times, disclosing the information in her application last year to become a citizen, Bis said. Hosseiny came to the U.S. on a student visa and was also granted asylum in 2019, then got her green card in 2023, Bis said.

Soleimani Afshars trips to Iran demonstrated her claims to need asylum in Iran were fraudulent, the Department of Homeland Security wrote in a statement on X.

Soleimani Afshar and Hosseiny are being held in an ICE facility in Pearsall, Texas, according to a searchable database of detainees.

___

2026 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Under fire and against the clock, U.S. forces pushed deep into Iran to recover a downed airman before Iranian troops could close in as part of what officials described as a no-fail mission.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe said the rescue depended on intelligence capabilities that allowed U.S. forces to locate the airman while keeping Iranian forces off his trail.

This was a no-fail mission, Ratcliffe said, describing it as a race against time to find the downed aviator before Iranian forces could reach him.

The mission followed the shootdown of a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle over Iran, which triggered an urgent search-and-rescue effort after one crew member remained missing as U.S. forces raced to locate and recover him in hostile territory. The rare operation comes as the U.S. continues strikes on Iran, warns Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz, and faces competing claims from Iranian officials who dispute aspects of the mission and allege U.S. losses.

Both crew members ejected and were isolated behind enemy lines, identified by U.S. forces as Dude 4-4 Alpha and Dude 4-4 Bravo, according to Caine.

The downed airman spent nearly 48 hours evading Iranian forces, climbing into mountainous terrain, treating his own wounds and transmitting his location using survival equipment, President Donald Trump said.

An F-15E Strike Eagle takes off for a combat flight during Operation Epic Fury, March 16, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Iranian forces, including elements tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, moved into the area as the search intensified.

Military.com reached out for comment to the Defense Department, United States Central Command, Air Force, the White House and Irans mission to the United Nations.

Airman Pulled from Iran in High-Risk Rescue

Trump said the initial response included more than 20 aircraft flying low through hostile airspace, followed by a much larger operation involving more than 150 aircraft, including fighters, bombers, tankers and rescue platforms.

Caine said the first rescue began late Thursday night, when a U.S. Air Force combat search-and-rescue task forceincluding A-10 Sandy aircraft, HC-130 refueling planes and HH-60 Jolly Green II helicoptersentered Iranian airspace under heavy fire to recover the first crew member.

The A-10 Sandy aircraft played a critical role, flying close air support and engaging enemy forces in a gunfight to protect the downed pilot and guide rescue forces into position.

Caine said one A-10 was hit by enemy fire during the mission. Its pilot later ejected over friendly territory and was safely recovered. After recovering the first airman, U.S. forces turned to the second crew member, who had landed miles away and remained injured while evading Iranian forces.

The second rescue mission was launched Saturday after U.S. forces established contact with the injured airman, with a larger force package deployed as Iranian troops intensified their search, Caine added.

Trump said the broader operation expanded with deception tactics designed to confuse Iranian forces searching for the airman.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters during the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Aircraft came under fire during the mission, helicopters took damage while extracting personnel. Caine said one helicopter crew sustained minor injuries and is expected to be fine.

The operation also faced major logistical challenges. Aircraft became stuck in sand after landing, forcing U.S. forces to execute a contingency plan using smaller, faster aircraft while destroying disabled planes to prevent sensitive equipment from being captured.

Trump said small helicopters were rapidly assembled in the field in under 10 minutes to support the extraction. Despite the risks, U.S. forces reached the airman, engaged hostile elements and extracted him from the area.

Caine said both airmen were safely returned to friendly territory more than 50 hours after the operation began. There were no U.S. casualties.

Leak Triggered Race Against Time

Trump said the operation became significantly more dangerous after details of the downing were leaked, alerting Iranian authorities that a second airman was still missing.

That leaker put that man at great risk, Trump said, warning the disclosure allowed Iranian forces and civilians to join the search.

According to Trump, Iranian authorities issued a reward for capturing the pilot, drawing large numbers of people into the search and dramatically increasing the risk of capture.

The leak also made it harder for U.S. forces to operate undetected, increasing the danger for both the airman and rescue teams.

Trump later told reporters the administration is trying to identify the source of the leak, calling it a national security issue and warning there could be consequences.

In this image provided by Sepahnews, the official website of Irans Revolutionary Guard, the wreckage of a downed U.S. transport aircraft and two helicopters involved in a rescue operation are seen in April 2026, according to Iranian state television, in Isfahan province, Iran.

Ratcliffe said the CIA deployed both human assets and advanced technical capabilities to locate the airman, comparing the effort to finding a single grain of sand in the middle of a desert.

He added that the agency also carried out a deception campaign to misdirect Iranian forces actively searching for the pilot, helping create the conditions for the successful rescue.

U.S. intelligence confirmed the airman was alive and concealed in mountainous terrain before rescue forces moved in, Ratcliffe said.

Iran Challenges US Account

Iranian officials have disputed key elements of the U.S. account, claiming American forces suffered losses during the rescue operation and rejecting Washingtons portrayal of the mission.

The competing claims reflect a widening information battle between Washington and Tehran as both sides seek to shape the narrative around a rare U.S. operation inside Iranian territory.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said additional strikes are expected to intensify, warning that Iran has a choice as U.S. operations expand.

Key details remain unclear, including the identity of the airman, the full scope of the forces involved and whether additional operations are planned.
Sgt. Dakota Meyer, the only Medal of Honor recipient currently serving in the Marine Corps, graduated from the Basic Reconnaissance Course at Camp Pendleton, California, on Friday, earning the 0321 Military Occupational Specialty as a reconnaissance Marine.

The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Carlos A. Ruiz attended the graduation ceremony for BRC Class 2-26 and posted about Meyer's accomplishment in a social media post that day.

Meyer, 37, shared the announcement in a post on his Instagram account with the caption, "No quit. No shortcuts. No looking back."

From Infantryman to Recon Marine

The graduation caps a remarkable return to the Corps for Meyer, who left active duty in 2010 after two combat deployments. He spent 15 years as a civilian before reenlisting in the Marine Corps Reserve on April 17, 2025, at the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth administered Meyer's oath of enlistment, with Ruiz and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also present. Meyer came back at the rank of sergeant and initially returned as an infantryman.

His completion of the reconnaissance course now changes that. The 12-week program trains Marines in the core skills of amphibious reconnaissance and is widely considered one of the most physically punishing courses in the Corps.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reenlists Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Dakota Meyer in the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., April 17, 2025. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza)

Students face an average training day exceeding 15 hours across 69 days total. Requirements include a 12-mile forced march under a 50-pound load completed within three hours and a timed 1.25-mile open-water swim with fins.

Meyer told reporters at his reenlistment ceremony that his decision came down to integrity. He recalled encouraging a young Marine at an NCO course to stay in the service, then turning the question on himself.

"How could I ask them to continue to serve and sacrifice without doing it myself?" Meyer said.

The Medal of Honor and the Road Back

Meyer grew up in Columbia, Kentucky, and enlisted in 2006 after graduating from Green County High School. He deployed to Iraq in 2007 as a scout sniper with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines before a second deployment to Afghanistan's Kunar Province.

On Sept. 8, 2009, Meyer drove into a kill zone outside the village of Ganjgal five times over the course of six hours, pulling wounded troops to safety and recovering the bodies of fallen service members. President Barack Obama presented him with the Medal of Honor at the White House on Sept. 15, 2011, making him the first living Marine to receive the decoration since the Vietnam War.

Sgt. Dakota Meyer while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Ganjgal Village, Kunar province, Afghanistan. Meyer received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for valor, from President Barack Obama in Washington, Sept. 15, 2011, making him the first living Marine recipient since the Vietnam War. (Marine Corps Photo)

Meyer left active duty in 2010 and later co-authored "Into the Fire," a New York Times bestselling account of the battle. He spent the next 15 years as a firefighter, a veterans' advocate and was a regular presence at military installations, where he spoke to active-duty troops about leadership and resilience

"Still today, at my age, joining the Marine Corps is the single greatest thing that I have ever done," Meyer said.
More than seven decades have passed since the end of the Korean War, but efforts to recover remains of lost soldiers continue.

On Monday, a partnership between the U.S. and South Korea was announced to find wreckage of three lost American planes that plunged into the ocean off the northeastern coast of South Korea during the war, which lasted from 1950-1953.

The process will begin with land surveyors scoping the Gangneung and Yangyang sections of northeastern Gangwon Province to find pieces of a downed fighter jet and two transport planes. In August, divers will embark on an underwater investigation to uncover possible materials from the aircraft, according to the South Korea Ministry of Defense.

Work for the joint operation will be led by the U.S. Defense Departments POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) and South Koreas Ministry of National Defense Agency for KIA Recovery and Identification. The team plans to gather research, talk to local residents, and plans to utilize medical decompression chamber centers to conduct underwater investigations.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. honors those who worked and fought in the Korean War effort. (Amy Davis/National Archives)

Jordyn King, a U.S. Marine Corps staff sergeant and deputy team leader of the DPAA investigation team, has been involved with the recovery project for the past couple of years and is excited to work with crews from South Korea.

Since 2024, I have been coming to Korea for three years to work with MAKRI to find traces of the heroes who fought in the war, King said, according to UPI. During the one month given to us, we will carefully gather materials so that we can achieve good results in the future underwater investigation.

Planes Lost to History

The land survey will explore three aircraft crash sites, highlighted by a transport plane that met its fate on Nov. 15, 1952, following takeoff from the Gangneung Air Base bound for Pohang. The aircraft was transporting nine soldiers, including a South Korean military member. The plane crashed into the ocean after a mid-flight engine malfunction.

Another site marked for investigation is in Yangyang County. On Feb. 21, 1952, a U.S. plane crashed off the countys coast. Several months later, on Oct. 16, a transport aircraft dealing with mechanical issues, crashed in the water off the coast of Gangneung, killing all 17 people on board.

Just as we recover the remains of South Korean troops killed in action, we will spare no support in helping to find the war dead and missing of the U.S. military who helped us, said Lt. Col. Kim Seong-hwan, director of MAKRI.

Partnership to Find Remains

In 2025, MAKRI and DPAA agreed to a memorandum of understanding in Arlington, Virginia, home of Arlington National Cemetery, to join forces in identifying and recovering remains of military personnel deemed missing in action (MIA) throughout the Korean War.

The agreement improves teamwork between the two agencies, according to the DPAA, along with making it easier to pinpoint where remains are and find solutions to extract and identify fallen soldiers.

In the U.S., more than 1.8 million servicemembers were deployed to the Korean War, with 37,000 killed in action and over 92,000 wounded. According to the Pentagon, about 8,000 soldiers were documented as MIA.
Last year, on May 15, 2025, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, signed the Homeschooling Support for Military-Connected Families memorandum under the direction of Executive Order 14191 (Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families). It ordered the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to review the current support structure and expand educational choice for military families.

The idea is to determine what is already in place, what needs to improve, or where gaps need to be addressed, and implement necessary resources. This, in turn, supports the overarching initiative to improve educational outcomes for students, including military-connected learners. It not only supports individualized learning approaches and parental accountability over the learning process, but it also offers flexibility and stability for the military lifestyle.

Approximately 12 percent of military-connected families choose the homeschooling option, including active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve, which is double the rate compared to their civilian counterparts.

Educational Performance Among Military-Connected Students

Overall, there is not a single entity that houses national data on the educational performance of military-connected students who are homeschooled versus those who are not. However, a combination of organizational research and government studies shows that homeschooled learners scored 15-25 percentile points higher than public-schooled students on standardized achievement tests.

The National Home Education Research Institute adds that homeschooled learners scored better on SAT and ACT tests for college admissions regardless of parental education backgrounds.

While the general national data remains consistent, educational success is dependent on a variety of factors, such as the quality of the curriculum and parental involvement. For military-connected families, more factors influence performance outcomes, like deployment and PCS disruptions.

Despite the lack of continuity that military families face, the National Center for Education Statistics shows that military-connected students who received more school support achieved higher academic efficacy and engagement. This is promising for families that opt for homeschooling because curriculum continuity and social stability, coupled with historic homeschooling performance data, could make a big difference.

Rear Adm. James Waters, Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, speaks during the 2025 Home School Legal Defense Association convention in Denton, Texas, Sept. 25, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Benjamin K. Kittleson, DVIDS)

Shared Resources and Insights

According to the Department of War, military families move on average every two to three years. This impacts both resources and local support networks for more than 1.6 million military children. Aside from the Department of War resources, organizations such as the Military Homeschoolers Association and Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) provide a variety of resources, which include toolkits and training. These resources are a helpful place to start, in addition to state-level resources.

Anecdotally, military parents who have walked the homeschooling path have expressed differing opinions and trains of thought, but connecting with a peer parent network offers a great way to gather insights from related experiences. Having a network supports a sense of community and connection.

I homeschooled without help (first kid overseas on a military base and transitioned to Conus) and now I am home educating with ESA funds in Arizona with a different child. Lisa Pierce (Navy parent)

Homeschool student research the offers and terms of various credit cards as part of her financial literacy project on Jan. 25, 2023. The student will be applying for her own credit card and monitoring her finances as part of her schoolwork. (Photo by Nicki Cheney, DVIDS)

Status Check

The Department is still conducting its review of the resources and support offered to military-connected families that homeschool. While the Executive Order was issued and the Department review has been initiated, stakeholder input and analysis on policy development are ongoing. There are no new resources and possibly additional benefits yet, such as military homeschooling stipends, federalized homeschooling funding programs, or changes to compulsory education laws.

Military families may expect a formal implementation plan that could address possible funding options and expanded access to more resources. Part of the plan could include pilot programs, establishing and maintaining homeschooled military student data, or expanding DoDEA access, but more time is needed to develop the policies and design the infrastructure.

In the meantime, Military OneSource, DoDEA, and other aforementioned support organizations exist that support military-connected students and families. Parents should stay connected with Department announcements and Military OneSource guidance for updated information.
25 companies attend MHI pre-bid conference for Rs 7,280 crore rare earth magnet scheme

The scheme includes sales-linked incentives worth Rs 6,450 crore to be provided over five years to the selected entities, along with capital subsidies of Rs 750 crore.









The government will select up to five entities through the bidding process. 25 firms joined pre-bid meet for Rs 7,280 crore magnet scheme.

Scheme aims to set up 6,000 MTPA rare earth magnet capacity.

Bidding deadline is May 28, 2026, via CPP portal. Did our AI summary help?
DDA JSA final result 2026 out at dda.gov.in; check direct link here to download scorecards

DDA JSA final result 2026 is out after skill tests, but candidates must check key details, verify credentials, and understand next steps carefully to know what happens after the merit list release.









DDA JSA final result 2026 announced
ICAI scraps January CA Final attempt; exams to be held only in May & November from 2026

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced a major revision in the frequency of the Chartered Accountants (CA) Final Examination, stating that the test will be conducted twice a year instead of three times, beginning with the May 2026 examination cycle.









ICAI CA Final Exam 2026 CA Final exam will be held twice a year from May 2026.

January exams scrapped; only May and November sittings remain

Longer gaps aim to reduce stress and improve preparation quality. Did our AI summary help?
Quote of the day by Albert Camus, "You will never be happy if you continue to search for..."

Discover the meaning behind Albert Camuss famous quote on happiness, life and overthinking. Learn why this timeless philosophy still resonates today.









Albert Camus Albert Camus says happiness is found in small, everyday moments.

Obsessing over life's meaning can prevent true happiness.

Social media makes us postpone happiness for future success Did our AI summary help?
Quote of the day by Nikola Tesla: A man is born to work, to suffer and to... Teslas vision of wireless energy

Nikola Teslas quote reflects a life of struggle, innovation, and perseverance, reminding us that hard work and resilience are essential for true success and lasting impact.









Quote of the day by Nikola Tesla: A man is born to work, to suffer and to... Teslas vision of wireless energy Tesla's quote emphasizes perseverance and embracing hardship.

Tesla's AC innovations revolutionized global electricity systems.

His wireless energy vision drives modern tech progress Did our AI summary help?
B.R. Shetty built a Rs 12,000 crore company but sold for just Rs 74. A factual case study on governance, debt and legal fallout for new entrepreneurs.

Saurav Pandey is the Deputy Manager of Content at Moneycontrol, specialising in content strategy, execution and performance analysis. He integrates advanced SEO techniques to deliver high-impact, data-driven content formats. His expertise spans various beats, including education, career, science and others, where he adopts a technical approach to optimise visibility, improve search rankings, and drive organic traffic growth. He can be reached out at Saurav.Pandey@nw18.com.
On World Health Day, Class 10 students from Shiv Nadar School Gurgaon unveil ArryhthmiX, a low-cost wearable ECG prototype with machine learning for early heart rhythm monitoring.

On World Health Day, meet two Class 10 students from Gurgaon who built ArryhthmiX  a wearable ECG prototype powered by machine learning.
Blake Lively breaks silence after court dismisses majority of claims in Justin Baldoni lawsuit ahead of trial: 'I will never stop fighting to expose people'

Blake Lively said she is grateful that her core claims will move to trial despite most being dismissed in her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni. She added that she will continue to speak out against retaliation and stand up for others facing similar experiences.

Gayatri Rani April 07, 2026 / 07:50 IST























Blake Lively issues a stateent Court dismisses 10 of Blake Livelys 13 claims

Three claims, including retaliation, will go to trial in May.

Lively says she will continue to speak up for victims of abuse. Did our AI summary help?
From Kantara to Jai Hanuman: How Rishab Shetty became a voice of devotional storytelling

Rishab Shetty has emerged as one of Indian cinemas most distinctive storytellers, blending cultural authenticity with universal appeal. From his breakout hit Kantara to the upcoming Jai Hanuman, he continues to craft stories that resonate deeply with audiences.









Rishab Shetty storytelling Rishab Shettys films honor culture and tradition authentically

Kantara ignited a cultural wave, earning over Rs 1,300 crore

Jai Hanuman marks Shetty's shift to spiritual storytelling. Did our AI summary help?
Mona Singh once asked excited Dhurandhar actor Gaurav Gera to not reveal his look, said 'Do you remember youve signed an NDA?'

Mona Singh said that she had asked Gaurav Gera to not share his look from Dhurandhar even with her and reminded him of the NDA he had signed.









Mona Singh and Gaurav Gera Mona Singh advised Gaurav Gera not to share his looks images.

Gaurav Gera played Aalam Bhai in Dhurandhar, gaining fame.

Mona stressed the importance of respecting NDAs in the industry. Did our AI summary help?
NCW summons Nora Fatehi, Sanjay Dutt over Sarke Chunar Teri song; Next hearing on April 27

The controversy surrounding the song Sarke Chunar Teri has intensified, drawing the attention of the National Commission for Women. Both Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt have now been called to appear before the panel amid rising concerns over the songs lyrics.









Latest update on Sarke Chunar Teri controversy Nora Fatehi must appear before NCW on April 27, 2026

Sarke Chunar Teri song faces backlash for explicit lyrics

Creators pledged to support women's empowerment after apology Did our AI summary help?
Onirs We Are Faheem and Karun wins Hivos Free to Be Me Award 2026 at Roze Filmdagen Festival

Onirs We Are Faheem & Karun wins the Hivos Free to Be Me Award 2026 at Roze Filmdagen, Amsterdam, celebrating its powerful portrayal of queer love, resistance, and identity in Kashmir.









Onirs We Are Faheem and Karun wins Hivos Free to Be Me Award 2026 at Roze Filmdagen Festival Onir's film wins Hivos Free to Be Me Award 2026 in Amsterdam

We Are Faheem & Karun highlights queer love amid Kashmir tensions

Award recognizes impactful LGBTQI+ storytelling and resistance Did our AI summary help?
Rapper Offset shot near casino in Florida

Offset was hospitalised after being shot near a casino in Florida, with officials confirming his injuries are not life-threatening. Authorities have detained two individuals as the investigation into the incident continues.

Gayatri Rani April 07, 2026 / 09:15 IST























Rapper Offset was shot Offset shot near Florida casino, hospitalized but stable

Police detained two suspects, investigation ongoing

No threat to public, casino operations continue as normal Did our AI summary help?
Zendaya, Robert Pattinsons The Drama crosses Rs 1.67 cr in just 48 hours in India; PVR INOX reports strong response

Zendaya and Robert Pattinsons The Drama earns Rs 1.67 crore in 48 hours in India, driven by strong word-of-mouth, steady occupancies and rising audience interest, as reported by PVR INOX.









Zendaya, Robert Pattinsons The Drama crosses Rs 1.67 cr in just 48 hours in India; PVR INOX reports strong response The Drama grosses Rs 1.67 crore in India within 48 hours

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star together for the first time

Film sees steady growth and strong word-of-mouth across markets Did our AI summary help?
Most runners are training wrong: Hyderabad neurologist explains the right running pace

While its easy to obsess with speed, a Hyderabad neurologist suggested the running pace you should follow for optimal benefits. This significantly reduces injury risk and exhaustion, and also improves endurance and overall fitness.









Running is a good exercise for your overall health, but the speed and pace at which you run matters a lot. (Picture: Pexels) Easy-paced runs build endurance and cut injury risk

Most runners should avoid focusing on speed and personal bests

A conversational pace is ideal for safe and effective training Did our AI summary help?
World Health Day: Stop using cotton buds, it only shoves ear wax deeper and can cause infection

If you are someone who uses cotton buds to clean earwax, heres what you should know. Dr. Himanshu Kumar Singh warned that it disrupts the natural self-cleaning process of the ears, causing more harm than good.









Dangers of using cotton buds: Cotton bud use has been widely linked to earwax impaction and other ear injuries, and studies have documented significant numbers of related clinic and emergency visits (Image: Canva) Avoid using cotton buds for ear cleaning; they cause harm.

Let ears self-clean; wipe outer ear gently after showers.

Use ear drops or consult an ENT for stubborn wax buildup. Did our AI summary help?
Citrini emphasised that the evolving situation does not fit into a binary narrative of the strait being either fully open or completely closed
War in Iran drives Russian Oil Prices to a 13-year high

Russias Urals crude has surged well above Moscows budget assumptions as the Iran-linked oil rally boosts export earnings, even as Ukrainian attacks disrupt key shipping routes.









Russian Urals crude jumps to a 13-year high as the Iran-linked oil rally lifts Moscows revenues despite Ukrainian strikes on export infrastructure. Russian Urals crude hit $116.05 a barrel, highest in 13 years

Oil revenues ease Kremlin's financial pressure amid Ukraine war

Middle East conflict disrupts global oil supply, boosting prices Did our AI summary help?
The company is now working with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to secure its Air Operator Certificate.
Aviation ministry pushes for jet fuel under GST amid crude price surge

A final decision on including ATF under GST will require approval from the GST council, which might take up the matter in its next meeting, sources said









The inclusion of ATF under GST is seen as a structural reform that could lower costs for airlines Finance Ministry receives fresh proposal to bring ATF under GST

ATF inclusion in GST to be discussed at next GST Council meeting

Rising crude prices prompt renewed push for ATF tax relief Did our AI summary help?

Meghna Mittal Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com
Stocks to Watch Today: Shyam Metalics, Aurobindo Pharma, ACME Solar, PDS, Deep Ind, Godrej Consumer, CreditAccess, Jubilant FoodWorks in focus on 07 April

Stocks to Watch, 7 Apr | Stocks like Jubilant FoodWorks, Fino Payments Bank, CreditAccess Grameen, Gallantt Ispat, Godrej Consumer Products, PC Jeweller, Shyam Metalics and Energy, Aurobindo Pharma, ACME Solar Holdings, PDS, Deep Industries, Vivid Electromech, and Sammaan Capital will be in focus on April 7.









Stocks to Watch Today, 07 April Stocks in Focus on April 7: Jubilant FoodWorks, Fino Payments Bank, CreditAccess Grameen, Gallantt Ispat, Godrej Consumer Products, PC Jeweller, Shyam Metalics, Sammaan Capital Did our AI summary help? JF04

FPB01

CG02 JF04 NSE/BSE Select NSE LIVE BSE LIVE Day High

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During the session, the stock touched an intraday high of Rs 724 and a low of Rs 641.1, with trading volumes jumping sharply to over 2.1 crore shares -- more than 15 times its five-day average, signalling strong investor interest.
Trade Spotlight: How should you trade KPIT Technologies, Birlasoft, Gujarat Ambuja Exports, Indian Energy Exchange, GE Shipping, CDSL, and others on April 7?

The market is expected to remain range-bound, with focus on developments related to the USIran ceasefire. Below are some short-term trading ideas to consider.

Sunil Shankar Matkar April 07, 2026 / 05:15 IST























Top Buy Ideas for April 7 Experts advise buying top 13 stocks including KPIT Technologies, Birlasoft, Gujarat Ambuja Exports, Indian Energy Exchange, GE Shipping, CDSL Did our AI summary help? D04

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KPITT54265 D04 NSE/BSE Select NSE LIVE BSE LIVE Day High

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Bullion steady after brief decline amid firmer dollar

Precious metal prices, after a brief surge in early trade, are holding steady amid a firmer dollar. The domestic futures gold price on MCX is up 0.31 percent to Rs 1,50,450 per 10 grams of 24-karat purity, and silver inched 0.27 percent higher to Rs 2,34,020 per kilogram (15:01 IST). According to currency analysts, the rupee traded weaker, slipping 0.27 percent below the 92.25 mark, as the dollar index hovered above 99$ and volatile crude prices kept pressure on the currency. "Oil movements remain a key driver for the rupee, with crude on the domestic exchange rising another 4% today, which tends to widen Indias import bill and weigh on the currency. For now, the expected trading range for the rupee is 91.4592.75, while market participants will closely watch U.S. initial jobless claims today, and US GDP data tomorrow," said Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities.
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The insurer had denied the claim, citing a violation of a policy condition of the Standard Form for Private Car Package Policy:

Dipen Pradhan is the Editorial Consultant for Moneycontrol. He has over 10 years of experience in the field of journalism and covers personal finance topics. He has previously worked at Forbes Advisor India, Outlook Money, Entrepreneur, Inc42, and The Statesman. When he is not writing he loves to travel to explore rural hotspots.
Housing market showing signs of slowdown, Iran war weighs on sentiment: Knight Frank

Sales in eight markets declined 4% to 84,827 units in the March quarter and launches were down 2% at 94,855 houses









Stress is emerging in the real estate market Knight Frank: Home sales fall in NCR and Pune

Unsold inventory rises 3 percent to nearly 5.2 lakh units

Bengaluru home sales grew 7 percent despite tech sector concerns Did our AI summary help?
Rupee seen range-bound near 93; 95 a trigger for action,100 not in sight, govt sources say

The rupee has weakened over 4% since the start of the Iran war, surge in crude prices has added to the pressure









The rupee was trading around 93 per dollar on April 7, after moving in a narrow 92.993.3 range intraday, Rupee expected to stay in 92.594 range per dollar near term

RBI aims to limit volatility, not defend a specific rupee level

Rupee slide unlikely; officials eye moves past 95 per dollar Did our AI summary help?

Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years.
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Amit Shah attacks Kharge over snake remark on BJP-RSS, urges voters to reply during Assam election

People are campaigning with full dedication. On April 9, we must give a fitting reply to Rahul Gandhione so decisive that the Congress is nowhere to be seen, says Shah.

April 07, 2026 / 15:29 IST














Anant Ambani pledges Rs 18 crore for Kerala temples, backs elephant welfare

Indias spiritual traditions are not merely places of worshipIt is our collective responsibility to preserve and strengthen this sacred heritage for future generations, he says.









Anant Ambani also expressed his intent to support welfare initiatives for temple elephants at Guruvayur. Anant Ambani donates Rs 6 crore to two Kerala temples

Rs 12 crore pledged for Rajrajeshwaram Temple renovation

Support announced for elephant welfare at Guruvayur Temple Did our AI summary help?
Assam CM confident of winning 95-102 seats: Creating nationalist feeling among immigrant Muslims

The question is of Bangladeshi Muslims. Should I ask for their votes? As of now, we are not thinking of taking those votes. That is why I have not even campaigned in 25 constituencies where immigrant Muslims have a large influence, says Sarma.









Himanta Sarma says Assam has entered a 'golden era' highlighting developments that were once unimaginable. Sarma avoided 25 seats with strong immigrant Muslim presence

BJP aims to implement UCC, ban polygamy, expand welfare schemes

Assam polls peaceful, CM predicts BJP win with 95-102 seats Did our AI summary help?
Under crabapple trees, diplomats and representatives from over 40 countries and int'l organizations immersed themselves in the charm of traditional Chinese culture in Beijing this spring, celebrating flourishing cultural exchanges. #GLOBALink
Assam Police say incriminating material found during search at Pawan Khera's residence in Delhi

The four-member Assam Police team arrived at Kheras Nizamuddin residence on Tuesday for questioning, with Delhi Police assisting the operation. Khera was not at home, and the team remained at the residence awaiting his return.









Pawan Khera Assam Police seize devices from Khera's Delhi home

"Incriminating material" found, details not disclosed yet

Congress calls police action a political witch-hunt Did our AI summary help?
Kerala Elections 2026: Congress leader KC Venugopal write to CM Pinarayi Vijayan, raises 10 questions

Congress leader KC Venugopal has written to Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, seeking his response on "ten of the most discussed questions in Kerala".

List of questions:

-What was the agenda behind your meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence in Delhi, excluding officials? Was that where the "deal" was struck?

-Similarly, in Kerala House in Delhi, why did you host a breakfast meeting for Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman without officials? What "deal" was being finalised?

-You have had several official meetings with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi. But have you met him outside Delhi? What was the purpose? Was it part of a deal?

-Despite open opposition from CPI and its ministers, why did you go ahead and reach an understanding with the BJP to implement the PM SHRI scheme in Kerala? What "deal" was behind this? Whose interests were you protecting by insisting on implementing it while keeping your own coalition partners in the dark? Why was the CPI state leadership misled after reaching a secret understanding with the BJP?

-On the issue of labour codes introduced by the central government, why were rules framed and actions taken in extreme secrecy without taking LDF allies into confidence? Whom were you afraid of? As a leader of the labour movement, did you not increase the registration fee of trade unions from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000 following the labour code? Whom was this meant to satisfy?

-In the SNC-Lavalin case, in which you are an accused, the repeated adjournments over 40 times in the Supreme Court have surprised the legal history of the country. Is this a reward from the central government or a bonus of a "deal"? By sacrificing your partys ideology and showing extreme subservience to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are you trying to protect your family interests by getting cases dropped? Is that why you hesitate to directly criticise PM Modi?

-In the monthly payment (karimanal) case involving Exalogic Solutions, are the terms of the "deal" you made with the central government to stall the Serious Fraud Investigation Office probe something you can disclose? Is there any connection with the Kodakara hawala money case, where crores were allegedly brought for the BJP during the last Assembly election? What is the current status of the ED notice against your son?

-On whose instructions are you still protecting ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar, who faced serious allegations of secretly meeting RSS leaders and later facilitating the disruption of Thrissur Pooram to help the BJP win the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat? Whose interests are being protected?

-What was the understanding reached between you and BJP leaders at a star hotel in the capital, mediated by Sri M? Do you have the courage to disclose its details to the public?

-In the gold smuggling and dollar smuggling cases involving your former Principal Secretary, why did central investigations stall midway? Who intervened? What is the current status of the Justice V.K. Mohanan Commission appointed by your government against central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and Customs? Was the commission merely a smokescreen after striking a deal with the BJP?
Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rahman arrives in India for talks today | What's on agenda

Rahman will reach Delhi on Tuesday afternoon and meet NSA Ajit Doval in the evening  the two had met last November when Rahman visited Delhi as NSA.









Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman.
Bengaluru Business Corridor: Will tech capitals two-decade-old project to ease congestion finally take off?

After nearly two decades on the drawing board, Bengaluru Business Corridor sees fresh movement with tenders floated for its first package, but land acquisition hurdles and planning concerns remain.









Peripheral Ring Road will link the two ends of NICE Road. BDA floats Rs 3,348 crore tender for 20-km BBC Package 1

Land acquisition remains a major challenge for BBC project

BBC aims to cut Bengaluru traffic by 40 percent upon completion Did our AI summary help?
Bhojshala actually a temple of Goddess Saraswati, it can't be a mosque: Hindu side to Madhya Pradesh HC

Indore, Apr 6 The disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district is essentially a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, and this histor..

PTI April 07, 2026 / 09:01 IST























Representative image Hindu side claims Bhojshala complex is a Saraswati temple.

HC hears arguments from both Hindu and Muslim sides on dispute.

ASI survey report indicates temple components in the structure. Did our AI summary help?
'BJP workers from other states entering Assam in hordes to cast votes,' alleges Gaurav Gogoi

Posing a question to the police department, Gogoi questioned the state police for allowing outsiders to enter the poll-bound state in hordes "without checking", urging the people to be vigilant in this regard.









Gaurav Gogoi Gaurav Gogoi alleges BJP outsiders added to Assam voter rolls

Gogoi challenges CM Sarma to take oath on Bhagavad Gita

Assam polls to be held in a single phase on April 9 Did our AI summary help?
'Cannot place yourself so high that...': SC slams top Bengal officers over Malda response

The Chief Justice of India Surya Kant questioned the chief secretary of the state over his unavailability, remarking, Mr Secretary, what is the problem? You do not even entertain the call of the Chief Justice.









Supreme Court Supreme Court raps Bengal officials over public inaccessibility

Chief Secretary, DGP ordered to apologize in writing to HC

Court stresses need for officials to be accessible to judiciary Did our AI summary help?
The newly enacted law modifies the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, by explicitly inserting the provision that Amaravati shall be the new capital.

The push for Amaravati gained momentum after the Andhra Pradesh Assembly passed a resolution on March 28 endorsing it as the sole capital.
Congress releases manifesto for West Bengal polls: 'Emphasis on rule of law, more autonomy to Police'

Bengal goes into polls in two phases on April 23 and 29, 2026. This is the first time that Congress is contesting solo in all 294 constituencies in nearly two decades.









Mallikarjun Kharge Congress to contest solo in all 294 West Bengal constituencies

Manifesto focuses on fair elections, police autonomy, rule of law

40 star campaigners named, including Kharge and Gandhi family Did our AI summary help?
Delhi Airport issues advisory on community dogs, urges passengers to avoid feeding them

The airport said several community dogs are living across all three terminals and are being regularly monitored, fed and cared for by designated teams.









Delhi airport
"After decades of laws, schemes, reforms why does the control over womens bodies, choices, and lives still persist so deeply within society?," asked the Supreme Court.

Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business, and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media, videos and podcasts at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran
Ex-Chhattisgarh CM Ajit Jogi's son gets life term in NCP leader's murder case

The division bench, led by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Arvind Kumar Verma, in its April 2 judgment, set aside a Raipur trial courts 2007 acquittal, stating it was palpably illegal and not supported by evidence









Jogi was found guilty under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections related to murder and criminal conspiracy and sentenced to life in prison, along with a Rs 1,000 fine and a six-month additional term if unpaid Amit Jogi sentenced to life for 2003 murder of NCP leader Jaggi

Chhattisgarh HC overturned Jogi's 2007 acquittal as illegal

Jogi found guilty of murder and conspiracy, fined Rs 1,000 Did our AI summary help?
From 1947 to now: How the Maria case revives debate over Christian votes and Lahores fate during Partition

Court decision in Maria Shahbaz case draws criticism from Church leaders and brings renewed focus on minority rights and historical Partition narratives.









Pakistan court upholds minors marriage, sparking outrage over minority rights and reviving debate around Partition-era claims Pakistani court upheld marriage of 13-year-old Maria Shahbaz

Catholic Church and minorities criticised the ruling as unjust

Pakistan saw 70+ violent attacks on Christians in 2024 Did our AI summary help?
SG Tushar Mehta argued that Indias social fabric should not be simplistically equated with Western notions of patriarchy, and maintained that constitutional guarantees of equality already exist under Articles 14 and 15.

Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business, and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media, videos and podcasts at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran
India issues fresh advisory, restricts movement for Indians in Tehran

The embassy urged Indians to avoid all electric and military installations as well as the upper floors of multi-story buildings and to stay indoors as much as possible









All Indian nationals have been advised to closely monitor official updates.
SG Mehta emphasised that previous laws and court rulings on temple access were focused on ending caste discrimination rather than addressing gender-based exclusion
UDF will come to power: Shashi Tharoor cites strong 'anti-incumbency' mood in Keralam ahead of elections

Speaking about his campaign experiences across the state, Tharoor said, 'I participated in campaigns across 59 constituencies in Keralam. The UDF will come to power in Keralam'

ANI April 07, 2026 / 13:24 IST























Congress MP Shashi Tharoor
DoT extends Vodafone Idea AGR reassessment deadline to June 30 amid data hurdles

This extension comes after a Supreme Court order allowed the Centre to recalculate the telcos AGR liabilities for the the FY07-FY19 period









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225-year-old Danish warship wreck reveals shoes, cannons and a sailors jaw

A discovery beneath Copenhagen harbour is offering a rare, deeply personal glimpse into one of Europes historic naval battles.









225-year-old Danish warship wreck found from historic battle. Danish warship Dannebrog wreck found off Copenhagen coast

Artefacts include cannons, uniform fragments, bottles, and shoes

Recovered jawbone underscores crews personal stories Did our AI summary help?
Dear friend: Mahatma Gandhis 1939 letter to Hitler goes viral amid rising global tensions

A 1939 letter in which Mahatma Gandhi urged Adolf Hitler to avoid war is resurfacing online, sparking debate on non-violence, diplomacy, and its relevance amid todays global tensions.
'I'm not sure if...': Ivy League graduate reveals why she spends over Rs 11 lakh on beauty, fashion

An Ivy League graduate shared that social pressure in Utah pushed her to spend heavily on beauty treatments, clothing and wellness.









She earlier used makeup and occasional manicures, with no Botox or facials. (Image credit: LinkedIn/Hilary Reiter Azzaretti) PR firm owner spends $12K a year on beauty, clothes in Utah

She feels more pressure to maintain youthfulness in Utah than NYC

Azzaretti has not undergone plastic surgery but finds it tempting Did our AI summary help?
'Journalistic scandal: BBC faces backlash after deleting controversial Iran war quote from report

The BBC is facing intense criticism after quietly removing a controversial quote on Iran from a war report, with viral screenshots fuelling questions over editorial transparency and media ethics.
Oracle layoffs: Engineers calm shift to Uber driving sparks viral debate on savings

A laid-off Oracle engineers decision to return home, rely on fixed deposit income, and drive Uber by choice has gone viral, sparking conversations on savings, financial discipline, and handling job uncertainty.
Why are Christians protesting in Pakistan after minor marriage verdict? Explained

A Pakistan courts ruling upholding a minors marriage sparked outrage, with the Church and activists raising concerns over child protection and forced conversion.









Minor Marias case involves alleged abduction and forced conversion. (Image credit: OSV News photo) Pakistani court upheld marriage of 13-year-old Maria Shahbaz

Church and activists demand review, citing forced conversion

Ruling criticized for undermining protections for minors Did our AI summary help?
Punjab & Haryana High Court directs judges to avoid AI in verdict writing, stresses human reasoning

Punjab and Haryana High Court has restricted AI use in judicial work, stating it should assist efficiency but not replace human reasoning in judgments or legal decision-making.

Sarthak Singh April 07, 2026 / 09:52 IST























Artificial intelligence Punjab and Haryana High Court bans AI in drafting judgments.

Judges told not to use AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini

AI allowed for admin tasks, but not for judicial reasoning. Did our AI summary help?

Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day
Indian Hotels skills 42,000 youth, expands training push as hospitality demand surges

The company is increasingly targeting emerging and underserved destinations, where tourism potential is high but access to structured training remains limited.









Indias hospitality sector has been witnessing steady expansion IHC IHC NSE/BSE Select NSE LIVE BSE LIVE Day High

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A possible super El Nino could reshape weather across the world

Forecasts point to unusually strong Pacific warming, with potential impacts on Indias monsoon, global temperatures and extreme weather into 2027.









. Scientists warn of a possible super El Nino later this year

Global temperatures may rise, causing extreme weather events

India could face weaker monsoon and uneven rainfall Did our AI summary help?
Pakistans military, led by Asim Munir, condemned Irans strikes on Saudi Arabia, highlighting concerns over regional escalation. Bound by a defence pact with Riyadh, Pakistan faces strategic unease, balancing diplomacy amid internal and external security pressures.

Did our AI summary help?
At least 15 killed in US-Israel strikes across Iran amid rising tensions

Six bodies were recovered from rubble in Pardis and nine killed in an airstrike on a residential neighbourhood in Shahriar amid overnight USIsraeli strikes









At least 15 killed in overnight US-Israeli strikes across Iran, including Pardis and Shahriar.
A broken frame of Pakistan's field marshal and army chief, Asim Munir, hangs on the wall after an attack at the Cadet College Wana, a military-linked school, in the South Waziristan district near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, on November 13, 2025. (Photo by Aamir QURESHI / AFP)
China's Xi urges faster development of new energy system as Middle East war continues

He also emphasised hydropower development and ecological protection, while urging the safe and orderly expansion of nuclear power

Reuters April 07, 2026 / 09:01 IST























Chinese President Xi Jinping called for accelerated planning and construction of a new energy system to safeguard the country's energy security
Trumps 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz has stretched to over 400 hours, marked by shifting deadlines, escalating threats, fragile diplomacy, and skepticism from Iran. Talks continue amid fears of further escalation and eroding trust.

Did our AI summary help?
Get what you can in a backpack: Sailors, families pulled out amid missile and drone risks near US 5th Fleet hub
How Russia is shaping Hungarys high-stakes election

As Viktor Orban faces a tight vote, Russias support appears less hidden and more openly aligned with his campaign messaging.









. Hungary's election sees visible alignment with Russia's policies

Orban's campaign opposes Ukraine and EU, mirroring Putin's stance

Election outcome may impact EU unity on Russia and Ukraine Did our AI summary help?
Iran counters US offer with 10-point peace plan: What it wants

The Iranian initiative calls for an end to hostilities across the region, guarantees for secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, assistance in rebuilding affected areas, and the removal of sanctions imposed on the country









Earlier, Iran described the 15-point proposal from the US to end the conflict in West Asia and to open the strategic Strait of Hormuz as "excessively demanding" Iran rejects US truce, offers its own 10-point peace plan

Iran demands lifting sanctions and end to regional hostilities

Trump vows strikes if Hormuz Strait stays shut past Tuesday Did our AI summary help?
Irans 10-point plan explained as war enters a critical phase

Tehran has laid out conditions to end the conflict with the US and Israel, offering to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for security guarantees and sanctions relief.









. Iran offers a 10-point plan to end conflict with US and Israel

Iran seeks end to attacks, lifting sanctions, safe shipping

Iran would lift Hormuz blockade, propose transit fees for ships Did our AI summary help?
Pakistani sources tell Reuters escalation could end talks and draw Islamabad into conflict under defence pact
Iran turns back Karachi-bound ship at Hormuz, vessel now headed to Mumbai

The vessel, identified as Selen, was en route to Karachi after departing Sharjah Anchorage on March 23. However, AIS tracking data showed it abruptly reversed course near the Hormuz approach and is now headed towards Mumbai, according to Marine Traffic.









Strait of Hormuz Iran blocked vessel Selen from entering Strait of Hormuz

Ship rerouted to Mumbai after denied passage to Karachi

Tensions in Hormuz impact global shipping and energy markets Did our AI summary help?
Iran warns allies could close Bab El-Mandeb Strait as Trump threatens 'whole civilization'

As Trump threatens to destroy a whole civilisation in Iran, Tehran warns that if tensions escalate, allies could close the strategic Bab El-Mandeb Strait, disrupting global oil trade.









Iran warns allies could close Bab El-Mandeb
Iranian missiles and drones hit Saudi Arabias Jubail industrial hub, massive fires reported| Watch

Videos shared online showed explosions followed by massive flames and thick smoke rising from parts of the industrial zone.









Iranian missile and drone strikes reportedly hit Saudi Arabias Jubail industrial hub, triggering major fires at key petrochemical facilities. Iranian missiles hit Jubail Industrial City, sparking major fires

Jubail, a vital petrochemical hub in Saudi Arabias economy

Saudi air defenses intercepted seven ballistic missiles Did our AI summary help?
Iraq's armed group says it will release kidnapped US journalist Shelly Kittleson

Kittleson had been kidnapped in the Iraqi capital last week.









Shelly Kittleson
Israel confirms airstrikes on Shiraz petrochemical facility in Iran

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes on Irans Marvdasht Petrochemical Complex near Shiraz, targeting materials used in ballistic missile production









Israel Defence Forces have struck Irans Marvdasht Petrochemical Complex near Shiraz, targeting materials used in ballistic missile production (Image: X)
Israel confirms strike on Irans South Pars gas complex despite earlier Trump warning

The confirmation comes despite recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who had earlier indicated Israel should refrain from attacking the site again following Iranian retaliation on energy installations across the Gulf.









Representative image Israel hits Irans South Pars gas field, key energy hub

Israel vows continued attacks on Iranian infrastructure

US President Trump warns Iran of severe retaliation Did our AI summary help?
Israel-US launch fresh strikes on Iran infrastructure, Tehran warns of oil cut-off for years

Israel and the US launched widespread strikes on Iranian infrastructure, while Tehran warned it could cut oil and gas supplies for years, amid explosions at key energy sites and fragile diplomacy.









Iran warns prolonged energy retaliation after strikes
Israel issues rare advisory urging Iranians to avoid trains and railway lines, warning of potential safety risks amid escalating tensions
Laura Loomer criticises Tucker Carlson over Trump-Islam remarks, warns they wont get away with their behaviour

Laura Loomer targets Tucker Carlson over comments linked to Donald Trump perceived as mocking Islam, calling him a woke leftist and warning of political consequences.









Far-right activist Laura Loomer targets Tucker Carlson over Trump-Islam remarks, calling him a woke leftist and warning of political fallout Laura Loomer criticizes Tucker Carlson for remarks on Islam

Carlson says mocking religion is wrong, cites Trump's post

Feud between Loomer and Carlson gains traction online Did our AI summary help?
Multiple explosions heard in Tehran and Karaj, says Iranian media

Local media outlets reported that explosions were heard in parts of Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj.









Explosions reported across Tehran and Karaj, with possible blasts near Mehrabad Airport (Image: X)
NASA restores contact with Artemis II astronauts after Moon flyby; crew heads back to Earth

NASA re-establishes communication with Artemis II astronauts after the scheduled Moon blackout; the Orion crew heads back to Earth following a historic lunar flyby, collecting new data on the Moons surface and geology.









Mission specialist Christina Koch broke the silence saying, "Houston, Integrity, comm check. It is so great to hear from Earth again." (Iage: AFP) Artemis II crew set new record for farthest distance from Earth

Orion spacecraft lost contact for 40 minutes behind the Moon

Crew studied and photographed lunar surface during flyby Did our AI summary help?
New phase of war begins: Iran escalates missile threat, says all previous strikes are multiplied by two

IRGC commander outlines dual-launch missile strategy as Iran warns Gulf countries of prolonged disruption to oil and gas flows following reported strikes on Kharg Island









IRGC says new phase of war begins, warns Gulf states and outlines dual-missile escalation after reported strikes on Irans Kharg Island Iran deploys dual-launch Fateh and Kheibar Shekan missile systems

IRGC warns Gulf countries of oil and gas disruption risk

US, Israel reportedly hit Irans Kharg Island facilities Did our AI summary help?
Behind the scenes, Trump is said to be among the most hawkish voices within his administration on Iran
'Only the president knows what he will do': White House keeps world guessing as Trump's Iran ultimatum nears end

The remarks came just hours before the deadline, with tensions escalating and Trump warning that a whole civilization will die if Iran failed to comply.









U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he speaks during a press conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 6, 2026. REUTERS/Evan Vucci
Pakistan's hypocrisy on display: Senator mocks UAE as 'bechara', 'majboor' despite financial lifeline, warns of 'Akhand Bharat'

The remarks have surfaced at a sensitive moment for Pakistans economy. Islamabad recently failed to secure a rollover of $3 billion in deposits from the UAE for the first time in seven years.









Pakistan Senator Mushahid Hussain -- File Photo Pakistani senator Mushahid Hussain mocked the UAE, despite its longstanding financial support to Pakistan. His remarks come amid economic strain and failed deposit rollovers, highlighting Islamabads uneasy reliance on foreign partners and diplomatic tensions. Did our AI summary help?
Probe debunks Pakistan's claims, says it struck rehab centre in Kabul: 'Why did they bomb it?'

Pakistans military had claimed that the strikes targeted an ammunition site and a drone storage facility as part of its campaign against the Taliban government, which it accuses of supporting militant groups.









Afghan men offer prayers during the mass funeral for victims killed by a Pakistani airstrike that struck a drug rehabilitation center (AFP)
Qatar LNG ships appear to abort bid to exit Strait of Hormuz

The Al Daayen switched its intended destination to the emirates Ras Laffan late Monday, and is now traveling westward into the gulf, ship-tracking data show. Rasheeda signaled its waiting for orders while sailing in the same direction.









Strait of Hormuz
'Restraint is over': Iran issues blunt warning to neighbouring Gulf countries after Kharg island strike

Iran warns of prolonged oil disruption after reported US-Israel strikes on Kharg Island and infrastructure across Iran.









IRGC issues warning after reported US-Israel strikes on key Iranian infrastructure, including Kharg Island and sites near Qom IRGC warns Gulf neighbors, says restraint is over after strikes

Iran threatens to disrupt oil and gas flows for years

Israeli military claims strikes on dozens of Iranian sites Did our AI summary help?
Russia, China veto UN resolution on reopening Strait of Hormuz

Russia and China vetoed a UN resolution urging coordinated defence to keep the Strait of Hormuz open amid rising tensions.









UN resolution on Hormuz vetoed
A ranch manager holds pistachios at a farm in Madera, Calif. The lifting of sanctions on Iran has California growers worried that Iranian pistachios will flood the U.S. market.
'Theres going to be a lot of negotiation': JD Vance signals intense talks with Iran ahead of deadline

US Vice President JD Vance said theres going to be a lot of negotiation with Iran, as Washington keeps pressure through unused options while preparing for possible direct talks.









Vance signals intense US-Iran negotiations ahead
Kotak cites Trumps remarks on controlling the Strait of Hormuz, outlines two possible global economic paths
Trumps Iran threats raise fresh questions over war crimes

As deadlines loom, questions are growing over whether targeting infrastructure could cross legal lines under international law.









. Trump threatens to hit Irans energy and civilian sites

Experts: attacks may breach international humanitarian law

Debate grows over US military strategy and legal boundaries Did our AI summary help?
Trump said the five-week conflict could end quickly if Iran does "what they have to do."
Trump stands firm: 8 p.m. strikes on Iran scheduled, diplomacy still possible

US President Donald Trump confirmed threatened strikes on Iran for 8 p.m. ET, leaving room for last-minute talks, while Iran rejects pressure and Russia, China veto a UN resolution on Hormuz.









Trump-Iran standoff escalates amid Hormuz tension
Trump to hold key meeting with US envoy Sergio Gor before Iran deadline

Trump is scheduled to be in meeting with Gor at 7pm Eastern Time in the White House on Tuesday.









US ambassador to India Sergio Gor
Two gunmen killed after gunfire near Israeli consulate in Istanbul, officers injured

Gunfire near Israels Istanbul consulate left suspects dead and two police officers injured, as Turkish authorities responded swiftly and launched an investigation amid heightened regional tensions.









Gunfire near Israeli consulate shocks Istanbul
The spike in prices comes as flight operations between India and the Gulf face disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
US Ambassador Gor discusses US-India cooperation to counter transnational threats with FBI Director

He also praised the FBI Director for improving the law and order situation in the US.

ANI April 07, 2026 / 05:40 IST























US envoy Gor met FBI chief Patel on US-India security ties

Gor lauds FBI crime gains, addresses cybercrime and narcotics

Gor met VP JD Vance and President Trump on India-US relations Did our AI summary help?
A view of Iran's Kharg Island, which hosts the countrys main crude export terminal and is responsible for the overwhelming majority of its oil shipments to the world, about 30 kilometres south of the mainland in the north of the Gulf, on February 22, 2026. (Photo by 2026 Planet Labs PBC / AFP)
When Portuguese took control of Strait of Hormuz with an eye on India

In the early 1500s, the Portuguese Empire had decided to seize control of Hormuz as part of a larger strategy to dominate trade between India and the Middle East.









Representative image generated via AI
White House denies planning nuclear weapon use against Iran

The White House denied that Vice President JD Vance suggested nuclear strikes on Iran, calling claims of implication literally nothing.









White House rejects nuclear strike claims
East Daley analysts say the Permian rig count could jump back to 300 rigs in 2027 as confidence grows that WTI could be $100 for awhile grandriver/Getty Images

Permian Basin oil and natural gas producers remain puzzled about commodity prices in the wake of the conflict involving Iran.

Volatility and uncertainty were mentioned numerous times in the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas recent first-quarter energy survey.

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As one respondent put it:

We really have no idea.

A second wrote:

We do not agree with expectations that the price of oil will retreat to the $50s.

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But there are signs producers are beginning to rethink their stay-the-course plans announced at the beginning of the year.

As another survey respondent noted:

We are drilling six wells in 2026 versus zero prior to the increase in oil prices.

Analysts at East Daley Analytics wrote in a recent report that if sustained $100-a-barrel West Texas Intermediate prices become more probable, rig activity could rise and production gains could quickly fill crude pipelines.

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That begins with the rig count, which analysts say could rise from about 241 rigs currently to 300 by the end of 2027.

A move back to 300 rigs is achievable, especially given the basin was operating at roughly that level as recently as last year, so the system has already demonstrated that capacity, Keland Rumsey, crude team leader at East Daley, told the Reporter-Telegram by email.

He went on to point out that WTI was about $63 a year ago and the Permian was operating at about 300 rigs.

I dont believe rigs are the limiting factor. Rigs themselves can be reactivated relatively quickly, but the constraint is more likely the completion crews, experienced labor, and supporting logistics, which are slower to scale, Rumsey wrote.

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As a result of increased rig activity, East Daley says Permian crude production could rise to about 7.3 million barrels a day by next year, up from its current base case of 6.8 million barrels a day  an average increase of 500,000 barrels a day.

Higher production volumes combined with stronger export demand will increase pipeline utilization from the Permian to the Gulf Coast, driving a wider differential from Midland to Magellan East Houston than the market currently implies.

According to East Daley, key pipelines headed to Corpus Christi, such as the Cactus II, are already operating above nameplate capacity while Gray Oak and Cactus III are approaching full utilization.

Houston-bound pipelines also face tight system constraints.

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Systems including Longhorn, West Texas Gulf, Permian Express and Midland-to-ECHO are at or near operational limits.

Sustained higher oil prices make new pipeline expansions more likely.

The system is likely to balance primarily through price signals and short-cycle operational measures rather than new long-haul pipeline relief as of now, Rumsey wrote.

He cautioned that as Permian production and export demand rise into a takeaway system already running at high utilization, Midland to MEH differentials would likely widen to reflect tighter pipeline capacity.

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In the interim, operators would lean on a mix of fast-cycle debottlenecking such as drag-reducing agents, pumps, storage, trucking or rail to manage volumes. These tools can provide partial relief, but they are generally more costly and less efficient than pipeline transport, which is why tighter egress capacity would raise the probability of expansion projects, particularly if Permian production growth persists over the long term, Rumsey wrote.

The market initially treated geopolitical disruption as a short-term price shock.

However, recent escalation points to a more durable shift in global supply-demand dynamics.
The Hodge Carillon Tower on the campus of Midland College, seen here Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. Trevor Hawes/Midland Reporter-Telegram

Midland College will have its annual Career Fair on Thursday, April 16. The fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Al G. Langford Chaparral Center.

This event is about helping people take that next step, whether thats landing their first job, making a career change, or simply building confidence in how they present themselves to employers, said Haley McNerlin, Director of Student Engagement and Leadership at Midland College, in a press release. Were bringing together employers who are ready to connect, and we want our students, graduates, and community members to take full advantage of that opportunity.

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The Career Fair is expected to include more than 50 employers from a wide range of industries. As of April 2, 31 companies had confirmed plans to attend:

First Service AC Contractors Inc.

City of Big Spring

Midland ISD Transportation Services

PB Materials

ICA RADIO, LTD

City of Midland

Tradehome Shoes

Cushman & Wakefield | C&W Services

Martin County Hospital District

Love Midland

The Sewell Family of Companies

Fastenal Company

Midland Police Department

City of Odessa

The Kent Companies

Midland County Sheriffs Office

Aperture

Third Future Schools

Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

Dismas Charities Inc. - Midland

Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS)

PermiaCare

Diamondback Energy

American Legion Tall City Post 119

U.S. Navy

Skillpoint Alliance

St. Josephs

Oceans Healthcare Behavioral Health Hospital

Midland Medical Lodge

Boys & Girls Club at Halff Park

Solar Pros
Midland Independent School District. Courtesy of Midland ISD Schedule for the Pre-K and Kindergarten Roundup at MISD. Courtesy of Midland ISD

Midland ISD has opened enrollment for the 2026-27 school year.

The enrollment period is for all students, including those applying for Pre-K or starting kindergarten, students new to MISD and all returning students.

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Families can get started at midlandisd.net/enroll.

The site serves as a portal for enrollment and application tools for students and families.

Returning students can re-enroll by using their Skyward Family Access account.

The district said the website was designed to make the enrollment process as easy as possible for families.

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We continue to make adjustments in an effort to make the process as easy as possible for parents, said Adrian Garcia, director of student information systems.

It is essential that parents complete these online forms, so the district has the most current information for every student.

The enrollment website includes step-by-step instructions on how to enroll using Skyward.

It also includes a built-in Google Translate tool to make the site easy to navigate regardless of a familys preferred language.

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Applications can be completed with a smartphone, but a larger device, such as a tablet or computer, is recommended.

Computer stations will be available at campuses for families needing assistance.

The district said families should also be aware of the following:

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By Noel M. Soria

Resident of Saipan

FOR months, we have watched the pillars of our economy collapse in real time. Anchor hotels have closed. Major retailers have left. Tourism  our only major industry for 40 years  can no longer carry the weight of our governments deficit. The CNMI is now standing at a historic crossroads.

We can follow the path of obstruction and port bans spreading across the Pacific, or we can choose a path of Strategic Autonomy  one that uses federal law, not political slogans, to rebuild our economy. Today, I am calling on our leaders, and every candidate seeking office this November, to embrace a New Deal with the federal government through the deepsea mineral mandates of Public Law 11921.

This is not about selling out our environment. It is about finally cashing in on our geographic importance. For decades, the CNMI has been a spectator to its own resources. PL 11921 changes that. Under Section 508, the Territorial Parity provision, the CNMI is legally entitled to 37.5% of all federal mineral revenues  the same model that rebuilt the Gulf Coast under GOMESA. This is the only clear, durable path to:

 stabilizing the CUC power grid

 funding our public schools

 securing pensions

 and ending the cycle of temporary federal bailouts

But revenue alone is not the real opportunity. The true win lies in modernizing our infrastructure.

If the CNMI is to serve as the logistics hub for this national mandate, then the federal government must invest  immediately  in the Port of Saipan and the harbor at Tinian. These upgrades are not optional. They are the price of partnership. We should insist on worldclass port facilities capable of supporting 21stcentury industry.

This New Deal must also include telecommunications resiliency. Mineral licensing should be tied to the hardening of our fiberoptic networks and subsea cables. Every family in the Commonwealth deserves stable, highspeed connectivity that can withstand typhoons, cyber threats, and the demands of a modern economy.

A partnership is not a surrender. PL 11921 gives the CNMI real leverageif we choose to use it. Under Section 19 of the OCSLA, the Governor has the explicit authority to negotiate directly with the Secretary of the Interior. This is our seat at the table. We must use it to determine the where and when of mineral activity, ensuring that traditional fishing grounds and cultural areas remain protected.

And under Section 502, we have the strongest environmental guardrail ever written into federal mineral law: a requirement for realtime monitoring and transparency. The CNMI should demand that this oversight be led by our own local scientists, funded by federal dollars, ensuring that the health of our people and our reefs is never compromised.

To the candidates running this November:

The survival of the Commonwealth must be your central mission.

The voters are tired of wait and see economics. They want leadership that is willing to break from the regional blockade and negotiate a specific, highstakes bargain with Washington. If we provide the logistics and partnership the United States needs for national security, then we must receive the modern ports, reliable power, and resilient telecommunications our people deserve.

This will be my final contribution to this public dialogue. I extend my sincere gratitude to Marianas Variety for consistently providing space for these critical discussions. And to the readers who have followed this series: thank you. Whether we agree on the method or not, we share the same goal  a CNMI that is prosperous, selfreliant, and respected on the global stage.

The minerals may lie in the deep sea, but our future is in our hands.

It is time for a New Deal. It is time for the CNMI to lead.

If youd like to follow the full progression of this issue, please feel free to revisit my previously published opeds from the beginning of the deepsea mining mandate, link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Txohqoh-aEvub7-bxRDJh4SsF6oXhrAR2y5j9II7gt4/edit?usp=drivesdk
1) The United Filipino Organization is an annual participant in the Mt. Tapochao Good Friday Trek. UFO photos

2) As in previous years, the United Filipino Organization provided free bottled water, boiled eggs, bread and rice porridge to devotees along Mt. Tapochao Road on Good Friday.

(Press Release)  Carlito J. Marquez, president of the United Filipino Organization, issued the following statement Monday on behalf of UFO:

The United Filipino Organization extends its heartfelt thanks to all who participated in the successful Mt. Tapochao Good Friday Trek activities. Through this collective effort, we were able to sustain the free distribution of bottled water, boiled eggs, bread and rice porridge to devotees along Mt. Tapochao Road.

We are deeply grateful to our donors, including Hafa Adai Rent A Car for providing a pickup truck to transport supplies to Mt. Tapochao. Special thanks go to Soledad Maria Quan, president of Hafa Adai Rent A Car; Mishael Pelicano, operations manager; and Cely Monteclaro, UFO assistant treasurer, for facilitating the service vehicle.

These activities would not have been possible without the support of UFO member organizations, including the Bayani Association, Bicol Association in the Northern Mariana Islands, Marianas Association of Filipino Engineers and Architects, Marianas Institute of Filipino CPAs and Accountants, Northern Mariana Bartenders Association, and Samahang Ilocano.

UFO also extends its appreciation to the companies that provided financial and in-kind support, including HBR Construction, MJ Enterprise, JAG Construction, CFPJ Construction, JG Sablan Ice & Water Inc., and Val Cruz of Macro Accounting.

We likewise thank the individuals who generously donated in kind, including Dennis Cortez of Chang Ming Market, Cris Rivera of Royal Pacific Express, Rommel Relucio of Triple R Auto Shop, Noel Ordas of Bourbon Street, Roselle Pitpit of 5Ps Collections, Gold Ribbon Bake Shop & Restaurant, Engineer Moises Tagle Jr. of RNV Construction, Jerald Rivera for securing space for the UFO tent, and GPPC Construction for accommodating the UFO tent at their staging area.

Thank you all for your continued support and generosity.
By Bryan Manabat

[email protected]

Variety News Staff

SUPERIOR Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho has formally declared 19-year-old Clarence Anthony Ong Lee the natural and biological son of the late Antonio Santos Salas, granting him full Northern Marianas Descent status and associated rights, including land ownership and potential retirement survivorship benefits.

The six-page ruling, issued in April, followed a Feb. 19 evidentiary hearing on the administratrixs petition for final distribution, declaration of paternity, and name change. The court relied on sworn testimony from Antonios widow, Rosalina Manabat Ong Salas, and six exhibits admitted into evidence.

Court affirms paternity and NMD status

In the order, Judge Camacho found that Rosalinas testimony established she had no intimate relations with anyone other than Antonio more than eleven (11) months prior to the birth of Clarence, a statement the court deemed credible.

The ruling also emphasized evidence that Antonio receive[d] the child into his home and openly held the child as his own, satisfying the statutory presumption of paternity under 8 CMC  1704(a)(4).

Photos of Antonio and his family at Clarences baptism, along with a 2010 Deed of Gift, further supported the finding. In that deed, Antonio conveyed Lot 031 D 36 to Clarence for and in consideration of natural love and affection I have unto my son.

As Antonio was a Chamorro of Northern Marianas Descent, the court ruled that Clarence also qualifies as NMD and may legally hold permanent interests in CNMI land under Article XII of the Constitution.

Name change and inheritance rights granted

Judge Camacho ordered the Division of Public Healths Vital Statistics Office to amend Clarences birth certificate to reflect his new legal name  Clarence Anthony Ong Salas  and to list Antonio as his natural father.

The ruling also confirms Clarences eligibility to claim any benefits arising from his status as Antonios natural-born child, including  but not limited to survivorship benefits from the CNMI Retirement Fund.

The court additionally ratified the 2010 Deed of Gift, declaring the land transfer valid now that Clarences NMD status has been legally established.

Background

Clarence was born in 2007, before Rosalina and Antonio married in 2009. At the time, Rosalina was still legally married to another man in the Philippines, and Clarences birth certificate listed no father.

Antonio died in 2017, leaving behind two children: Clarence and Jhon Joseph Ong Salas, born in 2013.

Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
By Emmanuel T. Erediano

[email protected]

Variety News Staff

GOVERNOR David M. Apatang and other members of the CNMI government panel will meet with their U.S. counterparts via videoconference at 8 a.m. today, Wednesday, to pick up where they left off in the consultation pursuant to Section 902 of the Covenant.

In an interview on Tuesday, the governor said they will continue the discussion from the last meeting in February, when the CNMI and U.S. panels tackled critical issues such as budgetary support; tourism and transportation; access to labor; and ongoing activities in the Marianas related to the military build-up in the Pacific region.

The governor said every one of these issues is important for us here. He added, This time, we are concentrating on how we can get help with the power issue, referring to the planned increase in the fuel adjustment charge that the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. will raise due to continued increases in global oil prices.

In an emergency meeting last week, the governor, Senate President Karl King-Nabors, Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, and Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds discussed the CUC plan and its impact on ratepayers.

In her eNewsletter, King-Hinds said, What we heard from CUC was serious. As many of you know, a portion of your CUC bill reflects the cost of fuel. She added that if rates are not adjusted, the stability of our power system is at risk, and if they are, families and businesses will immediately feel the impact in higher bills.

For the continuation of the Section 902 talks this morning, Governor Apatang said he will be joined by Finance Secretary Tracy B. Norita, Special Assistant for Management and Budget Vicky Villagomez, Commonwealth Ports Authority Board Chairman Bart Jackson, CPA Executive Director Esther Ada, and representatives from the CNMI private sector.

During the last consultation in Washington, D.C., the governor and his team emphasized the need for immediate federal regulatory changes and financial support amid the Commonwealths fiscal crisis. The governor stressed that the CNMI does not need a handout from the federal government; it needs a hand up.

Emmanuel Arnold Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
HAGATNA (Pacific Island Times)  Allaying fears of a possible fuel shortage, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has declined calls to declare a state of emergency, assuring residents that Guams energy supply remains stable.

I have been asked by some in the legislature to declare a state of emergency based on the fear of a fuel shortage. A fear that is being stoked by the attorney general, the governor said in a special video message to the public.

While acknowledging that the unabated war in Iran has driven up global prices, the governor said she was assured by private fuel distributors, the Guam Power Authority, and military installations that there is currently no indication of any immediate shortage.

Everyone is telling me the same thing: fuel supply remains stable. Fuel supply is here. And our supply lines are intact, the governor said.

The conflict continues to disrupt key oil transit routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. Fuel prices have increased worldwide  impacting families across Guam.

In a letter to the governor, Sen. Jesse Lujan noted that Guam has experienced a rapid and severe escalation in fuel and shipping costs, driven by disruptions to global oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz.

He cited the GPAs report that its next fuel shipment, expected to arrive on or around April 15, may cost approximately $60 million  more than double the historical norm of $24 to $25 million per shipment.

GPAs supplier has further warned of challenges in securing cargo for the May shipment due to reduced refinery operations and government directives abroad to prioritize domestic supply.

In response, the governor said, No executive order gives a governor superpowers. And no emergency declaration from Guam can reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The Marshall Islands was the first nation to declare a state of economic emergency in response to the geopolitical ripples caused by the escalating U.S.-Israel war on Iran. President Hilda Heine issued the declaration on March 26.

The Philippines followed suit on March 28.

As for Lujans request for an executive declaration of a state of emergency, the governor said: Such actions must be grounded in clear and immediate threats to public safety or the continuity of essential services.

Guams current conditions have not reached a level that would warrant an emergency declaration, she added.

Lujan has also proposed reappropriating the remaining $104 million currently in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to provide relief to Guam consumers.

With an estimated 65,000 taxpayers on Guam, a reappropriation for direct relief could provide roughly $1,600 per taxpayer, Lujan said. That is real and meaningful relief. More importantly, it empowers families to determine for themselves what their most urgent need is: whether that be rent, childcare, groceries, fuel, utility bills, school supplies, or medical expenses.

The governor, however, said the federal funds in question are restricted.

The government of Guam has already received guidance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury outlining allowable and prohibited uses of these funds, Leon Guerrero said in a letter responding to Lujan.

Based on that guidance, the type of direct, across-the-board payments being proposed is not an authorized use of SLRF funds. We remain committed to ensuring that all federal funds are used in full compliance with applicable rules and requirements while continuing to explore other lawful and responsible ways to support our residents, she added.
Rural Illinois healthcare workers will talk about what their jobs are like with high school and college students during a virtual panel. andresr/Getty Images

Healthcare workers from around rural Illinois, including west-central Illinois, will talk with high school and college students about what their jobs are like in a virtual panel.

Illinois Rural Health Association will hold a virtual panel on rural healthcare careers starting 7 p.m. April 16. Healthcare workers from around rural Illinois will share what their jobs involve and answer questions from audience members.

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Seven healthcare workers will make up the panel, including Pittsfield dentist Kaydianne Grote and Greene County Health Department administrator Molly Peters.
After the creation of a fire district failed by 15 votes, South Jacksonville officials are weighing a fee increase and other funding options. Ben Singson/Journal-Courier

A vote during the March 17 elections that shot down a bid to establish a fire district for South Jacksonville Fire Department has Chief Rich Evans Jr. making plans to help ensure the department remains funded.

The proposed fire district, which would have covered South Jacksonville and portions of rural Morgan County and impose a property tax to fund the department, fell short by 15 votes, Evans said.

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"Right now we are determining what our next steps are, deciding if we want to try to do it again," Evans said.

They realized after the election that many people didn't know much about the proposed district, despite a social media outreach and public forums, Evans said.

"We tried to get the information out there," he said. "If we do this again, we need more education to those people  who it pertains to, why we need to do this and the benefit of doing it."

Evans has maintained that establishing the district is the best way to ensure fire department funding and coverage in cases of emergencies.

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Funds generated would have been used to update aging equipment and to staff the department part time during the day when the department's volunteers are not as readily available because of their own work obligations.

Evans asked the board and village attorney during April's village board meeting to begin looking at a new ordinance that would increase the fire service subscription fee that covers those outside of village limits but in the department's coverage area.

The subscriptions are voluntary, Evans said, so there is no guarantee for additional funding from them.

The subscription now is $100 a year, and Evans is looking to increase that, likely to $150 a year, he said.

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"The $100 fee has been in place for several years and, with the cost of operations increasing, we feel the need to raise the amount," Evans said.

The village had 234 responses from residents in the department's coverage area during the most recent subscription renewal period, village President Dick Samples said.

Both the current fee and the proposed increase are less than what other department's charge, he said.

Those in the coverage area without a subscription still get service but are billed for any calls to their homes, Evans said.

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Evans would rather have everyone covered through the district and not have to rely on subscriptions, but he recognizes at this point that a district is not happening, he said.

"We are happy to cover these areas," he said. "The issue is that we need to have the support in place to do it."

He doesn't know what the department's next steps are but he intends to continue discussing it with the fire department's and the village's leadership, he said.

Evans is proud the vote passed in the village, showing the support it has from residents, he said.

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The vote faltered in more rural areas of the proposed district.

Though questions about problems with some ballots were raised, they were only able to confirm six incorrect ballots, Evans said, noting that would not have changed the vote's outcome.
Commentary: There is a misguided belief held by many people that profanity is more honest or authentic than polite speech. C.J. Burton/Getty Images Solomon Stevens Solomon Stevens

If you have sensed that our politicians are using more vulgarity in public discourse in the past 10 years, you are right. In the past, politicians have only occasionally used slang or made a quick off-color remark; in recent years, this has become frequent and widespread.

As Joseph Phillips of Cardiff University has pointed out, in 1919 Woodrow Wilson once said that he had made a conspicuous ass of himself. At the time, that was considered shocking.

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However, in the past 10 years, coarse language has become fashionable in American political life. Why is this happening? What is going on?

First of all, public discourse in general has degenerated. Recently, politicians have begun to focus on personal, angry attacks on those with whom they disagree, rather than on principled disagreements about ideas. They tend to attack the person who said something rather than what they said.

The ad hominem attack is everywhere around us, and vulgarity is commonly used as part of these attacks. This is both a cause and an effect of the countrys growing polarization.

Beyond this, there is a misguided belief held by many people that profanity is more honest or authentic than polite speech. It follows from this mistaken notion that politicians who swear are telling it like it is, or being real, while those who avoid swearing must be holding back and not telling the truth. Politicians who swear are just politicians who swear. They can lie to us just as easily as those who dont swear.

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In addition, there is an anti-intellectualism at work here. Politicians who swear are trying to suggest that those who dont are putting on airs, or just being pretentious or presenting themselves as more important, more educated than the average person. And while some intellectuals can certainly be pretentious (I have met some of them over the years), refraining from coarse language is not by itself a sign of that. Politicians who use vulgarity can be just as contemptuous of the average person as the most affected intellectual.

It would be hypocritical of me to condemn all vulgarity. I certainly curse from time to time at home or in my car. I certainly curse when I stub my toe or hit my finger with a hammer. There is a difference between private and public speech. In private, casual speech, vulgarity can, on occasion, be emotionally satisfying and even quite funny. But public speech should be governed by different standards. In public discourse, restraint is a positive attribute.

Restraint in speech is an important way politicians can show respect for one another and create the conditions for the cooperation and compromise needed in political life. When we normalize losing restraint, we weaken our society.

Vulgarity weakens the bonds of civility that enable us to sort through our problems and disagreements peacefully in our political life.

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What are swear words anyway? What any given society defines as profanity or vulgarity could be quite different from what is considered profane or vulgar in other societies. Certain words can be commonplace in one country and quite shocking in others. So when we criticize the increase in coarse political language, we are not talking in universal terms but rather about the way in which particular words are understood in particular countries. What is profane in the United States might not be elsewhere.

I reject moral relativism, but there is a certain relativism in how different people use language. Restraint manifests itself differently around the world. But every country needs to understand that some speech is appropriate in public and some is not. The main point here is that politicians in all countries need to use their speech in a way that promotes the civility within their countries.

So, how should we respond to this growing vulgarity in public speech in the United States? We need to be wary of politicians who use vulgarity. Are they really more honest, more real than other politicians, or is this just their way of trying to manipulate us?

Americans are fed up with elected representatives who seem unable to address the problems of our society. Perhaps our politicians could get more real work done if they stopped cursing at one another and started doing their jobs.

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BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- An estimated 845.38 million passenger trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6 percent year on year, transportation authorities said on Monday.

The daily average number of trips reached 281.79 million, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Road trips accounted for 778.45 million, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, while railway trips hit 57.68 million, up 8.2 percent year on year. Waterway transport handled about 3.7 million passenger trips, an increase of 9.8 percent, and civil aviation carried approximately 5.5 million trips, down 1.3 percent.

The holiday travel boom was driven by the overlap of the Qingming Festival and spring breaks for primary and secondary school students in many regions, which boosted family trips and parent-child tours.

On Saturday, the first day of the holiday, the volume of traffic on expressways nationwide exceeded 62.67 million vehicles, including over 14 million new energy vehicles. This strong demand for self-driving trips fueled double-digit growth in spending on scenic spots, hotels and car rentals.

Returning home for tomb-sweeping and in-depth rural tours also boosted activity in rural areas, helping extend consumption from major cities to towns and villages.

To ensure safe and smooth travel, the ministry continued to exempt passenger cars with seven seats or fewer from expressway tolls during the holiday. It adopted tailored measures to ease congestion on busy sections and improve charging services for new energy vehicles at expressway service areas.

Transport departments across the country also increased transport capacity and extended operating hours around key locations, such as tourist sites and cemeteries.




British thermal eye satellite set for launch, promising unprecedented peek inside Irans nuclear facilities

A British satellite named HotSat-2, developed by SatVu, can detect human activity through walls at sensitive sites like Irans nuclear facilities using high-resolution thermal cameras.

The technology captures infrared heat signatures day or night, allowing intelligence agencies to monitor restricted areas from space, including reactor operations.

Backed by $40 million from NATO and launched via SpaceX, it aims for a constellation enabling imagery of any Earth location every two hours.

SatVu has monitored sites like North Korea's Yongbyon center and can assess damage from incidents like explosions at energy facilities in the Middle East.

While valuable for military intelligence and allied sharing, the satellites also track urban heat and environmental changes for climate resilience.

A revolutionary British satellite capable of detecting human activity through the walls of sensitive sites like Iran's nuclear facilities is set for launch.

The spacecraft, developed by London-based company SatVu, represents a significant leap in thermal imaging intelligence, potentially altering the landscape of global security and arms monitoring.

The satellite, named HotSat-2, is equipped with cutting-edge high-resolution thermal cameras so precise that they can discern when individual pumps on a nuclear reactor are switched on. According to SatVu, the technology can capture detailed imagery and video through thick walls and smoke, day or night, providing intelligence agencies with the ability to "see inside" strategically important buildings.

As noted by BrightU.AI's Enoch, thermal camera satellites, which primarily operate in the infrared spectrum, measure the temperature of the Earth's surface and atmosphere by detecting the thermal energy (heat) they emit. Unlike optical telescopes, these sensors do not rely on visible light but instead capture the infrared radiation emitted by objects, allowing for temperature mapping day and night.

The data collected is used to build models of atmospheric and surface temperatures, though it requires careful calibration and processing of raw radiance measurements, as the view is a downward-looking perspective that can be misinterpreted without understanding the technology's principles.

The satellites are designed for economic monitoring and climate resilience

Anthony Baker, SatVu's chief executive, emphasized the system's strategic value. "High-resolution thermal data is no longer a nice-to-have; it is a fundamental requirement to complete geographical intelligence assessments," he stated. "Unlike thermal data captured from airplanes or drones, SatVu can capture data from any point on the Earth's surface, including inaccessible or restricted areas," added Baker.

Scheduled to be fired into orbit atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California, the satellite is backed by $40 million in NATO funding. The company plans a constellation of eight satellites, which would allow it to recapture imagery of any location on Earth every two hours.

The launch comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where Iranian-linked strikes have recently targeted oil facilities in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, as well as the world's largest liquefied natural gas facility in Qatar. Baker highlighted the technology's utility in such crises, noting, "If you see a big explosion at Ras Laffan in Qatar, you don't know how much of it has gone up in flames. Our imagery lets you know with much more certainty what part has been hit and has gone offline."

While the United States is believed to possess similar classified capabilities, a commercial provider like SatVu could enable easier intelligence sharing with allies without the same security restrictions. The company already has contracts with the U.S. government, Japan and several European nations, though not yet with the United Kingdom.

SatVu has previously demonstrated its capability by monitoring the Yongbyon Scientific Research Centre in North Korea. Over three months, its imagery revealed thermal signatures from reactors and warmer water discharge, suggesting the site "may be undergoing pre-operational testing," which could bolster Pyongyang's nuclear program.

Beyond military and intelligence applications, the satellites are designed for economic monitoring and climate resilience, tracking urban heat islands and environmental changes. U.K. Space Minister Liz Lloyd praised the project, calling SatVu "a shining example of British innovation at its best."

As the satellite heads to the launch pad, its advanced thermal eyes promise to peel back layers of secrecy at critical sites worldwide, offering allies a powerful new tool for informed decision-making in an increasingly volatile world.

Watch this video about Iran's new secret nuclear facility.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Brighteon.com

BrightU.ai
The Fourth Turning: Chaos, collapse and the elites accelerated agenda

The globalist elite's original plan to crash the financial system under Trump's presidency has been rushed due to failed assassination attempts and Biden's collapse, signaling desperation and impending engineered chaos.

Trump is untouchable politically, yet his populist movement has fractured into blind loyalty while Democrats scramble for a viable candidate (Obama, Newsom, Clinton) as Biden's cognitive decline worsens despite White House lies.

Alex Jones predicted Trump's poisoning attempt; the elite's tactics include staged removals, constitutional loopholes (Obama VP scheme) and false flags (OKC, 9/11, COVID) to enforce control.

We are in a historical crisis era (currency collapse, border shifts, war). The elites push WWIII (Israel, Iran, Taiwan) to weaken America, while decentralized movements (Bitcoin, independent media) challenge their power.

Families must prioritize self-sufficiency (homesteading, gold/silver, detox from mRNA/spike proteins) while leveraging decentralized tech (AI, crypto) to resist tyranny as the system collapses.

The world is spiraling into unprecedented chaos, and what we are witnessing may not be random instability but a calculated demolition of Western institutions by globalist elites. The original planto crash the financial system after Trump's inauguration and pin the blame on himhas been forced into overdrive. With Trump surviving assassination attempts and Biden's political collapse, the desperation of the Deep State has reached new heights. Their endgame? Total economic destabilization, engineered crises, and the imposition of a New World Order.

Trump, the failed Messiah, and the Democrats' dilemma

The spectacle of Trump being hailed as "America's Messiah" in Milwaukee should alarm every Christian. While no viable Democrat challenger emergeswhether Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Gavin Newsom or Andy BeshearTrump remains politically untouchable. Yet, his presidency has been a betrayal of the populist movement that elected him. The MAGA base, once a formidable force, has fractured into a cult of personality, devoid of ideological coherence. The Liberty Republicansthe Rand Pauls and Thomas Massieshave abandoned him, recognizing his alignment with the same neocon warmongers he once denounced. Meanwhile, the Democrats scramble for a candidate, but their options are bleak. The Biden White House insists he's in "excellent condition" after ten vaccine doses, yet his cognitive decline is undeniable. Rumors swirl of Deep State plots to remove both Trump and Biden, replacing them with globalist puppets like Nikki Haley or Hillary Clinton.

Assassination plots, false flags and the elite's endgame

Alex Jones' prediction of an assassination attempt on Trump proved chillingly accurate. The Deep States playbook includes poisoning, staged removals and constitutional loopholessuch as installing Obama as VP before engineering a transition to power. The parallels to Wag the Dog are unmistakable: manufactured crises used to manipulate public perception. The Oklahoma City bombing, 9/11 and COVID were all false flags designed to consolidate control. Now, with Trump still standing, the elites are accelerating their agendaeconomic collapse, engineered pandemics and war.

The Fourth Turning: A time of blood and reckoning

We are deep into the Fourth Turningan era of cataclysmic upheaval that reshapes civilizations. Historically, these periods involve currency collapses, border shifts and violent power struggles. The COVID tyranny was merely the pen that popped the bubble, exposing the rot in centralized institutions. The New York Times, once a bastion of authority, is now dismissed as propaganda. The World Economic Forum's influence wanes as decentralized movements rise. Bitcoin challenges fiat currency. Independent media eclipses corporate narratives.

But Fourth Turnings are also marked by bloodshed. The elites are pushing for World War IIIexpanding conflicts in Israel, Iran, Cuba and Taiwanto weaken America's global dominance. If they succeed, the U.S. could follow Germany's post-war trajectory: from superpower to vassal state. The reckless warmongering of Netanyahu, Trump and their enablers threatens to unleash destruction unseen since World War II.

Survival in the storm: Faith, preparedness and decentralization

Amid the chaos, faith and preparedness are paramount. The globalists will stop at nothingdepopulation vaccines, chemtrails, food toxins, digital enslavementto achieve their dystopian vision. Families must prioritize self-sufficiency: homesteading, off-grid living, food sovereignty and sound money (gold and silver). Detoxification is critical, especially from spike proteins and mRNA contaminants.

Yet, within this turmoil lies opportunity. Decentralized technologiesAI, cryptocurrency, permacultureempower individuals against tyranny. Broken systems deserve to collapse. The Federal Reserve, the WHO and the pharmaceutical cartels must fall.

The best and worst of times ahead

The next four years under Trumpor whoever replaces himwill be turbulent. Drones, cyberattacks and staged events will escalate. But those who stay informed, spiritually grounded and self-reliant will endure. The Fourth Turning will end, as all do, with either renewal or ruin.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, we are witnessing the rapid unraveling of the old order as the corrupt elite push their destructive agendamass migration, economic collapse and medical tyrannywhile patriotic Americans, regardless of political labels, awaken to the shared enemy. The coming revolution will unite dissidents against this criminal regime, exposing their lies and reclaiming sovereignty before they fully enslave humanity under their technocratic dystopia.

Watch the full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and Gary Heavin as they break down the real power struggle.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

X.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Iran threatens annihilation of $30B AI data center, escalating tech infrastructure warfare

Iran's Revolutionary Guard has explicitly threatened to destroy the $30 billion Stargate AI data center in Abu Dhabi.

The threat is framed as retaliation for any potential U.S. strikes on Iranian power infrastructure.

A released video uses satellite imagery to pinpoint the facility, claiming it cannot be hidden.

The warning follows reported Iranian attacks on other U.S.-linked data centers in the region.

Targeting this critical AI hub marks a significant escalation, moving conflict into the realm of global technological infrastructure.

In a stark escalation of hybrid warfare, Iran has directly threatened the physical destruction of one of the worlds most advanced and valuable artificial intelligence facilities. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a public warning on April 5, vowing the complete and utter annihilation of OpenAIs $30 billion Stargate data center in Abu Dhabi if the United States follows through on threats to strike Irans power plants. This move signals a dangerous new phase where geopolitical conflict increasingly targets the foundational digital infrastructure of the global economy.

The explicit threat to a technological keystone

The threat was delivered via a video statement from IRGC spokesperson Brigadier General Ebrahim Zolfaghari. He declared that any U.S. action against Iranian energy assets would prompt immediate retaliation against all power plants, energy infrastructure and information and communications technology of the Zionist regime, and all similar companies within the region that have American shareholders shall face complete and utter annihilation. The video then zoomed in on satellite imagery of the Abu Dhabi desert, overlaying text stating, Nothing stays hidden to our sight, though hidden by Google, before revealing a night-vision view of the sprawling Stargate campus. This visual demonstration was a clear message of intent and capability.

Context of escalating infrastructure attacks

This warning did not occur in a vacuum. It follows a series of claimed and confirmed attacks on U.S. technology assets in the Gulf region. Iranian forces have reportedly inflicted enough damage on Amazon Web Services data centers to cause shutdowns and have claimed strikes on an Oracle facility in Dubaia claim disputed by Dubai authorities. The Stargate project, however, represents a target of an entirely different magnitude. As a joint venture involving OpenAI, Nvidia and other tech giants, it is a pinnacle of AI research and computational power. Its targeting moves the conflict beyond symbolic strikes to the heart of strategic technological investment.

Why Stargate is a strategic target

The choice of Stargate is calculated for maximum impact. Historically, nations targeted industrial capacity, energy resources, or military installations to cripple an adversary. In the 21st century, data centers housing AI models are becoming analogous to the oil refineries or arms factories of past wars. They are critical, high-value and difficult to replace. Destroying such a facility would cause profound financial loss, set back AI development timelines by years and demonstrate an ability to strike at the core of Western technological and economic power. This tactic reflects a modern understanding of asymmetric warfare, where a regional power can threaten assets of global significance.

A dangerous precedent for global security

The explicit threat against a civilian AI data center establishes a perilous new norm in international conflict. It blurs the line between military and civilian infrastructure, leveraging the interconnected nature of the global digital economy as a pressure point. For national security advocates, this episode underscores a urgent vulnerability: the Wests critical technological infrastructure, often concentrated in allied but potentially vulnerable regions, is now in the crosshairs. It raises complex questions about defense commitments, deterrence and how to protect assets that are commercially owned but nationally strategic.

The digital battlefield expands

Irans threat against the Stargate data center is more than rhetorical bluster; it is a marker of how modern warfare is evolving. Conflicts are no longer confined to land, sea and air but extend into the digital and informational domains, with physical infrastructure as the nexus. This move challenges the United States and its allies to reconsider how they secure and deter attacks on the technological backbone of modern society. As geopolitical tensions simmer, the protection of global data and AI infrastructure has abruptly transitioned from a corporate security concern to a pressing matter of international security and economic resilience.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

TomsHardware.com

MSN.com
The Last Line of Defense: The role of sheriffs in protecting liberty against federal tyranny

"The Last Line of Defense: How Constitutional Sheriffs Can Save America" argues that sheriffs, as the highest elected law enforcement officials, have a sacred duty to resist unconstitutional federal mandates (e.g., gun control, medical tyranny, CDC overreach). Unlike appointed police chiefs, sheriffs derive authority directly from the people, making them uniquely positioned to protect local sovereignty.

Sheriff Richard Mack's Printz v. United States (1997) win proved sheriffs can legally refuse federal orders (like enforcing the Brady Act). The case reaffirmed the anti-commandeering doctrine: The feds cannot force local officials to execute their policies.

Sheriffs who resist tyranny face lawsuits, defunding and personal threats from agencies like DOJ/DHS. Corporate media labels them "extremists" while ignoring their defense of liberty.

Citizens must actively support their sheriffs by educating themselves on constitutional principles and holding sheriffs accountable to their oath. Organize petitions, recalls and funding for pro-liberty sheriffs. Build alliances with gun rights, homeschooling and medical freedom groups.

Spiritual decay (Marxist indoctrination, family breakdown) enables tyrannysheriffs must also lead moral renewal. Citizens must embrace jury nullification, sound money (gold/silver), homeschooling and parallel institutions outside corrupt systems.

In an era where federal overreach threatens the very fabric of American liberty, "The Last Line of Defense: How Constitutional Sheriffs Can Save America" emerges as a crucial manifesto for restoring decentralized governance and upholding the rule of law.

Authored with a deep reverence for the Constitution and a sharp critique of centralized tyranny, this book serves as both a historical primer and a tactical guide for sheriffs and citizens alike. At its core, the book argues that sheriffsas the highest elected law enforcement officers in their countieshold a sacred duty to resist unconstitutional federal mandates.

Unlike appointed police chiefs, sheriffs derive their authority directly from the people, making them uniquely positioned to act as a bulwark against federal encroachment. The book meticulously traces the sheriff's lineage back to Anglo-Saxon England and the Magna Carta, emphasizing that this role was designed to protect local sovereignty from authoritarian overreach.

Sheriff Richard Mack's Supreme Court victory: A blueprint for resistance

One of the book's most compelling sections details Sheriff Richard Mack's landmark Supreme Court victory in Printz v. United States (1997), which struck down provisions of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act that compelled local law enforcement to enforce federal gun laws. This case reaffirmed the anti-commandeering doctrinethe principle that the federal government cannot force state or local officials to implement its policies.

Mack's triumph serves as a blueprint for sheriffs nationwide, proving that resistance to federal tyranny is not only possible but legally defensible. The book underscores that sheriffs must be educated in constitutional law, historical precedent, and moral clarity to effectively fulfill their role.

Blind compliance with unconstitutional orders from federal agencies betrays their oath. Instead, sheriffs must act as interpositional figures, standing between the people and federal overreach.

The threats sheriffs faceand how citizens must support them

Sheriffs who resist federal tyranny often face immense pressure: lawsuits, media smears, funding cuts and even personal threats. The book highlights how federal agencies like the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security use financial coercion (e.g., withholding grants) to force compliance.

Meanwhile, corporate media demonizes constitutional sheriffs as "extremists" while ignoring their principled defense of liberty. To combat this, the book urges citizens to:

Educate themselves on constitutional principles and the sheriff's role.

Organize locallythrough petitions, recalls and grassroots fundraisingto support sheriffs who uphold their oath.

Build alliances with like-minded groups (e.g., gun rights advocates, homeschooling networks, medical freedom organizations).

Utilize alternative media (Brighteon, Telegram, Rumble) to bypass censorship and expose corruption.

The spiritual and moral foundations of freedom

Beyond legal and tactical strategies, the book delves into the moral and spiritual decay eroding America. It argues that true freedom cannot exist without virtue, citing John Adams' warning: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

The breakdown of the family, the rise of secular humanism, and the infiltration of Marxist ideologies in education and media have weakened the nation's moral fabric. Sheriffs, as community leaders, must also champion moral renewalwhether through town halls, prayer gatherings, or standing against policies that undermine faith and family.

The book concludes with actionable steps for citizens to reclaim liberty:

Jury nullificationRefusing to convict under unjust laws.

Financial independenceUsing gold/silver instead of fiat currency to evade surveillance and central bank digital currencies.

Parallel institutionsCreating homeschooling co-ops, private security networks and medical freedom sanctuaries outside corrupt systems.

Electoral engagementRunning for local office, recalling corrupt officials, and voting in sheriff elections.

"The Last Line of Defense" is a clarion call for Americans who recognize that liberty is under siege. It empowers sheriffs to reclaim their constitutional authority and equips citizens with the tools to resist tyranny at the local level. The book's message is clear: The federal government will not save Americabut sheriffs and the people can.

For those who value decentralized governance, constitutional fidelity and moral leadership, this book is essential reading. The Republic hangs in the balanceand the sheriff's badge may be the last symbol of resistance standing between freedom and despotism.

Grab a copy of "The Last Line of Defense: How Constitutional Sheriffs Can Save America" 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 Sheriff Richard Mack discussing with the Health Ranger Mike Adams how sheriffs can help restore the American Republic in this edition of the "Health Ranger Report."

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

BrightLearn.ai

Books.BrightLearn.ai

Brighteon.com
Trump Administration Proposes $1.5 Trillion Military Spending Increase for 2027

The White House released details of President Donald Trump's proposed federal budget for fiscal year 2027 on Friday, formally requesting Congress to approve a record $1.5 trillion for military spending, officials said. According to the Associated Press, this marks the largest such request in decades.

The proposal was submitted as the United States remains engaged in a U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, a conflict now in its second month. Analysts note the request arrives amid significant fiscal pressures. The national debt surpassed $39 trillion this year, while the debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio now exceeds 120 percent, surpassing the peak reached after World War II.

The federal government currently spends nearly $2 trillion more than it receives in tax receipts annually, according to fiscal data. The budget proposal pairs the defense increase with a planned 10 percent reduction in non-defense discretionary spending. The plan would shift some responsibility for social programs, including childcare, Medicaid, and Medicare, to state and local governments.

Budget Rationale and Presidential Remarks

President Trump outlined the rationale for the budget priorities at a private White House event earlier in the week, according to a report.

"We're fighting wars. We can't take care of day care," Trump said. "It's not possible for us to take care of day care, Medicaid, Medicare  all these individual things. They can do it on a state basis. You can't do it on a federal."

The annual budget request is widely considered a reflection of an administration's values and policy priorities, though it does not carry the force of law. For the spending plan to take effect, the Republican-controlled Congress must approve it. The request represents a significant shift from Trump's 2024 campaign platform, which emphasized ending foreign wars and prioritizing domestic needs. Analysts observe that the proposal underscores a strategic focus on military preparedness and ongoing conflicts.

According to the AP, "The president's annual budget more broadly is considered a reflection of the administration's values."

Current Military Expenditures and Conflicts

The budget request comes as the Pentagon seeks additional funds to sustain current military operations. Last month, the Department of Defense proposed receiving an additional $200 billion to backfill munitions and supplies used in the war against Iran, according to officials. The ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign in Iran is reported to be costing U.S. taxpayers over $11 billion for each week it continues.

A report from The New York Times indicated the U.S. spent $11.3 billion in the first six days of the conflict. The war has resulted in casualties, including civilians and children, according to casualty figures provided by military sources. Public opinion polling suggests a majority of the American public has been against the ongoing military campaign in Iran from the day it started, according to a Reuters poll from March 1 which found only 27 percent of Americans supported the war. Some Republican lawmakers have begun to voice concerns about the conflict's duration and costs.

Defense Industry Impact and Production Commitments

The sustained military engagement has provided a significant boost to U.S. and Israeli weapons manufacturers, who stand to earn hundreds of billions in additional profits from the increased spending. After meeting with major defense contractors at the White House in early March, Trump said the companies had agreed to quadruple production of "exquisite" and sophisticated defense systems that can repel ballistic missile attacks.

These systems include Patriot missile batteries and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors. Each THAAD interceptor missile costs roughly $12.7 million, and each Patriot PAC-3 interceptor costs about $3.7 million, according to cost disclosures. The interceptors have been used in large quantities to counter Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf.

Major defense firms identified as beneficiaries of the increased spending include RTX (Raytheon), which makes Tomahawk missiles; Boeing, which builds F-15 and Growler warplanes; and Lockheed Martin, which produces F-35 warplanes and Patriot and THAAD interceptors. Other firms include Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, and L3Harris.

Market Response and Historical Context

U.S. defense stocks have rallied strongly since February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine. Israel's military actions in Gaza starting on October 7, 2023, provided an additional boost to sector valuations, as did the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran in June of last year and the anticipation of the second U.S.-Israeli war that began in February. Market analysts note that anticipation of continued conflict and elevated government spending influences defense sector performance.

The proposed budget, representing a roughly 42 percent increase from the 2026 total level, would mark the sharpest single-year increase in Pentagon spending since World War II, according to historical data. The request follows a period where defense stocks had previously reacted to proposals for spending cuts. In February 2025, U.S. defense stocks plunged after President Trump proposed cutting the military budget by half, causing major contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman to lose significant value.

Political and Fiscal Implications

The proposal's contrast with Trump's earlier campaign promise of "no new wars" and prioritizing domestic needs has drawn scrutiny from some observers. Republican lawmakers are belatedly starting to question the potential for the United States to become bogged down in another Middle East conflict, according to a report. The budgetary path forward requires Congressional approval amid existing fiscal deficits and record debt levels. The request arrives as interest payments on the national debt have surpassed $1 trillion annually, becoming the second greatest government expense after Social Security, according to Treasury Department data. Critics argue the spending plan enriches defense contractors and expands government debt without a clear strategic benefit. As noted by financial commentator Mike Adams, "This legislation is a stark reminder of the lack of meaningful reform in Washington, as it fails to address the significant cuts to defense spending that were initially proposed. Instead, Trump has dramatically increased funding for the military." The final outcome of the budget request will be determined by legislative negotiations in the coming months.

References
White House Proposes Privatization of Airport Security Screening Operations

President Donald Trumps administration has proposed a significant shift in U.S. aviation security policy. The White House budget for fiscal year 2027, released Friday, includes plans to begin privatizing passenger screening operations currently handled by the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The proposal calls for a $52 million reduction in TSA funding and would mandate that small airports enroll in a program where the TSA pays for private contract screeners. [1] [8]

This initiative follows weeks of severe disruptions at major U.S. airports during a partial government shutdown, where unpaid TSA officers led to hours-long security lines and widespread travel chaos. The administrations budget documents state that airports currently using the privatization program have demonstrated cost savings compared to federal screening operations. [13]

Budget Proposal Calls for TSA Funding Cuts, Expanded Private Screening

The 92-page budget request seeks to reduce funding for the TSA, the federal agency created after the September 11, 2001 attacks, by $52 million. [14] A central component requires small airports to participate in the existing Screening Partnership Program (SPP), under which TSA pays private contractors to carry out passenger screening. [8] The administration argues this model has proven more cost-effective. "Budget documents said airports currently using the privatization program have demonstrated savings compared to federal screening operations," according to a report. [1]

TSA currently employs about 50,000 federal officers who handle screening at nearly all U.S. airports. [1] The proposal represents a structural change to a system that has been federally managed for over two decades. If enacted, it would mark a major step toward reducing the federal governments direct role in frontline airport security. [7]

Proposal Follows Recent TSA Staffing Disruptions and Security Concerns

The privatization push comes in the wake of a partial, nearly six-week government shutdown that crippled airport operations. During the funding lapse, which began in mid-February, TSA officers worked without pay, leading to daily absence rates exceeding 10% at points and causing massive security line delays. [1] The agency reported Monday that the absence rate fell to 8.6% after officers received back pay. [1]

The staffing crisis intensified during the shutdown. "Since the partial DHS shutdown began on February 14, more than 450 TSA officers have quit, according to agency figures," one report stated. [10] This exodus exacerbated a pre-existing shortage of air traffic controllers, creating a compounded risk to air travel safety and efficiency. [2] The chaos at airports placed intense political pressure on Congress to resolve the funding impasse. [11]

Administration's Rationale and History of Criticism Toward TSA

Administration officials have argued that moving screening operations to the private sector could insulate them from congressional funding disputes that lead to shutdowns and payroll interruptions. [1] The current administration has been consistently critical of the TSAs performance and management. President Trump fired the agencys administrator, David Pekoske, on his first day in office and has not nominated a permanent replacement. [1]

Last year, the White House sought a $247 million cut to TSA funding, criticizing the agency for failing audits and implementing "intrusive screening measures that violate Americans privacy and dignity." [1] This stands in contrast to the approach of the previous administration. "The Biden administration had increased the size of the TSA, which has nearly 60,000 employees, as air travel has increased in recent years," a report noted. The TSA screened a record 904 million passengers in 2024. [1]

Perspectives on Privatization and Federal Role in Security

Supporters of the change contend that private contractors can provide screening services more efficiently and at a lower cost, as indicated in the administration's budget justification. [3] Some critics have long argued for eliminating the TSA, with one article stating, "Privatize airport security? Of course, that's the right answer," citing long wait times and inefficiency. [4] Critics of privatization, including some lawmakers and union representatives, warn of potential risks to security standardization, worker pay, and benefits.

They also note the challenging timing of such a shift during an ongoing staffing crisis. [10] The debate also touches on broader concerns about government overreach and privacy. Articles have criticized the TSA for expanding biometric surveillance, such as facial recognition technology, arguing it poses significant privacy risks and potential government overreach. [6] [5]

Next Steps and Implementation Timeline

The budget proposal must be approved by Congress, where it is expected to face detailed scrutiny. The Republican party currently holds majorities in both the House and Senate. [9] Given the recent political stalemate over Department of Homeland Security funding, the path to enactment is uncertain. House Speaker Mike Johnson recently put forward a 60-day funding bill for DHS, but Democratic leaders rejected it, signaling continued partisan division. [8]

If Congress approves the measure, the shift would represent one of the most significant changes to U.S. aviation security since 2001. The plan also includes funding to hire additional air traffic controllers while reducing direct resources for federal passenger screening. [1] The proposal aligns with a broader pattern of the administration seeking to reduce the agency's budget and footprint, including through the adoption of advanced screening technologies from private companies. [15]

Conclusion

The White House's proposal to privatize TSA screening operations emerges from a context of budgetary conflict, operational dysfunction, and longstanding philosophical debates about the proper role of government. The plan seeks to address cost and efficiency concerns highlighted by recent airport chaos, but its implementation depends on congressional approval.

The debate encapsulates larger questions about centralized federal authority versus private sector efficiency, and the balance between security, privacy, and cost. As air travel volumes continue to break records, the structure of the system responsible for safeguarding millions of passengers annually may be poised for a fundamental transformation. [1]

References
Al Jubail  Theyre Burning Down the Backbone of the Modern World, and You Dont Even Know Its Name

Introduction: The Invisible City Your Life Depends On

If I asked you to name the most important industrial complex on planet Earth, youd probably guess something in China or Germany. Youd be wrong. Its a sprawling, 1,000 square-kilometer metropolis of steel, pipelines, and chemical reactors on the Saudi Arabian coast called Al Jubail. By any measure, it is the single most critical node in the global supply chain for modern civilization, and right now, it is being systematically targeted and crippled by missile and drone attacks in an escalating regional war.

The consequences of this aren't confined to some distant desert. This is a direct, physical assault on the very ingredients that make your life possible. When the production of synthetic lubricants, plastics, fertilizers, and pharmaceutical feedstocks grinds to a halt here, the shockwaves will ripple through every supermarket, auto shop, and farm on Earth within weeks. As one analysis starkly puts it, the oil and gas blockade stemming from this conflict will 'tighten petrochemical and fertilizer markets,' with devastating geopolitical and economic effects [1]. This isn't a geopolitical story; it's a countdown to a breakdown in the machinery of daily life.

Why Al Jubail Isn't Just 'Another Factory' - It's the World's Chemical Heart

To call Al Jubail an 'industrial city' is a profound understatement. It is the planet's petrochemical heart, a nexus where crude oil and natural gas are transformed into the essential building blocks of our material world. Ive studied the scale, and it is almost incomprehensible: home to over 300 industrial plants, it alone accounts for a staggering 7% of global petrochemical production. It doesn't make finished goods; it manufactures the fundamental molecules for everything from the polymers in your car's dashboard and the adhesives in your furniture to the fertilizers that grow half the world's food and the precursors for countless medicines.

This hub is as strategically vital as Germany's BASF complex once was, but it exists in a far more volatile region. And now, that volatility has turned into sustained military assault. As noted in recent reports, the conflict has 'choked the petrochemical supply,' with key plastics and polymer prices already soaring [2]. The attacks aren't just on Al Jubail itself but on the entire regional ecosystem that supports it, including Qatar's critical liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure at Ras Laffan, which has suffered catastrophic damage requiring years to repair [3]. When you bomb these facilities, you aren't just destroying metal; you are destroying the material foundation of global commerce.

The First Domino: When the Grease and Oil Stop Flowing

Let me make this personal. I run a ranch, and I know the sound of a machine squeaking from lack of grease in its joints. That simple act of greasing a fitting -- an act most people have never performed and never think about -- is what keeps every single piece of heavy machinery on Earth running. The grease in that gun, the oil in your cars engine, the hydraulic fluid in a 787's landing gear -- they are all synthetic products derived from petrochemicals brewed in places like Al Jubail.

This is the hidden lifeblood of civilization. As one industry article bluntly stated, a simple grease gun 'might be the single most important maintenance tool in your shop' for keeping freight fleets running [4]. Without a steady, global supply of these specialized lubricants, the entire logistics network that moves food, fuel, and goods seizes up. Trucks stop, ships anchor, forklifts freeze, and farm equipment becomes scrap metal. This isn't a hypothetical. The disruption is already happening, with 'shipping delays in the Middle East, polymer shortages, and another jump in energy costs' being reported as of 2026 [5]. The first domino has already been tipped.

The Ripple Effect: From Plastics to Famine

The immediate financial signal is flashing bright red: Asian polyethylene prices have reportedly already doubled [6]. But that's just the price tag on the initial shock. The secondary effects are where the true collapse begins. Consider India's massive packaging industry, which relies on these polymers. If it shuts down, so does the means to preserve and transport food, not just locally but for global exports. We are staring down the barrel of a supply chain failure that threatens food security on a planetary scale.

Then comes the tertiary, and perhaps most devastating, impact: fertilizer. Al Jubail and similar Gulf complexes are primary producers of ammonia and urea. The destruction of this capacity doesn't just raise prices; it collapses the very basis for intensive agriculture. As one analysis of the Strait of Hormuz crisis warned, the blockade will 'tighten... fertilizer markets,' directly threatening food production [1]. This sets the stage for catastrophic crop failures in the coming seasons. It creates a scenario where, as one article from 2022 warned, 'the cost of food continues to skyrocket as shelves empty around the globe' [7]. We are moving from a price shock to a production collapse.

Why 'Just Make It Here' Is a Fantasy - The Brutal Math of Global Commodities

Whenever a supply chain crisis hits, pundits and politicians chant the mantra of 'domestic production' and 'energy independence.' Its a comforting fantasy, but it is a fantasy nonetheless. Heres the brutal math: even if the United States ramps up production of some lubricants or plastics, the sudden, massive scarcity on the global market will cause demand -- and prices -- for all feedstocks and related commodities to skyrocket domestically as well. We are not an island.

The feedstocks themselves, like natural gas, are global commodities. As Robert Bryce argues in his book Gusher of Lies, the dangerous delusion of energy independence ignores 'the sheer magnitude of energy flows' that bind the global economy [8]. U.S. producers will sell natural gas to the highest bidder in Europe or Asia, not to domestic manufacturers out of patriotism. The financial incentives of a fractured global market will override any nationalist sentiment.

Furthermore, this isn't a problem that can be solved overnight. Building a petrochemical plant takes the better part of a decade and billions of dollars. The deliberate destruction of core, mega-scale feedstock capacity in the Gulf has decade-long consequences. The idea that we can quickly reshore this unimaginably complex and capital-intensive industry is a dangerous myth that will leave millions unprepared for the scarcity that is already arriving.

Conclusion: This is the Real 'Supply Chain Collapse' -- And Your Only Defense is Self-Reliance

What we experienced during COVID was a traffic jam in the global supply chain. What is coming now is the permanent demolition of major sections of the highway system. Governments and multinational corporations, wedded to a 'just-in-time' model of efficiency that is really a model of profound fragility, have no viable plan for this. Their system is about to meet its 'never-again' moment.

This unfolding catastrophe is the ultimate argument for radical decentralization and personal resilience. You cannot rely on a system that is being actively bombed into oblivion, managed by institutions that have repeatedly lied to you about everything from vaccine safety to the stability of the financial system. My final, urgent advice is this: Reject dependence. Grow your own food using organic, non-GMO heirloom seeds. Learn practical skills -- mechanical repair, food preservation, basic medicine. Stockpile essential, non-perishable supplies. Move your savings into honest money like physical gold and silver, which cannot be printed into oblivion by bankrupt governments.

This is not fear-mongering; it's pattern recognition. As Gerald Celente of the Trends Journal has pointed out in my interviews, when systems fail, those who are prepared not only survive but can thrive [9]. The backbone of the modern world is on fire. Your only real security lies in building a life that doesn't need it to stand. Start building now.

References

The Strait of Hormuz crisis will ripple across plastics and food supply chains, helping Beijing and Moscow, hurting Americans. - Atlantic Council. March 23, 2026. Iran war chokes petrochemical supply, sends plastic prices soaring. - Reuters. March 26, 2026. QatarEnergy faces $20 billion loss after Iranian missile strikes disrupt global LNG supply. - NaturalNews.com. March 25, 2026. The Best Way To Maximize Fleet Longevity That Youre Probably Skipping. - FreightWaves.com. December 18, 2025. The Impact of Global Supply Chain Disruptions. - PlastikMedia. April 1, 2026. Plastic Prices Double As Middle East War Disrupts Global Supply Chain. - YouTube. April 3, 2026. Mainstream media outlets FINALLY admit the world is on the brink of food collapse. - NaturalNews.com. Mac Slavo. August 4, 2022. Gusher of Lies: The Dangerous Delusions of Energy Independence. - Robert Bryce. Mike Adams interview with Gerald Celente. - Mike Adams. May 24, 2024.

Explainer Infographic:
A new report from the real estate data firm Cotality, released on March 24, 2026, estimates that more than 43.5 million residential properties across the United States face a moderate or greater risk from hail damage. [1] The report finds that the potential reconstruction value of these exposed homes totals approximately $17.84 trillion, a figure that now rivals the financial impact of major hurricanes. [2][3]

According to the report, hail is becoming both more frequent and more financially destructive, driven by housing growth and rising property values that concentrate more wealth in vulnerable areas. [4] The analysis highlights a systemic vulnerability in the national housing stock, with potential losses from severe hail events now reaching into the trillions of dollars.

Geographic Distribution and High-Risk Regions

The report identifies specific regions, including parts of the Midwest and the Great Plains, as having the highest concentration of exposed properties. [5] For example, the Chicago metropolitan area alone was found to have more than $1 trillion in property value exposed to hail risk. [6] Researchers used historical weather data and property valuation models to create the risk assessment.

Officials from the firm stated the analysis quantifies a growing threat. "More than 43.5 million U.S. properties are at moderate or greater risk from damaging hail," according to a summary of the findings. [7] This risk is not confined to a single state but is spread across regions historically associated with severe convective storms. The report's geographic mapping underscores that a significant portion of the nation's housing wealth is situated in areas prone to these destructive weather events.

Insurance Industry Response and Market Implications

The insurance industry has noted rising claim costs linked to hail damage in recent years. [3] Cotality's report positions hail as "a leading driver of insured losses, on par with major hurricanes," suggesting that the financial burden on insurers is escalating. [3] Some insurers have reportedly begun adjusting premiums or coverage terms in high-risk zones in response to the mounting data.

A spokesperson for an insurance trade group, cited in related coverage, said the industry is "monitoring the data closely." [8] The report's trillion-dollar exposure estimates signal potential challenges for insurance market stability, especially in regions where hail frequency is increasing. The concentration of high-value assets in these areas could test the capacity of private insurers to underwrite the risk without significant adjustments to their business models.

Building Code and Mitigation Strategy Discussions

In light of the findings, discussions around building codes and mitigation strategies have gained prominence. Proponents of stronger mitigation argue that upfront construction costs for hail-resistant roofing materials in vulnerable areas are offset by reduced long-term damage and lower insurance premiums. [9] The report's scale of financial exposure has brought renewed attention to the sufficiency of existing building standards.

Critics of current regulations say existing codes are insufficient to address the scale of the risk identified in the data. [10] They point to the need for updated, region-specific standards that account for the increasing severity and financial impact of hail storms. The debate centers on whether market forces alone will drive the adoption of more resilient construction or if regulatory intervention is warranted to protect homeowners and the broader economy from systemic loss.

Conclusion: A Call for Further Assessment and Preparedness

The report's authors conclude that the magnitude of financial exposure warrants greater attention from both the public and private sectors. [11] They recommend further independent study to verify the scale of risk and its full economic impact, suggesting that the implications for homeowners, local governments, and financial markets remain under review.

The findings arrive as severe weather patterns continue to impact the nation. As noted in recent news, a severe storm system swept across the U.S. heartland in early March 2026, spawning tornadoes and producing damaging winds and large hail from Texas to Kansas. [12] This event underscores the ongoing and immediate nature of the threat quantified in the Cotality report. The full consequences for housing security and economic stability will likely depend on how effectively this risk is recognized and managed in the coming years.

References
Scientists warn a cracked Teflon coating can release more than 9,000 plastic particles during cooking

Scratched non-stick pans release thousands of microplastics into food.

A single crack can shed more than 9,000 particles.

Worn plastic cookware releases the highest amounts of contaminants.

These Teflon particles belong to the concerning PFAS chemical family.

Using inert materials such as stainless steel eliminates this source of contamination.

That convenient non-stick pan in your kitchen cabinet may be easy to clean, but it is likely contaminating your meals with a hidden payload of plastic. Researchers using cutting-edge imaging technology have quantified for the first time how scratched Teflon-coated cookware releases microplastics and nanoplastics directly into food during cooking, estimating that a single surface crack can leave behind approximately 9,100 particles.

The study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, employed Raman imaging to scan the surfaces of non-stick pots. This process collects spectral data to create detailed chemical maps. To extract the extremely weak signal of tiny Teflon particles, scientists developed a new hybrid algorithm that combines principal component analysis (PCA) with an algebra-based method. This allowed them to effectively identify nanoplastics that were previously too difficult to detect using other methods.

A recipe for contamination

The findings of their study are alarming. The research estimates that a broken coating on this type of cookware could lead to the release of up to 2.3 million microplastics and nanoplastics during a mimic cooking process. "It gives us a strong warning that we must be careful about selecting and using cooking utensils to avoid food contamination," said study author Youhong Tang of Flinders University.

Teflon, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is a fluoropolymer and a member of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) family, often called "forever chemicals" due to their environmental persistence. "Given the fact PFAS is a big concern, these Teflon microparticles in our food might be a health concern, [which] needs investigating because we dont know much about these emerging contaminants," noted co-author Cheng Fang from the University of Newcastle.

Plastic in the pantry

This research dovetails with a separate investigation from the Plymouth Marine Laboratory, which examined microplastic release from a full suite of common kitchen items. That study used jelly as a food simulant and prepared it using plastic chopping boards, utensils, containers, and non-stick pans, comparing them to glass and stainless steel alternatives.

The results confirmed plastic cookware as a direct source of contamination. Food prepared with new plastic cookware contained significantly more microplastics than food prepared with non-plastic items. Older, worn plastic cookware released the highest load, contributing an estimated 2,400 to nearly 5,000 microplastics annually per meal prepared. PTFE particles were identified specifically from the non-stick pans.

The historical context makes this modern problem more urgent. For decades, consumers have been sold on the convenience of non-stick and plastic kitchenware, unaware of the potential for gradual material degradation. We've concentrated these synthetic materials in our airtight homes, creating a scenario where microscopic plastic particles have few avenues of escape except into our bodies.

The health implications of ingesting these particles are still being unraveled. Nanoplastics are of particular concern due to their minute size, which may allow them to cross cellular barriers and interfere with organ function. The chemicals used to manufacture plastics can also migrate from the particles into bodily tissues.

The solution, for now, appears straightforward but requires a conscious shift. Reverting to traditional cookware made from inert materials like cast iron, stainless steel, or glass can eliminate this specific source of contamination. Its a simple step back to basics that could significantly reduce an invisible chemical burden, proving that sometimes the oldest tools in the kitchen are the cleanest.

Sources for this article include:

ResearchGate.net

PubMed.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

ScienceDirect.com

PML.ac.uk

Independent.co.uk

ScienceDirect.com
Trumps Hubris and U.S. Military Incompetence Are Leading Us to Catastrophe

An Empire in Terminal Decline

I believe we are witnessing the final, gasping breaths of the American empire. As an author and researcher who has studied the realities of modern warfare and the rot within our own institutions, I see a U.S. military that is not a global force of order, but a hollow shell. It is, as analyst Andrei Martyanov described in a recent interview, a force lacking the resources, will, and doctrine for a real war against a determined, sovereign enemy [1]. The spectacle we see today -- the $13 billion USS Gerald R. Ford patrolling as a 'Floating Biosludge Hauler' -- is a perfect metaphor for the entire enterprise: a glittering, overpriced facade concealing a profound, systemic failure [2].

This hollowness is matched only by the staggering delusion of our leaders. From President Trump down through the Pentagon brass, there is a catastrophic misunderstanding of military power. They mistake Hollywood special effects and decades-old victories over minor powers for a sustainable strategy. They are, in Martyanov's words, 'utterly incompetent and illiterate' when it comes to real strategic planning [3]. We are led by men who believe their own propaganda, mistaking the ability to bomb a list of targets for the ability to win a war. As the conflict with Iran drags on, this mirage is shattering in real-time [4].

The Iranian Mirage: A Force We Cannot Comprehend

The very idea that the United States could successfully invade and occupy Iran is not merely a flawed military plan; it is a suicidal war crime born of profound, willful ignorance. In my view, the architects of this disaster in Washington and Tel Aviv have learned nothing from the quagmires of Iraq and Afghanistan. Iran is a different beast entirely -- a sovereign nation of over 90 million people, with a deeply ingrained national identity, millions of motivated defenders, and terrain that is a defender's dream. As analysis shows, its geography alone -- with two mountain ranges, two deserts, and two seas -- imposes prohibitive costs on any invading force [5].

Furthermore, Iran is not fighting with the outdated tools of 1991. It possesses a vast arsenal of advanced, effective weaponry, including long-range drones and ballistic missiles, and has demonstrated the will to use them. The downing of U.S. F-15E and A-10 aircraft in recent days is not an anomaly; it is a sign of a capable integrated air defense and a stark warning [6][7]. The Pentagon may tout striking 'over 10,000 targets,' but this is the warfare of a bygone era -- a stand-off model that is being challenged by Iran's asymmetric strategy planned over two decades [8]. They are not trying to defeat us in a Hollywood dogfight; they are patiently waiting to bleed us dry, and our leadership is too arrogant to see it.

The Fatal Flaw: An Army That Has Never Fought for Home

Here is the core psychological flaw that dooms American strategy: our nation has no living memory of a true existential war fought on its own soil for the defense of hearth and home. Our last continental conflict was the Civil War, a historical abstraction to today's citizens. Every war since has been an expeditionary project -- a professional military traveling thousands of miles to fight in other people's lands. This creates a dangerous disconnect in our strategic culture. Our political and military leadership cannot fathom the depth of resolve that arises when a people are defending their families, their culture, and their sacred soil from foreign invasion.

This absence breeds a toxic hubris. We look at nations like Iran or Russia and see only targets, not civilizations with their own deep histories and fierce determination to survive. As Martyanov argues in his analysis of American strategic myopia, this leads to a fundamental misreading of the enemy's will and capability [9]. We assume that enough bombs will break any spirit, because we have never had to endure such a test ourselves. We send troops from the 82nd Airborne to the Middle East with written deployment orders, treating it as a routine exercise [10], while having no conception of the hell that awaits them in the mountains of Zagros. We are unleashing forces we do not understand, against a people whose motivation we cannot compute, and the result will be a bloodbath of our own making.

Geopolitical Suicide: The West's Self-Inflicted Eviction

The strategic incompetence on display is already yielding its inevitable fruit: the final eviction of U.S. power from the Middle East. President Trumps blundering has handed Iran its greatest strategic victory in history. When he demanded allies send warships to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and was promptly rejected, he then petulantly declared he no longer wanted their help [11]. The result? The Strait remains functionally closed to the West, controlled by Iran. Tehran has rejected ceasefire proposals and outlined its own conditions, which include a toll system or joint control of the vital waterway [12][13]. In essence, Trump has ceded the world's most important oil chokepoint.

This is not a temporary setback; it is geopolitical suicide for the American empire. Control of the Strait means leverage over the global economy and, critically, over the petrodollar system. As one analysis starkly put it, 'Iranian Missiles Target the Petrodollar' [14]. The predictable outcome is the collapse of dollar hegemony as nations are forced to transact around U.S. control. Furthermore, traditional allies are now publicly questioning their vassalage. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a 'coalition of independence' to avoid being vassals to the U.S. or China [15]. The American Empire is being evicted from its own sphere of influence, not by force of arms alone, but by its own strategic idiocy and the unmasking of its paper-tiger military [4].

The End of the West and the Rise of a New World

This collapse is not isolated to the Middle East. It is part of a wider Western capitulation, led by a suicidal Europe. Germany and other EU powers, in their delusional pursuit of a green transition and subservience to Washington's failed foreign policy, are choosing cultural and economic death. They have sacrificed their energy security and industrial base on the altar of a climate change narrative that is, in reality, a tool for deindustrialization and control. As they face the consequences of backing a losing war, including becoming 'legitimate military targets' in Tehran's eyes [16], they double down on their folly.

The inevitable outcome is not an American century, but a Eurasian one. While the West tears itself apart with woke ideologies, weaponized migration, and financial fraud, a powerful economic and military union is coalescing in the East. Russia, having weathered the West's worst sanctions, now stands as an energy and agricultural superpower allied with Iran. China, producing over 10,000 TWh of (annual) energy to America's 4,400, is building the infrastructure of the future [17]. Together with partners like Pakistan -- which, alongside China, has proposed its own ceasefire plan for the Iran war [18] -- they are forming the backbone of a new multipolar world. The American empire, defeated by its own hubris, corruption, and strategic illiteracy, will be a bystander to this new reality.

Facing the Inevitable with Clear Eyes

We must stop lying to ourselves. The charade is over. The American empire we once knew is finished. It was not defeated by a peer competitor in a grand battle, but by its own internal rot: a corrupt, captured political class; a military-industrial complex that produces expensive failures; a financial system built on counterfeit money; and a population systematically poisoned by Big Pharma and processed food. The bill for this decades-long orgy of hubris is now coming due, and it is catastrophic.

In my view, our only sane path forward is a radical and immediate retrenchment. We must disengage from these suicidal imperial wars. We must turn our focus inward to self-reliance, decentralization, and community resilience. This means rejecting the centralized systems -- Big Government, Big Pharma, Big Tech -- that have brought us to this brink. It means embracing honest money like gold and silver, growing our own clean food, and reclaiming the knowledge of natural health they tried to censor.

Platforms like Brighteon.social for free speech, BrightLearn.ai for uncensored knowledge, and BrightAnswers.ai for honest AI research are the tools for this new era of decentralization. The choice is stark: continue to march blindly toward the cliff with Trump and the generals, or open our eyes, step back, and begin the hard work of building something real and sustainable from the ashes of their failure.

References

Mike Adams interview with Andrei Martyanov. - Mike Adams. October 27 2023. The Floating Biosludge Hauler How 13 Billion Bought the US Navy a Toilet Apocalypse. - NaturalNews.com. February 24, 2026. Gross miscalculations: US Israel overestimate military strength in the Middle East. - NaturalNews.com. November 09, 2023. The Paper Tiger Exposed The US Militarys Shattered Mirage of Power. - NaturalNews.com. Mike Adams. March 13, 2026. Two mountain ranges, two deserts, two seas: Irans geography is its greatest weapon. - Middle East Eye. April 06, 2026. US Fighter Jet Shot Down In Iran, One Crew Member Reported Rescued. - ZeroHedge. April 03, 2026. What we know so far about the US fighter jet shot down over Iran. - BBC. April 04, 2026. Is Having No War Plan Trumps Plan? - Ron Paul Institute. March 17, 2026. Losing Military Supremacy The Myopia of American Strategic Planning. - Andrei Martyanov. Reports Indicate 3,000 U.S. Soldiers from 82nd Airborne to Deploy to Middle East. - NaturalNews.com. March 25, 2026. Trump No Longer Wants Allies To Send Warships To Open The Strait Of Hormuz. - TWZ. March 17, 2026. Iran Rejects U.S. Ceasefire Deal. - TWZ. April 06, 2026. Iran Says Talks With US Are 'Fake News' After Trump Threatens To 'Just Keep Bombing', Wants Hormuz To Be 'Jointly Controlled'. - ZeroHedge. March 23, 2026. Iranian Missiles Target the Petrodollar. - Daily Reckoning. March 27, 2026. Macron urges nations not to be vassals of US or China. - RT. April 06, 2026. EU divided on Iran war: Energy fears and security risks escalate across Europe. - RT. March 13, 2026. Health Ranger Report - TRUMP'S FINAL WAR. - Mike Adams - BrightVideos.com. January 27, 2026. China and Pakistan issue five-point plan for 'immediate ceasefire' in war on Iran. - Middle East Eye. March 31, 2026. Off-Ramp In Progress? Israeli Media Signals 'Completion Phase' Of Iran War. - ZeroHedge. March 30, 2026.

Explainer Infographic:
U.S.-Israeli Strikes Target Iranian University, Civilian Casualties Reported

Summary of Events: Strikes on Sharif University and Tehran Province

A joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike hit the Sharif University of Technology in Tehran on Monday, April 6, according to multiple reports. [1] The strike caused extensive damage to university laboratories and a mosque on the campus. [1]

Simultaneous strikes across Iran killed at least 34 people, including six children under the age of 10, according to Al Jazeera and Iran's Fars News Agency. [2] The children were killed in a separate attack in Tehran province's Baharestan County, Fars reported. [3] The attacks also targeted petrochemical plants in southern Iran, officials said. [1]

Details of the University Strike and International Condemnation

Sharif University, often referred to as the "MIT of Iran," is a prestigious institution for engineering and medical students. [1] Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attack on X, calling it an act by "Israeli-U.S. aggressors." [4] The Iranian Red Crescent published photos showing significant damage to the university's facilities. [1]

The attack drew condemnation from analysts, including Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute, who called it "disgraceful" in a post on X. [1] Proponents of the war reportedly pointed to existing U.S. and EU sanctions on the university over allegations it cooperates with entities linked to Iran's military industry. [1] Engineering schools globally often have links to national defense industries; U.S. universities also receive extensive military funding for research. [1]

Civilian Casualty Reports and Broader Strike Campaign

The Fars News Agency reported that six children  four girls and two boys under 10  were killed in the Baharestan County strike. [3] Al Jazeera cited a total of 34 people killed in strikes across the country on Monday. [2] The broader bombing campaign has resulted in significant civilian infrastructure damage; Iran's science minister stated that more than 30 universities have been directly targeted since the war began over a month ago. [5]

The attack on Sharif University is part of a wider pattern of strikes hitting civilian sites. Previous strikes have damaged an orphanage, a cancer drug facility and a Russian Orthodox church in Tehran, according to reports. [6][7] Over 100 U.S.-based legal experts have declared such strikes may amount to war crimes. [8]

Official Statements and Escalating Rhetoric

In a social media post on Sunday, April 5, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping by 8 p.m. EST on Tuesday, April 7. He threatened to destroy Iran's power plants and bridges, stating, "Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran." [9] In public remarks on Monday, Trump stated the "entire country" could be "taken out" in one night. [1]

Iranian officials have mocked the ultimatum, dismissing it as "helpless, nervous and stupid." [10] The conflict began in late February with U.S.-Israeli strikes following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. [11] Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson has argued the war signals the "end of American Empire." [12]

Context and Analysis of Targeting Educational Institutions

The targeting of Sharif University raises questions about the legality and strategy of striking civilian educational infrastructure during conflict. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei accused the U.S. and Israel of genocide over the "deliberate" targeting of schools and educational facilities, stating over 600 such sites have been hit. [13] This pattern reflects a broader strategy noted in analysis from NaturalNews.com, which described Iran's war plan as one designed to "blind, deplete and overwhelm" U.S. defenses. [14]

Analysts note that universities globally, including in the U.S., often engage in defense-related research. [1] The strike continues an escalation that has seen attacks on over 82,000 structures in Iran, according to a March 26 report. [15] The ongoing conflict has also severely impacted Iran's economy, with its two largest steel plants shut down due to strikes. [16]

Conclusion

The strike on Sharif University of Technology marks a significant escalation in the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran, explicitly targeting a center of academic and scientific prestige. The reported civilian casualties, particularly among children, underscore the human toll of a conflict now in its second month. With Trump's Tuesday deadline looming, the threat of further attacks on critical infrastructure like power plants suggests the war may intensify. The broader campaign, which has damaged universities, hospitals and residential areas, continues to draw international condemnation and accusations of war crimes as regional and global tensions remain dangerously high.

References
Nvidias recent acquisition of SchedMD, the company behind the Slurm workload manager, is raising concerns among AI industry executives and supercomputing specialists who fear the chip giant could use its new position to favour its own hardware over competing chips, whether through code prioritization or roadmap decisions.

The concern, as industry sources frame it, is straightforward: Nvidia now controls scheduling software that also runs on hardware from its rivals, including AMD and Intel. A vendor that controls workload scheduling software has significant leverage over how efficiently competing hardware performs within shared computing environments  whether it exercises that leverage or not, Reuters reported, citing five anonymous sources, three of whom work in the AI industry and two with knowledge of supercomputer operations.

Analysts who spoke to InfoWorld said Nvidias open-source commitment  the company said during the acquisition announcement that it would continue to develop and distribute Slurm as open-source, vendor-neutral software  may not be sufficient protection.
Air India has announced revisions to its fuel surcharge structure in response to a near 100% surge in global jet fuel prices. For domestic routes, it will implement a distance-based grid, while international routes will see more significant changes due to the absence of price caps. Concurrently, Air India's CEO, Campbell Wilson, has informed the board of his decision to step down after four years overseeing the airline's post-privatisation transformation. Wilson stated he will remain until a smooth transition is effected.

Air India revises fuel surcharges amid a 100% spike in jet fuel prices. CEO Campbell Wilson announces his resignation after four years of transformation.

New Delhi, April 7 The Air India group has announced revisions to its fuel surcharge structure across domestic and international routes amid a sharp rise in global jet fuel prices.

In a statement, the airline said the decision comes as airlines worldwide face one of the toughest fuel cost environments in recent years.

"Air India group today announced further revisions to its fuel surcharge structure across domestic and international routes," the airline said.

The airline noted that global jet fuel prices have surged significantly in recent weeks.

"According to the latest data published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global average jet fuel price rose to USD 195.19 per barrel for the week ending March 27, 2026, up from USD 99.40 at the end of February, recording a surge of close to 100%," the airline said.

It added that the rise has been driven not only by higher crude oil prices but also by a sharp increase in refining margins.

"ATF... has seen simultaneous increases in both its crude oil component as well as the refinery margin, known as 'crack spread', with the latter having nearly tripled within three weeks," the airline said.

For domestic routes, the airline said it will transition from a flat surcharge structure to a distance-based system starting April 8.

"Following the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas' and Ministry of Civil Aviation's decision to cap domestic Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) price hike at 25%, Air India group is reflecting this calibrated approach, transitioning from a flat domestic surcharge to a distance-based grid," the airline said.

Under the revised structure, the surcharge will range from Rs 299 per passenger for flights up to 500 km to Rs 899 for flights above 2,000 km.

For international routes, the airline said the changes will be more substantial due to the absence of similar fuel price caps.

"At the same time, in the absence of any such mitigations on international ATF prices, the Air India group will be implementing more significant changes to fuel surcharges," it said.

Despite the revision, the airline said the surcharge still does not fully cover the increase in fuel costs.

"The fuel surcharges on international routes do not compensate for the exponential increase in jet fuel prices for international flights. Air India continues to absorb a significant portion of this increased cost," the statement added.

Meanwhile, the airline's Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson informed employees that he has decided to step down from the role after overseeing a major transformation of the airline over the past four years.

"With a brief window until bulk deliveries from the nearly 600-strong aircraft orderbook commence in earnest from 2027, the time is right for me to hand over the reins for the next phase of Air India's rise," Wilson said in an internal message.

He added, "I have informed the Board of my resignation, albeit with a commitment to remain in the role until a smooth transition can be effected."

Reflecting on the airline's transformation since its return to the Tata Sons group, Wilson said employees had played a crucial role in driving change.

"The four years since Air India's privatisation have seen tremendous change and progress... including the acquisition and successful merger of four airlines, modernization of systems and the addition of more than 100 aircraft to the fleet," he said.

"It has been a true honour to play a small part in this latest chapter of Air India's long history," Wilson added.

- ANI
Amanda Bynes is releasing her first new song in four years, titled "Girlfriend," on April 10. The track draws inspiration from EDM and rap music, featuring Los Angeles rapper Fenix Flexin. This follows her previous musical ventures in 2021 and 2022 with singles like "Diamonds." The release continues her expansion into various creative fields, including podcasting and visual art.

Amanda Bynes releases new single 'Girlfriend' featuring Fenix Flexin, blending EDM and rap. Out April 10 on Apple Music & Spotify.

Washington DC, April 7 Actor Amanda Bynes is making a musical comeback with her first song in four years, "Girlfriend," set to release on April 10 on Apple Music and Spotify. The Amanda Show alum shared with E! News that her latest single draws heavily from EDM and rap influences.

"My inspiration was a lot of EDM, as well as rap," Amanda said, highlighting the genre-blending nature of the track. The song also features Los Angeles-based rapper Fenix Flexin, combining melodic rap with EDM-inspired production to create a "catchy, high-replay record with a smooth West Coast bounce," according to Amanda's label, Create Music Group.



"Built around a strong hook and confident, flirt-heavy energy, it's designed for repeat listens and wide playlist appeal," the label added, according to E! News.



Amanda first teased her return to music in February, announcing that she and Fenix were working on something she described as "straight fire." The 40-year-old actress previously ventured into rap in 2021, releasing a 58-second track "Diamonds" with her then-fiance Paul Michael. At the time, she rapped: "Diamonds, diamonds, diamonds on my neck, on my wrist. Diamonds, diamonds, diamonds on my fist, yeah, I whip," as per the outlet.



The duo followed up in 2022 with a longer version of Diamonds and another single titled "Fairfax." Amanda's new release extends her creative journey following her 2019 graduation from Los Angeles' Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.



In addition to music, Amanda has explored multiple artistic avenues. She co-launched Amanda Bynes & Paul Sieminski: The Podcast in 2023, participated in an art show and clothing pop-up in December 2024 showcasing her artwork, and joined OnlyFans last April, emphasizing she "won't be posting any sleazy content," according to E! News.



With "Girlfriend," Amanda Bynes continues to expand her artistic footprint, merging her love for EDM and rap into a track aimed at repeat listens and broad audience appeal. Fans can expect the single to drop globally on April 10.





- ANI
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, has been published in the Gazette after receiving President Droupadi Murmu's assent, legally establishing Amaravati as the state's sole capital. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the development and expressed profound gratitude to the President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilling the "long-cherished dream." The Act amends the 2014 legislation, which had designated Hyderabad as a temporary common capital following the creation of Telangana. The bill was passed by both houses of Parliament, though YSR Congress Party MPs staged a walkout during the Rajya Sabha proceedings.

Andhra Pradesh's capital is now Amaravati as the Reorganisation Act gets President's assent. CM Naidu thanks President Murmu and PM Modi.

Amaravati, April 7 The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2026, on Tuesday was published in the Gazette after receiving the President's assent, making Amaravati the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh.

Sharing the Gazette publication on X, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced, "The capital of Andhra Pradesh is Amaravati."

CM N Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the recognition of Amaravati as the state's sole capital, expressing gratitude towards President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a post on X, Naidu said, " On behalf of my people of Andhra Pradesh, I express profound gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu Ji for her gracious assent to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, fulfilling the long-cherished dream of our capital. I thank the Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji for his commitment to our state and his guidance, all MPs who supported the Bill, our state leaders, and every citizen who stood with us. This is a victory for my people of Andhra Pradesh, especially my farmers of Amaravati."

The Act amended the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, adding the phrase, "Amaravati shall be the new capital."

After Telangana was formed as a separate state, the original Act of 2014 stated that Hyderabad shall be the common capital for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for a period not exceeding ten years, after which Hyderabad shall be the capital of Telangana, and there shall be a new capital for the successor Andhra Pradesh.

On March 28, the Andhra Pradesh Assembly passed a resolution supporting Amaravati as the single capital, paving the way for the introduction of the legislation in the Parliament.

After the Lok Sabha passed the Bill on April 1, the Upper House of the Parliament too passed it the next day, while the YSR Congress Party MPs staged a walkout.

YSRCP MP Golla Babu Rao called the legislation "a drama" and questioned the rationale behind it. Underlining the possibility of constitutional amendments, he said that the capital should be changed only if justice is being served to its people.

- ANI
First visit by Bangladeshi Minister since new govt

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is on a three-day visit to India, marking the first ministerial visit since the new government took office in Dhaka. His agenda includes high-level meetings with Indian counterparts to discuss key issues like the resumption of visa services, energy cooperation, and trade facilitation. The visit aims to recalibrate bilateral relations, which had faced strain in recent years. The Bangladeshi delegation is also expected to highlight the impact of visa restrictions on areas like medical tourism.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman visits India for talks on visas, trade, and energy with EAM Jaishankar, signaling a reset in ties.

New Delhi/Dhaka, April 7 Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on Tuesday for a three-day official visit focused on reinforcing bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh.

During the visit, Rahman will hold detailed discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

In addition, he is expected to call on National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri as part of his high-level engagements in the capital.

The trip assumes significance as it is the first visit by a Bangladeshi Minister to India since the BNP-led government assumed office in February, indicating a shift in the recalibration of India and Bangladesh ties, which had strained during the eighteen-month tenure of the former Muhammad Yunus-led interim government amid escalating attacks on Hindu minorities and anti-India rhetoric.

Key issues likely to dominate the discussions include the resumption of visa services for Bangladeshi citizens, enhancing energy cooperation, strengthening border management mechanisms, resolving pending matters related to river water-sharing, and boosting trade facilitation measures.

Rahman will be accompanied by Humayun Kabir, Foreign Affairs Advisor to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, reflecting the importance Dhaka is placing on the visit.

According to reports in Bangladeshi media, Dhaka is expected to press for a more positive and proactive approach from India towards the complete restoration of visa services. The Bangladeshi side is also likely to highlight the economic and social benefits linked to medical tourism, which has been impacted by the current restrictions.

Tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals have remained suspended since July 2024, citing security concerns. Additionally, visa processing centres in Bangladesh have been operating with limited staff following incidents of violence and vandalism reported outside Indian facilities, sources were quoted as saying by leading Bangladeshi daily The Dhaka Tribune.

In a related development, earlier on Monday, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma called on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, where both sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral engagement and cooperation across key sectors.

During the meeting, Verma expressed India's willingness to deepen ties through a "positive, constructive and forward-looking approach" built on shared interest and mutual benefit.

Meanwhile, diplomatic interactions between the two countries have also extended to defence cooperation.

Last week, Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, M. Riaz Hamidullah, held a meeting with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi and discussed enhancing defence cooperation, including joint training initiatives.

They discussed opportunities for deeper collaboration to promote regional peace and security.

- IANS
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman visits Delhi for talks on visas, energy, and trade to bolster India-Bangladesh partnership.

New Delhi/Dhaka, April 7 Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday evening on a "goodwill visit" that Dhaka emphasised is expected to lay an "important foundation" for elevating the areas of cooperation between both countries to more productive and sustainable levels in the future.

"Warm welcome to FM Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh on his arrival in New Delhi today. India and Bangladesh share warm and historic ties anchored in strong people to people relations. The visit will further bolster India Bangladesh partnership," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X.



According to the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, Rahman will participate in the Indian Ocean Conference scheduled to be held in Mauritius on April 10-12, 2026 and, en route, is making a stopover in New Delhi.



"There, he is scheduled to take part in courtesy meetings with India's Foreign Minister, National Security Advisor, and Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. These meetings will emphasise the stability and sustained development of bilateral relations based on mutual respect, trust, and shared interests," read a statement issued by Dhaka ahead of the minister's departure.



"This visit is expected to lay an important foundation for elevating the areas of cooperation between Bangladesh and India to more productive and sustainable levels in the future. It is noteworthy that Humayun Kabir, Advisor to the Hon'ble Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, will accompany the Hon'ble Foreign Minister on the Mauritius conference and India visit," it added.



The trip assumes significance as it is the first visit to India by a Bangladeshi minister since the BNP-led government assumed office in February, indicating a shift in the recalibration of India and Bangladesh ties, which had strained during the 18-month tenure of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus amid escalating attacks on Hindu minorities and anti-India rhetoric.



The key issues likely to dominate discussions during Rahman's New Delhi visit include the resumption of visa services for Bangladeshi citizens, enhancing energy cooperation, strengthening border management mechanisms, resolving pending matters related to river water-sharing, and boosting trade facilitation measures.



According to reports in the Bangladeshi media, Dhaka is expected to press for a more positive and proactive approach from India towards the complete restoration of visa services. The Bangladeshi side is also likely to highlight the economic and social benefits linked to medical tourism, which has been impacted by the current restrictions.



Tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals have remained suspended since July 2024, citing security concerns. Additionally, visa processing centres in Bangladesh have been operating with limited staff following incidents of violence and vandalism reported outside Indian facilities, sources were quoted as saying by leading Bangladeshi daily 'Dhaka Tribune' ahead of Rahman's visit.



On Monday, India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma called on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, where both sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral engagement and cooperation across key sectors.



During the meeting, Verma expressed India's willingness to deepen ties through a "positive, constructive and forward-looking approach" built on shared interest and mutual benefit.



Last week, Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, held a meeting with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi and discussed enhancing defence cooperation, including joint training initiatives.



They discussed opportunities for deeper collaboration to promote regional peace and security.





- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled for an intense campaign tour in West Bengal, with seven events planned between April 9 and April 12. His itinerary includes three mega rallies on April 9 in Asansol, Suri, and Haldia, followed by three more rallies on April 11 in Jangipur, Katwa, and Balurghat. The tour will conclude with a roadshow in Siliguri on April 12, part of a planned total of 14 campaign programmes in the state. This blitz comes ahead of the two-phase Assembly elections on April 23 and 29, with results due on May 4.

PM Narendra Modi to hold seven campaign events in West Bengal from April 9-12, including rallies and a roadshow, ahead of the two-phase Assembly elections.

Kolkata, April 7 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend seven campaign programmes in West Bengal this week, starting from April 9, amid the crucial two-phase Assembly elections in the state.

"As per the tentative schedule of the Prime Minister fixed as of now on April 9, he might address three mega campaign rallies at Asansol in West Burdwan district, Suri in Birbhum district, and Haldia in East Midnapore district, one after another," said a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s state committee in West Bengal.

On April 11, the Prime Minister is scheduled to address three campaign rallies -- Jangipur in Murshidabad district, Katwa in East Burdwan district, and Balurghat in South Dinajpur district, the state committee member added.

"The Prime Minister, on April 11, will have a night-stay at Siliguri in the Darjeeling district. On the next day, that is on April 12, he is scheduled to participate in a roadshow at Siliguri town," the state committee member said.

More details are awaited.

Earlier this month, on April 5, the Prime Minister started his campaign programme in the state, addressing a mega rally at Cooch Behar town in Cooch Behar district.

"As per plans, the Prime Minister is slated to participate in a total of 14 campaign programmes, including his rallies and roadshows. His last programme will be in Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in South Kolkata, where the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, is pitted against the sitting Trinamool Congress legislator from there and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Prime Minister's programme at Bhabanipur is likely to be a combination of a rally and a roadshow," the state committee member said.

The two-phase Assembly polls in West Bengal will be on April 23 and April 29. In the first phase, voting will be for 152 Assembly constituencies, and in the second phase, the remaining 142 constituencies will go to the polls. The results will be declared on May 4.

- IANS
43 delegates from 23 countries will observe India's electoral process in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry under the Election Commission's IEVP programme.

New Delhi, April 7 Describing elections in India as festivals of democracy, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Tuesday inaugurated the International Election Visitors' Programme, 2026, paving the way for foreign delegates to learn from the upcoming Assembly elections in five States/UTs.

Under the IEVP, 43 delegates from 23 countries, including representatives from five Foreign Missions in Delhi, will be participating in the first phase of the programme and visit Assam, Kerala and Puducherry on April 8-9, said a statement.



Inaugurating the IEVP at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), CEC Gyanesh Kumar said that in the second phase, the delegates will visit West Bengal and Tamil Nadu from April 20 onwards.



Flanked by Election Commissioners Dr S.S. Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi, CEC Gyanesh Kumar said the ECI takes elections in India as festivals of democracy and works towards ensuring it in a mission mode.



He also called upon the IEVP participants to enjoy the visit to the states, learn, see and experience the diversity of India.



The delegates were given a demonstration of the EVM at IIIDEM on Tuesday, and they took part in the mock poll using the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to get a hands-on experience of the voting process, the statement said.



The delegates evinced keen interest in the technological interventions and administrative safeguards in the election process in India and had an interactive session with the experts, clarifying their doubts/queries, it said.



The delegates will be travelling to Assam, Kerala and Puducherry (Union Territory) on Wednesday.



They will visit the dispatch and distribution centres and other facilities, including the District Control Rooms and the Media Monitoring Centres and witness the actual polling in the morning of April 9, said the statement.



The IEVP is a flagship programme of the ECI for international cooperation and engagement with the Election Management Bodies (EMBs) of other countries and International Organisations, said the statement.



The IEVP provides a comprehensive overview of India's electoral framework, institutional mechanisms, and operational architecture, while familiarising foreign EMB delegates with best practices and innovations in election management, it said.



The IEVP showcases the strengths of India's electoral system to the international community, sharing the best practices adopted in the world's largest democracy for the conduct of elections, it said.





- IANS
US condemned China and Russia for siding with Iran

Russia and China have vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution, backed by Bahrain and Gulf states, aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The resolution demanded Iran immediately cease all attacks on merchant vessels and infrastructure hindering navigation in the strategic waterway. The US accused China and Russia of siding with Iran, while the Russian ambassador criticized the draft for ignoring "illegal attacks" by the US and Israel. The veto comes amid heightened tensions following provocative statements from former US President Donald Trump regarding Iran.

Russia and China veto a Bahrain-backed UN resolution demanding Iran cease attacks on shipping in the vital Strait of Hormuz, blocking international action.

New York, April 8 Russia and China vetoed a Bahrain-backed UN resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. A resolution that was already diluted to secure their abstentions.

The 15-member council saw 11 votes in favour, two against (China and Russia), and Pakistan and Colombia abstained from voting.

The resolution demanded Iran immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels and any attempt to impede transit passage or freedom of navigation in the Strait and further calls for the cessation of attacks against civilian infrastructure, including water infrastructure and desalination plants, as well as oil and gas installations.

The draft text was proposed by Bahrain in close coordination with fellow Gulf Cooperation Council members Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as with Jordan.

After the resolution was blocked, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, expressed regret that the Council failed to adopt the draft resolution.

"Failing to adopt this resolution sends the wrong signal to the world, the people of the world -- a signal that threats to international waterways can pass without any decisive action by the international community," he said.

Russia said that the resolution constituted a "fundamentally erroneous and dangerous approach" to the situation in the region.

Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia of the Russian Federation objected to the "no mention" of "illegal attacks" by the US and Israel on Iran.

China said that the draft resolution "failed to capture the root causes and the full picture of the conflict in a comprehensive and balanced manner".

"The Security Council should not rush to vote on a draft resolution when serious concerns have been raised by members," Ambassador Fu Cong of China said.

US said that it stands with the people of the Gulf; by contrast, China and the Russian Federation "sided with a regime that seeks to intimidate the Gulf into submission".

"The Strait of Hormuz is too vital to the world to be used as a hostage, to be choked, to be weaponised by any one State," said Ambassador Michael Waltz of the United States.

This comes after US President Donald Trump issued a series of provocative statements on his Truth Social platform, suggesting a monumental shift in the geopolitical landscape.

In those posts, he warned of potential unprecedented destruction while simultaneously hinting at a transition of power within Iran.

"A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will," Trump wrote, reflecting the gravity of the ongoing military standoff amidst reports of US strikes on Kharg Island and other strategic Iranian infrastructure.

The President ended his message with a note of support for the Iranian populace, writing, "God Bless the Great People of Iran!" as the world awaits the outcome of the 8:00 PM Eastern Time deadline.

- ANI
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor expresses strong confidence in a decisive victory for the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the upcoming Kerala elections. He dismisses the BJP's campaign efforts in the state as largely irrelevant to determining the next government, citing the party's negligible seat count. Tharoor also critiques Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policy proposals like 'One Nation, One Election' as being at odds with India's parliamentary system. Furthermore, he addresses governance issues under the incumbent LDF and comments on India's diplomatic approach to the West Asia conflict.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor projects a decisive UDF win in Kerala, critiques PM Modi's campaign and discusses national policy in an IANS interview.

Thiruvananthapuram, April 7 Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor expressed strong confidence in the United Democratic Front's prospects in the Kerala elections, projecting a clear victory for the alliance while downplaying the Bharatiya Janata Party's impact in the state.

In an extensive interaction with IANS, he also shared his views on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign, governance issues, key national policy debates, and India's diplomatic approach to global conflicts.

Here is the text of the interview:

IANS: What is your opinion on the Kerala elections? Is it a cakewalk for Congress, or is the fight tough?

Shashi Tharoor: I would say that we are looking at a very clear UDF win when people vote on April 9 and when we count the ballots on May 4. I am expecting a fairly clear-cut victory for the UDF. I have travelled across 59 constituencies in 12 out of the 14 districts. I wish I could have covered all 14, but unfortunately, the Election Commission has not given us enough time in this limited campaign period. However, from what I have seen, there has been tremendous enthusiasm and support for our candidates and a strong, almost universal desire for change in the state.

IANS: The Prime Minister is giving a lot of time to Kerala and addressing multiple rallies. How do you perceive his mass appeal?

Shashi Tharoor: I am sorry for the Prime Minister wasting his time because people know he is not going to come here and be the Chief Minister. Whatever little gains the BJP may get in parliamentary terms are irrelevant when it comes to deciding who will govern Kerala. The BJP is effectively a zero-seat party in the state. Even if it goes from zero to one, two, or at most three seats, it won't make a meaningful difference to governance. My view is that the anti-incumbency factor is real, and voters who genuinely want change should not waste their votes on the BJP. They should support the UDF so that we can form a strong and effective government with a convincing majority.

IANS: The ruling party (LDF) is facing several challenges, including issues like Wayanad. What is your response?

Shashi Tharoor: As far as the Wayanad issue is concerned, we must remember that when a disaster happens, responsibility lies with the ruling government. They have access to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund, national disaster grants, and also, the Prime Minister's relief fund. Given all these resources, it is the incumbents who should be questioned. We should ask: what have you done, what is your accountability, and what have you delivered for the people? The opposition has certainly stepped in to help, which is commendable. It is a form of public service and charity, but it is not a formal legal responsibility of the opposition to rebuild homes for disaster victims. Still, the Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League have done so, and they deserve appreciation for that effort.

IANS: The Prime Minister has been advocating 'One Nation, One Election' and the Uniform Civil Code. What is your stand?

Shashi Tharoor: 'One Nation, One Election' is a peculiar proposal by the Prime Minister. There is nothing inherently wrong with the idea - it may even appear efficient. In fact, India followed this system between 1952 and 1967. However, it did not last because of the nature of our parliamentary system. Governments here depend on legislative majorities. If a government loses its majority or if a coalition collapses, the government falls, and elections must be held within a maximum of six months. This disrupts any fixed cycle. From 1967 onwards, different governments fell at different times, which is why we now have elections happening somewhere in the country almost every year. The Prime Minister seems to be approaching this as if India has a presidential system, where fixed terms are possible. But in a parliamentary system, you cannot have both - you must choose one or the other.

IANS: How do you think India has handled the ongoing war situation in West Asia? Has national interest been prioritised?

Shashi Tharoor: The West Asia conflict, particularly involving Iran, is hurting not just the countries directly involved but also those far removed from the conflict. India, for example, is heavily dependent on the Strait of Hormuz for oil, gas, LPG, and other essential resources. Beyond fuel, there are critical by-products like fertilisers, helium, and other elements that are vital for our economy. As long as this conflict continues, the entire world will feel its impact. Therefore, India's position should be firmly in favour of peace. I have been advocating that India should take a stronger stand and act as a voice for all affected countries that are suffering due to this conflict.

IANS: The Prime Minister has reportedly spoken to leaders in Iran, Israel, and Gulf nations. How do you assess his approach?

Shashi Tharoor: If the Prime Minister has indeed reached out to these leaders, that is certainly a positive step. However, engagement should lead to outcomes. The next step should be to issue a public or private appeal - or both - on behalf of the region and all affected nations, urging peace and de-escalation.

IANS: If you are offered the post of Chief Minister of Kerala, would you consider taking it?

Shashi Tharoor: That is a completely hypothetical question. It is not going to happen. The Congress party has a well-defined process - after the election results, the elected MLAs are consulted, and the leadership takes a decision. I am not a candidate for that position, nor am I expecting anything of that sort. However, many senior leaders do reach out to me for advice and connections, and I will always be available to support whoever becomes Chief Minister if they seek my assistance.

- IANS
Global crude oil prices jumped more than 3% amid heightened geopolitical tensions and a deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump threatened severe consequences, including decimating infrastructure, if Iran did not comply, while Iran reportedly rejected the ceasefire plan. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint, handling roughly one-fifth of the world's oil flows, and its disruption has contributed to prices rising approximately 90% year-to-date. Meanwhile, equity markets showed a mixed response, with Indian indices trading lower.

Global oil prices surge over 3% as US President Donald Trump sets a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening major escalation.

New Delhi, April 7 Global crude oil prices on Tuesday hit new highs, jumping more than 3 per cent amid geopolitical tensions and US President Donald Trump's Tuesday deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to Iran.

Brent crude futures advanced as much as 1.69 per cent, or $1.86, to $111.63, an intraday high as of 9:57 am. The US West Texas Intermediate crude futures increased more than 3 per cent or $4.15 to $116.56.



Brent crude has witnessed a gain of over 60 per cent since the conflict began from $72.48 (Feb 27) to 119.50 (March 9).



Gains in oil commodities come after the US President showed fresh aggression towards Iran in recent posts on a social media platform regarding reopening Hormuz.



His post suggested that it would "rain hell" on Tehran if it does not comply with his Tuesday night deadline to reopen the strait. He also threatened that Iran could be "taken out in one night".



According to him, if no deal is concluded, "every bridge in Iran will be decimated" and "every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding and never to be used again".



On the other side, Iran reportedly rejected the ceasefire plan and continued its fight with the world's strongest economy.



The Strait -- which handles roughly one-fifth of global oil flows -- has remained disrupted since the conflict began on February 28, causing crude prices to rise approximately 90 per cent year-to-date, averaging around the $100 mark.



Meanwhile, on the equities front, global markets were mixed. Indian stock markets traded lower on Tuesday, with the Sensex and Nifty falling up to 1 per cent.



In the US, Wall Street ended on a mildly positive note, while Asian stocks traded mixed.





- IANS
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced intensified military operations targeting Iran's strategic transport infrastructure, including bridges and railways used by the IRGC. The IDF released footage showcasing the destruction of over 130 Iranian air defense systems in precise attacks. The campaign, coordinated with the United States, has caused physical damage, disrupted electricity, and resulted in civilian casualties, including two reported deaths in Isfahan province. This marks a significant escalation aimed at degrading the Iranian regime's military logistics and capabilities.

Israeli PM Netanyahu announces intensified strikes targeting Iran's bridges, railways, and air defenses to "crush the terrorist regime" of the IRGC.

Tel Aviv, April 7 In a significant escalation of regional hostilities, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the Israel Defence Forces are intensifying their military operations against Iranian strategic assets.

In a televised address on Tuesday, Netanyahu declared that the Israeli military is "crushing the terrorist regime in Iran", adding that the offensive is being conducted "with even greater vigour, and increasing force."

"I tell you constantly that we are crushing the terrorist regime in Iran. But we are doing so with even greater vigor and with increasing force. Yesterday, our pilots destroyed transport planes and dozens of helicopters at an Iranian Air Force base. Today, they attacked the train tracks and bridges used by the Revolutionary Guards. They use these to transport raw materials for weapons, the weapons themselves, and the operatives who attack us, the United States, and the countries of the region, the same operatives who also oppress the Iranian people," he said

"And this is the central point: These actions, which I approved together with the Minister of Defense, are not intended to attack the Iranian people. On the contrary, they are intended to weaken and crush the terrorist regime that has oppressed them for 47 years. This is no longer the same Iran, nor is it the same Israel. We are changing the balance of power from one end to the other," he added.

Reinforcing these claims of strategic degradation, the Israeli Defence Forces have released new footage showcasing the targeting of Iran's air defence systems. This dramatic release, featuring missile-borne cameras, captures the final moments before impact on military infrastructure, reflecting a concerted effort to dismantle Tehran's layered air defence architecture.

In a social media post on X accompanying the footage, the IDF asserted, "Special Footage from Missile's View, How the Air Force Targets the Terrorist Iranian Regime's Air Defence Systems. In precise attacks guided by the intelligence branch of the Air Force, more than 130 air defence systems of the terrorist Iranian regime were destroyed."

These operations are being supported by broader international coordination, as Israeli and US military briefings have underscored a shared objective to neutralise Iranian missile and radar facilities. To this end, the United States Central Command recently shared video materials showing targets being engaged during combined strikes, highlighting the systematic dismantling of these facilities as a core component of the ongoing campaign.

The physical consequences of this campaign have already begun to manifest across the country. Electricity supply was disrupted on Tuesday in parts of Karaj, Iran, after projectiles from a strike hit transmission lines, according to Al Arabiya, citing Nournews, a media outlet close to Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

Simultaneously, the offensive against transport links reached central Iran, where a bridge on a key rail link was targeted. According to Al Jazeera, citing Iran's Mehr News Agency, the attack struck the Yahya Abad railway bridge located in the city of Kashan, marking a further expansion of hostilities.

The human cost of the strike on the transport network was confirmed by local authorities in Isfahan province. Reports indicated that the Deputy Governor of Isfahan stated the "strike killed two people", as emergency teams were deployed to the site of the wreckage.

This kinetic action followed a specific advisory issued by the Israeli defence forces earlier in the day. The Israeli military had released a warning directed at Iranian citizens, advising them "against using trains for their 'safety' until 9 pm local time (17:30 GMT)." The targeted disruption of the transport network underscores a period of heightened regional tensions that has now extended into both the energy and logistical sectors.

- ANI
The 9th India Pharma Conference, scheduled for April 2026, will center on accelerating drug innovation and development, with a special emphasis on biological drugs. Organized by the Department of Pharmaceuticals and FICCI, the event aims to strengthen the discovery ecosystem by enhancing collaboration between government, industry, and academia. A key goal is to streamline regulatory processes through the CDSCO to reduce the time for new drugs to reach the market. The strategic shift aims to move India's pharma sector from generic manufacturing towards high-value, innovative drugs for the global market.

India's 9th Pharma Conference aims to strengthen drug discovery, biologicals, and regulatory efficiency for global market leadership.

New Delhi, April 7 The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, in collaboration with FICCI, is organising the 9th India Pharma Conference on April 13-14, 2026, with a strong focus on innovation, discovery, and development of drugs, particularly in the field of biologicals, Secretary Manoj Joshi said on Tuesday.

Addressing reporters on the conference proceedings, Joshi explained, "On the first day of the conference, there will be a roundtable meeting between the Health Minister and industry leaders, followed by various sessions. A major point of discussion in all these sessions will be the discovery ecosystem, clinical trials, and our regulatory system--specifically, how to make the CDSCO processes faster and easier."

Turning towards the national budget, he said, "Whether you look at the national budget or this upcoming conference, the core focus is on innovation, discovery, and development. On 13-14 April, the Department, in collaboration with FICCI, is organising a Pharma Conference. The focus is on innovation, discovery, and development--particularly biological drugs. The government aims to strengthen the ecosystem for drug discovery by bringing together academia, research institutions, industry, and start-ups."

Joshi added, "In the budget, the Finance Minister placed special emphasis on biological drugs. Similarly, our joint conference with FICCI will focus on discovery and development, particularly in the field of biological drugs. We are exploring how the government, academic institutions, research organisations, and the industry can collaborate to strengthen our discovery and development ecosystem," highlighting the emphasis on biological drugs.

On the global reach of India's drug innovation, he pointed out, "The goal is to increase the discovery of biological and chemical drugs within India and conduct their clinical trials here, allowing us to provide newly discovered medicines not just to India, but to the entire world."

Joshi also noted the shift from generics to innovative drugs, saying, "Historically, the Indian pharmaceutical industry has focused largely on generic drugs. However, generic drugs typically have lower profit margins. In contrast, newly discovered drugs offer a monopoly and exclusivity, tapping into a massive global market with much higher value addition and profitability. Therefore, the collective focus of the Indian government, the industry, and academia is to strengthen the drug discovery ecosystem by supporting the involved start-ups, laboratories, and large corporations."

On regulatory efficiency, he adds, "The aim is to reduce the time it takes for a drug to move from the discovery phase to the market. In today's competitive world, the faster a drug reaches the market, the greater the benefit. For the past year, the Indian industry has been in dialogue with the government, both directly and through various associations, to find ways to accelerate and simplify the regulatory system and to secure government support for industry-academic partnerships to bolster our start-up ecosystem."

- ANI
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the regularization of 1,531 unauthorized colonies under the PM-UDAY scheme without requiring layout plan approval. The new framework, praised for central government intervention, sets strict timelines for surveys and issuing conveyance deeds. Union Housing Minister Manohar Lal Khattar stated the move begins a new chapter of dignity for residents and includes relief for small traders. The application process for ownership rights under the "as is, where is" principle will commence on April 24.

Delhi CM announces 1,531 colonies to be regularized without layout plan approval under PM-UDAY, with fast-tracked timelines for deeds.

New Delhi, April 7 Chief Minister Rekha Gupta lauded the central government for regularising Delhi's unauthorised colonies on an "As Is, Where Is" basis under the PM-UDAY scheme, noting that the new framework allows for the regularisation of 1,531 colonies without requiring layout plan approval. Furthermore, she mentioned that all plots and buildings within these colonies will be treated as residential.

Addressing a press conference at the National Media Centre on Tuesday, she further mentioned that joint surveys will be conducted by revenue officials under strict timelines. The DDA-GIS survey will be completed within 7 days, resolve deficiencies within 15 days, and issue conveyance deeds within 45 days. She also noted that out of 1,731 unauthorised colonies, 511 are being regularised immediately.

"... In 2019, the Government launched the PM-UDAY scheme for unauthorised colonies in Delhi. Under this, residents were granted ownership transfer and mortgage rights. So far, around 40,000 conveyance deeds and authorisation slips have been issued, though technical problems slowed progress, particularly with layout plan approvals. Thanks to the intervention of the Prime Minister and the Urban Ministry, a major step has now been taken. Delhi has about 50 lakh residents in unauthorised colonies, about 10 lakh families. The new scheme allows regularisation of 1,531 colonies, without requiring layout plan approval. All plots and buildings will be treated as residential," said CM Gupta.

"The approval process has been simplified: responsibility now lies with Delhi's Revenue Department, with ADM-level officers as single-point approval authorities. Surveys will be conducted jointly by revenue officials, and strict timelines have been set. DDA-GIS survey within 7 days, deficiency resolution within 15 days, and conveyance deed issuance within 45 days. Out of 1,731 unauthorised colonies, 511 are being regularised immediately. The remaining excluded colonies are those in restricted zones such as ridge areas, ozone-sensitive regions, or near protected monuments. Authorisation certificates will be issued by the MCD..." added CM Gupta.

Earlier, the Central Government launched the Pradhan Mantri-Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY) in 2019 to grant ownership rights to residents. However, progress under the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) remained slow for a long time.

Hence, in a significant shift, the government has now approved the regularisation of these colonies on an "As Is, Where Is" basis. Under this principle, existing constructions will be accepted in their current form and granted legal status.

According to Union Housing Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, this move will provide major relief to small traders, as small shops up to 20 square meters will also be regularised under certain conditions.

The application process is set to begin on April 24, featuring a fast-tracked timeline which includes 7 days for the GIS survey, 15 days to rectify application deficiencies, and a strict 45-day deadline for the issuance of conveyance deeds.

"Under the guidance of the Hon'ble Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, a new chapter of dignity and rights has begun today for the residents of unauthorised colonies in Delhi. Under the PM-UDAY scheme, out of a total of 1731 unauthorised colonies, 1511 are being regularised on an "as is, where is" basis without the mandatory requirement of a layout plan. Additionally, the land use for all plots and buildings will be considered residential, and regularisation will only be done for existing built-up structures on an "as is, where is" basis. Providing relief to small traders, small shops up to 20 square meters will also be regularised with conditions. This application process will begin on April 24, under which a 7-day timeline for GIS survey, a 15-day process to rectify deficiencies in applications, and a 45-day deadline for issuing conveyance deeds have been set," said Khattar.

- ANI
A pipeline leakage near the Shadipur Flyover has created a pothole, affecting two lanes on Patel Road in Delhi. The Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory warning of slow and congested traffic from 5:00 PM until 8:00 AM the next day. Commuters are strongly advised to avoid the Patel Road stretch and use the alternate route via Todapur and Naraina. Civic agencies are working to repair the pipeline and restore normal traffic conditions.

A pipeline leak near Shadipur Flyover has damaged Patel Road, causing a pothole and traffic congestion. Commuters advised to use alternate routes.

Shadipur, April 7 The Delhi Traffic Police on Tuesday issued a traffic advisory after a pipeline leakage caused a pothole near Shadipur Flyover, affecting two lanes on the Patel Road.

Traffic authorities have warned commuters that movement is expected to remain slow and congested from 5:00 PM today until 8:00 AM tomorrow due to the damaged stretch.

Taking to X, the official handle of Delhi Traffic Police, posted, "Traffic Advisory: In view of pipeline leakage near Shadipur Flyover, a pothole has affected two lanes on Patel Road (Pusa to Shadipur). Traffic is expected to remain slow and congested from 5 PM to 8 AM. Commuters are advised to avoid the stretch and use the alternate route via Todapur-Naraina. Plan your journey accordingly."

Commuters are advised to avoid Patel Road during the specified period. Authorities suggested an alternate route for those heading towards Kirti Nagar: to take a left turn from R/A Pusa towards Todapur via Dev Prakash Shastri Marg, and proceed through Naraina.

The Delhi Traffic Police further urged motorists to plan their journey in advance, follow traffic advisories, and cooperate with personnel deployed on the ground for public safety.

Civic agencies are working to repair the damaged pipeline and restore normal traffic conditions at the earliest.

- ANI
Former Indian envoy Veena Sikri has termed the visit of Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman to India as "good and important" for bilateral relations. She highlighted that India welcomed the new BNP government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman with relief after his substantial election win. Sikri contrasted this with the "negative trend" in relations during the 18-month interim government of Professor Muhammad Yunus, which she said reversed key trade and connectivity decisions. The visit, the first high-level one since the new government took office, is seen as an opportunity to bolster the historic partnership between the two nations.

Ex-envoy Veena Sikri calls Bangladesh FM's India visit "good and important" to reset relations after downturn under Muhammad Yunus's interim government.

New Delhi, April 8 Former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Veena Sikri, said that the visit of Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is "good and important" as both nations look to bolster bilateral ties after India-Bangladesh relations nosedived under Muhammad Yunus's interim government

Speaking with ANI, Sikri highlighted the positive efforts of India to welcome the new Tarique Rahman-led BNP government.

"It is both good and important that the new Foreign Minister of Bangladesh is visiting India. India welcomed the new BNP government led by PM Tarique Rahman with a great sense of relief. He won the election with a substantial majority, and this was seen as reassuring because the alternative would have been Jamaat-e-Islami coming to power," she told ANI.

Speaking about the 18-month Yunus interim government after Sheikh Hasina was ousted, Sikri noted the "negative trend" in India-Bangladesh relations as she said Jamaat-e-Islami was "widely perceived as the power behind the throne."

"During the 18 months when Professor Muhammad Yunus served as Chief Advisor in the interim regime, Jamaat-e-Islami was widely perceived as the power behind the throne. At that time, we witnessed a very negative trend in India-Bangladesh relations. Professor Yunus made strong statements and reversed many of the trade and connectivity decisions that had been implemented over the 15 years of PM Sheikh Hasina's tenure," she said.

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday and was accorded a warm welcome.

This is the first high-level visit from Bangladesh to India after the formation of the new government in Dhaka under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

"Warm welcome to FM Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh on his arrival in New Delhi today. India and Bangladesh share warm and historic ties anchored in strong people-to-people relations. The visit will further bolster India-Bangladesh partnership," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.

- ANI
Governor Shinji Hirai of Japan's Tottori Prefecture is prioritizing the strengthening of ties with India, with a specific focus on Odisha State. His policy is driven by a belief in the power of municipal diplomacy and people-to-people relationships, inspired by an international conference. The partnership involves academic exchanges, business missions, and ventures in sectors like food export and environmental technology. Governor Hirai also highlighted Tottori's status as Japan's highest consumer of curry, symbolizing cultural connections.

Governor Shinji Hirai of Japan's Tottori Prefecture vows to deepen relations with India, emphasizing municipal diplomacy and partnerships with Odisha.

Tottori, April 7 Tottori Prefecture's Governor Shinji Hirai declared building a strong relationship with India based on his global experience.

Tottori Prefecture is located on the side of the Sea of Japan. It has a clean environment that provides fresh agricultural and fishery products. In addition, its distinctive characteristic is the establishment of strong relationships with foreign countries. Currently, its focus is on India. Its policy to strengthen global relations is led by Governor Shinji Hirai. It derives from his personal history, as Governor Hirai used to be a bureaucrat in the Japanese government.

"I am the only person in Japan who declared to run for a governor's election from a foreign country. In 2007, I was successfully nominated as Tottori Governor. When I made the declaration to run, I attended a sister city alliance general meeting in the USA. During the Middle East war, representatives from Israel and Palestine made speeches that 'Politics tends to rely on violence. The most important point is to establish strong people-to-people relationships.'

The speeches of people from hostile sides were appreciated with a standing ovation by every participant.

"I was impressed and recognised the importance of sister city alliances and municipal diplomacy. Tottori Prefecture established a partnership with Jamaica as the first Japanese prefecture. Additionally, it partnered with Vermont State, USA, and Asian countries. Currently, Tottori Prefecture places importance on Odisha State in India."

Governor Hirai explained the basis of the partnership with Odisha State. "Regarding human resource exchange, Tottori accepted trainees from the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology. To advance the partnership with India, the Sanin-India Association has contributed by dispatching business missions to India ten times. Team Tottori Brewery Association is trying to export Japanese sake after obtaining vegan certification. In the field of the environmental industry, Taisei Kougyou Co. develops sanitary facilities. R-ZERO Inc. has concluded an MoU on endoscope technology education with an academic society in India."

Governor Hirai's policy of global relationships, people to people, is being steadily realised. Finally, he asserted, "Tottori Prefecture is the most curry-consuming prefecture in Japan." The Governor's philosophy affects several aspects of the relationship.

- ANI
The Central government has announced a doubling of the daily allocation of 5-kg free trade LPG cylinders for distribution to migrant labourers across all states. This revised allocation removes the previous 20 per cent cap set in March, placing the additional cylinders under the control of state governments for exclusive distribution to migrants. The move is part of broader efforts to ensure adequate fuel supply, with the government prioritizing domestic LPG and PNG for households and critical sectors. Official data indicates robust delivery systems are in place, with high rates of online bookings and authenticated deliveries to prevent diversion.

The Centre has enhanced the daily allocation of 5-kg free LPG cylinders for migrant labourers, removing the earlier 20% cap to ensure supply.

New Delhi, April 7 The Centre has decided to double the daily allocation of 5-kg free trade LPG cylinders available for distribution to migrant labourers across states, according to an official communication.

The Petroleum Ministry said in a notification the enhanced allocation will be based on the average daily supply of cylinders provided to migrant workers.



The revised allocation goes beyond the earlier cap of 20 per cent specified in March announcement.



The government also said that the additional 5-kg FTL cylinders will be placed at the disposal of state governments and their Food and Civil Supplies Departments for distribution exclusively to migrant labourers with the assistance of oil marketing companies (OMCs).



Earlier, the government had said it was making all efforts to ensure adequate availability of petrol, diesel and LPG amid the prevailing geopolitical situation, while advising citizens to avoid panic buying and rely only on official sources for information.



Consumers were also encouraged to use digital modes for LPG bookings and minimise visits to distributors unless necessary.



The government has prioritised domestic LPG and PNG supplies, along with critical sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.



It has also implemented several demand and supply-side measures, including enhancing refinery output and increasing LPG booking intervals to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas.



To ease pressure on LPG demand, alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal have been made available, while states have been advised to expand PNG connections.



The government also said there has been no disruption in LPG supply affecting migrant workers.



According to official data, around 51 lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered recently, with online bookings rising to 95 per cent and delivery authentication-based distribution increasing significantly to curb diversion.





- IANS
The Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur was celebrated with great reverence at his birthplace, Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal in Amritsar. The SGPC made special arrangements, including continuous kirtan darbars and a Nagar Kirtan procession. The Bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib was performed, followed by religious discourses on the Guru's life. Devotees gathered in large numbers to offer prayers for universal welfare, with evening festivities planned.

Guru Tegh Bahadur's birth anniversary celebrated with devotion at Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal in Amritsar, featuring Nagar Kirtan, Akhand Path, and prayers.

Amritsar, April 7 The birth anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, was celebrated with great reverence and devotion at Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal, the birthplace of the Guru in Amritsar, with large numbers of devotees gathering to pay obeisance and offer prayers for the welfare of all.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) made special arrangements for the devotees on the occasion, with continuous kirtan darbars being held at the Gurdwara Sahib throughout the day.



Speaking to ANI, Bhagwant Singh, Manager of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, said the Prakash Parv is being celebrated with great devotion at Sri Harmandir Sahib and all associated Gurdwaras. He said a Nagar Kirtan commenced from Akal Takht Sahib, passed through various bazaars, and concluded at Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal.



He further informed that the Bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib was performed at Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal and Gurdwara Bhora Sahib, followed by kirtan darbars. The Katha of the Hukamnama received at Amrit Vela was also performed as per Maryada, with a detailed discourse on the life of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.



Gurmat Samagam are continuing throughout the day, he added, with Deepmala and fireworks planned for the evening to further mark the occasion.



Sangat member Jaswant Singh said all the devotees are celebrating Guru Tegh Bahadur's birth anniversary with great devotion at Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal and all over the world.



"Today is a very important day as we celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur ji, the 9th Sikh Guru. He was born at Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal in Amritsar in 1621. All the devotees are celebrating his birth anniversary with great devotion at Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal and all over the world. Millions of people visit the Gurdwara to pay their respects to the Guru," he said.





- ANI
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a target to integrate one lakh farmers with natural farming this year. The state has already seen over 222,000 farmer families adopt the practice, with nearly 200,000 receiving certificates. To incentivize farmers, the government has significantly increased the Minimum Support Price for key naturally grown crops like wheat and turmeric. The Pangi subdivision has been declared the state's first fully natural farming area, and produce is being marketed under the 'Him' brand.

Himachal Pradesh aims to bring 1 lakh farmers into natural farming, increases MSP for wheat, maize, and turmeric under Prakritik Kheti scheme.

Shimla, April 7 Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Tuesday that the Agriculture Department has set a target to integrate one lakh farmers with natural farming this year.

He noted that the state government is actively promoting natural farming and encouraging farmers to adopt this method, as it enables them to earn higher profits at lower costs.

As of now, 222,893 farmer and horticulturist families have adopted natural farming practices.

The Chief Minister in a statement said that more than two lakh farmers engaged in natural farming have been registered, of which 198,000 have already been issued certificates.

Under the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana the use of chemical inputs is discouraged, while inputs based on indigenous cow dung, cow urine and local plant resources are promoted.

The key objectives of the scheme include environmental conservation, promotion of crop diversification, and reduction in the cost of cultivation.

Chief Minister Sukhu said the state government is offering the highest minimum support price (MSP) in the country for naturally grown produce to ensure fair returns for farmers.

This year, the MSP for naturally grown wheat has been increased from Rs 60 to Rs 80 per kg, maize from Rs 40 to Rs 50, barley from the Pangi Valley from Rs 60 to Rs 80, and natural turmeric from Rs 90 to Rs 150 per kg.

The Pangi subdivision has been declared the state's first fully natural farming subdivision.

Ginger has also been brought under the MSP for the first time at Rs 30 per kg.

Additionally, the procurement price of cow milk has been enhanced to Rs 61 per litre and buffalo milk to Rs 71 per litre.

The Chief Minister said agriculture remains the backbone of the state's economy, as nearly 90 per cent of the population lives in rural areas, with 53.95 per cent directly dependent on agriculture for their livelihood.

This sector contributes about 14.70 per cent to the state's Gross Domestic Product, he added.

Keeping this in view, the state government is aiming to strengthening the rural economy through progressive policies and farmer-friendly initiatives.

To ensure better and remunerative prices for farmers, naturally produced maize and wheat flour are being marketed under the brand name 'Him'.

- IANS
The Israeli Defence Forces have released new footage purportedly from missile cameras showing the destruction of Iranian air defence systems. The IDF claims over 130 such systems have been destroyed in precise, intelligence-guided attacks. Concurrently, the IDF reported discovering underground living quarters and weapons stockpiles during operations in Southern Lebanon. The World Health Organization's chief condemned a recent strike near a major Lebanese hospital that caused casualties.

IDF releases footage from missile cameras showing strikes destroying over 130 Iranian air defence systems. Latest from Middle East hostilities.

Tel Aviv, April 7 The Israeli Defence Forces have released new footage showing how they target Iran's air defence systems.

In a dramatic release, new footage purportedly shows missile-borne cameras capturing the final moments before impact on air defence systems attributed to Iran's military infrastructure, in a concerted effort to degrade Tehran's layered air defence architecture during ongoing hostilities in the Middle East.

In the social media post on X, linked with the footage, IDF asserted: "Special Footage from Missile's View: How the Air Force Targets the Terrorist Iranian Regime's Air Defence Systems. In precise attacks guided by the intelligence branch of the Air Force, more than 130 air defence systems of the terrorist Iranian regime were destroyed. The attached footage shows missile-view images of the destruction of air defence systems in Iran."

Israeli and US military briefings in recent weeks have both underscored efforts to neutralise Iran's air defences amid broader regional confrontations. The United States Central Command shared video materials showing targets being engaged during combined strikes, highlighting the targeted dismantling of Iranian missile and radar facilities as a core objective of the campaign.

Earlier, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that its troops uncovered underground living quarters and multiple weapons stockpiles during operations in Southern Lebanon.

In a post on X, the IDF said, "Southern Lebanon: IDF troops located underground living quarters, and uncovered military vests, RPG rockets, & explosive devices alongside a flag of the UNHCR organisation."

According to the X post, additional searches led to the discovery of "several weapons stockpiles, including AK-47 rifles, RPG launchers, and sniper rifles".

Before this, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned the strike, which took place merely 100 meters from Rafik Hariri University Hospital, Lebanon's largest public medical facility, and resulted in the death of 4 people, injuring 39 others and causing major damage to a nearby residential area. His remarks come as Israel has expanded its military operations in Lebanon.

- ANI
Limited partners rank India as the most attractive private markets destination in the Asia-Pacific region, according to a McKinsey survey. Private equity and venture capital investment in India expanded significantly between 2021-25, with the country's share of regional deployment rising sharply. Investor capital is concentrated in sectors like technology, financial services, and IT services, with growing interest in buyout and growth equity strategies. Despite operational challenges, over 50% of LPs plan to increase their allocations to India-dedicated funds, signaling strong long-term confidence.

A McKinsey survey finds LPs rank India as the top Asia-Pacific private markets destination, with strong capital commitments and growth in PE/VC activity.

New Delhi, April 7 Limited partners rank India as their top investment destination in Asia-Pacific, underscoring a sharp shift in global investor sentiment as the country cements its position in private markets. A McKinsey survey of more than 50 global LPs finds India not only leading regional preference rankings, but also attracting deeper and more sustained capital commitments across asset classes.

LPs are passive investors in a partnership who contribute capital but do not manage daily operations. Their liability is limited solely to the amount of their investment. They share in profits and losses but lack voting or management rights.

India was ranked the most attractive private markets destination in Asia-Pacific, with "31 per cent ranking it first and 76 per cent placing it within their top three choices," reflecting strong conviction among institutional investors. This growing preference comes even as the broader Asia-Pacific private markets landscape has contracted in recent years due to geopolitical shifts and macroeconomic pressures.

Despite the regional slowdown, India has emerged as a relative outperformer. Private equity and venture capital investment activity expanded "1.6-fold to $207 billion between 2016-20 and 2021-25," while exits "more than doubled to around $120 billion" over the same period.

The country's share of Asia-Pacific PE and VC deployment has also risen significantly, from about 12 per cent in 2015-19 to roughly 21 per cent in 2020-24, highlighting its growing importance in global capital allocation.

Limited partners are backing this shift with capital. India now accounts for more than a third of all Asia-Pacific investment exposure among surveyed LPs, with European investors showing particularly high exposure at around 60 per cent. Overall, surveyed LPs allocate about 64 per cent of their India exposure to private markets, signalling strong confidence in the country's long-term growth trajectory.

The attractiveness is anchored in structural growth drivers. Investors rate factors such as entrepreneurial talent, India's GDP, economic growth and domestic consumption highly relative to other markets. Sectorally, capital remains concentrated in scalable, demand-driven industries, with nearly three-quarters of PE capital between 2021 and 2025 flowing into five sectors led by technology (29 per cent), financial services (15 per cent), and IT services (13 per cent).

Investor preference is also evolving toward more mature strategies. LPs show stronger enthusiasm for buyout and growth equity, scoring them 7.8 and 7.7, respectively, on a 10-point scale, compared with lower preference for earlier-stage investments. Co-investments are gaining traction as well, accounting for about 25 to 28 per cent of deployment value in recent years, with 54 per cent of participating LPs reporting outperformance versus fund investments.

However, the report flags structural challenges that could temper momentum. India's private capital intensity relative to GDP remains modest, and capital deployment is concentrated in a narrow set of sectors. Additionally, fundraising is skewed, with the six largest general partners accounting for 64 per cent of capital raised between 2022 and 2024.

Limited partners also cite operational hurdles, including currency risk, a complicated tax regime, and the difficulty of doing business and contract enforceability, as areas needing improvement. Addressing these concerns, alongside improving exit pathways and deepening capital markets, will be critical to unlocking broader investor participation.

Even so, investor intent remains firmly positive. More than 50 per cent of LPs plan to increase allocations to India-dedicated funds, while only 5 per cent expect to reduce exposure. As global capital continues to rebalance across Asia, India's combination of scale, growth, and improving market maturity positions it as a central destination for private market investment in the years ahead.

- ANI
Iran has formally rejected a US-proposed 15-point ceasefire plan, dismissing it as excessive and disconnected from battlefield realities. Instead, Tehran presented a 10-point document demanding a permanent end to the conflict and the lifting of international sanctions. Key Iranian preconditions include ending US and Israeli aggression, establishing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and securing war reparations. The US President acknowledged Iran's response as a step but deemed it insufficient, while Iran's Foreign Ministry argued a ceasefire would only allow opponents to regroup.

Iran rejects a US 15-point peace plan, presenting a 10-point response demanding a permanent end to conflict, sanctions relief, and Strait of Hormuz control.

Tehran, April 7 Iran has rejected a US-proposed 15-point peace plan, calling instead for a permanent end to the conflict, the official news agency IRNA reported.

Tehran delivered its response in a 10-point document, citing past experiences as the reason it would not accept a ceasefire, Xinhua news agency reported.

The response outlines Iran's demands, including ending regional conflicts, establishing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, reconstructing war-affected areas, and lifting international sanctions.

The IRNA claimed the text was presented following recent developments in Iran's western and central regions and the unsuccessful outcome of a US heliborne operation, with US President Donald Trump extending a previously set deadline again and adjusting earlier threats.

In a press conference on Monday, Trump called Iran's 10-point response a "significant step" but said it was "not good enough."

Also on Monday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said a ceasefire would only give opponents time to regroup and commit further crimes, and "no sane" person would accept it.

In late March, US media reported that Washington sent a 15-point plan to Iran through Pakistan to try to end the war. Iran later rejected the plan, calling it "excessive and disconnected from the realities on the battlefield."

The Islamic Republic set several preconditions for peace. These include ending US and Israeli aggression, creating mechanisms to prevent future attacks, compensating for war damage, stopping fighting across all fronts in West Asia, and recognizing Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior military commanders, and civilians. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and US assets in the Middle East.

- IANS
Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has issued a strong advisory urging all citizens and residents to remain indoors from midnight to 6 AM, citing the need to ensure public safety and support security operations. The nighttime restriction comes amid heightened regional tensions, including threats of missile and drone activities in the broader Middle East. Authorities have called for strict compliance and cooperation with security personnel, while the country's air defence systems remain on high alert. Residents are advised to rely only on official communications and to venture out only in cases of genuine emergency.

Kuwait urges all residents to stay indoors overnight as regional tensions rise. Ministry of Interior issues security advisory amid missile and drone threats.

Kuwait City, April 8 The Ministry of Interior of Kuwait has issued a strong appeal to all citizens and residents to remain indoors and go out only if absolutely necessary, citing current conditions in the country.

In its official Statement (18), the Ministry announced precautionary measures aimed at ensuring public safety and enhancing emergency response capabilities.

The advisory will be in effect from Tuesday, April 7, at 12:00 midnight until 6:00 AM on Wednesday, April 8.

The Ministry stated that the move is intended to maintain safety, support ongoing security operations, and ensure overall stability across the nation. Authorities have called upon everyone to strictly follow the instructions and extend full cooperation to security personnel during this period.

This nighttime restriction comes amid heightened regional tensions, including threats of missile and drone activities in the broader Middle East. Kuwait has been closely monitoring the situation, with its air defence systems remaining on high alert.

Similar advisories have been issued in recent weeks, asking people to shelter in place, avoid windows, and rely only on official communications while refraining from spreading unverified information.

The Ministry concluded its statement with a prayer: "May Allah protect Kuwait and its people."

Residents have been advised to plan their movements accordingly and treat the directive seriously to facilitate smooth security operations.

No specific reason for the timing was detailed in the statement beyond general precautionary needs, but officials have repeatedly emphasised that the country's security situation is under constant monitoring and that state institutions are operating at full readiness.

This latest appeal aligns with earlier measures, including automatic extensions of visit visas and activation of the national emergency alert system, reflecting Kuwait's proactive approach to safeguarding its population during uncertain regional developments.

Citizens and expatriates are encouraged to stay updated through official channels of the Ministry of Interior and avoid venturing out during the restricted hours unless in cases of genuine emergency.

- IANS
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has condemned the assassination of Majid Khademi, the head of the IRGC's Intelligence Protection Organization. Khamenei praised Khademi's service and accused Israel and the United States of resorting to terrorism after facing defeats. The killing is part of a cycle of attacks and retaliatory strikes between Iran and its adversaries. Iran's Foreign Minister also condemned a separate attack on a university in Tehran, as regional tensions remain high.

Iran's Supreme Leader condemns the killing of IRGC intelligence head Majid Khademi, blaming Israel and the US for turning to "terrorism and assassination."

Tehran, April 7 Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei extended condolences for a senior general of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps, saying that "assassinations and crimes" against Iranian leadership will not halt the country's course.

In a written statement, Khamenei praised Majid Khademi, head of the IRGC's Intelligence Protection Organization, for decades of "silent efforts in the security, intelligence, and defence fields" of Iran, Xinhua news agency reported.

He also accused Israel and the United States of turning to "terrorism and assassination" after "successive defeats." Khademi was killed in Tehran on Monday in an airstrike claimed by Israel.

Khamenei extended condolences to Khademi's family and comrades, as well as the other commanders of the IRGC's Intelligence Organization.

Khademi was appointed as the head of the intelligence organization in June last year following the 12-day war between Iran and Israel, in which Mohammad Kazemi, the organization's former chief, had been killed.

Before his appointment, Khademi served as the head of the IRGC's Intelligence Protection Organization.

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi strongly condemned a US and Israeli attack on the Sharif University of Technology in the capital Tehran, which severely damaged the building of its information technology center and a gas substation near the academic center's mosque.

Iran's army said Sunday it has targeted petrochemical industries and petroleum products storage facilities in southern Israel, as well as US equipment depots, satellite communication units and troops in a base in Kuwait.

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US bases and assets in the Middle East.

- IANS
A diplomatic memo based on U.S. and Israeli intelligence, seen by The Times UK, reports that Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is unconscious and receiving treatment for a severe condition in Qom. The memo states he is incapable of regime decision-making, and his location had not been previously disclosed. The report also notes the elder Khamenei's body is being prepared for burial in the same city. This news emerges as U.S. President Donald Trump issues a final ultimatum to Iran, warning of severe consequences if no deal is reached.

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is reportedly unconscious and in severe condition in Qom, as per a leaked intelligence memo seen by The Times UK.

London, April 7 Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is receiving medical treatment in Qom city of Iran, The Times UK reported on Tuesday, citing an intelligence assessment.

As per The Times UK, the diplomatic memo is understood to be based on US, Israel intelligence shared with Gulf allies, which suggests that Khamenei is unconscious and being treated for a "severe" medical condition.

The Times said that it had seen the memo, which reveals the location of the supreme leader for the first time.

"Mojtaba Khamenei is being treated in Qom in a severe condition, unable to be involved in any decision-making by the regime," the Times reported.

It further noted that the US National Security Agency, which is responsible for processing global intelligence on behalf of the Department of War, has been contacted about the memo along with Iran's representation in Washington, which is based at the Pakistani embassy.

Since the conflict broke out in West Asia, Mojtaba Khamenei has not made any public appearance; messages attributed to him have been run by the Iranian state media.

Meanwhile, the report by The Times also noted that the elder Khamenei's body is being prepared for burial in Qom.

The report comes shortly after US President Donald Trump gave an ultimatum to Iran to make a deal before Tuesday, 8:00 P.M ET, warning that there'll be "no bridges, no power plants" after that.

Addressing reporters at the White House, Trump said that this is a "critical period" and Washington has given Tehran the necessary time to make a deal to put this war to an end.

"This is a critical period... They asked for an extension of seven days; I gave them 10 days... They have till tomorrow. Now we will see what happens... A lot of people are affected by this. We are giving them until tomorrow, 8 o'clock, Eastern Time. After that, they are going to have no bridges. They are going to have no power plants. Stone ages," Trump said.

Trump admitted that he was dealing with a "much more powerful Iran" when the conflict started on February 28, adding that the US has "decapitated" it, adding that these steps should have been taken 47 years ago.

"I think it is going fine, but we will have to see. You have to understand, we have been dealing with these people for 47 years. I'm standing here with a much more powerful Iran than a month ago, not anymore. Right now, they are decapitated," he said.

"This should've been handled by the seven presidents, and they are saying now that we should've done this a long time ago. It's not something I like doing," he added.

- ANI
The Labour Department organized an awareness camp in the border village of Sarya in Rajouri district under the Vibrant Village initiative. Officials educated residents about centrally and UT-sponsored social security schemes, with a focus on the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana. Despite rainy weather, villagers participated enthusiastically to learn about benefits and complete on-the-spot registrations. Local activists welcomed the initiative for bridging the information gap in remote areas.

Labour Dept holds awareness camp in Sarya village, Rajouri, under Vibrant Village initiative to inform about PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana.

Rajouri, April 7 An awareness camp on centrally and Union Territory-sponsored schemes was organised in the border village of Sarya in Nowshera area of Rajouri district on Tuesday under the Vibrant Village initiative, with officials reaching out to residents to spread awareness about welfare programmes and facilitate on-the-spot registrations.

The camp, held at a local school in Sarya, witnessed participation from villagers despite rainy weather conditions, with officials from the Labour Department and other agencies informing people about various social security schemes aimed at benefiting workers in the unorganised sector.

Speaking to ANI, Neeraj Kumar, Labour Officer, Rajouri, said that the initiative was part of a broader effort to identify and cover villages under the Vibrant Village programme.

"We had received instructions from the Labour Department to conduct awareness campaigns in villages identified under the government's Vibrant Village initiative, and Sarya is one of those villages," he said.

Highlighting the purpose of the camp, he added, "Today, we are here to make people aware of the various schemes run by the Labour Department. Even though it is a rainy day and there has been some disturbance because of the weather, I am happy to see good participation from the public. We are trying to inform everyone about the schemes and the benefits they can avail, and we are also carrying out registrations here."

Kumar further elaborated on the schemes being promoted, particularly the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana.

"Our department provides several social security schemes. One of the important ones is the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana. Under this scheme, workers have to make a small contribution. Any labourer in the unorganised sector--like electricians, tailors, stall owners, or painters--between the ages of 18 and 40 can enrol," he said.

"At the age of 18, a worker can start contributing as little as Rs 55 per month, and the contribution gradually increases with age, up to a maximum of Rs 200. After the age of 60, the worker is assured a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 under the scheme," he added.

Meanwhile, residents welcomed the initiative and said it helped bridge the information gap regarding government schemes.

Local social activist Anil Choudhary said, "Many officers are coming to villages under the Vibrant Village initiative to spread awareness. Today, officers from the Labour Department have come here to inform us about these schemes."

"People are participating with enthusiasm, and it is good to see this kind of response. Earlier, we were not this aware of these schemes, but now more people are getting information and understanding the benefits. I thank the government for taking this initiative," he added.

The awareness drive is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the last-mile delivery of welfare schemes in border and remote areas.

- ANI
Authorities in Kerala have enforced a strict 48-hour dry period leading up to the Assembly elections, halting all liquor sales from Tuesday evening. The Election Commission's order aims to ensure a peaceful polling process by preventing potential law and order issues. This temporary ban is particularly significant in a state with one of India's highest rates of per capita alcohol consumption, where an estimated 5 lakh people drink daily. All state-run beverage outlets, bars, and shops will remain closed, with tightened surveillance and strict penalties for violations.

Kerala enforces a strict 48-hour dry period before elections, halting liquor sales to ensure peaceful polling in India's high-consumption state.

Thiruvananthapuram Apri, l 7 As Kerala Assembly elections campaign enters its final stretch, the state is preparing for an unusual calm, at least on the liquor front.

With Kerala set to vote on Thursday to elect 140 new legislators, authorities have enforced a strict 48-hour dry period, effectively putting the brakes on one of the state's most robust consumption habits.

From 6 p.m. on Tuesday to 6 p.m. on April 9, liquor sales across Kerala will come to a complete halt.

Beverage outlets, bars, beer parlours, and even the Bevco shops will remain shut.

The order, issued by the Election Commission, is aimed at ensuring a peaceful polling process by preventing any untoward incidents or law and order issues.

The move, though routine during elections, lands heavily in a state known for its spirited relationship with alcohol.

Of Kerala's 3.34 crore population, an estimated 32.9 lakh people consume alcohol, which includes nearly 29.8 lakh men and 3.1 lakh women.

On any given day, close to five lakh individuals are known to raise a glass, making the sudden pause all the more noticeable.

Kerala also ranks among the highest in per capita alcohol consumption in India, with figures hovering around 8.3 litres annually.

Rum and brandy dominate preferences, accounting for roughly 94 per cent of sales through the state-run network.

The backbone of this network is the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco), which operates 277 retail outlets, supplemented by 39 outlets run by Consumerfed.

For the next two days, however, shutters will remain firmly down across all these counters.

Authorities have made it clear that no sale of alcohol will be permitted in hotels, shops, or public places, and violations will invite strict legal action and fines.

Surveillance has also been tightened around polling areas to ensure compliance.

For many, the dry days may test patience, but for the administration, it is a necessary sobering measure.

- IANS
Producer Namit Malhotra has expressed deep gratitude for the inspiring and humbling global response to the first glimpse of the upcoming film 'Ramayana'. He emphasized the team's commitment to listening to fan feedback and honoring the epic story with reverence and utmost care. The film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and a stellar cast including Sai Pallavi and Yash. This ambitious two-part project is scheduled for a theatrical release beginning in Diwali 2026.

Namit Malhotra responds to the overwhelming reaction to the Ramayana glimpse, promising to honor the epic story. Releasing Diwali 2026.

Mumbai, April 8 Ramayana producer Namit Malhotra expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response to the first glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor's upcoming film 'Ramayana' on Tuesday.

Taking to his X handle, producer Namit Malhotra called the response towards the glimpse "overwhelming, inspiring and humbling."

"The response over the past few days has truly been overwhelming, inspiring, and humbling. Seeing how our Rama continues to touch so many hearts across the world fills me with deep humility and joy. I cherish all of the conversations, the excitement, and feedback. This is a story etched in the souls of billions and deserves our utmost care."

He continued, "The many thousands of artists and collaborators who have been working away passionately are enthusiastic and energised to get out there and continue to deliver the absolute best in every department."

The producer also highlighted that they have been paying attention to the feedback from the fans.

Namit Malhotra writes, "We're listening closely, working diligently, and pouring every effort possible into honouring it with the reverence it holds. This is our Ramayana. It belongs to us all, and that shared emotion and massive responsibility to make every Indian proud is what drives me forward every single day. "

While building the anticipation, he also adds, "What you've seen so far is just the beginning... we are all striving to bring our epic to life this Diwali on the biggest screens to celebrate our culture and our history."

The makers unveiled a special glimpse on Thursday, introducing Ranbir as Lord Rama. The teaser for 'Ramayana: The Introduction' gives fans a first look at Ranbir in his role.

Ravi Dubey and Sai Pallavi appear only briefly in a few shots, along with glimpses of Ravana's kingdom. The video, titled Rama, mainly focuses on the journey and adventures of Lord Rama. The visuals stand out for their grand scale and impressive appeal.

The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra. It is planned as a two-part series and is one of the biggest projects in Indian cinema.

Inspired by the ancient epic Ramayana, the film revolves around the story of Rama, who is believed to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu. It follows his journey as a prince of Ayodhya, his exile, and his battle with Ravana.

The film also stars Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. The music for the film is composed by Hans Zimmer and A. R. Rahman.

The first part of 'Ramayana' is set to release in theatres during Diwali 2026, while the second part is expected to release in Diwali 2027.

- ANI
The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the creation of a new independent department dedicated to Electronics, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence to accelerate digital governance. It also cleared the financial restructuring and stock market listing of the state power distribution company, Mahavitaran. Further decisions include establishing a geospatial technology application centre and restructuring the state's remote sensing body into a company. The moves are part of the state's push to become a trillion-dollar economy and a leader in technology and startups.

Maharashtra Cabinet approves new Electronics, IT & AI department, listing of Mahavitaran, and geospatial tech reforms for Viksit Maharashtra vision.

Mumbai, April 7 In a major step towards achieving the 'Viksit Maharashtra' objective within the 'Viskit India 2047' vision, the Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday gave approval for the establishment of a new independent department for Electronics, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence.

The Directorate of Information Technology will be transformed into the Directorate of Electronics, IT, and AI. A new IT Cadre, comprising permanent positions for ministerial departments, the Commissioner's office, and all districts, will be created to accelerate IT, AI, and digital governance in the state.

The state Cabinet's move comes after the CM Fadnavis recently told the state legislature that Maharashtra is leading the way in the space of AI startups. He further stated that the state government is making special efforts to promote fintech and AI startups as it seeks to make the state a trillion-dollar economy.

He added that technology will serve as the foundation of this economic growth, and the government is positioning the state as a leader in the startup and technology sector.

The state Cabinet also cleared the financial restructuring of the state power distribution company Mahavitaran Government bonds that will be issued in the capital market for state-guaranteed loans amounting to Rs 32,679 crore.

Additionally, the agricultural distribution business will undergo a demerger (Agri Demerger). Furthermore, Mahavitaran will be listed on the stock market.

Further, the Cabinet also cleared the establishment of the Maharashtra Geotechnology Application Centre (MahaGeoTech) company to bring speed and efficiency to administration using geospatial technology.

This centre will focus on modern technology, research, geospatial innovation, and entrepreneurship, enabling educational programs for students, professionals, and researchers.

The state Cabinet also approved the restructuring of the Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC) as it will now become a company. Its registration under the Societies Act of 1860 will be cancelled, and it will be established as a company under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.

This decision will accelerate projects related to road information systems, urban planning, Jalyukt Shivar (watershed development), hilly area development, e-Panchnama, Maha Agri Tech, mangrove studies, groundwater management, and mineral/mining studies.

Moreover, the state Cabinet also gave approval to implement the Maharashtra Resilience Development Program (MRDP) which aims to raise disaster management funds with the help of private capital.

This includes a Rs 165 crore fund from the World Bank. The program will provide relief on home loans for disaster-affected citizens and offer credit concessions and insurance security to MSMEs.

To mitigate flood risks, prevention plans will be prepared for the Krishna Basin, including the cities of Kolhapur, Sangli, and Ichalkaranji.

- IANS
The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved two major initiatives to modernize governance and enhance disaster resilience. The Maharashtra Geotechnology Application Centre (MahaGeoTech) will be established with a Rs 25 crore grant to drive geospatial innovation using AI and IoT. Separately, the Maharashtra Resilience Development Programme will utilize a Rs 165 crore World Bank fund to provide financial aid and insurance to citizens and businesses affected by disasters. The programme will specifically target flood mitigation in the Krishna and Panchganga river basins.

Maharashtra Cabinet approves MahaGeoTech centre and a World Bank-funded resilience programme for disaster management and tech-driven governance.

Mumbai, April 7 In a bid to modernise governance and strengthen disaster management, the Maharashtra Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday approved two major initiatives: the establishment of the Maharashtra Geotechnology Application Centre and the implementation of the Maharashtra Resilience Development Programme.

To accelerate administrative efficiency using cutting-edge technology, the government has cleared the deck for the formation of MahaGeoTech.

This dedicated entity will serve as a hub for geospatial innovation and data-driven decision-making. It will consist of four primary divisions comprising modern technology, research and training, geospatial innovation and entrepreneurship, and administration and accounts.

The modern technology division will focus on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things, Image Processing, and Photogrammetry. It will oversee data quality, integrity, and security protocols.

It will also be responsible for building and maintaining geospatial portals, designing software applications, and integrating diverse datasets to solve complex administrative problems.

The Research and Training Division is tasked with research and development in geospatial technology and conducting academic programmes for students and professionals.

Headquartered in Mumbai, the institute will receive an initial grant of Rs 25 crore. It aims to streamline government workflows by providing precise spatial analytics and fostering a culture of technical innovation within state departments.

Further, the state cabinet also approved the Maharashtra Resilience Financing Programme, a new concept utilising capital and global funding to mitigate disaster impacts.

The programme will utilise a Rs 165 crore fund from the World Bank. Relief will be extended to disaster-affected citizens through home loan concessions.

Furthermore, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, unorganised sector workers, women entrepreneurs, and small construction businesses will receive specialised credit facilities and insurance security.

The Maharashtra Institution for Transformation will serve as the implementation unit to handle financial aid during floods, heatwaves, and cyclones.

The programme places special emphasis on the Krishna and Panchganga river basins. Comprehensive plans will be drafted to reduce flood risks in Kolhapur, Sangli, and Ichalkaranji.

The Maharashtra Soil and Water Conservation Corporation will act as the project implementation group for works in these river zones.

A Project Appraisal Committee, co-chaired by the Minister for Disaster Management and the Minister for Water Resources, has been sanctioned to monitor progress and ensure effective execution, said the government release.

By integrating high-end geospatial data and creating a robust financial safety net, the Maharashtra government aims to build a state that is both technologically advanced and disaster-resilient, noted the release.

- IANS
The Indian Embassy in Qatar has issued an advisory urging the Indian community to remain vigilant and follow official instructions due to heightened regional tensions. It emphasized obtaining information only from official sources and avoiding the circulation of rumors to prevent legal accountability. The embassy's 24/7 control room and dedicated helplines remain operational to provide support. This advisory follows similar precautionary alerts from other Gulf states over potential security threats.

Indian Embassy in Qatar urges vigilance, shares emergency contacts amid regional tensions. Advisory warns against spreading rumors.

Doha, April 8 The Indian Embassy in Qatar has issued an advisory urging members of the Indian community to remain vigilant and closely follow instructions from local authorities in view of the prevailing situation in the region.

In its update released on Tuesday, the Embassy said: "The Ministry of Interior has urged everyone to obtain information from official sources and to refrain from circulating or publishing rumours or unreliable information on various platforms to avoid legal accountability."

The Embassy emphasised that its 24/7 Control Room continues to remain operational, along with dedicated helpline numbers, 55647502 and 55362508, as well as e-mail support at cons.doha@mea.gov.in and WhatsApp assistance.

Officials added that the mission is in regular touch with Indian community leaders and organisations to ensure coordinated support.

The advisory comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions in the Middle East, with several countries issuing precautionary alerts in recent days over possible missile and drone threats.

Kuwait, for instance, has already urged its citizens to stay indoors during night hours, while other Gulf states have stepped up security measures.

India has a sizeable expatriate population in Qatar, estimated at over 700,000, many of whom are employed in construction, services, and the energy sector.

The Embassy has frequently activated emergency protocols in the past, including during the Gulf crisis of 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic, to safeguard the interests of its nationals.

Officials reiterated that citizens should rely only on verified information disseminated through official channels and avoid spreading unverified content that could cause panic or invite legal consequences.

The Embassy concluded its advisory with reassurance that all necessary measures are being taken to support the Indian community during this period of uncertainty.

- IANS
The Madhya Pradesh cabinet has announced that wheat procurement will commence on April 9, with over 78 lakh farmers registered across thousands of centers. Major infrastructure clearances include upgrading the Ujjain airstrip into a full-fledged airport and approving two key four-lane highway projects to enhance regional connectivity. The state also held a cooperation conference with Uttar Pradesh, resulting in an MoU between the Mahakal and Kashi Vishwanath temple trusts for better pilgrim management. Further decisions cover irrigation projects, cultural programs, and financial training institutes to support holistic development.

Madhya Pradesh announces wheat procurement from April 9, Ujjain airport development, new highways, and farmer support initiatives. Key cabinet decisions revealed.

Bhopal, April 7 The Madhya Pradesh government has announced a series of farmer-friendly initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, cultural programmes, and inter-state cooperation measures aimed at boosting agriculture, connectivity, tourism, and economic ties.

After the cabinet meeting, MSME Minister Chetanya Kashyap highlighted key decisions, emphasising priority support for marginal farmers and seamless procurement processes.

He said, "Wheat procurement in the state is set to begin from April 9."

Over 78,19,400 farmers have registered for the process across 3,627 procurement centres, including 2,625 centres with bonus facilities. Sacks are now available in all districts, and marginal farmers will receive priority. The government aims to ensure smooth and transparent procurement to safeguard farmers' interests. Procurement of pulses will also commence simultaneously. Chana (chickpea) will be procured at a 25 per cent level, while Masoor (lentil) procurement will be at 100 per cent. An investment of Rs 51 crore has been earmarked for this purpose.

Notably, these procurements will be exempt from mandi tax, providing additional relief to farmers.

On the infrastructure front, the Centre has approved two major highway projects in Madhya Pradesh. The 22-km Itarsi-Betul section (part of the 'Tiger Corridor' on NH-46) will be upgraded to a four-lane highway for Rs 758 crore. Additionally, a four-lane road from Niwari (Madhya Pradesh) to Jhansi/Orchha (linking Uttar Pradesh) has been cleared at Rs 631 crore.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has given priority to these developments. These projects are expected to significantly boost business, tourism, and regional connectivity, the minister said.

In a landmark step for inter-state collaboration, the Madhya Pradesh-Uttar Pradesh Cooperation Conference was held on March 31 in Varanasi. The focus was on enhancing trade, tourism, ODOP products, and MSME partnerships.

The first MoU was signed between the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust and the Mahakal Temple Trust for better pilgrim and crowd management, Minister Kashyap said. Plans for a mega cultural play on Maharaj Vikramaditya were also discussed, along with the installation of a Vikramaditya Vedic clock in Ujjain. A similar symbolic clock was presented during the event to the UP government.

The government is actively promoting spiritual and scientific tourism around Mahakal Lok in Ujjain, described as 'The Master of Time', he said.

The Minister said that initiatives include setting up a new science centre and observatory linking Ujjain to Dongla, and attracting interest from scientists at IIT and ISRO. The central education system is being integrated with these developments, he said.

For irrigation, the cabinet has decided to expedite the Mandsaur-Kotma lift irrigation project, which will benefit 3,500 hectares across 120 villages, thereby supporting around 35,000 families.

A new Financial Training and Research Institute will be established at the Academy of Administration to strengthen governance and skill development.

Social and cultural programmes have also been outlined. From April 8 to 14, district-level events will mark Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar's birth anniversary (April 14), with a state-level programme in Bhind. Detailed plans are being prepared for Sant Ravidas Jayanti on March 31.

In another decision, the minister said, the Ujjain airstrip will be developed into a full-fledged airport with an investment of Rs 590 crore under the UDAN scheme, in preparation for Simhastha Ujjain 2028. This will facilitate smoother travel for millions of devotees.

Additionally, Rs 5,215 crore has been allocated to the forest department for conservation and related works.

Scholarships of Rs 10,000 each are being provided to students from higher sections under a dedicated scheme.

Minister Kashyap said that these initiatives reflect the government's commitment to Viksit Madhya Pradesh, with special focus on small and marginal farmers, infrastructure, cultural heritage, and inter-state synergy.

"Procurement processes have been streamlined to ensure every registered farmer benefits without hassle," he added, while underscoring how road and irrigation projects will transform rural economies.

- IANS
The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Committee reviewed the availability of key petroleum products, noting sufficient overall supply but significant waiting periods for domestic LPG bookings. Officials were instructed to ensure adequate commercial LPG cylinder availability and to take strict action against black marketing, with thousands of raids already conducted. A major push for piped natural gas (PNG) was announced, with a target of two lakh new connections within three months and directives to streamline permissions. Authorities are also establishing monitoring mechanisms and grievance redressal systems to manage the rollout and supply chain.

Madhya Pradesh cabinet committee reviews petroleum supply, addresses LPG booking delays, and sets a target for 2 lakh new PNG connections in 3 months.

Bhopal, April 7 The Cabinet Committee of Madhya Pradesh, constituted to assess the impact of global developments and the evolving situation in West Asia, reviewed the availability and supply status of key petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, and piped natural gas on Tuesday.

During the review meeting, officials were instructed to ensure the adequate availability of commercial LPG cylinders at both district and tehsil levels.

The committee emphasised strict vigilance against irregularities and warned that immediate action must be taken against any instances of black marketing.

Officials informed the committee that petroleum products are currently available in sufficient quantities in the state, supported by steady crude oil availability.

However, domestic LPG bookings are witnessing waiting periods of around 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural regions, according to a press note from the state government on Tuesday.

Despite this, authorities maintained that the booking volume remains within normal limits and supply is being managed regularly.

The State Nodal Officer for oil companies, Ajay Srivastava, stated that commercial LPG cylinders are currently being supplied at a 70 per cent limit, in line with directives from the Central Government. This marks a significant increase from the earlier 20 per cent supply cap.

The Committee also reviewed enforcement actions taken against black marketing. So far, raids have been conducted at 3,226 locations, leading to the seizure of 3,872 gas cylinders, with 11 First Information Reports registered in connection with violations.

Meanwhile, City Gas Distribution entities have been assigned a target to provide two lakh new PNG connections within the next three months.

In the last 24 hours alone, 225 new connections have been issued. Authorities have been directed to closely monitor daily application volumes and ensure timely delivery of connections.

Consumers residing near existing pipeline networks have been advised to apply for PNG connections promptly, as LPG connections in such areas may be discontinued within three months.

To facilitate expansion, departments have been instructed to grant pipeline-related permissions within 24 hours, while district-level monitoring mechanisms and consumer grievance redressal control rooms have also been established to streamline implementation.

- IANS
Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar shared an excited Instagram post about meeting cinematic icons Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway in Tokyo. He confessed to being singularly obsessed with Streep's brilliance, calling her his guru in acting. The meeting occurred during the promotional tour for the highly anticipated sequel, 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'. The sequel reunites the original cast and director, with a release date set for May 2026.

Bollywood's Karan Johar shares his fan moment meeting Hollywood icons Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, calling it a "once in a lifetime" encounter.

Tokyo, April 7 In a striking crossover moment between Bollywood and Hollywood, Karan Johar recently met global cinema icons Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway in Tokyo, Japan, as part of the international promotional tour for 'The Devil Wears Prada 2.'

Sharing the moment on his Instagram handle, Johar offered fans a glimpse into what can only be described as a rare convergence of cinematic and fashion legacies.



Describing the encounter as a "once in a lifetime" moment, the 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' filmmaker wrote, "This is not a caption. This is a confession. I am singularly obsessed and inspired by the unmatchable brilliance of Meryl Streep. In many ways she has been my guru in the art of acting & portraying characters across cinema!!"



He also wrote that meeting the two icons made his knees rattle.



"I have watched The Devil Wears Prada no less than 47 times. I have quoted it at dinner tables, in edit suites and in board meetings (no kidding!) So when I tell you that standing next to HER & them today, I felt the ground shift, please believe me. I tried very hard to be calm and composed but here's a another confession - my knees were RATTLING," he wrote.



The meeting comes at a time when anticipation is steadily building for the sequel to the 2006 cult classic, which famously explored the high-stakes world of fashion journalism.



The original film left a lasting cultural imprint, driven by Streep's portrayal of the formidable Miranda Priestly and Hathaway's transformation as Andy Sachs. Their reunion for the sequel has already sparked excitement amongst fans.



'The Devil Wears Prada 2' reunites the original main cast and brings back director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna.



The sequel also expands its ensemble with new cast members including Kenneth Branagh, Simone Ashley, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J Shen, Pauline Chalamet, BJ Novak and Conrad Ricamora.



Additionally, Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman reprise their roles as Lily and Irv from the original film.



Backed by 20th Century Studios, the film is set for a theatrical release on May 1, 2026.





- ANI
Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal is set to attend the ninth Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius, marking his first international trip since the new government took office. The conference, jointly organized by India's MEA, the India Foundation, and Mauritius, aims to address key challenges in the Indian Ocean Region. Discussions will center on the theme 'Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance,' covering maritime security, economic development, and sustainability. The event serves as a major platform for dialogue among regional countries and global powers with strategic interests in the IOR.

Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal will participate in the 9th Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius, focusing on regional cooperation and security.

Kathmandu, April 7 Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal is set to participate in the ninth Indian Ocean Conference, scheduled to be held from April 10 to 12 in Mauritius.

India's Ministry of External Affairs, the India Foundation, a New Delhi-based think tank, and the Government of Mauritius are jointly organising the conference - an annual flagship event held since 2016 that brings together global leaders and experts to deliberate on key regional and global challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Khanal will become the first Cabinet minister to travel abroad following the formation of the new government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah on March 27.

"Minister Khanal is scheduled to go to Mauritius later this week to attend the conference," Lok Bahadur Poudel Chettri, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, told IANS. "The ministry is making necessary preparations for the foreign minister's participation in the conference."

Chettri said the foreign minister is likely to address the conference, and the issues to be included in the address are being prepared. He is also expected to meet several counterparts from Asia and Africa.

The annual conference serves as an important international platform aimed at promoting regional cooperation and addressing both emerging and traditional challenges in the strategically significant IOR.

This year's conference is being held under the theme 'Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance', which will guide discussions among heads of government, senior officials, private sector representatives, scholars, and policy experts, the India Foundation said on its website.

The key areas of focus include maritime security, economic development, environmental sustainability, and evolving geopolitical dynamics.

"The conference is expected to foster dialogue and collaboration among countries bordering the Indian Ocean, as well as major global powers with strategic interests in the region," the foundation said.

Since its establishment in 2016, the forum has emerged as a significant venue for advancing regional cooperation. Countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman, and Singapore have played central roles in its proceedings.

Over the years, the conference has addressed a wide spectrum of issues, ranging from traditional security concerns such as naval power and territorial disputes to emerging challenges including climate change, natural disasters, and economic disruptions.

- IANS
The National Human Rights Commission convened a core group meeting to address the pervasive issue of food adulteration in India. Chairperson Justice V Ramasubramanian outlined the legal framework's evolution but highlighted weaknesses in prosecution and consumer indifference. Members called for a multi-pronged approach, including special task forces, mobile testing labs, and curriculum inclusion to educate the public. The meeting concluded with an urgent call for concrete, actionable solutions to guarantee safe and nutritious food for all citizens.

NHRC holds key meeting on food adulteration, urging stricter enforcement, public awareness, and actionable reforms to ensure safe food for all Indians.

New Delhi, April 7 The National Human Rights Commission, India, organised a meeting of the Core Group on Right to Food and Nutrition on the theme 'Tackling Food Adulteration in India: Understanding the Scale, Challenges and Reforms' in hybrid mode at its premises in New Delhi.

According to the NHRC, Chairperson, Justice V Ramasubramanian, chaired the meeting, which was attended by Members, Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, Secretary General, Bharat Lal; Director General (Investigation), Anupama Nilekar Chandra; Registrar (Law), Joginder Singh; Joint Secretaries, Samir Kumar, Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak; along with senior government functionaries from the centre and state governments, statutory bodies, human rights defenders, consumer activists, members of academia, civil society and domain experts.

In his address, Justice V Ramasubramanian provided a comprehensive overview of India's legal framework to combat food adulteration, tracing its evolution from the Madras Prevention of Adulteration Act 1918 to the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.

He underscored that consistent efforts have been made over the decades to curb adulteration at multiple levels. He said that an increase in life expectancy should also translate into improved quality of life, as guaranteed under the Constitution.

Ramasubramanian said that every individual has the right to live a healthy, disease-free life, urging stakeholders to reflect on the deeper impact of adulterated food rather than relying solely on statistics.

Referring to the idea that 'food should be medicine,' he remarked that this principle has eroded over time. He also expressed concern that some food adulteration cases under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954 continued to be brought before the court even today, often based on reports as old as 15 years, which render the evidence obsolete and the prosecution weak. While noting the rise in food production and the existence of testing infrastructure, including mobile labs, he raised concerns about their effectiveness and maintenance.

Highlighting consumer indifference as a key issue, he urged participants to propose concrete, actionable recommendations for government intervention.

NHRC Member, Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, stressed the need for widespread awareness on food safety. He raised concerns over excessive pesticide use in food production, calling for urgent measures to prevent adulteration.

Sarangi also highlighted the importance of educating farmers at the grassroots to promote safer practices and ensure better quality food grains.

NHRC India Member, Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, called for a multi-level special task force to curb food adulteration. She advocated mobile food testing in schools and public places alongside monthly checks.

Emphasising strict enforcement, she urged fines for violators, 24/7 helplines, inclusion of food adulteration in school curriculum, timely victim compensation and fast-track grievance redressal systems.

Earlier, NHRC, India Secretary General, Bharat Lal, highlighted the serious threat posed by food adulteration, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. He said that food adulteration is a global issue affecting both formal and informal sectors despite existing laws, regulations and guidelines. Stressing the scale of the challenge, he noted that it is nearly impossible to trace or recall adulterated products once they enter the supply chain. Even a single failed sample can impact hundreds.

The NHRC has received several complaints related to mid-day meals and other adulterations and has taken cognisance of such matters to ensure accountability. He emphasised the urgent need to guarantee safe and nutritious food for all.

Lal also urged the participants to go beyond the diagnosis of the problem and focus on collectively working towards identifying actionable and implementable solutions.

Rajit Punhani, CEO, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), highlighted the work of FSSAI, which, through a simple and continuous drive, encourages food vendors to register themselves. He said that states also give licences to vendors. He underscored the need to fill the vacant positions to effectively monitor and check for adulterated products at different levels by the concerned state governments.

Anusree Raha, Deputy Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, called for greater involvement of communities and Self-Help Groups in tackling food adulteration. She said that capacity-building programmes are being organised to raise awareness and suggested using school laboratories to test food samples, helping familiarise students and youth with the issue.

Richa Kumar, IIT Delhi, called for farm-level monitoring. She flagged the issue of chemical adulteration, hazardous pesticide uses and their health risks. She urged a comprehensive systemic ban of hazardous chemicals.

Professor Bejon Mishra, International Consumer Policy Expert, said that product standards must be ensured through stakeholder consultations. He called for transparency and accountability in food testing, a 24/7 consumer helpline, proper use of the Consumer Welfare Fund, stronger vigilance mechanisms, as well as public awareness on adulteration.

Pushpa Girimaji, Consumer Rights Activist and senior journalist, emphasised the need for a national and comprehensive study to identify areas and materials prone to adulteration.

The participants included Satyen Kumar Panda, Advisor (Quality Assurance), FSSAI; Alka Rao, Advisor (Quality Assurance), FSSAI; Bharati Kulkarni, Director, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) in Hyderabad; Shweta Khandelwal, Senior Advisor, Jhpiego; Monalisha Sahu, Associate Professor, All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health; Vandana Singh, CEO, Food Security Foundation India, India Food Banking Network; and Monika Singh, Director, Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Also present were Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution; Giridhar Parvatam, Director, CSIR, Central Food Technological Research Institute; Mamoni Das, Principal, Department of Food Science & Nutrition, Assam Agricultural University; N. Venkateswaran, Chief Executive, National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL); among others.

- ANI
Gujarat officials have clarified that no industrial units have shut down due to gas shortages stemming from the West Asia crisis. They attribute the closures and reduced operations, concentrated in Morbi and Surendranagar, to supply chain disruptions and business viability constraints. The government has operationalized community kitchens and extended fuel supply flexibility to support workers and industries. Authorities maintain that the state's city gas distribution network remains stable with no supply cuts to CNG or PNG.

Gujarat officials state industrial unit closures in Morbi and Surendranagar are due to supply chain and viability issues, not gas shortages from the West Asia crisis.

Ahmedabad, April 7 No industrial units in Gujarat have shut down due to gas shortages despite the ongoing West Asia crisis, officials claimed on Tuesday, underlining that disruptions in the sector are linked to supply chain and viability issues.

Speaking at a state-level press briefing in Ahmedabad, K.C. Sampat, Additional Commissioner of the Industries and Mines Department of Gujarat, said a comprehensive review across districts showed that out of the state's 4,11,733 registered industries, 1,212 are currently non-operational and around 28,517 are functioning at reduced capacity.

A significant concentration of affected units is in Morbi, where 984 units are shut, and 1,577 are operating at partial capacity out of 2,568 units, along with 217 closures in Surendranagar.

"The impact of the West Asia situation has currently remained limited on the state's industrial sector, and most industries are operating regularly, although some are partially affected," Sampat said.

He attributed closures to "issues such as transportation, supply chain disruptions and viability constraints," adding that "no major incidents of worker layoffs have been recorded."

Sampat said the government is working at all levels, from the state to districts, with continuous coordination involving industries, GIDC offices and labour departments.

"Industrialists and associations are providing real-time inputs, and issues related to raw materials, transportation and supply chains are being addressed continuously," he said.

Meetings with major industrial associations were also held in South Gujarat on March 28 to address labour concerns, including food security.

To support workers, 159 industrial community kitchens have been operationalised, providing daily meals to around 50,000 workers.

Authorities are also supplying five kg LPG cylinders for daily use, and prioritising piped natural gas (PNG) connections for essential services and industrial canteens.

Highlighting supply management, Sampat said LNG and LPG constraints at the national level are being closely monitored while ensuring domestic supply remains unaffected.

"Operations are being carried out under the highest priority to ensure that domestic LPG and PNG supply remains uninterrupted," he said.

Fuel supply has been prioritised for key sectors including steel, automobiles, textiles, dyes, chemicals and plastics, with lower reductions for fertiliser and dairy units.

He added that industrial gas supply has been rationalised to protect domestic consumption, and temporary permission has been granted from March 30 for three months to use alternative fuels such as coal, kerosene, biomass and waste-derived fuels.

"The restriction on solid alternative fuels for industrial and commercial units has been removed for three months to ensure operational flexibility," Sampat said.

LPG distribution hours have also been extended, including night-time delivery.

Dipen Chauhan, Senior Vice President of Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation, said gas supply across the state remains stable, with no disruption to CNG or PNG availability.

"Since the beginning of the West Asia crisis until now, not a single CNG station has closed in Gujarat, and the gas supply has been maintained continuously," he said, adding that around 40 lakh kg of CNG is consumed daily, supporting approximately 7.5 lakh vehicles.

He said Gujarat has a fully developed city gas distribution network covering all districts, with around 10 licensed operators, including Gujarat Gas, Sabarmati Gas and Adani Total Gas.

"No cuts of any kind have been imposed on industrial gas supply. The quantity of gas is sufficient, though prices are aligned with global market dynamics," Chauhan said.

Reiterating the situation in Morbi, he said, "Industries have taken voluntary shutdowns due to viability constraints, not due to gas non-availability. No unit has shut due to a gas shortage."

Chauhan added that Gujarat accounts for about 23 per cent of the country's domestic PNG consumers, 51 per cent of commercial connections and 28 per cent of industrial connections, along with 13 per cent of CNG stations nationwide, making it a leading state in city gas distribution.

Officials said PNG adoption has accelerated under a statewide campaign, with 49,898 new domestic registrations and 26,909 conversions completed between March and April 5, alongside 911 commercial registrations and 496 conversions.

Since March 1, around 50,000 new customers have registered, and 27,000 connections have been provided.

A 948 per cent increase in domestic registrations has been observed following government directions.

The government has instructed all city gas distribution entities to prioritise PNG connections for essential services such as hospitals, schools, hostels, community kitchens and industrial canteens.

During March, 225 new connections were registered and 89 provided in these categories, which include industrial canteens, educational institutions, hospitals and community kitchens.

Officials also highlighted customer-focused measures, including a simplified seven-day connection process, QR code-based self-registration, doorstep services, awareness campaigns and a Rs 500 rebate scheme offered by CGD companies for new domestic PNG connections.

They added that sufficient LNG is available at terminals in Mundra and Dahej, with four additional cargoes expected during April and May.

Procurement from alternative sources and coordination with suppliers are being maintained to ensure continued supply.

"The situation is being continuously monitored and necessary supportive measures are being implemented so that industries and citizens do not face any difficulty," officials said.

- IANS
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje emphasized that organizational positions within the BJP should be given to ideologically committed workers, not opportunists. Speaking at a party event, she cautioned against self-serving leaders who think of themselves over the party's future. Raje advised workers to focus on sincere service rather than chasing posts, stating that positions would follow dedication. Her remarks are seen as a strong message on internal discipline and loyalty within the party.

Former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje says BJP posts should reward dedicated workers, not opportunists, emphasizing ideological commitment.

Jaipur, April 6 Former Rajasthan Chief Minister, Vasundhara Raje, on Monday underscored the importance of ideological commitment and loyalty within the Bharatiya Janata Party, stating that positions in the organisation should be given to dedicated workers rather than opportunists.

Addressing party workers during the BJP's Foundation Day event in Jaipur, Raje remarked that while party-switching is common in politics, it does not necessarily reflect a change in mindset.

"Politics has its ups and downs. Many people change parties, but not their hearts - their thinking remains the same," she said.

At the same time, she acknowledged that some individuals genuinely adapt after joining a new party. "There are also those who truly embrace the party and integrate like sugar dissolves in milk," she added. Raje emphasised that leaders and workers committed to the party's core ideology should be given priority and respect.

"The real concern is those who think only of themselves and not about the party's future," she said, cautioning against self-serving tendencies within political ranks.

Referring to leaders who frequently switch sides, she noted that while some such individuals have even won elections, organisational appointments must be reserved for those who have consistently served the party. Highlighting the value of dedication, Raje urged workers not to chase posts or positions.

"Do not work merely to secure a post. If you work with sincerity, positions will come to you automatically," she said.

She also recalled a historical anecdote, noting that senior BJP leaders Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K. Advani had once proposed her mother, Vijaya Raje Scindia, for party leadership, but she declined the offer. Raje's remarks are being seen as a strong message on internal discipline, loyalty, and organisational integrity within the party, said party workers.

- IANS
PM Modi & Health Minister JP Nadda honor doctors & nurses, reaffirming commitment to strengthen healthcare systems on World Health Day 2026.

New Delhi, April 7 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed gratitude to healthcare workers and reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening healthcare systems on the occasion of World Health Day.

In a post shared on X, the Prime Minister said, "On World Health Day, we express our gratitude to all those who dedicate themselves tirelessly to the service of others and work towards a healthier planet."



Reiterating the government's focus on public health, he added, "We also reaffirm our commitment to building a healthier society. Let us all keep working together to strengthen healthcare systems and prioritise well-being for every individual."



Union Health Minister JP Nadda also extended greetings, highlighting India's healthcare approach and ongoing reforms.



"Greetings to everyone on World Health Day! This day reminds us to take better care of our health and follow a balanced lifestyle. India's approach to healthcare combines age-old wisdom with modern science, helping improve lives not just at home but across the world," Nadda wrote on X.



Praising government initiatives, he added, "Under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji, transformative initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the PM Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana have strengthened the healthcare system, making quality treatment more accessible, affordable, and inclusive for every citizen."



He also expressed appreciation for healthcare professionals, stating, "We express our heartfelt gratitude to all doctors, nurses, and frontline workers whose dedication keeps our healthcare system strong. Let us all work together towards building a healthier and stronger nation."



Echoing similar sentiments, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted the importance of good health in ensuring a better quality of life.



In a post on X, Gupta said, "Good health is the foundation of a better life. On World Health Day, we reaffirm our commitment to building a healthier, stronger Delhi for every citizen."



World Health Day is observed annually on April 7 to highlight pressing global health issues and encourage people to prioritise their well-being. The day marks the founding of the World Health Organisation in 1948, which works to improve public health standards worldwide.



Celebrated since 1950, the occasion aims to raise awareness about healthcare access, promote healthy lifestyles, and emphasise both physical and mental well-being. Governments, organisations, and citizens use the occasion to drive awareness and collective action.



On World Health Day 2026, WHO unites and mobilises the world under the theme "Together for health. Stand with science," celebrating the power of scientific collaboration to protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet. The year-long campaign spotlights both scientific achievements and the multilateral cooperation needed to turn evidence into action, according to WHO.





- ANI
The Baloch National Movement organized a peaceful protest in Busan, South Korea, as part of a global campaign to highlight human rights violations in Balochistan. Participants condemned enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture allegedly perpetrated by Pakistani forces. BNM Chairman Naseem Baloch addressed the UN Human Rights Council, accusing Pakistan of failing to meet its international human rights obligations despite its EU trade status. The protest aimed to build international solidarity and demand justice and self-determination for the Baloch people.

Baloch National Movement holds protest in Busan, condemning enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by Pakistani forces in Balochistan.

Seoul, April 7 The Baloch National Movement held a peaceful protest in South Korea's Busan, highlighting the persistent human rights abuses in Balochistan, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture, collective punishment and systematic military repression by Pakistani forces.

The demonstrations held on April 5 near Sasang Station were part of the ongoing BNM Global Campaign running from March 10 to April 9 and brought together Baloch community members, supporters, and solidarity activists.

According to the BNM, the protest aimed to raise international awareness and demand justice and freedom for the Baloch people, with informative pamphlets widely distributed to passers-by.

Addressing the participants, BNM member Bakhtawar Baloch delivered a speech in the Korean language to explain the dire situation in Balochistan to the local public and media, while calling for global solidarity against the atrocities by Pakistani forces.

"The participants raised strong slogans demanding freedom for Balochistan and strongly condemning the brutality of the Pakistani army. Slogans echoed calls for an end to enforced disappearances, the release of all missing persons, justice for victims, and freedom from occupation and repression," the BNM stated.

The group stated that the "protest remained disciplined, peaceful, and visible in a busy public area, successfully drawing attention from locals and contributing to the international echo of the BNM Global Campaign. "

The participants expressed solidarity with similar protests and advocacy events worldwide, including sessions at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, exposing human rights violations by the Pakistani authorities.

The BNM asserted that the demonstrations in Busan reaffirm its commitment to "peacefully exposing Pakistan's atrocities and advocating for the fundamental rights, dignity, and self-determination of the Baloch people."

Last month, the BNM accused the Pakistani authorities of serious human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture across Balochistan, during the 61st session of the UNHRC in Geneva.

Addressing the session, Naseem Baloch, chairman of the BNM, stated that the European Union granted Pakistan special trade status under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) with the expectation that Islamabad would comply with international conventions on human rights, labour rights, and democratic governance.

However, he added that the situation on the ground in Pakistan presents a starkly different picture.

For decades, Naseem said, the people of Balochistan have faced systematic and widespread human rights violations, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, torture, and the suppression of political voices.

"Thousands of Baloch political activists, students, journalists, and ordinary civilians have been forcibly disappeared. Many are held in secret torture centres without access to courts or contact with their families. Some later reappear as mutilated bodies found on roadsides, a practice widely referred to as the 'kill-and-dump policy'," he detailed.

- IANS
Queen Latifah will host the 52nd American Music Awards on May 25 in Las Vegas, marking her return to the role three decades after first co-hosting in 1995. The show will be aired live by Dick Clark Productions and CBS, with streaming on Paramount+. Nominations are set to be announced on April 14, with fan voting open until May 8. The 2024 ceremony saw a strong ratings rebound, averaging 5.2 million viewers.

Queen Latifah returns as host of the 52nd American Music Awards in Las Vegas, three decades after her first time. The show airs live May 25 on CBS.

Las Vegas, April 7 Rapper, songwriter, and actor Queen Latifah is set to return as host of the 52nd American Music Awards on May 25 in Las Vegas, three decades after she first co-hosted the show in 1995, according to Variety.

"I am so excited to return to the American Music Awards stage to host this year," Latifah said in a statement. "It's been an incredible year for music and there is no better place to celebrate than in Vegas."



Like last year, Dick Clark Productions and CBS will air the AMAs live, with streaming and on-demand access via Paramount+. Nominations will be announced on April 14, opening fan voting through May 8. Details on performers and presenters will be revealed in the coming weeks, while tickets are available on AXS.



"We're thrilled to welcome Queen Latifah back as host of the American Music Awards," said Jay Penske, CEO of Dick Clark Productions. "A true powerhouse and trailblazer, she brings a dynamic presence and deep connection to both fans and fellow artists, making her the perfect choice to lead a night celebrating the biggest names and most defining moments in music," according to Variety.



The 2025 AMAs marked the first live ceremony since 2022, when the show aired from Los Angeles on ABC. While the 2022 broadcast saw record-low viewership, last year's event rebounded strongly with an average of 5.2 million viewers, the largest since 2019.





- ANI
Rahul Gandhi interacted with nurses from Kerala, who described themselves as the foundation of the healthcare system. They detailed severe systemic challenges, including managing up to 100 patients with just 20 nurses and having no time for meaningful patient care. Many nurses cited better working conditions, structured shifts, and hourly pay in countries like the UK as reasons for considering work abroad. The nurses also highlighted limited career growth in India and shared harrowing experiences of performing beyond their roles during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rahul Gandhi interacts with Kerala nurses who reveal systemic issues: severe staffing shortages, low pay, and better opportunities abroad driving an exodus.

New Delhi, April 7 Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday interacted with the nurses from Kerala and said they are the foundation of the healthcare system. He further added that their dedication, selflessness, and empathy are what make families feel safe leaving their loved ones in their care.

Taking to the social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi said, "Nurses are the foundation of our healthcare system. Their dedication, selflessness, and empathy are what make families feel safe leaving their loved ones in their care. The nurses of Keralam reflect this spirit wholeheartedly. It was a privilege to interact with some of them recently. Deeply grateful for all that they do for our people and for our country."

The remarks came alongside a video interaction in which Gandhi engaged with a group of nurses, discussing the realities and challenges faced by healthcare professionals in India. During the conversation, nurses highlighted several systemic issues, including time constraints, staffing shortages, and limited career growth opportunities.

One nurse pointed out that the demanding nature of the job often leaves little time for meaningful patient interaction. "It is important to understand patients' difficulties, but due to workload, we often do not have enough time to do so," she said.

Responding to a question about opportunities abroad, some nurses noted that while many do not wish to leave India, better working conditions and structured systems in countries like the UK attract professionals. A nurse explained that in the UK, longer but continuous shifts and hourly pay systems provide better financial and professional stability compared to India's fragmented schedules.

Another nurse highlighted the limited career progression within India, stating that specialisation often requires higher qualifications, such as a master's degree, making advancement more challenging.

When asked about key issues in India's healthcare system, nurses emphasised the acute shortage of manpower.

"The ratio is very high. Around 20 nurses often have to manage nearly 100 patients," one of them said, underlining the strain on resources.

Sharing their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses recalled stepping beyond their usual roles during emergencies. "We even performed surgeries during COVID due to the crisis. We never imagined the situation would become so severe," one nurse said.

They also stressed that improving nursing education is essential for the profession's growth in India. Highlighting the strengths of Kerala's nursing community, participants credited quality education, hard work, and empathy as key factors behind their reputation.

- IANS
Producer Namit Malhotra has publicly responded to the significant online criticism and trolling directed at the visual effects in the upcoming film 'Ramayana'. He expressed humility at the global response to the film's first look while acknowledging the feedback. Malhotra assured audiences that his team is listening closely and working diligently to improve the VFX output, emphasizing the reverence owed to the epic story. The film features a major cast and is a high-profile collaboration set for release later this year.

Producer Namit Malhotra reacts to online trolling over 'Ramayana' VFX, vows team is working diligently to honor the epic story before release.

Mumbai, April 7 Producer Namit Malhotra has responded to the criticism over his upcoming production 'Ramayana'. On Tuesday, the producer took to his social media, and shared a note, assuring the audience that the team is working to fix the issues in the VFX.

He wrote, "Dear all, the response over the past few days has truly been overwhelming, inspiring, and humbling. Seeing how our Rama continues to touch so many hearts across the world fills me with deep humility and joy. I cherish all of the conversations, the excitement, and feedback. This is a story etched in the souls of billions and deserves our utmost care".

He further mentioned that thousands of people work on the film, keeping in mind the reverence it holds.

"The many thousands of artists and collaborators who have been working away passionately are enthusiastic and energized to get out there and continue to deliver the absolute best in every department. We're listening closely, working diligently, and pouring every effort possible into honoring it with the reverence it holds", he added.

'Ramayana', which stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol and Ravi Dubey, invited backlash on social media over poor VFX in certain sequences in the first look of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram. Namit's Oscar-winning VFX studio DNEG is looking after the VFX of the film. Netizens reacted strongly to the video asset, many people on social media joked about how Namit Malhotra used AI tools for the VFX, and is showing inflated figures in his budget.

'Ramayana' is directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The music is being composed by A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer, marking a cross-industry collaboration.

The film is set to release later this year.

- IANS
A collaborative study by CSIR-CCMB and LV Prasad Eye Institute has uncovered alarming levels of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria causing eye infections in India. The genomic analysis found more than 45% of bacterial isolates were multidrug-resistant, including dangerous strains resistant to last-resort antibiotics. These findings challenge the current reliance on empirical antibiotic therapy, especially for severe infections like microbial keratitis. Researchers emphasize the urgent need for microbiology-guided diagnosis and region-specific treatment guidelines in ophthalmology.

A major Indian study reveals over 45% of eye infection bacteria are multidrug-resistant, challenging current treatments and urging new guidelines.

Hyderabad, April 7 Researchers from the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology and the LV Prasad Eye Institute came together in a collaborative study that uncovered alarming levels of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria causing eye infections.

The study, published in Communications Biology, represents one of the most comprehensive genomic analyses of eye pathogens from India to date. Drs Karthik Bharadwaj and Divya Tej Sowpati from CSIR-CCMB and Dr Joveeta Joseph from LVPEI led the study.

CSIR-CCMB researchers led the genomic and bioinformatics analyses, and LVPEI researchers contributed in clinical expertise, patient samples, and microbiological characterisation - bringing together cutting-edge genomics with real-world clinical insights, according to a release.

"To understand and solve a problem like AMR, it is essential for clinicians and scientists to come together and contribute through their expertise. This is not a problem to be solved with model organisms but rather with real patient samples," said Dr Vinay K Nandicoori, Director, CSIR-CCMB.

The team isolated bacteria from the patient samples and tested them with known antibiotics. They found more than 45% of isolates were multidrug-resistant, and included both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens.

"We found samples with vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and extensively-drug resistant (XDR)-Klebsiella pneumoniae strains involved in eye infections. These findings are worrying because they can spread their AMR genes to other bacteria, too. Also, these pathogens can infect other parts of our bodies," said Dr Bharadwaj, clinician-scientist at CSIR-CCMB.

Through whole genome sequencing, they have also identified new AMR-associated bacterial mechanisms and mutations in this study, the release noted.

From a clinical standpoint, the study underscores the urgent need to re-evaluate current treatment practices. It is common that a clinician starts treatment based on their best judgment before laboratory results are available. Since identifying the exact organism can take a few days, treatment is initiated with antibiotics that are most likely to be effective, and later adjusted once the test results are known. This is called empirical therapy.

The high prevalence of AMR challenges the continued reliance on empirical antibiotic therapy. Fluroquinolones are a frequently used class of antibiotics, and this study reported resistance against these antibiotics in all eye pathogens. This highlights the importance of microbiology-guided diagnosis and treatment approaches, particularly in severe infections such as microbial keratitis and endophthalmitis.

"While genomic tools are not yet part of routine clinical workflows, the insights generated through this study provide a critical foundation for developing region-specific treatment guidelines and strengthening antimicrobial stewardship efforts in ophthalmology," said Dr Joseph, Head of Microbiology at LVPEI.

Eye infections are not isolated events - they are caused by microbes on our skin as well as in the environment. Thus, these results reflect the larger AMR landscape in our surroundings, and not just pertinent to the eye care sector, as per the release.

"This study positions the eye as a valuable site for AMR surveillance in the environment around us," said Dr Prashant Garg, Executive Chair, LVPEI.

- ANI
Actor Rohan Gandotra has opened up about the grueling physical and emotional demands of filming for the upcoming project "Nasha," starring Sunny Leone. He described a particular scene involving continuous smoking and a physically taxing act that required multiple retakes, pushing his body to its limits. Gandotra emphasized his commitment to making the audience "feel the pain, not just see it," which necessitated pushing his own boundaries. The actor, known for TV shows like "Everest" and "Qubool Hai," stated it was one of the most draining scenes he has ever performed.

Actor Rohan Gandotra details the extreme physical and emotional toll of filming a taxing scene for Vikram Bhatt's 'Nasha' starring Sunny Leone.

Mumbai, April 7 Actor Rohan Gandotra, who will be seen in Vikram Bhatt's vertical project "Nasha" starring Sunny Leone", has taked about how his body was giving up as scenes were mentally and emotionally draining.

Nasha is a love triangle that revolves deep into betrayal, heartbreak, and emotional turmoil. It showcases a complex relationship where love takes a dark turn.



Talking about working on the project, Rohan said in a statement: "It was one of the most physically and emotionally draining scenes I've ever done. There were moments when my body was giving up, but as an actor, you have to stay true to the emotion."



The actor said that the project made him push his limits.



"I wanted the audience to feel the pain, not just see it. That required pushing my own limits, and I gave it everything I had," he added.



The scene in question had Rohan to smoke continuously in a single take while performing a physically taxing act involving self-inflicted burning. It took multiple retakes to get everything just right. Smoking continuously in several takes began to affect his health, making the shoot even more exhausting.



Talking about the actor, Rohan stepped into the world of acting with the show Everest by Ashutosh Gowariker in 2014. He shot to fame with Everest, a year later was seen alongside Additi Gupta and Surbhi Jyoti in "Qubool Hai".



The actor was then seen playing Yug Chaydhary in Kaala Teeka in 2016. He then stepped into the shoes of late star Sidharth Shukla Dil Se Dil Tak opposite Jasmin Bhasin and Rashami Desai. Later, he was seen in Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka second season as Veer Verma opposite Tejasswi Prakash, Kunal Jaisingh and Aneri Vajani.



He was then roped in for Mahesh Manjrekar's 1962: The War in the Hills starring Abhay Deol, Sumeet Vyas, Akash Thosar, Mahie Gill, Pooja Sawant.





- IANS
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly accused Iran of violating international law by targeting commercial vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, warning the actions impact the entire world. He characterized the Iranian regime as a state sponsor of terrorism that dismisses global rules and norms. Rubio's comments aim to frame the tensions as a broad threat to international commerce and maritime security, not just a bilateral dispute. The remarks came during a press interaction ahead of his meeting with New Zealand's Foreign Minister.

Secretary Marco Rubio accuses Iran of violating international law by attacking commercial vessels, threatening global trade and energy supplies.

Washington, April 7 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday accused Iran of violating international law and destabilising global trade by targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the situation has impacted the entire world.

Speaking briefly to reporters ahead of a meeting with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters at the US State Department, Rubio said Washington was still awaiting developments on possible diplomatic engagement with Tehran.

"Hope we have more news later today on that," he said when asked whether Iran would come to the negotiating table.

His remarks in response to a question comes amid heightened tensions in the West Asia region, with repeated concerns over the safety of shipping lanes critical to global energy supplies.

"The whole world's been impacted unfortunately because Iran is violating every law known by striking commercial vessels in the Straits of Hormuz, and it's a big problem for the world," Rubio said.

He went further, characterising the Iranian leadership as dismissive of global rules and norms.

"I mean, this is a regime that doesn't believe in laws, rules, or anything like that. It's a state sponsor of terrorism, so it's not surprising that they're now conducting terrorist activity against commercial vessels," Rubio added.

The US Secretary of State's comments underscore Washington's effort to frame the current tensions not as a bilateral dispute but as a broader threat to international commerce and maritime security.

When asked about a warning from Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel that Havana would retaliate if the US launched operations there, Rubio brushed aside the remark.

"I don't think much about what he has to say," Rubio said.

The exchange came in a tightly controlled press interaction before Rubio's meeting with Peters, where broader regional security and global stability issues were expected to be discussed.

- IANS
Newer devices already have it as default

Samsung has announced it will discontinue its proprietary Samsung Messages app in July 2026. The company is actively encouraging users to transition to Google Messages as their primary texting platform. This move aligns with Samsung's recent strategy, as newer devices like the Galaxy S25 and Z Fold6 already ship with Google Messages set as the default. The change reflects a broader consolidation within the Android ecosystem to streamline the user experience with modern features like RCS.

Samsung will phase out its Samsung Messages app in July 2026, urging Galaxy users to switch to Google Messages as their default texting platform.

Seoul, April 6 Samsung will discontinue its in-house messaging platform, marking a significant shift in its mobile software strategy.

The company has confirmed that the default Samsung Messages app will be phased out in July 2026, encouraging users to transition to Google Messages as their primary texting platform, as per GSM Arena.

In a notice published on its website, Samsung stated that the app "will be discontinued in July 2026," signalling the end of a service that has long been a staple across Galaxy smartphones.

The move aligns with the company's recent device strategy, where Google's messaging solution has already taken precedence.

Samsung is urging users to make the switch proactively. "The company is urging users to switch to Google Messages as their default texting app," the notice said.

Users are also advised to check the Samsung Messages app itself to confirm the exact discontinuation date applicable to their device.

As per GSM Arena, the transition reflects a broader ecosystem consolidation, as newer Samsung devices already come with Google Messages pre-installed.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup, along with foldable models such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, ship with Google Messages set as the default messaging application.

Samsung clarified that not all users will be immediately impacted. Devices running Android 11 or older will continue to support Samsung Messages and "will not be affected by the end of service," according to the company. This ensures continued functionality for users on older hardware.

The phase-out has been gradual. As per GSM Arena, in the United States, Samsung had already begun moving away from its proprietary messaging app starting with the Samsung Galaxy S22 series, where Google Messages was increasingly promoted as the primary option.

According to GSM Arena, the decision underscores Samsung's closer alignment with Google's Android ecosystem, streamlining user experience while reducing duplication of core apps. For users, the change means adopting a unified messaging platform that supports modern features such as Rich Communication Services (RCS).

- ANI
Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill is set to return for the team's match against Delhi Capitals after missing the previous game with a muscle spasm. His teammate Sai Sudharsan confirmed Gill is "completely fine" and was seen batting in the nets. The Titans are desperate for their first win of the IPL 2026 season, having lost both their opening matches. They currently sit ninth in the points table with zero points.

Shubman Gill is confirmed fit and will lead Gujarat Titans against Delhi Capitals. GT seeks first win after two losses in IPL 2026.

New Delhi, April 7 Gujarat Titans designated captain Shubman Gill is set to return in the team's match against Delhi Capitals in the ongoing Indian Premier League season 2026, on Wednesday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Gujarat Titans were dealt a major blow as Shubman Gill didn't feature in their previous match in the IPL 2026, against Rajasthan Royals on April 4, owing to a muscle spasm. In Gill's absence, Rashid Khan led the team as captain.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the GT vs DC clash on Wednesday, Sai Sudharsan confirmed that Shubman is "completely fine."

"Shubman has no problem; he is completely fine. He will be fine," Sudharsan said on Tuesday.

Moreover, Shubman was also spotted batting in the practise nets ahead of Wednesday's clash.

The Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans are yet to win a match in their IPL 2026 campaign. They faced defeats in both contests that they have played so far. They lost to Punjab Kings by three wickets in their campaign opener and then faced a thrilling six-run loss against Rajasthan Royals.

Speaking about the losses, Sudharsan stated that the team has learned a lot from their first two losses and is focused on using the lessons to secure their first win at IPL 2026 and regain momentum.

"We look back on these two games, and we have learnt a lot for sure, and I think we will look forward to doing that, so that we get our first win and get the momentum back," he said.

Gujarat Titans are currently languishing at ninth spot in the IPL 2026 points table with no points in two matches and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of -0.424. They are amongst the only two teams this season without a single point to their name. The other team is Chennai Super Kings, who have no points to show after three losses in three matches.

- ANI
The India Meteorological Department in Bhopal has issued a weather warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds for numerous districts across Madhya Pradesh. Specific districts including Vidisha, Rajgarh, and Gwalior are likely to experience these conditions, with the added threat of hailstorms in Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, and Morena. Officials have advised the public to stay indoors, avoid travel, and take precautions like unplugging electrical devices during the storms. Farmers are also urged to protect their crops and livestock, while a fresh Western Disturbance is expected to bring further weather changes later in the week.

IMD Bhopal issues alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in parts of Madhya Pradesh. Hailstorm likely in Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, Morena.

Bhopal, April 7 The India Meteorological Department, Meteorological Centre Bhopal, on Tuesday issued a warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds at isolated places across several districts of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday.

According to the daily weather bulletin, rainfall occurred at isolated places in Gwalior and Jabalpur divisions during the last 24 hours, while the rest of the state remained largely dry.

Maximum temperatures remained below normal by 3.2 degrees Celsius to 3.6 degrees C in most divisions, with the highest maximum temperature recorded at 37.8 degrees C in Narmadapuram. The lowest minimum temperature was 14.2 segrees C in Pachmarhi (Narmadapuram).

Rainfall or thundershowers with lightning are likely at isolated places in districts including Vidisha, Rajgarh, Ratlam, Agar, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Guna, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, Morena, Sheopur, Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Mauganj, Satna, Panna, Damoh, Sagar, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Niwari. The remaining districts of the state are likely to remain dry.

In Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, and Morena, there is also a possibility of a hailstorm along with thunderstorm, lightning, and strong gusty winds.

A senior IMD official stated, "Isolated thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are likely today. Hail may occur in some northern and western districts. People should avoid going out during stormy weather and take necessary precautions."Stay indoors during thunderstorms, keep windows and doors closed, and avoid unnecessary travel."

They also advised not to take shelter under trees or near electric poles, unplug electrical devices, and stay away from metallic objects. Farmers are advised to avoid irrigation, spraying of fertilizers or pesticides, and provide support to vegetable crops.

"Keep livestock in safe shelters, ensure proper drainage in fields, and cover harvested produce," they said.

The fresh Western Disturbance is expected to affect the Western Himalayan region from April 11, which may bring further weather changes later, the IMD center experts said.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur, on the occasion of his Parkash Purab, calling him a "towering spiritual great." Modi stated the Guru's life was an example of fearlessness and sacrifice for humanity. Union Ministers Amit Shah and J.P. Nadda also offered tributes, praising the Guru's defense of faith and culture against tyranny. The day is celebrated globally by Sikhs with processions, prayers, and community service.

PM Narendra Modi and ministers honor Guru Tegh Bahadur's sacrifice for religious freedom on his Parkash Purab, calling him a spiritual great.

New Delhi, April 4 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of Parkash Purab on Tuesday, paid homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, calling him a "towering spiritual great of our civilisation", and expressed hope that his message guides people in creating a "compassionate and harmonious society".

Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth of ten gurus who founded the Sikh religion and is remembered as "Hind ki Chadar" for protecting Hindus' religious rights, particularly opposing the forced conversions of Kashmiri Pandits. He was executed in 1675 by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.



In a post on X, PM Modi said, "On the sacred occasion of the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, I offer my respectful homage to a towering spiritual great of our civilisation. His life was a radiant example of fearlessness, sacrifice and deep concern for humanity."



"He stood firm in defence of truth, dignity and faith, even in the face of grave adversity. May his eternal message guide us in creating a just, compassionate and harmonious society," the Prime Minister added.



Union Home Minister Amit Shah, taking to X, paid homage to the ninth Sikh Guru.



"Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, who made the supreme sacrifice to protect Indian culture and humanity, deemed it appropriate to give up his life rather than renounce his faith. By standing firm against the injustice and tyranny of cruel rulers, he set an example of compassion and empathy. Recalling the life story of Guru Sahib fills the heart with pride," he said.



Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda also took to social media and paid tributes to Guru Tegh Bahadur on Prakash Purab, calling him a "symbol of indomitable courage and religious devotion".



"Guru Shri Teg Bahadur Ji sacrificed his life for the protection of faith, humanity, and religious freedom. His great philosophy of life is replete with unparalleled examples of courage and religious freedom," Nadda posted on X.



"The teachings of Guru Teg Bahadur, the upholder of religious harmony and the symbol of love, sacrifice, and martyrdom, will always continue to guide us," he added.



In a post on X, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said, "I join members of the Sikh Sangat in paying obeisance to Hind di Chadar, the great poet, thinker & warrior, our 9th Sikh Guru Sahib Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on his divine Parkash Purab."



The day is celebrated by Sikhs worldwide with great fervour, including Nagar Kirtan (processions), shabad kirtan, special congregations at Gurdwaras (like Sis Ganj Sahib), and community kitchen (langar).





- IANS
Pope Leo XIV has strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's threat against Iran, calling it "truly unacceptable" and emphasizing the moral dimension over international law. Trump issued a grave warning on social media, stating "A whole civilisation will die tonight," while simultaneously suggesting a potential "Complete and Total Regime Change" in Tehran. The Pope, speaking from Castel Gandolfo, reiterated his call for peace and rejection of an escalating war he described as unjust. The world now awaits the outcome of an 8:00 PM Eastern Time deadline set by Trump amidst reports of U.S. military strikes.

Pope Leo XIV calls Trump's threat to destroy Iranian civilization "truly unacceptable," urging peace as Trump hints at regime change ahead of a deadline.

Rome, April 8 Hours after US President Donald Trump's "A whole civilisation will die tonight" threat to Iran, Pope Leo XIV said that the threats against the people are "truly unacceptable," CNN reported.

"There are certainly issues of international law here, but much more. It's a moral issue, for the good of the people entirely," Pope Leo said outside Castel Gandolfo, a papal retreat about an hour's drive southeast from central Rome.

As per CNN, the Pope then reiterated his Easter message, calling people "to search always for peace and not violence, to reject war, especially a war which many people have said is an unjust war which is continuing to escalate and which is not resolving anything."

This comes after US President Donald Trump issued a series of provocative statements on his Truth Social platform, suggesting a monumental shift in the geopolitical landscape.

In those posts, he warned of potential unprecedented destruction while simultaneously hinting at a transition of power within Iran.

"A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will," Trump wrote, reflecting the gravity of the ongoing military standoff amidst reports of US strikes on Kharg Island and other strategic Iranian infrastructure.

Despite the ominous warning, the President suggested that a new political reality might be emerging in Tehran. He claimed that "now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?"

Trump framed the current escalation as the culmination of a decades-long period of hostility between the two nations. He stated, "We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death will finally end."

The President ended his message with a note of support for the Iranian populace, writing, "God Bless the Great People of Iran!" as the world awaits the outcome of the 8:00 PM Eastern Time deadline.

- ANI
A former Pentagon official, Michael Rubin, has publicly challenged the U.S. claim of success in its recent military campaign against Iran. He argues that continued Iranian disruptions to shipping in the strategic Strait of Hormuz undermine any declaration of victory. Rubin outlined three unmet objectives necessary for credible success: neutralizing Iran's nuclear stockpiles, dismantling its missile capabilities, and clarifying the political future of Iran's government. His critique highlights broader concerns about ambiguous and shifting war aims that make the operation's outcomes difficult to measure.

A former Pentagon official argues key US goals against Iran remain unfulfilled, challenging Trump's victory claims over Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

Washington DC, April 7 Questions are being raised over the United States' claims of success in its recent military campaign against Iran, with former Pentagon official and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute arguing that key objectives remain unfulfilled. Rubin expressed skepticism over whether the operation has achieved its intended goals.

Speaking on the issue with ANI, Rubin underscored that ongoing disruptions in a critical global maritime route undermine any declaration of victory. "It's hard to say that the United States has won when Iran continues to hamper freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz," he said, pointing to the strategic importance of the waterway for global energy supplies and trade.



His remarks come in response to claims made by US President Donald Trump during a press conference, where he asserted that "Operation Epic Fury" had met its objectives. However, Rubin dismissed this assertion, arguing that the administration has yet to present convincing evidence to substantiate such claims.



"President Trump isn't going to be able to convince the American public that he won until he can prove that he's achieved his various war aims. The problem is that his various war aims shift with time, sometimes from minute to minute, hour to hour. But at a minimum, he needs to account for Iran's nuclear-enriched uranium. He also needs to eliminate Iran's missile capability. The last issue has to do with the future of Iran's government, because different people can point to different statements the President has made in order to adjudicate whether or not he has succeeded. At a very minimum, it's hard to say that the United States has won when Iran still continues to hamper freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz," Rubin stated.



Rubin's comments highlight three critical benchmarks he believes are necessary for the US to credibly claim success: neutralising Iran's nuclear-enriched uranium stockpiles, dismantling its missile capabilities, and achieving clarity on the political future of the Iranian government.



According to him, ambiguity and inconsistency in Washington's stated goals have made it difficult to measure the operation's outcomes.



The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes, remains a focal point of concern. Continued disruptions in the region not only challenge US strategic claims but also raise alarms within the international community over economic and security implications.



As debates continue within policy and strategic circles, Rubin's assessment reflects broader concerns that military operations, without clearly defined and consistently pursued objectives, risk falling short of their intended outcomes.





- ANI
US President Donald Trump is adhering to plans for a potential military strike on Iran if negotiations do not yield progress by an 8 PM Eastern Time deadline, according to a Fox News report. White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated the Iranian regime must "meet the moment" by the deadline, emphasizing only the President knows the final decision. Reports indicate Iran may have halted diplomatic talks, though the situation remains fluid and there are tentative signs of movement, such as the release of French nationals. The crisis, centered on the Strait of Hormuz, has triggered intense media reactions and warnings about the implications of escalating rhetoric.

US President Trump sticks to plan for potential military strike on Iran if negotiations fail by 8 PM ET deadline, White House issues final warning.

Washington, April 8 US President Donald Trump is "sticking to" plans for a potential military strike on Iran if negotiations fail to make progress by a self-imposed deadline, with the White House warning Tehran has only hours left to respond.

Fox News anchor Bret Baier, citing a direct conversation with Trump, said on Tuesday that the President made clear that "8 p.m. (Eastern Time) is happening", adding that if talks do not yield results, "there is going to be an attack like they have not seen".

Earlier, White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told IANS: "The Iranian regime has until 8 p.m. Eastern Time to meet the moment and make a deal with the United States. Only the President knows where things stand and what he will do."

The twin signals from Trump and the White House underscore a sharp escalation in the ongoing crisis centred on the Strait of Hormuz.

Baier said the US President indicated that while a breakthrough in negotiations could alter the course, "at this hour he is sticking to it."

Earlier, US forces had already struck military targets in Iran, and Trump escalated his rhetoric with a stark warning of massive consequences.

President Trump said "a whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again" if further action is taken against critical infrastructure.

The US administration has left the door open for diplomacy.

Baier said Trump suggested that "if negotiations move forward today and there is something concrete, that could change".

However, uncertainty remains over whether meaningful engagement is taking place.

While some US officials indicated ongoing communication, reports emerged that Iran may have halted talks.

According to reporting cited during the broadcast, Iran had "cut off diplomacy with the United States", though the situation remained fluid.

Trump himself underscored the stakes, writing that "we will find out tonight", describing Iran's decision on negotiations as "one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World".

The developments have triggered intense reactions across US media and policy circles.

The threat dominated cable news coverage, with some commentators warning of the implications of such rhetoric. One host described the US President as "threatening a war crime" and called the statement "a remarkable escalation".

At the same time, there were tentative signs of diplomatic movement.

Reports indicated that Iran had released two French nationals held for years, raising hopes that backchannel negotiations could still produce results.

Baier pointed to internal uncertainty within Iran's leadership structure as a complicating factor.

"There is a real question: who holds the baton and who makes the decisions inside Iran?" he said, highlighting challenges in communication and authority.

He added that momentum on the military front, including a recent rescue mission, may be shaping the administration's posture.

"There is a feeling that there is momentum here militarily. The US President feels that," Baier said.

- IANS
An Israeli strike targeted the Yahya Abad railway bridge in central Iran's Kashan, killing two people according to local authorities. The attack coincided with reported strikes on Iran's critical Kharg Island oil export terminal in the Persian Gulf. This escalation occurs as US President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by a Tuesday night deadline. Trump warned of a massive bombing campaign against Iran's infrastructure if it fails to comply.

Israeli strike targets Iranian railway bridge in Kashan, killing two. Simultaneous attack reported on Iran's key Kharg Island oil terminal amid US ultimatum.

Tehran, April 7 A bridge on a key rail link in central Iran was targeted by an Israeli strike on Tuesday, according to Al Jazeera, citing Iran's Mehr News Agency. The attack struck the Yahya Abad railway bridge located in the city of Kashan, marking a further expansion of hostilities in the region.

The consequences of the strike were confirmed by local authorities in Isfahan province. Reports indicated that the Deputy Governor of Isfahan stated that the "strike killed two people", as emergency teams were deployed to the site of the wreckage.

This kinetic action followed a specific advisory issued by the Israeli defence forces earlier in the day. The Israeli military had released a warning directed at Iranian citizens, advising them "against using trains for their 'safety' until 9 pm local time (17:30 GMT)".

The targeted disruption of the transport network comes amidst broader, heightened regional tensions that have now extended to the energy sector. In a simultaneous development, Iran's key oil export terminal on Kharg Island also came under attack on Tuesday, according to Iranian state media outlet Mehr News, representing a significant escalation of the month-long confrontation between the United States and Iran.

The small island in the Persian Gulf serves as Tehran's most vital oil facility. Several strikes reportedly hit the site, which lies at the heart of the ongoing military standoff that has already sent shockwaves through global energy markets.

Kharg Island handles nearly 90 per cent of Iran's oil exports. Much of the Iranian mainland coastline is too shallow for large tankers, which makes the island essential for the country's energy trade.

The strategic location of the island, opposite US military bases in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, leaves it exposed in any heightened conflict. The latest strikes follow Iran's decision to close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest oil transit routes, which has added to the turbulence in energy prices.

US President Donald Trump had earlier signalled the possibility of action against the facility. In comments to the Financial Times, he said, "Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don't. We have a lot of options."

Such a move is viewed as a way to squeeze Iran's oil revenue and reduce its influence over the Strait of Hormuz. The island's role in export operations means any disruption there directly affects Tehran's ability to sustain its position in the wider confrontation.

This military action coincides with a final ultimatum from Washington. President Trump has set an "8:00 PM deadline" (Washington time, Tuesday night) for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that failure to comply will result in a simultaneous, massive bombing campaign aimed at "each and every one" of Iran's electric generating plants and bridges.

Further intensifying the rhetoric, Trump stated on Monday that the goal would be to leave these facilities "burning, exploding, and never to be used again" within a four-hour window. During a White House press briefing, he added, "The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night."

The President reinforced this ultimatum by demanding Iran make a deal before Tuesday, 8:00 PM ET, cautioning that there will be "no bridges, no power plants" after that time.

Trump emphasised that this is a "critical period" and noted that Washington has provided Tehran with the necessary time to reach an agreement to end the war.

"This is a critical period... They asked for an extension of seven days; I gave them 10 days... They have till tomorrow. Now we will see what happens... A lot of people are affected by this. We are giving them until tomorrow, 8 o'clock, Eastern Time. After that, they are going to have no bridges. They are going to have no power plants. Stone ages," Trump said.

- ANI
Telangana BJP President Ramchander Rao has strongly advocated for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code and One Nation One Election, describing them as long-standing ideological commitments of the BJP. He linked the move to ensuring justice for women and marginalized communities, citing the abolition of triple talaq as a first step. Rao's comments follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks highlighting serious discussions on these issues for national integration and efficient governance. The push comes as states like Uttarakhand and Gujarat have already moved forward with UCC legislation.

Telangana BJP President Ramchander Rao asserts UCC and simultaneous elections are BJP's ideological commitments for justice and national integration.

Hyderabad, April 7 Telangana BJP President Ramchander Rao on Tuesday backed the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, asserting that it is a long-standing ideological commitment of the Bharatiya Janata Party and necessary to ensure justice for women and marginalised communities.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks that "serious discussions" are taking place on issues like UCC and One Nation One Election (ONOE), Rao said, "The honourable prime minister's statement that UCC, that is, Uniform Civil Code, and One Nation, One Election, are soon to be implemented because they are our ideological plank."

He underlined that the BJP has consistently supported key structural reforms since its early days.

"In fact, the Bharatiya Janata Party, right from the Jan Sangh days, has believed in abrogation of Article 370, then introduction of Uniform Civil Code and recently One Nation, One Election. These three major issues have been on the cards of Bharatiya Janata Party's programme, and this is in our manifesto also," Rao told ANI.

Highlighting recent developments, Rao pointed to efforts by states to introduce the UCC framework. "So therefore, the Uniform Civil Code is a necessity. Some states have already introduced - Uttarakhand and some other states are trying to introduce the Uniform Civil Code in their states," he added.

Rao also cited legislative and judicial backing for the proposal, linking it to earlier reforms undertaken by the Centre. "And as we have seen, triple talaq has also been abolished by Shri Narendra Modiji's government. I think that is the first step with regard to moving towards the Uniform Civil Code," Rao said.

Referring to judicial observations, he said, "Honourable Supreme Court on many occasions, including that of Shah Bano's case, the famous Shah Bano's case, they have asked the government to implement Uniform Civil Code because Uniform Civil Code is also envisaged in our Constitution."

Emphasising the broader objective, Rao added, "So I think Uniform Civil Code has to be implemented in this country for doing justice to women, children, and many communities who are deprived of certain rights."

His remarks come after PM Modi, while addressing party workers on the BJP's foundation day on Monday, highlighted the BJP's ongoing efforts to reshape Indian politics, emphasising initiatives like the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and One Nation One Election (ONOE) as part of the party's "service-oriented" approach.

He highlighted the party's achievements, pointing out a series of reforms and initiatives he said reflect the party's commitment to governance and nation-building.

"The end of hundreds of black laws from the British era, the construction of a new Parliament building for democracy, 10 percent reservation for the poor in the general society, a law to ban triple talaq, CAA, the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya... these are the results of BJP's honest efforts. And our mission is still ongoing," he said.

He further pointed to the party's future agenda, saying, "Serious discussions are taking place in the country today on topics like Uniform Civil Code and One Nation One Election, reflecting our commitment to national integration and efficient governance. Our goal is to build a developed India, a self-reliant India, and we will continue to work selflessly to achieve this goal."

Meanwhile, the Gujarat State Assembly recently passed the Gujarat UCC Bill 2026, making it the second state in the country to implement the bill after Uttarakhand and aimed at providing stronger legal protection and equality for women across communities.

According to the Chief Minister's Office, the bill covers key aspects such as marriage, divorce, live-in relationships, maintenance, and inheritance to ensure equal rights and legal safeguards for women.

- ANI
The United Nations expressed alarm over US rhetoric threatening attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure like power plants and bridges. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated such attacks would constitute clear violations of international law. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties to abide by their legal obligations and seek peaceful dispute resolution. The statement follows Iranian condemnation of an attack on a Tehran university and claims of retaliatory strikes by Iran's army.

UN spokesperson expresses alarm over US rhetoric threatening attacks on Iranian power plants and bridges, citing violations of international law.

United Nations, April 7 The United Nations is alarmed by the US rhetoric that threatens attacks on Iran's power plants and bridges, a UN spokesperson said.

"We were alarmed by the rhetoric seen in that social media post that threatened American attacks on power plants, bridges, and other infrastructure should Iran not agree to a deal," Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said at a daily briefing.

"The secretary-general has been very clear on issues regarding international law, and he urges yet again all parties to abide by their obligations regarding the conduct of these hostilities," he said.

According to the spokesman, Guterres recalls that civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, may not be attacked, even if specific civilian infrastructure were to qualify as a military objective, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Once again, the secretary-general reaffirms that it's high time for the parties to stop this conflict as there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes," he said.

When asked if such attacks could constitute war crimes in the UN chief's view, Dujarric said that "they would constitute violations of international law" and that whether it is a crime or not "would have to be decided by a court."

"But any attack on civilian infrastructure is a violation of international law, and a very clear one," he said.

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi strongly condemned a US and Israeli attack on the Sharif University of Technology in the capital Tehran, which severely damaged the building of its information technology center and a gas substation near the academic center's mosque.

Iran's army said Sunday it has targeted petrochemical industries and petroleum products storage facilities in southern Israel, as well as US equipment depots, satellite communication units and troops in a base in Kuwait.

- IANS
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor met with FBI Director Kash Patel in Washington to discuss enhanced cooperation against transnational threats like cybercrime and narcotics. He also held talks with US Vice President JD Vance, focusing on the India-US relationship under the current administration. Gor emphasized that President Donald Trump deeply values the partnership with India and considers Prime Minister Narendra Modi a true friend. The ambassador's vision is to transform the bilateral relationship into the defining strategic partnership of the 21st century.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor meets FBI Director Kash Patel & VP JD Vance, discussing transnational threats and strengthening the strategic partnership.

Washington DC, April 7 US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor met with FBI Director Kash Patel in Washington and discussed US.-India cooperation to counter transnational threats such as cybercrime, narcotics, and illicit networks.

He also praised the FBI Director for improving the law and order situation in the US.

"A constructive discussion with Kash Patel on U.S.-India cooperation to counter transnational threats-cybercrime, narcotics, and illicit networks. Strong alignment on security priorities. Kash has done a fantastic job at the FBI. In 2025: 112% INCREASE IN VIOLENT CRIME ARRESTS YEAR TO YEAR. 20% DECREASE IN HOMICIDES. 20% DECREASE IN ROBBERIES!" he said.

During his visit to Washington, Gor also met with US Vice President JD Vance and discussed India-US relations.

"Just wrapped a fantastic meeting with the VP. Thank you, JD Vance, for your continued leadership and attention to the U.S.-India relationship. Under President Trump's leadership, the White House is fully engaged in the region," he said.

Last week, US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, met US President Donald Trump and said that the President deeply cares about the India-US relationship.

"Back in the U.S. for a few days. First stop, meeting with our GREAT President in the White House. The President deeply cares about the relationship between the U.S. and India!

Gor later in an interview to Span Magazine said that US President Donald Trump considers Prime Minister Narendra Modi a true friend, and their genuine relationship strengthens the bond between both nations.

Gor highlighted in the interview that the ability to deepen India-US ties and work towards mutually beneficial goals is a great privilege.

In a post on X, the US Envoy in India had said, "My vision is to transform the U.S.-India relationship into the defining strategic partnership of the 21st century, one that delivers tangible benefits for both our nations." In his interview to the Span Magazine, US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor details how U.S.-India collaboration in defense, energy, aviation, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure is creating new opportunities for both our nations and strengthening resilient supply chains."

He said, "That friendliness also extends to the highest level of leadership between the United States and India. President Trump considers Prime Minister Modi a true friend, and their genuine relationship strengthens the already important bond between our two nations. The ability to deepen our ties and work towards mutually beneficial goals is a great privilege."

- ANI
US Vice President J D Vance has issued a stark warning to Iran, stating the US can "exact much, much greater pain" and that the next move is now Tehran's responsibility. He indicated US actions so far have been calibrated to avoid striking critical energy infrastructure, but stronger options remain if diplomacy fails. Vance framed the conflict economically, accusing Iran of trying to inflict global economic pain, while stating the US objective is to ensure the free flow of oil and gas. Alongside Hungarian PM Viktor Orban, who warned of a serious European energy crisis, Vance emphasized the need for robust energy security strategies.

VP J D Vance warns Iran US can exact "much, much greater pain" if it doesn't change course, signaling a decisive stage in the confrontation.

Washington, April 7 The United States warned Iran it can "exact much, much greater pain" if it fails to change course, with Vice President J D Vance saying, "the ball is in the Iranians' court."

Speaking at a joint press conference with the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest, Vance signalled that the confrontation had reached a decisive stage, with the next move now dependent on Tehran's response.

"We feel confident that we can get a response... whether it's positive or negative," he said, adding that Washington expects clarity from Iran "by 8 o'clock tonight."

Vance said US actions so far had been calibrated, including strikes on Iranian targets, while avoiding escalation to critical energy infrastructure.

"We're not going to strike energy and infrastructure targets until the Iranians either make a proposal that we can get behind or don't make a proposal," he said.

At the same time, he made clear that stronger options remain available if diplomacy fails.

"The President of the United States can decide to use them and he will decide to use them if the Iranians don't change their course of conduct," Vance said.

He framed the conflict in economic terms, accusing Iran of attempting to pressure global markets.

"Fundamentally what Iran is trying to do... is they're trying to extract as much economic pain on the world as possible," he said.

Vance said Washington's objective was to prevent disruption to global energy flows.

"What we really want is... a world where oil and gas is flowing freely, where people can afford to heat their homes and cool their homes," he said.

He also criticised European energy policy, calling it a "huge mistake" for leaders to cut themselves off from oil and natural gas supplies from the East, arguing that such decisions had weakened energy security.

"It's funny... when I hear people accuse my president... of being pro-Russia," he said, suggesting that stronger energy strategies would reduce dependence on external suppliers.

Orban, speaking alongside him, warned that Europe was heading towards "the most serious energy crisis," citing rising prices and risks of oil and gas shortages.

He stressed that cooperation with the United States remains critical to ensuring Hungary's energy security amid mounting geopolitical tensions.

- IANS
The United States has conducted a major wave of airstrikes targeting dozens of military sites on Iran's strategically vital Kharg Island, which handles nearly 90% of the country's oil exports. A US official confirmed the precision strikes focused on military bunkers, storage facilities, and air defence systems, deliberately avoiding the energy infrastructure itself. The escalation coincides with an ultimatum from President Donald Trump, demanding Iran reopen the closed Strait of Hormuz by a Tuesday night deadline or face a massive bombing campaign against its power plants and bridges. Trump warned that failure to comply could result in the country being set back to the "stone ages."

US confirms strikes on dozens of military targets on Iran's Kharg Island. President Trump issues an ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face massive bombing.

Washington, DC, April 7 Tensions between Washington and Tehran have reached a boiling point as a heavy barrage of aerial strikes was reported across multiple locations in Iran on Tuesday. According to NBC News, even prior to the expiration of the deadline set by the White House, "an intense wave of strikes was reported on bridges across Iran and on Kharg Island," which serves as the "country's key oil export hub."

A US official confirmed the scale of the operation, stating that the "US military struck dozens of military targets on the island overnight." This targeted action marks a severe expansion of the ongoing military confrontation in the Persian Gulf.

Providing further details on the nature of the engagement, the US official told NBC News that the "mission included US airstrikes along the northern side of the island." It was clarified that the operation was conducted entirely from the air and "did not include any US troops on the ground."

The strikes were reportedly precision-based, focusing on neutralising Tehran's defensive and logistical capabilities rather than the energy infrastructure itself. The official noted that the forces "did not strike the oil", but directed their fire towards specific strategic assets.

Among the sites destroyed were "military bunkers and storage facilities, air defence systems, and other military facilities."

These targeted operations coincide with reports from Iranian state media outlet Mehr News, which also confirmed that the "critical oil hub, Kharg Island, came under attack" on Tuesday. The small island in the Persian Gulf serves as Tehran's most vital oil facility, handling nearly 90 per cent of Iran's oil exports. Because much of the Iranian mainland coastline is too shallow for large tankers, the island is considered indispensable for the country's energy trade.

However, its strategic importance is matched by its vulnerability; the terminal is located opposite US military bases in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, leaving it exposed during this heightened military standoff. This latest friction follows Tehran's move to close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest oil transit routes, a decision that has already sent shockwaves through global energy markets.

The strike appears to align with previous warnings from Washington. US President Donald Trump had earlier signalled the possibility of action against the facility, remarking to the Financial Times, "Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don't. We have a lot of options."

Beyond the immediate strikes, the situation remains precarious as a final ultimatum from the White House looms. President Trump has set an "8:00 PM deadline" (Washington time, Tuesday night) for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that failure to comply will result in a simultaneous, massive bombing campaign aimed at "each and every one" of Iran's electric generating plants and bridges.

Further intensifying the rhetoric, Trump stated on Monday that the goal would be to leave these facilities "burning, exploding, and never to be used again" within a four-hour window. During a White House press briefing, he added, "The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night."

The President reinforced this ultimatum by demanding Iran make a deal before Tuesday, 8:00 PM ET, cautioning that there will be "no bridges, no power plants" after that time.

Emphasising that this is a "critical period", Trump noted that Washington has provided Tehran with the necessary time to reach an agreement to end the war. "They asked for an extension of seven days; I gave them 10 days... They have till tomorrow. Now we will see what happens... A lot of people are affected by this. We are giving them until tomorrow, 8 o'clock, Eastern Time. After that, they are going to have no bridges. They are going to have no power plants. Stone ages," Trump said.

- ANI
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit on April 14. The Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway during the event. Dhami directed officials to ensure the program is a grand public celebration showcasing Uttarakhand's cultural heritage through folk performances. He emphasized that the expressway will boost tourism, create jobs, and mark a transformative chapter in the state's development.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami chairs meeting for PM Modi's visit to inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, aiming for a grand public celebration.

Dehradun, April 7 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister's residence to review preparations for the proposed visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Uttarakhand on April 14. The Prime Minister is slated to inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway during the visit.

The Chief Minister directed all departments to work in close coordination. He emphasised ensuring participation from every section of society so that the event takes the form of a grand public celebration.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to design the program in an attractive and well-organised manner.

He stressed that cultural performances should be held on a grand scale, showcasing Uttarakhand's rich cultural heritage, including Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari folk dances and music.

"The venue should reflect a blend of traditional and modern decor, with wide participation from artists," said CM.

He noted that the event should not remain merely a government function but should represent the culture, traditions, and pride of Uttarakhand.

Chief Minister Dhami also appealed to the people to actively participate in this historic occasion. He encouraged citizens to come out of their homes with the national flag and join the Prime Minister's roadshow, creating a festive atmosphere across the state.

He further directed that a statewide cleanliness drive be conducted ahead of the event, urging public representatives, administration, and citizens to work together to make the occasion clean, beautiful, and memorable.

Highlighting the importance of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, the Chief Minister said the project will give a new direction to Uttarakhand's development.

"It will significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun, providing a major boost to tourism. Additionally, it will expand industrial and commercial activities in the state, creating new employment opportunities for youth. The corridor is also expected to bring transformative changes in logistics, transportation, and investment, strengthening the state's economy," the Chief Minister said.

He added that the inauguration of this long-awaited project will be recorded as a golden chapter in Uttarakhand's development history and will further integrate the state into the national growth mainstream.

- ANI
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the Western Regional Conference in Jaipur, emphasizing agriculture as India's backbone. He outlined key objectives including national food security, increased farmer income, and nutritional security. The conference brings together five western states to discuss region-specific challenges and promote innovation exchange. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced enhancements to PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and the upcoming Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet in 2026.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan outlines key agricultural goals at Western Regional Conference, focusing on farmer welfare and sustainable growth.

Jaipur, April 7 Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, emphasised that agriculture is the backbone of India, with farmers representing the soul of the nation.

He stated that the Central Government is working at a rapid pace to make the agricultural sector self-reliant, while also enhancing farmers' incomes and improving their quality of life.

Praising Rajasthan's agricultural innovations, he noted that a comprehensive roadmap for the sector has been developed under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma.

He encouraged other states to adopt similar innovative practices.

Chouhan was addressing the inaugural session of the Western Regional Conference held in Jaipur on Tuesday.

He highlighted that, considering India's geographical diversity, a series of regional agricultural conferences has been planned under the guidance of PM Modi. Rajasthan is hosting the first of these conferences.

The event brings together representatives from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, and Rajasthan, providing a platform to discuss region-specific challenges, opportunities, and agricultural strategies.

The conference aims to strengthen inter-state coordination and promote the exchange of innovations, ultimately guiding the sector toward sustainable growth.

The Union Minister outlined three key objectives for the agricultural sector: ensuring national food security to support the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, increasing farmers' incomes and improving their standard of living, and strengthening nutritional security alongside food security.

He emphasised the need for agricultural diversification, enhanced production, and the adoption of integrated farming systems to achieve these goals.

Chouhan urged all states to ensure 100 per cent registration of farmers under the Farmer ID scheme to enable timely access to government benefits.

He also stressed the importance of swift crop damage assessments under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, ensuring farmers receive insurance benefits without delay.

The Minister announced that the Central Government will introduce flexibility in allocating funds under national agricultural schemes, taking into account the diverse geographical conditions of different states.

He also called for effective utilisation of agricultural budgets, timely procurement of crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP), and organisation of a 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' across states. He assured full support from the Central Government for these initiatives.

Highlighting Rajasthan's agricultural potential, Chouhan praised the state's initiative to develop a structured agricultural roadmap. He announced that the Central Government will send a team of agricultural scientists and experts to further strengthen this effort.

He also commended the upcoming Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM), stating that a central team of experts and officials will participate to support the initiative.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma stated that PM Modi envisions farmers as the foundation of the nation, with development beginning in villages and agricultural fields.

He highlighted enhancements to the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, noting that the state government has added Rs 3,000 to the central assistance, increasing the total benefit to Rs 9,000 for farmers in Rajasthan.

Announcing the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet-2026, scheduled for May, he said the event will aim to position Rajasthan as a leader in agricultural exports.

Experts, scientists, and specialists from India and abroad will participate. He invited the Union Agriculture Minister and other stakeholders to attend the event and expressed confidence that the conference deliberations will shape the future of agriculture.

The Chief Minister concluded by noting that discussions at the conference will cover key areas such as agricultural production, water management, and crop protection, paving the way for sustainable agricultural development.

- IANS
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that wheat procurement at the Minimum Support Price will begin on April 9, a day earlier than previously scheduled. The process will initially prioritize registered small and marginal farmers, with slot booking already underway and adequate gunny bags arranged. The CM directed ministers to monitor procurement in their districts to ensure smooth operations and avoid farmer inconvenience. He also highlighted recent inter-state collaboration with Uttar Pradesh, focusing on marketing regional products and a cultural event in Varanasi attended by UP's chief minister.

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav announces wheat procurement on MSP begins April 9, a day early, focusing on small farmers and inter-state collaboration.

Bhopal, April 7 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday said that wheat procurement at the Minimum Support Price would commence from April 9, a day earlier than the previously announced date.

CM Yadav made the announcement while addressing the ministers ahead of the cabinet meeting at the state secretariat in Bhopal.



The Chief Minister added that the process will initially prioritise registered small and marginal farmers, and slot booking for procurement has already begun. Adequate gunny bags (baradana) have been arranged for the procurement process.



He further directed ministers to continuously monitor wheat procurement arrangements in their respective districts and ensure proper coordination to avoid inconvenience to farmers.



The Chief Minister also highlighted the inter-state collaboration program organised in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi last month. He said the 'MP-UP Sahyog Sammelan' held on March 31 focused on connecting One District One Product initiatives, GI-tagged products, export-oriented products, traditional crafts and regional specialties to national and international markets.



The CM also stressed that special emphasis was placed on branding, marketing and export promotion of the distinctive products of both states. Along with this, discussions were held to strengthen industrial cooperation, investment promotion, cultural exchange and tourism development.



He further highlighted a three-day theatrical presentation of Samrat Vikramaditya Mahanatya, a symbol of the rich tradition of good governance, was held in Varanasi from April 3 to April 5. The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and drew participation from public representatives and citizens. The most remarkable feature of the theatrical presentation was its realistic depiction. The event also established a living cultural connection between Ujjain, the city of Mahakal, and Varanasi, the city of Baba Vishwanath.





- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked World Health Day by expressing gratitude to healthcare workers and reaffirming a commitment to building a healthier, more inclusive society. The day, observed annually on April 7, highlights global public health concerns and commemorates the founding of the World Health Organization. The theme for 2026, 'Together for health. Stand with science', underscores the vital role of scientific collaboration and evidence-based policies. World Health Day advocates for government investment in universal health coverage, raises public awareness, and fosters global cooperation for a sustainable future.

PM Narendra Modi extends World Health Day greetings, thanking healthcare workers and urging global collaboration for stronger health systems and inclusive well-being.

New Delhi, April 7 Marking the occasion of World Health Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed heartfelt gratitude to healthcare workers and all those committed to improving global well-being, while reiterating the need to build a healthier and more inclusive society.

Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi said, "On World Health Day, we express our gratitude to all those who dedicate themselves tirelessly to the service of others and work towards a healthier planet. We also reaffirm our commitment to building a healthier society. Let us all keep working together to strengthen healthcare systems and prioritise well-being of every individual."



Observed annually on April 7, World Health Day aims to highlight pressing public health concerns and encourage coordinated action at both individual and global levels. The day traces its origins to the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948, with the first observance held in 1950 to commemorate its establishment.



The theme for World Health Day 2026, 'Together for health. Stand with science', underscores the importance of scientific collaboration in addressing global health challenges.



Launched by the WHO as a year-long campaign, it emphasises how research, innovation, and evidence-based policies play a crucial role in building resilient healthcare systems.



According to the WHO, "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." This holistic definition highlights that true health extends beyond the absence of illness and encompasses the overall quality of life.



World Health Day serves three key purposes. It advocates for increased government investment in Universal Health Coverage (UHC), raises public awareness about preventive healthcare measures such as immunisation and mental well-being, and provides a platform for policy initiatives and global cooperation.



This year's observance holds added significance as it reinforces the critical role of science and collective action in ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for all.





- IANS
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a technique for simultaneously treating lung cancer and a serious muscle-wasting condition that often accompanies it.

The study, published in the Journal of Controlled Release, involves lipid nanoparticles delivering therapeutic genetic material to lung tumors.

In a mouse model, scientists led by Oleh Taraula and Yoon Tae Goo of the OSU College of Pharmacy showed that a type of nanocarrier loaded with follistatin messenger RNA is able to accumulate in tumors. Once there, the mRNA triggers cells to produce the follistatin protein, which plays a key role both in inhibiting tumors and promoting muscle tissue growth.

The lipid nanoparticles, or LNPs, can be administered intravenously and reach the lungs courtesy of another protein, vitronectin, that's found in blood serum. Lipids are fatty acids and similar organic compounds including many natural oils and waxes. Nanoparticles are tiny pieces of material ranging in size from one- to 100-billionths of a meter.

We found that these LNPs bind vitronectin in the bloodstream, which then directs them to lung cancer tumors by interacting with integrin receptors that are overexpressed on the tumor surface." Oleh Taraula, OSU College of Pharmacy

Integrin receptors are like bridges and that regulate how cells respond to their surrounding environment.

"Systemic delivery of mRNA therapeutics to lung cancer tumors has been a significant challenge in our field, and this work offers a promising solution," Taratula said. "Compared to conventional LNPs, which tend to accumulate in the liver upon systemic administration, our approach achieved an approximately 2.5-fold greater reduction in tumor burden."

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and the leading cause of cancer death (skin cancer is the most common, followed by prostate cancer for men and breast cancer for women).

The American Cancer Society estimates the U.S. will see about 230,000 new lung cancer cases this year and about 125,000 lung cancer deaths. Overall, about 5% of people will develop lung cancer; the risk is higher among smokers.

Often accompanying lung cancer is a debilitating muscle-wasting syndrome known as cachexia, which kills as many as 30% of the cancer patients it afflicts. People with cachexia will lose weight even if they eat, and not just fat but muscle mass as well.

"By loading our LNPs with follistatin mRNA, we developed a therapy that simultaneously targets lung cancer and cancer cachexia, all without adverse effects," Taratula said. "More preclinical work is necessary, but we're very encouraged by what we've seen so far and hope that testing in humans is down the road."

The College of Pharmacy's Vladislav Grigoriev, Tetiana Korzun, Ammar Salem, Kongbrailatpam Shitaljit Sharma, Prem Singh, Chrissa Kioussi and Olena Taratula also contributed to the research, as did Daniel Marks of Endevica Bio, a company that develops peptide therapies.

Supporting the study were the National Cancer Institute, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Research Foundation of Korea.
A new blood test combined with a standardized questionnaire and artificial intelligence may transform the way leprosy is diagnosed in Brazil. Researchers at the University of Sao Paulo (USP) tested the new test in Brazil using blood samples collected during a COVID-19 population survey. The method showed potential for identifying the disease earlier, in its initial stages, when symptoms are subtle and traditional laboratory tests often fail.

The new diagnostic method was evaluated in a study conducted by researchers from the Department of Clinical Medicine, Biochemistry, Immunology, and Social Medicine at the Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine of the University of Sao Paulo (FMRP-USP), with support from FAPESP. Coordinated by researcher Marco Andrey Frade, the study was published in the journal BMC Infectious Diseases.

Leprosy is an ancient disease, but it still faces challenges typical of health issues that aren't prioritized. There's still a lack of sensitive laboratory technologies for early diagnosis, and many healthcare professionals aren't adequately prepared to recognize the early stages of the disease." Filipe Lima, biomedical scientist and one of the authors of the study

Furthermore, the standard treatment has essentially remained the same for over four decades, contributing to cases of treatment failure and bacterial resistance.

To address this issue, the researchers set out to identify new biomarkers and tests for early diagnosis. To do so, they used blood samples collected during a serological survey conducted in Ribeirao Preto during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal was to use this existing material to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the leprosy bacillus and detect new cases earlier.

Screening

The study combined two screening tools. The first tool was a clinical questionnaire called the Leprosy Suspicion Questionnaire (LSQ). The LSQ consists of 14 questions focused primarily on neurological signs and symptoms. The questionnaire was enhanced with an artificial intelligence system called MaLeSQs.

The second tool was a blood test that detects antibodies to the Mce1A antigen. This antigen is a key protein of Mycobacterium leprae that facilitates invasion and survival of the bacterium in human cells. Currently, blood tests use the PGL-I antigen, which also facilitates the entry of the bacterium into the nerve but is technically less sensitive.

"Unlike the traditional [anti-PGL-I] test, which assesses the presence of only one type of antibody, the new [anti-Mce1A] test analyzes three different classes of antibodies (IgA, IgM, and IgG), which increases sensitivity and helps differentiate between exposure to the bacillus, active infection, and prior contact," Lima explains. According to Lima, the traditional test usually only yields a positive result in the most severe forms of the disease, when the bacillus has already proliferated and lesions are present. "Mce1A allows for the identification of contact with the bacillus and active disease at a much earlier stage," he explains.

Invitation, questionnaire, and test

To obtain the results, the researchers invited approximately 700 people from the COVID-19 population survey to participate in the leprosy study. Of those, 224 agreed to take part and completed the digital questionnaire, and 195 had their blood samples analyzed. All participants were invited to undergo an in-person clinical evaluation with specialist physicians, which is a crucial step for diagnostic confirmation.

Of those individuals, 37 attended the consultation. Cross-referencing the data from the questionnaire, laboratory tests, and clinical evaluation yielded striking results: 12 new cases of leprosy were diagnosed, equivalent to about one-third of those evaluated. "These are people who had no obvious symptoms, didn't suspect they were sick, and were diagnosed thanks to the project," Lima notes.

According to the researchers, the IgM antibody test for the Mce1A antigen was the most effective of the laboratory tests, identifying two-thirds of the newly confirmed cases. Combining laboratory analysis with the artificial intelligence tool achieved 100% sensitivity, successfully flagging all suspected cases of leprosy that were confirmed during the in-person consultation.

"The blood test doesn't confirm a leprosy diagnosis on its own, but it's an important tool for identifying who truly needs to be evaluated by a specialist," the researcher explains. According to Lima, the test can strengthen diagnostic screening in the public health system. In terms of cost, the difference compared to existing tests is minimal. "From a laboratory standpoint, these are very similar techniques  low-cost and easy to perform. Any clinical laboratory has the technical capacity to carry them out. In practice, the only thing that changes is the molecule being analyzed."

In addition to facilitating the early diagnosis of leprosy, the study used georeferenced maps to analyze the spatial distribution of identified cases. The mapping revealed a diffuse pattern of exposure to the bacillus. "This can be explained by the fact that we were unable to clinically evaluate all participants. But our results show that leprosy is randomly distributed throughout the city. There's no specific region with a higher concentration. Today, we see the disease diagnosed in patients with different socioeconomic profiles," says Lima.

Public health problem

Leprosy is an infectious disease that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. It can cause pale or reddish patches, loss of sensation, and muscle weakness. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 200,000 new cases are reported each year, primarily in low- and middle-income countries.

Brazil ranks second globally in the number of cases, behind only India, accounting for approximately 90% of reported cases in the Americas. The most common symptoms include tingling, cramps, numbness, and areas of the skin with reduced sensitivity. During this initial phase, common laboratory tests, such as smear tests, which attempt to identify the bacteria directly on the skin, often produce negative results because the bacterial load is still very low. "More than 60% of our patients may test negative, even though they're sick," says Lima.

Treatment involves taking antibiotics for six months to a year, depending on the stage of the disease. Currently, the disease is classified as a socially determined disease (SDD), a term replacing "neglected disease" in Brazil.

The next step is to advance the validation of these tools for large-scale use with the goal of incorporating them into Brazil's national public health system, the SUS (short for "Sistema Unico de Saude"). Meanwhile, the researcher is working on a new phase of the project aimed at increasing the specificity of the Mce1A marker. "Currently, the test uses the entire bacterial protein. Now, we're studying small parts of that same protein to assess the possibility of developing an even more sensitive and accurate test," he concludes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) today calls on people everywhere to renew their commitment to working together and supporting science as the twin engines driving better health, under the World Health Day 2026 theme: "Together for health. Stand with science." The campaign marks the anniversary of WHO's founding on 7 April 1948, launching a year-long public health campaign.

Human health has been profoundly transformed over the past century, largely due to scientific progress and international collaboration. The global maternal mortality rate has fallen by more than 40% since 2000, and deaths among children under five have been reduced by over 50%. Advances in technology, scientific knowledge and skills, and collaboration between different disciplines, sectors and countries continue to turn once-life-threatening health challenges  such as elevated blood pressure, cancer diagnoses or HIV infection  into manageable health issues, extending and improving lives worldwide.

Yet, health threats continue to grow, fuelled by climate impacts, environmental degradation, geopolitical tensions and shifting demographics. These challenges include persistent diseases and strained health systems as well as emerging diseases with epidemic or pandemic potential. Across the globe, thousands of scientists  together with organizations such as WHO  are accelerating research and developing policies, tools and innovations needed to protect communities today and safeguard the health of future generations.

Science is one of humanity's most powerful tools for protecting and improving health. People in every country live longer and healthier lives on average today than their ancestors did, thanks to the power of science. Vaccines, penicillin, germ theory, MRI machines and the mapping of the human genome are just some of the achievements that science has delivered that have saved lives and transformed health for billions of people." Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization

Science behind health progress

Scientific innovations are most powerful when they are widely adopted and used. Every success in improving human health reflects the collective work and collaboration of scientific organizations, policy- makers, heath workers and the public. For example:

before modern anesthesia, surgery meant unimaginable pain. Today, safer medicines, affordable technologies and trained specialists allow life-saving operations to be performed while patients sleep comfortably. Scientific progress has helped democratize these advances, making safe surgical care accessible across the world, including in many resource-limited communities;

over the past 50 years, global immunization efforts have saved over 154 million children from infectious diseases. Vaccines have contributed to a 40% reduction in infant mortality, with just one vaccine  the measles vaccine  saving over 90 million children; and

progress in early screening technologies is transforming health outcomes. From electronic blood pressure monitors to breast cancer screening through mammography, these tools have become life-saving interventions for millions.

WHO, over its 78 years of convening of global scientific organizations, has stood at the forefront of global health and scientific transformation. For example:

during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak of 2003, WHO coordinated a global network of laboratories sharing real-time data. This collaboration enabled the rapid identification of the virus causing SARS within two weeks, setting a global model for outbreak detection and response that continues today;

in 2009, WHO developed alcohol-based hand-rub formulations and promoted its global adoption in health-care settings. This innovation, along with related infection-prevention strategies, helps protect millions of patients and health workers worldwide from infections and complications, including during the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHO continually identifies emerging challenges to human health, bringing together leading scientists and policy-makers to develop norms and standards that protect communities. For example, WHO's global air quality guidelines define air quality levels needed to safeguard health from risks such as respiratory infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. WHO's drinking water standards ensure that the water from our taps is safe, helping prevent diarrheal diseases, including deadly ones such as cholera.

Stand with science for a healthier future

In line with the World Health Day 2026 theme, WHO and the G7 Presidency of France are convening a One Health Summit in Lyon, France, from 57 April, bringing together Heads of State, scientists and community leaders to strengthen coordinated action.

WHO will host the Global Forum of its Collaborating Centres network from 79 April with representatives from over 800 academic and research institutions from more than 80 countries. These Centres support WHO's research, technical assistance and capacity-building work worldwide.

"Science transforms uncertainty into understanding and reveals the pathways to protect and heal our communities," said Dr Sylvie Briand, WHO Chief Scientist. "Without the clarity of rigorous scientific inquiry, we risk being led by bias and misconception  and too often toward treatments that fail us or even place us in harm's way. Today, we must stand together with science so that our collaboration is sustained, supported and enhanced for the better health of generations to come."

WHO emphasizes that science must continue to guide health decision-making at all levels. WHO and its partners generate and translate evidence across a wide range of health priorities, from infectious diseases and chronic conditions to mental health, nutrition and environmental risks, supporting countries to deliver effective, equitable care.

Achievements in global health show that when countries unite behind science, they not only respond to crises more effectively but also build stronger, more equitable health systems for the future. WHO calls on governments, institutions and individuals to continue supporting and collaborating on science and ensuring that evidence-based approaches guide health policies and everyday decisions.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for nearly one in five cancer deaths - around 1.8 million lives lost each year. One of the main reasons is late diagnosis: in its early stages, the disease appears as extremely small nodules that are difficult to distinguish from healthy tissue, even for experienced radiologists.

For doctors, this means constantly balancing between what is visible and what might be missed. Even subtle differences in a scan can determine whether cancer is detected early or overlooked entirely.

Researchers are now exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) could help solve this challenge by giving doctors a more reliable way to analyse complex medical images.

Seeing both detail and context at the same time

To improve lung cancer detection, researchers developed a system that learns to analyse computed tomography (CT) scans in a way that closely resembles how doctors work - but without the need to switch between perspectives.

One part of the model focuses on small details, such as tiny spots or textures in the lungs, while another looks at the overall image and understands the bigger context." Inzamam Mashood Nasir, Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) researcher, one of the system's developers

This dual approach addresses a key limitation in existing systems, which often capture only part of the information - either fine details or the overall structure, but not both at the same time.

In practice, a radiologist constantly shifts between these two views - zooming in on suspicious areas and then stepping back to understand how they relate to the entire lung. The AI system, however, performs both tasks simultaneously.

"You can think of it as having a magnifying glass and a full view of the scan at the same time," Nasir explains.

The model was trained using CT scans from both healthy individuals and cancer patients, learning to recognise patterns that distinguish between normal, benign, and malignant cases.

The results show a clear performance improvement. The system achieved an accuracy of over 96 per cent, outperforming existing approaches and maintaining stable performance across different tests. "This level of advancement is important, especially in medical applications where even small differences can have serious consequences," notes KTU PhD student.

Applicable beyond lung cancer - including brain tumors and breast cancer

In clinical practice, this system could change how lung cancer is diagnosed.

"This is about supporting clinicians. The system provides a second opinion and helps ensure that important details are not overlooked and reduces the time needed per patient, particularly in high-workload environments," emphasises KTU researcher.

For patients, the impact is even more significant. Lung cancer is often diagnosed late, when treatment options are limited. Earlier detection can dramatically increase survival rates. "Early diagnosis means treatment can start sooner, and outcomes are generally much better," says Nasir.

The system is designed to improve both sides of the problem - reducing missed cases while also lowering the number of false alarms that can lead to unnecessary stress and procedures.

However, researchers note that the current model was trained on a relatively limited dataset and still needs to be tested on larger, more diverse patient groups. "In real-world conditions, there are many variables - different scanners, imaging protocols, and patient populations, so we need to ensure the system performs reliably across all of them," explains Nasir.

Future steps include clinical validation, testing in hospital environments, and integration into existing medical systems.

Looking ahead, the same approach could be applied beyond lung cancer. "Any medical imaging task that requires both detailed analysis and understanding of the bigger picture could benefit from this type of model," says Nasir, pointing to areas such as brain tumors, breast cancer, and eye diseases.
An advanced version of a procedure using magnetic fields to stimulate brain nerve cells in treating depression was significantly effective for 85% of active military and veterans suffering from combat post-traumatic stress disorder enrolled in a recent study, when added to psychotherapy.



The breakthrough study led by UT Health San Antonio researchers used their patented MRI-guided, robotic-controlled form of transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, which they termed "navigated TMS." They added navigated TMS to the treatment plan for one of two groups of a total 119 active-duty military and veteran participants with combat PTSD  92% with severe or extremely severe conditions  during a 30-day residential program at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center in San Antonio.

Those who received the navigated TMS treatment in addition to the highest level of psychotherapy for PTSD had more clinically significant symptom reductions a month after completion  enough to greatly improve their quality of life  compared with those receiving a "sham" TMS resembling the procedure but not delivering the treatment. Also, those receiving the TMS add-on were more likely to maintain their treatment gains over time.

These are exciting findings for the hundreds of thousands of U.S. service members and veterans suffering from combat-related PTSD, including many here in Military City USA and throughout South Texas. This randomized clinical trial demonstrates that navigated TMS can effectively reduce PTSD symptoms when added to behavioral therapy." Peter T. Fox, MD, director of the Research Imaging Institute at UT Health San Antonio, the academic health center of The University of Texas at San Antonio, and professor of radiology, and of psychiatry and behavioral sciences

Fox was the leader and principal investigator of the study, titled, "Residential Therapy with Navigated TMS for Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial," published today in the journal JAMA Network Open. He created and patented the navigated method of TMS which, using MRI and a robot, guides the placement of the TMS device to the exact spot that should be targeted based on the person's unique anatomy and brain structure. It's the first known report of a registered clinical trial using image-guided, robotic delivery of TMS for any disorder.



The study was part of the work of the Consortium to Alleviate PTSD (CAP), a multi-institutional network established in 2013 and jointly funded by the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to launch a group of studies on PTSD and related conditions to aid in prevention, diagnosis and successful treatment. The CAP was led by UT Health San Antonio and VA's National Center for PTSD.



"As we continue to strive for additional ways to improve PTSD care and help more people recover, these study findings give us another valuable tool in the clinician's toolbox," said Alan Peterson, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at UT Health San Antonio, and director of the CAP, and of the STRONG STAR research consortium housed at the university.

A debilitating disorder

The study paper notes that PTSD is a debilitating disorder afflicting 4% to 17% of nearly 3 million U.S. military personnel  up to roughly 500,000  who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan alone. The ongoing war in Ukraine has heightened international awareness of the impact of combat-related PTSD on military personnel and civilians and the need for more effective treatments.



Drug therapy is widely prescribed, but often is ineffective or has harmful side-effects, or both. Trauma-focused, cognitive-behavioral therapies, including "prolonged exposure," or PE, are effective, but can have high dropout rates.



A compressed version of PE with sessions twice per week and at an intensive residential program, like that at Laurel Ridge, is considered the current highest standard of care. PE involves a safe, repeated "exposure" to the person's trauma through the retelling of one's traumatic experience in addition to conducting activities that might trigger memories or feelings related to the trauma.



Over time, as patients process the experience, they gain greater control over their emotional and physiological response to the memories, and their symptoms reduce.



Still, while this evidence-based psychotherapy is effective and can help the majority of people recover from PTSD, not everyone gets better, and those who do still may have some remaining symptoms. Also, combat PTSD has proven to be more difficult to treat than PTSD in civilians.



So, researchers have been looking for ways to augment treatment to improve efficacy rates. Combination therapies that add medication, or the use of medical devices in the case of the new study, are seen as promising.

Already FDA-approved for depression

TMS is a form of electric brain stimulation with an extremely mild side-effect profile. An electromagnet placed on the scalp generates pulsing magnetic fields that pass painlessly through the scalp and skull, inducing electrical currents in the underlying brain. The electrical currents engage and modify brain networks implicated in mental health disorders, much like a defibrillator is used to reset heart arrhythmias.

TMS therapy is Food and Drug Administration-approved for major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but is not yet approved for PTSD. Several small-sample studies suggested that TMS might also work for PTSD, while other studies showed no benefit.

But conventional TMS does not take advantage of the targeting precision possible with magnetic resonance imaging. To make TMS as effective as possible, Fox and his research team developed their MRI-guided, robotic-controlled TMS delivery system. Both their navigated TMS system and the way MRI is used to target PTSD are patented.



"This personalized targeting strategy likely underlies the treatment effects seen in this study," Fox said.

The study's structure and findings

While all participants in the study at Laurel Ridge received the same standard of psychotherapy treatment, they were randomized into one of two treatment arms for the TMS portion. One group received the navigated TMS for 20 consecutive days while the other group received the sham version.



One month after treatment completion, 85% of those in the active TMS group showed significant symptom relief, both self-reported and clinically, compared to just less than 60% in the sham group. And at their three-month follow-up, 73% in the active TMS group still showed clinically significant improvement compared to less than 30% in the sham group.



The researchers note that more investigation with regular and navigated TMS needs to be done, and those studies already are being designed. Still, they see strong potential for similar success with other protocols that combine TMS with other cognitive-behavioral therapies, with other types of PTSD patients and in settings that do not require hospitalization. And if that's the case and TMS is approved for PTSD treatment, it could become broadly accessible and make a big impact on PTSD care.



Other authors of the study are from the South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio; Texas Department of Information Resources; iKare Mood Trauma Recovery Clinic, San Antonio; FIRST-MD, San Antonio; Laurel Ridge Treatment Center, San Antonio; the Behavioral Science Division of the VA's National Center for PTSD, Boston; VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston; Boston University School of Medicine, Boston; and the Department of Psychiatry, UT San Antonio.
Researchers at Umea University have contributed new insights into how cancer cells protect themselves from cell death. The study provides a deeper understanding of how key proteins interact within the cell and could, in the long term, support the development of new cancer therapies.

The findings, published in the journal ACS Chemical Biology, show how a central protein can block apoptosis  the process that normally causes cancer cells to die.

Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that plays a crucial role during embryonic development, in removing old or damaged cells, and in enabling the immune system to function properly. When apoptosis does not work as it should, as in many cancers, cells can divide uncontrollably and form tumours.

Many cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, work by causing damage or stress in cells that triggers apoptosis. However, many tumours manage to evade this form of cell death as well, making them resistant to treatment.

Blocking death-inducing proteins

One of the most important proteins controlling apoptosis is the cellkilling protein Bax. Once activated, Bax can initiate apoptosis by forming pores in the membranes of mitochondria. Another key protein from the same family, the cellprotective protein Bcl2, instead prevents Bax from killing harmful cells. In nearly half of all human cancers, one of the underlying problems is an increased production of Bcl2, which promotes tumour growth and often leads to poor response to therapy.

In our research, we have used advanced neutron experiments to show how Bcl2 protects cancer cells by blocking the deathinducing proteins that are most often activated by therapy." Gerhard Grobner, professor at Umea University and lead author of the study

The experiments show that Bcl2, which is located on the outer surface of the mitochondria, can capture and bind several Bax proteins at the same time. This makes the inhibition of cell death more efficient than previously thought. Cancer cells do not need to produce extremely large amounts of Bcl2 to protect themselves  even a moderate increase can be sufficient.

Opens up for new cancer treatments

The researchers also investigated how the composition of the mitochondrial membrane affects the interaction between the proteins. One particular lipid, cardiolipin, can promote apoptosis and help Bax form pores in the membrane. However, even in membranes containing cardiolipin, a sufficiently high level of Bcl2 can still prevent cell death.

"In the longer term, this type of knowledge could open up new opportunities for cancer treatment, for example by targeting Bcl2 and its protective function," says Gerhard Grobner.

The study was carried out in collaboration between researchers from Umea University, Lund University, the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source and Diamond Light Source in the United Kingdom, and the Institut LaueLangevin (ILL) in France.
Misty Pipe had about an hour before her shift began at the post office. She used that time to check in on a new mom who lives a few miles outside this town at the heart of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation.

A mom of seven, Pipe is a doula on the reservation who supports new and expectant parents. She does that work free, around her day job. That's because in this town of about 2,000 people, the closest hospital that delivers babies is 100 miles away.

"Women need this help," Pipe said.

Doulas ready parents for childbirth, support their deliveries, and can be a steady presence in a baby's first months. Studies link their work with lower rates of costly birth and postpartum complications  especially in hard-to-reach places like Lame Deer.

But that help can be scarce. As Pipe put it: "Doula doesn't pay the bills around here."

Things were supposed to change this year. Montana was set to join at least 25 other states that reimburse doulas through their Medicaid programs to ease gaps in care. Montana lawmakers approved the payments last year, authorizing up to $1,600 per pregnancy. Pipe hoped that money would give her the chance to leave her post office job one day to help more parents.

But the state Department of Public Health and Human Services postponed adding doula services to its Medicaid program in late March, citing a budget shortfall driven in part by higher-than-expected Medicaid costs.

"DPHHS will not be moving forward with the implementation of doula services in the Montana Medicaid benefit package at this time," department spokesperson Holly Matkin told KFF Health News.

The news caught Pipe by surprise  she hadn't heard any updates in a while, but the state had finalized its licensing rules for doulas in January. Last year, she supported three people through their deliveries. She doesn't have time for much more. That weighs on her. Nearly half the people on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation live in poverty, and the people she helps usually can't afford to pay a doula.

I was looking forward to serving more people," Pipe said. "Now that's not going to happen anytime soon."

Charlie Brereton, who heads the health department, told state lawmakers in March that the agency projected a $146.3 million shortfall in federal Medicaid funds for this year. Health officials predict another deficit next year as states feel the effects of Republicans' massive tax-and-spending law, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Signed last year, that law is projected to reduce federal Medicaid spending by nearly $1 trillion over 10 years.

Matkin said it's "unclear" whether the agency can authorize doula coverage this year. The deficit will lead the department to seek supplemental funding from state lawmakers. When an agency makes that kind of request for the first year of the state's two-year budget cycle, Montana law requires it to create a plan to reduce its spending.

Around the country, optional Medicaid services  such as doula support, home health care, and dental work  are at risk of losing funding as states brace for federal Medicaid cuts to hit their bottom lines. Already, lawmakers in Idaho are considering their own reductions to Medicaid to balance the state's budget. Missouri officials proposed cutting tens of millions of dollars in services for people with disabilities.

In Montana, doula services are unlikely to be the only Medicaid cutbacks announced. "All options are on the table," Brereton told lawmakers in March.

Stephanie Morton, executive director of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies-The Montana Coalition, said more than half of Montana's counties are designated as maternity care deserts.

"Budget cuts will continue to diminish the limited services families rely upon in these counties," said Morton, whose nonprofit had advocated for doula Medicaid reimbursement. "This decision feels like the first of many rollbacks and cuts Montanans will face."

Laboring alone

At the check-in just outside town, Pipe handed a waking newborn to his mother and unwrapped a new swaddle for the child. This would have to be a quick visit  she was already late for work.

The mother, Britney WolfVoice, held her newborn son as her three young daughters stood close by. Pipe has been with WolfVoice and her husband for the birth of their newborn son and youngest daughter.

She helped them create delivery plans. For the birth of WolfVoice's youngest daughter a few years ago, Pipe brought cedar oil, a sacred plant used for prayer, and calmed WolfVoice through her contractions. For the recent birth of her son, when hospital backlogs delayed WolfVoice's induction, Pipe encouraged her to advocate for an earlier appointment by routinely calling the hospital. Doctors had recommended the procedure to avoid complications.

"Misty is one person who I can count on to be my voice," WolfVoice said.

If someone needs a ride to a doctor's appointment, Pipe takes time off work to drive them. If a client goes into labor when Pipe's at the post office, she texts two other free doulas she knows of on the reservation to see if they have time to help until her shift ends. But they also have day jobs.

Pipe herself has ridden that 100-mile stretch between home and the hospital in labor and in the back of an ambulance. Twice, she gave birth in emergency rooms along the way. In one of her pregnancies, she miscarried at home and couldn't get a doctor appointment for days.

The long distance to receive care often meant her husband had to stay behind to tend to their other children at home.

"I labored alone so many times," Pipe said. "I just want to make sure no one's alone."

Rural maternity care deserts are a national problem, especially as labor and delivery units continue to shutter. In many tribal communities, a lack of care coincides with long-standing inequities caused by centuries of systematic discrimination.

Predominantly Indigenous communities face the longest distances to obstetric facilities compared with all other racial and ethnic groups, according to a 2024 report from the March of Dimes. That's part of the reason Indigenous women are far more likely to get sick from pregnancy and at least twice as likely to die as white women.

Indigenous patients are supposed to be guaranteed access to health care through the federal Indian Health Service. But the chronically underfunded agency has severe gaps. A small fraction of its hospitals and clinics offer labor and delivery. As of 2024, only seven states had either an IHS or tribal birth facility, the agency reported. To help fill in those shortfalls, Medicaid is the main source of health coverage for many Native Americans, according to KFF.

Even where care exists, Native women can experience a distrust of health systems, according to Pipe and other health workers. The U.S. government has a long history of removing children from tribal homes and forcing Native American women to undergo sterilization.

Emily Haozous of the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation's Southwest center has studied premature deaths among Native Americans. A member of the Fort Sill-Chiricahua-Warm Springs-Apache Tribe, Haozous said data on maternal health disparities in pregnancy and postpartum often misses a key point.

"It's not that women are just not taking care of themselves," Haozous said. "The system is set up for them to not have access to care."

On top of funding cuts, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will add more frequent eligibility checks and work requirements to access Medicaid. Those changes, when they take effect later this year and next, will lead an estimated 5.3 million people to lose their coverage by 2034.

Native Americans are exempt from some of the law's new rules, such as the work requirements. Even so, tribal patients can get tangled in administrative hurdles. That includes struggling to enroll in the first place or to prove their tribal status. A full-time college student, WolfVoice said that when she got pregnant, it took about six months to enroll in the state's Medicaid program.

Despite Montana's long struggle with a backlogged Medicaid system, state officials aim to implement work requirements this summer, well before the federal deadline.

'Moccasins on the ground'

As Pipe pulled into her driveway one day after a full shift at the post office, her kids ran to her. She was also greeted by Felicia Blindman, a 63-year-old public health nurse who used to work for the tribe. The two sat in lawn chairs into the night and brainstormed ways to connect more women to services  such as free prenatal classes.

Pipe's four youngest children played around them. Her 14-year-old daughter is already certified as an Indigenous doula. Her 8-year-old daughter has begun helping Pipe pick up prescriptions for moms without a car who live out of town. Pipe hopes one day they could do that work full-time, if they want to.

Because of the lost Medicaid payment, Pipe said, she will continue to balance her job with her birth work, even if it means persuading more people to become doulas, such as family and respected community members, to cover more ground.

"It's not going to stop me from training more birth workers, more young people, more aunties," Pipe said. "For now, I guess its more about grassroots, moccasins on the ground, helping each other."

She said that means telling pregnant people who walk into the post office she's there to help if they need support. At least, as long as she's not at her day job.
Tax season is delivering fatter checks than last year, but not quite as hefty as the White House once hinted. IRS data through March 27 shows the average refund at $3,521, about $350 higher than a year ago, based on 88.4 million individual returns processed so far. The bump comes as taxpayers feel the impact of President Trump's July tax package, CNBC reports, which lowered 2025 taxes but didn't immediately change paycheck withholdingmeaning many workers ended up overpaying and are now getting money back.

Republicans have seized on the larger refunds as a selling point ahead of November's elections, highlighting new deductions for tip income, overtime, seniors, and auto loan interest. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said nearly half of 2026 returns so far have claimed at least one of those breaks, with the overtime deduction appearing on about a quarter of filings. The administration had suggested that typical taxpayers might see $1,000 or more added to their refund. "We are seeing an uptick in refunds," said Tom O'Saben of the National Association of Tax Professionals, adding that whether it feels "substantial" depends on the filer.
A Republican lawmaker who helps oversee military personnel in the House says he expects US ground forces to be sent into Iran. Rep. Pat Fallon of Texas, chair of the Armed Services subcommittee on military personnel and a former Air Force officer, told Fox Business on Monday that he anticipates at least American special operations troops will be deployed alongside regional allies, backed by US air power. "I just don't see any other way," he said, per the Hill, when asked about the prospect of "boots on the ground." Fallon added that the US "can't leave until the job is done" and the behavior of Iran's government is altered. He said the size of Iran makes any campaign difficult without troops present.
Sam Altman has spent years insisting AI needs unusually principled leadership. The New Yorker asks whether he's the one to provide itor the biggest risk of all. In a sweeping investigation, Ronan Farrow and Andrew Marantz detail how OpenAI's CEO went from being quietly pushed out by his own board over alleged "lying" and safety shortcuts, to orchestrating a lightning-fast comeback that left his critics sidelined and his power largely intact. Internal memos from co-founder Ilya Sutskever and early safety leader Dario Amodei, reviewed by the magazine, accuse Altman of serial deception, pitting colleagues against one another, and diluting OpenAI's founding safety commitments as the company chased money, speed, and a trillion-dollar valuation.
Medicare is dipping into the hemp business, and seniors could be the test case, reports Axios . For the first time, the federal program is piloting coverage of certain CBD products, offering providers up to $500 per patient annually to discuss and supply them as part of careso long as they pay upfront and the products stay within strict THC limits, are third-party tested, and meet state rules. The move involves some 68,000 Medicare providers nationwide, notes Vice .

The move aligns with a broader White House effort to reduce marijuana's federal restrictions and with growing unease over how the system handles chronic pain. Supporters say it could curb risky self-experimentation by older adults who already use cannabis for issues like pain and insomnia without medical guidance. "Right now, seniors are muddling their way through it themselves," says Leigh Vinocur of medical marijuana advocacy group National Compassionate Care Council.

Federal health officials say the pilot should yield real-world data on safety and effectiveness, but critics aren't waiting: anti-marijuana groups have sued, calling the program unlawful and dangerous for seniors. Participation may also lag, experts warn, because Medicare providers must front the product costs. Another twist arrives in November, when a new law will tighten the legal definition of hemp, forcing Medicare to adjust which products qualify.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday framed a high-risk Easter rescue in Iran in explicitly Christian terms, comparing it to the biblical story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the New York Times reports. Detailing how an American F-15E was shot down over Iran, Hegseth noted the jet went down on Good Friday, which marks the day Jesus was crucified in the Christian tradition, and said the airman hid "in a cave, a crevice" through Saturday, which Hegseth likened to the tomb cut into a rock in which Jesus was said to be buried. The airman was airlifted out "as the sun was rising on Easter Sunday," Hegseth concluded. He called the airman "a pilot reborn" and said his first message to US forces after contact was "God is good."

The comments are the latest instance of Hegseth referencing Christian theology while overseeing a heavy bombing campaign against Iran, a Shiite theocracy. He has previously urged Americans to pray "in the name of Jesus Christ" for victory, praised the medieval Crusades, and has "Deus vult" ("God wills it") tattooed on his arma slogan he embraces as a battle cry of the Crusades, even as he has acknowledged the wars were "bloody" and "full of unspeakable tragedy."

Christian leaders, including Pope Leo XIV, have pushed back on such rhetoric. The first US-born pope has repeatedly condemned efforts to present the war as divinely endorsed and warned against using Christianity to justify domination. At the same news conference where Hegseth made his resurrection analogy, President Trump said God supports the Israeli-US campaign against Iran because "God wants to see people taken care of," while insisting he does not "enjoy" the conflict or "seeing people get killed." Thousands, including civilians, have been killed in the war so far. Trump said multiple times that "God was watching us" during the rescue mission, Fox News reports. Politico reports that this Easter, the Trump administration posted explicitly Christian messages to mark the holiday, going a step beyond what previous administrations have posted.
Laura Loomer says it was her intel that triggered the US arrests of two reported relatives of slain Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani. The far-right commentator said on social media that ICE agents detained Soleimani's niece, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, and her daughter after Loomer compiled months of Afshar's online posts and sent them to Homeland Security and Secretary of State Marco Rubio's team at the State Department. Last month, Loomer said officials would be "looking into my evidence immediately," per the Hill . She now claims credit for exposing Afshar's "life of luxury" in Los Angeles as well as social media posts in support of Iran's regime.

Federal officials said the women were taken into custody Friday night and moved to a detention center in Pearsall, Texas, after Rubio revoked their green cards. In a statement, Rubio claimed Afshar had "celebrated attacks on Americans" while describing the US as the "Great Satan." A department rep declined to say whether Loomer's outreach played any role in the arrests, citing a policy against discussing private conversations. However, the department's top public affairs official reposted Loomer's post taking credit for the arrests.

While US officials applauded the move, others questioned the "need to arrest the distant relatives of long-since-dead Iranian commanders." Aaron Reichlin-Melnick of the American Immigration Council notes that the Trump administration is justifying the arrests by citing a legal authority that has been challenged in court as unconstitutional, per Common Dreams. Meanwhile, Iranian media outlets have claimed the women are unrelated to Soleimani, who, according to their reports, had no nieces.
The rapper Offset was shot Monday in Florida and is stable, according to a spokesperson for the Migos rapper, but his exact condition is unknown, the AP reports. He is being treated at a hospital and being closely monitored, the spokesperson said in a statement. Offset was formerly married to Cardi B , with whom he has three children. The Seminole Police Department said a person sustained injuries that were not life-threatening Monday evening at a valet area outside of the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida. The police department did not identify the victim.

Two people were detained by police and officials are investigating the incident, according to a statement from the police department. "The site is secure and there is no threat to the public," according to the police department. "Operations continue as normal." Offset's cousin Takeoff, another member of Migos, was shot dead in 2022. The trio, with its rapid-fire triplet flow, became known as one of the most popular hip-hop groups of all time. It broke out with the 2013 hit "Versace" and later earned Grammy nominations for best rap album with 2018's Culture, while a track off it nabbed a nod for best rap performance.
Several Oklahoma City police officers have been sidelined after an alleged April Fool's joke involving a report of a baby tossed from a moving car. "Delta 13 just advised that they threw a baby out the window," a dispatcher reported as a police officer relayed electronic messages about a vehicle supposedly being pursued around 9:30pm Wednesday, per the Oklahoman . A subsequent message claimed the driver had run over a transient. Multiple agencies, including the Oklahoma City Fire Department and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, became involved before officers relayed that it had all been a prank, prompting a dispatcher to respond that it "wasn't funny." KOCO reported that the fire department sent a fire engine, rescue trucks, a "blood unit," and a district chief.

The officers involved are now on administrative leave while an internal investigation plays out; the department hasn't named the officers or said whether they could face criminal charges. Attorney Noble McIntyre told KFOR that abusing 911 is a misdemeanor in Oklahoma, subject to "a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail," though limited enforcement means false reports and swatting calls remain common. She argued the bigger damage was to public trust. State 911 coordinator Lance Terry told KOCO that false reports waste resources and endanger the public, potentially delaying responses to real emergencies. Social media users have called for the officers to be "fired" and "prosecuted," per the Oklahoman. "There is no possible excuse or explanation for this prank stupidity," one wrote.
Voters in Georgia are about to weigh in on who should replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress, and the results might be a test of the public's stance on the Iran war, reports the New York Times. Tuesday's special House runoff in the deep-red 14th District pits Democrat Shawn Harris, a cattle farmer and retired Army brigadier general, against Republican Clayton Fuller, a former prosecutor and Air National Guard veteran. Harris has made opposition to the war central to his campaign, tying it to higher gas, diesel, and fertilizer costs and accusing President Trump of putting American lives and wallets at risk. Fuller backs Trump's decision, calling Iran's government a "death cult" and arguing the war makes the US safer. His campaign has centered on support for Trump's immigration crackdown.
Democrats hope to increase liberal control of the state Supreme Court in Wisconsin on Tuesday in an election that has focused largely on abortion rights as cases affecting congressional redistricting, union rights, and other hot-button issues also await in the perennial battleground state. This year's Supreme Court election stands in stark contrast to the swing state's previous two, reports the AP , where national spending records were set in battles over majority control. Spending and national attention is down dramatically this year without control of the court at stake.

Democrats are looking to tighten their control of the court just months before a November election in which they seek to keep the governor's office and flip the state Legislature, where Republicans have held the majority since 2011. Democrats aspire to undo a host of Republican-enacted laws that made Wisconsin a focal point for the nation's conservative movement in the 2010s. In Tuesday's Supreme Court race, Democratic-backed Chris Taylor, a former state lawmaker who also worked for Planned Parenthood, faces Republican-supported Maria Lazar. Both Taylor and Lazar are state Appeals Court judges. Liberals would increase their majority on the court to 5-2 from 4-3 with a Taylor win. That would lock in the liberal majority until at least 2030.

Liberals took control of the state's top court in 2023, ending 15 years under a conservative majority. They held onto their majority with last year's victory in a race that drew involvement from President Trump and billionaires George Soros and Elon Musk, who personally handed out $1 million checks to voters in the state. Liberals argued that democracy was at stake in the 2025 election, noting that when the court was controlled by conservative justices in 2020 it came just one vote shy of siding with Trump in his attempt to invalidate enough votes to overturn his loss in that year's presidential election.

Since liberals took control, the court has reversed several election-related rulings, including one that overturned a ban on absentee ballot drop boxes, and it is poised to once again be in the spotlight around the 2028 presidential election. Races for the court are officially nonpartisan, but support for candidates breaks down mostly along partisan lines. Taylor has focused much of her campaign on abortion rights, with one TV ad saying that "abortion is on the ballot." In another ad, she criticized Lazar for calling the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 "very wise." Lazar accused Taylor of being a "radical, extreme legislator" and a "judicial activist." She has had a much harder time getting her message out. Taylor had a large fundraising advantage and spent about nine times as much as Lazar on television ads.
President Trump is not easing up on his threats as the Iran deadline looms . A new Truth Social post on Tuesday morning begins with the jarring line: "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will." Trump has given Iran's leaders until 8pm Eastern Tuesday to open the Strait of Hormuz and has promised to decimate the nation's infrastructure if they fail to do so. No signs of a diplomatic breakthrough on a potential 45-day ceasefire were evident on Tuesday morning, reports the New York Times , though Trump suggested one was still possible.

Now "that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?" he wrote. "We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end."

Meanwhile, the fighting continued: The US struck more than 50 military targets on Iran's vital Kharg Island early Tuesday, reports the Wall Street Journal. Israel said it hit Iranian government targets and a petrochemical site in Shiraz, its third strike on Iran's energy sector in recent days, and warned Iranians to avoid train travel. Iran, for its part, again aimed at energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Australia's best-known war hero is now facing criminal charges tied to the conflict that made him famous. Ben Roberts-Smith, a former Special Air Service corporal and recipient of the Victoria Cross, was arrested at Sydney airport and is expected in court Tuesday on five counts of the war crime of murder, allegedly involving the killing of unarmed detainees in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. The 47-year-old, who left the military in 2013, has consistently rejected the accusations as false and malicious, notes the BBC. A 2023 civil defamation ruling found he had unlawfully killed several unarmed Afghans, a judgment he unsuccessfully appealed; these findings were at a lower standard of proof than in a criminal case.
American democracy, argues political theorist Helene Landemore, is built to sideline the quiet. In a New York Times opinion piece, the Yale scholar argues that elections favor the loud, confident, and hyper-visiblewhat we might call alpha personalitieswhile marginalizing "the shy." But she doesn't mean the latter in the traditional sense referring to social introverts. Instead, it refers to "all the people who have internalized the idea that they lack power, that politics is not built for them, and who could never imagine running for office," she writes. Women, young people, and minorities tend to be overrepresented in that camp.

Landemore's alternative: citizen assemblies, essentially political juries made up of randomly selected residents who study an issue, hear from experts, and deliberate before offering recommendations. She details how such assemblies in Ireland, France, Belgium, and parts of the US have helped crack gridlock, reduce polarization, and draw out unlikely leaders, with quiet participants often becoming the most thoughtful contributors. "If we actually want a democracy that reflects the thoughts of the country as a whole and delivers for everyone, we need to stop designing institutions around the 'natural leaders,'" she concludes. The shy also have contributions to make. "Our politics, like a jolly hostess, should make room forand bring outall of them." Read the full piece.
The rapper formerly known as Kanye West has been barred from entering the UK, where he was scheduled to perform at the Wireless Festival in July. The move came after government officials condemned Ye's history of antisemitic remarks, reports the AP . The festival's organizers confirmed the ban and said the entire three-day festival was being canceled as a result. Ye's travel authorization had been blocked on the grounds that the performer's presence in the UK would not be "conducive to the public good," the BBC said, citing the Home Office. Ye had been expected to perform in front of around 150,000 revelers July 10-12 at the open-air festival in London's Finsbury Park.

Earlier, a senior member of the British government said Ye should "absolutely not" play at the festival. Festival organizers had been under mounting pressure from sponsors and politicians to cancel the gigs by the rapper, who has drawn widespread condemnation for making antisemitic remarks and voicing admiration for Adolf Hitler. Last year, Ye released a song called "Heil Hitler" and advertised a swastika T-shirt for sale on his website. The 48-year-old apologized in January with a letter, published as a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal. He said his bipolar disorder led him to fall into "a four-month long, manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behavior that destroyed my life."

Wireless sponsors Pepsi, Rockstar Energy, and Diageo pulled out of the festival after Ye was announced as the headliner, and PM Keir Starmer called the booking "deeply concerning." In a statement Tuesday, Ye, who changed his name in 2021, said he "would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen. I know words aren't enoughI'll have to show change through my actions," he said. "If you're open, I'm here."

Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said the group would be willing to meet with the musician if he pulled out of the festival. "The Jewish community will want to see a genuine remorse and change before believing that the appropriate place to test this sincerity is on the main stage at the Wireless Festival," Rosenberg said. Organizer Festival Republic had stood by Ye. In a statement issued Monday, managing director Melvin Benn urged people to offer the performer "forgiveness and hope." UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting dismissed the organizers' statement as "absurd" and said Ye should "absolutely not" perform at Wireless. A representative for Ye didn't reply to a request for comment.
A week-long search for a family missing in the western Pacific ended with good news: all three individuals have been found alive and rescued by the US Coast Guard, according to a statement. The two men and one woman vanished March 30 after leaving Fananu Island in Micronesia on a 23-foot skiff bound for nearby Murillo Island; their boat never arrived after its engine failed, officials said, per CBS News . At one point, the predicted search area covered more than 14,000 square nautical miles of rough seas, with waves up to 10 feet, according to USCG .

Diverting from a patrol mission to join the search on Sunday, Coast Guard cutter Midgett located the skiff under dark skies off Chuuk State the following day. Midgett's commanding officer, Capt. Brian Whisler, said he "could not be prouder" of bridge watchstanders, who "spotted the small skiff in rough seas just after midnight," per Military.com. All three survivors were uninjured and taken to shore to be reunited with loved ones. Photos released by USCG show the tearful reunion, as well as the vessel's discovery. US Ambassador Jennifer Johnson called the mission a demonstration of US-Micronesia cooperation that delivers "real, life-saving outcomes."
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She Met Man With Flowers at SFO, Hasn't Been Seen Since

Family says Katherine Kerwood never reached hostel, was last heard from on Friday
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As Deadline Looms, a Look at How Talks Are Going

Axios reports on 'glimmer of hope,' while other outlets say Iran has cut off negotiations in protest
The moves were tentative, much like they've been since the start of the war with Iran, because of deep uncertainty about when the fighting may end, the AP reports. During the first hour of Tuesday's trading, the Dow careened between a gain of 74 points and a loss of 425.

US stocks swung sharply on Tuesday as uncertainty about what will happen in the war with Iran increased. The S&P 500 fell as much as 1.2% Tuesday, hours ahead ahead of a deadline by President Trump to destroy Iranian power plants and bridges. Stocks rallied back in late trading after Pakistan's prime minister urged Trump to extend his deadline for another two weeks and asked Iran to open up the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks.

Oil prices were likewise shaky. The price for a barrel of benchmark US crude to be delivered in May briefly climbed above $117 before settling at $112.95, up 0.5%. The price for a barrel of Brent crude, the international standard, to be delivered slightly later in the year, in June, eased by 0.5% to $109.27. But it's still well above its roughly $70 level from before the war began in late February.

On Wall Street, companies with big fuel bills fell to some of the sharpest losses as high oil prices cranked up the pressure. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings dropped 3.4%, and United Airlines sank 1.8%. Companies whose customers may have the least room to absorb the recent jump in gasoline prices also struggled. Dollar Tree slid 4.2%, and Dollar General fell 2.6%. The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline across the United States has leaped to $4.14, according to AAA. It was below $3 a couple days before the United States and Israel launched attacks to begin the war in late February.

Stocks of health insurers helped limit the market's losses after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said Medicare Advantage payments will likely see a net average increase of 2.48% in 2027. That was well ahead of what some investors expected, according to UBS analysts led by AJ Rice. UnitedHealth Group jumped 9.4%, and Humana rose 7.9%.

Universal Music Group also helped limit losses for global stock indexes after Bill Ackman's Pershing Square Capital Management offered to buy the record label behind Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny in a cash-and-stock deal valued at approximately $64 billion. Pershing Square argued the proposed deal would clear uncertainty that's weighed on UMG's stock. Its share price in Amsterdam jumped 11.4% but remained below what Pershing said its bid is worth. That could indicate investor doubt that the deal will happen.
A shooting in an Oklahoma high school lobby on Tuesday left the principal wounded and a suspect in custody, authorities say. Kirk Moore, principal of Pauls Valley High School, was shot shortly after 2pm in the school's entrance area, according to the Garvin County Sheriff's Office. He was airlifted to OU Health in Oklahoma City, arriving around 3:30pm, KOCO reports. Officials said he was in stable condition. The sheriff's office said all students are safe and accounted for. Authorities say the suspect is a 20-year-old former student. Moore was shot after he saw that the man had a firearm and he moved to intervene, along with other staff members, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says,
Fairbanks, AK (99701)

Today

Light rain early. Partial clearing overnight. Low 29F. SSW winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Light rain early. Partial clearing overnight. Low 29F. SSW winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
ERIN, ON, Apr. 2, 2026 /CNW/ - Spartec Composites Inc. is pleased to host a delegation from Hanwha Ocean at its facility in Erin, Ontario. The visit marks a significant step in ongoing collaboration discussions regarding Hanwha Ocean's intent to explore Spartec as a key Canadian composites manufacturing partner for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). The discussions are part of a national evaluation process conducted by Hanwha Ocean to identify high-capability Canadian partners. Any future formal partnership remains subject to the Government of Canada's procurement process and the finalization of definitive agreements between the parties. If Hanwha Ocean is awarded the CPSP submarine contract, Spartec would be positioned to support the program with its industry-leading advanced composite structures and manufacturing expertise. "We are pleased to welcome the Hanwha Ocean delegation to our facility to showcase our advanced manufacturing capabilities," said James Countouris, President of Spartec Composites. "This visit represents a meaningful opportunity to discuss how our expertise in composites can support Hanwha Ocean's vision for the CPSP, potentially bringing transformative growth to Spartec and Wellington County."

Delegation from Hanwa Ocean visits Spartec Composites facility in Erin, Ontario (CNW Group/Spartec Composites Inc.)

The proposed collaboration holds the potential to generate an estimated 70100 new skilled manufacturing jobs in Wellington County. This would significantly strengthen the advanced manufacturing ecosystem within the region's rural economic zone. Spartec acknowledges the continued support of Michael Chong, MP for WellingtonHalton Hills, and Wellington County officials, whose commitment has been vital to the growth of advanced manufacturing in the area.

Hanwha Ocean is a global shipbuilder with more than four decades of experience in complex naval and commercial programs. Established in 1973, it has delivered more than 1,400 vessels worldwide and produces approximately 45 vessels annually. Its integrated Geoje shipyard in South Korea spans approximately 5 square kilometres and employs 31,000 people, providing the industrial scale to design, build, and support programs of this scale. As a qualified supplier for Canada's CPSP, Hanwha Ocean has proposed an accelerated delivery approach and a plan to deliver long-term economic benefits through industrial participation and supply chain growth.

Spartec Composites Inc., based in Erin, Ontario, is a leading Canadian manufacturer of advanced composite structures. With one of the country's broadest ranges of composite processing technologies, Spartec has served the defense, industrial, and automotive sectors across North America for decades.

SOURCE Spartec Composites Inc.

Spartec Composites Inc., www.sparteccomposites.com, 519-833-0331
Anthropic signed a new agreement with Google and Broadcom for multiple gigawatts of next-generation TPU capacity that we expect to come online starting in 2027. This significant expansion of their compute infrastructure will power our frontier Claude models and help us serve extraordinary demand from customers worldwide.

The run-rate revenue has now surpassed $30 billionup from approximately $9 billion at the end of 2025. When we announced our Series G fundraising in February, we shared that over 500 business customers were each spending over $1 million on an annualized basis. Today that number exceeds 1,000, doubling in less than two months.

The vast majority of the new compute will be sited in the United States, making this partnership a major expansion of our November 2025 commitment to invest $50 billion in strengthening American computing infrastructure.

We've signed an agreement with Google and Broadcom for multiple gigawatts of next-generation TPU capacity, coming online starting in 2027, to train and serve frontier Claude models.  Anthropic (@AnthropicAI) April 6, 2026

Our run-rate revenue has surpassed $30 billion, up from $9 billion at the end of 2025, as demand for Claude continues to accelerate. This partnership gives us the compute to keep pace. Read more: https://t.co/XgSjL0And7  Anthropic (@AnthropicAI) April 6, 2026

Anthropic revenue (annualized):

 January 2025: $1B

 May: $3B

 June: $4B

 August: $5B

 October: $7B

 December: $8B to $10B

-February 2026: $14B

-March 2026: $19B

-April 2026: $30B
Welcome to CT Insiders new ongoing series, The Go-To Order, where notable Connecticut people tell us all about their go-to restaurant, delivery or take-out order.

Blake Leonard is part of the next generation of leadership at one of Connecticut's best known businesses.

Her grandfather, Stew Leonard Sr. founded the family-owned grocery chain that is known beyond Connecticut's borders as the "Disneyland of Grocery Stores," in part because of the use of in-store animatronics to entertain shoppers and a strong reputation for customer service. And her father, Stew Leonard Jr., has built the chain beyond Connecticut to include locations in New Jersey and New York state. (You can read all about his go-to order here.)

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Now, with her father preparing to step back from a leadership role in the next several years, Blake and her cousin Jake Tavello will soon be running the company.

CT Insider asked Blake Leonard what her go-to meal is when she is not enjoying a meal from the family's grocery store.

Whats your go-to order?

"Classic pizza with mushrooms from Pizza Lyfe (in Westport)."

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Whys this your go-to order?

"Because my kids now like mushrooms on their pizza, which is an exciting parenting win, and I love the sourdough crust  the tang and chew is addicting!"

Blake Leonard, daughter of Stew Leonard Jr., takes a bite of a mushroom pizza slice while visiting Pizza Lyfe in Westport Conn., Monday, March 2, 2026. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media

When during your day do you have it?

"Sunday night dinner  when we officially run out of Stews frozen pizzas and everyones hungry now."

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How often do you order it?

"About once a month, sometimes more."

Pizza being made at Pizza Lyfe. David Zajac

When did you start ordering it?

"Since they opened  it quickly became our go-to Sunday night save."

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Any modifications or special instructions?

"Nope  I keep it simple. And I usually pair it with a glass of wine ... whatever I already have open,"

Blake Leonard, daughter of Stew Leonard, talks with Dimitri Pantzos, owner of Pizza Lyfe in Westport Conn., Monday, March 2, 2026. Leonard visited the restaurant Monday to enjoy a few slices of a mushroom pizza. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media

How much does it cost?
A file photo of the exterior view of the former Railroad Salvage and Shoprite where the University of New Haven plans to convert the former retail complex near the school's West Haven campus into the Center for Innovation and Applied Technology. Christian Abraham/Hearst Connecticut Media An artist's rendering of a new home for the University of New Haven's Pompea College of Business. Ground will be broken for the new 50,000 square foot building by the end of the year. Contributed photo

The University of New Haven will break ground later this year on a new home for the school's Pompea College of Business.

The new 50,000-square-foot building is expected to have a phased in opening with some business school departments moving into the new building by the spring of 2028. It is expected to be fully occupied in time for the fall of that year.

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UNH's business school had been located in Orange for more than a decade at the university's campus at the former world headquarters of Hubbell before moving back to West Haven at the end of the 2024-25 academic year, according to school officials.

The new building will be located on the south end of the UNH campus and will include dedicated suites for career development, mentorship, internships and advising. The building will include advanced learning hubs for the Sussman Family sales institute.

It will also include a simulated financial trading room and an AI and business analytics lab, an entrepreneurial pitch room, and a student-run cafe that will be run by UNH hospitality and tourism students.

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To support the development of the new building, UNH received a $10 million gift from alumnus Dennis Martin, who is chairman of the board of Federal Signal Corporation. The school also got a seven-figure commitment from David Sussman, chief visionary officer of The Family Security Plan, a second-generation Connecticut-based insurance business.

Plans for a new space from the Pompea College of Business comes as UNH officials are already in the midst of another major project, converting a former strip mall on Campbell Avenue that formerly housed Railroad Salvage, a discount retailer and later a ShopRite Supermarket. School officials said that more than $10 million in private funding has been raised to support the complete renovation and creating a partially finished space within a 133,000-square-foot complex that will be the home a research and development center focused on training UNH students in such areas as advanced AI and manufacturing technologies.

Construction of that research and development facility is scheduled to start early next year with the space scheduled to accommodate faculty and students with the space opening by the second half of 2028.

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West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer said the two projects will give an immediate boost to the city's coffers as construction and build fees begin coming in. Over the long term, Borer said the new buildings will mean more jobs for city residents and individuals from surrounding communities.

"Nothing lifts an economy more than additional jobs," she said. "And UNH is already one of our largest employers."

Borer said the state has already seen the wisdom in the Campbell Avenue innovation center , awarding $5 million for the project from the Community Investment Fund. The fund is a competitive grant program, which is funded by bonds from the state.

Donald Klepper Smith, an economist with South Carolina-based DataCore Partners, said the demands of today's job market call for increased productivity from workers.

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"In this economy, increased productivity is driving economic growth and that's what this facility speaks to," he said of the research and development facility. "We're talking about retooling the workforce to leverage new technologies."

For the city of West Haven and surrounding communities, the development of both facilities plays into the region's long time focus on what Kleeper-Smith and other economists have refereed to as "the Eds-and-Meds" economy. The term is a reference ro the importance of medical facilities and institutions of higher learning in the region.

"Projects like these provide economic firepower and impact," Klepper-Smith said. "The multipliers here are really substantial in terms of how the money being spent here will trickle down."
Jayden Nguyen is a Trending Reporter for CT Insider. She has been with Hearst Connecticut Media Group since 2024.

Originally from Louisiana, Jayden graduated from Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2023 with a degree in mass communication and a minor in French.

When she's not writing, she can be found watching Formula 1 races, scrolling through TikTok, singing or listening to anything from K-Pop to rap to Taylor Swift.
Police and emergency personnel respond to the scene of a shooting at a valet area outside of the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Fla., on Monday, April 6, 2026. (WSVN via AP) AP FILE - Offset arrives at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, March 17, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) Jordan Strauss/Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (AP)  The rapper Offset, a former member of the influential hip-hop trio Migos, was shot outside a Florida casino and was in stable condition, a spokesperson said Tuesday.

Offset, who was once married to Cardi B, was being treated at a hospital after Monday night's shooting, the spokesperson said in a statement, although his exact condition was unknown. Police said the injuries were not life-threatening.

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More than three years ago, Offsets cousin Takeoff, another member of Migos, was shot and killed at a Houston bowling alley.

Monday's shooting followed a fight at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, just north of Miami, police said. Officers detained two people.

A rapper known as Lil Tjay, Tione Jayden Merritt, was arrested for the altercation that occurred before the shooting, the Seminole Police Department in Florida said. He was charged with disorderly conduct and operating a vehicle without a valid license.

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His lawyer, Dawn M. Florio, told The Associated Press that Lil Tjay did not have a gun and was not charged with any weapons or gun-related crimes.

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She said he paid his bond and was released Tuesday afternoon. The 24-year-old rapper is a stalwart of New Yorks South Bronx scene, celebrated for his sing-rapping and pop-hip-hop style delivered atop drill beats.

Walking out of the Broward County jail, Lil Tjay told reporters that he was not involved in any fighting.

While police said one person was injured at a valet area outside the casino, they did not identify the victim.

The second person detained at the scene has not been charged and investigators were working to identify others involved, police said in a statement Tuesday.

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Offset, born Kiari Kendrell Cephus, first made a name for himself with Migos. The Atlanta trio is one of the most popular hip-hop groups of all time, celebrated for their rapid-fire triplet flow, an often imitated delivery that changed the trajectory of trap.

Their career kicked off with the 2013 hit Versace. They then had several multiplatinum selling singles, including Bad and Boujee, which went No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart, Stir Fry, Narcos, and T-Shirt. Migos released four full-length albums across their career, closing that chapter after the killing of Takeoff.

Offset and Cardi B were secretly wed in September 2017 in Atlanta. In 2024, Cardi B announced that she filed for divorce. They have three children together.

The third member of Migos, rapper Quavo, sought to transform his nephew Takeoffs tragic shooting into a force for change, holding a summit against gun violence in 2024.

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Police said Takeoff was an innocent bystander when he was shot outside a Houston bowling alley after a disagreement over a dice game. Takeoffs death was among a string of fatal shootings in recent years that involved hip-hop stars such as Nipsey Hussle, Pop Smoke, PnB Rock and Young Dolph.

Offset embarked on a solo career years before Takeoff's death.

As a solo artist, Offset is known for an idiosyncratic style  a melodic, aggressive finesse. He released three full-length albums: 2019s Father of Four; 2023s Set It Off, which he described to The Associated Press as an effort to bring rap back in a genre currently led by rappers who sing; and 2025s Kiari.

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Set It Off was a freedom, he told AP last year, proof that he could shine as a solo artist outside of Migos. Kiari, instead, is me, for what I am. And recognizing who I am, because I feel like sometimes you could get lost in trying to please other people and trying to do what they want you to do. So, this is like my rebellion. My rebellion album. ___
People dressed in costumes perform on the street during the Fanti Carnival in Lagos Nigeria, Monday, April 6, 2026, Sunday Alamba/AP A boy who painted his body attends the Fanti Carnival, in Lagos, Nigeria, Monday, April 6, 2026. Sunday Alamba/AP A woman dressed in a costume performs on the street during the Fanti Carnival, in Lagos Nigeria, Monday, April 6, 2026, Sunday Alamba/AP People dressed in costumes perform on the street during the Fanti Carnival in Lagos Nigeria, Monday, April 6, 2026, Sunday Alamba/AP People dressed in costumes perform on the street during the Fanti Carnival in Lagos Nigeria, Monday, April 6, 2026, Sunday Alamba/AP

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP)  Thousands of revelers flooded Nigeria's Lagos for the annual Lagos Fanti Carnival, celebrating the Afro-Brazilian heritage of the Aguda or the formerly enslaved people who returned from Brazil in the 19th century.

The festival, usually celebrated during Eastertide in recent years, is one of West Africas most prominent cultural celebrations, similar to Brazils Rio Carnival, the world's biggest party.

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After reaching West Africa, many of the returnees settled in Lagos, building a life among the citys Yoruba ethnic group. They retained some of the Brazilian and Portuguese cultures and infused them into music, food, architecture, religion and lifestyle, giving life to the Fanti carnival.

If you know the history of Lagos, you will understand how this carnival is important to the city and its history," said Ademola Oduyebo, one of the carnival revelers, on Monday. It is important that we preserve this so for our children.

This years theme, A Homecoming of Heritage, saw processions from across Lagos converging at the Tafawa Balewa Square, featuring communities of descendants of formerly enslaved people of different age groups.

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Many wore colorful costumes, including the attendees, as they danced their way to the city center, while others rode horses. All displayed elements of their Brazilian history and identity.

Artists and performers from across Africa wore elaborate outfits, with beads and feathers, while others had their bodies covered in colorful paint, swaying along Indigenous Yoruba rhythms.

One of the revelers, Glamour Sandra, said she always looked forward to being at both the Fanti festival and Brazils Rio Carnival.

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I love the energy, the artistic splendor that they create, she said of the Fanti festival.
Anthony Federline, 39, of Enfield, faces first-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor charges after police say his DNA was linked to a swab taken from his stepdaughter, Eve Rogers, who was found dead in the family home on March 18. Courtesy of the Enfield Police Department A crime truck from the Connecticut State Police Central District Major Crime Squad on scene assisting Enfield Police detectives after a 12-year-old girl was found dead inside this home earlier in the day, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, on Elm Street in Enfield. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media Eve Rogers, 12, of Enfield, in a recent photo. Eve was found dead in her family's home on March 18. Her stepfather, Anthony Federline, has been arrested on charges he sexually assaulted the girl. Courtesy of Melanie Federline

ENFIELD  The Connecticut man accused of sexually assaulting his 12-year-old stepdaughter before authorities found her dead in the family's Enfield home last month worked as a local school bus driver, according to a town spokesman.

Anthony Federline, 39, is being held on $1 million and is facing charges of first-degree sexual assault and risk of injury, according to court records.

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Federline worked for Smyth Bus, which contracts school bus service to Enfield, for about six months, according to Ann Baldwin, a spokesman for the town and the bus company.

Baldwin said new employees, including Federline, undergo state and federal background checks that look back only five years.

Enfield School Superintendent Steven A. Moccio said in a letter to the community that Federline was removed from his position upon notification of his arrest.

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"Prior to that time, the district was unaware that he was a person of interest," Moccio said in the letter.

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"As soon as we were made aware of the situation, we immediately engaged with Smyth Bus Company, our contracted transportation provider. We have been assured that the individual was terminated without delay and that the company is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities."

The letter included a statement from Smyth Bus that said they acted immediately and they are fully cooperating with authorities.

Officials have identified Federline's stepdaughter as Eve Rogers. Her cause of death remained pending further studies as of Friday morning, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

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An investigator noticed signs Eve had been sexually assaulted when police were called to the Elm Street home the morning of March 18 after she was found unresponsive, Federline's arrest warrant affidavit said. The affidavit said pills were also found in Eve's room.
FILE - Two police patrol on the sidewalk, far left, in front of the newly-purchased home of William Myers, a black man who bought the house in this all-white community in Levittown, Penn, Aug. 16, 1957. Bill Ingraham/AP FILE - State police carrying riot sticks push back residents in Levittown, Pa., near the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Myers, the first black family to move into this planned community of previously all-white residents, Aug. 20, 1957. One man was arrested in what police said was a rock throwing in which a state trooper was struck. Sam Myers/AP FILE - An aerial view of Levittown, showing its $30,000,000 development of over 10,000 new homes on Long Island, 25 miles from New York, Feb. 25, 1950. Anonymous/AP FILE - William Myers is served coffee by his wife Daisy in their new home in Levittown, Penn., Aug. 19, 1957, after they became the first black family to move into the 15,000-home all-white community. Sam Myers/AP

They weren't the most impressive-looking houses: boxy and small, two bedrooms with a living room and kitchen, no basement, tossed up one after another in assembly-line fashion.

For certain families in the years after WWII, though, they were perfect  a chance to have a home of one's own, an answer to a serious housing shortage. So was born Levittown, about 40 miles outside of New York City on Long Island. It grew to more than 17,000 houses, the first wholly planned American suburb.

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Developer William Levitt wasn't the first builder to use mass-production methods to build homes that were accessible to the middle class, but nobody was building on the scale that he did, says Ed Berenson, professor of history at New York University and author of Perfect Communities: Levitt, Levittown and the Dream of White Suburbia.

Levitt started out with 2,000 homes, unsure of what the demand would be. About three times that many people signed up, so eager were returning veterans for their own homes. The Federal Housing Authority played a part as well, guaranteeing mortgages.

But the first Levittown and others that he built, and suburbs developed by others, weren't open to all. Federal backing of mortgages was aimed at white buyers, in white communities, not Black buyers. Levitt refused to sell to Black families and included restrictive covenants that barred those who bought the homes from reselling to Black people.

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That's left a legacy in a country where the biggest financial asset for many Americans has been their homes, Berenson says.

What Levitt did by creating these exclusively white communities is he set up a structure that still exists today, and its a structure that has really maintained racial inequality, even more than class inequality, Berenson says. Its not nearly as bad as it was, but it still exists.

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___
CT Prison Ombudsman DeVaughn Ward stands outside his team's Hartford office in March 2026. Jacqueline Rabe Thomas / Hearst Connecticut Media

State Department of Correction officials said within two weeks they will prioritize care for inmates who need to see specialty physicians in response to a report issued by Connecticut's correctional ombudsman that determined some people have waited more than two years for an appointment.

According to DeVaughn Ward, the state's correctional ombudsman, more than 1,500 inmates have been waiting for periods as long as 24 months to see cardiologists, gastroenterologists and other specialty physicians for a variety of health concerns that should have been addressed within weeks.

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This report confirms what incarcerated individuals have been telling us for years: medically necessary care is not reaching people in time," Ward said. "These are not abstract failures  these are real people with real medical needs, waiting in pain while the system struggles to respond."

The DOC said when the report was released that the backlog was due to a shortage of physicians in all specialities. But their formal response issued Monday provided a detailed plan to get inmates outpatient specialty services as quickly as possible while they evaluate the agency's medical services.

As part of the plan, within two weeks the DOC wants to identify the needs of inmates and prioritize who should be seen as soon as possible by examining morbidity, carceral status and high acuity needs, the response sent out by retiring DOC Commissioner Angel Quiros said.

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The response also said that within 30 days the agency would create a "matrix" to define various levels of care including diagnostic imaging, surgical interventions and specialty visits for services including cardiology and oncology.

The DOC is working with the Office of Policy and Management, the University of Connecticut Health center in Farmington, community partners and other state agencies to deal with the backlog, Quiros said in the response. The commissioner is slated to retire on May 1.

The initial list of those who needed care provided to Ward in February showed some incarcerated individuals had been waiting since March 2023 for specialty appointments. The list was updated in March 2026 to show there still were 2,367 referrals that hadn't been scheduled, but the oldest wait time was listed as two years.

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According to Ward, there are 1,002 pending appointments for conditions that should be seen within one to two months, but many haven't been scheduled, creating a two-year backlog. In the higher priority conditions that should be seen within three weeks, there was a nearly a year wait, as of March 13, Ward said in the report.
Work continues on new apartments at the Portrait at North Crossing in Hartford, located at 1143 Main St. directly across from Dunkin' Park, pictured on April 1, 2026. Joseph Villanova/Hearst Connecticut Media Work continues on new apartments at the Portrait at North Crossing in Hartford, located at 1143 Main St. directly across from Dunkin' Park, pictured on April 1, 2026. Joseph Villanova/Hearst Connecticut Media Work continues on new apartments at the Portrait at North Crossing in Hartford, located at 1143 Main St. directly across from Dunkin' Park, pictured on April 1, 2026. Joseph Villanova/Hearst Connecticut Media Work continues on new apartments at the Portrait at North Crossing in Hartford, located at 1143 Main St. directly across from Dunkin' Park, pictured on April 1, 2026. Joseph Villanova/Hearst Connecticut Media Work continues on new apartments at the Portrait at North Crossing in Hartford, located at 1143 Main St. directly across from Dunkin' Park, pictured on April 1, 2026. Joseph Villanova/Hearst Connecticut Media Work continues on new apartments at the Portrait at North Crossing in Hartford, located at 1143 Main St. directly across from Dunkin' Park, pictured on April 1, 2026. Joseph Villanova/Hearst Connecticut Media

HARTFORD  A new 237-unit apartment building is expected to open soon in the North End of Hartford, in the immediate vicinity of Dunkin' Park.

Stamford-based developer RMS Companies plans to open next month the Portrait at North Crossing at 1143 Main St., part of a project that began more than a decade ago alongside the Double-A baseball stadium across the street. The company's end goal is to build as many as 2,500 apartments alongside commercial space and parking garages all located a stone's throw from the home of the Hartford Yard Goats.

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Construction of the Dunkin' Park stadium began in 2015, after the city reached an agreement with a previous developer. The project was initially delayed later that year due to a dispute over the stadium design. Hartford axed the developer and hired RMS to both finish Dunkin' Park and build new mixed-use developments on properties near the stadium, and the previous developer responded soon after with a wrongful termination lawsuit seeking $90 million in damages.

RMS began planning the North Crossing about five years ago and completed the Pennant, the first residential building in the project, in October 2022, but the litigation stopped further construction until a settlement was reached in October 2023. The terms dictated that Hartford would pay $9.9 million to Arch Insurance, the company that financed the stadium after the previous developer was ousted, and Arch would pay $1.8 million to the ousted developer.

Development of North Crossing resumed shortly after the settlement, and construction of the Portrait and other project elements began in early 2024. That same year, RMS also opened the Revel, a 147-unit apartment complex built above the DoubleTree by Hilton at 315 Trumbull St.

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Kyle Salvatore, representing RMS, said Wednesday that the company plans to start moving residents into the 237-unit first phase of the Portrait during May, and the planned 270-unit second phase would hopefully take 18 more months to open.

Salvatore said the first set of apartments will be split between 62 studios, 121 one-bedroom, and 50 two-bedroom units, sized between 550 square-feet for a, average studio and 1,350 square-feet for a three-bedroom. Rents would be "very similar" to existing rates at the Pennant, which averages between $1,750 per month for a studio and $3,900 for three-bedroom units.

Units will have their own clothes washers and dryers, Salvatore said, and the rent will come with access to amenities like a fitness center, a courtyard pool, co-working spaces, lounges, and a rooftop terrace.

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"A lot of the developments and housing in Hartford is older or a conversion from offices," Salvatore said, making it difficult to find something like a pool.

Salvatore said the first phase of the Portrait also included construction of a 524-stall parking garage intended to support the full development once all the units are built, and a retail unit with a few thousand square-feet of space that RMS plans to market once "the building is in better shape," as work still remains to be completed.

After the Portrait, Salvatore said, the company's plans become less definitive. Preliminary, the entire development is slated to have around 2,500 apartments and could feature other uses like hotel or office space, and RMS has "a lot more land" in the area to work with: 12.7 acres from the former Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduate center at 275 Windsor St., about 3 acres on the site of a former data center at 150 Windsor St., and a smaller nearby parcel.

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Salvatore said the Pennant and the Revel are above 90% leased now, showing strong demand and support for what RMS has already done in the North End.
FILE - The seal of the Dept of Justice is shown on the podium, Aug. 1, 2023, at an office of the Department of Justice in Washington. J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Kilmar Abrego Garcia entered the news in March 2025 after he was deported to El Salvador despite a court ruling that should have prevented it. His complicated legal fight since then has galvanized both sides of the debate over President Donald Trump's immigration policies.

There is a civil case in Maryland where he has been challenging the Department of Homeland Security's attempts to deport him to a series of African countries. There is also a criminal case in Tennessee, where the government accuses him of human smuggling. He has pleaded not guilty and asked that the case be dismissed, claiming it was only brought to punish him.

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Here is a timeline of key events:

Arrival: around 2011

Abrego Garcia flees El Salvador for the U.S. as a teenager.

Arrest: March 28, 2019

Abrego Garcia is arrested outside a Maryland hardware store. Police accuse him of being a gang member and turn him over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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Immigration court: Oct. 10, 2019

A Maryland immigration judge rules that Abrego Garcia cannot be deported to El Salvador, where a gang has threatened his family. He is given a work permit and placed under federal supervision.

Detained by ICE: March 12, 2025

Abrego Garcia is detained by ICE in Baltimore while driving home with his 5-year-old son.

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Deportation: March 15, 2025

Abrego Garcia is mistakenly deported to El Salvador and held in a notoriously brutal prison.

Supreme Court: April 10, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court says the Trump administration must work to bring Abrego Garcia back.

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Criminal charges: June 6, 2025

Abrego Garcia is returned to the U.S. and charged with human smuggling, based on a Tennessee traffic stop from 2022.

Attempts at second deportation: July 23, 2025present

ICE announces plans to remove him to a series of African countries, but is blocked by an injunction from a Maryland federal judge.

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Released from jail: August 22, 2025

Abrego Garcia leaves the Tennessee jail, where he has been since June, to return to his family in Maryland and await trial. Within minutes of his release, ICE sends notice that they intend to deport him to Uganda.

In immigration custody: Aug. 25, 2025

Abrego Garcia reports to an immigration office in Baltimore and is taken into custody.

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Judge orders release: Dec. 11, 2025

A federal judge in Maryland orders ICE to immediately release Abrego Garcia.

No immigration detention: Feb. 17, 2026

A Maryland federal judge rules ICE cannot re-detain Abrego Garcia.
The entrance to Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden photographed on November 9, 2022. Officials say William Gatch, a 23-year-old from Georgia, was identified as the person killed after falling at the park in Hamden Monday. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media

HAMDEN  A Georgia man has been identified as the person who died after falling at Sleeping Giant State Park on Monday, an official says.

William Gatch, a 23-year-old from Stateboro, died at the scene from his injuries, according to Bill Flood, a spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

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In a release, Flood said the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine Gatch's cause and manner of death. He said DEEP's Environmental Conservation Police will continue to investigate the incident, which is still thought to be accidental.

On Monday, Flood said authorities were called at 11:45 a.m. with a report that someone fell from an unmarked trail at the park. He said emergency response resources were sent to the state park and located a 23-year-old male who sustained serious injuries as a result of the fall.

The hiker was found in the woods and later died from his injuries at the scene, Flood said.
Mayor Justin Elicker swears in Daniel Coughlin as the new Fire Chief of the New Haven Fire Department, in New Haven, Conn. April 7, 2026. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media New Fire Chief Daniel Coughlin shakes hands with Mayor Justin Elicker during Coughlins swearing in ceremony, in New Haven, Conn. April 7, 2026. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media New Fire Chief Daniel Coughlin and Mayor Justin Elicker arrive for Coughlins swearing in ceremony, in New Haven, Conn. April 7, 2026. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media New Fire Chief Daniel Coughlin speaks during his swearing in ceremony, in New Haven, Conn. April 7, 2026. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media Mayor Justin Elicker speaks during the swearing in ceremony for new Fire Chief Daniel Coughlin, in New Haven, Conn. April 7, 2026. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media A New Haven Fire Department tower truck parked in front of City Hall in New Haven, Conn. April 7, 2026. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW HAVEN  Daniel Coughlin ascended to the role of fire chief Tuesday, sworn in by Mayor Justin Elicker barely more than 12 hours after he received unanimous approval from the Board of Alders.

Although Coughlin has attained the departments highest rank, is appears unlikely that his story ends there. Coughlin, a city native who is of the fourth generation of New Haven firefighters in his family, was pinned by his 15-year-old son Jack. Stephanie Ferraiolo, Coughlins partner of 11 years, said Jack and her son Joe, 12, listen along to the department radio at home. Both said they are interested in pursuing jobs in the fire service as well, paving the way for a fifth generation.

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This job is personal to me, its my family business, Coughlin said in brief remarks after being pinned by his son.

In an address lasting under four minutes, Coughlin primarily thanked the scores of fire personnel, past and present, who attended Tuesdays ceremony as well as other city officials and his family for their support. I will lead you to the best of my ability with honor. I will honor your past, support your present and we will build our future together.

Elicker said the citys fire department requires a very strong leader and we have that leader in Chief Coughlin.

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At the March 12 committee hearing on his appointment, Coughlin said he wants the department to do outreach for recruiting purposes, similar to what the police do, as well as being more visible within city schools.

For a kid from Fair Haven to be sitting in front of you as the possible next chief of the fire department, what a message that sends to the people of our city, Coughlin said to the Aldermanic Affairs Committee before its members favorably recommended his hire to the full board.

Coughlin said at the committee hearing that one of his top priorities as chief would be to increase mental health resources and peer support groups within the department, noting that the job often takes a mental toll because of the inherent risks. In 2021, city firefighter Ricardo Torres Jr. died while fighting a Valley Street blaze.

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Fire Commissioner Sharon Jones, who attended Tuesdays ceremony, said she was supportive of the choice.
Gaylen Thibodeau, 60, was arrested Monday after pointing a loaded BB gun at juveniles riding e-bikes on Spring Road, North Haven police said. Courtesy of the North Haven Police Department

NORTH HAVEN  A 60-year-old North Haven man was arrested Monday after pointing a loaded BB gun at juveniles riding motorized bicycles on Spring Road, police said.

Gaylen Thibodeau was charged with reckless endangerment, breach of peace, illegal use of a facsimile firearm and threatening, according to the North Haven Police Department.

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Police said officers were dispatched to the largely residential street for a report of an adult male making threats and pointing a firearm toward juveniles riding e-bikes in the area.

After arriving on scene, the officers located Thibodeau, safely disarmed him and placed him in handcuffs, police said.

The reported weapon was determined to be a BB gun loaded with .177 caliber BBs, police said.

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File photo. Rex Heuermann, charged in a string of deaths known as the Gilgo Beach killings, appears in Judge Timothy Mazzei's courtroom at Suffolk County Court in Riverhead, N.Y., for a status conference on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. James Carbone/Associated Press

Rex Heuermann, the suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer accused in the deaths of a Norwich mother and six other women, is expected to plead guilty Wednesday to an eighth homicide, according to Newsday.

The Long Island-based outlet reported that Heuermann, 62, is expected to admit to the 1996 killing of Karen Vergata, of Manhattan. The 34-year-old mothers remains were found about 15 years apart on Fire Island and an area several miles west of Gilgo Beach.

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The Associated Press previously reported that two people familiar with the case said Heuermann was set to change his plea from not guilty at the upcoming court case. The Massapequa Park man has been charged in seven killings.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday. In a Facebook post, Tierney said he plans to hold a press conference after Wednesdays hearing announcing a major development in the Gilgo Beach case.

Tierney said he will be joined by Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, representatives of the Gilgo Beach Homicide Investigation Task Force and family members of the homicide victims.

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Heuermann had been scheduled to go to trial in September, according to the AP. The former architect can change his mind before the hearing and any guilty plea would have to be accepted by a judge, the AP previously reported.

In September, a judge ruled that DNA results from hairs found at the crime scenes of six women would be admissible at the trial. Michael Brown, Heuermann's attorney, said during a news conference at the time that his client would plead not guilty to the charges and that he would attack the DNA evidence during the trial.

Heuermann was originally arrested in July 2023, ending a more than decade-long search for the killer. According to court documents, the alleged murders began in 1993 and spanned at least 17 years.

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Heuermann has been charged with murder and other offenses in the deaths of seven women: Maureen Brainard Barnes, Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor, Valerie Mack and Melissa Barthelemy.

Brainard-Barnes, a Norwich resident, was 25 years old and a mother of two when she went missing in 2007. Officials have said all the victims were involved in sex work.

The first victims were found in the Long Island area of Gilgo Beach in 2010. Dubbed the Gilgo Four, the women were identified as Barthelemy, Waterman, Costello and Brainard-Barnes.

Heuermann initially was charged in the deaths of Barthelemy, Waterman and Costello, but was later indicted on offenses in the killings of Brainard-Barnes, Taylor, Costilla and Mack.

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Heuermann was connected to the crimes by several burner cellphones, a pizza crust he discarded in Manhattan and a first generation Chevrolet Avalanche registered in his name in 2010, according to a 32-page court document filed by prosecutors in 2023.

Investigators determined that hairs recovered from Barthelemy, Waterman and Costello were linked forensically to Heuermann and members of his immediate family, who were out of state at time of the disappearances.

Tierney, the local district attorney, previously said investigators found news articles about the discovery of bodies in a gun vault in the basement of Heuermanns home.

Investigators also found a deleted file on a hard drive at Heuermanns home titled HK2002-04, which they believe he used to methodically blueprint and 'plan out' his 'kill,' court documents state.

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We allege that this document evinces the defendants intent in committing the charged crimes; that his intent was specifically to locate these victims, to hunt them down and to bring them under his control and to kill them, Tierney said in June 2024.
A file photo of U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro. On Monday, DeLauro said she is looking into the detainment of a Southern Connecticut State University student's by ICE agents last week. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW HAVEN  The detainment of a Southern Connecticut State University student by immigration authorities last week has led at least one Connecticut legislator to start asking questions.

In a post on X, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., said she was aware of reports that an SCSU student had been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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"My office has been in touch with leaders at the University and we are working together to gather more information," DeLauro said.

DeLauro's announcement comes after an official at the New Haven-based university shared the news of the student's detainment last week.

Sandy Bulmer, the interim university's president, said in a letter to students and staff that the student was detained off campus and "in another municipality."

A spokesperson for the school declined to share details about the student, including their name, immigration status and where they were enrolled.

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Bulmer said there have been no reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on the university's campus.

"We understand that this situation may cause concern for students, faculty, staff, and families," Bulmer wrote. "Our priority remains the safety, well-being, and dignity of everyone at Southern. We are committed to supporting anyone affected and making sure our campus remains a safe and welcoming place for all."
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters during a news conference in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington. Mark Schiefelbein/AP Relatives react as the coffins with the bodies of Pierre Mouawad, an official with the anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces party, and his wife are carried during their funeral in Yahshush, in Lebanon, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Emilio Morenatti/AP An excavator removes rubble at the site of a strike that, according to a security official at the scene, destroyed half of the Khorasaniha Synagogue and nearby residential buildings in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Francisco Seco/AP Men carry the coffins with the bodies of Pierre Mouawad, an official with the anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces party, and his wife during their funeral in Yahshush, Lebanon, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Emilio Morenatti/AP A nurse attends to a patient at Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Francisco Seco/AP

Irans Supreme National Security Council said it has accepted a two-week ceasefire in the war. Its statement said it would negotiate with the United States in Islamabad beginning Friday.

It is emphasized that this does not signify the termination of the war, the statement said. Our hands remain upon the trigger, and should the slightest error be committed by the enemy, it shall be met with full force.

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U.S. President Donald Trump said hes pulling back on his threats to widen attacks on Iran. The president said that includes an array of bridges, power plants and other civilian targets  subject to Iran being ready for a two-week ceasefire and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Trumps latest threat over the Iran war hit a new extreme earlier Tuesday when he warned, A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again, if Iran fails to make a deal that includes reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz.

The Republican presidents earlier comments were swiftly met with condemnation from Democrats, some Make America Great Again supporters who have since broken with Trump, and the first American pope.

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Here is the latest:

UN chief welcomes two-week ceasefire and urges end to hostilities

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls on all parties to abide by the terms of the ceasefire in order to pave the way towards a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region, his spokesperson said.

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Guterres also calls on the parties to comply with their obligations under international law, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement late Tuesday.

International law requires the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The secretary-general underscores that an end to hostilities is urgently needed to protect civilian lives and alleviate human suffering, Dujarric said.

Jean Arnault, the secretary-generals personal envoy, is in the region to support efforts toward lasting peace, the spokesperson said.

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The Islamic Resistance in Iraq says it will halt operations for two weeks

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed Iraqi militias, said in a statement early Wednesday that it will halt its operations in Iraq and the region for two weeks.

The announcement came hours after the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire.

Iran-backed militias in Iraq have claimed responsibility for dozens of attacks on U.S. bases and other facilities in the country in solidarity with Tehran since the war began.

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Key bridge between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain reopens

The King Fahd Causeway, a key bridge linking Saudi Arabia and the island kingdom of Bahrain, reopened Wednesday morning after an hourslong closure over possible incoming fire from Iran.

The King Fahd Causeway Authority said in its announcement on X that vehicle traffic has resumed.

Israel says ceasefire with Iran doesnt include war in Lebanon against Hezbollah

In a statement Wednesday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said it supports Trumps decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks, but that it doesnt include the war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

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It said the ceasefire is subject to Iran immediately opening the Strait of Hormuz and stopping all attacks on the U.S., Israel and countries in the region.

The statement said Israel also supports U.S. efforts to ensure Iran no longer poses a nuclear or missile threat.

Governments in Asia and the Pacific welcome ceasefire

Australia said it welcomes the agreement by the United States, Israel and Iran to a two-week ceasefire to negotiate a resolution to the conflict in the Middle East.

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The Australian government has been calling for de-escalation and an end to the conflict for some time now, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Wednesday in a statement.

They also criticized Irans de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, coupled with its attacks on commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure, and oil and gas facilities.

In Japan Minoru Kihara, chief cabinet secretary, said his nation welcomes the announcement as a positive development. We hope they reach an agreement.

Winston Peters, New Zealands foreign minister, said on X, that his nation welcomed the effort to end the war.

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While this is encouraging news, there remains significant important work to be done in the coming days to secure a lasting ceasefire, he said.

Australia PM says Trumps threat to Iranian civilization was not appropriate

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Trumps threat to the Iranian population was not appropriate.

Albanese referred to Trumps threat that a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again, if Iran failed to make a peace deal that included reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

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I dont think its appropriate to use language such as that from the President of the United States. And I think it will cause some concern, Albanese told Sky News television on Wednesday.

Weve said very clearly that the conduct of any conflict must be within international law and that provides for making sure that civilians  who arent parties to the conflict  are given every protection possible, Albanese added.

Albanese described the agreement reached by the United States, Israel and Iran to a two-week ceasefire to negotiate a resolution to the conflict as positive news.

Pro-government demonstrators take to the streets in Tehran

Pro-government demonstrators in the streets of Irans capital Wednesday morning after the ceasefire was announced screamed: Death to America, death to Israel, death to compromisers!

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Organizers tried at one point to calm demonstrators, but they continued the chants.

They also burned American and Israeli flags in the street.

It shows the ongoing anger from hard-liners, who had been preparing for what many assumed would be an apocalyptic battle with the U.S.

Iran includes acceptance of enrichment in Farsi version of its ceasefire plan

Iran in the Farsi-language version of its 10-point ceasefire plan included the phrase acceptance of enrichment for its nuclear program, something that was missing in English versions shared by Iranian diplomats to journalists.

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It wasnt immediately clear why that term was missing.

However, Trump had said ending Irans nuclear program entirely was a key point of the war.

Trump after Iran issued its 10-point plan had described it as fraudulent, without elaborating.

Israel is still attacking Iran, military official says

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said early Wednesday that Israel was still attacking Iran.

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Moments earlier the White House said Israel had agreed to the terms of the two-week US-Iran ceasefire agreement.

Iran also kept up fire on Israel.

 Sam Mednick

Israeli strike kills at least eight people in southern Lebanese coastal city

Lebanons Health Ministry said another 22 people were wounded in the strike on Sidon.

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The strike came without warning, and the Israeli military did not immediately specify who it was targeting.

At least 1,530 people have been killed in the latest war between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group.

Pakistan invites Iran and the US to talks in Islamabad on Friday

Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he is inviting Iran and the United States to meet in Islamabad and have further discussions.

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In a post on X, Sharif said that both parties have agreed on the ceasefire.

I warmly welcome the sagacious gesture and extend deepest gratitude to the leadership of both the countries, he said. And invite their delegations to Islamabad on Friday, 10th April 2026, to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes.

There has been no public response from the U.S. or Iran to the invitation.

US confirms release of journalist kidnapped by Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia in Iraq

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed in a statement that American journalist Shelley Kittleson, who was kidnapped last week in Iraq, has been released.

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Kittleson was abducted by the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah from a street corner in Baghdad on March 31.

Rubio said in a statement posted on X, We are relieved that this American is now freed and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq.

He thanked Iraqi authorities, as well as the FBI and U.S. defense department and other U.S. agencies for their work toward securing Kittlesons release.

Vance was involved in talks as deadline drew closer

As the clock inched closer to Trumps proposed 8 p.m. deadline with no resolution in sight, U.S. Vice President JD Vance got roped into the conversation late Tuesday, according to an official from one of the mediating countries who was briefed on the matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity to share sensitive diplomatic discussions.

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Vances office did not immediately have a comment.

Vance is currently traveling in Hungary.

 Farnoush Amiri and Michelle L. Price

Neither Iran nor the US has offered any time for the ceasefire to begin

But a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations, said American forces had halted offensive operations.

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Iran continued to fire at Gulf Arab states and Israel, despite Pakistan saying the ceasefire had taken hold immediately.

- Jon Gambrell

Chinese officials encouraged Iran to find path to ceasefire with US, AP sources say

China, which is Tehrans biggest trade partner, spoke with the Iranians to get them on board, according to two officials who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

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Chinese officials were in touch with Iranian officials to encourage Tehran to find a path to a ceasefire deal as the negotiations were evolving, the officials said.

Beijing primarily had been working with intermediaries, including Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt, as it tried to use its influence, said one of the officials, who was not authorized to comment publicly on the diplomatic matter.

The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Earlier Tuesday, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, said, All parties need to demonstrate sincerity and quickly end this war that should not have happened in the first place. She said China was deeply concerned about the impact the conflict has on the world economy and energy security.

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 Farnoush Amiri and Aamer Madhani

Iran and Oman to be allowed to charge for Strait of Hormuz passage

The two-week ceasefire plan includes allowing both Iran and Oman to charge fees on ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, a regional official said Wednesday.

The official said Iran would use the money it raised for reconstruction. It wasnt immediately clear what Oman would use its money for.

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The strait is in the territorial waters of both Oman and Iran. The world had considered the passage an international waterway and never paid tolls before.

The official, who had been directly involved in the negotiations, spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

 Samy Magdy

Pentagon press briefing set for Wednesday morning

The announcement of the press conference with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, comes after the president announced the ceasefire agreement.

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Israel agrees to terms of the two-week US-Iran ceasefire agreement, White House official says

The official was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Pakistan, which brokered the ceasefire deal, says it extends to Israel and Hezbollah fighting in Lebanon.

 Aamer Madhani

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There are concerns in Israel about ceasefire agreement, says AP source

Thats according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak to the media.

The person said Israel would like to achieve more in the war with Iran.

 Sam Mednick

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Leavitt says negotiations will continue

Asked for clarity on what Trump meant by the Iranian peace proposal being workable, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, President Trumps words speak for themselves: this is a workable basis to negotiate, and those negotiations will continue.

The truth is that President Trump and our powerful military got Iran to agree to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and negotiations will continue, Leavitt said in a statement.

Oil prices plunge after Trump pulls back on threats to widen attacks

Futures for U.S. crude oil sank 18% to around $92.60, while Brent crude oil futures fell about 6% to $103.40.

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Both prices remain well above where they were at the start of the war.

Futures for the S&P 500 rose 2.4%.

US signaled to Israel that strikes were meant to show Iran what could come, official says

Some Israeli officials had begun speculating as Trump neared his self-imposed deadline that he was edging toward finding an off-ramp even as he offered increasingly menacing rhetoric, according to person privy to internal deliberations.

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The U.S. administration had signaled to Israelis that the strikes on military assets on Kharg Island earlier Tuesday and the targeting of Irans two main petrochemical hubs, Mahshahr and Assaluyeh, were sending a clear message to Tehran of what would come if Trump chose to further intensify the bombardment, according to the person who requested anonymity to discuss the matter.

Israeli officials were skeptical and believed the apparent breakthrough could unravel and lead to further escalation if the Iranians dont make good on quickly opening the Strait of Hormuz, the person added.

 Aamer Madhani

US military has halted all offensive operations against Iran, US official says

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive military operations, noted that defensive measures and operations would still be in effect.

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It comes after President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire agreement with the Islamic Republic.

 Konstantin Toropin

White House doesnt immediately clarify what Trump meant by workable Iranian plan

The White House on Tuesday night did not answer messages on why the president described Irans 10-point peace plan as workable.

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Among the points communicated by Tehran were an easing of U.S. sanctions on Iran and the withdrawal of United States combat forces from all bases and points of deployment within the region.

In his social media post announcing a postponement of his threatened bombing campaign, Trump wrote: We received a 10 point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate.

The White House did not immediately clarify what Trump meant or provide details on what a basis for future negotiations might entail.

Missile alerts sound despite Iran and US saying theyve reached a ceasefire

Israel and the United Arab Emirates both sounded missile alerts early Wednesday, despite Iran and the United States saying they had reached a two-week ceasefire in the war.

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It wasnt immediately clear what was being targeted in the two countries, which bore the brunt of the missile and drone fire during the war.

Throughout the war, Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has called the shots in all decisions. Individual commanders have made decisions on what to strike and when, with the nations political leadership sidelined.

Whether they agreed to stop shooting with the declared ceasefire and negotiations being planned in Islamabad remained in question.

However, many Mideast wars see combatants launch last-minute attacks to be able to claim victory with their populations.

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Also not clear: What Iran means in referencing withdrawal of US combat forces

In question is another point messaged by the Iranians  the withdrawal of United States combat forces from all bases and points of deployment within the region.

The U.S. has maintained a network of military bases through the Persian Gulf for decades after the 1991 Gulf War with Iraq.

The bases have served as the regions chief security guarantor and provided protection for the energy-rich Gulf Arab states.

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Iran did not define, however, what it meant by combat forces, potentially giving wiggle room for those bases to remain.

But any step-down in troop levels in the region likely would anger the Gulf Arab states that have suffered through weeks of war.

It isnt clear if Iran will loosen its chokehold on the waterway thats crucial to global energy supplies

Irans foreign minister says that ships would be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, over the next two weeks under coordination from Irans military.

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About a fifth of the worlds oil transits the strait in peacetime.

Araghchi wrote in a statement that: For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Irans Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations.

Before the war, there were no technical limitations. Over 100 ships a day passed through the water in Iranian and Omani territorial waters in a decades-old traffic system.

But any step-down in troop levels in the region likely would anger the Gulf Arab states that have suffered through weeks of war.

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Irans explanation of its 10-point plan says Strait of Hormuz would be subject to regulated passage

Irans explanation of the 10-point plan included its claim that the Strait of Hormuz would be subject to regulated passage ... under the coordination of the Armed Forces of Iran.

It added that it would be thereby conferring upon Iran a unique economic and geopolitical standing. It would also receive full sanctions relief.

These terms would represent an extraordinary step down by the U.S. after 47 years of hostilities with Iran, starting from the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

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Iran says its acceptance of a ceasefire doesnt mean an end to the war

Irans Supreme National Security Council said Wednesday it had accepted a two-week ceasefire in the war.

Its statement said it would negotiate with the United States in Islamabad beginning Friday.

It is emphasized that this does not signify the termination of the war, the statement said. Our hands remain upon the trigger, and should the slightest error be committed by the enemy, it shall be met with full force.

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Trump says talks with Pakistani officials helped lead to his decision to delay bombing campaign

In his social media post, Trump said he decided to delay an expansion of U.S. strikes based on conversations with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Gen. Asim Munir, Pakistans powerful army chief.

Sharif, in a post on the social platform X earlier Tuesday, urged Trump to extend his deadline by two weeks to allow diplomacy to advance. Pakistan has been leading negotiations.

Sharif used the same post to ask Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks.

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Trumps second term has largely been defined by his eagerness to make intimidating threats

And then to retreat if a backlash ensues  a phenomenon his critics have derided as Trump Always Chickens Out, or TACO.

The president backed off on many of the sweeping Liberation Day tariffs he first announced in April 2025 after they caused the financial markets to go haywire.

He also largely dropped threats to impose high levies on many imported products from China, Mexico, the European Union and Canada  among other trade partners.

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Perhaps the most spectacular example came during a January meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Trump insisted that he wanted the U.S. to get Greenland including right, title and ownership, only to switch course and abandon his threat to impose widespread tariffs on Europe to press his case.

Trump says Iran has proposed a workable 10-point peace plan that could help end war

The president added in his social media post that Iran has presented a workable basis on which to negotiate.

Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two-week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated, Trump said in the post.

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Trump says hes pulling back on his threats to widen attacks

The president says that includes an array of bridges, power plants and other civilian targets  subject to Iran being ready for a two-week ceasefire and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on his social media site on Tuesday evening, Trump said Iran could agree to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz and said that hed then suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks.

Since the war began in February, Trump has set a series of deadlines threatening escalation of the conflict, only to back off just before they expire.

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Iran threatens to cut US and its allies off from the regions oil and gas for years

Irans joint military command spokesperson made the warning in a statement responding to U.S.-Israeli attacks.

Ebrahim Zolfaghari said Iran will intensify its attacks on military, security, and economic infrastructure in Israel and on centers related to the U.S. in the region.

Zolfaghari said Irans continued attacks on the infrastructure of the U.S. and its allies aim to deprive them of the regions oil and gas supplies for many years and force them to leave the Middle East.

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White House insists that Trump stands with innocent civilians in Iran

Thats according to a statement by spokeswoman Anna Kelly in response to criticism the presidents comments have received.

As President Trump has said, Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, and the Iranian people welcome the sound of bombs because it means their oppressors are losing, the statement says.

The President will always stand with innocent civilians while annihilating the terrorists responsible for threatening our country and the entire world with a nuclear weapon. Greater destruction can be avoided if the regime understands the seriousness of this moment and makes a deal with the United States.

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 Read more

4 wounded in Qatar after interception of Iranian missiles

Qatars Interior Ministry said late Tuesday that falling debris hit a residence in the Muraikh area, moderately wounding four people, including a child, as the country responds to Iranian attacks.

Trump uses the language of annihilation to threaten Iran

The president who yearned for a Nobel Peace Prize and once reveled in the appearance of solving conflicts has turned to the language of annihilation as he struggles to find a resolution to his war of choice in Iran.

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Donald Trumps latest threat over the Iran war hit a new extreme Tuesday as he warned, A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again, if Iran fails to make a deal that includes reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz.

His comments were swiftly met with condemnation from Democrats, some Make America Great Again supporters who have since broken with Trump, and the first American pope. Some fellow Republicans suggested his comments were a negotiating tactic.

Pakistans foreign minister briefs Saudi, Egyptian, Turkish counterparts on peace efforts

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar late Tuesday briefed his Saudi, Egyptian and Turkish counterparts on Islamabads efforts to promote dialogue and diplomatic engagement in pursuit of peace and stability in the region.

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The Foreign Ministry says Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan discussed the regional situation, and that Dar also spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Iranians fear power outages as Trumps deadline nears

Three times a week, Asghar Hashemi undergoes dialysis treatment at a hospital in northern Tehran. He fears that if power stations are knocked out, as Trump has threatened, his life will be in danger.

Tehran residents rushed Tuesday to stock up on bottled water and charge cellphones, flashlights and portable power banks as the hours ticked down to Trumps latest ultimatum.

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I am worried, but I am more worried about my fellow citizens, Hashemi said, lying on his bed at Tajrish Martyrs Hospital for treatment. Whatever happens, we will stand until the end.

Alaska Republican senator says Trumps Iran rhetoric endangers Americans

Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski on Tuesday said President Trumps threat that a whole civilization will die tonight cannot be excused away as an attempt to gain leverage in negotiations with Iran.

She said on social media that the rhetoric is an affront to ideas the U.S. has long sought to uphold and promote around the world.

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It undermines our long-standing role as a global beacon of freedom and directly endangers Americans both abroad and at home, she said.
President Donald Trump, accompanied by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP President Donald Trump, accompanied by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP President Donald Trump, accompanied by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

WASHINGTON (AP)  The president who yearned for a Nobel Peace Prize and once reveled in the appearance of solving conflicts turned to the language of annihilation as he struggled to find a resolution to his war of choice in Iran.

President Donald Trump's latest threat over the Iran war hit a new extreme Tuesday as he warned, A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again, if Iran failed to make a deal that includes reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz.

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The Republican president's comments were swiftly met with condemnation from Democrats, some Make America Great Again supporters who have since broken with Trump, and the first American pope. Some fellow Republicans suggested his comments were a negotiating tactic.

It followed his threats in recent days that he would be blasting Iran into oblivion and back to the Stone Ages!!! He said he would blow up bridges and civilian power plants, which experts in military law said could constitute a war crime. And on Easter morning, he wrote on his social media account: Open the F-in Strait, you crazy bastards, or youll be living in Hell.

Just over an hour before his 8 p.m. deadline, Trump announced he was pulling back from his threats of widespread strikes, subject to Iran agreeing to a two-week ceasefire and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Supreme National Security Council said it had accepted a two-week ceasefire in the war.

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But Trumps intensifying warnings of widespread and seemingly indiscriminate destruction were a sea change from his January pledge to the people of Iran that HELP IS ON ITS WAY after a brutal crackdown on protests. They were the antithesis of the peacemaking image he spent much of the last year trying to cultivate as he sought a Nobel Peace Prize.

And, most urgently, they raised questions about whether the president was threatening actions that could be considered war crimes, whether he is considering using a nuclear weapon or whether it is all bluster.

The presidents extraordinary threat to wipe out Iran's civilization Tuesday morning came as the conflict with Iran reached a precipice. Iran rejected the Americans latest ceasefire proposal, and the Middle Eastern countrys president said 14 million people, including himself, have volunteered to fight. Meanwhile, there were international calls for restraint, and officials involved in diplomatic efforts said talks were ongoing.

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Experts said that Trump's threats to blow up bridges and power plants could constitute a war crime depending on whether the power plants were legitimate military targets, whether any attacks were proportional compared with what Iran has done and whether civilian casualties were minimized.

Trump on Monday defended his profane language, saying he used it only to make a point, and said hes not at all concerned that his threats could amount to a war crime.

In response to the criticism Trumps comments received, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement: As President Trump has said, Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, and the Iranian people welcome the sound of bombs because it means their oppressors are losing. The President will always stand with innocent civilians while annihilating the terrorists responsible for threatening our country and the entire world with a nuclear weapon. Greater destruction can be avoided if the regime understands the seriousness of this moment and makes a deal with the United States.

Trump's comments drew condemnation and hopes that it was bluster

Sen. Todd Young, an Indiana Republican and a Marine Corps veteran, said that what Trump is clearly trying to accomplish is to bring this whole effort to a close and thats the best way to preserve lives and property and reduce suffering.

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The president clearly, to me, wants to increase the amount of leverage he has immediately so that we can bring this conflict to a close and avoid further bloodshed or suffering from the Iranians, from the Americans or from any other people.

Sen. Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican and a stalwart Trump ally, said Monday before the president's annihilation warning that he hoped Trump's threats to bomb power plants and bridges were bombast.

I am hoping and praying that President Trump is, this really is bluster. I do not want to see us start blowing up civilian infrastructure. I do not want to see that, Johnson said on a podcast. We are not at war with the Iranian people. We are trying to liberate them.

Democratic leaders in the House said in a joint statement that Trump's statement threatening to eradicate an entire civilization shocks the conscience. Their Senate counterparts said it was a betrayal of the values this nation was founded on, and a moral failure.

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Pope Leo XIV said any attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law and called the presidents comments truly unacceptable.

Former Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a stalwart MAGA supporter who has since turned critic of the president, suggested invoking the 25th Amendment, under which the vice president and a majority of Cabinet members declare a president unfit for office and remove him.

Not a single bomb has dropped on America. We cannot kill an entire civilization. This is evil and madness, she wrote on X.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican who often breaks with the president, called Trump's latest threat an affront to the ideals our nation has sought to uphold and promote around the world for nearly 250 years.

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Trump's history of inflammatory threats

Roseanne McManus, a professor of political science at Penn State University whose research has focused on international security and how countries signal their intentions in ongoing or potential conflict, said presidential threats of force traditionally had some restraint and subtlety.

But Trump, dating back to his first term, has broken with those norms, she said. That was most notable when he warned North Korea in 2017 that it would see fire and fury like the world has never seen if it made more threats against the U.S., raising fears of a nuclear escalation. He later said he and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un fell in love, and the threats largely stopped.

Since returning to the White House last year, he has made more incendiary threats and moves.

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Last summer, he joined Israel in striking Iran's nuclear sites, a move that came before a self-imposed timeline for action ran out. Earlier this year, he launched a brazen strike that captured Venezuela's authoritarian president, Nicolas Maduro, and brought him to the U.S. for trial.

He has also suggested using military force to take control of Greenland and has said he believes hell have the honor of taking Cuba soon, but he has so far not followed through on those threats.

Trump has referred to his unpredictability as an asset, McManus said, and has seemed to lean into the Madman Theory, attributed to former President Richard Nixon, that aims to deter adversaries by convincing them hes unpredictable enough to carry out an extreme action.

His actions over the last year, along with increasingly frequent over-the-top threats in recent days to Iran, seem to show that hes been leaning into the strategy to a greater extent in his second term.

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I think the fact that Trump is willing to shatter these norms with his rhetoric could suggest that he is not restrained by the same sorts of things that would restrain a normal leader, she said.

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Associated Press writers Steven Sloan and Stephen Groves in Washington and Nicole Winfield in Rome contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters during a news conference in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington. Mark Schiefelbein/AP

TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  U.S. President Donald Trump pulled back on his threats to launch devastating strikes on Iran late Tuesday, as the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump swerved to deescalate the war less than two hours before the deadline he set for Tehran to capitulate to a deal or face attacks on its bridges and power plants meant to destroy Iranian civilization.

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A girl stands next to replica of a space craft in a memorial for school children who were killed during a strike on a school in southern town of Minab on Feb. 28, in downtown Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP People wave Iranian flags and chant slogans in a memorial for school children who were killed during a strike on a school in southern town of Minab on Feb. 28, in downtown Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP The Damavand power station is seen from a nearby road on the outskirts of Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Francisco Seco/AP Bystanders watch from a distance as rescue teams and first responders work at the site of a strike that, according to a security official at the scene, destroyed half of the Khorasaniha Synagogue and nearby residential buildings in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Francisco Seco/AP Bystanders try to comfort and assist a woman as she reacts near the site of a strike that, according to a security official at the scene, destroyed half of the Khorasaniha Synagogue and nearby residential buildings in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Francisco Seco/AP

Irans Supreme National Security Council said it has accepted the ceasefire and that it would negotiate with the United States in Pakistan beginning Friday. Neither Iran nor the United States said when the ceasefire would begin, and attacks took place in Israel, Iran and across the Gulf region early Wednesday.

Israel backed the U.S. ceasefire with Iran but the deal doesnt cover fighting against Hezbollah in Lebanon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early Wednesday.

His office said in the statement that Israel supported Trumps decision to suspend strikes subject to Iran immediately opening the Strait of Hormuz and stopping all attacks on the U.S. Israel and countries in the region. His office said Israel also supports U.S. efforts to ensure Iran no longer poses a nuclear or missile threat.

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The ceasefire calls for Israel and Hezbollah to halt fighting in Lebanon, according to the prime minister of Pakistan, which has been mediating talks.

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The ceasefire process was clouded in uncertainty after Iran released different versions of the 10-point plan intended to be the basis for negotiations. The version in Farsi included the phrase acceptance of enrichment for its nuclear program. But for reasons that remain unclear, that phrase was missing in English versions shared by Iranian diplomats to journalists.

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Trump initially had said Iran proposed a workable 10-point plan that could help end the war launched by the U.S. and Israel in February. But he later called it fraudulent, without elaborating. Trump has said ending Irans nuclear program entirely was a key point of the war.

Pro-government demonstrators in the streets of Irans capital screamed: Death to America, death to Israel, death to compromisers! after the ceasefire announcement Wednesday morning. They also burned American and Israeli flags in the street.

It shows the ongoing anger from hard-liners, who had been preparing for what many assumed would be an apocalyptical battle with the United States.

Iran and Oman to collect shipping fees in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said passage through the strait would be allowed under Iranian military management. It wasnt immediately clear whether that meant Iran would completely loosen its chokehold on the waterway.

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The plan allows for both Iran and Oman to charge fees on ships transiting through the strait, according to a regional official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss negotiations they were directly involved in. The official said Iran would use the money it raised for reconstruction.

In addition to control of the strait, Irans demands for ending the war include withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from the region, the lifting of sanctions and the release of its frozen assets.

Since the war began, Trump has repeatedly backed off deadlines just before they expire.

In doing so again Tuesday, Trump said in a social media post he had come to the decision based on conversations with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Gen. Asim Munir, Pakistans powerful army chief. Sharif, in a post on X hours earlier, urged Trump to extend his deadline by two weeks to allow diplomacy to advance. He used the same post to ask Iran to open the strait for two weeks.

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Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated, Trump said.

There are concerns in Israel about the agreement, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak to the media. The person said Israel would like to achieve more.

Irans stockpile of highly enriched uranium is still buried at enrichment sites. The program had been one of the main issues cited by both Israel and the U.S. in launching the war.

Earlier Trump threats raised alarms

A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again, if a deal isnt reached, Trump said in an online post Tuesday morning. But he also seemed to keep open the possibility of an off-ramp, saying that maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen.

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Trumps expansive threat did not seem to account for potential harm to civilians, prompting Democrats in Congress, some United Nations officials and scholars in military law to say such strikes would violate international law.

Tehrans representative at the U.N., Amir-Saeid Iravani, said the threats constitute incitement to war crimes and potentially genocide and that Iran would "take immediate and proportionate reciprocal measures if Trump launches devastating strikes.

The U.S. and Israel have battered Iran with attacks targeting its military capabilities, leadership and nuclear program. Iran has responded with a stream of strikes on Israel and Gulf Arab neighbors, causing regional chaos and outsized economic and political shock.

Late Tuesday, Pakistan's prime minister urged Trump to extend his deadline by two weeks to allow diplomacy to advance. In a post on X, Shehbaz Sharif, whose country has been leading negotiations, also asked Iran to open up for two weeks the Strait of Hormuz.

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China, which is Tehrans biggest trade partner, encouraged the Iranians to find a way to a ceasefire as talks progressed, according to two officials who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Before the deadline, airstrikes hit two bridges and a train station, and the U.S. hit military infrastructure on Kharg Island, a key hub for Iranian oil production.

While Iran cannot match the sophistication of U.S. and Israeli weaponry or their dominance in the air, its chokehold on the strait since the war began in late February is roiling the world economy and raising the pressure on Trump both at home and abroad to find a way out of the standoff.

Airstrikes hit Iran, which fires on Saudi Arabia and Israel

Even as the ceasefire was announced, missile alerts continued in the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait early Wednesday, hinting at the chaos surrounding the diplomatic moves. A gas processing facility in Abu Dhabi was ablaze after incoming Iranian fire, officials said.

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Israel was continuing its attacks on Iran, said an Israeli military official who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with military regulations. Iran also kept up fire on Israel.

The U.S. military has halted all offensive operations against Iran but continues defensive actions, said an official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive military operations.

Earlier Tuesday the Israeli military said it attacked an Iranian petrochemical site in Shiraz, the second day in a row it hit such a facility. The military later said it also struck bridges in several cities that were being used by Iranian forces to transport weapons and military equipment.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began, but the government has not updated the toll for days.

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In Lebanon, where Israel is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah militants, more than 1,500 people have been killed. and more than 1 million people have been displaced. Eleven Israeli soldiers have died there.

In Gulf Arab states and the occupied West Bank, more than two dozen people have died, while 23 have been reported dead in Israel, and 13 U.S. service members have been killed.

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Police officers stand in front of the Palace of the Republic prior visit of Donald Trump Jr. and meetings with representatives of the authorities of the Republika Srpska, in Banja Luka, Bosnia, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Radivoje Pavicic/AP Police guard the Palace of the Republic prior visit of Donald Trump Jr. and meetings with representatives of the authorities of the Republika Srpska, in Banja Luka, Bosnia, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Radivoje Pavicic/AP Police guard the Palace of the Republic prior visit of Donald Trump Jr. and meetings with representatives of the authorities of the Republika Srpska, in Banja Luka, Bosnia, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Radivoje Pavicic/AP

BANJA LUKA, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP)  Donald Trump Jr. lashed out at the European Union on Tuesday, saying its liberal policies were discouraging investment and predicted a major fracture between the bloc's eastern and western member states.

The eldest child of the U.S. president said that the biggest players, the biggest names in banking and finance, in tech and AI across the board believe that Europe is a disaster, but the disaster that they feel also needs to be fixed.

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The only way it gets fixed, though, in my opinion is if they (Europe) get out of of their own way, Trump Jr. said during a business discussion in the northwestern Bosnian city of Banja Luka, according to video recordings provided by the official television RTRS television.

Banja Luka is a key city in Republika Srpska, the Serb-run part of Bosnia, whose leaders are staunch admirers of U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The press office of the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo, Bosnias capital, told The Associated Press in an email that Trump Jr. came in a private capacity. The visit was nonetheless seen here as a boost for the Serb separatist political leadership.

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Trump Jr.s trip came as U.S. Vice President JD Vance traveled to Hungary to support the reelection bid of nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban before a highly-contested vote next weekend.

Bosnian Serb politician and former Republika Srpska president, Milorad Dodik, an ally of Orban, said on X that the two visits signal an important shift of the U.S. administration under the leadership of President Trump and the care for this part of Europe regarding the position of Christians.

Trump Jr,, in Banja Luka, said that eastern European countries have a work ethic that has (withstood) some of the woke nonsense that has really been a parasitic thing in the mind in Western Europe.

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I see that creating major fractures in the European Union between those few countries in eastern Europe that actually still believe in common sense, and Western Europe thats clearly missing in the political discourse these days, he said.

Dodik has repeatedly called for the Serb-run half of Bosnia to break off from the rest of the country that is run by Bosniaks, who are mainly Muslims, and Croats. The Serb bid to form its own state and unite with neighboring Serbia was seen as the main cause of the 1992-95 ethnic war that killed more than 100,000 before ending in a U.S.-brokered peace agreement.

The Biden administration in 2022 imposed sanctions on Dodik and individuals and companies linked to him because of the separatist policies that stoked fear of renewed instability. The sanctions were lifted by the Trump administration last year.

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The Trump administration has long been critical of the EU, notably over trade and EU regulation of the technology sector. Its criticism of long-time European allies has intensified during the Iran war.
Jeffrey Beckham, who as secretary of the Office of Policy and Management was Gov. Ned Lamont's budget chief, was replaced in November. In March 10, the governor nominated him for a judge's job in Superior Court. But state lawmakers criticized him last week for his minimal courtroom experience, and he withdrew his nomination. Ken Dixon/Hearst Connecticut Media

HARTFORD  Jeffrey Beckham, a career state employee who most recently was Gov. Ned Lamonts budget chief, withdrew his candidacy Tuesday to be a state Superior Court judge.

It was the second withdrawal of a judicial branch nominee by Lamont in as many days.

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During last weeks confirmation hearing before the legislative Judiciary Committee, lawmakers criticized Beckhams nomination because his courtroom experience was limited before he joined the nonpartisan legislative staff. Beckham drafted laws in the Legislative Commissioners Office and eventually moved into the states top budget job in 2022.

I would like to have my nomination for the Superior Court withdrawn from further consideration by the General Assembly, Beckham, a Tolland resident, wrote to Lamont on Tuesday morning. Thank you for your confidence in me. It was my privilege to serve the state of Connecticut these past 36 years.

On Monday, John Shaban of Redding, a former state lawmaker, dropped his candidacy amid complaints from the Judiciary Committee that he was not forthcoming on details of his 2019 arrest after a domestic confrontation.

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There was bipartisan criticism of Beckham in the Judiciary Committee, both for his lack of courtroom experience and for the length of time since his candidacy was approved by the states nonpublic Judicial Selection Commission. That criticism was led by state Rep. Craig Fishbein of Wallingford, a ranking Republican on the committee.

My concern is that every single case that comes before a judge in our courts impacts someones life, Fishbein said during the hearing last week. We cant just throw people on the bench and say figure it out.

Beckham told the committee, As an agency head, I have had to process complex and sometimes conflicting information concerning policy and budget options, often having to make a prompt decision. Refereeing a vigorous debate and then deciding on a defensible outcome has been a significant part of my job.

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In a statement late Tuesday afternoon, Lamont said after careful consideration, he decided to withdraw Beckhams nomination.

Jeff Beckham is an exceptionally qualified public servant, Lamont said. As secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, he guided complex legal, fiscal and policy decisions that impact every resident of our state. That work required judgment, integrity and the ability to apply the law in real time under scrutiny. Those are the very qualities we should seek in individuals who serve in positions of public trust.

After receiving Beckhams letter, Lamont sent brief withdrawal announcements to the Judicial Branch, Secretary of the State and legislative leaders.

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President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy is among the Democrats who have called for use of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office after his social media threats to destroy Irans 'whole civilization.' (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Evan Vucci/Associated Press U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy speaks during a ceremony honoring the emergency services that battled the Hawthorne brush fire last fall, on May 2, 2025, in Newington. Murphy is among the politicians who have called for the use of the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald Trump from office. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media

As President Donald Trump threatened on social media to destroy Irans whole civilization, Connecticuts senators joined the chorus of those calling for his removal from office.

Trump began on Friday threatening heightened violence against Iran, including an Easter post on his Truth Social site suggesting power plants and bridges could be bombed. Youll be living in Hell, the president wrote.

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If I were in Trumps Cabinet, I would spend Easter calling constitutional lawyers about the 25th Amendment, Murphy said. This is completely, utterly unhinged. Hes already killed thousands. Hes going to kill thousands more.

Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat and Connecticuts senior senator, also publicly suggested that Trump was a danger to the United States, though he stopped short of openly calling for the presidents removal.

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Trumps obscene Easter message leaves no doubt, Blumenthal said on X. Saving our democracy from a seemingly unhinged, clinically unwell President means Republicans must stand with us. Its a historic imperative  working together to stop erratic excess and destruction.

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The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution sets a process by which a president can be removed from office, requiring the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet to declare the president unfit. It was ratified in 1967 and has never been invoked.

A decision to use the 25th Amendment for the first time would be unlikely, Quinnipiac University political science professor Scott McLean said.

Given our partisan environment today, I dont see how a vice president and a Cabinet would actually remove a sitting president from office, he said. Until he actually does something so harmful to the interests of the United States that there is no other alternative, then the conversation will begin. But I dont think were there yet.

Murphy and Blumenthal are not alone in calling for the presidents removal. U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., said on X, Invoke the 25th Amendment in January, responding to Trumps push to annex Greenland.

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U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, D-Calif., also responded on X to the call for the annexation of Greenland by saying, Donald Trump is unfit to lead and clearly out of control. Invoke the 25th Amendment, as did U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Ariz.

The president of the United States is extremely mentally ill and its putting all of our lives at risk, Ansari said on X. The 25th Amendment exists for a reason  we need to invoke it immediately.

Democrats replaced then-President Joe Biden with Vice President Kamala Harris in the middle of the campaign for Bidens second term due to his declining health, and though the 25th Amendment was not invoked, McLean said it cast a shadow.

Theres so many things that these people who already oppose Trump use to question his fitness for office, but none of that will matter unless theres an alternative that Republicans like better than Trump, he said. Right now, there isnt. JD Vance is angling for that spot, but his position completely depends on Trumps goodwill. Theres no way that the 25th Amendment would occur.

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The talk of the 25th Amendment, McLean said, is more an appeal to Democrats supporters than an actual attempt to remove Trump from office.

Democrats need the discussion about the 25th Amendment and the concern about democracy the same way that Republicans need the talk about stolen elections and Epstein files. These are things that support their position with their own bases, McLean said. Those things will remain on that level of talk until Trump actually crosses some of these lines. Hes already crossed it with the Epstein files with his own base, and hes crossed it with the Iran war with his own base. Who knows what will come next?

Despite the criticism of his Easter post, Trump has not backed down from his threats against Iran on social media.

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Individuals and organisations making a difference across West Devon have been recognised at this years mayoral awards ceremony.

The West Devon Mayoral Awards celebrate residents who have made outstanding unpaid contributions to their communities, from fundraising and volunteering to long-term service and environmental work.

Mayor of West Devon, Paul Vachon, praised the winners and nominees for their dedication.

In West Devon we are blessed with having so many people and groups with foresight, empathy and dedication to help and support our communities.

They deserve public recognition, but quite often do not seek it. These awards are our way of saying thank you. Your contributions to our communities are an inspiration to us all.

Among this years winners was Barnaby Ryder, who received the Under 18s award after completing a solo swim across the English Channel, covering 21 miles and raising more than 5,000 for the ManUp?, which supports mens mental health.

In the Over 18s category, Tracey Gyllenship was honoured for her commitment to supporting people living with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue. Roy Young received a commendation in the same category for his long-standing involvement in community projects in Horrabridge.

The organisation award went to the Drewe Arms Community Pub Committee, recognised for saving and restoring The Drewe Arms in Drewsteignton. The volunteer-led group has worked to preserve the historic, listed pub while maintaining its role at the heart of village life.

Tavistock Library was also recognised in this category for its role as a vibrant community hub serving the town and surrounding rural area.

The Mayors Green Award was presented to Pam Pemberton for founding Greatfield Hedgehog Rescue, the only hedgehog sanctuary in West Devon, supporting injured and orphaned animals with the help of a dedicated volunteer team.

Meanwhile, the Long Service Award was given to Edwina and Robin Hill, who have lived in Belstone for more than 40 years. Over that time, they have played a key role in village life and supported a range of local causes, including work with the Mary Budding Trust, which helps children with additional needs.

The awards highlight the breadth of voluntary work taking place across West Devon, celebrating those whose efforts continue to strengthen communities across the borough.
South Devon Lib Dem MP Caroline Voaden is calling for an immediate 10p cut in fuel duty, as part of an emergency transport package to keep Britain moving.

South Devon Lib Dem MP Caroline Voaden is calling for an immediate 10p cut in fuel duty, as part of an emergency transport package to keep Britain moving.

She has called on the Chancellor to bring forward an emergency package of support to help families, pensioners and businesses in South Devon with the costs of President Trumps war on Iran.

The Liberal Democrats have set out a bold new transport plan to keep local communities moving and tackle the cost-of-living crisis:

Cutting fuel duty by 10p, bringing down prices at the pump by 12p per litre.

Slashing bus fares to 1, from the current 3 cap.

Cutting rail fares by 10 per cent.

Making it cheaper to drive electric vehicles, by cutting VAT on public charging and reviewing the unfair network costs that push up charging prices.

Ms Voaden is pressing the government to introduce this package for three months at first, but says it should be kept under review and could be extended if the crisis drags on for longer and fuel prices stay high in South Devon.

She also highlighted the increased impact these rising fuel prices will have on rural areas like South Devon who are more reliant on using cars given the longer distances between towns and less reliable public transport.

She says: Ive spoken to so many families, pensioners and businesses across South Devon who are worried sick about the skyrocketing costs of getting around, caused by Donald Trumps dangerous war with Iran and cheered on by Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage.

In a rural area like South Devon people have no choice but to use their cars to get to work, school or local shops. Local people here are already struggling. This rise in fuel prices is only going to make life even harder for people, especially those on low wages.

We desperately need an emergency transport package to keep local communities moving, including an immediate cut in fuel duty to bring down prices at the pump by 12p per litre. We also want to see bus and train fares slashed and electric vehicle charging costs cut, to help everyone in South Devon save money, no matter how they travel.

We cant afford for the Chancellor to stand back, watch our brilliant community here in South Devon struggle and let Britains economy grind to a halt.
Up to 2,000 jobs are set to move into Plymouth city centre after Babcock International confirmed plans to open a new facility in the former House of Fraser building.

The company says its new Capability Centre will be based at 40-46 Royal Parade, bringing a large number of skilled workers into the heart of the city and increasing footfall for local businesses.

READ NEXT: Long-running Newton Abbot housing dispute sees date set for major planning inquiry

The move will see employees relocate from Devonport Royal Dockyard, freeing up space there to support ongoing Ministry of Defence work.

The development forms part of wider investment in defence infrastructure in the South West.

Harry Holt, Deputy Chief Executive of Babcock, said: Securing a location for our new off-site facility is a significant milestone.

Importantly, it will strengthen the capabilities required to deliver this critical work in the defence of our nation.

The move reinforces our commitment to Team Plymouth, supporting sustainable prosperity by creating high-quality jobs, strengthening Plymouths economy and accelerating regeneration in the city centre.

The plans were first announced last year and are intended to support long-term operations while strengthening Plymouths role as a hub for defence, engineering and skills.

Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, described the move as a huge vote of confidence in the city.

He said it would also create space at Devonport for billions of pounds being invested in new defence infrastructure, equipment, and capability.

Leader of Plymouth City Council Tudor Evans said the announcement marked an important moment for the city, adding that it would deliver a major boost to people and businesses.

The development is expected to increase activity in the city centre, with more workers using shops, cafes and services.

Local reaction has been mixed, with some residents welcoming the announcement, highlighting the potential benefits for businesses.

One said it was a fantastic boost for the city centre, adding that increased footfall could support small businesses and encourage new ones to open.

Others raised concerns about practical issues, with questions asked about parking and whether the building would include any retail space at ground level.

Another resident said city centres needed to adapt, adding that bringing more office-based work into central areas could help support shops and hospitality businesses.

The Capability Centre is also expected to support Plymouths status as a National Defence Growth Area, following a 4.4 billion investment in Devonport.

No start date for the relocation has been confirmed.
Pine martens reintroduced to Exmoor and Dartmoor are doing well and have begun to breed  with several young spotted on hidden cameras.

The Two Moors Pine Marten Project led by Devon Wildlife Trust released 19 of the native woodland mammals at undisclosed Exmoor locations in September 2025, following the release of 14 on Dartmoor a year before.

It is the first time the species has been returned to the moors in more than a century, after they were hunted and trapped to extinction.

READ MORE: Pine martens return to Exmoor for the first time in more than a century

The project is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is a partnership between Dartmoor National Park Authority, Devon Wildlife Trust, Exmoor National Park Authority, Forestry England, National Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust and Woodland Trust.

WATCH BELOW: Pine marten kits and their antics on Devon moorland locations following the successful release of the species in 2024 and 2025. Clips courtesy of Devon Wildlife Trust

Last July remote cameras picked up a mother and her three young  known as kits  moving through Dartmoor woodland and subsequent camera footage has shown an array of charming scenes as the youngsters play, learn and chase each other around.

Project lead Tracey Hamston said: This was the news we were waiting for  proof that the pine martens have established themselves and are doing well.

This years kits should be being born on both Dartmoor and Exmoor around now. We hope to see evidence of this on our cameras when the kits become more active in May and June.

Above: A pine marten caught on remote camera on Exmoor. If you have cameras set up in woodland, please do get in touch with the project team. Credit: Devon Wildlife Trust

Pine martens are the size of a small cat and like to climb trees in search of food which includes wild fruits, mice, grey squirrels and other small prey.

The adults were fitted with tracking collars after their release, which are designed to drop off after six months  the project team will continue to monitor via cameras and would like to hear from any landowners who have remote cameras that capture any pine marten footage, or anyone who spots the animals.

The trackers have revealed a wide range of movement across the landscape. Tracey said: The results show some pine martens stayed close to where they were released, but others travelled some distance, in a few cases more than 20 miles.

The Dartmoor pine martens seem now to have settled forming their own individual territories. Some of the Exmoor animals still seem to be mobile but wed expect most to settle and establish a territory soon.

Its been amazing to see where the pine martens have travelled since their release. We can see that theyve been thoroughly exploring the landscape before settling into their new woodland homes.

READ MORE: Dan Bagur: An insight into why the Pine Marten reintroduction matters for Dartmoor

Ali North is the projects Exmoor field officer. She said: Pine martens are a highly mobile species and so they have kept us very busy trying to keep track of them.

Were excited to moving into the next phase of our monitoring using camera traps to catch a glimpse into their elusive woodland antics. We hope many landowners will want to get involved in our newly launched woodland citizen science survey to help us track their distribution over time.

Landowners with woodland and who have cameras are being encouraged to contact the project by emailing pinemartens@devonwildlifetrust.org

People can find out much more about pine martens and the Two Moors Pine Marten Project at https://twomoorspinemartens.org
Liberal Democrat Jayne Mackie has been elected to North Devon Council following the Fremington and Yelland by-election on Thursday (April 2).

The former teacher, who served five years on the council as an independent from 2018 to 2023, was elected with 752 votes.

Derek Sargent for Reform UK took 496 votes, Green Party candidate Jules Credgington was in third place with 131 votes, Conservative Susan Kingdom polled 116 votes and Labour candidate Douglas McLynn received 12 votes. The turnout was 35%.

A by-election was called after the wards previous independent councillor, Neil Denton, passed away in January.

READ NEXT: Tributes flood in for popular North Devon councillor and devoted family man

Councillor Mackie, who stepped down in 2023 to look after elderly relatives, said she was pleased to have been once more elected to represent the community of Fremington and Yelland.

A resident in Yelland for many years, she has worked in both primary, secondary and nursery schools.

She said: This is a very large ward with many lovely areas which are constantly under threat from overdevelopment and pressure on infrastructure, mainly from government targets.

Along with my colleagues I will put forward the views expressed by the community during our campaign.

Fellow Lib Dem councillor for Fremington and Yelland Frank Biederman said he was delighted Cllr Mackie would be serving alongside him.

He said: I am really looking forward to serving with her again as we continue to stand up for our community and the people who live here.

As we begin this work together, we will also remember our friend Neil Denton whose passion for the community meant so much to so many. 

READ NEXT: Historic North Devon care home sold and set to reopen under new owners

Cllr Biederman said they were committed to continuing to support the Littlemoor Green group and building on the excellent work Cllr Denton started in helping make it such a special place for people of all ages.

Littlemoor Green is a local green space, designated as an asset of community value by North Devon Council last year following a nomination by Fremington Parish Council, of which Cllr Denton was a member.

There are now 24 Liberal Democrats on North Devon Council, the Conservatives and independents have seven members each, the Green Party three and there is one non-aligned councillor.
Work began last month on 16 genuinely affordable new homes in Ilfracombe.

The social rent properties are being constructed at the former Bicclescombe Nursery site and will be prioritised for those who live in the area.

It is the result of a project between Ilfracombe Community Land Trust (ICLT), formed by residents and housing association Aster Group, with close support from North Devon Council, which donated the land for free.

READ MORE: Ilfracombe social homes will be among the first in town for 18 years

Aster has said all 16 new homes will all be available for social rent, offering affordable housing at prices that are significantly lower than private rentals.

The development will see eight twobedroom houses, two threebed houses and six onebed maisonettestyle flats.

Contractor Poltair Construction started work in March and the homes are scheduled for completion by late spring 2027.

Community land trusts are set up and run by people in local communities to develop and manage homes as well as other assets. Ilfracombe CLT was formed with a purpose to create affordable, secure homes for local people to rent with confidence.

Mark Read from ICLT, said: As we move closer to bringing this project to fruition, we want to thank North Devon Council for their cooperation and support.

The housing crisis has hit Ilfracombe hard with barely any quality affordable accommodation becoming available. We are excited to move forward with Aster Group and Poltair in this community-led project to provide 16 homes for Ilfracombe with a hope it is the start of a larger response to the desperate need with which we are all too familiar.

North Devon Council provided funding to enable the formation of the ICLT, technical support from Middlemarch and worked through the feasibility of the scheme through the Community Housing Fund.

It also secured further funding through the Brownfield Land Release Fund, gifted the land at nil value for redevelopment and carried out enabling works.

Lead member for housing and homelessness Councillor Graham Bell said: This is an incredible step forward for the Bicclescombe Nursery site. When I first visited this location, it was a sad building and a blot on the Ilfracombe landscape.

This team have delivered something wonderful for Ilfracombe. The promise of safe, secure homes that enable local families to remain at the heart of their community. My sincere thanks to everyone who has worked hard to bring Bicclescombe nursery to fruition.

In addition to funding from Homes England, the governments housing agency, through its Affordable Homes Programme, the project also received 500,000 from the UK government, through the One Public Estate (OPE) programme.

Amanda Williams, Aster Group chief investment officer, said: Partnering with Ilfracombe Community Land Trust and North Devon Council on this project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when communities, local authorities and housing providers work together.

By transforming a longderelict site into highquality homes shaped by community input, were not only helping to meet Ilfracombes urgent housing need but also supporting a development that truly reflects local priorities.

READ NEXT: Watch adorable pine marten kits thriving on Exmoor and Dartmoor
A new exhibit at the High Desert Museum features vibrant murals, hand-drawn animations, and freestanding, hand-painted art that offer a window into the daily lives of the people who harvest the fresh fruits and vegetables we bring to our tables. Opening Saturday, April 11, Miguel Almeida: Las Manos que dan de Comer (Miguel Almeida: The Hands That Feed) portrays everyday workers and community figures whose labor often goes unseen.

Photo provided

Almeida, 33, comes from a long line of farm workers, a primary source of his artistic inspiration. Growing up amid the fertile fields of the Owyhee and Snake River valleys of Idaho -where he worked alongside his mother during some summers-shaped his connection to the land and the people who work it, themes central to the murals he creates around Boise, Idaho, where he is based.

The art of this first-generation Mexican American prompts visitors to think not only about where our food comes from but also about the people who labor in the fields that sustain us.

"The Museum explores how people and the landscape shape one another, and Miguel Almeida's work brings that relationship to life in a powerful way," said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. "His images center the farm workers, inviting visitors to consider the human stories behind what often feels like an invisible process. The exhibition aims to open important conversations about conservation, land use, and agricultural practices through the perspectives of the people who are closely connected to the land."

The exhibition entrance signals a shift into this world. The gallery facade is transformed with bold color-pinks, teals, yellows, and purples influenced by the artist's visits to Mexico and fascination with the country on everything from architecture to pastries. Inside the roughly 1,000-square-foot space, large-scale murals anchor the gallery.

At the center of the gallery, a hand-painted cutout figure of a worker more than 10 feet tall is surrounded by soil. The scent of the earth and ambient audio of field sounds further immerse visitors in that landscape. On either side of the gallery, hand-painted animations play. One follows a farmworker through the rhythms of a workday - from family life to the fields in all kinds of weather. The other traces the path of harvested food into the modern supply chain, contrasting the experiences of agricultural labor with the everyday act of shopping at a grocery store.

"My hope, through this work, is that people make a connection to who is doing the hard work to feed us," Almeida said. "I wanted to take it a step further and make sure we aren't just reduced to a 'labor force.' We are also humans, with hopes and dreams who are here out of necessity to provide a better life for our children."

The exhibition, translated into Spanish by Almeida, came about after Dustin Cockerham, senior curator of Exhibitions and Collections at the Museum, discovered Almeida's work while on a motorcycle trip in Idaho. Outside of Boise, he was struck by the smell of onions and produce from nearby fields when a mural caught his attention-its bold colors and stylized figures standing out against the working farmland. He began seeing more murals around the city, discovered it was the same artist, and contacted him.

"There's almost a comic-book superhero element to it," Cockerham said. "It's a very contemporary style, influenced by skateboarding culture while also drawing from Mexican folk traditions. What's compelling is how the artist uses this to illuminate bigger issues-our food systems, the land, agriculture-through the lens of the people whose labor is at the center of it."

Miguel Almeida: Las Manos que dan de Comer (Miguel Almeida: The Hands That Feed) is open through Sunday, October 11. It is made possible by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, with support from Central Oregon Radiology Associates.
Governor Tina Kotek has appointed Ellen Waterston of Bend to a second term as Poet Laureate of Oregon. A celebrated poet/writer, educator, and speaker who founded the Writing Ranch and the Waterston Desert Writing Prize, Waterston will serve a second two-year term ending in August 2028. Waterston is Oregon's 11th Poet Laureate, first appointed to the role in 2024.

Photo provided

"Ellen has embraced the role, visiting 23 of the state's 36 counties in the past two years," Governor Kotek said. "In this time of division, both real and perceived, Ellen has been an effective ambassador in uniting Oregonians and reminding us of what we share. I look forward to seeing her continue to harness her artistry to build a stronger sense of community across Oregon."

In less than two years, Waterston has crisscrossed the state to present 84 poetry readings and workshops in 39 Oregon communities.

"It's a particular honor to be in this role at this time in our state and nation's history," Waterston said. "I've come to realize that my job is to showcase poetry in all its forms as a catalyst for mutual understanding."

At a recent appearance in Prineville, for example, a participant's question about whether poetry is supposed to rhyme prompted a discussion about the poetic forms shaped by different cultures and places, including cowboy poetry. "It developed into the most wonderful, robust conversation about all the different poetry forms, from sonnet to slam," Waterston said. "It was one more instance of the delightful and unexpected interactions that result while traveling the state in the name of poetry."

In her second term, Waterston plans to pursue two complementary projects in addition to continuing to deliver workshops and presentations. The first, Poetry in Public Places (abbreviated P!PP), encourages communities in Oregon to display poems in unexpected locations, "from poetry walks to permanent art installations," she explained. She will explore pathways for poets to engage public art in Oregon and will enlist the involvement of public and private construction and remodeling projects to do the same. In the second project she will share the podium wherever she goes with a young poet from that community. Writing from those poets will be included in an anthology of young Oregon poets with the working title "Meet Me on the Divide." Waterston said, "The poems in this anthology will form a daisy chain north to south, and up and over the Cascades."

Later this year, Waterston will deliver a poem commissioned for the 100th anniversary of the Astoria Column in July, and in August will help welcome U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze for the opening of the new East Bend branch of Deschutes Public Library. For a complete schedule of upcoming appearances, visit http://www.writingranch.com or http://www.oregonhumanities.org/events.

"It is truly an honor to meet with people all over the state," Waterston said. "I am so very grateful to Governor Kotek for the opportunity to continue to share my love of poetry and place with Oregonians for a second term."

Much of Waterston's award-winning poetry and prose is inspired by the remote reaches of southeastern Oregon's outback. Her five poetry titles include the just-released "As Far as I Can Anthem," featuring poems largely written during her first term as Poet Laureate. Others are "I Am Madagascar," "Between Desert Seasons," "Via Lactea" and "Hotel Domilocos." Waterston is also the author of four literary nonfiction titles: her most recent are "We Could Die Doing This: Dispatches on Ageing from Oregon's Outback" and "Walking the High Desert: Encounters with Rural America Along the Oregon Desert Trail."

In addition to her work as an author, Waterston founded the for-profit Writing Ranch, which offers retreats and workshops for established and emerging writers, and the Bend-based literary arts nonprofit The Nature of Words, which she directed for over a decade. She subsequently founded the Waterston Desert Writing Prize, annually recognizing a nonfiction book proposal that examines the role of deserts in the human narrative, now a program of the High Desert Museum. She has taught creative writing at middle through graduate school levels and authored the original feasibility study for the OSU-Cascades Low Residency MFA in Creative Writing.

Her work as an author and literary arts advocate was earlier recognized with an honorary Ph.D. in humane letters from OSU-Cascades and, in 2024, with both Literary Arts' Stewart H. Holbrook Award at the Oregon Book Awards and Soapstone's Bread and Roses Award. "We celebrate Ellen Waterston for her work creating a vibrant literary life east of the Cascades," wrote Soapstone. "She created unique and important events; focused attention on the literature of the High Desert, mentored numerous writers, while writing poetry and nonfiction works that have become an essential part of the literature of Oregon and the West."

Waterston received her BA from Harvard University and MA in archaeology from the University of Madagascar. She has three children and three grandchildren and resides in Bend.

Editor's note: Ellen Waterston was profiled in The Nugget's Spirit of Central Oregon magazine: https://bit.ly/spirit-waterston.
The Sisters School District is going into budgeting season looking at a shortfall of roughly $2 million.

According to Superintendent Curt Scholl, when all employment costs are rolled up, the District would need $24.5 million in the general fund budget to cover its current obligations and maintain current staffing. Revenue puts the District at $22.5 million. A combination of increasing costs and lower-than-expected enrollment have led to the shortfall.

In Oregon, schools are funded on a per-student basis. The Sisters School District currently enrolls 1,150 students, which is 30 below its forecast of 1,180.

In anticipation of the shortfall, the District has already imposed a freeze on spending. Scholl told The Nugget that the District will absorb some of the difference with contingency funds. However, the Districts largest cost is in personnel and thats where the greater part of the shortfall will have to be made up.

Scholl said that the District plans to absorb as much as possible through retirements, to reduce any reduction in force. He was unable to give any details on how that will look because the picture had not become clear by press time.

Sisters staffing costs are higher than most, Scholl acknowledged, noting that the staff has been stable for many years, and a large number of teachers have many years of teaching experience under their belts. That is, of course, a benefit to students, but it increases impact on the budget, both through salaries and pension costs.

Weve kind of flat-lined on enrollment, Scholl said.

There are a number of factors that contribute to that, the superintendent noted. After COVID, there was a surge in enrollment as families were eager to return to in-person education.

After COVID, everybody wanted to be live  and we grew, Scholl said.

Some of those families have since stepped away, to homeschool or to enroll in one of a number of online programs that have become prominent across the state.

According to Scholl, Sisters historically has about 60 to 80 kids who do not participate in the public school system. Currently, that number stands at about 150.

Scholl acknowledges and supports the right of choice for families, but thats a dramatic impact for revenue from the state, he said.

The superintendent also believes that the state funding model is not keeping pace with changes in the market, that the state should somehow account for what he sees as an unfair competitive advantage some online programs are exercising by offering stipends to enrolling families, made possible by not having brick-and-mortar plant to consider.

Sisters has many unique or exceptional programs that attract families, and Scholl emphasized that were not cutting programs. The District is also pursuing blended models of online/in-person education and innovative programs to serve students who are not on a traditional path.

The Districts budget committee begins meetings this month.
Sisters sits at one of the more fortunate intersections in the American West, the point where the moist, forested slopes of the Cascades give way to the open high desert to the east. For wildlife, that transition zone is a gift. For anyone hiking or camping in the western Deschutes National Forest around Sisters, it means the chance to encounter an unusually wide variety of animals, from elk and black bears to rattlesnakes and rubber boas.

A few wildlife species of note that ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife) focuses on and are found around Sisters and the surrounding public lands are mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, black bear, cougar, bobcat, Sierra Nevada red fox, gray wolf, coyote, Rocky Mountain goat, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, sooty (blue) grouse, mountain quail, Lewis woodpecker, and pinyon jay, Andrew Walch ODFW District wildlife biologist told us.

The most reliably visible large mammal in the area is the mule deer. These elegant, large-eared animals are practically a fixture at dawn and dusk, browsing the forest edges and meadow clearings throughout the Sisters corridor. Rocky Mountain elk are present in good numbers too, though they require a bit more luck to spot. Your best chances come in the early morning, particularly in open meadows and along the forest-meadow edges near the Metolius River watershed, one of the regions premier wildlife corridors.

Elk and deer are currently on the move from winter range habitats to their summer range at higher elevations, stopping along the way to take advantage of spring green-up of vegetation. While mule deer populations continue to decline, elk herds in the Sisters area are doing very well, with record counts again this year in the Metolius and Upper Deschutes units, Walch said.

Rocky Mountain goats in the Central Cascades continue to do well, with an estimated population of 170 individuals last summer. The majority of goats live between Three Fingered Jack and Mt. Jefferson, he added.

Black bears live in the forests here, and the Deschutes Land Trust has documented their presence in the hills around Sisters. Despite their numbers, most visitors never see one. Black bears are shy, tend to avoid humans, and are adept at melting into cover. That said, standard bear-aware camping practices are wise. Store food properly and dont leave anything scented in your tent.

Mountain lions (cougars) are another thing altogether. They are present in the area, but a sighting would be unusual. These cats are among the most elusive animals in North America, and the vast majority of people who spend years hiking the Cascades foothills never lay eyes on one.

Coyotes, by contrast, are common. You are more likely to hear their distinctive yipping and howling at night than see them, but daylight sightings at forest edges are not rare.

Nugget readers are well informed about wolves, the Metolius pack being nearby.

Gray wolves continue to expand their range in the east Cascades, and denning season is approaching. The annual ODFW wolf report will be released later this month and will show marked increases in the wolf population in Central Oregon, Walch said.

Overhead, the skies around Sisters Country reward those who look up. Osprey and bald eagles soar above the areas rivers and lakes, while red-tailed hawks are a near-constant presence above open ground, often right in town. In the forest itself, Stellers jays announce themselves loudly and often. Clarks nutcrackers work the high-elevation pines, and several species of woodpecker drum away in the snags. At dusk, bats emerge over water, and great horned owls take over the night shift.

Reptile enthusiasts will find the Sisters area particularly rewarding, thanks again to that Cascades-to-desert transition. The Western fence lizard is the star of the show. Males are abundant on sunny rocks and logs, doing conspicuous push-up displays to show off the iridescent blue patches on their bellies. Sagebrush lizards occupy the drier, more open terrain toward the forests eastern edge.

Among snakes, the gopher snake deserves special mention. Not because it is dangerous, but because it is so frequently mistaken for one that is. When threatened, this large, harmless snake flattens its head into a triangular shape, vibrates its tail against dry leaves, and hisses aggressively, doing a convincing impression of a rattlesnake.

It is not one. The actual Western rattlesnake, specifically the Great Basin rattlesnake subspecies, does live in the area, but primarily in rocky, sunny, drier spots at the forests eastern margins rather than in dense timber. Bites are uncommon; rattlesnakes are not aggressive and strike defensively only when surprised or cornered. The sensible precaution is simply to watch where you place your hands and feet around rocky outcroppings.

One of the areas more surprising residents is the rubber boa, one of only two boa species native to North America. Small, slow-moving, and often found coiled under logs and rocks, it is harmless and fascinating, a creature that looks exotic but is quietly at home in the Oregon Cascades.

The best strategy for wildlife watching around Sisters is simple. Go early, move quietly, and focus your attention on edges, the places where forest meets meadow, where dry ground meets water. That is where the transition zone delivers its richest rewards, and where the wild things of Sisters make themselves known.

The Forest Service declined to comment for this story.

With thanks to Oregon Wildlife Coalition, The Wildlife Society, The Deschutes Land Trust and Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.
Photo by Cody Rheault

Pastora Violeta sits across from me in her small, quiet church in the town of Ceiba del Agua, her hair pulled back in a neat ponytail. She wears a black blouse with white flowers on it and quietly leans in to share a national reality.

"Here in Cuba, we don't have the luxury of happiness," she says.

It's a sad reality. Recent nation-wide power outages are plaguing the population. Bare essentials like food and gasoline are rare and pricey commodities, and with recent geopolitical events in Venezuela and the United States' oil embargo, Cuba's roughly eight million people are in an economic and morale free fall. Decades of government failure have brought the island nation to its knees, and today it appears to live on its face.

Cuba holds a certain mysticism. Perhaps it's the fraught history of near-warfare with the United States - the Bay of Pigs, the Cuban Missile Crisis, Fidel Castro and the 1953 uprising - that dots our textbooks and define our perception of the island. While only 90 miles from the coast of Florida, Cuba is the western hemisphere's only single-party communist state, and one at increasing risk of total collapse.

In March of 2026, I traveled to Cuba with a small team from Mission Esperanza, a California-based ministry with the sole focus of aiding the Cuban people. We saw the roads noticeably absent of the iconic 1950s-era vehicles - replaced by fuel-efficient scooters, horse-drawn carts, and pedal bikes. But the absence of hope in the faces tells a more poignant story.

Photo by Cody Rheault

"The situation has worsened and become very critical," Pastor David Moreno, president of Open Bible Churches in Cuba told us. "Families face very serious financial and food challenges. We hear of families eating only one meal a day, and some who are not eating at all because there are no resources to do so. The children and elderly are the most vulnerable populations right now.

"We are witnessing a phenomenon in our country that we have never seen before," he said.

Cuba's national crisis forms from a cascading system of failure. Fuel shortages - with prices hovering around $40/gallon on the black-market - food scarcity and relentless blackouts affect every aspect of survival. Those effects are immediate: transportation halts, hospitals go dark, refrigerated food spoils without power. The third nation-wide total power outage happened while we were there. When we asked when or if power would come back, they shrugged unknowingly, and said, "Welcome to Cuba."

Photo by Cody Rheault

But in the gap of the Cuban government's failures the Christian churches have stepped in. They act as community centers by offering the spiritual and physical help when the nights are long, minds grow dim, and a morsel of hope goes a long way. With soup mixes provided by and shipped to Cuba from California through Mission Esperanza, they are places of meeting physical needs too. Shipping containers with four million meals each are delivered to Cuba and dispersed to local churches. Often cooked over an open fire in a large soot-stained kettle due to the power outages, this soup has become a life-saving resource to local communities.

Life in Cuba has been stripped down to its simplest question: Where is my next meal coming from? Will I even eat today? By utilizing the local churches Mission Esperanza has a method to reach that average Cuban in ways the government can't, even if they had the resources. Like little fingers throughout the communities the churches receive and disperse this food to their local communities and feed the most vulnerable. For children and the elderly, death by starvation is a common tragedy without this resource. The Open Bible Churches of Cuba step into that gap on a daily basis.

"In Cuba we have a saying, 'one more stripe for the tiger.' In other words, one more problem hardly even stands out anymore," Pastora Violeta said. "Happiness may not be a luxury, but we have the joy of Lord. The one thing we desire and strive to do is to carry a message of hope."

The reports from Cuba are carefully monitored by their government, and what we see in the media is a curated glimpse into their reality. There is no doubt that the Cuban people continue to struggle day-by-day on a relentless hunt to meet their basic needs. But the love and compassion from the churches surpasses what anyone could achieve alone, defying the gravity of the national crisis. What's clear is their trust in God to meet their daily needs and a joy above understanding. With that joy comes a resilient hope - one they pour back into their communities as hunger takes hold and the lights flicker out, yet again.
(L-R) Chris Hirsch,

Nellie Kim

ChangeMakers, an independent strategy and communications firm more than 400 professionals across 10 offices in Canada and the U.S., is merging with The Creative Dept., which advises innovative and culture-shaping companies on brand strategy and creative direction. The Creative Dept. will be integrated into the overall operations of ChangeMakers. As part of the move, The Creative Dept.s co-founders will be joining ChangeMakers. Chris Hirsch will come on board as chief innovation officer, based in Toronto, and Nellie Kim will be chief brand officer, based in San Francisco. The change comes as ChangeMakers works to position itself as an advisory firm that combines human creativity and strategic judgment with technology. Chris and Nellie are founders, world-class creative leaders, and strategic thinkersand that combination is rare, says ChangeMakers CEO Stefan Moores. Theyve built businesses, and they understand what it takes to translate clients ambitions into real outcomes.

Full Court Press Communications, a Bay Area-based strategic communications firm that helps mission-driven organizations turn their ideas into lasting social change, celebrates its 25th anniversary. To commemorate the anniversary, FCP is introducing a new slate of resources, videos, toolkits and webinarsa library of resources intended to build on the firms record of sharing what it learns to empower the field. The firm has supported such organizations as the California State Parks Foundation, Santa Clara County Housing Authority and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. Its work spans media relations, communications planning, message development, digital strategy, social media and branding. This anniversary is really a celebration of the changemakers, public employees, community members, and philanthropy partners who have trusted us to help tell their stories and amplify their impact, said Full Court Press Communication founder and principal Dan Cohen.

R&J Strategic Communications marks its 40th anniversary by launching its Moments That Made a Difference campaign, a year-long content series at randjsc.com that walks through six distinct eras of the agency's history, each defined by the communications forces of its time. Originally known as Roberts & John Advertising and Public Relations, R&J was founded in 1986 by John Lonsdorf, Robert Gagauf and Robert Wille. The firm built early expertise in commercial real estate, consumer products and healthcare. In 2012, R&J acquired Fifth Room Creative, a web design and development agency. Today, the agency operates from its Somerville, NJ office, serving clients across commercial real estate, healthcare, human services and nonprofits.
Lexy King

Method Communications names Lexy King SVP to head up the agencys new corporate communications specialist group. King joins Method from Weber Shandwick, where served as Seattle market lead, overseeing regional operations across technology, nonprofit, hospitality and public sectors. She was previously an SVP at Revere, a London-based firm that is part of Daniel J Edelman Holdings. King has extensive experience advising global enterprises and high-growth startups. "She's guided some of the world's most recognized brands through high-stakes moments that could make or break reputations, said Method Communications CEO David Parkinson. Formalizing a Corporate Communications Specialist Group has been a natural next step as Method has grown to meet the demands of CCOs and corporate comms leaders, and Lexy is the right person to build it."

Jay Lee

Five9, provider of the Intelligent CX Platform, appoints Jay Lee as chief marketing and growth officer. Lee was most recently CMO at Icertis, an AI-powered contract lifecycle management platform. Before that, he held the CMO spot at tax and compliance software company Avalara, and he has held senior leadership roles at GE Capital, American Express and PayPal. His role at Five9 will combine global marketing with revenue strategy and operations to create a more powerfully aligned go-to-market engine. Jay brings a rare combination of strategic marketing vision, creativity and operational rigor, with a deep understanding of how to translate customer insight into meaningful business outcomes, said Five9 CEO Amit Mathradas.

Amanda Butler

Sundial Media & Technology Group, which is the parent company of such brands as ESSENCE and Refinery29, appoints Amanda Butler as CMO, a newly created role at the company. Butler joins the company from Netflix, where she most recently served as head of music marketing. She has also held senior marketing and brand positions at Spotify, Red Bull, Beats by Dr. Dre and Microsoft. In her new post, Butler will lead the integration and evolution of marketing strategy across SMTG's portfolio, overseeing consumer marketing, communications, creative strategy and insights, as well as evolving content production into a full-scale studio. Her appointment comes as SMTG evolves beyond traditional media into such areas as commerce, technology-enabled experiences, and data-driven audience strategies. Amanda is a world-class marketing leader who understands how to build brands that resonate at the intersection of technology and the human experience," said Sundial Media & Technology Group CEO Kirk McDonald.
Emblem Public Relations, a Newport Beach, CA-based agency specializing in media relations for beverage brands, bars and hospitality organizations, comes on board as agency of record for LAIE Vermouth, a craft sipping vermouth. Emblem will work to grow LAIEs media presence through proactive media engagement. The brand was founded by Alex Cardona, a Barcelona-based food journalist and cultural curator, and Raj Nallapothola, a Los Angeles-based restaurateur, community organizer and entrepreneur. It is crafted by one of Spains oldest vermouth producers using 20 aromatic herbs and spices. Emblem PR has built its reputation over the better part of two decades by performing for brands like ours with layer upon layer of honest, intentional and compelling stories to be told, said Nallapothola.

AMP3 Public Relations is named official agency of record for Dr. Scholls Shoes. AMP3s scope of work for the client will include brand PR, influencer campaigns, events/activations, mailers, editorial pitching, seeding, collaborations and award submissions. Founded by Dr. William Scholl, the footwear brand opened its first Foot Comfort Shop in 1924. It now offers mens & womens products across such categories as sneakers & slides (such as the Time Off and Madison collections) sandals and boots.

KNB Communications, a healthcare marketing and PR agency, is engaged to elevate awareness around the launch of Novare, a fully integrated clinical and revenue cycle platform built specifically for ambulatory care and developed by Greenway Health. The agency will help to develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy for Novare, including refined brand identity, multi-channel marketing content, earned media, and industry engagement, particularly around such key industry events as the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition. "With Novare, we're fundamentally rethinking the EHR, using advanced AI to reduce administrative burden and allowing clinicians to spend more time on patient care. This has always been our core mission, and it continues to guide everything we build," said Greenway Health CEO Richard Atkin.


Refueling during a combat power exercise Nov. 19, 2018.

(Image by aeroman3) Details DMCA



This will not be popular on this blog:

1. War crimes. Russia has committed war crimes from the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2014. After the 2022 invasion, America and Ukraine held back from doing the same, but this was untenable. Ukraine was getting killed while Russia was just running out of manpower and weapons, while gearing up for more at home. Gradually, Biden & Zelenskyy began attacking Russia too. Now, Ukraine is launching more drones against Russia than the reverse; they are supplying drones to the desperate Gulf states who belatedly realize the U.S. is fighting with near obsolete 20th century technology (not counting satellites) and to their neighboring states (except for pro-Russia Hungary). There are & will be more war crimes.

2. Bridges & Power plants help Iran's military as well as its civilians. Bridges have been blown up in wars for centuries. Power plants supply vital electricity to modern warfare. They are legitimate targets. Without power, however, the desalination plants will halt & already water-short Iran will go without water - civilians first, but military too. This is a war crime, but since there's no water desalination plants just for the military, there's no way to avoid this.

3. Muslim vs. Muslim wars are endemic with war crimes. No one even mentions that. Islam simply does not care about human life the way the West does, yes, even now. It's impossible to defeat them without going down to their level at least sometimes.

4. Islam, led by Iran, is the most imperialist force today and for most of the last 1,400 years. Islam is dominant in 56 countries but arose in only one: Saudi Arabia (or, just "Arabia" before the House of Saud took it over). These countries are never governed by democracy even if they hold some elections; even Iran has an elected president, but the Ayatollahs & IRGC rule it. Islam in its full form is incompatible with the West. There's too many reasons why to explain here, but the fact they shoot 1,000s of their own peaceful unarmed protestors should be all you need to know. Many Iranians want the regime gone even if their country has to be bombed. It's impossible to cut through the propaganda on both sides to know if that's a majority of Iranians. Persia was there 1,000s of years, before Islam in 1979.

5. It's not just Israel's war. Saudi Arabia, the Abraham Accord countries & even pro-Hamas Qatar want Iran controlled, even while they negotiate with them & fume at how ineffective the U.S. is in protecting them.

6. How will this end? It may end...tomorrow. If Trump carries through with his Bridge & Power Plant attack tonight, the IRGC will counter-attack not only our planes - which Trump has set a timetable of 8pm-12am for - but every Gulf country in the region. There's almost nothing America/Israel can do about that tonight. Attack sorties are planned far in advance & tightly choreographed. They don't deviate to "Oh, I think I'll fly my plane to bomb over there, where a missile was just launched." There are tight missions in modern aerial attacks. The entire Middle East may be offline tomorrow. And for years or decades (Geostrategist Peter Zeihan thinks decades), not months. Oil will explode past $150/barrel tomorrow, markets will crash by 5-10% in a day or two, and keep going down as oil & many other important things, keep climbing in price with no real substitutes in the short run.

Israel may survive but it's hurt more than they admit because there's not a lot of "unneeded" territory to forego in that tiny country. America will still have to contend with an Iran in control of the Strait of Hormuz, but it'll be a Pyrrhic victory because no one will be shipping anything. Trump will declare victory. The Gulf states will think very hard about ever allowing America to rebuild their bases/targets in their regions again.

In the medium future, green energy will start to finally displace oil for transportation & electricity wherever possible, since oil will be so expensive. The air will clear. The oil curse will have been cast for a generation, long enough to shift power permanently to renewable sources available in home countries.

Or...Trump could just postpone his deadline, again.

Negotiations could resume, but the ending then is uncertain & prolonged. Will the world wait while oil goes to $150/barrel anyway?
'It's Something So, So Special': Narcis Nedelcu Crowned Champion in Record-Breaking Irish Open Main Event

Frank Visser Live Reporter Copy link

For the past week, the halls of the Royal Dublin Society have been filled to the brim with poker players from around the world. The annual Irish Open, one of the longest-running tournaments in the world, once again cemented its status as one of the premier stops on the yearly calendar, attracting a record-breaking field of 5,003 entries, hailing from 60 different countries, for its prestigious 1,150 Main Event.

After an exciting final day, Romanian regular Narcis Nedelcu was awarded the prestigious Irish Open trophy when he defeated start-of-day chipleader Danilo Donnini in a short heads up battle. Nedelcu secured his largest-ever live haul of 336,798, marking his second six-figure score in just a few weeks as he is coming fresh off a big online win during PokerStars' SCOOP festival.

"I feel amazing. It's something so, so special," Nedelcu shared with PokerNews after his victory. "I just can't describe it right now. I'm now fifth on the Romanian all-time money list, I think. And also fourth online, so yeah, I'm okay," he proudly stated regarding his recent success.

Aside from the money and the prestige, Nedelcu earned a bunch of points for the PokerStars Live Leaderboard, something he is now ambitious to chase for the rest of the year.

"I used to prefer online poker, but nowadays I prefer live poker, so you'll definitely see me in Monte Carlo."

The 2,500,000 guarantee put up by the organizers and event sponsors PokerStars and Paddy Power Poker was absolutely smashed as the final prize pool came to a staggering total of 4,852,910. The original top prize amounted to 517,100, but after the final five players had battled for hours and the chip stacks all became relatively even, they decided to reach a deal, leaving 70,227 aside for the eventual winner. Next to Nedelcu and Donnini, Vasyl Palandiuk, Oliver Gayko, and highest-placing Irishman Daryl McAleenan were part of the five-way ICM chop, each taking home a minimum of 250,493.

2026 Irish Open Main Event Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Narcis Nedelcu Romania 336,798* 2 Danilo Donnini Italy 257,662* 3 Vasyl Palandiuk Italy 255,188* 4 Daryl McAleenan Ireland 250,493* 5 Oliver Gayko Germany 285,379* 6 Francesco Gisolfi Italy 105,070 7 Isaac Barker United Kingdom 80,800 8 Matthew Twomey Ireland 62,170 9 Edward Dunphy Ireland 47,800

* denotes five-way ICM deal

Final table

Nedelcu Navigates Early Stages

The final day started with ten players returning, meaning they were one elimination away from making the final table. After a rough start, Finnish player Jarkko Suokas became the unfortunate final table bubble, with Donnini taking the last of his chips. Nedelcu came into the final table in the same position as he started the day, right in the middle of the pack.

After the eliminations of Edward Dunphy and Matthew Twomey, Nedelcu found himself all-in and at risk. His jacks held against the nines of Isaac Barker, and he doubled up. Not much later, he eliminated Barker to grab the chip lead for the first time. Donnini then eliminated Francesco Gisolfi, who had qualified online for just 10, in sixth place, leaving five contenders remaining.

Francesco Gisolfi

Negotiating a Deal

For over three hours, the final five contenders battled, with the chip lead changing every so often. Eventually, the stacks got relatively even, and deal discussions were initiated. The players did not need long to come to an agreement, deciding on an ICM chop while leaving over 70,000 and the trophy to play for.

"I didn't feel pressure about the money, but I did feel the pressure about the blinds. They go very big, and the variance is higher. So yeah, it's better like this," Nedelcu explained regarding the deal.

After the players had agreed on the payouts, Nedelcu did not need long to close out his victory. He picked up queens to send Gayko and McAleenan to the rail in one fell swoop, and sent Palandiuk packing in third place only a few minutes later. Starting with a three-to-one chip lead, Nedelcu decided the heads up in four hands. In the end, the short-stacked Donnini's king-six could not beat the ace-deuce of Nedelcu in a preflop confrontation, earning Nedelcu the prestigious trophy and forever etching his name in the rich history of the Irish Open as a Main Event champion.

Narcis Nedelcu

However, the Irish Open is not done yet for the year. The longest-running European poker event has announced it is going international, with the first stop in Sydney, Australia, taking place September 615, and a second one in Marrakech, Morocco planned for November 10-15. A stop in the United States is also in the works for early 2027. In fact, the first Day 1 for the AU$1,000,000 guaranteed Irish Open Australia Main Event was held in Dublin today.

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"Reggie_Degen" Dominates 888poker $100K RAKELESS Mystery Bounty

Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link

The latest edition of the $100,000 Mystery Main Event online at 888poker took place over the Easter holiday, and saw 836 entrants take to the virtual felt. Throughout April, anyone entering this tournament will not pay rake, meaning all $109 of their buy-in goes into the prize pool.

The 836-strong field was reduced to the eight-handed final table on Day 1, with those finalists returning to their seats the following day to wrap up matters. All the biggest mystery bounties had been claimed by this point, with "Gladius1337" opening the golden envelope containing the $10,000 jackpot bounty. Both "marcospaolo" and final table chip leader "alucilveks" banking a $3,000 bounty.

$100,000 RAKELESS Mystery Main Event Final Table Chip Count

Rank Player Country Bounties Chip Count Big Blinds 1 alucilveks Austria $3,256 3,205,473 92 2 blufingbaldy United Kingdom $1,384 2,517,769 72 3 Reggie_Degen Canada $2,428 1,913,875 55 4 TheHeuyLewis Brazil $564 1,492,674 43 5 pwnji Finland $676 1,244,927 36 6 kukufz Austria $1,000 847,038 24 7 Johny_Zara Kazahkstan $1,128 790,294 23 8 Darki99 Malta $544 527,950 15

888poker ambassadors Nick "eastyyy22" Eastwood and Aaron "abarone68" Barone took up their positions in the commentary booth and ran their expert eyes over the action throughout the two-hour Twitch broadcast.

The duo didn't have long to wait before they had to commentate on the first elimination at the final table. Malta's "Darki99" had sat down with 15 big blinds, which was the shortest stack, but they managed to double up. However, after "Reggie_Degen" had min-raised in early position, "pnwji" had called in late position, and "alucilveks" had squeezed from the cutoff, "Darki99" four-bet all-in for 30 big blinds on the button with ace-king. Everyone folded, except "alucilveks," who called with those pocket deuces. "alucilveks" won the flip comfortably, hitting a set on the river.

Around 25 minutes later, another coinflip reduced the player count. "blufingbaldy" min-raised with king-trey of spades from early position, "Reggie_Degen" called with pocket eights from the next seat along, only to see "Johny_Zaza" rip in 11.7 big blinds with ace-queen in the cutoff. Only "Reggie_Degen" called, and they won the hand courtesy of a five-high board.

The final six became five when Finland's "pwnji" ran out of luck. The action folded to "Reggie_Degen" in the small blind, and they moved all-in for 9.5 big blinds effective with nine-eight. "ownji" instantly called from the big blind with king-queen of clubs. "pwnji" was a 66% favorite to win the hand, according to the PokerNews Odds Calculator, but that all changed when an eight appeared on the flop. A seven on the turn followed by an ace on the river were of no help to the at-risk player, and they crashed out in sixth.

Despite being the chip leader at the start of five-handed play, "alucilveks" was the next player heading for the showers. First, they lost a chunk of their stack bluffing with king-queen of spades in a battle of the blinds with "TheHeuyLewis" only to discover the latter had flopped a set of deuces. They then lost an all-in with pocket nines against the ace-king of "kukufz" and they never recovered. Their final action in the $100,000 RAKELESS Mystery Main Event was to three-bet shove for 16.5 big blinds from the big blind after "Reggie_Degen" had opened from the small blind. "Reggie_Degen" quickly called with ace-queen and flopped an ace to bust the one-time chip leader in fifth.

Fourth place went to Austria's "kukufz." Their stack had dwindled to a shade under nine big blinds, and they committed that short stack from the small blind with ten-six of clubs. Unfortunately for them, "blufingbaldy" called with the dominating king-six and they made the call. An unnecessary king on the river won the pot for "blufingbaldy" and resigned "kukufz" to a fourth-place finish.

Three-handed play lasted approximately 15 minutes, ending with "blufingbaldy" heading for the rail. Brazilian "TheHeuyLewis" completed the small blind with ace-nine then called the 24.6 big blind shove from "blufingbaldy," which they made with ace-four of diamonds. A nine on the flop left the all-in player at risk of busting, and while a four on the turn gave them some hope, the river bricked, and heads-up was set.

That hand gave "TheHeuyLewis" an 88.8 to 68 big blind advantage over "Reggie_Degen" going into heads-up. A huge hand went down that turn the heads-up match in "Reggie_Degen"'s favour. "TheHeuyLewis" min-raised on the button with nine-four of diamonds, and "Reggie_Degen" called with jack-five of diamonds. An all-diamond three-ten-eight flop ignited the blue touchpaper, and after a flurry of bets, "Reggie_Degen" had their 47 big blinds in the middle, and "TheHeuyLewis" had called. "TheHeuyLewis" was drawing dead and was now trailing "Reggie_Degen" by 99.1 big blinds to 26.3.

Diamonds were involved in the final hand of this weekend's $100,000 RAKELESS Mystery Main Event. "TheHeuyLewis" min-raised with pocket eights, "Reggie_Degen" called with queen-five of diamonds, and the flop fell ten-eight-four with two diamonds showing. "Reggie_Degen" check-called a continuation bet on the flop before checking again on the six turn, which put two clubs into view. "TheHeuyLewis" fired another bet, "Reggie_Degen" moved all-in, and "TheHeuyLewis" called off their last 8.8 big blinds with their set of eights. The nine of diamonds on the river improved "Reggie_Degen" to a flush, which eliminated "TheHeuyLewis" in second place, and concluded 888poker's flagship weekly tournament.

$100,000 RAKELESS Mystery Main Event Final Table Results

Rank Player Country Bounties Prize Total Prize 1 Reggie_Degen Canada $2,901 8,140 $11,041 2 TheHeuyLewis Brazil $628 $6,050 $6,678 3 blufingbaldy United Kingdom $1,584 $4,375 $5,959 4 kukufz Austria $1,000 $2,975 $3,975 5 alucilveks Austria $3,320 $1,975 $5,295 6 pwnji Finland $676 $1,435 $2,114 7 Johny_Zaza Kazahkstan $1,128 $1,000 $2,128 8 Darki99 Malta $544 $750 $1,294

The RAKELESS Mystery Main Event next runs on April 12 only at 888poker. Satellites from $0.10 are in the tournament lobby right now, opening the door for most players to take a shot at a $100,000 guaranteed prize pool.

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Ali Rockett covers the city of Charleston, from inside City Hall to outer West Ashley. She previously worked at papers in Virginia and her home state of North Carolina.
Business and Tourism Reporter

Megan Fernandes is a Business and Tourism Reporter for the Post and Courier. She is an award-winning reporter, who has worked in the newspaper industry from coast-to-coast.
Charleston, SC (29403)

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Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 63F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 63F. Winds light and variable.
Nick Reynolds covers politics for the Post and Courier. A native of Central New York, he spent three-and-a-half years covering politics in Wyoming before joining the paper in late 2021. His work has appeared in outlets like Newsweek, Poynter, the Associated Press, and the Washington Post. He lives in Columbia.
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Strengthening Legal Advocacy for Complex and Emotionally Charged Family Law DisputesHOUSTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / April 6, 2026 / Daniel Ogbeide Law, a respected family law firm based in Houston, Texas, has announced the expansion of its legal services to better support families navigating high conflict family court cases across Texas. This initiative is designed to address the growing need for structured legal guidance in cases involving intense disputes over custody, property division, and parental rights."High conflict cases require more than standard legal representation," said Daniel Ogbeide, founder and principal attorney. "They require careful planning, consistent communication, and a clear understanding of how to protect both parental rights and long-term stability. Our goal is to help families move through these difficult situations with confidence and structure." Family law cases are often emotionally demanding, but high conflict situations introduce additional layers of complexity that can overwhelm families. According to research published by the American Psychological Association, prolonged legal disputes between parents are associated with increased stress levels in both adults and children, often leading to long-term emotional and financial consequences. In Texas courts, contested family law cases continue to rise, with custody disputes and property disagreements ranking among the most litigated matters.Daniel Ogbeide Law recognizes that families facing these challenges often struggle with uncertainty, communication breakdowns, and the pressure of making life-changing decisions under stress. The firm's expanded services aim to provide clarity, strategic direction, and consistent legal advocacy throughout each stage of the court process.High conflict cases frequently involve disagreements over parenting arrangements, financial responsibilities, and the division of marital assets. These disputes can escalate when communication between parties breaks down or when there are concerns related to safety, relocation or financial transparency. Families may also face additional challenges when allegations arise during proceedings, which can complicate timelines and increase emotional strain.The expanded legal support initiative focuses on several key areas that commonly arise in high conflict family law cases. These include contested divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, child support modifications, and complex property division matters. The firm also provides representation in cases involving appeals, where trial court decisions may require review due to legal or procedural concerns.Data from the National Center for State Courts highlights that contested family law cases often take significantly longer to resolve than uncontested matters, with some cases extending over many months or even years. This prolonged process can place financial strain on families while also affecting children's sense of stability. Daniel Ogbeide Law's approach emphasizes early case assessment, detailed documentation, and strategic planning to help reduce unnecessary delays and support more efficient outcomes.In addition to litigation support, the firm incorporates structured negotiation and mediation strategies when appropriate. While not all high conflict cases can be resolved outside of court, carefully guided discussions can sometimes help reduce tension and clarify expectations. This approach allows families to maintain greater control over decisions that directly affect their future.Another critical component of the firm's expanded services is support for families dealing with overlapping legal issues. High conflict cases often intersect with concerns such as child protective services involvement, domestic safety issues or financial disputes involving significant assets. Each of these factors requires careful coordination and a comprehensive understanding offamily law .Research from the Urban Institute indicates that families with access to legal representation during complex family law proceedings are more likely to reach outcomes that align with legal standards and long-term stability. Legal guidance helps ensure that evidence is properly presented, timelines are followed, and procedural requirements are met. Without this support, families may face decisions that do not fully reflect their circumstances.Daniel Ogbeide Law's expanded services are designed to address these concerns by providing consistent legal guidance from the initial consultation through the resolution of the case. The firm works closely with clients to understand their priorities, gather necessary documentation, and develop strategies tailored to their specific situation.Families involved in high conflict cases often express concerns about fairness, financial security, and the wellbeing of their children. The firm's approach focuses on addressing these concerns directly, ensuring that each case is handled with attention to detail and a commitment to achieving balanced outcomes.The expansion also includes increased resources for case preparation, including financial analysis, documentation review, and coordination with relevant professionals when needed. This allows the firm to manage complex cases more effectively and provide clients with a clear understanding of their legal position."Every family's situation is unique," Ogbeide added. "We take the time to understand each client's concerns and build a strategy that reflects their goals. High conflict cases are challenging, but with the right support, families can navigate them more effectively and move toward a more stable future." As family law continues to evolve in response to changing social and economic conditions, Daniel Ogbeide Law remains committed to adapting its services to meet the needs of the communities it serves. The firm's expanded legal support initiative reflects its ongoing dedication to providing accessible, thoughtful, and effective representation for families across Texas.About Daniel Ogbeide LawDaniel Ogbeide Law is a Houston, Texas-based family law firm dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services in matters including child custody, child support, property division, prenuptial, postnuptial agreements anddivorce in Houston , and related family law concerns. The firm is known for its client-focused approach, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving fair outcomes in complex legal matters.Contact DetailsContact Name: Daniel OgbeideWebsite: https://www.expertsinfamilylaw.com/Phone: 832-321-7005Email:daniel@ danielolaw.comAddress: Daniel Ogbeide Law, PLLC, 7324 Southwest Fwy, Suite 1040, Houston, TX 77074, United StatesSOURCE: Daniel Ogbeide Law
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 6, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Banco Santander, S.A. ("Santander" or the "Company") (NYSE:SAN). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.The investigation concerns whether Santander and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.[Click here for information about joining the class action]On February 27, 2026, Reuters published an article entitled "Wall Street hit by UK mortgage lender collapse, raising fears of more credit  cockroaches.'" The article reported that "Wall Street lenders on Friday were rocked by the implosion of little-known UK mortgage provider Market Financial Solutions Ltd, fueling concerns about wider losses among banks and reviving warnings of more cockroaches'" - i.e., signifiers of deeper risks - "in the booming private credit industry." The article further reported that Santander faces potential losses from the Market Financial Solutions collapse.Following publication of the Reuters article, Santander's American Depositary Share ("ADS") price fell $0.98 per ADS, or 7.57%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $11.96 per ADS on February 28, 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
Global financial data and analytics provider Bloomberg has been credited at the Central Banking Awards 2026 for efforts in supporting foreign exchange market reforms in Nigeria through provision of financial market infrastructure.

The company got recognition in the Financial Markets Infrastructure Services  Wholesale category for helping the Central Bank of Nigeria deploy BMatch system (an automated solution and order book used for matching FX trades), according to a statement by Bloomberg on Tuesday.

BMatch is designed to improve efficiency, transparency and price discovery in the FX market in the course of interbank foreign exchange transactions.

The platform has helped to increase transparency, liquidity and resilience in the Nigerian market, aligning the countrys FX market with global best practices, Bloomberg said.

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Andrew Beacham, the global head of Emerging Markets Trading Product at Bloomberg, stated: Its been a lot of work to get this far  implementation of switch auctions requires close co-ordination between auctioneer and primary dealers to make sure they understand the new functionality  but our clients really appreciated the efficiency and cost savings this brings.

It has been very exciting for us to see this, he added.

The Central Bank of Nigeria had last month been named as the global central bank of the year 2026 by the Central Banking Awards for its raft of far-reaching reforms aimed at restoring stability and confidence to the economy after the country return to orthodox monetary policy in 2023.

READ ALSO: Nigeria university to honour African president whose government is accused of killing protesters

The tough but investor-friendly reforms liberalised foreign exchange trading by unifying exchange rates across various FX windows, sharply devalued the naira to attract foreign capital, and implemented new rules in the FX market to enhance transparency and boost foreign reserves.

One of the biggest wins so far is the surge in the countrys net foreign-exchange reserves, which accelerated to $34.8 billion at the end of last year from $4 billion two years prior, marking a 772.2 per cent increase.

As of March, Nigeria and Sri Lanka were the most recent countries to adopt BMatch for interbank trading in the domestic spot FX market. Deploying the solution in Nigeria involved more than 30 banks in all.
A draft decision to endorse former Senegalese president Macky Salls candidacy for United Nations (UN) Secretary-General has been rejected by the African Union (AU). In a 27 March statement, the AU said 20 of its 55 member states either objected or requested an extension of the 24-hour deadline.

Rather than signalling African disunity, the outcome highlights the AUs ability to manage and regulate the endorsement of African candidacies for international positions.

The failure of the draft decision appears to end an atypical diplomatic sequence surrounding Africas only candidacy to succeed Antonio Guterres. A key factor was the absence of formal backing from Mr Salls own country, Senegal, where his political legacy continues to be contested.

The bid was submitted to the UN on 2 March by Burundi, whose President Evariste Ndayishimiye took over the rotating AU chairmanship on 14 February. The submission blurred the line between a national initiative and a continental endorsement. Its timing, just two weeks after the AU summit, may have created the impression of formal AU backing, prompting some confusion in Addis Ababa.

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AU procedures require candidacies to be submitted and reviewed by the Committee of Permanent Representatives and the Ministerial Committee before reaching the Executive Council for a decision by consensus or a two-thirds majority. This ensures a collective review, based on consultations among member states.

In this case, Mr Salls name was not on the list of African candidacies presented to the Executive Council at the February AU summit and was not formally discussed by heads of state. Burundis submission of the draft decision to the UN and AU member states appears to have been a late attempt to secure formal continental endorsement.

The initiative relied on a silence procedure  a mechanism widely used across multilateral institutions whereby decisions are adopted in the absence of formal objections within a specified timeframe. Typically reserved for routine or administrative matters, it is used to streamline processes between summits rather than resolve substantive or political questions.

In this case, the draft decision set a 24-hour deadline and a threshold of one-third of eligible member states  that is, countries which are up to date with their AU contributions and not under suspension. According to a Senegalese high official, this amounted to 49 eligible states.

In total, 20 countries broke the silence, including Algeria, South Africa, Liberia, Nigeria and Rwanda. Fourteen raised formal objections, while six, including Egypt, requested an extension of the 24-hour deadline. Senegal distanced itself from the process, saying it had not been associated with Burundis initiative. After the deadline, Egypt and Liberia withdrew their positions, without affecting the outcome.

The objections focused primarily on procedural grounds. Several states felt the silence procedure was inappropriate for a substantive decision, citing limited scope for discussion and the short timeframe. The one-third threshold also departs from established practice, which allows just one or more objections to suffice.

Beyond these concerns, using the silence procedure to decide a political candidacy introduced a degree of ambiguity. It required opponents to come forward publicly, while effectively treating the 35 silent states as supporters, despite their possible positions ranging from active backing to tacit acceptance or unexpressed reservations.

This uncertainty was exacerbated by the UNs informal regional rotation principle, which favours Latin American and Caribbean candidates to succeed Mr Guterres, as reflected in Nigerias objection.

Using the silence procedure limited the scope for discussing Salls candidacy. A more open process would have allowed states to weigh Salls strengths against questionable aspects of his record and AU governance standards. It would have enabled an assessment of the diplomatic costs of backing a candidate not endorsed by Senegal.

Mr Sall has a high-level political and diplomatic profile. An experienced former head of state, he served as AU chair in 2022, where he was a key advocate for greater African representation in global governance and helped secure the AUs G20 seat. He served as French President Emmanuel Macrons Special Envoy for the Paris Pact for People and the Planet after leaving office.

At the same time, his domestic record is contested. His final 2019-2024 term was marked by significant political tensions and judicial controversies. Following his departure, questions were raised about his management of public finances.

The failure of the draft decision has been widely interpreted as a rejection of Mr Salls candidacy, and as evidence of Africas inability to speak with one voice. While sensitivities around Mr Salls perceived diplomatic alignment with Morocco and the UNs regional rotation principle likely shaped positions, this episode ultimately highlights the resilience of the AUs selection processes.

Faced with an attempt to secure implicit endorsement, the AUs internal mechanisms averted a contested outcome that could have divided member states and cost the institution dearly.

By allowing a sitting AU chair to endorse a candidate for a major international post outside established procedures, the move risked setting another damaging precedent for AU decision-making. In 2025, the former chair, Angolas President Joao Lourenco, appointed Burundis president as Special Envoy to the Sahel, a prerogative vested in the AU Commission chair rather than the AU chair.

The failure of Burundis initiative thus helped preserve the integrity of the AUs multilateralism. It also reinforced the Ministerial Committee as the primary channel for advancing African candidacies within the international system.

At a time when multilateral organisations are under stress, the commitment shown by African member states to AU procedures is encouraging. Ultimately, the AU has done well to pass this stress test.

Djiby Sow, Senior Researcher, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Regional Office for West Africa and the Sahel

(This article was first published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish).
Iran has flatly rejected an American ceasefire proposal and issued its own list of counter-demands, even as US President Donald Trump threatens to unleash devastating strikes on Iranian infrastructure if no agreement is reached by Tuesday evening.

There is no sign of an imminent deal.

Mr Trump himself described Tehrans response to Washingtons ceasefire offer as significant but ultimately not good enough, leaving both sides locked in a dangerous standoff with no clear resolution in sight.

The American president has set an 8 pm Eastern Time deadline on Tuesday for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though his deadlines have shifted at least three times in the past three weeks.

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If no agreement is reached, Mr Trump has threatened the complete demolition of Irans key infrastructure, warning on Monday that very little is off-limits.

Within four hours, every bridge and power plant in the nation will be decimated, Mr Trump warned, adding that to avoid such a fate, Iran must make a deal thats acceptable to me, which must include free traffic of oil through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran dismisses threats, vows retaliation

Iran is demanding the lifting of longstanding American sanctions, a compromise on uranium enrichment, and the establishment of a new order governing the Strait of Hormuz  terms Washington has so far found unacceptable.

Irans military has also dismissed Mr Trumps threats as delusional, saying they cannot conceal what it described as American disgrace and humiliation in the region, according to Iranian state media.

Iranian officials have also firmly vowed to retaliate against any strikes on the countrys infrastructure, and Tehran has refused to consider even a temporary ceasefire.

Death toll mounts as attacks intensify

Al Jazeera has reported that US-Israeli strikes across Iran have intensified, with universities and oil facilities among the civilian targets hit. Iranian missiles and drones have simultaneously continued to target sites across the Gulf region.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), which leads military operations in the Middle East, said its forces have attacked more than 13,000 Iranian targets since the conflict began.

According to a US-based human rights group, more than 3,500 people have been killed in Iran since the start of the US-Israeli offensive, including at least 1,665 civilians. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said Monday recorded the highest rate of attacks in 10 days, with 49 civilians killed in a single day.

Rail services suspended, Israel struck by Iranian missiles

Irans Fars news agency reported that railway services have been cancelled in Mashhad, in the countrys north-east, following a warning from the Israeli military that Iranians should avoid travelling by train as it endangers your life.

The governor of Mashhad confirmed that trains would cease operations until further notice as a precaution, while authorities said alternative road transport remained available for passengers who could not delay their journeys.

Iran also launched fresh missile salvoes at Israel.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that its air defence systems were working to intercept the incoming missiles, and subsequently cleared members of the public to leave sheltered spaces after earlier ordering them to take cover.

Emergency services in Israel released footage showing damage caused in central Israel by what was described as an Iranian ballistic missile strike. While it was not immediately confirmed whether anyone was injured in that specific attack, Israels Ministry of Health said 133 people had been taken to the hospital in the preceding 24 hours.

Gulf states under fire

The conflict continues to spread deep into the Gulf region.

Saudi Arabias Ministry of Defence said it had destroyed 18 Iranian drones fired at the kingdom in the space of a few hours. Riyadh also closed the King Fahd Causeway  the only road linking Saudi Arabia to Bahrain after Iran threatened to strike the Eastern Province, which hosts a US Navy fleet.

Bahraini authorities asked residents to shelter in place overnight as alarm sirens sounded across the country.

The United Arab Emirates said on Tuesday that it was working to intercept both missiles and drones launched from Iran overnight. Its Defence Ministry had reported on Monday that 519 ballistic missiles and 2,210 drones had been fired at the UAE since the war began.

Israel hits Iranian petrochemical plants

The IDF said it struck a third Iranian petrochemical complex on Monday, a facility in Shiraz, in south-western Iran, which it said produced nitric acid used in ballistic missile manufacturing.

The strike followed two earlier attacks on the same day: one on the South Pars petrochemical plant in Asaluyeh in southern Iran, and another on the Marvdasht Petrochemical Complex in Fars province, according to Al Jazeera.

Turkish ships navigate Hormuz

Amid the turmoil, a third Turkish-owned vessel passed through the war-torn Strait of Hormuz, Turkeys Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu confirmed  a sign that some commercial navigation through the critical waterway continues despite the conflict.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commenced an indefinite nationwide strike, with its members withdrawing services across public hospitals.

The action follows a directive issued in a statement at the end of an extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, where members of the association deliberated on recent developments affecting their welfare and remuneration.

Policy reversal

In the communique, the association expressed grave concern and total disappointment over the federal governments decision to reverse the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT), effective April 2026.

NARD described the move as a breach of prior agreements and established remuneration frameworks, warning that it could further worsen the already fragile welfare conditions of resident doctors and other health workers across the country.

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The association said the decision was ill-timed and unjustifiable, noting that it could negatively affect staff morale and the sustainability of healthcare delivery nationwide.

Unpaid arrears, delayed funds

Beyond the policy reversal, the association highlighted several unresolved financial obligations owed to its members.

It noted persistent delays in the payment of promotion arrears and salary arrears in several institutions, despite repeated assurances from the government.

The NEC also raised concerns over the slow pace in concluding processes for the disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), warning that the delay undermines training and professional development.

In addition, the association criticised the continued delay in commencing the payment of 19 months arrears of the Professional Allowance, which it said had earlier been promised by the government.

According to NARD, these issues reflect a pattern of neglect, insensitivity, and lack of commitment by the government towards addressing the welfare concerns of resident doctors.

Demands

Following its deliberations, the NEC rejected the governments decision to reverse the reviewed Professional Allowance and demanded its immediate and unconditional reinstatement.

The association also called for the immediate payment of all outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors in affected institutions.

It demanded the prompt conclusion and disbursement of the 2026 MRTF, as well as the immediate processing and full payment of the outstanding 19 months arrears of the revised Professional Allowance.

Impact on patients, health system

The recurring issue has raised further concerns about the impact on Nigerias already strained public health system.

Previous visits by PREMIUM TIMES to hospitals show that such disruptions often have far-reaching consequences, with patients bearing the brunt of service withdrawals.

Public hospitals typically scale down operations during strikes, elective surgeries are postponed, and access to emergency and specialised care becomes severely limited.

Patients with chronic or life-threatening conditions are often left with few alternatives, particularly those who cannot afford private healthcare. This includes individuals requiring ongoing treatments such as cancer care, and maternal health services.

Call for unity

The association urged its members to remain calm, united, and resolute, describing the strike as a collective pursuit of justice, fairness, and improved welfare conditions.

They further noted that the action would continue until the federal government demonstrates a clear, concrete, and verifiable commitment to addressing the issues raised.

It also directed its leadership at national, regional, and centre levels to commence coordinated advocacy and lawful media engagements.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday sentenced several defendants in separate terrorism cases, handing down jail terms ranging from 10 to 20 years.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that 13 courtrooms at the Federal High Court headquarters in Abuja were occupied with hearing terrorism cases Tuesday morning.

The Nigerian government resumed on Tuesday mass trial of detained suspected terrorists facing charges under the Terrorism (Prohibition and Prevention) Act. Several judges, including Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, and Akpan Ekerete, are overseeing the trials.

The prosecution team before Judge Nyako was led by Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, while the defence for 20 suspects before the same judge was led by Aliyu Abubakar.

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Some of the defendants listed for hearing included Hamat Modu, Isah Ali, Auwal Bello, Shehu Bukar, Alhaji Kulle, Mohammed Abacha Hassan, Aminami Mallum, Tasiu Yakubu, and Abdullahi Ali. The defendants have spent varying number of years in detention.

Judge Nyako has now jailed some of the suspects, even as the trial continues.

In the first case, marked FHC/KMJ/CR/583/2026, the prosecution charged the defendant with four counts, including membership of Boko Haram, providing support, and handling funds linked to the group.

The defendant pleaded guilty to all the charges, while his lawyer, Mr Abubakar, raised no objection during arraignment. Prosecutors then presented his statement and investigation report, which the court admitted.

Mrs Nyako convicted him and imposed 10 years imprisonment on each count, to run at the same time.

In a different case, the court sentenced Isa Ali to 10 years in prison after he admitted to supporting the group with clothing and logistics.

He denied an allegation of membership, prompting the prosecution to withdraw that charge, which the court accepted.

After reviewing the evidence, the court convicted him on the remaining count. The defence urged leniency, noting that he had already spent three years in custody.

The judge however ordered that he serve 10 years from the date of his arrest, alongside rehabilitation measures.

In another matter, FHC/KMJ/CR/563/2026, Auwal Bello was jailed for 10 years on each of two counts for facilitating terrorism financing. The sentences are to run concurrently.

The court heard that he helped exchange about N750,000 during the naira redesign period and paid N20,000 to the group.

He pleaded guilty, and the court relied on his statement and the investigation report before convicting him.

Despite a plea for mercy based on his family circumstances, the judge ordered his imprisonment and rehabilitation.

In the final case, Shehu Bukar faced five counts, including alleged membership of the group and involvement in an attack.

However, he admitted only to providing support through cattle rustling and supplying proceeds to the group.

The prosecution withdrew the remaining charges and proceeded on the admitted count. The court found him guilty after considering the evidence.

While the defence asked for leniency, describing him as a first-time offender, the judge imposed a stiffer penalty.

I hereby sentence him to a term of 20 years imprisonment from the date of his arrest, the judge said, adding that he must also undergo rehabilitation and de-radicalisation.
Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), is set to confer an honorary doctorate on Tanzanias President Samia Hassan at its eighth combined convocation ceremony, a decision that has drawn scrutiny amid documented allegations of a violent crackdown on protesters in her country.

The university announced that President Hassan would be a guest of honour at the ceremony scheduled for April 11, 2026, where she is expected to receive a Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa). The event coincides with the institutions 25th anniversary.

The announcement, made by Terhemba Shija, a professor in the Faculty of Arts, Department of English of NSUK, described the visit in celebratory terms, referring to the Tanzanian leader as the amazon and inviting the public to join in marking the milestone.

But the planned honour comes against a backdrop of contested election results, reported killings, and mounting international concern over human rights violations in Tanzania.

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Disputed record

In October 2025, Tanzania held a presidential election that returned Ms Hassan to office with 98 per cent of the vote. However, the process was widely criticised after key opposition figures were barred from contesting, including Tundu Lissu, who remains in custody on treason charges.

A detailed investigation by CNN documented what it described as a violent response by security forces to post-election protests. The report, based on geolocated videos, forensic audio analysis, satellite imagery, and witnesses testimony, found that police and armed men shot at demonstrators, many of whom appeared unarmed.

Videos verified by CNN showed bodies piled inside morgues in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, while satellite imagery indicated disturbed earth consistent with reports of mass graves at Kondo cemetery near the commercial capital.

A doctor who treated victims told CNN that many of the injured had gunshot wounds to the head, chest, and abdomen. All had sustained gunshot wounds on different parts of the body, the doctor said, describing days when bodies filled morgues and spilt outside.

Human Rights Watch reached similar conclusions. In a separate report, the organisation said Tanzanian authorities responded to protests with lethal force and other abuses, noting that police used live ammunition against demonstrators.

The Tanzanian authorities violent and repressive response to election-related protests further undermines the credibility of the electoral process, said Oryem Nyeko, a senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch.

The group added that security forces, including individuals in civilian clothing, were implicated in shootings across several regions. It also cited reports that bodies of victims were disposed of in undisclosed locations.

While the Tanzanian government has acknowledged that casualties occurred, it has not released official figures and has dismissed high death toll estimates as exaggerated.

President Hassan has defended the actions of security forces. In a national address, she said the protests were not peaceful demonstrations but part of a coordinated attempt to destabilise her government.

These were not protests; it was violence with malicious intentions, she said. What happened was a manufactured event.

She added that the government had a duty to protect the country, stating that the force used is proportional to the event.

Universitys decision

Against this backdrop, NSUKs decision to honour the Tanzanian leader has raised questions about due diligence and institutional judgement.

The National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigerias regulatory body for higher education, issued guidelines in February 2026 warning against the indiscriminate conferment of honorary degrees. The directive stressed the need to preserve academic integrity and maintain the credibility of the university system.

The NUC stated that honorary degrees are symbolic distinctions and must not be treated as equivalent to earned academic qualifications. It also warned that sanctions could be imposed on institutions that violate the guidelines.

In a letter sent to the university registrar, PREMIUM TIMES sought clarification on the criteria used to select President Hassan, whether the decision complied with NUC guidelines, and whether the university considered reports of human rights abuses in Tanzania.

The letter also asked whether awarding an honorary degree to a sitting political leader had undergone any formal risk assessment, particularly in light of concerns about public trust and institutional reputation.

The university did not respond as of the time this report was filed.

Public reaction

The announcement of the award to Mrs Hassan has triggered criticism from some Nigerians, particularly on social media, where users questioned the appropriateness of honouring a leader facing allegations of violence against civilians.

Ephraim Myom wrote, Will she be honoured for killing Tanzanian people? If Nigeria was a working state, this terrible dictator would not be allowed to step her blood-stained feet on the soil.

Another commenter, Uza Dooshima, criticised the characterisation of the president as an amazon, arguing that such language overlooked serious concerns about leadership and accountability. If people like this can be celebrated, it means we have a long way to go, the commenter said.

Jeff Amokaha linked the decision to broader governance concerns. Thats why its hard for this country to go forward if we can honour heartless individuals like this one, he wrote.

Samson Luga suggested the decision could provoke protest, describing the Tanzanian president as a very bad example of what a leader should be.

Others framed the issue in terms of values within academic institutions. Ceaser Ter said, A leader with such history as she has should not be referred to as an Amazon. She is part of the trajectory of very terrible leaders Africa was not supposed to have.

While these views do not represent official positions, they reflect a strand of public sentiment questioning the universitys choice.

Broader context

The controversy also intersects with wider debates about governance, accountability, and the role of foreign recognition in domestic legitimacy.

International reactions to the Tanzanian situation have included calls for independent investigations. The United Nations Human Rights Office said it had received information suggesting that hundreds of civilians may have been killed, though exact numbers remain unclear.

The United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee, citing media reports, described the events as tragic acts and called for an independent inquiry.

At the same time, Tanzanias government has rejected external criticism. Officials have accused international media of bias and insisted that any investigations should be conducted domestically.

Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa said reports of abuses were intended to mislead and incite, adding that authorities were willing to respond to questions but expected fairness.

Institutional stakes

For NSUK, the decision to proceed with the honorary award places it at a sensitive intersection between academia and politics.

Honorary degrees are traditionally used to recognise exceptional contributions to society, scholarship, or public service. However, the NUCs recent warning suggests growing concern about how such honours are granted and perceived.

The Keffi Declaration of 2012, referenced in the NUC guidelines, emphasises the need for Nigerian universities to uphold standards that enhance their global reputation.

In this context, selecting a recipient associated with contested political events raises questions about the criteria applied and the potential implications for institutional credibility.

What next

With the convocation date approaching, the university faces a decision that extends beyond ceremonial recognition.

READ ALSO: Nigerian university dismisses staff engaged in illegal NYSC mobilisation

Proceeding with the award could reinforce perceptions of endorsement at a time when the recipients record remains under scrutiny. Revisiting the decision, on the other hand, could signal responsiveness to public concern but may carry diplomatic and institutional consequences.

For regulators, the situation tests the enforceability of the NUCs guidelines and the extent to which they can shape university conduct.

More broadly, the episode highlights the tension between academic autonomy and public accountability. Universities operate as centres of knowledge and debate, but their decisions, especially those involving public honours, are often read as statements of value.

As the anniversary celebrations draw near, the focus is likely to remain on whether the institutions choice aligns with its stated commitment to excellence and integrity, and how that choice will be interpreted within and beyond Nigerias academic community.
Nigeria formally objected to former Senegalese President Macky Salls bid to become the United Nations Secretary-General, opposing a move to have him adopted as the African Unions candidate. Nigeria faulted a push in the African Union to adopt Mr Sall, saying the process is procedurally flawed and inconsistent with established diplomatic norms.

In a Note Verbale addressed to the African Union Commission, Nigerias Embassy in Ethiopia and Permanent Mission to the AU and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) said the nomination was handled in a manner that violated the rules and principles that govern such decisions.

The nomination of the former President of the Republic of Senegal, His Excellency Macky Sall, as the African Unions consensus candidate for the position of the United Nations Secretary-General was procedurally incorrect, the mission stated.

Nigeria clarified that its objection is not directed at Mr Sall personally or at Senegal.

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The Federal Republic of Nigerias reservation on the decision is a matter of procedure and principle, not an opposition to the individual candidate or his state of origin, the note read.

Mr Sall, the former president of Senegal, was first nominated by Burundi, whose President Evariste Ndayishimiye took over the rotating AU chairmanship on 14 February. Analysts said the submission blurred the line between a national initiative and a continental endorsement.

AU procedures require candidacies to be submitted to and reviewed by the Committee of Permanent Representatives and the Ministerial Committee before they reach the Executive Council for a decision by consensus or a two-thirds majority. This ensures a collective review, based on consultations among member states.

In this case, Mr Salls name was not on the list of African candidacies presented to the Executive Council at the February AU summit and was not formally discussed by heads of state. Burundis submission of the draft decision to the UN and AU member states appears to have been a late attempt to secure formal continental endorsement.

In this case, the draft decision set a 24-hour deadline and a threshold of one-third of eligible member states  that is, countries which are up to date with their AU contributions and not under suspension. According to a Senegalese high official, this amounted to 49 eligible states.

In total, 20 countries broke the silence, including Algeria, South Africa, Liberia, Nigeria and Rwanda, Djiby Sow of the Institute of Security Studies reported.

The AU said 20 of its 55 member states either objected or requested an extension of the 24-hour deadline. Fourteen raised formal objections, while six, including Egypt, requested an extension of the 24-hour deadline. Senegal distanced itself from the process, saying it had not been associated with Burundis initiative. After the deadline, Egypt and Liberia withdrew their positions, without affecting the outcome.

Senegal, Mr Salls own country, rejected his candidacy as his political legacy continues to be contested.

The objections focused primarily on procedural grounds. Several states felt the silence procedure was inappropriate for a substantive decision, citing limited scope for discussion and the short timeframe. The one-third threshold also departs from established practice, which allows just one or more objections to suffice.

Rotation principle at stake

At the heart of Nigerias objection is the long-standing principle of continental rotation in the appointment of the UN Secretary-General  a convention that Abuja says the AU has effectively abandoned with this nomination.

Nigeria argued that it is currently the turn of South America and the Caribbean regions to produce the next UN Secretary-General, and that Africa itself recognises the Caribbean as its sixth region. By proceeding with Mr Salls candidacy, Nigeria warned, the AU risks undermining its own long-term standing and strategic interests within the multilateral system.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria sees no rationale in violating the time-honoured principle of continental rotation in the appointment of the United Nations Secretary-General, the note stated, adding that by jettisoning this established practice, the African Union is putting its position and interest in jeopardy now and in the future.

Nigeria also said it was caught off guard by the speed of the decision and the limited window given to member states to evaluate the candidacy.

Abuja expressed concern that Mr Salls nomination was presented without being subjected to the scrutiny of the African Unions Ministerial Candidature Committee  the body responsible for vetting such high-profile endorsements.

The decision to present His Excellency Macky Sall as the African Unions consensus candidate came to the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a surprise, as the candidate is being fielded for such a coveted position and member states are given such a short time to consider the decision, the note said.

Nigeria further stressed that AU member states are bound by their commitment to the rule-based international order, multilateral procedures, and established diplomatic norms, obligations it said were not honoured in arriving at this decision.

The United Nations Secretary-General position will become vacant at the end of Antonio Guterres current term this year.

The selection of his successor has drawn intense interest from across the globe, with the African Unions backing considered a significant geopolitical asset for any candidate. Mr Salls failure to secure the AU backing may affect his chances of getting the top job.

The job traditionally rotates among regions, but when Mr Guterres, who is from Portugal, was elected in 2016, it was supposed to be Eastern Europes turn. Next on the list is Latin America. However, some diplomats expect candidates from other regions.

Countries have been asked to nominate candidates by April 1 so they can take part in interactive dialogues in the week of April 20, which will be broadcast online.

Candidates will be able to present their vision statements, and UN member states will be able to ask questions.

In his vision statement, Mr Sall said the world was going through a deep crisis in which the UN faced growing mistrust and an unprecedented risk of weakening. He said the organisation needed to be reformed, streamlined, and modernised to address 21st-century challenges.

Mr Sall has a high-level political and diplomatic profile. An experienced former head of state, he served as AU chair in 2022, where he was a key advocate for greater African representation in global governance and helped secure the AUs G20 seat. He served as French President Emmanuel Macrons Special Envoy for the Paris Pact for People and the Planet after leaving office.

At the same time, his domestic record is contested. His final 2019-2024 term was marked by significant political tensions and judicial controversies. Following his departure, questions were raised about his management of public finances.

Other candidates for the top UN job

Rafael Grossi  Argentina: A veteran Argentine diplomat, Mr Grossi is director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, a role he has held since 2019.

Argentina formally nominated him on 26 November 2025. In his vision statement for the post, Mr Grossi said the United Nations was still relevant but needed a purposeful, performance-driven renewal.

He said the UN80 reform initiative must be followed by a wider process of rightsizing, which is sustainable and reconciles mission with available resources.

Michelle Bachelet  Chile: The former Chilean president was formally nominated for the post by Chile, Brazil and Mexico on 2 February, although Chile withdrew its backing on 24 March after a change in leadership and a sharp shift to the right.

Ms Bachelet, Chiles first female head of state who twice served as president of the South American nation, said she would press ahead with support from Brazil and Mexico.

Ms Bachelet was the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2018-22 and the Executive Director of UN Women from 2010-13.

In her statement for the post, she said she was confident her experience had prepared her to confront a moment in which the international system faces challenges unprecedented in scale, urgency, and complexity, and pledged a focus on rebuilding trust in the United Nations.

Rebeca Grynspan  Costa Rica: A UN spokesperson said in early March that Costa Rica had nominated Ms Grynspan, its former vice president.

Ms Grynspan, a politician and economist, currently serves as Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development. In her vision statement, she said trust in the UN was waning, and courage was needed to change it to restore belief in its capacity to deliver peace and development.
United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to extinguish an entire civilisation, as American and Israeli forces intensified strikes on Iranian territory and a self-imposed deadline for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz expired with no deal in sight.

In a social media post that drew immediate global condemnation, Mr Trump declared: A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again, adding that he hoped maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen to avert the threatened strikes.

We will find out tonight, the American leader wrote, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World.

After the post, the US hit military targets on Irans main oil export hub, as it ramped up pressure on Tehran to fully open the Strait of Hormuz or face devastating strikes on critical infrastructure within hours.

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In response, Iran has stopped its participation in diplomatic negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, according to the New York Times report. Those talks, through mediators from Pakistan and other countries, had yielded little but escalating rhetoric and demands from both sides.

Those negotiations had produced a 45-day ceasefire proposal, which Mr Trump publicly rejected as not good enough.

Before withdrawing, Iran had transmitted a separate 10-point peace plan to the United States and Israel through Pakistani intermediaries, according to Iranian state media. The plan received no public acknowledgement from Washington.

Escalating threats against civilian infrastructure

PREMIUM TIMES reports that Mr Trumps Tuesday ultimatum was not his first. On Monday, the president had warned at a news conference that every bridge in Iran would be decimated and every power plant out of business if Tehran did not end its effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway between Iran and Oman through which as much as one-fifth of the worlds oil supply.

Targeting civilian infrastructure is prohibited under international law and may constitute a war crime.

Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for the Iranian military, warned that Iran would retaliate crushingly and extensively should its civilian facilities be attacked.

Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) escalated the rhetoric further, threatening to respond outside the region and to deprive the United States and its allies of oil and gas for many years if Washington crosses what it described as red lines.

Strikes on Bridges; Casualties Reported

The Israeli military announced it had carried out airstrikes on eight bridges across Iran, issuing a warning to Iranian civilians to avoid rail travel until 9 p.m. local time.

Iranian state media reported that at least three people were killed when a railway bridge was struck in Kashan, a central Iranian city.

In a retaliatory move, Iran targeted energy facilities in Persian Gulf states allied with the United States.

Saudi Arabias defence ministry confirmed that debris from an intercepted missile had landed near energy installations in the countrys eastern region, with damage assessments ongoing. The United Arab Emirates also confirmed that missiles and drones had been launched from Iranian territory toward its soil.

Inside Iran, the population was said to be divided in its response to the mounting threats. Some residents were bracing for further strikes; others reacted with a mixture of indifference, defiance, and disbelief.

Across Iran on Tuesday, groups of citizens formed human chains along bridges and around power plants in apparent acts of civilian protection. Videos and photographs published by state and local media documented the scenes, though it remained unclear whether the demonstrations were spontaneous or government-organised.

UN Security Council Vetoes Resolution

At the United Nations, efforts to defuse the crisis through multilateral diplomacy also failed.

The UN Security Council failed to adopt a resolution put forward by Bahrain calling on member states to coordinate action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Russia and China, both permanent members of the council, vetoed the measure.

Eleven members voted in favour; two voted against. Pakistan, which has been serving as a mediator between Washington and Tehran, was among the two countries that abstained.
A coalition of civil society organisations has endorsed the appointment of the senator representing Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigerias Permanent Representative to the United Nations, describing it as strategic and reflective of competence.

The groups, working in collaboration with the National Good Governance Advocacy Network (NGGAN) and over 360 other organisations, made their position known at a world press conference on Monday in Abuja, where they expressed confidence in the senators capacity to deliver in the diplomatic role.

Among the organisations are the People and Culture Protection Initiative (PCPI), Centre For Social Justice Equity and Transparency (CESJET), Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC), Advocates of Social Justice for All (ASJA), Concerned Nigerians for Transparency and Justice (CNTJ), amongst others.

Addressing journalists, the coalitions convener, Emmanuel Agabi, said the gathering was convened to affirm trust in Mr Ibrahims competence and readiness for the assignment.

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This is not a rebuttal driven by sentiment, but a statement grounded in facts, perspective, and national interest, Mr Agabi said, adding that the office of Permanent Representative requires more than ceremonial presence.

President Bola Tinubu, in March, appointed Mr Ibrahim as Nigerias Permanent Representative to the United Nations. The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Presidents Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, Mr Ibrahims posting forms part of a broader deployment of 65 ambassadors approved by the president for various diplomatic missions worldwide.

The list comprises 31 career diplomats and 34 non-career ambassadors whose nominations were earlier confirmed by the Nigerian Senate in December.

With the appointment, Mr Ibrahim is expected to represent Nigeria at the United Nations, advancing the countrys diplomatic interests and participating in global deliberations at the multilateral body.

Backing the appointment, the coalition described Mr Ibrahim as a true Nigerian and global citizen well-suited for the demands of the position.

The groups said his selection reflects Nigerias aspiration for stronger global engagement and effective representation on the international stage.

Mr Agabi stressed that Mr Ibrahim embodies intellect, experience, negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of global systems, through his experience in business, academia, and public service.

He highlighted Mr Ibrahims track record as a businessman, noting that he has built institutions across various sectors, contributing to economic development and job creation.

It also pointed to his legislative experience as senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, where he served on several key committees, including Appropriations, Finance, Gas, Education, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Capital Market, Diaspora and NGOs, Trade and Investment, Housing, and Niger Delta.

Beyond the National Assembly, the coalition said Mr Ibrahim has gained international exposure through his roles in regional and continental bodies. He served as Nigerias representative in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament and as an executive member of the Pan-African Parliament, experiences the group said provided him with firsthand knowledge of multilateral diplomacy and policy coordination.

The organisations further cited his academic pursuits and intellectual contributions, describing him as a leader who combines practical experience with critical thinking.

According to the coalition, such a background equips him to navigate the complex environment of the United Nations, where diplomacy depends heavily on negotiation, consensus building, and strategic engagement.

The groups said Mr Tinubus decision underscores a commitment to appointing individuals based on competence and strategic value, particularly at a time when Nigeria seeks to reposition itself globally.

Leadership is defined not only by policies but by the quality of individuals entrusted with responsibility, Mr Agabi said, adding that the appointment reflects a clear understanding of the demands of global representation.

The coalition urged Nigerians to avoid premature conclusions that could undermine institutional processes and called for a balanced national discourse anchored on fairness, scrutiny, and merit.

It stressed that while democratic systems encourage criticism, they must also protect objectivity and support decisions that advance long-term national interests.

Reaffirming its confidence in Mr Ibrahim, the coalition said his experience and exposure position him to make meaningful contributions in his new role.

It also called on stakeholders to support decisions that strengthen Nigerias voice in the international community and urged citizens to remain focused on unity, progress, and collective national development.

Emerging opposition

However, the appointment has also drawn criticism from another bloc of civil society organisations, highlighting a growing divide within Nigerias civic space over the decision.

More than 100 CSOs including groups such as Yiaga Africa, ActionAid Nigeria, CLEEN Foundation, Media Rights Agenda, and Accountability Lab Nigeria, have petitioned both the Nigerian government and the United Nations, calling for a review of Mr Ibrahims appointment.

The groups raised concerns over what they described as unresolved legal and financial issues, including court judgments, debt claims, and ongoing litigation, which they argued could affect Nigerias credibility on the global stage.

In their petition, the organisations stressed that Nigerias Permanent Representative serves as the countrys voice in the multilateral system and must meet high standards of integrity and public accountability.

They referenced the dispute involving former employees of the defunct NICON Airways, alleging that he failed to settle outstanding entitlements including leave allowances and pension funds reportedly exceeding N850 million despite a court ruling.

The airline, formerly EAS Airlines, was acquired by Mr Ibrahim from former Kogi State governor Idris Wada but ceased operations in 2007 following operational challenges, leaving workers stranded.

The affected staff approached the National Industrial Court, Ikoyi, on 30 November 2011, seeking payment of accrued salaries and benefits. However, the CSOs alleged that Mr Ibrahim has yet to fully comply with the judgment and has continued to challenge aspects of the ruling.

The coalition also cited the 2020 action by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), which took over some of his assets over debts estimated at N69.4 billion, as well as a 2013 dispute with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) involving alleged tax liabilities of N6.8 billion.

Further concerns were raised over a 2016 allegation by a former Air Nigeria finance director, John Nnorom, who accused Mr Ibrahim of diverting a N34.5 billion loan into a private account. The senator was, however, later cleared by the Nigerian Senate.

Based on these concerns, the groups urged Mr Tinubu and the Secretary-General of the United Nations to review the appointment, taking into account existing legal proceedings, court judgments, and financial obligations on record.

They also called for public clarification on the status of ongoing cases and enforcement actions, including matters before the Federal High Court and recovery processes involving public institutions.

In addition, the organisations demanded greater transparency in the vetting process for senior diplomatic appointments, particularly regarding legal, financial, and ethical considerations, and sought assurances that such decisions align with Nigerias commitments to the rule of law and institutional accountability.

They warned that appointing individuals with contested records could raise questions about Nigerias commitment to the rule of law and governance standards in international diplomacy.
Aba Power Limited Electric, Nigerias newest electricity distribution company, has apologised to residents of Umuomainta Community in Nbawsi-Nsulu, Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State for failure to supply them with power on Easter Sunday.

In a message to leaders of the community on Monday which was made available to PREMIUM TIMES, spokesperson of the Aba Power Limited Electric, Edise Ekong, explained that lack of power supply was due to the failure of one of its major wire and cable suppliers to provide it with wires last weekend.

Mr Ekong stressed that the wires would have enabled the electricity firm to reconnect the community to regular electricity supply.

We are surprised that this contracting firm could fail to provide the needed wires because its two storekeepers travelled out of town at the weekend to celebrate Easter without making any arrangement for the supply of the wires from their store to our people on site, he said without mentioning the companys name.

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The spokesperson regretted that the community had been without power supply for three weeks following the destruction of six high tension poles in the area by a windstorm.

Its so pesky to see this community comprising nine villages without light during Easter after Aba Power had paid the contractor fully upfront and the contractor was informed clearly of the urgency of the situation, he said.

Mr Ekong recalled that poles were procured from Abak in Akwa Ibom State and Port Harcourt, Rivers State due to scarcity of electricity poles in Aba, Abia State capital.

He added that the procured electricity poles were subsequently mounted promptly, with our operational staff waiting for three days to reconnect supply to the community but got disappointed by the contractor.

The spokesperson then assured that the electricity firm would resume power supply to the community on Tuesday (Today).

We have just obtained wires from two traders who sold the material to us at a high price because of the Easter holidays, so our operational staff members are about to return to site, he said.

Blacklisting

Mr Ekong then said the Aba Power Limited Electric consequently blacklisted the wire and cable supply company over the alleged breach.

We have no option than to blacklist this firm and sever all forms of business relationship with it immediately, even though this is the first time it has breached terms of contract, he said.

He expressed gratitude to elders of the Umuomainta Community and their followers for their support when they saw our crew installing the poles at the weekend.

Stay away from poles

Meanwhile, Mr Ekong said the Aba Power has appealed to residents of the community to stay away from poles during rains because many of the poles in our distribution network are weak and compromised.

They were installed about 15 years ago during the Power Holding Company of Nigeria days and, from the look of things, they didnt meet technical requirements.

We dont want to lose any person to electrocution, nor do we want poles to fall on people, he said.

The spokesperson said the electricity firm has lost over 70 high tension poles and 10 low tension poles to windstorms and haulage trucks in the last one month due to the unprecedented economic activity in the state with many trucks in numerous project sites.

We would, therefore, appeal to truckers to have our wires and poles in mind when they are driving.

In fact, it is in their interest that they do because contact with live wires is often dangerous, he said, expressing happiness that no trucker had been electrocuted in Aba

ring-fenced area recently.

Aba Power in perspective

Aba Power Limited Electric is a subsidiary of Geometric responsible for distributing the power generated by the plant.

Owned by Nigerias former Minister of Power, Barth Nnaji, the 188 megawatt Geometric Power Plant has since generated power for nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia.

The nine local government areas are Aba North, Aba South, Osisioma Ngwa, Obingwa, Ugwunagbo, Isialangwa North, Isialangwa South, Ukwa East and Ukwa South  all in the Abia Axis of the state.

The power plant which is in Aba, Abia State was commissioned by Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, on 26 February 2024.

The commissioning happened after over 20 years following intense legal battles between the owner of the power plant, Mr Nnaji and others, including management of the Enugu State Electricity Distribution Company.

Regarded as Nigerias first integrated electrical facility in Nigerias South-east, the power plant is expected to accelerate power supply to industrial clusters in the region, beginning in Aba.

The project is said to be worth over $800 million.
The Kaduna State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged a persecution of former governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai and other opposition figures in the state.

The party made the claims at a press conference in Kaduna on Tuesday, warning that recent developments point to a shrinking democratic space and possible abuse of state institutions.

The allegations come amid a dispute between the ADC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) arising from a division in the party at the national level.

Some members have accused INEC of failing to recognise what they describe as the partys legitimate leadership.

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The dispute has complicated the partys operations and raised broader concerns about institutional neutrality and internal party democracy.

Allegations against the Kaduna authorities

At the press conference, members of the ADC said the sequence of events involving Mr El-Rufai suggests more than coincidence, describing it as a calculated effort to weaken his political influence.

The party cited his exclusion from a ministerial position, probe by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, and the arrest of several of his associates as examples of what it termed coordinated actions.

Those mentioned include Bashir Saidu, Jaafar Ibrahim Sani, Jimi Lawal and Aisha Galadima.

The ADC also raised concerns about the roles of Governor Uba Sani and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, suggesting their possible influence in the unfolding developments.

The party further alleged that security and anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the State Security Service (SSS), were being deployed in ways that created a perception of selective enforcement.

While acknowledging the institutions statutory roles, the ADC said their involvement in politically sensitive cases risks undermining public trust.

It also cited concerns over prolonged detention, alleged inhumane treatment and changes to bail conditions affecting Mr El-Rufai.

Claims of a wider crackdown on opposition

Beyond Mr El-Rufai, the ADC alleged a broader clampdown on opposition figures across Kaduna State, including arrests and intimidation in several local government areas.

It also pointed to alleged interference in party structures, including factionalisation and parallel leadership arrangements, as well as reported disputes involving the partys national leadership.

The party further accused regulatory authorities of hindering the establishment of its offices in the state.

Governance concerns

The ADC said the developments were occurring at a time when Nigerians face significant socio-economic challenges, including insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship.

It warned that increasing political tension could worsen existing vulnerabilities and distract from governance priorities.

Demands

The party called for a halt to what it described as harassment and politically motivated prosecutions, urging authorities to uphold due process and the rule of law.

It also demanded the release of individuals it described as unlawfully detained and called for the independence and neutrality of institutions.

The ADC said democracy depends on a vibrant opposition and warned that any attempt to suppress dissent could undermine democratic stability.

It urged relevant authorities, civil society groups, and the international community to closely monitor developments and safeguard democratic principles in Kaduna State and Nigeria.
The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Muhammad Zuru, is dead.

Mr Zuru, popularly known as Lifiddan Zuru, reportedly died on Monday evening in Cairo, Egypt, where he had been receiving medical treatment.

The development was disclosed in a press statement issued by Murtala Diri, an official of the Kebbi State House of Assembly.

Mr Diri shared the statement on his official Facebook page, where he signed it on behalf of the Assembly.

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A significant loss

The death of the Speaker is a significant loss to his constituents, the legislative body, and the state in general, the statement noted.

Until his death, Mr Zuru represented the Zuru Constituency and served as Speaker of the 10th Kebbi State Assembly, where he was regarded as a prominent political figure within the Zuru Emirate.

Burial arrangements

According to the statement, details of burial arrangements and official condolences will be announced by the Kebbi State Government and the deceaseds family.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no separate official confirmation from the Kebbi State Government.

However, the news has gained wide traction on social media, with multiple users and pages reposting the statement originally shared by Mr Diri.

Governor Nasir Idris is expected to issue an official condolence message, while funeral (Janaza) arrangements are likely to be announced following the repatriation of the late Speakers remains from Egypt.
The Federal Ministry of Education, through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), has initiated 18 new projects valued at over N8.5 billion at the Federal Government College (FGC), Kano.

At the official launch of the programme on Monday, the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, said the PPP land-swap model is being implemented to demonstrate the federal governments resolve to leverage private-sector efficiency, ensure optimal use of public assets, and deliver value for money.

However, the launch has met with formal resistance from the schools alumni.

The Federal Government College Kano Old Students Association (FGCKOSA) has submitted a formal petition demanding a detailed clarification regarding the terms and transparency of the PPP arrangement.

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The minister said the projects represent a comprehensive intervention.

The initiative is not just about infrastructure alone, it is about impact, which entails the development of 18 critical infrastructure and assets, alongside the renovation of 14 additional facilities.

These critical facilities include a skill acquisition and entrepreneurship centre, modern hostels, staff quarters, a health centre, and other essential infrastructure, alongside the renovation of key academic and sport facilities. This integrated approach ensures both expansion and revitalisation are in line with global standards.

The choice of Federal Government College, Kano, for the project is deliberate. As a Unity College, it plays a vital role in promoting national cohesion, excellence, and inclusivity. Its transformation will serve as a model for similar interventions across the country, Ms Ahmad stated.

Ms Ahmad commended their partners, Pluck Global Nigeria Limited, whose collaboration has made the project possible.

School alumni concerns

Earlier, in a petition to the Federal Ministry of Education, the old students association demanded clarification on the PPP arrangement between the federal government and the company.

In the letter, co-signed by the FGCKOSA president and secretary, Shoyinka Shodunke and Aliyu Adamu, respectively, addressed to the Minister through the Director of Senior Secondary Education, the association expressed concerns over the transparency and implications of the land transaction.

The correspondence, received by the Ministry on 30 March, was shared on a verified Facebook page of one of the School alumni, Jamila Kabir-Abdullahi, who described the situation as deeply concerned.

The alumni body is seeking clarification on the terms of the PPP, citing the need to protect the institutions landed assets and ensure that any development serves the long-term academic interests of the college.

We, the undersigned members of the Federal Government College Kano old students association, respectfully write to seek formal clarification and authoritative information regarding a matter of significant concern to our Association.

We have received information indicating that a company, Pluck Global Company Ltd (RC No. 1440660667), incorporated on 26 September 2017, which has a registered address at No. 8, Beirut Road, Fagge, Kano State, is purportedly offering for sale parcels of land said to belong to Federal Government College, Kano. 

The company is also alleged to be representing that it holds approval from the Federal Ministry of Education under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concession arrangement.

In the light of the foregoing, we kindly request clarification on the following: Whether any Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement exists between the Federal Ministry of Education and the aforementioned company, or any other entity, in respect of lands originally designated for Federal Government College, Kano, at its Zaria Road site.

If such an arrangement exists, we would appreciate copies of the relevant approval document and the terms and conditions governing the concession.

If no such arrangement exists, we would be grateful for confirmation to that effect, to enable us to take appropriate steps, including notifying relevant regulatory and law enforcement authorities, and pursuing any necessary legal remedies. This may also include facilitating public notices through national dailies and other media platforms to safeguard public interest.

We trust in your cooperation and look forward to your prompt response on this matter of urgency and public importance, the association stated in the letter obtained by PREMIUM TIMES.

Kano governments response

However, Kano State Commissioner for Land, Abduljabbar Garko, affirmed the state governments support for the projects.

He stated that the administration prioritises active land utilisation over allowing valuable plots to remain idle and undeveloped for years.

Mr Garko at the event stated that such initiatives align with global best practices. He urged the project promoters to maximise this opportunity, setting a standard that would make the Kano project a benchmark for similar developments across the country.

Its a concept that is deployed all over the world to properly utilise land assets that have been laying fallow without providing any value to the Government, nor to the communities surrounding the land, we are in support of this noble project, and we call on the project promoter to do its best in providing quality infrastructure to the FGC kano in a way that the project will be use as a reference point and best practices for other PPP projects across Nigeria.

I will also urge the project partner to undertake a critical task, which is stakeholder management. We have seen throughout last week that when stakeholders were speaking towards the intended PPP project, its very important to further explain the full benefits of such projects in a way that the project will see the light of day, Mr Garko said.

Musaddiq Talle, the managing director of Pluck Global Company Ltd, told reporters that the project will be implemented within 18 months on 10 hectares of land provided under the PPP arrangement.

The PPP is between the Ministry of Education and Pluck Global Company Limited. The government alone can not fund infrastructure. This suggests that private individuals and investors must step in to provide funding for this critical infrastructure.

Its a future project for the students and benefits other stakeholders alike. As an investor, you put in your investment, and you expect some returns, and in return, the government provides the land in place of the funding. The land is about ten hectares, Mr Talle stated.

The event was concluded with cultural dances by students from various groups
Yusuf Buhari, son of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has declared his intention to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections.

In a letter dated 3 April and addressed to stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Buhari said he would seek to represent the Sandamu/Daura/MaiAdua Federal Constituency in Katsina State.

After wide consultations, I wish to contest for the seat of the House of Representatives as my contribution to ensure good and qualitative leadership, he wrote.

He added that his ambition is to promote infrastructure and human capital development in the constituency.

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The declaration was confirmed by Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to the late president, who disclosed in a post on X on 6 April that the decision followed consultations with party leaders, community elders and other influential figures.

Mr Buharis move marks his first known entry into partisan politics, having maintained a relatively low public profile during his fathers lifetime.

Earlier endorsement

Days before his declaration, some APC stakeholders in Sandamu Local Government Area announced their support for his candidacy during a meeting held at the council secretariat.

The council chairman, Usman Na-Lado, who addressed participants at the meeting, said the endorsement was a collective resolution by stakeholders.

He said Mr Buhari was considered suitable based on his perceived capacity and acceptance among party stakeholders.

Mr Na-Lado also said the meeting reaffirmed support for Bola Tinubu and Dikko Radda as the APCs candidates for the 2027 presidential and governorship elections, respectively.

Disagreement among stakeholders

However, divisions have begun to emerge within the party over the endorsement.

Daily Trust reported that some APC stakeholders from across the Daura emirate rejected what they described as attempts to impose candidates on the area.

According to the newspaper, stakeholders from multiple local government areas said the move did not reflect a broad consensus and warned against undermining internal party democracy.

Speaking at the meeting, Usman El-Marzuk was quoted as saying that claims that Governor Dikko Radda had approved any candidate were false.

There is nowhere the governor has said that any candidate should be imposed, he said.

He added that the partys constitution provides for either consensus or open contest.

Outlook

The Sandamu/Daura/MaiAdua constituency is traditionally considered an APC stronghold, based on past election results.

Mr Buharis declaration is expected to shape the dynamics within the party ahead of its primaries, although details of his campaign structure and policy agenda have not been made public.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, sentenced Awal Bello to 10 years in prison for exchanging N750,000 notes for Boko Haram during the currency redesign crisis in 2023.

The naira redesign policy implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) between 2022 and early 2023 required people to swap their old N200, N500 and N1,000 notes with the newly designed versions which were in short supply at the time.

Mr Bello was arrested and prosecuted for helping Boko Haram members swap currency notes totalling N750,000 during that period.

The judge, Binta Nyako, in a judgement, also sentenced Bello to 10 years imprisonment for paying N20,000 in tax to Boko Haram contrary to Section 21 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013.

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Mrs Nyako, who found Bello guilty of the offence after he pleaded guilty to two counts preferred against him by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), ordered that the sentences shall run concurrently.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the federal government charged Mr Bello as the sole defendant in the case marked FHC/KNJ/CR/563/2026.

In count one, Mr Bello of Mantari Village in the Bama Local Government Area of Borno State was alleged to have in 2023, rendered support by facilitating Nigerian currency notes of N750,000 to Boko Haram contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013, which is punishable under the same Act.

In count two, he was accused of paying N20,000 in tax to the terrorist organisation contrary to Section 21 of Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013.

Mr Bello, who pleaded guilty to the charge, begged the court to temper justice with mercy.

Mrs Nyako ordered that Mr Bello be rehabilitated and deradicalised in addition to the 10-year jail term.

In another case involving Hamat Modu, who pleaded guilty to being a member of the Boko Haram group, Ms Nyako sentenced him to 10 years in jail for each of the four counts bordering on terrorism offences, following his guilty plea.

The judge, who directed that the counts must run concurrently, also ordered that Mr Modu should undergo rehabilitation and deradicalisation.

Also, Isah Ali, who was 18-year-old at the time of his arrest, pleaded not guilty to count one but pleaded guilty to count two of the two-count charge.

B. M. Jibo, lawyer to the federal government, applied that the court should strike out count one and accordingly convict Mr Ali on count two.

She urged the court to also admit his confessional statement and investigation report as exhibits.

Mr Ali, while pleading for mercy, said he was young when he was drafted into the terror group.

The defence lawyer, Aliyu Abubakar, the Director General, Legal Aid Council, also pleaded for mercy.

The defendant was 18 years when he was arrested and had been in detention since three years now.

It is another case of terrorism by association. We pleaded that the court should take this into consideration in sentencing him, he begged.

Mrs Nyako struck out count one and then sentenced the defendant to 10 years imprisonment on count two and ordered for his rehabilitation and deradicalisation.

The judge, in another case, sentenced Shehu Bukar to 20 years imprisonment in count three in which he pleaded guilty out of the five counts preferred against him.

Count three accused him of rendering support as livestock rustler by selling goats to Boko Haram group contrary to Section 5 of Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013.

Mr Bukar, however, pleaded not guilty to other counts, including count two, which accused him of participating in a terrorist attack at Konduga in Borno State that killed scores of people.

A 43-year-old Alhaji Kulle was sentenced to a five-year jail term on counts one and three.There are three counts in all. The sentences are to run concurrently..

In count three, the prosecution accused Mr Kulle of paying N6,000 to Boko Haram weekly, knowing the money would be used to finance terrorism activities.

Mrs Nyako also sentenced Tasiu Yakubu to seven years in prison on one count.

The AGF and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), led the prosecution team, which included Rotimi Oyedepo, also a SAN and the Director of Public Prosecutions. They tendered Mr Yakubus confessional statement and investigation report as evidence before the court, urging the court to convict Yakubu in accordance with the law.

Mr Abubakar, the director-general of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, did not object but prayed the court to temper justice with mercy since the defendant had been remorseful.

But Mr Fagbemi argued that based on Section 5 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, Mr Yakubu ought to be given 20 years imprisonment though his sentence can run from his date of arrest.

According to him, sentencing guidelines must follow the law.

READ ALSO: Nigerian troops reportedly reclaim Borno village seized by Boko Haram

After listening to the parties, Mrs Nyako sentenced Mr Yakubu to seven-year jail term beginning from the date of his arrest. The judge also ordered that he be subjected to rehabilitation and deradicalisation.

In another development, Mrs Nyako sentenced Abdullahi Ali to 20 years imprisonment on one terrorism charge.

Mr Ali was accused of rendering support to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) with logistic supply of fuel. He pleaded guilty to the offence.

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 13 and 13(b) of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013.

Mr Fagbemi urged the court to sentence him in accordance with the law.

The judge sentenced Mr Ali to 20 years in prison beginning from 20 November 2023, which was the date of his arrest.(NAN)
Veteran Nollywood actor Davis Ofor, renowned for his role as Clarus in the 1980s Nigerian sitcom New Masquerade, is dead.

He was 85.

Fellow actor Tony Akposheri broke the news on his Instagram page on Tuesday.

Akposheri did not disclose the cause of Ofors death but described the late actor as a great friend.

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He wrote: Today, my heart is heavy. Davis Ofor, fondly known as Davis Ofor, our own Clarus from New Masquerade, is gone. We crossed into the New Year together, laughing, talking, sharing memories, and speaking hopefully about the days ahead. We spoke about life, about plans, about how far we had come. None of us knew that time was already counting differently for you.

Life, as always, had its own plans. You were more than a familiar face on screen. You were a friend, a brother, a man with warmth, humour, and a presence that could light up any space. Knowing you personally was a gift I will always be grateful for. It is hard to believe that the voice I heard not long ago is now a memory. Hard to accept that someone so full of life can suddenly become a story we tell.

According to him, Clarus entered the world, brought joy, left his mark, and will never be forgotten.

Clarus

He became a household name for his portrayal of Clarus Mgbeojikwe, Giringorys loyal houseboy, in New Masquerade, the iconic Nigerian sitcom that aired on the Nigerian Television Network (NTA) every Tuesday from 8:30 pm to 9:00 pm, spanning the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s.

Created and written by James Iroha, who also starred in the sitcom, it remains one of Nigerias longest-running sitcoms.

Clarus performance won him national acclaim and captured the hearts of audiences nationwide, cementing Clarus as one of the most unforgettable characters in Nigerian television history.

Visually impaired later in life, Ofor told Modern Ghana in 2009 that he did not leave comedy because of his condition, but to devote himself to God.

He was ordained as a minister in the Aetherius Churches in London in 1989.
President Bola Tinubu has disclosed plans to deepen investment in police training, intelligence gathering, and modern law enforcement systems, as part of a broader plan to transform the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) into a world-class institution.

He said the Nigerian state owes a permanent moral duty to empower its security agencies, as the nations peace is only as secure as the men and women who keep vigil over its citizens.

Speaking on Tuesday at the National Police Day Grand Parade and Procession in Abuja, President Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, maintained that no nation can make meaningful progress without a secure social environment.

Accordingly, he declared that the federal government would deepen investments in training, intelligence gathering and modern policing infrastructure as part of his administrations ongoing reform agenda.

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We will continue to support these reforms through sustained investment in training and capacity development, modern equipment and technology, improved intelligence and investigative capabilities, and better welfare and working conditions for police personnel.

We are determined to build a Police Force that is well equipped, well trained, and well-motivated to confront the complex security challenges of our time, the president stated

The Nigerian leader observed that while history chooses to reward certain professions with applause, there are others which civilisation depends on to survive, even when their labour is too often repaid with silence.

He acknowledged the burden of sacrifice being shouldered by the police force, stressing that the country cannot afford to take such a sacrifice for granted because every nation is only as safe as those who keep vigil while others sleep.

Underscoring the need to empower the force, President Tinubu said, Nigeria must strengthen those who protect the nation. Security is not simply the defence of territory or the prevention of crime. It is the first currency of progress.

He noted that the observance of National Police Day, institutionalised last year, reflects the federal governments deliberate recognition of the sacrifices made by police officers, adding that the administration remains resolute in strengthening the Police through concrete policy actions and sustained investment.

The president paid tribute to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing their sacrifice as part of the nations enduring moral inheritance.

His words: Their sacrifice is written intoSHET the conscience of our country. Their memory must remain a lamp to those who wear this uniform today and to those who will wear it tomorrow. To their families, I extend the profound gratitude of a grateful nation.

The Nigerian leader commended serving officers for their resilience and dedication in maintaining law and order across the country, often under difficult and dangerous conditions.

He further charged officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, fairness and fidelity to the rule of law.

The uniform you wear is not a licence for arbitrariness; it is a covenant of service. The badge on your chest is not an ornament of power; it is a reminder of duty, President Tinubu declared, even as he demanded stronger collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies.

Observing that effective policing must be rooted in trust and community partnership, he said, When citizens and law enforcement stand on opposite sides of suspicion, insecurity thrives. This is why community-centred policing is a democratic necessity.

The president reaffirmed the administrations vision of building a police institution that embodies excellence, accountability, courage and service, while restoring public confidence in law enforcement.

In his address, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, said the police force, under his command, is deeply aware of expectations and concerns by the Nigerian people, stating that the approval of President Tinubu for the commemoration of the National Police Day is a commitment to the service of fallen and serving officers.

He acknowledged the risks, sacrifices and commitment of police officers nationwide, urging the NPF to rise above indiscipline, misconduct and every action that tarnishes the image and reputation of the force.

IGP Disu pledged that the leadership of the force, under him, will stand firmly with every officer that follows the rules, serving with dignity, just as he assured the public of a more disciplined, accountable and professional police force, standing with the Nigerian people.

The IGP noted that the current management of the police force is building an institution that is not only intelligence-led but committed to professionalism in all ramifications.

In separate goodwill messages, the representatives of Wema Bank and Premium Trust Bank paid glowing tributes to the police force for its contributions to safety and security, pledging their support for the delivery of professional policing services across the country, through their platforms and services.

READ ALSO: Police reunite missing teenager with parents in Kaduna

The grand finale of the 2026 National Police Day celebration featured a march past, procession and tactical displays by various police units and cadets of the Police Academy.

Also present at the event were the Deputy Governors of Nasarawa and Ebonyi States; representatives of the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives; service chiefs; former IGPs, Ogbonnaya Onovo, Mohammed Abubakar, Kayode Egbetokun, Suleiman Abba, Usman Alkali Baba; President of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) and members of the association; senior government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps, among others.

Stanley Nkwocha

Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications

Office of The Vice President

7th April, 2026
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for stronger global collaboration and sustained investment in science to tackle emerging health threats, as countries mark World Health Day 2026.

The day, observed annually on 7 April to commemorate WHOs founding in 1948, is being marked this year with the theme, Together for health. Stand with science.

In a statement published on its website, the WHO said human health has improved significantly over the past century, largely due to scientific progress and global cooperation.

The health body noted that global maternal mortality has declined by more than 40 per cent since 2000, while deaths among children under five have fallen by over 50 per cent.

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It added that advances in technology, knowledge, and collaboration have helped transform conditions such as high blood pressure, cancer, and HIV into more manageable health issues.

The WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, noted that science is one of humanitys most powerful tools for protecting and improving health.

Mr Ghebreyesus explained that people today live longer and healthier lives on average than previous generations due to the power of science.

Vaccines, penicillin, germ theory, MRI machines and the mapping of the human genome are just some of the achievements that science has delivered that have saved lives and transformed health for billions of people, he said.

Despite these gains, the WHO warned that health threats are increasing due to climate change, environmental degradation, geopolitical tensions, and shifting demographics.

These challenges, it said, are contributing to persistent diseases, strained health systems, and emerging outbreaks with epidemic or pandemic potential.

Science behind health gains

The WHO emphasised that scientific progress, when widely adopted, has transformed healthcare delivery and outcomes.

It noted that before modern anaesthesia, surgery involved extreme pain, but advances in medicine, technology, and specialist training now allow safer procedures worldwide, including in resource-limited settings.

The organisation also highlighted that global immunisation efforts over the past 50 years have saved more than 154 million children, with vaccines contributing to a 40 per cent reduction in infant mortality. The measles vaccine alone has saved over 90 million lives.

In addition, improvements in early screening technologies, such as electronic blood pressure monitors and mammography for breast cancer, have become life-saving tools for millions of people.

Role in global health coordination

The WHO said it has played a central role in advancing science and global health coordination over its 78-year history.

It cited its response to the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, when it coordinated a global laboratory network that identified the virus within two weeks, setting a model for future outbreak responses.

The organisation also referenced its development of alcohol-based hand-rub formulations in 2009, which have been widely adopted in healthcare settings to prevent infections, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It added that it continues to set global standards, including air quality guidelines to reduce risks of respiratory diseases and water safety standards to prevent illnesses such as cholera.

Global campaign and collaboration

As part of the World Health Day campaign, the WHO said it is convening key global events to strengthen collaboration.

These include a One Health Summit in Lyon, France, organised with the G7 Presidency, bringing together heads of state, scientists, and community leaders.

The organisation said it will also host a global forum of its collaborating centres, involving more than 800 academic and research institutions across over 80 countries.

The WHO Chief Scientist, Sylvie Briand noted that science transforms uncertainty into understanding and reveals the pathways to protect and heal our communities.

Ms Briand warned that without rigorous scientific inquiry, decision-making could be driven by bias and misinformation, leading to ineffective or harmful treatments.

One Health approach

In a message to mark the day, Nigerias First Lady Oluremi Tinubu echoed WHOs call, stressing that innovation and collaboration remain central to improving health outcomes.

Mrs Tinubu said scientific partnerships have helped humanity overcome many health challenges and continue to guide us toward healthy living.

She also highlighted the importance of the One Health approach, which recognises the connection between human, animal, plant, and environmental health.

Mrs Tinubu urged continued commitment to strengthening health systems and supporting scientific progress.

As we mark this important day, as a global community, let us continue to support science, invest in health systems, and work together to build a healthier and a more resilient world for all, she said.

The WHO also called on governments, institutions, and individuals to ensure that evidence-based approaches guide health policies and everyday decisions, noting that sustained collaboration is essential to addressing current and future health challenges.

It maintained that progress in global health depends on countries working together to apply scientific knowledge in building stronger and more equitable health systems.
The Nigerian government has opened discussions with European aerospace manufacturer Airbus to develop a nationwide ground-to-air emergency medical response system.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, on Tuesday, made a visit to France to inspect the equipment, following the approval of President Bola Tinubu.

The proposed system is expected to strengthen emergency response across the country by integrating air ambulance services with existing ground-based healthcare infrastructure, particularly in hard-to-reach and underserved areas.

Airbus is an European aerospace manufacturer known for producing commercial aircraft, helicopters, and advanced defence and space technologies.

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The company operates across several countries, including France, Germany, and Spain, and supplies equipment to governments, airlines, and emergency services worldwide.

Engagement with Airbus

According to the statement, Mr Pate held high-level discussions with executives of the European aerospace corporation on the sidelines of engagements aimed at improving Nigerias emergency medical response capacity.

As part of the visit, Mr Pate, the statement added, toured an Airbus emergency care helicopter at a French government-supported air ambulance facility in Lyon.

Mr Pate noted that the government is expanding both public and private sector health infrastructure to improve access to medical care, particularly in emergencies.

He added that the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Scheme is being revamped to enhance response across urban and rural areas, with plans to deploy underground ambulance systems in cities alongside strengthened rural emergency medical ambulance services.

Other efforts

Nigeria has in recent years seen a number of initiatives aimed at improving emergency medical services at state and national levels.

In October 2025, the Kaduna State government launched the Kaduna State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (KADSEMSAS), a framework designed to provide roundtheclock emergency medical response across the state.

The programme includes a dedicated dispatch centre, a fleet of fully equipped ambulances and trained emergency medical personnel prepared to respond to accidents, childbirth complications and other urgent health crises in both urban and rural communities.

Similarly, in Anambra State, the Anambra State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (ASEMSAS) has been active in recent years.

At the federal level, the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) has been introduced as part of broader health sector reforms under the Office of the Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

The programme is designed to ensure prompt medical intervention in emergencies within the first 48 hours by integrating urban ambulance services and rural emergency and maternal transport, including deployment of tricycle ambulances in hardtoreach areas.
A windstorm has damaged parts of the newly constructed Kugbo Bus Terminal in the Nyanya area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

According to a statement signed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, the incident, which occurred during heavy rainfall on Tuesday, also affected nearby infrastructure.

The statement said the windstorm affected sections of the bus terminal and also caused minor damage to the Nyanya pedestrian bridge and nearby buildings.

Windstorm has damaged some parts of the Kugbo Bus Terminal, Nyanya, Abuja, it read.

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It added that the incident happened during a heavy rainfall a few hours ago, impacting infrastructure within the area.

It also said that preliminary reports indicate no injuries or vehicle damage were recorded.

Security deployed, repairs ordered

Following the incident, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, directed the deployment of security personnel to the scene.

According to the statement, the move is aimed at maintaining order and ensuring the free flow of traffic in the area.

To prevent breakdown of law and order, as well as free flow of traffic, the FCT Minister has directed that security men be deployed to the scene, the statement read.

It added that steps would be taken to fix the damaged sections of the terminal and other affected infrastructure.

Videos and pictures circulating on social media, particularly on X, show that the incident caused heavy traffic along the busy KugboNyanya highway.

The affected area is a major entry route into Abuja from Mararaba, which is often prone to congestion during disruptions.

Some visuals also indicated that parts of the pedestrian bridge near the terminal were affected, with debris observed around sections of the structure.

Project yet to commence operations

The damage came months after the Kugbo Bus Terminal was completed and inaugurated as part of efforts to modernise public transportation in the Federal Capital Territory.

The terminal is one of several projects aimed at improving safety, reducing traffic congestion, and curbing one chance crimes associated with informal transport systems.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported that the Kugbo Bus Terminal is among several completed transport projects in the FCT awaiting operational approval.

Mr Wike had said the facilities could not commence operations without approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

He explained that the terminals, including those in Kugbo, Mabushi, and the Central Business District, were ready but required formal clearance before being put to use.

He noted that the delay was necessary to ensure proper structuring and management of the facilities in line with government plans for organised public transportation.

At the inauguration of similar facilities, President Bola Tinubu said the terminals would provide a secure, well-regulated environment for commuters and eliminate reliance on unregulated pick-up points.

The Kugbo terminal, along with others in Mabushi and the Central Business District, was also designed to enhance urban mobility and strengthen security in the city.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigerias South East zone has issued a strongly worded right of reply, accusing its Deputy National Chairman (South), Ben Nwoye, of overstepping his constitutional bounds and engaging in divisive rhetoric during a recent appearance on Arise TVs News Night programme.

In a statement issued and signed on Monday, 6 April 2026, by Chief Arinze Dozie Ikedife, Zonal Organising Secretary, and Hon Henry Onwughalonye, Zonal Publicity Secretary, the zonal chapter described Mr Nwoyes comments as unethical, ill-advised, and driven more by personal dissatisfaction than genuine concern for party unity.

The zonal leadership expressed gratitude to the three APC governors in the region, Senator Hope Uzodimma of Imo State who is also the partys leader in the southeast, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, and Dr Peter Mbah of Enugu State for their support during the recently concluded Local, State, and Zonal Congresses, as well as the National Convention.

The statement emphasised that a careful study of the APC constitution shows that the Deputy National Chairman (South) holds only an advisory role and has no supervisory authority over zonal activities. It pointed out that the constitutionally empowered official to oversee the South East zone is the National Vice-Chairman (South East), Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu.

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It is very unethical for Mr Nwoye to go on national television to comment on the partys regional activities when we have a National Vice-Chairman who is constitutionally empowered to supervise and oversee the activities of the party in the zone, the statement read.

The zonal chapter dismissed Mr Nwoyes reported comments about working with founding fathers to take full control of the party from one man as ridiculous, noting that the party already has two governors elected on its platform (Uzodimma and Nwifuru), several federal and state legislators before Governor Peter Mbah joined.

It further clarified that two individuals mentioned by Mr Nwoye, Senator Uche Ekwunife and Mr Paul Chukwuma, have been actively supporting the party and working closely with the zonal leadership.

The statement described Mr Nwoyes public outburst as appearing driven more by personal dissatisfaction and advised him to address any issues in his home state of Enugu rather than attempting to speak for the entire South East zone without consulting the established zonal working committee, which includes a constitutionally elected Zonal Publicity Secretary.

The APC South East leadership warned that such actions violate the partys constitution and will not be tolerated henceforth. It reaffirmed its commitment to discipline, stating that the zone shall not tolerate any form of indiscipline.

Highlighting its achievements, the statement noted that under the strategic guidance of Governor Hope Uzodimma, the South East APC has recorded remarkable progress in consolidating the party across wards and local governments through inclusive stakeholder engagement.

It urged genuine party members to shun divisive rhetoric and rededicate themselves to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubus administration, while working towards his re-election in 2027.

The zonal chapter concluded by reminding the public of Mr Nwoyes record as former Chairman of the Enugu State APC, during which, it claimed, the party never won a single ward or even a polling unit.

The statement comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen the APC in the South East following recent zonal congresses held by consensus in Enugu, which produced a new zonal executive led by Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu.

Read the full text of the press release below:

APRIL 6, 2026

ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS

SOUTH EAST ZONE

RIGHT OF REPLY: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON MR. BEN NWOYES RECENT ARISE TV APPEARANCE

We watched a recent featuring of the Deputy National Chairman (South) of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Ben Nwoye, on an Arise TV program, News night. Ordinarily, we would have ignored him, but for the sake of members of the public, especially members and supporters of our great party in the South East, who may not be aware of the true side of the story, we deemed it fit to issue the following response.

1. We remain grateful to Imo State Governor and leader of our great party in the South East, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma; Ebonyi State Governor, His Excellency Francis Nwifuru; and Enugu State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Peter Mbah, for their support at the recently concluded Local, State and Zonal Congresses, as well as in the National Convention of our great party.

2. We, in the party in the Southeast, carefully studied the constitutional role of Mr. Ben Nwoye as Deputy National Chairman (South), and confirmed that he has only an advisory role and no supervisory role over zonal activities.

3. It is very unethical for Mr. Nwoye to go on a national TV to comment on the partys regional activities when we have a National Vice-Chairman, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, who is constitutionally empowered to supervise and oversee the activities of the party in the zone.

4. It is very ridiculous hearing him saying that he will work closely with the partys founding fathers to take full control of the party from one man when the party had two governors elected on its platform, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, and His Excellency Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, as well as several legislators at federal and state levels, who showed continuous support for the party before being joined by the Enugu State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Peter Mbah.

5. It is also important to note that two stakeholders mentioned by Mr. Ben Nwoye as founding fathers he is working to bring back to the party in order to take control out of one man, Senator Uche Ekwunife, and Mr. Paul Chukwuma, have been supporting the party and working closely with the zonal leadership, and their supports are always acknowledged.

6. The party has always shown support to its leaders in the region and cannot stoop low and start making public the supports in order to please insecure persons like Mr. Ben Nwoye.

7. Mr. Nwoyes public outburst appears driven more by personal dissatisfaction than by any genuine concern for party unity.

8. If Mr. Ben Nwoye has issues with his state, he should go and figure it out instead of trying to make a mountain out of a molehill and in his natural personal disposition and poor judgement and erratic comportment, speak for and refer to the southeast APC without consulting the well established zonal working community, which has a constitutionally elected Publicity Secretary. This is in utmost variance of the constitution of the APC and will not be tolerated from him henceforth.

9. The Southeast Zonal chapter of our great party remains focused in supporting the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda across the grassroots and cannot be distracted by wild goose chasers.

10. The Southeast Zonal chapter of our great party, while focused, shall not tolerate any form of indiscipline.

11. The APC in the South East, under the strategic guidance of Governor Hope Uzodimma, has recorded remarkable progress in consolidating the party across wards and local governments through inclusive stakeholder engagement and visible commitment to national development goals.

12. We call on all genuine members to shun divisive rhetoric and rededicate themselves to collective advancement rather than ego-driven distractions that achieve nothing but amusement for our political opponents, but rather to interrogate the many years that Mr. Ben Nwoye held sway as chairman of Enugu state APC and never won a single ward or even a pooling unit for the party.

13. The Southeast Zonal chapter of our great party stands firm, disciplined, and resolute in its commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubus APC administration and we are working tirelessly for his re election in 2027.

Signed:

Chief Arinze Dozie Ikedife

Zonal Organizing Secretary

All Progressives Congress

South East Zone

Hon. Henry Onwughalonye

Zonal Publicity Secretary

All Progressives Congress

South East Zone
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kwara State has commended the Kwara Central District senator, Saliu Mustapha, for supporting the Christian community in the state.

The commendation was made on Monday during the Kwara CAN Easter Picnic Programme held at Budo Jesu in Ilorin, the state capital.

Speaking through its State chairperson, Sunday Adewole, the Christian body said the senator is always ready to provide support whenever needed.

He also praised Mr Mustapha for fostering religious harmony in the state.

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Senator Saliu Mustapha deserves commendation. He is always there for us and consistently comes through whenever he is needed, despite being a Muslim, Mr Adewole said.

He noted that the senator supported this years Easter celebration with hundreds of packs of customised table water, drinks, and fuel for transportation, among other contributions.

Similarly, the founder of the Resolution Church of Christ, M.S. Olobatoke, who led special prayers for the senator and other benefactors, prayed for divine protection, prosperity, and continued elevation.

I pray that no hand of the enemy will ever touch you. Wherever the resources you use to support us come from, may they never run dry, in Jesus name.

No power of this world or of the enemy shall overcome you. Wherever you aspire to reach in life, may God take you there, and may you not fall on your journey to glory.

Your work and business shall not fail. As you seek higher positions, may God grant your desires and elevate you, he prayed.

Mr Mustapha chairs the Senate Committee on Agricultural Production Services and Rural Development.

He is also considered one of the leading aspirants for the 2027 governorship election in Kwara State.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the arrest of the owner of a building that collapsed on Good Friday, 3 April, in the Jikwoyi area of the FCT, and directed the seizure of the land.

Addressing journalists during an on-the-spot assessment of the wreckage on Tuesday, the Minister disclosed that the owner was already in the advanced stages of building a two-storey hotel without a building plan approval, even as officials of the Development Control had issued stop-work notices, which were ignored.

Despite the lack of formal approval, the company proceeded with construction, leading to the eventual structural failure. There was no approval for the construction of this building. Development Control had issued stop-work notices, but the company ignored the notices and continued regardless, he stated.

Mr Wike, who frowned at the blatant disregard for compliance with laws in the country, said, We are trying to make sure that for anybody that doesnt have approval, we are going to bring the building down. For me, thank God no life was lost, but the owner will be arrested and prosecuted.

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The Minister said the local community would be consulted to determine a suitable public-purpose project to be built on the reclaimed land.

He stressed the need for strict compliance with building regulations, adding that obtaining approval allows the relevant authority to monitor construction standards and ensure the use of standard materials.

The Minister directed relevant agencies to strengthen enforcement measures, including the demolition of structures built without approval, in the event of future incidents.

I have always said this, go to the Development Control to get approval, let them know what you are building, the quality of materials, and they will supervise it from one stage to another Anywhere you see a building going on without approval, report to the government and we shall prosecute those who refuse to get approvals, the Minister said.

Mr Wike, according to a statement by Rabi Musa Umar, the deputy director for press affairs at the ministers office, reiterated the administrations commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging developers to adhere strictly to the laid-down procedures to avoid sanctions.
The Head of Complaint Response Unit (CRU) of the police, Anietie Iniedu, has said a recent court judgement affirming Nigerians right to film police activity will improve policing in the country.

Mr Aniedu, a chief superintendent of police, disclosed this in a post on LinkedIn on Monday.

Court judgement

In March, a Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, ruled that Nigerians have the constitutional right to record police officers performing their duties in public.

In the ruling which set a major precedent for accountability and civil liberties, the judge, H. A. Nganjiwa, emphasised that police officers must wear visible name tags, display their force numbers, and refrain from harassing, intimidating, arresting, or confiscating devices from citizens who record their actions.

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The judgement followed a suit that was filed as a public interest litigation by Maxwell Uwaifo, challenging the legality of police stop-and-search operations conducted without officers displaying name tags or force numbers.

The court awarded the applicant, Mr Uwaifo, N5 million for the violation of his fundamental rights and an additional N2 million for litigation costs.

How ruling will improve policing

Mr Aniedu said the judgement will strengthen police accountability in the country.

By awarding N5 million damages for unlawful stop-and-search operations, the Federal High Court established that transparency is a constitutional right, not a privilege, he said.

He said the CRU police unit considers the judgement as transformative because

video recordings eliminate reliance on secondary sources and enable faster, fact-based investigations.

The CRU-Nigerias internal police oversight mechanism with presence in all 36 states plus FCT-now has judicial backing to treat video evidence as legitimate complaint documentation.

This shifts the CRU from reactive complaint-handling to proactive accountability facilitation, the police chief said.

More implications for policing

Mr Aniedu stressed that the court judgement mandating police officers to wear visible name tags and display their force numbers addresses anonymous abuse.

With UNODC support and US funding, the CRU is expanding capacity. This judgement provides the legal foundation to maximise that investment, he said.

The police chief noted that officers who assault Nigerians for recording reveal fear of accountability, not security concerns.

The CRU must lead transformation through mandatory training, consequence certainty for violations, and public awareness campaigns.

Justice Nganjiwas ruling is an institutional mandate, not merely a legal victory, he said.

The CRU must now operationalize transparency to build the professional, accountable police force Nigerians deserve.

Police support for video recordings

In December 2023, the Nigeria Police Force publicly confirmed that citizens can record officers on duty.

In a post on X, the then-Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that filming or photographing officers is not an offence and that harassment of those recording constitutes misconduct.

Despite repeated incidents of police brutality, particularly during stop-and-search operations, the proliferation of smartphones has made recording encounters increasingly common.

A video circulating on social media captured a tense confrontation between a police officer in Lagos and a driver wearing smart glasses, spotlighting ongoing challenges in enforcing professional conduct.

The police later condemned the officers actions, promising disciplinary measures, and reiterated that recording police officers on duty is lawful.
LONDON, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresha, the top-rated AI-powered booking platform for beauty and wellness, is accelerating its global expansion through a series of landmark, multi-year strategic partnerships and events on a global scale. Fresha is positioning itself as the definitive operating system and partner for the selfcare community by moving beyond software to become the primary technological backbone and infrastructure for the world's most influential hair and selfcare environments.

HAIRFEST powered by Fresha

As live experiences reclaim their role as the heartbeat of the industry, the spaces where professionals gather have become commercially and culturally critical. These events are where global standards are set, and the next generation of businesses is built. With more than 140,000 partner businesses and a marketplace processing over 35 million appointments per month valued at $1.5 billion, which means Fresha is not merely observing this shift but helping define it. At its core, Fresha exists to champion the professionals who use the platform, providing the live-availability infrastructure that allows the physical world of beauty to seamlessly connect with the digital economy.

In a definitive move for the UK market, Fresha has entered a landmark five-year agreement as the exclusive Premier Partner of HairCon, a revolutionary event for the professional hair and barbering industry held in Manchester, UK. Now officially rebranded as "HairCon Powered by Fresha," this partnership secures a long-term leadership position within one of the UK's most disruptive and curated multi-day industry gatherings. This commitment marks a transition from temporary brand visibility to permanent ecosystem integration, embedding Fresha's vertically integrated booking and commerce tools into the fabric of the event through 2030.

Michael Dynan, Event Director of HairCon, commented:

"HairCon was built to bring together the most forward-thinking professionals in the industry, and partnering with Fresha allows us to take that vision even further. This isn't just about visibility; it's about integrating the advanced technology that modern businesses rely on directly into the experience. Haircon has re-imagined the typical trade event model, like Fresha, they understand where the industry is heading, and so together we're creating an environment that reflects the future of beauty and barbering."

Simultaneously, in Europe, following the transformative impact of HAIRFEST in October 2025, Fresha has signed a multi-year exclusive global partnership, reinforcing its commitment to one of Europe's most culturally influential industry platforms. These agreements represent a structural investment in the industry's collective growth, as businesses increasingly look to unified, real-time systems to operate and scale in a more connected, digitally enabled marketplace.

"The HAIRFEST  FRESHA collaboration isn't just about events. It's about creating a legacy for our hairdressing community. We're uniting the industry, pushing boundaries and shaping a future full of possibilities that will elevate everyone involved. Fresha is the leading booking platform for the industry, and we are so excited to be partnering with them," says George Xidaseli, CEO and Founder of HAIRFEST.

Furthermore, Stefanos Polizos, Executive Director of Hairfest, says, "this collaboration represents a new era for our industry. HAIRFEST brings the power of the live experience, while Fresha leads the technological innovation in the hairdressing and selfcare industry. Connecting these two worlds is how we shape the future of hairdressing together."

Beyond these flagship partnerships, Fresha continues to support the industry on a global scale, expanding its presence across a growing events calendar with 25+ events based all around the world, including Salon Smart London, Expo4Barbers Australia, Barbercamp Romania, NZ Hair & Beauty Expo and the Bali Barber Expo, alongside activations across Copenhagen, Jakarta, Chicago, Orlando, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Manchester, Italy and beyond.

These gatherings serve as critical touchpoints where Fresha's real-time data insights and AI-powered commerce tools meet the creative ambition of thousands of professionals. This strategy ensures Fresha remains embedded in the environments where innovation happens, capturing direct feedback from high-growth operators building their businesses on the platform.

"Bali Barber Expo has always been about bringing the global barbering community together and creating growth opportunities. Partnering with Fresha allows us to take that to the next level by connecting creativity with real business tools. It's not just about inspiration on stage; it's about giving barbers the most advanced systems that they need to build sustainable, successful businesses beyond the event. Fresha is the most trusted booking system in the industry to make this happen," comments Tommy Bolin, Founder of Bali Barber Expo.

Alongside major industry events, Fresha is also supporting high-impact community activations, including the Mogeen x Fresha event in Amsterdam, working in tandem with celebrity hairstylist Hester Wernert-Rijn, and the launch of the Rascals Academy in the UK, working closely with renowned barber Sam Rascals. These collaborations reflect a deeper level of integration, where Fresha provides the infrastructure and support for industry leaders to launch educational platforms and scale their influence, further strengthening its position as the most technologically advanced and commercially integrated platform in the sector.

James Hayward-Browne, Head of Brand and Marketing at Fresha, commented:

"For Fresha, true industry leadership means building technology alongside the professionals who live it every day. We aren't just putting our logo on banners; we are actively investing in the environments that will shape the future of the selfcare industry. Multi-year partnerships like HairCon and HAIRFEST allow us to move beyond temporary visibility and deeply embed ourselves into the cultural epicentres of beauty and wellness. These spaces give us direct insight into how ambitious businesses operate, allowing us to bridge the gap between physical experiences and the digital infrastructure required to scale them. We are proud to be the engine powering the industry's next chapter."

Annabelle Taurua, Beauty Expert at Fresha, continues:

"What's really exciting from a consumer perspective is how these partnerships make discovering and booking beauty and wellness experiences feel more immediate, more connected, and more personal. The moments that inspire people, whether it's a live demo, a trend on stage, or a stylist they've just discovered, can now translate instantly into a real booking. That's a powerful shift. By bringing Fresha into these environments, we're helping bridge the gap between inspiration and action, making it easier for clients to access the best talent while supporting professionals in building loyal, long-term relationships. It's a more seamless, experience-led future for the entire industry."

About Fresha

Fresha is a global all-in-one booking, payments and business management platform built for beauty, wellness and selfcare professionals. The platform enables salons, barbershops, spas, medspas, clinics and fitness studios to manage appointments, process payments, attract new clients and grow revenue through an integrated marketplace and advanced AI-powered automation. Trusted by more than 140,000 businesses worldwide, Fresha is redefining the future of service-based commerce through intelligent technology, scalable infrastructure and industry-leading innovation. Fresha is built to support businesses at every stage, from independent professionals and owner-operated studios to multi-location enterprises and global franchises. It is the most trusted and advanced booking and business management platform in the beauty and wellness industry.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2951071/Fresha_HAIRFEST.jpg
Strengthening local support and accelerating charger uptime across the Swedish market

AMSTERDAM, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zerova, a provider of EV charging solutions, today announced a service and maintenance partnership with Comfort in Sweden. The agreement establishes Comfort as Zerova's local partner for after-sales service and maintenance, enhancing response times and long-term support for customers across Sweden.

Comfort brings strong on-the-ground experience as an installer and service organization. Under the agreement, Comfort will focus on service and maintenance, ensuring that Swedish customers benefit from a clear support structure and dependable local execution.

Zerova and Comfort join forces to deliver EV charging solutions

"Having a strong local service partner is essential to customer confidence and operational continuity," said Brian Huang, Business Operations Director, Zerova. "Comfort's presence and capabilities in Sweden help us deliver faster response times and reliable long-term performance for customers."

"Service quality is critical as the EV charging market scales," said Mattias Lindgren Head of National Business, Comfort. "We are proud to partner with Zerova and support customers in Sweden with structured maintenance and on-site expertise."

The partnership is already active, with local service capabilities now in place to support customers across Sweden.

About Zerova

Zerova specializes in designing and producing branded EV charging solutions, delivering fully customized systems. With over 50 years of manufacturing excellence and more than a decade of EV charging, Zerova offers a comprehensive range of DC chargers ranging from 30kW to megawatt solutions  serving diverse sectors such as fleets, depots, mining, constructions, utilities, CPOs, hospitality, retail and service stations. For more information about Zerova's EV charging solutions and service network, visit www.zerovatech.com

About Comfort

Comfort is a nationwide Swedish installation chain with more than 2,500 employees across Sweden. Comfort delivers services and solutions across electrical, plumbing (VVS), heating, and ventilation, offering end-to-end support from installation to ongoing service and maintenance. Through a network of specialized local companies, Comfort provides certified expertise and local coverage to support reliable building and infrastructure operations. www.comfort.se

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2949072/Zerova_Comfort.jpg
SAN DIEGO, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ANA Global, LLC ("ANA Global"), a leader in high-precision injection molding, metal stamping, and integrated assembly for the medical device and life sciences sectors, today announced the appointment of Mike Sanford as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).

In this role, Sanford will lead the modernization of ANA Global's commercial engine to accelerate strategic growth and ensure the company's advanced manufacturing capabilities are well-aligned with the evolving needs of global OEMs.

A seasoned executive with over 20 years of leadership in the medical device contract design and manufacturing (CDMO) industry, Sanford has an established track record of driving commercial excellence for global market leaders. He joins ANA Global following Senior Leadership tenures at Integer Holdings and Nissha Medical Technologies. Sanford's combination of deep technical roots and commercial leadership will be instrumental as ANA Global expands its offering to a growing portfolio of early-stage innovators and blue-chip customers.

"Mike is a high-caliber leader whose domain expertise in the MedTech landscape is exactly what ANA Global requires for this next phase of our evolution," said Richard Warren, CEO of ANA Global. "Mike's experience leading high-performance teams at the world's most respected medical manufacturing organizations will accelerate the realization of ANA Global's vision and delivery of our unique value proposition to healthcare OEMs."

"I am excited to join ANA Global at such a transformative moment," said Mike Sanford, Chief Commercial Officer. "The company's 70-year legacy of precision manufacturing, combined with its expansive manufacturing footprint in Mexico, creates a compelling nearshore solution for global innovators. I look forward to working with Hasan Khan, Ty Finnell and the leadership team to deliver the agility, scale, and technical sophistication our partners require across all of our core business segments."

Sanford holds a B.S. in Plastics & Elastomer Engineering from Ferris State University and an Executive MBA from San Diego State University.

About ANA Global, LLC Headquartered in San Diego, ANA Global is a premier manufacturing partner specializing in high-precision polymer and metal solutions. The company provides mission-critical components and hybrid assemblies for the medical, infrastructure technology, and automotive sectors. With over 400,000 square feet of advanced manufacturing space in Mexico, ANA Global delivers the scale and technical precision necessary for today's complex global supply chains. For more information, visit ana-global.com.

SOURCE ANA Global
Author Richard Flyer draws on four decades of real-world community work to show the crisis is rooted in the breakdown of civic lifeand that rebuilding it must begin locally

HONOLULU, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As polarization deepens and trust in institutions continues to erode across the United States, many leaders are confronting a growing reality: the foundations of civic life are breaking down.

Based on more than four decades of work across diverse communities and cultural contexts, author and community builder Richard Flyer demonstrates that the root issue runs deeper than structureit is rooted in relationships.

Unite For Change: Harnessing Love to Transform our World Speed Speed

Flyer proposes what he calls "Symbiotic Culture"small, trust-based networks fostering genuine dialogue, shared responsibility, and resilient "parallel systems" across civic, economic, and cultural life. These models show cooperation across divides is possible and replicable at the neighborhood level.

"Most solutions focus on systems," Flyer said. "But systems cannot function without trustand trust cannot be engineered from the top. It is built through lived relationships."

Flyer's framework is grounded in proven examples, including Sri Lanka's Sarvodaya movement, initiatives he helped develop in San Diego and Reno, and historical precedents such as early Christian communities, Gandhi's initiatives, and Czechoslovakia's Parallel Polis.

At a time when large-scale solutions dominate discourse, Flyer offers a different diagnosis:

"We don't lack solutionswe lack the relational fabric that allows them to work."

In an era marked by polarization, institutional distrust, and social fragmentation, Flyer emphasizes practical steps for leaders and communities:

Rebuild trust through ongoing face-to-face dialogue across differences

Strengthen resilient local economies and mutual-support networks

Integrate ethical formation into everyday life

Empower grassroots leadership by supporting local connectors

"Our crisis is not only structuralit is relational," Flyer said. "And when relationships break down, everything downstream begins to fail."

Flyer reframes civic renewal not as a policy problem, but as a deeper spiritual and cultural challengerooted in what he describes as "love as the architecture of civilization." Here, love is not sentiment, but the foundation that makes trust, cooperation, and shared life possible.

These ideas are explored in his book, Birthing the Symbiotic Age: An Ancient Blueprint to Unite Humanity.

Flyer is available for interviews, speaking, and panel discussions on civic renewal, community resilience, and post-partisan approaches to rebuilding trust.

Media Contact:

Richard Flyer

(775) 721-3287

[email protected]

www.richardflyer.com

SOURCE Richard Flyer
CLEARWATER, Fla., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- BayCare Health System today released its 2025 Report to the Community, highlighting its growth and leadership in West Central Florida as an academic health system, top employer and community partner dedicated to improving health in the region.

Operating revenues grew to $6.97 billion in 2025, up from $6.27 billion in 2024. BayCare's community benefit spend in the categories of charity care, subsidizing the underinsured and health-related social services grew as well to $500 million in 2025, up from $467 million in 2024.

BayCares 2025 Report to the Community highlights BayCares growth and impact as an academic health system dedicated to improving health in West Central Florida.

"BayCare's 2025 Report to the Community reflects a year of meaningful progress, advancing our role as an academic health system, delivering clinical excellence, and expanding programs that improve community health," said BayCare President and CEO Stephanie Conners, MBA, BSN, RN. "It also celebrates what truly sets BayCare apart: our dedicated team members, our commitment to being a great place to work, and the powerful patient stories that remind us why our work matters."

Through its Community Benefit efforts, BayCare continued to address unmet health needs identified in Community Health Needs Assessment plans for the region. By partnering to support free health services and reducing barriers to care, such as the cost of medications, BayCare helped individuals and families access essential health services they might not otherwise receive.

With food insecurity affecting one in seven households, BayCare expanded programs to meet this critical health need both inside and outside its hospital walls. In 2025, BayCare continued to support 42 school-based food pantries operated by Feeding Tampa Bay. BayCare distributed 11,018 Healing Bags to hospital patients reporting food insecurity at discharge. And it expanded its food clinic program, resulting in 20,917 visits across three BayCare food clinics.

BayCare's evolution as an academic health system was marked by rapid growth in its Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs and the acquisition and the opening of the BayCare Academic Health and Research Corridor in Tampa. BayCare also signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Northwestern Medicine, Chicago's premier integrated academic health system, the final key step in its evolution as an academic health system. The collaboration will accelerate BayCare's ability to elevate care by bringing cuttingedge treatments, research and expertise to West Central Florida, providing the care families need close to home.

To strengthen the training pipeline for future physicians, BayCare in 2025 added six medical residency programs and one fellowship program, trained nearly 300 resident physicians and graduated its first class of BayCare-sponsored pediatrics residents. On Match Day 2025, BayCare-sponsored GME programs achieved a 100% match with new residents and fellows.

BayCare continues to rank nationally among health systems for clinical quality and outcomes. In fall of 2025, 11 of BayCare's acute care hospitals received "A" grades on patient safety from the nonprofit Leapfrog Group. In addition, BayCare earned 17 Press Ganey Human Experience Awards for extraordinary patient experience based on patient surveys.

BayCare's commitment to provide the right care at the right time and right place drove the expansion of its hospital and ambulatory services in West Central Florida. BayCare broke ground on BayCare Hospital Manatee, which will open as the county's only not-for-profit hospital system in 2028, and the adjacent BayCare HealthHub (Manatee), which will open in 2026.

BayCare announced plans to build freestanding emergency departments (FSEDs) in Valrico in Hillsborough County and Davenport in Polk County, along with its planned FSED in Lakeland. To support families, BayCare can now treat children as young as six months at any of its 17 BayCare Urgent Care locations.

BayCare hospitals celebrated the birth of 13,255 babies, the most of any health system in the region. BayCare now has Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in all seven of its hospitals with maternity units, ensuring families have access to this vital newborn care if needed.

In Pasco County, BayCare opened the state's first behavioral health urgent care for patients in urgent need of mental health or substance use services, which served more than 1,600 patients within its first year of operation. On the same campus in New Port Richey, BayCare Behavioral Health broke ground for a new Central Receiving Facility (CRF), also the first of its kind in Pasco County, to provide assessment, intervention and referrals for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises under one roof.

Named a top employer by Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine, the Tampa Bay Times as well as one of 100 PEOPLE Companies that Care, BayCare supported its growing workforce of nearly 34,000 team members in 2025, investing $927 million in benefits, career development, and rewards and recognition. With more than 10,000 nurses, nurse educators and RN advanced practice providers, BayCare earned state and national recognition for nurse well-being from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the Florida Nurses Association.

BayCare's 2025 Report to the Community covers activity from Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2025. The full report is available online here.

About BayCare

BayCare is a leading not-for-profit academic health care system that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 16 hospitals, including a children's hospital, and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions. The system is West Central Florida's largest provider of behavioral health and pediatric services and its provider group, BayCare Medical Group, is one of the largest in the region. BayCare's diverse network of ambulatory services includes laboratories, imaging, surgical centers, BayCare Urgent Care locations, wellness centers and one of Florida's largest home care agencies, BayCare HomeCare. BayCare's mission is to improve the health of all it serves through community-owned, health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care. For more information, visit BayCare.org.

SOURCE BayCare Health System
Seventeen employers recognized for exemplary support of employees impacted by cancer

NEW YORK, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cancer and Careers (CAC), the leading authority on navigating work and cancer, today announced its inaugural Best Companies for Working with Cancer Index  the first employer ranking of its kind. The Index evaluates the strength of employer benefits, policies, culture and resources, assessing 13 dimensions across 152 workplace elementsmeasured against weighted priorities identified by employees navigating cancer.

The Best Companies for Working with Cancer recognizes 17 companies setting the standard for how workplaces support employees facing cancer and other serious health conditions. The 2026 Best Companies are:

Cancer and Careers Announces Inaugural Index of Best Companies for Working with Cancer; seventeen employers recognized Post this

AbbVie

Best Buy

Blood Cancer United

Google

Haymarket Media Group

L'Oreal

Lloyds Banking Group

Marriott International

Maven Partnership

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Merck, known as MSD outside of the U.S. and Canada

Nestle

Pfizer, Inc.

Publicis Groupe

Renault Group

Sanofi

Stellantis

"For 25 years, Cancer and Careers has sat at the intersection of health and work," said Rebecca Nellis, Executive Director of Cancer and Careers. "This Index transforms that expertise into a roadmap for how companies can successfully balance employee need, company culture and business realities while fostering supportive workplace environments."

The Index found key commonalities offered by the Best Companies including:

Flexible schedules, remote work, physical accommodations (100%)

Phased return-to-work (94%)

Confidential HR channel for questions (94%)

The Index also revealed several unique benefits being offered by Best Companies including:

Coverage for clinical trials not covered by health insurance (29%)

Training for managers supervising caregivers (29%)

Hardship grants funded by employer (24%)

According to the National Cancer Institute, 2M new cancer cases are diagnosed each year in the US; More than 72% of cancer diagnoses are made in adults 20-74, prime employment years.

Companies interested in 2027 application visit https://beyondinsights.com/cac-best-companies-survey

ABOUT THE RESEARCH

Research for the Best Companies for Working with Cancer Index was conducted by BEYOND Insights on behalf of CAC.

Click here for more about the Index.

ABOUT CANCER AND CAREERS

Cancer and Careers (CAC), a global organization founded in 2001, eliminates fear and uncertainty for working people with cancer through direct support and education, while partnering with employers to develop clear policies, effective programs, and scalable workplace practices. Learn more at cancerandcareers.org.

SOURCE Cancer and Careers
Between Austin and San Antonio in Texas Hill Country

FREDERICKSBURG, Texas, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cellar Ridge Ranch, a newly released Hill Country community developed by Southerland Communities, an affiliate of National Land Partners, will host a Sneak Preview Land Sale April 1819, 2026, introducing a limited collection of 10+ acre estate homesites in Fredericksburg, Texas, located in the Texas Hill Country wine region between Austin and San Antonio.

Texas Hill Country

This initial release offers buyers early access to large acreage homesites with elevated views, privacy, and proximity to Fredericksburg's wineries, dining, and cultural attractionsa combination increasingly difficult to find in today's Texas Hill Country real estate market.

Ideally situated within driving distance of both Austin and San Antonio, Cellar Ridge Ranch provides a rare opportunity to enjoy rural land ownership with convenient access to two of Texas' fastest-growing metropolitan areas, while remaining rooted in the charm and natural beauty of Fredericksburg.

"Demand for large-acreage homesites in the Texas Hill Countryparticularly those located near Fredericksburg and within reach of Austin and San Antoniocontinues to grow," said a representative of Southerland Communities. "Cellar Ridge Ranch was designed to meet that demand by offering elevated homesites, privacy, and long-term lifestyle value in a highly sought-after region."

A New Opportunity in Texas Hill Country Real Estate

Cellar Ridge Ranch introduces a rare opportunity to own land for sale in Fredericksburg, TX, featuring expansive 10+ acre homesites positioned across gently rolling terrain to maximize views, usability, and privacy.

Property highlights:

Elevated homesites with panoramic Hill Country views

Gated entrance with paved , county, and private road access

with , county, and access Native hardwoods, open pastureland, and a scenic creek

Electric and high-speed internet availability

and availability Wildlife-rich surroundings, including whitetail deer and turkey

Low property taxes through agricultural valuation

through agricultural valuation Flexibility to build when ready with a builder of choice

Located just minutes from Fredericksburgand centrally positioned between Austin and San Antoniothe community offers access to renowned wineries, boutique shopping, and dining, while maintaining the quiet character of country living.

Meeting Demand for Space, Privacy, and Location

As migration to Texas continues and demand for land increases, buyers are placing greater emphasis on space, privacy, and proximity to major cities.

Cellar Ridge Ranch aligns with these priorities by offering:

Large Acreage Near Major Texas Cities

10+ acre homesites located between Austin and San Antonio provide flexibility for primary residences, second homes, or long-term land investment.

10+ acre homesites located between Austin and San Antonio provide flexibility for primary residences, second homes, or long-term land investment. Scenic Elevation and Natural Surroundings

Elevated build sites capture sweeping views, cooling breezes, and expansive Hill Country landscapes.

Elevated build sites capture sweeping views, cooling breezes, and expansive Hill Country landscapes. Access to Fredericksburg and the Texas Wine Trail

Residents benefit from proximity to one of Texas' most recognized destinations, known for its wineries, tourism, and cultural appeal.

A Lifestyle Defined by the Hill Country

Cellar Ridge Ranch reflects the growing appeal of Texas Hill Country living, where open space and natural beauty create a distinct lifestyle experience.

Residents can enjoy quiet mornings overlooking rolling terrain, afternoons exploring Fredericksburg's wineries and local attractions, and evenings defined by cooler air, expansive skies, and unobstructed sunset views.

With its location between Austin and San Antonio, the community offers both accessibility and retreat, appealing to buyers seeking balance between convenience and privacy.

"One visit provides a clear sense of what makes this property unique," the representative added. "It's the combination of location, scale, and settingwithin reach of Austin and San Antonio, yet distinctly Hill Countrythat continues to attract interest."

Event Details

The Sneak Preview Land Sale will take place Saturday and Sunday, April 1819, 2026, with access available by private appointment.

Homesites will be released on a first-come, first-served basis, with early attendees receiving access to introductory Sneak Preview pricing.

Prospective buyers can learn more or schedule a private tour by visiting www.CellarRidgeRanch.com or calling (877) 888-7559.

About National Land Partners

National Land Partners is a leading national developer and marketer of residential and recreational land, with more than 50 years of experience in land acquisition, development, and sales. The company has established a strong reputation for delivering thoughtfully planned communities that combine natural beauty, accessibility, and long-term value. Through a commitment to transparency, customer service, and operational excellence, National Land Partners has become one of the largest and most respected land companies in the United States.

For more information, visit www.NationalLandPartners.com.

About Southerland Communities

Southerland Communities, an affiliate of National Land Partners, specializes in the development of premier land communities across Texas. Founded by Charlie and Jay Patterson, the company is driven by a deep appreciation for the land and a commitment to creating properties that reflect the character and beauty of the regions they serve. Southerland Communities focuses on delivering high-quality homesites that offer both lifestyle appeal and long-term value, while fostering meaningful relationships with customers throughout the buying experience.

For more information, visit www.SoutherlandCommunities.com.

Media Contact

National Land Partners

Advertising Manager: Melissa Robinson

Phone: (413) 458-5220

SOURCE National Land Partners
The acquisition will help districts simplify student dismissal, manage emergencies, and keep students safe all on one platform.

ATLANTA, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CENTEGIX, the K-12 leader in school safety and emergency response technology, today announced it has acquired Pikmykid, a trusted leader in dismissal management, reunification, and other school safety solutions. Together, the companies will deliver a unified platform that connects the everyday realities of the school day with critical incident responsegiving schools a new level of visibility, control, and coordination across student safety.

For more than a decade, Pikmykid has helped schools bring structure and safety to some of the most complex and challenging times of the day. Its platform is widely recognized for transforming manual processes around student monitoring into coordinated, secure workflows that improve both safety and efficiency.

CENTEGIX will now manage both the predictable and unpredictable moments of school safety.

From classroom transitions to early pickups and dismissal, schools manage hundreds of student transitions every dayoften without real-time visibility or control. While most safety solutions focus on isolated moments, schools face risk across the entire day. By bringing together two category leaders, CENTEGIX and Pikmykid are closing this gap.

CENTEGIX will begin integrating Pikmykid's capabilities into its Safety Platform immediately, with a focus on delivering a seamless experience for customers.

"School safety doesn't begin in an emergencyit's built into every moment of the school day," said Brent Cobb, CEO of CENTEGIX. "By joining forces with Pikmykid, we're connecting the operational moments that schools manage every day with the critical response capabilities they rely on when it matters most. From arrival to dismissal, schools will be able to manage student safety through one platform."

Together, CENTEGIX and Pikmykid will deliver a comprehensive approach to student safety that spans:

Student Monitoring: Real-time visibility and control over student transitions throughout the school day, enabled through Digital Hall Pass

Real-time visibility and control over student transitions throughout the school day, enabled through Digital Hall Pass Dismissal Management: Safer, more efficient coordination of end-of-day pickup

Safer, more efficient coordination of end-of-day pickup Emergency Response: Immediate alerting and coordination to initiate and manage critical incident response

Immediate alerting and coordination to initiate and manage critical incident response Reunification: Structured, secure processes for reuniting students with approved caregivers during emergencies

Structured, secure processes for reuniting students with approved caregivers during emergencies Campus-Wide Visibility: Real-time awareness to support faster, more informed decision-making during emergencies

Real-time awareness to support faster, more informed decision-making during emergencies Connected School Communities: Seamless coordination between school staff and families

This unified approach enables schools to support a proactive, continuous model where daily operations and emergency preparedness are no longer separate conversations, but part of the same system.

"School safety isn't just about how you respond in an emergencyit's about how you manage every moment of the school day," said Tony Lake, Superintendent of Lindbergh Schools, in St. Louis, Missouri. "We've used both CENTEGIX and Pikmykid in our district, and bringing them together connects those everyday operational moments with our emergency response in a way that just hasn't existed before. That level of visibility and coordination is a meaningful step forward for schools."

The acquisition rounds out CENTEGIX's school safety offerings, supporting the needs of educators, schools, districts, and families by delivering a new standard in comprehensive, layered school safety.

"Pikmykid was built to solve the real, everyday operational challenges schools facefrom dismissal and parent communication to student flow and reunification," said Pat Bhava, CEO & Co-founder. "Joining CENTEGIX allows us to extend that foundationconnecting daily operations with emergency response in a way that drives faster decisions, stronger coordination, and safer outcomes for schools and their communities."

About Pikmykid

Pikmykid is a comprehensive, cloud-based platform revolutionizing school operations and student safety. Designed to address the diverse needs of modern schools, Pikmykid offers robust features including visitor management, dismissal management, attendance tracking, hall pass solutions, real-time messaging, emergency response tools, and reunification processes. Trusted by schools nationwide, Pikmykid simplifies the complexities of daily and emergency operations, ensuring safety and efficiency are at the forefront of every interaction.

About CENTEGIX

CENTEGIX is the industry leader in innovative safety solutions for all types of workplaces. The cloud-based CENTEGIX Safety Platform is the center for layered safety plans and initiates the fastest response time for emergencies, from the everyday to the extreme, anywhere on campus. Leaders nationwide trust CENTEGIX's innovative safety solutions to empower and protect people every day. For more information, visit centegix.com/pikmykid.

Media Contact

Annmarie Ely

0to5 for CENTEGIX

267-454-4686

[email protected]

SOURCE CENTEGIX
BRISBANE, Australia, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cryptsoft has successfully demonstrated a Hybrid Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) authentication token proof-of-concept (POC) combining a low-memory rust implementation of ML-DSA-65 with Fetian's OpenSK dongle to deliver hybrid PQC passkey authentication for the Cryptsoft KMIP C Server. This POC demonstrates a practical path to implementing the quantum-safe authentication systems, systems that up to now have been a critical missing element allowing for the build-out of PQC security systems and infrastructure.

The solution builds on top of one of the development branches of the OpenSK project, but replaces the cryptographic implementation with the ML-DSA-65 implementation from Bouncy Castle's bc-rust alpha release which was then tuned for embedded platform use. To enable PQC algorithm support in highly embedded platforms like OpenSK-class devices, a memory-efficient design throughout key generation, signing, and verification was required.

Public-key material is derived incrementally, and fully expanded private-key state is reconstructed only when needed for signing. During signing, the implementation avoids materializing large vectors and processes signing state sequentially, row by row or component by component, recomputes commitment and response data as needed, hashes incrementally, and packs results directly into the output buffer. Verification follows the same model by reconstructing only the required data and streaming hash inputs rather than building large intermediate structures. These techniques were applied in earlier attempts by the OpenSK project on a lower security strength and non-standardised version of Dilithium and we have adapted these approaches to the bc-rust alpha ML-DSA-65 implementation.

"The successful integration of ML-DSA-44, ML-DSA-65 and ML-DSA-87 into OpenSK demonstrates Cryptsoft's commitment to advancing security standards and to driving innovation in the Key Management Server market," said Justin Corlett, Business Development Manager, Cryptsoft. "It gives developers, security engineers, and researchers a practical platform for testing how next-generation FIDO2 credentials may operate in a modern PQC-ready security architecture."

"FEITIAN is thrilled to congratulate Cryptsoft on implementing NIST PQC Algorithms into their products and SDKs. By leveraging the FEITIAN hardware platform, Cryptsoft has demonstrated how collaboration can solve the most pressing security challenges of the quantum era. At FEITIAN, we will continue our dedicated efforts to ensure our hardware remains a trusted, future-proof foundation for the global security ecosystem." - Geoffrey Li, International Technical Director at FEITIAN Technologies Co. Ltd.

"A goal of the bc-rust project is to ensure support for embedded platforms and constrained environments. Meeting this goal is one of the reasons we have worked with Cryptsoft to better explore and understand techniques for PQC algorithms on constrained devices." - David Hook, Secretary, Legion of the Bouncy Castle Inc.

Note the resulting FEITIAN hardware token, combined with the Cryptsoft modified OpenSK firmware is not FIDO2 certified and is intended for development testing only.

About Cryptsoft

Cryptsoft is a privately held Australian company that operates worldwide in the enterprise key management security market. Cryptsoft's Key Management Interoperability Protocol (KMIP) software development kits (SDKs) are the market's preferred OEM solutions. Cryptsoft's solutions have been selected by prominent global companies for interoperable enterprise key management and encryption technology in their storage, security and cloud products. Cryptsoft is an OASIS Sponsor and actively participates on the KMIP, PKCS#11 and SAM Technical Committees. (cryptsoft.com)

About Feitian Technologies

Founded in 1998, FEITIAN Technologies is committed to developing a comprehensive portfolio of robust authentication, identity verification and secure payment solutions across a full range of security key and smart card form factors; as a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), a board member of the FIDO Alliance, and a technology partner of Google, FEITIAN is a global leader in fingerprint biometric and passwordless authentication solutions, serving enterprise, financial, telecommunications, government and educational institutions in more than 150 countries with industry-leading solutions and services. (ftsafe.com)

Legion of the Bouncy Castle Inc.

Legion of the Bouncy Castle Inc. is an Australian open-source charity, best known for the Bouncy Castle project which offers open-source APIs for Java, C# and Kotlin that support cryptography and cryptographic protocols. They cover many security areas, such as public key infrastructure, digital signatures, authentication, and secure communication. Additionally, FIPS certified versions are available for both Java and C#. (bouncycastle.org)

Contact:

Cryptsoft

[email protected]

+1 650 918 4362

Photo(s):

https://www.prlog.org/13137646

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE Cryptsoft
Now Available, Owner of the Award-Winning Agency Junipr Public Relations Helps Readers Leverage PR Principles to Lead Authentically, Build Strong Brands and Break Through the Noise

CHICAGO, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Renowned, public relations strategist, entrepreneur and agency founder Samantha Flynn has released her debut book, The EntrePReneur Advantage: Turning Chaos into Clarity, a practical guide for entrepreneurs, founders and business leaders looking to leverage strategic communications to grow their brands with greater clarity, confidence and impact.

Now available, The EntrePReneur Advantage is a master class in applying the foundational principles of public relations  story architecture, message clarity, brand authenticity, audience psychology, and media strategy  to the very real challenges of building a business and a reputation that lasts. Whether you're a PR professional or a first-time founder, this book helps you find clarity in an increasingly noisy world. More information: www.SamanthaFlynn.com.

Drawing from nearly two decades of experience in public relations and brand strategy, The EntrePReneur Advantage shares the foundational PR principles and actionable strategies that have helped Flynn build brands at the local, national and global level, and how those same philosophies served as entrepreneurial lifelines as she built Junipr Public Relations from the ground up into an award-winning agency in just six and a half years.

The key to success? The PR principles of story architecture, message clarity, brand authenticity, audience psychology and media strategy, all of which can serve as powerful tools for anyone looking to build something meaningful and lasting, whether for their business, long-term career, current role or simply themselves.

"People often think growth comes from doing more, being louder or trying to be everywhere at once. In reality, growth comes from being clear about who you are, what you do and why it matters. The businesses and brands that last are the ones people understand," said Samantha Flynn, Founder and Principal, Junipr Public Relations.

Written for public relations and marketing professionals across the industry, The EntrePReneur Advantage explores the principles that shape stronger businesses, careers and brands over time including:

Why the "So What?" question is one of the most powerful tools in the communications process

How to build a brand that feels authentic even when there is pressure to conform

What burnout can teach entrepreneurs about values and boundaries

Why thought leadership is less about perfection and more about the willingness to show up consistently and more

Equal parts raw and strategic, The EntrePReneur Advantage offers an honest look at what it actually takes to grow a business, sharpen your voice and build a reputation that compounds over time.

"Entrepreneurship was something I stumbled into, with no formal training, financing or long-term roadmap to rely on," said Flynn. "I wrote this book to share the lessons I learned in real time while building Junipr Public Relations, to talk honestly about the things no one tells you about being an entrepreneur and to offer perspective that helps others navigate the journey with a little more confidence and clarity."

Junipr Public Relations' work has been consistently recognized at both the local and national level. In 2026, the agency was nominated for a PRSA Silver Anvil Award, the industry's highest professional honor. In 2025, Junipr received PRSA Chicago's "Best of Skyline" award, the city's top distinction, for its restaurant PR work, with additional category recognition from both PRSA Chicago and the Publicity Club of Chicago.

A member of the Forbes Communications Council, Flynn is a highly sought after speaker and contributor to the national dialogue on public relations, including press appearances in Forbes, PRWeek, The Wrap and more. She is a regular speaker at leading marketing events and has been featured in PR and entrepreneur-focused publications nationwide.

The EntrePReneur Advantage: Turning Chaos into Clarity by Samantha Flynn is available now in print and digital formats through Amazon. For more information, please visit www.SamanthaFlynn.com or www.JuniprPublicRelations.com.

About Samantha Flynn

Samantha Flynn is a dynamic entrepreneur and public relations professional with nearly two decades of experience. Since founding strategic communications firm Junipr Public Relations in 2019, Samantha has elevated the profiles of organizations ranging from global brands to Chicago nonprofits, making her a sought-after expert and speaker on the state of marketing, communications and entrepreneurship today. In 2026, she published her first book, The EntrePReneur Advantage: Turning Chaos into Clarity, which explores the PR principles that became entrepreneurial lifelines as she scaled an agency from bootstrap to award-winning. In 2026, she published her first book, The EntrePReneur Advantage: Turning Chaos into Clarity, which explores the PR principles that became entrepreneurial lifelines as she scaled an agency from bootstrap to award-winning. Samantha holds a Master of Science in Public Relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Pennsylvania State University.

About Junipr Public Relations

Founded in 2019, Junipr Public Relations is an award-winning, PR-led strategic communications firm with offices in Chicago and Philadelphia. Guided by its ethos of Smart Work for Nice People, Junipr's team of strategic practitioners spans three countries and brings together more than 60 years of collective experience in high-profile public relations. Junipr's work has been consistently recognized at both the local and national level. In 2026, the agency was nominated for a PRSA Silver Anvil Award, the industry's highest professional honor. In 2023, Junipr earned its Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification. For more information, visit www.JuniprPublicRelations.com.

SOURCE Junipr Public Relations
MOLINE, Ill., April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement to resolve the multidistrict "right to repair" litigation pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. This settlement addresses the issues raised in the 2022 complaint and brings this case to an end with no finding of wrongdoing.

"As we continue to innovate industry leading equipment and technology solutions supported by our world-class dealer network, we are equally committed to providing customers and other service providers with access to repair resources," said Denver Caldwell, vice president, Aftermarket & Customer Support. "We're pleased that this resolution allows us to move forward and remain focused on what matters most  serving our customers."

As part of the settlement, Deere will deposit funds into a class settlement fund. The funds will be distributed to class members pursuant to a Court-approved distribution plan and used to cover administrative and legal fees. Additionally, Deere will continue to support customers and other service providers with access to repair resources, including tools, manuals, and diagnostic software.

Deere remains dedicated to supporting customers' ability and access to maintain, diagnose, and repair their equipment safely, efficiently and conveniently. "John Deere Operations Center PRO Service is designed to enhance customers' ability to care for their equipment how and when they want, and this settlement reaffirms Deere's commitment to customer choice of how they want their equipment supported and access to the tools that enable it," said Caldwell. The company will continue investing in customer uptime solutions and delivering industry-leading equipment and technology to help farmers and ranchers get their work done.

The settlement remains subject to approval by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. To learn more about John Deere's commitment to supporting customer repair, please visit deere.com/repair.

SOURCE John Deere Company
MIAMI, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Silk, an award-winning agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites, and digital marketing campaigns, announces the launch of a redesigned digital platform for the Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau (PCRB), then independent organization supporting workers' compensation data and rating in Pennsylvania. The project introduces a centralized, searchable content ecosystem designed to transform how member insurers access, navigate, and interact with critical data and resources.

The new website, now live at https://pcrb.com, replaces a fragmented, PDF-heavy structure with a modern, scalable digital experience. The initiative includes the migration and restructuring of over 6,000 documents into a dynamic content platform, supported by enhanced search functionality and improved user journeys.

Transforming a Complex, Document-Heavy Ecosystem

PCRB's previous platform presented challenges related to outdated user experience, limited searchability, and heavy reliance on static PDF documents. Members often faced difficulty locating relevant resources quickly, while internal workflows for content management remained inefficient.

Digital Silk addressed these challenges through a complete website redesign and a shift toward structured, dynamic content. The redesign introduces a fully restructured information architecture, enabling members to more easily access filings, manuals, reporting tools, and critical resources. Content has been reorganized around how users engage with PCRBwhether reporting data, accessing applications, or researching regulatory information.

"Working with PCRB reinforced that organizations managing complex, document-heavy ecosystems need more than just a redesign, they need a fundamental shift in how information is structured and delivered," said Branko Stojanovic, VP at Digital Silk.

Launching a Centralized Digital Library

A core feature of the new platform is the introduction of a centralized Digital Library, designed to deliver instant online access to the most current Pennsylvania workers' compensation manuals from one centralized screenimproving navigation, saving time, and ensuring users get the most accurate data to support confident decision-making.

Key platform enhancements include:

Migration and structuring of 6,000+ PDFs into a new CMS Advanced search and filtering across documents and content Centralized Digital Library with version control Unified News hub for circulars, filings, and bulletins Restructured Tools section with reporting-based filters New Research & Education section for member resources

The platform also includes secure hosting for technical guides, automated PDF generation at the section level, and improved governance for ongoing content updates.

Supporting Long-Term Scalability and Performance

The new website is built on an enterprise-level WordPress CMS, providing PCRB with a more flexible and scalable foundation for future growth. The redesign aims to improve usability while supporting evolving member needs through structured content and enhanced performance.

"Moving to a modern website platform significantly improves our security posture, performance, and scalability, while giving us the flexibility to continuously evolve how we deliver data to members," said Lisa Linder, VP of IT & CIO at PCRB.

The project aligns with broader efforts across regulated industries to reduce reliance on static documentation in favor of structured, searchable data environments.

Enhancing Member Access to Critical Information

Prior to the redesign, PCRB's platform recorded approximately 81,837 annual users, with an average session duration of 1 minute and 16 seconds and 1.9 pages per visit. The new platform aims to support improved engagement by enabling faster access to relevant information and reducing the time required to locate resources.

" Our members rely on fast, accurate access to complex regulatory information. This platform removes friction from that process and fundamentally improves how they interact with our data while positioning PCRB for the future," said Amy Quinn, President & CEO of PCRB.

Early outcomes indicate improvements in usability, navigation clarity, and overall confidence in accessing up-to-date materials, while establishing a scalable digital foundation for continued development.

More information about Digital Silk's web development capabilities can be found at https://www.digitalsilk.com/ and organizations can request a consultation here.

About Digital Silk

Digital Silk is an award-winning Web Development Agency focused on growing brands online. With a team of seasoned experts, we create digital experiences through strategic branding, custom web design, and digital marketing services to help improve visibility and support engagement.

Media Contact

Jessica Erasmus

Marketing Director & PR Manager

Tel: (800) 206-9413

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Digital Silk
White-label dark web monitoring solution and expanded services position Enfortra as a leading identity protection partner for insurance carriers, financial institutions, and enterprises

LOS ANGELES, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Enfortra, a provider of enterprise-grade white-label identity protection solutions, today announced the launch of NetSentinel, a full-spectrum threat monitoring service that scans the Surface, Deep, and Dark Web to detect compromised credentials, exposed data, and emerging threats in real time.

NetSentinel combines automated scanning with analyst validation to monitor over 40 identity attributes across public forums, paste sites, invite-only communities, TOR/I2P marketplaces, encrypted chats, infostealer logs, and botnet data. The service delivers real-time branded alerts with severity scoring, and API hooks enable automated account resets, logouts, and takedown requests.

"Monitoring tools in this space either cover one layer of the web or flood teams with noise," said Mike Bourne, Chief Technology Officer at Enfortra. "NetSentinel delivers full-spectrum visibility with AI-powered correlation, reducing false positives by over 90%. Our partners get actionable intelligence under their own brand, not alert fatigue."

Alongside NetSentinel, Enfortra has expanded its solution suite to include managed identity restoration through U.S.-based, FTC/FCRA-certified Recovery Advocates, data broker removal across 190+ sites, property title monitoring, and 1- and 3-bureau credit monitoring. All services are backed by up to $5 million in identity theft insurance with a $0 deductible.

Partners deploy Enfortra through a white-label portal, API integration with JSON or XML payloads, or a hybrid model, retaining full ownership of customer data and brand experience. Enfortra currently monitors over 60 billion identity records across 75+ countries with SOC 2 Type II certified, U.S.-hosted infrastructure.

NetSentinel and Enfortra's expanded solutions are available now at enfortra.com.

About Enfortra Enfortra provides enterprise-grade identity protection, dark web monitoring, and managed recovery through a white-label SaaS platform. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Enfortra enables companies across insurance, financial services, real estate, auto, and human resources to protect their customers from fraud and cybercrime while building loyalty and generating revenue.

For more information, visit enfortra.com.

SOURCE Enfortra
DENVER, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Footprints Floors, a leading flooring franchise with more than 150 territories nationwide, recently convened its 2026 National Convention in San Antonio, Texas, bringing together more than 85 franchisees, industry professionals, and corporate partners. The multi-day event highlighted the brand's continued nationwide expansion while providing a forum for collaboration, education, and the sharing of best practices.

A key highlight of the convention was the recognition of top-performing franchisees across the system, honoring excellence in leadership, revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and innovation.

Peter and Renee Gray of Footprints Floors of Suncoast were named Franchisee of the Year for their outstanding leadership, deep brand engagement, and meaningful contributions to both the franchise network and their local community. They also earned Best in Sales, recognizing exceptional system-wide performance.

Josh Byrd of Footprints Floors of Nashville was honored as Franchise of the Year and Best Reviewed Franchise, reflecting consistent excellence in operational performance and customer satisfaction.

JR Moorhead of Footprints Floors of the MidSouth received Project of the Year for delivering one of the most impressive projects across the franchise network  a major bathroom remodel that showcased exceptional skill and design.

Justin Cowley of Footprints Floors of Northern Utah was awarded the Cobblestone Award, recognizing outstanding performance in his first year as a franchisee and early success in building a strong foundation for long-term growth.

"These awards reflect the dedication, innovation, and performance of our franchisees," said Bryan Park, founder and CEO of Footprints Floors. "They represent not only strong business results, but also the leadership, culture, and momentum driving our brand forward. Our annual convention is an opportunity to celebrate these achievements while equipping our owners with the tools and insights needed for continued growth."

In addition to award recognition, attendees participated in strategic workshops, collaborative panels, and targeted learning sessions focused on strengthening operations, building high-performing teams, and enhancing the customer experience.

The event also highlighted the continued growth of Footprints Bath & Tile, the company's bathroom remodeling and tile division, and its role in complementing the core flooring business while supporting system-wide expansion.

As Footprints Floors continues expanding into new markets nationwide, the company remains focused on empowering franchisees to continue serving their local communities by delivering high-quality flooring and tile solutions while meeting the growing demand for home improvement and remodeling services.

ABOUT FOOTPRINTS FLOORS

Founded in 2008 by U.S. Air Force veteran Bryan Park, Footprints Floors provides professional flooring installation and refinishing services nationwide, with a focus on exceptional craftsmanship and customer care. Footprints Floors' sister brand, Footprints Bath & Tile, offers full-service bathroom remodeling and custom tile installation. The company also operates First Fruits, its charitable arm dedicated to supporting families through partnerships that advance holistic care, youth enrichment, and adoption support. Learn more at footprintsfloors.com.

Media Contact:

Jeremy Wasinger, Director of Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Footprints Floors
ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG) ("Gallagher") today issued the following statement subsequent to a recent civil settlement between AssuredPartners of South Florida ("APSF"), AssuredPartners, Inc., and the U.S. Department of Justice ("U.S. DOJ"):

Today, the U.S. DOJ announced a settlement with APSF and AssuredPartners. The settlement is in relation to actions that occurred at an agency which was owned by APSF, from February 2021 through September 2022. This period predates Gallagher's acquisition of AssuredPartners in August 2025.

Importantly, Gallagher became aware of the government's investigation during its pre-acquisition diligence of AssuredPartners. APSF was not included in Gallagher's acquisition of AssuredPartners, and Gallagher has never owned APSF. The investigation and potential settlement were considered under the purchase agreement, the settlement amount was fully reserved, and settlement does not impact the purchase price Gallagher paid for AssuredPartners.

About Gallagher

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Gallagher provides these services in approximately 130 countries around the world through its owned operations and a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.

Contacts

Investor Relations

Sara Walsh, CFA

630-285-3593

[email protected]

Kelli Murray

Media Relations

630-277-0347

[email protected]

SOURCE Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Las Vegas family law firm brings divorce, child custody, support, and bilingual legal representation to the Summerlin community at 1635 Village Center Circle  eliminating the need for a cross-valley commute.

Gastelum Attorneys opens a Summerlin office at 1635 Village Center Circle, offering bilingual family law  divorce, custody, support and more. Call (702) 979-1455.

LAS VEGAS, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Gastelum Attorneys, a Las Vegas family law firm with more than 5,000 cases resolved across Clark County, today announced the opening of its second office location in the Summerlin community. The new Summerlin family law office is located at 1635 Village Center Circle, Suite 250, Las Vegas, NV 89134 and is now accepting appointments.

The expansion brings the firm's full range of Nevada family law services directly to families on the west side of the Las Vegas Valley  residents who previously had to travel to the firm's downtown Las Vegas headquarters at 718 S 8th Street. The Summerlin office is conveniently situated near Desert Inn Road and Summerlin Parkway, minutes from Summerlin Library, The Hills Park, and Downtown Summerlin.

"Families in Summerlin are going through the same difficult transitions  divorce, custody battles, support disputes  as families anywhere else in the valley. The difference is they deserve an attorney who is right here in their community, not across town. This office is about removing one more obstacle at an already overwhelming time."

 Jennifer Setters, Managing Attorney, Gastelum Attorneys

Summerlin is one of the fastest-growing master-planned communities in the United States. With this expansion, Gastelum Attorneys is positioned to serve residents across the 89134, 89135, 89138, 89144, and 89145 zip codes, including Summerlin North, Summerlin South, The Trails, and Red Rock  without requiring a drive across the valley.

Cases handled at the Summerlin location are filed and litigated in Clark County Family Court (8th Judicial District), where the firm's attorneys have appeared hundreds of times on behalf of Southern Nevada families.

Speak with a Summerlin family law attorney today  call (702) 979-1455.

Schedule a consultation 

Full family law services at the Summerlin location

The Summerlin office offers the firm's complete Nevada family law practice, exclusively. Every attorney on staff focuses solely on family law  meaning deep, current knowledge of Nevada divorce, custody, and support statutes with no generalist dilution.

Divorce & legal separation

Child custody & visitation

Child support

Spousal support (alimony)

High-asset property division

Adoption & stepparent adoption

Guardianship

Domestic violence protective orders

Meet the Summerlin legal team

The firm's bilingual English and Spanish legal team is led by Managing Attorney Jennifer Setters (Nevada Bar #13126)  a first-generation Mexican-American attorney, UNLV Criminal Justice graduate, and Boyd School of Law J.D. The team includes Supervising Attorney Yadira Santana and associates Natricia Tricano, Maria Milano, Lisa Woodson, and Jillian Hardwick. The Summerlin office accepts appointments Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

"Our team reflects the diversity and values of the communities we serve. Whether a client walks in speaking English or Spanish, whether they are navigating a custody dispute or a complex property division, every person who comes through our Summerlin door will receive the same standard of representation we have built our reputation on."

 Jennifer Setters, Managing Attorney, Gastelum Attorneys

Frequently asked questions  Gastelum Attorneys Summerlin office

Where is the Gastelum Attorneys Summerlin office located?

The Summerlin office is at 1635 Village Center Circle, Suite 250, Las Vegas, NV 89134  near Desert Inn Road and Summerlin Parkway, minutes from Downtown Summerlin and The Hills Park. Ample free parking is available on site.

What family law services are available at the Summerlin location?

The Summerlin office offers the firm's full range of Nevada family law services: divorce and legal separation, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support (alimony), property division, adoption, stepparent adoption, guardianship, and domestic violence protective orders.

Does Gastelum Attorneys serve Spanish-speaking clients in Summerlin?

Yes. Gastelum Attorneys is a bilingual English-Spanish family law firm. All services at the Summerlin location are available in both languages. The firm also maintains a dedicated Spanish-language website at gastelumattorneysespanol.com.

How do I schedule an appointment at the Summerlin family law office?

Call (702) 979-1455 or visit gastelumattorneys.com/contact/ to request a consultation. The Summerlin office accepts appointments Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Which zip codes near Summerlin does Gastelum Attorneys serve?

The Summerlin office serves clients in 89134, 89135, 89138, 89144, and 89145, as well as surrounding west Las Vegas Valley communities including Summerlin North, Summerlin South, The Trails, and Red Rock.

What sets Gastelum Attorneys apart from other family law firms in Summerlin?

Gastelum Attorneys practices exclusively in family law  no general practice, no divided focus. The firm brings over a decade of Clark County Family Court (8th Judicial District) experience, 5,000+ resolved cases, a fully bilingual legal team, and a client-centered approach built specifically for the emotional and financial complexity of Nevada family law matters.

Which court handles family law cases in Summerlin, NV?

Family law cases for Summerlin residents are filed in Clark County Family Court, part of Nevada's 8th Judicial District. Gastelum Attorneys attorneys have appeared before Clark County Family Court judges hundreds of times on behalf of clients across the Las Vegas Valley.

Ready to speak with a Summerlin family law attorney?

The Summerlin office is now accepting consultations. Call or request online  Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Request a consultation 

(702) 979-1455

About Gastelum Attorneys

Gastelum Attorneys is a Nevada family law firm with offices at 718 S 8th Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101 and 1635 Village Center Circle, Suite 250, Las Vegas, NV 89134 (Summerlin). Founded by Managing Attorney Jennifer Setters (Nevada Bar #13126), the firm has resolved more than 5,000 family law cases across Clark County and appears regularly in Clark County Family Court (8th Judicial District). Practice areas include divorce and legal separation, child custody and support, spousal support, property division, adoption, guardianship, and domestic violence representation. The firm provides bilingual English and Spanish services to families in Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas.

"New Beginnings, Brighter Tomorrows."

Media & press contact

Primary contact

Gastelum Attorneys

(702) 979-1455

gastelumattorneys.com/contact/

@jgastelumlaw (Facebook, Instagram)

Summerlin office

1635 Village Center Cir, Ste. 250

Las Vegas, NV 89134

MonFri, 9:00 AM  5:00 PM

(702) 979-1455

SOURCE Gastelum Attorneys
The industry leader unveils its latest active ingredient innovations in Paris, powered by AI skin analysis and SkinGPT generative simulation.

NEW YORK, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Givaudan Active Beauty, the reference in high-precision beauty ingredients, has partnered with Haut.AI, an award-winning leader in AI and skin intelligence, to spotlight a new era of AI-driven ingredient innovation. At this year's in-cosmetics Global 2026 (April 1416, Paris), Givaudan Active Beauty will be the first to showcase its latest active ingredients through immersive GenAI-powered activations that allow attendees to virtually "experience" their benefits firsthand via personalized, photorealistic simulations powered by Haut.AI's SkinGPT technology.

Givaudan x Haut.AI

As the beauty industry accelerates toward measurable efficacy, personalization, and clinically validated claims, artificial intelligence is becoming a critical bridge between laboratory science and visible consumer outcomes. In this spirit, Givaudan has selected Haut.AI's scientifically grounded skin analysis and SkinGPT simulation technologies to deliver an interactive, ingredient-focused experience at one of the industry's most influential global stages.

From AI Skin Expertise to Live AI Simulation

Building on this collaboration, Givaudan Active Beauty's latest active ingredient will serve as the foundation for an interactive SkinGPT-powered virtual try-on experience at the Givaudan booth in Paris. By taking a selfie of their own face, attendees will be able to digitally "apply" the ingredient and visualize how it may influence visible skin parameters over time through a photorealistic simulation. Meanwhile they will be able to experience an AI Skin Expert analyzing their skin and delivering personalized recommendations of high precision beauty ingredients.

"At Givaudan Active Beauty, innovation starts with understanding how AI can accelerate consumers understanding and engagement and translating it into high-precision beauty ingredients that consumers love," said Fabrice Lefevre, Marketing and Innovation Director at Givaudan Active Beauty. "Our latest breakthrough, PrimalHyal NeuroYouth targets the newly identified Neuro Skin Ageing pathway, supporting nerve fiber regeneration and neuronal function. By integrating AI-powered validation and immersive simulations at our booth at in-cosmetics Global, we will share this innovation in a way that allows both customers and consumers to truly experience it."

"Givaudan Active Beauty has long been a leader in ingredient innovation, and what sets them apart is their willingness to redefine how that innovation is validated and experienced," said Anastasia Georgievskaya, Founder and CEO of Haut.AI. "By bringing AI into live consumer engagement, they are actively building the future of beauty. We're proud to support their innovation showcase at in-cosmetics Global."

Inside the Givaudan Booth Experience | Location: Stand 3F130, 3F110

Visitors to the Givaudan Active Beauty booth will be invited to engage with two AI-powered experiences:



SkinGPT: At in-cosmetics Global 2026, Givaudan will unveil its latest active ingredient in an immersive experience. For the first time, attendees will be able to literally try on the formulation on their own skin through a live facial scan, instantly visualizing how it may transform visible skin parameters over time.

At in-cosmetics Global 2026, Givaudan will unveil its latest active ingredient in an immersive experience. For the first time, attendees will be able to literally try on the formulation on their own skin through a live facial scan, instantly visualizing how it may transform visible skin parameters over time. AI Skin Expert: An on-site skin assessment providing participants with comprehensive skin insights and active ingredient recommendations aligned with their unique skin characteristics.

Media and attendees are invited to visit the Givaudan booth to experience the technology live.

Haut.AI at in-Cosmetics Global 2026 | Location: Stand 2A114

In addition to powering Givaudan's activation, Haut.AI will also exhibit independently at in-cosmetics Global 2026. At the Haut.AI booth, the company will debut:

Skin.Chat  AI-powered conversational skin intelligence for ingredient and product discovery

SkinGPT Generative Simulation  Ingredient-level predictive visualization

Face Analysis 3.0  The latest evolution of Haut.AI's scientifically validated skin diagnostic engine

Beauty and skincare brands looking to innovate with AI-powered personalization are invited to visit the Haut.AI booth to experience the technology in action. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore live demonstrations and meet with the Haut.AI team to discuss tailored use cases.

About Haut.AI

Haut.AI is a SaaS technology company at the forefront of generative AI-powered skincare personalization. Founded by scientists and AI innovators, Haut.AI collaborates with leading beauty brands including Neutrogena, Beiersdorf, Ulta Beauty, and Grupo Boticario. The company's proprietary skin analysis engine and personalization tools empower brands to deliver science-backed, hyper-personalized experiences that drive measurable business impact.

For more information, visit www.haut.ai | @haut.ai

Follow Haut.AI on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube

About Givaudan

Givaudan is a global leader in Fragrance & Beauty and Taste & Wellbeing. We celebrate the beauty of human experience by creating for happier, healthier lives with love for nature. Together with our customers we deliver food experiences, craft inspired fragrances and develop beauty and wellbeing solutions that make people look and feel good. In 2025, Givaudan employed over 17,500 people worldwide and achieved CHF 7.5 billion in sales with a free cash flow of 14.1%. With a heritage that stretches back over 250 years, we are committed to driving long-term, sustainable growth by improving people's health and happiness and increasing our positive impact on nature. This is Givaudan. Human by nature. Discover more at: www.givaudan.com.

About Givaudan Fragrance & Beauty

Givaudan Fragrance & Beauty crafts inspired fragrances to perfume lives and memories, and develops innovative beauty and wellbeing solutions that make people look and feel good all over the world. Nature is both our responsibility and our most precious muse. We are just as committed to sustainability as we are to creating innovative products that satisfy consumer needs and anticipate their desires. With a collaborative approach that favours co-creation, we have built a diverse portfolio across personal care, fabric care, hygiene, home care, fine fragrances, and beauty, reflecting our multidisciplinary expertise. This is Givaudan. Human by nature. Learn more at www.givaudan.com/fragrance-beauty.

About Givaudan Active Beauty

Givaudan Active Beauty crafts avant-garde cosmetic actives and high-end specialties that make people look and feel good. We bring nature's most precious gifts to the art of personal care in the form of biotech & botanical high-performing molecules, delighting consumers. Our extensive portfolio of award-winning skin & hair ingredients spans a variety of benefits for human beauty: from well-ageing and self-tanners to radiance, microbiome-friendly, soothers, hydrators, and more. Backed by solid scientific recognition and consumers' awareness, we remain at the cutting edge of this rapidly expanding market to deliver sustainable solutions supporting the growth of our customers. This is Givaudan. Human by nature. Learn more at www.givaudan.com/fragrance-beauty/active-beauty

Follow Givaudan on Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, YouTube

SOURCE Haut.AI
At The Qualitative Report 17th Annual Conference, College of Doctoral Studies and CEITR researchers share insights on trustworthiness in AI-integrated research teams, qualitative methods and humanAI cognitive collaboration

PHOENIX, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- How can research teams trust results when artificial intelligence is part of the process? Scholars from the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies and the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR) presented research helping to address this question at The Qualitative Report (TQR) 17th Annual Conference, held March 2426, 2026.

Researchers from the College of Doctoral Studies and the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR) shared studies on AI-integrated research teams, qualitative trustworthiness and humanAI collaboration. Across multiple sessions, the researchers outlined practical methods to maintain credibility in virtual, AI-enabled environments, including frameworks for evaluating team performance, strategies to strengthen trust within research teams, and models for distributing cognitive tasks between humans and AI systems.

Key research insights from the presentations include:

Trust in AI-enabled research depends on methodological rigor such as credibility, dependability and confirmability in distributed teams

Self-awareness and humility directly influence research team performance, helping mitigate risks like imposter syndrome and overconfidence

Q-methodology strengthens the study of human perspectives by combining qualitative depth with quantitative structure

HumanAI collaboration can be optimized using Bloom's Taxonomy, clarifying how cognitive tasks are distributed between people and AI

Structured reflection and "remembered awareness" improve qualitative data analysis, reducing the risk of flawed interpretations

"As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into research and workplace environments, trust remains the foundation of credible scholarship," said Mansureh Kebritchi, Ph.D., chair of CEITR and faculty in the College of Doctoral Studies. "Our researchers are developing methods that strengthen how teams evaluate evidence, collaborate across distances, and apply AI responsibly in research and professional practice."

Research: Trust in AI-integrated virtual teams

In the session, "Ensuring Trustworthiness in AI-Integrated Virtual Research Teams: Lessons from the CEI Pilot Study," Steven Geer, DBA, research consultant, and LauraAnn Migliore, Ph.D., dissertation chair and faculty member at University of Phoenix, examined how AI tools influence collaboration in virtual research teams. The Collaborative Efficiency Index (CEI) pilot study used a mixed-methods design to evaluate team performance across critical thinking, ethical decision-making and technical skills. Findings highlight how qualitative rigor and structured analysis help maintain trust in geographically dispersed, AI-enabled teams.

Research: Building trust through self-awareness and team dynamics

In "Beyond Doubt and Hubris," Karen Johnson, Ed.D., CEITR senior research fellow and faculty, and Michelle Susberry Hill, Ed.D., researcher and faculty at University of Phoenix, explored how psychological factors affect trust within research teams. The research identifies how imposter syndrome can weaken collaboration while unchecked overconfidence can erode team credibility. The authors propose reflective practices, open dialogue and intentional team norms to strengthen trust and research quality.

Research: Advancing qualitative methods with Q-methodology

In "A Matter of Trust: Understanding Subjectivity Through Q-Methodology," Stella Smith, Ph.D., associate university research chair for CEITR and associate faculty in the College of Doctoral Studies at University of Phoenix, demonstrated how Q-methodology enables researchers to systematically study subjective viewpoints. By combining qualitative and quantitative techniques, the method creates a transparent analytical process that strengthens trust in how perspectives are interpreted and represented.

Research: Strengthening qualitative analysis through "remembered awareness"

In the workshop, "Remembered Awareness: A Wilderness Survival Analogy for Trustworthiness in Qualitative Data Analysis," LauraAnn Migliore, Ph.D., Steven Geer, DBA, and Susan Ferebee, Ph.D., CEITR research fellow, introduced a framework for improving analytical discipline. Using a wilderness survival analogy, the session emphasized recognizing reliable data signals, maintaining awareness during analysis, and reinforcing trust within research teams to support consistent and accurate findings.

Research: HumanAI cognitive collaboration and task distribution

In "Human and AI Cognitive Distribution Taxonomy, Collaboration Strategies, and Interaction Implications," Mansureh Kebritchi, Ph.D., David Aiken, DBA; Kenneth Murphy, DBA; and Stella Smith, Ph.D., explored how humans and AI systems can collaborate on complex tasks. Using Bloom's Taxonomy as a framework, the study examines how knowledge-processing responsibilities can be distributed between humans and AI to improve performance and decision-making.

Advancing research in learning technologies and workforce-aligned education

The presentations reflect the mission of University of Phoenix's Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research, which conducts interdisciplinary research to investigate how emerging technologiesincluding artificial intelligencecan improve learning outcomes, instructional design and workforce-aligned education.

The TQR serves as a global learning community for qualitative researchers, with this annual conference dedicated to gathering the community together to contribute new insights and support personal and professional growth.

About the College of Doctoral Studies

University of Phoenix's College of Doctoral Studies focuses on today's challenging business and organizational needs, from addressing critical social issues to developing solutions to accelerate community building and industry growth. The College's research program is built around the Scholar, Practitioner, Leader Model which puts students in the center of the Doctoral Education Ecosystem with experts, resources and tools to help prepare them to be a leader in their organization, industry and community. Through this program, students and researchers work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace in real time.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor's and master's degree programs and a Career Services for Life commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

SOURCE University of Phoenix
BELLEVILLE, Ill., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- By signing up for MyWater, Illinois American Water's online portal, customers can log in quickly and securely to make bill payments and opt-in to Auto Pay. The company accepts a variety of payment methods to cater to its customers, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo and PayPal.

"We recognize that customers have different needs and preferences when paying their bills," said Brian Eisenloeffel, Vice-President, Operations, Illinois American Water. "We provide several convenient payment methods for customers to choose from, as well as payment assistance for those who may be facing financial difficulties."

Customers who enroll in MyWater are also provided with customer account management, including the ability to receive emergency and non-emergency alerts by phone, email or text.

"Illinois American Water is dedicated to providing safe, clean and reliable drinking water and wastewater services to the communities we serve across Illinois, and to serving our customers with exceptional customer service," said Eisenloeffel.

Customers who set up a MyWater account:

May pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, PayPal or PayPal Credit via MyWater. Customers may choose a one-time payment or set up Auto Pay.

Pay Automatically: Save time and postage by enrolling in our Auto Pay program and your bill will be paid on time, every time.

The company also offers additional bill payment options:

Pay By Mail : Send a check or money order along with the payment stub to the address provided on the bill. Please do not include cash, staples or paper clips.

: Send a check or money order along with the payment stub to the address provided on the bill. Please do not include cash, staples or paper clips. Pay In Person : Pay at one of the authorized payment locations. Visit our Billing & Payment Info webpage and select "Pay in Person" to find the nearest location.

: Pay at one of the authorized payment locations. Visit our Billing & Payment Info webpage and select "Pay in Person" to find the nearest location. Pay By Phone: Call 1-855-748-6066 to pay 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Have your account number ready to share.

Find all Illinois American Water payment options and additional details at Illinoisamwater.com > Customer Service & Billing > Billing & Payment Info.

For customers experiencing financial hardship, Illinois American Water offers customer assistance programs. For more information, including eligibility, how to enroll and contact information, visit illinoisamwater.com/customerassistance.

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Illinois American Water

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 600 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

SOURCE American Water
MAGNOLIA, Ark., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What is the best way to ensure older adults and individuals with disabilities receive care that truly meets their needs? According to HelloNation, Melissa Fields of Columbia County Independent Living, Inc., believes the answer lies in putting the person, not the plan, at the center of every decision. Fields explains that no two people age the same way, and effective caregiving must adapt to individual abilities, goals, and preferences rather than follow a rigid formula.

Melissa Fields - Executive Director - Columbia County Independent Living, Inc. Speed Speed

Fields points out that aging can look different for everyone. Some individuals maintain independence well into their nineties, while others may need help earlier due to changes in mobility, memory, or health. For those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, the process of aging may involve additional considerations. This is why she stresses the importance of personalized senior care and individualized care plans that go beyond basic checklists.

In the HelloNation feature, Fields emphasizes that support must be both flexible and evolving. The best assisted living options are those that allow care plans to adapt over time, ensuring residents receive the right level of assistance as their needs change. Whether the focus is on helping with daily activities, learning new skills, or fostering social engagement, the approach must remain resident-centered.

Fields also underlines that the strongest caregiving environments are built on relationships, not just schedules. A person-first approach recognizes that older adults need more than physical support; they need respect, purpose, and opportunities for growth. This type of tailored caregiving is especially important for those who are aging with disabilities, as it ensures that both physical and emotional needs are met.

She notes that adaptive care environments can have a significant impact on quality of life. When residents feel seen and valued, they are more likely to participate in their own care decisions. This engagement can lead to improved confidence, renewed independence, and a sense of ownership over daily life. For families, this means greater peace of mind in elder care, knowing their loved ones are thriving rather than simply being managed.

The HelloNation article also addresses how holistic senior care benefits everyone involved. By focusing on the individual's strengths, preferences, and aspirations, care providers create a setting where people can continue to grow and flourish. This includes fostering opportunities for residents to express themselves, try new activities, and maintain connections that are important to them.

Fields explains that assisted living for special needs and support for older adults should never be about fitting someone into an existing structure. Instead, it should be about building a flexible care plan that wraps around the unique person they are and the person they are still becoming. This approach honors individuality while providing the necessary support for safety, comfort, and fulfillment.

For families seeking the right care environment, Fields suggests starting with the right questions. Does the facility understand the importance of flexible care plans? Can it accommodate changing needs without disrupting a resident's life? Does it value resident input in decision-making? These questions help ensure the care setting is truly adaptive and resident-centered.

She believes that when facilities embrace this model, the benefits extend far beyond meeting physical needs. Residents experience improved mental and emotional well-being, stronger social connections, and a greater sense of control over their lives. Families, in turn, witness meaningful engagement and positive changes in their loved ones, creating trust and reassurance that their needs are being fully met. By highlighting the importance of care that evolves with needs, Fields encourages caregivers, families, and communities to reimagine elder care.

Care That Fits the PersonNot Just the Plan features insights from Melissa Fields, Supportive Living Services Expert of Magnolia, Arkansas, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation
NEW YORK, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fair Play (fairplay-ai.com.br) is the world's first platform powered by artificial intelligence, created to help identify and refer possible cases of online racism. Developed by Ogilvy, in partnership with the Public Prosecutor's Office of the Federal District and Territories (MPDFT), the project was born as an innovative response to an urgent and growing crisis: the spread of hate speech and racist manifestations in digital environments.

Studies point to a significant increase in cases of racial hate speech on the internet. In sports, incidents of racism have also been multiplying, both in competitions and on the social networks associated with them. Even so, a large portion of these incidents never reach the justice system. Many victims do not know how to report them. Others face practical difficulties in gathering information and formalizing a complaint.

Fair Play was created to change this. The platform uses artificial intelligence trained on Brazilian and international legislation, relevant case law, and ethical and legal frameworks related to combating racism and hate speech. The objective is simple: to assist society in identifying content that may be discriminatory, contributing to the elimination of barriers that for so long have allowed racism to go unpunished.

"Racism is not only a social problem. It is a crime and requires a legal response. Fair Play brings people closer to justice and fulfills a fundamental educational role: expanding public awareness about the limits of freedom of expression and strengthening collective responsibility in combating racism. It is technology working in favor of equality," stated Polyanna Silvares, Coordinator of the Human Rights Units of the Public Prosecutor's Office of the Federal District and Territories (MPDFT).

"We believe technology fulfills its role only when it creates real impact in people's lives. With Fair Play, we are using artificial intelligence not just to identify the problem, but to facilitate access to justice and drive tangible change. It is creatively applied to building a more equitable society," added Renata Maia, Chief Creative Officer of Ogilvy Health.

Anyone can use the platform. By accessing fairplay-ai.com.br, the user can insert the text of a post they consider offensive or discriminatory and receive an initial analysis of whether that content could be interpreted as racial hate speech. If so, the case can be referred directly to the competent authorities. No legal knowledge required. No bureaucracy is involved. Fair Play is open to everyone, because the fight against racism should be accessible to everyone as well.

About Ogilvy

Ogilvy has been creating impact for brands through iconic, culture-changing, value-driving ideas since the company was founded by David Ogilvy more than 75 years ago. It builds on that rich legacy through Borderless Creativity  innovating at the intersections of its advertising, public relations, relationship design, consulting, and health capabilities with experts collaborating seamlessly across more than 120 offices spanning 90 countries. Ogilvy currently ranks as the #1 global agency network for creative excellence and effectiveness by WARC, signifying its ability to deliver creative solutions that drive unreasonable impact for clients and communities. Ogilvy is a WPP company (NYSE: WPP). For more information, visit Ogilvy.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Media contact: Tara Mullins // [email protected]

SOURCE Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide
"Chris brings the strategic mindset and operational discipline to lead Michael Baker through our next phase of growth," said Thomas J. Campbell, Chairman of Michael Baker International. "We are building a technology-driven engineering and consulting firm  strengthening our market focus, scaling our capabilities and delivering differentiating value to our clients."

As CEO, Mr. Peters will advance Michael Baker's strategy to meet evolving client priorities across the horizontal and vertical markets with public, private and government clients, while deepening the firm's focus on Technology, Differentiation and Innovation (TDI).

Mr. Peters succeeds Brian A. Lutes, who served as CEO since 2017.

Additionally, Kevin Reed, P.E., has been named Chief Operating Officer, Daniel A. Craig has been appointed President, and Alex Vickers joins as Chief Strategy Officer of Michael Baker International.

As COO, Mr. Reed will lead firmwide operations across Michael Baker's four lines of business  Infrastructure; Integrated Design and Advisory (IDA); Mitigation, Environmental, Resiliency, Response and Recovery (MER3); and GovTech. He joined the firm in 2025 and will focus on technical and operational excellence, elevating performance, advancing enterprise systems and strengthening collaboration to support scalable growth.

As President, Mr. Craig will focus on growth in existing and emerging markets, client partnerships and technology-driven initiatives. He brings extensive experience in government services and emergency management, including his previous role as CEO of Tidal Basin Group and its operating division, MLU Services.

As Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Vickers will lead the firm's enterprise strategic planning framework, refining market focus and guiding the translation of the company's longterm vision into decisive priorities, investments and actions that drive long-term value creation for its clients. Most recently, he was a Project Leader in Boston Consulting Group's (BCG) Travel, Cities & Infrastructure (TCI) practice.

About Michael Baker International

Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering, consulting and technology services spanning four Verticals: Infrastructure, Integrated Design and Advisory (IDA), Mitigation, Environmental, Resiliency, Response and Recovery (MER3) and GovTech. The firm's Practices encompass all facets of infrastructure, including design and civil engineering for diverse bridge, highway, water, rail and transit and aviation projects, as well as planning, architecture, environmental and construction and program management. For more than 85 years, the company has been a trusted partner to clients, providing comprehensive services and solutions, delivering expertise and quality, and embracing emerging technologies and the latest innovations  like intelligent transportation, engineered models and public safety software as a service (SaaS).

The company has more than 6,000 employees across more than 120 office locations. Michael Baker's Wolf Pack is committed to Making a Difference for clients and communities through a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement while evolving its business to become a full-service engineering and consulting firm.

To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.

Contact: Julia Covelli

[email protected]

(866) 293-4609

SOURCE Michael Baker International
Five attorneys from Actuate Law join Much to lead new practice, enhancing existing services and adding new capabilities

Much launches a new practice focused on emerging technology, AI, financial services, fintech , data privacy and security

, data privacy and security Five attorneys join from Actuate Law, three in Chicago and two in Miami, expanding Much's presence in Florida

Led by former Big Law attorney Dara Tarkowski, the team will support clients through the ever-shifting regulatory landscape

CHICAGO, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Much announced today the launch of its Tech Innovation, Data & Financial Regulation practice, expanding the firm's capabilities to help clients navigate incredibly complex legal and regulatory environments. Dara Tarkowski, former Managing Partner at Actuate Law, joins Much as a principal and chair of the new practice. Joining her are attorneys Andrea Halverson, Stacy Rodriguez, Maureen Ryan, and James Ward.

"Our growth strategy always begins with finding the right people. What started as a personal connection evolved into a business opportunity because of shared values around our team, culture, and client service," said Much Managing Partner Courtney Mayster. "This new practice isn't just a response to where our clients are today; it's built for where they're going. It reflects our commitment to provide counsel that embraces innovation and positions our clients at the forefront of their industries."

Comprehensive Industry Coverage, New Regulatory Capabilities

The launch of this practice comes at a pivotal time as businesses embracing new technologies and artificial intelligence face increasing compliance challenges and regulatory risks. The new attorneys will provide clients with the full spectrum of legal needs, from day-to-day compliance and regulatory strategy to complex transactions, government advocacy, and high-stakes litigation.

Tarkowski's team brings decades of experience in financial services and fintech, digital assets and crypto, data privacy and security, information governance, artificial intelligence, advocacy, and litigation.

"What excites me most about this move is the benefit for clients on both sides," said Tarkowski. "As our clients grow and mature, they require more sophisticated guidance in complex M&A and other corporate transactions. Much's outstanding reputation in those areas delivers exactly that. At the same time, Much's clients now have a dedicated team to guide them through the fast-moving world of data, AI, and emerging tech."

An Entrepreneurial Mindset that Fuels Client Service

Tarkowski co-founded Actuate Law in 2018 with a team of Big Law veterans to break away from the traditional, often cost-prohibitive, legal model and create a more efficient, entrepreneurial approach to legal services. Much's like-minded leadership was a key driver for her move.

"I knew Much's entrepreneurial nature was the perfect match for my team and the evolving needs of my clients," said Tarkowski. "Beyond the strategic and cultural fit, it is incredibly meaningful to join a growing firm with such strong leadership from another woman. Seeing Courtney at the helm reinforces that Much is a place where diverse perspectives and bold leadership are genuinely valued."

This is the second wave of recent hires for Much. In October 2025, the firm welcomed attorneys and professionals from Fenton Jurkowitz Law Group to enhance its industry-leading Health Care practice and establish a Los Angeles office. Much will take over Actuate Law's Miami office, expanding its presence in Florida.

Media Contact: Logan Pellegrom, [email protected]

Correction: In the news release, Much Launches Tech Innovation, Data & Financial Regulation Practice, issued 07-Apr-2026 by Much Shelist over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the second subheadline bullet has been updated.

SOURCE Much Shelist
Monks brings on seasoned creative leader Natalie Comins to deliver innovative storytelling, immersive experiences, and technology-driven engagement across digital, physical, and spatial mediums

LOS ANGELES, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Monks, the global, digital-first, data-driven, unitary operating brand of S4 Capital plc, today announced the appointment of Natalie Comins as Group Creative Director, Emerging Experiences on its Google team. In this role, Comins will bolster Monks' creative leadership, driving innovation in storytelling, craft, and technology to engage consumers across all mediumsfrom spatial and physical environments to digital platforms at their core.

Monks brings on seasoned creative leader Natalie Comins to deliver innovative storytelling, immersive experiences, and technology-driven engagement across digital, physical, and spatial mediums

Prior to joining Monks, Natalie led an independent practice focused on experiential design, partnering with brands such as Anthropic, BetterUp, Google, and Pinterest. She also served as Senior Creative Principal at Huge, where she guided global clients in leveraging transformative technology for immersive and innovative experiences. With nearly 20 years of experience in design, storytelling, and experience innovation, Natalie brings seasoned creative firepower to Monks, furthering the company's mission to craft groundbreaking real-time brand experiences that connect with audiences in meaningful ways. Her work spans digital, physical, and spatial experiences, grounded in a deep understanding of technology, human behaviour, and the art of engagement.

"Few brands have the reach and the ambition to genuinely change how people experience the world. Google is one of themand getting to shape what that looks like creatively is what excites me most about what's next," said Natalie Comins, Group Creative Director, Emerging Experiences at Monks. "I'm thrilled to join Monks because this is a team that is truly passionate about creative innovation."

Natalie will report to Roni Sebastian, Executive Creative Director at Monks for Google, and joins a global team dedicated to driving integrated, creative and technologyled experiences for one of the world's most innovative brands. Monks' longstanding partnership with Google spans over a decade, with teams collaborating on immersive product activations, experiential strategies, and integrated campaigns that connect digital, physical and spatial experiences for flagship initiatives including Android, Pixel, YouTube, and AIpowered brand moments.

"We are thrilled to have Natalie join the team. At our core, we are makers, and Natalie brings the same restless drive to build things that haven't been seen before," said Roni Sebastian. "She has a rare gift for taking complex technology and turning it into something that feels personal and easy to use. With her leadership, we're excited to keep making work for Google that isn't just technologically advanced, but genuinely helpful and human."

Beyond her professional life, Comins draws inspiration from the natural worldwhether hiking remote landscapes, shooting photography or exploring the creative connections between science and art.

For further information please contact:

Sarah Murray, Senior Director, Global Public Relations & Communications, Monks

[email protected]

About Monks

Monks is the global, digital-first, data-driven, unitary operating brand of S4 Capital plc. With a legacy of innovation and specialized expertise, Monks combines an extraordinary range of global Marketing and Technology Services to redefine how brands interact with the world. Through Monks.Flow, its flagship AI ecosystem for marketing orchestration, Monks transforms marketing into a growth engine, collapsing timelines and connecting brands to culture in real time. By deploying bespoke intelligent agents across disciplines and delivering culturally relevant, high-impact creative and digital solutions, Monks solves key critical business challenges across the entire brand enterprise to help brands sustain long-term impact.

Monks was named a Contender in The Forrester Wave: Global Marketing Services, ranks among Cannes Lions' Top 10 Creative Companies (2022-25) and remains the only partner featured in AdExchanger's Programmatic Power Players list every year (2020-24). Named Adweek's first AI Agency of the Year (2023) and The One Show's inaugural AI Pioneer Organization, Monks was also awarded Business Intelligence Group's 2025 Excellence in Artificial Intelligence Award in both the Organizational and AI Product categories. As a trusted partner to cutting-edge innovators in tech, Monks earned titles such as Optimizely Experimentation Partner of the Year (2025), runner-up for the Adobe Firefly Partner Award (2024), and Workato's AI Visionary Customer Impact Award (2024). Additionally, Monks achieved a record-breaking number of FWAs and continues to hold the most of any partner.

About S4 Capital

S4 Capital is a purely digital advertising and marketing services business built for global, multinational, regional, and local clients and millennial-driven influencer brands. The business operates through two data and digital media driven Practices: Marketing Services and Technology Services, emphasising 'faster, better, cheaper, more' execution in an always-on consumer-led environment. Its unitary structure positions the Company as a systems integration partner delivering real-time relevance in the post-agency era.

The Company now has approximately 6,350 people in 33 countries with approximately 80% of net revenue across the Americas, 15% across Europe, the Middle East and Africa and 5% across Asia-Pacific. The longer-term objective is a geographic split of 60%:20%:20%. Marketing Services accounted for approximately 90% of net revenue, and Technology Services 10%. The target allocation is a practice split of 75%:25%.

Sir Martin Sorrell was CEO of WPP for 33 years, building it from a 1 million 'shell' company in 1985 into the world's largest advertising and marketing services company, with a market capitalisation of over 16 billion on the day he left. Prior to that, Sir Martin was Group Financial Director of Saatchi & Saatchi Company Plc for nine years.

SOURCE Monks
Music, food and plenty of wheels will be among the highlights Saturday, April 28, at the 28th annual St. Jude Open Car Show at the Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park at 57845 Foundry St. in Plaquemine.

The event will be presented by the Baton Rouge Corvette Club and the City of Plaquemine.

The car show is open to all types of vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc.) ranging from old to new.

Pre-registration is encouraged. Onsite registration will run from 8:00 am to 11:30 am the day of the show.

Raffle tickets with cash prizes of $250, $500 and $1,000 will be sold at the event, along with tickets for a 50/50 raffle.

Advertisement Advertisement

The event also will include Valve Cover & Hot Wheels racing, both silent and live auctions, as well as nearly a dozen retail vendors selling a wide variety of items.

Proceeds will go to benefit the St. Jude Childrens Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

This article originally appeared on Plaquemine Post South: New, classic cars go on display at upcoming St. Jude Car Show
KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- nbkc bank ("nbkc") today announced the purchase of a new headquarters building, signaling strategic growth for the company's future and significant investment in the Kansas City region.

The new headquarters site, at 7400 W 110th Street (110th Street and Metcalf Avenue) in Overland Park, Kansas, will accommodate the majority of nbkc's Kansas City-based employees and include a branch at a highly visible, accessible location. nbkc anticipates relocating staff to the new building in 2027. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed.

"This move is an investment in our customers, our people and our company," said nbkc CEO Michael Bartkoski. "We now own a signature property that provides great access, wonderful visibility and the capacity to accommodate our growth. We are really pleased to put our stake in the ground at this site and expand our Kansas City presence. As an established family-owned community bank with a national scope, we are dedicated to serving consumers and businesses in Kansas City and across the country."

nbkc has been headquartered at 8320 Ward Parkway in Kansas City, Missouri since 2017. "We have had a great experience at Ward Parkway but the opportunity to own and shape our own building, and provide ourselves a permanent home, was very attractive for us," he said.

The new building is approximately 127,000 square feet. The bank will continue to lease space to third party tenants and is committed to maintaining the building as an attractive, high-quality location for current and future tenants. Renovations are expected to commence soon and be substantially completed, including updated building signage, by the time nbkc employees move in. Bartkoski said renovations will focus on enhancing the overall workplace environment through shared employee and tenant amenities such as a fitness center and patio area, along with material and finish upgrades consistent with nbkc's high quality standards and brand.

About nbkc bank

Having celebrated 25 years in 2024, nbkc bank is a Kansas City-based community bank with a nationwide online presence. Known for pairing intuitive technology with personal support, nbkc delivers digital solutions for mortgage, consumer, and business banking, plus Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) for companies nationwide. The bank also founded Fountain City Fintech, an accelerator for growing fintech startups. nbkc remains committed to leading the industry toward simpler, more transparent banking. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Media Inquiries:

[email protected]

SOURCE nbkc bank
The new logo reflects Rhode Island's identity as the Ocean State, shaped by its coastline, maritime history, and strong sense of independence. The refreshed mark incorporates flowing elements that evoke the motion of the sea, symbolizing progress, strength, and forward movement. The design draws a clear connection between the credit union's purpose and the environment that has long influenced Rhode Island's economy, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit.

The updated logo represents more than geography. It reflects the energy of Rhode Island's waterfront cities, historic harbors, local businesses, and tight-knit neighborhoods, with the blue drawn from Rhode Island Blue, the state's official color. These communities form the foundation of the state's identity and mirror the member-owned philosophy that defines Ocean State Credit Union. By embracing these elements, the refreshed brand identity reinforces a commitment to empowering individuals, families, and businesses with accessible financial solutions designed to strengthen local economic growth and financial well-being.

The unveiling builds upon a period of continued growth and leadership for Ocean State Credit Union, including its recent milestone of becoming the first credit union to establish a member-owned presence in Providence's historic Financial District. That move marked a defining moment for the organization and reinforced its commitment to expanding access to community-focused financial services within Rhode Island's evolving financial landscape.

The refreshed logo reflects this continued momentum and Ocean State Credit Union's investment in modern banking capabilities. As member expectations evolve, the credit union continues enhancing digital accessibility, improving service convenience, and delivering flexible financial solutions designed to support long-term financial well-being and independence.

"Our new logo represents far more than a visual identity," said Michael Garvey, CEO of Ocean State Credit Union. "It reflects Rhode Island's coastal heritage, the strength of our communities, and our commitment to empowering members with greater financial opportunity. This refreshed brand captures who we are as a credit union and our continued focus on delivering accessible, convenient financial solutions that help Rhode Islanders achieve financial well-being."

As a member-owned financial institution, Ocean State Credit Union remains committed to strengthening local communities across Rhode Island. From supporting small businesses and homeowners to expanding financial education and accessible banking services, the credit union continues investing in the long-term economic vitality of the state.

The refreshed logo will roll out across digital platforms, branch locations, and member communications in the coming months, creating a unified brand identity that reflects both Rhode Island's heritage and the credit union's future.

As Ocean State Credit Union continues to grow, the new logo stands as a symbol of community, culture, and financial opportunity, representing a shared commitment to helping Rhode Islanders move forward with confidence, convenience, and greater financial freedom.

About Ocean State Credit Union

Founded in 1950, Ocean State Credit Union is a full-service, member-owned financial cooperative committed to putting people first. Serving Rhode Island communities with integrity, OSCU offers personal and business checking, savings, competitive loans, and convenient mobile and online banking. Recognized for higher deposit rates, lower loan costs, and exceptional member service, the credit union also supports first-time homebuyers. OSCU remains dedicated to modernization, digital innovation, and community investment, helping members thrive today and into the future.

WWW.OCEANSTATECU.ORG

SOURCE Ocean State Credit Union
Investment, mentorship, and orbital access for founders building the future of highgrowth markets

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The ISS National Laboratory is launching the 2026 Orbital Edge Accelerator, now in its second year. This program is in partnership with returning global investment partners Cook Inlet Region, Inc., E2MC, and Stellar Ventures and welcomes new partners Context Ventures, Draper Associates, and Draper University, alongside leading industry participants and sponsors.

Orbital Edge is a one-of-a-kind accelerator that provides early-stage startups with access to low Earth orbit and $500,000 to $750,000 in private capital funding per startup. In addition to venture investment and access to orbital flight platforms, the program delivers targeted mentorship and programming focused on spaceflight technology development, business building, and product commercialization.

"Orbital Edge is all about access: capital, orbit, and the right partners," said Ray Lugo, CEO, CASIS Post this

The 2026 Orbital Edge Accelerator program includes two tracks:

The Sentinel Track, focused on space technologies and dual-use applications

The Disrupt Track, focused on in-space manufacturing and space bio opportunities

Selected participants will also be eligible to compete for the Boeing-sponsored Technology in Space Prize, which includes up to $100,000 in non-dilutive funding.

"Orbital Edge is about accessaccess to capital, access to orbit, and access to the right partners," said Ray Lugo, Chief Executive Officer of the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, which manages the ISS National Lab. "When you bring those three together, you dramatically increase the probability that great ideas turn into real, scalable businesses."

As investment momentum builds across deep tech and dual-use sectorsincluding AI, robotics, therapeutics, materials, and advanced manufacturingthe Orbital Edge Accelerator connects founders, investors, and industry partners focused on using space-enabled research and development to bring high-growth technologies to market faster.

Registration is now open for upcoming networking events in Cambridge, MA, and Palo Alto, CA, as well as an informational webinar to be held in the coming weeks. To register for Orbital Edge Accelerator events, learn about the benefits of participating, or to apply, visit the Orbital Edge Accelerator website .

Orbital Edge Accelerator representatives will be attending the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, April 13-16. Email [email protected] to connect with us at this event.

Download a high-resolution image for this release: Orbital Edge Accelerator

About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory:

The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website .

Media Contact: Amy Elkavich

[email protected]

International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) 505 Odyssey Way, Suite 104A, Merritt Island, FL 32953  321.253.5101  www.ISSNationalLab.org

SOURCE International Space Station National Lab
Growth Funding Positions Perimeter to Accelerate Expansion and Development of Scalable, Real-Time Biothreat Detection and Response Capabilities

BOSTON and WASHINGTON, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Perimeter Systems, Inc. ("Perimeter" or the "Company"), today announced its launch of a standalone company building the world's first integrated biosecurity infrastructure platform, designed to transform biological signals into real-time intelligence and accelerate decisive response. To support the launch, Perimeter has secured $60 million in growth capital, led by Kanders & Company in partnership with SCS Financial, Goldcrest Capital, Four Cities Capital, and the Safe Artificial Intelligence Fund (SAIF).

The biological risk landscape is expanding  driven by the convergence of AI and biotechnology, the proliferation of high-containment laboratories, intensifying geopolitical competition, and increasingly globalized and inter-connected populations. These risks have outpaced any infrastructure designed to contain them.

Perimeter is an end-to-end biosecurity platform built to address this problem. Its infrastructure spans detection, identification, monitoring, and analytics powered by frontier AI  delivering scalable, reliable, software-integrated capabilities that operate globally on a common platform. By deploying infrastructure that maps the biological landscape, Perimeter converts biological data into biointelligence, enabling real-time decisive action for governments and enterprises worldwide the moment a threat appears. Perimeter's integrated defenses are built for continuity in an era of accelerating biological risk.

Establishing a First-of-its-Kind, Global Biosecurity Infrastructure Platform

With active programs serving customers and national security agencies across the U.S. Government enterprise and more than 10 countries, Perimeter has an established global footprint, positioning the Company as the leading scaled player in the emerging biosecurity market. Perimeter's platform is already deployed at critical infrastructure locations, including international airports, conflict zones, transit hubs, and municipal wastewater systems, to collect comprehensive biointelligence where early biological signals are most likely to appear. The Company's infrastructure enables end-to-end capabilities from sample collection and transport through detection, characterization, and response, leveraging frontier AI and models to drive unique biological threat insights. Perimeter compresses the timeline between biological threat detection and decisive response.

Perimeter will be led by Founder and Chief Executive Officer Matt McKnight, who created and served as General Manager of Ginkgo Biosecurity, the biosurveillance and response subsidiary of Ginkgo Bioworks, where he was previously Chief Commercial Officer. Prior to that, he spent seven years as President and COO of Decision Resources Group, a premier provider of high-value data, analytics and insights products and services to the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. Earlier in his career, he worked in business development at Palantir Technologies and served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.

"Biological threats are a reality of the modern world, and governments, healthcare systems and other critical industries require permanent, scalable infrastructure to detect and manage the increasingly severe disruption risk they present," said Matt McKnight, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Perimeter. "Perimeter was built to meet this moment with a technologyforward approach to biosecurity infrastructure. Our mission is based on the foundational belief that biological threats will define the next era of security domestically and abroad. With strong support and alignment from our investment partners, we are focused on scaling our biosecurity platform, which integrates advanced digital and physical infrastructure to detect and respond to biological threats - meeting the requirements of modern, global biodefense."

Building Security Infrastructure in the Biological Age for the U.S. and Its Global Partners

Biological threats increasingly represent a shared security challenge requiring permanent, interoperable infrastructure. As governments shift from episodic preparedness to continuous detection and response, biosecurity is becoming a core pillar of modern defense.

"Perimeter is addressing a critical gap in the global security landscape at a time when biological risk is becoming both more complex and more consequential," said Warren Kanders, Perimeter's lead investor. "Perimeter stands out for the maturity of its platform, the depth of its operational footprint, and the clarity of its mission, guided by a world-class management team built to execute at scale. With our extensive experience scaling defense and security platforms that operate in complex, missioncritical environments, we are excited to partner with Matt and our investment partners to support the Company's growth as the preeminent biosecurity partner to the United States and its allies and partners."

About Perimeter

Perimeter is the global biosecurity infrastructure company, purpose-built to protect operational continuity and way of life in an era of accelerating biological threats.

Perimeter's end-to-end platform spans detection, identification, and monitoring - enabling rapid response - delivering scalable, reliable, software-integrated infrastructure, and converting bio-intelligence into real-time decisive action for governments and enterprises worldwide.

Additional information about Perimeter's mission, capabilities, and platform is available at www.perimeter.bio

Media Contact

Kate Thompson / Erik Carlson / Alexander Wolfsohn

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

212.355.4449

[email protected]

SOURCE Perimeter Systems, Inc.
NEW YORK, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of securities of Pinterest, Inc. (NYSE: PINS) between February 7, 2025 and February 12, 2026, inclusive (the "Class Period"). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than May 29, 2026.

So what: If you purchased Pinterest 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 Pinterest class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=57800 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than May 29, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Pinterest was experiencing and/or was likely to experience reduced revenues from its advertising partners; (2) Pinterest overstated its ability to manage the impact of U.S. tariffs on the macroeconomic environment in which Pinterest operated, including the foreseeable impact on its advertising partners; (3) the impact of the foregoing on Pinterest's advertising revenues was significant enough that Pinterest was facing and/or likely to face an imminent restructuring; and (4) as a result, defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Pinterest class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=57800 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
In the news release, Renowned Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon John Diaz, MD, Brings Elite Expertise to New York City, issued 07-Apr-2026 by John Diaz, MD over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the media contact information should have been included on public websites. The complete, corrected release follows:

Renowned Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon John Diaz, MD, Brings Elite Expertise to New York City

NEW YORK, Apr. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Patients in New York City can now experience the elite standard of Beverly Hills plastic surgery as John Diaz, MD, expands his presence to NYC. Known for his refined techniques and natural-looking results, Dr. Diaz introduces a highly sought-after level of precision and artistry to New York City.

John Diaz, MD - Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon (PRNewsfoto/John Diaz, MD)

His work reflects a growing demand for cosmetic procedures that enhance structure while maintaining individuality. As more patients seek subtle, sophisticated outcomes, this expansion offers access to advanced surgical expertise without the need to travel across the country. With limited availability in New York City, patients now have a unique opportunity to consult with a surgeon recognized for delivering consistently refined results.

"Bringing my practice to New York City allows me to work more closely with patients who desire the elite level of skill and care that Beverly Hills surgeons provide," said John Diaz, MD. "Surgeons in Beverly Hills are known around the world as being among the very best. We understand how to design our procedures to enhance existing features in a way that feels balanced, refined, and true to the individual."

"Patients today are looking for results that enhance rather than change their appearance," added John Diaz, MD. "That philosophy is at the core of everything I do, whether I am treating patients in Beverly Hills or New York City."

Dr. Diaz also served as President of the Los Angeles Society of Plastic Surgeons. His work spans facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty, and breast enhancement, with a focus on enhancing natural features while preserving individuality.

Dr. Diaz is an award-winning aesthetic visionary, recognized by Newsweek as one of America's top surgeons and ranked in the top 5% nationwide by Allergan.

John Diaz, MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Beverly Hills, recognized for delivering natural-looking, refined results through precise surgical techniques and an artistic approach. With more than 24 years of experience and over 10,000 successful procedures, he has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted plastic surgeons in Los Angeles.

John Diaz, MD

Greenwich Street Surgical

497 Greenwich St

New York, NY 10013

Contact Number: 424.667.6470



Media Contact:

Avery Lane

[email protected]

SOURCE John Diaz, MD
Global leaders, startups, and researchers converge to showcase deployable robotics, AI, and Physical AI systems transforming real-world industries

PITTSBURGH, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pittsburgh, long recognized as the Robotics Capital of the World and the birthplace of artificial intelligence, will once again take center stage as Robotics & AI Discovery Day 2026 returns to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on September 16th, 2026.

Experience where innovation meets execution at Robotics and AI Discovery Day. Held on September 16th at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, this high-impact event convenes leaders, technologies, and ideas driving the future of deep tech. Explore live demonstrations from 250+ exhibitors and connect with those shaping global markets.  Exhibit at Robotics & AI Discovery Day 2026: https://buff.ly/ukgU8uv  Sept 16th  Tickets: bit.ly/RADD2026 Robotics & AI Discovery Day is back! Experience the future at the heart of the Robotics and AI Capital of the World!  Witness the power of our world-class ecosystem through live demonstrations from 250+ exhibitors showcasing technologies that transform how we live and work. Explore five massive Discovery Zones covering humanoid robots, self-driving vehicles, career pathways, and advanced manufacturing.

Expected to draw up to 10,000 attendees and over 250 exhibitors, Robotics & AI Discovery Day is one of the largest and most influential gatherings of robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology in the United States. The event brings together the companies, researchers, investors, policymakers, and workforce shaping how these technologies are deployed across multiple industries worldwide.

Hosted by the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, Robotics & AI Discovery Day offers a rare, concentrated view into a global ecosystem where breakthrough research is rapidly translating into real-world applications. From autonomous systems and advanced manufacturing to AI-driven software and intelligent infrastructure, the event highlights the rise of Physical AI, where intelligent systems interact with and transform the physical world across sectors including healthcare, logistics, energy, defense, mobility and more.

The scale of the event reflects the strength of the region behind it. Pittsburgh's robotics and AI ecosystem includes more than 120 robotics companies and 120 AI companies, alongside over 55 academic labs and support organizations. In the past seven years alone, 122 active deep tech companies in the region have collectively raised more than $10 billion in funding, underscoring Pittsburgh's role as both an innovation powerhouse and a commercialization engine.

As the pace of technological change accelerates, regional leaders emphasize the importance of connecting innovation to workforce readiness. Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato noted, "As robotics and AI continue to reshape industries, we should prepare the workforce for what comes next. Robotics and AI Discovery Day brings together the companies driving this growth and helps connect people to the skills and careers that will define the future of our economy."

Unlike traditional conferences, Robotics & AI Discovery Day is designed to be immersive, interactive, and accessible. Attendees engage directly with live demonstrations, deployed technologies, and the teams building them, creating a dynamic environment where innovation is not just discussed, but experienced firsthand.

That connection between innovation and opportunity is central to Pittsburgh's strategy. As City of Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor emphasized, "Pittsburgh is a leader in building the future of robotics and AI, which can provide growth and opportunity for our residents. The Pittsburgh Robotics Network's Day of Discovery is an important event that helps to connect the companies leading this work with the talent and workforce to sustain it."

Framing the event's global significance, Jennifer Apicella, Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, added, "Robotics and AI Discovery Day is where the world comes to see how Pittsburgh turns breakthrough research into real-world impact. We don't just invent the future here, we build it, test it, and bring it to market. This is innovation in action, with technologies already being deployed and scaled across industry on full display."

The event is also a key anchor within a broader, citywide 'tech-week' celebration, aligning major institutions, companies, and organizations across Pittsburgh to present a unified and compelling picture of the region's innovation economy to national and international audiences.

That ecosystem strength is what continues to differentiate Pittsburgh on the global stage. Meredith Meyer Grelli, Managing Director & Interim Executive Director of the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, reinforced this point: "Robotics and AI Discovery Day captures the strength of an ecosystem anchored by Carnegie Mellon and built for impact. The companies here are not just advancing technology, they are bringing it to market and shaping industries worldwide."

As global demand for automation, intelligence, and advanced systems accelerates, Robotics & AI Discovery Day 2026 continues to position Pittsburgh as a central hub where those technologies are developed, tested, and deployed.

Registration for Robotics & AI Discovery Day 2026 is now open.

More information, including exhibitor opportunities and event details, can be found at bit.ly/RADD2026

ABOUT THE PITTSBURGH ROBOTICS NETWORK

The Pittsburgh Robotics Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to driving the growth and commercialization of Pittsburgh's world-leading robotics ecosystem. With over 320+ robotics, deep tech & AI companies in the regional cluster, the Pittsburgh Robotics Network connects businesses, research institutions, investors, and industry leaders to accelerate the transition of breakthrough robotics technology from the lab to the marketplace.

SOURCE Pittsburgh Robotics Network
Parents Say Therapy Shouldn't Be About 'Fixing' Their Child, But More About Building Support, Wellbeing and Happiness

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For decades, autism treatment has measured success through changes in children's behavior. A new study by researchers at the Catalight Research Institute, however, has found that families are now defining success far more broadly and more personally  prioritizing goals that allow them to understand their child better and build capacity to support them as a family.

"Traditionally, autism treatment has focused on 'fixing' the child. Models that are often deficit-based  emphasizing reducing challenging behaviors and building specific skills  have become the industry-standard assessments measure and they tend to shape how treatment goals are written," said Catalight's Senior Vice President of Sustainable Program Design Michelle Befi, lead author of the study. "Parents and other caregivers are telling us that treatment success is not just about reducing behaviors or checking off milestones. They're not just looking to have their child 'worked on' in therapy. They want to understand who their child is, what helps them feel safe and happy, and how to support their development in everyday life."

The research, published in "The Family Journal," analyzed responses from 81 parents/caregivers of autistic children during the intake process before clinicians finalized treatment plans. Researchers found that caregivers consistently described treatment success in ways that extend beyond traditional behavior-focused goals. They identified two overarching themes in how caregivers define success in autism treatment:

Understanding and supporting the autistic child: Parents expressed a desire to support their child as a whole person, including their inner world, their social self and their engagement with the world around them. They discussed helping their children develop emotional wellbeing and self-regulation, building relationships and communication skills, and participating meaningfully in school and community life. Many caregivers defined success in terms of happiness, belonging and confidence  reflecting a broader vision of thriving beyond behavioral milestones alone.

Strengthening the family system: Parents positioned themselves as central to treatment, emphasizing the importance of building caregiving capacity as a core component of supporting their child's long-term development and happiness. They described wanting practical tools, stronger alignment within the household and greater confidence navigating schools and service systems. More than one-third identified improved caregiver confidence as a key marker of success. Caregivers described wanting to build the tools, confidence and alignment within their family to navigate this journey together.

Boiled down, families are seeking treatment that takes a much more wholistic perspective of the autistic child and the family that supports them, according to the study.

"When asked what success looks like, families sometimes mention things like reducing tantrums or improving communication but, more often, they talk about wanting to share a meal together peacefully, see their child form friendships, feel connected to their child or simply see their child happy and thriving," said Befi, who's licensed as a marriage and family therapist and a mental health counselor. "Some parents even described things like wanting to learn better emotional regulation for themselves so they can show up for their child in a healthier way."

With autism affecting an estimated 1 in 31 8-year-old children in the United States, demand for services continues to grow. As care systems expand, the study suggests treatment models may need to evolve to better reflect the outcomes families themselves identify as important to them.

"Our findings reinforce the idea that autism treatment cannot be child-only work," Befi said. "When caregivers feel supported and capable, the whole family system becomes stronger. That's when meaningful progress happens."

The authors note that family-centered approaches, including greater integration of marriage and family therapists, may better align services with family-defined priorities.

Along with Befi, the peer-reviewed study, "From Child-Focused to Family-Centered: Caregiver Perspectives on Success in Autism Treatment," was co-authored with Catalight researchers Vincent Bemmel, Ian Cook, Jennifer Ikola, Courtney Schlueter and Ben Pfingston.

About Catalight

Catalight breaks down barriers and biases to create a more equitable world so people with developmental disabilities can choose their path to care. Catalight provides access to innovative, individualized care services, clinical research and advocacy  all powered by intelligent technology. Through the work of affiliate partners, Easterseals Hawaii and Easterseals Northern California, Catalight and its family of companies support people with developmental disabilities and their families across their care journey.

The Catalight family of companies is one of the largest behavioral health networks in the nation, with more than 15,000 practitioners serving 25,000 clients and families annually. Backed by more than a decade of experience and a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, we are reimagining the way people with developmental disabilities and their families experience healthcare. Catalight's goal is to ensure that individuals and families receive timely access to evidence-based treatment, including naturalistic developmental and language-based services, applied behavior analysis and speech therapy.

SOURCE Catalight Foundation, a California non-profit corporation
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunshine Health, a company of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), is proud to highlight the 2025 results of Sunshine Health Works, a comprehensive workforce development program designed to address critical labor shortages across Florida's healthcare system while creating clear pathways for individuals to enter, remain, and advance in healthcare careers.

Since its launch, Sunshine Health Works has helped support and train nearly 1,900 people through partnerships with local colleges, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations to deliver scholarships, industry-recognized certifications, hands-on training, and direct employment pathways.

"By partnering with colleges, healthcare providers, and community organizations, we're helping people gain the skills they need to thrive in healthcare careers while addressing urgent staffing needs across the state," said Charlene Zein, CEO, Sunshine Health. "Sunshine Health Works is more than a workforce initiative. It's a reflection of our mission to improve lives and create pathways to self-sufficiency for the Medicaid members we serve."

Sunshine Health Works is open to the broader community, with a focused commitment to support Sunshine Health members who are entering or re-entering the workforce. Participants gain technical skills, exposure to healthcare careers, and renewed confidence, particularly after career disruptions.

"After being laid off last year, this experience has been a turning point for me," said Adrienne A., a Medical Administrative Assistant student. "Thanks to Broward College and Sunshine Health, I now feel confident in pursuing a position as a Medical Administrative Assistant."

Healthcare workforce shortages strain healthcare systems, limit patient access and place increasing pressure on employers to recruit, train, and retain talent in an increasingly competitive labor market.

Sunshine Health Works intentionally serves both students and employers, creating employer-aligned career pathways that address the changing demands of healthcare delivery and set students up for long-term career sustainability.

"I learned so much, including life skills that I can take into my future job at the hospital," said Tyanna K., a Hillsborough College CNA student. "This is the first step to my career."

Sunshine Health Works highlights:

12 partner organizations across Florida, including Tallahassee State College, Hillsborough College, Broward College, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Florida State College of Jacksonville, Valencia College, University of South Florida's Colleges of Nursing and Social Work, as well as G.R.O.W. Doula/Healthy Start, National Alliance on Mental Illness Florida, Hispanic Unity Florida, and United HomeCare.

17 distinct healthcare certifications offered, including Certified Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide, Medical Assistant, and Licensed Practical Nurse.

Nearly 1,900 participants trained, with participants earning nearly 800 industry-recognized certifications.

Specialized clinical programs: More than 200 doulas trained and 198 credentialed across 10 counties through our partnership with Healthy Start's G.R.O.W. Doula program. 39 Certified Recovery Peer Specialists trained in partnership with NAMI Florida. Social work licensure support in partnership with the University of South Florida College of Social Work to address the shortage of Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs).



To learn more about Sunshine Health Works, visit sunshinehealth.com/works.

About Sunshine Health

With offices across the state, from Miami to Pensacola, Sunshine Health is among the largest healthcare plans in Florida. Offering coordinated care and a network of support for our members, Sunshine Health is transforming the health of the communities we serve one person at a time. We offer government-sponsored managed care through Medicaid, Long Term Care, the Health Insurance Marketplace (Ambetter Health), and Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans (Wellcare). Our specialty plans include Sunshine Health Pathway to Shine, a specialty plan serving children in or adopted from the state's child welfare system; Sunshine Health Mindful Pathways, a specialty plan for people living with serious mental illness; Sunshine Health Power to Thrive, a specialty plan for people living with HIV/AIDS; and the Children's Medical Services Health Plan, operated by Sunshine Health on behalf of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration for children and adolescents with special healthcare needs. Sunshine Health is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation. For more information, visit SunshineHealth.com or follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn @SunHealthFL.

SOURCE Sunshine Health
Pastor Mike Signorelli Leads Historic Easter Gathering in the Heart of New York City

NEW YORK, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In a moment many are calling history in the making, V1 Church brought Easter Sunday out of churches and into the streets - hosting a bold, live gathering in the middle of Times Square on April 5, 2026.

Crowds gather for a historic Easter moment in the heart of New York City.

Decades ago, crowds filled stadiums and fields to hear evangelists like Billy Graham. This Easter, that same spirit of revival moved into the most iconic intersection in the world - not behind walls, but in the wild. At 11:00 AM in the heart of New York City, Pastor Mike Signorelli stood before thousands - tourists, skeptics, believers, and passersby- delivering a raw, unfiltered message of the resurrection in a place where more than 360,000 people walk every day. "This is a declaration," said Signorelli. "The Church isn't waiting for people to come to it anymore - we are going to them. The resurrection belongs in the streets."

Founded in New York, V1 Church has grown into a multi-location movement across the U.S. and a global digital community, known for bringing the message of hope beyond traditional church spaces. Times Square marks its boldest move yet. This was not a ticketed event. No stage barriers. No dress code. No prerequisite belief. Just the Gospel - in one of the most watched locations on Earth. For V1 Church, this was more than a service - it was a signal: the Church has left the building. "In NYC as it is in Heaven isn't just a phrase," Signorelli added. "It's a mandate. On Easter Sunday, we stepped into the streets because that's where the people are." From live music to spontaneous moments of prayer, the gathering transformed Times Square, turning one of the busiest intersections in the world into a place of encounter. Now, the world is taking notice. Media outlets across the U.S. and globally are responding to what many are calling a defining moment for modern Christianity- where faith met culture, not in isolation, but in the open.

MEDIA INVITE: INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY

Pastor Mike Signorelli is available for interviews to discuss:

Why the Church is moving beyond traditional walls

The cultural and spiritual significance of Times Square

What this moment signals for the future of faith globally

EVENT DETAILS

What: V1 Church Easter Sunday Service

When: Sunday, April 5, 2026 - 11:00 AM EST

Where: Times Square, New York City

Website: https://mikesignorelli.com/events

Easter Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8VZErVHQRs

For Press & Media, Contact:

K & Co. Media

559.341.7791

[email protected]

www.kandcomedia.com

SOURCE V1 Church
It looked like the kind of crash you expect outside a weekend car meet, not sitting in front of a dealership. A brand new Porsche 911 GT3 RS, still wearing that unmistakable Gulf-style look, ended up nose-first in a canal in Amsterdam. Not lightly bumped, not scraped. Fully dipped into the water like it missed its exit and kept going. And for a moment, it felt like one of those stories where everything goes wrong at once. Except it didnt. Not completely. This wasnt an overconfident owner getti
Demonstration homes built in Altadena will provide guidance, clarity, and a tangible pathway forward for families navigating recovery

ALTADENA, Calif., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Foothill Catalog Foundation (TFCF), a nonprofit advancing pre-approved home designs that preserve Altadena's architectural character while reducing cost by streamlining the rebuilding process, has announced the launch of the Tonia Homes Initiative. The effort will support families recovering from the Eaton Fire through the development of two demonstration homes located at 3339 Tonia Avenue and 3349 Tonia Avenue in Altadena. Building permits have been pulled and grading is currently underway.

The Lexington is a 1,722-square-foot California Bungalow featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, generous living and dining areas, and a welcoming front porch that reinforces neighborhood connection. The home will be paired with The Opa ADU, a compact and flexible 495 square foot studio unit designed to support independent or multigenerational living.

Made possible through local philanthropy and community partnership, this project will serve as a practical resource for families navigating the complexities of rebuilding while showcasing a resilient, efficient, and place-based approach to rebuilding in Altadena.

As construction progresses, the homes will function as living case studies, offering homeowners and community members insight into plan selection, finishes, timelines, and budgeting considerations. The Tonia Homes will exemplify the advantages of pre-approved architectural designs that preserve neighborhood identity while easing permitting, construction, and financial constraints.

"Rebuilding after a disaster is not only about restoring structures, it is about restoring a sense of place, both architecturally and culturally, while ensuring an equitable pathway for everyone," said Cynthia Sigler, Co-Founder of the Foothill Catalog Foundation. "The Tonia Homes are designed to show families that there is a clear, thoughtful pathway forward; one that respects Altadena's architectural and cultural heritage while simplifying the mechanics of rebuilding."

The two homes will also highlight the role of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as flexible, neighborhood-scale solutions supporting multigenerational living, rental stability, and long-term resilience. In alignment with the Foundation's mission, the homes will ultimately be transferred to fire-impacted families at cost, creating an opportunity for two families to call Altadena home for generations to come.

Featured Homes

The initiative includes thoughtfully designed Foothill Catalog homes that reflect Altadena's architectural heritage while providing practical rebuilding pathways.

The Lexington with The Opa ADU

The Lexington is a 1,722-square-foot California Bungalow featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, generous living and dining areas, and a welcoming front porch that reinforces neighborhood connection. The home will be paired with The Opa ADU, a compact and flexible 495 square foot studio unit designed to support independent or multigenerational living.

The Elizabeth with The Lily ADU

The Elizabeth is a 1,600-square-foot English Cottageinspired home reflecting the architectural language of Altadena's historic neighborhoods while accommodating contemporary living needs. The home features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, including a spacious primary suite and a dedicated office area designed for flexible living. The Elizabeth will be complemented by The Lily ADU, a thoughtfully designed 575 square foot 1 bed, 1 bath unit offering additional housing flexibility.

Throughout construction, opportunities will be created for families, builders, and community members to observe progress and better understand the practical considerations of rebuilding  from permitting efficiency to finish selections and sequencing. Williams Rebuild is providing construction services, while the Callahan Family Foundation has provided philanthropic support to make the initiative possible.

Construction milestones and community engagement opportunities will be shared as progress continues.

About The Foothill Catalog Foundation

The Foothill Catalog Foundation (TFCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by local residents and design professionals to support the rebuilding of Altadena and surrounding foothill communities following the Eaton Fire. TFCF works to remove barriers to recovery by advancing preapproved home designs, streamlining permitting pathways, and connecting homeowners with trusted resources. TFCF serves as a collaborative network helping families navigate the rebuilding process with greater clarity, efficiency, and respect for the architectural character of the community.

About the Callahan Family Foundation

The Callahan Family Foundation is a Pasadena-based private philanthropic foundation supporting charitable initiatives across education, human services, and community wellbeing. Through grantmaking and strategic partnerships, the Foundation works to strengthen organizations and initiatives that expand opportunity, resilience, and support for communities in need.

About Williams Rebuild

Williams Rebuild is a Southern California homebuilding company dedicated to helping families recover after wildfire loss. Backed by nearly 30 years of experience through Williams & Watt Builders, the team provides an all-in-one, family-centered rebuilding approach  guiding homeowners from planning and permitting through construction and return home. With deep regional roots and boots-on-the-ground presence, Williams Rebuild is committed to restoring not just homes, but the communities that surround them.

Media Contact:

Erinn Lynch

[email protected]

SOURCE The Foothill Catalog Foundation
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Melvin Colon is recognized as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for his contributions to MCD CONSULTING SERVICES INC.

Melvin Colon has been a dedicated professional in the pharmaceutical industry since 1997. Since 2002, he has held the position of Senior Quality Assurance Consultant and CEO at MCD Consulting Services. Mr. Colon is recognized as a distinguished expert in pharmaceutical consulting.

Melvin Colon

With over twenty-eight years of industry experience, Mr. Colon provides expert regulatory guidance to clients worldwide, helping them navigate the complexities of bringing new medical products to market.

Mr. Colon is a licensed chemist with a proven track record of success across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, including cell and gene therapy, biosimilars, and medical device industries, including combination products. His expertise includes Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Quality Systems (such as Deviations, CAPA, and Change Control), Validation, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Assessments, Manufacturing Operations, Project Management, OOS and OOTs, Documentation Control, Sterility Assurance, Cleaning Validation, Electronic Batch Records, and internal and external audits of CMO and supplier facilities. Additionally, he has extensive experience in remediation activities related to Consent Decrees and sites with regulatory observations (Warning Letters and 483s).

Mr. Colon poses Strong background in Solid Dosage (Tablets/Capsules), Medical Devices, Combination of Products, Biotechnology, Biosimilar, Cell & Gene Therapy, Parenteral, Analytical Testing, Microbiology, Validation, Product Development, and Product Transfer in Aseptic Manufacturing (Microbiology, Environmental Monitoring, Media Fill, Sterilization, Autoclaves, Vial Washer, Depyrogenation tunnels, Lyophilizer, Smoke Studies, Aseptic Area Qualification), Solid Dosage Manufacturing and Packaging (granulation, blending, milling, micronization, compression, coating, blister, samples, and bottles lines), Liquids, Quality Assurance, Technical Services, and Planning area. Process Investigation (creation, evaluation, and approval), Qualification of Facilities and Equipment (IQ/OQ/PQ)/ Change Controls. CAPA, Complaints, Audits (Internal, Supplier, CMO, Regulatory), Data Integrity.

In his project, Mr. Colon is responsible for supporting site readiness and Pre-approval Inspection at a facility in Serbia. On his previous project, he was responsible for preparing responses to one of the FDA observations for 483s and managing related cleaning validation remediation activities, including organizational restructuring for a client in Iceland. Additionally, Mr. Colon has played a key role in advising a vaccine manufacturer in Mexico, where his keen attention to regulatory details identified significant process gaps resulting in no rejected lots in the last campaign. His ability to recommend effective solutions has helped his clients succeed during inspections. His international experience includes working with pharmaceutical companies in Japan, Brazil, Iceland, China, Korea, India, and other markets worldwide, as well as the United States. He was part of a leadership team that transformed a clinical site into a commercial facility, earning the first GMP certification and FDA approval for commercial cell and gene therapy products in the USA.

Mr. Colon earned a Bachelor of Science in industrial chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico in 1997. He later obtained a master's degree in engineering management from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico in 2000, followed by a Master of Science in manufacturing competitiveness in 2010.

Throughout his career, Mr. Colon has held senior QA and compliance roles with many organizations, including The FDA Group, The Henrici Group, LST Consulting USA, Pharma BioServ, and others. His early success as a consultant earned recognition from numerous clients and several performance awards, as noted on his LinkedIn profile.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Mr. Colon is a dedicated husband and passionate dog lover who shares his home with 12 dogs. He enjoys traveling and immersing himself in different cultures, both for work and leisure.

Looking ahead, Mr. Colon remains committed to ensuring that companies around the world are thoroughly prepared for regulatory inspections. His work plays a critical role in helping life-saving medical innovations reach the patients who need them.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle
TriNetX will continue to support all existing Zetta Genomics customers utilizing the award-winning XetaBase technology for research and patient care innovation

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TriNetX, the world's leading federated health data network, today announced that it has acquired the key assets of Zetta Genomics, a Cambridge, UK-based healthcare technology company and current TriNetX partner. The acquisition expands TriNetX's genomics data management and analytics capabilities, supporting federated capture of multiomic data. This accelerates healthcare providers' ability to integrate phenotypic and multiomic data for improved care delivery and clinical research and enhances the ability of TriNetX's life science customers to perform large-data research in a cost-effective manner.

Zetta's flagship platform, XetaBase, is a multiomic capture and analytics platform designed for populationscale genomic analysis. XetaBase is currently in use by leading healthcare provider organizations, life sciences companies, and research institutes.

TriNetX and Zetta have worked closely together since 2024 as part of TriNetX's genomics data program. During this collaboration, the companies completed substantial technical feasibility work demonstrating secure, federated querying across genomic and phenotypic data to deliver high-integrity, analytically robust insights. This work establishes a strong foundation for further expansion.

"Through our partnership activities, led by our Chief Operating Officer Steve Kundrot and team, we have developed deep familiarity with Zetta's leadership, technological prowess, and fit-for-purpose approach and have been consistently impressed with Zetta's trusted healthcare provider relationships and robust analytics platform," said Jeff Margolis, Executive Chairman of TriNetX. "Welcoming Zetta's XetaBase platform into the TriNetX ecosystem represents an important milestone for our organization."

Mr. Margolis continued, "This acquisition reflects our commitment to advancing multiomic-enabled research and supporting healthcare providers with a practical, localized approach to scaling their data infrastructures."

Jeffrey Brown, PhD, TriNetX Chief Scientific Officer added, "Our purpose of driving better human health through data is clearly enhanced by adding the XetaBase technology, as we strongly believe the integration of different data types is essential to clinical and scientific progress."

"I am proud of what the Zetta team has built and excited to see XetaBase become part of the TriNetX array of data, software, and intelligence capabilities," said Ignacio Medina Castello, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer of Zetta Genomics. "From the beginning, our collaboration with TriNetX demonstrated that genomic and clinical data can be securely connected in a federated way at scale. Fully joining forces with TriNetX allows that work to move forward faster and to reach a broader global community of healthcare and research partners."

About TriNetX, LLC

TriNetX is The Global Truth Engine for Better Human Health, helping organizations understand what's really happening in patient care. We connect health systems, researchers, and companies around the globe to realworld patient data so they can make betterinformed decisionsbased on reality, not assumptions.

Data is sourced directly from 11,000+ healthcare provider sites across more than 20 countries and kept within those institutions to protect accuracy, privacy, and trust. TriNetX combines this data with scientific expertise and technology to help customers ask better questions, interpret results, and move forward with confidence.

Learn more at trinetx.com or follow TriNetX on LinkedIn.

Media Contact

TriNetX

Karen Tunks

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE TriNetX
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A research team led by Purdue University, with partners Entomol and 1,4Group, has been awarded $2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to evaluate a novel antiviral fogging technology to combat high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) which remains a serious threat to poultry health and the global food supply.

The project's lead investigator is Dr. Ekramy Sayedahmed, Assistant Professor of Poultry Medicine at Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on avian influenza vaccines and molecular virology. "At Purdue University, our research team along with Entomol will develop a new therapeutic approach using hydrogenated catmint oil (HCO), a product of Entomol Products, LLC, to directly target and inhibit the virus in poultry environments. This innovative method has the potential to significantly reduce viral spread, offering farmers a practical solution to protect their flocks," said Dr. Ekramy Sayedahmed, Assistant Professor of Poultry Medicine at Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

"Hydrogenated catmint oil is a natural compound that, when used strategically in poultry facilities, interferes with the virus's ability to propagate. Our research involves testing HCO's antiviral effects in the lab, assessing its safety in chickens, and evaluating its effectiveness in real-world poultry housing conditions. By combining scientific rigor with practical application, we aim to develop a tool that enhances biosecurity and diminishes the impact of HPAI outbreaks." he said.

"Entomol's hydrogenated catmint oil technology has demonstrated the ability to disrupt influenza viruses in the air and on surfaces at very low concentrations. This USDA-supported project will allow us to rigorously evaluate its potential as a practical biosecurity tool for poultry producers." said Mark Sloneker, CEO Entomol Products LLC.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks have led to the loss of more than 90 million poultry in the United States since 2022, according to USDA data, causing billions of dollars in economic losses and continued supply disruptions. The technology is designed to be deployed through fogging systems in commercial poultry and egg houses, where airborne virus transmission is a major driver of outbreaks.

The project builds on earlier proof-of-concept research conducted at the University of South Wales in Australia, where hydrogenated catmint oil was fogged into the air as an antimicrobial spatial treatment. Researchers found that very small concentrations of aerosolized HCO disrupted H1N1 influenza viruses both in the air and on contact surfaces. Additional laboratory studies demonstrated activity against multiple viral pathogens.

Under the project:

Entomol will coordinate the program and focus on optimizing fogging parameters and evaluating antiviral efficacy.

will coordinate the program and focus on optimizing fogging parameters and evaluating antiviral efficacy. 1,4Group will design and develop emitter systems capable of deploying the technology in large-scale commercial poultry houses.

will design and develop emitter systems capable of deploying the technology in large-scale commercial poultry houses. Purdue University will conduct controlled trials measuring the effectiveness of aerosolized HCO in reducing avian influenza virus titers in air, on surfaces, and in birds.

will conduct controlled trials measuring the effectiveness of aerosolized HCO in reducing avian influenza virus titers in air, on surfaces, and in birds. Ohio State University, as a subcontractor, will assist with efficacy testing against highly pathogenic strains using specialized BSL-3 laboratory facilities.

"We are optimistic about the potential of HCO not only as a therapeutic agent but also as a sustainable strategy for the poultry industry. Protecting flocks helps safeguard animal welfare, ensures food security, and supports farmers' livelihoods. This work represents a significant step forward in controlling avian influenza and advancing innovative solutions for animal health." Dr. Sayedahmed continued. " If successful, the research could provide poultry producers with a cost effective, breakthrough biosecurity tool designed to reduce airborne viral transmission inside commercial poultry and egg facilities."

About Entomol Products LLC.

Our company develops bioactive technologies designed to protect public health, agriculture, and commercial environments. The company's proprietary hydrogenated catmint oil platform has shown promise across multiple applications, including vector control and antimicrobial spatial treatments.

SOURCE Entomol Products LLC
POMONA, Calif., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Western University of Health Sciences' College of Graduate Nursing (CGN) is ranked among the 2026 Best Nursing Schools: Master's by U.S. News & World Report, according to a report released today, April 7, 2026. Link: 2026 Best Nursing Schools: Master's

CGN's Master of Science in Nursing-Entry (MSN-E) program in Pomona, California, is ranked No. 45 (tied) in the nation. CGN has long stood on the foundation that a master's degree should be the entry point for nursing, said CGN Dean Mary Lopez, PhD, MSN, RN.

"Very few programs in California, let alone the nation, have that philosophy," she said. "This ranking is a great recognition of that approach. We're so proud to be recognized for that. We've long believed that when we raise up one group of nurses, all of nursing raises up."

There is a huge nursing shortage in Southern California and across the nation, Lopez said.

"There has never been a better time to be a nurse. We have been able to use our talents, our treasures and our faculty and staff to expand the program. We've gone from 75 students graduating every year to 100, putting more and more highly qualified, educated nurses who have leadership skills into our hospitals, clinics and public health departments to increase the health of our communities," she said. "I really have to hand it to the team at the College of Graduate Nursing - the faculty, the staff, and then all our students. We're all ambassadors of the program and it's great that we are recognized for the high-quality program we have at WesternU."

CGN developed an externship program that has been highly successful and well-received by students and the College's community partners. MSN-E students with an affinity for a particular area of the hospital, such as the OR, ICU or pediatrics, receive additional training to help them pursue that interest.

All MSN-E students take the regular curriculum Monday through Thursday, and then a student interested in an emergency room externship, for example, will receive four hours of education with an ER expert on Friday.

"And then they do their clinical with a preceptor in the emergency department, so they're directly applying what that expert just taught them," Lopez said. "We're giving them education that's specialized to that area. That's so exciting for our students. Our clinical partners love it because they get to know the students and teach them their way of nursing within those specialty areas in their hospital. This externship program is not done at every nursing school. That's something that really sets us apart, and we've had really good outcomes with the Nursing Externship."

CGN students are highly employable because they make those connections in the Nursing Externships.

"We'll help nursing students by putting them in a clinical environment that they have affinity towards and connect them with people that may be helpful, and so that they can thrive in nursing and have just a joyous career doing what they love," Lopez said. "It's very satisfying for me as dean to watch the students grow in the areas that they want to grow in."

CGN is introducing an MSN-E program in Lebanon, Oregon in fall 2027 to address the nursing shortage in Oregon. Just as the MSN-E program in Pomona is tailored for an urban setting with high tertiary needs, the MSN-E program in Oregon will focus on rural nursing needs. One strong component of the curriculum in Oregon will be behavioral health. In talking with chief nursing officers in the Willamette Valley, Lopez said the biggest need is ER nurses who know how to handle all emergencies and who can deliver babies.

"Many hospitals are closing their maternity units, so women are having to drive so much farther to get their prenatal care and for their delivery," Lopez said. "They're seeing more and more deliveries in the emergency department."

About Western University of Health Sciences

Western University of Health Sciences (www.westernu.edu), located in Pomona, Calif. and Western University of Health SciencesLebanon, Ore., is an independent nonprofit health professions university, conferring degrees in biotechnology and pharmaceutical sciences, dental medicine, medical sciences, nursing, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine and veterinary medicine. WesternU is home to WesternU Health, where the best in collaborative health care services is offered.

SOURCE Western University of Health Sciences
POMONA, Calif. and LEBANON, Ore., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Western University of Health Sciences continues to address the health professionals shortage crisis by training humanistic, patient-centered osteopathic physicians. The University continues to earn recognition for this important work in developing primary care physicians.

For the third consecutive year, WesternU's College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific and COMP-Northwest, which is in the process of being named the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine, is ranked as a Tier 1 institution for primary care training, based on rankings released today, April 7, 2026, by U.S. News & World Report. Link: 2026 Best Medical Schools (Primary Care) in America

"This recognition is a proud affirmation of Western University of Health Sciences' enduring mission to prepare outstanding osteopathic physicians in a deeply humanistic tradition. At a time of profound national need, we remain steadfast in educating primary care physicians who combine clinical excellence with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to serving underserved and rural communities," said WesternU President Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA. "To be recognized for the third consecutive year as a Tier 1 institution for primary care training speaks to the extraordinary strength of our college of osteopathic medicine, our exceptional faculty, our dedicated students, and our valued clinical partners. WesternU remains the solution to the health professional shortage crisis confronting our great nation today."

"At a time when the nation faces critical shortages in primary care, WesternU remains deeply committed to educating physicians who are not only clinically excellent, but also humanistic, community-minded, and prepared to serve where they are needed most," said WesternU Provost and Chief Academic Officer Paula M. Crone, DO '92. "To be recognized among the top institutions in the nation for primary care training for the third consecutive year reflects the strength of our students, faculty, clinical partners, and the enduring values that define our University."

WesternU COMP and COMP-Northwest is one of 16 institutions nationwide ranked in the top tier.

"We are honored to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report for the third consecutive year. This achievement reflects our continued commitment to educating and inspiring the next generation of primary care physicians at a time when our communities need them more than ever," said COMP and COMP-Northwest Dean Lisa Warren, DO '01, MBA. "Guided by the core values of humanism and service, our osteopathic medical students and alumni are prepared to make a meaningful difference in their patients' lives through promoting health, reducing disease burden, and delivering compassionate, holistic, patient-centered care that creates a lasting impact in the communities they serve."

The 2026 rankings place medical schools into one of four tiers. Tier 1 institutions were in the 85 percentile or higher of medical schools ranked. WesternU has been ranked as a Tier 1 institution every year since the tiered rankings were introduced in 2024.

In addition, COMP and COMP-Northwest is ranked #8 in Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care and is Tier 4 in Best Medical Schools: Research, and #141 in Most Graduates Practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas.

About Western University of Health Sciences

Western University of Health Sciences (www.westernu.edu), located in Pomona, Calif. and Lebanon, Ore., is an independent nonprofit health professions university, conferring degrees in biotechnology and pharmaceutical sciences, dental medicine, medical sciences, nursing, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine and veterinary medicine. WesternU is home to WesternU Health, where the best in collaborative health care services is offered.

SOURCE Western University of Health Sciences
Experienced orthopedic surgeon from the Hospital for Special Surgery, innovator and former Chief Medical Technology Advisor joins company in an elevated capacity

WARSAW, Ind., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZBH), a global medical technology leader, today announced the appointment of Jonathan M. Vigdorchik, M.D., as Chief Science, Technology and Medical Affairs Officer, effective April 14.

Dr. Jonathan M. Vigdorchik, Chief Science, Technology and Medical Affairs Officer, Zimmer Biomet

In this role, Dr. Vigdorchik will oversee the strategy, delivery, and management of the company's global end-to-end technology portfolio, including AI, robotics, smart implants and data. He will also oversee Zimmer Biomet's Medical Education strategy and Global Advisory Board, helping further strengthen Zimmer Biomet's clinical engagement, innovation roadmap and external scientific leadership. Dr. Vigdorchik will report to Ivan Tornos, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

"Dr. Vigdorchik is a world-class orthopedic surgeon, and he brings exactly the kind of bold, future-focused leadership we need as we continue to shape the next era of musculoskeletal care," said Tornos. "He understands how to translate clinical insight into meaningful innovation, and his leadership will help us move faster, think bigger and continue advancing our broad suite of robotic and enabling technologies. I'm confident he will play a critical role in accelerating our portfolio strategy and further differentiating Zimmer Biomet in the market."

Dr. Vigdorchik previously served as Zimmer Biomet's Chief Medical Technology Advisor, Adult Reconstruction and Hip Implants. He is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City, specializing in hip and knee replacement surgery. Dr. Vigdorchik held several prominent academic and clinical leadership positions, including serving as Division Chief for national/international reputation and academic promotion on the Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement service at HSS and Director of Bone Implant Longevity Research at HSS's Griffin Research Accelerator. In addition, he is currently an Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College. He is active in professional societies including The Hip Society, The Knee Society, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), where he served as the Education and Communications Council Chair and earlier served as Program Chair for the 2024 AAHKS Annual Meeting.

"As a surgeon and innovator, I believe we are at an inflection point where AI, data, and advanced technology will fundamentally redefine the future of orthopedics," said Dr. Vigdorchik. "I've dedicated my career to focus on preventing complications and achieving consistently better outcomes for patients. With strength across its product portfolio, a differentiated suite of robotic and enabling technologies, and a pathway toward fully autonomous robotic technology in orthopedics, Zimmer Biomet is poised to continue pushing the industry forward. I'm excited to join the talented team in this expanded role to help advance that vision and accelerate innovation for surgeons and patients around the world."

Dr. Vigdorchik earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri  Columbia School of Medicine, completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the Detroit Medical Center / Providence Hospital, and received fellowship training in Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement at HSS. He also completed an international traveling fellowship in hip preservation surgery with training at centers in Switzerland, Boston Children's Hospital, and Washington University in St. Louis.

About Zimmer Biomet

Zimmer Biomet is a global medical technology leader with a comprehensive portfolio designed to maximize mobility and improve health. We seamlessly transform the patient experience through our innovative products and suite of integrated digital and robotic technologies that leverage data, data analytics and artificial intelligence.

With 90+ years of trusted leadership and proven expertise, Zimmer Biomet is positioned to deliver the highest quality solutions to patients and providers. Our legacy continues to come to life today through our progressive culture of evolution and innovation.

For more information about our product portfolio, our operations in 25+ countries and sales in 100+ countries or about joining our team, visit www.zimmerbiomet.com or follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/zimmerbiomet or X at www.x.com/zimmerbiomet.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning Zimmer Biomet's expectations, plans, prospects, and product and service offerings, including new product launches and potential clinical successes. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of management and are subject to significant risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. For a list and description of some of such risks and uncertainties, see Zimmer Biomet's periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in Zimmer Biomet's filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Zimmer Biomet disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers of this news release are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements, since there can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this news release.

SOURCE Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.
About this content 

About Jamie Ashcroft

Jamie Ashcroft, the News Editor for Proactive UK, has developed an impressive career in financial journalism, focusing on the small-cap sector for over fourteen years. Before joining the Proactive team, he was a stockbroker during the global financial crisis, a role that complemented his educational background - a first-class degree in Business and Economics and qualifications in software design and development. As one of the early external hires at Proactive in 2009, Jamie contributed... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
About this content 

About Oliver Haill

Oliver has been writing about companies and markets since the early 2000s, cutting his teeth as a financial journalist at Growth Company Investor with a focusing on AIM companies and small caps, before a few years later becoming a section editor and then head of research. He joined Proactive after a couple of years freelancing, where he worked for the Financial Times Group, ITV, Press Association, Reuters sports desk, the London Olympic News Service, Rugby World Cup News Service, Gracenote... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
Jay Leno has driven all sorts of crazy cars for his popular YouTube show Jay Leno's Garage. While the show mostly features rare and exotic collectibles, some episodes stand out as they feature unexpected vehicles like fire engines, buses, tractors, and even steam locomotives.

If it has wheels and can be driven, there's a good chance that Jay Leno has had a chance to get behind the wheel at least once. That's one of the reasons why he's considered a national treasure and why his opinion on all things automotive matters.

About three years ago, Jay Leno featured a pre-production Tesla Semi truck on the show and gave the viewers a glimpse of what it was all about. In a recent video, the famous car collector and TV personality got to drive the facelifted production-spec version, and judging by his reaction, it might be a disruptive force in an industry that has seen little change in decades.

The Tesla Semi Has An Updated Design

Image Credit: Jay Leno's Garage/YouTube

The episode kicks off with Jay Leno examining the Tesla Semi's updated design outside his famous garage since it's too big to fit inside, and he's soon joined by Tesla's Director of Styling, Franz von Holzhausen, and Semi Program Director Dan Priestleythe same guys who gave him the first tour three years ago. Compared to the pre-production example Tesla showed earlier, the Semi in Jay Leno's video looks familiar at first glance but has several notable changes aimed at making the truck slipperier, more practical, and better suited for volume production.

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The most noticeable change is on the outside, where the truck's design has been further refined in the name of aerodynamics. Priestley says the latest version improves aerodynamic efficiency by 7% over the earlier truck while still keeping the core shape that defined the original concept.

The central driving position remains a defining part of the design because it lets the company shape a rounder front end and a narrower upper cab, helping the truck move through the air more efficiently as it tapers back toward the trailer. That matters because better aerodynamics reduce the energy needed to move a Class 8 truck at highway speeds, which in turn helps extend range and lowers operating costs.

Tesla has also updated the front-end look with a more modern full-width light bar and revised graphics, while replacing the older single-pane side glass with a drop window to make life easier for drivers at gates and checkpoints. Tesla presents the Semi in two forms: a larger 500-mile long-range model and a shorter 325-mile version that trims one battery pack and reduces the wheelbase, a change the company says makes it lighter, less expensive, and easier to maneuver for port, delivery, and regional work.

Why Tesla Is Banking On The Semi To Disrupt The Trucking Industry

Image Credit: Jay Leno's Garage/YouTube

Tesla is pitching the truck as more than just an electric alternative. Priestley presents it as a better tool for the job and says the latest 500-mile version is now "about on par" for weight with a diesel rival, thanks in part to a 2,000-pound EV exemption, while still being able to handle the kinds of 45,000-pound payloads many fleets want. Range is central to that pitch: Priestley highlights a 500-mile long-range model for heavier-duty work, alongside a 325-mile version aimed more at regional and urban routes.

The timing also helps Tesla make its case. Jay Leno points to the war involving Iran as a reminder of why alternative forms of transportation matter.

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Tesla also leans hard on drivability. We learn from the video that the truck uses a twin-axle motor strategy, with one axle geared for acceleration and hill climbs and the other for highway efficiency, instead of a traditional multi-speed setup. The company says regenerative braking lets the semi descend long grades at highway speeds without touching the brakes, which should cut brake wear and improve control.

Tesla says the Semi's lithium-ion battery is designed to last for 1 million miles and can recover up to 60% of its range in 30 minutes. Just as important, the company argues that an electric powertrain should need less maintenance than a diesel truck, while cheaper electricity could further lower running costs over time.

Driver Feedback on the Tesla Semi So Far

Image Credit: Jay Leno's Garage/YouTube

The semi has already gone through substantial real-world testing before this broader push. Priestley says Tesla has built "a few hundred" trucks so far and that the pilot fleet has logged more than 13.5 million miles. He adds that the lead truck is now approaching 440,000 miles, a figure Tesla is clearly using to show the Semi is no longer just a prototype.

Priestley says driver feedback has been especially positive on the day-to-day experience inside the cab, highlighting the quiet ride, smooth power delivery, strong visibility from the central seating position, and a reclining seat that drivers "love." The drivers also stand to benefit from various practical touches aimed at fleets, including memory settings that let a driver's seat position and preferences carry over from truck to truck.

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Leno comes away impressed by how easy and natural it feels to drive, comparing the experience more to a big Tesla than a conventional heavy truck.

Why Tesla Believes Fleets Are Ready for the Semi

Image Credit: Jay Leno's Garage/YouTube

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Jay Leno points out that trucks have looked broadly the same for generations, with diesel-powered rigs continuing to dominate the segment and set the standard for long-haul freight. Priestley believes that "the economics are right" and "the product is ready" after years of fleet testing, feedback gathering, and gradual refinement of the Semi. He also says Tesla is seeing ample demand, especially now that the truck's range, charging, payload capability, and operating costs are lining up more closely with what real-world fleets need.

That confidence is now feeding directly into Tesla's production plans. Tesla is building a semi factory from the ground up outside Reno, Nevada, and the dedicated plant is designed for a capacity of 50,000 trucks a year. Industry reporting suggests that Tesla expects the first Semi units to reach the production line by the end of 2025, with a broader ramp through 2026.

If Tesla is right, the Semi could mark one of the first serious attempts to modernize a corner of transportation that has resisted change for decades. The bigger question now is whether Tesla can turn that purpose-built factory and years of development into sustained output at scale.

Read More
About this content 

About Stephen Gunnion

Stephen Gunnion is a senior financial journalist and broadcaster at Proactive Investors. He has more than 25 years of experience in television, radio and print media, anchoring on a number of television channels including South Africa's Business Day TV, CNBC Africa and the South African Broadcasting Corporation, where he was the economics editor. He has also worked for Daily Maverick, Bloomberg, the Business Day newspaper and Investors' Chronicle. Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
About this content 

About Ian Lyall

Ian Lyall, a seasoned journalist and editor, brings over three decades of experience to his role as Managing Editor at Proactive. Overseeing Proactive's editorial and broadcast operations across six offices on three continents, Ian is responsible for quality control, editorial policy, and content production. He directs the creation of 50,000 pieces of real-time news, feature articles, and filmed interviews annually. Prior to Proactive, Ian helped lead the business output at the Daily... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
About this content 

About Steve Darling

Steve Darling is an award winning broadcaster who has spent the past 20 years as one of the most recognizable faces in British Columbia, reporting and anchoring at BCTV and Global Television. He spent 15 years as the co-host of the number one morning new program in the province. Steve is a tireless worker for charity hosting some 50 events a year. He is an ambassador for the Canucks Autism Network and hosts numerous events with BC Childrens Hospital and the Child Development foundation of... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
About this content 

About Jonathan Jackson

Jonathan Jackson is an experienced writer and editor. Over the past 20 years, he has worked in print and digital media across several business and finance titles amd is currently the Australian news editor at Proactive Investors covering the latest news for ASX listed companies as well as current financial trends. He was previously managing editor with Business First magazine, Wealth Creator Magazine and StocksDigital. Jonathan has interviewed some of the world's top CEOs and covered... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
About this content 

About Lisa Uhlman

Lisa Uhlman is an equities reporter at Proactive Investors, covering ASX-listed companies across the mining, energy, biotech and emerging tech sectors. With a background in legal and financial journalism, Lisa brings a sharp analytical lens to market news and corporate developments. Prior to joining Proactive, she reported for national trade publications and newswires, with a focus on court reporting, regulatory affairs and ESG-related business issues. Based in Sydney, she is... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
Askari Metals Ltd (ASX:AS2, FRA:7ZG) recently disclosed new Phase 1 trenching results from the OP pegmatite target at the Uis Project in Namibia, with executive director Gino DAnna saying the work had confirmed continuous polymetallic mineralisation across a large-scale system.

Speaking with Proactive, DAnna said the project was strategically positioned alongside the operating Uis tin mine, owned by Andrada, and noted that the neighbouring operation provided an important reference point because it was mining the same style of pegmatite mineralisation. He said the latest results suggested Askari Metals Ltd had identified that same continuous polymetallic mineralisation in a very significant system of pegmatite.

DAnna said the OP target showed a repeated strike length of roughly 2.2 kilometres, with average widths between 15 and 30 metres at surface. In his view, that kind of scale was fundamentally important in assessing the broader resource potential of the project.

He said the assay results demonstrated elevated tin and continuous lithium mineralisation across the strike, with tantalum, rubidium and cesium also present. According to DAnna, the trenching results not only supported the historical exploration dataset but also gave the company greater confidence as it prepares for follow-up RC and diamond drilling in the second half of the year.

That drilling program appears to be one of the key near-term catalysts for Askari. DAnna said the company had previously intersected high-grade mineralisation at OP, but only across a small part of the overall pegmatite system. With trenching now exposing more of the mineralised structure at surface, he said the company was in a stronger position to refine drill design and target selection.

Another potential catalyst could come from fresh-rock drilling. DAnna said the surface expression at OP was within weathered pegmatite and added that the company expected some very sharp numbers once drilling moved into fresh rock. That comment may attract attention from investors looking for evidence of stronger grades at depth.

Key highlights

Askari reported Phase 1 trenching results from the OP pegmatite target at the Uis Project in Namibia.

Gino DAnna said the results confirmed continuous polymetallic mineralisation across a large-scale system.

The OP pegmatite target has a strike length of about 2.2 kilometres and a width of roughly 15 to 30 metres at surface.

Assays confirmed tin, lithium, tantalum, rubidium and cesium mineralisation.

The trenching results validated historical exploration and improved confidence for the next drilling phase.

Askari plans follow-up RC and diamond drilling in the second half of the year.

DAnna said the pegmatite is weathered at surface, with potential for stronger assay results in fresh rock.

Tin appears to be the dominant mineral and would likely anchor any future processing route.

Secondary circuits could potentially recover lithium, tantalum, rubidium and cesium as additional concentrates.

The project sits next to the operating Uis mine, giving Askari Metals Ltd a useful nearby analogue for mining and processing.

The neighbouring operator has been monitoring Askari Metals Ltds progress closely.

There could be M&A potential if the company continues to demonstrate scale at Uis.

Proactive: Welcome back to Proactive Investors. Im your host Kerry Stevenson. Today Im joined again by Gino DAnna, executive director of Askari Metals. Last time I spoke with Gino he was over in Namibia, but hes back now, so weve got nice crisp clear sound. Today the company has released new results from the Uis Project in Namibia. Phase 1 trenching at the targets is confirming some pretty interesting targets across a very large-scale system. Good to see you again, Gino. Thanks for joining me today.

Gino DAnna: Thank you very much, Kerry. Thanks for organising.

Proactive: Talk to us about this announcement today and how important it is for you as you progress this project in Namibia.

Gino DAnna: Certainly. To give a little background and context for listeners who may not be familiar with the Uis Project, the company is in what is called the Karibib pegmatite belt. It is a strategically positioned asset because it sits adjacent to an existing operating tin mine called Uis, which is owned by Andrada. That mine has a significant resource of 77.5 million tonnes and is viewed as a polymetallic project containing tin, tantalum, lithium, rubidium and cesium.

The results released this morning from the OP pegmatite target confirm that Askari Metals Ltd has the same continuous polymetallic mineralisation in a significant pegmatite system. The repeated strike is about 2.2 kilometres and the average width is between 15 and 30 metres. That is what the company is seeing on surface and in the trench targets it excavated. Something with that sort of scale in both strike and width is fundamentally important when assessing the scalability of a resource.

The results show elevated and very high levels of tin, along with consistent continuous lithium mineralisation across the entire strike. The same can also be said for tantalum, rubidium and cesium. A key takeaway from the trenching and assay information is that it validates historical exploration completed by Askari Metals Ltd and predecessor companies. It also gives the company a far greater level of confidence for follow-up RC and diamond drilling, which is the next step planned for the second half of the year.

Some of the drill holes completed previously did intersect high grades of mineralisation at OP, but only a very small fraction of that pegmatite system was drilled. With access now exposing surface mineralised structure through trenching, the company can refine its new drill design and planning with greater confidence. The company now has a clearer idea of where to drill and what sort of mineralisation is being intersected at surface. Importantly, the pegmatite is weathered, so the company expects a distinct uplift in assay results when drilling reaches fresh rock.

Proactive: In my head, because youve talked about tin, lithium, tantalum and cesium, my brain goes to the question of whether there are challenges further down the track with processing a project like this. That might sound like a dumb question, but Im just trying to understand it fully.

Gino DAnna: That is a really good point. Naturally, when you are dealing with several different minerals, it does introduce processing challenges. The advantage here is that the mine next door is mining the exact same pegmatite that Askari Metals Ltd is exploring. It has the same view in terms of recoverability and the persistence of the mineralisation. It really becomes a case of processing the tin first and then having secondary circuits to treat the lithium and a circuit to treat the tantalum.

Essentially, if you are talking about lithium, tin, tantalum, rubidium and cesium, the operation would be producing five different mineral concentrates. Each would go through the same series of heavy media or heavy liquid separation to begin with, then through secondary circuits to produce subsequent concentrates. The end result would be very clean tin, cesium, rubidium and lithium concentrates.

So it is not necessarily a challenge as such. It simply means more detailed processing is required in order to extract those subsequent minerals as well.

Proactive: But tin is the overarching one, the number one, and then you go through with the lithium?

Gino DAnna: Correct. From what the company is seeing in the pegmatite and from the metallurgy and mineralogy at OP, tin tends to be the dominant mineral. That means it would be the mineral anchoring processing to begin with. Then secondary circuits would treat what you might call the modern metals or modern minerals.

Those other minerals are essentially paid for because the tin concentrate covers the operating costs. Anything else that comes out of the mine, including tantalum, rubidium, cesium and lithium, is additional upside. That is exactly what is happening at the nearby Uis mine. When I say nearby, Askari Metals Ltd is within a few hundred metres of the pit and concentrator. That is where the licence boundary starts.

Proactive: So its the same geological setting?

Gino DAnna: Absolutely. The only advantage the existing operation has is that it has been in operation for a long time, while Askari Metals Ltds ground has not seen the same level of exploration or investigation until the company stepped in and started evaluating the opportunity more thoroughly.

Proactive: One quick question before we finish up. Why didnt the neighbouring operator expand and take the ground that Askari Metals Ltd now has if it has been processing there for so long?

Gino DAnna: It really came down to where commodity prices were at the time. The environment being seen now, with high tantalum prices, strong tin prices, a recovering lithium price, and supply tightness in cesium and rubidium, is relatively recent. Askari Metals Ltd has been there for the last three and a half years, so the company entered at a point where those minerals were not in vogue as they are today.

Also, Andrada started as a pure-play tin company, so its expansion into secondary minerals has been relatively recent as well. All those factors combined meant Askari Metals Ltd was already positioned and held the ground along strike and surrounding the mine, which limited the option for Andrada to expand into that area.

That said, Andrada is watching the company closely and watching the results closely, especially from a size and scalability perspective at OP and other targets on the licence. It would be fair to say there could be a natural M&A opportunity between the two entities at some point.

Proactive: That was going to be my final question to you, so thanks for answering that. Great to see you. Thank you so much for the update. We look forward to speaking with you again, and welcome back to Australia.

Gino DAnna: Perfect. Thank you so much, Kerry. Cheers.
About this content 

About Angela Harmantas

Angela Harmantas is an Editor at Proactive. She has over 15 years of experience covering the equity markets in North America, with a particular focus on junior resource stocks. Angela has reported from numerous countries around the world, including Canada, the US, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, and South Africa for leading trade publications. Previously, she worked in investor relations and led the foreign direct investment program in Canada for the Swedish government. She earned a Bachelor of... Read more

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Wedbush analysts reaffirmed their bullish stance on FuboTV (NYSE:FUBO) after the company issued a shareholder update detailing new financial targets tied to its ongoing Hulu Live integration, framing the announcement as a step toward stabilizing investor expectations.

Wedbush reiterated its Outperform rating and raised its price target to $24 on a split-adjusted basis, implying upside of about 100% from current levels of $12.

We are optimistic that the combined company will be a more dominant competitor to YouTube Live TV than each is on a standalone basis, they wrote. Still, with much to prove, we are taking this opportunity at the beginning of Fubos integration story to reset to the low end of the range.

The analysts described the shareholder letter as proactive, adding that the update helps establish a clearer baseline after recent uncertainty.

Fubo is guiding to $80 million to $100 million in pro forma adjusted EBITDA for 2026, modestly above Wedbushs prior estimate. Looking further out, the company is targeting at least $300 million in adjusted EBITDA by 2028. Wedbush noted that improvements could be driven in part by lower wholesale fees paid to Disney and efficiencies across content and advertising.

The analysts also highlighted managements expectations for at least $200 million in cash on hand by the end of 2026 and positive free cash flow in 2027 and 2028.

While acknowledging that Fubo remains a show-me story that needs a clear vision, Wedbush wrote that this reset provides a floor for institutional investors to participate in upside over the next two years.

The firm pointed to potential upside from synergies tied to the Hulu integration. There remain several unknowns at this juncture, but we remain cautiously optimistic that Fubo can realize cost, revenue, and operational synergies through flexible programming, advertising optimization, and enhanced marketing opportunities, they wrote. Notably, Fubos ad inventory is expected to be sold alongside Disney properties, which could support revenue growth.

Addressing content concerns, they noted that despite the removal of NBCU programming in late 2025, management said subscriber impact has been lower than expected. Fubo has begun cross-promoting Hulu + Live TV, which retains NBCU content, creating what Wedbush described as an internal upsell funnel.

The firm wrote that Fubo could benefit from leverage acquired expertise from Disney and platform advantages as Hulu + Live TV is expected to move onto the Disney+ app in 2026.

It added that the combined companys scale as the number two player in the North American virtual Multichannel Video Programming Distributor market positions it to increase advertising revenue per user and compete more effectively with YouTube Live TV.

Despite the more optimistic outlook, Wedbush emphasized that execution remains key, noting there is still much to prove as the integration progresses.
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





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Tehran, April 7 : Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei extended condolences for a senior general of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), saying that "assassinations and crimes" against Iranian leadership will not halt the country's course.

In a written statement, Khamenei praised Majid Khademi, head of the IRGC's Intelligence Protection Organization, for decades of "silent efforts in the security, intelligence, and defence fields" of Iran, Xinhua news agency reported.

He also accused Israel and the United States of turning to "terrorism and assassination" after "successive defeats." Khademi was killed in Tehran on Monday in an airstrike claimed by Israel.

Khamenei extended condolences to Khademi's family and comrades, as well as the other commanders of the IRGC's Intelligence Organization.

Khademi was appointed as the head of the intelligence organization in June last year following the 12-day war between Iran and Israel, in which Mohammad Kazemi, the organization's former chief, had been killed.

Before his appointment, Khademi served as the head of the IRGC's Intelligence Protection Organization.

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi strongly condemned a US and Israeli attack on the Sharif University of Technology in the capital Tehran, which severely damaged the building of its information technology center and a gas substation near the academic center's mosque.

Iran's army said Sunday it has targeted petrochemical industries and petroleum products storage facilities in southern Israel, as well as US equipment depots, satellite communication units and troops in a base in Kuwait.

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US bases and assets in the Middle East.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Chennai, April 7 : Chennai is likely to receive moderate rainfall on Tuesday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), as a low-pressure system persists over the region stretching from Telangana to the Gulf of Mannar via Tamil Nadu.

The prevailing weather system is expected to bring intermittent rainfall across parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry over the next few days. The Meteorological Department has forecast that several areas in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry may experience light to moderate rainfall until Friday.

The influence of the low-pressure system is likely to sustain cloud cover and localised showers, particularly in coastal and interior districts.

Looking ahead to the weekend, weather conditions are expected to vary across regions. The Western Ghat districts of Tamil Nadu are likely to receive moderate rainfall on Saturday and Sunday, while the delta districts may witness light showers at isolated locations.

Officials noted that these changes are part of a broader transitional weather pattern typically observed during this period.

In Chennai and its suburban areas, moderate rainfall is expected to provide temporary relief from the recent heat. However, despite the rain activity, temperatures across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are projected to gradually rise by up to 3 degrees Celsius in the coming days, indicating a return to warmer conditions.

The rainfall recorded on the previous day had already contributed to a noticeable dip in temperatures in several parts of the state. Nevertheless, a few districts continued to experience intense heat. Erode registered the highest temperature at 40 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Karur Paramathi at 39.4 degrees. Vellore and Tirupattur also recorded scorching temperatures of around 38.3 degrees, highlighting the persistence of summer heat in interior regions.

Meteorologists have advised residents to remain cautious of sudden weather changes, including brief spells of rain accompanied by gusty winds in certain areas.

While the showers are expected to bring short-term relief, the overall warming trend suggests that summer conditions will continue to dominate across much of the state.

Authorities continue to monitor the evolving weather system and have urged the public to stay updated with official forecasts, especially in regions prone to sudden rainfall and temperature fluctuations.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Melbourne, April 7 : Authorities in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Solomon Islands have issued warnings over a Category 3 cyclone that is expected to bring heavy rainfall and flooding.

The PNG National Weather Service said in an emergency warning for the eastern Milne Bay Province on Tuesday morning that Tropical Cyclone Maila will cause very heavy rain and flooding, coastal inundation and gale force winds.

It said that people in the region, particularly residents of islands in the Solomon Sea, should seek higher ground and stay away from the coast.

"Take immediate precautions to protect life and property," it said.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service said that Tropical Cyclone Maila was growing in strength while moving slowly east-northeast towards the country's Western Province islands in the Solomon Sea, Xinhua news agency reported.

Islands in the Western Province have been warned to prepare for gale-force winds, coastal flooding and widespread heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Australia's Bureau of Meteorology has declared the system a severe tropical cyclone and said on Tuesday that it could hit the Australian mainland later in the week.

The category 3 system is in the Solomon Sea, hundreds of kilometres south-southwest of the autonomous Papua New Guinea region.

The owner of Bougainville Experience Tours, John Miriona, told RNZ Pacific he drove from Arawa to Buka on Tuesday morning and the weather was still wet and windy.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) is advising residents of Buka and surrounding areas, including areas along mainland west-coast to Kangu in South Bougainville, that wind speeds from Maila will increase.

According to the PNG National Weather Service, the cyclone will cause heavy rain and flooding, gale force winds, storm surge and coastal inundation.

Meanwhile, the weather service is warning people in Milne Bay Province to prepare themselves for more severe weather later this week.

-- Syndicated from IANS
Seoul, April 7 : South Korean President Lee Jae Myung was set to hold a meeting with leaders of the ruling and the main opposition parties Tuesday, officials said, as they were expected to discuss measures to mitigate economic fallout from the war in the Middle East.

Lee is scheduled to meet with Democratic Party (DP) leader Jung Chung-rae, DP floor leader Han Byung-do, People Power Party (PPP) leader Jang Dong-hyeok and PPP floor leader Song Eon-seog at Cheong Wa Dae later in the day.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and Kang Hoon-sik, presidential chief of staff, will also join the gathering.

The planned meeting will mark the first such gathering since Lee held a luncheon meeting with the rival party leaders in September last year, Yonhap news agency reported.

Presidential secretary for political affairs Hong Ik-pyo has told reporters that the economic situation stemming from the war in the Middle East will likely be discussed at the gathering.

Hong also said the meeting is intended to establish a consultative body involving the ruling and opposition parties to address people's livelihood issues.

The ruling DP and the government agreed on Monday to seek the dispatch of special envoys to Saudi Arabia, Oman and Algeria to secure crude oil as the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, is effectively closed amid the US-Israeli war with Iran.

The DP lawmakers and government officials are working to secure crude oil supplies through consultations with countries that have alternative routes, Rep. Ahn Do-geol told reporters after a consultative meeting at the National Assembly.

They also vowed to step up diplomatic efforts to stabilise the supply of crude oil, including dispatching the envoys to Saudi Arabia, Oman and Algeria.

Authorities are pushing to dispatch five Korean-flagged vessels to the Saudi Arabian city of Yanbu on the Red Sea coast, according to Rep. Ahn.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Washington, April 7 : Astronauts aboard NASA's Artemis II mission have set a new record for the farthest distance travelled by humans from Earth, marking a major milestone in the first crewed lunar mission in over five decades.

Four astronauts  Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen  crossed the historic threshold six days into their mission, travelling 248,655 miles from Earth and eventually reaching about 252,756 miles at the farthest point of their journey.

The milestone surpasses the previous record set during the Apollo 13 mission in 1970, establishing a new benchmark in human spaceflight.

"At NASA, we dare to reach higher, explore farther, and achieve the impossible. That's embodied perfectly by our Artemis II astronauts  Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy. They are charting new frontiers for all humanity," said Dr. Lori Glaze, acting associate administrator for Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate.

"Their dedication is about more than breaking records  it's fueling our hope for a bold future. Their mission is carrying our promise to return to the Moon's surface, this time to stay as we establish a Moon Base," she added.

The crew is currently on a 10-day mission designed to test the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft in a deep space environment with astronauts onboard. The mission includes a lunar flyby before returning to Earth.

Speaking from aboard the Orion spacecraft, Hansen reflected on the moment.

"From the cabin of Integrity here, as we surpass the furthest distance humans have ever traveled from planet Earth, we do so in honoring the extraordinary efforts and feats of our predecessors in human space exploration," he said.

"We will continue our journey even further into space before Mother Earth succeeds in pulling us back to everything that we hold dear. But we most importantly choose this moment to challenge this generation and the next to make sure this record is not long-lived."

During the lunar flyby, the astronauts conducted extensive observations, capturing high-resolution images of the Moon and studying surface features, including craters and geological formations. The crew also witnessed a solar eclipse as the Moon passed in front of the Sun and experienced a planned communications blackout lasting about 40 minutes as the spacecraft moved behind the Moon.

At one point, the spacecraft came within about 4,067 miles of the lunar surface, offering astronauts a rare view of regions of the Moon not previously seen directly by humans.

The mission has also produced scientific data through imagery, telemetry, and direct human observation, which will inform future Artemis missions.

The crew is scheduled to splash down off the coast of San Diego on April 10, where recovery teams will retrieve them for post-flight medical evaluations before their return to shore.

Artemis II is the first crewed mission in NASA's Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustained presence there. The programme is also seen as a stepping stone for future human missions to Mars.

The last time astronauts travelled beyond low Earth orbit was during the Apollo missions more than five decades ago. By surpassing that record, Artemis II marks a significant step in reviving deep space human exploration and advancing long-term ambitions for lunar and interplanetary missions.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
New Delhi/Dhaka, April 7 : Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on Tuesday for a three-day official visit focused on reinforcing bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh.

During the visit, Rahman will hold detailed discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

In addition, he is expected to call on National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri as part of his high-level engagements in the capital.

The trip assumes significance as it is the first visit by a Bangladeshi Minister to India since the BNP-led government assumed office in February, indicating a shift in the recalibration of India and Bangladesh ties, which had strained during the eighteen-month tenure of the former Muhammad Yunus-led interim government amid escalating attacks on Hindu minorities and anti-India rhetoric.

Key issues likely to dominate the discussions include the resumption of visa services for Bangladeshi citizens, enhancing energy cooperation, strengthening border management mechanisms, resolving pending matters related to river water-sharing, and boosting trade facilitation measures.

Rahman will be accompanied by Humayun Kabir, Foreign Affairs Advisor to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, reflecting the importance Dhaka is placing on the visit.

According to reports in Bangladeshi media, Dhaka is expected to press for a more positive and proactive approach from India towards the complete restoration of visa services. The Bangladeshi side is also likely to highlight the economic and social benefits linked to medical tourism, which has been impacted by the current restrictions.

Tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals have remained suspended since July 2024, citing security concerns. Additionally, visa processing centres in Bangladesh have been operating with limited staff following incidents of violence and vandalism reported outside Indian facilities, sources were quoted as saying by leading Bangladeshi daily The Dhaka Tribune.

In a related development, earlier on Monday, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma called on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, where both sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral engagement and cooperation across key sectors.

During the meeting, Verma expressed India's willingness to deepen ties through a "positive, constructive and forward-looking approach" built on shared interest and mutual benefit.

Meanwhile, diplomatic interactions between the two countries have also extended to defence cooperation.

Last week, Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, M. Riaz Hamidullah, held a meeting with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi and discussed enhancing defence cooperation, including joint training initiatives.

They discussed opportunities for deeper collaboration to promote regional peace and security.
Mumbai, April 7 : Bollywood star couple Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor were spotted at the Mumbai airport on Monday night, along with their little baby girl Raha.

The couple along with their daughter seems to have flown out to celebrate their 4th wedding anniversary on April 15.

In the video, Alia looked stylish in her loose beige shirt paired with comfortable trousers and sneakers.

Ranbir seemed to opt for casual in a T-shirt and pants.

Before the security check, little Raha appeared quite sleepy and was seen being carried by Alia in her arms.

Post security check, Raha suddenly seemed to have woken up and turned active, and was seen running around at the airport.

Alia was seen following her around, trying to catch hold of her in a playful moment.

Talking about the superstarsa Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapooras love story, it began on the sets of their movie Brahmastra Part One: Shiva.

The movie that was directed by Ayan Mukerji, released in 2022.

The couple managed to keep their relationship away from the media spotlight for the longest time.

After dating for a few years, the couple tied the knot on April 14, 2022, in an intimate ceremony at their Mumbai home with just their close friends and family members in attendance.

A few months later in the same year in June, they announced their first pregnancy, and welcomed their daughter Raha on November 6, 2022.

Alia, in many of her interviews has always spoken about how amazing Ranbir Kapoor is as a husband and is an even better father.

By marrying Ranbir Kapoor, Alia has become a part of Bollywood's prestigious Kapoor family.

On the professional front, Ranbir Kapoor is all set to essay the role of Lord Ram in his upcoming movie Ramayana.

The movie stars Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey, Sunny Deol, Yash in important roles.

The movie is set to release in Diwali this year.

-- Syndicated from IANS
Mumbai , April 7 : Actress-turned-author Suchitra Krishnamoorthy is going through a deeply difficult phase at her personal end, as her brother has passed away.

The actress took to her social media account to share the unfortunate news and also express her grief.

She wrote, "For

My Parents

Venkatanarasimha Krishnamoorthi

Dr Sulochana Krishnamoorthi

My Sister

Sujata Kumar

&

My Brother

Dr Sudhakar Krishnamurti

Forever in their guiding light"

In the caption, she wrote, "Updated the dedication page today.

Never thought I'd have to do it this soon."

Suchitra Krishnamoorthy has, in several interviews, always spoken fondly of her brother.

Reportedly, he lived in Hyderabad with his family and would frequently travel to Mumbai to support his sister.

Reports suggest that he was the only immediate family member from her close-knit family who was alive until now.

The actress, over the years, already faced immense personal loss.

Her sister and actress, Sujata Kumar, passed away in 2018 after battling cancer.

Sujata was known for her role in English Vinglish, where she played the elder sister of Sridevi's character.

Suchitra also lost her mother a few years ago.

She had penned an emotional note on her social media account while bidding her mother a farewell.

She wrote, "My beloved mother Sulochana Krishnamoorthi left us last evening at 7.30 pm.

She leaves behind an ocean of memories and love

Amma lost her spirit and will to live soon after Nana passed away in March last year."

"She would roam around the house calling out to Nana incessantly wondering where he is. Her mind never fully comprehended that he had moved on. She is united with him again at lastThey are going to party in the heavens now. Amma Nana and my Suzie Puzie beaming bolts of love to us left behind"

She added, "Such beautiful condolences coming in from Ammas colleagues from KC college Mumbai where Amma headed the history department for almost 2 decades."

"In an era where careers for women were not that common, Amma was a revolutionary. A warrior , the hardest working person i've known, a triple PHD in history. As famed for her academic achievements as for her cooking I feel proud to be her daughter."

IANS

rd/
Dehradun, April 7 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday spoke about the significance of the Dhaulinag Devta Temple located in the Vijaypur area of Bageshwar district, describing it as an important centre of faith and devotion in the region.

Taking to X, the Chief Minister wrote, "The Dhaulinaag Devta Temple, located in the Vijaypur area of Bageshwar district, is a major centre of faith and devotion."

His remarks brought renewed attention to the temple's religious and cultural importance in the Kumaon region.

CM Dhami further noted that special worship and rituals are organised at the temple on occasions such as Rishi Panchami, Naag Panchami, and Navratri Panchami, drawing large numbers of devotees from nearby areas and beyond.

Emphasising its spiritual appeal, he added, "Upon arriving in Bageshwar, you too must certainly pay a visit to this sacred temple."

The post was accompanied by a 37-second video showcasing scenic visuals of the temple premises, including panoramic mountain views, temple bells, and devotees engaged in worship, highlighting the serene and devotional atmosphere of the site.

Dhaulinag Devta, also referred to as Dhauli Nag or the 'White Snake God', is a prominent Naga deity worshipped primarily in the Vijaypur region of Bageshwar district in Uttarakhand's Kumaon belt.

The temple is situated atop a picturesque hill at an altitude of approximately 1,840 metres, around 1.5 to 2 kilometres from Vijaypur town and about 25 kilometres from Bageshwar, offering sweeping views of the Himalayan landscape surrounded by dense forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron.

According to local belief, Dhaulinag is regarded as the son of Kaliya Nag, the serpent from the Yamuna, subdued by Lord Krishna. Following Krishna's victory, it is believed that Kaliya Nag and his family migrated to the Kumaon hills. Dhaulinag, considered the eldest son, is said to have arrived in the Bageshwar region, with his name 'White Snake' symbolising purity and calmness.

Legends narrate that Dhaulinag undertook intense penance dedicated to Lord Shiva, eventually transforming from a potentially fearsome entity into a benevolent guardian revered by local communities.

A widely shared local folklore explains his enduring connection with the people of the region. It is believed that upon arriving in the Vijaypur hills, Dhaulinag resided in an oak tree. During a forest fire one night, he called out for help. While the Kandpals of Kanda could not respond, the Dhapolas of Dhapolasera alerted the Chandolas of Pokhri, along with the Churmals and Bhools, who collectively helped rescue him and guide him to safety.

In gratitude, Dhaulinag is believed to have blessed these communities and vowed to protect the surrounding region, including 22 villages, becoming their Ishtadevta or Kuldevta. This episode continues to shape local traditions and devotional practices even today.

Another version of the folklore suggests that upon his arrival in the region, Dhaulinag called out to various community groups, who then served him and received his blessings of protection.

He is also believed to have entrusted specific families, including the Pant and Dhami lineages, with the responsibility of performing regular worship and rituals at the temple, a tradition that has been passed down through generations.

A Shiv Ling installed within the temple further reinforces its deep association with Lord Shiva worship.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Jaipur, April 7 : Surveillance has been intensified and precautionary measures scaled up to prevent further casualties after panic gripped two villages, namely Ghata and Lalpura, in Rajasthan's Salumbar district, as five children died within a span of six days due to a suspected unidentified illness.

Jaipur, April 7 (IANS) Surveillance has been intensified and precautionary measures scaled up to prevent further casualties after panic gripped two villages, namely Ghata and Lalpura, in Rajasthanas Salumbar district, as five children died within a span of six days due to a suspected unidentified illness.

The deaths, reported from the Lasadiya region, have triggered an urgent response from the state government, with medical teams rushing to the affected areas and a detailed investigation underway, said officials on Tuesday.

According to initial reports, the children complained of mild fever and weakness before their condition deteriorated. Despite being taken to nearby health facilities and hospitals in Dhariyawad, Salumbar, and Udaipur, they could not be saved.

Taking serious note of the incident, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma directed officials to immediately assess the ground situation, ascertain the cause of deaths, and implement preventive measures to curb any possible spread of disease.

Following these directions, the Department of Medical and Health has constituted a team of experts from RNT Medical College, Udaipur.

The team has reached the affected villages and is conducting a thorough investigation, including the collection of blood samples and field assessments.

Chief Secretary V. Srinivas reviewed the situation via video conference and instructed officials to maintain constant surveillance and ensure swift action. Principal Secretary (Medical & Health) Gayatri Rathore said that health teams have been deployed across the affected villages and surrounding areas to conduct intensive screening of children, especially those showing symptoms of fever.

She directed that immediate treatment be provided to symptomatic children, critical cases be referred to district or medical college hospitals without delay, and preventive measures such as anti-larval activities, fogging, and source reduction be carried out to check mosquito-borne diseases. Door-to-door surveys are also being conducted to identify any new cases and contain the situation.

Sub-Divisional Officer Dinesh Acharya, along with medical teams, visited the villages and interacted with affected families. Samples from children and their relatives are being collected to determine the exact cause of the illness.

However, in one instance, family members of a deceased child objected to sample collection, citing previous inconclusive reports from hospitals. Officials are continuing efforts to counsel residents and ensure cooperation.

Villagers have also highlighted serious infrastructure challenges, including poor road conditions between Lasadiya and nearby areas, which delay access to medical care.

Additionally, weak mobile network connectivity in Ghata and Lalpura hampers timely communication during emergencies.

The Health Department, meanwhile, has advised residents to maintain proper hygiene, drink boiled or clean water and seek immediate medical attention in case of fever or related symptoms. Authorities stated that the exact cause of the illness will be known only after detailed reports are received.

Meanwhile, surveillance has been intensified and precautionary measures scaled up to prevent further casualties.
New Delhi, April 4 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of Parkash Purab on Tuesday, paid homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, calling him a "towering spiritual great of our civilisation", and expressed hope that his message guides people in creating a "compassionate and harmonious society".

Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth of ten gurus who founded the Sikh religion and is remembered as "Hind ki Chadar" for protecting Hindus' religious rights, particularly opposing the forced conversions of Kashmiri Pandits. He was executed in 1675 by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "On the sacred occasion of the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, I offer my respectful homage to a towering spiritual great of our civilisation. His life was a radiant example of fearlessness, sacrifice and deep concern for humanity."

"He stood firm in defence of truth, dignity and faith, even in the face of grave adversity. May his eternal message guide us in creating a just, compassionate and harmonious society," the Prime Minister added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, taking to X, paid homage to the ninth Sikh Guru.

"Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, who made the supreme sacrifice to protect Indian culture and humanity, deemed it appropriate to give up his life rather than renounce his faith. By standing firm against the injustice and tyranny of cruel rulers, he set an example of compassion and empathy. Recalling the life story of Guru Sahib fills the heart with pride," he said.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda also took to social media and paid tributes to Guru Tegh Bahadur on Prakash Purab, calling him a "symbol of indomitable courage and religious devotion".

"Guru Shri Teg Bahadur Ji sacrificed his life for the protection of faith, humanity, and religious freedom. His great philosophy of life is replete with unparalleled examples of courage and religious freedom," Nadda posted on X.

"The teachings of Guru Teg Bahadur, the upholder of religious harmony and the symbol of love, sacrifice, and martyrdom, will always continue to guide us," he added.

In a post on X, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said, "I join members of the Sikh Sangat in paying obeisance to Hind di Chadar, the great poet, thinker & warrior, our 9th Sikh Guru Sahib Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on his divine Parkash Purab."

The day is celebrated by Sikhs worldwide with great fervour, including Nagar Kirtan (processions), shabad kirtan, special congregations at Gurdwaras (like Sis Ganj Sahib), and community kitchen (langar).

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, April 7 : Pakistan had tried to project itself as a net security provider in West Asia and even tried opening the possibility of setting up an Islamic NATO. Considering that Pakistan is a nuclear state, it felt that it could lead such a coalition, and the creation of the Islamic NATO would take centre stage in West Asia.

Pakistan entered into a defence pact with Saudi Arabia, following which even Turkey sought a similar agreement with Islamabad. Pakistan had hoped to even rope in Egypt and Somalia into this alliance. When Pakistan felt that everything was going in its favour, the US-Israel-Iran conflict broke out.

Iran began hitting US targets in several Gulf nations, and Saudi Arabia, in particular, hoped that Pakistan would honour the defence pact and stand by it. Officials say that Pakistan has a problem of plenty and hence has backed out from supporting Saudi Arabia. It cannot afford to anger the 15 per cent Shia population in the country. Although smaller in number when compared to the Sunnis, the Shias are present throughout the ranks of the Pakistan military.

Pakistan also cannot join the US and Israel, as this would anger the Sunni population within the country, who are viewing the ongoing war as a religious one between the Muslims and the Christian-Jewish combine.

Another official said that Pakistan, which was riding high on its newfound ties with the US and a defence pact with the Saudis, ultimately turned out to be an opportunist nation. The manner in which the events have unfolded of late makes it clear that globally, Pakistan is very low on trust and cannot be relied upon when a problem hits a nation.

Another official said that Pakistan had made a very desperate push to set up the Islamic NATO and also be its key player. The official added that Pakistan's lack of commitment during a crisis situation, coupled with its opportunist nature, ended its dream of an Islamic NATO. With this, Islamabad's strategic ambitions in West Asia also collapsed, the official added.

With the Islamic NATO dream collapsing like a pack of cards, Pakistan's Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, tried playing a role by offering to negotiate between the US and Iran. However, Iran has rejected the offer. There are plenty of trust issues between Iran and Pakistan. It may be recalled that in January 2025, Iran had dropped missiles and conducted drone attacks on the terror group, Jaish-al-Adal's bases in Balochistan.

Pakistan watchers say that with one policy after the other failing, Munir has decided to step up the heat on Afghanistan. The experts say that Munir, who had projected himself as a great leader capable of rewriting Pakistan's position on the global stage, has failed miserably.

After he arm-twisted his way into becoming a Field Marshal after the losses his terror groups faced during Operation Sindoor, Munir is also being questioned internally. Of late, he has not been consulting with the political class and has been making decisions unilaterally. It is not about saving Pakistan's face anymore. It is about trying to make Asim Munir look good, officials say.

An Intelligence Bureau official said that Munir will not step up the heat on Afghanistan and also indulge in widespread atrocities in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where the Pakistan security forces are battling against the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

In Afghanistan, Pakistan has indulged in atrocities and in one attack, over 400 children were killed after a school in Kabul was bombed. The official also adds that the Indian security agencies, too, need to remain on very high alert as Munir would tell his forces to step up tensions along the border. Field Marshal Asim Munir is a desperate man, and owing to multiple failed policies, both internally and externally, he is likely to indulge in some major misadventure.
Kottayam, April 7 : With just 48 hours left for voting to start, in a shocking incident that has sent ripples through Kerala's political landscape, a farmer was found hanging inside the CPI local committee office at Thalayazham in Vaikom, a constituency represented by the party.

Kottayam, April 7 (IANS) With just 48 hours left for voting to start, in a shocking incident that has sent ripples through Keralaas political landscape, a farmer was found hanging inside the CPI local committee office at Thalayazham in Vaikom, a constituency represented by the party.

The deceased, Chellappan Pulikkasheri, a local farmer and agricultural researcher, had earlier levelled serious allegations against party leaders, making his death particularly contentious.

Chellappan had publicly accused CPI district and local leaders of destroying his livelihood and subjecting him to sustained harassment.

Through social media posts and a video, he had criticised the partyas policies and the alleged excesses of certain leaders.

He claimed that the crops he had painstakingly cultivated and other sources of income were wiped out due to the intervention of influential party functionaries.

Chellappan also alleged that despite repeated attempts, he was denied permission to meet the Agriculture Minister and warned that he faced threats of retaliation after the elections.

Friends and relatives say Chellappan had been under severe mental distress, having complained that he was betrayed by leaders he had trusted and supported.

Preliminary indications suggest that this distress may have driven him to take the extreme step inside the party office itself, a move that has amplified the political fallout.

The incident triggered widespread outrage, with a large crowd gathering outside the CPI office.

Angry locals and relatives refused to allow the body to be removed until the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) reached the spot.

Police presence has been stepped up, but proceedings were delayed due to public anger and protests.

Locals have demanded stringent action against those they hold responsible, while various organisations are preparing for protests seeking a high-level probe and immediate arrests.

The death has placed the CPI and the ruling LDF government in a tight spot, especially given Vaikomas political significance as its stronghold.

Opposition parties have seized on the issue, alleging that the incident exposes how party leadership treats its own grassroots workers and farmers.
Amaravati, April 7 : The long-awaited aspiration of the people of Andhra Pradesh has been fulfilled with Amaravati officially recognised as the state capital, said Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday.

Welcoming the gazette notification issued by the Government of India, Pawan Kalyan posted on 'X' that Amaravati is the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

"Andhra Pradesh, no longer a state left without a capital no longer a future held in uncertainty. April 6th will be etched in history as the day Amaravati was officially recognized as the capital of Andhra Pradesh. On this historic occasion, following the passage of the Bill in Parliament and the issuance of the Gazette Notification by the Government of India, and with the assent of the Hon'ble President of Bharat, this long-awaited aspiration of the people of Andhra Pradesh has finally been fulfilled," the Jana Sena leader said.

He thanked President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for making this historic moment possible.

"This moment belongs to the farmers who sacrificed and to the people who stood unwavering in their resolve. After 12 long years of state separation, Andhra Pradesh finally has its capital officially recognized by the Government of India. Let us now move beyond the uncertainty and disruptions of the past, and come together to build Amaravati, the people's capital, laying a strong foundation for future generations and steering our state towards the vision of Swarna Andhra 2047," the Deputy CM added.

Earlier, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on behalf of the people of Andhra Pradesh, expressed profound gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for her assent to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026.

"I thank the Union Government led by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji for his commitment to our state and his guidance, all MPs who supported the Bill, our state leaders, and every citizen who stood with us. This is a victory for my people of Andhra Pradesh, especially my farmers of Amaravati," he said in a post late on Monday.

The Chief Minister on Tuesday posted the gazette notification and wrote: "The capital of Andhra Pradesh is Amaravati".

State Minister for Human Resources Development and Information Technology Nara Lokesh, BJP MP Daggubati Purandeswari and several leaders of TDP, Jana Sena and BJP have hailed the gazette notification.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, April 7 : Cameron Green's slow start to the IPL 2026 season has begun to draw attention, with the high-priced allrounder yet to find consistency for Kolkata Knight Riders after three outings. Former Australia captain Aaron Finch weighed in on Green's form, suggesting that while not all dismissals were entirely his fault, there are visible concerns in his approach.

Bought for a record Rs. 25.20 crore at the auction, Green entered the tournament with high expectations but has so far struggled to make a meaningful impact.

The 26-year-old opened his campaign with a brisk 18 off 10 balls against his former side Mumbai Indians, but has failed to build on that start. He was run out for 2 against Sunrisers Hyderabad following a mix-up, and in KKR's rain-affected clash against Punjab Kings, he fell cheaply again, caught behind off Xavier Bartlett on just his second delivery, despite only 3.4 overs being possible in the match.

"One of those dismissals has been a run out, not a part of his fault. Still, he's missed out twice. There's a bit of panic, he's not looking the same as the past. Remember when he was at the top of the order for MI - how he had totally different intent," Finch told ESPNCricinfo.

"He was imposing at the crease. Now he looks tentative. Don't push him down. Push him either up the order, or give him a rest," he added.

Finch also questioned KKR's tactical decisions in the washed-out fixture against Punjab Kings, particularly their choice to bat first under overcast and rain-affected conditions.

"Winning the toss and electing to bat after the wicket's been under the covers for a day - you know there's been rain in the air - it makes absolutely no sense. That's an alarm bell for me. It's not that they're two down for 25. It's the fact that 'we shouldn't be batting'. You're making the wrong decision even when you've got all the information," he opined.

He further elaborated on how conditions and match context should have influenced the decision-making, saying, "There's cloud cover around. You're expecting rain. They had three hours of rain. Obviously, somebody has told them at some point - 'it might rain later' - you might need to chase later. DLS works better for the team batting second a little better. You've got all that information, so I don't understand how you get to the decision you'll bat first."

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on Green to rediscover his rhythm and justify his record price tag, while KKR may also need to reassess both their batting order and on-field strategies.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
New Delhi, April 7 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from West Bengal's Kharagpur Assembly constituency, Dilip Ghosh, on Tuesday accused the Trinamool Congress of using intimidation and suppressing opposition forces to secure electoral victories, saying the party will gradually disappear from the ground.

Addressing the upcoming Assembly elections, Ghosh said, "The TMC has always won elections by intimidating people and suppressing the opposition. They were trying to move forward in the same way again TMC will gradually disappear from the ground and won't be seen on the streets. Not a single goon will be out. All their leaders will be busy protecting themselves. Even the police officers who used to encourage them have now realised that tough times lie ahead."

Ghosh also highlighted the need for strong security arrangements during the elections, stating, "We also want this, and the people of Bengal want that Central forces be deployed so that the elections are conducted in a free and fair manner. There will be no shortage of security arrangements during the election. Wherever necessary, forces will be deployed, and an environment will be created for people to vote without fear."

Meanwhile, Trinamool chief and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been raising concerns over the SIR process, alleging political bias in voter list deletions.

She accused the Election Commission of "deleting names of some, while intimidating some others" and hinted at the involvement of central leadership.

CM Banerjee also warned that electronic voting machines (EVMs) could malfunction in certain areas, instructing party workers to demand replacements rather than repairs, and questioned the need for fresh revisions when the same electoral rolls would be used in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

In the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, Trinamool retained power by winning 215 seats, while the BJP secured 77 seats.

The upcoming elections in West Bengal are scheduled in two phases, with polling slated for April 23 and 28. Vote counting is set for May 4, amid heightened political rivalry and concerns over law and order.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
New Delhi, April 7 : The Delhi Police on Tuesday arrested two persons for their involvement in an online illicit liquor delivery racket operating through logistics platforms in West Delhi. The operation was carried out by a team from Paschim Vihar East police station.

According to officials, a total of 800 quarters of illicit liquor were seized along with a three-wheeler tempo used for transportation. The accused have been identified as Sameer Paliwal (19), a resident of Prem Nagar, Delhi, and Pushpender (22), a resident of Bahadurgarh, Haryana.

The operation was initiated on April 5, after Head Constable Rakesh received specific Intelligence regarding the transportation of illicit liquor from Haryana to Delhi using online delivery services near Peeragarhi Chowk. The information was promptly verified and found to be credible.

A dedicated team comprising HC Manjeet, HC Rakesh, and Constable Ankit was formed under the leadership of Inspector Rajpal, SHO of Paschim Vihar East, and under the close supervision of ACP Rajbir Singh Lamba.

Acting swiftly, the team laid a trap at Peeragarhi Chowk. During surveillance, a suspicious three-wheeler tempo was spotted. On noticing the police presence, the driver attempted to flee by accelerating the vehicle. However, the alert police personnel intercepted the tempo and apprehended the driver, identified as Pushpender.

Upon inspection, the vehicle was found loaded with 16 cartons containing 800 quarters of illicit liquor labeled "For Sale in Haryana Only." A case under FIR No. 91/2026 was registered at Paschim Vihar East police station under relevant sections of the Delhi Excise Act.

During sustained interrogation, it was revealed that the consignment had been booked online by Sameer Paliwal for delivery to local bootleggers in Delhi. Acting on this lead, the police team apprehended Sameer from a nearby area.

Further investigation disclosed that the accused had been involved in this illegal operation for the past two months. They allegedly misused online logistics services to procure liquor from L-1 licenced vendors in Bahadurgarh, Haryana, and supply it to bootleggers in Delhi.

Police confirmed that both the driver of the delivery vehicle and the individual who booked the consignment have been arrested. The three-wheeler used in the crime has also been seized.

The recovered items include 800 quarters of illicit liquor and one transport vehicle. Further investigation in the case is currently underway.
New Delhi, April 7 : Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Washington from April 8 to 10, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Tuesday, adding that the visit will provide an opportunity to review the India-US ties.

"The visit will provide an opportunity to review the full spectrum of India-US bilateral relations and advance ongoing cooperation across key areas," the MEA said in a statement.

During the visit, the Foreign Secretary will hold discussions with senior officials of the US Administration on a wide range of issues, including trade, defence, science and technology, as well as regional and global developments of mutual interest.

The visit follows the External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar's visit to Washington in February and is in "keeping with the regular high-level exchanges between the two sides", according to the MEA.

Following his visit, EAM Jaishankar had said that a "strong momentum" is evident in the growing engagement between New Delhi and Washington.

During his February 2-4 visit to the United States, the EAM also participated in the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

"Concluded a productive and positive visit to the US. Thank Secretary Rubio for his warm hospitality," he had posted on X.

"The historic India-US trade deal is in the final stages of detailing that will be completed very soon. It opens up a new phase in our bilateral ties, with vast possibilities for the relationship. Our critical mineral cooperation is also advancing rapidly. Expect engagement on strategic issues, defence and energy in the coming days. Overall, a strong momentum is evident," EAM Jaishankar added.

During the significant visit, the External Affairs Minister also held meetings with senior members of the US administration.

This included separate meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, during which he held wide-ranging discussions on the India-US strategic and economic partnership.

The discussions with Rubio, he stated, covered multiple pillars of the India-US relationship. "Facets of India-US Strategic Partnership discussed included trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals and technology," EAM Jaishankar mentioned.

The External Affairs Minister said both sides agreed to move quickly on follow-up engagements. "Agreed on the early meetings of various mechanisms to advance our shared interests," he added.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Jaipur, April 7 : In a unique initiative, judges across Rajasthan stepped into classrooms on Tuesday to educate students on cybersecurity, highlighting the growing risks in the digital age.

The judicial officers from districts including Jaipur, Kota, and Ajmer visited schools to explain common cyber fraud techniques and preventive measures. The programme is part of the statewide campaign, 'Empowering Rajasthan Youth: A Legal Literacy Initiative - 2026'.

This is a first-of-its-kind initiative for the state in which judges across Rajasthan will join teachers in classrooms to educate students on cybersecurity and legal awareness.

Under the aTransformative Tuesdaya campaign, nearly 1,400 judicial officers will conduct sessions in as many selected schools across the state. Students will be sensitised to issues such as cyberbullying, digital arrest scams, online fraud, and safe use of social media.

The campaign is part of the broader programme, 'Empowering Rajasthan Youth: A Legal Literacy Initiative - 2026', aimed at strengthening legal awareness among young citizens. According to Hariom Attri, Member Secretary of the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority, the campaign was conceptualised on the initiative of the Acting Chief Justice, Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma. It was formally launched on February 20 during a state-level cyber law conference, attended by Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant.

The sessions are designed for students from Classes 8 to 12, with the aim of reaching over four lakh students in a single day.

The initiative will continue throughout the year, with programmes scheduled every Tuesday, covering a wide range of legal topics. In addition to cyber safety, students will be educated on laws related to daily life, constitutional rights, legal aid, child rights, womenas rights, and responsible citizenship.

As part of the campaign, a unique aCourt Wali Didi Complaint Boxa will be placed in participating schools. Students can anonymously submit their grievances, which will later be reviewed by teams from the Legal Services Authority for appropriate action and resolution.

The initiative aims not only to raise awareness but also to instil a sense of responsibility, legal literacy, and respect for the law among students.
Chandigarh, April 7 : Navjot Kaur Sidhu has announced the formation of a new political outfit, the Bharatiya Rashtrawadi Party, a move that comes just two months after her expulsion from the Indian National Congress over alleged anti-party activities.

Her husband, Navjot Singh Sidhu, a former minister, continues to remain associated with the Congress, although he has largely stayed politically inactive in recent times.

The announcement, which came late on Monday, assumes significance as it comes just months ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections, which are scheduled to be held early next year, signalling a potential new entrant in the state's political landscape.

Taking to X, Navjot Kaur Sidhu shared a photograph in which the name of the newly-formed party, Bharatiya Rashtravadi Party, could be seen prominently displayed in the background. She described the development as the "much-awaited announcement," indicating that groundwork for the new formation had been underway for some time.

"The much-awaited announcement; we have been working on a new alternative at a national level after carefully monitoring and reviewing the current standards of performance of political leaders. Just wanting to dedicate our lives for our country giving back to the people what they truly deserve and expect from us," she said.

Elaborating on her vision, she asserted that the new political platform aims to revive Punjab's past stature and values.

"Will lead Punjab to achieve it's long lost glory of being a Golden State where people just know about the power of love, sharing, justice, right of liberty, freedom and working with a purpose of selfless service and spiritual growth to attain their goal, values and vision without any outside interference. A government of the people, for the people and by the people of Punjab," she added.

Navjot Kaur Sidhu, who had won the Amritsar East Assembly seat on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket in 2012 left the party after citing dissatisfaction with the BJP-SAD combine and alleging lack of democracy and freedom to work.

She joined the Congress along with her husband ahead of the 2017 Punjab Assembly elections and had been vocal in her criticism of the party leadership over the past year. She launched a sharp attack against the Congress, alleging that "one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore" becomes the party's chief ministerial face.

She had also remarked that her husband would return to active politics only if he was offered the post of Chief Minister, further deepening the rift with the party leadership.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Hyderabad, April 7 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) deputy leader in Telangana Legislative Assembly and former minister T. Harish Rao and several other party leaders were placed under house arrest on Tuesday to prevent them from leaving for Parigi in Vikarabad district, where they were planning to meet farmers affected by the industrial park project.

Former minister Sabitha Indra Reddy and several other leaders from the erstwhile Ranga Reddy and Vikarabad districts were placed under house arrest.

Police stepped up security outside the house of Harish Rao to foil his plans to visit Parigi.

Talking to media persons, Harish Rao condemned the detentions. He asked why the government was scared when they were just planning to stage a 'dharna' in a peaceful manner. "Is this the people's government," he asked.

Meanwhile, BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao has condemned the house arrest of Harish Rao and other leaders. He termed the house arrests and detention as illegal.

Former MLAs Mahesh Reddy, Narender Reddy and Menthuku Anand, Vikarabad district president and other leaders have also been detained.

Rama Rao said that the house arrests and detentions of the leaders who were on their way to stand in solidarity with farmers fighting to protect their land, is a cowardly act by the government.

He stated that attempts to stifle dissenting voices through the brute force of the police amounts to nothing less than the murder of democracy.

Rama Rao strongly condemned the alleged forceful seizure of 1,200 acres of farmers' land in the Kadlapur and Rapolu villages of the Parigi constituency for establishing an industrial park.

Rama Rao alleged that since coming to power, the Revanth Reddy government has cast aside the promises it made to the public and has instead set its sights on seizing the lands of the poor.

He asserted that it is atrocious for a government, which Rama Rao alleged has already subjected farmers to immense hardship by failing to implement schemes such as 'Rythu Bharosa', farm loan waivers, the 'Six Guarantees', and other promises, to now embark on land acquisition drives in the name of industrial development.

Rama Rao claimed that this government has failed to bring in a single industry over the past two-and-a-half years and displays an insatiable appetite for plundering land.

He made it clear that arrests, imprisonment, and fabricated legal cases were nothing new to BRS leaders, noting that they have faced all such adversities since the days of the statehood movement while consistently standing firmly on the side of the people.

He warned that no one would be intimidated by the government's bluster and threats, and that the struggle on behalf of the people would not cease.
Kolkata, April 7 : Actors and technicians in the Bengali film and television industry on Tuesday began an indefinite strike to protest the death of actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee, who died during a shoot at Odisha's Talsari beach recently. The forum is pressing for improved safety measures on sets.

Kolkata, April 7 (IANS) Actors and technicians in the Bengali film and television industry on Tuesday began an indefinite strike to protest the death of actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee, who died during a shoot at Odishaas Talsari beach recently. The forum is pressing for improved safety measures on sets.

Film studio Bharat Lakshmi Studio on Prince Anwar Shah Road in south Kolkata wore a deserted look on Tuesday morning, with shooting floors locked and no technical activity underway. The security guards were seen discussing when the shooting would start.

There were no lights, no cameras, no action, and with technicians staying away, directors were unable to resume work and stood in solidarity with the bereaved family.

Later in the day, actors and technicians were expected to assemble at the studio to participate in the protest and extend moral support. Artists above 70 years of age have been exempted from participation, though several were likely to be present.

Rahul Arunoday Banerjee's wife and actress Priyanka Sarkar will also participate in the strike later in the day. Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee, actress Rituparna Sengupta, and others are likely to be present. Superstar Dev and Federation President Swarup Biswas will also be present.

On March 29, the 42-year-old actor, while shooting for a television series 'Bhole Baba Paar Karega', died after he entered the water at Talsari beach, just as the tide came in. The incident has brought the Bengali film and television industry to a standstill. Fellow actors, directors, and technicians have expressed shock at the tragic death of the actor, who is survived by his mother, his wife, actor Priyanka Sarkar, and a 13-year-old son.

A section of artists has demanded a comprehensive and impartial probe into the incident and called for mandatory safety arrangements, including the presence of an ambulance at every shooting location.

The late actor's wife, Priyanka Sarkar, has filed a complaint at the Regent Park police station in Kolkata and the Talsari police station in Odisha. She has filed an FIR against five people from the production company 'Magic Moments', which was responsible for shooting at Talsari beach.

Rahul, known in the Bengali television industry for his character roles, had been active in soaps for several years.

He shot to fame with his role in the blockbuster 'Chirodini tumi je amar' in 2008, followed by hits such as 'Tumi asbe bole' (2014), 'Zulfiqar' (2016), 'Byomkesh Gotro' (2018), 'Biday Byomkesh' (2018), 'The Academy of Fine Arts' (2025), among others. He had acted in TV serials such as 'Hargouri pice hotel' and 'Mohonna'.
New Delhi, April 7 : For the Khalistani terror groups, the narrative is fast falling. A referendum call by the proscribed terror group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) had earlier attracted a crowd of 1.3 lakh, but a recent event in Canada turned out to be a damp squib.

The SFJ had called for an anti-India referendum and asked people to gather in large numbers outside the Triveni Temple and Lakshmi Narayan Temple at Brampton and Surrey. The SFJ was in for a surprise to see that the police had made extensive arrangements to ensure that the protests did not take place in a manner that the terror group would have hoped for.

The authorities had initially thought that large crowds would gather and hence had made ample arrangements. However, the crowd on the day was minimal to everyone's surprise, with some estimates suggesting it may not have been more than 20 people.

Post the Surrey rally, the SFJ had claimed that 1.36 lakh people had gathered. An official said that the SFJ is in the habit of hyping the numbers, and the figure that Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's outfit claims was inflated.

Another official said that the poor turnout also suggests the dwindling base of the SFJ and other Khalistani terror groups. The people are fed up with vandalism, and hence, there is no support base anymore.

What was sold to the people as a cause has turned out to be nothing but an extortion racket and a money-spinning business. An Intelligence Bureau official said that even the core support base is dwindling. They feel that Khalistan is a lost cause, and wasting their time supporting gangsters, criminals and terrorists is no longer their cup of tea. Moreover, they have realised there is no support for this movement even in Punjab, which was once their core base, the official also said.

India has dealt with this problem with an iron fist and has ensured that these elements do not raise their ugly head.

The Punjab Police, National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Intelligence Bureau have kept close tabs on such activity and managed to nip it in the bud. Further, there has also been participation by the old timers in Punjab who have educated the youth about the ills of this Khalistan movement.

Another game changer was the meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney. Both leaders agreed to work closely on the issue.

The Canadian House of Commons on March 29 passed Bill C-9, which is a stringent law against hate crimes. This was seen as being affected following the referendum call by the SFJ.

C-9 criminalises acts of intimidating or obstructing access to places of worship. It also criminalises wilfully promoting hatred through hate or terrorist linked symbols.

This Bill, once passed by the Senate, would prohibit members of the Khalistan terror groups from planning targeted demonstrations in front of Hindu places of worship.

The SFJas aKhalistan Zindabada referendum was aimed at protesting against the new law. Despite the call by the SFJ, Hindus continued to visit the temple and offer prayers.

There was also a marked difference in the attitude of the few protesters who had gathered. The authorities had told them to leave the place, and without a protest, they obeyed.

Moreover, the protesters could not go near the Temples owing to Bramptonas 10-metre safety zone bylaw. This requires protesters to maintain a distance of 100 metres. This was applied at the Triveni Mandir. In the case of the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, the police had obtained a court order restricting gatherings within 100 metres.

The Intelligence agencies say that the turn of events and the lack of interest by the people have left Pannun and his members at SJF highly frustrated. They realise that the movement is going out of their hands, and intimidation tactics on the streets will be dealt with by the Canadian authorities.

An official said this frustration may drive the SFJ to boost its digital campaign against India. One can expect more hate messages and videos against India, the official also added.
He survived, though severe health problems persist. But the tragic incident was evidence of the tensions that have been rising for almost two decades between the valleys local communities and the central government, culminating in violent clashes between protestors and contractors since construction finally began last summer. The project has become emblematic of a public works culture that is driven far more by politics than local need: the current rail connection is underused and environmental problems could arise.

In 1991, the Italian National Railway Co. first proposed construction of a high-speed rail line between Turin and Lyon, alongside the existing connection. It gave the green light to the project in 2001, despite reports of declining traffic of both people and goods between the two cities since 1997. Local inhabitants strongly oppose the megaproject, claiming environmental and economic reasons should prevent officials from continuing. Protests have been ongoing.

Highly toxic deposits of asbestos and uranium minerals would resurface during the building of tunnel, which would cause environmental devastation, says Nicoletta Dosio, a retired schoolteacher and co-founder of the movement against TAV. The existing railways capacity is underused at around 20 percent: they should [first] use it.

Conflict of interest

The high-speed railway saga fits into the narrative of Italys failed public works management, where business and politics often overlap. The long list of political scandals in Italy includes incidents involving the misappropriation of public funds, such as the SISMI-Telecom affair, which exposed government and corporate officials capitalizing on professional secrets that were obtained through wiretapping citizens' phone lines. The construction of the TAV has also exposed questionable business practices and nepotism.

The family-owned Gavio Group, head of the railway's general contractor Impregilo, was charged with corruption last July and accused of bribing Filippo Penati, former president of the province of Milan. CMC, a construction cooperative in Ravenna with close ties to the Democratic Party, was awarded the exploratory tunnel works, while Rocksoil, owned by the wife of the former center-right infrastructure minister Pietro Lunardi, won numerous contracts on the French side.

There hasnt been a parliaments vote about TAV, says Ugo Mattei, a professor of international and comparative law at the University of California in San Francisco. There only is a law that dates back to 2001 that states the rules for every great infrastructure project to be realized between 2002 and 2013," leaving much leeway for politicians.

The TAV is just the latest example of a transfer of public money in favor of private interest, Mr. Mattei adds. The Democratic Partys favors to CMC make sense because the money is supporting the party indirectly."

Marco Ponti, professor of transport economics at the Polytechnic University of Milan and a World Bank consultant, says that there's no need for a new rail line connecting Turin with Lyon. The traffic is very low, because Lyon is in the middle of nowhere: The existing line has a capacity of 20 tons of goods, and currently carries only three." He adds that the project "means enormous profits for builders and banks.

A long history

Works were slated to begin in October 2005, but protesters have blocked them for years, literally chasing construction workers away. A few months later in December, the police nearly destroyed the local protest movements "No TAV" sit-in, after which 50,000 protesters attacked and destroyed the site.

Relations between the authorities and local people became so strained that the government formed a technical committee to negotiate with local mayors. In 2008, they reached an agreement to build the TAV, but many still disagreed. Insiders claim that the negotiations had not taken into account independent reports suggesting that the railway was dangerous for the environment and economically unsound.

Italy would have lost European funds if the works had begun later than June 2011, spurring the police to evacuate a new sit-in prompted by the renewed activity. The next month, 70,000 people occupied the area but were quickly dispersed. A series of fights, road blocks, and spontaneous demonstrations followed, causing the indictment of 42 people who were accused of inciting violence, inflicting personal injuries, and damaging public property. In an attempt to defuse the situation, the technical committee proposed a compromise. A cheaper and smaller rail line, consisting on just one tunnel, should reduce the cost to 3 billion euros, it said.

Unhappy ending

This lower-cost project has not been without its critics.

A number of professors at the Polytechnic University of Turin stated in a report that the revised proposal lacks a proper analysis of its economic sustainability. [T]he government says there will be no environmental damages, either direct or indirect. Thats wrong: any kind of work, big or little, will generate some impact, and in this case the danger posed by asbestos deposits has been played down.

In May 2012, local elections in Val di Susa turned into a referendum on the railway. The Democratic Party and Silvio Berlusconi's Freedom Party joined forces by presenting candidates supporting the project, but were still defeated by candidates from the No-TAV movement in many towns.

Meanwhile, construction continues and critics remain skeptical. Nobody will transport its goods by trucks to trains: loading times are too long, Mr. Ponti sighed.
Thimphu, April 7 : India and Bhutan held the 17th Monthly Coordination Meeting in Thimphu, where both sides discussed progress and charted next steps for projects underway in the Himalayan nation with the Indian government's support.

The meeting organised on Monday was co-chaired by the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Thimphu and the Director General of the Department of Macro-Fiscal and Development Finance (DMDF) in Bhutan's Ministry of Finance.

During the meeting, Indian Deputy Chief of Mission Aniket Govind Mandavgane handed over cheques amounting to Rs 42.3 crore (Bhutanese Nu 423 million) to the Bhutanese Ministry of Finance towards the implementation of projects under the 13th Five-Year Plan of the Himalayan nation.

According to the Indian Embassy in Thimphu, Rs 16.86 crore (Nu. 168.6 million) was released for strengthening infrastructure facilities for the Zhung Dratshang, the Central Monastic Body in Bhutan.

The funding aims to create conducive living, learning, and spiritual environments; preserve and continue cultural and spiritual practices; and ensure the sanitation, safety, and well-being of monks and nuns.

Additionally, Rs 15.01 crore (Nu. 150.1 million) was allocated for the construction of the modern, high-standard Khuru-Kuenphen bridge on Bajo-Khuru SNH, which was inaugurated on March 27.

Meanwhile, to improve road transport, Rs 5.44 crore (Nu. 54.4 million) was released for upgrading 17 km of road to the standard of a Primary National Highway to align with the entire length of the Northern East West Highway (NEWH).

The Indian mission said that this project is expected to "facilitate smooth and fast movement of all types of vehicular traffic and reduce travel time and vehicle operating cost as well as risk for the commuters."

Furthermore, Rs 4.99 crore (Nu 49.9 million) was released for the upgrade and development of the Royal Institute of Management (RIM) campus, including renovation of hostels; procurement of library resources, computers and accessories for labs and offices; and establishment of linkages with Indian institutions.

Both sides also reviewed progress and addressed implementation issues of Government of India-supported projects under the 13th Five-Year Plan.

This included 'Human Resource Development and Skilling Programmes' being implemented by the Bhutanese Ministry of Education and Skills Development to enhance productivity and performance of the workforce engaged in different priority sectors through re-skilling and up-skilling activities.

The meeting also discussed the status of implementation of activities under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), the Indian Embassy mentioned.

India has committed Rs 10,000 crore total for the plan period, with regular disbursements covering infrastructure, including colleges and irrigation, mega farms, and governance initiatives to strengthen the longstanding bilateral development partnership.
Kolkata, April 7 : BJP candidate from the Maynaguri Assembly constituency in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, Dalim Roy, was injured while campaigning on Monday evening, the party said on Tuesday.

It is learnt that he suddenly suffered a serious head injury while campaigning on Monday afternoon. He was rushed to the hospital, where his condition was stable.

According to the BJP, Dalim Roy was campaigning in the area adjacent to the Maynaguri station intersection on Monday afternoon. At that time, an accident occurred while he was entering a shop. He hit his head on the shop's tin roof, resulting in a deep cut on his forehead and started bleeding.

Party workers and supporters rushed him to the Maynaguri rural hospital, where he received primary treatment.

BJP's Jalpaiguri district committee member Chanchal Sarkar said, "We were out campaigning. We were at the end of the campaign. The campaign was in its final leg for the day at the station intersection. He was conducting public relations at a drug store. The roof of the verandah was slightly low. While entering the store, he hit his head on the tin roof. He got deep cuts on his forehead and started bleeding. After that, he was taken to the Maynaguri Rural Hospital."

According to the BJP leader, the BJP candidate has been asked to take a few days' rest. However, BJP leaders said that he will start campaigning very soon. Later in the day, Roy met with party workers and leaders. Maynaguri goes to the polls in the first phase on April 23.

It may be noted that amid the clamour for the ticket for Maynaguri in the BJP, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar declared Dalim Roy as the partyas sole official candidate, thereby putting to rest any confusion over the nomination. Controversy erupted after the BJP replaced Kaushik Roy, who had been earlier announced as the party nominee, with Dalim Roy following protests by party workers.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Thiruvananthapuram, April 7 : Alleging a series of "secret meetings" with top BJP leaders, AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal on Tuesday mounted a sharp attack on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, releasing an open letter that raises ten pointed questions over alleged backroom deals and governance issues ahead of the Assembly election.

Kerala goes to the polls on Thursday to elect 140 new MLAs.

Leading his charge, Venugopal questioned Vijayan's private meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his Delhi residence, held without officials present.

He also flagged a similar breakfast meeting hosted by the Chief Minister for Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Kerala House, again in the absence of officials.

Further, he sought clarity on whether Vijayan held meetings with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari outside Delhi, asking if such interactions were part of any undisclosed understanding with the BJP-led Centre.

Framing the letter as a reflection of public concerns after a decade of LDF rule, Venugopal alleged that these engagements point to a covert political understanding, even as the Chief Minister publicly maintains a stance of opposition to the Centre.

The Congress leader also questioned the state government's decision to go ahead with the PM SHRI scheme despite strong objections from the CPI, a key LDF ally.

He accused Vijayan of keeping coalition partners in the dark while entering into an understanding with the BJP, raising concerns over transparency within the ruling front.

On labour reforms, Venugopal alleged that the government quietly moved ahead with implementing central labour codes without consulting allies, while also increasing trade union registration fees steeply.

He asked whether such decisions marked a shift away from the Left's pro-worker ideology.

The letter also revisited sensitive legal and corruption related issues.

Venugopal pointed to repeated adjournments in the SNC Lavalin case involving Vijayan, suggesting possible political interference.

He also raised questions about the alleged stalling of investigations into the Exalogic Solutions case and the status of Enforcement Directorate action against the Chief Minister's son.

In another politically loaded allegation, Venugopal questioned the continued protection of ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar, who has faced accusations of links with RSS leaders and alleged involvement in the Thrissur Pooram controversy.

He further demanded details of a reported meeting between Vijayan and BJP leaders mediated by spiritual leader Sri M in the state capital.

-- Syndicated from IANS
Jaipur, April 7 : Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday addressed the inaugural ceremony of the Western Regional Conference organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and outlined three key objectives.

Speaking on the first objective, he stressed ensuring food security for citizens and maintaining a smooth supply of grains, fruits, milk, and other essentials. He emphasised that India should stay self-dependent in terms of food supply in line with the Prime Minister's call for "Atmanirbhar Bharat". He noted that while wheat and rice stocks are currently sufficient, the next challenge is proper storage, reflecting the progress made so far. Highlighting the need to reduce import dependency, he added that production of pulses and oilseeds must be increased, as India still relies on imports to meet demand.

In his second objective, the Union Minister highlighted the need to increase farmers' income and improve their quality of life. He said that when farmers work hard to produce quality crops, their earnings must rise and their lives should become easier, adding that efforts must focus on enhancing their income.

Third, he underscored the importance of nutrition security, stressing the responsibility to provide nutritious food to the country's population. This requires increasing both production and productivity, reducing input costs, and ensuring farmers receive fair prices. He also pointed out challenges posed by climate change, such as unseasonal weather damaging standing crops, and mentioned that schemes like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana have been introduced to address such risks.

The Union Minister further emphasised agricultural diversification, stating that with the emergence of new farming techniques, diversification has become essential. However, small landholdings in India pose a challenge compared to countries like the US and Brazil, where farms are much larger. This makes integrated farming an important opportunity, and some model initiatives have already been developed, he added.

Chouhan also stressed that land must be preserved for future generations through sustainable practices such as natural farming. The minister emphasised the role of innovation in farming. He said special emphasis has been laid on natural farming, modern agricultural practices, and the use of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and machine learning.

He further noted that crop selection, seed varieties, and farming techniques must be aligned with agro-climatic conditions.

Speaking on the occasion, he highlighted the importance of Farmer IDs, stating that they will become the foundation of farming in the coming years. With this system, farmers may not need multiple documents and could access services like banking more efficiently.

He noted that states such as Rajasthan and Maharashtra have made commendable progress in this area, and such innovations should be adopted widely in mission mode.

Referring to World Health Day, he also called upon everyone to stay fit. Chouhan said that earlier, regional conferences were not a regular practice, but it was later decided to initiate serious discussions on farming. This led to the concept of regional conferences. The idea of agro-climatic zones was then introduced, recognising that different regions have distinct weather conditions and cropping patterns.

Hence came the concept of organising different regional conferences for the different requirements of different areas. After discussions with the Prime Minister, it was decided to organise five such regional conferences, with the inaugural event being held in Rajasthan for the western region. He expressed satisfaction that all states have taken this initiative seriously. Representatives from Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan participated in the conference.

Earlier, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma welcomed the Union Minister.

In a post on X, he said, "Today, at the Chief Minister's residence, I welcomed the Hon'ble Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri @ChouhanShivraj, by presenting him with a bouquet. During the meeting, meaningful discussions took place regarding the state's agricultural development, farmer welfare, innovation, and various public welfare schemes. With your guidance and support, Rajasthan is continuously moving forward towards fulfilling the resolve of 'Golden Rajasthan'."

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Patna, April 7 : Amid a severe LPG shortage in Muzaffarpur district, police have busted an organised gang involved in illegal gas refilling and black marketing, exposing a dangerous and well-coordinated network.

Acting on a tip-off, a raid was conducted in the Nariyar area under the Motipur police station limits on Monday night, where an illegal LPG refilling operation was being carried out.

The operation was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police, Suchitra Kumari, with support from police teams of Kanti and Motipur stations.

During the surprise night raid, the accused fled the scene; however, police seized a large cache of materials used in the illegal operation.

Among the items recovered were a fully loaded LPG tanker bearing a Nepalese registration number, a Bolero pickup van filled with cylinders, an e-rickshaw used for distribution, and multiple gas-refilling instruments.

A significant number of both filled and empty LPG cylinders were also confiscated.

"A raid was conducted in the Motipur police station area following Intelligence regarding illegal gas refilling at night. During the operation, a filled LPG tanker, an e-rickshaw, a Bolero, a pickup vehicle, and several gas cylinders were recovered. An FIR has been registered, and further action is underway," said DSP Suchitra Kumari.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the gang was exploiting the ongoing gas shortage by illegally transferring LPG from tankers into smaller cylinders in secluded areas.

Officials noted that such practices are highly hazardous, as the gas was being handled without safety protocols, posing a serious risk to public safety.

Police suspect that the racket may have cross-border links with Nepal, given the Nepalese registration of the seized tanker.

A detailed investigation is underway to uncover the full extent of the network and identify all those involved.

Authorities have expressed confidence that the absconding accused will be arrested soon.

Following the crackdown, panic has spread among illegal gas traders in Nariyar and nearby areas, many of whom have reportedly gone into hiding.

Meanwhile, police surveillance has been intensified across the region.

Local residents have welcomed the action, as the LPG shortage had been causing significant hardship for consumers.

Officials reiterated that illegal gas refilling is not only unlawful but also poses a grave threat to human life.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, April 7 : The Supreme Court has granted bail to an accused booked under provisions of the IPC and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021, observing that the Allahabad High Court had overlooked crucial aspects while rejecting his plea.

A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan directed that the petitioner, Vishal Rana alias Tabish Asghar, be released on bail forthwith, subject to terms and conditions to be imposed by the trial court.

The apex court was hearing a special leave petition (SLP) challenging a November 14, 2025, order of the Allahabad High Court, which had denied bail to the accused in a case registered at Sector 113 police station in Gautam Buddha Nagar, Noida.

The FIR was registered under Sections 323, 506, and 313 of the IPC, as well as Sections 3 and 5(1) of the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021.

Taking note of the stage of the trial, the Justice Pardiwala-led Bench observed that the charge sheet had already been filed and the case was pending before a sessions court in Noida, with only one witness examined so far.

It further noted that the petitioner had been in custody since December 3, 2024. "It is unfortunate that the petitioner is in judicial custody as an under-trial prisoner for more than one and a half years in this type of matter," the top court remarked.

The Justice Pardiwala-led Bench found that certain material aspects had not been considered by the Allahabad High Court while rejecting bail. It highlighted that the complainant had visited the accused in jail on three occasions during the period of incarceration. "This speaks for itself," the apex court observed, adding that the parties had also filed a joint petition before the Allahabad High Court seeking protection due to apprehension for their lives and liberty, which had been granted.

The order further took note of a Facebook conversation placed on record, suggesting that the complainant was aware of the accused's religious identity. "The aforesaid was also not looked into by the High Court while considering the overall matter," the Justice Pardiwala-led Bench said.

In its impugned decision, the Allahabad High Court had refused bail, observing that "prima facie, the involvement of the accused in the present case cannot be ruled out" and that "no case for bail is made out", considering the gravity of the allegations.

The Allahabad High Court had also recorded the prosecution's case that the accused allegedly concealed his religious identity, entered into a relationship and marriage with the complainant, and later pressured her to convert to Islam, along with allegations of forced abortion and threats to her life.

On the other hand, the defence argued that the relationship was consensual and that the allegations were motivated by personal disputes after differences arose between the parties.

Allowing the appeal, the Supreme Court clarified that the petitioner be released on bail "forthwith, if not required in any other case", leaving it to the trial court to impose appropriate terms and conditions.

The top court disposed of the petition, while making it clear that it was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, which would be decided during trial.
Guwahati/New Delhi, April 7 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday criticised Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's 'poisonous snake' jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and RSS, stating that the grand old party was stooping to abysmal levels to "put India to shame".

Guwahati/New Delhi, April 7 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday criticised Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's 'poisonous snake' jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and RSS, stating that the grand old party was stooping to abysmal levels to "put India to shame".

Addressing a mega election rally in Patharkandi of Assam's Sribhumi district, the Home Minister said that Rahul Gandhi-led Congress was becoming a threat to the nation and termed the 'venomous' language as a danger to democracy.

"On April 9, people of Assam should give a befitting reply to the Congress party. You will have to ensure that it is reduced to the margins in upcoming polls," Amit Shah said, evoking loud cheers and support from the crowd.

HM Shah also stated that the BJP government in Assam has already identified infiltrators and vowed that they would be "removed one by one".

The controversy over 'poisonous snake' emanated from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks, who, while addressing a public rally in Kerala, likened the BJP and RSS to 'poisonous snake' and said that it should be crushed.

Kharge's remark drew strong condemnation from the BJP, which took umbrage at the vitriolic remarks.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala accused the Congress leader of inciting the minority community to kill BJP and RSS members, while pointing to Kharge's inciting remarks at a minority community event.

Labelling the INC as "Indian Jihadi Congress", he said that the party has crossed a "new low" and termed the rhetoric as dangerous and highly undemocratic.

He also demanded that the Election Commission take notice of the vile remarks and acts against him.

The political row over Kharge's remarks comes close on the heels of another controversy, stirred by his dubbing of Gujaratis as "illiterates". His dig at Gujaratis made during the election campaign in Kerala drew widespread condemnation from BJP leaders.

HM Shah, while criticising Kharge over the remarks, stated, "The Congress president said that Gujarat and those states which support the BJP are illiterate. The Congress, which calls Gujarat -- which gave leaders like Dayanand Saraswati, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Vikram Sarabhai, and Modi ji -- illiterate, will get a response from the people."

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, taking strong objection to it, said that anti-Gujarat "poison" flows in the Congress party's DNA and demanded an apology.

Kharge had said that people in the southern state are "educated and clever" and cannot be misled and misguided, unlike those in Gujarat.
Guwahati, April 7 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said the allegations made by Congress leader Pawan Khera regarding his wife's alleged foreign passports have been "completely exposed as lies".

Guwahati, April 7 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said the allegations made by Congress leader Pawan Khera regarding his wife's alleged foreign passports have been "completely exposed as lies".

Speaking to reporters, CM Sarma asserted that the governments of all three countries mentioned in the allegations had rejected the claims that his wife held their passports. "The Congress lies are now fully exposed. All three countries have denied the claims made by Pawan Khera," he said.

The Chief Minister further stated that the Assam Police had visited Khera's residence as part of the investigation, but alleged that the Congress leader was not found there.

"Assam Police went to Pawan Khera's residence, but he absconded," CM Sarma claimed.

He also alleged that Khera may have fled to Hyderabad to evade questioning. "He has probably run away to Hyderabad," CM Sarma added.

The Chief Minister maintained that the allegations were politically motivated and aimed at defaming him and his family ahead of the elections. He said the state government would pursue the matter legally and ensure that those spreading misinformation are held accountable.

The controversy erupted after Khera accused Sarma's wife of holding multiple foreign passports, a charge strongly denied by the Chief Minister and his family.

Notably, Assam Police arrived at Congress leader Pawan Khera's residence in Delhi on Tuesday amid the controversy over the party's claim that Chief Minister Sarma's wife holds three passports. The searches came after Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, lodged an FIR over the issue on Monday.

Earlier, CM Sarma, during a press conference in Guwahati, had also vowed to take "strictest action" against Pawan Khera over the issue.

He had strongly refuted allegations linking his family to property ownership in Dubai, calling the claims "completely fake" and part of what he described as a misinformation campaign by Congress.

In a post on X, Sarma said that documents being circulated online, purportedly showing Dubai property title deeds linked to his family, were fabricated and riddled with inconsistencies.

"Busting another lie of #CongFakeAICampaign. The Dubai property title deeds have also turned out to be FAKE with glaring inconsistencies and no authentic record," he wrote.

The Chief Minister further asserted that there was no official record to support the claims and encouraged people to verify the facts independently through Dubai's official land records portal.

He added that all allegations made in this regard stand "thoroughly debunked".

Congress leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi and Pawan Khera, have recently raised questions regarding alleged foreign assets and links of the Chief Minister's family, including claims about Dubai properties and foreign documents.

These allegations have been categorically denied by the Chief Minister and his family members. Sarma's wife, Riniki, has also rejected claims of any foreign business interests or assets, terming the accusations "baseless".
Raipur/Durg, April 7 : A massive fire broke out on Tuesday at Power Plant-2 (PBS-2) of the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) in Durg district, Chhattisgarh, following an explosion in the 25 MW turbine section.

Thick black smoke engulfed the area as flames rose nearly 10 feet high, creating panic inside the plant.

According to sources, five people sustained injuries in the mishap -- two regular employees and three contract workers. One employee suffered a fracture in the leg, while the others received minor injuries. All injured personnel have been provided immediate medical attention.

Sources said the fire has been completely extinguished, yet the priority remains the safety and well-being of all employees and contract workers.

A detailed probe will be conducted to ascertain the root cause, and preventive measures will be strengthened.

According to preliminary reports, the blaze spread rapidly after the explosion in the turbine area. Workers present at the site managed to escape through a rear exit, preventing a major tragedy.

Fire department teams responded swiftly, with more than half a dozen fire tenders reaching the spot immediately. Senior officials of the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)-operated plant also rushed to the location.

The fire has now been fully brought under control. However, the exact extent of damage is still being assessed.

Initial observations indicate that several cables were damaged in the incident. The precise cause of the explosion and subsequent fire is yet to be determined, and an investigation has been initiated.

Another plant management source added, "Quick response from the fire services and the presence of mind shown by workers in exiting through the rear helped avoid loss of life. We are thankful that the situation was brought under control without major casualties."

This incident has once again highlighted concerns regarding industrial safety at large public sector undertakings.

Bhilai Steel Plant, one of SAIL's flagship facilities, has witnessed similar accidents in the past, prompting calls for stricter adherence to safety protocols during maintenance and operations.

Authorities have assured that normal operations will be restored at the earliest after necessary repairs and safety audits. The injured are reported to be stable.

Further updates on the damage assessment and investigation findings are awaited.

The state government and SAIL management are monitoring the situation closely to ensure worker safety and minimal disruption to production at the plant, which plays a vital role in India's steel industry.
Dhaka, April 7 : As Bangladesh grapples with a measles outbreak, a total of 118 people, mostly children, died from the suspected cases, local media reported on Tuesday, citing the country's Directorate General of Health Services(DGHS).

Dhaka, April 7 (IANS) As Bangladesh grapples with a measles outbreak, a total of 118 people, mostly children, died from the suspected cases, local media reported on Tuesday, citing the countryas Directorate General of Health Services(DGHS).

According to the DGHS, the fatalities have been recorded since March 15, including five deaths in the 24-hour period ending Monday morning.

The health agency stated that the 2006 suspected measles patients, primarily children, are currently receiving care at hospitals across the country.

Reports suggest another two children died with the symptoms of an infectious disease at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), bringing the total number of such deaths at the facility to 42.

Confirming the recent fatalities, hospital spokesperson Shankar Kumar Biswas confirmed that deaths occurred over a 24-hour span, Sunday to Monday morning, the Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune reported.

Experts warned that in the absence of systemic reform, emergency measures taken to control the measles outbreak are unlikely to yield significant benefits.

Benazir Ahmed, a health expert and former director of disease control at the DGHS, said that the previous Muhammad Yunus-led interim governmentas sudden cancellation of the sectoral programme, which provided funds for vaccination, sparked a measles vaccine crisis, resulting in the deaths of many children.

aWhen we are supposed to celebrate something positive on World Health Day, we have to fight an outbreak, which is very unfortunate. We are supposed to eliminate measles-rubella by 2026, but we are struggling with the growing number of measles patients at hospitals," Bangladeshas leading newspaper, Daily Star, quoted Ahmed as saying.

Additionally, the special campaign for immunisation planned for late 2024 could not be carried out amid the political transition.

According to health officials, the interim government did not launch any such drive, while workers responsible for administering the shots went on strike three times in 2025, disrupting the regular vaccination programme.

Speaking to Daily Star on condition of anonymity, another official said that the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) was forced to ration vaccines in some region since January due to a fund shortage.

Mushtaq Husain, another public health expert, said that although the government has undertaken an emergency vaccination campaign to control the spike in measles cases and deaths, the health sector requires reform to ensure sustainable progress.

Amid the rising fatalities, experts have also urged the government to take urgent action, warning that failure to act could lead to a widespread measles outbreak, as one patient can infect 16 to 18 people.

--IANS

scor/rs
News / Africa

by Staff Reporter

Saudi authorities on Wednesday chopped off the hand of a Nigerian muslim convicted of theft, in compliance with the Islamic sharia law strictly applied in the kingdom, the interior ministry said.Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim was convicted of theft and sentenced to having asAasAAaAhis right hand amputatedasAasAAAA the ministry said in a statement carried by SPA state news agency.The punishment was executed in the western city of Mecca, home to the Muslim holy Grand Mosque, where the theft took place, it said.The ultra-conservative kingdom applies the Islamic sharia law, including executions by the sword for people convicted of rape, murder, apostasy, armed robbery and drug trafficking.Last year December, another Nigerian Abdulsamd Ismail Hausawa had his hand also chopped off for being involved in the tehft of gold, a pistol, a mobile phone and a car.At intervals, Nigerians have also been beheaded for smuggling drugs into the Saudi Kingdom.
New Delhi, April 7 : Assam Police on Tuesday said that they could not find Congress leader Pawan Khera at his Delhi residence and his whereabouts are unknown, while the authorities are working to "trace him out".

Assam Police arrived at Khera's residence in Delhi earlier in the day amid the controversy over the party's claim that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife holds three passports. The searches came after Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, lodged an FIR over the issue on Monday.

Speaking to the reporters outside the Congress leader's residence in New Delhi, a police official said, "A case has been registered... We wanted to talk to Pawan Khera... We couldn't meet him as he is not here... We found some things in his house, but I will not disclose the details... We don't know where he is right now, but we will trace him out..."

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarma said the allegations made by Khera regarding his wife's alleged foreign passports have been "completely exposed as lies".

Speaking to reporters, CM Sarma asserted that the governments of all three countries mentioned in the allegations had rejected the claims that his wife held their passports.

"The Congress lies are now fully exposed. All three countries have denied the claims made by Pawan Khera," he said.

The Chief Minister further stated that the Assam Police had visited Khera's residence as part of the investigation, but alleged that the Congress leader was not found there.

"Pawan Khera mere hisaab mein bhaag gya (I think Pawan Khera has absconded," CM Sarma told IANS.

Later, speaking to the reporters, he also alleged that Khera may have fled to Hyderabad to evade questioning. "He has probably run away to Hyderabad," CM Sarma added.

The Chief Minister maintained that the allegations were politically motivated and aimed at defaming him and his family ahead of the elections. He said the state government would pursue the matter legally and ensure that those spreading misinformation are held accountable.

The controversy erupted after Khera accused Sarma's wife of holding multiple foreign passports, a charge strongly denied by the Chief Minister and his family.

Congress leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi and Pawan Khera, have recently raised questions regarding alleged foreign assets and links of the Chief Minister's family, including claims about Dubai properties and foreign documents.

These allegations have been categorically denied by the Chief Minister and his family members. Sarma's wife, Riniki, has also rejected claims of any foreign business interests or assets, terming the accusations "baseless".
Patna, April 7 : The spurious liquor tragedy in Bihar's East Champaran district has further worsened with the death toll now rising to 11 after another victim died early Tuesday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Jitendra Shah, a resident of Balganga (Ward No. 29) under the Raghunathpur police station area. His death has left behind a grieving family, including five daughters who have now lost their sole breadwinner.

Jitendra's eldest daughter, 16-year-old Rani Kumari, remains in shock and has alleged foul play. She claimed that her father was served the liquor by a neighbour, leading to his death.

"On the night of April 1, my father was given liquor by our neighbour. After that, everyone fled. This was done out of enmity, and it led to my father's death. What are we supposed to do now?" said Rani Kumari.

Local residents described the horrifying symptoms experienced by victims after consuming the toxic liquor. According to a villager, Jitendra suffered severe restlessness, rapid breathing, abdominal pain, and blurred vision shortly after consumption.

"His health deteriorated the same night. We rushed him to the hospital the next morning. Doctors later said it was due to alcohol consumption. He was undergoing treatment when he passed away," a villager said.

The tragedy began on April 2, when several people across different localities fell ill after consuming spurious liquor in Motihari.

The death toll rose rapidly. Till April 4, the authorities registered seven deaths, including Chandu Kumar, Pramod Kumar, Parikshan Manjhi, Hiralal Bhagat, Lalkishore Rai, Sampat Sah, and Laddu Sah.

On April 5, Md Ilyas Ansari, another Laddu Sah (Balganga), and Jodha Manjhi lost their lives. On April 7, Jitendra Shah succumbed in the hospital. So far, 11 people have lost their lives, while around 15 others remain hospitalized.

Alarmingly, at least six victims have reportedly lost their eyesight.

Doctors treating the victims confirmed that the deaths were caused by liquor contaminated with methyl alcohol. Medical experts explain that methyl alcohol metabolizes into formaldehyde in the body, severely damaging the eyes, lungs, brain, liver, and kidneys -- often proving fatal.

According to Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat, an illicit liquor network operating in the region is under investigation. The racket is suspected to involve smuggling across the Nepal border, with alcohol adulterated using industrial-grade chemicals.

"So far, seven people have been arrested in connection with the case, including a watchman. Two accused also surrendered in court. All are being interrogated, and further action is being taken as per court orders," said Swarn Prabhat, SP, East Champaran.

Authorities have identified key accused, including alleged liquor kingpins Sunil Shah and Kanhaiya Yadav, who recently surrendered. Police have also arrested Naga Rai, one of the main suppliers of the spurious liquor in the region.

--IANS

ajk/skp
Mumbai, April 07 : Actor Varun Badola has spoken about character artists finally getting recognition after the significant rise in OTT and social media.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, the 'Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand' actor said that there are several great actors who do not fit the conventional profile of a lead, and they are finally getting their due, thanks to OTT and social media.

Varun was asked, "You are a well-known name in television and have also worked in films. With the rise of social media and OTT platforms, even character artists are gaining popularity. Do you think this trend will continue?"

To this, the 'Saiyaara' actor said, "I think OTT platforms have played a significant role in this change. There are many talented actors who may not fit into conventional lead roles, and earlier, they did not receive the recognition they deserved. OTT has given them strong, meaningful roles because these shows are not entirely star-driven."

Talking about the impact of social media, Varun explained that even a small character becomes a household name with the help of reels and memes.

"Social media also contributes, as when a small character becomes popular, memes and reels amplify that recognition. But I believe such content only becomes popular when an actor is given a good opportunity in the first place, and OTT has provided exactly that," he went on to add.

Giving an example of Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh's "Dhurandhar", Varun said that a movie driven by concept does not depend on stars.

"The same shift is visible in films as well. For instance, a concept-driven film like Dhurandhar is not dependent on stars. That is the beauty of it. Actors like Rakesh Bedi are finally receiving the recognition they deserve, something they have waited for over the years. Even smaller characters in such films have become widely popular", he shared.
New Delhi, April 7 : The proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Canada gains huge leverage from the complementary nature of both country's economies, a new report has said.

The report from Asian News Post highlighted that Indiaas fasta'growing consumer market, strength in services sector and manufacturing push pairs perfectly well with Canadaas resource base, advanced research and cleana'technology expertise.

This complementary nature creates a natural basis for mutually beneficial economic cooperation in renewable energy, critical minerals and technology exchange.

The CEPA could boost bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030 and increase investment, strengthen supply chains, and promote innovation-driven partnerships.

"Canada can support Indiaas increasing demand for energy, critical minerals, and agricultural inputs, while India can give Canadian companies access to a large consumer market, a skilled workforce, and competitive manufacturing capabilities," the report said.

"The revival of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Canada marks both countries advancing toward pragmatic collaboration driven by shared economic interests and shifting global trade dynamics," it added.

Indiaa"Canada CEPA offers a chance to develop a relationship that has traditionally been underused compared to its potential, the media house said, lauding the high-level interactions between the leaders of the two countries as having contributed to increased momentum in bilateral ties.

Currently annual bilateral trade stands at around $32 billion, with goods at roughly $13 billion and services near $19 billion.

Indiaas exports to Canada have gradually expanded beyond traditional sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and gems and jewellery to include engineering goods, machinery, electronics, chemicals, and automobiles.

Energy cooperation is likely to become a key pillar of the economic partnership as Canada has substantial reserves of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other energy resources. Indiaas growing industry requires secure and diverse energy supplies creating a mutually beneficial relation.

"Canadaas expertise in clean energy innovation, combined with Indiaas large-scale renewable energy expansion programs, could create significant opportunities for joint investments and technology partnerships," the report said.

a"IANS

aar/pk
Seoul, April 7 : The Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a peaceful protest in South Korea's Busan, highlighting the persistent human rights abuses in Balochistan, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture, collective punishment and systematic military repression by Pakistani forces.

The demonstrations held on April 5 near Sasang Station were part of the ongoing BNM Global Campaign running from March 10 to April 9 and brought together Baloch community members, supporters, and solidarity activists.

According to the BNM, the protest aimed to raise international awareness and demand justice and freedom for the Baloch people, with informative pamphlets widely distributed to passers-by.

Addressing the participants, BNM member Bakhtawar Baloch delivered a speech in the Korean language to explain the dire situation in Balochistan to the local public and media, while calling for global solidarity against the atrocities by Pakistani forces.

"The participants raised strong slogans demanding freedom for Balochistan and strongly condemning the brutality of the Pakistani army. Slogans echoed calls for an end to enforced disappearances, the release of all missing persons, justice for victims, and freedom from occupation and repression," the BNM stated.

The group stated that the "protest remained disciplined, peaceful, and visible in a busy public area, successfully drawing attention from locals and contributing to the international echo of the BNM Global Campaign. "

The participants expressed solidarity with similar protests and advocacy events worldwide, including sessions at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, exposing human rights violations by the Pakistani authorities.

The BNM asserted that the demonstrations in Busan reaffirm its commitment to "peacefully exposing Pakistan's atrocities and advocating for the fundamental rights, dignity, and self-determination of the Baloch people."

Last month, the BNM accused the Pakistani authorities of serious human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture across Balochistan, during the 61st session of the UNHRC in Geneva.

Addressing the session, Naseem Baloch, chairman of the BNM, stated that the European Union granted Pakistan special trade status under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) with the expectation that Islamabad would comply with international conventions on human rights, labour rights, and democratic governance.

However, he added that the situation on the ground in Pakistan presents a starkly different picture.

For decades, Naseem said, the people of Balochistan have faced systematic and widespread human rights violations, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, torture, and the suppression of political voices.

"Thousands of Baloch political activists, students, journalists, and ordinary civilians have been forcibly disappeared. Many are held in secret torture centres without access to courts or contact with their families. Some later reappear as mutilated bodies found on roadsides, a practice widely referred to as the 'kill-and-dump policy'," he detailed.
Bengaluru, April 7 : The Karnataka government on Tuesday issued an order mandating a statewide audit of all adolescent pregnancy cases, aiming to strengthen monitoring, prevention, and support systems for girls aged 10 to 18 years.

The order, issued by the Under Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Pradeep Kumar B.S., has come into immediate effect.

According to the order, the move seeks to address teenage pregnancy as a serious public health and social concern, given its links to maternal health risks, adverse birth outcomes, school dropouts and social vulnerability.

The government noted that despite existing programmes such as the National Health Mission (NHM) and Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), the persistence of teenage pregnancies highlights gaps in awareness, access to reproductive health services, and broader socio-economic factors such as early marriage and discontinuation of education.

Under the new directive, all adolescent pregnancies must be mandatorily reported by both government and private health institutions on the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) platform. The Taluk Health Officer (THO) will be responsible for conducting audits of each case.

The audit will assess multiple factors, including age at marriage, educational status, awareness of reproductive health, access to contraception and counselling services, as well as socio-economic and family vulnerabilities. It will also examine linkages with programmes such as RKSK, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and school health initiatives.

At the taluk level, an audit committee will be constituted under the chairmanship of the Taluk Health Officer, with members including the Medical Officer of the Primary Health Centre, health inspectors or Lady Health Visitors, ASHA and Anganwadi supervisors, and a school representative, where applicable.

The government has directed that counselling services be strengthened through existing mechanisms such as Sneha Centres, and that contraceptive services and pregnancy testing kits be made available as per programme guidelines. It also called for identification and mapping of vulnerable adolescents, including school dropouts, migrants and those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

District Health Officers (DHOs) will oversee implementation at the district level, while the Deputy Director under the RBSK will monitor progress at the state level. Authorities have been instructed to classify cases as preventable or non-preventable and recommend corrective actions. Periodic reviews will be conducted by Deputy Commissioners at the district level and the Mission Director of NHM at the state level.

The order also emphasises strict confidentiality and adherence to legal provisions, including mandatory reporting requirements under child protection laws.

The government clarified that the initiative will be implemented within the existing framework and budgets of NHM and RKSK, with no additional financial burden on the state exchequer.
New Delhi, April 7 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched an attack on Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over his 'demeaning' remarks about North Indians and Gujaratis, along with his 'venomous' criticism of both the party and the RSS.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad launched a tirade at the Congress president over brazen attempts to malign Gujarati heroes and also cast aspersions on patriotic outfits like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

"You don't deserve to be the president of a national party and must step down from the position on moral and ethical grounds," said the BJP veteran, in scathing criticism.

Kharge's twin remarks targeting the BJP, in the run-up to Assembly polls, snowballed into a major political storm as the Congress president first dubbed Gujaratis as "illiterates" and then described the BJP and RSS as "poisonous snakes" which must be crushed.

Taking strong exception to Kharge's remarks, Ravi Shankar Prasad asked, "Was Gandhi ji illiterate? Was Sardar Patel illiterate? Was Moraraji Desai, was Vikram Sarabhai illiterate?"

He stated that Gujarat, the land of heroes, which gave birth to many saints and patriots, was being dubbed as illiterate by Congress top leaders.

"Mr Kharge, you owe an apology to the nation. We demand that the Congress national president apologise to the nation for terming Gujaratis illiterate," he remarked.

He said that Gujarat's literacy rate stands at 82 per cent, among the highest in the country and has only grown in the past decades. He also demanded that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi come forward to clarify whether they stand with the party president or differ from him, and they should press him to apologise for such objectionable statements.

He said that the Congress president was insulting the residents of Gujarat and other North-Indian states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, and asked, "What has happened to the Congress, do you want to divide the nation?"

Doubling down his attack over Kharge's likening of the BJP and RSS to "poisonous snakes", he accused the Congress leader of stoking communal fire by instigating the minorities.

"Are you trying to incite the minority community against the BJP and RSS? Are you trying to inflame communal sentiments to stir communal tension?" Prasad questioned.

Kharge, addressing a poll rally in Assam, attended by a sizeable number of the Muslim community, reportedly said that even if you are offering namaz, you should kill the poisonous snakes if spotted nearby and then went on to label BJP and RSS as the "serpents" which must be crushed.

Ravi Shankar Prasad said that such brazen statements are not even made by the Maoists, and added that such shameful and unfortunate attempts to slander a patriotic organisation like RSS are condemnable and abominable.
Jaipur, April 7 : A special CBI court here has sentenced former Western Central Railway employee Jalandhar Yogi, posted in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur district, to five years of rigorous imprisonment in a bribery case, officials said on Tuesday.

Jaipur, April 7 (IANS) A special CBI court here has sentenced former Western Central Railway employee Jalandhar Yogi, posted in Rajasthanas Sawai Madhopur district, to five years of rigorous imprisonment in a bribery case, officials said on Tuesday.

The court also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on the accused, holding him guilty of demanding and accepting illegal gratification from a complainant in exchange for clearing a pending bill.

According to the Central Bureau of Investigation, the case was registered on June 16, 2020, following allegations that Yogi had demanded a bribe of Rs 11,500 to process and clear the final bill for work completed by the complainant.

After verifying the complaint, the agency laid a trap and caught the accused red-handed while accepting Rs 10,000 as a bribe. The tainted money was recovered from his possession at the time of arrest, officials said.

The accused was posted as Chief Office Superintendent (CoS) in the office of the Assistant Engineer (AEN), Western Central Railways, Gangapur City, in Sawai Madhopur when the offence took place.

Following a detailed investigation, the CBI filed a charge sheet against Yogi on January 8, 2021, under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The conviction highlights the agencyas continued efforts to curb corruption in public offices and ensure accountability among government officials.

In a separate but similar crackdown, the Central Bureau of Investigation recently apprehended a railway official in Jharkhand in connection with a bribery case. The accused, identified as Himanshu Shekhar, was serving as Chief Commercial Inspector (CCI) of South Eastern Railway in Ranchi.

The CBI reiterated its commitment to taking strict action against those involved in corrupt practices, particularly cases involving abuse of official position for personal gain.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 7 : Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Kerala President Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Tuesday accused the CPI-M and Congress of using the matter related to the entry of women into the Sabarimala Temple as an "emotional issue" to garner votes in the Assembly elections, scheduled for April 9.

His comments came as a nine-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant began hearing, on Tuesday, the long-pending Sabarimala review matter, involving a batch of petitions raising significant constitutional questions on religious freedom and gender equality.

"The case of Sabarimala is a classic example of how the CPI-M and the Congress have tried to harm a group of people who believed in Sabarimala by trying to disrupt and alter the traditions of that temple in 2018," Chandrasekhar told IANS.

"When the BJP and many of the Malayalis protested against it, they were thrown into jail, and cases were filed against thousands of people. The Congress maintained a studied silence and supported the CPI-M on this issue of bringing women into Sabarimala," he said.

"Today, just before the election, the same CPI-M is making a U-turn, the same Congress and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is trying to act as if they have something to say about Sabarimala."

Chandrasekhar also alleged that the person at the centre of the Sabarimala gold theft case "is seen in photographs with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan."

"So on what basis are these people, both the Congress and CPI-M, days before the election, trying to make use of Sabarimala as an emotional issue to get votes?" he said.

He further asserted that it is the BJP which has consistently maintained its stand on the Sabarimala since 2018, "about protecting the faith of devotees".

Moreover, Chandrasekhar accused Rahul Gandhi of being a "principal actor" and "beneficiary" in the alleged National Herald scam.

Hitting back at Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who, while alleging a "nexus" between the CPI-M and the BJP, said, "Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's godfather is Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is sitting in Delhi. He cannot follow the footsteps of PM Modi", Chandrasekhar said: "You are the Chief Minister of a state, you came to power in Telangana by making promises. You have not fulfilled a single one of those promises. You go back to Telangana. Do what you are supposed to do."
Kolkata, April 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend seven campaign programmes in West Bengal this week, starting from April 9, amid the crucial two-phase Assembly elections in the state.

"As per the tentative schedule of the Prime Minister fixed as of now on April 9, he might address three mega campaign rallies at Asansol in West Burdwan district, Suri in Birbhum district, and Haldia in East Midnapore district, one after another," said a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s state committee in West Bengal.

On April 11, the Prime Minister is scheduled to address three campaign rallies -- Jangipur in Murshidabad district, Katwa in East Burdwan district, and Balurghat in South Dinajpur district, the state committee member added.

"The Prime Minister, on April 11, will have a night-stay at Siliguri in the Darjeeling district. On the next day, that is on April 12, he is scheduled to participate in a roadshow at Siliguri town," the state committee member said.

More details are awaited.

Earlier this month, on April 5, the Prime Minister started his campaign programme in the state, addressing a mega rally at Cooch Behar town in Cooch Behar district.

"As per plans, the Prime Minister is slated to participate in a total of 14 campaign programmes, including his rallies and roadshows. His last programme will be in Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in South Kolkata, where the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, is pitted against the sitting Trinamool Congress legislator from there and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Prime Minister's programme at Bhabanipur is likely to be a combination of a rally and a roadshow," the state committee member said.

The two-phase Assembly polls in West Bengal will be on April 23 and April 29. In the first phase, voting will be for 152 Assembly constituencies, and in the second phase, the remaining 142 constituencies will go to the polls. The results will be declared on May 4.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
The News in Brief Tuesday, April 7, 2026

A heated confrontation broke out in court on April 6th, between imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili and former Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli. The clash occurred during Saakashvili's trial involving the November 7, 2007, crackdown on protesters and the raid on Imedi TV.The atmosphere turned volatile when Saakashvili called Noghaideli a "traitor" for his past meetings with Vladimir Putin. Saakashvili questioned the former Prime Minister's motives for traveling to Russia following the annexation of Georgian territories, asking if he went to "bow to the enemy." Noghaideli retorted by questioning Saakashvili's own actions, leading to a shouting match that required intervention from court bailiffs.During his testimony, Noghaideli addressed Saakashvili's claims regarding the influence of late tycoon Badri Patarkatsishvili, acknowledging that "we all knew Patarkatsishvili was connected to Russia." Saakashvili countered by alleging that Imedi TV was founded with Russian money and managed by security personnel linked to the FSB.Saakashvili eventually stormed out of the courtroom, dismissing the proceedings as a "fake court organized by Russia." The presiding judges warned that the hearing would be closed to the public if order was not maintained.Saakashvili faces charges of abuse of official authority, which carries a potential prison sentence of five to eight years. Other former high ranking officials, including Vano Merabishvili and Gigi Ugulava, remain co-defendants in the case.Tina Bokuchava, Chair of the United National Movement (UNM), has dismissed reports that Mikheil Saakashvili was excluded from a list of political prisoners prepared by the Opposition Alliance. Calling the claims "disinformation," Bokuchava clarified that the document in question was compiled by private activists and has since been updated to include the former president's name.Bokuchava argued that the controversy was a deliberate attempt to sow distrust among UNM supporters and fracture the unity of democratic forces. She emphasized that Saakashvili's status as a "political prisoner" and "Putin's personal prisoner" has been recognized internationally, including through multiple European Parliament resolutions."The civilized world understands well the context of why the third president of Georgia is Putin's personal prisoner," Bokuchava wrote on social media. She warned that such "hype" only serves the interests of Bidzina Ivanishvili's "Russian regime," which she claims fears a unified opposition above all else.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

A communitybased pigfarming initiative spearheaded by Insiza Ward 23 Councillor Sikhanyisiwe Nkomo (ZANUPF) is beginning to yield significant economic and social benefits in Insiza North Constituency.On 6 April 2026, Cllr Nkomo visited Siyazama Primary School to assess progress on a pig project she launched in January 2025 with an initial donation of four piglets and one tonne of maize for feed.School headmaster Douglas Sithole expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting its rapid growth. The project has expanded from the original four piglets to 32 pigs after successful breeding."We are grateful for the support we received. The project has grown beyond expectations and is already benefiting the school," Sithole said, adding that learners are actively involved in caring for the animals.In recognition of her contribution, the school presented Cllr Nkomo with an adult pig.Cllr Nkomo commended the school for effectively managing the project."This is a clear example of how communities can embrace sustainable incomegenerating initiatives. Projects like these instil practical skills in young people and contribute to longterm economic development," she said.During the visit, she pledged US$300 towards establishing a goatrearing project at the school, encouraging diversification of income streams.Since early 2025, similar pig projects have been introduced across several institutions in Insiza North, including schools, youth groups and community organisations. The initiatives are now generating income through the sale of piglets, with weaners selling for around US$80 each.Local stakeholders say the projects are improving livelihoods while providing practical learning opportunities for students.Pig farming remains one of the more viable smallscale agricultural ventures in Zimbabwe, with mature pigs fetching between US$300 and US$350, making such initiatives a potentially sustainable model for rural economic development.
Islamabad, April 7 : The authorities have imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi till April 20 considering the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest outside the Adiala jail, local media reported on Tuesday.

In an order released on Monday, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema enforced Section 144 of the CrPC in Rawalpindi from April 6 to April 20, banned gatherings, sit-ins, and protests, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported.

The order issued by Rawalpindi DC reads, "It has been brought to my attention by the District Intelligence Committee (DIC) in its meeting held on April 4 that there exists an imminent threat within the limits of District Rawalpindi, particularly surrounding sensitive installations, prominent roads and other critical infrastructure."

According to the order, the DIC has reported intelligence suggesting that certain groups and elements are making efforts to disturb law and order situation in the district through gatherings, protests and assemblies.

The order stated, "The forum further indicates that these elements may target soft locations and mobilise individuals with the potential to engage in violent actions near key installations and other sensitive sites."

Cheema stated that considering these circumstances, it is necessary to ensure the security of the people and buildings against any possible threat. Subsequently, he imposed a ban on gatherings of five or more individuals in Rawalpindi. Furthermore, ban has been imposed on display of arms other than possessed by law enforcement personnel and objectionable/hate speech.

Cheema also imposed a ban on carrying weapons, spikes, ball bearings, petrol bombs, laden batons, improvised explosives or any other instrument that could possibly be used for violence. Pillion-riding and the use of loudspeakers have also been banned.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner's order comes as PTI has called for a "peaceful protest" outside the Adiala jail on Tuesday over the restrictions imposed on meeting PTI founder Imran Khan. The party has also said that it will hold a protest in Rawalpindi on April 9, marking the day when Imran Khan was ousted in a no-confidence motion in 2022, Dawn reported.

In the past few months, PTI has held sit-ins outside Adiala jail every Tuesday and Thursday, which are the days allowed by court to meet Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated at the jail and has faced restrictions in meeting his family members and party leaders.
Thiruvananthapuram April 7 : Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday said that people in Kerala are seeking change and expressed confidence that a United Democratic Front (UDF) government will come to power in the state.

After successfully completing an extensive 17-day election campaign tour covering 59 Assembly constituencies across 12 districts in Kerala, Tharoor, the MP from Thiruvanthapuram, said that an assessment of the political situation indicates a clear edge for the UDF in public sentiment.

"There is a pro-UDF wave in Kerala. A strong anti-incumbency sentiment prevails across the state, and people clearly want change," he said, adding that this conclusion is drawn from the response received from people across regions from Parassala in the south to Mattannur in the north.

According to Tharoor, a combination of factors, including strong public dissatisfaction with the government, credible and widely accepted UDF candidates, and the coalition's forward-looking promises, has paved the way for a major people's movement for change in Kerala.

At public meetings, road shows, youth gatherings, women's collectives, and constituency-level interactions, Tharoor noted that people repeatedly voiced the need for a people-centric government.

Key public demands included a responsive administration, job creation, economic revival, and restoration of trust in public institutions.

He emphasised that the most powerful voice in this campaign has been that of Kerala's youth.

Across campuses, cities, and villages, young people expressed serious concerns over a lack of job opportunities, rising violence and drug abuse affecting campus life, and the widening gap between education and employment, factors contributing to growing frustration among them, he said.

Tharoor also highlighted that the UDF's candidate lineup has inspired public confidence, comprising leaders with grassroots connect, local acceptance, and clean public records.

This, he said, has strengthened the emotional connect between the campaign and the electorate.

He added that the UDF manifesto has gained wide acceptance across the state, with its clear commitments to employment generation, youth empowerment, campus revival, women's advancement, welfare protection, economic growth, and transparent, accountable governance.

Covering politically significant constituencies such as Neyyattinkara, Nemom, Kollam, Kayamkulam, Kochi, Thrikkakara, Angamaly, Idukki, Puthuppally, Kottayam, Kongad, Kaipamangalam, Malappuram, Nilambur, Kozhikode, Vadakara, Peravoor, and Mattannur, Tharoor said the campaign has energised grassroots workers, building what he described as a statewide UDF wave.

Kerala is gearing up for a decisive mandate in favour of the UDF, he maintained.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
April 07 : Lucknow: Giving formal approval to the announcement made by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday approved a significant increase in the honorarium of Shiksha Mitra and part-time instructors. The decision is expected to directly benefit lakhs of education workers across the state and further strengthen the education system.

As per the proposal presented before the Cabinet, the monthly honorarium of Shiksha Mitra, which had been fixed at 10,000 in 2017, has now been increased to 18,000. Similarly, the honorarium of part-time instructors has been raised to 17,000 per month from the earlier 9,000. The revised honorarium will be applicable from April 2026.

This decision is estimated to impose an additional financial burden of more than 1475.27 crore on the state government. It was taken in line with the Chief Ministers announcement during the first session of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 2026. It has also been clarified that the revised honorarium will be payable for 11 months in a year.

Providing details of the Cabinet decision, Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh stated that there are currently 1,42,929 Shiksha Mitra working in the state. Out of these, 1,29,332 Shiksha Mitra were receiving honorarium under the central governments Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan in a 60:40 funding ratio. A proposal will be sent to the Government of India for the central share under the scheme.

He added, in case approval is not received, the additional expenditure of 1138.12 crore arising from the increased honorarium will be borne by the state government.

The remaining 13,597 Shiksha Mitra, whose honorarium is entirely funded by the state government, will involve an additional expenditure of 119.65 crore, which will also be borne by the state.

Sandeep Singh further stated that part-time instructors have also been given major relief. Their honorarium, fixed at 9,000 in 2017, has now been increased to 17,000 per month.

At present, 24,717 part-time instructors are working in 13,769 upper primary schools across Uttar Pradesh. This increase will result in an additional financial burden of 217.50 crore on the state government.

He clarified that the revised honorarium will come into effect from April 1, 2026, and the enhanced amount will be included in the payments to be made in May.
New Delhi, April 7 : Debt-ridden Pakistan is facing a grim financial situation as it has to repay $3.5 billion to the United Arab Emirates this month.

The repayment, confirmed by a senior cabinet minister during a press briefing, as reported by Pakistanas Express Tribune, comes at a time when Islamabadas foreign exchange reserves have fallen to abysmally low levels, raising concerns about the countryas capacity to fulfil its external debt obligations.

This financial burden has been intensified by the United Arab Emiratesa reported decision not to extend further rollovers on the debt. For years, Pakistan has relied on such rollovers from friendly nations to ease immediate repayment pressures and stabilise its reserves. However, shifting geopolitical dynamics, particularly tensions linked to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, appear to have influenced Abu Dhabias stance, accelerating Islamabadas need to settle its obligations, according to an article in Sri Lankaas Guardian newspaper.

The implications for Pakistanas economy are significant. Foreign exchange reserves, already stretched thin, will take a direct hit as funds are redirected toward debt servicing. Economists warn that this could weaken the countryas capacity to manage its external accounts, potentially affecting its ability to pay for imports and maintain currency stability. Such pressures come at a delicate time, as Pakistan continues to navigate a challenging economic recovery under the framework of an International Monetary Fund program, the article pointed out.

In recent years, the financial relationship between Pakistan and the UAE has been marked by both cooperation and tension. In 2018, Abu Dhabi provided $2 billion to support Pakistanas economy, followed by an additional request from Islamabad for $1 billion in 2023 to meet external financing needs. These arrangements were part of a broader pattern in which Pakistan has leaned heavily on bilateral partners to bridge funding gaps while implementing economic reforms tied to international lending programs.

Now, with rollover options narrowing, Pakistan is exploring alternative approaches. Some officials have indicated that discussions are underway to convert portions of the debt into investment, a move that could ease immediate repayment pressures while fostering longer-term economic engagement. However, such arrangements remain uncertain and may not provide timely relief given the urgency of current obligations, the article observed.

Geopolitical factors are also shaping the situation. Pakistanas perceived proximity to Iran during the ongoing regional conflict has added complexity to its relations with Gulf partners, including the UAE. While Islamabad has traditionally balanced its ties across the Middle East, shifting alliances and heightened tensions are testing that equilibrium, with potential economic consequences, the article pointed out.

The broader context of Pakistanas financial position further amplifies the challenge. The countryas reliance on external financing, including support from the International Monetary Fund and allied nations, reflects structural weaknesses in its economy, such as low export competitiveness, high fiscal deficits, and limited revenue generation. These issues have made Pakistan particularly vulnerable to external shocks, whether economic or geopolitical, the article added.
April 07 : Lucknow: In the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, an important proposal related to the Higher Education Department was approved. As part of this decision, approval has been granted for the establishment of Metro University in Greater Noida under the private sector. The move is considered a significant step toward expanding higher education in the state.

State Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said, The decision has been taken under the provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Act, 2019. The Act ensures proper arrangements for the establishment, regulation and functioning of private universities.

He further informed that the sponsoring organization Sunhill Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Noida, had submitted a proposal to establish Metro University on 26.1 acres of land allotted by the Greater Noida Authority. After examining the proposal in accordance with legal provisions, approval has been granted.

For this purpose, it has been decided to amend the schedule of the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Act, 2019 by promulgating the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, and to issue an authorization letter to the sponsoring institution for operating the university.

The Higher Education Minister said, The establishment of this university will create new opportunities for quality higher education in the state and provide youth with modern and employment-oriented education. The initiative will play an important role in making the state a leader in the field of education.

He added that Yogi government is committed to expanding higher education, improving quality, and encouraging private investment. The establishment of new universities will also increase opportunities for education, employment and skill development in the state.
April 07 : Lucknow: Taking a major step towards preserving the legacy of great personalities in Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi government has decided to develop 10 memorials in every Vidhan Sabha constituency. In a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, approval was granted to the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Murti Vikas Yojana'.

Under this scheme, the preservation and security of statues of great personalities, social reformers, and cultural icons will be ensured.

As part of the initiative, the Yogi government will undertake large-scale beautification of statues of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, Sant Ravidas, Kabir, Jyotiba Phule, Maharishi Valmiki, and other eminent figures.

Additionally, special programs will be organized across all Vidhan Sabha constituencies in the state on April 14.

Local public representatives (MPs, MLAs, MLCs) will inform citizens about the scheme and the selected sites.

This initiative will not only preserve historical heritage but also develop these sites as public utility centers.

Social Welfare Minister Asim Arun stated that under the scheme, 10 memorials will be developed in each of the states 403 Vidhan Sabha constituencies.

A cost of 10 lakh per memorial has been allocated, with a total outlay of 403 crore.

Development work will include boundary walls, canopies, beautification, greenery, and lighting arrangements around these memorials.

The objective of the scheme goes beyond safeguarding statues; it also aims to develop surrounding areas and generate employment opportunities at the local level.

Construction activities will boost economic activity in both rural and urban areas.

This initiative by the Yogi government is being seen as a significant step towards transforming statue sites into informative and public-oriented centers rather than merely symbolic spaces.

It will provide the younger generation an opportunity to learn about the contributions of great personalities and draw inspiration from them.

Under the scheme, statues established up to December 31, 2025 will be secured, and comprehensive development of the surrounding areas will be undertaken.
Mumbai, April 7 : The political atmosphere in Maharashtra has intensified following the filing of nomination papers by Sunetra Pawar for the Baramati bypoll. The decision by Congress to field a candidate against her has sparked a war of words between the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and its allies, with Shiv Sena(UBT) MP Sanjay Raut firmly backing Congress' right to contest.

Responding to NCP MP Parth Pawar's claim that Congress' decision to contest marks the "beginning of its downfall in Maharashtra", Sanjay Raut at the press conference aligned himself with the stance taken by veteran leader Sharad Pawar. "I agree with Sharad Pawar. Congress is a national party and has every right to contest the election," he stated.

He pointed out the irony in Parth Pawar's criticism, reminding him of recent history. "Parth's father, Ajit Pawar, contested the Pimpri-Chinchwad by-election following the death of Laxman Jagtap, and he did so with the help of Congress. If they could seek help then, why shouldn't Congress contest now?" he asked.

Sharad Pawar had previously snubbed Parth's comments, stating that expressing views on major political decisions requires a level of "maturity".

The controversy extended beyond Baramati to the Rahuri constituency, where former NCP(SP) Minister Prajakt Tanpure withdrew his candidacy. While some claimed Tanpure was "persuaded" to step down, Raut alleged a darker reality. "No one 'persuades' in today's politics; they threaten," Raut charged.

He questioned the involvement of BJP leaders Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Ravindra Chavan. "Are they great revolutionaries or freedom fighters? They likely went there with files regarding sugar factories and cooperative banks to intimidate him. Those who fear these threats withdraw, but those who want to survive in politics must struggle. If you don't want to fight, then live as slaves of the BJP," he remarked.

Raut further asserted that his party does not fear the "dictatorial" tactics of the BJP, remarking, "This is a democracy, not 'Trump-shahi' (Trump-style rule)."

Clarifying the Maha Vikas Aghadi's (MVA) position, Raut noted that while there may be personal goodwill towards the Pawar family, no MVA constituent has officially supported Sunetra Pawar's candidacy.

Raut revealed a significant condition set by the Congress party regarding their candidate, Akash More. "Congress has stated that they will only consider withdrawing their candidate if an FIR is registered in Maharashtra regarding the suspicious accident involving Ajit Pawar," he claimed.

While NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar has opted not to field a candidate due to family reasons, the Shiv Sena(UBT)'s position remains under deliberation. Raut indicated that Uddhav Thackeray would soon clarify the party's official stand. "The Baramati election will likely proceed without the usual high-decibel campaigning. The voters of Baramati are wise; they will express their stance calmly through the ballot box," he commented.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
New Delhi, April 7 : The Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Tuesday issued a fact-check against the circulation of a fake letter in the name of the National Medical Commission (NMC) over the purported implementation of a national final year MBBS qualifying examination or the National Exit Test (NExT).

The PIB issued a note along with an image of the fake letter purportedly issued by the NMC last week.

"Beware of a fake letter circulating in the name of the National Medical Commission," said the PIB fact-check.

The fake letter, dated April 1, carries the subject line: "Implementation of National Exit Test (NExT) for MBBS Students". It is addressed to deans and principals of all medical colleges/institutes offering the MBBS course, said a statement.

The fake letter says, "The National Medical Commission (NMC) hereby informs all medical colleges and undergraduate MBBS students regarding the phased implementation of the National Exit Test (NExT)."

"As per the revised roadmap and in continuation of previous communications, it has been decided that the NExT examination shall be applicable to all MBBS students admitted from the 2022 batch onwards," says the circular, imitating the letterhead of the NMC and citing its office address in Dwarka in West Delhi.

The "fake" letter goes on to claim that the NExT shall serve as: A final year MBBS qualifying examination; a licentiate examination for medical practice in India, and a single entrance examination for post-graduate (PG) medical courses, replacing NEET-PG.

The PIB cautioned against taking the claims of the letter as true. The "fake" letter says that the NExT examination will be conducted in two steps: Step 1: Theory-based examination (Final MBBS level) and Step 2: Clinical and practical assessment after internship.

The "fake" NMC circular also advises all medical colleges to align academic schedules, teaching methodologies and assessment systems accordingly, said a clarification issued by PIB.
Mumbai, April 7 : In a major crackdown, Maharashtra Cyber has uncovered a network allegedly using Instagram to promote and sell Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN), officials said on Tuesday.

They further mentioned that several accounts were circulating misleading reels and content to lure users into illegal transactions by promising quick and unrealistic financial gains.

Authorities have registered multiple FIRs against Instagram accounts involved in promoting counterfeit currency, while two accused -- Rahul Anil Pawar and Yogita Hitesh Bhosale -- have been arrested in connection with the case.

Maharashtra Cyber said that it has been proactively monitoring various social media platforms to detect and curb unlawful digital activities. As part of these ongoing efforts, the agency recently took cognisance of certain Instagram accounts that were found to be promoting Fake Indian Currency Notes through deceptive and fraudulent content.

Preliminary analysis revealed that these accounts were posting reels and other objectionable material aimed at attracting individuals into illegal dealings involving counterfeit currency, often by offering fraudulent and unrealistic monetary returns.

Officials highlighted that Fake Indian Currency Notes are frequently linked to organised crime syndicates and a range of unlawful activities, including money laundering, terror financing, and other economic offences.

The agency noted that the circulation and use of counterfeit currency can directly or indirectly support anti-national elements and illicit operations, making the issue not just a financial crime but also one with implications for internal and national security.

Following the detection of such content, Maharashtra Cyber identified the accounts in question and issued notices under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, directing the removal of objectionable material.

Additionally, notices were served under Section 94 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to seek details related to the account holders involved in these activities.

Based on the information gathered and Intelligence developed during the investigation, a total of four FIRs have been registered against Instagram accounts allegedly engaged in selling and promoting Fake Indian Currency Notes.

Out of these, two FIRs have been registered at the Nodal Cyber Police Station, Maharashtra Cyber.

Further, acting on actionable Intelligence, including names, addresses, and mobile numbers of suspects, Maharashtra Cyber facilitated the registration of two additional FIRs at local police stations across the state.

Officials said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other accused individuals and beneficiaries linked to the network.

Maharashtra Cyber also stated that it continues to actively monitor platforms such as Instagram and Telegram to detect additional accounts involved in the promotion, circulation, or facilitation of Fake Indian Currency Notes and to initiate timely legal action against those found engaged in such activities.

"Maharashtra Cyber reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the digital ecosystem, protecting citizens from cyber-enabled financial crimes, and upholding the integrity of lawful financial and digital systems," the agency added.
Bhubaneswar, April 7 : The Odisha Police on Tuesday carried out simultaneous raids at multiple locations linked to individuals allegedly involved in the illegal cattle smuggling trade in different parts of the state.

Speaking to media persons, Pinak Mishra, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Eastern Range), Balasore, on Tuesday said, "searches are being conducted at around 32 locations today. These locations were previously identified during investigations into individuals involved in the organised cattle transport trade, which has been ongoing for several years."

Mishra also revealed that as many as 18 platoons of police force, eight Additional Superintendents of Police, 17 Deputy SP-rank officers, 25 inspectors, and 67 Sub-Inspector/Assistant Sub-Inspector-rank officers have been engaged in the massive search operations in Balasore, Bhadrak, and Mayurbhanj districts of the state.

During his interaction with the media persons, he revealed that the raids are based on intelligence that came to light following a detailed examination of several cases related to illegal cattle transportation reported in these three districts in the recent past. The police have so far seized over Rs 50 lakh in cash, a huge quantity of gold and silver ornaments, and several vehicles used in the illegal trade of cattle transportation.

"Apart from this, we have also recovered several firearms and other dangerous weapons during the search operations, indicating that the illegal transportation of cattle was being carried out as an organised crime. I want to make it clear that we have a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal cattle smuggling. The operation has been launched as per the directions of the state government and the DGP of Odisha Police," the DIGP further added.

He informed the media that around six people have been detained in Bhadrak, while about four persons each have been detained in Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts of the state.

Notably, the crackdown on illegal cattle transportation in the state has intensified since the BJP government assumed power. According to reports, as many as 473 cases of illegal cattle transportation were registered in 2023, rising to 533 in 2024 and further to 872 in 2025.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has announced progress on the refurbishment of the longdefunct fountain at Bulawayo City Hall, describing the project as part of broader efforts to restore the city's historic appeal.In a post on his X account, Coltart said he inspected the fountain on Easter Monday and was encouraged to see contractors actively working to ensure completion ahead of this year's Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).The fountain, which has been nonfunctional for more than a decade, is not only being repaired but upgraded to improve longterm maintenance.While acknowledging that the project will not directly address unemployment or the rising cost of living, Coltart emphasised its symbolic importance.He described the fountain as "iconic", saying its restoration represents gradual progress in efforts to return Bulawayo to its "former grandeur".Coltart also commended the Town Clerk, city management and local contractors for advancing the project.The refurbishment comes as the city prepares to host thousands of visitors for the annual trade fair, with civic authorities working to improve the appearance of key public spaces.
New Delhi, April 7 : South Africa's High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal, sees the upcoming India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) as an opportunity to strengthen his country's economic ties with India across the pharmaceutical, green energy, IT, and agricultural sectors.

"The summit aims to see how relations between the African continent and India can be intensified, expanded and maximised," Sooklal said in an interview published in Independent Online (IOL) news portal.

He pointed out that India is a pharmaceutical hub of the world, with many of its companies operating extensively across the African continent, including South Africa.

"I believe the decision by the African Union to have South Africa as the pharmaceutical hub of the African continent provides us with an opportunity to partner with India in this sector," he observed.

He said that green energy was another potential area for cooperation, as India, along with France, founded the International Solar Alliance. The country has taken major strides in solar, wind, and hydrogen as part of its green energy campaign, and these were areas on which South Africa and the African continent are also focusing.

"They (India) are also on a massive green energy drive. India, with France, founded the International Solar Alliance. High focus on solar energy, wind energy, and green hydrogen," Sooklal said.

"We are already partnering with India on the energy front, but I believe we can do much more, especially on green energy," he remarked.

On the industrial front, Sooklal noted that India's Mahindra& Mahindra has an assembly plant in South Africa, but his government is keen that the Indian tractor maker sets up a manufacturing plant in the country.

He said there are many synergies and complementarities between India and Africa on the trade front.

"We are industrialising very fast on the African continent. We are focusing on new technologies and digital commerce. All these are major strengths of the Indian economy. India is a major player on the digital front, and I believe that both on the trade and investment side, both sides have much to gain in intensifying and deepening this relationship," the envoy maintained.

Sooklal noted India's success with digital public infrastructure (DPI), which lifted over 250 million people out of poverty in a decade, reducing abject poverty to under 5 per cent. He believes Africa can achieve similar results.

He also highlighted the contrast in agriculture. India, with nearly 1.5 billion people, is self-sufficient in food production, while Africa is not, despite having the largest tract of arable land globally.

Similarly, he sees a lot of scope for South Africa to develop its ports and highways sectors in partnership with India, which has developed its infrastructure on a massive scale.
Lucknow, April 7 : The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday approved setting up of 'Metro University' in Greater Noida, a move aimed at bolstering the higher education in the state and creating necessary frameworks for it.

The 'Metro University' will have a sprawling campus spread over 26.1 acre, equipped with modern and advanced tools of education.

The job-oriented courses at the institute is expected to prepare the students for future challenges and also enhance 'employability'.

The proposal for Metro University was brought before the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and was given in-principle approval.

The establishment of 'Metro University' in Greater Noida within the private sector is assumed to be a pivotal step toward expanding higher education opportunities within the state.

Sharing the information about the state Cabinet approval, the Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said that this decision was taken in accordance with the provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Act, 2019 -- a law that facilitates comprehensive framework for the establishment, regulation, and operation of private universities.

He also told that the sponsoring body Sunhill Healthcare Private Limited in Noida had submitted a proposal to establish 'Metro University' on a 26.1-acre parcel of land allotted by the Greater Noida Authority.

This proposal was approved following a thorough scrutiny to ensure compliance with all legal provisions.

He also said that the establishment of this university will generate new opportunities for quality higher education within the state, enabling the youth to access modern and job-oriented education.

This initiative is poised to play a pivotal role in positioning the state as a leader in the field of education.

He affirmed that the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding higher education, enhancing its quality, and encouraging private sector investment.

"The establishment of new universities will not only boost educational opportunities within the state but also create new avenues for employment and skill development," Minister Upadhyay added.
New Delhi, April 7 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar held a meeting with St Kitts and Nevis Minister of Foreign Affairs Denzil L Douglas in New Delhi on Tuesday, discussing developmental projects, health cooperation, digital capacities and disaster response.

Douglas is also the Caribbean nation's minister for International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Economic Development and Investment. The two ministers also spoke about regional and global issues.

"Delighted to host Dr Denzil L Douglas, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs, Economic Development & Investment of St. Kitts and Nevis today. Discussed development projects, health cooperation, digital capacities and disaster response. Appreciated the exchange on regional and global issues," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

Douglas arrived in New Delhi on Sunday after concluding his engagements in Chandigarh. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Douglas' visit to India marks a significant step in strengthening ties and expanding cooperation between two nations.

"A warm welcome to FM Denzil Douglas of St. Kitts and Nevis, on his arrival in New Delhi. The visit marks a significant step in strengthening the historical ties and expanding cooperation between our two countries. During his visit, the High Commission of St. Kitts and Nevis in India will also be inaugurated," Jaiswal posted on X.

St Kitts and Nevis and India have maintained friendly and cordial relations. In July 2007, India and St. Kitts and Nevis signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for enhancing the mechanism of Foreign Office Consultation at bureaucratic level. India being a Commonwealth country, its nationals do not require visa to enter St. Kitts & Nevis. According to the MEA, St Kitts and Nevis is generally supportive of Indiaas positions in international fora.
New Delhi, April 7 : Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal on Tuesday announced the regularisation of 1,511 "unauthorised colonies" of Delhi on "as is, where is" basis, a decision offering relief to 45 lakh migrant residents of these colonies that came up in violation of building bye-laws over the past three to four decades.

Addressing a joint press briefing with the Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Minister Lal said the "legal tag" for the houses in these unplanned colonies will help their residents avail benefits offered by the PM Uday Yojana -- for loan against property, permission for fresh construction as per law and start of development projects.

The Union Minister said the existing structures will be recognised, while future constructions must adhere strictly to Municipal Corporation norms.

"For faster processing, all these colonies have been treated as residential," he added.

There are 1,731 unplanned colonies in the national capital.

Of these, 1,511 colonies on Tuesday were declared as eligible for regularisation. The rest have failed to make the cut as these are either built on non-confirming areas or green zones like the Delhi Ridge or river bed or located close to monuments in violation of the archaeological provisions.

The regularisation of "unauthorised colonies" also marks the fulfilment of a major poll promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party in its election 'Sankalp Patra' for Delhi. These colonies are home to more than 10 lakh migrant families, mostly from Purvanchal, Uttarakhand and other northern states.

Manohar Lal said that on the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the formalities for inspection and handing over conveyance deeds to house owners in these colonies have been reduced to minimal.

"Now, all the formalities shall be carried out by the Delhi Revenue Department, reducing the role of the Delhi Development Authority and other agencies," the Union Minister said, adding the circle rates of Delhi government will be applicable for documentation in all colonies.

He said that the people of Delhi have faced long-standing urban challenges, many of which remained unresolved due to a lack of coordination between agencies and governments in the past.

He reaffirmed that the government remains committed to systematic and phased urban reforms for Delhi's residents.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta thanked Prime Minister Modi for the major relief to residents of these 1,511 colonies.

"The application process will begin from April 24, A seven-day timeline for GIS survey, a 15-day process to address deficiencies in applications, and a 45-day deadline for issuing conveyance deeds have been set," the Chief Minister said.

"The Central government and the Delhi government have together removed 22 major obstacles in this process so that millions of families can receive their due rights without delay, pendency, or hassle. At the same time, small shops up to 20 square metres will also be regularised with conditions, providing relief to small traders as well," she added.

Manohar Lal also elaborated on the proposed Transit Oriented Development (TOD) policy close to Metro and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors to increasing the stock of housing units in the national capital.

"Under the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) policy, planned, high-density, and mixed-use development will be promoted in nearly 207 square km of area within a 500-metre radius around Metro and RRTS corridors. This will open the path to affordable housing arrangements, better connectivity, and an easier life, especially serving as a major support for poor and middle-class families," the Chief Minister added.
New Delhi, April 7 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday strongly criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after she claimed at a public gathering, that 200 cars carrying the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are on their way to poll-bound Bengal, "from Uttar Pradesh via Ayodhya to attack you".

West Bengal is scheduled to vote in the two-phase Assembly election, on April 23 and 29.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini accused CM Banerjee of going even beyond the previous CPI-M government in the state.

He told reporters, "With great faith, the people of Bengal chose Mamata Banerjee. But she went even further than the Communists. Today, the youth are being beaten, unemployment is high, and workers are being forced to leave. People of the state are upset now."

He also accused the Trinamool Congress supremo of forming a government by relying on the votes of illegal infiltrators.

"Mamata Banerjee is baffled now that is why she is making baseless allegations. She (Banerjee) wants to form the government on the basis (of) illegal infiltrators," he said.

Saini alleged that the economic and social infrastructure of West Bengal have been destroyed by the infiltrators.

The Haryana CM further called the Trinamool's 15-year rule in Bengal as "misgovernance".

"The people of Bengal will crush it. The atrocities committed by Mamata 'didi' against the youth, women, made the poor even poorer. All the corruption will come to light," he said.

BJP leader Rohan Gupta told IANS that the forces, including the CRPF, "are the pride and honour of the nation".

"Making such provocative statements against them shows the mindset of these people. Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress have realised that, given the ground realities, they are losing badly in this election. That is why they are resorting to provocative and fear-based politics," he said.

Bihar Minister Dilip Kumar Jaiswal accused CM Banerjee of spreading "false propaganda".

"Now she is making such statements as she feels her ground is slipping. There is no substance in these claims, and she is playing her last card by making such remarks," he told IANS.

Placing his trust on the Election Commission (EC), NCP MP Praful Patel asserted that there is nothing irregular in the EC deploying central forces.

"I believe that the Election Commission always works to conduct free and fair elections, not just in Bengal, but across the country. Wherever they feel the need for law and order, they deploy central forces. There is nothing new or irregular in this," he told reporters.
Amaravati, April 7 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday condemned the attempt by YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) workers to attack the office of a Telugu media outlet in Hyderabad.

The Chief Minister described the incident as a direct assault on media freedom.

He said that the attack was carried out because the media outlet questioned the stand of former Chief Minister and YSRCP Chief Jagan Mohan Reddy on Amaravati.

In a statement, Chandrababu Naidu criticised the YSRCP for allegedly misusing its own media platforms while resorting to baseless allegations and abusive rhetoric against independent media organisations.

He noted that despite facing harassment and conspiracies during the previous five years of YSRCP government, the regional media channel continued to function without fear.

He remarked that the participation of sitting MLAs and former Ministers, accompanied by mobs in targeting a media office is a clear reflection of the YSRCP's unruly culture.

The Chief Minister also praised the regional media outlet's Managing Director Vemuri Radhakrishna for running the newspaper and channel fearlessly for decades despite facing cases, attacks and sustained pressure.

Chandrababu Naidu asserted that attempts to intimidate the media through attacks, protests and threats have no place in a democratic society and such political tactics have become outdated.

He also alleged that the people, especially women, have not forgotten the conduct of YSRCP leaders, including their treatment of women and even their own family members during their tenure in power.

The Chief Minister accused the YSRCP of resorting to diversionary politics, saying that instead of responding to the editorial questioning on its alleged conspiracies against Amaravati, the party has chosen to engage in attacks and protests.

The YSRCP on Monday had lodged a complaint with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting against the media outlet for allegedly broadcasting defamatory and derogatory content.

In a letter to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary Chanchal Kumar on Monday, YSRCP MLC and party's general secretary Lella Appireddy sought immediate intervention and appropriate action against the media outlet, its anchor, editor, and management for allegedly broadcasting defamatory, derogatory, misleading, and unethical content through its electronic and digital platforms.

The MLC cited allegedly objectionable and defamatory language used by the news anchor while describing members and supporters of the YSRCP.

The YSRCP quoted the news anchor as saying that party supporters would "blindly believe" anything said by Jagan Mohan Reddy and used language the party described as abusive and derogatory.
Jaipur, April 7 : Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, in Chapter 16 of his 'Intezaar Shastra' digital series, launched a sharp attack on the Rajasthan government over delays in the construction of Marwar Medical University. He alleged that the BJP government has failed to protect the aspirations of the Marwar region, stating that the proposed Rs 500 crore project has fallen victim to a "tortoise pace" of progress.

Ashok Gehlot said the deadline of March 31, 2027, now appears to be merely "a decoration on paper" due to the government's sluggish functioning.

Targeting the ruling dispensation, he said that after showing "shortsightedness" regarding All India Institute of Medical Sciences, the government is now neglecting Marwar Medical University as well.

"This is not just negligence, but a planned step-motherly treatment towards Marwar," he said, adding that the people of the region are "tired of waiting" for development projects to materialise.

Gehlot recalled that the university was announced during the Congress government's 202324 budget with the objective of strengthening medical education and research in western Rajasthan, particularly in Jodhpur.

The project was envisaged to benefit multiple institutions across the region and improve healthcare infrastructure. He further highlighted that during the Congress tenure from 2018 to 2023, the government had announced 12 new medical colleges and 29 nursing colleges to expand healthcare capacity. For the Marwar Medical University, around 100 bighas of land were allocated along with a budgetary provision of Rs 500 crore.

According to Ashok Gehlot, the project suffered initial setbacks after the change in government. Although work eventually commenced following pressure from the Congress, he claimed that the pace remains far from satisfactory.

At present, he said, the university is functioning from just three rooms, reflecting the slow progress on the ground.

While the official deadline for completion is 2027, Ashok Gehlot expressed serious doubts about timely delivery, warning that unless the pace is accelerated, the project risks further delays, leaving the aspirations of the people of Marwar unfulfilled.
New Delhi, April 7 : The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has temporarily allowed airlines to extend flight duty time for pilots on long-haul flights as planes have to take longer routes on international flights due to the Iran war, a senior official of the Civil Aviation Ministry said on Tuesday.

The easing of the pilot flight duty time limitation (FDTL) norm has been permitted as airlines were facing problems due to the longer flying hours that are now required for flights, as the Middle East countries have shut airspace, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Asangba Chuba Ao told journalists.

DGCA introduced new flight duty norms last year to put a limit on the flying time for pilots in order to prevent fatigue, which poses a risk to flight safety. According to the new rules, pilots must be given 48 hours of continuous rest, which was an increase from the 36 hours fixed in the earlier norms.

However, due to the Iran war, the flight time to western destinations has been extended on account of long detours that aircraft are forced to take to avoid the Middle East conflict zone. This poses problems for the airlines to function with the limit imposed on flight duty time for pilots.

The DGCA had given certain relaxations in pilot flight duty time limitations (FDTL) norms earlier, till April 30. Providing the relaxations for the long-haul flights operated with two pilots, the DGCA has extended the Flight Time (FT) by 1.30 hours to 11.30 hours and the Flight Duty Period (FDP) by 1.45 hours to 11.45 hours.

Flying time covers the total time taken from the moment an aircraft first moves for the purpose of taking off from the runway until the moment it finally comes to a halt at the end of the flight.

DGCA had introduced more robust measures to ensure compliance by airlines with regulations, which include increased monitoring on a weekly and fortnightly basis for critical operations, along with bi-monthly visits to the operator by DGCA's principal point-of-contact inspector.

The civil aviation regulator is also more closely monitoring operations of airlines, with particular emphasis on roster integrity, crew availability, buffer adequacy, system robustness and adherence to FDTL requirements.
April 07 : Lucknow: In a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, approval has been granted for the second phase of development of bus stations of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

In this phase, out of the initially proposed 54 bus stations, 6 unsuitable stations have been removed and Chandauli district has been added, bringing the total number of bus stations to be developed to 49.

The project will be implemented on the DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer) model, ensuring that no financial burden falls on the state government.

State Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh stated, "Under this project, bus stations will be upgraded into modern hubs equipped with facilities such as shopping malls, cinema halls, improved waiting areas, sanitation, and other passenger-centric amenities."

To attract investors, key eligibility conditions have been revised. The technical capacity requirement has been reduced from 150% of the project cost to 100%. The project completion timeline has been extended from 5 years to 8 years. The minimum net worth requirement has been fixed at 25% of the project cost, and the maximum number of consortium members has been increased from 3 to 4.

After completion of all necessary procedures, the timeline to commence work has been extended from 6 months to 12 months. To encourage investment, a provision has been made to allow 2.5 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and ground coverage free of cost at all project sites.

The lease period has been fixed at either 35 or 90 years, after which ownership will automatically revert to the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation. The Cabinet has also authorized the Chief Minister to approve any required modifications during the bidding process.

The Transport Minister informed, in the first phase of the scheme, 23 bus stations including those in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Agra had already been approved. With the addition of 49 bus stations in the second phase, a total of 52 districts will now be covered under the scheme, while the remaining 23 districts will be included in future phases.

An investment of over 4000 crore is expected under this project, compared to approximately 2500 crore in the first phase. The bus stations will be developed on the lines of airports, featuring VIP lounges, restaurants, shopping malls, cinema halls, and accommodation facilities.

About 55% of the total area will be used for public amenities, while 45% will be allocated for commercial activities.

The Cabinet has also approved free land transfer for the construction of new bus stations in Sikandra Rao in Hathras district, Narora in Bulandshahr district, and Tulsipur in Balrampur district.

Under this plan, construction work is targeted to be completed within 2 years, while commercial activities are expected to be developed within 7 years. Currently, 15 to 23 lakh passengers use transport services daily, which rises to 30 to 35 lakh during festivals. This initiative is expected to improve passenger facilities and help reduce urban congestion.

In Narora, a depot workshop will also be established along with the bus station. In Tulsipur, a modern bus station will be developed near the Devipatan Temple to facilitate pilgrims.

These bus stations will be developed as economic hubs, offering facilities such as shops and food courts.
New Delhi, April 7 : A Delhi court on Tuesday sent Sarabjit Singh, the accused who rammed his car into the boundary gates of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, to eight days of police custody after he was presented before the Judicial Magistrate.

Singh, who was wearing a mask, rammed through the high-security boundary gates of the complex on Monday and also managed to flee without being challenged. However, within hours of the search operation, the Delhi Police tracked down the accused and took him into custody from North Delhi. The car he used to enter the Assembly premises by breaking through Gate No 2 was also seized.a

The police had moved to seek the remand of the accused to uncover an alleged conspiracy, including why and how Singh entered the Assembly, who else might be involved, and also to investigate a possible terror angle, officials said.

The police also told the Tiz Hazari court, where the accused was presented, that they have yet to recover his phone, which Singh had allegedly thrown away.

Investigating officers have reportedly informed the court that the accused, Singh, is mentally unstable.

However, the lawyer appearing for Singh opposed the demand for police custody, arguing that the accused is mentally unstable and currently undergoing treatment. He told the court that Singh had suddenly gone to Chandigarh to visit his sister without informing anyone, and had also visited a gurdwara there.

The accused's lawyer added that nobody had any information about where he had gone.

According to Singh's counsel, he had travelled to Chandigarh about 14a"15 days ago. Later, when he learned that his nephew was missing, he came to Delhi.

The defence lawyer argued that Singh allegedly entered the Assembly thinking it was a gurdwara.

Noting that Singh travelled by car from Pilibhit to Chandigarh and then to Delhi, and was driving the vehicle himself, the court raised apprehensions about the claim that Singh is mentally unstable.

Two other persons allegedly involved in the security breach were also reportedly arrested on Monday.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Jailed businessman Mike Chimombe says he was left shocked after a man reportedly offered to serve the remainder of his 12-year prison sentence in his place.The unusual offer was made by 48-year-old Lawrence Dhairo, who has since drawn public attention for volunteering to take over Chimombe's custodial term.Chimombe said he did not know Dhairo personally and was surprised when he first heard about the proposal."I am not related to Lawrence and I don't know him, his offer stunned me," he said, adding that the gesture reflected what he described as public appreciation for contributions to national development.He also welcomed recent initiatives by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), including "Family Week," which allows inmates to receive visits from relatives and members of the public.Chimombe said he would welcome a meeting with Dhairo to better understand his intentions.Dhairo's offer has added to broader conversations about prison life in Zimbabwe, where some inmates continue to express frustration over prolonged detention without final resolution of their cases.One such inmate, Nomore Murasiranwa, has reportedly been in custody since 2008 while awaiting resolution of murder charges. He says repeated appearances before review boards have not resulted in clarity on his future, and he now feels uncertain about ever regaining freedom.Meanwhile, religious leaders visiting correctional facilities have praised the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service for promoting rehabilitation and family engagement.Apostle Stephen Mangwanya of the New United Apostolic Faith Church said he was encouraged by efforts allowing inmates to reconnect with their families and receive spiritual support, noting that such interactions can play an important role in rehabilitation.Authorities continue to emphasise correction over punishment as part of ongoing prison reform efforts.
New Delhi, April 7 : As Rajya Sabha Chairman, C.P. Radhakrishnan, rejected the Opposition's impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, BJP and Shiv Sena on Tuesday termed the rejection a 'strong response' to those allegedly misusing constitutional provisions for political gains. However, the Opposition said that the "democratic process had been ignored."

BJP leader Rohan Gupta said that the move sends a clear message that constitutional processes cannot be driven by political convenience.

"This is a strong response to those who claim to uphold the Constitution but play politics for their own benefit. If something goes against personal interests, it does not mean the Constitution is at risk. Allegations must be backed by proof, not repeated for political mileage," Gupta told IANS.

Echoing similar sentiments, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC said the Opposition had relied largely on rhetoric rather than evidence.

Shaina NC claimed, "The Opposition has only resorted to rhetoric. Gyanesh Kumar has not done anything wrong; there has been no partisan favouritism, no discriminatory conduct, rather, there has been transparency."

However, Opposition leaders criticised the rejection, calling it a blow to democratic procedures.

RJD leader Manoj Jha said, "It was not dismissed. The impeachment motion was not rejected. The democratic process has been ignored. According to our Constitution, there are certain provisions for extraordinary situations, and this is an extraordinary situation. Even the Supreme Court, if one looks at its previous observations  or I, as a petitioner in the court  clearly indicate that this is a case where we feel that parliamentary democracy should not be undermined or turned into a mere museum piece."

It was the first time a notice seeking the removal of the Election Commission chief was issues with the signature of 130 Lok Sabha MPs and 63 Rajya Sabha members.

Members were informed that a notice of motion dated March 12, 2026, signed by 63 Members of the Rajya Sabha under Article 324(5) of the Constitution of India, read with Article 124(4), Section 11(2) of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, had been submitted seeking Kumar's removal.

After a careful and objective assessment of all relevant aspects and issues involved, the Chairman, Rajya Sabha, exercised the powers vested under Section 3 of the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, and refused to admit the notice of motion.

Separately, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also rejected the Opposition's notice seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Lok Sabha Speaker exercised the powers vested in him under the provisions of the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, to reject the motion.
New Delhi, April 7 : Flight operations between India and West Asia have been severely disrupted since the outbreak of conflict in the region, with over 10,000 flights operated by Indian carriers cancelled so far, a senior government official said on Tuesday.

According to Asangba Chuba Ao, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Indian airlines that earlier operated around 300 to 350 daily flights to West Asia are now operating only 80 to 90 flights per day.

The sharp decline highlights the scale of disruption caused by the ongoing war in the region.

The conflict began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, leading to widespread airspace restrictions and safety concerns across key flight routes.

The latest figures mark a significant increase from earlier data shared in Parliament. On March 16, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu informed the Lok Sabha that Indian carriers had cancelled over 4,335 flights, while foreign airlines cancelled up to 1,187 flights due to rising tensions in West Asia.

The minister had emphasised that passenger safety remains the top priority for both the government and airlines.

"Indian carriers have cancelled 4,335 flights and foreign carriers have cancelled up to 1,187 flights. The first thing we have to remember is safety. If the airspace itself is closed, there is no need for us to operate in this area," he said.

He explained that flight operations are suspended whenever airspace in conflict zones is closed, making it unsafe for aircraft to operate.

Despite the disruptions, a considerable number of passengers have continued to travel.

The minister noted that nearly 2.19 lakh passengers flew during the initial phase of the crisis, even as tensions remained high.

Authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, are closely monitoring the situation and remain in constant contact with international counterparts.

Officials have said that normal flight operations will resume only after airspace restrictions are lifted and safety conditions improve.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 7 : A sharp and unusually personal war of words between the Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan escalated on Tuesday, turning into a full-blown political slugfest that has drawn national attention.

The exchange was triggered by Reddy, who opened the salvo with a pointed "po mone Vijaya" (go away, Vijayan), a remark that quickly went viral and set the tone for an increasingly bitter back and forth.

Doubling down, the Telangana Chief Minister on Tuesday said he viewed Vijayan's counterattacks as a "blessing" and insisted he was unfazed.

He also accused Vijayan of insulting the people of Kerala and declared that "his time is over", before signing off with a curt "bye bye Pinarayi".

Reddy claimed that the Kerala Chief Minister had failed to respond to key political questions, including allegations of aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

While maintaining that he respected Vijayan's age and office, the Telangana Chief Minister took a swipe by describing PM Modi as Vijayan's "brother", a remark loaded with political insinuation.

The controversy deepened after Vijayan's barb on Tuesday "dash mone" retort had already stirred debate over the tone of political discourse.

Seeking to regain the narrative, the Kerala Chief Minister responded with a formal letter addressed to "Dear Revanth Reddy", in which he laid out Kerala's developmental achievements in a measured, if pointed, rebuttal.

With Reddy having the first word and the last, the episode underscores a coarsening of political exchanges between the senior leaders.

What might once have remained a regional spat has now evolved into a high decibel confrontation, reflecting the increasingly combative tenor of contemporary Indian politics, where even Chief Ministers are not above trading barbs that resonate far beyond their states.

Reddy's arrival for the poll campaign in Kerala had generated intense interest, the second time after his barb had turned viral and now with Vijayan making it clear, a reply would be soon send, all eyes are on when it would happen as on Thursday the state goes to the polls to elect 140 new legislators.
New Delhi, April 7 : The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) on Tuesday organised a pre-bid conference here for prospective bidders under the 'Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets' (REPM), drawing participation from at least 25 companies.

During the conference, ministry officials made detailed presentations on the scheme's contours, key RFP provisions, and procedural aspects of the bidding process.

In the event, participant queries were addressed, and bidders were informed that the last date to submit queries via email is 22 April 2026.

The bidding process will be conducted online in a transparent two-stage manner under the Least Cost Selection (LCS) mechanism via the CPP Portal, with the final bid submission deadline set for 28 May 2026, according to the government.

Key selection criteria include fulfilment of eligibility requirements, submission of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) as per RFP guidelines, and LCS-based selection of technically qualified bidders, it said.

In addition, a maximum of five entities will be selected, each establishing facilities of up to 1,200 MTPA, cumulatively reaching the 6,000 MTPA target.

The MHI had earlier released the Request for Proposal (RFP), inviting bids to set up integrated REPM manufacturing facilities in India with a total capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) and a scheme outlay of Rs 7,280 crore.

REPMs, among the strongest permanent magnets, are critical for electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics, aerospace, and defence applications.

The scheme supports the establishment of integrated facilities, covering the entire value chain from rare earth oxides to metals, alloys, and finished REPMs.

MHI said the initiative is expected to bolster domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and create a globally competitive REPM ecosystem in India.

Earlier in the Parliament session, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India holds rare earth oxide resources of approximately 8.52 million tonnes.

The minister also stated that the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research has identified 7.23 million tonnes of total rare earth oxide equivalent contained in monazite deposits across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

An additional 1.29 million tonnes of rare earth resources have been identified in hard rock terrains in Gujarat and Rajasthan, according to him.
New Delhi, April 7 : The Supreme Court has ruled that a High Court cannot waive the statutory penalty payable on deficient stamp duty, holding that such power lies exclusively with the competent authority under the relevant Stamp Act.

In a significant judgment, a bench of Justices Sanjay Kumar and K. Vinod Chandran set aside a Karnataka High Court order to the extent it had exempted payment of penalty while directing payment of deficient stamp duty on lease documents.

The apex court was dealing with an appeal arising out of a long-pending partition suit filed in 2008, where the admissibility of two lease documents was contested on the ground of insufficient stamping.

The Justice Sanjay Kumar-led Bench clarified that once an instrument is found to be insufficiently stamped, its impounding is mandatory under the Karnataka Stamp Act, 1957, and the statutory scheme leaves no room for courts to dilute penalty provisions in the manner adopted by the High Court.

"The High Court cannot, by itself, direct payment of stamp duty and absolve the penalty which is otherwise mandated under the statute," the top court observed, adding that the determination of deficit duty and imposition of penalty falls within the domain of the Deputy Commissioner under the statute under the Karnataka Stamp Act.

Clarifying the legal position, the Supreme Court held that when a party seeks to have an insufficiently stamped document admitted in evidence before a court, the imposition of a penalty is mandatory and not subject to judicial discretion.

"There lies no discretion on the Court in imposing a penalty less than ten times the deficit duty when the instrument is sought to be admitted in evidence," the judgment stated.

However, the bench also stated that if the document is transmitted to the Deputy Commissioner, the authority may exercise discretion to reduce or refund the excess penalty in accordance with law, though such discretion cannot be exercised by the High Court in its supervisory jurisdiction.

While granting liberty to the plaintiffs to choose between paying duty and penalty before the court or seeking adjudication by the Deputy Commissioner, it clarified that the liability to pay stamp duty and penalty in lease transactions rests on the lessee.

The Supreme Court also declined the plea for expeditious trial of the suit independent of stamp duty proceedings, making it clear that the documents can be admitted in evidence only after due compliance with the Stamp Act.

Setting aside the Karnataka High Courtas direction insofar as it waived the penalty, the apex court disposed of the appeal without expressing any opinion on the merits of the underlying civil dispute. The appeal was drafted and filed by Ayush Negi and argued by senior advocate Nachiketa Joshi, along with advocate Aarushi Gupta, appearing for the petitioner.

--IANS

pds/vd
Bhopal, April 7 : In a significant political development on Tuesday, Madhya Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Hemant Khandelwal met senior party leader and former State Home Minister Narottam Mishra.

State BJP President Khandelwal reached Mishra's official residence located in Char Imli area in Bhopal. Subsequently, both leaders held a closed-door meeting, which lasted nearly half-an-hour.

The BJP said it was a courtesy meeting between both senior party leaders; however, this crucial meeting has triggered speculation over the party's strategy for the upcoming bypoll in Datia Assembly constituency.

Sources in the BJP told IANS that the discussion largely revolved around electoral preparedness in Datia, an Assembly constituency that has long been considered a stronghold of Narottam Mishra.

A five-time (from 2005 to 2023) Former Minister Narottam Mishra had represented the Datia Assembly seat thrice before he lost to Congress' Rajendra Bharti in the last election held in November-December 2023.

The renewed political focus on Datia comes after a Delhi's Special MP-MLA Court convicted Bharti in connection with a bank fraud case and sentenced him to three years imprisonment, following, which he was disqualified from the Madhya Pradesh Assembly on April 2.

Interestingly, this crucial meeting comes soon after the Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued notices on petitions filed by Bharti, challenging his conviction and three-year sentence in the Garmin Vikas Bank cheating case, which led to his disqualification from the State Assembly.

Delhi High Court's bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, however, denied Bharti any interim relief at this stage, and fixed the matter for next hearing on April 15.

The court sought the Madhya Pradesh government's response to Bharti's plea challenging his conviction and three-year sentence awarded by a Special MP-MLA court in New Delhi on April 1.

It also issued notice on his separate petition seeking a stay on the conviction and sentence, but refrained from passing any immediate order in his favour.

The High Court also issued notice on Bharti's plea seeking directions to the Election Commission of India not to announce the election schedule for the Datia Assembly constituency, which fell vacant following his disqualification after conviction.

However, the court did not stay the election process or restrain the poll panel from proceeding.

Congress leader Bharti moved the High Court seeking urgent intervention, saying that the announcement of the election schedule would cause irreparable harm to his political career while his appeal against conviction remains pending.

On April 1, a Special MP-MLA court in Delhi convicted Bharti in the Rural Development Bank fraud case and sentenced him to three years' imprisonment.

The trial court, however, granted him bail, allowing him to remain out of custody while pursuing legal remedies.

Following the conviction, Bharti was disqualified as an MLA, rendering the Datia Assembly seat vacant, and triggering the possibility of a bypoll.
Kolkata, April 7 : BJP candidate from Galsi Assembly constituency in West Bengal's East Burdwan district, Raju Patra, on Tuesday came to file his nomination on a bulldozer.

Kolkata, April 7 (IANS) BJP candidate from Galsi Assembly constituency in West Bengalas East Burdwan district, Raju Patra, on Tuesday came to file his nomination on a bulldozer.

His message was loud and clear. He will wipe out everything from atrocities, corruption, torture of mothers and sisters, to lack of development, with a bulldozer, if he wins the election. Along with that, he will stand by the Hindus' side.

A different level of campaigning strategy was seen in East Burdwan on Tuesday. BJP candidate Raju Patra, who came to file his nomination on a bulldozer, attracted attention.

He claimed that 'Bulldozer Raj' will be introduced in West Bengal to curb crimes like murder, rape and extortion, inspired by the abulldozer modela of Uttar Pradesh.

"A bulldozer model would be implemented in West Bengal to curb crimes like murder, rape, and extortion after taking inspiration from Uttar Pradesh. I will ensure that no such crimes take place once I am elected," the BJP candidate told local media persons.

Strong preparations were made in East Burdwan district on Tuesday for the BJPas candidateas nomination programme. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya was present as the chief guest.

On this day, candidates from Galsi, Ausgram, Bardhaman Uttar, Bardhaman Dakshin and Bhatar constituencies gathered from Burdwan Railway Station to file their nominations.

On the other hand, candidates from Memari, Khandaghosh, Jamalpur and Raina constituencies also joined the procession from Baranilpur intersection.

The processions from both directions met at the important place of the city, which is Curzon Gate. From there, the candidates left together to file their nominations.

The first phase of voting in Bengal will be held on April 23, with 152 seats going to the polls, while in the second phase on April 29, voting will be held for 142 seats.

The results of the Assembly elections will be declared on May 4.
Ankara, April 7 : All three attackers were killed after a gunfight erupted with police personnel deployed outside the building housing the closed Israeli Consulate in Turkey's Istanbul city on Tuesday. The gunfire erupted outside the consulate building in Besiktas district, local media reported.

Turkey's Justice Minister Akin Gurlek stated that Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation after receiving reports of gunfire sounds in the vicinity of the Israeli Consulate in Besiktas, country's leading media outlet Daily Sabah reported.

In a post on X, Gurlek stated, "Upon the reports of gunfire sounds in the vicinity of the Israeli Consulate located in the Besiktas district of Istanbul, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has immediately initiated an investigation. Within the scope of the investigation, one deputy chief public prosecutor and two public prosecutors have been assigned; our public prosecutors have promptly arrived at the scene and begun examinations."

"Under the coordination of our Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, in collaboration with relevant law enforcement units, the work is ongoing for the purpose of fully elucidating the incident, and the investigation is being conducted meticulously and in a multifaceted manner," he added.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gul said that Consulate building has not been actively used for diplomatic purposes for approximately 2.5 years. He mentioned that two police personnel also suffered minor injuries in the exchange of fire.

Turkey's Minister of Interior Mustafa Ciftci later said that the three attackers who were involved in an armed clash with Turkish police personnel were neutralised. He stated that the terrorists have been identified.

"Three individuals who engaged in an armed clash with our police officers on duty in front of the YapA Kredi Plaza Blocks in Istanbul have been neutralized. In the clash, two of our heroic police officers sustained minor injuries. The identities of the terrorists have been identified. It has been determined that the individuals, who arrived in Istanbul by a rental vehicle from Izmit, include one with ties to an organisation that exploits religion; and it has also been established that one of the two terrorists, who are brothers, has a drug record," Mustafa Ciftci posted on X.

Preliminary assessments have indicated that no diplomatic personnel were present at the site of the incident, Daily Sabah reported.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 7 : Expressing strong confidence ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday asserted that the United Democratic Front (UDF) is headed for a "fairly clear-cut win", citing widespread anti-incumbency against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government and growing public desire for change.

Thiruvananthapuram, April 7 (IANS) Expressing strong confidence ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday asserted that the United Democratic Front (UDF) is headed for a "fairly clear-cut win", citing widespread anti-incumbency against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government and growing public desire for change.

Dismissing the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) prospects in the state, Tharoor termed it a "zero-seat party" in the Kerala Assembly at present. "If at all they manage to get one, two or even three seats, it will be nothing short of a miracle. They are not a factor in government formation," he said.

Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his frequent rallies in Kerala, Tharoor said the BJP's national appeal does not translate into state-level gains. "People know he is not going to be the Chief Minister here. So whatever little gains the BJP may get in parliamentary elections are irrelevant when it comes to deciding who will govern Kerala," he remarked.

He further urged voters not to "waste" anti-incumbency votes on the BJP. "If people want change, they should vote for the UDF so that we can form a strong and effective government with a convincing majority," he said.

On governance issues, Tharoor questioned the LDF government's claims of progress, including housing and infrastructure development. He said previous UDF governments, including the one led by former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, had delivered comparable or better results. He also pointed out that key projects like the Vizhinjam port were initiated under UDF rule, despite earlier opposition from the Left.

Referring to disaster management, including issues in Wayanad, Tharoor said accountability must lie with the ruling government. "When disasters occur, it is the responsibility of the state government. They have access to multiple relief funds and mechanisms. The question must be askedwhat have they done?" he said, while noting that opposition parties like the Congress and the Indian Union Muslim League had voluntarily contributed to relief efforts.

Addressing the ongoing tensions in West Asia, Tharoor said India should take a proactive role in advocating peace. "The conflict is affecting not just the region but countries like India that depend on energy supplies. India must be a strong voice for peace," he said, while welcoming any diplomatic outreach by the Prime Minister to regional leaders.

When asked about the possibility of becoming Chief Minister, Tharoor dismissed the idea as hypothetical. "The Congress has a clear process. After elections, elected MLAs and the party leadership decide. I am not a candidate, but I will always be available to assist whoever takes on the responsibility," he said.

The Kerala Assembly elections are set to take place on April 9, with results to be declared on May 4.
Dhar, April 7 : National President of the Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad (International Hindu Council), Pravin Togadia, visited the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar on Tuesday amid an ongoing satyagraha by the Hindu community.

"How can namaz be performed at a place where clear evidence of a Hindu temple exists? The Mughal era is over. The current governments are committed to protecting religious rights. Hindus must be given full, uninterrupted right to worship at their sacred sites," he asserted.

Hundreds of devotees gathered in the morning for collective recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa and performed traditional worship rituals at the site, which is currently under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

After the satyagraha, Togadia inspected the entire premises. Later, speaking to the media, he recalled his participation in the movement 23 years ago to open the locks of Bhojshala, when over one lakh people had assembled.

He said he had returned to seek the darshan and blessings of Maa Saraswati (Goddess Vagdevi).

Pointing to visible Hindu symbols inside the complex, including a Shivling, statue of Lord Kartikeya, shankh (conch shell), and Kaal Sarpa Yoga chakra carvings on the walls, Togadia questioned the practice of offering namaz at the site.

He strongly demanded the reinstallation of the original idol of Goddess Vagdevi, complete access for Hindu worship, and withdrawal of permission for namaz at the disputed structure.

Referring to the ongoing scientific survey ordered by the court, Togadia expressed confidence that inscriptions, artefacts, and findings would reveal the true original nature of Bhojshala.

He said the ASI report had already indicated pre-existing temple structures and added that Hindus had waited long enough.

Togadia also urged organisational strengthening through weekly collective recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa every Tuesday and Saturday.

He said that in the coming year, the aim was to organise such recitations at one lakh locations across the country to connect with 10 crore Hindu families.

He also appealed to families to educate daughters on right and wrong from an early age and maintain societal unity and vigilance for their security.

The Bhojshala dispute has been a long-standing issue, with the ASI's scientific survey report (submitted in 2024 and opened in 2026) highlighting temple remains used in the construction of the Kamal Maula Mosque.

The matter is currently under judicial review at the Madhya Pradesh High Court, where a day-to-day hearing is going on.

Togadia's visit has further intensified demands for restoring the site fully as a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, originally built by Raja Bhoj.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Bulawayo High Court has denied bail to a man accused of masterminding a daring US$4 million robbery at an Ecobank branch, in a case that has drawn widespread public attention.The suspect, Bhekani Milo, is facing charges linked to a high-stakes heist that unfolded on October 3, 2024, at Ecobank's Parkade branch in Bulawayo.According to court documents, Milo and his alleged accomplices travelled from South Africa in a white Ford Ranger, switching number plates along the way before carrying out the robbery.The gang is accused of intercepting a Safeguard Private Security cash-in-transit vehicle, holding guards at gunpoint, and making off with cash boxes containing more than US$4.4 million. Three firearms were also reportedly taken during the incident.Investigations into the robbery triggered a cross-border manhunt. Two alleged accomplices, Elijah and Abraham Vumbunu, were arrested in South Africa and are awaiting extradition, while Milo was apprehended in Botswana in July last year following an extensive search.He was later extradited to Zimbabwe in November 2025.Prosecutors told the court that the State has a strong case against Milo, citing key evidence including the recovery of the suspected getaway vehicle and witnesses prepared to testify, one of whom allegedly attended a planning meeting in South Africa.The State also argued that the seriousness of the charges and the likelihood of a lengthy prison sentence increased the risk that Milo could abscond if released on bail.In his defence, Milo denied involvement, claiming he was in Mozambique at the time of the robbery. He described himself as a family man and offered to surrender his passport as assurance that he would not flee.However, presiding judge Evangelista Kabasa dismissed the application, citing a high risk of flight."The applicant is well travelled and the lack of a passport, with our porous borders, cannot stop one from travelling," she said, adding that the lengthy and complex process required to secure his arrest underscored the risk.Justice Kabasa ruled that granting bail would undermine the administration of justice, ordering that Milo remain in custody as the case proceeds.The case continues to unfold as authorities pursue the remaining suspects and prepare for trial.
Kolkata, April 7 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday launched a scathing attack against the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the special intensive revision (SIR) in West Bengal, accusing the Commission of not even sparing members of different religious and charitable organisations in the exercise.

The Chief Minister addressed three campaign rallies in Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts. In two of the rallies, she specifically named the Swami Vivekananda-founded Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission and the Mother Teresa-founded Missionaries of Charity while attacking the Commission.

She said she felt sad on hearing that the names of 300 individuals attached to the Missionaries of Charity had been deleted in the course of the SIR exercise.

"Even monks of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission had not been spared, she added.

According to her, the Commission specially targeted districts with high populations of minorities and socially backward communities during the SIR exercise, with maximum names being deleted from these areas.

She said maximum deletions had taken place in districts like Malda, Murshidabad, North Dinajpur, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, and Nadia.

"In the Bangaon subdivision of North 24 Parganas, people from the Matua community had been targeted. Areas like Chakdaha and Haringhata in Nadia and Gaighata in North 24 Parganas had witnessed high deletion of names from the voters' list," she added.

The Chief Minister also accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) of having a clandestine understanding with the Bharatiya Janata Party in several assembly constituencies.

She said CPI(M) leaders knew they would not win and would try to ensure BJP's victory by dividing anti-BJP votes.

She added that CPI(M) leaders were resorting to tall talk even after being reduced to zero in the 2021 assembly polls and should be reduced to zero again this time.

Speaking on the occasion, she said the Trinamool Congress would give all necessary assistance to voters whose names had been deleted, so that they could regain their voting rights by approaching the Appellate Tribunals constituted for that purpose.

She alleged that the only aim of the BJP and the Commission was to selectively delete voters' names and asserted she would never allow them to succeed in that mission.
Kolkata, April 7 : Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday accused the BJP government of failing to honour promises to the Rajbanshi community in north Bengal, alleging that their pride has been hurt.

Banerjee addressed the issue while campaigning in Natabari of Cooch Behar district. He also accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of causing delay in recognising the Rajbanshi language under the Constitution's Eighth Schedule.

"In February this year, the state government had sent a letter to the Central Home Secretary to include the Rajbanshi language in the Eighth Schedule. However, the Center did not give any proper response to that letter. The Centre is not serious about the welfare and demands of the Rajbanshi community," said Banerjee while addressing a public meeting.

Banerjee also launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that the "BJP is using religion only as a shield for politics, they have no real devotion."

He mentioned the Prime Ministeras meeting at Ras Mela Maidan in Cooch Behar last Sunday and said, "The Prime Minister held a meeting at Ras Mela Maidan, but did not go to the temple of Madan Mohan Thakur. The temple is only 2-3 minutes walk from the meeting venue. Those who claim to be followers of Hinduism do not even express their desire to go to temples and offer puja when they come to political meetings. BJP is not able to fight politically and is doing politics using religion as a shield."

Abhishek Banerjee also listed a bunch of afragilea promises made by the Centre. He questioned what happened to the promises made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah between 2019 and 2024.

In his words, "Narayana Battalion in Cooch Behar, Para Military Training Centre named after Chila Roy or a memorial to Thakur Panchanan Barma a" the central government has done nothing. The promise of tourism development centred around Madan Mohan, Jalpesh or Kamleshwari temples or the construction of AIIMS in north Bengal has also not been fulfilled."

On the contrary, claiming the success of the state government, he said, "I am saying on record that whatever development has taken place in West Bengal has been done by the hands of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee."

He urged the people of north Bengal to give their answer to this neglect by the Centre at the ballot box.
New Delhi, April 7 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached movable and immovable properties valued at Rs 39.45 crore belonging to Al-Falah Charitable Trust and its Chairman as well as Managing Trustee Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, an official said on Tuesday.

"The properties attached by the ED's High Intensity Unit's Headquarters Office, include residential premises of Siddiqui situated in Jamia Nagar at Delhi's Okhla, agriculture land at Dhauj village in Faridabad adjacent to the Al-Falah University Campus, demat holdings, bank balances and fixed deposits, of Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui and Al-Falah Charitable Trust," the official said in a statement.

On Saturday, a Delhi court remanded Siddiqui in 14 days of judicial custody in connection with a money laundering case and illegal acquisition of Rs 45 crore land in the city.

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) investigation emanates from three FIRs registered by Delhi Police.

"These are FIR dated November 13, 2025, second FIR dated November 13, 2025 by Delhi Police's Crime Branch, and the third FIR dated January 10, 2026 by Palam Police Station in South West Delhi," the statement said.

All FIRs invoke offences of cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy and related provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which constitute Scheduled Offence under PMLA, 2002.

"The FIRs alleged that Al-Falah University, promoted by the Al-Falah Charitable Trust, falsely projected expired NAAC 'A' grade accreditations as valid and also claimed non-existent UGC Section 12B recognition," the ED said.

The Al-Falah School of Medical Sciences and Research Centre was found to be engaged in malpractices, including deployment of "on-paper faculty", "fake patients" to secure National Medical Commission (NMC) approvals.

The ED filed a charge sheet dated January 16 before the Special Court (PMLA) at Saket in Delhi against Siddiqui and Al-Falah Charitable Trust.

Investigation by the ED revealed generation of Rs 493.24 crore as proceeds of crime by the Trust/University from FY 2016-17 to 2024-25, through these scheduled offences.

It said the proceeds of crime were diverted to entities controlled by Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui and his family members, including Karkun Construction and Developers, Amla Enterprises LLP and Diyala Construction and Developers Private Limited.

The proceeds diverted to these entities were further siphoned off to foreign destination, the ED said.

On January 16, the ED attached land and building at the Al-Falah University Campus in Faridabad's Dhauj valued at Rs 144.09 crore.

These attachments form part of the ongoing investigation into proceeds of crime generated through the scheduled offences, the statement said.
Kolkata/New Delhi, April 7 : Strongly condemning the alleged attack on judicial officers in West Bengal's Malda district, the Calcutta High Court Bar Association on Tuesday passed a resolution suspending one of its members and calling for strict action against those involved.

In a resolution adopted at an urgent general body meeting held at 1:30 p.m., the Bar body expressed "grave concern" over the incident that took place in the early hours of April 1 at Kaliachak in Malda, where seven judicial officers  including three women  were allegedly held hostage for nearly nine hours during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

"We, the members of the Bar Association High Court, Calcutta, are excruciatingly perturbed by the disturbing visuals and the news that have been circulated widely regarding the cowardly and dastardly attack on the judiciary and its organs," the resolution stated.

Terming the incident as an "arduous and obnoxious criminal act", the Bar Association said the legal fraternity "cannot remain unflustered" in the face of such attacks on the judiciary and described the episode as a deliberate attempt to spread "a staid terror message" across the state.

The resolution also expressed concern over the alleged inaction of the police during the incident.

"We are apprised of the fact that the police administration has acted like a mere spectator and allowed such barbarism and unchecked hooliganism to continue for about nine hours," it said.

The resolution noted that advocate Mofakkerul Islam, a member of the Bar Association, has been named as the "principal perpetrator" behind the incident and the alleged instigation of the mob.

Condemning the conduct in the strongest terms, the Bar body resolved to suspend Islam from its membership with immediate effect.

"Under the circumstances we unanimously resolve to suspend said Advocate Mofakkerul Islam from the membership of this esteemed Bar Association of High Court at Calcutta till the criminal proceeding concludes," the resolution read.

It further stated that disciplinary proceedings would be initiated for his expulsion and that a request would be made to the Bar Council of West Bengal for his de-enrolment.

"We shall request the Bar Council of West Bengal to de-enrol this errant advocate for his criminal acts, which is against the ethos of a learned advocate," it added.

Meanwhile, taking serious note of the incident, the Supreme Court has directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the probe into the Malda episode, invoking its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant observed that the allegations against the West Bengal Police warranted an independent investigation and ordered the anti-terror agency to probe all 12 FIRs registered in connection with the incident.

The apex court also permitted the NIA to register additional FIRs if a wider conspiracy is unearthed, directed periodic status reports to be filed before it, and asked the state police to hand over all evidence and extend full cooperation.

The apex court had earlier termed the incident a "brazen attempt" to browbeat the judiciary and flagged the alleged failure of the state administration to respond effectively despite being alerted.
New Delhi, April 7 : The Centre announced on Tuesday that it has doubled the daily quantity of 5 kg LPG cylinders being provided to each state for disbursal to migrant labourers.

"The supply of 5 kg LPG cylinders is being doubled based on the average daily supply to migrant labourers during March 2-3, 2026, beyond the limit of 20 per cent mentioned in the letter dated March 21. These 5 kg cylinders will be at the disposal of the state government for supplying only to migrant labourers in their state with assistance of the public sector oil marketing companies," the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said in a statement.

Since March 23, about 7.8 lakh 5-kg free trade LPG cylinders have been sold. More than 1.06 lakh 5 kg cylinders were sold across the country on Monday against a daily average of 7,7000 in the month of February, the statement said.

The public sector oil companies have also organised around 1,300 awareness camps for 5 kg cylinders during the last four days, in which more than 10,000 cylinders were sold.

The overall LPG supply continues to be affected by the prevailing geopolitical situation, but the supply of domestic LPG cylinders remains normal, and no dry-outs have been reported at distributorships, the statement said.

Online LPG bookings have increased to about 96 per cent of the total, while delivery authentication code (DAC) based deliveries have increased to around 90 per cent to prevent diversion.

Total commercial LPG allocation has been increased to about 70 per cent of pre-crisis levels, including the 10 per cent form-linked allocation.

About 86,439 metric tonnes of commercial LPG (equivalent to over 45.5 lakh 19 kg cylinders) have been sold since March 14, while more than 3.4 lakh 19 kg cylinders were sold on Monday.

A three-member committee of Executive Directors from Indian Oil, HPCL and BPCL is coordinating with state authorities and industry bodies to plan commercial LPG distribution.

Meanwhile, enforcement actions continue across the country to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG, and more than 4,300 raids were conducted, and over 1200 cylinders were seized across the country on Monday, the statement said.

States have also been advised to facilitate the new PNG connections for both domestic and commercial consumers.

All refineries are operating at high capacity, with adequate crude inventories in place. The country is also maintaining sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel. Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption, the statement said.

The Government is making all efforts to ensure the availability of petrol, diesel and LPG, and citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of the fuels as well as unnecessary booking of LPG. Citizens are requested to use digital modes for booking of LPG cylinders and avoid visiting LPG distributors unless necessary, the statement said.

The statement also urged households to use alternative fuels such as PNG, induction and electric cooktops wherever feasible. In the current situation, all citizens are requested to make necessary efforts to conserve energy in their daily usage.

People are also advised to beware of rumours and rely only on official sources for correct information.
Jammu, April 7 : J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reviewed the progress of the construction of high court complexes in the Union Territory.

Officials said the Chief Minister chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the progress on the construction of the new High Court complexes for the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court at Srinagar and Jammu wings, underscoring the need for expeditious execution of the prestigious judicial infrastructure projects, and emphasised time-bound completion and inter-departmental coordination, directing all departments concerned and executing agencies to fast-track the projects.

Abdullah also called for early grant of administrative approval for the Jammu wing at Raika, which is envisioned as a modern, integrated judicial complex. The project, being executed by the National Buildings Construction Corporation Ltd (NBCC), involves the relocation of the existing High Court from Janipur to a purpose-built campus at Raika, designed to accommodate the growing requirements of the judiciary.

The new complex is planned with state-of-the-art courtrooms, judgesa chambers, administrative blocks, litigant facilities, parking infrastructure, and digital-enabled court systems, aligning with contemporary standards of judicial functioning.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary PWD, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg, Law Secretary Achal Sethi, Director General Codes Mahesh Das, Director General Budget, senior officers, and representatives of NBCC.

NBCC officials informed the meeting that the project is being executed in multiple phases (Phases I, II, and III) to ensure structured development and optimal resource utilisation. A detailed presentation highlighted the site layout, area distribution (area matrix), zoning plan, and phased construction strategy, along with timelines and execution challenges.

The Chief Minister also reviewed proposals for the redevelopment of the Lower Court Complex in Srinagar, which aims to modernise the existing judicial infrastructure in Kashmir. These projects are expected to improve accessibility, case handling efficiency, and overall litigant experience. Stressing the importance of robust judicial infrastructure, he directed officials to ensure strict adherence to timelines, quality benchmarks, and transparency in execution.

He called for regular monitoring and resolution of bottlenecks, particularly in approvals, fund flow, and on-ground coordination.

The Chief Minister observed that modern court infrastructure is essential for efficient justice delivery and public trust in the legal system, and reiterated the governmentas commitment to strengthening institutional capacity across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
Chennai, April 7 : A political controversy has erupted ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections after Chief Minister M. K. Stalin strongly criticised his Maharashtra counterpart Devendra Fadnavis over his remarks linking the proposed Madurai Metro project to the electoral success of the BJP in the state.

The row began after Fadnavis, speaking to the media following the nomination filing of BJP candidate Rama Sreenivasan in Madurai on Monday, suggested that the Metro Rail project for the city would gain momentum if the BJP secured a victory in the constituency.

He reportedly stated that once a BJP MLA is elected and meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the long-pending project could be facilitated.

Reacting sharply, Stalin took to X to question the propriety of such a statement. He accused Fadnavis of attempting to "bargain and blackmail" voters by implying that key infrastructure projects would be contingent upon electoral outcomes favouring a particular party.

aIs it the duty of a Chief Minister to suggest that a city will receive development projects only if a BJP MLA is elected?" Stalin asked, terming the remarks inappropriate and undemocratic.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister further said that such comments undermine the spirit of the Constitution and the principles of cooperative federalism. He argued that development projects should not be politicised or used as leverage during election campaigns, especially by leaders holding constitutional offices in other states.

Stalin also raised concerns about the broader implications of such statements, noting that they could set a dangerous precedent where essential infrastructure becomes subject to political bargaining.

He emphasised that governance must remain impartial and not be influenced by electoral considerations.

The controversy also brings renewed focus on the status of metro rail proposals for tier-two cities in Tamil Nadu. In November last year, the Union government declined proposals for metro projects in Madurai and Coimbatore, citing population criteria under the 2017 Metro Rail policy. According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, both cities fell short of the prescribed 20-lakh population threshold based on the 2011 Census.

Instead, the Centre recommended exploring more cost-effective urban transport solutions such as Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRTS), returning the detailed project reports submitted by the state government. With elections approaching, the exchange has added a fresh political dimension to the debate over infrastructure development and Centre-State relations.
Mumbai, April 7 : A major illegal abortion and sex determination racket has been busted in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, with four persons, including two nurse sisters, arrested and the alleged mastermind absconding, officials said on Tuesday.

The legal action was carried out in the Satara area of the city by a joint team of the municipal corporation's health department and the police, leading to the closure of an illegal facility allegedly operating for a long time.

According to officials, the two arrested sisters are trained General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) nurses, who had been misusing their profession, to run an organised network of illegal abortions and sex determination tests.

Acting on specific inputs, the joint team conducted a raid at the premises, where a woman had been brought for an abortion and was found writhing in severe pain.

She was immediately rescued and admitted to a government hospital for urgent medical care, officials said.

During the operation, police also arrested the person who had brought the woman to the centre.

In addition, a doctor identified during the investigation has been taken into custody for allegedly conducting sonography tests and referring patients to the illegal facility.

The alleged kingpin of the racket, identified as Jyoti Pawar, managed to evade arrest and is currently absconding. However, a raid at her residence led to the seizure of portable medical equipment and a large stock of abortion-related drugs.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were charging around Rs 15,000 for illegal sex determination tests, while abortions were carried out for significantly higher amounts, running into lakhs of rupees.

The case has raised serious concerns over the continued prevalence of illegal medical practices, particularly those linked to sex determination, which is banned under Indian law.

Officials said the racket may have been operating across multiple locations, with possible links extending to nearby areas such as Sillod. Special police teams have been formed to trace the absconding accused and uncover the wider network.

Health Officer Paras Mandlecha said that the legal action was initiated based on confidential information.

"We had received specific inputs, following which a joint operation was conducted. Illegal equipment and medicines were recovered from the spot. Strict action will be taken against all those involved in this network," he added.

Police added that further investigation is underway and more arrests are likely in connection with the racket.
New Delhi, April 7 : Advocating responsible and accountable use of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, Vice President (V-P) C.P. Radhakrishnan said on Tuesday that scientific advancement should be guided by Bharat's ethical values.

Addressing the 39th Convocation Ceremony of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) where more than 3.2 lakh learners received their degrees, diplomas and certificates, the Vice President said that the greatest strength of Bharat lies in its belief in ethical values.

"He emphasised that modern development must go hand in hand with our traditions, and that scientific advancement should be guided by ethical values," a statement said.

Welcoming the adoption of the National Education Policy (NEP), Vice-President Radhakrishnan noted that IGNOU has introduced four-year undergraduate programmes with multiple exit options, making higher education more flexible and learner-centric.

He also commended the integration of Indian knowledge systems with modern education.

The Vice President said that emerging tools such as Artificial Intelligence can enhance learning experiences, improve student support and enable personalised education.

He added that there is no need to be afraid of modern developments.

He noted that there were apprehensions when computers were introduced in the country, with fears that they would take away jobs, however, they ultimately generated more employment and contributed to national growth.

The Vice President released the certificates on Digi Locker under the National Academic Depository (NAD) to ensure easy access for learners across the country.

He also launched the IGNOU Alumni Portal, which has more than five million registrations.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, IGNOU Vice-Chancellor Uma Kanjilal, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Highlighting the transformative role of IGNOU, the Vice President described the university as a pillar of India's open and distance learning ecosystem, significantly expanding access to higher education across the country.

Emphasising its inclusive outreach, he noted that IGNOU has more than 14 lakh learners, with 56 per cent being women and 58 per cent coming from rural and disadvantaged communities.

He remarked that the university's learner base exceeds the population of many countries, reflecting its substantial contribution to educational equity, social mobility, and national development.
New Delhi, April 7 : A day after a security breach at the Delhi Assembly complex, Speaker Vijender Gupta on Tuesday reviewed the security arrangements and suggested installation of hydraulic road blockers and a unified security command structure, an official said.

"The security of the Delhi Legislative Assembly cannot allow the slightest lapse. It must rest on vigilance, clarity of command and seamless coordination at every level," said Gupta, while chairing a high-level review meeting.

Taking serious note of the breach within the Assembly premises, Gupta observed that the incident, which unfolded within a short span and affected designated official movement, including that of the Speaker's vehicle, calls for a decisive strengthening of systems.

The security review meeting coincided with a Delhi court sending Sarabjit Singh, the accused who rammed his car into the Assembly gates, to eight days of police custody.

The Speaker directed immediate measures, including installation of hydraulic road blockers at all gates, reinforcement of access control points, and creation of a more responsive on-ground security mechanism within the premises.

The meeting was attended by Navin Kumar Choudhary, Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department, Additional Secretary, Home and senior officers of Delhi Police.

The sequence of events linked to the security breach by an SUV, which rammed through the high-security boundary gates of the Assembly complex, was also reviewed during the meeting.

Gupta stressed that no vehicle should be permitted entry without proper security clearance and verification under any circumstances.

To ensure rapid response within the premises, Gupta directed the deployment of a dedicated mobile patrol vehicle capable of swift movement and immediate intervention, including the ability to intercept or block unauthorised movement.

The Speaker also called for strengthening of physical infrastructure at access points, noting that gate systems must be robust enough to withstand forceful entry attempts. In this context, Gupta directed that appropriate reinforcement measures be undertaken alongside the installation of hydraulic road blockers to create an additional layer of protection of all gates.

The Speaker commended the prompt and decisive action of Delhi Police in swiftly identifying and apprehending the accused by maintaining both institutional credibility and public confidence.

Emphasising that preparedness must be matched with accountability, Gupta called for a clearly defined and unified command structure between CRPF and Delhi Police, with a single point of authority to ensure coordinated and immediate response in critical situations.

He recommended that each gate be manned by a minimum of two trained personnel of Delhi Police/CRPF to ensure coordinated vigilance, and that all deployed personnel be appropriately equipped and clearly briefed in their responsibilities.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A 17-year-old boy from Inyathi has been sentenced to perform 240 hours of community service after being convicted of raping his 12-year-old cousin.The teenager, from Balanda Village 8, appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Ms. Sibonginkosi Mkandla, who initially handed down an 18-month prison sentence. Six months were suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence, while the remaining 12 months were suspended on condition that he completes community service.Prosecutor Mr. Jethro Mada told the court that the offence occurred on Christmas Day last year at around 8 p.m. The victim was walking home from Balanda Business Centre with a friend when the accused, accompanied by his own friend, approached them.The court heard that the accused grabbed the complainant's hand and dragged her into a nearby bush, where he forcibly removed her clothes and raped her. After fleeing the scene, he later followed the girl again and assaulted her a second time near a dam.Upon reaching home, the complainant reported the incident to her family, who immediately alerted the police. The victim was taken to Inyathi District Hospital for medical examination, and the accused was arrested shortly thereafter.In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Mkandla emphasized the seriousness of the offence but opted for community service in place of imprisonment, citing the offender's age. The ruling has sparked debate over the adequacy of punishments in cases involving sexual violence against minors.
Jammu, April 7 : A unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology is unfolding in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, benefiting over 250 families associated with bamboo craftsmanship for generations.

These residents, having kept their ancestral skills alive, are now integrating modern technology into the existing practices to enhance their output.

The setting up of a Common Facility Centre (CFC) by the government has come as "good support" for the artisans involved in bamboo work.

The primary objective of this centre is to promote bamboo craftsmanship in Jammu & Kashmir and to empower the youth to become self-reliant.

At the CFC, the youth are trained to make a diverse range of bamboo products, including home decor items, furniture, and other utility items.

A key highlight of the centre is the installation of state-of-the-art machinery, which has made the work significantly easier and faster compared to manual methods.

The centre is equipped with several advanced machines for the treatment and processing of bamboo, including bamboo splitting machines, cross-cutting machines, and bamboo slicing machines.

Many youth undergoing training at the CFC are excited to be part of it and are eager to contribute to the bamboo business with newly learned skills.

A trainee, Manjit Singh, said that the craft has been a family tradition, going back generations.

He mentioned that he was sent to Assam by the concerned department to undergo specialised training, and with similar modern machinery available in Jalapar, his work has become much easier and more efficient.

Rajendra Kumar stated that his entire family is involved in bamboo-related work, which serves as their sole means of livelihood. He noted that the establishment of the CFC has made their work easier and more efficient than before.

Preeti Devi remarked that she learned a great deal of new things at this centre. She shared that she is now crafting a variety of new bamboo-based products, and the use of machinery has greatly accelerated the pace of their work.

Ekshu Sharma, Assistant Director of the Handicrafts Department, explained that the objective of this Common Facility Centre is to provide local artisans with a platform where they can further hone their skills and secure a better livelihood.

He noted that an MoU was signed with the NEC BDC in Assam for this initiative, under which state-of-the-art machinery has been installed at the facility.

He added that a large number of young people are currently working at the centre, and the department is striving to give bamboo-based products a distinct identity and to promote them on a larger scale.
Raipur, April 7 : Panic has gripped Mudpar village in Chhattisgarh's Durg district after an outbreak of the highly contagious African Swine Fever (ASF) led to the death of more than 250 pigs, followed by the humane culling of another 82 pigs to prevent further spread.

The crisis began on April 1 when sudden pig deaths were reported at a private pig farm in the village. The death toll rose rapidly within days. The farm owner immediately informed the district Veterinary Department.

A team of officials, wearing full PPE kits, rushed to the spot, conducted an inspection, and collected samples.

On April 2, the samples were sent to the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal. Test results received on April 6 confirmed that all samples were positive for the African Swine Fever virus.

Following the confirmation and in strict adherence to the Government of India's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the remaining 82 pigs were euthanised through injection on expert advice.

All carcasses, both naturally dead and culled, were buried in deep pits with the help of a JCB excavator.

Local officers said reports of pig deaths were received from a farm in Mudpar village.

Samples were immediately collected and sent to the laboratory, where the presence of African Swine Fever was confirmed.

In accordance with the Government of India's SOPs, all pigs at the site were culled.

It was clarified that this disease does not affect humans; it impacts only pigs. The district collector has declared a one-kilometre radius around the affected farm an "Infected Zone", while a ten-kilometre radius has been notified as a "Surveillance Zone".

The farm premises have been sealed by the district administration.

Officials have launched a detailed investigation to trace the source of the pigs, their procurement details, and any previous transport routes.

African Swine Fever is a highly fatal viral disease that affects only domestic and wild pigs, not humans.

It has a mortality rate of nearly 100 per cent among infected animals, and no cure or vaccine is currently available anywhere in the world.

The disease does not transmit to humans and poses no threat to human health.

However, as a precautionary measure, the public has been strictly advised not to consume meat from infected or exposed pigs.

The district Veterinary Department and administration are closely monitoring the surveillance zone to ensure the disease does not spread further.

Pig farmers in the surrounding areas have been alerted to report any unusual deaths immediately.
Mumbai, April 7 : The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, said on Tuesday that Rs 128.65 crore has been disbursed to farmers affected by unseasonal rains in the state.

The aid targets losses incurred between October and December 2025.

The state government has also confirmed that damage assessments (panchnamas) for the more recent spells of unseasonal weather in early 2026 are currently in progress.

The unseasonal rainfall during the final quarter of 2025 caused widespread agricultural distress.

The state government will provide aid to 1,80,574 farmers for the 1,14,752 hectares of agricultural land affected due to unseasonal rains in Chandrapur, Dhule, Gadchiroli, Jalgaon, Nashik, Raigad, and Sindhudurg districts.

The state has faced continuous weather challenges since the start of the new year.

The state Cabinet reviewed the preliminary data for the unseasonal rains occurring between January and April 2026.

More than 1.45 lakh hectares were affected, impacting 2.33 lakh farmers.

Major crops damaged include bananas, onions, papayas, mangoes, grapes, wheat, gram, and jowar.

According to the preliminary assessment by the state government due to unseasonal rains and hailstorm in April this year, 1.94 lakh farmers have already faced losses across 1.22 lakh hectares.

Around five fatalities and nine injuries were reported due to the weather. Additionally, 36 livestock deaths occurred.

The state government has fast-tracked the panchnama process for these months to ensure timely assistance.

The State Water Resources Department also presented a progress report during the session, highlighting massive infrastructure growth since July 2022.

Around 41 projects have been completed, creating a storage capacity of 105 TMC and adding 2.95 lakh hectares to the state's irrigation potential.

Since July 2022, administrative and revised approvals have been granted to 225 projects worth Rs 4.35 lakh crore.

"Once these projects are finalised, the state expects to create a total irrigation capacity of 33.45 lakh hectares," the government statement said.

The state government remains committed to supporting the agricultural sector through both immediate disaster relief and long-term irrigation infrastructure, the statement added.
Mandya, April 7 : Former Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai has expressed confidence that the BJP will win both the Bagalkot and Davanagere by-elections, stating that the results will serve as a direction indicator for state politics.

He said that in the coming days, public sentiment against the state government will turn into a strong anti-incumbency wave.

Speaking to the media in Mandya on Tuesday, Bommai said the state government has completed three years in office and its "true face has been exposed."

He alleged that there is widespread public dissatisfaction and opposition across the state. "BJP candidates will win in both constituencies," he said.

Responding to a question on the gas shortage issue in the state, Bommai accused the Congress of attempting to aggravate the situation.

He said Food Minister K.H. Muniyappa had earlier taken a correct stand but questioned why he was now making different statements.

Referring to the global situation, Bommai said several countries are facing disruptions due to ongoing conflicts, affecting the availability of petrol and diesel. He added that despite the war continuing for around 30 days, there has not been a major crisis in India.

"The Central Government has managed the situation well, and the state government should have appreciated it," he said, adding that creating unnecessary controversy would serve no purpose as people are aware of the facts.

He also hit back at the Congress by recalling the situation during the Iraq war, when the party was in power at the Centre. "They should remember how within two days, vehicles were lined up for kilometres in front of petrol bunks," he said.

Later, speaking after participating in a dharna and satyagraha held against the proposed merger of Geddalagere Gram Panchayat with Maddur Town Municipality in Mandya district, Bommai criticised the state government for allegedly acting against the will of the people, saying that in a democracy, governance must reflect public aspirations.

"In a democracy, the will of the people is final, and the government must function accordingly. Here, the government is acting against the people. This is condemnable," Bommai said.

He added that merging a gram panchayat into a municipal body without the consent of the people is unconstitutional and goes against both constitutional principles and public sentiment. He assured protesters of his support for their agitation.

Bommai recalled that decentralisation of power was introduced in Karnataka under leaders like the late Ramakrishna Hegde and the late Abdul Nazir Sab. Referring to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, he said it provides for the establishment of gram, taluk and zilla panchayats and the devolution of powers to them.

He noted that the legislation had undergone extensive debate in the Assembly before being passed unanimously, followed by approval from the Governor and later the President after initial delays.

He said former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had initiated efforts to bring in the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which were later passed during the tenure of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.

The 73rd Amendment clearly defines the powers and responsibilities of gram panchayats, including authority over housing, though he alleged that Members of the Legislative Assembly often interfere in these matters.

He questioned whether the issue had come to the notice of the Chief Minister and expressed concern that even if it had, deferring to local legislators undermines the authority of the office.

Bommai also highlighted initiatives taken during his tenure, including financial support for farmers' children.

He said about Rs 450 crore was distributed to nearly 11 lakh students from Class 8 to the postgraduate level. He credited farmers for ensuring food security in the country despite population growth.

Bommai was also felicitated at a programme held in Elechakkanahalli village of Mandya taluk. The event was organised to honour him for facilitating the plan to fill water from the Lokapavani River under the Elechakkanahalli lift irrigation project during his tenure as Water Resources Minister and later as Chief Minister.

Bommai said that the recognition and respect given by people are greater than any award, and such honour inspires one to make every sacrifice. He added that the people of Mandya had bestowed upon him a respect even greater than an honorary doctorate.
Jerusalem, April 7 : Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Tuesday severely condemned the terrorist attack on the Israeli Consulate in Turkey's Istanbul while vowing that "terror will not deter" them.

The statement came after a gunfight erupted between three attackers and police personnel deployed outside the building housing the closed Israeli Consulate in Turkey's Istanbul city on Tuesday. All three attackers were killed in the incident outside the consulate building in Besiktas district, local media reported.

"We strongly condemn the terrorist attack on the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul today. We appreciate the Turkish security forcesa swift action in thwarting this attack. Israeli missions around the world have been subjected to countless threats and terrorist attacks. Terror will not deter us," Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on X.

Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the incident, country's leading media outlet Daily Sabah reported citing a statement from Turkey's Justice Minister Akin Gurlek.

"Upon the reports of gunfire sounds in the vicinity of the Israeli Consulate located in the Besiktas district of Istanbul, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has immediately initiated an investigation. Within the scope of the investigation, one deputy chief public prosecutor and two public prosecutors have been assigned; our public prosecutors have promptly arrived at the scene and begun examinations," Gurlek wrote on X.

"Under the coordination of our Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, in collaboration with relevant law enforcement units, the work is ongoing for the purpose of fully elucidating the incident, and the investigation is being conducted meticulously and in a multifaceted manner," he added.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gul said that Consulate building has not been actively used for diplomatic purposes for approximately 2.5 years. He mentioned that two police personnel also suffered minor injuries in the exchange of fire.

Turkey's Minister of Interior Mustafa Ciftci later said that the three attackers who were involved in the armed clash with Turkish police personnel have been neutralised and also identified.

"Three individuals who engaged in an armed clash with our police officers on duty in front of the Yapi Kredi Plaza Blocks in Istanbul have been neutralized. In the clash, two of our heroic police officers sustained minor injuries. The identities of the terrorists have been identified. It has been determined that the individuals, who arrived in Istanbul by a rental vehicle from Izmit, include one with ties to an organisation that exploits religion; and it has also been established that one of the two terrorists, who are brothers, has a drug record," Mustafa Ciftci posted on X.

Preliminary assessments have indicated that no diplomatic personnel were present at the site of the incident, Daily Sabah reported.
Agartala, April 7 : A multi-cornered contest is on the cards for the April 9 by-election to the Dharmanagar Assembly constituency in North Tripura district, which shares borders with Assam and Mizoram.

Altogether, six candidates are in the fray, with nominees from major political parties, smaller parties, and an independent candidate adding to the competitive landscape.

The key contenders include Jahar Chakraborti of the ruling BJP, Chayan Bhattacharjee of the Congress, and Amitabha Datta representing the CPI (M)-led Left Front. Datta is a former MLA of the Left party.

Jahar Chakraborti, 59, currently serves as the BJPas North Tripura district Vice-President.

In addition, candidates from the Amra Bangalee party, SUCI, and an independent aspirant are also contesting the by-election.

The Left Front and the Congress, which had entered into a seat-sharing arrangement during the 2023 Tripura Assembly elections to jointly challenge the BJP, are contesting separately in this bypoll, intensifying the electoral contest.

Congress leader Chayan Bhattacharjee had contested from the Dharmanagar seat in 2023 but lost to BJP candidate Biswa Bandhu Sen by a narrow margin of 956 votes.

The by-election was necessitated by the demise of sitting MLA and Tripura Assembly Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen, who passed away on December 26, 2025, at a private hospital in Bengaluru after a prolonged illness. He was 72.

Sen had been elected to the Tripura Assembly four times -- twice as a Congress candidate in 2008 and 2013, and later in 2018 and 2023 as a BJP nominee from the same constituency.

A total of 46,142 voters, including 23,758 women, are eligible to cast their votes in the Dharmanagar Assembly constituency.

The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on May 4.

The month-long campaign for the by-election concluded on Tuesday afternoon.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and state BJP President Rajib Bhattacharjee, former Chief Minister and veteran Left leader Manik Sarkar and CPI (M) state Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury, as well as Congress Working Committee member and former minister Sudip Roy Barman and state party President Asish Kumar Saha, led extensive campaigns for their respective parties.
Imphal, April 7 : Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday announced that the state government has decided to hand over the investigation into the deadly bomb attack in Bishnupur district, which claimed the lives of two children, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Meanwhile, a police official said that two protesters were killed and three others injured in firing after a mob stormed a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Bishnupur on Tuesday.

Strongly condemning the Tronglaobi Awang Leikai incident, the Chief Minister said the act appeared to be the handiwork of individuals or groups with vested interests in disturbing the fragile peace in the state.

"After detailed discussions with Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh and other MLAs, we have decided to hand over the case to the NIA," Khemchand Singh told the media at his official residence.

He added that the perpetrators have not yet been identified and that a massive combing operation is currently underway.

Combined security forces, including the state Police, Assam Rifles and CRPF, have been deployed across the area.

Helicopters are also being used to track down those responsible, the Chief Minister said, expressing confidence that the culprits would be apprehended soon. He also said that a high-level security review meeting was held earlier in the day with senior officials from the Army, Assam Rifles, state police, and the CRPF. Instructions were issued to intensify operations and ensure swift action.

Appealing for calm, the Chief Minister urged people not to be driven by emotion and to cooperate with security forces in restoring normalcy.

A large number of people, including women, staged a massive protest condemning the killing of two children in a bomb attack at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai village, and according to officials, stormed the CRPF camp near Gelmol, located a few hundred metres from the blast site, setting vehicles on fire and vandalising property.

The bomb attack at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai was reportedly carried out by suspected Kuki militants.

The incident took place around 1 a.m. when a powerful explosive device, allegedly fired by suspected Kuki militants, struck a residence, killing a five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister instantly, while their mother sustained injuries. The victims were reportedly asleep at the time of the attack, which also caused extensive damage to the house.

The Chief Minister and Home Minister also visited the injured family members at a private hospital in Imphal

Home Minister Govindas Singh, who was also present at the press briefing, described the perpetrators as "peace disruptors" who attempt to derail normalcy whenever the situation begins to improve.

He said that during the high-level security meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, security forces were instructed to launch an intensive combing operation to capture those responsible for the blast, dead or alive.

The Home Minister also stated that state commandos have been redeployed in hill areas after a long gap, using bulletproof vehicles to strengthen ongoing operations.

He said that five protesters sustained bullet injuries during the protest after demonstrators attempted to storm the CRPF camp on Tuesday morning. Of them, two later succumbed to their injuries, while several others sustained minor injuries.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister expressed sorrow over the death of another minor girl residing at the Akampat relief camp in Imphal East district. He announced ex gratia assistance and assured all possible support to the victimas family, while extending condolences to the bereaved.

The eight-year-old girl, who had been missing since Sunday, was found dead beneath the Singjamei bridge along the Imphal River on Monday, police said.

A suspect in the case was arrested on Monday.

In a bid to prevent further escalation of violence in view of the bomb attack at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai village, the Manipur government on Tuesday suspended internet and mobile data services, including broadband, for three days across five districts in the Imphal valley. The five districts are Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur.

Officials said the suspension was necessary to curb the spread of misinformation and maintain law and order. Additionally, an indefinite curfew has been imposed in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, and Kakching following widespread protests over the killing of the two children. District Magistrates of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur and Kakching have issued separate orders enforcing curfew in their respective jurisdictions starting Tuesday.
Bengaluru, April 7 : The Karnataka unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over his alleged "slain BJP and RSS workers" remark in Assam and said that terrorists look like angels to them (Congress).

Commenting over the issue, the Leader of the Opposition and veteran BJP leader R. Ashoka, on Tuesday, asked, "Mallikarjun Kharge should tell us who planted the cooker bomb blast in Mangaluru. To these people, terrorists look like angels. Not a single word comes out of their mouth against Maoists."

"They (Congress) only criticise the BJP and RSS. Now poisonous snakes are being let loose in all the states. In three more states' the snakes need to be driven out. The people will decide who the real snakes are. Even his (Mallikarjun Kharge's son Priyank Kharge) son is inspiring him to make such statements," Ashoka said.

BJP MLA S. Muniraju has said that a complaint has been filed against Congress President Kharge for making objectionable remarks against the BJP and the RSS, and demanded his arrest.

He alleged that during an election speech in Assam on Monday, the Congress President said that "if a poisonous snake appears while offering namaz, you should stop the prayer and kill it; if BJP or RSS members come while offering namaz, you should stop the prayer and kill them; this is mentioned in the Quran".

Muniraju criticised Kharge's statement, calling it inflammatory and capable of inciting violence.

He warned that such remarks could lead to communal unrest and said they amounted to support for anti-national and fundamentalist elements.

He added that a Karnataka BJP delegation including himself, district president Harish, MLA and district president C.K. Ramamurthy, and leader Prakash met Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) M.A. Saleem and submitted a complaint in this regard.

Muniraju said the State DGP has assured that the matter will be thoroughly examined and appropriate action will be taken.

He termed Kharge's remarks as "anti-national" and reiterated the demand for the Congress President's arrest.

BJP MLA C.K. Ramamurthy, speaking on the occasion, said Kharge's statement was against the Constitution and urged authorities to take action against him.

Eearlier, the Karnataka BJP delegation lodged a formal complaint against Congress President Kharge with the State Director General, alleging that he made a provocative speech during an election campaign in Assam.

In their submission, the BJP leaders demanded the immediate arrest of Kharge for allegedly inciting violence and called for enhanced security arrangements to ensure the safety of BJP workers.
Hoshiarpur, April 7 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday rolled out a healthcare and infrastructure push here, laying the foundation for a Rs 268 crore medical college and a 300-bed hospital while announcing the establishment of the Shaheed Udham Singh State Institute of Medical Sciences to be completed in two years.

Addressing a public meeting in Sham Chaurasi, CM Mann said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is committed to delivering world-class healthcare at doorsteps, detailing a comprehensive ecosystem that will train 100 MBBS doctors annually and provide advanced facilities including MRI, CT scan, specialised surgeries and modern treatment.

Strengthening last-mile healthcare delivery, he also laid the foundation stone of a Rs 9.18 crore Community Health Centre to benefit over 40 villages, alongside seven additional Health and Wellness Centres in the constituency.

CM Mann further initiated the Rs 99 crore Balachaur-Garhshankar-Hoshiarpur-Dasuya road project, a 105-km corridor set to enhance connectivity between Chandigarh, Pathankot and Jammu and Kashmir that will reduce travel time between Jammu and Delhi, and facilitate smoother access for devotees travelling to Anandpur Sahib, Mata Naina Devi and Mata Jwala-ji.

After laying the foundation stone of several key projects, the Chief Minister said, "For more than 70 long years in the post-Independence era, the traditional Opposition parties have mercilessly looted the state. Due to regressive and divisive policies of these parties, the state has lagged behind in the pace of development, due to which the people are suffering. However, in the past four years, holistic development of the state has been ensured, and for the first time, the state government has fulfilled all the promises made with people in such a short span."

CM Mann said, "It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that development of the state has been put on the right track, and now the Punjab government is enhancing its pace with every passing day. The state government has filled the gap of 70 years, and now concerted efforts are being made to carve out a Rangla Punjab.

"The AAP government is the first one in the country to implement the People's Manifesto as all the genuine demands raised by the people are being translated into works."

Targeting Opposition parties, Mann said, "Opposition parties are hatching conspiracies to defame me as they are envious of the works being done by the state government for the well-being of the masses."
Jamshedpur : , April 7 (IANS) Anger over prolonged delays in passenger train operations at Tatanagar Railway Station and across the Chakradharpur railway division erupted on Tuesday, as multiple social, business, and political organisations united to stage a massive sit-in demonstration under the leadership of Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Roy, of the JD-U.

The protest, held in the station area, saw demonstrators voicing strong resentment against what they described as the "inefficiency and neglect" of the railway administration. Protesters demanded immediate restoration of passenger amenities and strict adherence to train schedules.

Addressing the gathering, Roy said that persistent delays in train operations had now become "intolerable" for the public. He announced the formation of a 21-member all-party and all-organisation committee to spearhead a decisive movement on the issue in the coming days.

Issuing a stern warning, the MLA said that if passenger trains are not operated on time, people may be forced to stop goods trains in protest. He further stated that a delegation would soon meet the Railway Board Chairman and the Railway Minister to seek accountability and resolution.

The agitation drew support from several prominent organisations, including the Marwari Sammelan, the Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce, the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), the Vishva Hindu Parishad, the Adivasi Ho Samaj, and the Munda Samaj. Representatives from these groups highlighted that train delays of four to five hours have become routine, severely impacting daily commuters, patients, workers, and students.

Speakers at the protest alleged that the railways are prioritising goods trains to maximise revenue, often halting passenger trains in remote locations.

Roy also criticised the railwaysa claims of introducing new services, stating that trains discontinued during the Covid-19 pandemic are merely being rebranded as new. He claimed that apart from the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express, no significant new passenger trains have been launched in the past five years. He also raised concerns over the alleged neglect of the Chakradharpur division.

Earlier in the day, minor tension was reported between protesters and railway authorities over a last-minute change in the protest venue. However, the situation normalised following Royas arrival, and the demonstration continued peacefully.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Aditya Chaudhary, who visited the site, acknowledged the issue of delays. He handed over an official communication to the MLA and assured that technical upgrades and operational improvements would soon be implemented to ensure punctual train services.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Families of inmates have been encouraged not to abandon their relatives in prison, as continued support plays a critical role in rehabilitation and reintegration into society.Speaking during the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Prison Family Week, officials emphasised the importance of maintaining family ties, even for those serving long sentences."People must not neglect their relatives because they are convicts. Let us continue to live with them so that when they are released, they return to the same society," one official said.Among those who visited inmates was Kenneth Tsinira, who travelled from Bulawayo with his wife to see his cousin, Tatenda Farai (34), currently serving a 17-year sentence at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison."We are here to give hope to our brother that a prison term comes to an end," said Tsinira. "President Emmerson Mnangagwa challenged us by pardoning a number of inmates through the amnesty, and who are we not to forgive our brother for whatever he did wrong?"He added that the family no longer feels ashamed to visit and support their relative.Other inmates who received visitors during the programme included Moses Mpofu, Rodwell Mutunya, Brian Mupaiki, and Jaison Muvhevhi.The ZPCS Prison Family Week, which aims to strengthen family bonds and promote rehabilitation, is expected to conclude on Sunday.
Ahmedabad, April 7 : Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Gujarat unit president Isudan Gadhvi on Tuesday said the party will not contest the Umreth by-election and will instead concentrate fully on the upcoming local body elections.

He further challenged the Congress to directly take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Speaking to IANS, Gadhvi said, "We will not fight the Umreth by-poll. We want to focus on local body elections only. We want to see a direct contest between the BJP and Congress, as Congress claims that we are the B-team of the BJP. Now defeat the BJP if you can."

At a press conference held in Ahmedabad, he said AAP's campaign has led to "panic" within the BJP, alleging that its candidates are unable to engage with voters.

"BJP is no longer in a position to go among the people. Their leaders are being driven away when they go for campaigning," he said, adding that AAP has emerged as "a centre of hope and trust" for the public.

Gadhvi expressed confidence that AAP would secure the mayor's post in Surat, stating that the party has worked on public issues during its five years in the opposition.

He announced that Manoj Sorathiya will be the party's main face in Surat.

"AAP's fighting leader Manoj Sorathiya will contest as the face of the people of Surat," he said, adding that the decision was taken after internal discussions and guidance from senior leadership, including national convenor Arvind Kejriwal.

Alleging misuse of state machinery, Gadhvi said, "It feels like not BJP but the police are contesting elections against AAP."

He claimed that party workers and candidates are being intimidated, false FIRs are being registered, and efforts are being made to force candidates to withdraw.

"Attempts are being made to intimidate and force our candidates to withdraw We also suspect conspiracies to cancel AAP candidates' nominations," he said, adding that the party has received such information from sources.

He further alleged that "attempts are being made to jail all party leaders, including the state president", and that workers from ordinary backgrounds are being pressured through threats and false cases.

Referring to an incident in Vadodara, he said a candidate named Kantaben withdrew under "unknown circumstances", raising suspicion of pressure, though he said there was no proof.

Gadhvi also alleged a tacit understanding between the BJP and the Congress.

"BJP is interested in strengthening Congress because it is easy to defeat them. Where Congress does not get candidates, the BJP is providing candidates," he said, questioning why similar legal action is not taken against Congress leaders.

On remarks attributed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Gadhvi alleged that Gujaratis had been insulted, saying such "statements were inappropriate and highlighted the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel".

Meanwhile, Sorathiya thanked the party leadership for the opportunity and said, "AAP will win in Surat and form the Mayor."

He added, "In the next five years, AAP will make Surat a world-class city. People across communities are uniting behind the party."
Kolkata, April 7 : The Trinamool Congress on Tuesday approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) about the unnecessary police harassment faced by its local party leaders and workers at one of the crucial Assembly constituencies in West Bengal.

Trinamool Congress' National Working Committee member and Rajya Sabha member, Derek O'Brien, had written a letter to the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal, seeking protection of party leaders and workers against unnecessary police harassment at Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district, which is the native constituency of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and veteran Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari.

This time LoP Adhikari is contesting simultaneously from Nandigram and Bhabanipur Assembly seats. At Bhabanipur, he is pitted against the sitting Trinamool Congress legislator and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Incidentally, on Monday, LoP Adhikari wrote a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that covert policemen were monitoring his poll campaign in Bhabanipur.

Within 24 hours of the complaint filed by the Leader of the Opposition, Trinamool Congress had approached the ECI with complaints of their party leaders and workers facing unnecessary police harassment in Nandigram.

In the letter to the West Bengal CEO, O'Brien targeted LoP Adhikari and claimed that because of his political influence in the Nandigram constituency, the police had been unnecessarily harassing the local Trinamool Congress leaders and workers in the Assembly constituency, by conducting unnecessary raids and search operations at their residences.

According to O'Brien, such one-sided and biased police action in Nandigram was against the guidelines of the ECI to ensure free and fair polls and was a direct attempt to weaken Trinamool Congress' organisational network in the Assembly constituency.

The Trinamool Rajya Sabha member had also expressed concerns that if such one-sided approach of the police continues, there would be a high possibility of electoral malpractices, rigging, booth capturing, and intimidation of voters on the polling day in Nandigram.

Nandigram is going for polling in the first phase on April 23. However, Bhabanipur will be going for polls in the second phase on April 29.
Jaipur, April 7 : In a joint operation by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Barmer Police, two arrested smugglers -- Salman Khan and Shankar Ram, have, during questioning, exposed a highly secretive international drug smuggling network.

The prime accused, Salman Khan, said that he had been in contact for the past six months with a Pakistani handler identified as Masad, a resident of Nimla village in Pakistan.

The connection was facilitated by Rahim Khan, a resident of Salman's village and reportedly a relative of the Pakistan-based handler.

Exploiting Salman's financial distress, the Pakistan handler lured him into the drug smuggling trade by offering substantial monetary gains through a 'dead drop' or location-based delivery system.

Rajasthan Additional Director General of Police (ADG) (Crime), Dinesh M.N., said that investigations have revealed the operation to be entirely digital and location-driven.

The Pakistani handler would transmit GPS coordinates via WhatsApp calls, directing the accused to specific locations, often in restricted border areas or beneath isolated Khejri trees.

The accused Salman would retrieve narcotics packets buried underground at these locations.

Similarly, cash payments were either deposited digitally into his Airtel Payments Bank account or concealed in the ground at designated sites, with coordinates shared post-task completion.

During the police questioning, accused Salman disclosed that he had recently recovered five packets of narcotics on April 4 from a location nearly 250 metres from the international border, where they had been buried inside a yellow plastic sack.

He also admitted to previously delivering a packet, buried months earlier, to another designated point, for which he received a significant cash reward hidden at a separate location.

Investigators also revealed that this drug network has been operational for several years, with similar drug smuggling activities reported in border hamlets such as Bhabhutiyon ki Dhani and nearby areas five to six years ago.

The operation was executed with extreme secrecy, operatives remained unaware of each other's identities, and all communication records, including location data and chat histories, were routinely deleted after each task.

Authorities are currently analysing accused Salman's mobile data, WhatsApp communications, and financial transactions.

A search operation is underway to locate Rahim Khan and dismantle the broader cross-border network.

Rajasthan ADG Dinesh M.N. also revealed that the accused made alarming disclosures indicating that the smuggling network extended beyond narcotics to include explosives and illegal weapons.

Following these revelations, the Rajasthan ATS, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), Barmer Police, and multiple intelligence agencies have been placed on high alert.

Acting on these inputs, joint teams have conducted raids across Barmer district and detained several suspects, who are currently under questioning.

Senior officials, including ATS Superintendent of Police (SP) Gyanchand Yadav and Barmer SP Chunaram Jat, along with AGTF and Intelligence personnel, are leading the investigation.

Preliminary findings suggest that the handlers operating from across Pakistan may have intended not only to smuggle contraband but also to disrupt peace and stability in the region through the supply of explosives and arms.

Authorities say the ongoing joint questioning could uncover a wider inter-state and international network.

Efforts are underway to identify possible hideouts and locations where explosives and weapons may have been concealed.

Based on leads from mobile data and digital communications, further arrests and significant recoveries are expected in the coming days.

Security agencies have intensified operations to fully dismantle the syndicate.
Washington, April 7 : Iran has until 8 p.m. Eastern Time (5.30 am IST Wednesday) to "make a deal" with the United States, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told IANS on Tuesday, underscoring a hard deadline set by President Donald Trump amid escalating tensions.

Washington, April 7 (IANS) Iran has until 8 p.m. Eastern Time (5.30 am IST Wednesday) to "make a deal" with the United States, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told IANS on Tuesday, underscoring a hard deadline set by President Donald Trump amid escalating tensions.

"The Iranian regime has until 8 PM Eastern Time to meet the moment and make a deal with the United States. Only the President knows where things stand and what he will do," Leavitt told IANS.

Her remarks come as Trump publicly signalled both the risk of catastrophic escalation and the possibility of political change inside Iran.

"A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again," Trump said in a social media post, adding: "I don't want that to happen, but it probably will."

He also pointed to what he described as a decisive shift underway.

"However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?" he said.

Trump framed the moment as historic.

"We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World," he added.

Vice President JD Vance earlier stressed that Washington's objective was to force a change in Iran's behaviour, while leaving the path to de-escalation open if Tehran engaged.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, meanwhile, reiterated that the United States was prepared to act decisively to protect its interests and ensure stability in critical global energy routes.

The statements reflect a coordinated message from the administration  combining a firm deadline, warnings of severe consequences, and continued pressure on Iran's leadership.

Over the past several days, U.S. military operations have expanded in scope, targeting Iranian-linked infrastructure and raising the risk of a broader regional conflict.
Mumbai, April 7 : The Maharashtra Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Tuesday, in a bid to achieve Viksit Maharashtra, approved the creation of a dedicated Electronics, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence Department.

This decision will lead to the formation of a new Information Technology cadre (IT cadre), comprising permanent positions for the Ministry (Mantralaya), the Commissioner's office, and all districts.

As part of this restructuring, the existing IT desk under the General Administration Department will be separated to form this new independent department.

Additionally, the Directorate of Information Technology will be transformed into the Commissionerate of Electronics, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence.

A total of 77 posts will be created for this Commissionerate.

To manage IT-related operations within the Ministry, other administrative departments, and District Collector offices, a separate IT cadre of 427 posts will be established.

As many as 389 technical cadre positions will be filled through outsourcing for project management and the monitoring of operational projects.

"The Maharashtra e-Mission Team (MEMT) will be established to oversee this recruitment.

To ensure a steady supply of skilled manpower, an internship programme will also be launched for 200 engineering graduates.

The establishment of a separate department will help increase enhanced governance, technological integration, strategic policy making, digital infrastructure and cross sector impact.

"This will ensure expanding online government services and improving administrative efficiency through e-governance and utilising research, technology, and innovation in an integrated manner to address developmental needs and administrative challenges. This will help accelerate policy formulation and implementation for tech-based solutions, enable planned use of digital services, data-driven decision-making, cyber security, and emerging technologies," the state government statement said.

According to the government statement, the new department and IT cadre will coordinate traditional knowledge with modern technology to make administration more accessible, transparent, and citizen-centric in sectors like sustainable agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, and indigenous manufacturing.

The State Cabinet has also sanctioned an annual expenditure of nearly Rs 133.35 crore required for the creation of these positions within the department.
Bengaluru, April 7 : Basava Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji, head of the Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peetha and a prominent figure in the agitation seeking reservation for the Lingayat Panchamasali community, is facing serious allegations of rape, sexual harassment, and blackmail following a complaint by a woman from Bengaluru.

According to the complaint, the woman accused the seer of sexually assaulting her and subjecting her to repeated harassment.

She submitted written complaints to the Chief Minister, the Home Minister, the City Police Commissioner, and the State Womenas Commission, seeking action against him.

Meanwhile, Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji has denied the allegations and filed a counter-complaint in Vijayapura.

In his complaint, he alleged that the woman, along with others, was attempting to defame him under the influence of political figures and had made false accusations.

The complainant, a resident of Thyagarajanagar in Bengaluru, stated that she became acquainted with the Swamiji during his visits to the city, where she had extended support to his social and community movements. Over time, the interaction developed, and she met him on several occasions.

In her complaint, the woman alleged that the Swamiji assaulted her under the pretext of offering aprasadaa. She further claimed that he behaved inappropriately, touched her in an indecent manner, and recorded private videos during the alleged assault.

According to her, he later used these videos to blackmail her, threatening to release them on social media if she did not comply.

The allegations, which include claims of both physical and mental harassment, have triggered widespread attention and debate.

Meanwhile, based on Basava Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji's complaint, the Vijayapura Rural Police have registered a First Information Report against the woman and four others. It has also been alleged that the woman and her associates attempted to extort money from the Swamiji, demanding funds during his visit to Vijayapura.

Police sources said a First Information Report in this regard was registered on April 4 in Vijayapura. Subsequently, the woman filed her complaint in Bengaluru on April 6, leading to parallel investigations into both sets of allegations.

Authorities are currently examining the complaints and counter-complaints, and further investigation is underway.

Congress Member of Legislative Assembly and National President of the Panchamasali community Vijayanand Kashappanavar responded, saying there is no smoke without fire.

He questioned that if the Swamiji was a man of character, why did he seek an injunction from the court.

Speaking in Bagalkot, MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar said that Basava Jayamrutyunjaya Swamiji has ceased to remain a true Swamiji.

He stated that in both conduct and behaviour, he has not upheld the standards of a Swamiji. It was for this very reason that they had removed him from the Peetha. Before expelling him, they had issued a notice asking him to reform himself, but he did not change. Hence, they proceeded with his expulsion.

He added that time reveals everything, and now those developments are coming to light.

Responding to claims that the woman had blackmailed him and demanded Rs 3 crore, Kashappanavar said that if a woman has made such a demand or allegation, there must have been some basis.

He questioned why a woman would make such accusations without reason and why such a situation would have been allowed to arise in the first place.

He said that everything will come out at the appropriate time, and that facts are gradually emerging. He added that the matter is now before the court and will proceed as per the law.
Patna, April 7 : Prominent entrepreneur Varun Kumar Singh, son-in-law of former Bihar minister Sanjeev Prasad Tony, on Tuesday, demanded justice and security following the suspicious death of his sister, Khushboo Singh.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Varun alleged that his sister was murdered as part of a conspiracy in Muzaffarpur, just six months after her marriage.

He further claimed that raising his voice has put his life and that of his family members at risk.

He called on the government to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT), ensure the immediate arrest of all accused, and provide permanent security cover to his family.

According to Varun, Khushboo Singh was married on June 1, 2025, to Sudhanshu Singh, an NRI residing in the Brahmpura area of Muzaffarpur.

He alleged that during the wedding, the groomas family demanded a Fortuner car, jewellery worth nearly Rs 1 crore, and Rs 51 lakh in cash as dowry.

He stated that most of the demands were fulfilled except for the car, following which his sister was allegedly subjected to continuous mental and physical harassment.

He further claimed that the demands later escalated to include a flat in Delhi.

Varun stated that on December 26, 2025, he was informed by his brother-in-lawas father that Khushboo had died due to burns and asphyxiation.

However, he raised serious concerns over the circumstances surrounding her death.

He alleged that by the time the family reached Muzaffarpur, police and forensic procedures had already been completed.

Varun further claimed he was not allowed to properly view his sisteras body, which was reportedly missing jewellery, including her mangalsutra.

He also questioned the condition of the room, stating that it did not clearly indicate death due to burns or suffocation.

Varun accused the local police of showing unusual leniency towards the accused and delaying the registration of the complaint.

Varun acknowledged that Khushbooas husband, Sudhanshu Singh, was arrested following public pressure.

However, he alleged that no substantial action has been taken against the other accused, including the mother-in-law, Mamta Singh and father-in-law, Sanjeev Singh.

He further claimed that the remaining accused were allowed to flee and that attempts are being made to weaken the case.

Varun alleged that he has received repeated threats and that even a life-threatening attack was carried out against him in the presence of security personnel.

He expressed concern that these acts are aimed at preventing him from pursuing justice.

He has submitted formal representations to senior officials, including Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Samrat Chaudhary, DGP Vinay Kumar, IG Tirhut Chandan Kushwaha, and SSP Muzaffarpur Kantesh Kumar Mishra.

Varun has demanded a high-level SIT probe, immediate arrest of all accused and permanent government security for his family.

Issuing a stern warning, he stated that if any harm comes to him or his family, the responsibility will lie with the administration and the government.
Jaipur, April 7 : The Rajasthan government has taken serious note of reported child deaths linked to an unidentified illness in Salumber district, launching an extensive disease control and surveillance drive across all seven districts of the Udaipur division.

Acting on directions from Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, expert teams have been constituted to investigate the cause, while large-scale containment and monitoring measures are underway.

Also, Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar is closely overseeing the situation.

A team from RNT Medical College, along with a state-level delegation, visited the affected areas to assess the situation and guide treatment and diagnostic protocols.

Principal Secretary (Medical and Health) Gayatri Rathore said that 3,690 teams have conducted door-to-door surveys covering more than 52,000 households across the division.

During the exercise, 275 individuals with symptoms were identified, of whom 25 were referred to higher medical centres for advanced treatment.

Awareness activities under Information, Education and Communication campaigns were also carried out at over 13,000 locations.

Public Health Director Dr Ravi Prakash Sharma confirmed the death of a four-year-old child in Semari village of Salumber district.

He added that 651 patients received on-the-spot treatment across the division on Tuesday. Preventive measures included anti-larval activities at 2,557 locations to curb mosquito-borne diseases.

Additionally, 1,796 blood slides were prepared and 94 samples collected for diagnostic testing. The Health Department has intensified surveillance and urged residents to report symptoms immediately to the nearest health centre.

Authorities have also appealed to the public to strictly follow health advisories and preventive guidelines.

Officials said monitoring remains ongoing, with swift action being ensured as the situation evolves.
Jaipur, April 7 : Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said that the three primary goals for Indian agriculture were to enhance farmers' incomes and ensure the country's food and nutrition security.

Jaipur, April 7 (IANS) Union Agriculture and Farmersa Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said that the three primary goals for Indian agriculture were to enhance farmersa incomes and ensure the countryas food and nutrition security.

Addressing the Western Regional Agricultural Conference organised here, Chouhan stated that formal one-day rabi-kharif meetings are now being replaced by theme-based regional conferences for different agro-climatic zones. He described the initiation of this new conference series in the presence of agriculture ministers, senior officials, scientists, and progressive farmers from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa gathered on one platform.

Chouhan said that Indiaas wheat and rice stocks are so abundant that even storage space poses a challenge, but self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds still needs to be achieved so that food security can be entirely based on the nationas own production capacity and dependence on imports can be eliminated.

He said that agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy and farmers its soul, therefore, enhancing farmersa income, improving their standard of living, and making farming easier remains the governmentas top priority, while also emphasising nutrition security as an essential component of policy to provide nutritious food to the public.

The Union Minister described Farmer ID as the most useful system for the coming times, stating that everything from bank loans to government assistance will reach farmers quickly and transparently based on a certified digital profile.

Mentioning global uncertainties in the context of the West Asia situation, he said that in such times of crises, only through digital and data-based agricultural administration can the country and farmers be kept secure, therefore, all states have been urged to complete Farmer ID work in mission mode.

Chouhan informed that the procurement of pulses and oilseeds is being done by the Agriculture Department through the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA), while wheat-rice procurement is handled by the Food Department, and procurement approvals are given in accordance with proposals sent by states, but ensuring time-bound procurement is the responsibility of states.

He assured that 100 per cent procurement of pulses such as chana, masoor, and tur will be done, and where physical procurement is not feasible, compensation for the difference between MSP (minimum support price) and market price can be directly provided to farmersa accounts through price difference payment mechanisms like the Madhya Pradesh model for mustard and soybean.

Mentioning the challenge of falling prices in crops like potato, onion, and tomato due to international factors, he cited the utility of the Management Information System (MIS), under which payment for the difference between model rates and market prices can be made directly to farmers, with 50 per cent share borne by the Centre and 50 per cent by the state government. Additionally, he shared the decision to provide a transport subsidy to state agencies that wish to transport farmersa produce from production areas to major cities.

Chouhan urged all states that the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan will now be conducted according to statesa local conditions rather than simultaneously across the country.

He also informed that from now onwards, institutional support will be provided for the process of preparing statesa agriculture roadmaps; Rajasthan has initiated Centreas partnership in its agriculture roadmap, and for this, a joint team of ICAR scientists and ministryas nodal officers will work together with the state government, while full support will be extended to other states for their agriculture roadmaps as well.

Referring to recent weather disturbances that have damaged crops, Chouhan emphasised accurate assessment of losses by states and effective implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, so that affected farmers receive full benefits. He stated that the Centre will leave no stone unturned in providing ample support to farmers.

--IANS

sps/vd
Bengaluru, April 7 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has written to the state's Chief Secretary seeking details on the release of guarantee scheme funds in Davanagere and Bagalkot districts, where bye-election processes are currently underway.

The development follows the state government's release of guarantee scheme funds to Davanagere and Bagalkot during the bye-election period. In this context, Election Commission Secretary Pawan Diwan addressed a letter to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh and sought clarification.

According to official communication, the Commission has asked for a detailed report on the funds released in both districts, including the names of the officers who approved the disbursement.

The directive comes amid the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

The Commission has reiterated that no new funds should be released for welfare schemes without its prior approval while the Model Code of Conduct is in force.

It has also instructed that if any approvals or disbursements are pending, they should not be carried out without obtaining permission from the Commission.

Reacting to the development, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar accused the BJP of attempting to stall the state government's guarantee schemes by using the Election Commission mechanism.

He termed the move an attack on the poor and unemployed youth and said voters would respond appropriately.

Speaking to reporters at Bapuji Guest House in Davanagere today, Shivakumar said the state government had implemented welfare schemes that have become a model for the country.

He also took exception to remarks attributed to PM Modi, who stated that the guarantees have not been implemented in Karnataka and the Congress government has not kept its word.

Shivakumar stated that those in high office should be better informed, and alleged that similar schemes had been replicated in other states after being criticised.

He further alleged that the BJP had been attempting to derail programmes aimed at youth and women since the beginning.

Clarifying that the schemes were not introduced specifically for elections, he said the government had spent over Rs 1.25 lakh crore in the past two and a half years on public welfare.

Calling the Commission's letter a reflection of political pressure, Shivakumar maintained that all fund disbursements had been carried out within the legal framework.

He criticised the BJP's stance as an attempt to halt relief measures for the poor affected by rising prices.

Shivakumar also said that instalments under the schemes had been released up to last month and that further payments would be made after the conclusion of the elections.

He assured beneficiaries that the schemes would continue and urged voters not to be influenced by what he described as attempts to create fear.

He underlined: "Those who are creating panic among voters will not win in these elections. Their government is not going to come to power in future."
News / National

by Staff reporter

Retired Air Marshal Henry Muchena has warned that the military is closely monitoring developments around proposed constitutional changes, cautioning that it could respond "accordingly" if Zanu-PF becomes a security threat.Muchena is among a group of former senior military figures calling for a referendum before any move to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term beyond its current constitutional limit.His remarks come as Zanu-PF faces internal factional tensions linked to efforts to amend the constitution, with critics accusing the ruling party of attempting to prolong Mnangagwa's stay in power without public consent.Mnangagwa is reportedly opposed to holding a referendum, while Muchena and like-minded former generals insist that any changes - particularly those affecting key provisions - must be approved by citizens."When Zimbabweans agreed to the 2013 Constitution, there were clear provisions regarding amendments," said Muchena, arguing that certain sections require a national referendum before any alterations can be made.He pointed to Chapter 4 of the constitution, which deals with fundamental rights, saying it cannot be amended without direct approval from the electorate.Muchena recently submitted a letter to Parliament opposing the proposed changes, warning they deviate from the ideals that underpinned Zimbabwe's liberation struggle. He also raised concern over alleged attempts to weaken constitutional provisions governing the role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces."These opportunists have moved to try and remove Section 212 of the Constitution, which mandates the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to defend the Constitution," he said. "The ZDF are watching the process, and when Zanu-PF itself becomes a security threat, I believe they will advise accordingly."The remarks have drawn attention given the military's role in the 2017 Zimbabwe coup d'etat, which led to the resignation of former president Robert Mugabe.Muchena, who says he has been a member of Zanu-PF for over 50 years, also criticised what he described as the rise of "unelected leaders" within the party. He alleged that positions within the central committee are increasingly influenced by money and patronage rather than democratic processes."We have seen people being co-opted into the central committee through financial influence, including vehicle donations to party officials. That is not the Zanu-PF we knew," he said.He added that since 2017, the party had an opportunity to renew itself but instead opened the door to individuals who are now reshaping its principles.Muchena called on the ruling party to return to its founding values and allow power to rest with the people, warning that failure to do so could deepen tensions both within the party and across the country.
Jaipur, April 7 : A high-level review meeting on the supply system of domestic and commercial LPG cylinders in the state, along with the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections, was held on Tuesday at the Secretariat under the chairmanship of Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sumit Godara.

Senior officials from the department and representatives of oil and gas marketing companies attended the meeting.

Discussions focused on the current status of LPG supply across the state, the distribution mechanism, and the expansion of PNG services.

Officials informed that the supply of domestic LPG cylinders in Rajasthan remains smooth, while supply in the non-domestic segment is also steadily increasing in line with demand.

It was further noted that the average delivery time for LPG cylinders is being maintained at approximately 4.5 days.

With the aim of providing relief to the public, Godara directed officials to ensure the availability of commercial LPG cylinders for wedding ceremonies in both rural and urban areas.

As per the directions, two 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders will be made available for weddings in rural areas and three 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders will be provided for weddings in urban areas.

To avail this facility, applicants must submit a request to the concerned District Supply Officer (DSO), along with a copy of the wedding invitation card. Upon receiving the application, the DSO will coordinate with the local gas agency to facilitate timely supply.

The Minister emphasised accelerating the expansion of PNG connections. He directed officials and gas companies to expedite pipeline laying, increase new connections, and raise public and industrial awareness about the benefits of PNG.

Godara also instructed that LPG cylinders must not be delivered without completion of electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC), to ensure transparency and that benefits reach only eligible consumers.

Additionally, he directed officials not to categorise newly formed municipalities as rural areas, citing differences in booking and delivery timelines between rural and urban regions.

During the meeting, Principal Secretary of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, Ambrish Kumar, stated that continuous efforts are underway to expand PNG infrastructure across the state.

a"IANS

arc/dan
Davanagere, April 7 : Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President D.K. Shivakumar said that campaigning in the bye-election constituencies of Bagalkot and Davanagere South has been conducted peacefully so far, and congratulated all political parties for maintaining decorum.

Speaking to reporters in Davanagere on Tuesday, he said government officials have extended full cooperation in ensuring smooth conduct of the elections.

He added that both he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah participated in the nomination filing of party candidates in both constituencies and extended their support.

Shivakumar said the Congress followed its tradition of consulting all stakeholders before fielding new faces as candidates.

He noted that in Davanagere South, there were initial attempts by some individuals and sections of the media to create confusion, but several leaders later withdrew from the race and strengthened the party.

He expressed gratitude to leaders who extended their support.

Highlighting development works, Shivakumar said the constituency has witnessed better infrastructure progress compared to Bengaluru, particularly in terms of concrete roads, parks, and lake cleanliness.

He lauded senior leader late Shamanur Shivashankarappa for his contributions, stating that even at the age of 95, he worked inclusively for all sections of society and played a key role in the regionas development.

He also acknowledged contributions by Mallikarjun.

Citing internal survey findings, Shivakumar claimed that more than 70 per cent of voters in the constituency are inclined to support the Congress candidate.

He said the survey covered over one lakh people.

According to him, Shivashankarappaas family has consistently contributed to the constituency in areas such as health, education, religion, and social welfare, including distributing free vaccines during the COVID period.

He further said that feedback from traders and minority communities indicated that the constituency has remained peaceful under Shivashankarappaas leadership, with no major incidents or exploitation.

He described this as a source of strength for the party and emphasised the need for youth and the new generation to contribute ideas for further development.

Shivakumar also stated that party leaders collectively decided to field a young, educated, and capable candidate.

He added that although the candidateas mother (Prabha Mallikarjun) was initially reluctant to contest, she was persuaded by the party and went on to win, and is now performing effectively in Parliament.

He said Shivashankarappa also built free community halls for the poor and described being remembered as a generous donor by the people as a rare distinction.

He expressed confidence that the partyas candidate would continue this legacy.
Guwahati, April 7 : Assam Police have registered a case against Congress leader Pawan Khera that includes multiple charges of forgery, defamation and criminal conspiracy linked to remarks targeting the family of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, officials said on Tuesday.

The First Information Report (FIR), lodged on April 6 at the Crime Branch Police Station in Guwahati, was filed on the basis of a complaint by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the Chief Minister's wife.

The complaint accuses Khera of making "false and fabricated" claims during two press conferences held on April 5, one in New Delhi and another in Guwahati.

According to the FIR, the case has been registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including sections related to forgery of documents and electronic records, use of forged documents as genuine, defamation, criminal conspiracy, and acts that may disturb public tranquillity.

The complaint alleges that Khera, during his media briefings, presented visual materials and circulated content on social media suggesting that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma held citizenship or passports from several countries, including Egypt and Antigua and Barbuda, and possessed a "Golden Card" issued by the United Arab Emirates.

It was also claimed that she had undisclosed foreign assets and links to a company based in Wyoming, United States.

Riniki Bhuyan Sharma has strongly denied all allegations, terming them "baseless and malicious." She further alleged that the documents displayed during the press conferences were forged, with fabricated seals and QR codes designed to resemble official records.

The FIR also points to the wide circulation of these claims across digital platforms, which allegedly triggered public backlash, online harassment, and reputational damage to Riniki Bhuyan Sharma and her family. It highlights concerns over the timing of the allegations, noting that they surfaced just days ahead of polling scheduled for April 9 in Assam, potentially impacting the electoral environment.

Police officials said the investigation has been assigned to senior officers, who will examine both digital and physical evidence as part of the probe.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday stated that the Assam Police had visited Khera's residence as part of the investigation into the matter, but alleged that the Congress leader was not found there.

"Assam Police went to Pawan Khera's residence, but he absconded," Sarma claimed.

He also alleged that Khera may have fled to Hyderabad to evade questioning. "He has probably run away to Hyderabad," Sarma added.
Jaipur, April 7 : Actor Salman Khan has received relief from the Rajasthan High Court, which has stayed the bailable warrant issued against him by the Jaipur District Consumer Commission-II.

The order was passed by a bench of Justice Anoop Singhi while hearing petitions filed by Khan and others.

With the High Court's intervention, Khan is no longer required to appear before the Commission on April 13, a date earlier set as a final opportunity, failing which arrest warrants were to be issued.

The Consumer Commission had issued bailable warrants against Salman Khan on four occasions, though they were not successfully served.

During a recent hearing, the Commission had expressed strong displeasure and warned of stricter action in case of non-compliance.

The case stems from a complaint filed by Yogendra Singh Badiyal, alleging misleading advertisements by Rajshree Pan Masala and its brand ambassador Salman Khan.

The products were promoted as "saffron-infused cardamom" and "saffron-infused pan masala."

On January 6, 2026, the Commission had imposed an interim ban on the promotion and advertisement of these products.

However, advertisements reportedly continued on January 9, including hoardings across Jaipur, Kota, and other cities, which the Commission viewed as a violation of its order.

The Commission had observed that celebrity status does not place anyone above the law and noted that repeated non-appearance despite warrants undermines public confidence in the justice system.

It had even directed the Director General of Police to form a task force to serve the warrant in Mumbai, but the process remained unsuccessful.

Senior Advocates R.P. Singh and G.S. Bafna, along with Advocates Divesh Sharma, Varun Singh, and Shivangshu Naval, appeared for Rajshree Pan Masala and Salman Khan.
Kolkata, April 7 : After a series of discussions, Artists' Forum President Ranjit Mallick and Executive President Prosenjit Chatterjee on Tuesday evening announced the end of their indefinite strike.

At the same time, they decided that artists and technicians will not work with the production company Magic Moments for the time being. The company was responsible for the outdoor shooting in Odisha's Talsari, where actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee tragically died.

Actors and directors such as Rituparna Sengupta, Harnath Chakraborty, Subhasree Gangopadhyay, Dev and many others attended the meeting. Impa President Piya Sengupta and Federation President Swarup Biswas also joined the discussion. The safety of artists and crew during shooting was the main topic. Rahul's wife, actress Priyanka Sarkar, was also present.

The sudden death of Rahul Arunoday Banerjee on March 29 has raised many questions. The actor had travelled to Talsari to shoot for the television series Bhole Baba Par Karega, produced by Magic Moments.

The company is headed by Leena Gangopadhyay, who is also Chairperson of the West Bengal Women's Commission.

According to the post-mortem report, the actor died by drowning in Talsari. Sources within the Odisha Police revealed that the production company had not obtained permission from the authorities.

Following this revelation, fingers were pointed at the company.

A letter was sent to Magic Moments by the Artists' Forum, seeking legal advice and clarification on Rahul's death. When they did not receive a proper response, artists including Forum editor Shantilal Mukherjee filed a case against the company at Regent Park Police Station in Kolkata.

That night, Rahul's wife Priyanka filed a complaint at Talsari Police Station against Magic Moments, series head Shaibal Banerjee, Leena Gangopadhyay, director Subhasish Mondal, floor executive producer Shantanu Nandi, and manager Chandrashekhar Chakraborty.

In the wake of this incident, the Artists' Forum hastily decided to go on strike on Saturday night. The indefinite strike was announced from Tuesday. Shooting of Bengali serials continued for a long time on Monday.

A meeting was scheduled for Tuesday morning to decide how work would proceed. After discussion, it was decided that a standard operating procedure (SOP) would be prepared within fifteen to thirty days.

This aims to make the industry's security system more stringent. Insurance will be arranged for artists and crew members, with special provisions for those not under contract. Until then, shooting in risky locations will be avoided.

Prosenjit said people would remember this for the next 25 years. He added that the merit lay with "a son who left us, who opened our eyes." He declared that artists would not work with those responsible for Rahul's death, nor with anyone associated with Magic Moments.

Veteran actor Ranjit Mallick, returning from Delhi, apologised for his absence. He said it was not possible to work with those linked to the incident at present. "We want to know the truth. We are interested in knowing what happened there. We must tell what exactly happened," he said.

The strike that began on Tuesday has now been lifted. Artists will resume work from tomorrow, but none will work with Magic Moments or anyone associated with it.

Prosenjit reiterated: "From tomorrow, work on television and films will start. No one will work with Magic Moments. We have no quarrel with anyone. But a son from our family has left. We waited for eight-nine days. Legal action has been taken. Priyanka is a member of our family, Rahul was also. The entire family has decided we will not work with those people who took our son. I have to say it publicly, I have to tell Priyanka that I finally accepted it. This is a family. Rahul has united us."

Superstar Dev announced the lifting of the ban on artists who had not been given work so far. He said: "We generally stay away from the ban culture, the culture of non-cooperation. But we cannot deny what happened. We will go into non-cooperation with that organisation, their director, until they can prove they are innocent. Many artists and directors are banned. Bumbada (Prosenjit) has given 72 hours. They will return after 72 hours. Bumbada has promised me. The artists who were not able to work, we have understood that with the departure of one Rahul, not allowing them to work is such a pain. Those who do not have work will understand. He has promised me that the ban will be lifted within 72 hours."
Ahmedabad, April 7 : A silent protest was held in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Tuesday as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s city unit intensified its response to remarks made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, marking the latest development in an escalating political row.

The protest took place at the Income Tax crossroad, where a large number of party workers and leaders gathered wearing black ribbons on their hands.

Away from conventional demonstrations, participants observed silence and refrained from raising slogans, signalling what party leaders described as a serious and restrained form of protest.

Among those present were local MLAs Amit Shah, Dinesh Kushwaha, Amit Thakkar, and Amul Bhatt, along with office-bearers and party workers.

The protest follows remarks made by Kharge during an election rally in Kerala, where he said that voters in the state are "educated and clever".

"Don't misguide the people of Kerala. They are very clever, they are educated. Modi ji, Vijay (Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan), you both can fool those who are illiterate in Gujarat or other places, but you can't fool Kerala people," he had said.

The comments drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders in Gujarat, who described them as insulting to the people of the state and demanded an apology.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel termed the remarks "extremely objectionable and unfortunate", stating that they insulted crores of Gujaratis and hurt the state's dignity.

Addressing the media during the protest, Ahmedabad City BJP president Prerak Shah said, "Congress's mindset has been against Gujarat and Gujaratis for so long. Whenever they were in power, Congress and its leaders have always been against the state and its people. During an election rally, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge spoke against the state and the people, and people are furious over his statement."

He added, "In the past, Congress has been against the Sardar Sarovar Dam. They supported Medha Patkar, who was against the dam. The then Chief Minister Narendra Modi did a 72-hour fast for this. When the UPA government was in power, fewer allocations were given to the state in the Budget."

Shah further said, "The people of Gujarat are against these kinds of statements. In the coming local body and other elections, people will answer them strongly."

BJP leaders at the protest maintained that the remarks amounted to an insult to the entire state and indicated that the issue would be raised further in the run-up to forthcoming local body elections.
Imphal, April 7 : Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, on Tuesday night, chaired an all-party meeting to review the prevailing situation in the state following a deadly bomb attack in Bishnupur district that claimed the lives of two children and injured their mother.

An official from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said the meeting discussed in detail the tragic incident at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai village in Bishnupur district and strongly condemned the "cowardly act".

Representatives of various political parties expressed deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation and emphasised the urgent need to maintain peace, unity, and communal harmony.

Leaders across party lines shared their views and assured full cooperation in efforts to restore normalcy.

The meeting, held at the Chief Minister's Secretariat, resolved that those responsible for the attack must be identified at the earliest, arrested, and dealt with strictly as per the law. It also unanimously appealed to the public to remain calm and refrain from any form of agitation or violence, including damage to public property, and to cooperate with authorities in maintaining law and order.

Leaders from multiple political parties attended the meeting, including representatives from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies, National People's Party (NPP) and Naga People's Front (NPF) as well as opposition parties such as the Congress, Communist Party of India (CPI), NPP (TL), and the Republican Party of India (Athawale), among others.

Senior leaders, including former Manipur Chief Minister and state Congress President Okram Ibobi Singh and former Deputy Chief Minister Y. Joykumar Singh, were also present.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister announced that the state government had decided to hand over the investigation into the Bishnupur bomb attack to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The heinous incident occurred around 1 a.m., when a powerful explosive device, allegedly fired by suspected Kuki militants, struck a residence.

A five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister were killed instantly, while their mother sustained injuries. The victims were reportedly asleep at the time of the attack, which also caused extensive damage to the house.

In an effort to prevent further escalation of violence, the Manipur government suspended internet and mobile data services, including broadband, for three days across five districts in the Imphal Valley -- Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur.

Officials stated that the suspension was necessary to curb the spread of misinformation and maintain law and order. Additionally, an indefinite curfew has been imposed in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, and Kakching following widespread protests over the killing of the two children.

District Magistrates of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, and Kakching have issued separate orders enforcing curfew in their respective jurisdictions starting Tuesday.

Meanwhile, a police official said that two protesters were killed and three others injured in firing after a mob stormed a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Bishnupur on Tuesday.

A large number of people, including women, staged a massive protest condemning the killing of two children in a bomb attack at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai village in Bishnupur district.

According to officials, the protesters stormed the CRPF camp near Gelmol, located a few hundred metres from the blast site, setting vehicles on fire and vandalising property.
Kolkata, April 7 : A huge amount of money was recovered in Kolkata on Tuesday ahead of the Assembly elections. About Rs 19 lakh was seized from the Shyambazar area of aanorth Kolkata.

Two persons have been arrested in connection with the incident, said a senior officer of Kolkata Police.

Investigators are trying to find out where the money was being brought from and where and to whom it was being taken. Raids are also being carried out in different places in Kolkata before the elections.

A huge amount of money has already been recovered in raids carried out in several places in the state.

The West Bengal Assembly Election will be held in the districts of South Bengal, including Kolkata, on April 29.

Strict surveillance and raids are being carried out to prevent money and weapons from entering the state from outside and to prevent the entry of miscreants.

Raids were held in the Shyambazar area this morning. Central forces, the Static Surveillance Team (SST) team and Burtolla police station officers were searching various vehicles.

According to the police, a vehicle was seized, and a search was carried out. The investigators became suspicious after seeing the two passengers in the vehicle.

"They had a black leather bag. When the bag was opened, money came out in droves. After that, the investigators arrested the two passengers. During the initial interrogation, the two youths could not provide any receipts or correct information about the money. After that, they were taken to the police station," said the senior police officer.

The names of the two arrested persons are Sajidur Rahman and Vivek Ojha. The total amount of money recovered is Rs 19 lakh 94 thousand 500. Each note is of Rs 500.

It is learned that Sajidur Rahman's house is in Janaki Nagar of Kaliganj police station in Nadia district. Vivek Ojha's house is in Salkia in Howrah district.

Nodal officer of Shyampukur 166 Assembly constituency, Shibbrata Roy, was present when the money was seized.

Recently, the Central Bureau of Investigation conducted a raid in the Behala area of South Kolkata. More than Rs 1 crore in cash was recovered from the house of a company boss.

A huge amount of money was also recovered during raids at the West Bengal-Assam border.
Patna, April 7 : In the wake of the spurious liquor tragedy in Motihari (East Champaran), where 11 people lost their lives, authorities in Bettiah (West Champaran), on Tuesday, launched an aggressive crackdown on illegal liquor operations.

The police, along with the Prohibition Department, have intensified raids across multiple police station areas, including Shikarpur, Nautan, and Majhaulia, as part of a district-wide campaign to dismantle illicit liquor networks.

During a major operation in the Shikarpur police station area, authorities destroyed raw materials sufficient to produce nearly 3,500 litres of illicit liquor.

Simultaneously, extensive search operations were conducted in the Nautan and Majhaulia regions.

In Dabariya village under Nautan police station limits, police arrested Vishwajeet Kumar alias Golden.

A total of 36 litres of foreign liquor was recovered from his possession, hidden inside a maize field.

A police official said that the accused has a history of involvement in liquor smuggling and was previously arrested in 2024 with 423 litres of liquor.

Additionally, seven individuals were detained from various locations on charges of alcohol consumption.

Cases have been registered against them under the Excise Act, and further legal proceedings are underway.

Deputy Superintendent of the Prohibition Department, Seema Chaurasia, confirmed that surveillance has been significantly intensified, particularly in border areas, following the Motihari hooch tragedy.

She emphasised that the operation against illegal liquor manufacturing and smuggling will continue with full force, ensuring strict enforcement of prohibition laws across the state.

The intensified action reflects the administration's resolve to prevent a repeat of such tragedies and to dismantle the networks responsible for the illegal liquor trade.

The East Champaran hooch tragedy began on April 2, when multiple individuals across different localities fell ill after consuming spurious liquor.

The death toll rose rapidly.

Till April 4, the authorities have registered seven deaths, including Chandu Kumar, Pramod Kumar, Parikshan Manjhi, Hiralal Bhagat, Lalkishore Rai, Sampat Sah, and Laddu Sah.

On April 5, Md. Ilyas Ansari, Laddu Sah (from Balganga), and Jodha Manjhi lost their lives.

On April 7, Jitendra Shah succumbed in the hospital.

As of now, 11 people have lost their lives, while around 15 others remain hospitalised.

Alarmingly, at least six victims have reportedly lost their eyesight.
Washington, April 7 : U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor met Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to advance bilateral trade and technology ties ahead of a scheduled White House dinner with President Donald Trump at the White House, signalling fresh momentum in the U.S.-India partnership.

"Productive meeting with Secretary @HowardLutnick on the U.S.-India commercial roadmap," Gor said.

"We discussed a new MoU connecting India's AI scale with the American AI ecosystem, strong Indian participation at the upcoming @SelectUSA Summit, and growing Indian pharma investment in the United States to boost competition and strengthen supply chains," he added.

The White House said the President is scheduled to participate in a dinner with the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of India in a closed press engagement.

The engagements come as Washington and New Delhi expand cooperation beyond security into emerging technologies, investment and supply chain resilience.

Gor also highlighted security cooperation following his meetings with senior U.S. officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel.

He said he held a "constructive discussion" focused on countering "transnational threats  cybercrime, narcotics, and illicit networks".

"Strong alignment on security priorities," he said, adding that Patel "has done a fantastic job at the FBI".

He also pointed to recent law enforcement outcomes, noting: "In 2025: 112% INCREASE IN VIOLENT CRIME ARRESTS YEAR TO YEAR. 20% DECREASE IN HOMICIDES. 20% DECREASE IN ROBBERIES!"

Gor further underscored the political dimension of the relationship following his interaction with Vice President JD Vance.

"Just wrapped a fantastic meeting with the VP. Thank you @VP Vance for your continued leadership and attention to the U.S.-India relationship," he said.

"Under President Trump's leadership, the White House is fully engaged in the region," Gor added, pointing to sustained U.S. focus on the Indo-Pacific and India's role within it.

The diplomatic outreach included a meeting between Gor and India's Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra.

"Always a pleasure to catch up with my friend @AmbVMKwatra. He deeply cares about our strategic relationship!" Gor said.

Kwatra described the interaction as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties.

"Good to catch up with my friend, Amb Sergio Gor @USAmbIndia, during his visit to Washington DC. Respect and value his partnership, as we continue our robust efforts to achieve the goals agreed by our two leaders for the India-U.S. strategic ties," he said.

The exchanges reflect a multi-layered engagement spanning commerce, security, diplomacy and political leadership, with both sides emphasising alignment on key priorities.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has stirred debate online after posting a relaxed photo of himself smiling, captioned simply "goodnight."Within minutes, the post drew a flood of reactions, with supporters and critics weighing in almost equally. While some praised the former Citizens Coalition for Change leader, others used the moment to question his silence amid ongoing political developments.A section of commentators expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of direction from Chamisa, particularly at a time when opposition supporters are seeking clarity on the way forward in the country's political landscape.Others took a more personal tone, noting his appearance and suggesting he has gained weight, with some claiming he is now enjoying life away from the pressures of active politics.Despite the divided opinions, the post once again highlighted Chamisa's enduring influence on Zimbabwe's political discourse, where even a brief and seemingly casual update continues to generate widespread public attention.
United Nations, April 7 : Russia and China vetoed on Tuesday a resolution calling for opening the Strait of Hormuz and using defensive measures as the deadline for US President Donald Trump's threat to destroy Iranian civilisation loomed.

Pakistan, a member of the triumvirate of countries in a last-minute diplomatic effort, and Colombia abstained on the resolution proposed by Council President Bahrain, while the other 11 members voted for it.

The failed resolution had been toned down from the original version that would have opened the way for offensive military action following France's objections, in the hope of getting its approval and that of Russia and China.

The final version offered by Bahrain, with the backing of the Gulf countries and Jordan, only called for efforts "to coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate with the circumstances, to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation across the Strait of Hormuz".

Its main thrust was to "strongly encourage states interested in the use of commercial maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz".

Introducing the resolution, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid al Zayani said: "We declare loud and clear, and unequivocally, that the Islamic Republic of Iran has no right to close this waterway to international navigation, nor to deprive the peoples of the world of these essential and vital resources."

After it failed, he questioned the Council's credibility in dealing with an issue that threatens the global economy by throttling a major artery for global energy.

He said failing to adopt the resolution sends the wrong signal to the world, suggesting that threats to international waterways can pass without decisive action by the international community.

The Council convened ten hours before Trump's deadline for his latest threat to Iran if it did not open the Strait.

In a Truth Social post, he warned that if Iran did not meet the deadline of 8 pm in Washington, "A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again."

US Permanent Representative Mike Waltz defended the resolution and said that when critical shipments are delayed, "the world will know who exactly chose destruction over responsibility."

The resolution had a simple message: "Iran must stop attacking the Gulf."

Through their vetoes, Russia and China were tolerating Iran "holding the global economy at gunpoint".

Russia's Permanent Representative said his country vetoed the resolution because it was "fundamentally erroneous" and took a "dangerous approach to the situation in the region".

He also complained that it did not mention the initial attacks by Israel and the US on February 28 that started it.

China's Permanent Representative Fu Cong echoed this, saying: "The draft resolution failed to capture the root causes and the full picture of the conflict in a comprehensive and balanced manner."

Last month, the Council adopted a resolution, also proposed by Bahrain, condemning Iran's attacks on the Gulf states and demanding that Tehran open the Strait. Russia and China abstained on that resolution, allowing its passage.
Kolkata, April 7 : The Election Commission of India (ECI), on Tuesday, told that from February 26 to April 6, illegal and unauthorised items worth around Rs 327.44 crore have been seized in West Bengal, which is going for the crucial two-phase Assembly polls later this month.

The West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) Office has released a press statement giving details of such seizures.

Of the total amount, the cash seizure amounted to Rs 11.01 crore.

The monetary value of the illegal liquor seized is Rs 57.71 crore, while the value of drugs and narcotics seized is Rs 67.35 crore.

The value of the precious metals seized during the same period is Rs 38.55 crore, while the value of freebies/other items (as per the statement) is Rs 162.80 crore.

As per the press statement, the number of unlicensed arms and weapons seized till April 4 in the state is 251, and the number of cartridges seized is 401.

A total of 127.7 kg of explosives have been seized till the same period, and the number of bombs seized stands at 887.

At the same time, the state CEO's office had told that extensive drives conducted for the removal of unauthorised political advertisements are underway.

"As per the latest reports, widespread public and private property defacements have been cleared across all districts and the District Election Officers have certified removal of defacement from all the public properties under their jurisdictions," the press statement from the CEO's office said.

"The ECI remains committed to ensuring the conduct of polls characterised by the highest standards of transparency, impartiality, and security across all 294 Assembly Constituencies in West Bengal. As the state progresses toward the scheduled polling phases on April 23 and April 29, the office of the West Bengal CEO is rigorously monitoring the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). This daily brief provides a comprehensive overview of the latest operational developments," the statement added.
Jaipur, April 7 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma will visit the Guhata village in Indragarh tehsil of Bundi district on Wednesday to inspect the ongoing construction of the Chambal Aqueduct, being developed under the Rajasthan Water Grid Corporation Limited, government officials said on Tuesday.

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government remains firmly committed to the successful implementation of the 'Ram Jal Setu Link Project', a transformative initiative for Eastern Rajasthan.

"The progress of this ambitious and life-sustaining project, which is set to benefit 17 districts of the state, is being closely and continuously monitored," officials added.

The Chambal Aqueduct is a key component of the revised Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project.

This vital structure will connect Piplada Samel village in Digod tehsil of Kota district to Guhata village in Bundi district.

Spanning nearly 2,280 metres across the Chambal river, the aqueduct is currently under construction and is being executed in mission mode to ensure timely completion.

In addition to facilitating water transfer, the aqueduct will also serve as a route for public movement, thereby improving local connectivity.

The revised Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project has been conceptualised by expanding the scope of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).

The Ramjal Setu Link Project, a revised version of the Parbati-KalisindhChambal river linking project, aims to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply to people across several regions of the state.

In its first phase, the project aims to provide drinking water to nearly 3.25 crore people across 17 districts.

It will also ensure water availability for irrigation and industrial use, significantly strengthening the region's water security.

This landmark initiative is expected to play a crucial role in accelerating the socio-economic development of the state by enhancing agricultural productivity, supporting industries, and improving the quality of life for millions of residents.
Bengaluru, April 7 : Senior BJP leader and opposition leader in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, said that the forthcoming bye-election will witness a contest between the poor and the rich, and the Congress will lose.

Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, he said that in Davanagere and Bagalkot, the election is being fought between the poor and the rich. Since Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said "Make the poor win," the BJP has fielded poor candidates. It can be noted that the BJP has fielded a porter's son as a candidate hailing from the oppressed class of Davanagere.

"In Davanagere, if the Congress candidate wins, it is understood that Muslims will not get opportunities in the future, and therefore, Muslims are opposing the Congress party. Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan has run away without campaigning in his constituency, and there are differences of opinion about him," Ashoka stated.

Ashoka said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who talks about backward classes uniting, has not given even a single ticket to backward class candidates.

In Davanagere, the BJP has given a ticket to an ordinary person, whereas Congress has given tickets to powerful and influential people. In Bagalkot, there is a very good opinion about the BJP candidate. Congress has given space to dynastic politics in both places. Therefore, the BJP has a strong chance of winning in both constituencies.

Congress leaders have indulged in rowdyism in Bagalkot, and a complaint has been filed regarding this. Due to the government's corruption and the poor implementation of guarantee schemes, an anti-incumbency wave has been created. After presenting the budget, they are now imposing taxes on everything, he alleged.

The administration in the state has collapsed. No development projects are being taken up. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar and CM Siddaramaiah are fighting with each other for the Chief Minister's chair. Siddaramaiah has returned because he has no confidence of winning the Kerala Assembly election. This bye-election will expose the real face of Congress. Congress is trying to convert minorities into a vote bank, he said.

This bye-election will provide an opportunity to throw out the Congress government and will decide the future. Youngsters are coming onto the streets and protesting due to a lack of jobs. An anti-government wave is visible everywhere. This is a golden opportunity for the people to teach the government a lesson, he added.

Siddaramaiah is no longer a leader of the backward classes. His clothes, shawl, pen, and entire lifestyle are those of a forward-class person. But when it comes to votes, he only wants the backward classes. Therefore, he is the "forward leader" of the backward classes, Ashoka remarked.

Deputy CM Shivakumar is not going to get the Chief Minister's chair permanently. They have already pushed the state into a deep pit of debt. Until the battle for the chair ends, no development will take place, he said.

Preparations are underway for the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). Booth committees and candidate selection processes have begun. The central leaders will decide on the alliance with JD (S). First, let the government conduct the election. There is fear among them that if Siddaramaiah remains the Chief Minister, it will be impossible to win the GBA election, he said.

The BJP will give a strong contest in Tamil Nadu. In Assam too, the BJP is in a strong position. If the BJP wins this election, they (Congress) will again allege that the EVMs are not working properly. The Congress party is full of poisonous snakes, and many scams have been carried out by them, he alleged.
Washington, April 8 : US President Donald Trump is "sticking to" plans for a potential military strike on Iran if negotiations fail to make progress by a self-imposed deadline, with the White House warning Tehran has only hours left to respond.

Fox News anchor Bret Baier, citing a direct conversation with Trump, said on Tuesday that the President made clear that "8 p.m. (Eastern Time) is happening", adding that if talks do not yield results, "there is going to be an attack like they have not seen".

Earlier, White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told IANS: "The Iranian regime has until 8 p.m. Eastern Time to meet the moment and make a deal with the United States. Only the President knows where things stand and what he will do."

The twin signals from Trump and the White House underscore a sharp escalation in the ongoing crisis centred on the Strait of Hormuz.

Baier said the US President indicated that while a breakthrough in negotiations could alter the course, "at this hour he is sticking to it."

Earlier, US forces had already struck military targets in Iran, and Trump escalated his rhetoric with a stark warning of massive consequences.

President Trump said "a whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again" if further action is taken against critical infrastructure.

The US administration has left the door open for diplomacy.

Baier said Trump suggested that "if negotiations move forward today and there is something concrete, that could change".

However, uncertainty remains over whether meaningful engagement is taking place.

While some US officials indicated ongoing communication, reports emerged that Iran may have halted talks.

According to reporting cited during the broadcast, Iran had "cut off diplomacy with the United States", though the situation remained fluid.

Trump himself underscored the stakes, writing that "we will find out tonight", describing Iran's decision on negotiations as "one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World".

The developments have triggered intense reactions across US media and policy circles.

The threat dominated cable news coverage, with some commentators warning of the implications of such rhetoric. One host described the US President as "threatening a war crime" and called the statement "a remarkable escalation".

At the same time, there were tentative signs of diplomatic movement.

Reports indicated that Iran had released two French nationals held for years, raising hopes that backchannel negotiations could still produce results.

Baier pointed to internal uncertainty within Iran's leadership structure as a complicating factor.

"There is a real question: who holds the baton and who makes the decisions inside Iran?" he said, highlighting challenges in communication and authority.

He added that momentum on the military front, including a recent rescue mission, may be shaping the administration's posture.

"There is a feeling that there is momentum here militarily. The US President feels that," Baier said.
Doha, April 8 : The Indian Embassy in Qatar has issued an advisory urging members of the Indian community to remain vigilant and closely follow instructions from local authorities in view of the prevailing situation in the region.

In its update released on Tuesday, the Embassy said: "The Ministry of Interior has urged everyone to obtain information from official sources and to refrain from circulating or publishing rumours or unreliable information on various platforms to avoid legal accountability."

The Embassy emphasised that its 24/7 Control Room continues to remain operational, along with dedicated helpline numbers, 55647502 and 55362508, as well as e-mail support at cons.doha@mea.gov.in and WhatsApp assistance.

Officials added that the mission is in regular touch with Indian community leaders and organisations to ensure coordinated support.

The advisory comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions in the Middle East, with several countries issuing precautionary alerts in recent days over possible missile and drone threats.

Kuwait, for instance, has already urged its citizens to stay indoors during night hours, while other Gulf states have stepped up security measures.

India has a sizeable expatriate population in Qatar, estimated at over 700,000, many of whom are employed in construction, services, and the energy sector.

The Embassy has frequently activated emergency protocols in the past, including during the Gulf crisis of 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic, to safeguard the interests of its nationals.

Officials reiterated that citizens should rely only on verified information disseminated through official channels and avoid spreading unverified content that could cause panic or invite legal consequences.

The Embassy concluded its advisory with reassurance that all necessary measures are being taken to support the Indian community during this period of uncertainty.
Business

Franc Laurent Launches 10% Off Moissanite Engagement Rings Collection

Finding the perfect engagement ring is one of life's most exciting moments. Franc Laurent, a trusted UK moissanite jewellery brand, makes that moment even more special and right now, even more affordable, with 10% off their entire moissanite engagement ring collection.

A UK Brand Built on Ethical Brilliance

Franc Laurent was founded and registered in England with one clear goal: to give everyone access to beautiful, ethically made jewellery. Every ring is carefully crafted, every stone is responsibly sourced, and every piece is designed to last a lifetime. Moissanite, the gemstone at the heart of their collection, is lab-grown, conflict-free, and sparkles even more brilliantly than a diamond, making it the ideal choice for couples who want beauty with a clear conscience.

A Ring for Every Style

One of the best things about Franc Laurent is how much variety they offer. No matter your taste, there is a ring in this collection made for you.

Their solitaire rings are clean, timeless, and stunning. Available in round, oval, cushion, emerald, princess, radiant, and Asscher cuts, with settings including classic prong, twisted split shank, and cathedral styles, these rings let the stone do all the talking.

If you love extra sparkle, the halo collection is hard to beat. Classic, double, hidden, and split shank halo designs are all available, each one crafted to make your moissanite shine at its absolute brightest.

For something with deeper meaning, the three-stone collection is a beautiful choice. Symbolising the past, present, and future of your relationship, these rings come in a range of cuts and settings, including elegant pear and baguette side stone designs.

The collection goes even further with pave shoulder rings, twisted and twig band styles, vintage milgrain detailing, criss-cross shanks, and full set rings. Every couple is different, and Franc Laurent makes sure every love story can be told in its own way.

Luxury That Fits Your Budget

Franc Laurent believes great jewellery should be within reach. Engagement rings start from just 215, and with 10% off the full collection, there has never been a better time to find your perfect ring. Orders over 250 qualify for free shipping, and flexible buy now, pay later options are available through PayPal and Klarna, making the whole process simple and stress-free.

For those who want something completely one of a kind, Franc Laurent's bespoke "Create Your Own" service lets you design a ring that is entirely yours, from the cut and setting to the finest finishing detail.

Shop the Collection Today

With hundreds of designs spanning every style, cut, and setting, Franc Laurent offers one of the most complete moissanite engagement ring collections from any UK brand. The 10% off offer is available now. Visit Franc Laurent to explore the full collection and find the ring that tells your story.
Finance

IA Racing Cup Season 2 Redefines Industry Networking with Support from Dupoin

Vietnam IA Racing Cup Season 2 Brings Motorsport and Finance Together in a Different Kind of Industry Event

Vietnam IA Racing Cup Season 2 took place on 29 March 2026, gathering financial industry KOLs, entrepreneurs, and partners in an environment that feels very different from a typical industry event.

Organised by Imperium Analyst, the event returned on a larger scale and a clearer focus on building real connections within the trading community. Participants competed on one of Southeast Asias longest integrated karting tracks, which stretches close to 1.5 kilometres. The setting itself has already set the tone; fast, intense, and highly interactive.

Among the events sponsors was Dupoin, supporting the initiative as part of a broader effort to engage more directly with the financial community. This support also helped elevate the scale of the event, making it more accessible and impactful for the wider trading community.

Where Conversations Happen Naturally

The absence of a fixed agenda shaped the way people interacted throughout the day. There were no long sessions to sit through, and no pressure to follow a structured schedule.

Instead, discussions formed between activities. Small groups gathered near the track, conversations picked up during breaks, and introductions often happened without much effort.

Some exchanges stayed brief, while others stretched longer as common ground became clearer. That flexibility gave participants room to engage at their own pace, which is not always easy in more formal settings.

When Speed Changes the Way You Think

Once participants got onto the track, the pace of the event shifted completely.

Corners approached quickly. Decisions had to be made in seconds, sometimes without a second chance to correct them. That intensity required focus, but also confidence.

Many attendees recognised something familiar in that environment. The need to stay calm under pressure, to react quickly, and to manage risk all mirror situations they face in financial markets.

Experiencing it physically made those parallels easier to understand, especially for those used to working behind screens.

Connections That Build Differently

Compared to a standard conference setting, interactions here developed in a less predictable way. People who might not have spoken in a formal environment ended up having longer conversations simply because they shared the same experience on the track. That common starting point changed the tone.

Some participants reconnected after races. Others continued discussions they had started earlier in the day. Over time, those small interactions added up.

For sponsors, including Dupoin, this created a more natural way to be present within the trading community, contributing to stronger engagement rather than standing apart from it.

The Event Doesnt End at the Track

By the time the races wrapped up, content from the day had already started circulating.

Short clips, photos, and personal highlights appeared across different platforms, shared directly by participants. The tone remained informal, which helped the content feel more genuine.

That ongoing sharing extended the life of the event. It also brought in a wider audience who were not physically there but still engaged with what happened.

During the event, Dupoin received an appreciation trophy from the organisers, marking its contribution to the overall initiative.

A Shift in How Industry Events Are Designed

What stands out from IA Racing Cup Season 2 is not just the activity itself, but how it changes the way people connect.

There is a growing preference for environments that allow interaction to happen more naturally. Less emphasis on formal structure. More focus on shared experience.

This approach does not replace traditional formats, but it adds another option, one that feels closer to how people actually build relationships today.

And that difference is becoming more noticeable across the industry. With continued support from industry players like Dupoin, these types of community-driven events are likely to become more prominent moving forward.

About Dupoin

Dupoin is a licensed and trusted global broker offering access to a wide range of financial markets, including forex, indices, commodities, shares, and cryptocurrencies. Backed by multiple international awards and over 500,000 active clients, Dupoin is known for its strong reputation, transparency, and cutting-edge trading experience.
"Our goal in sharing these AI marketing resources is to help marketers and business leaders build a foundation that supports visibility and relevance in both AI assisted search and traditional search." Post this

As more organizations seek guidance on how to adapt to evolving search behavior, Brick Marketing's free resource hub offers practical support without charge. The collection is curated to help marketers learn how AI driven search assistants interpret content, how to provide trustworthy answers, and how to shape online content so that it is relevant, visible, and impactful.

AI guided search tools often generate summaries, recommendations, or direct responses drawing from multiple online sources. To be included in these experiences, content must not only be well optimized for traditional indexing but also be structured in a way that AI systems can readily understand intent, topic, and context. Brick Marketing's best practices emphasize clarity of language, logical content hierarchy, and the use of structured data where appropriate.

Best practices shared in these resources include creating content that aligns with real search queries and user needs, using clear headings and definitions that help information systems parse subject matter, and establishing topical authority through comprehensive coverage of key themes. These practices help brands build visibility in new environments where answers are often generated rather than simply retrieved.

Brand visibility in AI search depends on content quality as well as relevance to audience interests. Brick Marketing's guides encourage marketers to focus on content that directly addresses user questions in a way that prioritizes usefulness and readability. AI systems favor content that is well organized and demonstrates topical expertise. Brands that produce informative, accurate, and user centered content are more likely to be selected as part of AI search responses.

Social media promotion is another key topic covered in the resources. While AI search systems rely on signals from content across the web, sharing content through social channels supports overall visibility and can increase the likelihood that a brand's content will be referenced or recommended within AI generated results. The resources explain how consistent promotion across platforms can reinforce awareness and assist in building credibility.

To make these insights widely accessible, Brick Marketing's free collection is presented in a format that accommodates both beginners and seasoned marketing professionals. The page includes a variety of formats including step by step articles, strategy oriented posts, and examples of how best practices have been applied successfully. Marketers can explore the topics at their own pace and return to the materials as needed as search behavior continues to shift.

Nick Stamoulis, President of Brick Marketing, said:

"Understanding how content is interpreted by AI systems is now essential for any brand that aims to be discoverable where people are seeking answers. Our goal in sharing these AI marketing resources is to help marketers and business leaders build a foundation that supports visibility and relevance in both AI assisted search and traditional search. Quality, clarity, and alignment with audience needs are central to successful search presence. We want to make this knowledge available to as many people as possible because strong brand visibility benefits the brand and the people it serves."

Brick Marketing's free AI marketing resources are updated regularly to reflect new trends in how people use search and how AI powered tools evolve over time. Users can bookmark the resources and revisit them as part of ongoing efforts to refine content strategy and strengthen visibility.

The resources cover topics such as how to create content that aligns with natural language queries, the role of structured data in AI understanding, how to assess the performance of content in AI driven results, and why clear explanations matter. This educational hub serves as a starting point for marketers who are building their knowledge and developing internal capabilities related to AI search.

Brick Marketing encourages business leaders and marketing teams to visit the AI marketing resource page to explore actionable guidance that can be applied immediately. By leveraging these resources, brands can improve their ability to be understood and recommended by AI powered search assistants and systems that support modern search experiences.

About Brick Marketing

Brick Marketing is a Boston based digital marketing firm with more than two decades of experience helping organizations strengthen their online presence through education and services. Brick Marketing provides digital marketing services, training and consulting solutions. For more information about Brick Marketing visit: https://www.brickmarketing.com/.

Media Contact

Nick Stamoulis, Brick Marketing - Boston Digital Marketing Agency, 1 781-999-1222, [email protected], https://www.brickmarketing.com/

SOURCE Brick Marketing - Boston Digital Marketing Agency
News / National

by Staff reporter

Fresh uncertainty has emerged over Washington's account of a reported weekend "successful pilot rescue" operation inside Iran, as competing narratives from Iranian officials and independent analysts raise questions about the true objective of the mission.According to unconfirmed reports circulating in regional and international media, wreckage believed to be from a downed F-15E fighter jet was discovered near Natanz, an area that hosts Iran's primary uranium enrichment infrastructure. The proximity to the nuclear site has fuelled speculation among some observers that the operation may have involved more than a routine personnel recovery.The United States reportedly deployed C-130J aircraft capable of transporting large troop contingents, allegedly to extract a single injured pilot. The scale of the deployment has prompted questions from analysts and Iranian officials, some of whom have suggested the mission could have been linked to sensitive nuclear material or intelligence objectives.Iranian state and social media sources claimed that the operation encountered significant resistance, with reports of two transport aircraft making emergency landings on an unprepared airstrip and becoming inoperable. Additional claims suggest clashes occurred in parts of Kohgiluyeh province, with explosions and missile activity reported during the incident.Authorities in Iran said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps deployed reinforcements to the area and claimed that foreign units were encircled. Tehran has further alleged that the operation may have been a "deception mission" potentially aimed at extracting enriched uranium from protected facilities.Iranian media also released images it claims show wreckage of US equipment, including a downed MQ-9 Reaper drone reportedly shot down near Isfahan. These claims have not been independently verified.Meanwhile, unnamed US officials have not publicly released details regarding the identities, condition, or location of any personnel allegedly involved in the rescue operation, contributing to growing speculation and uncertainty.Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson, speaking in an interview cited by international media outlets, described the incident as a possible "cover-up operation," while also alleging casualtiesclaims that have not been confirmed by official sources.Regional observers note that the developments are particularly sensitive for Turkiye, which shares a long border with Iran and has warned that any escalation could result in refugee flows and wider regional instability.The Natanz nuclear site remains a persistent flashpoint in tensions between Iran and Western powers. Any confirmed attempt to remove nuclear material would represent a major escalation and could violate international legal frameworks governing nuclear security.As competing accounts continue to emerge, the true nature of the reported operation remains unclear, with officials on all sides offering sharply conflicting versions of events. Analysts say the controversy is further deepening mistrust and increasing concerns over the potential for broader regional escalation.
After years of focusing on an array of other fine art projects, Caldecott Honor artist Christopher Myers returns to publishing with Night Ride, a wordless picture book featuring rich stained-glass imagery that celebrates childhood, freedom, imagination, and New York City.

The September 29 release from Penguins Kokila imprint follows a group of kids one night as they joyfully bicycle through the city they call home, riding from Harlem through Manhattan and over the Brooklyn Bridge, which shines tall above them on the books cover, seen here in an early look.

Its been a minute since Ive done a book for children, Myers told PW. Hes kept plenty busy in the meantime, creating distinctive works across disciplines including film, opera, sculpture, and textiles and seeing them displayed in such venues as the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the Guggenheim in Manhattan, and the Studio Museum in Harlem. Hes also creative director of the Random House Childrens Books imprint Make Me a World, which he founded as a home for titles by other artists and storytellers. But what brought him back to the medium he calls his first love was the desire to express some of his most pressing thoughts in an innovative way.

One of the things thats been stressing me out lately is the question, Whats sacred, what is worthy of taking care of and being careful with?  Myers said. I feel like in our day and age the idea of what is sacred has been lost in either the quick fix of social media, or the kind of ostentation and over-the-top visibility of every other kind of thing in the world. With that in mind, he said, I wanted to do a book about a few things that are sacred to me. At the top of that list is childhood. I have a six-year-old daughter and watching her thrive and explore and start to feel her independence is a moment Im in awe of, he said.

Myers also described the sense of freedom and exploration, and learning to love the places youre in as sacred to him. I wanted to make a book about these ideas that was almost as quiet as a church, he said. I didnt think I could quite express it in words. I could express it, though, in images, and I felt it was particularly appropriate to think about it in terms of stained glass, which is a visual language we use for the sacred.

Though Myers has been working in stained glass for the past six or seven years (he currently has pieces featured in a show at the Portland Art Museum), he had never translated it to the page before, just as he had never done a wordless book. I was a little afraid at first, he said. I can depend on words to sort of fill in the blanks, but to build a wordless book took some courage. It also took developing a whole new technique, he explained, to do 20-something separate four-foot by six-foot windows, and to be able to build a consistent language across that many windows.

Creating in Community

Myers credits the patience and insight of his collaborators with helping him get Night Ride to the finish line: Kokilas founder, president, and publisher Namrata Tripathi, who edited the book; senior art director/designer Jasmin Rubero; and the family of glass makers in Guadalajara, Mexico he works with to make his stained glass. breaks down the intricate artwork process in an authors note at the end of the book, detailing the journey from pencil sketch to framed stained-glass image. The finished windows then traveled from Mexico back to Myers in New York, where they were illuminated and photographed to create the final illustrations.

When considering the perfect image for the books cover, he said, I wanted something warm and inviting that talked about community, city, and architecture, and something that focused on the kids. He added, I want the cover and the book itself to have its own architecture and be the kind of holy place that a young person can visit and ask themselves some questions about where they are and where they want to be.

Myers is excited to see Night Ride in the world and reaching readers after its long journey to publication. No book, no piece of art, happens alone, he said. Theres always the idea of your first audience; in this case, its Namrata and Jasmin. And then it ends with the young people who get the book. Thats what makes the book complete. All of these stained-glass windows are just glass until light passes through them, and that light is the young people who will read the book.

The images from Night Ride will likely have other kinds of lives, Myers said. I brought as much as I could to bear in this work. And for years Ive talked about the idea that I think childrens book illustration should be considered amongst the fine arts, he added. As somebody who is straddling those worlds, I want to be clear that all of the work, for me, is at the same level. I am a person who thinks about how to tell stories visually, and that takes many forms.

This latest project also has Myers considering making other books. With the partners I have at Kokila, its exciting for me to think about how to bring some of my other fine arts practices into the kids book space, he said. For starters, he said, Im thinking about bringing some of my quilting traditions into the book world. As a recent example, his 30-foot by 10-foot quilt about Nat Turners slave rebellion, titled The Grim Work of Death, was acquired by the Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture last year.

Night Ride by Christopher Myers. Kokila, $19.99 Sept. 29; ISBN 979-8-217-23846-0
After more than 50 years in online retail, pop culture authority Bud Plant has sold his company, Buds Art Books, to longtime industry expert Bill Schanes and his niece, Sasha Fera-Schanes, for an undisclosed amount.

The deal was officially completed on January 15, and gives Schanes ownership and control of Buds Art Books, a.k.a. Bud Plant Comic Art, the Grass Valley, Calif.-based online mail order business known for selling new and rare books related to comic books, fantasy art, illustration, horror, and related materials. The sale includes the overall assets of Buds Art Books.

Ive been doing this for 55 years, and it seemed time to step back, Plant, 73, told Publishers Weekly. I would like to be able to step away from the warehouse and have some free time to enjoy other things. My partner, Anne Hutchison, and I are running a separate but related business selling old books and comics, so its not like Im moving away completely.

Plant, a comic book fan since 1964, entered the online retail business in 1970 selling old comic books, underground comics, and fanzines. He also had a presence at early comic book conventions, including Phil Seulings conventions in New York, and the San Diego Comic Con, where Plant was a central figure for 48 years.

In 1972, Plant, with a few fellow fans, established Comics & Comix, the first comic store chain in northern California, eventually opening seven stores. Plant later got into distribution, selling that portion of his business to Diamond Comic Distributors in 1988. He even tried his hand at publishing, producing 24 issues of Jack Katzs independent comic book The First Kingdom and five issues of the fanzine Promethean Enterprises.

Schanes, who has known Plant since the early 70s, is the former publisher of Pacific Comics, and former vice president of purchasing at Diamond Comic Distributors, a title he held from 1985 until his retirement in 2013. Sasha Fera-Schanes is president and CEO of Pop-King, Inc., a prominent player in the comic book and pop culture industry.

One of Schanes first decisions was to hire longtime fan and collector Marty Grosser, who will replace Plant as the voice of the companys popular Bud Plants Incredible Catalogue, known for Plants personal product recommendations. Grosser will also be involved in expanding the number of titles and products offered each month, with hopes to "diversify our offerings to include more independent creators and their works while continuing to serve our existing customer base and their particular interests."

One of Buds Art Books greatest strengths is Plants reputation among fans and clients, observes Schanes. People love Bud and they love his company, he said. One of the things that historically has made Buds Art Books unique is Buds integrity and insights into all things comics, illustrated books, and art books. If we can do justice to that, I believe well have something that can go forward for many more years to come.

Plant is ready to step back and let Schanes take the spotlight, but acknowledges that there will be much hell miss. What made me the happiest was selecting the covers for the catalogue and getting the catalogue out, he says. I would get opinions from others, but selecting the cover was my creative part. I really enjoyed finding a really groovy piece of artwork to share with our customers. That was very rewarding.

Beyond the cover, Plant says he also will miss promoting his favorites among new items, and tapping his connections within the art world to offer signed book plates, a special bonus Plant usually provided at no additional charge. Plant explains, Im not an artist or a publisher, but I love doing stuff like that, adding extra value to a book Im excited about anyway.
In a joint release, Scholastic and the Little Free Library literacy nonprofit has announced that they are partnering with Dav Pilkey to install 100 custom-designed Little Free Library-branded book-sharing mounted boxes in schools and public libraries in underserved communities across the U.S. This initiative is launching today, to coincide with the publication of Pilkeys latest release, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga (illustrated by Motojiro), and to celebrate National School Library Month in April. The distribution of these LFL boxes will continue through July.

The initiative is an expansion of LFL's "Power Up with Reading" 2024 initiative, executed in partnership with Pilkey and Scholastic, in which one custom-made Dog Man LFL-branded book-sharing box was installed in each state in the U.S., stocked with books.

The LFL Captain Underpants boxes, funded by Pilkey, will be designed, according to a release, with his signature bold, playful illustrations and painted in a striking red, so that they will be instantly recognizable beacons of fun and literacy. Each box will be stocked with a curated collection of kid-friendly titles, including copies of The First Epic Manga.

Every child deserves access to books, Pilkey said. With this initiative, we hope to spark curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong love of reading."

Dav Pilkeys stories have inspired millions of kids to fall in love with reading, said LFL CEO Daniel Gumnit. Together with Dav Pilkey and Scholastic, were turning that inspiration into actionplacing books directly into communities and inviting kids to discover the joy of reading right outside their doors.

Locations for book boxes include West Marion Elementary in Loretto, Ky.; Hmong International in Minneapolis; Worcester-Schenevus Library in Worcester, N.Y.; Snow Hill Middle School in Snow Hill, Md.; Howe Public Schools in Howe, Okla.; Obion County Public Library in Union City, Tenn.; Milwood Middle School in Kalamazoo, Mich.; Umbrella Learning Academy in Pensacola, Fla.; Ethel I. Baker Elementary in Sacramento, Calif.; Francis Elementary School in Humble, Tex.; Elizabeth Public Library in Elizabeth, N.J.; Salida Regional Library in Salida, Colo.; and St. Martin East Elementary in Ocean Springs, Miss.

In tandem with the Captain Underpants book-sharing box installations, LFL is hosting a nationwide book giveaway, also in collaboration with Scholastic and Pilkey. All LFL fans in the U.S. and Canada are eligible to enter to win one of 200 copies of The First Epic Manga, with priority given to school and libraries that enter.
FDA warning letters target marketers of unapproved weight loss drugs

Historical FDA investigator badges at its headquarters. (credit: Ferdous Al-Faruque)

In the latest tranche of published warning letters, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has continued to go after drugmakers for marketing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and similar medications without regulatory approval. It also issued other warning letters for current good manufacturing practices (CGMP) violations and failing to adhere to clinical trial protocols.

GLP agonist makers

On 7 April, the FDA published several warning letters, including a batch to companies that the agency said are marketing GLP-1 products, dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) products, and triple agonist (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon) products without regulatory approval. Over the past year, the agency has issued dozens of warning letters to companies for identical violations.

In the latest batch of warning letters to GLP manufacturers, the agency cited Prime Sciences, Lovega, Gram Peptides, FormPour, Guangzhou Huli Technology, Mile High Compounds, and PekCura Labs for marketing their products without FDA approval.

"These products are especially concerning from a public health perspective because injectable drug products can pose risks of serious harm to users, FDA wrote in its warning letter to Prime Sciences. "Injectable products are delivered directly into the body, sometimes directly into the bloodstream, and therefore, bypass some of the bodys key defenses against toxins and microorganisms that can lead to serious and life-threatening conditions.

"Despite statements on your product labeling marketing your products for laboratory research purposes only and not for human consumption, medical use or veterinary use, evidence obtained from your website establishes that your products are intended to be drugs for human use," the agency wrote. "Your products are drugs as defined by section 201(g)(1) of the FD&C Act 21, U.S.C. 321(g)(1), because they are intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease and/or intended to affect the structure or function of the body."

FDA's letters to the other manufacturers are similar in their complaints about why their products fall under the agency's regulatory oversight and why the companies are not allowed to market them, despite their oft-cited claims that the products, especially the triple agonists, are for research only.

All the GLP companies in question also market their products online, either through their own websites or on sites such as eBay.

"Your 'Googeer GLP-1 Weight Control Oral Solution' product is a 'new drug' under section 201(p) of the FD&C Act, 21 U.S.C. 321(p), because it is not generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) for use under the above-described conditions prescribed, recommended, or suggested in the labeling," said FDA in their letter to Guangzhou Huli based in Chicago. "With certain exceptions not applicable here, a new drug may not be introduced or delivered for introduction into interstate commerce without an approved application from FDA in effect, as described in section 505(a) of the FD&C Act, 21 U.S.C. 355(a).

"No approved application pursuant to section 505 of the FD&C Act, 21 U.S.C. 355, is in effect for this product," the agency wrote. "Accordingly, this product is an unapproved new drug."

Three of the companies, Prime Sciences, Lovega, and Gram Peptides, were also cited for marketing bacteriostatic water used to dilute the medication.

"Your firm offers 'Bacteriostatic Water' for sale alongside peptide products, which are drugs intended for injection and require reconstitution" said FDA in its letter to Lovega. "The sale of these products together demonstrates that you intend for your 'Bacteriostatic Water' to be used in combination for injection. Therefore, your 'Bacteriostatic Water' is a drug."

Prime Sciences, Lovega, Gram Peptides, FormPour, Guangzhou Huli Technology, Mile High Compounds, PekCura Labs

Medline Industries

FDA investigators issued a warning letter to medical device maker Medline Industries, which manufactures medical devices, including cardiovascular procedure kits that with NAMIC Angiographic Control Syringes and manifolds for injecting intra-arterial or intravenous radiographic contrast media. The agency said the company failed to meet CGMP requirements, including implementing and adhering to its risk-based corrective and preventive action (CAPA) procedures.

More specifically, the agency noted that Medline did not take appropriate CAPA in response to increased complaints in June 2023 regarding NAMIC Angiographic Control Syringes disconnecting from manifolds attributed to excess silicone.

"Your Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Qual-124366 dated June 11, 2024, determined the risk was low, which is inconsistent with your design failure modes and effectiveness analysis (dFMEA) (RA2022047; Rev. 4), which identified 'air embolism' as the highest severity issue for loose connections," FDA wrote. "Your firms corrective actions only included scrapping devices in inventory and increasing the cleaning frequency of the [redacted] machine to prevent excess silicone from migrating to the luer connector, despite receiving 221 complaints and filing 177 [medical device reports (MDR)] for the disconnection of the NAMIC Angiographic Control Syringes from manifolds which impact patients and clinicians, including one (1) MDR # 3015910259-2025-00109 involving the injection of air into a patient (Complaint # [redacted] dated [redacted]) and one (1) MDR # 3015910259-2024-00045 involving biohazard exposure of a clinician (Complaint # [redacted] dated [redacted])."

Furthermore, Medline Industries was cited for other violations, including failing to maintain schedules for adjusting, cleaning, and performing other equipment maintenance to ensure compliance with manufacturing specifications. It was also cited for failing to ensure its device inputs met its design outputs.

FDA asked Medline Industries to respond to its warning letter within 15 business days and noted that since the December 2025 inspection, the agency has updated its Quality System (QS) regulation to the Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) to harmonize with international regulatory standards. FDA told the company to ensure its response complies with QMSR.

Medline Industries

Clinical investigator

Ehsan Sadri, an ophthalmologist and researcher based in Newport Beach, CA, was issued a warning letter from FDA for failing to adhere to clinical trial protocols. FDA investigators said he failed to ensure that all subjects in his clinical trial met eligibility criteria before they were enrolled. More specifically, they noted that at least one subject's Central corneal endothelial cells (CEC) density measurement was not completed before enrollment, which was one of the enrollment criteria, and another enrolled subject had Intraocular pressure (IOP) that was outside the criteria.

Sadri responded to FDA's Form 483 to explain the discrepancies, including delayed activation of the clinical trial site and shortening of the enrollment period, and said he would update the standard operating procedures. However, FDA said the responses were insufficient.

"While we acknowledge your response that an abrupt shortening of the enrollment period led to challenges and mistakes, your response is inadequate because, regardless of the length of the enrollment period, you are still responsible for ensuring that subjects meet protocol-specified eligibility criteria before you enroll them into the study," said FDA. "Further, while we acknowledge the corrective and preventive actions that your site has taken or plans to take, your written response is inadequate because it does not provide sufficient details about how you, as a clinical investigator, will ensure adequate oversight of the study procedures (for example, adherence to eligibility requirements).

"In addition, your response is inadequate because you did not provide sufficient details about proposed changes to policies and procedures being implemented at your site to prevent similar violations in the future. Without this information, we are unable to determine whether your corrective action plan is adequate to prevent similar violations in the future," the agency added. "We emphasize that as the clinical investigator, it is your responsibility to ensure that studies are conducted in accordance with the investigational plan, both to protect the rights, safety, and welfare of subjects and to ensure the integrity of study data."

FDA noted that two of the nine randomized subjects who received the investigational product were not eligible under the enrollment criteria. The agency said such discrepancies raise concerns about the safety of the trial subjects and the reliability of the trial data.

Ehsan Sadri
Shelly Kittleson, an American journalist, was kidnapped off the streets of Baghdad on March 31 and is now a bargaining chip for the militia that took her. Its a tragedy on replay. Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed terror group in Iraq, had previously held Princeton PhD candidate and Russian-Israeli citizen Elizabeth Tsurkov for more than 900 days, until her release in September 2025.

The group is just one of the Iran-backed militias in Iraq that has been escalating aggression since Operation Epic Fury against Iran began on February 28.

Tehran sponsors a network of armed groups who wield not only alarming military power in Iraq but have also gained extensive political and economic influence across the country. The militias feel particularly emboldened because, despite facing repeated American airstrikes, they are not under pressure from their own government. If anything, they are the ones exerting pressure on Baghdad.

Beyond hostage taking, the militias target U.S. assets in the region daily. This is despite a temporary ceasefire in the middle of March between Kataib Hezbollah and the United States, which only protected the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad in exchange for American promises not to target militia leaders. The militias launch daily drone and rocket attacks against the embassys support facility at Baghdad International Airport, and even boldly share drone footage of their attacks. Theyve also targeted American military and diplomatic facilities in Iraqi Kurdistan. Energy facilities, some owned and operated by American companies, have opted to go offline preemptively to evade damage from drone attacks.

The United States isnt the only target. The militias echo their patrons argument that American military facilities in Arab countries make them legitimate targets. One front group for Irans Iraqi militias, Saraya Awliya al-Dam, claimed attacks on U.S. bases in Saudi Arabia, Syria, Kuwait, and Jordan. Theyve also hit the Emirati consulate in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Irans proxies have also turned their weapons on Iraqs own security forces. Militias struck Iraqs Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) on March 22, injuring five, and the Iraqi National Intelligence Service (INIS) on March 21, killing one. Tehrans Iraqi partners view both security institutions with suspicion due to their close relationships with the United States.

But what has emboldened the militias is not just their violent success, but rather the weak response from Baghdad. Iraqi officials routinely fail to name the Iran-backed militias as the perpetrators of these attacksa prerequisite to acting in response to their aggression. The Iraqi Ministry of the Interior statement after Kittlesons kidnapping blamed unknown individuals. Kataib Hezbollah's role was well known.

The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected attacks on Gulf countries and Jordan through a vague statement that again placed no blame. Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudanis condemnation of the attack on INIS only described the culprit as a cowardly group. Sudanis military spokesman similarly condemned attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad but attributed them to outlaw groups.

Meanwhile, Sudani licensed the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an official Iraqi security institution comprised mostly of Iran-backed militias, to respond to U.S. airstrikes against them, making retaliation an official policy.

Government officials in Baghdad will only act against the militias under U.S. pressure. Many Iraqi elites come directly from the militias or Irans sphere of influence. As the Trump administration navigates Iranian influence in Iraq, the United States has options. Iraqs oil revenue, which accounts for roughly 90 percent of the federal budget, is deposited in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

On top of its funds routing through the United States, Iraq gets extensive aid from Washington. The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act prohibits the U.S. government from transferring more than 75 percent of the funds intended for Iraq security forces unless they take serious action against the Iran-backed militias  an increasingly unlikely outcome.

But the real question is not whether the United States has leverage, but rather is it willing to use it and use it effectively? To unravel the deeply penetrated Iranian and militia interests in Iraq, Washington will need to sustain pressure on those working in Irans interest. That means the military, the political class, and the economy.

The Trump administration should look carefully for partners in the genuine patriots of Iraq, those elites that are willing to put national interest above sectarian identity or loyalty to the Islamic Republic of Iran. It will be a process that demands great care, but the results would be well worth it.

Bridget Toomey is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
Disney/Bahareh Ritter

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 04/07/2026



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star Taylor Frankie Paul has filed for a protective order against her ex-boyfriend and baby daddy Dakota Mortensen.Taylor, 31, is seeking a protective order against Dakota, alleging he's had a "pattern of abusive conduct and coercive control" throughout their on-again, off-again relationship, according to April 7 court filings obtained by People.The filing also requested that her two-year-old son Ever True, whom she shares with Dakota, be covered under the protective order.The MomTok creator documented several alleged incidents when Dakota physically abused her in her filing.The paperwork reportedly included screenshots of text messages and photos of bruises that allegedly resulted from disputes Taylor and Dakota had.Taylor, for instance, claimed Dakota "assaulted" her by "slamming her head against the dashboard of his truck and striking her knee and elbow" after driving her away from her Utah home against her will on February 23.During that February 23rd altercation, Taylor said her three children were sleeping inside.Dakota, 33, previously filed for a protective order against the reality TV star on March 19, which was the same day ABC announced its decision to cancel her season of The Bachelorette, which was supposed to premiere March 22 on ABC.Dakota was granted the restraining order as well as temporary custody of Ever True at the time.In Taylor's April 7 filing, she claimed Dakota's restraining order from last month was an "effort to sabotage my career."Taylor was previously arrested in 2023 after a fight with Dakota on charges of aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury, and criminal mischief.Taylor pleaded guilty in August 2023 to aggravated assault in exchange for the dismissal of her other four charges.Taylor ultimately reached a plea deal that -- assuming its terms and conditions were followed -- would reduce her aggravated assault charge to a misdemeanor in August 2026, according to Us Weekly.On March 19, a video of the 2023 altercation leaked and showed Taylor punching, kicking and throwing metal barstools at Dakota.When Taylor was attacking Dakota in the video footage, her daughter Indy, now 8, was present and could be heard crying and screaming "mommy" in the background. Dakota could also be heard claiming that one of the stools had struck Indy during the altercation.A spokesperson for Taylor -- who shares Indy and also a son named Ocean, 5, with ex-husband Tate Paul -- claimed that Taylor was "very grateful for ABC's support" as she prioritized her family's "safety and security" in a March 19 statement."After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm," the spokesperson said on Taylor's behalf.When the video leaked, Taylor was already under scrutiny for new domestic assault allegations that had been made in February. A source told People at the time that allegations had been made "in both directions."The Draper City Police Department reportedly opened an investigation on February 23 after Dakota's friend claimed he had "been the victim of a domestic violence assault by an ex-girlfriend" at her residence.Dakota later told police that there were "two incidents of physical assault involving 'grabbing, scratching, shoving, and striking,'" per the police report obtained by People.Dakota also provided photographs of "neck scratches" Taylor had allegedly caused.In addition, the West Jordan Police Department confirmed to People in March that Dakota had submitted a video -- believed to have been taped from a domestic dispute in mid-2024 -- when speaking to police in late February.Authorities called the 2024 incident a separate "active domestic violence case" involving Taylor and Dakota.Amid Taylor's legal troubles, Hulu paused production on Season 5 of .To read spoilers about what happened on Taylor's The Bachelorette season and who Taylor picked as her winner, click here Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
With 2026 here and coming in hot, it was decided that reevaluating carbine selection for competition was on the list and something different was tugging at the heartstrings. But what? Most different 5.56 carbine selections these days are simply different flavors of AR platform rifles with different features, calibers, or operating systems incorporated into a platform that doesnt stand out, doesnt turn heads, and gets lost on the rifle racks with all the rest.

Luckily, during a visit to Meridian Defense a build quickly brewed and was settled on for a fast, nimble, and modern AK to take on the cardboard enemy in 2026.

SPECS AND FEATURES

Rifle Specs

Caliber: 5.56 NATO

OAL: 34 stock collapsed, 37.5 maximum

Weight (maximum configured with bipod, no mag): 10lb 11oz

Capacity: 30 round mags used, 45 round mags available

Component MSRPs

Pros: Flat shooting, low recoil

Great Trigger

AK reliability with domestic ammunition availability and pricing

Looks awesome Cons: Reloads take some extra attention

Reciprocating charging handle

No bolt hold-open feature

AMERICAN-MADE

Meridian Defense is a small company that made a name for themselves with American-built AK platform rifles and throwing a unique spin on them. From traditional wood furniture to modern M-LOK and even a hybrid of the two, they take pride in building rifles that pay homage to the AK while bringing with them a level of attention to detail that Mikhail himself would be proud of but never could realize within the communist manufacturing system.

The rifle we chose to build off of would be their VOLK-S, and specifically the 5.56 model. Traditional 7.6239 brings with it a number of downsides with rising costs, fairly poor external ballistic performance, and limited ammunition types, so being able to grab handfuls of ammo out of the same bag regardless of AK vs AR was extremely appealing and the inherent reduction in recoil and magazine angle under the gun were welcome byproducts of this decision to go with 5.56 as well.

The Volk-S is their most modern interpretation of the AK 101, itself being a 5.56 variant of the platform intended for export sales to countries following the NATO ammunition standards, however it incorporates a hybrid M-LOK/Picatinny handguard, adjustable gas, picatinny railed gas tube, and an AR-style rear trunnion to support standard AR buffer tubes and stocks.

Being so close to their facility meant that it was easy to make periodic visits and bug the guys on the floor about progress on the rifle as if it was the most important one there, and it was clear that at every step of the way it was being handled with quality checks and inspections to ensure that rifles leaving the shop dont come back, even when run to their limits.

During the build, Unrivaled Armory and specifically Kyle Litze (himself being the current IPSC world champion) offered up one of their Siege muzzle brakes to handle recoil mitigation duties, and since the plan is competing with this rifle the priority will be maximum recoil reduction over being nice to innocent bystanders hearing. The VOLK-S muzzle uses standard 1/228 threads like any other 5.56 AR, so the Unrivaled brake was threaded on and pinned/welded to bring the 14.5 chrome lined barrel just over the 16 legal limit for a rifle (worth noting that Unrivaled also offers a brake in m24x1.5 for the traditional AK muzzle threads).

The rifle received Cerakote in Patriot brown and a Meridian Defense rubber overmolded grip got the build to the point where it was handed off to the local FFL for transfer.

During the transfer it was time to accessorize like a teen girl in Forever 21. First up was optics and it was decided to utilize an LVPO on this build, and luckily Meridian builds their rifles with standard AK optics mounting rails meaning one of a few different optics mounts can be utilized without relying on potentially funky railed top covers that may or may not hold up to the weight of an LVPO under recoil.

A Midwest Industries full-length Gen 2 side mount went onto the gun to make it optics ready, and it was time for the next phone call to another local manufacturer, Bobro Engineering. Andrew Bobro produces high quality and unique firearms accessories with a tight-knit crew, resulting in solutions for problems they themselves face in the firearms space. After explaining the build to Andrew, he offered up a few different products.

To secure the Nightforce ATACR 1-8 to the Midwest side mount, their compact dual lever QD mount was selected for its overall more compact size compared to their other options. The system Bobro has developed for their Quick-Detach feature has an emphasis on a return to zero, and while many companies make this claim its been confirmed that its a fact on these mounts that so long as theyre utilized properly, losing a zero is not a concern when an optic is removed/remounted to the gun.

Next up is another novel quick detach system for smaller accessories that Bobro call the KOFN, or Keyed Optic Fastening Network, system. This system immediately became much more versatile than just optics mounting, and uses small triple locking wedges instead of abrasive and bulky Picatinny sections, and corresponding KOFN adapters for various products including several red dot mounting places, flashlight mounting patterns, and bipods.

Specifically for the AK, Andrew makes a KOFN key that replaces the rear sight leaf yet still retains iron sight functionality so that its extremely easy to snap on or off any RMR or ACRO interface red dot into the AK rear sight position if needed. Another KOFN key for the standard M-LOK slots on the handguard was installed on the forward-most mounting position for bipod mounting, and the corresponding KOFN adapter was attached to a B&T Atlas bipod giving a low profile and unobtrusive quick-detach capability to the bipod.

ON THE RANGE

Waiting period over, it was time to hit the range and stumble through the learning curve of the AK platform. Initial impressions of the system were an incredible amount of smoothness in the recoil impulse, compounded with a lack of muzzle rise thanks to the vertical ports on the Unrivaled Siege brake. Reviewing slow motion firing footage, its clear that the long stroke piston system of the AK paired with the lower-recoiling characteristics of 5.56 mean the bolt carrier never impacts the rear of the receiver and is instead merely slowed and direction reversed at the end of travel by the spring which is reminiscent of a constant recoil system most recently used in the Knights LMAG.

To the shooter, this removes the snappy feeling you typically feel under recoil and replaces it with a more gentle and longer feeling push. Playing with the adjustable gas system settings only helped this feeling, however its clear that the smaller gas port settings are to be used for various suppressor setups and are not reliable without the additional backpressure a suppressor would provide. Normally most handstop setups tend to remove overall versatility, however Meridian got it right with the Magpul components on this particular handguard as its right where the shooters hand wants to sit naturally and its fairly low profile as far as handstops go.

Controls are intuitive, with an extended paddle on the safety giving a one-finger operation and light yet positive detents. Reloads were found to be easier than initially expected, with some credit to the reduced angle on 5.56 AK magazines limiting the amount of knuckles up positioning needed to lock-and-rock the magazines into place.

The trigger is one of Meridians own designs that they call the MDC-FCG Performance Trigger and its a true contender in the AK trigger space. Crisp, predictable, perfectly weighted for fast yet controlled shooting, and reduced overtravel mean that intentional splits in the sub .15 second range are easy to come by with very little time behind the gun, and outrunning the trigger despite several .11 splits thrown in the mix wasnt ever a concern.

During shooting the Unrivaled brake has a noticeable gas ejection pattern but that gas never makes it back to the shooter in any annoying way like some of the more aggressive brakes on the market. Its loud enough that any shooters to either side are going to give you dirty looks, but its their fault they cant appreciate performance when its standing right next to them and assaulting their eardrums.

From the shooters perspective its not any worse to shoot than any other aggressive brake. The Meridian rubber overmolded grip is one of those things thats properly designed in form, fit, and function that when you're actually shooting the gun it wont stand out in your mind which is a positive thing. The whole rifle feels like a cohesive system and not like a builder threw a bunch of old parts kits in a box and shook it until it resembled a rifle. Reliability has been 100% aside from when the adjustable gas settings were being experimented with.

The way this rifle is set up currently it comes in at 10.5lbs with the bipod and no magazine, and due to the less aggressive 5.56 magazine curve and general weight proportioning of the AK, it balances on a bag much like most ARs, with a bias to the rear but not excessively so. Positional shooting with it is easy to get in and out of, and handling with only the strong hand for bag manipulations is uneventful.

Accuracy testing was conducted, but needs a bit of a caveat in that no matter what you do, this is an AK and theyre not intended nor pretending to be precision instruments. Three different ammunition types were tested at 100yds; 55gn PMC Bronze, 77gn IMI Razorcore, and then Ammar over at Trace Ammunition donated some of their 77gn competition ammo. Trace ammo has proven itself time and time again to be the most consistent and accurate ammunition in the market regardless of caliber, leaving nothing on the table when it comes to component selection and manufacture.

The 55gn PMC shot a 2.25 group at 2645fps and an SD of 23.1, the 77gn IMI produced a 1.8 group at 2535fps with an SD of 15.4, and finally the 77gn Trace resulted in a 1.5 group at 2606fps and an SD of 9.6. What do all these numbers mean? That the rifle will respond to match grade ammo, which aside from general availability and cost is part of the reason why an AK platform chambered in 5.56 was chosen in the first place; the ability and availability of different loads from bone cheap, high volume ammo to match grade. That kind of flexibility in ammo selection simply does not exist in 7.6239, especially when youre looking for match grade options.

LOOSE ROUNDS

Shooting this rifle in our small local 2gun match resulted in an overall 2nd place, and the rifle never felt like it was holding back any performance potential. With some practice, reloads happen just as quickly as most people are reloading an AR anyways, and in many ways the safety on the VOLK can be preferable to an AR safety selector.

Yeah theres no last-round bolt catch like AR systems which does mean mindfulness of the ammo situation and a plan for it need to be taken into account, but at the same time due to the leverage afforded by the rock-and-lock style of magazine system its very easily to cram a fully loaded magazine into a closed bolt whereas ARs require either loading one round shy of a full mag or get very aggressive with mag insertion to accomplish the same thing. Overall Im very happy with how this build turned out, and excited to run it in as much competition as it can handle this year.

Itll both stand out as something different on the line and as a viable performer, and maybe change some minds on what the AK platform is capable of in the first place, but none of it would be possible without the companies that make it so, and design products in such a way that with a little planning can so easily come together to form a cohesive system.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Ndiweni clan of Ntabazinduna has appointed an acting chief to oversee traditional affairs in the temporary absence of Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni, who is currently in the United Kingdom, while maintaining that he remains the substantive leader of the area.In a formal letter to the Umguza District Development Coordinator, the royal house confirmed that Wishes Ndiweni has been selected as Acting Chief with effect from 31 March 2026, following internal family deliberations.The appointment, the family said, is consistent with the Traditional Leaders Act, which allows for such interim arrangements when a chief is absent from their jurisdiction."The House Ndiweni has seen it appropriate and indeed in line with the Traditional Leaders Act, to appoint an Acting Chief, until such time Inkosi Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni returns," the letter read.The clan described Wishes Ndiweni as a trusted figure who has served the family over many years and is capable of executing the responsibilities of the role.At the same time, the royal house moved to dispel suggestions of a leadership vacuum, stressing that the chieftaincy of Ntabazinduna is not vacant. It said the succession process following the death of Khayisa Ndiweni was concluded between 2013 and 2014, resulting in the installation of Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni as chief.The family further argued that attempts to remove him from office lack legal standing and remain under review by the High Court."Nhlanhla Felix Ndiweni is still the Substantive Chief of Ntabazinduna," the letter stated, adding that the clan's Electoral College of Succession has consistently identified him as the rightful leader in line with Amangwe and broader Nguni customs.In a separate statement, Chief Ndiweni explained that appointing an acting chief is standard practice when a traditional leader is away from their jurisdiction."When a chief is not at his jurisdiction for some reason he is allowed to appoint an Acting Chief," he said.He also revealed that government officials had previously engaged the family in meetings, asserting that the chieftaincy was vacant. The family, however, rejected this position, saying they had never formally received any lawful communication confirming his removal.Chief Ndiweni maintained that under Zimbabwean law, the power to identify a chief rests with the chieftaincy's Electoral College, with the state's role limited to formal appointment."It is this identification that is then sent to the appointing authority in government," he said. "So in short, when it comes to the appointment of chiefs, the President takes instruction from the chieftaincy clan."The leadership dispute dates back several years. Following the death of Chief Khayisa Ndiweni in 2010, his son Nhlanhlayamangwe was installed and later formally recognised in 2014 by former President Robert Mugabe.However, tensions escalated in 2019 when President Emmerson Mnangagwa removed him from office, directing the clan to nominate a successor. Ndiweni challenged the decision in court, arguing he had not been afforded a fair hearing, and the matter remains unresolved.The dispute has also exposed divisions within the family, with his brother Douglas Ndiweni previously indicating that a new nominee could be presented to authorities.But the latest position by the House of Ndiweni appears to contradict that stance, reaffirming that Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni remains the legitimate chief, with the appointment of an acting chief serving only as a temporary administrative measure.The clan has consistently argued that the line of succession was settled decades ago, pointing to a 1981 declaration by the late chief naming his son as heir, as well as a will by his widow, uGogo uMasuku, reinforcing that position.As the legal process continues, the appointment of an acting chief is expected to ensure continuity in traditional leadership while the dispute over the Ntabazinduna chieftaincy remains before the courts.
Christian revival is a phrase many people have heard but few can clearly define. In Christian tradition, a revival refers to an awakening to faith, either for the first time or for the first time in a long time. It is a moment when people begin searching for something deeper than what everyday life offers.

Members of Generation Z have become increasingly drawn to Christianity, with data exhibiting a stabilization in churchgoing thanks to those born between 1997 and 2012.

In recent months, Ive noticed a pattern has appeared on the University of Georgias campus. I have seen conversations about faith happening in dining halls, classrooms and dorm rooms, and students, who once felt indifferent toward Christianity, are now asking questions.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has resigned after four years, prompting a search for a new leader to guide the airline's future strategy and operations following its privatisation.

Photograph: Jaimi Joy/Reuters

Key Points Air India CEO Campbell Wilson resigned after four years, citing a planned transition conveyed in 2024.

A committee has been formed to find Wilson's successor, who will continue in his role until the announcement.

Wilson's tenure included the merger of four airlines, modernisation of systems, and the addition of 100 aircraft to the fleet.

Challenges during Wilson's leadership included the London-bound flight crash in Ahmedabad and alleged safety violations.

Air India Express is also without a head following the exit of Aloke Singh in March.

Tata Group-owned Air India on Tuesday announced that its CEO and MD Campbell Wilson has resigned and the airline has set up a committee to find his successor.

Wilson, a native of New Zealand and a former Singapore Airlines' veteran, has been at the helm of the airline for four years as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.

"Wilson had conveyed his intention to step down in 2026 to Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran in 2024 and, since then, has been working to ensure the organisation and leadership team is on a stable footing for the transition," the airline said in a statement.

The Air India board has constituted a committee that will find the successor in the coming months, it said.

Wilson, who took the reins of the airline in September 2022 following the privatization of the then government-owned carrier, will continue in the position till his successor is announced, the statement added.

Wilson had been under fire following the crash of the airline's London-bound flight in Ahmedabad on June 12, which killed over 250 people, and also for alleged violations of safety norms on various other occasions.

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran appreciated the contribution of Wilson and said under his leadership Air India made progress on several fronts.

"... it is also worth acknowledging the numerous external challenges navigated by the Air India team, including prolonged post-Covid supply chain constraints that have impacted delivery of new aircraft and retrofit programs as well as major geopolitical and other headwinds," he said.

Wilson said: "The four years since Air India's privatisation has seen the acquisition and successful merger of four airlines, an evolution from public to private sector practices along with renewal of the leadership team, workforce, culture and ways of operating."

Air India has seen the complete modernization of systems, the launch of new physical products, and deployment of elevated service standards on ground and in the air, as well as 100 additional aircraft added to the fleet, he added.

Leadership Changes at Air India Express

Air India's low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express also does not have a head since March 19 this year following the exit of then Managing Director Aloke after he completed his 5-year tenure.
Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL) has halted all coal mining and dispatch operations at its ABOCP mine in Dhanbad following an 'illegal' protest by local workers demanding full-time wages and benefits, impacting a key supplier to India's steel industry.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: Ahmad Masood/Reuters Key Points Coal mining and dispatch at BCCL's ABOCP mine in Dhanbad have been suspended since April 2 due to a protest by local workers.

The protest stems from demands by local mazdoors for full-time HPC wages and other benefits, despite an existing agreement for limited engagement.

BCCL considers the stoppage 'illegal' and has escalated the matter to local authorities and senior company officials, including lodging an FIR.

The company stated that the work performed by these mazdoors, primarily shale picking, has become largely irrelevant due to reduced departmental production and mandatory coal crushing.

BCCL, a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd, is a major supplier of coking coal to the steel industry, operating 34 mines across Jharkhand and West Bengal.

Coal mining and dispatch operations at Bharat Coking Coal Ltd's (BCCL) ABOCP mine in Dhanbad have remained suspended since around 3 pm on April 2 following a disruption by local persons, the company said.

The stoppage at the Block-II area is ongoing and has brought production and transportation activities to a halt.

BCCL described the action as an "illegal" stoppage by unorganised persons.

Understanding the Wage Dispute

The issue relates to local mazdoors who were earlier deployed by transport contractors for shale picking and segregation work at railway sidings.

The company said such work has become largely irrelevant with the reduction in departmental production and the mandatory requirement of coal crushing in outsourced operations.

According to an agreement with the local administration dated August 18, 2020, the number of such persons was significantly higher than the requirement.

They were therefore engaged for only 4-5 days per month and paid HPC wages for those limited days, BCCL said.

Despite this arrangement, these persons have continued to demand full-time HPC wages and other benefits, BCCL added.

BCCL's Operations and Response

BCCL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Coal India Ltd, operates 34 mines including underground, opencast and mixed operations across Jharkhand and West Bengal and is a key supplier of coking coal to the steel industry.

The company produced 35.5 million tonnes (mt) of coal in FY26, marking a decline of 12.3 percent from 40.5 mt a year earlier.

Following the disruption, BCCL said it had written to the SSP, Dhanbad, and CISF authorities, and lodged an FIR at Baghmara police station.

The matter has also been escalated to senior officials within the company.

The company did not disclose the extent of production loss due to the ongoing stoppage.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced comprehensive draft norms for branch authorisation and business correspondents, aiming to expand formal banking access, particularly in rural areas, by classifying BCs into new categories and redefining banking outlets.

Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

Key Points The RBI proposes classifying Business Correspondents (BCs) into two categories: BC-Banking Outlets (BC-BOs) and BC-Banking Touchpoints (BC-BTs), phasing out the existing Business Facilitator model by September 30, 2026.

The definition of a 'banking outlet' will now include both traditional branches and BC-BOs, aiming to boost formal banking presence, especially in unbanked rural centres.

Subsidiaries of foreign banks will face similar branch authorisation guidelines as domestic banks but will require prior RBI approval for opening outlets in national security-sensitive locations and will be restricted from operating BC-BTs in such areas.

The scope of services for BC-BOs is significantly expanded to include account opening, cash transactions, fund transfers, KYC updates, and lead generation, while BC-BTs will be limited to small-value transactions.

New guidelines mandate stricter eligibility, due diligence, real-time transaction recording, and enhanced consumer protection measures, including mandatory training for BCs and access to the RBI Ombudsman.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed draft norms on branch authorisation and the use of business correspondents (BCs), introducing a structured framework that classifies BCs into two categories Business Correspondent-Banking Outlets (BC-BOs) and Business Correspondent-Banking Touchpoints (BC-BTs).

Under the draft circular, the RBI proposed doing away with the existing Business Facilitator (BF) model, mandating that all such entities transition to the new structure by September 30, 2026.

The proposed amendments are set to come into effect from July 1, 2026.

"Considering that Business Facilitator (BF) undertakes functions similar to those of Business Correspondent (BC), there shall be no separate category of BF. Existing BFs, if any, shall be categorised as BC-BO or BC-BT by September 30, 2026," the RBI said.

Redefining Banking Outlets and Rural Access

The draft norms also redefine a "banking outlet" to include both branches and BC-BOs, a move aimed at expanding formal banking presence, especially in rural areas.

In line with this, the definition of unbanked rural centres has been revised to exclude locations that have either a bank branch or a BC-BO.

The RBI also clarified that ATMs and other automated channels such as cash deposit machines and kiosks will not be treated as banking outlets under the revised framework.

The RBI has tightened the definition of a bank branch, specifying that it must be a fixed-point service unit staffed by employees and operate for a minimum of four hours a day on at least five days a week.

Banks will be required to ensure proper signage, customer grievance mechanisms, and regular monitoring of such branches.

Guidelines for Foreign Bank Subsidiaries

The draft also laid down specific provisions for subsidiaries of foreign banks.

It said such entities will be subject to the same branch authorisation guidelines as domestic scheduled commercial banks.

However, they will require prior RBI approval to open banking outlets in locations deemed sensitive from a national security perspective.

The RBI added that these subsidiaries will also not be permitted to operate through BC-Banking Touchpoints (BC-BTs) in such areas, with a list of restricted centres to be provided separately.

"The guidelines on branch authorisation as applicable to domestic scheduled commercial banks as amended from time to time shall also be applicable to subsidiaries of foreign banks.

"Such subsidiaries, however, shall require prior authorisation of RBI for opening BO at certain locations that are sensitive from the perspective of national security," according to the draft circular.

Further, "the subsidiary shall also not have any presence in these locations in the form of BC-BT. A list of such centres would be made available to subsidiaries."

Enhanced Scope and Governance for BCs

To strengthen governance, the central bank made it mandatory for bank boards to approve policies related to BC engagement and review their operations at least once every six months.

The scope of activities that can be carried out by BC-BOs has been significantly expanded.

These include account opening, cash deposits and withdrawals, fund transfers, bill payments, KYC updates, grievance handling, and even lead generation for loans and third-party financial products.

BC-BTs, however, will be restricted to limited services such as small-value transactions and remittances.

The draft also lays down stricter eligibility and due diligence norms for engaging BCs.

Banks will be required to assess factors such as financial soundness, governance standards, and technological capability before onboarding such entities.

The RBI has reiterated that banks will remain fully responsible for the actions of their BCs.

Operational Framework and Consumer Protection

On the operational front, the regulator has mandated real-time transaction recording through technology systems integrated with banks core banking platforms.

It has also introduced clearer guidelines on distance norms, monitoring mechanisms, and restrictions on BC operations, including a bar on subcontracting and limits on multi-bank arrangements at the outlet level.

The RBI has proposed a structured remuneration framework for BCs, with BC-BOs receiving both fixed and variable compensation, while BC-BTs will be paid only variable remuneration.

The Indian Banks Association will determine the minimum fixed component. Consumer protection has been a key focus of the draft guidelines.

Banks will need to ensure clear disclosure of services, fees, and grievance redressal channels at BC outlets.

Customers will also have access to the RBI Ombudsman mechanism in case of unresolved complaints.

In addition, BCs will be required to undergo mandatory training and certification within nine months of starting operations, with periodic refresher programmes thereafter.

The central bank has also streamlined reporting requirements, directing banks to report any opening, closure, shifting, or inactivity of branches and BC outlets within a week through a centralised portal.

Separately, the RBI has given banks greater operational flexibility by allowing them to shift, merge, or close certain offices without prior approval.




Laman Ismayilova

Read more

The Azerbaijan Union of Film-makers (AUF) has hosted a high-level meeting focused on enhancing interstate cooperation in cinema, advancing joint projects, and strengthening cultural ties, AzerNEWS reports.





The event brought together representatives from the diplomatic missions of Switzerland, Belgium, and France, the leadership of the French Institute in Azerbaijan, AUF board members, and the producer of film screenings, Ulviyya Ahmadova.





During the meeting, participants explored new opportunities for partnership and outlined plans for future collaboration.





A key topic of discussion was the upcoming traditional French Film Days in Azerbaijan, scheduled for later this year. For the first time, the program will feature not only works by French filmmakers but also films from Belgium and Switzerland, offering audiences a richer perspective on the diversity of Francophone cinema and the distinctive styles of national cinematic schools.





Ulviyya Ahmadova also presented the "East-West Cinema Lab" project, set to take place in April as part of a collaboration between the AUF, the French Embassy, and the French Institute. The initiative aims to support innovative film projects while fostering long-term cultural exchange between Azerbaijan and its European partners.





AUF board representative emphasized that integrating Azerbaijani cinema into the global film landscape remains a top priority. This strategy is closely linked to expanding participation in international film projects.





The "Film Traveler" program plays a crucial role by supporting the international work trips of Azerbaijani filmmakers.





Moreover, AUF continues to provide financial and informational support for international film festivals in Baku, reinforcing the city's status as a vibrant stage for global cinema.
News / National

by Court Reporter

A 40-year-old Harare man has appeared in court on allegations of bombing Zanu-PF Machipisa offices destroying property worth thousands of dollars.Collins Chisunga of Old Highfield was arrested while bragging that he had travelled all the way from South Africa to bomb Zanu-PF Machipisa offices and Jongwe printers adding that he was untouchable.Chisunga and his alleged accomplices who are still at large allegedly set the offices ablaze destroying property worth thousands of dollars.The fire spread to a shop which is adjacent to the offices and destroyed goods and groceries. He was not formerly charged when he appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Elijah Makomo charged with two counts of aggravated malicious damage to property.Mr Makomo remanded him in custody to October 16. He advised him to apply for bail at the High court due to the gravity of the offence. The lower court has no jurisdiction to entertain bail on such matters. Prosecutor Miss Sharon Mashavira alleges that on September 28, Chisunga and his accomplices who are still at large went to Zanu-PF Machipisa offices where they set the place on fire.The fire destroyed various items which included 20 wooden benches, two tables, various textbooks, novels, several mobile phones, cell phone accessories and a gas cooker.As a result of the fire, the walls of the building and the corrugated iron roofing sheets collapsed.Miss Mashavira told the court that the fire spread to Grocery World Supermarket adjacent to the offices.The fire also destroyed various food stuffs among them cartons of cooking oil and sugar, fridges, clothes, books among other goods.The actual value of the destroyed goods is yet to be established.Chisunga was arrested in a bar at Mastones shopping centre in Highfield where he was heard shouting saying, "Takabva kuSouth Africa, hamuna zvamunotiita Jongwe neZanu-PF office Machipisa takapedza nemi kare. (We came all the way from South Africa, you cant do anything to us, Jongwe and Zanu-PF office Machipisa we have since dealt with you)."
Indian stock markets experienced a significant recovery, with Sensex and Nifty closing higher, fuelled by falling crude oil prices, a global market rally, and robust IT sector performance.

Photograph: Shailesh Andrade/Reuters

Key Points Sensex and Nifty rebounded, driven by lower crude oil prices and positive global market sentiment.

IT stocks played a crucial role in the market recovery, acting as a defensive anchor.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net sellers, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) supported the market with buying activity.

Asian and European markets showed positive trends, contributing to the overall optimistic outlook.

The recovery was largely driven by short-covering and selective sectoral strength.

Stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended higher on Tuesday, as a drop in crude oil prices and a rally in global markets calmed investors' sentiment.

Also, buying in IT stocks aided recovery in the markets after early losses.

The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 509.73 points, or 0.69 per cent, to settle at 74,616.58.

During the day, it hit a high of 74,686.32 and a low of 73,282.41, gyrating 1,403.91 points.

The 50-share NSE Nifty climbed 155.40 points, or 0.68 per cent, to end at 23,123.65.

Top Performers and Laggards

From the 30-Sensex firms, Tata Consultancy Services, HCL Tech, Infosys, Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma, and Hindustan Unilever were among the major gainers.

InterGlobe Aviation, Adani Ports, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Titan were among the laggards.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, dropped 0.71 per cent to $109 per barrel.

Market Analysis

"Indian markets staged a sharp intra-day recovery, with Nifty reversing early losses to reclaim higher levels, driven largely by short-covering and selective sectoral strength rather than broad-based buying conviction," Hariprasad K, Research Analyst and Founder, Livelong Wealth, said.

A key driver of today's rally was strong outperformance in the IT sector, which acted as a defensive anchor, he said.

Global Market Influences

In Asian markets, South Korea's benchmark Kospi, Japan's Nikkei 225 index and Shanghai's SSE Composite index ended higher. Markets were closed in Hong Kong for a holiday.

European markets were trading in positive territory, while US markets ended higher on Monday.

Investment Trends

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 8,167.17 crore on Monday, according to exchange data.

Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs), however, bought stocks worth Rs 8,088.70 crore.
Yatra Online is partnering with Google Cloud to revolutionise the travel industry with AI-powered solutions that simplify booking, enhance expense management, and create seamless travel experiences for both corporate and personal travellers.

IMAGE: Photograph: Dado Ruvic/Reuters

Key Points Yatra Online collaborates with Google Cloud to implement AI solutions for travel.

The partnership aims to simplify travel booking and enhance expense management using AI.

Google Gemini on Vertex AI will power Yatra's new intelligent travel solutions.

Yatra's AI-driven initiatives include DIYA for conversational booking and RECAP for expense management.

The integration prioritises enterprise-grade security to protect Yatra's data.

Yatra Online on Tuesday announced a strategic collaboration with Google Cloud to accelerate its AI-led transformation across both corporate and personal travel businesses.

By leveraging the multimodal capabilities of Google Gemini on Vertex AI, Yatra is building a new generation of intelligent, agentic travel solutions designed to simplify booking, enhance expense management, and deliver seamless end-to-end travel experiences, the online travel company said in a statement.

AI-Powered Travel Solutions

"AI is fundamentally reshaping how travel is planned, booked and managed.

Our collaboration with Google Cloud allows us to reimagine the entire travel lifecycle. With DIYA, we are enabling a more intuitive, conversational booking experience, while RECAP simplifies expense management in a way that is intelligent and scalable. This is a significant step towards building a truly integrated travel ecosystem for both enterprises and consumers," Yatra Online CEO Siddhartha Gupta said.

Data Security and Future Roadmap

The company further stated that the integration is built on Google Cloud's enterprise-grade security, which will ensure that Yatra's proprietary enterprise data remains protected and is not used to train public models.

With this, Yatra is advancing its roadmap across data analytics, machine learning, and agentic AI, positioning itself to deliver more integrated, intelligent travel and expense experiences at scale for both enterprises and consumers, it added.
'When Narendra Modi was here, he spoke only about development and what the BJP wanted to do in Kerala. That kind of sober rhetoric or argument is acceptable to the people here.'

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a memento during an election meeting in Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta, April 4, 2026. Photograph: Narendra Modi Photo Gallery/ANI Photo

Key Points 'The reason why the Muslims have consolidated themselves behind the Congress is because the CPI-M has been making strategic errors in their relationship with the Muslim community.'

'The Christians are also more or less with the UDF.'

'The total focus of the CPI-M is on Pinarayi Vijayan which is alienating a large number of Malayalis.'

'Politics of communalism is a universal phenomenon in Kerala, and not confined to the BJP alone.'

'If you go for a north Indian kind of violent politics, it will not be accepted here. Rather, it will be counter-productive.'

140 seats in the Kerala state assembly.

71 seats to be won to get the majority.

In the 2021 assembly election, the Left Democratic Front created history by coming back to power for a second term. A ruling party coming back to power had never happened in the history of Kerala till then. The state had always been rotating between the UDF (United Democratic Front) and the LDF.

The LDF won a record 99 seats and Pinarayi Vijayan became the chief minister of Kerala the second time.

In 2026, the fight is not between the UDF and the LDF alone. The Bharatiya Janata Party led National Democratic Alliance is giving a strong fight to the LDF and UDF.

Will the 2026 election spring a surprise? Or will it be on expected lines with the UDF coming to power?

N P Chekkutty worked with Desabhimani, the Indian Express and Kairali TV before becoming the executive editor of the now defunct newspaper Tejas. He is a much sought after political pundit in Kerala.

"Trivandrum is the place where the upper middle-class sections of society are concentrated. You have the cream of Kerala society there. And that society is slowly shifting its loyalty to the BJP is a clear pointer towards what can happen in the other parts too," Mr. Chekkutty tells Rediff's Shobha Warrier in the concluding segment of a two-part interview:

Part 1 of the Interview: Kerala Elections: 'Some CPM Leaders Are Islamophobic'

Where do the minorities in Kerala stand? Do the Christians and Muslims support the UDF?

In Kerala, generally speaking, Muslims and Christians have always been part of mainstream politics.

The Muslims constitute almost 27% of the population, and there is a consolidation of Muslims behind the UDF.

The Muslim League is the main political party of the Muslims and it is a major constituent of the UDF.

Now the Welfare Party has declared its support to the UDF.

If you look at the local body election and the Lok Sabha election, Muslims have voted for the UDF.

We have been seeing this phenomenon from 2019 onwards. That was when the Muslims started consolidating in favour of the UDF.

Narendra Modi came to power in 2014. In 2019, they realised that they have to be behind the Congress, the main Opposition party that speaks against the Sangh Parivar in Parliament.

That was when they lost faith in the Left forces. Till then, many Muslim organisations were behind the LDF.

The reason why the Muslims have consolidated themselves behind the Congress now is because the CPI-M has been making strategic errors in their relationship with the Muslim community by following a pro-Hindu kind of politics often.

With the intention of getting the Hindu community back in their fold?

That was what they tried to do but they didn't get it because the RSS-Sangh Parivar votes have consolidated, and the CPI-M could not win them back. The number of people who went to the RSS is still with them.

But the strategy alienated the Muslims in a big way.

It was a serious mistake on the part of the CPI-M.

IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi campaigns in Alappuzha for the Kerala assembly elections, April 4, 2026. Photograph: Kind courtesy K C Venugopal/X

What about the Christian votes? The Christian community form around 19% of the population in Kerala. Are they behind the UDF?

Yes, there is a consolidation of Christian votes in favour of the UDF.

The recent Manorama survey found that almost all the seats in Ernakulam would go to the UDF. It is a very strong Christian belt.

The survey also found that Kottayam and Idukki -- again a very strong Christian belt -- would go to the UDF.

We see that Idukki is 100% behind the UDF. Kottayam where the Kerala Congress Mani group was strong is losing ground. It left the UDF to be with the LDF.

This shows the Christians are also more or less with the UDF.

They have realised that the CPI-M may not be able to give proper support when the Left has no real clout throughout India.

Within the Communist party, many people are unhappy with the present situation.

It has become a Pinarayi Vijayan oriented party. The total focus of the party is on Pinarayi Vijayan which is alienating a large number of Malayalis. The Communist party was never a personality-oriented party.

It was once believed that the BJP would never be able to get a foothold in Kerala as it is perceived as a communal party. But it is getting stronger and stronger in the state...

What the people of Kerala feel is you brand the BJP as a communal party but look at other political parties, they are also not secular.

Take the CPI-M which is a secular party. But many of their leaders are taking the same stand as the RSS-Sangh Parivar.

So, people feel that those who follow the holier-than-thou kind of politics also are in the same boat.

Naturally people feel why do you project only the BJP as a communal party when others are also playing the politics of communalism?

Politics of communalism is a universal phenomenon in Kerala, and not confined to the BJP alone.

Unfortunately, most parties have become tolerant to communal violence, thus eroding the credibility of most of the mainstream political parties.

People find not much difference between them and the BJP. That's why the BJP is getting stronger in Kerala.

IMAGE: BJP supporters during the Nitin Nabin roadshow in Attingal. Photograph: @NitinNabin X/ANI Photo

How important was it for the BJP to capture the Trivandrum corporation? Narendra Modi described it as just the beginning.

Yes, it was very important. Trivandrum is the capital city, and the CPI-M has been running the corporation for decades. So, capturing the corporation was very important.

Trivandrum is the place where the upper middle-class sections of society are concentrated. You have the cream of Kerala society there. And that society is slowly shifting its loyalty to the BJP is a clear pointer towards what can happen in the other parts too.

The BJP was anathema in the past. Not anymore.

People now accept the BJP as a mainstream contender for power.

Another thing you have to notice is when Narendra Modi was here, he spoke only about development and what the BJP wanted to do in Kerala. That kind of sober rhetoric or argument is acceptable to the people here.

If you go for a north Indian kind of violent politics, it will not be accepted here. Rather, it will be counter-productive.

Kerala is a society where Muslims and Christians are powerful economically and socially too.

Do you think it is advantage UDF this time?

Yes. I have been travelling to many places in Kerala and talking to people.

I see that there are a number of factors in favour of the UDF.

One, generally speaking, people are not very happy with the second term of the LDF.

Two, the UDF has been able to make its house in order. In 2021, there was a lot of internal differences within the Congress. The LDF came to power mainly because these people were fighting among themselves.

That situation has changed. Look at what happened to K Sudhakaran (the Kannur MP wanted to contest the assembly election). He made an attempt with that kind of politics but he was cut down to size. He had to accept that there was a high command now. That control is now coming back to the Congress.

IMAGE: N P Chekkutty IMAGE: N P Chekkutty

Who will you give the credit if the house is in order now?

I will say when V D Satheesan came in as a leader, he has brought in a different kind of political equation within the UDF. He calls it Team UDF.

In my mind, he is a highly promising politician with a sober, refined, mature attitude and a no-nonsense approach. Kerala badly needs this kind of a politician.

I feel Satheesan will emerge as the real leader for the UDF in the coming days.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
Each time a deadline almost runs out, Donald Trump hands out a new one.

IMAGE: United States President Donald John Trump. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Key Points President Trump has repeatedly issued and extended deadlines to Iran regarding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, using these ultimatums as leverage.

Trump's strategy involves alternating between aggressive threats of military action and claims of productive diplomatic conversations to pressure Iran.

Each deadline extension has been accompanied by shifting justifications, ranging from ongoing negotiations to requests for more time from Iranian officials.

The US has threatened significant strikes on Iranian infrastructure if deadlines are not met, raising concerns about potential war crimes and international law violations.

Despite the looming threat of military action, the US continues to engage in last-minute talks, suggesting a desire to avoid a full-scale energy war with Iran.

The war with Iran started on February 28, 2026, and since then, US President Donald Trump has used five different deadlines to pressure the country into opening the Strait of Hormuz, or face total destruction.

On Truth Social, he often swings between saying talks are going great and threatening to blow up everything.

He calls this his final warning every single time but then he adds more time to the deadline to see if they will give in.

Each time a deadline almost runs out, Trump hands out a new one.

As the latest deadline approaches at 5.30 am IST on Wednesday, Rediff brings you five times when POTUS extended his deadline to Iran to come to the table for peace talks or get wiped out from the map.

First Deadline: The 48-Hour Ultimatum

The first major escalation of the diplomatic war of nerves began on March 21, when Trump issued a stark 48-hour ultimatum to the Iranian leadership.

Using Truth Social as his primary megaphone, Trump warned that the United States would initiate a campaign to 'obliterate' Iran's power plants, beginning with the largest facilities, unless the Strait of Hormuz was fully reopened to international shipping without threat.

This deadline marked a pivot from the kinetic strikes of the early days of the war to a strategic threat against Iran's domestic stability.

Second Deadline: A Shift in Tone

However, as the clock ticked toward the evening of March 23, Trump's tone shifted abruptly.

Just 12 hours before the deadline was to expire, Trump returned to social media to announce that 'very good and productive conversations' were taking place through intermediaries.

Claiming a breakthrough in negotiations, he instructed the US department of war to postpone all strikes on energy infrastructure for a five-day period.

This first extension established a pattern that would define the next month: a cycle of extreme military threats followed by last-minute reprieves based on reported diplomatic progress.

Third Deadline: The Five-Day Respite

Following the success of the initial 48-hour window, Trump's second deadline was framed as a five-day extension to allow for a formal response to US terms.

During this period, the administration maintained that Iran was 'negotiating now' and that the 'maximum pressure' campaign was working.

Trump spent much of the week highlighting the economic devastation within Iran, suggesting that the country's leadership was on the verge of total collapse.

The five-day window was intended to finalise a ceasefire that would see the reopening of the strategic waterways of Hormuz.

Yet, as the March 28 deadline approached, the expected deal failed to materialise. Instead of launching the promised 'obliteration', Trump signalled a willingness to keep the door open, citing the complexity of the 15-point peace proposal being handled by mediators in Pakistan and Turkey.

This period showed the first signs of the 'rolling deadline' strategy, where the threat of strikes was used as a permanent shadow over the negotiating table rather than a fixed point of no return.

Fourth Deadline: The 'All Hell' Ultimatum

On Saturday, April 4, Trump issued a fierce new 48-hour deadline that brought the conflict to its most dangerous point yet.

This ultimatum was not just a simple extension but a sharp escalation in rhetoric.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump reminded the Iranian government of his previous 10-day window and declared that time had finally run out.

He wrote, '48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD!' This message signalled that the US was moving away from diplomatic pauses and toward a massive military strike on Iran's core infrastructure.

The timing of this 48-hour clock was particularly tense because it coincided with a frantic US search and rescue mission.

Just a day earlier, an F-15E jet had been shot down over Iranian territory. While one crew member was rescued, the other remained missing, and Trump used the 48-hour window to pressure Tehran to cooperate.

Later the missing American pilot too was rescued.

He warned that if a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was not reached by the end of this period, the US would begin 'obliterating' every major power plant, oil well, and desalinisation plant in the country.

During these 48 hours, the Iranian military responded with defiance. General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi dismissed the deadline as a 'helpless and stupid' move, warning that the 'gates of hell' would actually open for American forces instead.

Despite this back-and-forth, the 48-hour window served as a final high-pressure tactic before the 10-day pause officially expired on Monday, April 6.

Trump used the tension of these two days to show the world he was ready to strike, even as his team continued last-minute talks behind the scenes to avoid a total energy war.

Fifth Deadline: The Final 24-Hour Extension?

The fifth and most recent extension occurred on Monday, April 6, during a White House press conference.

Trump officially pushed the deadline back by another 24 hours, setting a final cutoff for Tuesday, April 7, at 8 pm Eastern Time (5.30 am IST on Wednesday).

He explained this move by stating that the Iranians had requested a seven-day extension which he countered with a single extra day. 'We are giving them until tomorrow,' he told reporters. 'After that, they are going to have no bridges. They are going to have no power plants. Stone ages.'

This final extension has been characterised by a lack of concern for international law.

When asked if the planned strikes on civilian infrastructure would constitute war crimes, Trump replied, 'Not at all.' As of the current hour, this Tuesday night deadline remains the most critical point of the war.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has warned that if this deadline passes without a signed agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the US will launch the 'largest volume of strikes' since the conflict began on February 28, 2026.
Aam Aadmi Party MLA Gopal Italia claims police intimidation at his Surat home, while authorities state they were serving a court warrant related to a case in Mehsana, sparking controversy.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points AAP MLA Gopal Italia alleges Gujarat police intimidated his family at his Surat residence.

Police claim the visit was to serve a non-bailable warrant issued by a Mehsana court.

The warrant relates to a criminal case involving unlawful assembly and violation of Epidemic Diseases Act.

Police procedure requires visiting the accused's residence to execute warrants, according to e-Summons guidelines.

Italia accuses Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi of orchestrating the police action to harass his family.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Gopal Italia on Tuesday accused the police of visiting his residence in Gujarat's Surat and threatening and intimidating his family members, while the investigators maintained that the visit was aimed at serving a court warrant to him.

Italia represents the Visavadar assembly constituency in Junagadh district.

In a post on X, Italia alleged, "Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi has crossed all limits today. This morning, Sanghvi sent police to my home in Surat in an attempt to intimidate and threaten my elderly mother. The police misbehaved with my mother."

"They even openly tried to indirectly intimidate the society's security guard by asking questions like "When does Gopal come? When does he leave?" he added.

Police Response: Warrant Service

However, Surat Commissioner of Police Anupam Singh Gahlaut told PTI that the visit to his house in Surat was a routine procedure in relation to the non-bailable warrant issued by a civil court in Mehsana in a case.

The process was carried out on Tuesday by a police head constable, he said.

In an official statement, the police said that Third Additional Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Mehsana, B R Kariya, had issued a non-bailable warrant in a criminal case registered at the Mehsana City A Division police station under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 341 (wrongful restraint), 188 (disobeying an order lawfully promulgated by a public servant), 269 (negligent acts), and section 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act.

As per the e-Summons application used for coordination between the court and the police department, summons/warrants are to be served accordingly. Based on this procedure, the summons/warrant is sent via the e-Summons application to the concerned police station corresponding to the address mentioned in the charge sheet of the accused, it added.

According to the e-Summons procedure, the officer responsible for serving the summons/warrant must visit the residential address of the accused to execute it, the statement said.

If the accused is not found at the address, photographs of the residence must be taken and uploaded to the e-Summons application, it added.

A copy of the warrant shared by the police mentioned arresting Italia and producing him before the court.

"Gopal Italia stands charged with the offence, you are hereby directed to arrest the said and produce him before the court," read the court warrant.
The Allahabad High Court overturned a wrongful conviction, freeing a man after 11 years in prison due to a flawed rape investigation and insufficient evidence, highlighting critical issues within the Indian justice system.

Key Points Allahabad High Court acquits man after 11 years in prison due to flawed rape investigation.

The court cited serious lapses in the police investigation and a lack of reliable evidence linking the accused to the crime.

Forensic reports showed semen presence, but no DNA test linked it to the accused, a critical flaw noted by the court.

The High Court emphasised that criminal convictions must be based on proof beyond reasonable doubt, not suspicion.

The accused was initially convicted in 2018 for rape of a minor but acquitted of murder charges.

The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday acquitted a man who spent 11 years in prison after being convicted in a rape case involving a minor, citing serious lapses in the police investigation and lack of reliable evidence.

A bench of justices Rajan Roy and Brij Raj Singh of the Lucknow bench of the high court allowed the appeal filed by Nirmal Kumar and set aside a 2018 trial court judgement that had sentenced him to life imprisonment.

The case dates back to 2010 in Ayodhya district, where a 14-year-old mentally challenged girl was allegedly raped. The girl died three days after the incident, following which her father lodged an FIR accusing the appellant of rape and murder.

While the trial court had convicted the accused for rape and awarded life imprisonment, it had acquitted him of the murder charge due to lack of clarity over the cause of death.

Critical Flaws in the Investigation

Re-examining the evidence, the high court found significant gaps in the prosecution's case. The bench noted that although forensic reports indicated the presence of human semen, there was no conclusive evidence linking the samples to the accused, as no DNA test or other scientific verification was conducted.

Terming this a serious flaw in the investigation, the court observed that conviction in criminal cases must be based on proof beyond reasonable doubt and not on suspicion or assumptions, according to the order.

Holding that the prosecution failed to establish guilt with certainty, the bench set aside the conviction and ordered the immediate release of the appellant, it added.
The Allahabad High Court has refused to dismiss a fraud case involving false promises of a PhD degree and a university job, underscoring the need for thorough investigation and ethical practices in academia.

Key Points Allahabad High Court refuses to quash FIR against woman accused of PhD and job fraud.

Accused allegedly defrauded aspirant of over Rs 22 lakh with promises of a PhD and assistant professor position.

Court highlights a 'chilling trend' where people believe jobs can be secured through bribery.

Victim was allegedly given forged documents, including a PhD mark sheet and appointment letter.

The High Court emphasised the importance of fair investigation into allegations of academic and professional fraud.

The Allahabad High Court has refused to quash an FIR against a woman accused of defrauding an aspirant of over Rs 22 lakh on the pretext of securing a PhD degree and an assistant professor's job.

Dismissing a writ petition filed by one Priyanka Sengar, a division bench comprising Justice J J Munir and Justice Tarun Saxena observed that even an educated woman fell prey to the fraud due to her faith in the efficacy of corrupt practices.

"It shows a very low state of moral fibre in society and crimes of this kind, to regain and restore some morality in society, must not go unpunished," the court said.

Details of the Alleged Fraud

According to the case details, an FIR was lodged by Tanya Dixit in Kanpur alleging that the petitioner, along with co-accused Vikram Singh Sengar, Tripti Singh Sengar and Sanya Singh Sengar, assured her of admission to a PhD programme at an Aligarh-based university. They also promised to secure her a job as an assistant professor at a university in Kanpur.

Relying on these assurances, Dixit and her mother transferred a total of Rs 22.18 lakh to the bank accounts of the accused. However, the informant never applied for either the academic programme or the job.

According to the allegations, in June 2024, the accused handed over a bundle of forged documents to the informant, including a PhD mark sheet, an admission letter, a topic approval letter and an appointment letter from the Kanpur-based university asking her to join in July.

When Dixit visited the university with the joining letter, the registrar informed her that all the documents were bogus and the signatures were forged.

The FIR further alleged that when the informant threatened legal action, the accused issued death threats and warned her of false implication in heinous offences.

The FIR was registered on September 14, 2024, under Section 420 (cheating) and other provisions of the IPC at the Swaroop Nagar police station in Kanpur.

Court's Observations on Corruption

In its March 31 order, the high court noted a "chilling trend" in society where people believe that anything can be achieved through payment of a bribe.

The court emphasised that admission to a PhD programme or appointment to a university teaching post can only be made through prescribed procedures.

"A PhD is earned from a university after following the prescribed programme and successfully completing it, while appointment to a teaching post is made through a recruitment process involving advertisement and due selection," it said.

Clarifying that it was not expressing any opinion on the truthfulness of the allegations, the court held that the nature of the accusations warranted a thorough and fair investigation by the police.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma fiercely defends himself and his family against Congress allegations of undeclared assets and multiple passports, accusing the opposition party of spreading misinformation and threatening legal action.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma denies Congress allegations of undeclared assets and multiple passports held by his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.

Sarma accuses Congress leader Pawan Khera of spreading false information and vows legal action, including Assam Police involvement.

The Congress party alleges Sarma's wife possesses undeclared foreign assets and multiple passports, prompting a complaint to the Election Commission.

Sarma claims the Congress is using misinformation sourced from Pakistani social media to influence Assam elections.

Assam Police have searched the Delhi residence of Pawan Khera in connection with the allegations made by Sarma's wife.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday slammed the Congress for "not verifying" the documents based on which it brought allegations against him and his family.

Congress leader Pawan Khera had on Sunday alleged that Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, has multiple passports and foreign property, which were not declared in the chief minister's election affidavit.

Sarma also hit out at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, claiming that he was "speaking like a madman" due to old age, after the latter put the onus on central agencies to probe the charges.

The CM asserted that Khera had "run away" to Hyderabad, but the Assam Police will "hunt him down even from 'pataal' (netherworld)".

"'Assam Police ko nahi jante hain.. Pataal se bhi ukhar ke le ayega' (They don't know the Assam Police... they will hunt him down even from the netherworld)," asserted Sarma.

An Assam Police team had earlier in the day visited the Delhi residence of Khera for questioning him in connection with the case.

"If they didn't know the truth, why did they put it out in public? They should have asked the foreign minister first," Sarma told reporters on the sidelines of an election campaign, when asked for his reaction to Kharge's assertion that the Union government should probe the allegations now.

Kharge, at a presser in Guwahati on Tuesday, said all agencies are under the central government, which should probe the charges.

"They have already filed an FIR against Khera. Let them probe the matter. We will face the case as it progresses. We have sought probes by the ED or CBI into the allegations," he said.

Sarma added: "Kharge is ageing and is speaking like a 'pagal' (madman). You insult the people first and then say will ask the foreign minister (for verification)? Is he your 'damad' (son-in-law)?"

"I think Rahul Gandhi had given these documents to Khera, and if that is so, the case will then include Gandhi," he added.

Earlier on Tuesday, Sarma had claimed that Khera has "run away" to Hyderabad, after daring the state police to arrest him.

"Pawan Khera had dared the Assam Police to arrest him, but he has now run away to Hyderabad," Sarma told PTI Videos in Sivasagar on the sidelines of a poll campaign meeting.

The Assam Police team on Tuesday carried out a search at the Delhi residence of Khera in connection with a case filed by Sarma's wife over his allegations of multiple passports and undeclared assets, officials said.

Assam Police DCP Debojit Nath said that Khera was not found at his residence. However, he said, a search was carried out and electronic devices were seized.

"I don't know why they have gone, as he (Khera) ran away yesterday itself. Till yesterday, Khera was saying arrest me, and now when police reached his home, he ran away," Sarma claimed.

"He had brought false allegations against me," the CM asserted, adding that he will "not spare" the Congress leader.

Allegations Against Sarma's Wife

Khera had on Sunday alleged that Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, has passports of the UAE, Egypt and Antigua-Barbuda, two properties in Dubai and assets in shell companies in the US.

These details were not declared in Sarma's election affidavit, the Congress claimed, and approached the Election Commission for disqualifying him.

Sarma's Response and Counter-Accusations

On Monday, Sarma had alleged that the Congress used "false information" sourced from a Pakistani social media group to level "baseless" and "malicious" allegations against his wife. The BJP leader termed it an attempt to influence the Assam elections and a punishable offence.

The chief minister had also said that his wife has filed a police complaint against Khera.
The outcome of the assembly elections will not only determine AIUDF's immediate relevance but could also shape its long-term role in Assam's political landscape.

IMAGE: All India United Democratic Front MP Badruddin Ajmal felicitated at a party function. Photograph: Kind courtesy Ajmal Foundation/Facebook

Key Points AIUDF faces a critical electoral test after setbacks in the 2021 assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Badruddin Ajmal's heavy defeat in Dhubri signals erosion of the party's core support base.

Congress has ended its alliance with AIUDF to regain Assamese support, especially in Upper Assam.

Delimitation has reduced Muslim-majority seats from 45 to 22, impacting AIUDF's prospects.

BJP has not fielded any Muslim candidates; ally AGP has fielded 13 in minority-dominated areas.

Outcome will determine AIUDF's future relevance in Assam politics.

Ajmal-led party battles loss of ground, credibility among key voter base

The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), led by perfume baron-turned-politician Badruddin Ajmal, faces one of its toughest electoral tests in Thursday's Assam assembly elections, with the party struggling to regain lost ground after consecutive setbacks in recent polls.

Formed in 2005 in the aftermath of the Supreme Court striking down the IMDT Act 1983, the AIUDF had emerged as a key political voice for Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam.

Over the years, it built a strong base in Lower Assam and parts of the Barak Valley, positioning itself as a decisive player in state politics.

Setbacks dent AIUDF's political standing

The AIUDF's recent electoral performance, however, has raised serious questions about its future trajectory.

After a disappointing showing in the 2021 assembly elections, the AIUDF suffered a major blow in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, where Ajmal was defeated by Congress leader Rakibul Hussain by a margin exceeding 10 lakh (1 million) votes in Dhubri -- a constituency long considered his stronghold.

The scale of the defeat has been widely interpreted as a sign of shifting voter loyalties, particularly among Bengali-speaking Muslims who had once rallied behind the party.

Congress-AIUDF split reshapes political equations

The Congress, which had tied up with the AIUDF in the 2021 assembly elections, faced a backlash in Upper Assam -- considered the bastion of Assamese people.

The region, which had given the Congress under Tarun Gogoi three consecutive mandates between 2001 and 2016, largely shifted away from the party during the alliance phase.

In 2021, the Congress-led alliance managed to win only 12 seats in Upper Assam, compared to the National Democratic Alliance's 43 seats.

Learning from the setback, the Congress decided to end its honeymoon with the AIUDF and contest the elections independently, aiming to regain the confidence of Assamese voters.

A similar approach in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections helped the party make inroads into AIUDF's support base.

The impact was evident, with Ajmal's party reportedly failing to secure a lead in even a single Muslim-majority assembly segment during the parliamentary polls.

Battle to regain minority confidence. AIUDF seeks to reconnect with core support base

For AIUDF, the immediate challenge lies in restoring confidence among its traditional support base.

Political observers note that a section of minority voters appears to have shifted towards the Congress, viewing it as a more viable force to counter the BJP.

At the same time, the Congress's strategy is seen as an attempt to balance competing narratives -- consolidating minority votes while also addressing concerns among Assamese voters over identity and land rights.

Observers say this approach seeks to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party's 'Miya vs indigenous' rhetoric, which the BJP is invoking among Assamese communities, by highlighting concerns over demographic changes and the potential loss of land and other rights, including political rights.

Delimitation redraws political equations

Adding to AIUDF's challenges is the impact of the recent delimitation exercise.

The number of assembly constituencies with a Muslim majority has come down drastically from 45 to 22, significantly altering the electoral landscape for the party.

This reduction is expected to directly affect AIUDF's prospects, limiting its traditional areas of influence and making electoral success more difficult.

Echoes of the past: Will AIUDF go the UMF way?

A question doing the rounds in political circles is whether the AIUDF could eventually go the way of the United Minorities Front (UMF), a party that once represented similar interests.

Formed in 1985 in the aftermath of the Assam Accord, the UMF had emerged to protect the interests of Bengali-speaking and Muslim minorities.

The party won 11 seats in the 1985 assembly elections but gradually weakened over time and eventually faded into political oblivion.

Observers say the comparison, while not exact, reflects concerns over whether AIUDF can sustain its relevance in a rapidly shifting political landscape.

BJP strategy and shifting alliances

The ruling BJP has chosen not to field a single Muslim candidate in the elections, including from among indigenous Assamese Muslims.

In contrast, its ally, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), has fielded 13 minority candidates, primarily in Muslim-concentrated areas -- a move seen as a calibrated strategy.

High stakes for Ajmal and AIUDF

With its political space shrinking and competition intensifying, the stakes are particularly high for Badruddin Ajmal and his party.

The outcome of the assembly elections will not only determine AIUDF's immediate relevance but could also shape its long-term role in Assam's political landscape.

A defining moment

As Assam heads to the polls, AIUDF finds itself at a crossroads.

Once a formidable force representing minority interests, the party must now navigate electoral setbacks, changing demographics, the redrawing of constituencies, and evolving voter preferences.

Whether it can reinvent itself and reclaim its base remains one of the key questions of this election.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
News / National

by Staff Reporter

ACCORDING to the Herald, on two occasions outside Zimbabwe, Didymus Mutasa poured his heart out to three different sources, two of whom who have since deposed affidavits that he despises President Mugabe with a passion and wants him out.While attending a meeting of former liberation movements hosted by the ANC in South Africa from September 9 to 11, Mutasa - who was in the company of one other person - intimated that "they", meaning the Mujuru faction, were disgruntled that President Mugabe had decided to withdraw his support for Mujuru to succeed him but had not explained to "them" why he had reached that decision, and as a result "they" were very bitter with him.While attending an exchange meeting with the MPLA in Angola between October 13 and 18, Mutasa - who was in the company of three other people among them Munacho Mutezo - relaxed his guard saying he was bitter that President Mugabe had humiliated him in public at the Youth and Women's League conferences, when he blamed him for the administrative and managerial ineptitude that almost scuttled the two electivke conferences."Mutasa said he was very bitter that HE admonished him publicly. He went on to say that he thinks President Mugabe is a dictator who is in the habit of imposing his ideas on people and that this had been going on for too long without being challenged," said a source in one of the affidavits.Turning to the succession question, Mutasa is said to have vowed that if President Mugabe insisted on blocking the ascendancy of Mai Mujuru, they would take him out."This time we are ready to show him at Congress, he knows very well that he has no support, Mnangagwa has no support and the support is with us. So, if he refuses to listen to the majority, we will take him out," Mutasa is quoted as saying.The source said Mutasa revealed that he had absolute contempt of President Mugabe."When Mutasa went to Angola in the company of Deputy Minister Mutezo, they routinely spoke contemptuously about President Mugabe and bragged about the Mujuru plot to oust him," said the other source.To demonstrate the extent of the contempt Mutasa and his inner circle have for President Mugabe, the source revealed that even Mutasa's aides now have absolutely no respect for the President."They now routinely refer to themselves as the incoming team, quite often quipping that after December they will be in the East Wing of Munhumutapa Building," the source said.Mutasa's nephew, who boasts of being one of his closest confidantes, was also quoted telling a colleague in reference to President Mugabe's two-hour meeting with Mutasa on the sidelines of the 281st Ordinary meeting of the Politburo on October 24 that: "Manje mudhara akatosara uya uya. PaCongress ari kutsvairwa. Mudhara Didymus vakatobata mastructures ese. Mudhara Didymus akati akakandira Bob mapepa eagenda yePolitburo ndobva abuda aakuenda asina kutaura naye. Mudhara Bob ndobva abvunza kuti ko VaMutasa chii? VaMutasa vakati 'mukadzi wako!"Mutasa is also said to have co-ordinated attempts to frustrate First Lady Amai Mugabe's "Meet the People" rallies on the phone from Angola when he was overheard asking someone on the phone about placards for the anti-First Lady demonstration that was planned by ousted Harare provincial chairman Amos Midzi to coincide with President Mugabe's arrival from Rome where he had gone for a beatification ceremony.Mutasa wanted to know whether the placards were in place.And regarding the disturbances at the First Lady's rally in Marondera, Mutasa and Mutezo were heard bragging openly that: "This time we are ready for her. Ari kusangana nazvo zvakamumirira kuMash East. Ndokwazviri kunoperera ikoko."This corroborates earlier revelations by Mutasa's girlfriend that if President Mugabe continues blocking VP Mujuru's ascendancy he will be shot.The revelations have led to growing calls that even with the benefit of the doubt; it is untenable for someone harbouring such thoughts to continue working closely with the President firstly as the administrator of the party, and in Government as Presidential Affairs Minister as that gives him an opportunity to carry out his threats.Analysts have queried out why the security agencies are not doing anything about such revelations though they seem encumbered by the fact that Mutasa's ministerial brief gives him oversight over state security amid reports that the lower ranks were quite concerned that their boss can be used like that against his principal."It is a very worrying development," said a source close to developments, "History is replete with the pattern where the most trusted lieutenant became the most dangerous against their principals."Efforts to get comment from Mutasa and Mutezo were fruitless last night.
An author claims she was attacked by a mob in Indore while researching the landmark Shah Bano case, sparking controversy and police denial of a mob assault.

Key Points An author claims she was beaten by a mob in Indore while researching the Shah Bano case for a book.

Police deny the mob attack, stating the incident was a dispute over a book contract with Shah Bano's family.

The author alleges she was accused of being a 'child lifter' during the dispute, leading to the alleged assault.

The Shah Bano case involved a Supreme Court ruling on maintenance for a divorced Muslim woman and subsequent legislation that nullified the verdict.

Police state that the dispute was resolved with a mutual settlement, and no formal complaint was filed by either party.

A woman claiming to be an author has alleged a mob beat her up about two months ago on suspicion of being a "child lifter" when she visited Indore to meet the family members of Shah Bano Begum as part of a project to write a book on the famous legal case involving her.

Police, however, have denied any mob attack on the woman, terming her allegations as false.

In a video circulating on social media on Monday, the woman can be heard stating she came in February to meet the family members of late Shah Bano, whose long battle for maintenance after a divorce resulted in a famous Supreme Court ruling, to write a book on the case.

PTI could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

The woman, who resides outside Indore, claimed that Shah Bano's family members made "unrealistic demands" for money from her in connection with the proposed book contract, and got into an altercation with her when she raised objections.

She alleged that during the dispute, a man accused her of being a "child lifter", following which a crowd that had gathered at the spot in the Khajrana area beat her up and mistreated her.

Police Response to Allegations

Manoj Singh Sendhav, the in-charge of the Khajrana police station, termed the allegations regarding the mob assault as "false".

"A dispute had arisen between the woman and Shah Bano's family members regarding the book contract. The police immediately reached the spot. Under a mutual settlement, both parties informed the police that they did not wish to pursue any action against each other," the official said.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotiya claimed that during the dispute, the woman was accused of "data theft," which people present at the scene mistook for "beta chori" (stealing a son).

Consequently, there was confusion for a brief period.

Due to the mutual settlement, no complaint was lodged with the police either by the woman or Shah Bano's family members, Dandotiya.

Background of the Shah Bano Case

Shah Bano was a resident of Indore. In 1978, after being divorced by her lawyer-husband, Mohammad Ahmed Khan, she filed a lawsuit in a local court seeking maintenance from him.

Following a prolonged legal battle, the Supreme Court delivered a verdict in Shah Bano's favour in 1985.

Amidst protests by Muslim organisations, the then-Rajiv Gandhi government enacted the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act in 1986.

This legislation effectively nullified the apex court's verdict in the Shah Bano case. Shah Bano passed away in 1992.
Bengaluru police have dismantled a major drug operation, arresting eight individuals, including a foreign national, and seizing narcotics worth crores, highlighting the city's ongoing battle against drug trafficking.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Bengaluru police arrested eight people, including a foreign national, for illegal drug sales.

The drug bust resulted in the seizure of narcotics, vehicles, and other items valued at Rs 27.42 crores.

The accused confessed to procuring and selling drugs like MDMA, Cocaine, and Ganja to the public, including college students.

Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suppliers of the narcotics, including other foreign nationals.

The operation involved raids at multiple locations across Bengaluru based on credible informant information.

Bengaluru police said on Tuesday that eight people, including a foreign national, were arrested for illegally selling drugs in the city.

They seized drugs, vehicles and other items worth Rs 27.42 crores.

According to police, based on credible information received from informants on various dates, officers and staff learned that prohibited narcotic substances such as MDMA, Ganja, and Cocaine were being sold within the limits of Hebbagodi, Yelahanka New Town, Mico Layout, Parappana Agrahara, Bagalur, and Banaswadi Police Stations.

Acting on this information, cases were registered under the NDPS Act in the respective police stations, and raids were conducted at the locations identified by the informants.

"During these operations, a total of 8 accused persons were apprehended on different dates, including one foreign national, and four interstate offenders," Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh told reporters here.

Upon interrogation, the accused confessed that, with the intention of making quick money, they procured narcotic substances such as MDMA, Cocaine, and Ganja at lower prices from unknown foreign and local suppliers and sold them to the public, including college students, he said.

Details of the Seizure

"A total of Rs 13.71 Crores worth drugs and other items have been seized. These include 12 kg 91 grams of MDMA, 275 grams of Cocaine, 34 kg 802 grams of Ganja, 40 grams of gold ornaments (purchased from proceeds of drug sales), 02 two-wheelers used for the offence. The total estimated market value of all these is Rs 27.42 Crores," he added.

The Commissioner further said efforts are on to trace the unknown individuals who supplied the narcotic substances to the accused.

Investigation is underway.

"There is information about the involvement of other foreign nationals, and through FRRO we learned one person has already left the country... interrogations and investigations will continue," he said.

All eight accused have been produced before the court on different dates and have been remanded to judicial custody, officials said.

Focus on Hebbagodi

Noting that in the case under the Electric City division, raids were conducted at five different houses and different quantities of drugs were seized, Singh said, "This is a serious matter as the house was taken for rent and they supplied from there. The information came from the arrest of the foreigner. Total value of seizure in Hebbagodi alone is Rs 27 crore (market value)."
Two British nationals have been sentenced to six months in jail for illegally crossing the border from Nepal into India, highlighting the strict enforcement of immigration laws and the consequences of unlawful entry.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Two British nationals, Hassan Amman Saleem and Sumitra Shakeel Olivia, received six-month jail sentences for illegally entering India from Nepal.

The pair were apprehended at the Indo-Nepal border for lacking valid entry documents and violating immigration laws.

Saleem, a lecturer from Manchester, and Olivia, a British citizen originally from India, were fined Rs 50,000 each.

The court granted them bail pending appeal, preventing them from leaving India during this period.

The individuals had travelled from the UK to Nepal for a charity programme before attempting to enter India.

A court has sentenced two British nationals to six months' imprisonment for illegally entering India from Nepal, officials said.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Pratibha Chowdhry also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on each of the convicts.

In case of default in payment of the fine, they will have to undergo an additional three months' imprisonment.

The court, however, granted them bail after pronouncement of the sentence on the condition that they will not leave the country during the appeal period.

According to prosecution officer Nirmal Yadav, the two -- Hassan Amman Saleem (35) and Sumitra Shakeel Olivia (61) -- were arrested in November last year from the Indo-Nepal border at Rupaideha for entering India without valid documents.

Saleem, originally from Gujranwala in Pakistan, is a resident of Manchester, United Kingdom, and works as a lecturer in audiology at the De Montfort University.

Olivia, originally from Udupi in Karnataka, later acquired British citizenship and resides in Gloucester, UK. She holds a British passport as well as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.

Yadav said the two had travelled from the UK to Nepal to participate in a charity programme for hearing-impaired children at a medical college in Nepalgunj. They were holding valid Nepal visas.

On November 15, personnel of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and the Uttar Pradesh Police intercepted them during a joint checking drive at the International Border as they attempted to enter India.

They were found to be without valid documents for entry into the country and were subsequently arrested under relevant provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act.

After spending some time in jail, the duo was granted bail by the court on the condition that they would not leave the country. Since then, they had been attending court hearings regularly, staying mostly in hotels in Bahraich during the trial.

Based on the evidence and circumstances, the court found both accused guilty and awarded the sentence, observing that punishment in cases of illegal entry is necessary to ensure compliance with the law, Yadav said.
A caretaker has been apprehended in Delhi for the brutal murder of a Gurugram farmhouse owner, allegedly driven by a grudge and using a sickle in the fatal attack.

Key Points A 65-year-old caretaker was arrested in Delhi for the murder of a 35-year-old farmhouse owner in Gurugram.

The caretaker allegedly used a sickle to repeatedly attack the farmhouse owner due to a long-standing grudge over alleged assaults.

The victim, who ran the farmhouse for 20 years, was found dead by family members after they went to check on him.

Police investigations revealed the caretaker had fled to Delhi after the murder, leading to his arrest.

Police arrested a caretaker in Delhi on Tuesday for allegedly slitting the throat of a 35-year-old farmhouse owner here with a sickle.

The official said police identified the accused as Khemchand (65), a resident of Hirapur Khurd district in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh.

The Sohna Police crime unit took action after registering an FIR against the accused at the Sohna police station.

"During interrogation, the accused revealed that farmhouse owner Rahul Kumar would occasionally assault him. Due to this grudge, on the night of April 5, he repeatedly attacked Rahul on the neck with a sickle. After the murder, he fled to Delhi," said a senior police officer.

The deceased, a resident of Ghata village, had been running the farmhouse near Harchandpur village in the Sohna area for about 20 years.

Police said the accused left 1.5 years ago following an argument, had been returning occasionally to work, and had come back about two months ago.

Family members said Rahul had gone to the farmhouse on Sunday but never returned.

When the family arrived on Monday night, they found Rahul's body in a pool of blood. Initially, the family suspected the caretaker, who was missing, police said.

"The accused has confessed to the crime, and we are questioning him," said the spokesperson for Gurugram police.
The 15-member council saw 11 votes in favour, two against (China and Russia), and Pakistan and Colombia abstained from voting.

IMAGE: A map showing the Strait of Hormuz and a 3D-printed miniature model depicting US President Donald Trump. Photograph: Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Reuters

Russia and China vetoed a Bahrain-backed UN resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. A resolution that was already diluted to secure their abstentions.

The 15-member council saw 11 votes in favour, two against (China and Russia), and Pakistan and Colombia abstained from voting.

Key Points The resolution demanded Iran immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels and any attempt to impede transit passage or freedom of navigation in the Strait

The draft text was proposed by Bahrain in close coordination with fellow Gulf Cooperation Council members Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as with Jordan

After the resolution was blocked, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, minister for foreign affairs of Bahrain, expressed regret that the Council failed to adopt the draft resolution.

The resolution demanded Iran immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels and any attempt to impede transit passage or freedom of navigation in the Strait and further calls for the cessation of attacks against civilian infrastructure, including water infrastructure and desalination plants, as well as oil and gas installations.

The draft text was proposed by Bahrain in close coordination with fellow Gulf Cooperation Council members Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as with Jordan.

After the resolution was blocked, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, expressed regret that the Council failed to adopt the draft resolution.

"Failing to adopt this resolution sends the wrong signal to the world, the people of the world -- a signal that threats to international waterways can pass without any decisive action by the international community," he said.

Russia said that the resolution constituted a "fundamentally erroneous and dangerous approach" to the situation in the region.

Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia of the Russian Federation objected to the "no mention" of "illegal attacks" by the US and Israel on Iran.

China said that the draft resolution "failed to capture the root causes and the full picture of the conflict in a comprehensive and balanced manner".

"The Security Council should not rush to vote on a draft resolution when serious concerns have been raised by members," Ambassador Fu Cong of China said.

US said that it stands with the people of the Gulf; by contrast, China and the Russian Federation "sided with a regime that seeks to intimidate the Gulf into submission".

"The Strait of Hormuz is too vital to the world to be used as a hostage, to be choked, to be weaponised by any one State," said Ambassador Michael Waltz of the United States.

This comes after US President Donald Trump issued a series of provocative statements on his Truth Social platform, suggesting a monumental shift in the geopolitical landscape.

In those posts, he warned of potential unprecedented destruction while simultaneously hinting at a transition of power within Iran.

"A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will," Trump wrote, reflecting the gravity of the ongoing military standoff amidst reports of US strikes on Kharg Island and other strategic Iranian infrastructure.

The President ended his message with a note of support for the Iranian populace, writing, "God Bless the Great People of Iran!" as the world awaits the outcome of the 8:00 PM Eastern Time deadline.
The Bombay High Court has ordered a murder trial for eight police officers in the 2014 custodial death of Agnello Valdaris, citing evidence of torture and inconsistencies in the police's account of events.

Photograph: ANI on X

Key Points Bombay High Court upholds murder charges against eight police personnel in the 2014 custodial death of Agnello Valdaris.

The court cited inconsistencies in police records, including missing CCTV footage and failure to follow medical advice, as reasons for upholding the charges.

Statements from co-detainees and medical evidence suggest Valdaris was subjected to custodial torture and sexual abuse while in police custody.

The High Court emphasised the duty of the living to seek justice for those who have died in custody, highlighting the need for accountability.

The police personnel had claimed Valdaris died after being hit by a train while escaping custody, a claim disputed by the court's findings.

The Bombay High Court has upheld a trial court's order to frame murder charges against eight police personnel in the alleged custodial death of Agnello Valdaris in 2014.

A bench of Justices A S Gadkari and Shyam Chandak, in an order passed on Monday, said the circumstances surrounding Valdaris's death warranted a full trial.

The court also remarked that there was a "serious controversy" over whether his death was homicidal or accidental.

The court dismissed the petitions filed by the eight police personnel challenging a September 2022 order of the trial court ordering framing of charges against them under sections 302 (murder) and 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage the religious feelings of any class of citizens) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

"The dead cannot cry out for justice. It is a duty of the living to do so for them," the HC quoted author Lois McMaster Bujold, noting that it emphasizes the moral obligation of the living to seek justice, accountability and honour for those who have passed away.

The petitioners -- senior police inspector Jitendra Rathod, assistant police inspector Archana Pujari, police sub inspector Shatrugan Tondse, head constable Suresh Mane, and constables Tushar Khairnar, Ravindra Mane, Vikas Suryawanshi and Satyajit Kamble -- had claimed that Valdaris died after being hit by a train when he allegedly escaped from custody.

Valdaris and three others were detained by the Wadala railway police in connection with a robbery case.

Evidence of Custodial Torture

While the police claim Valdaris died while he tried to escape custody, the high court in its order noted that statements of co-detainees and medical evidence indicated custodial torture.

The HC said the detainees, including Valdaris, were allegedly detained illegally, assaulted and subjected to abuse in the lock-up.

"The sexual abuse was so disgusting that one would not be able to imagine that such an incident may occur in a police station. Considering the central issue, we do not deem it proper to mention that abuse herein to protect the police image in general," the HC said.

Inconsistencies in Police Records

The court also pointed to inconsistencies in police records, non-preservation of CCTV footage despite court directions, and failure to follow medical advice, including not conducting a recommended X-ray examination.

The court concluded that the trial judge had applied the correct legal test and that the material on record, if unrebutted, could lead to conviction. It upheld the earlier order directing framing of charges.
A man breached Delhi Assembly security in an SUV, allegedly to draw attention to his missing nephew and prompt police action, sparking a thorough investigation into his motives and mental state.

Photograph: ANI

Key Points The Delhi Assembly security breach was allegedly committed by a man seeking attention for his missing nephew.

Sarabjeet Singh, the accused, reportedly wanted to pressure authorities to investigate his nephew's disappearance.

Police are investigating Sarabjeet Singh's mental state and verifying claims of mental health issues.

The accused breached security by ramming an SUV through the assembly gates and has been remanded in police custody for further investigation.

Police are examining CCTV footage and questioning witnesses to determine the full sequence of events and Sarabjeet Singh's motives.

The probe into the Delhi Assembly security breach has revealed that the man who allegedly forced his way into the complex in an SUV wanted to draw the attention of police and other authorities towards the disappearance of his nephew, officials said on Tuesday.

According to the police, his nephew has been missing since April 1 and a missing persons report had been lodged at Hari Nagar police station in west Delhi.

A senior police officer, requesting anonymity, said Sarabjeet Singh believed that senior officers would understand his grievance about his nephew's disappearance and ensure action.

"While the family has claimed that he is mentally disturbed and undergoing treatment, (police) teams are not fully convinced by this theory at this stage. He is physically fit and we are also checking all the claims by his family members. Sarabjeet is also financially stable and purchased the SUV in February," the police source said.

Investigation and Custody

Another senior police officer said that he was produced before a city court and the court granted eight days police custody of the accused.

During his remand, police will investigate his routes, main motive, CCTV footage, complete the chain of events and examine different aspects of the case. Police sought 10 days of custody but the court approved eight days of remand.

"During custody, the police will verify the statements of the accused and reconstruct the sequence of events by linking the locations he visited over the past few days," the source said.

Another officer said that though no weapon was recovered from him or his vehicle, he was driving dangerously, posing a serious threat to the lives of security personnel and others present at the assembly complex.

"Sarabjeet acted alone and no accomplice has been found so far. However, during the course of investigation, it emerged that he was unfamiliar with Delhi's routes and had hired two taxi drivers, paying them Rs 2,000 to guide him to different religious places, including one in New Delhi district.

Sarabjeet was arrested along with two others two hours after he breached the assembly premises.

"Both taxi drivers have been questioned and no role in the offence has surfaced so far, though they are being further examined as a precautionary measure," the officer said.

Sources further said that after fleeing from the assembly complex, the accused visited a religious place where he stayed for some time.

The assembly breach occurred at 2.10 pm on Monday when Sarabjeet rammed his vehicle through Gate No 2 of the Delhi Assembly at a high speed. He placed a bouquet and a garland inside the speaker's car and briefly sat inside it before exiting through the same gate. The entire sequence unfolded within five to seven minutes.

Police said his driving appeared deliberate and dangerous, with an apparent intent that could have resulted in running over on-duty security personnel. Following the breach, a citywide alert was issued and barricades were set up across multiple locations. The accused was intercepted at around 4.15 pm near a police picket in the Roop Nagar area of north Delhi.

Family Claims and Mental Health

Police have also revealed that Sarabjeet had left his home on April 1, the same day his nephew went missing, making only one call to his family after that. Police are now analysing his call detail records to establish his movements and contacts in the days leading up to the security breach.

His wife has provided a medical prescription from Shahjahanpur claiming he was undergoing treatment for mental health issues, which is being verified by the police. However, sources indicated that the manner the act was carried out suggests "elements of planning".

His behaviour in custody has been highly aggressive -- shaking the lock-up grills, shouting loudly and making incoherent claims, a police source said.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh police officials said that Singh's family had claimed he was suffering from mental health issues and was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Shahjahanpur. They added that Sarabjeet lived with his wife and son in Narayanpur. They said his nephew, Harmandeep Singh, who was a BTech student in Delhi, had gone missing on April 1.

"He would not even speak to us. He usually just takes the car and drives off. He doesn't listen to anyone at home, not even his elder brother. When he is in that state, nobody can stop him," his mother had told reporters in Uttar Pradesh.

The family members also said Sarabjeet was upset that he was not told about his nephew's disappearance initially.

A case has been registered against him under various sections, including attempt to murder, criminal trespass with preparation to commit offence, use of criminal force against a public servant.

Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, along with other relevant provisions pertaining to obstruction of public servants in discharge of duty have also been added to the FIR.

Police interrogation to ascertain the motive is currently underway.
The Delhi Assembly security breach was allegedly triggered by a man's distress over his missing nephew and perceived inaction by authorities, according to his family.

Photograph: ANI

Key Points Sarabjeet Singh, arrested for the Delhi Assembly security breach, was reportedly upset about the delayed reporting of his nephew Harman Singh's disappearance.

Harman Singh, a BTech student, went missing on April 1st, prompting a missing persons complaint and a reward for information.

Sarabjeet Singh's family stated that they initially withheld news of Harman's disappearance due to Sarabjeet's history of depression.

Police are investigating Sarabjeet Singh's movements and motives, suggesting he intended to draw attention to his nephew's case.

Sarabjeet Singh has been described as aggressive in custody and faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and criminal trespass.

The man who was behind the Delhi Assembly security breach was upset that he was told about his nephew's disappearance three days after he went missing, his family said.

Delhi Police is looking into the circumstances leading up to the assembly security breach. Sarabjeet Singh, who was arrested for driving an SUV into the complex at high speed on Monday, found out about his missing nephew a day before, they said.

A police probe has found that Singh wanted to draw the attention of authorities towards the disappearance of his nephew, officials said.

On Tuesday evening, the family received a fresh lead about the whereabouts of his 20-year-old nephew, Harman Singh, near Nangal in Punjab's Anandpur Sahib a the same area where his last-known location was traced on April 2.

"Singh's nephew, Harman, a BTech student at a private college in west Delhi's Hari Nagar, lived in rented accommodation nearby. His family claimed that he left Delhi by bus on April 1, adding that he last spoke to his mother on April 2 before switching off his mobile phone," police said.

"He sounded normal but did not disclose where he was," said his father, Harpreet Singh, a farmer.

As Harman's phone remained switched off for hours, Harpreet said he reached Delhi late on April 2 and filed a missing persons complaint at Hari Nagar police station.

Since then, several posts about Harman's disappearance have surfaced on social media. The family has also circulated posters and announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh for information.

Family's Explanation and Sarabjeet's Actions

Police sources said that Sarabjeet confronted Harpreet after learning about the disappearance and argued about why he was not informed.

"We initially did not inform Sarabjeet about Harman going missing because he has been under treatment for depression for nearly eight years. We feared the news would disturb him," Harpreet said.

He further said that on April 5, Singh came to Anandpur Sahib in his SUV, and questioned Harpreet why he had not sought more help from Delhi Police, claiming he had also spoken to the Delhi chief minister about it.

"He was not carrying his medication, and his family said he had skipped it for a week," Harpreet added.

Police Investigation and Charges

Police said efforts are underway to trace Singh's movements on the day of the incident and in the days leading up to it.

Police further said the probe into the assembly breach suggests Singh intended to draw attention to his nephew's disappearance.

Police have described Sarabjeet's driving as "dangerous", which appeared to attempt "to run over security personnel on duty, thereby endangering their lives".

The SUV, bearing a Uttar Pradesh registration from Pilibhit, entered through Gate No 2 around 2 pm after breaking boom barriers. Police sources said that after the incident, he visited a gurdwara in north Delhi and stayed there for one hour.

Sarabjeet was arrested along with two others about two hours after the incident.

Police said his behaviour in custody has been highly aggressive, with him shaking the lock-up grills, shouting, and making incoherent claims.

A case has been registered against him under multiple sections, including attempt to murder, criminal trespass with preparation to commit an offence, and use of criminal force against a public servant. Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and provisions related to obstruction of public servants have also been invoked.

Police interrogation to ascertain the motive is currently underway.
Following Donald Trump's controversial threat to Iran, Democrat leaders are urgently calling for his removal from office, raising concerns about his fitness to lead and the potential for war crimes.

Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters

Key Points US President Donald Trump's threat to wipe out 'the whole civilisation' in Iran has sparked widespread condemnation.

Democrat leaders are calling for Trump's immediate removal from office, citing the 25th Amendment.

Some Republicans have expressed concern over Trump's remarks, hoping they are merely 'bluster'.

Critics argue Trump's actions are reckless, endanger American service members, and damage America's global standing.

The controversy has ignited debate about the use of the 25th Amendment and impeachment to remove Trump from office.

US President Donald Trump's threats of wiping out the "whole civilisation" in Iran drew strong condemnation from Democrat leaders, who called for his "immediate removal" and a push back from some Republicans who hoped and prayed that the remarks were "bluster".

The calls for the removal of Trump by invoking the 25th Amendment reached a crescendo among Democrats who slammed the US President's remarks as "unhinged" and amounting to "war crimes".

Republican Senator Ron Johnson said he does not support Trump's threats and hoped that the remarks were really bluster.

"I am hoping and praying that President Trump is, that this really is bluster. I do not want to see us start blowing up civilian infrastructure. I do not want to see that. We are not at war with the Iranian people. We are trying to liberate them," Johnson said in a podcast 'John Solomon Reports'.

White House spokesman Davis Ingle brushed aside the call by Democrats for Trump's removal as "pathetic".

"This is pathetic. Democrats have been talking about impeaching President Trump since before he was even sworn into office. The Democrats in Congress are deranged, weak, and ineffective, which is why their approval ratings are at historic lows," Ingle said in a statement to PTI.

Former Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who had a fallout with Trump, condemned the US President's calls for the destruction of an entire civilisation.

"25TH AMENDMENT," Taylor-Greene wrote in a social media post, referring to the rules for removal of the President from office.

"Not a single bomb has dropped on America. We cannot kill an entire civilisation. This is evil and madness," she said.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris said the President of the United States is threatening to commit war crimes and wipe out a "whole civilisation" because he started a disastrous war of his own making and had no plan and no strategy for how to end it.

"This is abhorrent, and the American people do not support this," said Harris, who unsuccessfully contested the 2024 presidential election against Trump.

"Trump's recklessness is needlessly putting our brave service members in harm's way, destroying America's global standing, and making life even more unaffordable for the American people. We must all stand against this and oppose funding this illegal war of choice," Harris said in a social media post.

Calls for Action Against Trump

Ed Markey, Democratic Senator from Massachusetts, said a war powers resolution will not be enough.

"We need to assert congressional authority and stop this illegal war in Iran. But, Trump is clearly an unstable warmonger at odds with the will of the people. Removal is the top priority. No more war criminals in the White House," he said.

Markey said whether it's 25th Amendment or impeachment, he will support any avenue to remove Trump from office.

"We cannot leave this man in charge of America's nuclear weapons as he threatens to end an entire civilisation. And Congress must not fund this reckless administration," he said.

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar said in a social media post: "This is not ok. Invoke the 25th amendment. Impeach. Remove. This unhinged lunatic must be removed from office."

"We need to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove Trump. Threatening war crimes is a blatant violation of our constitution and the Geneva Conventions," Ro Khanna, Congressman from California's 17th district, said.

Democrat Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury called on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, to convene a session of Congress immediately and called on Trump's cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment.

"The Cabinet needs to invoke the 25th Amendment. But Congress can't just sit on its hands and wait for that to happen when the President is threatening to commit war crimes TONIGHT," she said in a social media post.

Stansbury, who represents New Mexico's First Congressional district in the House, said the world is watching, and history will remember.

"This is all hands on deck - Democrats, Republicans, Independents - AMERICANS must look at using any and every tool to stop the President and his unauthorised war, including the 25th Amendment, Impeachment, and War Powers Resolutions," she said in a social media post.

"This is not foreign policy, it's a deranged madman threatening to wipe out an entire country. It's past time. The 25th Amendment must be invoked," Illinois Governor J B Pritzker said in a social media post.

The 25th Amendment needs to be invoked, said Rob Menendez, the Congressman from New Jersey's eighth Congressional district.

"The ultimate goal is to crush the Iranian regime. Weakening their ballistic missile, terror, and nuclear programmes is essential for the safety of our nation. But the clock is ticking. The Trump administration needs to come before Congress and present clear objectives, and brief on our progress," Congressman Josh Gottheimer, a democrat from New Jersey's fifth congressional district, said.

Congressman Jimmy Gomez, from California's 34th Congressional district, said the 25th Amendment exists for moments like this.

Threatening to wipe out an entire civilisation is unhinged and will cost lives. This has already triggered a global economic crisis and could spiral into something far worse, he said.

"Mike Johnson must bring Congress back now so we can stop this unauthorised war," Gomez said.

Trump has lost his mind, and his threats to wipe out the Iranian people should be taken seriously, said Robert Garcia, Democratic Congressman from California's 42nd congressional district.

"He's out of control, and his cabinet and those around him must be loyal to the Constitution and invoke the 25th Amendment. He must be removed," the lawmaker said.

Trump is acting recklessly, and his war with Iran has already cost American lives, said Julie Johnson, Congresswoman from Texas.

"This is a serious conflict, not a reality show. We need steady, diplomatic leadership. What we're seeing now is insane behaviour from a deranged president. It's time to invoke the 25th Amendment," she said.

Echoing her voice, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman said it's time to use the 25th Amendment.

"In just 48 hours, the president has gone from threatening war crimes to threatening genocide. He is clearly unstable and must be set aside," she said.

"Trump has gone from threatening war crimes to talking about wiping out 'an entire civilisation,'" Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee wrote on X Tuesday.

"This is dangerous, reckless, and shows a president out of his depth. Trump's increasingly showing he's unfit for office - and those defending this war of choice are complicit," they said.

Democratic Congressman Mark Pocan also called for Trump to be removed from office if the military attacks civilian infrastructure in Iran, calling those actions a "war crime".

"Threatening to destroy a civilisation is clearly a war crime if he acts on it. He's putting those who serve in the military in a terrible position," Pocan posted on X.

"This is stuff you'd wouldn't even see from Putin, let alone the American president. Isn't it time for the 25th Amendment?" Pocan wondered.
India and Bangladesh are engaging in high-level talks to repair and strengthen their bilateral relations after a period of diplomatic strain, focusing on key issues such as trade, water sharing, and fuel supplies.

IMAGE: Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman (left) being welcomed on his arrival, in New Delhi, April 6, 2026. Photograph: @MEAIndia X/ANI Photo

Key Points Talks focused on charting a new momentum in India-Bangladesh relations, with discussions on trade, fuel supplies, and visa restrictions.

Key issues include the Ganga water treaty renewal, sharing of Teesta river waters, and Bangladesh's request for additional fuel supplies.

Bangladesh seeks stability and continuous development of bilateral relations based on mutual trust and shared interests.

The visit aims to lay a foundation for elevating cooperation between Bangladesh and India to a more fruitful and sustainable level.

National security advisor Ajit Doval hosted Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman for a dinner meeting on Tuesday, hours after the latter landed in New Delhi for a three-day visit aimed at repairing bilateral ties following more than 18 months of heightened diplomatic tension.

It is the first high-level visit to India by a senior member of the new Bangladesh Nationalist Party government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman that came to power in February following the parliamentary elections.

Various aspects of India-Bangladesh relations figured in the talks between Doval and Rahman with a focus on charting a new momentum in the ties, people familiar with the matter said.

There is no official word on the meeting yet.

Foreign Minister Rahman's delegation included Humayun Kabir, foreign affairs adviser to the prime minister.

Rahman is scheduled to hold extensive talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday. The Bangladesh foreign minister will also meet Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Warm welcome to Foreign Minister Rahman of Bangladesh on his arrival in New Delhi today, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on social media.

India and Bangladesh share warm and historic ties anchored in strong people to people relations, he said, adding Rahman's visit will "further bolster" India Bangladesh partnership.

The relations between India and Bangladesh witnessed major downturn after the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus came to power following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government in August, 2024.

The two sides initiated efforts to stabilise the relations after Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, represented India at the inauguration of Tarique Rahman as the prime minister in Dhaka on February 17.

Rahman became the prime minister following his party's landslide victory in the parliamentary polls.

In a statement, Bangladesh's foreign ministry said that Dhaka will emphasise "stability and continuous development of bilateral relations based on dignity, mutual trust and respect, and shared interests" during Rahman's meetings with his Indian interlocutors.

"It is hoped that this visit will lay an important foundation for elevating the areas of cooperation between Bangladesh and India to a more fruitful and sustainable level in the future," it said.

The focus of Wednesday's meeting between the external affairs minister and his Bangladeshi counterpart will be to repair the ties and start a new phase in the relations, people familiar with the matter said.

Key issues in India-Bangladesh relations

The Ganga water treaty was signed in December 1996 that provides for a mechanism for sharing of the river water between the two riparian states.

It is not immediately known if the festering issue relating to the sharing of the waters of the Teesta river will figure in the talks between the two foreign ministers.

Another contentious issue has been Dhaka's demand to extradite former prime minister Hasina. Hasina, 78, has been living in India after she fled Dhaka following the collapse of her government in August, 2024 in the face of a massive anti-government agitation.

The renewal of the Ganga Waters Treaty that expires this year, ways to bolster trade and Bangladesh's request to India for additional fuel supplies in view of shortage caused by the West Asia conflict are likely to figure in the talks, the people cited above said.

It is learnt that easing of visa restrictions imposed by the Indian side, particularly for tourists and business people, may also figure in the talks.
News / National

by Staff reporter

ZANU-PF youths yesterday vowed to take matters into their own hands and ordered law enforcement agents to look aside and allow them to ruthlessly crush widening public protests against President Robert Mugabe's government.Business came to a standstill in Harare, as thousands of Zanu-PF activists a bussed from several provinces a marched from the party's provincial offices to their headquarters in an apparent show of strength to intimidate their rivals in the wake of the anti-Mugabe protests that have rocked the country over the past few weeks.During the march, the youths vowed to take to the streets and violently crush the peaceful demonstrations, coordinated by several pressure groups among them cleric, Evan Mawarire's #ThisFlag , Tajamuka/Sesijikele and opposition parties.As if to entice the youths into action, the party doled out huge tracts of land to youths in Harare and Bulawayo so they "defend" the party.Zanu-PF national youth commissar, Innocent Hamandishe threatened to violently crush the protests, which he said were meant to embarrass and force Mugabe to step down."There are people trying to threaten our President. If you threaten our President, then you are also poking us," he said. "Next time, if pastors want to be funny, we will ask police to stand aside and, as youths, we will deal with them ourselves."Police, who for long have been accused of sympathising with Zanu-PF, two weeks ago descended heavily on the demonstrators.Zimbabwe has seen a wave of protests in Beitbridge, Harare, Bulawayo and other parts of the country, with citizens expressing their disgruntlement at the Zanu-PF-led government's failed economic policies.Hamandishe said youths were initially reluctant to confront Mawarire, but had now resolved to "deal with him in a political way" to curb his growing public influence.Zanu-PF deputy youth secretary, Kudzanai Chipanga, said they were even more prepared to "deal" with protesters."During this time, when the President is delivering on his promises to us youths, there are other people trying to sabotage us. There are other people going around, claiming we have rebelled (Tajamuka)," he said."Pastors, your mandate is to pray for peace in the nation. Pastors, your duty is to pray for the country and its leaders to govern well and there is nowhere stated that pastors have to rule a country."Us, in Zanu-PF, are even more rebellious than any of you. You can't be more rebellious than Zanu-PF."The party's women's league deputy secretary, Eunice Sandi Moyo, had no kind words for protesters, claiming Tajamuka and #ThisFlag movement should know that Zanu-PF was the only party that liberated the country.She accused Tajamuka of causing protests in Beitbridge, where people, who were unhappy at government's decision to ban imports, caused unrest at the border post.Moyo said they would not allow their supporters to participate in any stay away to protest against the government.She said the huge crowd that turned out for the march yesterday was a sign that the ruling party had more numbers than protesters.Other speakers vowed they would fight for Mugabe to rule for life.Zanu-PF is parcelling out residential stands to youths so that they will vote for the party in the 2018 elections.However, Chipanga said they would be on the lookout for unscrupulous senior party officials that had corruptly benefited from government programmes ahead of deserving people.He said only Zanu-PF-registered voters would benefit from the stands.The Makoni West MP said they were looking into many other projects such as mining and agriculture, where only Zanu-PF youths would benefit.Meanwhile, the Harare Metropolitan Residents' Forum expressed concern at the reportedly devious manner Zanu-PF was parcelling out the stands."It has come to the residents' forum's attention that the ruling party has mobilised people within the suburbs of Harare and neighbouring provinces for their march against protesters, claiming that they are going to issue residential stands to them. This is uncalled for and unexpected in a democracy. This is manipulation of people's desperation for shelter," the forum said.
In a major crackdown on narcotics, police in Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir, have seized 1.44 crore worth of property belonging to an alleged drug dealer, sending a strong message against illegal drug trade.

Photograph: Yves Herman/Reuters

Key Points Police in Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir, seized property worth 1.44 crore from alleged drug dealer Mohammad Ayoub Malik.

The seized property, measuring 10 kanals, was allegedly acquired through proceeds from illegal drug trade.

The property attachment was conducted with a police team and magistrate, ensuring legal compliance and transparency.

This action is part of a broader crackdown on narcotics-related activities in the Shopian district.

Property worth 1.44 crore belonging to an alleged drug dealer in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district was attached by the police on Tuesday, officials said.

"As part of crackdown on narcotics-related activities, Police in Shopian have attached an immovable property valued at 1,43,90,000 belonging to Mohammad Ayoub Malik, resident of Trenz Imamsahib Shopian," a police spokesperson said.

He said the property measuring 10 kanals (half an hectare) was identified as having been acquired through proceeds generated from the illegal trade of drugs and narcotics.

The spokesperson said the attachment proceedings were carried out in the presence of duly constituted police team, Executive Magistrate, Lambardar and Chowkidar, ensuring full compliance with all legal procedures and maintaining transparency.
Election Commission has banned exit polls during the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, with strict penalties for violations of the Representation of the People Act.

IMAGE: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points The Election Commission of India has banned exit polls from April 9 to April 29 during the assembly elections.

Conducting or broadcasting exit polls during this period is a violation of the Representation of the People Act.

Violators of the exit poll ban could face imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both.

Assembly elections are scheduled in Kerala, Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

A 'silence period' of 48 hours before the end of voting prohibits most forms of campaigning.

The Election Commission has announced that exit polls cannot be conducted or disseminated from 7 am on April 9 until 6.30 pm on April 29 for the five assembly elections taking place this month.

The commission has also cautioned that conducting or broadcasting exit polls during this period violates section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and is "punishable with imprisonment up to a period of two years, or with fine or both".

Kerala, Assam and Puducherry are holding assembly polls on April 9, while Tamil Nadu's election will be on April 23.

In West Bengal, state polls will be held on April 23 and 29.

Silence Period Regulations

The 48-hour 'silence period' in Kerala and Puducherry will commence at 6 pm on Tuesday, while in Assam, it will begin at 5 pm.

The silence period signifies the end of campaigning 48 hours before the end of voting in a particular constituency or the entire state.

During this period, only door-to-door campaigning by a limited number of party workers or candidates is allowed. Other forms of campaigning are prohibited, although enforcement in the digital age is challenging.

Voting typically occurs from 7 am to 6 pm, but the timing may vary based on terrain and security considerations.
An 80-year-old Delhi businessman tragically ended his life due to ongoing health problems and personal loss, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his suicide.

Key Points An 80-year-old real estate businessman in Delhi's Mangolpuri area died by suicide using his licensed revolver.

Preliminary police investigation suggests no foul play, with the death attributed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The deceased, Umrao Singh, had been suffering from asthma and nerve-related ailments.

Family members reported that Singh was also grieving the loss of his wife, who died of cancer in 2013.

Police are conducting further investigations to fully ascertain the circumstances surrounding the suicide.

An 80-year-old man died by suicide after allegedly shooting himself with his licensed revolver in outer Delhi's Mangolpuri area, an official said on Tuesday.

The deceased, Umrao Singh, was a resident of Suvidha Kunj in Pitampura, He was associated with the real estate business, he said.

According to the police, information regarding the incident was received at the Mangolpuri police station, following which a team rushed to the spot and found Singh with a gunshot injury. He was declared dead during a medical examination.

Preliminary inquiry suggests that Singh used his licensed revolver to shoot himself. No foul play is suspected at this stage, police said, adding that inquest proceedings have been initiated.

Factors Leading to the Suicide

Family members told police that Singh had been suffering from asthma and nerve-related ailments for some time. His wife had died of cancer in 2013, and he is survived by two sons, both engaged in the real estate business, and married daughters.

Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident.
Delhi Police have successfully dismantled a fake call centre in Guru Arjun Nagar, arresting 12 individuals involved in a roadside assistance policy scam that defrauded numerous victims.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Delhi Police busted a fake call centre operating from Guru Arjun Nagar, arresting 12 people.

The call centre allegedly defrauded people by selling bogus roadside assistance policies.

Tele-callers contacted potential victims, promising immediate assistance for vehicle issues nationwide.

Victims were asked to pay Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 upon receiving a plastic policy card, but the promised services were never provided.

The accused operated for six months, ignoring customer calls after receiving payments and lacking valid registration or licence.

The Delhi Police has busted a fake call centre allegedly duping people by selling fraudulent roadside assistance policies, apprehending 12 people, including two proprietors, an official said on Tuesday.

The racket was operating from the Guru Arjun Nagar area. Acting on inputs received on April 4, a team conducted a raid at Rattan Lal Complex in Guru Arjun Nagar and unearthed the fraudulent setup, he said.

"During the raid, the team apprehended all 12 people present at the call centre, including the two alleged proprietors identified as Sourabh and Shahnawaz, both aged 28 years," the officer said.

The police apprehended 10 tele-callers -- Anjali (25), Kashish (21), Rajni (20), Gunman (21), Pooja (30), Kavita (26), Manju (20), Raksha (22), Imran (20) and Anu (29) -- from the premises, the officer said.

Roadside Assistance Policy Scam Details

According to the police, the accused were running a fake call centre and cheating customers by offering bogus roadside assistance policies.

"The tele-callers would contact potential victims, both randomly and through targeted data and claim that customers would receive immediate assistance anywhere in India in case of vehicle-related issues such as tyre punctures or breakdowns by calling a helpline number," the officer said.

To gain customers' trust, they offered cash-on-delivery payment and assured delivery of a plastic policy card. Upon receiving the card, customers were asked to pay Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000. However, the promised services were never provided.

Investigation and Recovery

"During interrogation, the accused disclosed that they had been running the operation for the past six months. They used a keypad mobile phone as the official helpline number and deliberately ignored customer calls after receiving payments," the officer said.

The accused had no valid registration or licence to run such services, confirming the fraudulent nature of the operation. Police recovered one computer system, fake plastic policy cards, customer data sheets, mobile phones used for calling and an attendance register from the spot.

All the accused and the recovered articles have been handed over to the Ranjeet Nagar police station. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway, police said.
An investigation in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has uncovered a disability certificate fraud, with police booking 12 employees for allegedly issuing fake certificates without proper medical examinations, alongside a separate medical reimbursement scam.

Key Points Police in Shahjahanpur, UP, are investigating 12 employees for allegedly issuing fraudulent disability certificates.

The investigation revealed that 14 individuals received disability certificates and identity cards without proper medical assessment.

An FIR has been filed against the employees under charges of cheating and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

A separate case involves 12 retired health employees accused of siphoning off funds through fraudulent medical reimbursement claims.

Police have launched investigations into both the disability certificate fraud and the medical reimbursement scam in Shahjahanpur.

Police have registered a case against 12 employees for allegedly issuing fake disability certificates to 14 beneficiaries without proper medical examination in Uttar Pradesh's Shahjahanpur district, an official said on Tuesday.

Additional Superintendent of Police (City) Devendra Kumar said the action followed a complaint by a local resident, after which an inquiry revealed that disability certificates were fraudulently issued and uploaded on the official portal without the beneficiaries undergoing any medical assessment or appearing before the disability board.

"The investigation found that 14 individuals, who were neither disabled nor examined, were issued disability certificates and subsequently obtained identity cards from the portal to avail government benefits meant for persons with disabilities," Kumar said.

Based on a complaint lodged by Administrative Officer Ram Kishore of the Chief Medical Officer's office, an FIR has been registered against 12 employees, including officials from the disability department, under charges of cheating and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, he added.

Separate Medical Reimbursement Fraud

In a separate case, Kumar said another FIR has been lodged at Kotwali police station against 12 retired health department employees for allegedly siphoning off around Rs 30 lakh through fraudulent medical reimbursement claims using fake hospital bills.

Police have initiated investigations in both cases, the officer said.
An investigation in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has uncovered a disability certificate fraud, leading to charges against 12 officials for allegedly issuing fake documents and enabling access to undue government benefits.

Key Points 12 district administration employees in Shahjahanpur are booked for allegedly issuing fake disability certificates.

The fraudulent certificates allowed 14 individuals to obtain government benefits without proper medical assessment.

An investigation revealed the certificates were uploaded on the official portal without required examinations.

A separate case involves retired health department employees accused of siphoning off funds through fraudulent medical reimbursement claims.

Police have launched investigations into both cases of alleged corruption and fraud.

Police have booked 12 employees of district administration for allegedly issuing fake disability certificates to 14 beneficiaries without proper medical examination in Uttar Pradesh's Shahjahanpur district, an official said on Tuesday.

Additional Superintendent of Police (City) Devendra Kumar said the action followed a complaint by a local resident, after which an inquiry revealed that disability certificates were fraudulently issued and uploaded on the official portal without the beneficiaries undergoing any medical assessment or appearing before the disability board.

"The investigation found that 14 individuals, who were neither disabled nor examined, were issued disability certificates and subsequently obtained identity cards from the portal to avail government benefits meant for persons with disabilities," Kumar said.

Based on a complaint lodged by Administrative Officer Ram Kishore of the Chief Medical Officer's office, an FIR has been registered against 12 employees, including officials from the disability department, under charges of cheating and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, he added.

Separate Case of Fraudulent Medical Claims

In a separate case, Kumar said another FIR has been lodged at Kotwali police station against 12 retired health department employees for allegedly siphoning off around Rs 30 lakh through fraudulent medical reimbursement claims using fake hospital bills.

Police have initiated investigations in both cases, the officer said.
A Kerala farmer's death by hanging at a CPI office is under investigation after sparking local protests and raising questions about allegations against party leaders.

Key Points A farmer, Chellappan Pulikkasheri, was found dead by hanging at a CPI office in Thalayazham, near Vaikom, Kerala.

Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the farmer's death.

Family sources indicate the farmer had previously made allegations against local CPI leaders regarding agricultural activities.

Local residents staged a brief protest at the CPI office following the discovery of the body.

A farmer was found dead by hanging at a CPI office premises in this district of Kerala on Tuesday, police said.

The incident happened in Thalayazham near Vaikom, and the deceased was identified as Chellappan Pulikkasheri, a local farmer.

"He was a farmer and reportedly a local public activist. Inquest procedures are progressing. We have to confirm other details," a police officer said.

According to family sources, he had earlier levelled allegations against some local CPI leaders in connection with his agriculture-related activities.

Local people staged a protest for some time at the party office after his body was found hanging there.

The officer said there was no protest at the moment, and an investigation was underway.
A Delhi man was arrested after traffic police discovered he was using a forged no-entry permit in an attempt to bypass traffic restrictions, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat permit fraud.

Key Points A man was arrested in east Delhi for allegedly using a forged no-entry permit.

The Delhi Traffic Police's Eastern Range team conducted the enforcement drive.

The driver was intercepted in Kailash Nagar while heading towards Iron Bridge Pushta Road.

The forged permit was discovered during verification with the official system.

A case has been registered at Gandhi Nagar police station, and the vehicle has been seized.

A man was apprehended and his vehicle seized for allegedly using a forged no-entry permission during an enforcement drive in east Delhi, police said on Tuesday.

The action was taken by the Delhi Traffic Police's Eastern Range team during checking to curb violations of restricted entry norms and misuse of fake permits by commercial vehicles.

According to the police, on April 6 traffic personnel were deployed for routine checking in Kailash Nagar. A light goods vehicle heading towards Iron Bridge Pushta Road was intercepted for violating notified no-entry timings.

Discovery of the Forged Permit

During verification, the driver produced a no-entry permission displayed on the windscreen. However, upon checking the official system, no such permit was found to have been issued for the vehicle.

The police said the document was forged and fabricated, indicating a deliberate attempt to evade enforcement action.

Arrest and Legal Action

The driver was apprehended on the spot and the vehicle was seized. A case has been registered at Gandhi Nagar police station.
Indian Customs officials at Delhi Airport seized over 2 kg of ganja from a Bangkok-Delhi flight, underscoring the ongoing battle against drug trafficking.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Over 2 kg of suspected ganja was seized from a Bangkok-Delhi flight at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The marijuana was discovered in three packets hidden in the aircraft's washroom dustbin.

The seized contraband is estimated to be worth approximately 2.01 crore.

The seizure was made by the Air Intelligence Unit of Indian Customs acting on surveillance.

An investigation is underway under Section 43(a) of the NDPS Act, 1985.

Customs officers at Indira Gandhi International Airport have seized over 2 kg of suspected ganja recovered from the washroom of a Bangkok-Delhi flight, officials said.

Indian Customs officers at the airport detected a case of smuggling of NDPS substance suspected to be ganja/marijuana on April 5, an official statement said.

Acting on surveillance, officers of the Air Intelligence Unit, a specialised wing of Indian Customs, kept watch on the flight arriving from Bangkok.

During surveillance, "three packets wrapped in grey adhesive tape were recovered from the washroom dustbin of the aircraft," the statement said.

The packets were subjected to X-ray screening, which indicated suspicious contents.

"On examination, the packets were found to contain a green-coloured leafy substance, suspected to be ganja/marijuana," it added.

The gross weight of the seized contraband was about 2.01 kilograms, and "the estimated value is approximately Rs 2.01 crore," officials said.

Accordingly, the contraband, along with packing material, has been seized under Section 43(a) of the NDPS Act, 1985, the statement said, adding that further investigation is underway.
To ensure stable fuel supplies amid global tensions, India has doubled the daily LPG quota for migrant workers, prioritising household cooking gas and addressing accessibility issues.

IMAGE: Anxious customers wait for LPG cylinders outside an agency in Bhoiwada, central Mumbai, March 31, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points This decision prioritises household cooking gas amid global energy supply disruptions.

Migrant workers can access 5-kg LPG cylinders with a simple identity card, without needing address proof.

The government has increased commercial LPG allocation and is cracking down on hoarding and black marketing.

Citizens are urged to avoid panic buying as fuel supplies are stable, and the government is taking measures to ensure domestic availability.

The government has doubled the daily quota of market-priced 5-kg LPG cylinders for migrant workers as part of a broader push to stabilise fuel supplies amid disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Unlike the subsidised 14.2-kg cylinders that are used in household kitchens for cooking, the 5-kg bottles are priced at market rates. A 5-kg cylinder costs Rs 549 in Delhi as against the Rs 913 price for a 14.2-kg domestic cylinder.

The 5-kg cylinders are available across-the-counter at LPG distributorships on production of a simple identity card (no address proof needed). Regular domestic connections are given after a complete KYC.

With the war in West Asia disrupting energy supplies, the government has prioritised cooking gas supply to households as the cost of commercial users, who were initially given only 20 per cent of their requirement and in steps raised to 70 per cent.

Migrant workers mostly do not have regular cooking gas connections. To ease their burden, the government has now made available higher numbers of 5-kg cylinders.

At a news briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the government vide letter dated April 6 has conveyed that daily quantity of 5 kg free trade LPG (FTL) cylinders in each state available for disbursal to migrant labourers is being doubled based on the average daily supply (number of such cylinders) during March 2-3.

She said in February, 77,000 kg FTL cylinders were sold and the sale on March 2-3 was higher than that.

Since March 23, about 7.8 lakh 5-kg FTL cylinders have been sold, she said, adding that on Monday more than 1.06 lakh 5-kg FTL cylinders were sold across the country.

Crackdown on hoarding and black marketing

The government has also increased commercial LPG allocation to about 70 per cent of pre-crisis levels and stepped up enforcement, with over 4,300 raids conducted to curb hoarding and black marketing.

She urged citizens to avoid panic buying of petrol, diesel, and LPG, stressing that adequate stocks are available and retail outlets are operating normally.

Supplies of LPG and piped natural gas (PNG) have been prioritised for households and critical sectors such as hospitals, while refinery output has been ramped up and alternative fuels promoted.

Natural gas supplies to priority segments, including domestic piped natural gas (PNG) and transport CNG, remain fully protected, with additional allocations to fertiliser and industrial sectors. The government is also accelerating expansion of city gas networks to boost PNG adoption.

Despite a surge in global crude prices, India has cut excise duty on petrol and diesel to shield consumers, while imposing export levies to ensure domestic availability.

She said fuel supplies remain stable and urged states to counter misinformation through regular public briefings.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

The MDC-T legislators have called for the ministers who skip parliament to be charged with contempt of parliament, indicating that the nation hopes to get a lot of answers from the ministers over the problems affecting the nation.Innocent Gonese said there is a Constitution of Zimbabwe in terms of Section 3, the Constitution of Zimbabwe which is a supreme law of this country and the same Constitution has a provision which obliges Vice Presidents and Ministers to attend Parliament and the language which is used is peremptory."It says that athey must attend Parliament'. As a result, the Constitution obliges Ministers to take the business of this House seriously. As we speak, we are wasting taxpayers' money and they should not have scheduled their Cabinet meeting to coincide with the sitting of Parliament because today, on a Wednesday, the whole nation would be waiting expecting answers on issues which are pertinent to the welfare and the wellbeing of the people whom we represent," he said.His view was buttressed by Nelson Chamisa who said a few weeks back he raised the same issue sighting both the Constitution and also the Standing Orders and the Speaker promised that he was going to look into the matter."The specific plea that I am now asking for is that the Hon. Ministers must be charged with contempt of Parliament because they are in contempt of Parliament," he said."It is something in which your office, through the Speaker, made a promise and undertaking and that has not been fulfilled. We therefore demand that the Chair charges the relevant Ministers with contempt of Parliament. That is the prayer which I am advancing on behalf of all Hon. Members across the political divide."
A joint operation by Gujarat and Rajasthan ATS resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of Rs 25 crore worth of methamphetamine, revealing a drug smuggling route originating from Pakistan.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Gujarat and Rajasthan ATS teams intercepted and arrested two individuals in Banaskantha, Gujarat, for possessing 5 kg of methamphetamine.

The seized methamphetamine is estimated to be worth Rs 25 crore in the illicit market.

Preliminary investigations suggest the drugs were smuggled from Pakistan, originating from the Tharparkar area.

The accused received the consignment in Barmer, Rajasthan, and were en route to deliver it to associates.

Digital evidence recovered from the accused's mobile phones is expected to provide further insights into the drug network.

Two persons were arrested for allegedly possessing 5 kg of methamphetamine with an estimated value of Rs 25 crore in the illicit market, suspected to be sourced from Pakistan for smuggling in India, from Banaskantha district in Gujarat, officials said on Tuesday.

The action was conducted by Anti-Terrorist Squads (ATS) of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The arrested accused have been identified as Shankarram Rameshram and Salman Lalakhan, both residents of Rajasthan, according to an official release by Gujarat ATS.

A joint team of ATS officials of Gujarat and Rajasthan on Monday evening intercepted a suspicious car following a specific tip-off on National Highway No. 68, which connects Jaisalmer in Rajasthan to Banaskantha in Gujarat.

Shankarram and Lalakhan, who were travelling in the car, were found to be in possession of a yellow-coloured bag containing five packets of a substance.

"A preliminary verification confirmed that the seized substance is the prohibited narcotic drug methamphetamine. Approximately 5 kg of methamphetamine, having an estimated value of around Rs 25 crore, was seized," the release said.

The drug was sourced from Pakistan, as per the preliminary investigation, the ATS said.

"Methamphetamine was smuggled across the border from Pakistan by a person named Masaat, a resident of the Tharparkar area in Pakistan, and was dropped in the Barmer district of Rajasthan," the release said.

The accused duo had received the consignment from Barmer and were on their way to deliver it to their associates, it added.

Investigation and Evidence

The ATS recovered important digital evidence, including WhatsApp chats, call records, and videos from the mobile phones of the accused, which could help in obtaining further information about the drug network, police said.

A case was registered at Sadar Barmer police station in Rajasthan under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, and further legal proceedings have been initiated, they said.
Gurugram Police dismantle illegal structures built by the land mafia, targeting criminals involved in serious crimes and aiming to reclaim government land and ensure public safety.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Gurugram Police demolished illegal structures built by the land mafia on government land in Sector 53 and Wazirabad.

The operation targeted criminals Virendra alias Lilu and Tarun alias Monu alias Numberdar, known for violence, theft, and drug trafficking.

The criminals allegedly built illegal slums on government land, collected rent from the poor, and used the locations for criminal activities.

The Gurugram Police are committed to protecting public lands and ensuring a crime-free environment through continued operations.

The Gurugram Police on Tuesday demolished several illegal structures, allegedly built on government land by the land mafia, an officer said.

The demolition was carried out by a team put together from the Sector 31 and Sector 40 crime branches.

The team, accompanied by Duty Magistrate RS Bath and officials of the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran, removed illegal encroachments in Sector 53 and Wazirabad areas.

Targeting Criminal Operations

According to an official statement, criminals Virendra alias Lilu and Tarun alias Monu alias Numberdar, both residents of Wazirabad village, were targeted.

Both have a history of serious crimes, including violence, theft, drug trafficking, and extortion, and have been imprisoned several times, an officer said.

An investigation revealed that the two had built illegal slums on government land, collect illegal rent from the poor, and used these locations to operate their crime activities.

Commitment to Public Safety

"The Gurugram Police is fully committed to protecting public lands, maintaining law and order, and protecting citizens from exploitation. Such intelligence-based, rigorous operations will continue with even greater intensity in the future to ensure a crime-free and safe Gurugram," a Gurugram Police spokesperson said.
Gurugram police have apprehended two notorious thieves responsible for a liquor store heist on MG Road, recovering stolen cash and liquor and uncovering a history of criminal activity across Haryana and Rajasthan.

Key Points Gurugram police arrested two individuals for stealing Rs 5.20 lakh and liquor from a store on MG Road.

The arrested suspects are described as 'notorious thieves' with a history of over two dozen cases in Haryana and Rajasthan.

CCTV footage played a crucial role in identifying and tracking the suspects involved in the Gurugram liquor store theft.

One of the accused confessed to using stolen money to fund trips to Kolkata for partying, according to police interrogation.

The Gurugram police said two persons were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the theft of Rs 5.20 lakh cash and liquor from a shop on the MG Road.

The accused are "notorious thieves" and have more than two dozen cases registered against them in Haryana and Rajasthan, police said.

The arrests follow a complaint by a contractor on April 3 stating that two youths entered his liquor shop located on the MG Road and fled with the cash and alcohol.

One of the accused was captured in the CCTV camera installed at the liquor shop during the incident, according to a senior police officer. Footage from more than 50 CCTV cameras installed nearby was examined, revealing the movement of the accused, he said, adding that a trap was subsequently laid.

A team of crime unit, Sector 43 police station, arrested both the accused on Tuesday.

They were identified as Aslam alias Tai, resident of Sunari village, and Islam alias Tooti, resident of Rawali village in Nuh district.

More than 20 cases are registered against Aslam in Haryana and Rajasthan, while three cases are registered against Islam in Rajasthan, police said.

Both are also accused in seven cases registered in Gurugram. Most of these cases pertain to theft, robbery and the Arms Act, they said.

Investigation and Confessions

"During police interrogation, Tai revealed that he often went to Kolkata to party after committing theft. Aslam's in-laws and wife live in Kolkata. Tooti also joined him. We are questioning the accused," a police spokesperson said.
The Allahabad High Court has intervened in the Banda jail controversy, staying the arrest of a jail superintendent accused of illegally releasing a notorious gangster, pending further investigation.

Key Points Allahabad High Court grants interim relief, staying the arrest of Banda Jail Superintendent Anil Kumar Gautam.

The case involves the alleged illegal release of gangster Ravindra Singh alias Ravi Kana from Banda jail without a valid court order.

The court has allowed the police investigation to continue but restricted the filing of a report before the magistrate during the petition's pendency.

The FIR was lodged following the alleged premature release of the gangster after a video-conferencing appearance.

The Allahabad High Court has stayed the arrest of suspended Banda Jail Superintendent Anil Kumar Gautam in connection with the alleged illegal release of a Noida-based gangster from jail without a court order.

A bench of Justices Rajeev Mishra and Satya Veer Singh passed the order while hearing Gautam's plea seeking the quashing of the FIR and protection from arrest.

Granting interim relief, the court directed that Gautam shall not be arrested in Case Crime No. 64 of 2026, registered under section 260(C) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the Kotwali Nagar police station in Uttar Pradesh's Banda district.

"Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, it is hereby provided that until further orders of this court, petitioner shall not be arrested," the bench said in its order dated April 1.

The court, however, allowed police to continue with the probe but restrained the investigating officer from filing a report before the magistrate concerned under section 193(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita during the pendency of the petition.

The bench issued notices to all respondents, including the state government, and granted six weeks to file counter-affidavits. The next hearing has been fixed for May 27.

The FIR was lodged on February 2 by Jail Chowki in-charge Anurag Pandey. The case pertains to the alleged release of Ravindra Singh alias Ravi Kana, who was lodged in the Banda jail since August 2024 in another case.

According to the complaint, Singh was produced via video-conferencing on a B-warrant on January 29, 2026, but was allegedly released before a custody warrant was received, triggering the controversy.
Bhupinder Singh Hooda is accusing the Haryana government of implementing anti-farmer policies by imposing stringent conditions on crop procurement, hindering farmers from receiving the minimum support price (MSP).

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Bhupinder Singh Hooda accuses the Haryana government of imposing new conditions on farmers for crop procurement instead of providing MSP.

Farmers are reportedly facing bureaucratic hurdles such as portal registration and biometric verification to sell their produce.

Unseasonal rains have caused extensive damage to crops, prompting calls for a special crop damage assessment and compensation.

Hooda demands the government streamline mandi arrangements, remove unnecessary conditions, and ensure prompt crop procurement.

Congress MLAs have been directed to visit mandis in their constituencies to address farmers' grievances and alert the government.

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Tuesday claimed that instead of procuring at MSP, the BJP government in the state is imposing new conditions for buying farmers' crops.

Over the next few days, the Congress leader will be touring several mandis (grain markets) in the state to assess the problems faced by the farmers.

Hooda claimed that he has been receiving continuous reports from farmers across the state regarding the "chaotic conditions prevailing in the mandis".

The leader of opposition (LoP) claimed that instead of procuring wheat and mustard, the BJP government is imposing new conditions on farmers on a daily basis.

"Farmers find themselves entangled in the bureaucratic maze of fulfilling requirements such as portal registration, gate passes, guarantors, biometric verification, tractor registration numbers and general verification, and they are consequently forced to wait for several days just to sell their produce," he told reporters in Bhiwani.

"Caught between the government's oppressive policies on one hand and the vagaries of the weather on the other, farmers are being crushed under the dual burden.

"Due to incessant unseasonal rains, the standing crops of farmers have suffered extensive damage. Under these circumstances, the government should immediately conduct a special Girdawari (crop damage assessment) and provide compensation to the affected farmers," he said.

The opposition demands that, in addition to the minimum support price (MSP), farmers be provided with a bonus as well, he added.

Hooda said the government must streamline the arrangements at the mandis, remove unnecessary conditions and ensure the procurement of crops as soon as possible.

Hooda's Visit to Sampla Grain Market

Meanwhile, Hooda visited the Sampla grain market in Rohtak district on Tuesday where he met with farmers, labourers and commission agents (arhtiyas), and issued directions to the officials present.

"The government does not want to give MSP and unnecessary conditions have been imposed by the government which will force the farmers to sell their produce outside the mandis at prices lower than the MSP," Hooda claimed.

To convey farmers' concerns to the government, in coming days, the LoP will conduct an extensive tour of mandis across the state to listen to their grievances.

In addition to visiting Sampla grain market, which falls under his own constituency, Hooda will also visit the grain markets in Naraingarh, Sadhaura, Barara, Ambala, Pipli and Karnal this week.

Additionally, similar directives have been issued to all Congress MLAs, instructing them to visit the mandis in their respective constituencies to raise the farmers' voices and alert the government and the administration.
Mumbai police have arrested a 24-year-old man and seized hydroponic weed worth 7.69 crore in Vile Parle, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the city.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A 24-year-old man was arrested in Mumbai for possession of hydroponic weed.

The seized hydroponic weed is valued at 7.69 crore.

The accused, Adnan Nasir Khan, was caught in Vile Parle while attempting to deliver the drugs.

Police are investigating the source and intended recipient of the hydroponic cannabis.

The accused has been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

A 24-year-old man has been arrested, and hydroponic weed valued at Rs 7.69 crore was seized from his possession in the Vile Parle area of Mumbai, police said on Tuesday.

The accused has been identified as Adnan Nasir Khan, a resident of Mira Road, said an official of the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC), Worli.

Khan was nabbed in the early hours of Monday when he arrived to deliver the consignment. He was spotted behaving suspiciously while carrying a trolley bag. When the police approached him, he attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended.

Police are yet to determine the source of the consignment and the intended recipient.

What is Hydroponic Weed?

Hydroponic weed refers to cannabis cultivated in water-based, nutrient-rich solutions without soil, often grown indoors under controlled conditions.

Police inspector, Worli ANC, Santosh Salunkhe, said the accused has no prior criminal record. "He is a graduate from Mumbai, though his documents indicate he hails from Nashik," he added.

Khan has been booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and further investigation is underway.
Two Indian nationals have been arrested in Nepal for drug trafficking, highlighting cross-border crime concerns and the ongoing fight against illegal narcotics.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Two Indian nationals and one Nepali national were arrested in Nepal for drug trafficking.

The suspects were apprehended in the Rupandehi district, which borders India.

Police seized 3,300 ampules of Phenergan, Diazepam, and Brufen, known for causing drowsiness and dizziness.

The drugs were being transported from India into Nepal via motorcycle.

Two Indian nationals were among three arrested on Tuesday in Nepal's Lumbini province in connection with drug trafficking, police said.

The arrests were made in the Rupandehi district bordering India. The arrested individuals were identified as Arun Kumar, 18 and Binaya Pandey, 20, hailing from Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh.

A Nepali national, Bishal Yadav, was also arrested, according to the police.

Details of the Seizure

The police recovered 3,300 ampules of Phenergan, Diazepam and Brufen, the drugs known to cause drowsiness and dizziness from their possession.

They were coming from across the border using a motorcycle registered in India to transport the narcotic drugs, they said.

Further investigation into the matter has been launched.
Mojtaba Khamenei, a potential successor to Iran's Supreme Leader, is reportedly unconscious and receiving medical treatment, raising questions about the future leadership of Iran amid heightened tensions with the US.

IMAGE: Irans new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Photograph: Hamed Jafarnejad/ISNA/WANA/Reuters

Key Points Mojtaba Khamenei, a potential successor to Iran's Supreme Leader, is reportedly unconscious and receiving medical treatment in Qom.

Intelligence assessments from US and Israeli sources suggest Khamenei's condition is severe, impacting his ability to participate in decision-making.

The elder Khamenei's body is reportedly being prepared for burial in Qom, according to the same report.

Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran to make a deal, warning of severe consequences if an agreement is not reached by the deadline.

Reports indicate Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is receiving medical treatment in Qom city of Iran, The Times reported, citing an intelligence assessment.

As per The Times, the diplomatic memo is understood to be based on US, Israel intelligence shared with Gulf allies, which suggests that Khamenei is unconscious and being treated for a "severe" medical condition.

The Times said that it had seen the memo, which reveals the location of the supreme leader for the first time.

"Mojtaba Khamenei is being treated in Qom in a severe condition, unable to be involved in any decision-making by the regime," The Times reported.

It further noted that the US National Security Agency, which is responsible for processing global intelligence on behalf of the Department of War, has been contacted about the memo along with Iran's representation in Washington, which is based at the Pakistani embassy.

Since the conflict broke out in West Asia, Mojtaba Khamenei has not made any public appearance; messages attributed to him have been run by the Iranian state media.

Concerns Over Succession and Regional Stability

Meanwhile, the report by The Times also noted that the elder Khamenei's body is being prepared for burial in Qom.

The report comes shortly after US President Donald Trump gave an ultimatum to Iran to make a deal before Tuesday, 8:00 P.M ET, warning that there'll be "no bridges, no power plants" after that.

Addressing reporters at the White House, Trump said that this is a "critical period" and Washington has given Tehran the necessary time to make a deal to put this war to an end.

"This is a critical period... They asked for an extension of seven days; I gave them 10 days... They have till tomorrow. Now we will see what happens... A lot of people are affected by this. We are giving them until tomorrow, 8 o'clock, Eastern Time. After that, they are going to have no bridges. They are going to have no power plants. Stone ages," Trump said.

Trump admitted that he was dealing with a "much more powerful Iran" when the conflict started on February 28, adding that the US has "decapitated" it, adding that these steps should have been taken 47 years ago.

"I think it is going fine, but we will have to see. You have to understand, we have been dealing with these people for 47 years. I'm standing here with a much more powerful Iran than a month ago, not anymore. Right now, they are decapitated," he said.

"This should've been handled by the seven presidents, and they are saying now that we should've done this a long time ago. It's not something I like doing," he added.
Jammu and Kashmir police dismantled a deep-rooted Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror module, arresting a Pakistani terrorist after 16 years on the run and exposing a network spanning multiple states.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Jammu and Kashmir police busted a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) module, arresting five people, including a Pakistani terrorist who had been on the run for 16 years.

The LeT module operated across multiple states using forged documents and identities to establish bases outside Jammu and Kashmir.

Raids across Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Haryana led to the recovery of weapons, including AK assault rifles, pistols, and hand grenades.

Investigation revealed a funding and financial pattern of the LeT, with a foreign terrorist managing to travel abroad using forged documents.

The operation follows the dismantling of a 'white-collar' terror cell linked to Al Falah University, highlighting the diverse nature of terrorist networks.

Police in Jammu and Kashmir has busted a "deep-rooted" interstate Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) module and arrested five people, including a Pakistani terrorist who had been on the run for 16 years and successfully established bases outside the Union Territory, officials said on Tuesday.

Pakistani terrorist Abdullah, alias Abu Hureira, was captured on Monday along with another Pakistani national, Usman alias Khubaib, in a major operation that comes six months after the dismantling of a "white-collar" terror cell centred at Faridabad's Al Falah University.

The operation, which began on March 31 and was monitored by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat who camped in Srinagar, has unveiled the funding and financial pattern of the LeT, officials said.

The terrorists used forged documents and identities to create a network not just in Jammu and Kashmir, but in several other states, they added.

Over the last few days, Srinagar police along with police forces of other states and central agencies carried out searches at 19 locations across Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Haryana. The raids led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons, including four AK assault rifles, pistols, hand grenades, and electronic gadgets.

According to officials, three Srinagar residents identified as Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat, Adil Rashid Bhat, and Ghulam Mohammad Mir alias Mama, were among the five arrested. They are accused of providing shelter, food and logistical support to the terrorists.

The two Pakistani terrorists are categorised as 'A+' grade militants and the officials said said they infiltrated India approximately 16 years ago and remained active across various districts of the Kashmir Valley, commanding around 40 foreign terrorists over the years, most of whom have since been neutralised, the officials said.

Forged documents with addresses from other states were recovered from Abdullah and Usman, indicating the use of false identities to facilitate movement outside the valley. Probe findings also suggest that one foreign terrorist managed to travel outside the country on a valid passport made from the forged documents.

More arrests could be in the offing with investigation in progress to identify additional associates, financiers, facilitators, safe houses and inter-state linkages, they said.

Incriminating material has been seized from several hideouts in various parts of Srinagar and other cities. These include three AK-47 rifles, one AK-Krinkov rifle, pistols, hand grenades, electronic equipment and gadgets, the officials said.

Besides, forged documents with addresses located in other states have also been recovered from Abdullah and Usman, indicating the use of false identities and possible facilitation channels outside Jammu and Kashmir.

Unraveling the LeT Network

The elaborate network began to unravel on March 31 when the first of the three Srinagar residents, Naqeeb Bhat, was arrested from Pandach area along with a pistol and other incriminating material.

During his questioning, he said that he was part of the LeT and procured the arms and ammunition from another associate, Adil Rashid of Zakoora. He also provided support to foreign terrorists, the officials said.

From Bhat, police were led to Mir and Rashid Bhat, both active associates in Srinagar. The officials said the probe indicates that a foreign terrorist managed to travel outside the country on the basis of forged documents and identity with the help of the Lashkar-e-Taiba network in other states.

During the investigation, following disclosures from those arrested, various hideouts were also busted in forested areas in and around Srinagar.

Al Falah University Connection

In the earlier 'Al Falah operation' in November 2025, Srinagar police unravelled a network comprising highly educated professionals, mostly doctors, who had been radicalised to carry out terrorist activities.

One of the accused was the Al Falah university's Dr Umer-un Nabi, who was driving the explosives-laden car that detonated outside the Red Fort on November 10 killing more than a dozen people. He had earlier made unsuccessful attempts to join terror groups in 2016 and 2018, the officials said.
Srinagar police dismantled a major Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror module, arresting five, including two Pakistani terrorists, exposing a vast network of logistical and financial support.

Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff IMAGE: Photographs of two Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) top commanders, Abu Hureira and Khargos were put on a wall in Srinagar by the security forces to seek information about them.

Key Points Srinagar police busted a major interstate Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror module, arresting five individuals, including two Pakistani terrorists.

The arrested terrorists, Abdullah alias Abu Hureira and Usman alias Khubaib, had been operating for 16 years, establishing bases outside Jammu and Kashmir.

The investigation uncovered a deep-rooted network providing logistical and financial support to LeT terrorists across Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Haryana.

Authorities seized a large quantity of weapons, including AK assault rifles, and incriminating material from multiple hideouts.

The investigation revealed the funding and financial patterns of LeT, with potential for more arrests as the probe continues to identify additional associates and linkages.

Police in Srinagar has busted a major interstate Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) module and arrested five people, including Pakistani terrorist Abdullah alias Abu Hureira who was the run for 16 years and was able to set up bases outside the union territory, officials said on Tuesday.

A second Pakistani terrorist, Usman alias Khubaib, was also arrested on Monday in the operation that comes six months after Jammu and Kashmir police dismantled a 'white-collar' terror module with its centre in Faridabad's Al Falah University and with links across Kashmir, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Over the last few days, investigators searched 19 locations, including in Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Haryana, and recovered large quantity of weapons including four AK assault rifles and incriminating material.

The probe, also involving central agencies, unearthed a massive network that provided logistics and financial support to the LeT terrorists.

Arrests and Logistical Support

Giving details, officials said three Srinagar residents were among the five caught. Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat, Adil Rashid Bhat and Ghulam Mohammad Mir alias Mama were arrested for allegedly providing logistical support, including shelter and food to the terrorists, they said.

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat has been personally overseeing the operations.

The two Pakistani terrorists in custody are categorized 'A+' and involved in creating the LeT network in Jammu and Kashmir as well as in other states on the basis of forged documents and identity, officials said.

The terrorists, they said, infiltrated into India about 16 years ago during which they remained active in various districts of the Kashmir Valley. Over the years, they handled and commanded about 40 foreign terrorists.

Most of these have been killed by security forces.

Describing the network as 'deep-rooted', officials said it also involved providing hideouts and financial support to LeT terrorists.

The investigation has also unveiled the funding and financial pattern of LeT, officials said.

More arrests could be in the offing with investigation in progress to identify additional associates, financiers, facilitators, safe houses and inter-state linkages, they said.

Weapons and Forged Documents Seized

Incriminating material has been seized from several hideouts in various parts of Srinagar and other cities.

These include three AK-47 rifles, one AK-Krinkov rifle, pistols, hand grenades, electronic equipment and gadgets, the officials said.

Besides, forged documents with addresses located in other states have also been recovered from Abdullah and Usman, indicating the use of false identities and possible facilitation channels outside Jammu and Kashmir.

The elaborate network began to unravel on March 31 when the first of the three Srinagar residents were caught. Naqeeb Bhat from Pandach area was arrested along with a pistol and other incriminating material.

He said during his questioning that he was part of the LeT and procured the arms and ammunition from another associate, Adil Rashid of Zakoora.

He also provided support to foreign terrorists, the officials said.

From Bhat, police were led to Mir and Rashid Bhat, both active associates in Srinagar.

The officials said the probe indicates that a foreign terrorist managed to travel outside the country on the basis of forged documents and identity with the help of the Lashkar-e-Taiba network in other states.

During investigation, at the instance of apprehended foreign terrorists, various hideouts were also busted in forested areas in and around Srinagar.

Previous Operations

In the earlier 'Al Falah operation' in November 2025, Srinagar police unraveled a network comprising highly educated professionals, mostly doctors, who had been radicalised to carry out terrorist activities.

One of the accused was the Al Falah university's Dr Umer-un Nabi, who was driving the explosives-laden car that detonated outside the Red Fort on November 10 killing more than a dozen people. He had earlier made unsuccessful attempts to join terror groups in 2016 and 2018, officials said.
CSU Shares AI Learnings in Systemwide Survey

Key Takeaways AI use is widespread across CSU: 95% of respondents have used generative AI, with regular use reported by more than half of students, six in 10 faculty, and nearly two-thirds of staff.

ChatGPT dominates usage and multiple tools are common: The typical respondent uses three AI tools, with ChatGPT used by 84% of students, 87% of faculty, and 89% of staff.

Most faculty provide AI usage guidance (69%) and include syllabus statements, while majorities across groups emphasize verifying AI output and express interest in formal AI training.

In a systemwide survey of more than 94,000 faculty, staff, and students, California State University recently documented widespread AI use across its 22 campuses. Ninety-five percent of respondents said they have used at least one generative AI tool, with more than half of students, six in 10 faculty, and nearly two-thirds of staff reporting regular use of the technology. For its report, "Ahead of the Curve: What the Nation's Largest Public University System is Learning about AI," the institution polled roughly 80,000 students, 6,000-plus faculty, and 7,300-plus staff about their experiences with and attitudes toward artificial intelligence, calling the research the largest and most comprehensive survey on generative AI in higher education.

CSU launched a systemwide AI strategy in February 2025, which included a large rollout of ChatGPT Edu, an AI Commons serving as a hub of free AI tools, training programs, certifications, and CSU-developed solutions for all students, faculty, and staff, support for AI innovation, AI workforce training, and more. The survey represents lessons learned from the initiative.

"We launched the largest AI initiative in higher education last year to ensure that this extraordinary technology equitably expands opportunity for CSU students, bolsters faculty and staff excellence, strengthens the California workforce, and is implemented in a manner that reflects the CSU's core values," said CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia, in a statement. "Data must inform and guide our decision-making moving forward, and this survey  given its size  sets not just a CSU benchmark, but a national one. And it marks an exciting moment for the CSU, one that demonstrates our commitment to student success by boldly and thoughtfully leading through innovation."

Key findings include:

The typical survey respondent uses three AI tools. ChatGPT is the most used across the university system, cited by 87% of faculty, 89% of staff, and 84% of students. About 30% of students and faculty and nearly 40% of staff use ChatGPT daily or more.

The majority of faculty, staff, and students use AI both at work or school and in their personal lives.

80% of students said they are not comfortable submitting AI-generated work as their own.

55% of faculty said they use AI to help develop course materials.

69% of faculty provide students with specific guidance on how to use AI effectively and responsibly, and more than two-thirds include an explicit AI statement in their syllabi.

97% of faculty, 94% of staff, and 88% of students agreed that it's necessary to verify the accuracy of AI-generated content.

78% of faculty, 82% of staff, and 69% of students believe AI will become an essential career skill.

Seven in 10 faculty, more than eight in 10 staff, and about half of students expressed interest in formal AI training.

The findings suggest "the question is no longer whether AI belongs in higher education, but how institutions should lead its use thoughtfully, consistently and at scale," the university said.

"The survey results reflect what we are seeing across our universities  widespread engagement with AI tools and technologies," commented CSU CIO Ed Clark. "As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded into every academic field and every industry, it is important for us to partner with our faculty, students, employers, industry sector leaders, and state and local government officials to better prepare our students and our community for this AI-infused environment."

"This survey captures a moment of transition in higher education, where both students and faculty are actively assessing how AI fits into teaching and learning," said David Goldberg, San Diego State University AI Faculty Fellow, associate professor of management information systems, and a lead researcher on the survey. "The data gives us a powerful foundation to better support faculty by tailoring training to real needs, bringing more consistency to AI use in the classroom, and ensuring that its use strengthens learning outcomes. It also offers a roadmap for institutions nationwide to better understand AI's role and to implement it thoughtfully, consistently, and responsibly."

The full report is available here on the CSU site.
In a scathing open letter, AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal accuses Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of engaging in 'secret deals' with BJP leaders, sparking controversy ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal accuses Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan of 'secret deals' with BJP leaders.

Venugopal questions Vijayan's meetings with Amit Shah and Nirmala Sitharaman, alleging hidden agendas.

The open letter raises concerns about the handling of labour code rules and the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme.

Allegations include stalled investigations in the gold smuggling case and repeated adjournments in the SNC-Lavalin case.

Venugopal seeks clarification on the Exalogic case, the Kodakara hawala case, and an Enforcement Directorate notice against Vijayan's son.

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal on Tuesday released an open letter addressed to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, raising a string of allegations and questions over the LDF government's functioning, on the day public campaigning is to be ended ahead of the April 9 Assembly polls.

In the letter, Venugopal said that as Kerala stands at the threshold of another election, several questions remain in the minds of the people regarding Vijayan's 10-year tenure, and sought answers to what he described as the "most discussed" issues in the state.

He posed 10 questions to the Chief Minister, alleging "secret deals" with BJP leaders and the Centre on multiple matters.

Allegations of Secret Meetings and Deals

Among the issues flagged were Vijayan's meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence in New Delhi without officials present, and a breakfast meeting hosted for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Kerala House, questioning the agenda and purpose behind such interactions.

Venugopal also referred to meetings with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, asking whether any discussions held outside official settings were part of an alleged understanding.

He further questioned the state government's (later withdrawn) decision to implement the PM SHRI scheme despite opposition from CPI leaders within the ruling front, alleging that it was done after reaching an understanding with the BJP.

Concerns Over Labour Code and Corruption Cases

The Congress leader also raised concerns over the handling of labour code rules, alleging that decisions were taken without consulting LDF allies and claiming that measures such as increasing trade union registration fees were aimed at appeasing certain interests.

Referring to the SNC-Lavalin case allegedly involving Vijayan, Venugopal alleged that repeated adjournments in the Supreme Court proceedings could be linked to an alleged understanding with the Centre, and questioned whether political positions were being compromised.

He also mentioned that the Exalogic case, the Kodakara hawala case, and an Enforcement Directorate notice against the Chief Minister's son, seeking clarification on their status.

Questions on Support for Officials and Smuggling Cases

Further, Venugopal questioned the purported continued support for ADGP M R Ajith Kumar amid allegations of his links with RSS leaders, and raised the issue of alleged meetings involving intermediaries and BJP leaders.

The letter also flagged the gold smuggling and dollar smuggling cases involving a former principal secretary to the chief minister, alleging that central agencies had stalled the investigation midway, and sought an update on the Justice V K Mohanan Commission appointed by the state government in this regard.

Stating that he was awaiting a response, Venugopal expressed hope that the chief minister would address the questions raised.

There was no immediate response from the Chief Minister's Office or the CPI(M) to the allegations.
The Kerala High Court has rejected a petition seeking to block the release of a film purportedly inspired by the Venjaramoodu murders, ensuring the film can proceed despite concerns about its potential impact on the ongoing trial.

Key Points Kerala High Court dismissed a plea to restrain the release of a film claimed to be based on the Venjaramoodu mass murder case.

The petitioner, father of the accused, argued the film's release would lead to a media trial and prejudice the accused's right to a fair trial.

The court rejected the argument that the film's release would damage the reputation and dignity of the family.

The film 'Kaalam Paranja Kadha', directed by Prasad Nooranad, is at the centre of the legal dispute.

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday dismissed the plea by the father of an accused in the Venjaramoodu mass murder case to restrain the release of a film which he claimed was based on the incident.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas rejected the plea of Abdal Rahim, father of A R Afan, who was arrested for allegedly murdering his brother, uncle, aunt and girlfriend at Venjaramoodu in Thiruvananthapuram on February 24, 2025.

Afan had also allegedly attempted to murder his mother, who survived with injuries.

The detailed order is awaited.

Legal Arguments Against the Film Release

Rahim had moved the High Court against the release of the movie 'Kaalam Paranja Kadha', directed by Prasad Nooranad, claiming that releasing a film based on the murder incident would result in a media trial, influence witnesses and affect Afan's right to a fair trial.

He had also contended that the release would damage the reputation and dignity of the family.
A labourer's arrest for the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl at a Thane construction site has ignited public anger and demands for stringent verification of migrant workers to prevent future incidents.

Photograph: Parivartan Sharma/Reuters

Key Points A labourer in Thane has been arrested for allegedly raping a seven-year-old girl at a construction site.

The incident has triggered widespread outrage and calls for mandatory verification of migrant labourers at construction sites in Thane.

Political leaders are demanding stricter regulations and ID verification for construction workers to ensure safety and security.

The accused faces charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

A labourer has been arrested for allegedly raping a seven-year-old girl at a construction site in Maharashtra's Thane city, police said, adding that the victim is undergoing treatment at the civil hospital.

The incident triggered outrage with political parties demanding verification of migrant labourers employed at the construction sites.

The 45-year-old accused was nabbed within hours of the crime, which occurred in the Naupada area on Monday evening, an official said.

He said that the child's parents and the accused were labourers at the construction site.

According to the police, the accused took the girl aside and allegedly sexually assaulted her. The distressed child informed her parents about the assault.

Her parents rushed to the police and lodged a complaint, following which a case under sections 64(1)(rape), 65(2)(raping a girl under 12 years of age) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was registered, the official said.

Political Response and Demands for Action

Amid outrage, leaders from various political parties demanded the immediate mandatory verification of all migrant construction workers in Thane.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's Thane-Palghar district president Avinash Jadhav urged the police commissioner to ensure compulsory registration and ID verification of every worker at construction sites, citing a "sense of fear and insecurity" among residents.

"Many workers on these sites come from outside states without official registration or police record checks. All developers should be directed to register their workers and issue ID cards. Strict action should be taken against those violating these rules," Jadhav said in his letter to the police commissioner.

BJP corporator Mrunal Pendse, who rushed to the Naupada police station at midnight along with corporator Sunesh Joshi, described the act as a "shame to the city."

"This is most unfortunate. These construction sites employ cheap labour while flouting all regulations and due diligence. The accused should be awarded nothing less than the death sentence to serve as a deterrent," Pendse told reporters.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Mahesh Kadam accused developers of employing labourers "as per their whims and fancies."

He announced that the Sena (UBT) would conduct its own checks at construction sites to identify unverified workers.
A tragic bomb attack in Manipur's Bishnupur district has killed two children and injured their mother, igniting protests and raising concerns about ongoing ethnic violence in the region.

IMAGE: The two children and their mother were sleeping in their bedroom when the bomb exploded in the house. Photograph: ANI video grab

Key Points Two children killed and their mother injured in a bomb attack in Manipur's Bishnupur district.

The bombing occurred in Moirang Tronglaobi, an area previously affected by ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups.

Local protests erupted, with demonstrators torching vehicles and damaging a police outpost.

A local MLA condemned the attack, attributing it to 'Kuki narco-terrorists'.

The incident highlights ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, where over 260 people have died since May 2023.

Two children were killed and their mother was injured in a bomb attack in Manipur's Bishnupur district on Tuesday, triggering protests by locals, police said.

The incident occurred at around 1 am when a bomb was hurled by suspected militants at a house in Moirang Tronglaobi area, killing a 5-year-old boy and a six-month-old girl, a senior officer said.

The two children and their mother were sleeping in their bedroom when the bomb exploded in the house, he said.

Protests Erupt After Bombing

Locals staged a protest this morning and torched two oil tankers and a truck near a petrol pump in the area. They burnt tyres in front of the Moirang Police Station and destroyed a makeshift police outpost.

Security forces have been deployed in the area to control the situation, the officer said.

Low-lying Moirang Tronglaobi is located close to hill areas of Churachandpur and witnessed consistent gun firing during the ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups in 2023 and 2024.

An explosive device was also recovered in a nearby area of Tronglaobi on Tuesday, another senior officer said.

Political Reaction to the Attack

Local NPP MLA Th Shanti Singh condemned the "brutal attack at Tronglaobi, allegedly carried out by Kuki narco-terrorists".

"This heinous act is nothing less than an act of terrorism. Such inhuman acts have no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms," he said.

"I offer my heartfelt tributes to the innocent lives lost - a 5-year-old boy and a 5-month-old baby girl - taken away in such a cold-blooded manner. My deepest condolences go out to the bereaved family during this unimaginable time of grief," the MLA said.

More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.
In a tragic escalation of violence in Manipur, a bomb attack by suspected Kuki militants killed two toddlers and injured their mother in the Bishnupur district.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Suspected Kuki militants launched a bomb attack in Manipur's Bishnupur district, resulting in the deaths of two young children.

The bombing occurred in Moirang Tronglaobi, an area near Churachandpur that has been affected by ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur.

A local BJP MLA condemned the attack, attributing it to "Kuki narco-terrorists" and calling it an act of terrorism.

The incident highlights the continued escalation of violence and instability in the region.

In a fresh escalation of violence, suspected Kuki militants on Tuesday launched a bomb attack in Manipur's Bishnupur district, killing two toddlers while injuring their mother, officials said.

The incident occurred at around 1 am when a bomb fired by suspected militants fell at a civilian house at Moirang Tronglaobi, killing a 5-year-old boy and a six-month-old girl.

All three were sleeping in their bedroom when the bomb exploded in the house.

Low-lying Moirang Tronglaobi is located close to hill areas of Churachandpur and has witnessed consistent gun firing at the height of ethnic conflict in 2023 and 2024.

Political Reaction to the Attack

Meanwhile, local BJP MLA Th Shanti Singh has strongly condemned the "brutal attack" at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai, "allegedly carried out by Kuki narco-terrorists".

"This heinous act is nothing less than an act of terrorism. Such inhuman acts have no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms," he said.

"I offer my heartfelt tributes to the innocent lives lost - a 5-year-old boy and a 5-month-old baby girl - taken away in such a cold-blooded manner. My deepest condolences go out to the bereaved family during this unimaginable time of grief," the MLA said.
Following the tragic deaths of two children, the Manipur government has entrusted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) with investigating the Bishnupur district bomb attack.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Manipur government transfers bomb attack investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The bomb attack in Bishnupur district resulted in the tragic deaths of two children.

Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh condemns the attack and assures a thorough investigation.

Security forces are conducting a massive combing operation to apprehend the perpetrators.

The public is urged to remain calm and cooperate with security forces to restore normalcy.

Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Tuesday said the state government has decided to hand over the probe into the bomb attack in Bishnupur district, which claimed the lives of two children, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Addressing a press conference here, Singh condemned the incident in the strongest terms and said the act appears to be the handiwork of individuals or groups with vested interests in disturbing the prevailing peace in the state.

He informed that the decision to hand over the case to NIA was taken after detailed discussions with the state home minister and other MLAs.

Ongoing Investigation and Security Measures

The chief minister said that the perpetrators are yet to be identified at this stage and that a massive combing operation was currently underway.

"Security forces, including police, Assam Rifles and CRPF, have been deployed. Helicopters are also being used. The culprits will be caught at the earliest," he said.

Appeal to the Public

Appealing to the public, the CM urged people to remain calm and not give in to emotions.

He asked citizens to cooperate with the ongoing operations and support efforts to restore normalcy.
Following a protest over a bomb attack that killed two children, a mob stormed a CRPF camp in Manipur, resulting in two deaths and five injuries amid escalating violence.

IMAGE: Protesters blocked the ImphalTidim Road at multiple points, in Bishnupur, Manipur. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

Key Points Mob violence erupted in Manipur's Bishnupur district after a protest against a bomb attack that killed two children.

Protesters stormed a CRPF camp, leading to clashes and fatalities.

Two people died and five were injured in the firing by security personnel at the CRPF camp.

The Manipur Home Minister appealed to protesters to allow security forces to focus on apprehending those involved in the initial bomb attack.

Violence broke out in Manipur's Bishnupur district on Tuesday as two children were killed in a bomb attack on their home, while two others were shot dead when a mob stormed into a CRPF camp during a protest against the blast, police said.

A group of people also torched two oil tankers and a truck, vandalised a police outpost and stopped the movement of vehicles on key roads to protest the bomb attack.

Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh chaired an all-party meeting to review the prevailing situation in the state.

It all started with suspected militants hurling a bomb at a house in Moirang Tronglaobi, killing a five-year-old boy and his six-month-old sister and injuring their mother, when all of them were sleeping, police said.

Angered by the incident, around 400 people attacked a CRPF camp, prompting security forces to open fire, leaving two of them dead and about 20 others injured.

The protesters were unhappy with the security forces for allegedly failing to take action against the militants.

The chief minister condemned the bomb attack and said its investigation will be handed to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The siblings were killed and their mother was seriously injured around 1 am when the bomb was hurled by suspected militants at their house, a senior officer said.

According to an official, the father of the deceased children was a central force personnel posted outside the side.

Following the incident, locals staged a protest in the morning and torched two oil tankers and a truck near a petrol pump in the area. They burnt tyres in front of the Moirang police station and destroyed a makeshift police outpost.

Protesters also stopped the movement of vehicles at Pangei and Khurai in Imphal East district and Langthabal in Imphal West, and burnt tyres in the middle of the roads.

Security forces have been deployed in the area to control the situation, the officer said.

The chief minister termed the attack as a "barbaric act" and "an outright assault on humanity and a direct attempt to derail the hard-earned peace in Manipur".

"I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Let there be no doubt, those responsible will be identified, hunted down and dealt with firmly under the law. Such acts of terror will not be tolerated under any circumstances," he said.

The CM visited a private hospital in Imphal, where the injured mother of the two deceased was being treated.

Low-lying Moirang Tronglaobi is located close to hill areas of Churachandpur and witnessed consistent gun firing during the ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups in 2023 and 2024.

An explosive device was also recovered in a nearby area of Tronglaobi on Tuesday, another senior officer said.

Later in the day, a mob stormed a CRPF camp at Gelmol in the district, burnt vehicles and vandalised portions of the camp, leading to firing by security personnel, which claimed the lives of two persons.

Briefing reporters soon after the incident, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam initially claimed that two persons were killed and five others injured in the firing.

"I had urged the protesters not to enter the CRPF camp and to allow security forces to focus on conducting an operation to apprehend those involved in the bomb attack," the minister said.

But the demonstrators did not pay heed to the appeal.

"They stormed the CRPF camp, burnt vehicles and vandalised portions of the camp, leading to firing by security personnel. They fired either in self-defence or in anger. Two persons, unfortunately, died in the firing, while five others sustained bullet injuries," the state home minister said.

Late in the evening, Manipur Police said in an X post that 20 people were injured in the incident.

Addressing a press conference, CM Singh said the state government has decided to hand over the probe into the bomb attack to the NIA.

He said that the decision was taken after detailed discussions with the state home minister and other MLAs.

The chief minister said that the perpetrators are yet to be identified at this stage and that a massive combing operation was currently underway.

"Security forces, including police, Assam Rifles and CRPF, have been deployed. Helicopters are also being used. The culprits will be caught at the earliest," he said.

Appealing to the public, the CM urged people to remain calm and not give in to emotions.

He asked citizens to cooperate with the ongoing operations and support efforts to restore normalcy.

Singh also chaired an all-party meeting at the Chief Minister's Secretariat to review the prevailing situation.

The meeting discussed at length the Tronglaobi incident, a CMO release said.

The representatives of the political parties expressed deep concern over the recent law and order situation and emphasised the need to maintain peace, unity, and communal harmony.

At least 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in the ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and hills-based Kuki-Zo groups in Manipur since May 2023. The state has been under President's Rule for nearly a year since February 2025.
Following a deadly bomb attack that killed two children and subsequent protest deaths, Manipur is facing renewed violence, prompting a government investigation and appeals for calm.

Photograph: ANI File Photo

Key Points Two children were killed in a bomb attack on their home in Manipur's Bishnupur district, triggering widespread outrage.

Protests erupted after the bombing, leading to a clash with CRPF forces and the deaths of two protesters.

The Manipur government has ordered an investigation into the bomb attack, which will be handled by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The violence occurred in an area already affected by the ongoing ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups.

Authorities have deployed additional security forces and are appealing for calm as they investigate the incidents.

Violence broke out in Manipur's Bishnupur district as two children were killed in a bomb attack on their home, while two others were shot dead when a mob stormed into a CRPF camp during a protest against the blast, police said.

A group of people also torched two oil tankers and a truck, vandalised a police outpost and stopped the movement of vehicles on key roads to protest the bomb attack.

Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh chaired an all-party meeting to review the prevailing situation in the state.

It all started with suspected militants hurling a bomb at a house in Moirang Tronglaobi, killing a five-year-old boy and his six-month-old sister and injuring their mother, when all of them were sleeping, police said.

Angered by the incident, around 400 people attacked a CRPF camp, prompting security forces to open fire, leaving two of them dead and about 20 others injured.

The protesters were unhappy with the security forces for allegedly failing to take action against the militants.

The chief minister condemned the bomb attack and said its investigation will be handed to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The siblings were killed and their mother was seriously injured around 1 am when the bomb was hurled by suspected militants at their house, a senior officer said.

According to an official, the father of the deceased children was a central force personnel posted outside the side.

Following the incident, locals staged a protest in the morning and torched two oil tankers and a truck near a petrol pump in the area. They burnt tyres in front of the Moirang police station and destroyed a makeshift police outpost.

Protesters also stopped the movement of vehicles at Pangei and Khurai in Imphal East district and Langthabal in Imphal West, and burnt tyres in the middle of the roads.

Security forces have been deployed in the area to control the situation, the officer said.

The chief minister termed the attack as a "barbaric act" and "an outright assault on humanity and a direct attempt to derail the hard-earned peace in Manipur".

"I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Let there be no doubt, those responsible will be identified, hunted down and dealt with firmly under the law. Such acts of terror will not be tolerated under any circumstances," he said.

The CM visited a private hospital in Imphal, where the injured mother of the two deceased was being treated.

Low-lying Moirang Tronglaobi is located close to hill areas of Churachandpur and witnessed consistent gun firing during the ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups in 2023 and 2024.

An explosive device was also recovered in a nearby area of Tronglaobi on Tuesday, another senior officer said.

Clash at CRPF Camp

Later in the day, a mob stormed a CRPF camp at Gelmol in the district, burnt vehicles and vandalised portions of the camp, leading to firing by security personnel, which claimed the lives of two persons.

Briefing reporters soon after the incident, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam initially claimed that two persons were killed and five others injured in the firing.

"I had urged the protesters not to enter the CRPF camp and to allow security forces to focus on conducting an operation to apprehend those involved in the bomb attack," the minister said.

But the demonstrators did not pay heed to the appeal.

"They stormed the CRPF camp, burnt vehicles and vandalised portions of the camp, leading to firing by security personnel. They fired either in self-defence or in anger. Two persons, unfortunately, died in the firing, while five others sustained bullet injuries," the state home minister said.

Late in the evening, Manipur Police said in an X post that 20 people were injured in the incident.

Government Response and Appeal for Calm

Addressing a press conference, CM Singh said the state government has decided to hand over the probe into the bomb attack to the NIA.

He said that the decision was taken after detailed discussions with the state home minister and other MLAs.

The chief minister said that the perpetrators are yet to be identified at this stage and that a massive combing operation was currently underway.

"Security forces, including police, Assam Rifles and CRPF, have been deployed. Helicopters are also being used. The culprits will be caught at the earliest," he said.

Appealing to the public, the CM urged people to remain calm and not give in to emotions.

He asked citizens to cooperate with the ongoing operations and support efforts to restore normalcy.

Singh also chaired an all-party meeting at the Chief Minister's Secretariat to review the prevailing situation.

The meeting discussed at length the Tronglaobi incident, a CMO release said.

The representatives of the political parties expressed deep concern over the recent law and order situation and emphasised the need to maintain peace, unity, and communal harmony.

At least 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in the ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and hills-based Kuki-Zo groups in Manipur since May 2023. The state has been under President's Rule for nearly a year since February 2025.
This targeted action marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing military confrontation in the Persian Gulf.

IMAGE: Emergency personnel and other people gather at the site of a damaged synagogue, following what Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency said was a US-Israeli projectile, in Tehran, in this screen grab taken from a handout video released on April 7, 2026. Photograph: Iranian Red Crescent Society/Handout via Reuters

Key Points US confirms airstrikes on dozens of military targets on Iran's Kharg Island.

Strikes targeted defence systems and bunkers, not oil infrastructure.

Kharg Island, handling almost 90% of Iran's oil exports, comes under attack.

Trump issues 8 pm ultimatum, warns of massive strikes on power plants and bridges.

Tensions between Washington, DC and Tehran have reached a boiling point, as a heavy barrage of aerial strikes was reported across multiple locations in Iran on Tuesday.

According to NBC News, even before the expiration of the deadline set by the White House, 'an intense wave of strikes was reported on bridges across Iran and on Kharg Island', which serves as the country's key oil export hub.

Dozens of Military Targets Hit

A US official confirmed the scale of the operation, stating that the 'US military struck dozens of military targets on the island overnight'.

This targeted action marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing military confrontation in the Persian Gulf.

Providing further details, the official told NBC News that the 'mission included US airstrikes along the northern side of the island'.

It was clarified that the operation was conducted entirely from the air and 'did not include any US troops on the ground'.

Precision Strikes, Oil Facilities Spared

The strikes were reportedly precision-based, focusing on neutralising Tehran's defensive and logistical capabilities rather than its energy infrastructure.

The official noted that US forces 'did not strike the oil' but instead targeted specific strategic assets.

Among the sites destroyed were 'military bunkers and storage facilities, air defence systems, and other military installations'.

Strategic Significance of Kharg Island

These operations coincide with reports from Iranian state media outlet Mehr News, which also confirmed that the 'critical oil hub, Kharg Island, came under attack' on Tuesday.

The small island in the Persian Gulf serves as Tehran's most vital oil facility, handling nearly 90 per cent of Irans oil exports.

Because much of Iran's mainland coastline is too shallow for large tankers, the island is indispensable for the country's energy trade.

However, its strategic importance is matched by its vulnerability; the terminal is located opposite US military bases in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, leaving it exposed during the current military standoff.

This escalation follows Tehran's move to close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the worlds busiest oil transit routes -- a decision that has already sent shockwaves through global energy markets.

The strike appears to align with earlier warnings from US President Donald Trump, who told the Financial Times, "Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don't. We have a lot of options."

Trump's Ultimatum and Escalation Threat

Beyond the immediate strikes, the situation remains precarious as a final ultimatum from the White House looms.

President Trump has set an '8 pm deadline' (Washington, DC time, Tuesday night) for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that failure to comply will result in a simultaneous, massive bombing campaign targeting 'each and every one' of Iran's electric generating plants and bridges.

Further intensifying the rhetoric, Trump said on Monday that the goal would be to leave these facilities 'burning, exploding, and never to be used again' within a four-hour window.

During a White House press briefing, he added, "The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night."

'Critical Period' Warning

Reinforcing the ultimatum, Trump demanded that Iran make a deal before Tuesday, 8 pm ET, cautioning that there will be 'no bridges, no power plants' after that time.

Emphasising that this is a 'critical period', he said Washington, DC has given Tehran sufficient time to reach an agreement to end the war.

"They asked for an extension of seven days; I gave them 10 days... They have till tomorrow. Now we will see what happens... A lot of people are affected by this. We are giving them until tomorrow, 8 oclock, Eastern Time. After that, they are going to have no bridges. They are going to have no power plants. Stone Age," Trump said.
A man was injured in a Navi Mumbai shooting after a motorcycle-borne assailant opened fire, prompting a police investigation into the attempted murder.

Key Points A man was shot and injured in Airoli, Navi Mumbai, by an unidentified assailant on a motorcycle.

The shooting occurred in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Rahivasi Chawl area.

Police have registered a case of attempted murder and are investigating the incident.

CCTV footage shows a lone gunman on a motorcycle fleeing the scene after the shooting.

An unidentified motorcycle-borne assailant opened fire on two men in Navi Mumbai, injuring one of them.

The incident occurred around 11.50 pm in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Rahivasi Chawl area in Airoli, under the jurisdiction of Rabale police station.

An unidentified person arrived on a motorcycle and fired four rounds at the victims, Amit Maurya and Sandeep Gavas, senior inspector Balkrishna Sawant said.

While Gavas escaped unhurt, Maurya sustained a bullet injury to his neck and was rushed to a local hospital, from where he was later shifted to Mumbai for treatment.

The official said a CCTV footage from the area showed a lone man arriving on a motorcycle and opening fire before fleeing the scene, he said, adding that a case of attempt to murder has been registered.
The Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments in the Sabarimala temple case, specifically addressing concerns about gender discrimination and the controversial comparison of menstrual restrictions to untouchability.

IMAGE: A view of the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Solicitor General Tushar Mehta objects to the 2018 Sabarimala judgment's observation that excluding women of a certain age is a form of 'untouchability'.

The court is examining petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places and the scope of religious freedom.

The Sabarimala temple case concerns restrictions on women of a specific age group, not all women, according to the Solicitor General.

Previous rulings have addressed the ban on women of menstruating age entering the Sabarimala temple, deeming it unconstitutional.

A woman cannot be treated as "untouchable" for three days in a month and then cease to be considered untouchable on the fourth day, Supreme Court judge BV Nagarathna remarked on Tuesday.

The remark came while a nine-judge bench was hearing on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including Sabarimala temple of Keralam, and on the ambit and scope of religious freedom practised by multiple faiths.

The constitution bench comprised Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices B V Nagarathna, M M Sundresh, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Aravind Kumar, Augustine George Masih, Prasanna B Varale, R Mahadevan and Joymalya Bagchi.

Arguments in Sabarimala case

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, submitted that he has strong objection to an observation in the 2018 Sabarimala judgment that the exclusion of women in the age group of 10-50 years from the temple was a form of 'untouchability', violating Article 17 of the Constitution.

In the Sabarimala case, Justice DY Chandrachud was of the opinion that exclusion of women, based on age or menstrual status, from entering Kerala's Sabarimala temple is a form of "untouchability" which places them in a "subordinate" position, perpetuated "patriarchy" and is "derogatory to their dignity.

Mehta said, "India is not that patriarchal or gender stereotyped in the way that the West understands."

Justice Nagarathna, then said, "Article 17 in the context of Sabarimala, I don't know how it can be argued. Speaking as a woman, there can't be a three-day untouchability every month, and on the fourth day, there is no untouchability."

Mehta stated that he was not on the issue of menstruation.

He said the bar on women entry in Sabarimala temple was not related to menstruation, and said the restriction was only on the basis of age group.

"Let us be clear. Sabarimala concerns only a particular age group. There should be no confusion. Lord Ayyappa temples across the country and the world are open to women of all ages. It is only one temple which has this restriction. It is a sui generis case," he said.

The hearing is currently underway.

In September 2018, a five-judge Constitution bench, by a 4:1 majority verdict, had lifted the ban that prevented women between the ages of 10 and 50 from entering the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple and held that the centuries-old Hindu religious practice was illegal and unconstitutional.

On November 14, 2019, another five-judge bench headed by the then CJI Ranjan Gogoi, by a majority of 3:2, referred the issue of discrimination against women at various places of worship to a larger bench.

The bench had then framed broad issues on freedom across religions, saying they cannot be decided without any facts of the particular case.
Noida Cyber Crime Police have apprehended four individuals involved in a sophisticated tech support scam that targeted foreign nationals, highlighting the growing threat of international cyber fraud.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Tumisu/Pixabay.com

Key Points Noida Cyber Crime Police arrested four individuals for running a tech support scam targeting foreign nationals.

The scammers posed as tech support agents, falsely claiming victims' computers were hacked to extort money.

Accused used screen-sharing applications to access victims' devices and extract sensitive banking details.

Victims were coerced into paying amounts ranging from USD 350 to USD 2,000, with payments collected via cryptocurrency.

Laptops, mobile phones, and other electronic devices used in the fraud were recovered from the accused.

Noida Cyber Crime Police on Tuesday arrested four alleged cyber frauds in Sector 76 for duping foreign nationals on the pretext of providing "tech support", an officer said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Shavya Goyal said the accused posed as technical support agents and threatened their targets with claims of hacking and data theft to extort money.

The police identified the four as Mohd Bilal, 26, Dev Kapahi, 25, and Kushagra Nimbekar, 24, all residents of Delhi, and Abhishek Mukheja, 27, a resident of Rajasthan's Alwar district.

Modus Operandi of the Tech Support Scam

"They ran paid advertisements on the internet and social media platforms under the guise of 'Tech Support', displaying toll-free numbers for foreign nationals to call," Goyal said.

She said that when people contacted them, the accused falsely claimed that their computers had been hacked and needed urgent technical intervention.

"The accused used screen-sharing applications to access the victims' devices. They then extracted sensitive banking details," she said.

In a novel move to intensify fear, the accused would deliberately turn the victims' computer screens black to simulate a hacking incident.

"They used this tactic to terrify the victims and gain their trust before checking the balance in their bank accounts," Goyal said.

Extortion and Cryptocurrency Payments

The officer said the accused extorted amounts ranging from USD 350 to USD 2,000 if the victim had limited funds. In cases involving higher balances, they escalated the matter to senior members of the racket connected through the same calling software.

"The money obtained through fraudulent means was collected via cryptocurrency and later distributed among the accused," the officer said.

Authorities recovered laptops, mobile phones and other electronic devices used in the fraud from their possession.
A tragic incident in Odisha's Ganjam district saw two young schoolgirls drown in a village pond while bathing, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Key Points Two schoolgirls, Pranjali Dora (11) and Manini Dora (12), drowned in a village pond in the Ganjam district of Odisha.

The girls, residents of Patanda village, went to the pond to bathe after returning from school.

Locals attempted to rescue the girls but were unsuccessful.

Fire brigade personnel retrieved the bodies after a two-hour search.

Police have registered a case of unnatural death and launched an investigation into the tragic incident.

Two girls drowned while bathing in a village pond in Odisha's Ganjam district on Tuesday, police said.

The deceased were identified as Pranjali Dora (11), a class 6 student, and Manini Dora (12), a student of class 7, both residents of Patanda village in Digapahandi police station area, a police officer said.

After returning home from school, they went to the village pond to take a bath like every other day. However, they slipped and fell into deep waters. Locals noticed them drowning and tried to rescue them but failed, he said.

Rescue Efforts and Aftermath

Fire brigade personnel from Digapahandi retrieved the girls after a two-hour search and they were rushed to a nearby community health centre, where doctors declared them dead, Digapahandi police station officer-in-charge Kishor Kumar Samal said.

He said the bodies have been handed over to the respective families after conducting post-mortem examinations at MKCG Medical College and Hospital here.

Police Investigation Underway

He said unnatural death cases have been registered and an investigation launched.
Amidst escalating tensions, China is mediating crucial talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, aiming to resolve military conflict and address allegations of harbouring terrorist groups.

Key Points China is actively mediating talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan to de-escalate military conflict and foster dialogue.

The talks follow Pakistan's Operation Ghazab lil-Haq targeting alleged terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan, intensifying border tensions.

A UN report questioned Pakistan's evidence linking Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attacks to Afghanistan, complicating the discussions.

Pakistan alleges Afghanistan harbours TTP and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants, while Afghanistan denies these claims and accuses Pakistan of harbouring these groups.

The China-mediated talks in Urumqi represent a significant diplomatic effort to address the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

China has been making active mediation efforts to facilitate dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The process for talks is being implemented and advanced steadily," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing here.

The China-facilitated talks are the first major diplomatic engagement between the two neighbours since Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq in late February to target terrorist "hideouts" in Afghanistan.

UN Report Complicates Talks

For Pakistan, the talks were complicated by a report of UN experts saying that Islamabad's allegations of the presence of militants in Afghanistan lacked "credible evidence".

Last month, UN experts urged the two nations to commit to a permanent ceasefire, while adding that Pakistan had not published credible evidence that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attacks within its territory were directed or controlled by the de facto Afghan authorities.

The report, released by the UN human rights office of the high commissioner, said that Pakistan's attack on Afghanistan violates the prohibition on the use of force under Article 2 of the United Nations Charter and customary international law.

Allegations and Counter-Allegations

The conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan intensified in recent months over Islamabad's allegations of Kabul harbouring TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militant groups, which it said carry out recurring attacks including suicide bombings in Pakistan.

For its part, Pakistan questioned the position of UN human rights experts about the lack of "credible evidence" linking TTP attacks to Afghan soil, claiming that multiple UN and international reports has pointed it out, Pakistan's state-run APP news agency reported.

Afghanistan has consistently denied and asked Pakistan to take action, claiming that these groups are active in Pakistani provinces.

The current talks being held in Urumqi, provincial capital of China's Xinjiang, involve mid-level officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan.
An IED blast in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has injured five police officers, highlighting the escalating security challenges in the region and the ongoing threat from terrorist groups like the TTP.

Photograph: Screen grab/X

Key Points Five Pakistani police officers were injured in an IED blast in the Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The attack targeted a police patrol vehicle on the Peshawar-Karachi Indus Highway.

Fitna-al-Khawarij, a term used for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the IED attack.

The IED was planted on a motorcycle and detonated as the police vehicle passed by.

Security measures have been heightened in the region due to a recent surge in attacks targeting security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

At least five policemen, including an officer, were injured in an improvised explosive device blast in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday, police said.

The incident occurred on a police patrol vehicle in the Lakki Marwat district in restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The police officials were on the Bannu-Dera Ismail Khan section of the Peshawar-Karachi Indus Highway when the blast occurred.

A spokesperson for the district's police, Qudratullah, said that the attack was carried out by Fitna-al-Khawarij.

Fitna al-Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned TehAreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The attackers had planted an improvised explosive device (IED) on a motorcycle parked along the roadside, which detonated with a loud blast as the police vehicle passed by, he added.

Assistant sub-inspector (ASI) and four constables sustained injuries, while the police van was also damaged, the spokesperson said.

The injured personnel were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital for medical treatment.

A heavy police contingent cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to nab those responsible.

District Police Officer (DPO) Nazir Khan, accompanied by officials of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and Bomb Disposal Squad, visited the site and reviewed the situation.

He also directed officers to enhance security measures and ensure the early arrest of the perpetrators.

Rising Violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Lakki Marwat and other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Bannu, Peshawar, Karak and Bajaur, have witnessed a spate of attacks targeting security forces in recent months.

According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies, violence in the province surged significantly, with fatalities increasing from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 last year.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh sharply criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of appeasement politics, fostering corruption, and prioritising vote banks over the state's progress during an election rally.

Photograph: @AITCofficial/X

Key Points Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accuses Mamata Banerjee of 'appeasement politics' and prioritising vote banks over national security by allegedly encouraging illegal immigration in West Bengal.

Singh criticises the TMC government for dividing society along caste and religious lines, advocating for politics based on justice, humanity, and equality.

Singh alleges the TMC government has fostered 'total misrule and corruption', pushing West Bengal backward compared to other Indian states.

Singh promises to develop Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's ancestral home into a world-class tourist destination under a BJP government, honouring the legacy of 'Vande Mataram'.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday launched a blistering attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the ruling Trinamool Congress, accusing them of pursuing "politics of appeasement", encouraging infiltration for vote-bank reasons and reducing Bengal to a state of "misrule and corruption".

Addressing an election rally in Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas district, Singh also sought to strike an emotional chord with Bengali voters by invoking the legacy of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, promising that a BJP government in the state would turn the noted litterateur's ancestral house into a world-class tourist destination.

The senior BJP leader alleged that the TMC government had divided society on the basis of caste, religion and sect, and said politics should instead be based on "justice, humanity and equality".

"Mamata ji, I want to give you a suggestion. Do politics, but not the politics of appeasement. Politics should be of satisfaction, not appeasement," he said at the Barrackpore rally.

"You have divided society on the basis of caste, religion and sect. Politics should not be done on the basis of caste or religion. Politics should be based on justice and humanity, on justice and equality," the senior BJP leader said.

Accusations of Encouraging Illegal Immigration

Stepping up the BJP's attack over the issue of illegal immigration, Singh claimed Banerjee was unwilling to stop infiltration because she viewed infiltrators as a political constituency.

"As far as infiltrators are concerned, I can say with confidence that Mamata ji does not want to stop them because she sees them as her vote bank," he said.

The Defence minister said that during his tenure as Union Home minister, the Centre had sought land from the state government for border fencing by the BSF, but the request had not been acted upon.

"When I was Home minister, we had asked for land so that fencing could be done by the BSF on the border. But the land was not given. Only now has some land perhaps been given," he said.

Allegations of Misrule and Corruption

In one of his sharpest attacks on the ruling party, Singh said if anyone asked him what TMC stood for, he would say it meant "Total Misrule and Corruption".

"Loot and murder are taking place continuously in West Bengal. Mamata ji, where do you want to take this state? Compared with other states of India, you have pushed Bengal backward," he said.

Referring to the gherao of judicial officers in Malda and the subsequent observations of courts, Singh claimed even judicial officers had not been spared under the TMC regime.

"Even judicial magistrates were held hostage here. You will not find such a government anywhere in the history of India or the world. The Supreme Court itself said that this was a planned and deliberate action," he said.

Singh also revived the controversy over the alleged breach of protocol during President Droupadi Murmu's visit to the state last month, claiming that the ruling party's mindset "insults tribals while glorifying infiltrators".

"Even the President of India, the highest constitutional authority, was not spared. She was not treated with the dignity she deserved. A TMC minister had once made an extremely derogatory and shameful remark about the President. I cannot even repeat those words," he said.

The BJP leader also took aim at Banerjee over her defeat in the Nandigram assembly seat in the 2021 polls, saying it had been a warning from the people of the state.

"In the last election, Mamata ji lost from her own (Nandigram) seat. The people of Bengal had given her a warning. Last time you lost your own seat. This time, TMC is going to be wiped out from all of Bengal," he said.

Contrasting the Centre's vision for Bengal with what he described as the TMC government's failures, Singh said the Narendra Modi government wanted to bring industries, jobs and investment to the state.

"We want to bring industry to Bengal, increase people's incomes and bring more investment. Not only should people from Bengal invest here, not only should people from India invest here, but people from all over the world should come and invest in West Bengal, so that our youth can get employment opportunities," he said.

Appeal to Bengali Pride and Cultural Nationalism

Singh sought to combine the BJP's political pitch with an appeal to Bengali pride and cultural nationalism.

He said a BJP government in Bengal would develop the ancestral house of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay into a world-class tourist destination, asserting that the author of 'Vande Mataram' deserved global recognition.

"The house of Bankim Babu will be developed as a tourist spot by a BJP government. People will not only come from every corner of India to see it, but people from all over the world will visit Bankim Babu's house once it becomes a tourist destination," he said.

Invoking Chattopadhyay's legacy, Singh said the iconic song 'Vande Mataram' had united Indians cutting across regions and inspired generations of freedom fighters during the independence movement.

"Bankim Babu did not just light a lamp, he lit the torch of revolution across the whole of India. Vande Mataram gave people the energy to struggle and the passion to fight against British injustice," Singh said.

The Defence Minister alleged that successive Left Front and TMC governments had neglected Chattopadhyay's legacy and failed to accord due respect to 'Vande Mataram'.

He further alleged that so-called secular forces had "distorted" the patriotic song by allowing only parts of it to be sung.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government was the first to give Bankim Babu's legacy and Vande Mataram the respect they deserve," he said.

Singh also highlighted the BJP's decision to field Sumitra Chatterjee, a descendant of Chattopadhyay who recently joined the party, from the Naihati assembly constituency.

Seeking to woo state government employees, Singh said a BJP government in Bengal would implement the Seventh Pay Commission.

He later took out a roadshow in support of the candidates.
Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan has rejected the opposition's motion to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, stating the allegations do not meet the constitutional threshold for removal proceedings.

IMAGE: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Photograph: @ECISVEEP/X

Key Points Rajya Sabha Chairman rejected the opposition's motion to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, stating the allegations lacked sufficient proof of misbehaviour.

Some of the charges against the Chief Election Commissioner are already under judicial review or have been decided, making them unsuitable for removal proceedings.

The Chairman stated that the opposition's notice did not demonstrate 'misbehaviour' as required by Articles 324(5) and 124(4) of the Constitution.

The Chairman rebutted each of the opposition's seven charges against Kumar, including allegations of partisan conduct and obstruction of electoral fraud investigations.

The motion to remove the CEC was the first of its kind and was supported by multiple opposition parties, including Congress, Trinamool Congress, and DMK.

Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan, in his order rejecting the notice by the opposition to move a motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, stated that while the allegations are relevant for political debate, they do not prima facie meet the high constitutional bar for removal proceedings.

In his order, Radhakrishnan said he finds that the allegations lack proofs necessary to constitute misbehaviour which establishes a prima facie case for removal of the CEC.

"Some charges involve matters already decided or currently under judicial review. While these allegations are relevant for political debate, they do not prima facie meet the high constitutional bar for removal proceedings," he said.

Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday rejected separate notices from the opposition to move a motion for the removal of Kumar from his post.

The opposition had in March submitted the notices to the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha chairman against the CEC, listing seven charges, including alleged 'partisan and discriminatory conduct in office', 'deliberate obstruction of investigation of electoral fraud' and 'mass disenfranchisement'.

In separate orders, the Speaker and the Rajya Sabha chairman refused to admit the notices moved under Article 324(5) of the Constitution, read with other relevant constitutional and statutory provisions.

In his order rejecting the notice by Opposition members, Radhakrishnan said the notice does not demonstrate "misbehaviour" as envisaged by Articles 324(5) and 124(4) of the Constitution.

"Therefore, the prima-facie requirements for admitting this notice of Motion under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, have not been met. Against this backdrop, having considered the notice of Motion and the existing constitutional and statutory provisions, I am of the firm opinion that the notice of Motion does not deserve to be admitted. Accordingly, I refuse to admit the notice of Motion," he said.

Chairman's Rebuttal of Charges Against CEC

The Chairman also gave a point-by-point rebuttal of the opposition's charges against Kumar in his order.

"The first charge alleges that the appointment of Shri Gyanesh Kumar as the Chief Election Commissioner was compromised and tainted as the constitutional validity of the selection process for his appointment provided under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 is itself under challenge and pending consideration before the Supreme Court of India," Radhakrishnan noted.

These allegations, even if presumed to be factually correct, do not amount to any act of misbehavior attributable to the Chief Election Commissioner, the Chairman ruled.

Noting that second charge relates to statement allegedly made by Chief Election Commissioner during a press briefing concerning allegations of irregularities in preparation of electoral rolls, Radhakrishnan said the allegations, on their face do not appear to be falling within the meaning of 'misbehaviour' for which a constitutional functionary can be subjected to the process of his removal.

Rebutting the third charge about deliberate obstruction on investigation into electoral fraud, the chairman said it is evident that the issue concerning disclosure of electoral data in machine-readable format was considered by the Supreme Court, and the Election Commission had acted in due compliance with the directions issued therein.

On the opposition's fourth charge relating to Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, Radhakrishnan said it would be wholly inappropriate to treat issues currently under active judicial consideration as constituting evidence of misbehaviour on the part of the Chief Election Commissioner for the purposes of his removal proceedings.

Rebutting the fifth charge relating to nationwide expansion of SIR and purported political consequences of such action, Radhakrishnan said the impugned assertions, being inherently speculative and conjectural, do not, prima facie, meet the threshold required to establish "misbehaviour".

On the sixth charge regarding contempt and non-compliance with the Supreme Court's directions, the chairman said that any alleged deviation from such directions is appropriately addressed through the court's established contempt jurisdiction.

"In this backdrop, the present charge fails to disclose any prima facie case of 'misbehaviour'," he said in his ruling.

On the seventh charge alleging a failure on the part of the Election Commission to maintain independence and constitutional fidelity following the appointment of Kumar as Chief Election Commissioner, Radhakrishnan said, "In the absence of concrete particulars or substantiated evidence demonstrating deviation from constitutional or statutory obligations, such assertions fails in the test of prima facie instance of 'misbehaviour'."

Opposition Parties Involved

The signatories to the notices included the Congress, the Trinamool Congress, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Left parties, which are all part of the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), besides the Aam Aadmi Party, which is no longer formally in the alliance.

Some Independent MPs had also signed the notices.

This was the first time a notice was moved seeking the removal of the CEC.
India's Supreme Court is now hearing petitions regarding discrimination against women in religious spaces like the Sabarimala temple, examining the constitutional scope of religious freedom and its limitations.

IMAGE: The Supreme Court of India. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A nine-judge Supreme Court bench is reviewing petitions concerning discrimination against women in religious spaces, including the Sabarimala temple.

The Supreme Court is examining the scope and limits of religious freedom under Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution.

The Centre has requested the Supreme Court to uphold restrictions on women of menstruating age entering the Sabarimala temple, arguing it falls under religious faith.

The bench will consider whether religious denominations' rights are subject to fundamental rights beyond public order, morality, and health.

The Supreme Court will determine the extent of judicial review concerning religious practices and the definition of 'morality' within the context of religious freedom.

A nine-judge Supreme Court bench on Tuesday commenced hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including Sabarimala temple of Keralam, and on the ambit and scope of religious freedom practised by multiple faiths.

The Constitution bench comprises Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices B V Nagarathna, M M Sundresh, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Aravind Kumar, Augustine George Masih, Prasanna B Varale, R Mahadevan and Joymalya Bagchi.

Ahead of the hearing, the Centre filed written submissions and requested the top court to uphold the restriction on the entry of women of menstruating age into Sabarimala temple.

Centre against lifting ban on women in Sabarimala

The Union of India said the issue falls squarely within the domain of religious faith and denominational autonomy, and lies beyond the scope of judicial review.

In September 2018, a five-judge Constitution bench, by a 4:1 majority verdict, had lifted the ban that prevented women between the ages of 10 and 50 from entering the Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala and held that the centuries-old Hindu religious practice was illegal and unconstitutional.

Later, on November 14, 2019, another five-judge bench headed by the then CJI Ranjan Gogoi, by a majority of 3:2, referred the issue of discrimination against women at various places of worship to a larger bench.

The bench had then framed broad issues on freedom across religions, saying they cannot be decided without any facts of the particular case.

Hearings covers Muslim and Parsi women, too

Besides the Sabarimala case, the verdict also referred to the larger bench the issues of Muslim women's entry into mosques and dargahs, and the entry of Parsi women, married to non-Parsi men, to the holy fire place of an Agiary.

On May 11, 2020, another bench held that its five-judge bench had the power to refer the questions of law to a larger bench for adjudication while exercising its limited power under review jurisdiction in the Sabarimala temple entry case.

On February 16, the top court had said it would commence final hearing in the matter on April 7, which was expected to conclude on April 22.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the Centre had said that he supported the pleas for review of the Sabarimala verdict, which allowed entry of women of all age groups to the hill-top shrine in Keralam.

Key Questions on Religious Freedom

Earlier, the top court read out seven questions it had framed on the scope of religious freedom.

Asserting that it was open to addition and deletion of issues framed, the bench had said it would consider "what is the scope and ambit of right to freedom of religion under Article 25 of the Constitution of India?"

About the second issue, it said, "What is the inter-play between the rights of persons under Article 25 of the Constitution of India and rights of religious denomination under Article 26?"

The third question is whether the rights of a religious denomination under Article 26 are subject to other fundamental rights apart from public order, morality and health.

"What is the scope and extent of the word 'morality' under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, and whether it is meant to include Constitutional morality?" read the fourth question.\

Scope of judicial review to be examined

The bench had said it would also examine the "scope and extent of judicial review," concerning a religious practice as referred under Article 25.

"What is the meaning of the expression "sections of Hindus" occurring in Article 25 (2) (b) of the Constitution of India?" read the sixth issue.

The top court had said it would examine, as the seventh question, whether a person not belonging to a religious denomination or religious group can question a practice of that "religious denomination or religious group" by filing a public interest litigation.

It had said the larger bench would have to evolve a judicial policy to do "substantial and complete justice" in matters of freedom of religion, such as restrictions on the entry of Muslim and Parsi women into their places of worship.
Latur police have successfully apprehended six individuals involved in the theft of 100 bags of soybean from a local warehouse, recovering the stolen goods and vehicles used in the crime.

Key Points Six individuals have been arrested in Latur, Maharashtra, for stealing 100 bags of soybean from a warehouse.

The theft occurred on March 14, with the suspects breaking into the warehouse and making off with the soybean.

Police recovered the stolen soybean bags and three pickup vehicles used in the crime, totaling 14.5 lakh.

The suspects were identified through CCTV footage, technical analysis, and confidential sources.

Weeks after a gang of thieves stole 100 bags of soybean from a warehouse in Latur city of Maharashtra, police on Tuesday arrested six men in this connection, officials said.

The police also recovered property worth Rs 14.5 lakh from the accused, they said.

According to police, the theft took place between 1.30 am and 8.30 am on March 14, wherein the gang members broke open the main shutter lock of the complainant's warehouse and stole 100 bags of soybean worth approximately Rs 2.5 lakh.

The case was registered at the MIDC police station based on a complaint filed by Sameer Pathan (31). A case was registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on March 16 against unidentified persons.

Investigation and Arrests

The police launched an investigation and collected CCTV footage from the surrounding area. Through detailed technical analysis and inputs from confidential sources, the police identified the accused and later apprehended them, an official said.

The accused were identified as Abhishek Yadav (21), Sushil Nathbhajan (21), Ajay Jamdade (20), Ramzan Sheikh (29), Aryan Kamble (19) and Vinod Surwase (26), he said.

Police have seized three pickup vehicles used in the crime, valued at approximately Rs 12 lakh, along with the stolen 100 soybean bags worth Rs 2.5 lakh, taking the total recovery to Rs 14.5 lakh, the official said.
Uttar Pradesh Police dismantle an illegal oxytocin smuggling ring in Lucknow, arresting a key member and seizing a large quantity of the restricted drug, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat pharmaceutical crime.

Key Points Uttar Pradesh STF arrests Rehan, a member of an interstate gang involved in illegal oxytocin smuggling in Lucknow.

Police seized 502 vials of oxytocin injections, mobile phones, and a motorcycle from the accused.

The accused confessed to being part of a gang supplying oxytocin illegally in Lucknow and nearby districts, with Irfan as his supplier.

In a separate operation, two alleged members of the Barwar gang, wanted for robbery and theft, were arrested near Badshah Nagar railway station in Lucknow.

Harishchandra and Sohanlal, the arrested Barwar gang members, have a history of criminal activity with multiple cases registered against them across several districts.

The Uttar Pradesh Police Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a member of an interstate gang involved in illegal smuggling of oxytocin injections in Lucknow and seized a large quantity of the drug, officials said on Tuesday.

According to an STF statement, the accused, identified as Rehan, a resident of Tirwa under Rahimabad police station area in Lucknow, was arrested on Monday evening from Karimabad underpass in Kakori area.

The STF said 502 vials (180 ml each) of oxytocin injections, two mobile phones and a motorcycle were recovered from his possession.

During interrogation, the accused confessed to being part of a gang supplying oxytocin illegally in Lucknow and nearby districts. He told police that another gang member, Irfan, a resident of Balaganj's Cattle Colony area, used to provide him with the injections, which were then distributed across various locations in the city.

The STF said samples of the seized injections have been sent for laboratory testing. It noted that the Union Health Ministry had, through a notification in 2001, restricted the sale of oxytocin injections to single-unit blister packs. A case has been registered at Kakori police station and further legal action is being taken by the local police.

Barwar Gang Members Apprehended

In a separate operation, the STF arrested two alleged members of the Barwar gang, who were wanted in a case registered at Kunda police station in Pratapgarh district.

The accused, identified as Harishchandra, a resident of Dhanepur in Gonda district, and his associate Sohanlal, were arrested near Badshah Nagar railway station in Lucknow on Tuesday morning, the STF said.

During questioning, the duo admitted to being active members of the Barwar gang and involved in crimes such as robbery, theft and snatching for the past 15 years, it said.

The STF said both accused are wanted under the Gangsters Act and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in Pratapgarh.

Harishchandra has 17 criminal cases registered against him across multiple districts including Raebareli, Bahraich, Ayodhya, Kushinagar, Gonda, Chitrakoot, Pratapgarh, Basti and Sultanpur, while Sohanlal faces 10 cases in districts such as Pratapgarh, Sultanpur, Balrampur, Raebareli, Gonda and Bahraich, it added.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accuses the TMC government in West Bengal of misusing central funds and destroying the state's education system, sparking a political row ahead of the assembly elections.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accuses the TMC government in West Bengal of diverting central funds intended for education and welfare projects.

Pradhan claims the TMC's actions have 'destroyed' the education system in Bengal, impacting mid-day meals, books, and other essential resources.

The TMC rejects the allegations, accusing the central government of withholding significant dues owed to West Bengal for various welfare initiatives.

Pradhan highlights concerns about corruption and stalled teacher recruitment processes within the state.

The upcoming West Bengal assembly polls are focused on creating a 'fear-free Bengal', with the BJP prioritising job creation and women's safety.

Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday accused the TMC government in West Bengal of diverting central funds towards party activities, asserting that the state's education system has been "destroyed".

Pradhan was addressing the media at Kolkata's Kalighat temple, where he joined BJP's Rashbehari candidate Swapan Dasgupta to offer prayers.

"The central government extended funds for mid-day meals, books and dresses. All that money was spent on party activities. Education in Bengal has been destroyed," he claimed.

The Union Education Minister said Bengal's academic legacy, shaped by luminaries like Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore, had been "ruined" over 45 years of successive "misrule", comprising three decades of the Left and 15 years of the TMC under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The ruling TMC rejected the allegations as baseless, and accused the Centre of withholding nearly Rs 2 lakh crore dues of Bengal meant for several welfare projects.

Allegations of Corruption in Teacher Recruitment

Pradhan also alleged that the teacher recruitment process in the state had either been stalled or mired in corruption.

The Union minister exuded confidence that Dasgupta will win by a large margin in Rashbehari.

"Mamata Banerjee's misrule is certain to end," Pradhan asserted.

BJP's Vision for West Bengal

Pradhan said the upcoming assembly polls is centred on the idea of a "fear-free Bengal", with the BJP's vision focused on jobs for the youth and safety of women.

On the issue of revision of voter rolls and infiltration, Pradhan said, "Whose votes should count in Bengal, the infiltrators or the Bengali-speaking people?"

Elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly will be held in two phases - on April 23 and April 29. Votes will be counted on May 4.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan champions the establishment of 'Mahakal Standard Time', positioning Ujjain as the original centre for global time calculation and challenging the long-standing Greenwich Mean Time.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan proposes 'Mahakal Standard Time' (MST) to replace 'Greenwich Mean Time' (GMT), citing Ujjain's historical role as a centre for time calculation.

Pradhan highlights the integration of science and spirituality in Indian traditions, using the Mahakal Temple's practices as an example of scientific understanding.

The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) is emphasised for its shift towards creativity, design thinking, and critical thinking, incorporating AI and computational thinking in education.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasises Ujjain's historical importance in timekeeping and astronomy, committing to develop the city as both a religious and science hub.

Preparations are underway for Simhastha-2028, with significant infrastructure investments to accommodate an expected 35 to 40 crore devotees.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said it is time to establish the 'Mahakal Standard Time' in place of the 'Greenwich Mean Time' as Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh is "the original centre of time calculation".

All major spiritual centres of India, be it Ujjain, Kashi, Kanchi or Puri Dham, are living laboratories where a wonderful coordination of science, art, culture, literature and spirituality can be found, Pradhan asserted while inaugurating the three-day 'Mahakal The Master of Time International Conference' last week.

"Ujjain is the place where the prime meridian and the Tropic of Cancer meet and ancient world time calculations were made. Therefore, the time has come to logically establish 'Mahakal Standard Time' (MST) in place of 'Greenwich Mean Time' (GMT). Even modern AI tools recognise that the original centre of time calculation is the area around Ujjain," he said.

Therefore, the need is to re-establish the country's scientific pride globally, he said.

"Strengthening the Science Centre and Planetarium in Ujjain is a major step in this direction, enabling future generations to move forward with a scientific outlook. Ujjain is a place where the distance between spirituality and science disappears and a new vision is born," he said.

He asserted that science is incomplete without spirituality, and cited the example of Ujjain and its revered Mahakal Temple.

Referring to a scientific ritual at the Mahakal Temple, Pradhan said the practice of continuously pouring water from an earthen pot over Lord Shiva from the first day of the month of Vaishakh is not merely a religious tradition, but a scientific solution to the challenges of summer and environmental management.

"This demonstrates that our society has possessed scientific understanding of time calculation and adapting its lifestyle to the changes in nature for centuries. Environmental responsibility and a balanced life flow have always been central to the Indian knowledge tradition," Pradhan said.

Education and Technology

He cited the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) and emphasized the need for a shift from learning by rote to one that embraces creativity, design thinking, and critical thinking.

"Today is the era of AI and computational thinking, and to ensure Indian students do not lag behind in this global race, new courses like AI are being introduced at the school level," he said.

Pradhan also clarified that no single language can have a monopoly on knowledge, and therefore, education is being integrated with Indian languages and folk cultures so that every student can easily understand complex scientific topics in their mother tongue.

On the occasion, Pradhan and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released the Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan website, brochure, and booklet. A video film on this multi-level evaluation system, developed to cultivate scientific leadership, was also screened at the event.

Ujjain as a Centre for Science and Religion

"Ujjain has been a global centre for timekeeping and astronomy since ancient times. In Ujjain, timekeeping is not merely religious but also thoroughly scientific, as our ancestors established ages ago through texts like the Surya Siddhanta. Time and space are inextricably linked," Yadav said.

He also said the Indian time measurement system, based on sunrise and sunset that precisely synchronize with the movement of the planets and the Earth's rotation, is more accurate than Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

"Due to the intersection of the Tropic of Cancer and the zero longitude, Ujjain has been the global centre for time calculation. The MP government is committed to developing Ujjain as both a religious city and a science city. For this, a Science Centre, established at a cost of Rs 15 crore, has been inaugurated," Yadav said.

Simhastha 2028 Preparations

Yadav also said work has begun on organising the Simhastha-2028.

It is the world's largest cultural fair and approximately 35 to 40 crore devotees are expected to attend the event, the CM said.

"As part of the preparations for Simhastha, the ground breaking ceremony for a bypass costing Rs 700 crore has been completed. This investment will not only improve Ujjain's infrastructure but also establish it as a city with international-level facilities," Yadav added.
Amidst escalating tensions, UN chief Guterres voices deep concern over President Trump's alarming statements regarding Iran and urgently calls for diplomatic solutions and the restoration of free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

IMAGE: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (second from right) meets with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (right) at UN headquarters in New York City, US, March 31, 2026. Photograph: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Key Points Guterres stresses that no military objective justifies the destruction of a society's infrastructure or inflicting suffering on civilians.

The UN chief appeals for the re-establishment of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting its importance for global trade and vulnerable populations.

The UN Security Council failed to adopt a resolution on reopening the Strait of Hormuz due to vetoes from Russia and China.

Guterres calls for stepped-up diplomatic efforts and reiterates that conflicts end when leaders choose dialogue over destruction.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is "deeply troubled" by US President Donald Trump's warning to Iran that a "whole civilization will die tonight" while he also appealed for freedom of navigation to be re-established in the Strait of Hormuz.

"The secretary-general is deeply troubled by statements suggesting that entire civilian populations or civilizations may be made to bear the consequences of political and military decisions," a statement issued Tuesday by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

"There is no military objective that justifies the wholesale destruction of a society's infrastructure or the deliberate infliction of suffering on civilian populations," he added.

The statement however did not mention Trump or the US by name.

The statement came in response to a concerning Truth Social post by Trump in which the US president declared, "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again."

"I don't want that to happen, but it probably will. However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?

"We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!" Trump said in the post early Tuesday.

Guterres reiterated that conflicts end when leaders choose dialogue over destruction. "That choice still exists. And it must be made -- now."

The UN chief called for stepped-up diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful path forward. His personal envoy, Jean Arnault, is travelling to the region to support these efforts.

Strait of Hormuz concerns

Guterres simultaneously also appealed for freedom of navigation to be re-established in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that "when the Strait of Hormuz is strangled, the world's poorest and most vulnerable cannot breathe".

Just hours after Trump's post, the UN Security Council failed to adopt a Bahrain-led resolution on re-opening the Strait of Hormuz after veto-wielding permanent members Russia and China voted against the resolution.

The resolution got 11 votes in favour and abstentions by Colombia and Pakistan.

The UAE expressed "profound regret" at the Security Council's inability to adopt the resolution that had called for an immediate halt to all attacks on vessels and attempts to obstruct freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

"The Strait of Hormuz must remain open to all, and freedom of navigation in it must be safeguarded, as no state should possess the ability to obstruct the arteries of global trade or push the world to the brink of an economic crisis," the Mission said in a post on X.

The UAE said it will continue to rally international efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and to work with its partners to ensure the security of navigation and restore the flow of global trade.

US Representative to the UN Ambassador Mike Waltz said in the Council that it is long known that Russia and China are capable of paralysing the Council through obstruction and manufactured confusion.

"Today's veto marks a new low, and it shows just how frightening a safer, more secure, more united Middle East can beaI will note today's result does not restrict the United States to continue to act in its own self-defence and in the collective defence of our allies and partners. And President Trump will continue the actions necessary to defend our people and the free world," he said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan confidently predicts a win for the LDF in the upcoming Kerala elections, while strongly refuting claims of any alliance between CPI(M) and BJP and criticising the Congress party.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expresses confidence in the LDF's continued public support and predicts a stronger mandate in the upcoming Kerala elections.

Vijayan dismisses allegations of a CPI(M)-BJP understanding, criticising Rahul Gandhi's remarks as baseless and lacking accountability.

The Kerala CM criticises the Congress party's political approach, citing their stance towards Arvind Kejriwal as indirectly helping the BJP.

Vijayan reiterates a cautious approach to the Sabarimala women's entry matter, advocating for discussions involving scholars and social reformers.

The Chief Minister addresses criticism regarding flood management, attributing the cause to natural factors rather than human intervention.

As campaigning drew to a close ahead of the April 9 polls in Kerala, CPI(M) veteran and state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan struck a confident tone here on Tuesday, saying his party-led front continues to enjoy public support despite a decade in power.

Drawing from his recent interactions with the public, Vijayan, who led the CPI(M)-led LDF's poll campaign, claimed that the overall mood remained favourable to the Left Democratic Front.

"What we could understand from our interactions with the people here is that Kerala's mindset is with the LDF," Vijayan said at a meet-the-press programme organised by the Kannur press club.

"There was a rejection of the UDF at various levels," the chief minister said.

He went a step further, expressing confidence about the outcome.

Vijayan said the LDF would return to power with an even stronger mandate, winning more seats than it did in the 2021 elections.

He also claimed that the BJP-led NDA would "draw a blank" in the state.

While acknowledging criticism, he stressed that it had not turned into a broader backlash.

Vijayan Responds to Allegations and Criticisms

Vijayan also responded strongly to remarks made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who had alleged a CPI(M)-BJP understanding in Kerala.

Dismissing the charge, Vijayan said, "He has raised certain baseless allegations during this visit," and added that Gandhi should speak "with a sense of accountability".

Questioning the Congress's political approach, Vijayan referred to its stance towards leaders like Arvind Kejriwal.

"In their eagerness to defeat their rival.... Rahul Gandhi and the Congress acted in a way that ultimately ended up helping the BJP," he said, in a reference to his allegation that the Congress didn't stand with former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal when the CBI arrested him on a corruption charge.

He asked, "Wasn't that effective support for the BJP?"

He also criticised the Congress in Kerala for not joining protests against the BJP-led central government.

"When we organised protests... we invited Congress and UDF leaders...but they refused," he said, adding that such issues were "not an issue for the LDF alone -- it is a common issue for Kerala."

Sabarimala Issue and Other Matters

On the Sabarimala women's entry matter, Vijayan reiterated a cautious and consultative stand.

"When such matters arise --especially when they involve customs and traditions -- there are certain conditions to be considered," he said, adding that discussions should involve "scholars" and "social reformers" rather than unilateral decisions.

Responding to criticism from Congress leader K C Venugopal, Vijayan turned the focus back on the Congress, pointing to defections.

"Around 30 per cent of (BJP MPs) are people who came from the Congress," he claimed, suggesting this reflected the party's own contradictions.

On allegations by Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan regarding flood management, Vijayan said expert findings were clear. "It was not caused by human intervention, but was entirely due to natural factors," he said.

He also expressed disappointment over remarks by veteran leader G Sudhakaran, who quit the CPI(M) recently and is contesting from his home turf, Ambalappuzha as a UDF candidate, against a woman CPI(M) leader, saying such statements were "not something a responsible political leader should say" and reflected a decline in standards after joining hands with the Congress.
The Supreme Court clarified that voluntary retirement is an employee's distinct right upon completing the required service years, setting a precedent for employer obligations and employee entitlements.

IMAGE: A view of the Supreme Court of India. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Employees are entitled to voluntary retirement upon completing the required years of service and providing the necessary notice.

Employers must refuse a voluntary retirement request within the notice period; otherwise, the retirement becomes effective by law.

Issuing a charge sheet after an employee's voluntary retirement notice period has expired is not legally justified.

Employees are entitled to post-retirement benefits if their voluntary retirement is not properly refused within the stipulated time.

The Supreme Court said on Tuesday that voluntary retirement is not a mere act of leaving or discontinuing but is rather a distinct right of an employee that is available on completion of the requisite number of years of service.

A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi delivered its verdict on appeals filed by a bank challenging two separate 2019 orders of the Chhattisgarh high court.

The high court had issued a direction for the grant of terminal benefits to a bank employee, saying that after the completion of the three-month notice period as specified in the notice for voluntary retirement or from the date of stopping to attend the service, he be treated voluntarily retired.

The apex court noted that the employee was appointed in September 1983 and was promoted as manager in April 2007.

It said that in July 2010, while working as branch manager at Raipur, some suspicious transactions in two accounts came to the knowledge of the bank. In the meantime, the employee sent a notice of voluntary retirement on October 4, 2010 to the general manager and in response, the zonal office asked for a fresh application under pension regulations.

Later, since the period specified in the notice for voluntary retirement had elapsed, the employee stopped working with the bank with effect from May 16, 2011.

The top court noted that after about eight months from the date when he severed his employment with the bank, he was chargesheeted on March 5, 2012 over the allegedly suspicious transactions.

He later moved the high court challenging the non-acceptance of voluntary retirement and consequent initiation of inquiry and dismissal.

Top court analysis of pension and service regulations

While dealing with the appeals, the bench referred to the relevant provisions of pension and service regulations.

"Upon reading, it is quite clear, if an employee on or after 1st day of November 1993 completes 20 years of qualifying service, and furnishes a notice of not less than three months to the appointing authority, he may retire voluntarily," the bench noted.

It said the notice of three months indicating intention to retire voluntarily was given on October 4, 2010 and the period was supposed to expire on January 4, 2011, to which refusal was not ordered within the notice period.

The bench said the non-approval communicated on June 29, 2011, after expiry of the notice period and cessation of work, was of no avail. It noted that a show-cause notice was issued by the bank on November 11, 2010 but it would not indicate the intention to institute disciplinary proceedings in terms of the service regulation.

"Nonetheless, voluntary retirement is not a mere act of leaving or discontinuing, rather, a distinct right of an employee that is available on completion of the requisite number of years of service, etc," it said.

The bench said existence of such a show cause notice itself was not sufficient without refusal by the competent authority to stop automatic operation of the notice of voluntary retirement.

"In absence, the notice of voluntary retirement would take its course. In the present case, no such order of refusal or order of withholding was passed by the competent authority within the stipulated period," it said.

Implications of the ruling

"In our view, it is correct to hold that when an employee decides to sever the master-servant relationship and serves a notice indicating such intention specifying the period, by operation of law it will become effective in the absence of any order of refusal," the bench said.

It said the subsequent act of issuing a charge sheet and consequential order of dismissal was also not justified in law. The bench said as directed by the high court, the employee would be entitled to all consequential post-retiral benefits.

It directed the bank to settle all the dues within three months along with the interest applicable.
A Pune woman has been arrested for the shocking murder of her 11-month-old son, revealing a disturbing motive of wanting to marry another man and viewing the child as an obstacle.

Photograph: ANI on X

Key Points A 22-year-old woman in Pune has been arrested for allegedly murdering her 11-month-old son.

The woman initially claimed the child's death was accidental before confessing to intentionally killing him.

Police investigation revealed the woman was distressed by the child's behaviour and wanted to marry another man.

The infant's body was recovered from a well in the Ranjangaon MIDC area following the woman's confession.

The accused is now in custody, and further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the infant's death is ongoing.

Police have arrested a 22-year-old woman for allegedly killing her 11-month-old son and dumping his body in a well in the Ranjangaon MIDC area of Pune district, officials said on Tuesday.

The killing had occurred on March 8, and the woman was arrested on Monday.

The woman's husband had reported last month that she had left their house along with their infant son. She was traced to Jambut village in the district on April 5.

During her initial questioning, the woman claimed that the child had fallen off a pedestal and died.

"She said that out of fear, she stuffed the body in a bag and dumped it in a well on a farm. Based on her statement, an accidental death report was initially registered. However, inconsistencies in her version raised suspicion," a police officer said.

Confession and Motive

During sustained interrogation, the woman confessed to the crime.

"She told the police that she was distressed as the infant was cranky and she wanted to leave her current husband and marry another man. She claimed the child was an obstacle, hence in order to get rid of him, she smashed the infant's head against a washing stone and killed him. She later stuffed the body into a bag and dumped it in a well," the officer said.

The decomposed body was later retrieved from the well, and the last rites were performed.

"The woman has been arrested, and further investigation is underway," he added.
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The Dummerston Historical Society will host a special exhibit by local photographer Leonard Oppenheim, with an opening reception on Sunday, April 12, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Airport security lines seem to be moving smoothly again at some major U.S. airports. Thats at least for now. After weeks of four-hour waits and TSA officers walking off the job, airports are reporting wait times back under 15 minutes. But a key piece of the crisis that caused it all remains unresolved, and a new internal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memo shows the agency is still operating in emergency mode.

What the internal DHS memo says

A memo dated April 6, 2026, from the DHS Office of the Under Secretary for Management addresses the payment timeline that has been the subject of extensive internal and media discussion.

The memo outlines which employees will be paid and when:

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Workers who are furloughed (not working and not being paid) and those who have been excepted (working but not being paid) will receive full pay for all time DHS has been in a funding lapse since Feb. 14, 2026.

That includes the second week of pay period 3 (Feb. 1421), and full pay for periods 4, 5, and 6 (March 22  April 4, 2026).

Employees should expect deposits as early as April 10 and no later than April 16, depending on their financial institution.

Critically, the memo notes that furloughed employees remain in furlough status and are instructed not to submit timecards for pay period 7 until further guidance is provided. Any additional compensation beyond what the memo covers will be paid once DHS funding is formally restored.

Where the shutdown stands today

The partial DHS shutdown is now in its 52nd day, the longest in U.S. history, surpassing the 43-day full federal shutdown of 2025.

The Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan funding bill on April 3 that would reopen most of DHS, including TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The bill excludes funding for ICE and Customs and Border Protection, which remain separately funded through the One Big Beautiful Bill.

My joint statement with @LeaderJohnThune on DHS funding:



We appreciate and share the Presidents determination to once and for all bring an end to the Democrat DHS shutdown.



In the coming days, Republicans in the Senate and House will be following through on the Presidents  Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) April 1, 2026

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced a two-track plan to fund DHS, first through the appropriations bill the Senate already passed, then through a separate budget reconciliation process to fund ICE and Border Patrol.

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But the House has not yet voted on the measure.

Congress is on spring recess until April 13. The House briefly convened for a pro forma session on April 6 but took no action. A House vote is now expected no sooner than the week of April 13, when members return to Washington.

Exclusive: 30 members of Congress are in Scotland on taxpayers' dime amid the shutdown.



Take a look: https://t.co/kn43aWI9nx pic.twitter.com/VBjtVRx9S7  TMZ (@TMZ) April 1, 2026

TMZ put out a call for their viewers to send them pictures and videos of congressional leaders vacationing. At the same time, essential TSA officers continue to show up to work without confirmed dates for future payment deposits.

What travelers should do now

The situation calls for cautious optimism. Lines are shorter, and officers are showing up, but the shutdown is not over, and conditions can revert to what we saw just a few weeks back.

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Check wait times before leaving for the airport. Many major airports have resumed publishing real-time security wait times online after temporarily suspending the data. You can trust the wait times reported as 30 minutes or less. Anything over that threshold should be viewed with caution, and you should plan to arrive at the airport a bit earlier just in case.

Dont assume TSA PreCheck or CLEAR will be available. Some airports have reopened expedited lanes, but availability is not guaranteed while callout rates remain elevated.

Enroll in TSA PreCheck if you havent already. PreCheck lanes have generally fared better than standard security during the staffing crisis and will continue to be the faster option even as the situation normalizes.

One last thing

TSA officers are getting much of the coverage because it directly impacts travel, but we have to be mindful that thousands of other DHS workers are currently in pay limbo as well.

The House vote, expected the week of April 13, will determine whether this situation continues to stabilize or risks slipping back. Travelers with flights in that window should watch closely.

For insider insights on the DHS shutdown and other travel developments, follow my stories on Yahoo Creators.
BENNINGTON  Before the first day of April, the processing operations of Henrys Market, Inc., shared space with the stores kitchen in the ba
Key European Union oil and gas groups will hold meetings this week as countries around the bloc scramble to deal with the impact of the US-Israel-led war with Iran on energy prices and supplies.

European Commission spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen told a news briefing on April 7 the oil coordination group will meet on April 8, while the gas group will convene the following day.

The EU is facing energy-saving measures such as reduced air travel, highway speed limits, and work-from-home directives as the war has resulted in the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, the transit corridor for about 20 percent of the world's oil and gas.

Last month the bloc's energy ministers held an emergency meeting, and while no concrete measures were agreed upon the European commissioner for energy, Dan Jorgensen, promised that Brussels would soon be announcing a package of EU-level measures.

According to EU officials familiar with the file who spoke to RFE/RL on the condition of anonymity, these measures might include more flexible state aid rules for energy companies as well as a push for more renewables and nuclear energy.

They also could potentially include more drastic emergency moves -- similar to when Russia launched its full-scale attack on Ukraine in early 2022 -- such as an EU-wide cap on gas prices and taxation of energy companies' windfall profits.

The 27-nation bloc is already bracing for a big economic hit if the war drags on. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters last week that the burden on the EU's economy might be as heavy as it was during the Covid-19 pandemic or first few months of the Ukraine war.

Ahead of the meeting of energy ministers, Jorgensen wrote a letter to member states, seen by RFE/RL, in which he stated that "while the direct exposure of the EU to supply from the region prior to the conflict is limited, we are depending on global markets for our fossil fuels supply in direct competition with other consumers."

Countries including Italy, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and France have already adopted various measures to mitigate the impact of the sharp jump in prices and choking of supplies resulting from the Iran war.

While Europe has diversified in recent years with most imports instead coming from Algeria, Azerbaijan, Norway and the United States, the increased global demand from dwindling supplies have meant prices at the pump have surged in the EU, as well.

But the EU is also more dependent on so-called refined petroleum products, meaning materials derived from crude oil through processing, such as diesel, asphalt, and especially kerosene, which is essential for modern jet engines with 40 percent of supplies coming from the Persian Gulf.

Jorgensen's letter says a shortage of these products is of "particular concern in the short term" and suggests "member states are invited to consider the promotion of demand saving measures, in accordance with their contingency plans, with particular attention to the transport sector."

Some airlines have already signaled they may reduce the number of flights on certain routes. The last kerosene shipments that passed through the Strait of Hormuz before its closure are due to arrive in Europe next week.

The letter references the International Energy Agency's (IEA) recent 10-point recommendation, which include energy reduction costs such as working from home, reduced air travel, carsharing, alternate private car access to roads, lowering the speed limit by 10 kilometers per hour, and discouraging the use of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) when cooking.

Additionally, the letter also urges member states to defer any non-emergency refinery maintenance and to increase the uptake of biofuels to replace fossil fuels.
The European Commission is increasing pressure on Ukraine to adopt several key reforms it was expected to pass last year, in a bid to secure more EU funding and advance toward membership of the bloc.

In a recent letter to the speaker of Ukraines parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos notes that there are several important draft laws currently under consideration.

In the letter, seen by RFE/RL, she added that these reforms do not only support Ukraines (EU) accession path, but they are also part of the Ukraine Plan, which forms the basis for the disbursement of financial assistance under the Ukraine Facility.

Hungary is currently blocking a 90-billion-euro ($104 billion) loan for Kyiv for 2026 and 2027, initially agreed by EU leaders in December.

This has created something of a credit crunch for the war-torn country with estimates that state coffers will run dry in May.

In the meantime, there is still cash left from the current EU loan structure, the Ukraine Facility, with the next 4 billion euro ($4.6 billion) tranche contingent on Kyiv passing these laws when the parliament reconvenes again later in April.

Apart from money, Budapest has for nearly two years also blocked the start of actual EU accession talks with Ukraine, even though there is hope in Brussels that at least some accession chapters could be opened some time after parliamentary elections in Hungary on April 12.

While Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is still aiming for membership of the bloc next year, few inside the EU believe that this is even remotely possible given the political standstill since 2024.

While not committing to the Ukrainian 2027 membership goal, most EU member states, as well as the European Commission, have praised Kyivs reform efforts during the war.

But amid public support several EU officials have told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity that they are worried that the pace of Ukrainian reform might be dropping.

Zelenskyy's abortive move last year to limit the independence of two key anti-corruption agencies is seen as evidence that not all the reforms the country needs to undertake to eventually become a member of the club will be politically straightforward.

Koss letter also hints at what is at stake for Kyiv.

Continued progress would help maintain reform momentum, bring Ukraine closer to EU membership, and deliver concrete results for Ukrainian citizens," she wrote. "The adoption of these laws would also send a strong signal to all EU Member States at an important juncture about Ukraines unwavering commitment to deliver on its reform agenda.

The letter outlines 11 laws that need to be adopted, which had been expected to pass as early as 2025.

Brussels had in fact anticipated that two of them -- the digitalization of court decisions and judicial integrity declarations -- would have been adopted already in the second quarter of last year.

Kos added that these laws would help strengthen trust in the justice system, both for Ukrainian citizens and for international partners.

Several of the laws are connected to reforms and the liberalization of Ukraine's energy sector, which has been under been under sustained Russian missile and drone attacks during the winter.

They include laws on heating and a permit for renewables with Kos noting that reforms in the energy sector will help Ukraine integrate faster in the European electricity market.
Western nations "must keep Ukraine as a priority" and increase pressure on Russia amid the US-Israeli war with Iran, which is drawing attention away from Europe's deadliest conflict since 1945, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told RFE/RL in an interview.

Following US President Donald Trump's vocal criticism on the Western alliance over other members' reluctance to get involved in the Iran war, Tsahkna said that "nobody truly believes the US will withdraw from NATO" but that the conflict "is now also a NATO topic."

Estonia is ready to discuss a potential contribution, but the United States has made no request for the Baltic nation's support in connection with the Iran war, he told RFE/RL by phone on April 7.

RFE/RL: US officials, in private conversations, have said they were surprised by the reaction of some NATO allies regarding Iran -- specifically, because those allies suggested it was not their problem. However, officials point out that Iran has been a critical factor in Ukraine through its support of Russia. As the implications of the Middle East conflict affect all allies, is Iran, in fact, becoming NATO's problem?

Margus Tsahkna: Iran has been a European problem -- and a global problem -- for more than 40 years because of the regime. What we see is a direct threat to Europe through terrorism and through everything the regime has been doing. We also see it as a direct threat to Estonia because Iran has been one of the main supporters of Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine.

That is why I do not agree with those leaders in Europe who say this is not our concern. Perhaps it was misunderstood; they may have meant that this particular escalation was not initiated by them, but we are all connected to it. Oil prices are one aspect, but there are political consequences as well. We see oil prices rising, and Russia is benefiting from that.

Trump has lifted some sanctions, though not directly those related to Ukraine, but we also see a political dimension where he is blaming Europe. This is not the first time. Some of the reactions from European leaders were responses to the fact that there was no prior consultation, neither about what the US or Israel planned to do nor the expected outcome.

Estonia has been very clear: If any ally asks for support, we are always ready to discuss it. We have participated before in Afghanistan, in Iraq, and in Mali, where we were the first country to send troops alongside France. We expect the same solidarity: if one ally is in trouble, others will be there.

At the same time, this is increasingly becoming a NATO issue, especially since Trump has said he will review US policy toward NATO. That is a very serious matter. So yes, this is now also a NATO topic.

RFE/RL: Trump criticized allies for not supporting operations in Iran or helping secure the Strait of Hormuz. He also suggested the United States could step back from the alliance. Does this raise a level of permanent doubt among member nations about the willingness of the US to stand by its allies? Is it a temporary pressure tactic or a sign of a fraying bond that could leave parts of the world vulnerable?

Tsahkna: NATO has faced crises before. One example is the 1956 Suez Crisis, when the US opposed actions taken by the UK and France. So political crises are not new.

NATO is strong: We have plans, we have military capabilities, and allies remain committed. But this does weaken deterrence, because one of NATO's greatest strengths is unity. When the leading country says NATO is weak or calls it a "paper tiger," that does not strengthen deterrence -- especially for countries like Estonia that border Russia.

Political unity is a core principle we rely on. Still, nobody truly believes the US will withdraw from NATO. It's not even about legal processes in Congress; it's problematic that we are even discussing that possibility. The US would lose global influence if NATO weakened significantly.

It is clear that Europe must take on more responsibility, and we are doing so. However, there is a perception that Europe is not contributing, which is not accurate. Countries like the UK, Portugal, Germany, and France provide bases, access, overflight permissions, refueling, and logistics that the US relies on.

I previously served as minister of defense, and I can say we are very open to discussing practical contributions. But for that, there must be a clear request and a clear plan. Military action requires defined goals and coordination. So far, there has been no official request or structured discussion. Much of this remains political.

RFE/RL: NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is heading to Washington to meet tomorrow with Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other officials. Given his personal relationship with Trump, can Rutte help stabilize tensions through personal diplomacy at this stage?

Tsahkna: This visit is very necessary. The secretary-general meeting with President Trump is always important. [Rutte] is very good at explaining our positions and presenting the facts: what European allies are doing and what we are prepared to do.

NATO unity is especially important at a time like this, with a war in Ukraine ongoing for more than four years and instability in the Middle East. This meeting will be crucial.

We have seen before that tensions can ease after such meetings. The secretary-general understands how to engage with Trump and explain the situation effectively. That is very important.

RFE/RL: You have warned that Russia remains the primary existential threat to Europe. Does US pressure for allied involvement in the Middle East risk weakening Europe's posture against Russian President Vladimir Putin? Are we inadvertently giving Moscow a strategic opening?

Tsahkna: Russia's economy is performing poorly. Before the current Middle East crisis, Putin was already approaching a serious economic situation. Rising oil prices now give Russia more revenue, and lifting sanctions gives its war machine more oxygen.

Everything is connected to the war in Ukraine. I was in Ukraine last week and spoke with [Ukrainian President] Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other officials. They stressed that continued support from Europe and the US is critical.

If the Middle East conflict drags on, it will inevitably draw military resources and attention. That is why we must keep Ukraine as a priority.

Europe must do more -- and we are -- but we cannot allow focus to shift entirely to Iran. Russia has not changed its goals. It is using this situation to claim it is winning, which is not true. There has been no strategic breakthrough.

Russia is suffering heavy losses without meaningful gains. We must increase pressure on Russia -- not on Ukraine. Ukraine is the victim, not the aggressor.

RFE/RL: Staying on the eastern flank, you have called buffer zones a "green light" for Putin. Does that mean any settlement that leaves Ukraine in a gray zone outside NATO is inherently unstable and risks future war?

Tsahkna: This is a historic moment to unite Europe. If we want lasting peace, we must recognize that Russia is the only direct threat.

History shows that gray zones or neutral neighboring states create opportunities for Russian aggression. We saw this in Georgia and Ukraine. Ukraine must receive real, working security guarantees. NATO membership would be the most effective solution, but at present, it does not appear likely.

At the very least, Ukraine must receive equivalent guarantees and be integrated into the European Union, which is currently being blocked by Hungary. These are critical decisions, not just for Ukraine but for Europe's long-term stability.

RFE/RL: You've argued that Ukraine could eventually become a guarantor of Europe's security. Does that fundamentally change NATO's logic, making Ukraine a net security provider rather than a recipient? And who is blocking that transition?

Tsahkna: If you mean NATO membership, Trump has said clearly he does not support Ukraine joining NATO at this time. However, this option must remain open for the future. It cannot be dictated by Putin.

Ukraine plays a significant role already. It has nearly 1 million troops with years of combat experience, strong innovation, and rapidly growing defense industry capabilities.

Security guarantees should work both ways. Ukraine would not only receive guarantees but also contribute to European security.

If peace is achieved, Russia would have to think carefully before moving forces toward NATO borders, because Ukraine would be part of that security framework. Ukraine has already demonstrated its willingness to fight for freedom.

RFE/RL: What is your reaction to Russia's recent warnings to Baltic states about opening airspace to Ukraine for potential strikes on Russian territory?

Tsahkna: This is typical Russian disinformation. There is no basis for such claims. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland have not opened their airspace for attacks on Russia. It has never happened.

Russia uses these narratives to divide allies and create fear. Some drones have entered our airspace, but that does not mean we are enabling attacks.

Ukraine has the right to defend itself, including targeting strategic sites in Russia. However, Russia is responsible for the situation; it is jamming signals and causing these incidents.

RFE/RL: If Washington were to remain in NATO but effectively hollow it out by not honoring Article 5, what is Estonia's backup plan? Are we looking at a fundamentally different European-only security architecture?

Tsahkna: We are practical people; we prepare to fight if necessary. We have no alternative. We believe all allies will stand with us. An attack on Estonia is an attack on Berlin or Washington.

We will do everything to keep NATO strong and ensure Article 5 remains credible. But Article 5 is not a button you simply press; it requires planning and action. NATO has those plans.

If needed, we will act, and NATO would respond collectively. We are confident the United States would be there, as well.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Hours before a US deadline for Iran to reach a deal or face intense attacks on power plants and other infrastructure, Pakistan urged President Donald Trump to give Tehran two more weeks to allow the two sides to reach a peace settlement.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country is leading efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran, also called on all sides in the war to cease fire and for Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz to shipping for the same two-week period.

The last-ditch request came as global concern over Trump's remark earlier on April 7 that "a whole civilization will die tonight" if Iran fails to reach a deal mounted, with Pope Leo, an American, suggesting it was "truly unacceptable" and others warning against attacks on civilian infrastructure.

"Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future," Sharif said in a post on X less than five hours before the deadline set by Trump -- 8 p.m. EST on April 7, or 3:30 a.m. on April 8 in Iran-- was due to expire.

To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks," he wrote.

"Pakistan...requests the Iranian brothers to open Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture. We also urge all warring parties to observe a cease-fire everywhere for two weeks to allow diplomacy to achieve conclusive termination of war."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told media outlets that Trump had been made aware of Pakistan's proposal and that a response would come.

Reuters cited a senior Iranian official it did not name as saying Tehran was positively reviewing the request for a two-week cease-fire, but also that Iran is ready both for peace and for war.

There have been few signs the sides are ready for compromise in the war, which began with US and Israeli air strikes on Iran on February 28, and little overlap between proposals put forth by Washington and Tehran.

"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again," Trump, who has extended the deadline several times since he first issued the ultimatum in March, wrote on his Truth Social platform on April 7. "I dont want that to happen, but it probably will."

Trump's post followed his warnings that the United States would target Iran's power plants and bridges in remarks described by Iranian officials as threats that amount to "war crimes," though some international legal experts dispute such a claim.

It also came just hours after US and Israeli air strikes hit multiple locations across Iran, including infrastructure and the strategic Kharg Island.

Iranian media reported explosions across Tehran and the sound of air defense fire on April 7, with some accounts describing fighter jets flying at low altitude over the capital.

Strikes were also reported on Kharg Island, where some 90 percent of Iran's oil exports are shipped from, as well as major bridges on the Tabriz-Zanjan highway and another near the holy city of Qom.

Several media outlets including CNN, Reuters, and Fox News quoted US officials confirming the strikes on Kharg Island. The Wall Street Journal said "more than 50 military targets" were hit in the attacks.

Prior to Trump's comments on social media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) warned in a statement just moments after the strikes were reported that it would target US and allied infrastructure across the region if the United States crossed "red lines."

The IRGC also put American partners in the Persian Gulf and beyond on notice, saying that restraint shown toward neighboring states "out of good neighborliness" was now over and that "all such considerations have been lifted" -- a signal that Gulf Arab states hosting US military assets could become direct targets.

The statement marks a shift in Iran's stated position.

While Tehran has previously struck targets in several regional countries, it had until now maintained that those states themselves were not the intended enemy -- a distinction it appears to be threatening to abandon.

Among the sites hit in downtown Tehran was a historic synagogue, according to Iranian media.

Homayoun Sameyah, the Jewish community's representative in Iran's parliament, told state media that the building was "ancient" and "sacred," and that Torah scrolls remained buried under the rubble.

Trump had earlier warned that the "the entire country" of Iran "could be taken out in one night."

Speaking in Budapest on April 7 after meeting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, US Vice President JD Vance said the administration had largely achieved its military goals in the campaign and that he was "confident" Washington will get a response from Tehran before the deadline expires.

Meanwhile, Iran struck Tel Aviv, with Israeli television reporting around 10 impact sites across the city causing damage to buildings and vehicles. No injuries were recorded.

The Israeli military accused Iran of using cluster munitions -- weapons that disperse into smaller submunitions, or bomblets, in midair and are nearly impossible to intercept with conventional air defenses. The southern port city of Eilat was also targeted with cluster munitions, according to media reports.

Iran Rejects Cease-Fire Proposal

Trumps warning on April 6 centered on Iran's control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global oil shipments.

Iran's response fell short of what Washington demanded.

Tehran submitted a 10-point peace proposal through Pakistani mediators, but the plan rejected a temporary cease-fire and instead called for a permanent end to hostilities. It also included conditions unlikely to be acceptable to the United States or Israel.

Iran's defiance was on open display.

Mahdi Mohammadi, a senior adviser to Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, posted on X that Iran had "clearly and openly won the war" and would only accept an outcome that established "a new security order in the region."

He added: "It is Trump who has around 20 hours to surrender to Iran or his allies will be sent back to the Stone Age. We will not back down!"

Following a call by a senior official from Iran's Sports and Youth Ministry for people to form "human chains" around power plants, Iranian media outlets including official news agency IRNA reported that gatherings took place outside plants in several cities, as well as on at least one bridge, and published images of people standing shoulder-to-shoulder holding placards and the national flag. It was unclear how many people participated and whether any had been coerced or given incentives to take part.

The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed Middle Eastern officials, reported hours before the deadline set by Trump that Iran had cut off direct communications with the United States over his threat to destroy Iran's "whole civilization" but that talks with cease-fire mediators continued.

Asked by a journalist whether he expected Iran to "come to the table," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, "Hope we have more news later today on that."

The threat to Iranian infrastructure is drawing warnings from inside the country.

Mahdi Masaeli, secretary of Iran's electricity industry syndicate, said on April 7 that attacks on power plants, transmission lines, or substations could trigger "widespread blackouts."

While Iran's grid -- with a capacity of around 100,000 megawatts against current consumption of less than half that -- has some capacity to reroute power, Masaeli warned that serious damage would be a "turning point" in the conflict.

"The problems would not double," he said. "They would grow exponentially."

Previous strikes have already disrupted key industrial sectors.

Attacks on the Mobarakeh Steel complex have affected steel output, while strikes on the Bandar Emam petrochemical facility have hit production of PVC and cable materials, with black market activity emerging as a result, Masaeli said.

With reporting by RFE/RL Washington correspondent Alex Raufoglu, Reuters, and DPA
More than 4,000 people have been evacuated from their homes after a dam burst in Russia's southern region of Daghestan. At least four people have died in flooding caused by record rainfall and melting mountain snow. But some residents have blamed local officials for mismanaging the region's infrastructure.
NIKOPOL, Ukraine -- A Russian drone hit a municipal bus in the Ukrainian city of Nikopol, killing at least four passengers and wounding 16 others. Ukrainian officials said it appeared to be a first-person-view drone, meaning the operator would have likely seen the passengers were civilians.

Oleksandr Hanzha, head of the regional military administration, said a municipal bus was pulling up to a stop in the center of Nikopol, in the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, when it was hit by the drone on April 7. He said there were people both inside and waiting to board.

"It was deliberate terror against civilians," he wrote on Telegram.

"It's very scary because the buses are full of people going to work," one Nikopol resident told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service shortly after the attack.

"Just imagine how many victims there would be from just one strike," she added.

"We don't know how to live here -- how to get around the city, or even how to survive," she said, adding she had been near the site just 10 minutes before the strike. "It's very frightening."

Ukrainian authorities said it said a first-person-view -- or FPV -- drone was responsible for the incident. FPV drone are piloted remotely by a person using a direct video link, enabling the pilot to see up close what he is targeting.

Russian forces attacked the Dnipropetrovsk region more than 10 times overnight, the regional governor also reported.

An 11-year-old boy died and five others were wounded when a house caught fire as a result of a drone strike, he said.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported on April 7 that Russia launched 110 drones against Ukraine overnight.

In Russia's central Vladimir region, the local governor said Ukrainian drones struck civilian infrastructure, killing three people, including a child. Governor Aleksandr Avdeyev said a 5-year-old girl survived but suffered burns and was hospitalized.

Russian forces shot down 45 Ukrainian drones over the country overnight, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on April 7.

Leningrad regional Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko said that air defenses had shot down 22 Ukrainian drones over the northern region.

According to several Russian-language Telegram channels, Russia's main Baltic crude export port in the Leningrad region, Ust-Luga, was targeted.

Although the port had previously been damaged following multiple Ukrainian attacks, Bloomberg reported on April 6 that it had resumed oil shipments after brief disruptions.

Amid escalating attacks on energy infrastructure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed a cease-fire focused on halting such strikes.

"If Russia is ready to stop strikes on our energy infrastructure, we will be ready to respond in kind," Zelenskyy said in his April 6 address, adding that the proposal had been conveyed via the United States.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, eight years after seizing control of the Crimean Peninsula and fomenting war in the Donbas, which comprises the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine.

Russia now occupies about 20 percent of Ukraine's territory and is demanding that Kyiv cede the portion of the Donetsk region that Moscow's forces have failed to capture in years of heavy fighting.

Control over the Donbas is one of the main sticking points in US-brokered efforts to end the war.

Several rounds of US-Ukraine-Russia talks have taken place over the last several months, but no peace talks have been taken place since the United States and Israel began bombing Iran on February 28.
Serbian authorities are investigating what is thought to be a sabotage attempt after they discovered a cache of explosives near a gas pipeline close to the Hungarian border. On April 6, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban visited the pipeline and hinted at Ukrainian involvement in the apparent plot, a suggestion rejected by both Ukraine and Serbia.
WASHINGTON -- With a US ultimatum set to expire, President Donald Trump has warned Iran that its infrastructure could be struck within hours if it does not comply with his demands, particularly reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran has rejected short-term cease-fire proposals, demanding a permanent end to hostilities and guarantees against future attacks.

RFE/RL spoke with Nate Swanson, former Iran director at the White House National Security Council who is now at the Atlantic Council, about the escalating crisis and prospects for diplomacy as Trump's deadline of 8 p.m. Eastern Time on April 7 looms.

RFE/RL: The US president has issued a stark ultimatum, warning Iran's infrastructure could face massive strikes within hours if key demands aren't met. How realistic is such a rapid, large-scale disruption of Iran's decentralized systems, and how much of this is strategic signaling rather than operational capability?

Nate Swanson: My assessment is that this is primarily being done for psychological reasons, to extract concessions from Iran and force some form of agreement.

I can't speak definitively on whether the US could hit all those targets in such a short time frame, but Iran's infrastructure is highly decentralized. There are dozens of separate power systems, transportation nodes, and other critical networks. The idea of neutralizing every bridge or key node within a matter of hours seems implausible.

This fits a broader pattern: threatening maximum consequences to generate leverage.

So far, "maximum pressure" has not fundamentally altered Iranian decision-making or forced capitulation. I don't see clear evidence that even this level of escalation would change their calculus, but ultimately that's a decision for Iran's leadership.

RFE/RL: We're also hearing about diplomatic efforts. Pakistan has floated a two-tier framework, the so-called Islamabad Accord, proposing a 45-day cease-fire followed by a comprehensive deal. What are Iran's key red lines, and is there any middle ground?

Swanson: Iran is looking for guarantees that this war won't simply restart in a few months. They want assurance that a cease-fire is permanent, not temporary. That's why they are rejecting short-term language and pushing for fundamentally different terms.

The second component is economic. Iran is seeking to benefit from its control of the Strait of Hormuz. They refer to this as reparations, but in practice it could take a number of forms -- essentially formalizing a mechanism through which they derive ongoing economic concessions tied to the waterway.

What has changed in recent days is that Iran appears increasingly confident, perhaps overly so, about what it can achieve. Their demands have expanded to include broader regional issues such as hostilities in Lebanon, which were not previously central to their position. That raises the bar significantly and makes a near-term deal much less likely.

The US is focused on moving forward quickly, while Iran places significant weight on historical grievances..."

RFE/RL: There have been leadership changes inside Iran. Is there evidence of a pragmatic faction emerging, or are hard-liners consolidating control?

Swanson: The system is extremely opaque. Even for those who follow Iran closely, it's very difficult to determine who is actually making decisions or how authority is distributed at any given moment.

That said, hard-liners are clearly emboldened.

Certain figures have gained influence in recent developments, and the overall trajectory points toward stronger hard-line participation in decision-making. Whether this amounts to a full consolidation of power is still unclear, it's simply too early to say. These kinds of transitions typically unfold over time.

RFE/RL: Trump suggested Iranians might be willing to endure infrastructure losses in exchange for freedom. Is that your assessment?



Swanson: Iranian society is not monolithic. There are certainly people who want the regime to collapse, and there are others who strongly support it. A significant portion of the population falls somewhere in between and is primarily focused on day-to-day survival.

Trump Says Iranians 'Willing To Suffer' For Freedom by RFE/RL No media source currently available 0:00 0:00:50 0:00

My expectations for mass mobilization are low. While some segments may support continued pressure, many others simply want the conflict to end. It's very difficult to generalize, and I wouldn't assume a unified response from the population.

Calling for uprisings in the current environment is extremely risky. Protests have been brutally suppressed, and there have been no meaningful defections from the security apparatus. Encouraging people to take to the streets could put lives at risk without producing tangible outcomes.

In the longer term, the focus should be on influencing the decision-making of Iran's leadership. Whoever governs Iran needs to understand that their choices will determine whether the country stabilizes and prospers or remains isolated and in conflict.

RFE/RL: You said earlier that Tehran views the current situation as a continuation of the June 2025 war, while the United States treats it more as a fresh starting point. For Iran, this is essentially a fight for survival. How does this fundamental disconnect in perspective affect the prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough?

Both European and Gulf partners are already reassessing their positions and recalibrating their relationships with both the US and Iran.

Swanson: It's a major obstacle. The US is focused on moving forward quickly, while Iran places significant weight on historical grievances and past actions.

There's also a deep lack of trust, especially given the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal and subsequent developments. That makes negotiations much more difficult.

Since the June 2025 conflict, Iran's position has hardened considerably. There is far less flexibility, and the leadership appears more focused on preparing for sustained confrontation than on compromise.

RFE/RL: Has control over the strait become the central bargaining chip?

Swanson: Yes. Iran now effectively has a fourth pillar in its security strategy: control of the Strait of Hormuz.

This is extremely significant. It directly affects global commerce and US interests. In some ways, it has become even more consequential than other elements, such as proxy forces, which are increasingly seen as liabilities.

That represents a major shift and gives Iran a new, very powerful source of leverage.

RFE/RL: If the conflict continues for a prolonged period, what would that mean for the unity of countries aligned against Iran? Do you expect US allies to remain aligned, or could they begin pursuing separate arrangements with Tehran?

Swanson: There's a real risk of divergence. Both European and Gulf partners are already reassessing their positions and recalibrating their relationships with both the US and Iran.

In the short term, alignment largely holds. But the longer the conflict continues, the greater the pressure on these countries to pursue their own interests, including the possibility of separate arrangements with Tehran.

We're already seeing subtle shifts -- both in Europe and among Gulf states -- and those differences are likely to become more pronounced over time if the conflict continues.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Akbar Novruz



The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) called on Iranian civilians to stay away from the railway infrastructure on Tuesday, AzerNEWS reports.

In a post on social media, the Israeli military told people in Iran that they should avoid using trains or being near railways, as this could put their lives at risk.

The IDF said that the danger will last until 9 pm local time.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of the complete demolition of Irans power plants and bridges within hours if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened by Tuesdays deadline. He stated that Irans response to the U.S. ceasefire proposal, which was communicated through intermediaries, is significant, but not good enough.

In response, Irans military described Trumps threats as delusional, asserting that they cannot compensate for the disgrace and humiliation the U.S. has faced in the region, according to a statement from Iranian media.

On Monday, U.S.-Israeli attacks across Iran resulted in the deaths of at least 34 people, while Iranian missiles and drones continued to target key sites in Gulf countries. Additionally, an Israeli airstrike killed at least 10 people near a school that was sheltering displaced Palestinians in central Gaza.
Today, Tuesday, marks the fifth anniversary of the arrest and imprisonment in an Iraqi prison of Elphin husband and father Robert Pether whose family is now losing hope of ever seeing him again.

The father of three and construction engineer was jailed in a 20m contract row between his Dubai-based employer and the Central Bank of Iraq after he and a colleague were arrested in Baghdad on April 7th, 2021.

Robert (50) who is originally from Australia, was released after four and a half years of incarceration but is still under a travel ban in Iraq. There had been expectation at that time of his release that he would be allowed travel home to his family, but this has never materialised. Instead he remains in Baghdad in hiding, completely isolated, with the threat of further charges hanging over him.

His wife Desree said his situation at the moment is worse than prison, he still hasnt received medication and he cant work or live in society.

The family continues to fight for Robert to be allowed to travel home but they too have been through some very tough times. Desree stated, I want the nightmare to end. I want the children to have to stop suffering. As a mother that has been the hardest thing, watching them suffer. We are poverty stricken at this stage," she added, outlining the family has spent more than 160,000 on legal fees to date.

She added, I dont think we will see him again, we are desperately scared.

For full story see this week's edition of the Roscommon Herald.
The unequal treatment of patients needing specialised seating is costing some people thousands of euro, a meeting of the HSE West Regional Health Forum was told. Specialist seating can be required for patients who have disabilities and to prevent pressure sores.

Cllr Emer Kelly asked the HSE what plans are in place to fund and provide specialised seating to patients going to private nursing homes.

At the moment, I understand there is a process in place at Galway hospital that if patients require private seating, there is an occupational therapy service that will cover that and follow up. However, if the patients attended Portiuncula or Roscommon hospitals, this is not available, the independent councillor continued.

It falls back on the family or patient to fund the seating, which can cost 4,000 to 6,000 depending on their needs. She said she was concerned about the inequity of this. It is luck of the draw whether your Eircode falls in Galway or Roscommon, or where the ambulance brings you, as to what your care might be. In response, the HSE said that currently there is funding provision for clients discharged from Galway University Hospitals (GUHs) for long term care (LTC).

This service provided a full-time occupational therapist for the Long Term Seating Pathway, with a budget for seating equipment to facilitate clients to be discharged home.

This Long Term Care Pathway is for clients discharged from GUHs to nursing homes, including private nursing homes, the HSE said. Once seating is provided through the Long Term Seating Pathway, follow-up is provided through the OT from GUH, assigned to the LTC Pathway. This process is currently available for clients discharged through GUH. However, it is not available in Primary Care Galway, and there are currently no OT services provided to private nursing homes in Roscommon.

There have been no formal discussions around the provision of such a service, the HSE said. The HSE accepted that there is a need for a standard operating procedure to be developed regarding the provisions of specialist equipment within private nursing homes.

Speaking at the forum, integrated health area manager for Galway Roscommon, Ann Cosgrove said the service in Galway, an occupational therapist who could provide outreach, is funded through the HSE Winter Initiative.

We dont have the same funding for Portiuncula or Roscommon, she said. If there are exceptional cases, we do try to deal with them. She said that the local HSE would strive to improve the situation, but there is no funding for additional posts for such a service this year.

But we will look at how we can deal with it and have a standardised process in the two areas. It is something we will work towards. Cllr Kelly said it was something that needed to be prioritised because it is an unequal service.
GLASGOW- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks hunter and bowhunter education in-person classes and field days for online students are being offered across central and eastern Montana.

Several of these opportunities will allow of-age students to become certified to participate in the application process before the May 1 and June 1 big game application deadlines. Please note that more classes in more locations will be added as needed throughout the year. Please go to fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/hunter to learn more, register for classes, and see other available classes.

Thanks to all the volunteer instructors for taking the time to provide these opportunities!

In-person hunter education class starting dates in central and eastern MT:

Sidney: April 7

Miles City: April 10

Glasgow: April 13

Havre: April 23

Wolf Point: April 29

Havre: May 7

Harlem: May 28

Hays: June 9

Lodge Pole: July 8

Dodson: August 1

Glasgow: August 3

Harlem : August 21

Students aged 10 and 11 can take an in-person course and hunt as an apprentice but will not be able to put in for special applications until the year they turn 12 before Jan. 16.

Hunter education field days for online students dates in central and eastern MT:

Miles City: April 12

Great Falls: April 13 (currently full)

Sidney: April 18

Glasgow: April 24

Great Falls: April 27

Great Falls: May 12

Great Falls: June 9

Great Falls: July 13

Miles City: August 8

Glasgow: August 14

Great Falls: August 17

Students NEED to take the online course before the field day. Consistent with FWPs licensing laws, students who are currently 11 and who will turn 12 by Jan. 16 of the current license year may take the online course and attend the requisite field day. The online course (course fees apply) needs to be completed before signing up for a field day. The online course takes around 6-8 hours to complete. Adults 18 and older may take the field day to gain hands-on experience, though it is not required.

In-person bowhunter education class starting dates in central and eastern MT:

Sidney: April 7

Miles City: April 17

Havre: April 20

Glasgow: April 24

Students must be at least 11-years old on the first day of class.

Bowhunter education field days for online students dates in central and eastern MT:

Sidney: April 18

Miles City: April 19

Havre: April 25

Glasgow: April 26

Miles City: August 8

Students NEED to take the online course before the field day. Consistent with FWPs licensing laws, students who are currently 11 and who will turn 12 by Jan. 16 of the current license year may take the online course and attend the requisite field day. The online course (course fees apply) needs to be completed before signing up for a field day. The online course takes around 6-8 hours to complete. Adults 18 and older may take the field day to gain hands-on experience, though it is not required.
After serving as a Registered Nurse for over 20 years, Kathy Pedersen has returned to her hometown of Fairview, MT, to serve the community through her new caretaking service; "Do Better At Home". Kathy offers a wide array of home care solutions, including personal care, dementia care, transportation, Alzheimer's care, medication management, respite care, doctor appointment assistance, comfort care, meal preparation, light cleaning, patient advocation, post-surgery care, and foot care. Along with her BSN-RN, Kathy is also a cosmetology school graduate and owned and operated a salon in Williston, ND. With this added experience it lets her care for people in a professional manner "Head to Toe".

Kathy is excited to be close to two of her three children, and her grandchildren, who reside in the area. Her son Keaton Ralston and his wife Kassi, and daughter Amber, along with her husband Jeremy Johnson and children Jesse and Emery live in Sidney. Her oldest son, Kruze, lives in Helena, MT. Amber is currently following in her mother's footsteps in becoming a registered nurse as well. They are looking forward to spending time fishing, camping, boating and playing sports, and Kathy deeply enjoys the fun time and memories made with her grandchildren.

As a travel nurse, Kathy saw positions in Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, and Connecticut. She has served as an assistant living facility manager, a Director of Nursing, specializing in Home Health and Hospice, was part of the Montana Medicaid Nurse First program, and lately an executive director of a visiting nurse program in Colorado. Hospice holds a special place in Kathy's heart, and helping people be comfortable is always her goal.

Should you or a loved one be interested in Do Better At Home's home care solutions, Kathy can be reached at 406-310-9480 or [email protected].
Bernard D. Pease, 88 of Lambert, MT passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at St. Vincent's Health Care, Billings, MT, with his family at his side.

Mass of the Christian Burial for Bernard will be Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 10:00 A.M., at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, Sidney, MT with Father Jim as presider. A luncheon will follow Mass at the Ned Shinnick Hall for a time of fellowship and sharing. Visitation will be on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 10AM to 5PM at the funeral home and one hour before mass at the church. Wake service will be on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Fulkerson Stevenson Memorial Chapel, Sidney, MT. Bernard will be laid to rest on the family farm near Lambert, MT. The service will be recorded and uploaded as soon as available on Bernard's obituary page on http://www.fulkersons.com. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home are assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at http://www.fulkersons.com.

Bernard Dean Pease was born on January 8,1938, in Bismarck, North Dakota to parents Lawrence and Alice (Liebel) Pease. He left this world on March 26, 2026, at St. Vincent's Hospital in Billings, Montana after a brief battle with cancer.

Bernard grew up on the farm with his parents and later joined by one brother, Larry in 1943. Farming and cattle were in Bernard's blood. He told us he bought his first tractor when he was 16, even before he graduated from Underwood High School in the Class of 1954. After graduating high school, he briefly attended North Dakota Agricultural College in Fargo before returning to Emmet to farm. In addition, he worked in the oil field. He had lots of stories from those days, from harassing waitresses to witnessing an explosion.

Bernard was in 4-H while growing up. A highlight of his career was when their livestock judging team competed at a national competition in Denver, Colorado. He was also proud of the Hereford cattle he showed.

Bernard and Irene Nyberg knew each other over the years and after 7 years of dating, they married on April 21, 1965. To that union, 5 children were born: Kathy, John Henry, Mary Ann, Karla Jean and Karen. Dad grieved for the children they lost, especially his son. He talked about that during a recent hospitalization.

Bernard and Irene started out where he grew up, but he needed wider space so in 1967 they headed out to Richland County Montana. For a few years, they farmed both in North Dakota and Montana, hauling equipment back and forth. Eventually, they had plenty to do here. Irene passed away in 2004, just days after their 39th wedding anniversary.

In addition to buying land, Bernard had other business ventures. He was involved with NFO and he coordinated marketing efforts for beef cattle. He sold fertilizer for U.S. Soil for years. This was an organic fertilizer and during our time in organic farming. Dad was involved with the Organic Crop Improvement Association. His own marketing of his grain grew from bagging wheat in the quonset late at night and loading it by hand into a semi trailer to having his own grain marketing company in Minnesota called New Life Foods. He had lots of fun shipping grain to France.

Bernard began expanding his cow herd running cattle on shares with Karney Redman. Bernard was an early adopter of artificial insemination in beef cattle. That led him to trying a variety of registered cattle. That list included Blonde d'Aquitaine, Limousin, Angus and Salers. The Salers stuck the longest with many production bull sales in Williston, ND, Glasgow, Baker and Miles City. He also loved a good, tall Palamino horse.

Bernard and Irene were able to travel to the Virgin Islands, Cancun and Hawaii. In addition, Dad was an avid hunter, especially elk. He travelled to western Montana yearly to hunt elk.

He enjoyed hosting family and friends to hunt on his land.

After Irene died, Bernard did not want to be alone, so he listened to a friend who told him to attend the "Singles" events with food and dancing. There he met Darlene (Filler) Keller and they were married on April 2, 2005. At the time of his death, they were one week shy of their 21st wedding anniversary. Over the early years of their marriage, they traveled to many places including the Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Alaska and Spain. Dad enjoyed the helicopter ride over a live volcano, Darlene did not. Darlene taught Dad to polka. He was such a good student or she such a good teacher, that footage of them dancing together was featured on the Polka Joe television show.

Bernard is survived by his wife, Darlene Pease, daughters Kathy (Fran) Helmuth and Karen (Robert Sorenson) Pease, grandchildren Levi, John (Elissa) and Sarah Helmuth, Sierra (Taylor Hilyard) Osborne and Hope Sorenson, great grandchild Baker Helmuth, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bernard was preceded in death by his son, John Henry, two daughters, Mary Ann and Karla Jean, his first wife, Irene, his parents, Lawrence and Alice and his brother, Larry and sister-in-law, Edna.
MILES CITY  Nearly 50 Hunter, Bowhunter and Trapper Education volunteer instructors from across southeast Montana met in Miles City last week for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' annual instructor appreciation workshop.

During the workshop, Ed Joiner, Hunter Education instructor, Lame Deer, was named instructor of the year.

Joiner has been teaching Hunter Ed for 21 years, first in Belgrade and later in Lame Deer. Joiner is also a Rosebud County Commissioner. His son, Kendell, took Hunter Ed and wanted to become a junior instructor, so he got his father involved.

Kendell wasn't present at the workshop, but he sent a message to be read for his father:

"He's helped and taught hundreds of hunters join the hunting community, and especially on the Northern Cheyenne Nation. Some of my favorite memories of instructing with him on our reservation were when he invited one of the Elders in our community to come present one of the nights, and outline hunting in Cheyenne ways in the past and bring that aspect to learning that those students wouldn't have received if they didn't join that class," Kendell wrote.

Also recognized with lifetime achievement awards were Eugene Vennes. Plevna, and Gary Huber, Terry. Vennes has taught for 54 years, and Huber for 48 years. Vennes teaches with son Kyle, and Huber teaches with son Greg.

Mark Rose, Fairview, was honored for 30 years of service to both the Hunter Ed and Bowhunter Ed programs in Sidney.

Trent Hansen, Glendive and Janice Buck, Baker, received 25-year service awards for Hunter Ed.

Cooper Knoll, Glendive, earned a 15-year award for teaching Hunter Ed, and Ken Lacquement, Fallon, and Travis Lacquement, Terry, have devoted 15 years to Bowhunter Ed.

Dale Tribby and Ken Koehler, both of Miles City, got 10-year Hunter Ed awards, and Koehler also served 10 years in Bowhunter Ed.

FWP's Region 7 has more than 100 volunteer instructors for Hunter, Bowhunter and Trapper Education. Many have been sharing their skills and knowledge with students for several years.

If you have an interest in becoming a volunteer in one or more of these programs, please visit: https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/volunteer-instructors
Inside Romania: The Art of Painted Eggs

Painted eggs exhibition organized at Vianden Castle, in Luxembourg

Poster "Art of Painted Eggs in Romania"

Ana-Maria Cononovici, 07.04.2026, 14:00

The Dimitrie Gusti Village Museum in Bucharest, the Romanian Embassy in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the Romanian Cultural Institute in Brussels organize during the Easter celebration, from March 29  April 15, 2026, the exhibition The Art of Painted Eggs in Romania, an exhibition hosted in the Knights Hall of Vianden Castle in Luxembourg.

Associate Professor Dr. Paula Popoiu, Manager of the National Village Museum Dimitrie Gusti in Bucharest told us about Romanias presence here: It is an exhibition that was organized at Vianden Castle, in Luxembourg, a prestigious place not only of European culture, but also a very visited place. As we all know, Luxembourg is an internationalized place, with many European institutions, so the exhibition is visited not only by Luxembourgers, but also by Romanians who are here. It is an exhibition that brought to Luxembourg the finesse and refinement of painted eggs, primarily the art of women, because eggs are primarily painted by women because they are made on the occasion of Easter, so we also created the framework that gave birth to this art of refinement and precision. We should not forget that the egg also has a ritual character. It is an ancient tradition, dating back before Christianity, which acquired new meanings once it was taken over by Christianity.

Few contemporary rituals carry within them the depth of symbols, the proximity to the sacred and the connection to an ancestral rhythm, as the practice of painting Easter eggs, an art that continues to survive, in various forms, in the Central European region. The folk craft of painting is brought to artistic and aesthetic perfection and is still actively practiced in some areas of Romania, being protected and promoted as part of the national intangible heritage. Associate Professor Dr. Paula Popoiu, Manager of the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum in Bucharest, told us more: We are here with eggs from all areas of the country where eggs are painted, of course, first of all, we have eggs from Bucovina, where you find the most beautiful eggs and also the most interesting and oldest symbols. We talked about the symbolism of the primordial egg, we also talked, in our exhibition, about decorative motifs, about other motifs that appear in the evolution of this art, but which do not lose their significance. And of course we are successful, because here, at Vianden Castle, exhibitions with museums from Romania are held quite frequently. I would say that we also had this extraordinary opportunity to talk about Romania and the Village Museum. We brought with us what is called traditional Romanian culture, but we actually brought something more, we created a bridge between two cultures, a bridge between two peoples.

Associate Professor Dr. Paula Popoiu, Manager of the National Village Museum Dimitrie Gusti, in Bucharest, went on to say: Besides the 300 eggs, which are from the museums collections, and also from private collections, we also have ceramics, we also have textiles, because we coordinated the decorative motif on the textiles that is taken over on the egg. We also made the exhibition a bit didactic, not only anthropological. We explained what this decorative motif means, which we find on the egg, but not only on eggs, we also find it on other artifacts. We also have some carved wooden objects. In total, there are about 350 artifacts, but there are many more, because we are talking about painted eggs and we had to illustrate all areas of the country.

She also recalled that the exhibition present in Luxembourg equally has a didactic and interactive character: I was saying that the exhibition is also a bit didactic, because we start from the red egg, which is the true ritual egg, then the many colors, each of which has a meaning, but we are talking especially about the technique of painting with beeswax, which is practiced in Bucovina and which is also the most complex. We must mention that within this exhibition there will also be egg painting workshops, made by our collaborator, the artisan Elena Aneci. And I am convinced that it will be a great success in the coming days.

In Romania, there are several egg painting techniques and several traditional designs. According to the technique, we have eggs painted with wax (traditional), spotted eggs (batik technique), naturally dyed eggs (onion leaves), eggs painted with beads, this is a more modern technique, in which the eggs are decorated by meticulously applying colored beads to create geometric or floral patterns, eggs painted with acrylic or tempera colors, painted eggs with embossed patterns. Depending on the type of egg used, we can say that the most frequently used for painting are chicken eggs, but goose, duck, ostrich eggs are also painted, which are used due to their larger size, which allows for much more detailed and complex designs. There are also painted wooden eggs and even rare eggs, in special collections you can find emu, nandu or even fossilized eggs. (LS)
Mangalia Shipyard enters bankruptcy

Mangalia Shipyard, one of the most important in Europe, faces bankruptcy.

Photo: Santierul Naval Mangalia S.A. / Facebook

Leyla Cheamil, 07.04.2026, 13:50

Romania is going through a difficult phase, during this period, marked by increases in taxes, duties and prices. In turn, the heavy industry is receiving a blow with the closure of the Damen Mangalia Shipyard on the Black Sea, the largest industrial naval platform in the country and one of the most important in Europe, which is going bankrupt. The announcement was made after the Meeting of Creditors rejected, on Monday, the reorganization plan proposed by the judicial administrator. Therefore, current activity will be gradually stopped and liquidation procedures will be initiated. The shipyard, where the Romanian state is the majority shareholder with 51%, with the Dutch company Damen having 49% of the shares, has been insolvent since June 2024, and, due to the lack of orders, the situation had become critical.

The National Trade Union Bloc has warned that this situation generates a major social impact at the local level and requires urgent attention from the Romanian state. In fact, employees protested in front of the companys headquarters on Monday, dissatisfied and worried that they will have to look for new jobs. The Economy Minister, Irineu Darau, has said that the shipyard will not be abandoned, the state will seek solutions to protect the countrys strategic interest in the naval industry. The minister has also said that the immediate priority is the people, and the payment of outstanding salaries is underway.

According to the official, the amounts for December 2025, January and February 2026 are in the payment procedure. In parallel, we are working on the next stage. Bankruptcy means closing the current form of organization, putting the shipyard into conservation and laying off employees, but it also creates the framework in which new solutions can be found and built. The objective is to intelligently capitalize on existing assets and create the conditions for resuming activity, either by attracting investors or through other viable formulas, minister Irineu Darau has emphasized. He has added that the Economy Ministry will use all available instruments to protect both the industrial capacity and the companys employees. The most important thing is to facilitate sustainable and durable investments for the future. I pledge to do everything in my power to create these perspectives, Irineu Darau said.

The companys judicial administrator has recently announced that Damen Mangalia Shipyard is entering the race for a strategic investor and a reorganization plan has been presented. In 2018, Damen invested in Mangalia Shipyard, acquiring the majority stake from the Korean company Daewoo, then agreeing to cede 2% of the shares to the Romanian state that became the majority shareholder, with 51%, on the condition that the Dutch partner has operational and managerial control of the shipyard. (LS)
A multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers from the University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Anschutz, and Colorado State University has created a range of experimental therapies that encourage damaged or aging joints to heal themselves within weeks.

The proposed treatments, based on findings from animal studies, for osteoarthritis include a one-time regenerative injection administered directly into the joint, as well as a biomaterial-based repair system designed to attract the body's own cells to restore damaged cartilage.

"This milestone brings us closer to a future where we can treat the root cause of osteoarthritis, not just the symptoms," said Benjamin A. Alman, project lead and chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke University School of Medicine. "Our long-term goal is to help people stay active, independent, and mobile for longer."

To accelerate progress, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) has selected the project to move into its next phase. The initiative, part of ARPA-H's Novel Innovations for Tissue Regeneration in Osteoarthritis (NITRO) program led by Program Manager Dr. Ross Uhrich, could receive up to $33.5 million in total funding.

With advancement to this stage, the team may secure an additional $12.5 million to support further development. Their next goal is to prepare for initial human clinical trials, bringing the treatments closer to potential real-world use.

Researchers are currently working on three experimental approaches aimed at triggering the body's natural ability to repair cartilage and the underlying bone, both of which deteriorate in osteoarthritis.

"Yes, the goals are ambitious," said project clinical lead Thomas Kremen, an orthopaedic surgeon at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine. "But we have made incredible progress so far. With the right team, resources, and shared dedication, we can successfully develop this into a viable treatment."

In preclinical testing, scientists used carefully selected combinations of drug-based therapies to stimulate joint repair. These treatments were shown to restore joint tissue to near-normal condition and significantly reduce pain indicators for extended periods in animal models.

The upcoming phase will focus on safety evaluations, determining appropriate dosage levels, and preparing documentation required for a new drug application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before progressing to human trials.

If development continues on schedule, researchers anticipate launching first-in-human trials within the next 18 to 24 months. Patent filings have already been submitted for the new formulations, and plans are underway to establish a spinout company to support further clinical development and eventual commercialization.

"In two years, we were able to go from a moonshot idea to developing these therapies to demonstrating that they reverse osteoarthritis in animals," said principal investigator Stephanie Bryant, professor of chemical and biological engineering at CU Boulder. "Our goal is not just to treat pain and halt progression, but to end this disease."

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Human spaceflight just took a massive leap forwardand its happening right now. The Artemis II mission isnt just another trip to the Moon; its rewriting the record books and redefining how far humans can travel into deep space. For the first time in over 50 years, astronauts are venturing beyond low Earth orbitand going farther than any crew before them. Even more impressive, this mission includes a historic lunar flyby that will showcase parts of the Moon never seen by human eyes. If youve ever wondered what the next chapter of space exploration looks like, the Artemis II mission is it.

Breaking a 55-Year-Old Distance Record

The Artemis II mission is officially pushing humanity farther into space than ever before. The crew is expected to reach about 252,760 miles from Earth, surpassing the previous record set by Apollo 13 in 1970. This milestone isnt just symbolicit proves modern spacecraft can safely carry humans deeper into space than past missions allowed. The Orion capsule is designed for long-distance travel, making this achievement a critical test for future missions.

Unlike Apollo missions that stayed closer to the Moons surface, Artemis II is taking a broader, more observational approach. The spacecraft will pass thousands of miles above the lunar surface, giving astronauts a wide-angle view of the Moons far side. This region is never visible from Earth, making it one of the most mysterious parts of our nearest celestial neighbor. During the flyby, astronauts will document the surface and gather valuable scientific data.

The Crew Behind This Historic Journey

The Artemis II crew represents a new era of space exploration. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch are joined by Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, marking a major step in international collaboration. This mission also includes several milestones, including the first woman and the first non-American to travel this far into space. Each astronaut brings years of training and experience to ensure the missions success. Together, they are helping define what the future of human spaceflight looks like.

Why This Mission Matters for the Future of Space Travel

One of the most intense moments of the Artemis II mission is the lunar flyby itself. As the spacecraft passes behind the Moon, it will experience a temporary communications blackout with Earth. This radio silence period is expected and carefully planned, but it still represents a critical test of the spacecrafts autonomy. The crew will rely entirely on onboard systems during this phase. Successfully navigating this maneuver is essential for proving the reliability of future deep-space missions.

That said, the Artemis II mission isnt just about breaking recordsits about laying the groundwork for what comes next. NASAs Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars. This mission serves as a test flight to ensure systems, crew operations, and long-distance travel all function as expected. The data collected during the journey will directly influence future missions, including planned lunar landings later this decade. In many ways, Artemis II is the bridge between past achievements and future exploration.

A New Era of Human Exploration

You might be wonderinghow does this affect life here on Earth? Space missions like Artemis II often lead to technological advancements that impact everyday life, from improved communications to medical innovations. The mission also inspires the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. It reminds us that human potential doesnt stop at our atmosphere. And perhaps most importantly, it shows whats possible when nations collaborate toward a shared goal.

Would you take a trip around the Moon if given the chanceor is Earth still far enough for you?

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When most people think about tax deductions, they picture things like mortgage interest or charitable donations. They dont think of pet food, beer, or body oil. But believe it or not, the IRS tax code allows some surprisingly unusual write-offs under very specific circumstances. Over the years, tax courts have approved some truly eye-opening deductions that sound more like jokes than legitimate financial strategies. Here are seven deductions that you may find interesting (and you should totally be claiming).

1. Pets Can Be Deductible

You cant claim your family dog as a dependent, no matter how much you love them. However, pets can qualify as IRS tax write-offs if they serve a legitimate business purpose. For example, guard dogs used to protect business property or cats used to control pests may have deductible expenses like food and veterinary care.

In one famous case, a junkyard owner successfully deducted cat food because the animals helped keep rats and snakes away. But the rule is that the animal must contribute to income or business operations; it may qualify. Without that connection, your furry friend remains a personal expense.

2. Free Beer Can Count as a Marketing Expense

Giving away beer might sound like a party (not a tax strategy), but it can qualify as a business deduction. In one case, a gas station owner deducted the cost of beer given to customers as a promotional expense. The idea was that free drinks attracted more customers and boosted sales, making it a legitimate business cost.

The IRS allows deductions for marketing and advertising expenses, even if they seem unconventional. The key is proving the expense directly supports your business income. So while you cant deduct your weekend drinks, a business promotion might be a different story.

3. Body Oil Can Be a Legitimate Business Expense

Body oil isnt something most people would ever think to deduct, but for certain professionals, it qualifies. A competitive bodybuilder successfully argued that body oil used during competitions was necessary for their profession. The tax court agreed, allowing it as a business expense tied to income generation.

This falls under the IRS rule that expenses must be ordinary and necessary for your specific line of work. While body oil wont qualify for everyday taxpayers, it shows how flexible the rules can be. Context is everything when it comes to IRS tax write-offs.

4. Medical Expenses Can Include Unusual Treatments

Some of the most surprising IRS tax write-offs fall under medical expenses. For example, a swimming pool was partially deductible when prescribed by a doctor for treating a serious condition. In another case, clarinet lessons were allowed as a deduction because they helped correct a childs overbite.

The IRS allows medical deductions if they are necessary to treat or manage a diagnosed condition. Documentation from a healthcare provider is essential to support these claims. These examples show that medical deductions can go far beyond standard doctor visits.

5. Cosmetic Expenses Can Qualify

Cosmetic procedures are usually not deductible, but there are exceptions. If a procedure is directly tied to a business or required to treat a medical condition, it may qualify. For instance, a performer successfully deducted cosmetic surgery because it was considered essential to earning income.

Similarly, reconstructive procedures related to injuries or medical conditions can be deductible. The IRS evaluates whether the expense is necessary rather than purely cosmetic. This is one of the more complex areas of IRS tax write-offs, so professional advice is often needed.

6. Travel Can Be Deductible

Travel expenses can also lead to unexpected IRS tax write-offs. Business-related trips, including conferences or meetings, are often deductible, even if they take place in appealing destinations. In some cases, trips to locations like Bermuda have qualified if they meet IRS criteria for business purposes.

The key requirement is that the primary purpose of the trip must be business-related. Personal vacations, even partially, are not deductible unless clearly separated from business activities. Proper documentation is critical to avoid IRS scrutiny. When done correctly, travel deductions can offer significant savings.

7. Home Improvements Can Become Business Deductions

Home-related expenses can also qualify under certain conditions. If you operate a business from home, improvements like landscaping or renovations may be partially deductible. The IRS requires that the space be used exclusively for business to qualify.

This means a home office must meet strict criteria to be eligible. Even then, only the portion related to business use can be deducted. While its not as unusual as beer or body oil, its still a commonly misunderstood deduction. Knowing the rules can help you maximize legitimate IRS tax write-offs.

Why Ordinary and Necessary Is the Key Rule

All of these unusual deductions have one thing in common: they meet the IRS standard of being ordinary and necessary. This means the expense must be typical for your industry and helpful for earning income. Even the strangest IRS tax write-offs are approved because they meet this core requirement. Courts often play a role in determining whether an expense qualifies. Without this connection, even reasonable expenses can be denied.

At the end of the day, the goal isnt to find the weirdest deduction. Its to find the ones that legitimately apply to you. Whether its a home office, business expense, or medical cost, the key is proper documentation and clear justification. When you approach your taxes strategically, youre more likely to save money without taking unnecessary risks. IRS tax write-offs can be powerful, but only when used correctly.

Have you ever claimed a surprising tax deduction or heard of one that made you do a double-take?

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The average American moves almost 12 times in their lifetime. According to a recent Yahoo! Finance post, over 700,000 Americans receive their Social Security benefits abroad. Many Americans want to live in new locales and take advantage of preferential currency exchanges that could make their dollars last a lifetime. Almost six out of 10 Americans want to live abroad due to the current political environment.

However, moving somewhere new, especially on a whim, may not solve your problems; it may compound them. Some cities heavily romanticized by Americans are actually under continual threat of imminent collapse, either ecologically, political, or economic collapse.

Here are thirteen cities that are potentially facing imminent collapse for a variety of factors.

1. Venice, Italy: Sinking Beauty

Beyond its romantic gondolas and Renaissance art, Venice faces a dire future. The city is sinking at a rate of 1-2 millimeters per year. The MOSE project, a system of flood barriers, is underway, but many fear its too little, too late. Climate change-induced sea-level rise adds to the woes, threatening not just its buildings but its very existence.

Some scientists estimate that Venice could be fully underwater by 2100.

2. Jakarta, Indonesia: Submerging Under Pressure

Jakarta, one of the fastest-sinking cities in the world, could see a third of it submerged by 2050. The citys over-extraction of groundwater for daily needs is a primary cause, compounded by the weight of its buildings pressing down on the land. It wont happen tomorrow, but the ecological stability of the country faces imminent collapse at any moment.

In 2025, the country was also rocked by widespread protests and riots over the economy, social inequality, and corruption. The country could experience other social and political upheavals in the future.

3. San Francisco, USA: Perpetual Earthquake Alert

Experts predict a 72% chance of a major earthquake hitting San Francisco within the next 30 years. The citys infrastructure, while improved since the 1989 Loma Prieta quake, remains vulnerable, especially its older buildings and bridges.

You should also consider that the city may face imminent ecological and financial collapse at any moment. The average rent in San Francisco is about $3,800. That is an 18% average rent increase from the previous year; in this economic environment, it will only go higher.

4. Portland, Oregon: Anarchy in the USA

Whatever your political leanings, no one can deny that Portland, Oregon, has been the epicenter of political chaos for the last few years. From 2020 to the present day, several anarchist zones, almost like small pseudo-autonomous regions, have popped up in the city. The city has also heavily decriminalized low-level drug use and promotes rehabilitation programs for recovering addicts.

Portland has one of the highest homeless populations in the country. The homeless population in Portland grew by over 67% from last year. Throw in rising rents, heatwaves, and flood threats, and Portland, Oregon, could face imminent collapse socially or economically sometime in the future.

5. Honolulu, Hawaii: Paradise Under Pressure

Hawaii is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and must import everything. The state has the highest cost of living in the country, and it is 84% higher than the national average. Millionaires, billionaires, and celebrities do not flock there for its own sake; they do it because they can live comfortably and privately by burning money.

If you are not ready for the astronomical and continually rising high cost of living and high rents, then you could fall victim to the states challenging homeless issues.

Also, rich, working-class, and poor Hawaii residents all suffer during the uncontrollable wildfire seasons and rising sea water threats.

6. Miami, USA: Rising Seas, Sinking Future

With most of Miami only about 6 feet above sea level, its particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise. Saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers is another serious concern, threatening the citys water supply.

The city is also vulnerable to consistent hurricane strikes. Over 41% of the first-landfall hurricane strikes hit Florida first. Over 308 hurricanes have hit the United States since 1851, and to date, 125 of them have hit Florida first. Miami is located at the bottom of the Florida peninsula on its Eastern side, facing the Atlantic.

7. Beijing, China: Dirty Air and Severe Water Pollution

Beijings air pollution, primarily from coal burning and vehicle emissions, often exceeds WHO safety limits. The government has taken measures to reduce pollution, but the citys air quality remains a significant health hazard. China was also aggressively polluting its groundwater supply, unwittingly or not, via aggressive industrialization for decades before it stopped; some experts believe over 60% of Chinas potable groundwater is polluted.

8. Chennai, India: Water Crisis

In 2019, Chennais reservoirs dried up, cutting off water supply to millions. Rapid urbanization and poor water management practices contribute to the citys vulnerability. The city is working on improving its water management systems, but the threat of future shortages remains.

Chennai is one of several Indian cities that could literally run out of water by 2030.

9. Los Angeles, USA: Wildfire Worries

Los Angeless geography makes it particularly prone to wildfires, which are exacerbated by climate change and urban sprawl. The city is working on fire prevention and management strategies, but the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires pose a continuous threat.

While the infamous 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires were a perfect storm of circumstances, no expert can guarantee that it wont happen again. You must face the possibility that you could lose everything if you relocate here. A January 2026 study states that an estimated 440 people lost their lives in the 2025 wildfires. Additionally, about 60 square miles were destroyed, over 17,000 homes were incinerated, 200,000 people were displaced, and over 70% of those displaced are still displaced.

10. Kyoto, Japan: The Flooded Jewel

Kyotos traditional wooden buildings are particularly susceptible to flood damage. The city is working on improving its drainage systems and river embankments, but the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns continues to pose a risk.

Scientists are currently studying how flooding threats will shape habitation realities for local residents in the future.

11. Cape Town, South Africa: Drought and Desperation

Cape Towns 2018 water crisis was a wake-up call about the impacts of prolonged droughts. While the city has since worked to diversify its water sources and promote conservation, the threat of future water scarcity remains a serious concern.

Whats more, South Africa is officially the most socially, racially, and economically unequal country in the world. Over 10% of residents hold 80% of the wealth. This social inequality is a leftover reality due to decades of state-sanctioned apartheid. South Africas 2021 riots could recur in the future if nothing changes. You must understand this and prepare for the worst if you move there.

12. New Orleans, USA: Hurricane Haven

The devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 exposed the citys vulnerabilities. Despite efforts to strengthen levees and improve evacuation plans, New Orleans remains at risk, especially as hurricanes become more intense due to climate change.

New Orleans was built on soft river soil and the city is incrementally sinking. Several scientific studies suggest that most of New Orleans could be underwater by 2100, if not earlier.

13. Moscow, Russia: The Cold Edge and the War

Moscows winters, with temperatures dropping below -25C, put a strain on the citys infrastructure and energy demands. The extreme cold impacts transportation, health services, and daily life, posing significant challenges for its residents.

Russias current war with Ukraine has caused the country to incur costly global sanctions and to become a geopolitical pariah. Foreign residents and those seeking Russian citizenship can be drafted to fight in the war. In early April 2026, various news outlets reported that the Russian government cut off the internet for various political and military reasons.

Moving to Russia right now is a very risky proposition for any American. The country could endure an imminent collapse socially, economically, or politically at any time.

Cost of Living Risks

The average family of four in the United States has monthly cost-of-living expenses of about $6,225. A single person has a monthly cost of living expense of about $3,500, depending on where they live. Calculate the cost-of-living risks before moving to a new city or country. Even if you move to a new city with a low cost of living, it could potentially cost you a fortune if you have to evacuate in a hurry.

Insurance Costs

Insurance costs for travelers or expat relocations vary and are usually non-refundable. These costs grow exponentially when you must consider life, health, and dental insurance when living abroad. Consider where you move before you move; your insurance premiums might skyrocket if you have to evacuate from a country you willingly relocated to earlier.

Plan Ahead Financially

Have an emergency fund ready at all times; this could include an emergency bank account fund or a credit card. Make sure that you have emergency contacts that you can contact in times of emergency. Create realistic and feasible contingency plans for evacuating at a moments notice, should the need arise.

Relocation Challenges

These expanded details provide a clearer picture of the specific challenges faced by each city. Understanding these issues is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate these risks and protect the residents and heritage of these unique urban centers.

The average cost for an American to move to a new city is about $5,000. It can cost anywhere between $14,000 to $21,000 for an American to move to a new city internationally. These costs can increase exponentially when you include spouses, children, medical care, education, and regular cost-of-living increases.

Do proper advance research, never make life-altering decisions on a whim, visit preferred cities beforehand, and prepare for negative potentialities relative to where you move.

Would you be ready and prepared to evacuate your new city at a moments notice if imminent collapse were certain? Always be prepared and never learn the hard way.

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Agentic AI is already operating in Australian businesses, making decisions and acting across systems. Heres why governance can no longer be delayed.

Why this matters: New global research from TrendAI, drawing on 3,700 business and IT decision makers across 23 countries, finds organisations are deploying agentic AI faster than governance frameworks can keep up.

For most of its recent history, artificial intelligence in the enterprise has been a tool that waited. You prompted it, it responded. You asked, it answered. Agentic AI is different. These systems set their own sub-goals, take sequences of actions, access data, interact with external platforms, and complete complex multi-step tasks with little to no human intervention. They do not wait to be asked. They act.

That shift is significant for business. The productivity ceiling that came with human-paced AI interaction is gone. Agents run in parallel, around the clock, across systems. But the same quality that makes agentic AI powerful is what makes its governance so urgent. When an agent makes a decision, triggers a process, or interacts with a critical system, the consequences are real. Sometimes they are irreversible. And in most organisations right now, nobody has clearly agreed on who is responsible when something goes wrong.

New global research from TrendAI puts numbers to that gap. The study, drawing on 3,700 business and IT decision makers across 23 countries including Australia, found that 67% of organisations have felt pressured to approve AI despite known security concerns. Almost one in five Australian respondents, 19%, described those concerns as extreme, and said they were overridden anyway, to keep pace with competitors and internal demand.

Rachel Jin, Chief Platform and Business Officer and Head of TrendAI, said the findings reflect a structural problem that goes beyond individual organisations. Organisations are not lacking awareness of risk, theyre lacking the conditions to manage it. When deployment is driven by competitive pressure rather than governance maturity, you create a situation where AI is embedded into critical systems without the controls needed to manage it safely.

In Australia, 68% of organisations say AI is advancing more quickly than they can secure it. Almost two thirds, 64%, report having comprehensive AI policies in place. But more than 40% say unclear regulation, compliance standards, and a lack of internal governance remain key barriers to safe adoption. In practice, AI is frequently operationalised before the rules governing its use are fully established. Forty-four percent of senior business decision makers report only moderate understanding of the legal frameworks that govern AI at all.

Srujan Talakokkula, Managing Director ANZ at TrendAI, said the confidence businesses project about AI preparedness is masking a deeper uncertainty. While many organisations across Australia and New Zealand report strong confidence in AI preparedness and strong recognition of AIs role in combating AI-driven threats, there is a clear gap in understanding of legal frameworks governing AI and differing views on accountability and human oversight across both business and IT leadership.

The governance problem is being compounded by how AI rollout decisions are made inside organisations. When security teams are cut out of top-down deployment decisions, workarounds follow. The use of unsanctioned or shadow AI tools is growing as a direct result. And the threat environment is not standing still. Recent TrendAI threat research shows attackers are already using AI to automate reconnaissance, accelerate phishing campaigns, and lower the barrier to entry for cybercrime, increasing both the speed and scale of attacks on organisations whose own governance is still being written.

Nowhere is the accountability gap more visible than in agentic AI specifically. Less than half of respondents globally, 44%, believe agentic AI will significantly improve cyber defence in the short term. In Australia, the specific concerns are landing in a handful of places. Almost half, 45%, say AI agents accessing sensitive data is their biggest risk. Over a third, 34%, point to autonomous code deployment. Almost one in three, 31%, fear abuse of trusted AI status, while 30% are concerned about hallucinations or false outputs.

Nearly a third of business decision makers globally admit they lack observability or auditability over these systems entirely. That means organisations cannot see what their agents did, cannot reconstruct why, and cannot reliably intervene once they are running. Up to 54% of Australian respondents say they support the introduction of AI kill switch mechanisms to shut systems down in the event of failure or misuse. Nearly half remain unsure whether that is even the right approach. Less than half of Australian business decision makers, 42%, believe a human should always remain in the loop on AI-driven security operations.

Jin said that lack of consensus is itself the warning sign. Agentic AI is moving organisations into a new risk category. Our research shows the concerns are already clear, from sensitive data exposure to loss of oversight. Without visibility and control, organisations are deploying systems they dont fully understand or govern, and that risk is only going to increase unless action is taken.

Talakokkula said the answer starts with visibility across the full AI lifecycle. With governance challenges intensifying and AI-driven threats becoming more sophisticated, visibility of assets and risk management across the entire AI lifecycle is critical. This research highlights the importance of working with trusted partners that allow organisations to safely deploy and scale AI.

The pattern the research reveals is consistent across markets. The conditions that make agentic AI deployment fast are, in many organisations, the same conditions making it ungoverned. Competitive pressure, unclear accountability, and frameworks still being written after systems are already running are combining to create a risk gap that is growing alongside the technology itself. The governance conversation has not kept pace. The AI did not wait for it.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
An assemblage of more than 700 Ediacaran fossils from the end of the Ediacaran period indicates that key animal groups  including early relatives of vertebrates  were already diversifying millions of years earlier than long believed.

The burst of animal diversification spanning the transition from the Ediacaran to the Cambrian periods stands as one of the most consequential turning points in Earths history.

Yet the fossil record offers only a fragmented view of that transformation: Ediacaran communities bear little resemblance to those of the Cambrian, leaving the pivotal moment when major animal groups emerged frustratingly out of reach.

Our discovery closes a major gap in the earliest phases of animal diversification, said Dr. Gaorong Li, a researcher at Oxford University.

For the first time, we demonstrate that many complex animals, normally only found in the Cambrian, were present in the Ediacaran period, meaning that they evolved much earlier than previously demonstrated by fossil evidence.

In the study, Dr. Li and colleagues examined more than 700 specimens from a recently-discovered fossil site in Yunnan, southwest China.

The fossil assemblage is between 554 and 539 million years old and is part of the Jiangchuan Biota.

Unlike most Ediacaran fossil sites, which preserve organisms mainly as impressions on sandstone surfaces, these fossils are preserved as carbonaceous films, a mode of preservation more typical of famous Cambrian sites such as the Burgess Shale in Canada.

This discovery is extremely exciting because it reveals a transitional community: the weird world of the Ediacaran giving way to the Cambrian, the following time period where the animals are much easier to place in groups that are alive today, said Oxford Universitys Dr. Luke Parry.

When we first saw these specimens, it was clear that this was something totally unique and unexpected.

The assemblage contains the oldest known relatives of deuterostomes, the broader group that today includes vertebrates such as humans and fish.

Among the specimens are also ancestors of modern starfish and their closest relatives, the acorn worms (the Ambulacraria).

They have a U-shaped body and were attached to the seafloor with a stalk, with a pair of tentacles on their head used to catch food.

The presence of these ambulacrarians in the Ediacaran period is really exciting, said Oxford Universitys Dr. Frankie Dunn.

We have already found fossils which are distant relatives of starfish and sea cucumbers and are looking for more.

The discovery of ambulacrarian fossils in the Jiangchuan Biota also means that the chordates  animals with a backbone  must also have existed at this time.

Other ancestral groups among the fossils include worm-like bilaterian animals, some with complex feeding adaptations, alongside rare fossils interpreted as early comb jellies.

Many specimens show novel combinations of anatomical features that do not match any known Ediacaran or Cambrian species.

Our results indicate that the apparent absence of these complex animal groups from other Ediacaran sites may reflect differences in preservation rather than true biological absence, said Oxford Universitys Dr. Ross Anderson.

Carbonaceous compressions like those at Jiangchuan are rare in rocks of this age, meaning that similar communities may simply not have been preserved elsewhere.

The discovery is described in a paper in the journal Science.

_____

Gaorong Li et al. 2026. The dawn of the Phanerozoic: A transitional fauna from the Late Ediacaran of Southwest China. Science 392 (6793): 63-68; doi: 10.1126/science.adu2291
An aerial drone photo taken on April 5, 2026 shows people viewing cherry blossoms along the moat during the Qingming Festival holiday in Changshu City, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo by Yang Suping/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 4, 2026 shows tourists viewing cherry blossoms during the Qingming Festival holiday in Yangzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo by Meng Delong/Xinhua)

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An aerial drone photo taken on April 5, 2026 shows people watching an Ao Fish lantern parade at a scenic area during the Qingming Festival holiday in Xiangyang City, central China's Hubei Province. (Photo by Yang Dong/Xinhua)

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Tourists take boat rides at Nanhu Scenic Area during the Qingming Festival holiday in Jiaxing City, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 5, 2026. (Photo by Jin Peng/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 5, 2026 shows tourists viewing cherry blossoms at a scenic spot during the Qingming Festival holiday in Nantong City of east China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo by Xu Congjun/Xinhua)

Tourists visit a night fair in a commercial street during the Qingming Festival holiday in Luoyang City, central China's Henan Province, April 4, 2026. (Photo by Li Weichao/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 4, 2026 shows tourists viewing flowers at a scenic area during the Qingming Festival holiday in Xinghua City, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo by Zhou Shegen/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 5, 2026 shows tourists enjoying leisure activities on a beach during the Qingming Festival holiday in Lianyungang City, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo by Wang Chun/Xinhua)

Editor: GSY
A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows a view of a solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) integrated project by China General Nuclear Power Group in Damxung County of Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. China General Nuclear Power Group announced on Monday that construction of a 50 MW trough-based concentrated solar power plant at an altitude of 4,550 meters started in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. The solar thermal plant is part of a solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) integrated project, which can absorb curtailed PV power and effectively compensate for the intermittency and fluctuation of PV generation. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

SHENZHEN, April 6 (Xinhua) -- China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) announced on Monday that construction of a 50 MW trough-based concentrated solar power plant at an altitude of 4,550 meters started in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

According to the press release issued by the company based in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, the facility is located in Damxung County in the regional capital Lhasa.

Using parabolic trough technology with thermal oil as the heat transfer fluid, it features a mirror field of 242,000 square meters and a 6-hour molten salt energy storage system, enabling nighttime power generation.

The solar thermal plant is part of a solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) integrated project, which can absorb curtailed PV power and effectively compensate for the intermittency and fluctuation of PV generation.

Construction of the PV section, designed with 400 MW of power generation capacity, began in September last year.

Located in a cold, high-altitude zone with low oxygen, the site allows construction only from April to October. The team has installed heating, oxygen supply and a hyperbaric chamber to ensure workers' health and safety.

Invested and developed by CGN New Energy (Damxung) Co., Ltd., the integrated project is scheduled for full commissioning by 2027.

Once operational, it is expected to generate about 719 million kWh annually, saving roughly 216,900 tonnes of coal equivalent and cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 652,300 tonnes.

The project has already created over 2,000 local jobs and generated more than 5.2 million yuan (approximately 753,600 U.S. dollars) in local economic income through labor and equipment use.

Despite being burdened by its high altitude and harsh environment, Xizang is in a strong position to develop the clean energy sector, thanks to its abundant solar, wind and water resources.

According to its government work report, the region aims to increase its installed power generation capacity from 13 million kW in 2025 to 20 million kW in 2026, with integrated power bases combining wind, solar and hydropower to be built at different locations.

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows the scene of groundbreaking of a 50 MW trough-based concentrated solar power plant by China General Nuclear Power Group in Damxung County of Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. China General Nuclear Power Group announced on Monday that construction of a 50 MW trough-based concentrated solar power plant at an altitude of 4,550 meters started in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

The solar thermal plant is part of a solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) integrated project, which can absorb curtailed PV power and effectively compensate for the intermittency and fluctuation of PV generation. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows a view of a solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) integrated project by China General Nuclear Power Group in Damxung County of Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. China General Nuclear Power Group announced on Monday that construction of a 50 MW trough-based concentrated solar power plant at an altitude of 4,550 meters started in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

The solar thermal plant is part of a solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) integrated project, which can absorb curtailed PV power and effectively compensate for the intermittency and fluctuation of PV generation. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows the scene of groundbreaking of a 50 MW trough-based concentrated solar power plant by China General Nuclear Power Group in Damxung County of Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. China General Nuclear Power Group announced on Monday that construction of a 50 MW trough-based concentrated solar power plant at an altitude of 4,550 meters started in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

The solar thermal plant is part of a solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) integrated project, which can absorb curtailed PV power and effectively compensate for the intermittency and fluctuation of PV generation. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

This photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows the scene of groundbreaking of a 50 MW trough-based concentrated solar power plant by China General Nuclear Power Group in Damxung County of Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. China General Nuclear Power Group announced on Monday that construction of a 50 MW trough-based concentrated solar power plant at an altitude of 4,550 meters started in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

The solar thermal plant is part of a solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) integrated project, which can absorb curtailed PV power and effectively compensate for the intermittency and fluctuation of PV generation. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows the scene of groundbreaking of a 50 MW trough-based concentrated solar power plant by China General Nuclear Power Group in Damxung County of Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. China General Nuclear Power Group announced on Monday that construction of a 50 MW trough-based concentrated solar power plant at an altitude of 4,550 meters started in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

The solar thermal plant is part of a solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) integrated project, which can absorb curtailed PV power and effectively compensate for the intermittency and fluctuation of PV generation. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows the scene of groundbreaking of a 50 MW trough-based concentrated solar power plant by China General Nuclear Power Group in Damxung County of Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. China General Nuclear Power Group announced on Monday that construction of a 50 MW trough-based concentrated solar power plant at an altitude of 4,550 meters started in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

The solar thermal plant is part of a solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) integrated project, which can absorb curtailed PV power and effectively compensate for the intermittency and fluctuation of PV generation. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Editor: GSY
Rejects the US proposal for a temporary ceasefire, citing concerns it could allow the conflict to resume

Pushes for a permanent end to the war along with broader demands, including sanctions relief and regional stability

Pakistan plays a key mediating role, facilitating communication and negotiations between Washington and Tehran

Iran has formally responded to the United States proposal to end the ongoing conflict, rejecting the idea of a temporary ceasefire and pushing instead for a permanent resolution. According to Irans state news agency, Tehran shared its position through Pakistan, which is actively mediating between the two sides.

national interests and includes a 10-point framework. The proposal calls for a complete end to regional conflicts, lifting of economic sanctions, reconstruction efforts, and secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Irans foreign ministry said the response outlines itsand includes a. The proposal calls for a, lifting of economic sanctions,, and secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Officials in Tehran believe a temporary ceasefire would only give opposing forces time to regroup and resume fighting. The government stressed that its priority is to end the war entirely and prevent future escalation.

Pakistan has taken a central role in facilitating discussions. Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir remained in close contact with key stakeholders, including US Vice President JD Vance, US envoy Steve Witkoff, and Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as negotiations continued.

Earlier, Iran had rejected a detailed 15-point US proposal that included demands such as halting uranium enrichment, dismantling nuclear facilities, stopping missile development, and ending support for regional allies. In return, the US had offered relief from nuclear-related sanctions. Iranian officials described the proposal as unrealistic and one-sided.

Pakistan has also suggested a two-phase plan, often referred to as the Islamabad Accord, which proposes an immediate ceasefire followed by broader negotiations within weeks.

Tensions remain high, with former US President Donald Trump warning of severe consequences if an agreement is not reached soon.
Passengers walk on the platform of Nanjing Railway Station in Nanjing City, east China's Jiangsu Province, on April 6, 2026. An estimated 845.38 million passenger trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6 percent year on year, transportation authorities said on Monday. The daily average number of trips reached 281.79 million, according to the Ministry of Transport. Road trips accounted for 778.45 million, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, while railway trips hit 57.68 million, up 8.2 percent year on year. (Photo by Yang Suping/Xinhua)

BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- An estimated 845.38 million passenger trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6 percent year on year, transportation authorities said on Monday.

The daily average number of trips reached 281.79 million, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Road trips accounted for 778.45 million, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, while railway trips hit 57.68 million, up 8.2 percent year on year. Waterway transport handled about 3.7 million passenger trips, an increase of 9.8 percent, and civil aviation carried approximately 5.5 million trips, down 1.3 percent.

The holiday travel boom was driven by the overlap of the Qingming Festival and spring breaks for primary and secondary school students in many regions, which boosted family trips and parent-child tours.

On Saturday, the first day of the holiday, the volume of traffic on expressways nationwide exceeded 62.67 million vehicles, including over 14 million new energy vehicles. This strong demand for self-driving trips fueled double-digit growth in spending on scenic spots, hotels and car rentals.

Returning home for tomb-sweeping and in-depth rural tours also boosted activity in rural areas, helping extend consumption from major cities to towns and villages.

To ensure safe and smooth travel, the ministry continued to exempt passenger cars with seven seats or fewer from expressway tolls during the holiday. It adopted tailored measures to ease congestion on busy sections and improve charging services for new energy vehicles at expressway service areas.

Transport departments across the country also increased transport capacity and extended operating hours around key locations, such as tourist sites and cemeteries.

Passengers walk after getting off a train at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station in east China's Shanghai, on April 6, 2026. An estimated 845.38 million passenger trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6 percent year on year, transportation authorities said on Monday.

The daily average number of trips reached 281.79 million, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Road trips accounted for 778.45 million, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, while railway trips hit 57.68 million, up 8.2 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

Passengers check in at Beijing South Railway Station in Beijing, capital of China, on April 6, 2026. An estimated 845.38 million passenger trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6 percent year on year, transportation authorities said on Monday.

The daily average number of trips reached 281.79 million, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Road trips accounted for 778.45 million, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, while railway trips hit 57.68 million, up 8.2 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

Passengers wait to board the train at Xuzhou East Railway Station in Xuzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, on April 6, 2026. An estimated 845.38 million passenger trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6 percent year on year, transportation authorities said on Monday.

The daily average number of trips reached 281.79 million, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Road trips accounted for 778.45 million, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, while railway trips hit 57.68 million, up 8.2 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

Passengers are pictured at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station in east China's Shanghai, on April 6, 2026. An estimated 845.38 million passenger trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6 percent year on year, transportation authorities said on Monday.

The daily average number of trips reached 281.79 million, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Road trips accounted for 778.45 million, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, while railway trips hit 57.68 million, up 8.2 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

Passengers check in at Fuzhou Railway Station in Fuzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, on April 6, 2026. An estimated 845.38 million passenger trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6 percent year on year, transportation authorities said on Monday.

The daily average number of trips reached 281.79 million, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Road trips accounted for 778.45 million, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, while railway trips hit 57.68 million, up 8.2 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

Passengers wait to take the train at Beijing South Railway Station in Beijing, capital of China, on April 6, 2026. An estimated 845.38 million passenger trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6 percent year on year, transportation authorities said on Monday.

The daily average number of trips reached 281.79 million, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Road trips accounted for 778.45 million, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, while railway trips hit 57.68 million, up 8.2 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

Passengers walk on the platform of Nanjing Railway Station in Nanjing City, east China's Jiangsu Province, on April 6, 2026. An estimated 845.38 million passenger trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6 percent year on year, transportation authorities said on Monday.

The daily average number of trips reached 281.79 million, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Road trips accounted for 778.45 million, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, while railway trips hit 57.68 million, up 8.2 percent year on year. (Photo by Shi Jun/Xinhua)

Passengers check in at Lianyungang Railway Station in Lianyungang City, east China's Jiangsu Province, on April 6, 2026. An estimated 845.38 million passenger trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6 percent year on year, transportation authorities said on Monday.

The daily average number of trips reached 281.79 million, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Road trips accounted for 778.45 million, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, while railway trips hit 57.68 million, up 8.2 percent year on year. (Photo by Geng Yuhe/Xinhua)

Passengers walk on the platform of Nanjing Railway Station in Nanjing City, east China's Jiangsu Province, on April 6, 2026. An estimated 845.38 million passenger trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6 percent year on year, transportation authorities said on Monday.

The daily average number of trips reached 281.79 million, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Road trips accounted for 778.45 million, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, while railway trips hit 57.68 million, up 8.2 percent year on year. (Photo by Yang Suping/Xinhua)

Passengers walk after getting off a train at Guangzhou South Railway Station in Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province, on April 6, 2026. An estimated 845.38 million passenger trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6 percent year on year, transportation authorities said on Monday.

The daily average number of trips reached 281.79 million, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Road trips accounted for 778.45 million, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, while railway trips hit 57.68 million, up 8.2 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

High-speed trains stop at Beijing South Railway Station in Beijing, capital of China, on April 6, 2026. An estimated 845.38 million passenger trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6 percent year on year, transportation authorities said on Monday.

The daily average number of trips reached 281.79 million, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Road trips accounted for 778.45 million, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, while railway trips hit 57.68 million, up 8.2 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

Passengers are pictured at the waiting hall of Guangzhou South Railway Station in Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province, on April 6, 2026. An estimated 845.38 million passenger trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6 percent year on year, transportation authorities said on Monday.

The daily average number of trips reached 281.79 million, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Road trips accounted for 778.45 million, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, while railway trips hit 57.68 million, up 8.2 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

Passengers walk to board the train at Lianyungang Railway Station in Lianyungang City, east China's Jiangsu Province, on April 6, 2026. An estimated 845.38 million passenger trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6 percent year on year, transportation authorities said on Monday.

The daily average number of trips reached 281.79 million, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Road trips accounted for 778.45 million, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, while railway trips hit 57.68 million, up 8.2 percent year on year. (Photo by Geng Yuhe/Xinhua)

A staff member helps a passenger at Lanzhou Railway Station in Lanzhou City, northwest China's Gansu Province, on April 6, 2026. An estimated 845.38 million passenger trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6 percent year on year, transportation authorities said on Monday.

The daily average number of trips reached 281.79 million, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Road trips accounted for 778.45 million, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, while railway trips hit 57.68 million, up 8.2 percent year on year. (Photo by Wang Guanghui/Xinhua)

Passengers are pictured at the waiting hall of Guangzhou South Railway Station in Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province, on April 6, 2026. An estimated 845.38 million passenger trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, up 6 percent year on year, transportation authorities said on Monday.

The daily average number of trips reached 281.79 million, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Road trips accounted for 778.45 million, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, while railway trips hit 57.68 million, up 8.2 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

Staff members conduct an accident response via a drone video transmission system at the expressway brigade of the traffic management bureau in north China's Tianjin, April 6, 2026 An estimated 778.45 million road trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Transport. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

A traffic police operates a drone to conduct patrols at a toll station of an expressway in north China's Tianjin, April 6, 2026. An estimated 778.45 million road trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Transport. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Vehicles pass through a toll station of an expressway in north China's Tianjin, April 6, 2026. An estimated 778.45 million road trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Transport. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows a drone conducting patrols over an expressway in north China's Tianjin. An estimated 778.45 million road trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Transport. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows vehicles running on the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province. An estimated 778.45 million road trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Transport. (Photo by Yang Suping/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows vehicles running on an expressway in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. An estimated 778.45 million road trips were made across China during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, rising 5.8 percent from the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Transport. (Photo by Chen Wei/Xinhua)

Editor: GSY
Vinay M. Tonse appointed MD & CEO of Yes Bank from April 6, 2026

Prashant Kumar steps down after completing tenure on April 5, 2026

Focus on growth through People, Products, Processes, and Technology

Yes Bank has announced a leadership transition with Vinay Muralidhar Tonse taking charge as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 6, 2026. The development follows the conclusion of Prashant Kumars tenure on April 5, 2026, alongside his resignation from the position and the banks board, as confirmed through a regulatory filing.

Tonses appointment will run until April 5, 2029, subject to shareholder approval and in accordance with the terms approved by the Reserve Bank of India. The bank also clarified that there are no regulatory restrictions on Tonse holding the position of director.

A seasoned banker with more than three decades of experience, Tonse brings a strong track record in diverse areas of banking. Prior to joining Yes Bank, he served as Managing Director in charge of Retail Business and Operations at State Bank of India from November 2023 to November 2025. His leadership experience also includes roles as MD & CEO of SBI Mutual Funds and heading SBIs Chennai Circle.

Yes Banks next phase of growth and consolidation. Having started his career with SBI in 1988, Tonse has developed expertise across corporate credit, retail banking, international operations, treasury, equity portfolio management, and rural and agricultural banking. His broad exposure is expected to supportand consolidation.

Vinay M. Tonse, Managing Director & CEO, Yes Bank, said, "Yes Bank has a strong foundation and proven its resilience over the last 6 years. As I start my journey at Yes Bank, my key focus is to accelerate profitable growth, deepen engagement with our employees, customers, stakeholders, and partners, as well as strengthen our balance sheet. We have all the right ingredients in place, including a robust digital platform and I see significant headroom for growth. I am confident we will create lasting value for all our stakeholders while driving sustainable growth for the institution".
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while claiming that negotiations with the Iranian side via intermediaries over the deal are "going well."

CRITICAL PERIOD

"The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night," Trump said at a press conference at the White House.

Asked about whether he's winding down or escalating the war with Iran, Trump said, "I can't tell you. Depends what they do."

"This is a critical period," said Trump of his Tuesday deadline. "They have a period of, well, until tomorrow at 8 (p.m.) o'clock."

Trump also said at the press conference that his administration has a plan to strike and destroy bridges and power plants across Iran by midnight Tuesday.

"We have a plan, because of the power of our military, where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o'clock tomorrow night, where every power plant in Iran will be out of business -- burning, exploding, and never to be used again," Trump claimed. "It will take them 100 years to rebuild."

"I mean complete demolition by 12 o'clock. And it will happen over a period of four hours if we wanted to. We don't want that to happen," Trump added.

The president said Monday that the 8 p.m. Eastern Time Tuesday deadline he has set for Iran is final. However, he had previously repeatedly changed the deadlines he had announced for a ceasefire deal or for reopening the strait.

Earlier on Monday, Trump told reporters at the White House Easter Egg Roll that he was "not worried about" whether the U.S. airstrikes on Iran's power plants and other civil infrastructure could constitute a war crime.

NEGOTIATIONS

Meanwhile, Trump said at the press conference that Iran is an "active, willing participant" in the negotiations over the deal, claiming the talks via intermediaries are "going well."

"I can't talk about ceasefire, but I can tell you that we have an active, willing participant on the other side. They would like to be able to make a deal. I can't say any more than that," Trump said.

"Essentially they have till 8 p.m. tomorrow night, Eastern Time, but we are dealing with them. I think it's going well," said Trump, adding that his envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. Vice President JD Vance are "involved in the dealing" of talks via intermediary countries.

Trump said earlier on Monday that his administration has reviewed a proposal for a 45-day ceasefire in the Iran war, describing it as a "very significant step" but "not good enough," while Tehran said "no sane" person would accept it.

"It's a significant proposal, it's a significant step. It's not good enough, but it's a very significant step," Trump told reporters at the White House, referring to the ceasefire proposal, noting that intermediaries "are negotiating now."

The president also reiterated that he is the only person who can determine if there's a ceasefire in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Monday that a ceasefire would only give opponents time to regroup and commit further crimes.

Iran's state-run IRNA reported on Monday that Tehran had sent its response to a U.S.-proposed 15-point plan to end the war to Pakistan. According to the report, Iran rejected a ceasefire and instead called for a permanent end to the conflict, while taking into account the country's considerations.

TOLL AND OIL

Trump also claimed at the press conference that the United States should impose tolls on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that reopening the key global energy chokepoint must be part of a deal to end the war.

"What about us charging tolls?" Trump said. "I'd rather do that than let them (Iranians) have them."

"We have to have a deal that's acceptable to me, and part of that deal is going to be we want free traffic of oil and everything," the president said.

Shortly after the United States and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, Iran effectively closed the critical global energy waterway.

Asked about Iranian oil, Trump suggested again the United States could take control of it, similar to its approach in Venezuela after the United States military raided and forcibly seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3.

"To the winner belong the spoils," Trump claimed.

"If I had my choice, yeah, because I'm a businessman first," Trump said, noting after removing Maduro by U.S. forces, "we are a partner with Venezuela, and we've taken hundreds of millions of barrels, hundreds of millions."

Earlier on Monday, Trump told reporters at the White House Easter Egg Roll that he would take the oil from Iran, but U.S. citizens do not want U.S. forces to remain in the country.

"If I had my choice, what would I like to do? Take the oil, because it's there for the taking. There's not a thing they can do about it," Trump said. "Unfortunately, the American people would like to see us come home."

Trump has repeatedly claimed that the United States has won the war with Iran, but many U.S. experts say they believe the president is losing the ongoing war despite the overwhelming military advantage of the United States and Israel over Iran. 

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
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BusinessCompaniesBillionaires Opinion Elon Musks problem children could spoil his Wall Street dream Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist April 7, 2026  11:59am

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Elon Musk has kicked off the process for the largest initial public offering in history, but is SpaceX really worth $2.5 trillion? A confidential filing for the float of Musks rocket company (which also incorporates his xAI artificial intelligence start-up and the X social media platform) was lodged with the US Securities and Exchange Commission last week. Elon Musks SpaceX vision comes with a lot of question marks. AP While financial details wont be known until a public prospectus is released, probably mid-year, there are reports that Musk is seeking to raise $US75 billion ($108.7 billion) at a valuation of $US1.75 trillion ($2.5 trillion), with speculation in recent days that it could stretch to $US2 trillion. That would make SpaceX more valuable than Tesla, which has a market capitalisation of about $US1.32 trillion, or Meta Platforms (Facebooks parent), which is valued at about $US1.45 trillion. It would become the sixth-largest US company by market value, behind Amazon ($US2.3 trillion).

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A $US75 billion raising would also dwarf the previous record capital-raising by Saudi Aramco, which raised $US29 billion in 2019. Even at $US1.75 trillion, the valuation of SpaceX would appear to be rising at an eyebrow-raising rate. Related Article Data centres Data centres in space? Thats less crazy than you think Just over a year ago, the company raised funds at a valuation of just over $US350 billion. In December last year, a secondary sale of its shares valued it at about $US800 billion, with reports that it would float this year with a similar valuation. Last month, Musk merged xAI, which had previously merged with his social media entity, X, with SpaceX.

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The merger of xAI and X (which were valued at $US230 billion in a $US20 billion equity-raising in January) with SpaceX gave the combined businesses a value, on paper, of $US1.25 trillion. Now, apparently, they are worth $US1.75 trillion, or more. SpaceXs financials arent known, although it is thought that its Starlink satellite business generated more than $US2 billion of positive cashflow last year from estimated sales of about $US15 billion. It is a great business, which seems to be profitable, and is growing at a rapid rate. SpaceXs financials remain a bit of a mystery. AP Against that, xAI (like most artificial intelligence start-ups) is burning cash at a rate of more than $US1 billion a month and X is most unlikely to be contributing anything materially positive to SpaceXs finances. Combining SpaceX with the other two Musk businesses (Tesla might eventually follow) has created a conglomerate out of what was a rational combination of satellites and the rockets to deliver them into space.

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Related Article Space SpaceX seeks approval for million-plus satellites in space data-centre complex Whether that combination makes sense, at either an operational or financial level, depends on whether investors buy into Musks fantastic  or fantastical  vision for what they might become. He refers to a the most ambitious, vertically integrated innovative engine on (and off) Earth that will see SpaceX facilitating the delivery and building of data centres in space, powered by the sun or, as he put it, scaling to make a sentient sun to understand the universe and extend the light of consciousness to the stars. Whatever that might mean. He envisages thousands of data centres in space, with humans working in SpaceX-established facilities on the moon and Mars to construct the centres and satellites. As yet, he has provided no detail, assuming there is any, of the formidable logistics and costs of realising his vision for space-based data centres, although that vision is critical to the stated logic of merging SpaceX with its cash-devouring siblings and to the question of whether SpaceX is worth anything remotely close to $US1.75 trillion, let alone $US2 trillion.

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At those levels, investors would not only be capitalising the vision, but effectively investing many hundreds of billions as an act of faith in Musk himself. That may explain why the IPO is thought to be targeting a much higher proportion of retail investors, who have shown considerable faith in Musk, than has been the norm for big tech-oriented IPOs. To put SpaceXs valuation and the $US75 billion it plans to raise through the IPO into perspective, Meta  valued at $US300 billion to $US550 billion less than the valuation range Musk is seeking for SpaceX  had capital expenditures of about $US72 billion last year, mostly on AI infrastructure. We are about to get a sense of how much faith investors have in Elon Musks vision. Bloomberg This year, it plans to spend up to $US135 billion. It has revenue of more than $US200 billion and profits of more than $US60 billion. It is valued at about 7.25 times its sales.

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SpaceX had estimated revenue of just over $US20 billion last year, xAI about $US500 million and X about $US2.25 billion. Related Article Opinion

AI The siblings who built a $537 billion giant in five years Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist While SpaceX and xAI are growing their revenues rapidly, they are a very long way short of where Meta is today and the valuation of the Musk companies only makes sense if the eventual sales and earnings from Musks extraordinary ambition are extraordinary enough to be discounted back to a trillion or so of dollars of value today. The equations become more challenging when it is recognised that, to realise his ambition, Musk is going to have to raise a lot more than $US75 billion of new capital. Indeed, it would see that the motivation for going public and disclosing the finance of SpaceX that have previously been kept confidential is to create a much larger market for SpaceXs equity.

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Theres a risk that Musk could undermine what seems to be a great business  SpaceX  by pouring the capital it raises and the cash it generates into xAI, which is an AI business competing with companies with far, far deeper pockets in what is an increasingly crowded field. There are already signs that AI investors are becoming more discriminating. xAI is burning through $US1 billion a month. Bloomberg There are two other big AI companies that have been considering their own IPOs for later this year  OpenAI (which started the AI frenzy when it released ChatGPT in late 2022) and Anthropic. OpenAI raised $US122 billion last week, at a valuation of $US852 billion. Anthropics most recent capital rasing was $US30 billion, at a valuation of $US380 billion, in February.

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According to Bloomberg, institutions that took up shares in OpenAI but are seeking to sell down some of their exposures are struggling to find buyers in the secondary market because Anthropic is now seen as having better value and more upside  despite the stoush the company is having with the Trump administration over its insistence that its AI tools shouldnt be used in warfare without human supervision, nor used for mass surveillance. That differentiation between two of the leading independent AI companies is occurring even as scepticism that the amounts being expended on AI, and the valuations afforded companies like OpenAI and Anthropic will ever generate a commercial return commensurate with the risks. Not every one of the companies chasing their visions for an AI future will survive, given how voraciously the sector is devouring capital and, to date, how significantly the rate of growth in AI investment has been relative to the growth in AI-related revenues. Elon does talk a good vision and, while its not clear how much he owns of SpaceX today, it seems likely that a successful float of the entity containing his boldest vision yet could help make him, on paper at least, the worlds first trillionaire. Author Michael Lewis, of The Big Short fame, once wrote, during the dot-com era of the late 1990s, of the state of pure possibility inherent in the inflated value of the stocks, saying a company had to be every so slightly unknowable to be desirable, in the midst of the frenzy in what turned out to be a financial bubble.

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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Peninsula trims debt as lender backs equity swap for US uranium project Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Penny Taylor April 7, 2026  6:42pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Peninsula Energy Limited has delivered a tidy piece of balance-sheet good news that is likely to keep the bulls happy after the company completed a partial conversion of its convertible loan facility. The move to swap US$4.1M (A$6M) of debt into equity marks the second reduction of the US$15M (A$22M) debt package the company secured with Davidson Kempner in July last year, leaving only US$4.2M (A$6.1M) outstanding. Peninsula Energys Lance uranium project in Wyoming, USA. The convertible loan arrangement was a key plank of Peninsulas broader funding strategy, underpinning a fully underwritten US$70 million equity raise at A$0.30 per share in August 2025. The raising fundamentally reset the companys capital structure and funded the all-important commissioning of its Lance uranium project in Wyoming. Under the latest conversion, the company issued about 19.8 million new shares at A$0.30 apiece in exchange for cancelling US$4.1M of debt. Notably, the conversion price lines up with the August 2025 capital raise, reinforcing consistency in valuation and signalling alignment between the company and its funding partner.

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We are building momentum as we meet our milestones and targets Peninsula Energy managing director and chief operating officer George Bauk The convertible facility stepped in as a timely stopgap last year, giving Peninsula the breathing room to fire up commissioning works and roll out wellfield development ahead of its jumbo raise, all while shifting gears toward steady uranium output. It slots neatly into a bigger 18-month reset that has seen the company tear up legacy uranium contracts, recapitalise in a big way and push Lance closer to full stride  all with its sights firmly set on riding a strengthening United States uranium market. With this second conversion now largely stripping out the convertible component, Peninsula has materially reduced its debt burden ahead of schedule. The move has significantly lowered financing risks and sharpened the balance sheet at a time when execution at Lance is front and centre. Peninsula Energy managing director and chief operating officer George Bauk said: We are building momentum as we meet our milestones and targets, with funding in place and a sustainable and disciplined approach to achieving full production in the years ahead.

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Operationally, Peninsula has been busy ticking off key milestones. The company recently produced its first uranium yellowcake at Lance, advanced wellfield flow rates and continued to optimise plant performance as part of its staged ramp-up. Earlier updates through late 2025 and early 2026 pointed to improving flow rates, steady commissioning progress and a clear pathway to scaled production. Originally commissioned in 2015, Peninsulas Lance uranium project in Wyoming began production using an alkaline leach method to recover uranium via in-situ recovery, where solution is pumped underground to extract uranium without conventional mining. As uranium prices slumped to ultra-low levels in 2019, the company made a strategic call to transition to a lower-cost, low-pH acid leach system, similar to competing operations. Test work across 2020 and 2021 confirmed the ore responded strongly to the new method, however, it then took several years to redesign wellfields, secure funding and tick off regulatory approvals. With those hurdles cleared, production was finally restarted in 2025, coinciding with a sharp rebound in uranium prices and a more supportive US nuclear policy backdrop.

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With debt rapidly shrinking and production now back on track, Peninsula appears to have turned a critical corner. A cleaner balance sheet, stronger uranium prices and a fully funded ramp-up at Lance leave the company well positioned to capitalise on strengthening US demand. If execution continues to match momentum, Peninsula could soon emerge as a key domestic uranium supplier with serious long-term leverage to the sectors revival. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Red Metal spins out Maronan share bounty for holders Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Murray Ward April 7, 2026  5:02pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Red Metal Limited has delivered a high-value Easter surprise, rewarding its loyal backers with a direct slice of one of Australias most promising silver and copper-gold development plays. The company has unveiled plans for a major in-specie distribution of its ASX-listed Maronan Metals shares, a tactical move aimed at unlocking the full potential of both entities. Maronan currently hosts an impressive mineral resource estimate of 121.9 million ounces of silver,271,000 tonnes of copper and 760,000 ounces of gold. Drill Rig on site at Red Metal Limiteds Sybella rare earths project near Mount Isa in Queensland. Red Metal currently controls 88.5 million shares in Maronan, representing a chunky 35.2 per cent stake in the total shares on issue. Under the proposed plan, subject to shareholder approval, Red Metal will distribute the lions share of that holding directly to its own investors. If approved, eligible Red Metal shareholders will bag one Maronan Metals share for every 5.25 Red Metal shares held at the record date on May 14. Following the distribution, Red Metal will retain a smaller, residual interest of approximately 15.4 million shares.

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The board has unanimously recommended the deal, viewing it as a genuine win-win. By handing the shares directly to investors, the distribution is expected to diversify Maronans shareholder base and beef up trading liquidity. The move will also make it a far more appealing investment for larger funds, as it nears a development decision. Notably, the spin-off clears the decks for Red Metal to accelerate its primary objective, the giant Sybella rare earth element discovery near Mount Isa in Queensland. Management believes the move will allow the true value of Sybella to be realised in the market without any of the valuation confusion often associated with its Maronan equity stake. Managing director Rob Rutherford said:  Maronan is gaining recognition as the standout early development opportunity for silver in Australia. Sybella is a unique granite-hosted system, with a target area stretching over 12 kilometres long and 3 kilometres wide, offering massive tonnage potential starting from surface. The project boasts a sizable maiden inferred mineral resource of 4.795 billion tonnes at 302 parts per million(ppm) neodymium-praseodymium and 28 ppm dysprosium-terbium. Importantly, the resource includes a high-grade weathered granite component of 788 million tonnes at 297 ppm neodymium-praseodymium.

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Recent metallurgical tests, using ion exchange, have efficiently enriched the rare earth content and separated impurities from the pregnant leach liquor derived from weak-acid leaching of the Sybella ores. Additional optimisation studies leading to the precipitation of an even higher purity mixed rare earth carbonate are now in preparation as the project moves towards pre-feasibility work during the year. While Sybella is clearly the flagship project, Red Metal is maintaining a high-impact exploration pipeline across Australias premier mineral provinces. This includes a recent joint venture with Chalice Mining at the Callabonna copper-gold project in South Australia. Additionally, a maiden diamond drilling program at the Pulkarrimarra project in the Paterson Province in WA, partly funded by BHP under the Greenfields Alliance, is awaiting assay results. Pulkarrimarra is located along trend from Rio Tintos giant Winu copper gold discovery. The company is also active at its Pardoo gold and lithium project in the Pilbara, where recent wide-spaced drilling revealed intriguing gold values in sedimentary cover sequences. Furthermore, a new joint venture with Artemis Resources is set to test the standout Sharon Dam gravity and magnetic target in the Nullarbor.

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Backed by $4.3 million in cash, Red Metal is sharpening its focus through an in-specie distribution. By handing Maronans upside directly to shareholders, the company should now be able to dedicate its full attention to proving up the Sybella rare earths project into a global province, whilst pursuing its other main objective  to find Australias next Tier-1 copper deposit. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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CultureBooksReview This reimagining of the Trojan War at times verges on Monty Python parody Luke Slattery April 8, 2026  5:35am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

FICTION

Son of Nobody

Yann Martel

Text, $34.99 Yann (Life of Pi) Martels fourth is perhaps his most ambitious yet. In fact, Son of Nobody, for the most part, is not a novel at all  though it certainly is novel. Its composed largely of verse fragments from a fictional lost-and-found alternative to the Iliad of Homer. Martels daring creation is the Psoad, the episodic tale of a rustic named Psoas of Midea, who fights for the Greeks at Troy alongside the Homeric heroes Achilles, Diomedes and Ajax. Homers rampaging warriors are aristocrats. In contrast, Martels Psoas, the son of nobody, is a commoner. Its meant to provide a fresh, edgy, told-from-below take on the Iliad. Speaking to the faux-antique verses of the Psoad are footnoted comments by the fictional scholar who discovered them, Canadian classicist Harlow Donne. These are addressed by Donne to his daughter, Helen. They blend Iliadic exposition  Dad loves to lecture  with sentimental recollections of family life: marital squabbles and paternal regrets, and, ultimately, loss and tragedy. Its intended as a sentimental counterpoint to the martial epic and the scholar-sleuth subplot, but the three sit uncomfortably together. The narrators inner world is never fully realised while his daughter is little more than a character outline  and a flimsy plot-line. Most of the books 334 pages are divided horizontally. The fragmentary Psoad, at the top, runs in fits and starts. The footnotes and other reflections unfurl below. Vladimir Nabokov used a similar device in Pale Fire.

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The Homeric pastiche, which is offered as a subversive retelling of the Iliad spiced with gutter humour and burlesque, purports to be an eyewitness account from a kind of sidekick of the hero Psoas. But its no substitute, unsurprisingly, for authentic Greek epic  nor bawdy Aristophanic comedy for that matter. In the Homeric verses Martel struggles to find a register thats simultaneously convincing  of its antiquity  and appealing to a contemporary reader. One moment the versified dialogue sounds as if its been plucked from the mouth of an Arthurian knight in Victorian-era translation, or a Monty Python parody: Replied Thromachis of Kos, a merchant, Precisely. The harbour seems to have vanished. But the waters are deep. We are safe, my lord.

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I have been here often. I know of what I speak. The next its striving for a jaunty demotic tone, veering from the stiffly archaic to the clumsily colloquial: Thersites came up to the son of nobody, there, not far from the banks of the Scamander, and said he to him, Psoas, hello? Hello?

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I am speaking to you. You went dog-mad with Prince Mestor of Troy just now... The first of these pseudo-Homeric fragments are, in the prose introduction, rendered as they would have been in ancient Greek: right-to-left then left-to-right with no word separation. We also get a learned disquisition on this boustrophedon  turning as the ox ploughs  writing method. Its a show-offy touch designed to bolster the illusion of scholarly authority. The Life of Pi authors new novel is wildly ambitious  and doesnt quite work. Jasper Martel But the illusion is shattered by the very first line of dialogue in the narrators introduction. When Donne is first shown around the Ashmolean Museums vast trove of antiquities by the curator of the classical Greek section, she explains to him, This is the Antiquities Study Room. Most of the artefacts here date from the Archaic period, that is from the eight to the fifth centuries BCE when ... For sure, a non-specialist reader might need to know the dates of the Archaic period, but theres not a Homeric scholar worth their salt who would need schooling on these details.

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Martel doesnt try to replicate the particular poetic metre used in ancient Greek and Roman epic poetry. But he does a decent job in free verse of capturing the brio of battle, and the famously raging insults that Homeric heroes trade across the metaphorical trenches. Psoass buddying-up with the fiercely ugly Thersites, an outspoken conscientious objector with a cameo in Homers Iliad, is a nice touch. So, too, is the alternative to Homers story about the abduction of Helen, queen of Sparta, by a pretty Trojan prince named Paris  principal cause of the Trojan War. Adapting a story preserved by the first-century Greek writer Dio Chrysostom, the Psoad tells how Paris and Helen were legitimately married, and the war was in origin a piece of Greek skullduggery. Related Article Review From a Regency romp to a life in the wild, here are 10 new books Homers Iliad and Odyssey  assuming that both works are from the same poet  are really strands from a tangled ball of ancient Greek myth that scholars call the epic cycle. These poems, some of which, like the Cypria, have come down to us only in fragments, offer prequels, sequels and variations on the Homeric tales. It is vaguely plausible that the song of a commoner-hero might find a home in the epic cycle. Its certainly an attractive idea. It will emerge that Psoas has done something so miraculous that he has, in the narrators words, created the space for the appearance of ... Jesus of Nazareth. More emphatically still: Jesus came from the incurable lassitude of a Greek soldier at Troy. This is sub-theological drivel, and it serves to further undermine Harlow Donnes the narrators authority. Son of Nobody is pitched as a work of originality and sagacity. But aside from Martels novel conceit about the proletarian epic hero, the book has simply bolted a bunch of scholar-sleuth cliches onto a narrative device seemingly borrowed from Nabokov. Its then dressed up with the kind of factual exposition any reader could find in the introduction to a decent translation of the Iliad, and framed with an unconvincing sentimental story.

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Anyone curious about Homer should probably dip into the real deal. Anyone who knows Homer already surely has better things to do. The Booklist is a weekly newsletter for book lovers from Jason Steger. Get it delivered every Friday.
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As featured in Melbournes top late-night dining. See all stories .

1 / 6 Pick Prik is a destination for those seeking the colour and atmosphere of Bangkok. Justin McManus 2 / 6 Mama tom yum seafood soup is a generous dish thats good for groups. Justin McManus 3 / 6 Kaprao pork and rice. Justin McManus 4 / 6 Deep-fried oyster. Justin McManus 5 / 6 Fruit salad. Justin McManus 6 / 6 Crying tiger spicy salad. Justin McManus Previous Slide Next Slide

Pick Prik Thai$$$$

Theres nearly always a queue for this food hall, encompassing three venues in one. Pick Priks menu has the most choice, spanning kid-friendly items including chicken fried rice, large sizzling pots of tom yum soup with seafood soup, and pad see ew: stir-fried noodles with wagyu beef. But you can also order mookata (DIY barbecue crossed with hot pot) from sibling venue Heng for a fun group dining experience. Sit under the lantern-festooned ceiling and marvel at the walls crammed with colourful Thai food packaging and antiques imported from Thailand.

Want to visit this venue? Save it in the Good Food app.
The bar has 21 of its own brews on tap.

2 / 6 The bar has 21 of its own brews on tap.

Three Tails Brewery was founded by local mates Mick Ash, John Latta and Ned Kelly, who figured the town could use some more beer. The Brooklyn-style brewery seats 300, with 21 of its own brews on tap, from easy-drinking lagers to more left-field releases such as the lemon aspen sour or its wine-beer hybrid, made from cabernet grapes sourced from Robert Stein Winery.

If this kind of thing interests you, then stick around for Beer Geek Sunday, which spotlights rare and hard-to-find brews from Australia and beyond. The kitchen is run by local pop-up Billy Boils, serving pizzas, burgers and a standout Korean fried chicken, best paired with the Samurai rice lager.

Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.
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Experts warn Australia could be days away from fuel rationing

Experts have warned Australia could be just days away from fuel rationing unless the federal government is able to secure shipments of fuel from overseas.
The arrest of Australias most decorated living soldier over multiple counts of murder committed in Afghanistan is the latest and most stunning development in an extraordinary saga that has split society and will echo for decades, whether or not a jury eventually finds Roberts-Smith guilty.

The war memorials poster boy for Australias contribution to its longest war was now in custody, potentially facing life in prison.

On Tuesday morning, he was not surrounded by knights and dames of the realm. It was detectives who had just arrested him for the alleged execution of unarmed Afghan detainees and civilians he was meant to protect. He was charged on Tuesday with five counts of war crime-murder.

It told the Victoria Cross recipients detractors he believed he still deserved a place in high society, despite a judges declaration months earlier that he was a serial war criminal whose cruelty had indelibly stained the reputation of Australias defence force.

Ben Roberts-Smith told reporters before the ceremony he was genuinely mourning. But his presence inside the hallowed Westminster Abbey was also an act of defiance.

Australias most notorious soldier sat stony-faced among the great and the good of the Commonwealth. They, like him, had secured a rare palace invitation to the 2022 funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

Rinehart refused to say if she funded Roberts-Smith but did criticise the coverage of his actions as weakening the nations Defence Force.

In 2024 and 2025 , he lost two appeals  up to the High Court. Roberts-Smith remained defiant. He traded the public support of Stokes for another, even wealthier, billionaire in Gina Rinehart.

The saga reached its first crescendo in 2023, when the decorated soldier comprehensively lost a $25 million Federal Court defamation action , known as the trial of the century, he had launched against The Age , The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times in a misguided attempt to prove his innocence.

Powerful supporters across Australia, including billionaire media mogul Kerry Stokes and ex-opposition leader and minister Brendan Nelson raced to Roberts-Smiths defence. As evidence mounted and more stories were published, his influential backers doubled down.

It began publicly in 2017, when investigative reporters from this masthead began publishing evidence suggesting Roberts-Smith was not all he seemed.

Perhaps the most important was a secret operation on September 11, 2012.

There are many sliding-doors moments in the privileged life of Ben Roberts-Smith  a graduate of Perths finest private schools and son of West Australian Supreme Court Justice Len Roberts-Smith and his wife Sue.

The arrest that heralds this storys second crescendo comes from eyewitness accounts in Afghan cornfields, mud huts and villages. Those making the allegations include soldiers who fought alongside Roberts-Smith in Australias most elite fighting unit.

But the seeds of the criminal case he is now potentially facing were not planted by credulous reporters or a cabal of jealous special forces detractors.

These backers, along with a chorus of voices on social media, helped amplify a narrative that Roberts-Smiths descent from national icon to accused war criminal was the ultimate tall poppy takedown.

Ali Jan didnt own a phone or a watch. The farmer and father of seven had arrived by donkey the night before, bunking down at the village mill owners home.

From the sky, Darwan looked like an ancient civilisation. As the soldiers swept through the village hunting a Taliban operative who had gunned down Australian soldiers almost two weeks earlier, the fusion of modern and rustic was apparent. Some men living there rode motorbikes and wore watches.

Fifteen minutes later, the choppers settled on the outskirts of Darwan, a farming village next to the Helmand River, consisting of mud and stone compounds.

In the distance rose the mountains of southern Afghanistan, silent sentinels of a country famed for swallowing up the men and morale of invading armies.

On that day, the rising Afghan sun had yet to warm the chill of the air as the heavily armed men of the SAS raced towards the helicopters at the Tarin Kowt military base.

She could wait. Lunch could be served cold and there were kids and animals to tend to. This is why at first she couldnt quite comprehend what had happened to her husband when Darwan villagers told her of his fate.

His was a longer journey, so Bibi initially wasnt worried when Ali didnt return when hed said he would.

According to an SAS soldier who, much later, would agree to testify against Roberts-Smith in the defamation case, Alis trip to Darwan should have been as insignificant as any dad popping out to buy bread and milk.

Sitting in Kabul years later, Bibi told this masthead that Ali had said to expect him back about midday. He planned to eat with her and their children. The arrival of the Australians in helicopters changed that plan.

He had come to collect flour, firewood and shoes for one of his children. At his home, a mud hut on a ridge three hours away, his wife, Bibi Dhorko, cooked on a small open fire.

Those details came through to her in nightmarish fragments, an unfolding horror story Bibi couldnt believe and later, could never forget.

The villagers told her Ali somehow earned the ire of the patrol teams biggest soldier  perhaps by denying accusations hurled by the men who entered the compound where Ali was sipping warm tea with his nephew.

Or maybe Alis decision to smile sparked the large Australians rage  maybe the soldier saw insolence and contempt in Alis anxious and bewildered facial expression.

Whatever the reason, the Australian soldier whom locals described as strikingly tall and wet from the chest down, manhandled Ali to the edge of a small cliff a few metres from the compound. Alis hands were manacled behind his back with plastic cable ties. The soldier took a few steps backwards, then lunged forward at Ali.

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Bibi couldnt repeat what happened next to anyone without fighting off emotion. Alis widow wasnt alone.

A member of the small SAS patrol team would suffer a similar, visceral reaction when recalling these events. He, also, could never forget.

Along with some villagers who had told Bibi the tale, the Australian soldier was also an eyewitness. His account matched the details the locals had provided. He, too, had seen Ali spinning off the precipice, 10 metres or more down. Hed seen Ali strike rocks, face first, teeth broken in an explosion of blood and pain.

Exhibit in Ben Roberts-Smith defamation case, showing the village of Darwan. The X marked with B and an arrow is said to be the cliff from which a villager was allegedly kicked by Roberts-Smith. He denies the allegation.

One difference between his story and that of the villagers was that while he didnt know the name of the handcuffed Afghan, he could identify the hulking figure who had kicked the prisoner. It was, he said, Ben Roberts-Smith.

More than any of Roberts-Smiths other suspected acts of wrongdoing, it was the alleged brutality and senselessness of the cliff kick that would haunt this SAS witness. It ultimately led him to disclose it to fellow soldiers.

While it would take years, word of his testimony would also reach the offices of this masthead via a network of still-confidential sources.

In June 2018, the alleged cliff kick and subsequent execution of Ali Jan were reported on the front pages of The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, sparking a series of cascading events.

The articles encouraged other SAS soldiers to break the special forces code of silence.

Some spoke to journalists. Others testified in secret to a military inquiry run by Justice Paul Brereton, whose November 2020 public report found that about two dozen SAS soldiers may have committed almost 40 executions of detainees and civilians. All soldiers names were redacted.

In 2018, Roberts-Smith took the defamation action in an attempt to prove himself innocent and maligned. As a consequence, in 2022, many of these same SAS soldiers testified in public and on oath, albeit with their names suppressed under national security orders.

They insisted they had witnessed war crimes.

An SAS soldier told the court hed watched Roberts-Smith kick a handcuffed Ali Jan in the chest. The Afghan catapulted backwards over the cliff edge, his face striking a large rock, knocking out a number of his teeth, including his front teeth, the soldier testified.

Next, he said, Roberts-Smith issued an order to execute Ali Jan, who was dazed and bleeding from the mouth. A short time later, another SAS operator under Roberts-Smiths command shot the Afghan farmer dead.

Other SAS veterans testified to more alleged crimes. Three soldiers claimed they had witnessed Roberts-Smith fatally machine-gun a Taliban fighter, who had been subdued and detained, during a mission on Easter Sunday, 2009.

This man, whose right leg is prosthetic, was among Afghans killed in 2009 in a now proven war crime.

The allegedly executed mans prosthetic leg was later used by SAS soldiers back at their Tarin Kowt base to swill beer.

Photographs of this, taken in the illegal bar The Fat Ladies Arms, would become defining images of how some elite Australian soldiers had lost their moral compass as the war dragged on, seemingly without purpose.

Roberts-Smith (left) with a former colleague drinking from the prosthetic leg of a dead Afghan man in 2012.

There were more alleged murders, too, including Roberts-Smith directing junior soldiers to shoot unarmed detainees. The Federal Court testimony of SAS soldiers, who were repulsed by all these alleged acts, ultimately determined the outcome of the defamation case.

In 2023, Roberts-Smith lost. Justice Anthony Besanko ruled that, on the balance of probabilities, the soldiers accounts, and those of three Afghan witnesses, were true.

When Roberts-Smith appealed, the three-judge Full Court of the Federal Court ruled Besanko had appropriately relied upon the eyewitnesses. Roberts-Smith had acted with a certain recklessness or perhaps even brazenness when he killed the man with the prosthetic leg in front of other soldiers, they found.

The problem for [Roberts-Smith] is that, unlike most homicides, there were three eyewitnesses to this murder, the judges concluded.

While the SAS code of silence initially stopped many from speaking up, the judges found the soldiers were ultimately prepared to testify in court. Roberts-Smith also unsuccessfully tried to appeal to the High Court.

A case that Roberts-Smith brought to save his reputation had instead shredded it. It had left his backer, Stokes, more than $25 million poorer. Even so, the prospect of prosecution was uncertain, which allowed some Roberts-Smith supporters to dismiss the civil findings as just an awkward footnote.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson declared she stood by the big soldier, urging him to hold his head high. Gina Rinehart lashed the relentless attack, claiming it weakened Australia and sapped a military already struggling with inadequate numbers to defend us.

Many patriotic Australians query, is it fair that this brave and patriotic man who risked his life on overseas missions which he was sent on by our government is under such attack? Rinehart said in a statement last year.

To impartial observers, however, the defamation case signalled that Roberts-Smith could yet face another reckoning  this time at the hands of an elite unit called the Office of Special Investigations (OSI).

In early 2021, the Morrison government created the OSI, staffed with mostly veteran homicide and organised crime detectives, as well as experienced federal police agents. In the wake of the Brereton report, it tasked the office with investigating suspected war crimes and charging suspected offenders.

Roberts-Smith, who was then employed as a senior Seven Network executive by Stokes, his most powerful backer, responded with a two-pronged campaign.

Roberts-Smith outside the Federal Court during his appeal last year. Sam Mooy

One part of this was very public: the defamation action. Stokes bankrolled the case, which included a public relations war, also waged by Stokes West Australian newspaper.

Even though the Brereton report redacted his name, Roberts-Smith responded in the same manner he had attacked this mastheads reporting. He labelled it baseless and claimed it had relied on the false accounts of fellow special forces soldiers Roberts-Smith purported were jealous of his successes.

His covert campaign allegedly involved witness intimidation and evidence destruction. It was allegedly aimed at destabilising and undermining his perceived enemies: the SAS soldiers accusing him of wrongdoing, the Brereton inquiry and the journalists he held responsible for initially exposing his alleged war crimes.

The defamation action initially energised Roberts-Smith and rusted-on supporters, such as Stokes and Nelson. It gradually morphed into a historic own goal.

As well as airing eyewitness testimony, it amplified damaging evidence that Roberts-Smith had also threatened witnesses, buried evidence in his backyard, torched incriminating laptops and obtained burner phones to communicate with his co-accused.

On USBs Roberts-Smith buried in his backyard in pink childrens lunchboxes, this masthead uncovered photos of him cheering on fellow soldiers on base in southern Afghanistan as they swilled beer from the prosthetic leg of the elderly unarmed prisoner he had allegedly executed by machine gun in the Easter Sunday 2009 mission.

After Roberts-Smith lost the defamation case, the OSI seized on key evidence unearthed and convinced SASR witnesses, including some who refused to testify on self-incrimination grounds, to assist its inquiry.

Despite these setbacks, Roberts-Smith secured brief reprieves from prosecution and, in some quarters, was still revered as a war hero.

The first criminal investigation into Roberts-Smith, commenced in 2018, was a covert inquiry run solely by the Australian Federal Police. It collapsed in 2023 because of a legal technicality: a concern it was tainted by inadmissible evidence first unearthed in the Brereton inquiry.

The federal police probe may have already been fatally compromised. It was revealed former police chief Mick Keelty had made Roberts-Smith aware of its existence, enabling the former soldier to take steps to avoid police phone taps.

The War Memorial, under chair Brendan Nelson and fellow director Stokes, continued lionising Roberts-Smiths battlefield deeds, even as the allegations of war crimes mounted.

Stokes backed Roberts-Smith consistently and relentlessly, spending tens of millions of dollars on Roberts-Smiths efforts to clear his name until the first judgment dismissing the defamation claim.

When Stokes finally cooled on Roberts-Smith, he found a new wealthy backer prepared to offer him public support in Gina Rinehart.

The text panel next to Roberts-Smiths uniform as displayed this month.

After Kim Beazley was appointed War Memorial chair and Roberts-Smith lost his defamation case, little changed, save for a footnote added to the cabinet that displayed Roberts-Smiths uniform, medals and story of bravery.

After four years, the OSI inquiry into Roberts-Smith had also produced no tangible results, and formerly eager witnesses wonder if it, too, was doomed to fail.

There were several reasons for the delay. The Talibans return to power in 2021 stymied the OSIs offshore evidence collection.

One of the OSIs leaders, Mark Weinberg, a former Commonwealth director of public prosecutions and senior judge, fell badly ill, juggling his oversight of the complex inquiry with medical appointments and what well-placed sources described as a near fanatical desire to avoid the legal missteps of the earlier AFP probe.

His small agency worked furiously to finalise its brief of evidence and secure co-operation from hold-out witnesses who had served alongside Roberts-Smith in Afghanistan. Weinberg retired last year.

Unlike the frequent and often extraordinary twists and turns during Roberts-Smiths high-profile defamation case, the OSI has worked relentlessly in the shadows.

After Besankos 2023 ruling, OSI investigators made repeated applications to the Federal Court to access evidence from the civil proceeding.

The OSI secured not only the SAS witnesses, but also SAS soldiers who had refused or been unable to testify in the defamation trial on the grounds of self-incrimination or because they had been living overseas.

Some gave eyewitness accounts provided their testimony would not be used to prosecute them.

Afghan National Army soldiers who had served alongside Roberts-Smith and who had, after the return of the Taliban, arrived in Australia as refugees, were located; ex-SAS soldiers were stopped at border crossings or raided. In the US, where one of Roberts-Smiths accomplices lives, local agencies provided support to the OSI.

The office recovered photos and video never before aired, including that of Roberts-Smith swilling beer from the prosthetic leg of the man he had allegedly executed.

Yet almost nothing was known publicly about its inquiries, save for occasional revelations in this masthead that it was quietly building rapport with SAS eyewitnesses. Last year, this masthead reported OSI detectives raided properties in Perth, the home of SAS headquarters.

Around the same time, the relatives of Ali Jan spoke to an Australian filmmaker, Pete Williams, who had travelled to Afghanistan.

They were losing hope they would ever get true justice, Williams said. They still want those responsible for the clifftop kick in 2012, and the moments of terror that preceded it, held to account.

It wasnt the first time Ali Jans family had called for the Australian government to act.

In 2019, after this masthead and 60 Minutes tracked down Ali Jans wife in southern Afghanistan, she agreed to sit before a television camera in a Kabul hotel. With Bibi Dhorko, then 34, sat three of her children: two boys in traditional Afghan shirts, each a different shade of green, and a daughter in a bright, colourful tunic.

Bibis face was worn, her eyes dark and sad, her mood lightened only by the giggles of the children as they played with marbles.

Some of the children of deceased Afghan villager, Ali Jan, who Ben Roberts-Smith murdered at Darwan.

Bibi described waiting for Ali to return home for lunch. An hour passed, and then another.

It was well into the afternoon when she finally heard someone approaching. It was a young boy from Darwan, sweating and panting. He raced up with the news.

I started crying, shouting, Bibi said. My legs were numb. I couldnt breathe.

She remembered the last time shed seen Ali alive, and the last time hed seen his six young children. She remembered him telling her to tend to their land while he was gone  and how Ali then turned to face her and said goodbye.

Then she remembered her chaotic dash down the rocky path towards Darwan, retracing her husbands last steps, until relatives finally convinced her to turn back. It was too late, they said.

She remembered seeing blood on the floor of her hut, realising shed badly cut her feet while running, but had not noticed the pain. She was pregnant at the time with her seventh child, a girl who would never meet her father.

Bibi said she had a message for Australia.

I want justice because I have been widowed  my children are now helpless, she said.

Ultimately, a jury of his peers will determine if Ben Roberts-Smith is guilty of the crimes for which he now stands accused. This will only occur if the evidence proves his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

At least we can now say that, on Easter Tuesday more than 14 years after a handcuffed Ali Jan was allegedly murdered in cold blood, the process of justice has finally begun.

Read more on Ben Roberts-Smiths arrest:
Boatmen pole boats forward to compete during the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, on April 6, 2026. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Tang Dehong/Xinhua)

A dragon boat takes part in the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 6, 2026. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Tang Dehong/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows boats competing during the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Tang Dehong/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows boats getting ready to take part in the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Yang Yugang/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows boats getting ready to take part in the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Yan Yuming/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows boats getting ready to take part in the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Yang Yugang/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows a ceremonial boat taking part in the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Yan Yuming/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows boats getting ready to take part in the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Yan Yuming/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows a dragon boat taking part in the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Yan Yuming/Xinhua)

Boatmen pole boats forward to compete during the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, on April 6, 2026. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Yang Yugang/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows boats gathering during the Qintong Boat Festival held at the Qinhu National Wetland Park in Qintong Town of Taizhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. Originating in ancient China's Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the Qintong Boat Festival has been said to be held in memory of ancestors and ancient heroes. Hundreds of boats with more than 10,000 polers aboard gathered here on Monday for this year's festival, during which each boat competed in a speed challenge. This centuries-old grand water festival was listed as one of the country's national intangible cultural heritages. (Photo by Tang Dehong/Xinhua)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
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There are undoubtedly fanatics in the Iranian regime, but what about the Trump mob (Trumps made so many blunders with this Iran war. But his next mistake could be his biggest, April 6)? Pete Hegseth, the secretary of war as he prefers to be called, has a tattoo with the words Deus Vult  God Wills It  the battle cry of the first crusade in 1096. He also has asked Americans to pray on bended knees for victory in the current conflict, and compared the rescue of a downed American pilot in Iran to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, something many Christians would find offensive, if not outright blasphemous. When both sides of a conflict are managed by fanatics, I despair of a quick resolution. Bill Tango, Manly Devout Christian Pete Hegseth has a few tats up his sleeve. Bloomberg The conflict in Iran is the responsibility of a reckless American leadership that chose to dismiss the advice of military professionals, preferring the guidance of evangelicals who see the Middle East conflict as Gods divine plan. Religion is increasingly being invoked by irresponsible leaders to justify slaughter and mayhem. Australia needs to decide just how far we intend to involve ourselves with these sickening moves in world politics. To continue to pour money into indulgences such as AUKUS is madness. Bruce Spence, Balmain Much is said about the need for community cohesion these days. One thing that certainly seems to unite people is their opinion of US President Donald Trump, who has inadvertently become a bonding mechanism across religious, socio-economic, educational, cultural and city/country divides. I have yet to meet a single person who doesnt refer to him as mad, a nut job, a sociopath, a malignant narcissist or the like. A homeless man in a Parramatta park recently regaled me with a Trump joke, and it occurred to me that the US president had become a natural point of agreement for everyone, regardless of their circumstances. Perhaps that is the one thing that we should thank him for. Maureen Partridge Baulkham Hills When Bernie Sanders and Marjorie Taylor Greene, who represent opposite ends of Americas political spectrum, united in their views and publicly stated that Donald Trump has gone insane (Greene), is mentally unbalanced(Sanders), and their views were supported by Senator Chuck Schumers comment about an unhinged madman, surely Speaker Mike Johnson and Congress will realise that this nuclear-enabled president is more of a danger to the world than Iran could ever be. A person who has so little self-control even over his own speech cannot be trusted with the lives of thousands of servicemen and women, never mind de-escalating his own pointless war. Its time for Congress to call a cabinet meeting, remove Trump and appoint a leader with vision and substance. Helen Cameron, Wollstonecroft Bernie Sanders says Donald Trumps behaviour is mentally unbalanced. AP Donald Trump reminds me of a boss we used to have. It was said that if you wanted a quick answer, youd ask him. If you wanted a well-considered answer, youd ask his offsider. If you wanted a second opinion, youd ask the boss again. Mike Bush, Port Macquarie

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China plays long game Peter Hartcher refers to Chinas energy rice bowl as a metaphor for its foresight in accumulating sufficient oil and other energy stocks to last it through an emergency (Chinas been very quiet during Trumps Iran war. Theres a good reason for that, April 7). The expression is a reference to Chairman Maos iron rice bowl, which guaranteed not only energy self-sufficiency but, in classic Chinese communist practice, lifelong job security, housing, food supply, income and extensive social benefits, none of which exist in the US. Unlike China, Trumps America has typically focused on making war at the expense of those least able to afford it, providing enormous profits for the billionaire supplicants that surround him, but without factoring in the negative consequences now facing the world. Frederick Jansohn, Rose Bay China has always been quite open about its end goal regarding Taiwan. The situation in the Middle East could easily tip the scale in favour of Chinese action, starting with a blockade of the island nation. Turning to our role, Australia must strenuously avoid any military involvement in helping the US defend Taiwan. Its therefore time to seriously review AUKUS, under which we will be expected to join America in any future military operation. Unfortunately, the likelihood of Australia changing its mind on the subs deal is zero at present. Bob Konig, Shell Cove Peter Hartcher highlights Chinas patience and planning in the energy realm, its stockpiling and sharing with neighbours and its generally stable approach to international affairs. This is in total contrast to the US, which is acting like a bull in a china shop. Donald Green, Cobargo Peter Hartcher notes that China has kept a low profile since Trumps war on Iran began. Perhaps Beijing is heeding Napoleons dictum: Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake. Nicholas Triggs, Katoomba Relief at last The relief felt by the crew of Artemis II must have been huge when they received the all clear for their recalcitrant zero-gravity toilet. This could have been a crisis comparable to the Apollo 13 mission, requiring a dash back to Earth in deeply uncomfortable conditions requiring superhuman self-control. Aidan Moore, Melba (ACT)

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I cant believe that an ultra-high-tech piece of equipment such as the Artemis II space capsule doesnt have a plumbers mate in the tool box. Rob Venables, Bermagui Photo: Matt Golding NDIS exploited The NDIS has become someones folly. Bill Shorten tried but failed. This monster must be curtailed (Two Labor MPs  both of them doctors  say the NDIS must be redesigned, April 7). As a GP, I see many people accessing services that they perhaps shouldnt, yet some advanced cancer patients struggle to get the support they so desperately need. Everyone wants a piece of the pie, but no one wants to pay the taxes to sustain the system. Like Medicare, the design of the scheme allows it to be exploited by people with a faulty moral compass. A thorough review by user representatives and the government is urgently required. Ashley Berry, Wollongong Unscrupulous providers using the NDIS for their own benefit was always going to happen. Astute politicians should have foreseen this, but they didnt. It was also totally predictable that NAPLAN would lead to many schools teaching to the test rather than providing genuine education. Our politicians missed this as well. Simon OBrien, Rushcutters Bay Sing a song If you struggle to make friends at uni I have a suggestion  join the choir. It worked for me (Leanne is finding it difficult to make friends at uni. Shes not alone, April 7). Even if you dont sing well, youll learn and you can just open your mouth and look the part if theres a note you cant reach. Sydney Uni Musical Society was a great place to make friends. We sang in intervarsity concerts and even got together at Christmas and sang at all the coffee shops in Kings Cross. One owner provided pancakes and coffee. It opened up for me not only friendships but a cornucopia of beautiful music Id never experienced before. We had a lot of fun. Best wishes, Leanne. Pat Manser, Padstow Heights

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Energy devolution Angus Taylor says we must dig, and we must drill (War drives need for self-sufficiency, April 7). Must we? Over decades senior Coalition figures, including Taylor, oversaw the closing of all but two of our oil refineries as it was far cheaper to import oil. Despite repeated warnings from security analysts, there was no planning for contingencies like supply chain disruption. Now Taylor and others are advocating a plan for home-grown oil which would require heavy subsidies and years to deliver. Not a word about shifting to electric vehicles, nor an acknowledgement of the Coalitions damaging misinformation campaign about EVs and spoiled weekends. Such is their ideologically induced blindness that they would advocate for an expansion of fossil fuel exploration, nuclear power and hydrogen cars before conceding that renewables are the best option. Meanwhile, climate change has disappeared from the headlines but is accelerating nevertheless. Fiona Colin, Malvern East (Vic) We all recall the pillory that Bill Shorten and Labor experienced at the hands of the Coalition in the lead-up to the 2019 election. EVs will be the death of the long weekend, was proclaimed loud and long to anyone who would listen. I would like to imagine that Bill Shorten has just returned from a lovely Easter long weekend in an EV while many in traditional fuel powered cars didnt dare to venture far from home. David Sargeant, Ilkley (Qld) Downside of data I have no doubt that Atlassians billionaire founder Scott Farquhar is happy for Australia to be exporting megawatts as megabytes, provided he is not personally exposed to the blight of them from his humble abode. For those of us now trying to fight our third data centre development, situated directly adjacent to homes and playing fields, with an almost three-year excavation and construction time, not to mention ongoing noise, pollution and visual impacts, we have had enough. Three centres within 700 metres of residential areas. I think in this case the NIMBYs are the people who wont have them in their backyards. Elizabeth Darton, Lane Cove West Return to sender On December 2, I posted a Christmas card to my cousin who lives in Tehran. On Thursday, April 2 it was returned to me with a sticker stating Dispatches temporarily suspended due to dispute in the Middle East. I must infer that either Australia Post failed to get the card out of the country in the intervening four months, or they had incredible foresight regarding the intentions of the US/Israeli alliance. Remarkable, either way! Fiona Igoe, Northwood

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Lets save it for next Christmas. Glenn Hunt Grand plans Its hard not to despair about the future of Victoria Barracks, yet another precious piece of Australias heritage that is under threat of ruination (The bold vision to turn Victoria Barracks into Sydneys next great public place, April 7). Having had a long career closely linked to the predations of the development and construction industry, it was difficult not to smile about the eye-candy concepts floated for the barracks. Such concepts are stock-in-trade fishing lures used to tempt and engage naive clients (and lazy politicians) and mollify the public into embracing projects and developments. Nearly always there is a huge gulf between flashy concept and project realisation, and its invariably an unhappy result for the client. You only need to look at most of the cities around Australia, which bear the scars of progressive politicians. Precious heritage buildings and sites have all but disappeared or at best been compromised in the name of progress. Victoria Barracks is an important part of Sydneys and Australias heritage and its value belongs to our citizens. McDonalds and luxury apartments should not be the future of this heritage site. Alan Egan, Paddington (Qld) Friendly stranger Your story on Macdonaldtown station portrays very well the sense of desolation and solitude one can feel standing in wait on its only platform (Alight here for nowhere, April 5). When we were still teenagers, my wife and I moved into a flat adjacent to the station in 1972. Each morning I would run to the station for a train to Central. On most days about that time my dear old Aunty Claire would be coming through on her way to work on a crowded express from Parramatta and, if she could see me standing on the platform, would wave furiously to me from her window seat while speeding past. Naturally, I could do nothing but wave back to her. How bizarre it must have looked to all the other passengers to see a solitary figure on the platform apparently waving to them all as they passed by. I treasure that memory of Macdonaldtown and my loving aunt. Mark Stack, North Curl Curl Roberts-Smith arrest It is a relief that Australia is honouring its international obligation to prosecute allegations of war crimes by our soldiers. The Office of the Special Investigator has done its job. Roberts-Smith now has the right to a trial by his peers, the jury (Ben Roberts-Smith charged with multiple war crimes, April 7). Anne Eagar, Epping

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NationalQueenslandCity council New terrace houses planned on historic Brisbane street William Davis April 7, 2026  7:53pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

A new strip of terrace homes could rise along a historic street in Annerley, with the plans prompting concern about their potential impact on local character in the inner-south Brisbane suburb. Under the proposal for 15 Villa Street, the house would be demolished, and six three-storey townhouses would be built in its place. Each would have three bedrooms, private outdoor space and a garage. An artists impression of the planned terrace homes at 15 Villa Street in Annerley. Brisbane City Council Artist impressions provided with the submission to Brisbane City Council last month show they would also include a large balcony.

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The property is about five kilometres from the CBD, and some terraces at the northern end could have views of the city skyline. Several historic houses are located nearby along Villa Street, including the home of the Cilento family, well known in Brisbane for their contributions to medicine. The existing address at 15 Villa Street is zoned character residential, but there is already an active development application for demolition. William Davis In 2025 the Annerley-Stephens History Group published the book Villa Street Revealed about the history of the strip. The property is covered by a traditional building character overlay and zoned low-to-medium residential, making the development impact assessable.

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Demolition was previously approved, according to the application. [Were] keen to capitalise on the growing area of Annerley, providing much needed family homes in this inner-city suburb, the developer told this masthead in a statement. The Cilento family home is one of several historic houses along Villa Street. William Davis Annerley is seen as an area close to the CBD and major activity centres such as the University of Queensland and the Princess Alexandra Hospital. They said construction would likely cost about $5 million, and be completed in 2027.

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Councillor Nicole Johnston represents the area, and said efforts should be made to protect its heritage. The loss of character homes would be a hard blow to the community, she said. Some blocks on Villa Street have views of the Brisbane skyline. William Davis It would be better if the character home on this block could be kept with townhouses to the rear as has happened in other parts of the street. Related Article City council Tower inspired by river to include one of Brisbanes most luxurious penthouses

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There are several nearby examples of new units behind existing historic homes, and plans were lodged earlier this year for a similar layout about one kilometre away at 391 Ipswich Road. The developer pointed to design elements, including the skillion roof, as evidence its plan was compatible with the traditional character of the area. Brisbane City Council has previously said it plans to increase build heights in low-to-medium residential areas  which make up about 14 per cent of the city  from two stories to at least three stories. The developer of 15 Villa Street said it was laying the groundwork for construction ahead of those changes. 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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A 17-year-old has been charged with stealing and driving the luxury SUV involved in a serious crash in inner Brisbane early on Tuesday.

Several people were badly injured and commuters were delayed after the three-vehicle collision on Kingsford Smith Drive near Cooksley Street in Hamilton about 4.30am.

A 2025 Range Rover allegedly stolen from a Beverley Crescent address at Broadbeach on Monday night was involved.

According to police, the Range Rover involved in the crash was reported stolen from Broadbeach. William Davis

Four teenagers  the youngest 14 and the oldest 17  were arrested at the scene and taken to hospital under police guard.
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Exclusive NationalVictoriaPlanning Failed miserably: Go-slow on fast-track program ties up thousands of homes Daniella White April 8, 2026  5:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Victorias pandemic construction fast-track program has failed miserably, a former senior state planner claims, arguing that billions of dollars in promised economic value and tens of thousands of homes remain trapped in bureaucratic inertia. The developer of a stalled 3000-home project in Lilydale  which was supposed to be expedited under the scheme  claims these ongoing delays will force future buyers to cover extra costs of up to $600 million. Intrapac chief executive Maxwell Shifman at the site of the stalled development at Lilydale Quarry Eddie Jim The Victorian Planning Authority COVID-19 Fast Track Program was launched in 2020 to unlock $18.8 billion in economic activity, 89,200 homes and more than 100,000 jobs. Instead, it produced a pipeline of delayed approvals with limited real-world delivery. Of the 19 projects assessed, 13 were approved and gazetted, but none met original timelines. Several have stalled, or been deferred or abandoned.

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A new analysis by John Luppino, a former Victorian Planning Authority senior planner who now works for the developer Intrapac, said the states recovery initiative had fallen well short of its goals. If you measure success against the programs original aim ... the program has failed miserably, the report said. It found developments were bogged down in complex and fragmented post-approval processes involving multiple government agencies, councils and referral authorities. He noted the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) lacked the authority to compel other agencies to act or to issue planning permits directly. What you really need is a body that has the statutory powers and authority to co-ordinate and corral government authorities to work together and bring projects to shovel-readiness, Luppino said.

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His report, based largely on his time at the agency and work on three of the projects, said in some cases government departments and councils resisted involvement in the fast-track process, which was seen as being imposed on them. Related Article Exclusive

Planning Ministers fast-tracked housing towers become ghost projects Luppino highlighted the Lilydale Quarry redevelopment as one of the most striking failures to progress. While now working for the projects developer, he previously worked on it while at the VPA. The massive site in Melbournes outer east, now called Kinley Estate, was conceived more than a decade ago to deliver 3200 homes. Despite being rezoned in January 2022, the quarry remains partially filled and construction has been stalled for years. Some 211 homes have been built so far under an earlier permit covering the first stage. Intrapac chief executive Max Shifman attributed the delays to poor co-ordination between state agencies, local council and infrastructure authorities, saying they were left floundering waiting for responses with no clear time frames. While a permit  first applied for in 2022  was granted early this year, Shifman said many conditions remained unworkable and needed to be challenged at VCAT.

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He estimated the delays would add about $600 million to the cost of house-and-land packages, driven by rising construction costs and the financial burden of holding the site for several years without being able to build. Shifman said Intrapacs Lilydale proposal was financially viable and unlike other projects did not require external funding or extensive presales and could start construction this year if given full approvals. If you measure success against the programs original aim ... the program has failed miserably. John Luppino, a former Victorian Planning Authority senior planner No one cares how much zoning capacity the government has created unless you can actually get shovels in the ground, he said. The state needs to reward good participants like us that make significant investments and actually help us facilitate rather than be all care and no responsibility. Shifman argued that Yarra Ranges Council was ill-equipped to handle such complex approvals and called for a state takeover of the process.

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However, the council rejected that characterisation. A spokesperson said that for nearly a decade, it had collaborated with Intrapac to navigate complex geotechnical, heritage and rail corridor constraints. The spokesperson said part of the reason progress on the remaining 630-lot subdivision had stalled was because the developer submitted applications before mandatory agreements on infrastructure and affordable housing were finalised. The council said the implications of a premature application were made clear to the developer at the time. It added that because the Lilydale rail line bisected the site, the state government mandated specific additional conditions that the council was required to include. Luppinos analysis noted that while some greenfield projects had advanced, delays in established areas  such as the Preston Market and Berwick health precincts  were significant. The Planning Institute of Australias Victorian president, Patrick Fensham, said it was important the government got the planning of new precincts right  including those approved under the pandemic fast-track program  noting it was sometimes inevitable that aligning the views of multiple agencies took time.

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Sometimes there are unforeseen delays getting the relevant information, and sometimes that does come from the developer themselves, he said. However, Fensham said the government could do more from a strategic perspective to fund and co-ordinate infrastructure in a timely and transparent manner once planning of new precincts was complete. Patrick Fensham, the Victorian president of the Planning Institute of Australia. Daniel Munoz The VPA was absorbed into the Department of Transport and Planning last year, a move Luppino said further weakened it. He argued the Development Facilitation Program  which allows the minister to bypass councils  should be expanded to compel faster agency approvals and include projects beyond high-density builds, which are currently less financially viable.

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Luppino said the government currently prioritised headline grabbing approvals rather than those likely to deliver housing in the short term. Property Council Australia Victoria executive director Cath Evans said the long-term results of the VPAs fast-track program showed how much red tape was slowing down the delivery of much-needed homes. At a time of housing shortages and economic pressure, Victoria cannot afford for projects of this scale to remain stuck in the system, she said. Evans called on the government to expand the powers of the Development Facilitation Program and the removal of redundant referral processes. A spokesman for Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny said Victoria continued to build thousands more homes than any other state.

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Many of the precincts the VPA has planned for in the last two decades were always expected to take up to thirty years to deliver, he said. David Hayward, an emeritus professor of planning and economics at RMIT University, said the results of the VPAs COVID-19 program revealed ongoing tensions and contradictions in the planning system as the government proceeded with its fast-track agenda. Across NSW and Victoria, the changes to planning systems to speed up approvals dont seem to be producing the completions were expecting of them  and theres a lot of unhappiness around the quality of what has been delivered, 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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PoliticsQueenslandChild safety Child safety system confronts financial catastrophe Sam McKeith April 7, 2026  3:55pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Queenslands residential care system for at-risk children has lurched into a financial catastrophe as costs balloon past $1 billion a year, an inquiry has heard. The inquiry into the states child safety system  the third of its kind since 2003  began its final block of hearings in Brisbane on Tuesday, looking at ways to improve outcomes for children, carers and families. In his opening address, counsel assisting Tom Diaz said 2388 children remained in residential care, which is reserved for those unsuitable for home-based care. The inquiry is holding hearings in Brisbane after sitting in Cairns and Toowoomba. Felicity Caldwell By comparison, 2767 children were in residential care across the rest of Australia, making Queensland an outlier and alarmingly so.

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The numbers are important because they contextualise the extraordinary growth in and reliance upon the now $1 billion residential care sector, Diaz said. Related Article Queensland government Kids put at risk by IT bungle, minister says as damning findings revealed And though there are many figures that highlight the financial catastrophe that residential care has become, the problem extends beyond the numbers. The over-reliance on residential care has diluted the design intent of this placement type and contributed to worse outcomes for the children. The cost of residential care in Queensland had surged to $500,000 per child annually, with $500 million in state funds funnelled to 125 unlicensed providers last financial year.

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Some 750 children were being cared for by such providers, with limited oversight by government officials, Diaz said. Of those unlicensed providers at least 20 received more than $5 million per year in funding and one unlicensed provider received more than $30 million in funding, he added. There were just 38 licensed providers statewide, the inquiry was told. The commission is expected to hear from consulting firm KPMG, which has been asked to analyse the drivers of skyrocketing system demand. Several senior government officials are also due to give evidence this week.

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Commissioner Paul Anastassiou has flagged the two-week hearing block will focus on ballooning costs and greater use of unlicensed providers threatening the systems viability. In February, hearings in Toowoomba focused on the link between out-of-home care and the youth justice system, with harrowing claims of emotional and physical abuse in state care. The inquiry is due to make recommendations to the Crisafulli government by May. AAP Get alerts on significant breaking news as it happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert.

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Updated WorldNorth AmericaMiddle East at war Trump backs ceasefire as the 10-point peace plan comes into play, but key details still missing Michael Koziol Updated April 8, 2026  3:30pm ,first published April 8, 2026  4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Washington: US President Donald Trump backed down from his threats to unleash carnage on Iran, agreeing to a two-week ceasefire contingent on Tehran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and claiming a full peace agreement was close to fruition. The White House declared victory in the war, which has lasted for 38 days. But within hours, there were signs that the truce was shaky, with air raid sirens sounding in Tel Aviv, and Israel claiming the ceasefire did not apply in Lebanon  contradicting mediators. US President Donald Trump said on social media: A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. AP Trumps decision came hours after he threatened that a whole civilisation will die tonight unless Iran struck a deal, prompting widespread concern about his rhetoric and the level of destruction he was prepared to unleash on Irans infrastructure and population. Iran said it had agreed to the two-week ceasefire, provided the attacks against it were halted. It said its armed forces would co-ordinate safe passage through the strait with due consideration of technical limitations.

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A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told this masthead Israel had also agreed to the ceasefire. Later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel supported Trumps decision to suspend strikes against Iran, but warned the ceasefire did not include Lebanon. That contradicted an earlier statement from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country was a key mediator. Loading It was not immediately clear what terms Trump had agreed to, but he said negotiations would be based on a workable 10-point plan by Iran. Such a proposal was made by Tehran earlier in the week and dismissed by Trump at the time as a significant step but not good enough. The demands reportedly include compensation for Irans reconstruction costs, a commitment to lift sanctions against Iran and a guarantee of no further attacks.

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With about 90 minutes until his self-imposed deadline, Trump said on social media that because of requests made by Sharif  and subject to Iran reopening the strait  he had agreed to suspend his planned bombing of Irans power plants and bridges for two weeks. This will be a double-sided CEASEFIRE! he posted. The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East. We received a 10 point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate. Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated. Terms of Irans 10-point plan Complete cessation of the war on Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen. Complete and permanent cessation of the war on Iran with no time limit. Ending all conflicts in the region in their entirety. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Establishing a protocol and conditions to ensure freedom and security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Full payment of compensation for reconstruction costs to Iran. Full commitment to lifting sanctions on Iran. Release of Iranian funds and frozen assets held by the United States. Iran fully commits to not seeking possession of any nuclear weapons. Immediate ceasefire takes effect on all fronts immediately upon approval of the above conditions. Shortly afterwards, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi published a statement from the countrys Supreme National Security Council saying that if attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations.

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For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via co-ordination with Irans Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations, Araghchi said. Related Article Middle East at war US-Iran war as it happened: Trump agrees to two-week ceasefire subject to Strait of Hormuz reopening as US strikes military targets on Kharg Island Sharif said the ceasefire would start immediately and apply to all theatres of the war, including Lebanon, where Israel had been bombarding Hezbollah targets in the countrys south. He invited delegations from the US and Iran to meet for talks in Islamabad on Friday. But Netanyahus office said: The two-weeks ceasefire does not include Lebanon. It also stressed that the US was still committed to the goals of ensuring Iran could no longer pose a nuclear, missile and terror threat to America, Israel, Irans Arab neighbours and the world. Danny Citrinowicz, a senior researcher at Israels Institute for National Security Studies, said the ceasefire might signal the beginning of the end of the war, but given the deep mistrust between the parties, it must be treated with extreme caution.

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Until a ceasefire is fully in place, there is no ceasefire, he said on X. We are still operating in the dark. Key details are missing, especially what was actually promised to Iran. Despite the ceasefire, things are unlikely to get back to normal in a hurry at the Strait of Hormuz. Global shipping giant Maersk said the two-week ceasefire did not yet provide enough security certainty to resume normal operations. At this point, we take a cautious approach, and we are not making any changes to specific services, the Danish shipping group said in a statement to Reuters. Meanwhile, the head of a body representing global airlines warned it would take months for jet fuel supply to recover even if Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz, given the disruptions to Middle East refining capacity. Willie Walsh, director general of International Air Transport Association (IATA) told reporters in Singapore that while he expected crude oil prices to fall, jet fuel costs were likely to remain slightly elevated due to the impact of the hostilities so far on refineries.

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Cautious welcome Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire and said it should serve as a basis for permanent de-escalation. This is positive news. Weve been calling for a de-escalation for some time, Albanese told Sky News. The ceasefire has also been cautiously welcomed by world leaders, with Kaja Kallas, the European Unions top diplomat, saying the ceasefire deal was a step back from the brink after weeks of escalation. It creates a much-needed chance to tone down threats, stop missiles, restart shipping, and create space for diplomacy towards a lasting agreement, she added.

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I welcome the two-week ceasefire the US and Iran agreed last night. It brings much needed de-escalation, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on social media platform X, adding it was crucial negotiations continue for an enduring solution. French President Emmanuel Macron said it was good news Iran would work on opening the Strait of Hormuz, while the German foreign minister said on X: I welcome the decision by involved parties to agree to ceasefire in Iran conflict. The Saudi and Omani foreign ministries applauded the news of the ceasefire on X. Oman pledged to support efforts towards enduring security. Lead up to the ceasefire Earlier in the day, developments indicated that a deal of sorts might be under way. Several Westerners detained by Iran and its regional proxies were released in an apparent goodwill gesture amid the ongoing negotiations.

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American journalist Shelly Kittleson was released by her kidnappers Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia in Iraq. Instagram/@shellyrkittleson French President Emmanuel Macron announced two French citizens, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, had been freed and were returning to France after 3 years of detention in Iran. Macron thanked Omani authorities for their mediation efforts. Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed terrorist group in Iraq, also said it would release American journalist Shelly Kittleson, whom it kidnapped on a Baghdad street last week, on the condition she left Iraq immediately. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Kittlesons release and said she was being assisted to depart Iraq. The two-week ceasefire was publicly proposed on Tuesday (US time) by Sharif, who called for Trump to extend his deadline and for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture.

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Vice President JD Vance, rallying support for hard-right Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, confirmed the US had struck Kharg Island. AP US Vice President JD Vance, who was visiting Hungary to campaign for the re-election of its right-wing prime minister, Viktor Orban, was also involved in last-minute negotiations  as was China, a revelation that was first reported by the Associated Press. Trump told Agence France-Presse in a phone interview that he had heard Beijing played a role in getting its Iranian ally to agree to the truce. He also declared a total and complete victory over Iran and said Tehrans stocks of highly enriched uranium would be perfectly taken care of. Earlier, as Trumps notional 8pm Tuesday (Washington time) deadline approached, Vance and a White House official confirmed the US had struck additional military targets on Irans Kharg Island, through which about 90 per cent of Irans oil exports ordinarily pass. Reports in US media outlets said dozens of targets were hit. Israel also launched fresh attacks on Iranian railway tracks and bridges. In a video, Netanyahu claimed the targets were used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to transport weapons and raw materials.

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Loading Trumps backdown came after he issued an incendiary social media post that was widely seen as a negotiating tactic but which also alarmed international law experts, policy analysts, Democrats and some Republicans. A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will, Trump wrote on his Truth Social page on Tuesday morning (Washington time). However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily [sic] wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? Although Trump did not follow through with his threats, his extraordinary rhetoric continued to be scrutinised, with his political opponents  and some allies  saying it would cause lasting damage to the image of the US and the American presidency.

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Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer called Trump a sick person. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican senator from Alaska who often differs from Trump, said his threat could not be excused as an attempt to gain leverage. Related Article Updated

Middle East at war Australian petrol prices to fall within the month  if US-Iran ceasefire holds This type of rhetoric is an affront to the ideals our nation has sought to uphold and promote around the world for nearly 250 years, she said on X. It undermines our long-standing role as a global beacon of freedom and directly endangers Americans both abroad and at home. Karim Sadjadpour, a senior fellow and Iran expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said Trumps threats to destroy Iranian civilisation would ultimately be a gift to the regime. They will alienate even its fiercest opponents, who believe the Islamic Republic has spent decades erasing 2500 years of Iranian civilisation, he said. Its malpractice for the US president to threaten the same.

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With Reuters and AP Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
'Incredibly dangerous': rescuing downed fighter crew in Iran



Washington, United States, April 6 (AFP) Apr 06, 2026



US forces carried out a high-risk mission to recover the pilot and weapon systems officer of an F-15 fighter jet -- the first crewed American warplane shot down over Iran in more than five weeks of combat.

President Donald Trump said last week that US-Israeli operations had left Iran with "no anti-aircraft equipment" or radars, but the Islamic republic's forces subsequently shot down the F-15 and heavily damaged another plane during the rescue mission.

More than 170 American aircraft and some 200 troops took part in the operation to rescue the F-15 crew members, Trump said Monday, an effort that included assistance from the Central Intelligence Agency.



- F-15 shot down -



Trump said the F-15 was shot down by a shoulder-fired heat-seeking missile, with the jet's two-person crew ejecting and landing in different locations inside Iranian territory on Friday morning local time.

"I immediately was asked to make a decision," Trump told a news conference. "I ordered the US armed forces to do whatever was necessary to bring our brave warriors back home."



- Pilot rescued -



More than 20 military aircraft were dispatched to recover the F-15 pilot, flying over Iran and facing heavy enemy fire, Trump said.

General Dan Caine -- the top US military officer, who spoke alongside Trump -- said these forces "audaciously penetrated enemy territory in broad daylight to find, fix and recover" the pilot.

The pilot was picked up by a flight of rescue helicopters, but these aircraft were then "engaged by every single person in Iran who had a small arms weapon," the general said. One helicopter was hit and the crew sustained minor injuries but "are going to be fine."

"This was an incredibly dangerous mission," Caine said.



- A-10 damaged, lost -



US A-10 ground attack aircraft were part of the rescue effort, "violently suppressing and engaging the enemy in a close-in gunfight" to keep Iranian forces away from the downed pilot, according to Caine.

One of the A-10s was hit by enemy fire but continued fighting. Its pilot then flew the plane to an unidentified country and determined the aircraft was not in landable condition.

That pilot ejected over friendly territory and has been safely recovered, Caine said.



- CIA deception -



Finding the second crew member -- the weapon systems officer, who sits behind the pilot -- was a mission that CIA Director John Ratcliffe likened to "hunting for a single... grain of sand in the middle of a desert."

"This was... a race against the clock, as it was critical that we locate the downed aviator as quickly as possible, while at the same time keeping our enemies misdirected," Ratcliffe told the news conference.

The CIA "executed a deception campaign to confuse the Iranians, who were desperately hunting for our airmen," whom Washington located as of Saturday morning, Ratcliffe said, without providing details on the deception efforts.



- Second rescue -



The weapon systems officer was injured but managed to evade Iranian forces, traverse rough terrain, treat his own wounds and contact American forces with his location, according to Trump, who said more than 150 aircraft were dispatched as part of the second rescue effort.

"A lot of it was subterfuge. We wanted to have them think he was in a different location because they had a vast military force out there," Trump said.

Once the crew member was located, two large US planes -- reportedly C-130s -- flew in carrying equipment including three small helicopters that were quickly rebuilt on the ground.

But the larger aircraft became bogged down in sand and could not take off, requiring smaller planes to fly out the US personnel in multiple trips.

Aircraft including the C-130s were reportedly destroyed on the ground to keep them from falling into enemy hands -- bringing the price tag for the lost aircraft to over $250 million.

More than 50 hours after the start of rescue efforts, both of the downed F-15 crew members were back in friendly territory, Caine said.

"These two operations reflect our nation's most sacred obligation to our military service members," Caine said. "We leave no one behind."
Rapeseed export prices in Ukraine rising following price hike in oil and other oilseed prices

Photo: dpss.gov.ua

The rise in prices on the Ukrainian rapeseed export market is being driven by rising prices in the oil sector and on the global oilseed market, according to the APK-Inform information and analytical agency.

According to the report, bid prices for non-GMO rapeseed at Ukrainian ports rose to $552-565 per tonne (CPT port). Bid prices for new-crop rapeseed also increased by $5-7 per tonne.

"The main reason for this dynamic was news about a potential increase in biodiesel production in the EU from rapeseed oil," the analysts explained.

According to the Ukroliyaprom Association, Ukrainian rapeseed oil exports increased by 2.2 times in the first eight months of the 2025/2026 marketing year, while soybean oil exports increased by 19.3% in monetary terms, allowing the industry to maintain capacity utilization amid a sunflower shortage. Currently, the share of oil and fat products in Ukraines total exports has reached 19.2%, amounting to $7.737 million in monetary terms.
War in the Middle East: latest developments



Paris, France, April 6 (AFP) Apr 06, 2026



The latest developments in the Middle East war:



- Iran slams 'arrogant rhetoric' -



After US President Donald Trump doubled down on his threats to raze Iran's infrastructure, an Iranian army spokesman said the "rude, arrogant rhetoric" was not impacting its actions.



- Trump threatens Iran infrastructure -



Trump told a news conference that "the entire country" of Iran "could be taken out in one night and that night might be tomorrow night," if his ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 0000 GMT Wednesday was not met.

"Every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding and never to be used again," he said, threatening the same for the country's bridges. "I mean complete demolition by 12 o'clock (0400 GMT), and it'll happen over a period of four hours -- if we wanted to."



- Details on US airman rescue -



Trump and other senior US officials gave details of the high-risk mission to rescue two US airmen who were shot down over Iran, saying more than 170 aircraft and hundreds of troops were involved in the operation.

"These two operations reflect our nation's most sacred obligation to our military service members," top US general Dan Caine said. "We leave no one behind."



- US, Iran reject ceasefire -



Trump and Iran rejected a ceasefire bid from mediating countries, though the US leader called it a "significant proposal."

"It's a significant step. It's not good enough, but it's a very significant step," Trump told reporters in Washington before his news conference.

Iranian state media said the proposal contained 10 undisclosed points, but Tehran "has rejected a ceasefire and insists on the need for a definitive end to the conflict."



- Red Cross condemns threats to infrastructure -



International Committee of the Red Cross chief Mirjana Spoljaric warned that "deliberate threats... against essential civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities must not become the new norm in warfare."

"Any war fought without limits is incompatible with the law," she said, without singling out any country or leader.

Trump, asked about potentially committing war crimes by attacking civilian infrastructure, said "I'm not worried about it." He argued an Iran with "a nuclear weapon" would be worse.



- Tehran airports hit -



Israel's military said it had carried out strikes on three airports in Tehran, targeting several Iranian planes and helicopters.

It said the strikes were part of efforts aimed at "degrading the Iranian Air Force and the IRGC air force at airports in Tehran."



- Iran gas sites hit -



Israel said it had struck Iran's largest petrochemical complex, which services the South Pars natural gas field, the biggest natural gas reserve in the world.

Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu said the facility had been "destroyed" and his country was "systematically eliminating the Revolutionary Guards' money machine."

Strikes also hit another petrochemical complex near the Iranian city of Shiraz, local authorities said.



- IAEA warning -



The chief of the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, said attacks near Iran's Bushehr atomic power plant "pose a very real danger to nuclear safety and must stop."

IAEA director general Rafael Grossi said one recent strike had hit just 75 metres (245 feet) from the Bushehr perimeter.



- Kurdistan blasts -



Two blasts were heard near Erbil airport, which hosts advisers from the US-led anti-jihadist coalition, in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region, an AFP journalist said.

Some hours earlier, air defence systems downed four missiles headed towards the US consulate in Erbil, a security source told AFP.



- Iran intel chief killed -



Iran said an Israeli strike at dawn killed the intelligence chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Major General Majid Khademi.

The Guards threatened "a major retaliatory strike" in response.

burs/rmb/sbk/mjf
Australian PM to discuss fuel supplies in Singapore visit



Sydney, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Tuesday he will fly to Singapore to help secure petroleum imports as oil prices surge during war in the Middle East.

Australia relies on imports for an estimated 90 percent of its refined petroleum products, and Singapore is its largest single supplier.

Albanese said he would travel to Singapore from April 9-11 to discuss trade in "essential supplies" such as diesel and liquefied natural gas with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

"Together, we share concern over the situation in the Middle East, including the consequences for both of our nations," the Australian leader told reporters in Canberra.

"Australia is facing a more uncertain world, and therefore the certainty of those clear, close relationships is more important than ever."

Australia and Singapore committed in a joint statement last month to keep fuel flowing between both countries and to work together to strengthen energy supply chain resilience.

Service station outages of diesel and unleaded gasoline in Australia are falling, the government said.

A total 241 service stations across Australia -- three percent of the total -- had no diesel on Tuesday, while 141 had no gasoline.

The country has 29 days' worth of diesel, 39 days of petrol, and 30 days of jet fuel, said energy minister Chris Bowen, stressing that levels had remained "pretty static".

Last week, the government halved its fuel tax on petrol for three months to help alleviate rising costs for motorists and truck drivers.
Taiwan opposition leader makes rare visit to China



Shanghai, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Taiwan's main opposition leader landed in China on Tuesday for a rare visit aimed at building cross-strait "peace", as the government warns Beijing will seek to stop US arms sales to the democratic island.

Kuomintang (KMT) chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, who is the party's first leader to visit China in a decade, has insisted on meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping before she visits the United States -- Taiwan's main security backer.

The KMT supports closer relations with China, which claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to seize it.

But Cheng, whose unexpected rise to the top of the KMT drew a congratulatory message from Xi in October, has been accused by critics, including inside the party, of being too pro-China.

The KMT leader landed at an airport in Shanghai early Tuesday afternoon, state news agency Xinhua said.

Live video from Taiwanese media showed her being presented with a bouquet of flowers as she descended from a Shanghai Airlines plane, before being driven away in a convoy that seemingly bypassed the airport terminal.

Before her departure for Shanghai, Cheng told journalists that Taiwan "must do everything in our power to prevent war from breaking out".

"To preserve peace is to preserve Taiwan," Cheng told a news conference at KMT headquarters in Taipei.

"Goodwill must be built up and mutual trust needs to be expanded, step by step, by both sides."

Ahead of the trip, Taiwan's top China policy body warned Beijing would attempt to "cut off Taiwan's military purchases from the US and cooperation with other countries", which the KMT denies.

"This trip is entirely for cross-strait peace and stability, so it has nothing to do with arms procurement or other issues," Cheng said last week.

Taiwanese lawmakers have been at loggerheads over the government's plan to spend NT$1.25 trillion ($39 billion) on defence, which has been stalled for months in the opposition-controlled parliament.

Cheng will be in China for six days, visiting Shanghai, Nanjing and Beijing where she hopes to meet Xi.

While KMT party members regularly fly to China for exchanges with officials, its last leader to visit was Hung Hsiu-chu in 2016.



- US pressure -



China severed high-level contact with Taiwan that year after Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party won the presidency and rejected Beijing's claims to the island.

Cross-strait relations have worsened since then as China ramped up military pressure with near daily deployments of fighter jets and warships near Taiwan and regular large-scale military drills.

Cheng's trip to China comes a month before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing for a summit with Xi.

The United States has been piling pressure on Taiwanese opposition lawmakers to back a proposal for defence purchases, including US weapons, to deter a potential Chinese attack.

Cheng has railed against the government's proposal, insisting "Taiwan isn't an ATM" and instead backed a KMT plan to allocate NT$380 billion for US weapons with the option for more acquisitions.

But she faces deepening divisions inside her party over how to counter China's military threats, with more moderate senior figures in the KMT pushing for a much higher budget.

While the United States has long been ambiguous about its willingness to defend Taiwan, Washington remains Taipei's biggest arms supplier, which angers Beijing.

The United States approved the sale of $11 billion worth of arms to Taiwan in December. More deals are in the pipeline, but there have been doubts about whether they would proceed after Xi warned Trump against sending weapons to Taiwan.

Cheng has insisted she supports Taiwan having a strong defence, but said the island does not have to choose between Beijing and Washington.
Saudi petrochemical complex hit after barrage targets country's east



Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Overnight attacks on Saudi Arabia hit a petrochemical complex in a sprawling industrial area in the eastern city of Jubail, a source on the ground told AFP on Tuesday, hours after similar installations in Iran were struck.

"An attack caused a fire at the SABIC plants in Jubail. The sounds of explosions were very loud," the source told AFP, referring to the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation.

Jubail in eastern Saudi Arabia is home to one of the world's largest industrial cities, where steel, gasoline, petrochemicals, lubricating oil and chemical fertilisers are produced.

On Monday, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said his country conducted a "powerful strike" on Iran's largest petrochemical facility in Asaluyeh and Iranian media reported multiple explosions at the site.

The attack on the industrial area came as Saudi air defence forces engaged a barrage targeting the kingdom's eastern region, with seven ballistic missiles intercepted and destroyed, according to a defence ministry spokesperson.

"Parts of ballistic missile debris fell around power facilities; damage assessment is underway," the ministry said in a post on X.

Early Tuesday, authorities also announced the temporary closure of the major bridge connecting Saudi Arabia and the island nation of Bahrain as a precaution following the issuance of security alerts in the area.

"The movement of vehicles across King Fahd Bridge has been suspended as a precautionary measure," said the General Authority for King Fahd Causeway in a post online.

The King Fahd Causeway is a 25-kilometre (16-mile) series of bridges connecting Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of regularly targeting its energy installations and infrastructure since Tehran launched a sustained blitz across the Gulf region after Israel and the US attacked Iran in late February.
Iran's Kuwait ambassador urges Gulf to work on averting 'tragedy' before Trump deadline



Kuwait City, Kuwait, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Iran's ambassador to Kuwait urged Gulf states on Tuesday to find a way to avert a "tragedy", as US President Donald Trump's evening deadline loomed for Iran to agree a deal or face strikes on civilian infrastructure.

Trump has warned that unless Tehran allows free passage through the strategic oil chokepoint the Strait of Hormuz by midnight GMT, the United States will unleash what he called the "complete demolition" of Iran's critical infrastructure.

"We hope that the countries in the region will use all their diplomatic and political capabilities to prevent such a tragedy from befalling the region," Mohammad Toutounji told AFP.

During more than a month of war, Iran has responded to US and Israeli strikes that decapitated its leadership by launching drone and missile attacks across the Gulf.

Iran has targeted US embassies, bases and assets but also airports, major oil and gas infrastructure as well as landmarks, ports, hotels and residential areas.

But Toutounji said Tehran "does not want to escalate tensions in the region".

"On the contrary, it consistently strives to de-escalate tensions and diligently and in good faith follows the efforts and initiatives of other countries in this regard," he said.

He warned that US strikes on vital facilities would lead to "complete and total cessation of energy exports from the region".

Earlier on Tuesday, Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, which is mediating between Iran and the United States, said on X that efforts to end the war were approaching a "critical" stage.

"Positive and productive endeavours in Good Will and Good Office to stop the war is approaching a critical, sensitive stage," Reza Amiri Moghadam wrote on X, without giving details.
Strikes outside Tehran kill 18 people: Iranian media



Tehran, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Iranian media on Tuesday reported that 18 people, including two children, were killed in strikes in Alborz province neighbouring the capital, citing a provincial official.

A deputy governor of Alborz province said US-Israeli strikes hit residential areas and that "the deaths of 18 of our fellow citizens have been confirmed, including two young children", the judiciary's Mizan Online website and the Fars news agency reported.

Twenty-four people were wounded in the early morning attack, the deputy governor added.

Iran's government has not released an updated overall casualty toll for the war in recent days.

Due to reporting restrictions, AFP is not able to access the sites of strikes to independently verify tolls in Iran.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said on April 6 that at least 3,597 people had been killed, including 1,665 civilians -- among them at least 248 children -- as well as 1,221 military personnel and 711 people whose status had not been classified.
Israel military says completed forward deployment in south Lebanon



Jerusalem, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



The Israeli military said on Tuesday it had completed the deployment of ground troops along a "defence line" in southern Lebanon, where it is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The military has not given any geographical details on the furthest point to which its soldiers have advanced into Lebanese territory.

Israeli media reported that the military did not intend at this stage to push troops deeper than around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of the Israel-Lebanon border.

"At this stage, IDF soldiers have completed their deployment along the anti-tank missile defence line and continue to operate in the area in order to strengthen the forward defensive posture and remove threats to the residents and communities of northern Israel," a military statement said.

Defence minister Israel Katz has said on several occasions in recent weeks that Israel intends to establish a "security zone" in southern Lebanon extending to the Litani river, which flows as much as 30 kilometres from the Israel-Lebanon border, in order to prevent rocket, drone or missile fire at northern Israeli communities.

The Israeli daily Yediot Aharonot reported that the military was expected to present to the government "an operational plan for controlling the first line of (Lebanese) villages as a deep security zone up to the anti-tank line".

Israeli newspaper Haaretz, citing military sources, reported that the military was "preparing to boost its forces in southern Lebanon, but there are currently no plans to advance deeper into the country".

"The sources said the forces have reached what has been defined as the 'front line' outlined in the approved operational plans," Haaretz reported, adding that "this line includes southern villages located roughly 10 kilometres from the Litani River, an area under Israeli military control".

Haaretz reported that the current deployment was aimed at preventing anti-tank missile fire on northern Israeli communities.

These anti-tank missiles have an estimated range of around 10 kilometres.
Syria military source says drones from Iraq targeted area near US base



Damascus, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



A Syrian military source told AFP on Tuesday that an overnight drone attack originating from Iraq targeted an area in the country's northeast home to a base hosting US forces.

"The area housing the Qasrak base was targeted with four drones," the source said, requesting anonymity and referring to a location in Hasakeh province.

The United States for years has led a military coalition fighting the Islamic State group in Syria, though US forces have withdrawn from some bases in the country in recent months.

The source said the coalition intercepted three of the drones, while the fourth "fell in an open area in the vicinity of the base", adding that they were launched from Iraq.

Iraq has been pulled into the war sparked by US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 and which has since engulfed much of the Middle East.

Pro-Tehran Iraqi groups have claimed responsibility for attacks on US interests in Iraq and across the region, while strikes have also targeted these groups.

On March 30, Syria's military said a large-scale drone attack targeted its bases near the border with Iraq, the biggest such incident since the start of the Middle East war.

A day earlier, assistant defence minister for eastern Syria, Sipan Hamo, said four drones from Iraq attacked the Qasrak base but were intercepted. It was not immediately clear who had launched that attack.

Also late last month, Syria's army said it repelled another drone attack from Iraq targeting southeast Syria's Al-Tanf base which used to house US forces.

Since the war erupted, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has said he is working to keep his country out of any conflict.
Thailand weighing overnight petrol station closures to save fuel: PM



Bangkok, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Thailand is considering enforcing overnight closures of petrol stations beginning later this month, the prime minister said Tuesday, an effort to preserve fuel as the Middle East war has driven fears of shortages.

Anutin Charnvirakul, whose new cabinet was sworn in late Monday, told reporters in Bangkok that his government was weighing shutting down sales at petrol pumps from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am, as early as April 20.

The prime minister assured Thais they would still be able to travel to their hometowns during the Songkran holiday period, officially observed from Monday to Wednesday next week.

"Petrol station closing hours may start after people return from their Songkran trips and resume normal life," Anutin said.

Many Thais celebrate the annual Songkran new year festivities by road-tripping to their home provinces to visit family.

Anutin asked the public on Monday to conserve energy by working from home and using public transit, as the US-Israel conflict against Iran continues to strain global fuel supplies.

"Although Thailand maintains oil reserves at a relatively high level compared with other countries, we remain vulnerable as a nation that must import large volumes of oil from various oil-exporting countries," he said in a statement.

"We cannot be complacent or continue managing oil matters in the same way as before."

Last week, the conservative leader slammed oil traders for "excessive profiteering", blaming those stockpiling fuel or smuggling it abroad for shortages that have driven prices steadily higher.

The allegations come amid public outcry over successive fuel price hikes in late March and early April.
Strait of Hormuz shipping blockade update



London, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Here are the latest key facts about impacts from the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route virtually paralysed by the Middle East war.

Around a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passes through the waterway in peacetime.

The war erupted on February 28 when the United States and Israel began bombing Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate with strikes across the region and restrict access to the strait.



- LNG tankers U-turn -



Two LNG tankers carrying Qatari gas turned around after attempting to cross the strait eastward on Monday morning.

They would have been the first laden LNG carriers to exit the Gulf since the start of the war.

An empty LNG tanker co-owned by Omani and Japanese shipping companies crossed the strait last week.

Kpler data shows that 19 LNG tankers are currently in the Gulf.



- Still few crossings -



Since March 1, commodities carriers have made 293 crossings, according to Kpler data, a 94-percent decrease from peacetime traffic.

Of these, 189 were made by oil tankers and gas carriers, and most were travelling east towards the Gulf of Oman.

Six out of 10 crossings involved ships coming from or heading to Iran.

The other main countries involved in recent days were the United Arab Emirates, India, China and Oman.

A tanker owned by French shipping giant CMA CGM crossed the waterway on Thursday, making it the first known transit by a major European shipping group since March 1.

Three Japan-linked ships have also exited the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz since Thursday.

The channel in peacetime sees around 120 daily transits, according to Lloyd's List, a shipping industry intelligence site.



- 29 ships targeted -



Four incidents involving ships, including two claimed by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, have been reported since Saturday.

The latest incident reported on Tuesday morning involved a container vessel near Iran's Kish Island that was struck by an "unknown projectile which has caused damage above the waterline", according to British marine security agency UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

In total 29 commercial ships, including 13 tankers, have been attacked or reported incidents since March 1 in the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz or the Gulf of Oman, according to UKMTO and Vanguard Tech.



- 11 sea workers killed -



Since the conflict began, at least 11 seafarers or dock workers have died in incidents in the region, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

One sea worker is also missing, and ten others are injured, the IMO said.



- Iran-approved route -



Apart from three Omani tankers that passed through the strait last week near Oman's shore, recent crossings appeared to have used a different, Iranian-approved route just off the country's coast.

Kpler data shows that all ships crossing with their transponders on since Friday passed through that route near Larak Island, which Lloyd's List has dubbed the "Tehran Toll Booth".

Lloyd's List analyst Bridget Diakun said last week THAT there had been at least two cases of shippers paying Iran for permission to pass, while others may have been gaining passage through "diplomatic negotiations".

The Revolutionary Guards said the route was closed to vessels travelling to and from ports linked to Iran's "enemies".



- Over 2,000 ships in Gulf -



Bloomberg data showed Tuesday that 2,268 vessels sent transponder signals in the Gulf west of the Strait of Hormuz over the past day, including 47 very large crude carriers and nine very large gas carriers.



- Sanctioned ships -



Since the war started, 49 percent of the crossings have been by ships under US, EU or UK sanctions, according to an AFP analysis of passage data.

Of the crossings by oil and gas tankers, 65 percent were by vessels under sanctions.
KYIV. April 7 (Interfax-Ukraine)  Ukrainian product IT company IT-Enterprise last week completed its first practical UA Tech School IT-Enterprise course for fifty students who studied Industry 4.0 principles, data-driven management, AI assistant usage, and digital hygiene, the company has reported.

"UA Tech School is the first school for digital transformation based on cases of large and medium-sized Ukrainian companies (Ukrainian IT for Ukrainian business) and with the participation of representatives from direct teams involved in digital changes," the company release states.

According to the report, invited experts included representatives from the Ministry of Digital Transformation, IT-Enterprise, IT Ukraine Association, Interpipe, Nibulon, the Sandbox project, Diia.City Union, and other specialists.

"As organizers and speakers participating in the program, it was important for us to see a new highly motivated generation of ambitious youth ready to develop the industry in the future," CEO and founder of IT-Enterprise Oleg Shcherbatenko was quoted as saying.

It is reported that during ten modules, students had the opportunity to master business modeling basics and defend their own digital projects. The goal of the school is to form a community of professionals capable of implementing ERP systems and building high-tech enterprises according to Industry 4.0 standards.

"A separate inspiration is the networking, the circle of like-minded people, and the proactive youth who sincerely strive to create useful solutions for business and society. Such a community inspires action," UA Tech School IT-Enterprise graduate Andriy Pyzhykov added in the release.

Ukrainian product IT company IT-Enterprise has been operating for 38 years. According to its data, every second company among the top 200 largest private companies in Ukraine, per Forbes, is a client, including Interpipe, Nibulon, DTEK, Raiffeisen Bank, Credit Agricole Bank, and Ukrnafta.
War in the Middle East: latest developments



Paris, France, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



The latest developments in the Middle East war:



- Bridges, highway hit -



US-Israeli strikes hit at least two bridges and a highway in Iran, local officials said -- hours ahead of a deadline US President Donald Trump set for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face destruction of its infrastructure.

Two people were killed in a US-Israeli attack on a rail bridge in the central city of Kashan, a regional official told state media.

A bridge near the city of Qom, south of Tehran, was also struck, the deputy governor of the province said, according to state TV.

A key highway in northern Iran was closed after another attack, the regional governorate said.



- Israeli wave of strikes -



The Israeli military said it had completed a broad wave of strikes targeting "infrastructure sites" across Iran, without providing details of what the sites were.



- Guards' threat -



Iran's Revolutionary Guards threatened to deprive the United States and its allies of oil and gas if Washington crossed Tehran's "red lines", a statement carried on state television said.

"Our response will go beyond the region," it said.



- Qatar warning -



Qatar warned the war was close to a threshold where it cannot be controlled, with a foreign ministry spokesman saying "this is why we have been urging all parties to find a resolution to find a way of ending this war before it's too late".



- Trains cancelled -



Train travel to and from Iran's second city of Mashhad was cancelled until further notice after Israel warned Iranians not to use railways until 1730 GMT, local media reported, citing the governor.



- Istanbul shootout -



One gunman was killed and two others were wounded in a shootout with police outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, officials said, without drawing an immediate link to the war in the Middle East.

Turkey's interior ministry said the killed gunman "had connections with a terrorist group that exploits religion", without elaborating. Turkish media said it could be the Islamic State group.



- Avert 'tragedy', Iran urges -



Iran's ambassador to Kuwait urged Gulf states to find a way to avert a "tragedy" as the clock ticked down on Trump's deadline.

Iran has vowed to retaliate with strikes against infrastructure across the region if its own is destroyed.

Meanwhile, Iran's ambassador to Pakistan said efforts to end the war were approaching a "critical" stage.



- Blasts in Tehran -



An AFP journalist in Tehran heard a series of blasts coming from the north of the city, without being able to determine what was hit.

Local Iranian media reported that explosions rocked the capital and that 18 people, including two children, were killed in strikes in the Alborz province neighbouring Tehran.

Due to reporting restrictions, AFP is not able to independently verify tolls in Iran.



- Iran synagogue destroyed -



US-Israeli strikes early Tuesday "completely destroyed" the Rafi-Nia synagogue in Tehran, local media reported.

Iran has a small Jewish community, with the majority having fled in the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic revolution.



- Iraqi fighter killed -



A strike killed a fighter from the former paramilitary coalition Hashed al-Shaabi, or Popular Mobilisation Forces, in Iraq near the border with Syria, the alliance said, blaming the United States and Israel.



- Bridge closed -



Traffic across King Fahd Bridge, a major artery connecting Saudi Arabia and the island nation of Bahrain, was temporarily closed as a precaution, authorities said, following the issuance of security alerts in the area.



- Hormuz vote at the UN -



The UN Security Council is to vote Tuesday for a resolution addressing Iran's threats to the Strait of Hormuz, diplomatic sources told AFP.

The latest draft, seen by AFP, demands Iran end attacks on commercial vessels and halt "any attempt to impede transit passage or freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz".

Tehran has virtually closed the key waterway since US-Israeli strikes targeting Iran on February 28, sending global oil and gas prices soaring.



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Qatar warns region 'close' to point where war escalation cannot be controlled



Doha, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Qatar on Tuesday warned the war in the Middle East was close to a threshold where it cannot be controlled after US President Donald Trump set a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

"We have been warning since 2023 that escalation left unchecked will get us into a situation where it cannot be controlled and we are very close to that point," Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said.

"This is why we have been urging all parties to find a resolution to find a way of ending this war before it's too late," he added.

Trump said Monday that "the entire country" of Iran "could be taken out in one night and that night might be tomorrow" if his ultimatum to reopen the strait by 0000 GMT Wednesday was not met.

Gulf countries have faced repeated drone and missile salvos from Iran over recent weeks in response to US and Israeli strikes that began at the end of February.

Iran has targeted hydrocarbon infrastructure in the oil-rich Gulf nations while effectively closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz to shipping, through which one-fifth of global oil usually passes.

Al-Ansari said Qatar faced dangers over food, water and environmental security, explaining: "We are still at the threshold of all of these challenges."

"We hope that we can remain there and we are able to walk back from there to a more safe environment. But obviously we are quite concerned with all that is happening right now."
Middle East war: global economic fallout



Paris, France, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Here are the latest economic events in the Middle East war:



- Oil rises, stocks mixed -



Oil prices climbed Tuesday as investors awaited US President Donald Trump's latest deadline for Iran to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

West Texas Intermediate briefly topped $115 a barrel, its highest in a month, and Brent was at $111.

Equity markets were mixed, with Tokyo little changed and Singapore and Jakarta falling while Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul, and Taipei rose. Hong Kong was closed for a holiday.

In afternoon trading in Europe, London and Frankfurt slipped while Paris rose following a positive start to the week on Wall Street on Monday.



- Iran Guards threaten oil supply -



Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned they would deprive the United States and its allies of oil and gas "for years" if Washington crossed Tehran's "red lines", a statement carried on state television said.

"For the sake of good neighbourliness (we) have had some reservations in choosing targets for retaliation, but all these reservations have since been removed," it said.



- UN to vote on Strait of Hormuz resolution -



The UN Security Council is expected to vote on a watered-down resolution calling for the unblocking of the Strait of Hormuz, far from the initial goal of the sponsoring Gulf countries of obtaining clearance to free it by force.

The vote is expected at 11:00 am (1500 GMT) Tuesday. The text in question has been diluted in recent days in the hope of avoiding rejection, and a draft seen by AFP no longer mentions authorisation to use force, even defensively.



- Eni finds Egyptian gas -



Italy's ENI announced a "significant" natural gas discovery off Egypt's Mediterranean coast, as the North African country struggles to secure its energy needs due to the US and Israel's war with Iran.

Egypt's natural gas supplies from Qatar and Israel have been significantly disrupted by the Middle East war, leading Cairo to enact energy-saving measures including a business curfew, while also raising fuel prices and slowing government projects.



- Thailand weighs closing gas stations -



Thailand is considering enforcing overnight closures of petrol stations beginning this month, the prime minister said, an effort to preserve fuel as the Middle East war has driven fears of shortages.

The closures would begin no earlier than April 20, after the end of the widely followed Songkran holiday period.



- China, Australia to cooperate -



Australia and China agreed to back regional energy security in the face of rising oil prices sparked by war in the Middle East, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's office said.

The Australian leader held a telephone call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss the importance of energy security "in light of the current global challenges", according to a summary of their conversation.



- Australia talks fuel with Singapore -



Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he would fly to Singapore to help secure petroleum imports as oil prices surge during war in the Middle East.

Australia relies on imports for an estimated 90 percent of its refined petroleum products, and Singapore is its largest single supplier.



- ECB official calls for renewables -



Europe's dependence on fossil fuel imports is a "critical vulnerability" making it harder to ensure stable prices, a senior European Central Bank official warned, calling for more investment in green energy.

The continent must "transition now -- or pay more later", Frank Elderson, a member of the ECB's executive board, wrote in a blog post.



- Turkish, Japanese tankers go through Hormuz -



A third Turkish-owned ship has passed through the war-torn Strait of Hormuz, Turkey's Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said.

Uraloglu said the "Ocean Thunder" was carrying crude oil from Iraq to Malaysia. Japanese shipping firm Mitsui O.S.K. Lines said an Indian-flagged tanker owned by a subsidiary had also safely transited the strait.

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Taiwan opposition leader makes rare visit to China



Shanghai, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Taiwan's main opposition leader landed in China on Tuesday for a rare visit aimed at building cross-strait "peace", as the Taipei government warned Beijing would seek to stop US arms sales to the democratic island.

Kuomintang (KMT) chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, who is the party's first leader to visit China in a decade, has insisted on meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping before she visits the United States -- Taiwan's main security backer.

The KMT supports closer relations with China, which claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to seize it.

But Cheng, whose unexpected rise to the top of the KMT drew a congratulatory message from Xi in October, has been accused by critics, including inside the party, of being too pro-China.

The KMT leader landed at a Shanghai airport on Tuesday, where she was presented with a bouquet of flowers before being driven away in a convoy, live video from Taiwanese media showed.

Cheng then travelled to the eastern city of Nanjing, where Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said she thanked Xi and China for the warm reception.

She is expected to visit the memorial of Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen in the city on Wednesady.

Cheng will be in China for six days, also visiting Beijing where she hopes to meet Xi.

Cheng told journalists before her trip that Taiwan "must do everything in our power to prevent war from breaking out".

"To preserve peace is to preserve Taiwan," Cheng told a news conference at the KMT headquarters in Taipei.

"Goodwill must be built up and mutual trust needs to be expanded, step by step, by both sides."

Ahead of the visit, Taiwan's top China policy body warned Beijing would attempt to "cut off Taiwan's military purchases from the US and cooperation with other countries", which the KMT dismissed.

"This trip is entirely for cross-strait peace and stability, so it has nothing to do with arms procurement or other issues," Cheng said last week.

Taiwanese lawmakers have been at loggerheads over the government's plan to spend NT$1.25 trillion ($39 billion) on defence, which has been stalled for months in the opposition-controlled parliament.

While KMT party members regularly fly to China for exchanges with officials, its last leader to visit was Hung Hsiu-chu in 2016.



- US pressure -



China severed high-level contact with Taiwan that year after Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party won the presidency and rejected Beijing's claims to the island.

Cross-strait relations have worsened since then, with China ramping up military pressure with near daily deployments of fighter jets and warships near Taiwan and regular large-scale military drills.

Tsai's successor Lai Ching-te, who was elected in 2024 and whom Beijing brands a separatist, warned as Cheng arrived in Nanjing that China is the "biggest" threat to Taiwan's democracy.

Cheng's trip comes a month before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing for a summit with Xi.

The United States has been piling pressure on Taiwanese opposition lawmakers to back a proposal for defence purchases, including US weapons, to deter a potential Chinese attack.

Cheng has railed against the government's proposal, insisting "Taiwan isn't an ATM" and instead backed a KMT plan to allocate NT$380 billion for US weapons with the option for more acquisitions.

But she faces deepening divisions inside her party over how to counter China's military threats, with more moderate senior figures in the KMT pushing for a much higher budget.

While the United States has long been ambiguous about its willingness to defend Taiwan, Washington remains Taipei's biggest arms supplier, which angers Beijing.

The United States approved the sale of $11 billion worth of arms to Taiwan in December. More deals are in the pipeline, but there have been doubts about whether they would proceed after Xi warned Trump against sending weapons to Taiwan.

Cheng has insisted she supports Taiwan having a strong defence, but said the island does not have to choose between Beijing and Washington.
Australia, China agree to seek regional energy security



Sydney, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Australia and China agreed on Tuesday to back regional energy security as the world faced rising oil prices sparked by war in the Middle East, both governments said.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held a telephone call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss the importance of energy security "in light of the current global challenges", according to a Canberra summary of their conversation.

"The Prime Minister and Premier Li agreed to increase government-to-government communication so that Australia and China are both working in support of regional energy security," it said.

The two sides agreed that high-level engagement was central to a "mature, stable and constructive relationship".

Li said that their economic cooperation has "enormous potential in the long run", adding that "both sides should accelerate the review and upgrading of the bilateral free trade agreement".

"China is willing to import more high-quality products from Australia" while there is "great potential" for deeper cooperation on clean energy, Li said, according to a Chinese foreign ministry readout.

Australia relies on imports for an estimated 90 percent of its refined petroleum products, most of it coming from Asia.

China is a major source of aviation fuel for Australia while also being a big importer of Australian liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Albanese said he would travel to Singapore on Thursday to discuss trade in essential supplies such as diesel and LNG.

Singapore is Australia's largest single supplier of refined petroleum products.

Last week, the Australian government halved its fuel tax on petrol for three months to help alleviate rising costs for motorists and truck drivers.
Trump warns 'whole civilization will die' in Iran if ultimatum expires



Washington, United States, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



President Donald Trump warned that "a whole civilization will die" in Iran on Tuesday if the country does not heed his ultimatum to accept US war demands.

"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Trump did not give details but he has already said the US military could bomb Iran's bridges, power plants and other civilian infrastructure into the "stone age."

Trump has announced a deadline of midnight GMT Tuesday for Iran to end its de facto closing of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow, strategic waterway used to transport oil and other commodities.

On Monday, he said a temporary cease-fire proposal being circulated was insufficient.

Iran has rejected US pressure, with state media reporting that the authorities are insisting that instead of just a cease-fire it wants a full end to the war.

In his Truth Social post, Trump left the door open for a last-hour agreement.

"Now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight," he wrote.

Trump said Monday that starting late evening in Washington, DC on Tuesday, US forces would destroy "every bridge in Iran" and cripple "every power plant" in the country -- something that many experts say would be a blatant war crime.

US and Israeli warplanes have been continuously bombing Iran since February 28 and on Tuesday, even before Trump's threat about ending "civilization," Tehran said that its crucial oil export terminal on Kharg island was under attack.
Key infrastructure in Iran hit ahead of Trump deadline



Tehran, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Iran said critical infrastructure, including two bridges, was struck Tuesday by the United States and Israel, with US President Donald Trump warning "a whole civilisation will die" if a midnight deadline for a deal to open the Strait of Hormuz was not met.

The strikes came as Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned they would deprive the United States and its allies of oil and gas if Washington crossed Tehran's "red lines".

Trump had warned that unless Tehran allowed free passage through the strategic oil chokepoint by midnight GMT, the United States would unleash what he called the "complete demolition" of Iran's critical infrastructure, including bridges and power plants.

But hours before that deadline, the Israeli military said that it had already completed a broad wave of strikes targeting "infrastructure sites" across Iran.

Trump meanwhile elevated his threat, writing on Truth Social that "a whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will", if the country did not heed his ultimatum.

Iranian authorities reported a US-Israeli attack on a bridge outside the city of Qom and a strike on a rail bridge in central Iran that killed two people.

Regional authorities also said that a US-Israeli strike shut down a key highway in northern Iran connecting the city of Tabriz with Tehran.

The Mizan news agency additionally reported a strike on railway tracks in Karaj, outside Tehran.

Ahead of those strikes, university student Metanat, whose classmate was killed two weeks ago in an attack, told AFP that she was "terrified and so should everyone else in the country be".

The 27-year-old, who declined to give her last name, said as far as Trump's ultimatums were concerned, "some people think they are a joke", but "death is not a joke".

The Iranian military has previously dismissed what it called Trump's "arrogant rhetoric and baseless threats", saying they would not hinder its operations.

Alireza Rahimi, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Youth and Adolescents of Iran, called on young people to form human chains around power plants across the country.

On Tuesday the Israeli military told Iranians to avoid taking trains until 1730 GMT, and train travel to and from Iran's second city of Mashhad was cancelled until further notice.

In the Gulf, the King Fahd Bridge, a major artery connecting Saudi Arabia and the island nation of Bahrain, was temporarily closed as a precaution amid fears of retaliatory strikes by Iran.



- Explosions -



Strikes were also reported on Kharg island, a critical hub for the Iranian oil industry, according to Iran's Mehr news agency, although a journalist for the US publication Axios said the attack was against "military targets".

Earlier in the day a series of explosions was heard across Tehran, and Iranian media reported that 18 people, including two children, were killed in strikes in Alborz province neighbouring the capital.

US-Israeli strikes also "completely destroyed" the capital's Rafi-Nia synagogue, local media reported.

Iranian media said explosions were heard in parts of the capital and nearby Karaj.

The Israeli army later said it had detected missiles launched from Iran towards Israeli territory, adding that air defence systems were working to intercept them.

Overnight, attacks on Saudi Arabia hit a petrochemical complex in a sprawling industrial area in the eastern city of Jubail, a witness who requested anonymity told AFP, hours after similar installations in Iran were struck.

- Ceasefire proposal rejected -



Both Trump and Iran have said a proposal touted by international mediators for a 45-day ceasefire is not yet ready.

Trump had said earlier that the plan, which is being mediated by Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey, was a "significant proposal", but he later went on to say it was not good enough.

Iranian state media quoted officials as saying that Tehran too "has rejected a ceasefire and insists on the need for a definitive end to the conflict".

Under the plan, Iran would reopen the strait while charging around $2 million per vessel, a fee it would share with neighbouring Oman, the New York Times reported.

On the diplomatic front, the UN Security Council is set to vote on Tuesday on a watered-down resolution addressing Iran's threats to the strait, diplomatic sources told AFP, after more robust earlier drafts were derailed by the possibility of vetoes.

Iran has effectively blocked the strait since the start of the war on February 28, driving up global oil and gas prices. Around one?fifth of the world's oil normally flows through the strait.

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X
Israel military says completed forward deployment in south Lebanon



Jerusalem, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



The Israeli military said on Tuesday it had completed the deployment of ground troops along a "defence line" in southern Lebanon, where it is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah.

A Lebanese military source said the Israeli army had advanced to a depth of between five and nine kilometres (between three and 5.5 miles) inside Lebanese territory.

Israel's military has not given any geographical details on the furthest point to which its soldiers have advanced into Lebanon.

Israeli media reported that the military did not intend at this stage to push troops deeper than around 20 kilometres north of the border.

"At this stage, IDF soldiers have completed their deployment along the anti-tank missile defence line and continue to operate in the area in order to strengthen the forward defensive posture and remove threats to the residents and communities of northern Israel," a military statement said.

Defence Minister Israel Katz has said on several occasions in recent weeks that Israel intends to establish a "security zone" in southern Lebanon extending to the Litani river, which flows as much as 30 kilometres from the Israel-Lebanon border, in order to prevent rocket, drone or missile fire at northern Israeli communities.



- 'Preparing to boost its forces' -



The Lebanese military source told AFP on condition of anonymity that Israeli troops had advanced to a depth of around nine kilometres in the coastal area, reaching the town of Bayada.

In the central sector of the border, troops have reached five kilometres inside Lebanon, the source said.

In the east, "the Israeli army has reached a depth of seven kilometres", the source added, saying that Israeli troops also controlled the strategic town of Khiam.

"Huge explosions" have been heard from the area where Israeli troops have invaded, the source said.

Lebanon's army has withdrawn from these areas in order to avoid a confrontation.

A security source on the ground told AFP that Israeli troops are now stationed at points overlooking areas where they have advanced, including in Bayada.

A statement from Hezbollah said its fighters were clashing with Israeli troops on the eastern outskirts of Bint Jbeil, which saw fierce fighting in previous wars.

The Israeli daily Yediot Aharonot reported that the military was expected to present to the government "an operational plan for controlling the first line of (Lebanese) villages as a deep security zone up to the anti-tank line".

Israeli newspaper Haaretz, citing military sources, reported that the military was "preparing to boost its forces in southern Lebanon, but there are currently no plans to advance deeper into the country".

"The sources said the forces have reached what has been defined as the 'front line' outlined in the approved operational plans," Haaretz reported, adding that "this line includes southern villages located roughly 10 kilometres from the Litani river, an area under Israeli military control".

Haaretz also reported that the current deployment was aimed at preventing anti-tank missile fire on northern Israeli communities.

These anti-tank missiles have an estimated range of around 10 kilometres.
Trump warns 'whole civilization will die' in Iran if ultimatum expires



Tehran, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



US President Donald Trump warned "a whole civilization will die" in Iran if the country does not heed his midnight cutoff to open the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran reported US-Israeli attacks on its infrastructure were already underway.

Speaking in Budapest, Vice President JD Vance said the United States has "tools in our toolkit that we so far haven't decided to use" against Iran, without explaining further.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned they would deprive the United States and its allies of oil and gas if Washington crossed Tehran's "red lines".

The statements come as Iran reported that the United States and Israel had begun attacking key infrastructure, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirming attacks on railways and bridges and saying they were "used by the Revolutionary Guards".

Trump had initially vowed to carry out the "complete demolition" of Iran's critical infrastructure, particularly bridges and power plants, only if a deal was not reached.

But hours before the deadline, the Israeli military said it had already completed a broad wave of strikes targeting "infrastructure sites" across Iran.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump elevated his ultimatum for Iran, stating that "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will", if the country does not heed his call for a deal.

It was not initially clear exactly what he meant or by what means he intended to carry out the threat.

Infrastructure attacks reported by Iranian authorities included a US-Israeli strike on a bridge outside the city of Qom and another on a rail bridge in central Iran that killed two people.

Regional authorities also said a US-Israeli strike shut down a key highway in northern Iran connecting the city of Tabriz with Tehran.

The Mizan news agency additionally reported a strike on railway tracks in Karaj, outside Tehran.



- Death 'not a joke' -



University student Metanat, whose classmate was killed two weeks ago in an attack, told AFP that she was "terrified and so should everyone else in the country be".

The 27-year-old, who declined to give her last name, said as far as Trump's ultimatums were concerned, "some people think they are a joke", but "death is not a joke".

The Iranian military has previously dismissed what it called Trump's "arrogant rhetoric and baseless threats", saying they would not hinder its operations.

Alireza Rahimi, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Youth and Adolescents of Iran, called on young people to form human chains around power plants across the country.

On Tuesday the Israeli military told Iranians to avoid taking trains until 1730 GMT, and train travel to and from Iran's second city of Mashhad was cancelled until further notice.

In the Gulf, the King Fahd Bridge, a major artery connecting Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, was temporarily closed as a precaution amid fears of retaliatory strikes by Iran.



- Explosions -



Strikes were also reported on Kharg island, a critical hub for the Iranian oil industry, according to Iran's Mehr news agency, although US media said the attacks were against military targets.

Earlier in the day a series of explosions was heard across Tehran, and Iranian media reported that 18 people, including two children, were killed in strikes in Alborz province neighbouring the capital.

US-Israeli strikes also "completely destroyed" the capital's Rafi-Nia synagogue, local media reported.

Overnight, attacks on Saudi Arabia hit a petrochemical complex in a sprawling industrial area in the eastern city of Jubail, a witness who requested anonymity told AFP, hours after similar installations in Iran were struck.

The Israeli military meanwhile said it had completed deployment of ground troops along a "defence line" in southern Lebanon, where it is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah.



- Ceasefire proposal rejected -



Both Trump and Iran have said a proposal touted by international mediators for a 45-day ceasefire is not yet ready.

Trump had said earlier that the plan, which is being mediated by Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey, was a "significant proposal", but he later went on to say it was not good enough.

Iranian state media quoted officials as saying that Tehran too "has rejected a ceasefire and insists on the need for a definitive end to the conflict".

On the diplomatic front, the UN Security Council is set to vote Tuesday on a watered-down resolution addressing Iran's threats to the strait, diplomatic sources told AFP, after more robust earlier drafts were derailed by the possibility of vetoes.

Iran has effectively blocked the waterway -- through which a fifth of the world's oil normally flows -- since the start of the war on February 28, driving up global energy prices.

burs-bfm/jsa

X
Three lightly injured in Israel after repeated missile, rocket alerts



Jerusalem, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Israel's emergency services said three people were lightly injured on Tuesday after over 20 alerts sounded throughout the day, warning of incoming missiles from Iran or rocket fire from Lebanon.

In the coastal town of Nahariya, less than 10 kilometres (six miles) from Israel's northern border with Lebanon, the Magen David Adom emergency service said it treated a woman approximately 20 years old "in mild condition with a head injury from debris thrown by the blast", following rocket fire.

Paramedics also treated a 46-year-old man in the south of the country who was "in mild condition with injuries to the upper limbs from interceptor debris", as well as a 36-year-old man in the north "with a shrapnel injury to his lower limbs".

The three were evacuated to hospitals, Magen David Adom said.

As of 5:10 pm (1410 GMT), the Home Front Command had registered more than 20 alerts since midnight warning of projectiles fired from Lebanon, where Israeli forces are fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The Israeli military also warned four times of ballistic missile fire from Iran.

Israeli military correspondents have reported that, on average, there have been around one or two missiles per alert in recent days.

The Middle East was plunged into a spiralling war after the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28, sparking retaliatory attacks across the region.
Between March 30 and April 5, Russia carried out 52 strikes on gas networks in the Donetsk region, leaving 436 households without gas supply, Naftogaz Group reported on its Telegram channel on Tuesday.

"Gas supply has already been restored to 147 families. Gas workers from Donetskoblgaz are working to restore it," the company said.

Kramatorsk suffered the most, with 23 hits on gas infrastructure. A total of 171 households were left without gas. Supply has already been restored to 60 families, and another 45 households had gas restored following previous outages.

According to Naftogaz, 13 such strikes were recorded in Druzhkivka, where the largest number of households  233  were left without gas. In Sloviansk, there were two incidents, leaving 18 families without gas; in Mykolaivka, 13 incidents left 24 households cut off, while gas was restored to 42 families; and in Balbasivka, one incident was recorded.

"Our gas workers are operating under extremely difficult conditions  under shelling, among destroyed homes and damaged infrastructure. They are restoring gas supply wherever the security situation allows," the company said.
With Legos, trolling and Twain, Iran pushes war narrative on social media



Paris, France, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Flooding the internet with posts from embassies across the world, sharing Lego videos mocking Donald Trump and even maintaining live accounts in the name of its slain supreme leader -- Iran has charged headlong into the battlefield of social media.

Five weeks into the war against Israel and the United States, Iranian authorities have pulled out all the stops to aggressively promote the Islamic republic's narrative online.

Their efforts on X and other social media outlets are aimed at the outside world, given that X and most of its competitors have been blocked for years inside Iran, only accessible with the use of a VPN to circumvent internal censorship.

Most Iranians have barely had access to the worldwide web at all since the outbreak of the war on February 28, due to what monitor Netblocks terms an "internet blackout" that has now lasted 39 days.

But this does not prevent select "whitelisted" officials from using social media platforms like X as weapons in the propaganda war, even as they remain blocked to ordinary Iranians, in a double standard that has enraged digital rights activists.

Embassies overseas are also getting in on the action, with certain Trump posts sending sometimes-dormant accounts into a frenzy.

When the US leader issued an expletive-laden rant at the Islamic republic threatening consequences if it did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's embassy in Zimbabwe quipped: "We've lost the keys."



- 'Lego-style' animation -



Referring to a previous threat by Trump to send Iran back to the "Stone Ages", the embassy in Thailand added: "Judging by how POTUS swears like a teenager, it seems the US has reached the Stone Age sooner than expected".

Iran's embassy in the UK, meanwhile, shared a quote it attributed to the famed American author Mark Twain: "It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt."

An incident last week that saw a US warplane shot down and its two crew eject over Iran before being rescued by American special forces has also highlighted the foes' competing narratives.

Trump has hailed the operation, and Washington has described it as successful, with no casualties.

But pro-government Iranian news media's English-language accounts on X such as the Tasnim news agency described the operation as "Tabas II", after the Iranian desert location where a 1980 American helicopter bid to rescue hostages being held in the US embassy ended in disaster.

A group called Explosive Media, which describes itself as a "Iranian Lego-style animation team" posted its latest video about the incident showing a Lego Trump with a bandaged hand raging down the phone as the operation purportedly goes wrong, with US rescue aircraft shot down -- something Washington insists did not happen.



- 'Bring it on' -



One of the most active users among top officials has been parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, seen by some analysts as the de facto Iranian number one after the killing of supreme leader Ali Khamenei on February 28 at the start of the war.

Referring to threats of a ground invasion, the former Revolutionary Guards commander said on April 1: "You come for our home... you're gonna meet the whole family. Locked loaded and standing tall. Bring it on."

The killing of Khamenei did not end his presence on social media, with his accounts on X and Telegram still posting, sometimes several times daily with comments from past speeches.

"Following Jesus Christ -- peace be upon him -- necessarily entails supporting the truth and renouncing anti-truth powers," Khamenei's X account said in Easter message based on comments from 1995.

Meanwhile, according to Netblocks the web "restrictions have left most Iranians isolated from the global network known as the internet, with only a domestic digital service, or intranet, now available".

This means most Iranians are unable to reach international websites and social media, with only homegrown services such as for banking, shopping and ride hailing still accessible.

Khamenei's son and successor Mojtaba has yet to be seen in public since being named supreme leader, but has his own widely-used X and Telegram channels.

Despite posting statements and condolence messages in his name, they have yet to offer and new images or proof of life.

sjw/smw
Vatican envoy's aid convoy to south Lebanon retreats after taking fire: security source



Beirut, Lebanon, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



An aid convoy organised by the Vatican envoy to Lebanon headed for Christian villages in the country's south had to turn back on Tuesday after it came under fire, a security source told AFP.

Apostolic Nuncio Paolo Borgia, who was travelling in the convoy, was being escorted by French peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and was en route to the village of Debl near the Israeli border, the source told AFP on condition of anonymity.

His convoy came under fire as it approached border villages, with vehicles sustaining damage but no casualties reported, according to the source, who is on the ground in south Lebanon.

A number of Christian-majority villages near the border, including Debl, have been caught up in the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

The militant group drew Lebanon into the wider Middle East war on March 2 with rocket fire towards Israel in support of its backer Iran.

Israel has responded with heavy strikes and a ground invasion in the country's south.

The source said that after several attempts to proceed, the convoy finally turned back after an unidentified projectile exploded nearby.

The state-run National News Agency reported that the convoy turned around after waiting more than two hours near the border town of Bint Jbeil "due to exchanges of fire and the intensification of fighting".

Residents of Christian villages have been refusing to leave despite the Israeli army's advance and sweeping evacuation orders for swathes of south Lebanon.

The villagers say it is not their war and that they feel abandoned after the Lebanese army withdrew from several border locations.

In Rmeish, another frontier village, the local municipality has launched a campaign on social media seeking donations of basic necessities including medication and baby formula.

Borgia had organised previous aid convoys to Christian border villages since the war erupted.

A visit planned for Sunday was cancelled for security reasons.
Iraq's Kataeb Hezbollah says will release US journalist Shelly Kittleson



Baghdad, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Iraq's powerful Kataeb Hezbollah armed group announced on Tuesday that it would release US journalist Shelly Kittleson, a week after she was kidnapped in Baghdad.

"In recognition of the national stances of the outgoing prime minister, we have decided to release the American defendant Shelly Kittleson, on the condition that she leaves the country immediately," Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, a security official in the Iran-backed group, said in a brief statement.

He added that this was an exceptional gesture that would "not be repeated again in the coming days, as we are in a state of war launched by the Zionist-American enemy against Islam, and in such cases many considerations are discarded".

A senior Iraqi security official had told AFP on Wednesday that authorities arrested a member of a pro-Iran group believed to be connected to the abduction of an American journalist.

Washington said the suspect was thought to be linked to Kataeb Hezbollah, which is blacklisted by the United States.

The State Department had not named Kittleson, but she was identified by media advocacy groups and one of the news outlets she worked for.

Baghdad was once notorious for kidnappings and attempted abductions, but they have decreased as the security situation in Iraq improved in recent years.

Israeli-Russian academic Elizabeth Tsurkov was kidnapped in Baghdad in 2023 and was held for two years until her release last year.
Trump warns 'whole civilization will die' in Iran if ultimatum expires



Tehran, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



US President Donald Trump warned "a whole civilization will die" in Iran if the country does not heed his midnight deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran reported US-Israeli attacks on its infrastructure were already underway.

Speaking in Budapest, Vice President JD Vance said the United States has "tools in our toolkit that we so far haven't decided to use" against Iran, without explaining further.

The White House later denied that Vance was alluding to nuclear weapons, while Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to AFP that "only the President knows where things stand and what he will do".

The statements came as Iran reported the United States and Israel had begun striking key infrastructure, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirming attacks on railways and bridges he said were "used by the Revolutionary Guards".

Trump had initially vowed to carry out the "complete demolition" of Iran's critical infrastructure, particularly bridges and power plants, only if a deal was not reached.

But hours before the deadline, the Israeli military said it had already completed a broad wave of strikes targeting "infrastructure sites" across Iran.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump elevated his ultimatum for Iran, stating that "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will", if the country did not make a deal.

It was not clear exactly what he meant or by what means he intended to carry out the threat.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned they would deprive the United States and its allies of oil and gas if Washington crossed Tehran's "red lines".

Both Trump and Iran have said previously that a proposal touted by international mediators for a 45-day ceasefire was not yet ready.

Infrastructure attacks reported by Iranian authorities Tuesday included a US-Israeli strike on a bridge outside the city of Qom and another on a rail bridge in central Iran that killed two people.

Regional authorities also said a US-Israeli strike shut down a key highway in northern Iran connecting the city of Tabriz with Tehran.

The Mizan news agency additionally reported a strike on railway tracks in Karaj, outside Tehran.



- Death 'not a joke' -



University student Metanat, whose classmate was killed two weeks ago in an attack, told AFP that she felt "terrified and so should everyone else in the country".

The 27-year-old, who declined to give her last name, said as far as Trump's ultimatums were concerned, "some people think they are a joke", but "death is not a joke".

The UN's rights chief decried the "incendiary rhetoric" in the Middle East war on Tuesday, warning that deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure was "a war crime".

At the UN Security Council, Russia and China vetoed a resolution on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a text already diluted from the green light Gulf states had sought to use force to protect the key shipping lane.

Iran has effectively blocked the waterway -- through which a fifth of the world's oil normally flows -- since the start of the war on February 28, driving up global energy prices.

Iranian pensioner Morteza Hamidi said that among many emotions, he felt "gloomy for the future of the country after the war".

The 62-year-old added that he had seen Trump back down too many times to take his words seriously: "We are now numb to his threats".



- Other strikes -



Apart from the infrastructure attacks, strikes were reported on Kharg island, a critical hub for the Iranian oil industry, according to Iran's Mehr news agency, although US media said the attacks were against military targets.

Earlier in the day a series of explosions was heard across Tehran, and Iranian media reported that 18 people, including two children, were killed in strikes in neighbouring Alborz province.

US-Israeli strikes also "completely destroyed" the capital's Rafi-Nia synagogue, local media reported. The Israeli army later expressed regret for the "collateral damage", saying it had been targeting a senior military commander, not the house of worship.

Overnight, attacks on Saudi Arabia hit a petrochemical complex in a sprawling industrial area in the eastern city of Jubail, a witness who requested anonymity told AFP, hours after similar installations in Iran were struck.

On the war's Lebanese front, the Israeli military said it had completed deployment of ground troops along a "defence line" in the south, where it is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah.

It additionally urged all vessels in the maritime zone off the country's south to immediately head north of the city of Tyre, warning that it would operate in the area.

burs-bfm/smw
Iran reports strikes on bridges, key highway and railways



Tehran, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Iranian officials reported damage to bridges, railway systems and highways on Tuesday as part of a wave of deadly airstrikes on infrastructure.

A bridge near the holy city of Qom and another carrying a railway line in the central city of Kashan were struck, according to regional officials quoted by state media.

Two people were killed and three were injured in Kashan, senior regional security official Akbar Salehi said, according to Iran's IRNA news agency.

A key highway in northern Iran connecting the main northern city of Tabriz with Tehran via Zanjan was also temporarily closed after a hit around 90 kilometres (55 miles) outside of Tabriz, IRNA and Fars agencies reported.

Fars and the Mizan news agencies also reported a strike on railway tracks in Karaj, outside Tehran, with images showing Red Crescent rescuers carrying an injured man on a stretcher.

All trains were cancelled to and from Iran's second city of Mashhad on Tuesday following a warning from Israel against using the railways.

As reports of the damage emerged from Iran, the Israeli military said it struck "eight bridge segments that were utilised by the Iranian terror regime's Armed Forces for transporting weapons and military equipment in several areas across Iran, including Tehran, Karaj, Tabriz, Kashan, and Qom".

According to Iran's ISNA news agency, there were also power outages in parts of the cities of Karaj and Fardis after power transmission lines and a power substation were knocked out of service by airstrikes.

US President Donald Trump warned Tuesday that "a whole civilization will die" in Iran if a midnight deadline to reach a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was not met.

The US also reportedly hit military targets on the key Iranian oil export hub of Kharg Island on Tuesday.

"Several explosions" were reported there by Iran's Mehr news agency, while Fox News reported that US airstrikes had targeted bunkers, radars and ammunition stores, not energy infrastructure.

Kharg Island is used to handle around 90 percent of Iran's oil exports.

On March 13, the United States said it had already bombed more than 90 targets there, without hitting the pumping facilities.
Russia, China veto UN resolution on reopening Strait of Hormuz



United Nations, United States, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution Tuesday on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a text already diluted to remove Gulf states' desired green light to use force to protect the key shipping lane.

The draft resolution prepared by Bahrain and supported by the United States received 11 votes in favor, two against and two abstentions. Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said Gulf states "regret" the outcome.

Iran has imposed an effective blockade on the critical waterway since the United States and Israel launched the war on February 28, sending ripple effects throughout the global economy.

The vote came hours before US President Donald Trump's dire ultimatum expires for Tehran to open the strait, which normally carries a fifth of the world's oil, or "a whole civilization will die" in Iran.

"Today's result does not restrict the United States to continue to act in its own self defense and in the collective defense of our allies and partners," US ambassador Mike Waltz said after the Security Council vote.

Al Zayani, speaking on behalf of the oil-exporting Gulf countries, said the failure to pass the resolution "sends the wrong signal to the world."

"This signal that the threat to international waterways can pass without any decisive action by the international organization responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security," he said.

Iran's UN ambassador said the text was designed "to punish the victim for defending its sovereignty and vital national interest in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz."

"Had this draft been adopted, it could have opened the door to dangerously broad and abusive interpretation that could be used to justify further use of force and unlawful actions in clear violation of the UN Charter," said Amir Saeid Iravani.



- 'Cease all attacks' -



Bahrain launched negotiations two weeks ago on a draft that would have given a clear UN mandate to any state wishing to use force to unblock the strait.

But objections from several veto-holding permanent members -- including France, Russia and China -- forced the text to be watered down and the vote delayed multiple times.

French opposition appeared to be lifted by the addition of wording that meant any action would need to be "defensive."

After further amendments, the latest version of the text seen by AFP no longer mentioned authorization to use force, even defensively.

The latest draft "strongly encourages states...to coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate to the circumstances, to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation, including through the escort of merchant and commercial vessels," rather than explicitly authorizing force.

It also "demands" Iran "immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels and any attempt to impede transit passage or freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."

Additionally, it calls for the end to attacks on civilian water, oil, and gas infrastructure.

Justifying his veto, Russian ambassador Vassili Nebenzia said "nearly each paragraph of the draft that they proposed abounded with unbalanced, inaccurate and confrontational elements."

He said he understood concerns about transit in the Strait of Hormuz, and that Russia and China would propose an alternative draft resolution, without giving a date.

UN Security Council mandates authorizing member states to use force are rare.

During the 1990 Gulf War, a vote allowed a US-led coalition to intervene in Iraq after it invaded Kuwait.

In 2011, NATO obtained the green light to intervene in Libya when Russia abstained from a vote. Moscow later fumed that this had led to the fall of Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.
UN probe: Israeli fire, Hezbollah IED killed peacekeepers in Lebanon



United Nations, United States, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Three UN peacekeepers who died in Lebanon in March were likely killed by Israeli tank fire in one incident and by a Hezbollah improvised explosive device in another, according to a United Nations probe shared Tuesday.

"We have requested with the relevant parties that the cases be investigated and prosecuted by national authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure criminal accountability for crimes against peacekeepers," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, told reporters.

On March 29, an Indonesian peacekeeper was killed and three others wounded by a projectile that exploded near a UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) position.

The next day, two other soldiers from the same force were killed by an explosion that destroyed their vehicle. A third was seriously wounded and a fourth more lightly.

In the first case, the investigation indicates "the projectile was a 120 mm tank main armament round, fired by an Israel Defense Forces Merkava tank from the east," Dujarric said.

He added that UNIFIL had communicated the location of all its positions and installations to the Israeli military twice in the days before the incident.

The March 30 explosion was caused by an IED, Dujarric said.

"The investigation has assessed that, given the location of the incident, the nature of the explosion, and the current context, the IED was most likely placed by Hezbollah," he said.

UNIFIL has served as a peacekeeping force between Israel and Lebanon since 1978 but now finds itself caught in the crossfire between the Israeli army and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Pope Leo slams 'unacceptable' threat Iranian population



Castel Gandolfo, Italy, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Pope Leo said Tuesday threats to civilian targets in Iran were "unacceptable", speaking after US President Donald Trump said a "whole civilization will die" if Tehran defies his latest ultimatum.

"Today... there was this threat against all the people of Iran, and this is truly unacceptable," the pope told journalists, without mentioning the United States, which is at war with Iran.

He spoke as he left his residence in Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome, for the Vatican.

"There are certainly questions of international law, but much more than that, it is a moral question," he said.

His comments came just hours ahead of Trump's midnight deadline.

The US president warned Tuesday "a whole civilization will die" if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz by then.

Iran has closed the Strait -- a key transit route for Middle Eastern oil -- for weeks, since shortly after the US and Israel launched attacks on February 28, igniting a global energy shock.

Leo, the Catholic Church's first US pope, said "attacks on civilian infrastructure is against international law".

He urged those involved in the Iran war to "come back to the table".

"Let's talk. Let's look for solutions in a peaceful way," he said.

The pontiff also urged "the citizens of all the countries involved to contact the authorities, political leaders, congressmen, to ask them, tell them to work for peace and to reject war always."
UK warship dispatched to eastern Med makes maintenance stop



London, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



A UK warship sent to the eastern Mediterranean last month amid the Middle East war has had to dock in a regional port for maintenance, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said Tuesday.

HMS Dragon only left its base in southern England for the region less than a month ago, after criticism from opposition politicians and Cyprus that Britain's Akrotiri base on the Mediterranean island needed more protection.

That followed an Iranian-made drone hitting the runway of the Royal Air Force (RAF) site in southern Cyprus on March 1.

The news that the destroyer now needed maintenance so soon after arriving comes in the wake of persistent criticism from US President Donald Trump about the state of the UK's armed forces.

"HMS Dragon is undertaking a routine logistics stop and a short maintenance period in the eastern Mediterranean, allowing the ship to take onboard provisions, optimise systems and conduct maintenance," the MoD said in a statement.

It added that the vessel will "remain at a very high level of readiness during this period, able to sail at short notice if required".

"The UK continues to maintain a robust and layered defensive presence in the eastern Mediterranean, working in co-ordination with allies," the MoD noted.

Britain's domestic Press Association (PA) news agency said it understood that the stop would address a minor technical issue with onboard water systems, while noting the issue had not affected the vessel's operational capability.

The Middle East war has exposed the limits of Britain's navy in particular, seen by observers as an embarrassment for a once-proud maritime power.

Expressing frustration at UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's refusal to support the US and Israel in offensive operations against Iran, Trump has repeatedly criticised Britain's military, calling its aircraft carriers "toys".

"You don't even have a navy," the US leader told Britain's Daily Telegraph in an interview last week.
War in the Middle East: latest developments



Paris, France, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



The latest developments in the Middle East war:



- Iran ready -

Iran is prepared for all possibilities in its war with the United States and Israel, First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said, following threats from US President Donald Trump.

"No threat is beyond our preparedness and intelligence," Aref said in a post on X.



- 'Unacceptable' -

Pope Leo XIV said threats to inflict widespread damage on civilian targets in Iran were "unacceptable" -- without specifically mentioning Trump.

"Today... there was this threat against all the people of Iran, and this is truly unacceptable. There are certainly questions of international law, but much more than that, it is a moral question," the pope told journalists.



- Kuwait stay-at-home warning -

Kuwait asked residents to avoid going outside from midnight until Wednesday morning, hours ahead of a US deadline for Iran to agree to a deal or suffer major strikes on civilian infrastructure.



- US warns against Hajj -

The United States has urged its citizens to reconsider travelling to Saudi Arabia to take part in the Hajj pilgrimage next month due to security concerns, according to a statement posted by the US embassy in Riyadh.



- UN probe blames Israel, Hezbollah -

Three UN peacekeepers who died in two separate incidents in Lebanon in March were likely killed by Israeli tank fire in one case and by a Hezbollah improvised explosive device (IED) in the other, according to a United Nations probe.



- Trump threats 'deeply irresponsible'

Iran's ambassador to the United Nations criticized Donald Trump's "deeply irresponsible" threats against his country, after the president warned that "a whole civilization will die" if Tehran does not accept US war demands.



- 'Collateral damage' -

The Israeli military expressed regret over "collateral damage" to a synagogue in Tehran caused by an overnight strike it said was targeting a senior Iranian commander.

Earlier on Tuesday, Iranian media reported that the Rafi-Nia Synagogue in central Tehran had been "completely destroyed".



- 'Very troubled' -

UN chief Antonio Guterres was "very troubled" by Trump's dire warning that "a whole civilization will die" in Iran if the country does not meet an ultimatum to accept US war demands.



- Israel warns Lebanon ships -

The Israeli military urged all vessels in the maritime zone off the coast of southern Lebanon to immediately head north of the city of Tyre, warning that it would operate in the area.



- US journalist's Iraq release -

Iraq's powerful Kataeb Hezbollah armed group announced that it would release US journalist Shelly Kittleson, a week after she was kidnapped in Baghdad.



- Russia, China veto Hormuz resolution -

Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a text already diluted from the green light Gulf states had sought to use force to protect the key shipping lane.



- 'War crime' -

The UN rights chief decried the "incendiary rhetoric" in the Middle East war, warning that deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure was "a war crime".



- Only Trump knows -

"The Iranian regime has until 8PM Eastern Time to meet the moment and make a deal with the United States," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to AFP, when asked if Trump was prepared to use a nuclear weapon, and about a report that Iran had cut off negotiations.

"Only the President knows where things stand and what he will do."



- 'Intensify damage inflicted' -

Israeli military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said that the joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran was "approaching a strategic crossroads" and vowed to "intensify the damage inflicted on the regime."



- White House denies mulling nuclear strike -

The White House denied that remarks by Vice President JD Vance about military operations in Iran had contained any suggestion of a US nuclear strike against the Islamic republic.

After Vance said US forces have tools they "so far haven't decided to use" to enforce a dramatic ultimatum from Trump, the White House said on X: "Literally nothing @VP said here 'implies' this, you absolute buffoons."



- Lebanon toll hits 1,530 -

Lebanon's health ministry said that the death toll in more than a month of war between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah had reached 1,530.

The toll includes 102 women and 130 children, as well as 57 heath workers, a ministry statement said, adding that 4,812 people have been wounded.



- Netanyahu claims Iran bridge strikes -

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel struck railways and bridges in Iran "used by the Revolutionary Guards", after Iranian officials reported damage to at least two bridges and railway infrastructure.

burs-sbk/st
Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada has adopted, at the final reading, a law on integrating the electricity markets of Ukraine and Europe (bill No. 12087-d).

The decision was made at a plenary session of parliament on Tuesday.

A total of 245 lawmakers voted in favor of the law authored by MPs Andriy Zhupanyn, Andriy Gerus, Maksym Khlapuk, and others.

"This law is about fully synchronizing the energy systems of Ukraine and Europe. When there is a surplus, we will be able to export freely, and conversely, when there is a deficit, we will be able to import. There are negative electricity prices in Europe. We have never had that. Therefore, with this law, we want to allow cheap electricity from Europe to enter Ukraine," commented Gerus, head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Energy and Utilities, ahead of the vote.

According to the bill's author, Deputy Committee Chairman Andriy Zhupanyn, the law will in no way affect electricity prices for households, and its goal is to gradually introduce uniform rules across the markets.

"This law will bring us EUR 500 million under the Ukraine Facility," Zhupanyn said.

Earlier, presenting bill No. 12087-d at a meeting of the parliamentary energy committee, Zhupanyn described it as visionary, aimed at integrating the electricity markets of Ukraine and the EU. According to him, at least 1218 months will be required after adoption to achieve such integration. During the plenary session, he named January 1, 2028, or January 1, 2029, as possible dates for integration, "since a number of by-laws are still needed."

First and foremost, Zhupanyn said at the committee that the law abolishes price caps in the electricity market.

"In EU markets, price caps are largely technical in nature and do not serve as a mechanism for limiting prices as they do in Ukraine. Our EU partners' principled position was that price caps must be abolished, and abolished even before market integration. This will be a signal that Ukraine is ready to move toward European markets. Accordingly, price caps will be abolished as of May 1, 2027," Zhupanyn explained.

At the same time, he said that the national energy regulator NEURC "may, in the event of a declared energy emergency, return to discussing the idea of price caps." However, according to him, this would not follow the current procedure but would instead allow for rapid response to critical situations in the energy sector, for example, if part of generation capacity is destroyed and price growth cannot be contained.

Another provision introduced by the law is the retention of tenders for new generating capacity only until May 1, 2028.

"Our European partners view such tenders [where Ukrenergo compensates capital investments in generation facilities through the transmission tariff] as a hidden form of state support for business. Therefore, until May 1, 2027, Ukrenergo will be able to conduct such tenders as it does now; until May 1, 2028, there will be a transition period, with tenders only in energy-deficient regions. That's it," Zhupanyn said.

In addition, the law retains for 10 years the provision on netting the transmission tariff for energy storage facilities, whereby they pay it only on the difference between electricity injected into and withdrawn from the grid, for investors who will have energy storage facilities or technical conditions for them by May 1, 2027. Otherwise, the issue of paying the transmission tariff for energy storage will be left to NEURC's discretion.

Commenting on the draft law, Gerus said as a positive factor that the provisions will take effect over time, providing predictability for the market.

As reported, on July 22 the Verkhovna Rada adopted bill No. 12087-d at first reading, "On amendments to certain laws of Ukraine regarding the implementation of EU energy legislation on market integration, supply security, and competitiveness in the energy sector." According to the Ministry of Energy, the legislative proposal was developed based on nine EU energy legal acts and is intended to create the necessary legal framework for full integration of Ukraine's electricity market into the single European market on the principle of reciprocity.

The document foresees, in particular, integration of short-term (spot) electricity markets of Ukraine and the EU (market coupling) and balancing markets, which will increase market liquidity, simplify electricity trade with the EU, enable more efficient use of cross-border interconnection capacity, enhance power system flexibility, and provide access to EU reserves.

The bill also provides for additional mechanisms to protect consumer rights and strengthen their role in the market by increasing transparency of supply conditions and introducing tools for comparing supplier offers, as well as creating conditions for consumers to participate in other market segments, including ancillary services.

The ministry said that adoption of the document as a whole will make it possible to ensure synchronization of electricity markets in early 2027.
Iran says ready for anything after Trump warns 'whole civilization will die'



Tehran, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Iran said on Tuesday it was prepared for any eventuality, after US President Donald Trump warned "a whole civilization will die" if the Islamic republic did not heed a looming deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking in Budapest, Vice President JD Vance said the United States had tools "that we so far haven't decided to use" against Iran, without explaining further.

The White House later denied Vance was alluding to nuclear weapons, while Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to AFP that "only the President knows where things stand and what he will do".

The statements came as Iran reported the United States and Israel had begun striking key infrastructure, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirming attacks on railways and bridges he said were "used by the Revolutionary Guards".

Trump had initially vowed to carry out the "complete demolition" of Iran's critical infrastructure, particularly bridges and power plants, only if a deal was not reached by midnight GMT.

But hours before the deadline, the Israeli military said it had already completed a broad wave of strikes targeting "infrastructure sites" across Iran.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump elevated his ultimatum for Iran, stating that "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will".

It was not clear exactly what he meant by his latest threat, or by what means he intended to carry it out.

Hours ahead of the deadline, Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said his government was prepared "for all scenarios".

"No threat is beyond our preparedness and intelligence," he added.

Both Trump and Iran have turned down a proposal touted by international mediators for a 45-day ceasefire.

Infrastructure attacks reported by Iranian authorities Tuesday included a US-Israeli strike on a bridge outside the city of Qom and another on a rail bridge in central Iran that killed two people.

Regional authorities also said a US-Israeli strike shut down a key highway in northern Iran connecting the city of Tabriz with Tehran.

The Mizan news agency additionally reported a strike on railway tracks in Karaj, outside Tehran.



- Death 'not a joke' -



University student Metanat, whose classmate was killed two weeks ago in an attack, told AFP she felt "terrified and so should everyone else in the country".

The 27-year-old, who declined to give her last name, said as far as Trump's ultimatums were concerned, "some people think they are a joke", but "death is not a joke".

The UN's rights chief decried the "incendiary rhetoric" in the Middle East war on Tuesday, warning that deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure was "a war crime".

Pope Leo called the threat against Iran's population "truly unacceptable", saying that in addition to raising questions under international law, it was "a moral question".

At the UN Security Council, Russia and China vetoed a resolution on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a text already diluted to remove the green light Gulf states had sought to use force to protect the key shipping lane.

Iran has effectively blocked the waterway -- through which a fifth of the world's oil normally flows -- since the start of the war on February 28, driving up global energy prices.

Iranian pensioner Morteza Hamidi said that among many emotions, he felt "gloomy for the future of the country after the war".

The 62-year-old added that he had seen Trump back down too many times to take his words seriously: "We are now numb to his threats".

State media, meanwhile, published photos purporting to show groups of Iranians forming human chains to protect power plants as the hours to the deadline ticked down.

Kuwait, meanwhile, urged its citizens to remain indoors from midnight until 7:00 am, while Bahrain's main port said it would be suspending operations starting early Wednesday.



- Other strikes -



Apart from the infrastructure attacks, strikes were reported on Kharg island, a critical hub for the Iranian oil industry, according to Iran's Mehr news agency, although US media said the attacks were against military targets.

Earlier in the day a series of explosions was heard across Tehran, and Iranian media reported that 18 people, including two children, were killed in strikes in neighbouring Alborz province.

US-Israeli strikes also "completely destroyed" the capital's Rafi-Nia synagogue, local media reported. The Israeli army later expressed regret for the "collateral damage", saying it had been targeting a senior military commander, not the house of worship.

Overnight, attacks on Saudi Arabia hit a petrochemical complex in a sprawling industrial area in the eastern city of Jubail, a witness who requested anonymity told AFP, hours after similar installations in Iran were struck.

Gulf states have faced the brunt of Iran's retaliatory attacks without responding, though Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani warned Tuesday that "this restraint cannot be expected to continue without limit".

On the war's Lebanese front, the Israeli military said it had completed deployment of ground troops along a "defence line" in the south, where it is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah.

It additionally urged all vessels in the maritime zone off the country's south to immediately head north of the city of Tyre, warning that it would operate in the area.

burs/smw/jsa
Pope Leo slams 'unacceptable' threat to Iranian population



Castel Gandolfo, Italy, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Pope Leo XIV said Tuesday threats to civilian targets in Iran were "unacceptable", speaking after US President Donald Trump said a "whole civilization will die" if Tehran defies his latest ultimatum.

"Today... there was this threat against all the people of Iran, and this is truly unacceptable," the pope told journalists, without mentioning the United States, which is at war with the Islamic republic.

"There are certainly questions of international law, but much more than that, it is a moral question," he said as he left his residence in Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome, for the Vatican.

His comments came just hours ahead of Trump's 0000 GMT deadline.

The US president warned on Tuesday that "a whole civilization will die" if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz by then.

Iran has effectively closed the Strait -- a key transit route for Middle Eastern oil -- since the United States and Israel started the war in February, igniting a global energy shock.

Leo, the Catholic Church's first US pope, said that attacks on civilian infrastructure are "against international law".

He urged those involved to "come back to the table" for negotiations.

"Let's talk. Let's look for solutions in a peaceful way," he said.

The pontiff also urged "the citizens of all the countries involved to contact the authorities, political leaders, congressmen, to ask them, tell them to work for peace and to reject war always."

Since his election in May, the Chicago-born pontiff has taken a clear stand against some decisions by Trump's administration.

But faced with a highly polarised US political landscape, he has also relied on the American Catholic hierarchy to deliver the strongest criticism in his stead.

On Tuesday, the head of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Paul Coakley, issued a direct appeal to Trump "to step back from the precipice of war".

"The threat of destroying a whole civilization and the intentional targeting of civilian infrastructure cannot be morally justified," he said in an open letter.

"There are other ways to resolve conflict between peoples.

"I call on President Trump to step back from the precipice of war and negotiate a just settlement for the sake of peace and before more lives are lost," Coakley said.
Five lightly injured in Israel after repeated missile, rocket alerts



Jerusalem, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Israel's emergency services said five people were injured Tuesday following missiles from Iran and rockets from Lebanon, as the country braced for an "increase in fire" as an ultimatum imposed on Iran by Donald Trump was set to expire.

In the coastal town of Nahariya, less than 10 kilometres (six miles) from Israel's northern border with Lebanon, the Magen David Adom emergency service said it treated a woman approximately 20 years old "in mild condition with a head injury from debris thrown by the blast" following incoming rocket fire.

Paramedics also treated a 46-year-old man in the south of the country hurt by interceptor debris, as well as a 36-year-old man in the north "with a shrapnel injury to his lower limbs".

Later in the day, MDA said it was "providing medical treatment to two casualties in mild condition, aged 30 and 50, with shrapnel injuries" in the south following a missile launch from Iran.

As of 11:00 pm (2000 GMT), the Home Front Command had registered more than 20 alerts since midnight warning of projectiles fired from Lebanon, where Israeli forces are fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The Israeli military also issued eight warnings of ballistic missile fire from Iran.

Israeli military correspondents have reported that, on average, there have been around one or two missiles per alert in recent days.

The Middle East was plunged into a spiralling war after the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28, sparking retaliatory attacks across the region.

The Israeli military warned on Tuesday evening that inbound launches may be about to increase as the midnight GMT deadline loomed for US President Trump's ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face heavy attacks.

"Following a situational assessment, and as part of preparations for the possible expiration of the ultimatum, there may be an increase in fire toward the territory of the State of Israel in the coming hours," the army said in a statement.
Trump weighs plea for Iran deadline extension



Washington, United States, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



US President Donald Trump was looking at a request on Tuesday from mediator Pakistan to extend his Iran attacks deadline by two weeks -- hours after warning that "a whole civilization will die" if Tehran fails to make a deal.

Trump's latest wildly provocative threat against Iran prompted severe criticism, with former allies calling for his removal from office.

But as the clock ticked towards Trump's 8:00 PM (midnight GMT) deadline, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appeared to offer an off-ramp.

"To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks," Sharif said on X, saying that efforts to resolve the crisis were moving "steadily, strongly and powerfully."

Sharif said he had also asked Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz shipping channel for the same two-week period.

The White House said Trump -- who has threatened massive attacks against Iran's power plants and bridges to take the country back into the "Stone Age" -- was looking at the Pakistani request.

"The President has been made been aware of the proposal, and a response will come," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told AFP in a statement.

Trump, who has previously pushed back the deadline on a number of occasions, separately told Fox News that the United States was in "heated negotiations" but declined to say how they were going.

Since February 28 the United States and its ally Israel have leveled Iranian military targets, killed the country's top leadership and devastated parts of its infrastructure.

Early Tuesday Trump issued one of his most glaring threats of the war.

"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will," he wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Vice President JD Vance offered his own threatening assessment of what may follow, warning Tehran that US forces have tools they "so far haven't decided to use" against the Islamic republic.

Iran has rejected US pressure, with state media reporting authorities are insisting that instead of a ceasefire it wants a full end to the war.



- 'Extremely sick person' -



On Truth Social, Trump left the door open for a last-hour agreement.

"Now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight," he wrote.

Trump's saber rattling has appalled critics.

"This is an extremely sick person," top US Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer posted on X.

Former vice president Kamala Harris, Trump's Democratic rival in the 2024 US election, called Trump's threats "abhorrent" and accused the Republican of planning war crimes.

Even some political figures once close to Trump are calling for his removal through the US Constitution's 25th Amendment, which provides for a transfer of power if a president is unable to govern, particularly in the event of illness.

"25TH AMENDMENT!!! Not a single bomb has dropped on America," former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on X. "We cannot kill an entire civilization. This is evil and madness."

Anthony Scaramucci, a financier who briefly worked in Trump's first White House, urged Republicans to "wake up" because the president "is calling for A NUCLEAR STRIKE. Seek his removal immediately."

Team Trump denied Vance's remarks contained any suggestion of nuclear attack.

"Literally nothing @VP said here 'implies' this, you absolute buffoons," the White House said on X.

The post was in response to one from an account associated with Harris, which said Vance implied Trump "might use nuclear weapons."

burs-dk/des
Pakistan makes last-minute bid to avert Trump threat to destroy Iran



Tehran, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Pakistan made a last-minute proposal Tuesday to avert catastrophic US attacks on Iran, hours ahead of a deadline set by President Donald Trump who warned a "whole civilization will die tonight".

The White House said it was aware and would respond to the proposal by Pakistan, which has sought to mediate after more than five weeks of US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

"Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future," Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote on X.

He appealed directly to Trump to extend his deadline set for 8:00 PM Washington time (midnight GMT) by two weeks.

In turn, he asked Iran to commit for two weeks to fulfilling Trump's key demand -- reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the vital gateway for global oil which Tehran closed in retaliation for the war.

The latest threats from Trump, shocking even by his own provocative standards, brought disbelief and warnings that he was encouraging genocide -- potentially one day leading to war crimes charges against US servicemembers who comply.

"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

The rhetoric was an escalation from a profanity-laden post two days earlier, on Easter Sunday, in which Trump threatened to destroy all bridges and power plants in the country of 90 million -- a war crime unless proven that the sites are mostly for military use.

Pope Leo XIV said that "this threat against all the people of Iran" was "truly unacceptable".



- Threat of new type of attacks -



Speaking in Budapest, Vice President JD Vance said the United States had tools "that we so far haven't decided to use" against Iran, without explaining further.

The White House later denied to AFP that Vance was alluding to nuclear weapons.

The United States and Israel were striking key infrastructure even before Trump's deadline, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirming attacks on railways and bridges he said were "used by the Revolutionary Guards".

The Israeli military also offered a rare statement of regret after it acknowledged damaging a synagogue in Tehran, saying it had been targeting a senior Iranian commander.

Iran, run by Shia Muslim clerics, is home to around 100 synagogues for its historic Jewish minority.

First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said Iran was prepared "for all scenarios" from the United States.

"No threat is beyond our preparedness and intelligence," he added.

Infrastructure attacks reported by Iranian authorities Tuesday included a US-Israeli strike on a bridge outside the city of Qom and another on a rail bridge in central Iran that killed two people.

Regional authorities also said a US-Israeli strike shut down a key highway in northern Iran connecting the city of Tabriz with Tehran.

The Mizan news agency additionally reported a strike on railway tracks in Karaj, outside Tehran.



- Death 'not a joke' -



University student Metanat, whose classmate was killed two weeks ago in an attack, told AFP she felt "terrified and so should everyone else in the country".

The 27-year-old, who declined to give her last name, said as far as Trump's ultimatums were concerned, "some people think they are a joke", but "death is not a joke".

Iranian pensioner Morteza Hamidi said that among many emotions, he felt "gloomy for the future of the country after the war".

The 62-year-old added that he had seen Trump back down too many times to take his words seriously: "We are now numb to his threats".

State media published photos purporting to show groups of Iranians forming human chains to protect power plants as the hours to the deadline ticked down.

The show of patriotism in the face of attacks came several months after Iran's cleric-run government cracked down violently on mass protests, with rights groups reporting thousands of deaths.

As the deadline neared, Israel warned citizens of an increased risk of Iranian inbound attacks.

Kuwait urged its citizens to remain indoors from midnight until 7:00 am, while Bahrain's main port said it would be suspending operations starting early Wednesday.

The United States and Israel said that they attacked Iran to degrade its military capacity. Trump has alleged that Iran was near building an atomic bomb, an assertion not backed by the UN nuclear watchdog and most observers.

Since being attacked on February 28, Iran has responded by taking charge of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil normally flows.

The move has sharply driven up global oil prices and put intense pressure on Trump -- who has made reopening the strait his foremost goal.

At the UN Security Council, Russia and China vetoed a resolution on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a text already diluted to remove the green light Gulf states had sought to use force to protect the key shipping lane.



- Attack on oil island -



Apart from the infrastructure attacks, strikes were reported on Kharg island, a critical hub for the Iranian oil industry, according to Iran's Mehr news agency, although US media said the attacks were against military targets.

Earlier in the day a series of explosions was heard across Tehran, and Iranian media reported that 18 people, including two children, were killed in strikes in neighbouring Alborz province.

Overnight, attacks on Saudi Arabia hit a petrochemical complex in a sprawling industrial area in the eastern city of Jubail, a witness who requested anonymity told AFP, hours after similar installations in Iran were struck.

Loud explosions were also heard late Tuesday in central Baghdad where the US embassy is located.

Iran has responded to the war by striking Gulf Arab states that host US troops. Israel in turn has launched a major offensive into Lebanon, vowing to control land from which Iranian-linked Hezbollah has fired rockets.

The Israeli invasion into Lebanon has killed more than 1,500 people, according to authorities.

Israel on Tuesday issued a warning to all vessels in the maritime zone off Lebanon's south to head immediately north of the city of Tyre, warning that it would operate in the area.

burs/sct/des
Mediator Pakistan urges Trump to extend Iran deadline



Islamabad, Pakistan, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Pakistan's prime minister, who is playing a key mediating role in the Middle East conflict, on Wednesday urged US President Donald Trump to extend his deadline for massive strikes on Iran by two weeks.

In the same post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also urged Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz -- a vital conduit for the world's oil and gas supply -- "for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture."

The appeal came hours ahead of a deadline set by Trump to carry out the "complete demolition" of Iran's critical infrastructure, particularly bridges and power plants, if a deal was not reached by midnight GMT.

A key US demand of Tehran has been the reopening of the strait which has been virtually closed since US-Israeli offensive began February 28.

In response to Sharif's social post, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told AFP: "The President has been made been aware of the proposal, and a response will come."

Earlier Tuesday in Washington, the US leader had ramped up his rhetoric further, warning "a whole civilization will die" if the Islamic republic did not heed the warning.

Pakistan has emerged as a channel for messaging between Tehran and Washington, seeking to mediate to prevent the Middle East conflict from escalating further.

"Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future," Sharif said in his post published in the early hours of Wednesday in Pakistan -- mid-afternoon in Washington.

"To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks," he said.

The Pakistani leader further called on "all warring parties to observe a ceasefire everywhere for two weeks to allow diplomacy to achieve conclusive termination of war, in the interest of long-term peace and stability in the region."

Islamabad has said it is ready to host "meaningful talks" between the United States and Iran.
Russia, China veto UN resolution on reopening Strait of Hormuz



United Nations, United States, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution Tuesday on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a text already diluted to remove Gulf states' desired green light to use force to protect the key shipping lane.

The draft resolution prepared by Bahrain and supported by the United States received 11 votes in favor, two against and two abstentions. Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said Gulf states "regret" the outcome.

Iran has imposed an effective blockade on the critical waterway since the United States and Israel launched the war on February 28, sending ripple effects throughout the global economy.

The vote came hours before US President Donald Trump's dire ultimatum expires for Tehran to open the strait, which normally carries a fifth of the world's oil, or "a whole civilization will die" in Iran.

"Today's result does not restrict the United States to continue to act in its own self defense and in the collective defense of our allies and partners," US ambassador Mike Waltz said after the Security Council vote.

Al Zayani, speaking on behalf of the oil-exporting Gulf countries, said the failure to pass the resolution "sends the wrong signal to the world."

"This signal that the threat to international waterways can pass without any decisive action by the international organization responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security," he said.

Iran's UN ambassador said the text was designed "to punish the victim for defending its sovereignty and vital national interest in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz."

"Had this draft been adopted, it could have opened the door to dangerously broad and abusive interpretation that could be used to justify further use of force and unlawful actions in clear violation of the UN Charter," said Amir Saeid Iravani.



- 'Cease all attacks' -



Bahrain launched negotiations two weeks ago on a draft that would have given a clear UN mandate to any state wishing to use force to unblock the strait.

But objections from several veto-holding permanent members -- including France, Russia and China -- forced the text to be watered down and the vote delayed multiple times.

French opposition appeared to be lifted by the addition of wording that meant any action would need to be "defensive."

After further amendments, the latest version of the text seen by AFP no longer mentioned authorization to use force, even defensively.

The latest draft "strongly encourages states...to coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate to the circumstances, to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation, including through the escort of merchant and commercial vessels," rather than explicitly authorizing force.

It also "demands" Iran "immediately cease all attacks against merchant and commercial vessels and any attempt to impede transit passage or freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."

Additionally, it calls for the end to attacks on civilian water, oil, and gas infrastructure.

Justifying his veto, Russian ambassador Vassili Nebenzia said "nearly each paragraph of the draft that they proposed abounded with unbalanced, inaccurate and confrontational elements."

He said he understood concerns about transit in the Strait of Hormuz, and that Russia and China would propose an alternative draft resolution.

The text, seen by AFP, calls for respect for navigational freedom without explicitly mentioning Hormuz.

And while the draft resolution offered by Bahrain focused on Iran, the Russian-Chinese text calls for "all parties" to cease attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Qatar says four wounded, including a child, by falling missile debris in Iran attack



Doha, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Qatar's interior ministry said on Wednesday that falling debris from an Iranian missile attack had hurt four people, including a child, as the Islamic republic presses an aerial campaign against Gulf states.

"Security authorities have begun dealing with an incident resulting from the interception by Qatari air defences of Iranian missiles, which led to debris falling on the home of a citizen in the Muriykh area," the ministry said in a statement, referring to a residential area in the west of Doha.

"The incident resulted in the recording of four moderate injuries, including a Qatari child," the statement added.
US, Israel strike Iran petrochemicals hub



Tehran, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



The United States and Israel hit an Iranian petrochemicals hub in the country's southwest on Tuesday, without causing any casualties, Iranian media reported the authorities as saying.

Five people had been killed in a previous strike on the site in Mahshahr on Saturday, according to a local Iranian official.

"At 11:40 pm (2040 GMT) on Tuesday, Amir Kabir Petrochemical in Mahshahr was attacked by American and Zionist enemies. No casualties have been reported," said Valiollah Hayati, the deputy governor of the southwestern Khuzestan province, quoted by the state-sponsored Mehrs news agency.

The agency had reported earlier that the company's public relations manager "announced the enemy's assault on one of the units of this complex in the Mahshahr special zone".
Middle East war: global economic fallout



Paris, France, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Here are the latest economic events in the Middle East war:



- Global stocks mostly fall, oil mixed -



Global stock markets mostly pulled back Tuesday as investors braced for US President Donald Trump's looming deadline for Iran -- to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face devastating attacks.

Oil prices jumped after US-Israeli strikes on the key Iranian oil export terminal of Kharg island.

But they later moderated, with the West Texas Intermediate rising 0.5 percent to $112.95 a barrel and the Brent international benchmark slipping 0.6 percent to $109.27 a barrel.



- Madagascar declares energy emergency -



Madagascar declared a two-week national energy emergency, saying disruptions in supply because of the war in the Middle East were causing crisis.

The Indian Ocean island is a net importer of fuel, most of which comes from Oman, just south of the crucial Strait of Hormuz.



- Saudi petrochemical complex hit -



Overnight attacks on Saudi Arabia hit a petrochemical complex in a sprawling industrial area in the eastern city of Jubail, a witness who requested anonymity told AFP on Tuesday, hours after similar installations in Iran were struck.

Jubail is home to one of the world's largest industrial cities, where steel, gasoline, petrochemicals, lubricating oil and chemical fertilisers are produced.



- Bahrain's main port to pause operations -



Bahrain's main port will suspend operations starting early Wednesday, around the time of a US deadline for Iran to agree to a deal or face attacks on civilian infrastructure.

"Operations in Khalifa Bin Salman Port will be temporarily suspended from early April 8," APM Terminals Bahrain, which operates the port, told AFP.



- Russia, China veto UN resolution on Strait of Hormuz -



Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution Tuesday on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a text already diluted from the green light Gulf states had sought to use force to protect the key shipping lane.

The draft resolution prepared by Bahrain and supported by the United States received 11 votes in favor, two against and two abstentions. Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said Gulf states "regret" the rejection of the measure.



- Iran reports strikes on bridges, key highway, railways -



Iranian officials reported damage to bridges, railway systems and highways on Tuesday as part of a wave of deadly airstrikes on infrastructure.

A bridge near the holy city of Qom and another carrying a railway line in the central city of Kashan were struck, according to regional officials quoted by state media.

A key highway in northern Iran connecting the main northern city of Tabriz with Tehran via Zanjan was also temporarily closed after a hit around 90 kilometres (55 miles) outside of Tabriz, IRNA and Fars agencies reported.



- US-Israeli strikes hit Kharg island -



US-Israeli strikes have hit the key Iranian oil export terminal of Kharg island, media reported Tuesday.

"The American-Zionist enemy has carried out several attacks on Kharg island, and several explosions have been heard there," Iran's Mehr news agency reported.

According to an X post by journalist Barak Ravid of the news site Axios, citing a US official, the US carried out "strikes on military targets" on the island located off Iran's western coast.



- Iran Guards threaten oil supply -



Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned they would deprive the United States and its allies of oil and gas "for years" if Washington crossed Tehran's "red lines", a statement carried on state television said.

"For the sake of good neighbourliness (we) have had some reservations in choosing targets for retaliation, but all these reservations have since been removed," it said.

burs-cw-bys/md
Ukraine's Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture plans to complete by the end of 2026 the creation of the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) as a subsystem of the State Agrarian Register (SAR), Deputy Minister Taras Vysotsky said in an interview with delo.ua.

Vysotsky said that the government plan foresees the introduction of IACS to administer agricultural support in line with the principles of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. It is expected that as early as 2026, 80% of state support in Ukraine will be provided through the SAR. By that time, the organizational model of the Paying Agency must be prepared.

"The IACS system should integrate the land component through LPIS, animal registries, geomonitoring, as well as mechanisms for verifying compliance with support conditions and controlling payments. This will ensure compatibility of Ukraine's infrastructure with European rules on control, auditing, and reporting," the deputy minister emphasized.

According to him, the key task for 20262027 is not only to declare key performance indicators (KPIs), but to fully synchronize them with European Union requirements. Such a step will ensure mutual recognition of control systems and facilitate the integration of Ukrainian producers into the EU single market.

Vysotsky said that in 20262027, the basis for forming performance indicators in Ukraine's agricultural sector will be benchmarks received from the European Commission at the beginning of 2026, which are currently being processed by Ministry specialists. This involves the need to implement legislation in the areas of plant protection products (PPPs), food safety, and animal welfare, as well as launching control and certification systems to adapt producers to European market requirements.

As reported, the adaptation of Ukraine's agricultural sector to EU standards will continue until 2028. During this period, Ukraine must transform its system of state support, moving to digital monitoring tools and transparent distribution of funds in line with European standards.

IACS (Integrated Administration and Control System) is a mandatory digital system for managing agricultural payments in EU countries. It combines electronic registries of farmers and livestock with a geographic information system (LPIS), enabling precise verification of land areas and targeted use of funds through satellite data. Implementation of the system is a technical prerequisite for Ukraine's integration into the EU's Common Agricultural Policy and for transparent distribution of subsidies.
Qatar says four wounded after Iran launches barrage against Gulf states



Doha, April 7 (AFP) Apr 07, 2026



Qatar said early on Wednesday four people had been hurt by falling missile debris, including a child, after Iran launched a barrage of projectiles towards Gulf states.

AFP reporters heard explosions in Doha and Bahrain's capital Manama, while authorities in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia said they had responded to missile threats.

The overnight attacks came hours before a US deadline warning Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face devastating strikes on its civilian infrastructure.

Qatar's interior ministry said the authorities were "dealing with an incident" after debris from intercepted Iranian missiles fell on a home in the Muriykh area of west Doha.

"The incident resulted in the recording of four moderate injuries, including a Qatari child," the statement added.

The UAE's ministry of defence said in a statement that its military was "dealing with missile and drone attacks coming from Iran".

Saudi Arabia's defence ministry spokesperson announced the "interception and destruction of five ballistic missiles launched towards the eastern region", after overnight attacks the previous day hit a petrochemical complex in the eastern city of Jubail.

Gulf countries have faced repeated drone and missile salvos from Iran over recent weeks in response to the US and Israeli strikes that began at the end of February.

Iran has targeted fossil fuel infrastructure in the oil-rich Gulf nations while effectively closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz to shipping, through which one-fifth of global oil usually passes.
In the sweltering courtroom where Meursaults subsequent trial takes place, its benches filled with Europeans in thick suits fanning themselves with their newspapers, Ozon illustrates Camus assertion that life is meaningless and therefore absurd. Meursault, never one to lie or speak unless he has something to say, doesnt deny killing the Arab. His crime, indeed, is never even the focus of the trial. Its described as bad luck, just something that happens. Instead, the prosecutions horror is directed at the fact that Meursault didnt cry at his mothers funeral and was happy to return to his daily routine unaffected.
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Photo: https://t.me/SJTF_Dnipro

Russian losses over the day amounted to 980 personnel and 325 units of equipment, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) reported in a summary as of 06:45 Tuesday.

In particular, Ukrainian soldiers destroyed four armored combat vehicles, 65 artillery systems, three MLRS, two air defense systems, 248 units of motor vehicles and tankers, and three units of special equipment.

Air strikes cost the enemy 1,945 destroyed operational-tactical level UAVs.
The US-based carrier said it will raise fees for checked bags on domestic and select short-haul international routes by $10 (7.50) each on the first and the second bag. The cost of a third bag will increase by $50 (38), it added.
But no deployment is likely to take place until Iran, America and Israel have agreed a ceasefire, with the risk that vessels would be hit by Iranian drones or missiles currently deemed too high even by the US Navy.
Chilton publicly claimed in 2024 that the R U Crazy singer is the father to her daughter Penelope, who was born in October 2024, while last March, Maynard said in a social media post that he had taken a paternity test that confirmed I am not Penelopes father.
Over the past day, Russian forces struck Kharkiv and 12 settlements in the region using various types of drones, injuring six people, according to the head of the Regional Military Administration Oleg Synehubov.

"In the city of Kharkiv, men aged 56, 61, 34, and two 67-year-olds were injured; in the village of Kurochkyne of the Kupiansk community, a 64-year-old woman was wounded," Synehubov wrote on his Telegram channel.
Photo: MFA

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and National Bank of Ukraine Governor Andriy Pyshny discussed the situation involving funds misappropriated by Hungary. Sybiha reported this on Facebook on Monday.

The occasion for the meeting was NBUs 35th anniversary.

"I came personally to congratulate the team and National Bank Governor Andriy Pyshny. Today their work is, first and foremost, not about numbers. It is about trust, manageability, and the states ability to hold together.

We frankly discussed key challenges. In particular, the situation involving the unlawful misappropriation of funds that were in armoured vehicles transiting through Hungarian territory. We coordinated steps toward its swiftest resolution and the restoration of justice," Sybiha said on Facebook.
Photo: https://t.me/dnipropetrovskaODA

Russia attacked a city bus with an FPV drone in the very center of Nikopol, killing three people and injuring 12 others, reported head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration Oleksandr Hanzha.

The bus was approaching a stop  people were both inside the cabin and at the stop. "This was not an accidental strike. This is conscious terror against civilians. Against people who were simply going about their business," Hanzha wrote on his Telegram channel on Tuesday morning.
Navy Chief Petty Officer Joseph Hawthorne and his dive team in Lithuania in 2025. (Courtesy of Joseph Hawthorne)



Crews had already spent days excavating a site in Lithuania where four soldiers and their armored vehicle sank into a bog last year. By the time Navy Chief Petty Officer Joseph Hawthorne and his dive team arrived to help with recovery efforts, the scene looked like a small pond.

Their first entry into the water was to assess the environment. Near the edge, the sediment was loose, giving the impression it would be an easy dive. But, Hawthorne said, once he passed that top layer, he sank past his knees into a dense, tangled mixture of mud, clay, grass and debris.

It felt like trying to walk through something thick and heavy, almost like curing concrete, Hawthorne said. We were basically feeling our way through it blindly.

Four soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division died on March 25, 2025, when their M88A2 Hercules armored vehicle sank into a bog during an early morning operation. All were members of the divisions 1st Brigade, based at Fort Stewart, Ga., and were deployed in the region at the time.

Hawthorne, currently stationed at Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Miss., was named the USOs sailor of the year for his role as the lead diver in the underwater operation that successfully recovered the remains of all four soldiers.

Ive been in the Navy for almost 23 years, and it was the most meaningful mission in my life, Hawthorne said. Just bringing those souls home, it was all I wanted.

Hawthorne added that he will be retiring at the end of the month and is honored to conclude his military career with this recognition.

An official service photo of Navy Chief Petty Officer Joseph Hawthorne. (USO)



He will be honored at the USO Gala on April 16, alongside six other service members. The annual event recognizes one individual from each military branch for demonstrating heroic actions.

The other honorees include: Army Capt. Emily Malcolm; Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Garcia; Air Force Staff Sgt. Theodore Dudley; Space Force Master Sgt. David Gudgeon; Coast Guard Yeoman 2nd Class Cody Dmochowski; and National Guard Master Sgt. Jon Osterhout.

Hawthorne and his teams selfless perseverance under extreme operational hazards was the driving force behind the successful recovery of all four fallen soldiers, epitomizing the highest standards of service, courage and sacrifice within the U.S. Navy, the USO said on its website.

Hawthorne has been a Navy diver for 17 years, performing many dives in zero-visibility environments. But he said the operation in Lithuania was unlike anything he had ever experienced.

When the face plate went an inch below the water, it was lights out. No light was gonna pierce that type of environment, Hawthorne said. Go into a dark room, close your eyes and put your hands over your eyes. Thats what it was like. The darkest place that you could imagine.

Hawthorne and several team members took turns diving repeatedly into the deep bog, and only got a few hours of rest at a time. He said their determination to recover the soldiers kept them focused despite the exhaustion and fear of becoming trapped in the wet and muddy terrain.

We didnt want to leave those guys behind, Hawthorne said. The families deserved closure.

The weeklong operation involved hundreds of people helping, including personnel from the U.S. Army, Poland, Latvia and Lithuania.

About 10 minutes into a dive, Hawthorne was dredging when he stepped on the armored vehicle  one step closer to finding the soldiers. He said the vehicles recovery arm was about 6 feet down, so it took two dives to hook it up.

It was extremely difficult, but once we got the tank hooked up, my body flooded with emotions. I was extremely tired, happy, excited and mentally drained, Hawthorne said. I knew the tank wasnt sinking anymore, and they (the soldiers) were coming home. I was so happy.

Army personnel were able to pull out the vehicle in the middle of the night. By then, three soldiers had been recovered, but one was still missing.

When Hawthorne and his team returned the next day, it took eight hours to find and recover the last soldier, he said. In total, the Navy divers spent about 48 hours completing the operation.

It was very emotional, a lot of tears and a very happy moment. We finally got everyone home, Hawthorne said.
(Sandra Jontz/Stars and Stripes)



Forward Operating Base Marez, Iraq, May 14, 2005: Soldiers from Delta/52 Infantry Company, 1st Stryker Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, ride the Stryker, the Armys newest wheeled tactical vehicle, during a patrol in the area of the Tigris River looking for strategic areas where insurgents might cross to traffic illegal items between key cities of Mosul and Tal AFar.

Learn more by reading the full article here.
A Marvel Fantastic Four Galactus Popcorn Bucket, which set a Guinness World Record for Largest popcorn container commercially available at 9 liters and at a price of $79.99, is displayed during a showing of Fantastic Four: First Steps at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Calif., on July 24, 2025. (Patrick T. Fallon, AFP, Getty Images/TNS)



Standing in her kitchen, Nicole Fontanez let out a gasp as she cut open a cardboard box, revealing a plastic figure of Yoshi, Marios dinosaurlike friend. The bulky toy was holding a hollow, polka-dotted egg. Fontanez, 31, and her husband, Brian Fontanez, 36, were filming their reactions as they unveiled the newest addition to their novelty popcorn bucket collection for their YouTube channel, Our Guilty Collections, where they chat about movies and memorabilia. It almost looks like a toy, like something youd get [at a] Toys R Us, she said in the video. This is definitely a display piece, he added. Theres no popcorn going into the egg.

The new, sought-after Yoshi popcorn bucket. It costs $50. In addition to Yoshi, theaters are selling $45 star-shaped Luma buckets, which light up and come in several colors. There are also mini Bowser cauldrons capable of holding five to 11 kernels of popcorn. The $8 cauldron set a world record for the smallest popcorn container. The containers are being sold for the new The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. (AMC Theaters/Nintendo)



At a time when theaters are struggling to sell tickets, exhibitors are betting on increasingly elaborate popcorn buckets like the $50 Yoshi container to capitalize on millennial nostalgia, drum up excitement for movies and ultimately increase profits. The popcorn bucket business was in high gear in the run-up to The Super Mario Galaxy Movies release April 1. In addition to Yoshi, theaters are selling $45 star-shaped Luma buckets, which light up and come in several colors. There are also mini Bowser cauldrons capable of holding five to 11 kernels of popcorn. The $8 cauldron set a world record for the smallest popcorn container. The booming bucket business

Disney began selling simple souvenir popcorn pails in the 1990s and in 2010 introduced a 3D container modeled after Micky Mouse. But over the past few years, the novelty popcorn bucket business has reached new heights and expanded into cinemas.

Fan-favorite popcorn receptacles have included the pink convertible bucket released for the Barbie movie, a Wolverine bucket with his mouth open wide for Deadpool & Wolverine and The Fantastic Four: First Steps Galactus-shaped bucket, which, priced at nearly $80, is the biggest and most expensive popcorn container ever made. Some have even gone viral, like the Dune 2 sandworm bucket parodied on Saturday Night Live for its resemblance to a sex toy.

The Deadpool & Wolverine popcorn bucket is seen during the 2024 Comic-Con International on July 25, 2024 in San Diego, Calif.. (Matt Winkelmeyer, Getty Images/TNS)



AMC Theatres made its foray into 3D novelty buckets in 2019, when it started selling R2-D2 droid collectibles to promote Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, said vice president Nels Storm, who oversees food and beverage product strategy at the chain.

We started to wade into this world carefully because it was new [and the buckets] were expensive to produce, Storm said. The Star Wars buckets quickly sold out, so the company took it as a sign that guests wanted more tangible moviegoing memories, he said.

In 2023, the Leawood, Kan., company sold collectible concession vessels  the industry term for the buckets  for nine movies. In 2026, AMC plans to sell vessels for more than 40 movies. Storm said AMC locations have seen an increase in theater attendance when popular buckets are released. AMC merchandise sales, which are primarily driven by collectible concession vessels, totaled about $54 million in 2023, and have increased since then, said spokesperson Ryan Noonan. Cinemark Theatres, which started experimenting with creative vessels around the same time as AMC, has also poured resources into expanding its popcorn bucket business. The Plano, Texas, company plans to sell vessels for about 10 movies in 2026, said Cinemark senior vice president David Haywood, who oversees food and beverage. Super Mario was a natural choice. One thing about people who work in this industry is we are all a bunch of nerds, Haywood said. We look for some things that we love, and Mario really holds a special place in so many generations hearts, from the first Nintendo to kids that grew up and played it on their Wii.

The fancy buckets are expensive to produce, but Cinemark considers them worthwhile because they augment popcorn and soda sales, he said.

From a margin basis, its probably not the most brilliant thing in the world, Haywood said. But something that we really appreciate is how much fun and joy that it brings to the experience. ... At the end of the day, thats all we do here as a movie theater, right? Were here to sell that joy. Limited releases drum up hype For some collectors, the scarcity is part of the appeal. The day the Yoshi bucket was set to drop, Brian Fontanez woke up two hours earlier than usual and repeatedly refreshed the Cinemark merchandise website in the hopes of securing one before scalpers could snatch up the stock.

I got lucky with this one, as the bucket sold out within the hour, he told The Times by phone. Though Cinemark is taking preorders, the next batch wont ship until August, according to the companys website. The first bucket the Fontanezes bought was a Billy the Puppet one from the horror movie Saw X. Also in their collection is a Scream 7 bucket with Ghostface bursting through a door  which Nicole Fontanez plans to use as a vase  and a crystal ball one featuring Madame Leota, the ghostly fortune teller from Disneys Haunted Mansion. The Cranford, N.J., couple estimate theyve spent more than $500 on buckets since they began collecting them in 2023.

Its a way to commemorate ... the movies we love, and showcase them, obviously for ourselves, but also for people that come over or people that view our videos, Nicole Fontanez said.

Some movie buffs, like Yuba City, Calif., resident Mark Sullivan, will travel far for the buckets.

Sullivan, 40, said in an email that he once drove more than two hours to a Bay Area theater to buy a dragon head popcorn bucket released in conjunction with 2023s Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, only to learn that the theater ran out minutes before he arrived. He watched the movie anyway and later purchased one from an eBay reseller for a premium.

Sullivan, a hospital mobility technician, started a Facebook group for popcorn bucket collectors in 2024. The group, which focuses specifically on movie theater containers, not theme park buckets, now has more than 15,000 members who share tips on how to score new drops, trade or resell buckets, or simply show off their collections. Sullivan said the group gets thousands of new members whenever a horror movie debuts a container.

Haywood said that while Cinemark has increased the amount of popcorn buckets it orders to keep up with rising demand, it can be hard to predict months ahead of the movie opening which ones will catch on with a fandom. AMC tries to make sure all its vessels sell out because it drives excitement among fans, Storm said.

We want to have just enough, Storm added. In some cases we miss short and in some cases we miss long.

Popcorn was once a lifeline for struggling movie palaces

Popcorn became the go-to movie snack during the 1930s as theaters sought new revenue streams during the Great Depression, said film historian Ross Melnick, a professor at UC Santa Barbara.

Before that, most movie palaces across the U.S. did not allow food and drinks inside auditoriums, as they wanted to preserve their carpets, rugs and upholstered seats, Melnick said. After the Wall Street crash of 1929, theater attendance plunged as customers looked for ways to cut spending. In a bid to survive, theaters lowered ticket prices, introduced incentives like giveaways of dinnerware and began to sell concessions, which people previously bought from vendors or nearby sweet shops, Melnick said.

Around the same time, popcorn was popping off, buoyed by a surge in American corn production and the snacks popularity among soldiers. The snack was initially sold in small bags, but cardboard boxes and cylindrical tubs later became the norm in theaters, likely because the containers didnt make noise to access and were less prone to butter leakage, Melnick said.

Collectible popcorn vessels may be popular now because of rising interest in analog living, much like vinyls growth, according to Melnick. Digital tickets have become commonplace, and ticket stubs have largely disappeared. People now turn to apps like Letterboxd to keep track of the films theyve watched.

The popcorn bucket creates a physical memory of that moment, Melnick said.

Nostalgia was what led food truck manager Fanor Sanchez, 32, of the Cypress Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, to buy an alien head-shaped popcorn bucket. A longtime fan of the Alien franchise, he has since purchased three more collectible vessels and has planned trips to theaters on premiere nights just to snag one. He would buy more, but admits they take up a lot of space.

It makes me feel like a kid again, Sanchez said. Its like going to the store and buying a brand-new toy that youre going to end up forgetting about in a week.
Leaders from the U.S. Army and the Philippine military take part in the opening ceremony for the Salaknib exercise at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, April 6, 2026. (Lilly Ekberg/U.S. Army)



The United States and the Philippines have launched annual land force drills that involve 7,000 soldiers, including troops from Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

The first phase of Salaknib, which translates to shield in the Ilocano language, began Monday, the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii announced in a news release that day.

Over the next several weeks, thousands of U.S. and Philippine soldiers will train shoulder-to-shoulder in a series of complex, multi-domain training events, the division said.

The exercise is designed to enhance combat readiness and the ability of the U.S. and Philippine armies to work together in areas such as jungle warfare, aviation, live-fire training and island defense, according to the release.

Salaknib builds credible combat land forces alongside our oldest treaty ally in the region, Maj. Gen. James Bartholomees, the divisions commander, said as the drills launched at Fort Magsaysay on the main Philippine island of Luzon, according to the release.

This realistic training sharpens our collective skills and ensures we are prepared to uphold our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, he said.

Maj. Gen. Efren Morados, vice commander of the Philippine army, also at Fort Magsaysay to kick off the drills, said the training is about people.

It is about the bonds formed between soldiers who train together under demanding conditions, he said in the release.

About 420 members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will practice command-and-control coordination and take part in live-fire drills during Salaknib, Japanese national broadcaster NHK reported Monday.

Japan and New Zealand, which is sending 46 troops, are joining the exercise for the first time. Australia has sent 100 personnel to the training, the state-run Philippine News Agency reported April 3.

The first phase of Salaknib will run until April 17 with a second phase planned during May and June, the agency reported Monday.

Last month, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner said Japan would send combat troops to the Philippines for the upcoming annual Balikatan  or shoulder-to-shoulder  exercise.

After 1945, for the very first time, we will have again Japanese combat troops on Philippine soil, Brawner said, according to a March 24 report by the Philippine News Agency.

Last year, about 9,000 American and 5,000 Filipino troops were involved in Balikatan, which ran for 18 days during April and May. Another 260 Australian service members joined, along with smaller contingents from Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Canada and other countries.
SBU detains engineer at Dnipropetrovsk defence plant who spied for two Russian intelligence services

The Security Service of Ukraines counterintelligence has detained another Russian agent in Dnipropetrovsk region - an engineer at a strategic defence plant who simultaneously spied for the FSB and military intelligence.

"The rashists recruited him through his son, who is serving a prison sentence in the aggressor country for drug offenses. In exchange for promises of amnesty for the prisoner, the agent was to collect and pass secret information about the fulfilment of a defence order to the enemy," the SBU said in a Tuesday Telegram post.

According to the Ukrainian security service, the suspect planned to use his security clearance and actual access to the plants special workshops for this purpose.

"Russian intelligence operatives also hoped to obtain the geolocations of high-tech premises and the plants industrial zone, which the enemy was preparing ballistic strikes against," the statement reads.

SBU officers identified the agents intelligence activity in advance, documented his crimes, and detained him at his workplace.

The investigation also established that the suspect was tasked with identifying potential candidates for recruitment into Russias agent network among his colleagues and plant security staff.

During a search, a smartphone containing evidence of his work for two Russian handlers was seized from the detainee. They used several anonymous messenger chats for covert communication.

Security Service investigators served the agent with a suspicion notice under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (state treason committed under martial law).

The perpetrator is held in custody without the right to post bail. He faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The comprehensive measures were carried out by SBU officers in Dnipropetrovsk region under the procedural supervision of the regional prosecutors office.
South Korean troops assigned to MAKRI, the Ministry of National Defense Agency for Killed in Action Recovery and Identification, work to recover Korean War remains from the Demilitarized Zone in November 2025. (South Korean Ministry of National Defense)



The United States and South Korea are partnering for a four-week search aimed at recovering the remains of service members lost in two aircraft crashes during the Korean War.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and South Koreas Ministry of National Defense Agency for KIA Recovery and Identification began the joint search operation on Monday, according to the South Korean ministry.

The search is scheduled to continue until May 1, the ministry said in a news release.

Just as we are committed to recovering the remains of our fallen, we will spare no effort in supporting the search for U.S. service members who helped us and remain unaccounted for, South Korean army Lt. Col. Kim Sung-hwan, acting director of the recovery and identification agency, said in the release.

The operation expands the agencies joint survey activities, he said.

The agencies will search for the wreckage of U.S. warplanes and transport aircraft near Gangneung and Yangyang, 100 miles east of Seoul and 40 to 60 miles south of the Demilitarized Zone, according to the release.

The losses occurred in 1952. A fighter jet crashed Feb. 21 near Yangyang and a transport plane came down on Oct. 16 near Gangneung, leaving 17 aboard unaccounted for, according to the ministry.

Of 300,000 U.S. troops deployed during the 1950-53 Korean War, 26,940 died in action and 3,737 are still listed as missing, according to the United Nations Command website.

The agencies are also planning a joint underwater survey in August of another 1952 crash site. Nine people, including a Korean, went missing when a transport plane went down on Nov. 15 in the Sea of Japan  also known as the East Sea  due to an engine defect, according to the ministrys release.

The agencies will inspect the remaining debris and gather information from area residents, according to the ministry.

DPAA has worked with its South Korean counterparts since 2024, survey team deputy leader Staff Sgt. Jordyn King said in the release.
Soldiers assigned to the 11th Airborne Division fire M240 machine guns during an exercise at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex in South Korea, March 24, 2026. (Alexander Knight/U.S. Army)



President Donald Trump this week criticized three key U.S. allies in the Pacific for not assisting in the war he launched against Iran in February, despite longstanding American security commitments to the region.

Japan didnt help us, he told reporters Monday at a White House news conference. Australia didnt help us. South Korea didnt help us.

Trumps remarks widened a complaint he has made for years  that allies benefitting from U.S. military protection do not do enough in return  and came as his administration faces growing scrutiny over the costs of the conflict.

He pointed out how American troops stationed in Japan and South Korea are in harms way of North Korean nuclear weapons.

Trumps criticism followed similar complaints at the news conference over NATO member states also declining to join the war, describing that alliance as a paper tiger.

Trump, along with Israel, launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran on Feb. 28 without seeking formal approval by Congress or apprising European allies of his plan.

A massive bombing campaign has killed many of Irans top leaders, but the half-century old regime remains in place.

In response, Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz and caused a global energy crisis.

Trump said last week that reopening the strait was the responsibility of countries that rely on it for shipping. That list of nations did not include the United States, he said.

But he threatened in social media posts over the weekend to demolish Irans critical civilian infrastructure, such as power plants and bridges, if the strait remains blocked.

Trump said at Mondays news conference that the U.S. has 50,000 service members stationed in Japan to protect that nation from North Korean aggression.

The U.S. has approximately 28,500 troops in South Korea, where the Army has maintained a presence since the Korean War in the early 1950s, according to a Congressional Research Service report in January. A small advisory group was posted in South Korea after the Army withdrew from its post-World War II mission in 1948.

During Mondays press conference, Trump referred to 45,000 U.S. soldiers being stationed in South Korea, an inflated number he began using in recent months.

North Koreas leader, Kim Jong Un, has routinely antagonized Japan by conducting ballistic missile tests over the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday that the Japanese government was arranging summit talks with Iran about reopening the strait.

Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has largely avoided directly opining on the Iran war, instead cajoling citizens to conserve energy in light of surging fuel costs.

Trump has said during both his first and current administrations that Tokyo and Seoul should pay more toward the costs of maintaining U.S. troops in those countries.

The Biden administration signed a five-year agreement with South Korea in 2024 under which Seoul was to raise its funding for the sustainment of U.S. troops by 8.3% to $1.47 billion in the first year. Later increases would be linked to the consumer price index.

During the 2024 election campaign, Trump said South Korea should pay as much as $10 billion per year.

Japan contributes roughly $2 billion a year to host American troops, an amount that falls far short of the $8 billion Trump has called for in the past.
NATO headquarters in Brussels is shown in this undated photo. Support for the alliance is declining among Republicans but remains steady overall, according to a Pew Foundation report published Monday. (NATO)



Support for NATO is on the decline among Republicans but holding steady overall, according to a new poll taken amid President Donald Trumps increased criticism of the alliance.

Sixty percent of Republicans now say the U.S. benefits not too much or not at all from being part of the alliance, according to a Pew Research Center poll released Monday. The results mark the first time a majority of Republicans have reported such views, according to Pew. A year ago, the figure stood at 50%.

Americans overall views toward NATO remain positive, with 59% of those polled saying the U.S. still benefits from being one of the 32 member countries, Pew said.

Much of that is tied to lopsided support among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents, 82% of whom see benefits from alliance membership, the survey said.

The poll was conducted in late March, just days before Trump said he was considering withdrawing from the alliance in connection with disagreements with allies over the Iran war.

NATO has been fundamental to U.S. national security policy for nearly 80 years but has long drawn scorn from Trump, who has ratcheted up his criticism over the past week.

Over the decades, NATO has enjoyed widespread bipartisan support in Washington, but there have been recent indications of more partisan splits.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who as a senator sponsored legislation to make it harder for a president to quit the alliance, said last week that the U.S. relationship with Europe needed to be reevaluated after the Iran conflict.

Rubios remarks were connected to Spains decision to restrict access to its bases and airspace for missions linked to the Iran campaign, which began Feb. 28 with combined American and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Longtime NATO backer Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., also blasted the alliance for not doing more to help the U.S. unblock the oil transport chokepoint known as the Strait of Hormuz.

Pews new polling noted that outlooks toward NATO have become increasingly partisan over the past 15 years, with trend lines showing the gap between Republicans and Democrats growing.

Nonetheless, favorable views of NATO are shifting downward over the longer term, Pew said.

Americans are less likely to see the alliance favorably today than in April 2022, not long after Russias military invasion of Ukraine, Pew stated.
President Donald Trump is flanked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, left, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in this undated photo. Trump on Monday renewed threats against Iran, saying he would destroy bridges and power plants if leaders do not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday evening. (The White House)



A self-imposed deadline set by President Donald Trump for Iran to reach a peace deal was looming Tuesday, as Trump escalated his threats to destroy the countrys infrastructure and talks appeared to stall.

A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again, Trump said in a post to his Truth Social account. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will.

Trump earlier warned that a failure to reach an agreement by the 8 p.m. cutoff would result in U.S. military strikes on infrastructure, including every bridge and power plant in Iran.

Tehran on Monday rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal, saying it instead wants a permanent end to the war.

Trumps rhetoric is raising questions about potential violations of international law. Over the weekend, he issued an expletive-laden message telling Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or it would be living in hell.

At a news conference Monday alongside senior military officials, he said: The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night.

In response to a question about whether hes concerned that his threat to bomb power plants and bridges amounts to a war crime, he said no. But he added that he hopes he doesnt have to do it.

The U.S. also conducted strikes Tuesday on Irans Kharg Island, targeting dozens of military sites, including bunkers, a radar station and ammunition storage facilities, Fox News reported. Kharg Island, Irans main oil export hub, has been struck previously by U.S. forces.

Vice President JD Vance, speaking to reporters on a trip to Hungary on Tuesday, acknowledged U.S. strikes on Kharg Island. He said the U.S. will hold off on striking energy infrastructure until the presidents deadline, but that he hopes both sides are able to make a deal before then.

If the Iranians want to exact a certain amount of pain, the United States has the ability to exact much, much greater pain, the vice president said. The president doesnt want to do that. I dont want to do that. Thats why were negotiating so aggressively. But fundamentally, the ball is in the Iranians court.

Trumps threats against Iranian infrastructure have prompted outcry from critics around the globe, including on Capitol Hill.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., said such an operation would be a textbook war crime. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Ariz., said she will introduce articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, calling him the chief enabler of an illegal war.

Iran is a country of 90 million people, she said in a video posted to X. Threatening them with annihilation is a monstrous war crime and puts them and American service members and Americans at grave risk.

With both chambers of Congress under Republican control, however, any articles of impeachment are unlikely to gain traction. But the congressional pushback reflects wider unease about potential strikes.

Officials in Tehran said attacks on power plants and bridges are a violation of the Geneva Conventions, while a United Nations spokesperson said he was alarmed by the rhetoric.

Civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, may not be attacked, Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday. Even if the specific civilian infrastructure were to qualify as a military objective, international humanitarian law would still prohibit attacks against them if they may be expected to cause excessive incidental civilian harm.

The Pentagons Law of War manual specifies that civilian infrastructure can be targeted only if it has a clear military use and destroying it provides a definite military advantage.

Bridges, for example, have often been considered legitimate targets when used to move troops or equipment, but any strike on such a target must take into account the potential risk to civilians, the manual says.

A U.S. strike last week on one of Irans largest bridges was justified because the structure was used by the Iranian armed forces to move missiles and missile parts, a U.S. defense official told Axios.

Theres a lot of gray area when it comes to strikes on infrastructure, said Michael Eisenstadt, director of the military and security studies program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

In 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, the U.S. crippled Iraqs electrical grid because, along with powering essential operations like hospitals and water purification, the plants were also used by military systems, he noted.

There are ways to strike targets that temporarily disable the infrastructure and thereby limit humanitarian impact, Eisenstadt said.

In Iraq, the Pentagon said it sought to minimize casualties and collateral damage, but it was not possible to destroy the power supply to Iraqi command and control facilities without affecting the broader population.

In Iran, bridges and power plants might be more sensitive, but theyre not off the board, Eisenstadt said.

A lot of this critical infrastructure is dual-use, he said. Bridges and roads are used by both the military and the civilian sector.

As the deadline approached on Tuesday, Iranian officials urged young people to form human chains to protect power plants. Trump has extended previous deadlines but gave no indication this week he was willing to give another extension.
An explosive was found by a child in his backyard in Carmichael, Calif., which personnel at Beale Air Force Base confirmed was a live military shell from 1953. ( Sacramento County Sheriffs Office via Facebook)



(Tribune News Service)  A Carmichael, Calif., boy on Sunday dug up a live, military-grade explosive with an up to 1,000-foot blast radius in his backyard, according to authorities.

The 81 millimeter mortar explosive shell must have been just below the surface when the boy unearthed the device on Marconi Avenue, raising alarm for his parent who called the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office, spokesperson Sgt. Ed Igoe said Monday.

Deputies and the Sheriffs explosive ordinance disposal team responded just after noon to the home near Garfield Avenue and determined the device was a live military shell from 1953, Igoe said. A team out of the Beale Air Force Base in Yuba County confirmed the identification.

About six homes immediately surrounding the backyard were evacuated as both teams removed the device. The shells blast could reach as far as 1,000 feet, but it was not likely to reach that maximum distance due to the nearby homes, Igoe said, which is why an entire block was not evacuated.

Once the shell was removed, officials blew it up at the sheriffs explosive ordinance disposal range.

The range normally is used for homemade devices, such as fireworks. This military shell was a rare occurrence, Igoe said.

To be able to find a military-grade ordinance just buried in someones backyard is very rare, said Igoe, who added he had not experienced a similar situation in his 27-year law enforcement career.

2026 The Sacramento Bee.

Visit sacbee.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Department of Veterans Affairs $488 billion budget request for fiscal 2027 represents a 7.7% increase over 2026, according to budget documents. (Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  The Department of Veterans Affairs proposed budget for fiscal 2027 is $488 billion, which represents a 7.7% increase over 2026 and covers more than $337 billion in compensation, pensions and other mandatory benefits for millions of veterans, according to new budget documents.

The uptick in VA funding aligns with President Donald Trumps budget priorities, according to the White House.

The VA, which is the nations largest integrated health care system, expects to provide monthly disability compensation to more than 7.4 million veterans in 2027.

More than 9.2 million veterans will be enrolled in VA medical care, according to budget documents.

Trumps administration on Friday released its 2027 budget request for funding the federal government. It includes $1.5 trillion for defense spending, an increase of 44% over 2026, according to the Office of Management and Budget.

The proposed budget emphasizes border security, veterans services, and military investments, and seeks cuts to many nondefense, domestic spending programs, according to the Office of Management and Budget.

The 2027 budget builds on the presidents vision by continuing to constrain non-defense spending and reform the federal government, wrote Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, in a message to Congress, when the budget was submitted.

The plan is considered a blueprint and a starting point for Congress to begin the annual appropriations process.

The VAs $488 billion request represents a 58% increase in the agencys annual funding level since 2023, according to budget documents.

VA will continue to listen to the voice of those we serve  our veterans  as we work with federal, state, and local partners, including veterans service organizations to best utilize the funds requested, according to the VAs Budget in Brief for 2027.

The 55-page document was released by Richard F. Topping, chief financial officer and assistant secretary for management at the VA.

The VAs request would create the Warrior Independence and Self-Sufficiency Ethos (WISE) Office to oversee programs to address veteran homelessness.

WISE is the result of a May 2025 presidential executive order to help veterans achieve long-term self-sufficiency, independence, and stability. The new office would help veterans achieve long-term self-sufficiency, independence, and stability, according to budget documents.

The budget request calls for $144.9 billion in discretionary spending, a 9% increase over 2026. This funding covers medical care, mental health services, homelessness prevention and benefits claims processing, according to budget documents.

Approximately $337.6 billion will cover mandatory program spending, which is $22.6 billion more than 2026.

Mandatory spending spans compensation and pensions, readjustment benefits, housing and insurance, and continued funding for the toxic exposures fund, which awards benefits to veterans with illnesses and injuries connected to burn pits, radiation and other hazardous materials during military service.

The budget request supports a replacement medical center in Indianapolis, and the purchase of land for a new medical center in San Antonio.

The VA expects to employ 443,327 workers  or full-time equivalents  in fiscal 2027, which will run from Oct. 1, 2026, to Sept. 30, 2027.

Approximately $4.2 billion in discretionary dollars would fund continued development and implementation of the VAs new digital health records network.

The VA is accelerating modernization of its health records, which will make them interoperable with the Defense Departments medical records system, according to budget documents.
A stabilizing brace, also known as a pistol brace or an arm brace, is an accessory that helps to enhance stability, increase and reduce recoil for a shooter firing weapon one-handed. (YouTube)



WASHINGTON  The White House announced plans to create an office to protect the Second Amendment rights of gun owners, which will include a focus on ending a federal regulation affecting disabled veterans and other individuals who use pistol braces.

The 2027 budget that President Donald Trumps administration released last week includes a proposal to fund an office within the civil rights division of the Justice Department dedicated to protecting gun rights.

An early priority of the office is to stop enforcement of a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulation that criminally penalizes gun owners who do not register their pistol braces, according to the White House budget request.

Pistol braces are accessories that strap to a users forearm for stability and control.

A White House budget request for $1.4 million to establish the office states that it would seek to reverse rules that criminalize gun ownership.

The proposal refers to current criminal penalties of up to 10 years in prison for failing to register pistol braces that make it possible for disabled veterans to use firearms.

Under former President Joe Biden, the ATF established a rule for determining whether pistols equipped with stabilizing braces should be considered short-barreled rifles and subject to stricter regulation under the National Firearms Act, according to the Duke Center for Firearms Law.

Stabilizing pistol braces were created and manufactured for the purposes of disabled citizens and veterans to hold, stabilize, aim and fire correctly and safely. Unfortunately, the Biden administration has deemed these braces particularly lethal,  Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., said in June 2023, after the ATF rule took effect.

In June 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas vacated the regulation as arbitrary and capricious.

The Justice Department then agreed to drop its appeal and not defend the ATF rule, according to the Firearms Policy Coalition, a nonprofit advocacy organization that focuses on Second Amendment rights.

But the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action warned in March that a recent court filing by the DOJ, under Trump, indicates that the agency reserves the right to continue bringing felony prosecutions under the NFA for possession of unregistered braced pistols.

The upshot is that ATF continues to assert its right to bring felony charges related to the unregistered possession of a [short-barreled rifle] in cases solely based on braced-equipped pistols, the NRA-ILA stated.

Gun Owners of America also told members in March that the Justice Department continues to enforce the rule.

End the DOJs rogue pistol brace crackdown, the Gun Owners of America stated on its website.

A federal court vacated the Biden pistol brace ban. President Trump campaigned on ending it, the association said.
Occupiers attacked the city of Pryluky (Chernihiv region) with drones, setting fire to the city council building, Suspilne Chernihiv reports.

"As a result of the attack, the second floor of the Pryluky city council building is on fire. According to our correspondent, three explosions were heard in the city," broadcasters website said.

The Air Force had warned of drones moving from Sumy region toward Chernihiv region.
The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) is assisting victims of a Russian army FPV drone strike on a minibus in Nikopol (Dnipropetrovsk region).

"Volunteers from the Nikopol unit of the Ukrainian Red Cross rapid response team, together with rescuers and medics, promptly provided assistance to the victims and evacuated them to medical facilities," the URCS said on Facebook on Tuesday.

As reported, early Tuesday morning the enemy struck a minibus approaching a stop in the center of Nikopol with an FPV drone. Three people were killed and 16 wounded to varying degrees of severity, eight of whom were hospitalized - three in serious condition, the remaining hospitalized patients in moderate condition with blast injuries, acoustic barotrauma, shrapnel wounds, and fractures.
Tony Bryant 07/04/2026 a las 14:10h.

Villaluenga del Rosario, the highest and smallest village in the province of Cadiz, is an attractive destination with plenty to offer the visitor who is looking for an escapade with a difference. Located in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema natural park, the village is notable for its typical Andalusian architecture, with narrow streets and whitewashed houses. Among its tourist attractions is the ruins of the El Salvador church, which served as a cemetery after being razed by Napoleonic forces during the War of Independence.

Its natural surroundings offer numerous opportunities for nature and hiking lovers. The natural park boasts hiking trails of varying difficulty, allowing visitors to enjoy spectacular landscapes. There are several viewpoints that offer stunning views of the surrounding area. Of particular interest is the El Chorrero waterfall, a spectacular natural phenomenon that is only active after heavy rainfall.

Cheese-making tradition

This picturesque white village is popular for several reasons other than its natural wealth, including its Arabic ceramic tile tradition, the Sima de Villaluenga cave system, the oldest bullring in the province (unique in that it is polygonal rather than round), and because it is part of the European cheese route.

In 2020, the village, which has fewer than 500 inhabitants, was voted European cheese capital by the assembly of the association of municipalities of the European cheese route. The association carries out all its activities around cheese as a quality product and tourist attraction, bringing together the most relevant European municipalities in the sector with the aim of achieving quality and sustainable European tourism with cheese gastronomy as its main culture and showcase of quality.

The birthplace of Payoyo cheese, considered one of the best cheeses in Spain, Villaluenga del Rosario currently has six cheese factories that produce around 400,000 kilos per year. The milk from the Payoyo goat is distinguished by its excellent quality and the cheese is made by hand and is defined by a maturation period of four to seven months.

These matured cheeses combine tradition and quality, and a flavour that leaves the roof of the mouth tingling, so it is a must for those who love cheese with a piquant flavour. The village has several bars and restaurants where you can taste these delicious cheeses, which keep the legacy of local shepherds alive, as well as other typical local specialties like venison, wild boar and partridge.

Of course, a place with such a prestigious cheese-making tradition obviously has a cheese museum, located in Calle Albarrada. Here, one will discover all the secrets of this gastronomic delicacy through their guided tours and tastings.

Centre of speleology

The Andalusian federation of speleology has its headquarters in the village, which carries out activities throughout the year. This should come as no surprise seeing as Villaluenga del Rosario has a large number of caves and chasms that smugglers and bandits, such as Jose Maria El Tempranillo, used as hideouts. Few places in Andalucia have such a high concentration of them. The speleology federation offers guided tours of some of the more than 60 caves and chasms of karst origin recorded in the area, although one of the most popular is the Yedra cave, due to its prehistoric cave paintings, which are thought to date back to Neolithic period.

Villaluenga del Rosario is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy the beauty of a white Andalusian village surrounded by nature, explore its labyrinth chasms and, of course, savour its exquisite Payoyo goat's cheese.
Tony Bryant 07/04/2026 a las 10:29h.

The headquarters of the Spanish association against cancer (AECC) in Benalmadena has improved accessibility following the installation of a stairlift platform, enabling people with reduced mobility to access the different floors of the building.

The project had an estimated cost of 18,000 euros and was funded through a grant programme from Malaga provincial council aimed at third-sector organisations to support improvements and the refurbishment of their facilities.

While patients receive healthcare and psychosocial support on the ground floor, group workshops - both health-related and psychosocial - are held on the upper floors. As the building previously lacked a lift, the new equipment was installed to improve accessibility and enhance the quality of services and social support provided.

The provincial deputy for care centres, Francisco Jose Martin, visited the facilities on Monday, together with the President of the AECC in Malaga, Juan Carlos Martin, and the towns mayor, Juan Antonio Lara.

A regional hub for the Costa del Sol

The headquarters is located in a three-storey building in Arroyo de la Miel and provides services to users from municipalities with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants in the western area of the province of Malaga.
Ignacio Lillo 07/04/2026 a las 11:58h.

The future of the San Andres marina project in Malaga's Huelin district remains uncertain. The concessionaire for its construction and operation - Qatari fund Al Alfia (the same fund promoting the tower hotel on the Levante dock) - has once again missed the deadline for payment of the concession fee, which was due at the end of March. As a result, the Port Authority has imposed a surcharge of approximately 600,000 euros on the invoice.

In the short history of this project, such delays have become "the norm". This time, however, it has generated some uncertainty within the Port Authority regarding the project's future.

The March delay coincides with the concession holders' search for a "technical" partner specialising in the construction and management of marinas. The search has so far been unsuccessful. In addition, the investors' country of origin is directly affected by the war in the Persian Gulf.

The investors have cited Ramadan and the impact of the armed conflict as excuses for the payment delay, according to port sources, who are not concerned about it, given that the partners have always ended up paying the principal and the corresponding surcharges. Indeed, they have informed the Port Authority that the funds are now available and the transfer authorised, so they are expected to make the payment within a few days.

In February, the Port Authority sent the concessionaires a letter urging them to complete the urban planning process and begin construction, at the risk of losing the concession rights they won in a public tender.

Offers from potential partners

The company holding the operating rights currently has at least two offers from potential partners, some of whom have even offered to buy up to 100 per cent of the shares, according to industry sources. The only prospective partner the public knows about is OCP - the company that manages the megayacht marina along with US firm IGY. SUR has learned that negotiations are also under way with another group, which has requested strict anonymity.

According to the terms currently under consideration, the offer includes all expenses incurred by the successful bidder to date, amounting to an annual fee of approximately 600,000 euros (for four years), plus the initial deposit of around two million and a percentage of profit. In total, approximately eight million euros.

The truth is that the negotiations have not yet borne fruit because Al Alfia has yet to make a decision. The deadlines are running out. For weeks now, the operation has been under the threat of termination proceedings due to inactivity. This would risk losing the deposit and everything paid so far in fees.

The marina project

The San Andres marina will be located at the mouth of the Guadalmedina, very close to the new headquarters of the Spanish institute of oceanography and the fish market and the future Malaga music auditorium.

The future Huelin marina will require an investment of around 54 million euros and will feature docks with a total capacity for 506 vessels, including two berths for large yachts of up to 50 metres long and five berths for yachts of up to 30 metres. The majority, however - about 400 spots - will be for boats under 12 metres.

The most important civil work will be the widening of the current breakwater that separates the dock from the beaches to create a wide platform for luxury shops, hotels and a nautical club with a restaurant.

There will also be a yacht club, a sailing school, a dry marina for 100 boats, a control tower, a restaurant and an events venue, with spectacular views of the city and the sea. The marina will have a car park with 439 parkings spaces.

The San Andres marina will be the largest marina for small and medium-sized pleasure craft in Malaga city.

The building permit is only pending fee payments

The urban planning department has already processed the building permit, along with coordinating the detailed study to enable the integration of the marina with the future music auditorium, which will be located just behind it.

The start of the project is only pending the payment of the corresponding fees. While the exact amount has yet to be determined, this step could represent a sum of around half a million euros.
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Cristina Vallejo 07/04/2026 Actualizado a las 11:51h.

The weight of foreign investment in Malaga province's real estate market has a very significant impact on tax revenue. According to reports, the tax revenue linked to the profits of non-residents is growing the most, mostly due to the income they receive from renting properties.

Taxpayers who do not reside in Spain but earn income within Spanish territory are subjected to the non-resident income tax, which replaces personal income tax and corporate income tax.

The province of Malaga's contribution to the state coffers through taxes has grown by 93.6% between 2019 and 2025, rising from more than 3.28 billion to almost 6.36 billion euros. This increase is double that recorded in Spain as a whole, which is 53%, climbing from 212.8 billion to 325 billion euros over the same period.

The greater economic dynamism of the Costa del Sol province and its transient population (tourists, visitors, digital nomads, etc.) explains this faster growth rate in tax revenue. The tax whose revenue has grown the most in Malaga has been the non-resident income tax: it has practically tripled, growing by 194%, going from 93.5 million in 2019 to 275 million in 2025. In any case, its revenue is limited compared to the more than 2.6 billion collected in the province from personal income tax or the more than two billion collected from IVA tax.

This tax is also the fastest growing in terms of revenue across Spain, although its increase is lower than that recorded in the province (limited to 128%, reaching almost 5.4 billion from 2.37 billion the year before the pandemic). Here too, the figure pales in comparison to personal income tax (142.5 billion) or IVA (almost 100 billion). In the latest annual report of the tax agency, tax officials highlighted the "strong upward trend" of this tax in the country and attributed it largely to "the high volume of income from real estate capital".

42.7% of home buyers in Malaga province are foreigners, compared to the 20% in Spain as a whole

Foreign buyers play a significant role in the Malaga real estate market. According to data from the notary association, while 57.3% of those who buy a home in Malaga are Spanish, the remaining 42.7% are foreigners. In contrast, across Spain as a whole, the proportion is 80% national buyers versus 20% foreign buyers.

It turns out that two out of every three people of foreign origin who have bought a home in the province do not reside in Spain. What is lacking is data on how many of these non-residents who have bought a property in Malaga have done so exclusively for their own personal use or to rent it out. It is also unknown how many Spaniards residing abroad have bought homes to keep them as rental properties.

67% of foreign house owners in Malaga province do not reside in Spain

Although the non-resident income tax covers many things besides rents, such as interest, dividends or business profits, Complutense University Professor Jorge Onrubia says that what has grown the most in Malaga has been the real estate income of non-residents due to three main factors: more home purchases by foreigners, more presence of tourist and medium-term rentals, in addition to higher rents (Malaga is one of the provinces in Spain where rent has risen the most in recent years and where it is the most expensive).

"Real estate income is taxed where the property is located (Spain, Malaga, in this case), without exception. In contrast, dividends, interest or business profits are often reduced or shifted through double taxation agreements. That's why, even though other types of income exist, real estate income has a much greater impact on tax revenue," Onrubia states.

"Previously undeclared income comes to light"

The professor also points out that international tourism is a factor influencing this dynamic because more foreign demand means higher occupancy rates and rental profitability, more foreign investment in housing and, consequently, more revenue from non-resident income tax.

Furthermore, he believes that the increase in revenue from this tax is also due to the tax agency's improved oversight of real estate income and to better information sharing between countries regarding the monitoring of tourist rentals. "This brings previously undeclared income to light," he says.

Onrubia also mentions that recent research indicates that this increased scrutiny by tax authorities, which means it is increasingly difficult to evade the tax, also leads to higher rental prices and, therefore, an increase in the tax base (landlords know they will have to pay taxes, so they raise the rent accordingly). So, in summary, the professor concludes: "The non-resident income tax skyrockets in Malaga mainly due to the foreign real estate boom and its exploitation in rentals, reinforced by higher prices and better tax control."

Santiago de Compostela University Professor Cesar Garcia Novoa says that while overall foreign investment in Spain has been declining in recent years, real estate investment has only increased, especially in areas with favourable climates, where the growth is exponential year after year. Garcia Novoa adds that taxation for non-residents has also improved as a result of several rulings by the EU Court of Justice that grant them the same tax treatment as residents in terms of expense deductions. He also reminds the public of the threat posed by the implementation of a 100% property transfer tax if the transfer involves individuals from outside the EU, although he considers this an unlikely possibility.
Irene Quirante 07/04/2026 a las 10:51h.

The Marbella three accused of murdering one man and seriously injuring another are going to appear before a jury court in April. In total, they face 114 years in prison for the crime in the Playa Alvaro residential area on 15 November 2019.

The trial was initially scheduled for November 2025, but was postponed. The prosecution is accusing the three defendants of the crimes of murder, attempted murder and membership in a criminal organisation. The prosecution is asking for 38 and a half years in prison for the two defendants who carried out the crime and 37 years for the third, who served as a mediator.

The public prosecution states that the defendants had orchestrated a plan with the sole purpose of ending the lives of the two victims, who were from Morocco. According to the preliminary investigation, two of the defendants, both of Romanian origin, went to one of the victims' house at around 6.30pm. They were accompanied by the victims themselves.

Once inside the house, one of the defendants reportedly shot one of the targets in the chest with a .38 millimetre revolver. The bullet caused an entry wound below the man's collarbone and an exit wound in the back. He was dead when the police arrived.

The other defendant then reportedly pulled out a similar weapon with which he fired three shots at the second victim, who was hit in the abdomen, shoulder and leg. The man survived, although he suffered spinal injuries and other wounds that required surgery and rehabilitative treatment in specialised centres. He spent 153 days in hospital and despite the doctors' efforts, he was left paraplegic.

According to the prosecution, the defendants had held several meetings with the victims as part of their plan to kill them, in the days prior to the crime. On 12 November, the third defendant, of Spanish origin, who was not at the scene where the attack took place, met with one of the victims in the Plaza Mayor shopping centre. The following day, he also met with the other defendants and the victims at Hospital Costa del Sol.

Although this third defendant was not present at the crime scene, the prosecutor says that the perpetrators met with him at an exit from Coin immediately after carrying out the shooting.

According to the private prosecutors, who represent the survivor and the widow and children of the deceased, the three defendants were part of a criminal organisation linked to what the police call 'vuelcos': violent robberies of consignments of drugs or money from other gangs.

They identify the Spanish defendant as the ringleader and the mastermind who gave orders to the other two. The lawyers have, therefore, increased their request and are demanding life imprisonment with the possibility of parole for all three defendants for the completed murder.

The lawyer of the ringleader maintains that he did not participate in the assault, having only mediated with the other defendants to introduce them to other people involved in buying drugs. The plan was for him to receive a commission of some 4,500 euros for this. According to his defence, he had no knowledge of the crime.
Irene Quirante 07/04/2026 a las 14:20h.

The police in Mijas arrested a 22-year-old man on 1 April, after he had allegedly pointed a loaded gun at an officer.

The incident in the Las Canadas area took place in the early hours of the morning. According to sources, the police were conducting preventive surveillance when they spotted a vehicle speeding at around 4am.

The car allegedly stopped abruptly just metres from the police, at which point the passenger got out and into another car parked nearby.

The young man's behaviour, in addition to the fact that he was hooded and wearing gloves, raised the police's suspicion.

When one of the officers approached the vehicle to identify him, the suspect reacted violently. Upon noticing the police, he allegedly pulled out a gun and pointed it directly at the officer. That's when the officer drew his service weapon.

Faced with the police's reaction, the suspect decided to throw his gun on the ground and flee on foot. The chase ended in a nearby open field, where the young man tried to hide in some bushes.

Upon locating him, the police noticed the suspect was trying to destroy a mobile phone, presumably to eliminate evidence. Far from surrendering, the young man strongly resisted, leading to a struggle in which he allegedly assaulted the police before they managed to restrain him.

The Guardia Civil took charge of the investigation. The detainee, who has a record for drug-trafficking offences, is now charged with assaulting a police officer and illegal possession of a firearm.
Tony Bryant Estepona. 07/04/2026 a las 10:40h.

Estepona is hosting its annual Dia del Residente Extranjero (foreign residents' day) next to the Mirador del Carmen viewpoint on Saturday 25 April (instead of the previously advertised 11 April due to the risk of rain), an event that showcases the traditions of the town's vast foreign population. This year, the town is celebrating the 25th anniversary of this festival, which has become a symbol of integration and community.

The objective of this annual event is to strengthen ties and promote coexistence among residents of different nationalities residing in Estepona, as well as to learn about the culture and folklore of each of the participating countries.

The day offers a unique opportunity to sample typical cuisine and purchase artisanal products from the market stalls. This year's gathering will include representatives from Belgium, Sweden, Hungary, the UK, Ireland, Malta, Romania, Italy, Ukraine, the United States, Morocco, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Venezuela.

The event will include a programme of music and folklore by different artists representing their countries, as well performances by dance academies from Estepona.

This event, which starts at 2pm, is also used to pay tribute to individuals who have distinguished themselves through their activity, commitment and contributions to the Estepona community.
Former National Guard unit commander and ex-chief of staff suspected of unlawfully accruing nearly UAH 12 mln in combat pay - SBI

State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) officers have served suspicion notices on a former commander of a National Guard of Ukraine unit from Dnipropetrovsk region and his former chief of staff, exposed for unlawful combat pay schemes totaling nearly UAH 12 million.

"The investigation established that the units leadership organized a scheme for the unlawful accrual of combat pay for personnel. In total, such payments were processed for 164 servicemen allegedly for performing tasks related to holding platoon strongpoints," the SBI said on Telegram.

The bureau noted that in reality these servicemen held staff positions and performed no combat duties.

"As a result, nearly UAH 12 million was groundlessly paid out from the state budget. Within the pre-trial investigation, the unlawfully accrued funds have been recovered," the agency said.

The former commander and chief of staff have been served suspicion notices for negligent attitude toward military service resulting in grave consequences, committed under martial law (Part 4 of Article 425 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

Procedural supervision is being carried out by the Kryvy Rih Specialized Prosecutors Office for Defence of the Eastern Region.
Google appears to be preparing a region-exclusive smartphone release for Japan.

The teaser, posted on Google's official X account in Japan, has sparked speculation that a special Pixel variant will launch exclusively in that market. The closest smartphone to get this treatment is the latest Pixel 10a model.

Japan-Only Pixel Strategy Gains Attention

While full details have not been confirmed, the announcement strongly suggests a device designed specifically for Japan rather than a global release. Unlike typical "limited edition" products defined by production volume, this approach focuses on regional exclusivity.



Google Pixel









 pic.twitter.com/s4eqQzPtk7  Google Japan (@googlejapan) April 6, 2026

If accurate, the device would only be sold within Japan, making it one of the more geographically restricted releases in the Pixel lineup.

Possible Pixel 10a Variant With New Color Option

Current speculation points to a modified version of the Pixel 10a. Based on teaser imagery, the device may introduce a new deep blue or indigo colorway exclusive to Japan while retaining the same internal hardware as the standard model.

On top of that, this strategy will align with previous regional customization approaches, where manufacturers introduce cosmetic variations to better appeal to local markets without altering core specifications.

Short Teaser Window Builds Anticipation

According to GSMArena, Google has indicated that a full announcement will arrive within hours of the teaser. This already fueled rapid speculation across the tech community. The short reveal cycle has intensified interest among Pixel fans worldwide.

And if you are interested in the Pixel 10a, this new color variant is a must-have, especially for collectors.
Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/

The European Solidarity party faction in Verkhovna Rada will vote for bills it participated in drafting and backs the speedy passage of Euro-integration bills announced by EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka following an informal meeting of Europe ministers in December 2025, the party said on its website on Tuesday.

"Four months ago, the government of Ukraine and the European Commission agreed on the so-called 'Kachka-Kos plan.' Ten steps the parliament was supposed to take. How many steps have been taken in these months? Zero. This is the parliament's responsibility. How many are on the agenda for today, for tomorrow? Zero. We cannot continue to act this way," said MP and European Solidarity party leader Petro Poroshenko during a speech in the Verkhovna Rada.

According to him, European Solidarity is demanding that bills from the Kachka-Kos plan, a ban on the Telegram social network, and the creation of a temporary investigative commission on roads be put to a vote.

"I want to emphasize that the European Solidarity faction will vote for the bills we participated in. We finally had meetings with government representatives. The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada visited us. And where our proposals have been taken into account, including the military levy, European Solidarity votes will support this," the MP said.

Poroshenko believes the parliament's priorities should be strengthening the Armed Forces and fulfilling Ukraine's EU accession obligations. "Ukraine gained candidate status  it was earned by the victims of Mariupol and Bucha and the heroism of the Armed Forces. And parliament must be adequate to seize this narrow window of opportunity to realize these possibilities," he said.

As previously reported, Ukraine is required to take a number of measures on anti-corruption policy and the rule of law as part of the EU accession process during 2026, including adopting comprehensive amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code and other legislation, strengthening NABU and SAP, relaunching the SBI, appointing Constitutional Court judges and High Council of Justice members, and adopting an Anti-Corruption Strategy and State Anti-Corruption Program. This is outlined in the joint statement by Kos and Kachka published on the EU Delegation to Ukraine's website in December 2025.

It was later reported that Ukraine informally received from the European Union a list of benchmarks (accession criteria) for the last three of six negotiating clusters on EU membership.
New frontier: Artemis astronauts break space distance record



Houston, April 6 (AFP) Apr 06, 2026



The four astronauts embarking on NASA's lunar flyby became on Monday the humans to travel furthest from our planet, as they begin documenting areas of the Moon never before seen by the naked eye.

The Artemis II team broke the record set by the 1970's Apollo 13 mission, which they are expected to surpass by 4,105 miles (6,606 kilometers) when they reach this journey's anticipated furthest distance from Earth -- 252,760 miles (406,778 kilometers) -- later today.

"Today, for all humanity, you're pushing beyond that frontier," said Jenni Gibbons in Houston's mission control.

It was one of the voyage's most notable achievements yet.

Astronaut Jeremy Hansen said the moment was set "to challenge this generation and the next, to make sure this record is not long-lived."

The crew proposed designating two previously unnamed craters: one in honor of their nickname for their spacecraft, "Integrity."

They offered a second name, "Carroll," for another crater, which they requested be named after the late wife of mission commander Reid Wiseman, who died of cancer.

"It's a bright spot on the Moon," said Hansen, his voice breaking with emotion. "And we would like to call it Carroll."

The astronauts embraced, and mission control in Houston held a moment of silence.

"Integrity and Carroll crater, loud and clear. Thank you," said Gibbons.



- Lunar observations begin -



The crew members are now beginning in earnest their lunar observation period, in which they'll spend more than six hours analyzing and documenting lunar surface features.

The Orion capsule is zipping around the Moon before U-turning and heading back to Earth in a so-called "free-return trajectory," a return-trip that will take about four days.

The astronauts received encouragement from the late Jim Lovell, who took part in the Apollo 8 and 13 missions and recorded the message shortly before his death.

"It's a historic day, and I know how busy you'll be, but don't forget to enjoy the view," the Artemis astronauts heard from Lovell.

Swooping around the far side of the Moon, the crew will witness previously hidden lunar territory -- the sphere looming large through their capsule windows.

Adding to the historic nature of the mission led by Reid Wiseman, the Artemis II crew includes several firsts.

Victor Glover will be the first person of color to fly around the Moon, Christina Koch will be the first woman, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen the first non-American.

There will be a period of around 40 minutes during the flyby where all communication with Artemis II will be cut off, as the astronauts pass behind the Moon.

"It'll be exciting, you know, in a slightly scary way, when they go behind the Moon," Derek Buzasi, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of Chicago, told AFP.



- Human eye vs camera -



The astronauts have already started seeing features never previously glimpsed directly.

An image sent back by the crew showed the Moon's Orientale basin visible, a massive crater that before had only been viewed by orbiting, uncrewed cameras.

Near the end of their flyby, the astronauts will witness a solar eclipse, when the Sun will be behind the Moon.

Despite the technological advancements since the Apollo era, NASA still relies on the eyesight of its astronauts to learn more about the Moon.

"The human eye is basically the best camera that could ever or will ever exist," Kelsey Young, the lead scientist for the Artemis II mission, told AFP. "The number of receptors in the human eye far outweighs what a camera is able to do."
Artemis astronauts pass behind Moon, expected communications cut starts



Houston, April 6 (AFP) Apr 06, 2026



The four Artemis astronauts on a lunar flyby are now unreachable by NASA scientists on Earth, an expected communications blackout anticipated to last some 40 minutes as their spacecraft passes behind the Moon.

"We will see you on the other side," said astronaut Victor Glover, minutes before the connection was lost.

"We're still going to feel your love from Earth, and to all of you down there on Earth and around Earth, we love you from the Moon," he said.

The crew is performing a more than six-hour lunar observation period, documenting features of the Moon's surface that were previously mostly known via photographs taken by robots.

Astronomy professor Derek Buzasi cast the astronauts' period of solitude as "exciting, in a slightly scary way."

The University of Chicago scholar recalled when the same thing would happen during the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 70s: "we all held our breaths a little bit."

The NASA crew earlier in the day became the humans to travel furthest from our planet.

The lunar flyby observation period will continue until approximately 9:20pm eastern (0120 GMT).

Near the end of their flyby, the astronauts will witness a solar eclipse, when the Sun will be behind the Moon.

The Orion capsule is zipping around the Moon -- the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years -- before U-turning and heading back to Earth in a so-called "free-return trajectory," a return-trip that will take about four days.
National Police on Easter security: as every year, we are working in enhanced mode

The National Police of Ukraine is operating in enhanced mode during Easter holidays, as in previous years: police crews will be stationed close to places of worship, and preventive checks may be carried out where necessary to prevent provocations.

"The National Police, as every year, is operating in enhanced mode during the Easter holidays. Our key task is to ensure law and order and the safety of citizens in places of mass gatherings, primarily near churches, on streets and roads," National Police spokesperson Yuliia Hirdvilis told Interfax-Ukraine.

According to her, police crews will be positioned as close as possible to places of worship. "If necessary, preventive measures may be taken, including selective pat-down checks, exclusively to prevent provocations and guarantee peoples safety," the National Police spokesperson said.

She also stressed that under martial law the threat remains real regardless of holidays or dates.

"Therefore, we urge citizens not to ignore air raid sirens, to comply with established restrictions, and to assist police officers in performing their duties," Hirdvilis added.

She emphasized that police are urging Ukrainians to be attentive and vigilant. "If you notice suspicious objects - abandoned bags, backpacks, suitcases, etc. - report such finds by calling 102," the National Police spokesperson said.
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When Cary Elwes arrived on the Louisville, Kentucky set of Dead Mans Wire last January, he was carrying only a paper bag. It contained, more or less, everything he owned. Days earlier, the wildfires tearing through Los Angeles had destroyed his Malibu home  clothes, furniture, a lifetime of possessions, gone. His brother Cassian, producing the film, had ensured Carys hotel room was next door to his own. I tried to be a support system to him, says the 66-year-old.

Their costume designer Peggy Schnitzer  the Coen brothers trusted collaborator, who had volunteered for the project simply to work with its director, Gus Van Sant  had quietly gone out and bought him jeans, T-shirts, the basics. She went out and bought a whole wardrobe for me, Cary, 63, says. I was very touched by that. Being on set, he adds, actually took my mind off of it. I saw that as a blessing. The brothers, Cassian recalls, would go out for dinner every night. It was just the most phenomenal bonding experience for the two of us.

Van Sants first feature in seven years, Dead Mans Wire is a true-crime suspense thriller shot through with vim and the lawless spirit of post-Watergate America in a way that feels uncomfortably of the moment. At its centre is Bill Skarsgard as Tony Kiritsis, the Indianapolis businessman who in 1977 took mortgage broker Richard Hall (Dacre Montgomery) hostage with a sawn-off shotgun wired to his captives neck. Van Sant and cinematographer Arnaud Potier film the whole thing with considerable chutzpah  on real streets and in real interiors, in clothes that look like theyve been hanging in closets for years. Every frame throbs with the faded, yellowish grain of the late Seventies.

open image in gallery Cary Elwes in Dead Mans Wire ( Everett/Shutterstock )

The performances are uniformly excellent, Skarsgards especially. And somewhere beneath a bushy beard, shaggy brown hair and a terracotta rollneck is Cary Elwes, barely recognisable as Detective Mike Grable, the cop who knew Kiritsis from their local bar, and faced the task of bringing him down. No one really offers me those kinds of roles, says Cary, who next stars as a Miami private investigator in the new nine-part thriller MIA, out in May. I really wanted to stretch myself.

The film very nearly didnt exist. Earlier in 2024, Cassian had been deep in pre-production with a director and lead actor who both walked away at the last minute, leaving him with a great deal of money spent, nothing to show for it, and an investor demanding it all back by Christmas. He was, by his own admission, in despair. Then, over coffee at Soho House, he looked up and saw Gus Van Sant walking across the room. I was like, 'Its a message from God. He ran over. Three days later, Van Sant was on a plane to Kentucky. The whole film was shot in 20 days.

Cary had been pushing his brother to get him a meeting with Van Sant, but Cassian was reluctant  not wanting to put his former client in an awkward spot by asking if his brother could have a role. He eventually relented, and Van Sants response surprised him: far from being put out, the director was a fan of Carys work but assumed someone of his stature wouldnt want the part. Turns out he really liked my work, Cary says.

open image in gallery Robin Wright and Cary Elwes in The Princess Bride ( Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock )

The Elwes brothers grew up in London dreaming of films  grabbing an 8mm camera, messing around, imagining a future in the industry. Even by Hollywood standards, the family backstory was extraordinary: their parents had eloped to Havana in 1957, married in a civil ceremony as guests of organised crime boss Meyer Lansky, and fled Cuba on a raft as Castros revolution swept in. Their father Dominick was a portrait painter to the Clermont Set  the circle of high-society gamblers that included Lord Lucan, Ian Fleming and the financier James Goldsmith. The Elweses stepfather was Elliott Kastner, the Hollywood producer behind Where Eagles Dare (1968) and The Long Goodbye (1973), who kept a base at Pinewood Studios, in Buckinghamshire. It was through Kastner that a 15-year-old Cary found himself spending a week as Marlon Brandos personal assistant on the set of Superman at Shepperton.

Both brothers moved to Los Angeles in the 1980s  Cassian first, arriving with no money and very little experience, making films for $200,000 or $300,000, learning the craft from the ground up, until the William Morris Agency came calling in 1993 and appointed him head of their new independent film division. From there came Sling Blade (1996), Billy Bob Thorntons Oscar-winning Southern gothic; Monsters Ball (2001), which won Halle Berry her Academy Award; Dallas Buyers Club (2013), Matthew McConaugheys career-defining AIDS drama; and Mudbound (2017), Dee Reess acclaimed Mississippi epic. Cary followed his brother west and built a parallel career across four decades. They had worked together before  Cary starred in Cassians Leather Jackets (1992) and took a cameo in The Chase (1994), the characters name from which he still occasionally uses to check into hotels  but nothing of this size.

With its portrait of a man pushed to the edge by a system rigged against him, Dead Man's Wire has real echoes of Dog Day Afternoon (1975). The casting of Al Pacino  that films star, here playing the punchably bumptious ML Hall, the hostages father  was no coincidence. Cary and I both saw Dog Day Afternoon when we were kids, Cassian says, and it left a lasting impression. Pacino didnt need much convincing to work with Van Sant, Cassian adds.

Pacino has a more personal role in Carys story too. After Rob Reiners 1987 cult fantasy The Princess Bride flopped on release, Cary found himself out of work for a year. Spotting Pacino in a New York restaurant, Cary introduced himself  and Pacino told him to go back to acting school. He auditioned for the Lee Strasberg Institute, got in, and his career took off  Glory (1989), Edward Zwicks searing Civil War drama; Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), Mel Brookss gleeful Sherwood Forest spoof; Twister (1996), Jan de Bonts tornado blockbuster; and eventually Saw (2004), the micro-budget horror that grossed $100m worldwide. He was very helpful and instrumental early on, Cary says of Pacino.

open image in gallery Cary Elwes was among those on stage during the Oscars tribute to Rob Reiner

Keen though he is not to reflect too much on the past, Cary will speak about Reiner, whose murder in December, and that of his wife Michele, shocked the industry to its core. Cary was among those on the Oscars stage last month paying tribute. I like to celebrate him rather than focus on the tragedy, he says. He first met Reiner in Berlin, where he was shooting the film Maschenka, when his London agent called to say Reiner was flying out to meet him. I knew Rob from All in the Family, obviously. I watched that show (based on the long-running BBC sitcom Till Death Us Do Part), and Id seen This is Spinal Tap, of course, which I thought was just brilliant. Id read the book of The Princess Bride when I was 13 and loved it. And Rob was just as warm and lovely and friendly as Id hoped he would be. He pauses. Its still very hard to reconcile what happened. But I think he was just one of the great filmmakers. We need to celebrate that. After a tumultuous couple of years, bookended by tragedies, Cary Elwes is looking towards the light.

Dead Mans Wire is in cinemas now
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British director Emerald Fennell has denied that she is in negotiations to helm Amazons planned reboot of the 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct.

In a new interview with The Guardian, Joe Eszterhas  who wrote the screenplay for the original cult classic directed by Paul Verhoeven, starring Sharon Stone as a crime novelist suspected of murdering a rock star  claimed that Fennell was in negotiations to direct his nearly completed screenplay for the remake.

The producers are negotiating with a really interesting director  a Brit, Emerald Fennell  who did Promising Young Woman and Wuthering Heights, the 81-year-old writer said. Her sensibility is exactly right. Shes someone who is not afraid of controversy and sexuality. So Im thrilled by that. I hope it works out.

However, Fennells representative quickly told Variety that there is no truth to Eszterhass claims, and that she is not involved in any way.

A representative for Amazon MGM Studios also shut down the claims, calling them categorically false, in a statement shared with The Independent.

open image in gallery Sharon Stone led the 1992 cult classic Basic Instinct ( Studio Canal )

The Independent has contacted Fennells representative for further comment.

Eszterhas was reportedly paid $2 million for the new screenplay and will make another $2 million should it be made, though he remains confident that it will happen, insisting that theres a great demand for it. Its trending all the time.

Teasing the storyline for his new project, the writer said it would focus on copycat serial killers with supernatural elements.

Initially, Eszterhas wanted Stone to return for the revival, but the actor spurned the idea. Theres not going to be a Basic Instinct reboot, she said on the Today show last August. I hate to break it to you, but Joe Eszterhas couldnt write himself out of a Walgreens drug store.

Should Fennell have directed the remake, it would have marked the Oscar-winners first major project since the release of her Wuthering Heights adaptation in February.

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open image in gallery 'Promising Young Woman' director Emerald Fennell is not involved in the reboot of the erotic thriller ( Getty )

Led by Margot Robbie opposite Jacob Elordi as 18th-century star-crossed lovers Catherine and Heathcliff, the film divided critics and viewers, with some finding it emotionally hollow and others lauding it as oozy and wild.

As a director, Fennell has repeatedly faced criticism for her work, with some arguing that films like Promising Young Woman and Saltburn lean on shock value and aesthetic excess.

Promising Young Woman, her 2020 debut, in which Carey Mulligan donned a rainbow wig to kidnap and sternly tell off rapists and scumbags, was either an urgent, angry post-#MeToo battle cry, or too coy and gutless to be the revenge epic it wanted to be, Adam White summated for The Independent earlier this year.

Saltburn, her 2023 follow-up, was a Talented Mr Ripley riff either embraced for its shock and nudity and bodily fluids, or decried for being a toothless eat-the-rich trainwreck by Britains poshest writer/director. Maybe it was a bit of both.

Neither sparked quite as much outrage, though, as her Wuthering Heights, which seemed to generate worry and backlash from its initial announcement, straight through to its release. Now in cinemas, the film ultimately guts the messy complexity of Emily Brontes source material, makes the probably-not-white Heathcliff very, very white, and transforms his and Cathy Lintons brutish dynamic of lust and loathing into basic, Fifty Shades kink.
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Jonah Hill has addressed an old Kanye West Instagram post, in which the rapper claimed the actors performance in 21 Jump Street made him like Jewish people again.

The disgraced rapper, 48, made the bizarre declaration in 2023, adding that no one should take anger against one or two individuals and transform that into hatred towards millions of innocent people.

No Christian can be labeled antisemite knowing Jesus is Jew, West wrote at the time. Thank you Jonah Hill I love you.

Hill, 42, who is Jewish and starred in the 2012 action comedy alongside Channing Tatum, reacted to the Gold Digger artists past remarks during a recent appearance on the Zane Lowe Show.

I felt that he did this bizarre public thing to kind of make up, like, Its all good cause I love Jonah, the Super Bad actor said. [It] just sat with me in a way that its, like, all good. I love him still, and I hope whatever happens, he can heal or whatever, and everyone can heal from all that stuff.

open image in gallery Jonah Hill (left) acknowledged West's past antisemitic remarks 'suck,' but maintained that the rapper is 'probably the greatest artist ever to live' ( Getty )

Earlier in the interview, Hill said he thinks West is probably the greatest artist to ever live.

I think there is no artist I probably love more across any genre ever, he said, later insisting, Hes a genius, and the stuff with the hate stuff sucks. What are you going to say? It sucks, no matter who you are, to hear that. Now, do I know whats going on? No. Am I going to punch someone while theyre down? No, of course not.

The Independent has contacted Wests representative for comment.

West has faced significant backlash in recent years for making repeated antisemitic remarks. In 2024, he wrote on X that he was going death con 3 on Jewish people. He later claimed he was drunk when he shared the post.

open image in gallery Kanye West made the bizarre declaration about Hill in 2023 ( PA Archive )

His hate speech has led to multiple bans from Instagram and Twitter (now known as X), as well as the loss of brand partnerships with Adidas and Balenciaga and his removal from talent agency CAA.

In January, the rapper took out an open letter in The Wall Street Journal apologizing for his antisemitism and blaming his outbursts on the side effects of a brain injury, as well as his bipolar disorder.

The rapper is currently on a comeback tour, following the release of his latest album, Bully. This summer, he was expected to headline Londons three-day Wireless Festival, a decision that was condemned by government officials and Jewish leaders, leading several brands to drop their sponsorship.

In the wake of the outcry, Wireless Festival announced it would be canceling its 2026 edition after the U.K. denied West entry into the country.
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Rapper Offset is in a stable condition after being shot in Florida on Monday, with police saying two people have been detained.

The shooting, which was first reported by TMZ, took place near the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, where police said an incident occurred shortly after 7pm in a valet area outside the venue.

A spokesperson for Offset told Variety he was currently under treatment for the gunshot wound and in observation.

We can confirm Offset was shot and is currently at the hospital receiving medical care. He is stable and being closely monitored, they said.

The Independent has reached out to representatives for Offset for comment.

Seminole County police said in a statement to TMZ: We are aware of an incident that occurred at a valet area after 7 pm Monday outside of Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood that resulted in non-life threatening injuries to an individual who was transported to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood.

The police statement added that officers were on site immediately and the situation was contained quickly.

Two individuals have been detained by police. The investigation is ongoing. The site is secure and there is no threat to the public. Operations continue as normal.

Details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting remain unclear.

Offset and Cardi B at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards ( Getty Images for MTV )

Offset, 34, whose real name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus, rose to prominence as a member of the Atlanta-based hip-hop trio Migos, alongside Quavo and Takeoff. The group, formed in 2008, became one of the defining rap acts of the past decade with multiple hits including Bad and Boujee and albums like Culture (2017).

Migos disbanded in 2023 following the 2022 fatal shooting of Takeoff, who was killed at the age of 28 outside a bowling alley in downtown Houston after a private party. In a tribute at the time, Offset wrote: The pain you have left me with is unbearable. My heart is shattered and I have so many things to say, but I cant find the words.

Beyond his work with Migos, Offset has developed a parallel solo career, beginning with the collaborative album Without Warning (2017) alongside 21 Savage and Metro Boomin, and later releasing his debut solo studio album Father of 4 in 2019, followed by Set It Off (2023) and Kiari (2025).

Offset has three children with estranged wife and rapper Cardi B, whom he married in 2017 before they separated in 2024. He has three other children from previous relationships.
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Wireless Festival has been cancelled for the first time in its 21-year history after headliner Kanye West was denied entry into the UK to perform  and now its been estimated that the saga could cost the festival over 30m in potential earnings.

The London-based festival, which is owned and managed by entertainment company Live Nation and its subsidiary Festival Republic, announced on Tuesday (7 April) that the three-night event would not go ahead in July after Wests Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) was cancelled.

The Home Office has withdrawn YEs ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom, a spokesperson said. As a result, Wireless Festival is cancelled and refunds will be issued to all ticket holders.

It comes after West made a series of antisemitic statements last year, which included the release of a song titled Heil Hitler and his site selling T-shirts featuring a swastika. The rapper, 48, apologised in January for the comments, claiming that neurological damage caused by a near-fatal car crash in 2002 compounded his bipolar disorder and was responsible for his outbursts.

While its not currently known how much Wireless had already spent on the festival, which crashed and burned in the space of just a few hours, an industry expert has estimated how much they may have lost in potential earnings as a result.

Speaking to The Independent, John Rostron  the CEO of the Association of Independent Festivals  said that the event may have lost out on over 30m in turnover due to cancelling the event.

Wireless is roughly 50,000 people. Youre talking about a show that has got to be turning over around 10m a day  that would be a sensible guess, he said.

At that level, its probably a 30m revenue loss. Thats a guess, but based on other shows of that size.

open image in gallery West was set to headline Wireless Festival in July ( AP )

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Rostron added that the amount lost may be more. They would have brought in through ticket income, sponsorship and food and beverage spend, merch  and thats now gone.

The Independent has contacted Festival Republic for comment.

While the festival would have been insured for losses as insurance is needed to operate as a limited company, its hard to know whether this would cover the full amount.

What it would pay out on is the questionable part of that booking and that show, Rostron added.

As for whether West will still be paid despite being barred entry into the UK, Rostron speculated that he may already have received a pay cheque as part of an overall deal.

With most independent festivals, you book an artist and pay for that artist before the show through a series of deposits and then the balance. Broadly speaking, if youre responsible for the cancellation, then the artist gets paid, but its different if the artist cancels, he said.

Live Nation is a different beast. They are often doing global deals with artists that can be about buying the artist out on tours and festivals. They sometimes do deals where they pay a certain amount of money [to an artist] and then gather that back by giving them performance opportunities.

Live Nation often enters into exclusivity deals with artists to act as their promoter  choosing venues and ticket operators for concerts and performances. It is unknown whether West entered into a contract with Live Nation or any of its subsidiaries.

open image in gallery Kanye West was denied entry into the UK for the festival on Tuesday ( PA Wire )

It is currently unknown just how much West would have been paid to perform at Wireless or as part of a wider deal with Live Nation.

Rostron  who partners with festivals like End of the Road, Lost Village and Love Saves The Day as part of the AIF  said that while Wireless cancellation has everyone suddenly talking about festivals, its the decisions of a few who operate the biggest that dominate the conversation.

We wouldnt judge all humans on the actions of one and we shouldnt judge all festivals on the basis of one, he said.

Festival Republic say that multiple stakeholders were spoken to in advance and its evident that they werent, or that some were and others werent because the government and the local authority both suggested that they werent aware of this.

Good practice in the festival industry is to speak with residents and stakeholders in the build-up and before your event to explain what youre going to do and why youre doing it, and to listen to their concerns because you want the community on side. Thats good preparation for a festival.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, condemned Wests booking as not reflective of Londons values on Thursday, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently said that the rapper should never have been invited to headline the festival.
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A standing ovation greeted Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith, and Cheryl Ladd as the iconic trio from Charlie's Angels reunited at PaleyFest LA this week, marking the 50th anniversary of the pop culture phenomenon. The actresses, who portrayed private detectives answering to a mysterious boss, were met with cheers from an enthusiastic audience at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

The hour-long crime adventure series first aired on 22 September 1976, a time before the internet and streaming, when only three major television networks dominated the airwaves. It quickly became a top-10 hit for ABC during its initial two seasons of a five-year run, which concluded in 1981. Jaclyn Smith reflected on the show's groundbreaking nature, telling the audience: "I knew the show was different, special and unique. Three women chasing danger instead of getting rescued." Kate Jackson added, "We made an impact, I think."

Farrah Fawcett-Majors, with her distinctive feathered hair and famous swimsuit poster, became a 1970s icon before departing after the first season to pursue a film career. She passed away in 2009. Cheryl Ladd stepped in as her replacement, famously arriving on her first day wearing a "Farrah Fawcett Minor" T-shirt.

Ladd, who had initially turned down producer Aaron Spelling three times, acknowledged the challenge of following such a beloved figure. "I knew that there was nobody that was going to replace Farrah, so I made a joke of myself," Ladd explained on the red carpet. "Everybody laughed. Farrah would have done something like that." Jackson affirmed, "Cheryl stepped in and we didnt miss a beat."

open image in gallery From left, Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd, cast members in the classic television series Charlie's Angels, pose together at the PaleyFest LA 50th anniversary celebration of the show on Monday, April 6, 2026 ( AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) )

Despite its popularity, the show faced criticism, often dismissed as "jiggle television" due to the women's often scantily clad undercover disguises and perceived vapid acting. However, Jackson remained unfazed. "It didnt bother me," she stated.

"I knew what we were doing and Gloria Steinem knew what we doing, and some other very impressive people knew what we were doing. We were helping to punch a hole in that glass ceiling and that makes a big difference."

Five decades on, Charlie's Angels continues to find an audience through reruns and DVDs, having also inspired a film series starring Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, and Lucy Liu. Jackson further elaborated on the show's subtle impact: "We were giving people an hour to sit back, put their feet up, forget everything and watch television, and then again just kind of subtly getting the message in there that women are just as capable, intelligent, can do anything that a man can do."

The mostly older audience at PaleyFest cheered and laughed as clips from various episodes were shown, featuring other cast members like Shelley Hack, Tanya Roberts, and David Doyle.

Following their time as Angels, Smith, 80, and Ladd, 74, built prolific careers in made-for-television films and guest appearances. Jackson, 77, who left after three seasons, went on to star in the CBS hit Scarecrow and Mrs. King before stepping away from the business nearly two decades ago to raise her son. Now, she declares, "Im ready to go back."

The trio's enduring sisterhood extends to their shared experience of overcoming breast cancer.

open image in gallery Kate Jackson, from left, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd pose on the set of "Charlie's Angels" in Los Angeles in March 1978 ( AP Photo/George Brich, File )

Ladd publicly revealed for the first time on Monday that she had battled an aggressive form of the disease, though she did not specify when. Smith recounted her immediate support: "When Cheryl called me, the first thing I did was send her my wigs." Smith was also by Jackson's side during her own cancer battle, and all three urged the audience to prioritise regular health screenings.

In a lighter moment, the actresses were asked about their favourite outfits from the show. Jackson's response, "I wore a lot of turtlenecks," drew laughter. Smith highlighted her tiny white bikini from the opening credits, while Ladd recalled, "Bikinis, a lot of bikinis." Smith quipped, "Our ratings went up."

Jackson, Smith, and Ladd are set to reunite again on 14 May as honourees at the Paley Honors gala in New York. Smith's memoir, I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie, is scheduled for release in September. Ladd expressed her lasting pride in the show, saying, "I was really proud to be part of that show. I felt so loved. You couldn't be in a bad mood. It was always uplifting to hear it."
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Reality television personalities Gemma Collins and Craig Charles are set to face a formidable eating challenge in their inaugural Bushtucker Trial on tonights episode of Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa.

A preview of Tuesdays broadcast reveals the duo tackling the "gut instincts" trial, where they will confront dishes such as fish eye pie and "brain freeze" in a bid to secure points for their respective teams.

Collins, 45, who famously exited the 2014 series after just three days due to difficulties adapting to the jungle environment, has declared a "different mindset this time" upon her late arrival to the all-star spin-off. The former The Only Way Is Essex star, whose entrance was teased on Monday, views this as her "redemption".

She is joined by Red Dwarf actor Charles, 61, who also participated in the 2014 series but withdrew prematurely following the death of his brother, Dean. Charles light-heartedly remarked: "I couldve handled anything 11 years ago. Now, I can hardly tie my shoelaces."

Upon meeting their new campmates ahead of the trial, Collins appealed: "Just give me a chance guys, please. Ive got a different mindset this time, dont write me off." She further clarified her intentions: "Im not here as the GC, Im not here as the bravado Im here as Gemma Collins, so it would be nice for you to get to know her as well."

The trial's mechanics dictate that the contestant who commits to consuming the highest number of servings of a particular dish must then eat it to win a point.

During the challenge, Charles questioned presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly: "Have you ramped this up because it doesnt look that bad on the telly?" McPartlin swiftly retorted: "You want to be a legend? Youve got to go big or go home."

Craig Charles has a second shot at winning Im a Celebrity ( ITV )

Unlike the original series, this Im A Celebrity spin-off is pre-recorded, with celebrities vying to be crowned the ultimate legend.

Viewers can watch Im A Celebrity South Africa at 9pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX, and STV Player, airing on weeknights.
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New information about Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensens toxic relationship has come to light after the former couple filed dueling restraining orders against each other.

A court hearing was held Tuesday to discuss custody plans for the former couples two-year-old son, Ever True, after Mortensen filed a protective order against the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star on March 19 and was granted temporary custody the next day.

Paul, 31, filed her own protective order against Mortensen, 33, less than an hour before the court appointment began.

After a tense hour-long hearing, which Mortensen and Paul both attended virtually with their cameras turned off, the judge recommended that Paul be allowed supervised visits with her son totaling eight hours each week. The parental plan will remain in place until April 30, when another hearing will decide the next steps for Pauls protective order.

Both Mortensen and Pauls orders are in response to a domestic dispute between the former couple from February 23 and 24 that led them both to accuse each other of domestic violence.

open image in gallery Taylor Frankie Paul has filed a restraining order against her ex, Dakota Mortensen ( Invision )

The incident from February  combined with leaked footage from a 2023 incident between Paul and Mortensen  caused season five of SLOMW, Hulus hit reality show that made Paul famous, to pause production amid the police investigation.

Details about the incidents in February had been largely kept from the public until Paul's attorney, Eric Swinyard, addressed it during Tuesday's court appearance.

In an instance that Swinyard referred to as the truck tussle, Mortensen and Paul met in the middle of the night at her house in Draper, Utah, to talk about their relationship while her three children slept inside.

They decided to speak in Mortensens truck and began to argue, which escalated until he allegedly drove away with Paul still in the car. Mortensen then allegedly slammed Pauls head on the dashboard, causing injuries to her knee and forehead, Swinyard told the judge.

He claimed that Paul then ran out of the car and locked herself in the house, but Mortensen allegedly stayed outside her front door and tried to reconcile by texting her, Let me in.

Swinyard added that Mortensen then texted Paul and asked for sex.

open image in gallery Dakota Mortensen and Taylor Frankie Paul, pictured here during the season two reunion of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives ( Disney )

It comes after Pauls season of The Bachelorette was canceled days before it was set to premiere last month due to the video that surfaced of a separate domestic dispute between Paul and Mortensen in 2023.

The mom-of-three pleaded guilty to aggravated assault after that event and remains on probation until this August.

During Tuesdays hearing, both attorneys also mentioned a previously unreported incident from May 2025 in which Mortensen allegedly provoked Paul in her home while he held their son. Swinyard alleged that Mortensen used their child as a human shield during the incident.

Her anger is very clearly, unambiguously directed at Dakota and has nothing to do with the children, her attorney said.

The hearings Guardian Ad Litem, who is appointed by the judge to protect the best interest of the child, said at the hearing that the video Mortensen recorded of the May 2025 encounter made him concerned about [Pauls] ability to control herself and her volatility.

Mortensen requested supervised visits Tuesday because he wanted a third party present so that he does not have to communicate directly with Paul. His attorneys told the Utah judge that they think the request is appropriate for safety given its a domestic violence.

open image in gallery Taylor Frankie Paul (center), seen here flanked by her parents Liann and Jeremy during the season three reunion, will be allowed supervised visits with her son ahead of her next court date April 30 ( Disney )

His lawyer, Daniela Diaz, alleged that Pauls anger issues are dangerous for Mortensen as well as her children in the moments where the respondent is out of control.

She is completely reckless in her behavior towards the children, Diaz alleged in court.

However, Pauls attorneys insist that their son is safe with his mother  especially considering that in the Fall, Mortensen agreed to a joint custody agreement without any issues.

Paul requested to return to the previously established custody agreement. Her attorney alleged that the officials deciding custody should be concerned about the lack of credibility against Mortensen.

Dakota pushes buttons, hes excellent at that, Swinyard said. As long as these folks stay apartthen there is no risk to the child.

Representatives for Mortensen and Paul have not returned The Independent's requests for comment on the hearing.

The national domestic abuse helpline offers support for women on 0808 2000 247, or you can visit the Refuge website. There is a dedicated men's advice line on 0808 8010 327. Those in the US can call the domestic violence hotline on 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Other international helplines can be found via www.befrienders.org
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A family is enduring significant hardship as they desperately seek a diagnosis for their 14-month-old daughter, who is battling a mysterious, undiagnosed illness.

Elyza, the daughter of Yasmin Whittington, 30, from Brechin, Angus, is afflicted by an unknown condition manifesting as persistent sickness, poor feeding, diminished muscle tone, and chronic fatigue.

The symptoms first emerged when Elyza was just two months old, leading to months of hospitalisation and numerous diagnostic tests in an attempt to identify her ailment.

Her mother, Ms Whittington, has been forced to leave her job to provide full-time care for Elyza.

She said: It all started when Elyza was about two months old. She began being sick, she wasnt feeding right and she was very floppy. I knew something wasnt right.

Her muscle tone was almost non-existent, and she would sleep around 21 hours a day. She just wasnt developing the way she should.

Almost a year on were still waiting for a diagnosis. Elyzas been in hospital for more than three months of her life and its still something doctors are working hard to understand. Its been very tough on all of us.

open image in gallery Yasmin Whittington with her husband Charles and their daughter Elyza, who suffers from an unknown condition that causes sickness, poor feeding, low muscle tone and chronic fatigue ( The Archie Foundation/PA Wire )

She added: Elyzas only just started sitting and she cant feed orally. Shes fed through a tube and struggles to gain weight. Development-wise shes closer to a five or six-month-old.

Doctors are trying to figure out the best way forward.

Ive gone from mum to nurse quite quickly, I live and breathe everything about her care now. You just adapt because you have to.

Ms Whittington, lives with husband Charles, 31, and her three other children, Isaac, seven, Alfie, five, and Isla, two.

She said doctors initially thought her daughters illness was floppy infant syndrome, but believe there must be an underlying cause.

Elyza may also soon have to rely on a feeding tube directly to her stomach as she suffers from serious gastrointestinal problems.

Ms Whittington is taking part in Glasgows Kiltwalk challenge to raise money for The Archie Foundation, a charity established to improve healthcare for children.

The family credited the charity for helping make a difference to their daughters life, providing them with a special car seat that supports Elyzas low muscle tone.

open image in gallery Elyza may also soon have to rely on a feeding tube directly to her stomach as she suffers from serious gastrointestinal problems ( The Archie Foundation/PA Wire )

Ms Whittington said: Its been a life changer. They helped us get the car seat organised within two weeks.

Its so expensive when youre travelling back and forward and spending time in hospital. Theyve lifted a huge financial burden for us during a really tough time.

When everything felt overwhelming, Archies support reminded us that we werent alone.

Ms Whittington will take part in the walk with her friends, Zoe McCormack, 30, and Rohana Dewfall, 29, and plans to raise more money later this year during the Dundee Kiltwalk.

She said: Im not a great runner so I thought the Kiltwalk would be a nice way to say thanks to The Archie Foundation, that Id be able to complete with limited training, given were at the hospital a lot of the time just now.

Getting out and about for walks is really good for your mental health at times like this, so Im really looking forward to starting training properly once Elyza is feeling better.

open image in gallery Yasmin and her husband Charles have have spoken of the hardship they have faced in getting their daughter a diagnosis ( The Archie Foundation/PA Wire )

She added: Whatever happens, were just learning what our new normal looks like and doing everything we can to give her the best life possible.

Reti Turner, senior fundraising officer at The Archie Foundation, said: Were proud to support families like Yasmin and Elyzas, helping them access the practical and financial assistance they need.

Caring for a child with complex needs can be overwhelming, and no family should have to face it alone.

Its incredibly heartwarming to hear Yasmin is taking part in Kiltwalk to raise money for our charity, and everyone at The Archie Foundation would like to wish her well in the challenge.
Five people, including two children, were wounded in an enemy bomb strike on the village of Stepanivka, the Kherson regional prosecutor's office said.

"At around 10:45 a.m., russian aircraft directed three guided bombs at the village of Stepanivka. Five residents were injured, two of whom are boys aged 9 and 14. Information on casualties is being clarified," the regional prosecutor's office's Telegram post reads.
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The Middle East continues to take centre stage this week, with the European Union threatening Israel with severe economic sanctions and Iran declaring its entry into the "nuclear club of nations. But it is also a week driven by larger-than-life personalities. In London, Princess Diana challenges the stigma of the Aids epidemic with a single, historic handshake, while in Italy, an election defeat for Silvio Berlusconi coincides with the cinematic arrest of Sicilys most notorious Mafia godfather. From fierce debates over the legacy of Margaret Thatcher to the fall of Baghdad, history unfolds across the front pages of The Independent.

10 April 1987  Princess Diana's historic handshake

The Princess of Wales officially opens Britains first purpose-designed Aids ward at the Middlesex Hospital in London. During her visit, she deliberately shakes hands with an Aids patient without wearing gloves. This simple gesture makes global headlines, serving as a public statement that the virus cannot be transmitted through casual social contact.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

10 April 1992  Major secures narrow election victory

Defying expectations after a night of erratic regional swings, John Major leads the Conservatives to a small but viable parliamentary majority. However, this narrow hold on power would erode over the next five years, ultimately culminating in a landslide defeat to Labour in the 1997 general election.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

6 April 1993  UN launches Srebrenica rescue mission

Amid heavy fighting, the United Nations announces a massive operation to evacuate up to 15,000 people from the besieged Bosnian town of Srebrenica to prevent a feared massacre. Tragically, despite these early rescue efforts and the town's subsequent designation as a UN "safe area," Srebrenica ultimately falls to Bosnian Serb forces in July 1995, resulting in the genocidal massacre of more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

8 April 2002  EU threatens Israel with billion-dollar sanctions

The European Union prepares severe economic sanctions against Israel if Prime Minister Ariel Sharon refuses to halt his military offensive in the Palestinian territories. Concurrently, following a summit with US President George W. Bush, Tony Blair proposes sending European peace monitors to the region, a measure Israel has historically rejected.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

8 April 2003  Coalition forces battle for Baghdad

As the US-led coalition advances into the Iraqi capital to oust Saddam Hussein over his alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction, The Independents Robert Fisk describes surreal scenes of "crazed normality, high farce and death." Despite chaotic resistance, the city definitively falls just one day later, an event famously symbolised by the toppling of Hussein's statue in Firdos Square.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

12 April 2006  Berlusconi defeated as top Mafia boss falls

After a closely fought general election, an isolated Silvio Berlusconi initially refuses to concede defeat to Romano Prodi, claiming the vote was won by nobody. As this political era draws to a dramatic close, Italys most wanted Mafia godfather, Bernardo Provenzano, is arrested in Sicily after decades on the run  caught just minutes after Berlusconi's loss is confirmed.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

10 April 2007  Iran joins 'nuclear club of nations'

Tensions with the West escalate significantly as Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad declares that Iran has begun enriching uranium on an industrial scale. His announcement that the country has "joined the nuclear club of nations" deepens the ongoing geopolitical standoff and paves the way for years of international sanctions.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

9 April 2013  Margaret Thatcher dies at 87

Following the death of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, The Independent dedicates its front page to "The woman who changed Britain." The extensive coverage captures the deeply polarized nature of her political legacy, balancing effusive praise from Conservative loyalists against left-wing critiques of the industrial and social cost of Thatcherism.
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Meryl Streep has issued a snide remark about Melania Trumps clothing, criticizing the powerful message that the First Lady had made through her fashion choices.

The 76-year-old actor discussed how people present themselves through fashion during a recent conversation with former Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, moderated by filmmaker Greta Gerwig. The Vogue interview comes ahead of the release of The Devil Wears Prada 2, in which Streep reprises her role as magazine editor Miranda Priestley, who is loosely based on Wintour.

During the conversation, Gerwig asked the pair about style, saying that dressing has always been more nebulous for women than men. Wintour responded that women dont need to wear a suit to be powerful, citing female political figures like Michelle Obama and Rama Duwaji, who is married to New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani.

To be fair, Melania Trump also always looks like herself when she dresses, Wintour added, causing Streep to jump in and take a swipe at one of Trumps most controversial looks in 2018: A jacket that read I Really Dont Care, Do U?

I have so many thoughts about this. I think the most powerful message that our current first lady sent was in the coat that said I Really Dont Care, Do U? when she was going to see migrant children who were incarcerated, the actor responded. All dress is about expressing yourself, but were also subject to larger historical and political sweeps of expectation.

open image in gallery Meryl Streep criticized the message of Melania Trumps controversial I Really Dont Care, Do U? jacket from 2018 ( Getty )

Im stunned at how women in power have to have bare arms on television while men are covered in shirts and ties or a suit. Theres an apology built into women. They have to show their smallness.

Trump was pictured wearing the Zara coat  which caused a social media storm  while exiting a plane for a visit to Upbring New Hope Children's Center in June 2018. At the time, critics slammed the item as insensitive amid heightened tensions along the U.S.-Mexico border. Donald Trump had recently implemented his infamous, hardline immigration policy, which separated hundreds of children from their parents.

The former model later responded to the backlash, saying it was obvious the coats slogan was not aimed at the youngsters, who were separated from their parents. She claimed the wardrobe choice was for the people and for the left-wing media who are criticizing me.

open image in gallery Melania Trump wore an infamous green jacket in 2018 while traveling to Upbring New Hope Children's Center ( Getty Images )

I want to show them that I dont care. You could criticize whatever you want to say, but it will not stop me to do what I feel is right, she said during an interview with ABC News.

She addressed the controversy over the jacket in her 2024 memoir, Melania, claiming the fallout was just another example of the medias irresponsible behavior.

I was determined  not to let the medias false narratives affect my mission to help the children and families at the border, Trump shared in her memoir. In fact, I decided to let them know that their criticism would never stop me from doing what I feel is right. To make the point, I wore a particular jacket as I boarded the plane, a jacket that quickly became famous.

She described the stunt as discreet yet impactful  however, it backfired. She wrote how her press secretary Stephanie Grishams inbox was soon flooded with urgent emails from top-tier media outlets regarding the jacket.
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A Florida woman has been accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from local homeowners associations to fund her luxury purchases, according to investigators.

The Martin County Sheriffs Office said it issued a warrant for Alexandra Delacaridad Gonzalez, a 46-year-old who worked as a property management bookkeeper at Avant-Garde Property Management in Stuart, Florida.

Investigators say that over an extended period of time, Gonzalez wrote checks to herself from HOA accounts that she managed and concealed the thefts by creating fictitious invoices and false ledger entries, the sheriffs office announced Monday. She also allegedly forged the signatures of authorized account holders.

Records show Gonzalez used the stolen funds for personal expenses, which included shopping, plastic surgery, and lavish trips, according to the sheriffs office.

She lived a lavish lifestyle for that year-long period, Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek told CBS12.

Alexandra Delacaridad Gonzalez is accused of 'stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from local homeowners associations' ( Martin County Sheriff's Office )

"As far as the money that she stole, there's none left to claw back. She spent it all, he added.

The sheriffs office said Gonzalez is wanted on two counts of fraud exceeding $50,000; two counts of grand theft; 61 counts of uttering false instruments; and 59 counts of embezzlement. Her bond has been set at $1,350,000.

Investigators believe Gonzalez is now in the Miramar or Vero Beach areas.

If you have any information on her whereabouts, or if you believe your HOA may have been a victim of similar activity, please contact the Martin County Sheriffs Office, the sheriffs office said.

The Independent has contacted the Martin County Sheriffs Office and Avant-Garde Property Management for comment.

Liz Diaz, the owner of Avant-Garde Property Management, addressed the case in a statement to WPBF 25 News.

Upon learning of the potential loss caused by Ms. Alexandra Gonzalez, we immediately notified our clients and law enforcement, and then we promptly assisted and fully cooperated with our clients and law enforcement to protect our clients and the communities we serve, Diaz said.

We want to see justice for our clients, and we will continue to fully cooperate in any prosecution and restitution efforts. We thank the Martin County Sheriffs Office for its diligent investigation and prosecution, and we thank our clients for their continued loyalty and understanding, she added.
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For more than a decade, the Gilgo Beach serial killings baffled investigators. The break came from an unlikely source - a discarded pizza crust.

In January 2023, architect and family man Rex Heuermann threw away a pizza box on Fifth Avenue outside his Manhattan office. Months later, DNA from the leftover crust linked him to a 2010 murder and, later, a string of unsolved killings in a chilling case that has haunted New Yorks Long Island for years.

Prosecutors alleged Heuermann was responsible for the deaths of seven women: Melissa Barthelemy, 24, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25, Amber Lynn Costello, 27, Megan Waterman, 22, Sandra Costilla, 28, Jessica Taylor, 20, and Valerie Mack, 24. He initially denied them all.

Heuermann returned to court April 8, 2026, where he switched his plea from not guilty to guilty. He also admitted to an eighth homicide  the 1996 killing of Karen Vergata, a Manhattan mother of two whose remains were found west of Gilgo Beach and on Fire Island, more than a decade apart.

The investigation into the crimes spanned decades, beginning with a 1993 killing and stretching through the 2010 disappearance of another woman that would ultimately expose a burial ground along a desolate stretch of Ocean Parkway. But an arrest wouldnt come for 13 more years.

open image in gallery Rex Heuermann switched his plea from not guilty to guilty in a New York courtroom Wednesday as well as admitting to an eighth homicide ( AP )

open image in gallery He also admitted to an eighth homicide  the 1996 killing of Karen Vergata, a Manhattan mother of two whose remains were found west of Gilgo Beach and on Fire Island, more than a decade apart. ( AP )

Who is Rex Heuermann?

Rex Heuermann, a longtime Long Island resident, is a married father of two who lived in Massapequa Park. He commuted into Manhattan for his job as an architect at a company he founded, RH Consultants & Associates.

He was arrested on July 13, 2023, near his Midtown office, where authorities said key evidence, including cellphone data and burner phone activity, placed him in contact with several victims.

Heuermann lived about 20 minutes from Gilgo Beach, with his wife, Asa Ellerup, and their adult children. Neighbors described him as a quiet, largely unremarkable family man, though others recalled unsettling encounters.

In his professional life, some acquaintances described him as arrogant or intense. Paul Teitelbaum, who worked with him, said Heuermann had a swagger and an attitude that said: Im the expert, youre lucky to have me.

Interior designer Dominique Vidal recalled repeated, unwanted calls and a creepy voicemail despite no working relationship.

Heuermann has lived on Long Island most of his life and attended Berner High School in Massapequa Park, where classmates described him as shy and socially awkward.

open image in gallery Heuermann lived in Massapequa Park, about 20 minutes from Gilgo Beach, with his wife, Asa Ellerup (center), and their adult children ( AP )

open image in gallery DNA belonging to Heuermann's then-wife was found in hair recovered from a belt used to restrain one of his victims. Ellerup was not considered a suspect as she was out of state when Brainard-Barnes was killed ( AP )

The Gilgo Beach killings: How the case began

The case that would eventually capture Heuermann began in May 2010 with the disappearance of 23-year-old Shannan Gilbert.

During a 21-minute 911 call, she pleaded for help: Theres somebody after mesomebodys after me, please. She fled a clients home in the early morning hours and vanished.

During a search for Gilbert in a dense thicket close to the beach, police discovered human remains. Within days, four victims had been found. By spring 2011, the number of victims rose to 10.

They first four victims became known as the Gilgo Four  Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Lynn Costello and Megan Waterman. All four of the women were in their 20s and worked as escorts.

open image in gallery Melissa Barthelemy, top left, Amber Costello, top right, Megan Waterman, bottom left, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes, whose bodies were found in 2010 are the Gilgo Four ( Suffolk County Police Department )

open image in gallery Investigators uncovered multiple sets of remains  eventually totaling at least 10 victims, including several women, a man and a toddler

Over the next year, investigators uncovered more remains  eventually totaling at least 10 victims, including women, a man and a toddler.

Gilberts body was found in December 2011. But she has not been linked to Heuermann and authorities long maintained her death was accidental. Her family strongly disputed that conclusion.

Who are the victims?

Prosecutors charged Heuermann with the deaths of seven women. Maureen Brainard-Barnes was 25 when she vanished in 2007. Her remains were found at Gilgo Beach in December 2010, police said. DNA belonging to Heuermann's wife was found in hair recovered from a belt used to restrain Brainard-Barnes, according to an indictment. Ellerup was not considered a suspect as she was out of state when Brainard-Barnes was killed.

Melissa Barthelemy, 24, went missing in July 2009. That same year, Barthelemy's sister, Amanda Funderburg, said she had received several taunting phone calls that were believed to be from the killer, according to authorities. Her remains were found in December 2010 along Ocean Parkway near the others.

Megan Waterman, 22, was last seen at a hotel in Hauppauge before her remains were found along Gilgo Beach in December 2010.

Amber Lynn Costello, 27, disappeared in September 2010 after leaving her home to meet a client. A witness described that client as ogre-like and driving a Chevrolet Avalanche, according to prosecutors. Her remains were found in December 2010.

Court records show that Heuermann was linked to the Gilgo Four murders through a tip about his pickup truck, a stash of burner phones, sadistic online searches and phone calls taunting victims families. Email accounts believed to have been used by Heuermann were used to access and/or conduct searches related to pornography, rape, torture, and sex workers several thousand times, prosecutors said.

His DNA was also found on one of the victims, while his wifes hair was found on three of the four women he is connected to, according to prosecutors.

In June 2024, Heuermann was charged with two additional murders. Sandra Costilla and Jessica Taylor were the first victims of Heuermann who were murdered before 2007.

Costilla, whose remains were found on November 20, 1993, on Cove Road in North Sea, a Southampton town, is the earliest known victim. Investigators suspected that convicted serial killer John Bittrolff was linked to Costillas murder, but he was never charged. He is currently serving a 50-year-to-life sentence at Clinton Correctional Center in Dannemora.

DNA evidence later linked Heuermann to the case.

open image in gallery Sandra Costilla and Jessica Taylor were the first alleged victims of Heuermann who were murdered before 2007 ( Suffolk County DA/Remembering Jessica Taylor Facebook page )

Taylor, a 20-year-old Poughkeepsie resident who worked as an escort in New York City, was found dismembered in a wooded area of Manorville, New York, on July 26, 2003. Her torso was found, but other parts were missing.

Those remains, including her head, hands and forearm, were discovered years later  along Ocean Parkway on March 29, 2011  and initially labeled Jane Doe No. 5.

In December 2024, Heuermann was charged with the death of a seventh woman. Valerie Mack, 24, whose remains were first found on Long Island in 2000, had been working as an escort in Philadelphia and was last seen by her family that year in New Jersey.

Some of Macks skeletal remains were initially discovered in Manorville, New York; authorities found more of her remains about 50 miles west, in Gilgo Beach, more than 10 years later. They were unidentified until genetic testing revealed who she was in 2020.

Human hair found with Macks remains was sent for testing earlier this year and found to be a likely match with the genetic profile of Heuermanns daughter, prosecutors said in court papers. His daughter is not accused of any wrongdoing and would have been 3 or 4 years old when Mack died.

After pleading guilty to the seven killings Wednesday, Huermann also admitted that he caused the death of Karen Vergata and transported her body out to a remote spot. Vergata, a Manhattan mother of two, disappeared in 1996. Her remains were found west of Gilgo Beach and on Fire Island more than a decade apart.

How was Rex Heuermann caught?

For years, the Gilgo Beach killings remained unsolved. The investigation was plagued by internal issues, including allegations that former Suffolk County police chief James Burke hindered cooperation with federal authorities. Burke later resigned and served prison time on unrelated charges.

The case gained new momentum in 2018 and again in 2022 with renewed leadership and a dedicated task force.

Early clues pointed to a distinctive vehicle: a first-generation Chevrolet Avalanche seen by a witness in Amber Costellos disappearance. That lead brought investigators to Heuermann.

From there, authorities built a case using cellphone records, burner phone data and location tracking. The phones used to contact victims were traced to areas near Heuermanns home and Midtown office.

Investigators also linked him to the purchase and use of burner phones, including one tied to an online account.

Then came the crucial DNA evidence. Surveillance teams observed Heuermann discarding a pizza box outside his Manhattan office. A lab tested DNA from the leftover crust and matched it to a hair found on burlap used to wrap Megan Watermans body.

open image in gallery Surveillance teams observed Heuermann discarding a pizza box outside his Manhattan office. A lab tested DNA from the leftover crust and matched it to a hair found on burlap used to wrap Megan Watermans body ( Suffolk County DA )

On March 14, 2022, the name Rex was first mentioned, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said during a press conference following the arrest.

A New York state investigator was able to identify him in a database and from that point on we used the power of the grand jury, over 300 subpoenas and search warrants, looking into this individuals background to bring us to this day.

The DNA match  combined with digital evidence and witness accounts  led to his arrest in July 2023.

A blueprint of crimes

In 2024, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney revealed that Heuermann kept a blueprint of his crimes on a hard drive in the basement of his Massapequa Park home, which was recently searched for a second time.

Tierney said Gilgo Beach Task Force believed this planning document that was used by Heuermann to plot out his kills with excruciating detail.

His motivations, meticulous planning, and clear intent were obvious, Tierney told reporters following the arraignment. His intent was nothing short but to murder these victims.

Attorney John Ray, who represents some of the victims families, called Heuermann a stalker who took great pleasure in hunting the women he killed.

The twisted document the killer kept in his home, which was released shortly before the hearing began, features a series of checklists with tasks to complete before, during and after the killings, as well as practical lessons for next time. Among the dozens of entries written are reminders to clean the bodies and destroy evidence, to get sleep before hunt and to have story set.

One section, titled things to remember, appears to highlight lessons from previous killings, prosecutors said, such as using heavier rope and limiting noise to maximize play time. A body prep checklist includes, among other items, a note to remove head and hands.

Ray said the digital data was essential to the charges against Heuermann and their quest for justice.

The lives of these women matter, Tierney said at the 2024 press conference. No one understands that more than the families.
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A man convicted and then cleared of killing rap star Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC could be freed within days after a judge granted him $1 million bond Monday.

Karl Jordan Jr. wasn't automatically released from custody because he still faces drug charges unrelated to the pioneering DJ's 2002 death.

For now, Jordan remains behind bars while prosecutors decide this week whether to appeal the bond decision. If they don't, he'll go free as soon as his bond paperwork is in order.

There's a real chance, Mr. Jordan, that you may be released in the very near term, U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall said. If that happens, she added, I wish you luck. And you will stay out of trouble.

Jordan quietly agreed as more than a dozen of his relatives and supporters looked on from the audience. Some have attended nearly six years of court dates in his case and 17 agreed to cosign his bond. Jordans loved ones also agreed to put up Southern properties worth a total of $525,000.

open image in gallery HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 25, 2002: Legendary hip hop artist Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC attends a handprint ceremony during the group's induction into the Hollywood RockWalk February 25, 2002 at the Guitar Center in Hollywood, California. Jam Master Jay, whose given name is Jason Mizell, was shot and killed inside a Queens, New York studio October 30, 2002, according to a group representive. Police, who say two unidentified men were shot around 7:30 p.m. local time, have confirmed that one man was dead on arrival at a local hospital. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images) ( Getty Images )

If released, he will be under electronic monitoring. His lawyers declined to comment after court.

Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell, was fatally shot in his New York City recording studio in 2002. As the DJ in Run-DMC, he helped rap reach music's mainstream with 1980s hits including Its Tricky and a remake of Aerosmiths Walk This Way. He later mentored up-and-comers including a young 50 Cent.

After the case went cold for years, Jordan and Ronald Washington were arrested in 2020. Washington, now 61; and Jordan, 42, denied the charges.

A jury convicted the men in 2024, after hearing eyewitness testimony that Jordan shot Mizell while Washington blocked the door.

But in December 2025, DeArcy Hall unraveled Jordans conviction and acquitted him, while upholding the verdict against Washington.

Her reasoning centered on whether prosecutors had proven that the killing was narcotics-related, a requirement of the federal murder charge in this case.

Witnesses testified that after Run-DMCs heyday, Mizell dabbled in cocaine deals to pay his bills and was providing drug-trade opportunities to Jordan and Washington  the DJ's godson and old friend, respectively.

The judge concluded that the jury heard sufficient evidence that Washington was bitter at Mizell about the collapse of a planned drug transaction in Baltimore. But there wasn't such proof, just conjecture," that Jordan had the same animus, DeArcy Hall wrote.

Prosecutors are appealing her decision to acquit Jordan of Mizell's killing.

Jordan's attorneys argued that he ought to get bond while that appeal and the outstanding drug and weapons charges play out.

Jordan, whose girlfriend is a city jail official, is not a danger to the community. But his continued detention is a danger to Mr. Jordan," lawyer John Diaz said at a March 13 hearing.

Jordan was stabbed and seriously wounded in Brooklyns troubled federal jail last year; other inmates were charged with assaulting him.

Prosecutors deplored the stabbing but urged the judge to continue detaining Jordan, maintaining that he remained a flight risk.

DeArcy Hall concluded Monday that Jordan's bond package outweighed concerns that he might flee. But she told him, At the end of the day, sir, bond is about you giving me your word.

Yeah, I'm aware of that, he replied.

Turning toward the audience, she sought to make sure his family also got the message that Jordan needs to comply with bond conditions.

You all know I do not play, the judge warned. We all understood, folks?

A collective yes, your honor rose from the audience.

Meanwhile, prosecutors are in plea talks with a third man charged in Mizell's killing, prosecutors and his lawyers told the judge in a March 12 letter. The third man, Jay Bryant, was indicted in 2023 after his DNA was found on a hat at the shooting scene. He has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors claimed that Bryant slipped into the studio building and opened a back door for Jordan and Washington, having met them through a mutual acquaintance. Jordan's lawyers have argued that the case against Bryant raised doubts about the now-dismissed allegations against Jordan.
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A dice game at a Las Vegas home turned deadly when a rap feud erupted into gunfire, leaving one dead and nine people facing murder charges.

Michael Simmons Jr., 22, was at a home on Coja Street for a dice game on July 9, 2025, when he was fatally shot in the head. Simmons, described by those who knew him as a beloved barber and father to a two-year-old daughter, was not the intended target, police say.

Investigators say the shooters were aiming for Ishad Shady Rose Livingston, an alleged member of a rival gang who was believed to be living at the home, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported.

Nine people have been arrested in connection with the shooting, with the most recent suspect taken into custody this week, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Jamar Holman, 33, was arrested Wednesday and booked into the Clark County Detention Center on suspicion of open murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder and two counts of discharging a gun into an occupied structure with the intent to promote or assist a criminal gang.

open image in gallery Nine people have been arrested in connection with a 2025 fatal shooting on Coja Street in Las Vegas, with the most recent suspect taken into custody this week ( KLAS )

Holman, believed to be affiliated with the Five street gang, reportedly conspired with several others, including Rashid Uchies Soukesian, Eduardo T-Raw Baez, Artavious Da Dogg Woods, Calvin Spark G Hicks, Rickey Ratchet/Lit Rickey Allen and Johntyrae John Stockton/Tiny Sol Mitchell, to carry out the shooting.

On the night of the shooting, Simmons was in the garage with Livingston and others playing a dice game when shots rang out. Officers arrived just before 12:40 a.m. and Simmons was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators allege that more than 40 rounds were fired into the garage where they were gathered.

The violence was allegedly fueled by an ongoing feud between members of the Five gang and a rival group known as YNIC, according to investigators. The dispute escalated after the July 2024 death of Five member Gerald Poo Pistols Harvey.

Police say that Harvey had been in a well-known rap feud with the alleged target, Livingston, and the two had previously shot each other during a January 2024 incident in North Las Vegas. Authorities believe that feud ultimately led to the retaliation attempt that killed Simmons.

Holman is believed to be the final outstanding suspect in the investigation, Metro spokesperson Robert Wicks said Friday. He was denied bail on Thursday, accourding to court records.

The other suspects  Soukesian, Baez, Woods, Hicks, Allen and Mitchell  have all been arrested in recent months and face charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, shooting into an occupied structure and racketeering. Each has pleaded not guilty, according to court records.

All defendants scheduled to be in court Tuesday for a status check.
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A politician said he was awoken early Monday morning when someone fired 13 shots at his front door, to discover a note left behind on his doorstep saying, No Data Centers.

Indianapolis councilman Ron Gibson and his 8-year-old son werent harmed in the shooting that took place around 12:45 a.m. The bullets struck just steps from the dining room table, where Gibson says his son was playing with Legos just the day before.

That reality is deeply unsettling, Gibson said. This was not just an attack on my home, but endangered my child and disrupted the safety of our entire neighborhood.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement that officers called to a home on East 41st Street just after 9 a.m. Monday found evidence of gunshots being fired at a house, but no injuries were reported. Police said they believe it was an isolated, targeted incident and the FBI was assisting.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department ( AFP via Getty Images )

I understand that public service can bring strong opinions and disagreement, but violence is never the answer, especially when it puts families at risk, Gibson said on Monday. This will not deter me. I will continue to serve the residents of this district with integrity and respect for all voices.

Last week, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission approved a rezoning petition for a project for Metrobloks, a data center developer, in Gibson's district. Some area residents and leaders opposed to the project attended last weeks hearing, raising concerns about the projects impact on the community, news outlets reported.

Gibson supported the commission's decision in a statement last week.

The site has remained underutilized for years, and todays action is an important step toward bringing it back into productive use in a way that benefits both the surrounding neighborhood and our city, Gibson said. As the district councilor, when this petition comes before the full Council, I do not intend to call it down.
Verkhovna Rada deputies passed with 269 votes in the first reading government bill No. 14412 on the principles of demarcation and distribution of powers between levels of public governance.

"This is one of the Ukraine Facility markers, and its adoption will unlock further funding from the European Union under this program. The bill aims to define the legal grounds for the demarcation and distribution of powers of local self-government bodies at various levels, as well as executive authorities, based on the principles of subsidiarity and decentralization," reported Olena Shuliak, head of the parliamentary committee on state power organization, local self-government, regional development, and urban planning.

The provisions of the bill propose to define the basic principles of demarcation and distribution of powers between levels of public governance; levels of public governance (state, regional, and local) and the entities between which powers are distributed; and criteria for assigning powers to the appropriate level of government. It also outlines the procedure for delegating state powers to local self-government bodies, mechanisms for coordination and interaction between different levels of government, and requirements for financial, personnel, and information support for the execution of powers.

Shuliak noted that work on the bill was conducted in a broad format within the activities of the relevant working group.

"The decentralization reform has been ongoing for more than a year. Communities have received many opportunities. At the same time, a complex of systemic challenges has accumulated. Rights and obligations, resources and powers, local democracy and the balance between levels of government, the principle of subsidiarity and the real capacity of communities  all this is not yet fully formed as a high-quality legislative framework. European integration has increased requirements for the quality of decisions and the consistency of the entire system, so our Committee, together with the government and international partners, continues to work on overcoming these challenges," Shuliak concluded.
Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, right, accompanied by Rep. Mark Green, R-Tennesse., left, speaks to witnesses at the first public hearing of a bipartisan congressional task force investigating the assassination attempts against Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024.
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BusinessThe economyAI Opinion Four-day week and robot tax: How tech giant plans to survive AI apocalypse Elizabeth Knight Business columnist April 7, 2026  3:48pm

April 7, 2026  3:48pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

The godfather of artificial intelligence, OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, has begun the mother of all public relations offensives. He has created a blueprint for governments to mitigate the societal fallout from artificial intelligence  one that acknowledges widespread labour redundancies and the potential for rogue AI systems capable of replicating themselves. In owning his influence on this generations most socially disruptive and potentially cataclysmic technology, Altman is seeking authorship of how to deal with the fallout, in what amounts to an attempt to get ahead of the curve. OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has a blueprint for post-AI capitalism. Bloomberg And on the cusp of a potential $US1 trillion ($1.45 trillion) public listing of OpenAI (the owner of ChatGPT), his public service-based thoughts on mitigating the downside of this technology must be viewed within this framework. Make no mistake, AI is an incredible opportunity for business to supercharge profit and productivity and has already shown its potential for medical breakthroughs. But the side effects on society, its workers and the potential for cyberattacks are terrifying to the point of sci-fi horror.

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AI WiseTechs AI jobs sledgehammer  a sign of things to come? Elizabeth Knight Business columnist The blueprint Altman released this week contains ideas to socialise the monetary gains from AI by giving people a stake in AI driven economic growth. A taste of these measures include the introduction of a robot tax to redistribute the wealth to those AI-created jobless, and the creation of a sovereign wealth fund from AI financial gains. He tackles the problem of workforce shrinkage with a plan to introduce a four-day but fully paid work week. Addressing the negative AI consequences forms part of his AI public relations effort. AI pioneers want to ensure the legacy of the worlds adoption of this super intelligence wont be the creation of a gulf between AI winners and losers. And it is better to frame the regulation, rather than be hit by it.

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Altman recognises that the artificial intelligence revolution is coming so fast and its impacts on society will be so profound that the traditional operation of capitalism will be too slow to manage the consequences. Redistribution of the profits from AI is Altmans solution, but is a move so extreme that it provides evidence of how disruptive this technology could become once it is more universally embraced. Robots at a Chinese factory of carmaker Zeekr. Altmans blueprint includes a robot tax to redistribute wealth to those made jobless by AI. NYT Altmans blueprint is his first pass at prescriptive remedies that governments could adopt to deal with the negative consequences of AI. For example, the blueprint looks at triggers which are tied to economic data. For instance, when a certain level of workers are displaced by AI it could prompt temporary increases in public support like unemployment benefits and cash assistance, according to a report by US media outlet Axios of an interview with Altman in which he discusses his blueprint.

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In a future where payroll taxes are not the government revenue drivers they are now, the Altman plan is to have this replaced with tax derived capital gain and corporate profit. Related Article Jobs The week AI came for Australian jobs OpenAIs chief of global affairs, Chris Lehane, has already met with two dozen members of the US Senate, according to an interview with Bloomberg. The US government has to date adopted a generally regulation-lite approach to AI, and OpenAIs more radical discussion points appear to be well beyond what the Trump administration would be considering. The Australian government has been considering the copyright implications on the AI large language models, but has generally taken a wait-and-see approach to how the technology evolves.

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Altman told Axios: I think almost everybody involved in our industry feels the gravity of what were doing. ... We all take that responsibility very seriously. We feel that way every day. Good luck pitching these ideas to Donald Trump. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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Review Eating outFootscray Banh mi martini? This westside bar looks like an antique shop, but its drinks are totally new The aptly named Second Hand Dealer is an experimental new bar hiding in plain sight. And its cocktails are as kooky as the collectables. Tomas Telegramma April 8, 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 / 9 The Banh M(artin)i features roast pork and pate fat-washed vodka, gin, vermouth and coriander oil. Luis Enrique Ascui 2 / 9 Cocktails are as kooky as the decor here. Luis Enrique Ascui 3 / 9 Inside the moody cocktail bar. Luis Enrique Ascui 4 / 9 Pandas of the Caribbean cocktail featuring pandan, dark rum, velvet falernum, lime and banana. Luis Enrique Ascui 5 / 9 Every surface is touched with tchotchkes. Luis Enrique Ascui 6 / 9 Second Hand Dealer is the sibling to nearby Bar Josephine. Luis Enrique Ascui 7 / 9 The Night-Time Coco Pops cocktail. Luis Enrique Ascui 8 / 9 Second Hand Dealer hides in plain sight on Barkly Street. Luis Enrique Ascui 9 / 9 Second Hand Dealer is like a poky, hodgepodge antique shop. Luis Enrique Ascui Previous Slide Next Slide Second Hand Dealer No cuisine$$$$ When searching for one of Footscrays newest bars online, it can take a second to find what youre looking for. Second Hand Dealer doesnt have the most Google-friendly name. It can also be tricky to find IRL, if youre not familiar with its home of Barkly Street. You could, like my mates, mistake the neighbouring craft-beer cornucopia Bar Josephine as your destination, because of all the action in the front window. Related Article Chaotic in a good way: The inner western suburb on the edge of a renaissance

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But I was waiting for them next door, hidden behind a blacked-out frontage thats scrawled with the words cocktail bar, giving very little away from the street. Moving inside, through a candlelit entryway where dripping wax has hardened into stalactites, the Second Hand Dealer moniker immediately makes sense. Second Hand Dealer is like a poky, hodgepodge antique shop. Luis Enrique Ascui Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Its like a poky, hodgepodge antique shop thats been pried open to have a bar plonked in its centre. Old-timey portraits glare at you from the walls, vintage lampshades create golden pockets, and every surface is touched with tchotchkes (on the bar top sits a resin hippo, its mouth so agape its become a makeshift tip jar). If not for the buildings remaining exterior signage, youd hardly believe this used to be Pie Thief, the bakery known for putting interesting things inside pastry, like lasagne.

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After closing the popular shop and selling the Pie Thief business name in 2024, founder Aaron Donato, who also owns Bar Josephine, decided to apply a similar ethos  whats a great meal and can we turn it into a pie?  to the world of cocktails. Its like a poky, hodgepodge antique shop thats been pried open to have a bar plonked in its centre. Peak experimentation comes in the form of a banh mi martini. The surrounding streets of Footscray are home to some of Melbournes best Vietnamese pork rolls, and Donato has tried his best to funnel their essence into a drink hes dubbed the Banh M(artin)i. The menu reads: Roast pork, pate, butter, carrot, cucumber, coriander. Oh, and gin, vodka, vermouth. We swear this is a drink. It arrives at our booth with a full explanation of how its made, built on a base of fat-washed vodka, courtesy of roast pork and pate, thats been thrice-filtered for clarity. Six banh mis died so we could have this, my mate remarks. The verdict? Less porky, more pickle-y. Capped with a coil of pickled carrot and a few drops of coriander oil, its relatively clear and crisp, tasting most of a banh mis garnishes. While not the flavour bomb I was expecting, its a martini Id order again.

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The Night-Time Coco Pops cocktail. Luis Enrique Ascui The Night-Time Coco Pops is a drink that fancifies (and fortifies) the chocolatey cereal milk youd slurp from your brekkie bowl as a kid. Its one of several cocktails born from Donatos obsession with clarification: a process that uses milk, citrus or filtration to render a drink transparent yet still rich-tasting. This one is a milk punch powered by Starward whisky and coffee liqueur, with a nutty hit of macadamia, and a slimline chocolate crackle placed precariously on the glass. Just as nostalgic is the vintage Arnotts coaster its served on. Theres plenty to pique your interest at Second Hand Dealer. But even at 8pm on a Friday, its nowhere near as busy as it could be. Or as its sibling, Bar Josephine, is. Maybe thats because its easy to miss on the street. Or because its flown somewhat under the radar since it opened in November. Or because a clarified Bloody Mary isnt everyones cup of ... er ... tea.

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Second Hand Dealer hides in plain sight on Barkly Street. Luis Enrique Ascui Rest assured, you can keep it simple if thats more your speed. Go for a local pilsner, a wine from the blackboard or a $14 limoncello spritz. Theres also a whole page dedicated to classic cocktails, classically twisted, with the tequila-based Carajillo standing in for the espresso martini. Footscray is flush with bars for all occasions, and this is a worthy addition to the west  whether for date night in the low-lit main bar, a group takeover of one of the big booths out back, or just to try the latest oddball concoction. Three new bars for the west Glovers Yarraville cocktail bar Ms Botanica is no more, but in its place is a new watering hole for the area, honouring the sites earlier life as Gloves Cafe. Its an all-are-welcome situation, especially when happy hour means $10 pints of Guinness and $12 spritzes. 34 Ballarat Street, Yarraville, instagram.com/glovers_yarraville Spotswood Hotel While not technically new, this Spotswood boozer is now part of the group behind two neighbourhood-favourite pubs: the Ascot Vale Hotel and Seddons Mona Castle. Changes have been slow and steady, including a freshen-up of the fit-out and menu. 62 Hudson Road, Spotswood, thespotswoodhotel.com Bar Mercado Just west of Queen Victoria Market, this bolthole has Spanish and South American style. Snack on jamon croquetas, or arepas with a trio of dips, and sip on a smoky, spiced cocktail made with mezcal and green chilli liqueur. 85 Peel Street, West Melbourne, barmercado.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.
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NationalSpace A heartbreaking moment in space and a new way to tackle cancer Angus Dalton April 7, 2026  7:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Examine, a free weekly newsletter covering science with a sceptical, evidence-based eye, is sent every Tuesday. Youre reading an excerpt  sign up to get the whole newsletter in your inbox. In the cold and airless void on the far side of the moon, cut off from contact with Earth and further from home than any human had ever been, the commander of humanitys most epic quest gazed into the darkness and thought of his wife. Carroll Taylor Wiseman spent her life caring for sick children and babies. She worked in a newborn intensive care unit and her last job was as a school nurse in Friendswood, Texas, near her husbands office at NASA. She passed away in 2020 after a five-year battle with breast cancer. On Tuesday morning, the husband who still grieves her, Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman, became one the first humans to observe the far side of the moon. He and his three crew spied a lunar crater shining as if dusted with fresh snow.

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Loading Theres a feature in a really neat place on the moon, and it is on the near-side, far-side boundary, astronaut Jeremy Hansen radioed to mission control on Earth once the Orion spacecraft came back into view and restored comms. At certain times of the moons transit around Earth, we will be able to see this from Earth. Its a bright spot on the moon, he said, before tears almost stopped him from talking and Reid pulled him into a floating hug. And we would like to call it Carroll. Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman and his late wife, Carroll. NASA

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How better to illustrate space travel as a deeply human endeavour? How better to remind us, even as we pursue life beyond our planet, how much we have to learn about the bodies we were born in? But the Artemis II lunar flyby is not a separate pursuit to advancing medical knowledge and the effort to stop the disease that took Carroll Wiseman. In fact, on USB-sized sticks secreted within a silver nook on the Orion spacecraft, the furthest-flung biology experiment ever attempted is taking place. Artemis II astronauts have proposed naming the unnamed crater on the far-right - a bright spot on the moon - after Carroll Wiseman. NASA Why astronauts are carrying their own stem cells

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Before the four astronauts geared up for their lunar flyby, each donated stem cells from their bone marrow. The cells were grafted onto USB-sized sticks known as organ on a chip devices. The organ on a chip devices were populated with each astronauts bone marrow cells and sent to space with them. NASA The devices allow scientists to grow human cells in tiny 3D channels, and the chips act as proxies for blood vessels, brains and lungs that scientists can experiment on instead of lab rats or less complex cells in a dish. Each Artemis II astronaut has a unique chip grafted with their own cells on board the Orion spacecraft.

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Once they return, NASAs scientists will be able to study each astronauts individual cellular response to the stressors of space travel, microgravity and cosmic radiation. Bone marrow cells, which make blood, were chosen because they are among the most sensitive cells to radiation, and act as a bellwether for how other organs are faring. Artemis II astronauts, from left, Reid Wiseman, Jeremy Hansen, Christina Koch and Victor Glover gather for an interview en route to the moon. NASA via AP The investigation is called AVATAR (A Virtual Astronaut Tissue Analog Response). The ultimate aim is to be able to create custom medicine packs tailored for future space travellers based on their biology and genetics.

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Such technology may be crucial for a trip as far as Mars. The research goes to show that, despite the advanced spacecrafts, fuel blasters and laser beams, the most crucial vessel for space travel will always be the human body. Earthly researchers hope the experiment will advance our understanding of how radiation and chemotherapy can affect blood cell formation within cancer patients. It also marks a leap forward for personalised or precision medicine, where cancer treatments are custom-crafted for patients based on their genetic make-up and the unique properties of their cancer. Which brings us to the Australian cancer cells about to blast skywards. Australia blasts cancer into space

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In an Australian first, Dr Nirmal Robinson of Adelaide University will later this year send cancer cells to the Swedish Space Corporation, which will blast them into space. Space is the new destination for biomedical research. Stephen Kiprillis In a dish on Earth, gravity makes cancer cells grow flat. In space, the cells float and form 3D clusters closer to real cancer growths in human tissue. It gives us a clearer window into how these cells behave, Robinson says. The harsh space environment, lashed by cosmic radiation, also serves as a kind of proxy for a human body undergoing cancer treatment  theres radiation, low oxygen and a lack of nutrients. Its hard for a tumour to survive. But a cancerous tumour warps in response to these stresses. The cancer cells that remain after a chemotherapy treatment, for example, are often worse.

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When cancer cells undergo stress and are able to circumvent the stresses, they become really hostile or aggressive, Robinson says. When the cancer cells return to Earth, theyll be snap-frozen and returned to Robinsons lab to see how space rewired their metabolism, gene expression and proteins. What happens to your body in space? Muscles and bones: Weight-bearing bones lose over 1 per cent of their mineral density per month during spaceflight, and muscle mass also declines faster in microgravity without exercise. Balance: Motion sickness can arise when the sensors in our inner ear responsible for balance cant feel the familiar pull of gravity. The vestibular system gets used to this, but becomes deconditioned over time, which can cause further problems with motion sickness upon returning to gravity. Blood pressure: The bodys ability to regulate blood pressure deteriorates the longer a person spends in space, which can result in lightheadedness and fainting once they return to gravity. Vision: The fluids in the body shift upwards into the head in microgravity, which can put pressure on the eyes and cause problems with eyesight. These issues usually correct themselves on returning to Earth, but can take longer for some people. Radiation: Outside the Earths magnetic field, astronauts are exposed to varied and increased levels of radiation. As we aim towards long-duration spaceflight to Mars and beyond, scientists will need to come up with ways to shield astronauts from long-term exposure to harmful rays. What we are really looking forward to is: can we identify some new signatures or new proteins or new genes which we wouldnt have normally been able to see under gravitational forces? Can those be targeted as a vulnerability in these cancer cells? The data could one day help identify ways to kill the most stubborn cancers.

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Theres another curious thing that happens in microgravity: cells age faster. While thats bad for astronauts, Robinson wants to use it to advantage to study cancer in ageing cells. Related Article Exclusive

Space As space race takes off, Australia has lost our best eyes to the universe Cancer is an age-related disease; many of the cancers develop in aged individuals above 60 or 65. But its hard to study the effect of age on Earth because you have to wait for an animal, cell or human model to, well, age. But if you think about cells ageing rapidly under microgravity, then we might be able to understand things better and earlier, which shortens the research time. Working alongside companies Cambrian Defence & Space and Blue Dwarf Space, the project aims to create a pipeline for future medical research in space, Robinson says.

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It is going to be useful for people on Earth, and those who will be travelling away from it. The Examine newsletter explains and analyses science with a rigorous focus on the evidence. Sign up to get it each week.
Kill boards, trophy hunting and blooding recruits by ordering them to shoot bound prisoners were gruesome features of stories from the giant corporals later rotations in Australias longest war.

If the evidence in an eventual criminal trial follows that in the defamation case Roberts-Smith unsuccessfully launched against this masthead in 2018 , the jury will hear not only that Australias most decorated living soldier is a serial killer, but that he relished his crimes.

Prosecutors in the criminal process that finally began 17 years  almost to the day  since the first alleged murder, are likely to argue that each of them was carried out in cold blood.

On Tuesday, Roberts-Smith was arrested over five killings during his time in Afghanistan. He has now been charged with counts of war crime-murder for each of them.

Each was unarmed, under the control of the Australian troops, and not a threat.

One of the people Ben Roberts-Smith allegedly murdered had a prosthetic leg. Another was a farmer collecting flour for his family. A third was simply removed from a house and taken out and killed.

The Australian raiders did not find Hekmatullah in Darwan. Instead, they were stuck questioning poor farmers.

The troops were on high alert, searching for an Afghan soldier, Hekmatullah, who almost two weeks earlier had killed three of his Australian army mentors .

The day Roberts-Smith choppered into Darwan with 41 other Australian special forces soldiers was September 11, 2012  11 years after the Twin Towers terrorist attack that prompted the Afghan war.

The most high-profile of these killings  and the one first covered in detail in this masthead almost eight years ago  took place in a little village called Darwan.

Just a couple more dead c---s, he allegedly told a colleague after one killing, according to evidence accepted in the defamation trial.

There he ordered one of the soldiers to shoot Ali Jan dead. The other gave direct evidence against Roberts-Smith at the defamation trial.

Roberts-Smith, who has a Sparta helmet tattooed on his ribcage and had worn a Crusader cross around his neck, descended the slope with two other soldiers. He ordered them to drag Ali Jan, blood pouring from a mouth full of broken teeth, to a berry tree in a cornfield.

Roberts-Smiths response, according to two Afghan witnesses, was to manhandle the farmer to the edge of a small cliff, or steep slope, still bound. The Australian backed up a few steps. Then, like the Spartan king Leonidas in the violent Hollywood fantasy movie 300 , he front-kicked the Afghan man , catapulting him backwards down the slope.

Under questioning by the Australian soldier, who stands more than two metres tall, Ali Jan made the mistake of smiling, according to one Afghan witness in the defamation case.

They were no threat. In military parlance, they were Persons Under Control, or PUCs.

As they were about to return to base, Roberts-Smith asked some final questions of handcuffed men in a compound at the villages southern end. One of the men was Ali Jan. He was in Darwan buying flour for his family.

Darwan might have been the first accusation of murder against Roberts-Smith that was brought into the public domain by this masthead, but it was not his first alleged murder.

Its worth noting that, in 2018, the incoming Australian Army chief, Angus Campbell, banned Australian soldiers from displaying Spartan paraphernalia, along with other arrogant  symbols of death.

Exhibit in Ben Roberts-Smith defamation case, showing the village of Darwan. The X marked with B and an arrow is said to be the cliff from which a villager was allegedly kicked by Roberts-Smith. He denies the allegation.

According to trial evidence, back at base, a fellow soldier and one of Roberts-Smiths witnesses, immortalised the incident by drawing a whiteboard picture of a winged penis kicking a man off a cliff.

He was only discovered late in the day. The judge found that explanation inherently unbelievable.

Roberts-Smith denied wrongdoing, claiming Ali Jan was a spotter who evaded the intensive five-hour operation by hiding in the corn field.

With the testimony of the three Afghan witnesses it was, Federal Court Justice Anthony Besanko said later, a strong, consistent and coherent body of evidence.

One of the men was disabled  he had a knee-high prosthesis. The other was described as an old man. Both were unarmed and had been PUCd  or brought under control. The laws of war dictated they should not be harmed. It did not stop what happened next.

The assault patrols cleared the compound known as Whiskey 108 and declared it secure. An opportunity for a blooding emerged when a hidden tunnel was discovered in a courtyard. Inside, two Afghan men were found hiding.

His SAS patrol had a new recruit in the 2009 rotation, and for weeks before the Kakarak operation, Roberts-Smith and his commander had made it clear the rookie needed to kill someone to truly become part of the squadron. They called it a blooding.

The mission was to help regular army troops crossing a river under heavy Taliban insurgent fire during the battle of Kakarak. But the murders Ben Roberts-Smith is alleged to have participated in that day were premeditated.

Eyewitness evidence from a soldier at the defamation trial, found by the judge to be truthful, was that Roberts-Smith grabbed the old man by the scruff of his shirt, forced him to his knees inside the cleared compound, pointed at him and ordered the rookie: Shoot him.

The rookie followed the order.

Then Roberts-Smith picked up the man with the prosthetic leg, carried him outside the compound and threw him to the ground. Three SAS witnesses say they watched as Roberts-Smith pulled out his Minimi machine gun and shot the man in the back with an extended burst.

Then the alleged cover-up began. In official reporting, Roberts-Smith and his crew described the men as squirters  insurgents trying to flee the area  and therefore legal to kill.

In the defamation trial  where for national security reasons many soldiers were given numbers to obscure their identities  the rookie was known as Person 4. He declined to give evidence on the basis that his evidence might tend to prove he had committed a crime  specifically, the war crime of murder.

After the men were killed, another soldier souvenired the dead mans prosthetic leg and took it back to the illegal drinking hole at the Tarin Kowt base, The Fat Ladies Arms, and used it as a novelty beer-drinking vessel. They called it Das Boot.

Ben Roberts-Smith (highlighted at back left) smiles and pumps his fist as a soldier in a Ku Klux Klan outfit burns a cross.

Multiple photographs later turned up showing the leg being used. Roberts-Smith, who had killed its owner allegedly in cold blood, stood grinning nearby.

In his evidence at the defamation case, he described this as gallows humour.

Roberts-Smith has now been charged with two criminal counts relating to Whiskey 108  the war crime of murder, and aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring a second war crime-murder.

Syahchow

The final two war crime-murder related offences that Roberts-Smith has been charged with happened in the village of Syahchow on October 20, 2012.

One of these killings  another blooding  was also alleged by the newspapers during the defamation case. However, the judge ruled this was not proved  even to the civil standard of the balance of probabilities  because of a lack of evidence.

The reason was that, when the rookie in question, Person 66, was asked, he refused to give evidence, saying he did not want to incriminate himself in a murder.

There were no other direct witnesses.

In relation to the blooding incident, Roberts-Smith has been charged with war crime-murder in that he aided, abetted, counselled or procured another person to intentionally cause the death of a person.

Ben Roberts-Smith during his time in Afghanistan. Dean Sewell

Roberts-Smith was also charged with the war crime-murder of a second Afghan man in the same incident. Investigators will allege he intentionally caused the death of an Afghan with the help of another person.

According to the evidence originally advanced by the newspapers in the defamation trial, Roberts-Smith invited the rookie into a compound where there were several Afghans. He and Roberts-Smith took two of them into a nearby field, where it was alleged Roberts-Smith ordered the newcomer to shoot one. The rookie did.

Evidence at the trial suggested that, to cover up the murder their actions, they put a rifle magazine, a pistol and a chest rig  used to carry weapons and ammunition  on the mans body before it was photographed. These objects were widely known as throw-downs  found by the judge to have been used in other incidents when Roberts-Smith wanted to suggest that unarmed prisoners were actually Taliban insurgents.

Former SAS captain and now federal Liberal MP Andrew Hastie  who was on the Syahchow mission  said he had heard over the radio that shots had been fired. Later, he said, Roberts-Smith had walked past and remarked, Just a couple more dead c---s.

At the official debriefing after the mission, Hastie said he heard Roberts-Smith say both men had been killed, one of the insurgents firing and another reaching for a grenade.

A couple of days after the mission, Hastie said, Roberts-Smith sat at a table in the mess hall with him  an officer  and made a comment that, officers shouldnt be on the ground. You guys should be sitting on a hill away from it all.

You know, weve got to do certain things, so, you know, you shouldnt be around.

During the defamation case, the newspapers led two other allegations of Roberts-Smiths involvement in alleged war crimes-murder  in the villages of Chinartu and Fasil.

The defamation judge found the Chinartu case proved to the civil standard, and the Fasil case unproved for lack of evidence. At this point, the police have not charged him over either of the following allegations.

Chinartu and the Person 12 lie

About a month after the 2012 Darwan cliff kick, Roberts-Smith and his patrol were in Chinartu village trying to capture or kill a high-value Taliban target. It was classic SAS soldiering.

Again, as the mission wound up and the patrol was waiting for helicopters home, Roberts-Smith and the partner force, a group of Afghan National Army soldiers, were questioning a detainee. Evidence at the defamation trial was that the man was compliant and no threat.

Meanwhile, another Australian soldier had spotted a suspicious discolouration in the wall of the compound. He kicked it in, finding a cache of weapons hidden inside a cavity, including bags of bullets, binoculars, rifles and rocket-propelled grenade warheads.

That soldier told the court Roberts-Smith reacted immediately. He pointed at the Afghan army commander and told his interpreter: Tell him to shoot [the man being questioned] or I will. The Afghan commander spoke to his soldiers. One of them, wearing a balaclava, stepped up and shot the man up to 10 times in the body and head.

In the defamation case, the judge found this murder proven to the civil standard of the balance of probabilities.

Again, an alleged cover-up began immediately. In official reports, the time of the shooting was backdated to suggest the man was killed in action.

And in the trial itself, Roberts-Smith and four witnesses friendly to him also swore the Afghan commander, known as Person 12, could not have been there that day. He was serving a suspension, they said, because hed shot a dog a few months earlier and a bullet fragment had wounded an Australian patrol commander in the leg.

Unfortunately for Roberts-Smith and his alleged co-conspirators, the Defence Department produced official records proving the Afghan commander had not shot the dog and was not stood down. He was in Chinartu, commanding his soldiers, on the day of the shooting, as the SAS witness had testified.

In the defamation trial, the judge found Roberts-Smith and his friends had concocted what became known as the Person 12 lie. They colluded to put forward a false story, said Besanko in his judgment, noting the newspapers argument that it was deliberate, material and told out of a consciousness of guilt.

Fasil

There was another murder killing within weeks, according to allegations aired at the defamation trial, in a village called Fasil. In the lead up to this operation, Roberts-Smith allegedly said to his comrades, in substance: Hey fellas, were on 18, we need two more to get to 20. He was referring to a kill board his patrol kept at the Tarin Kowt base.

In Fasil, two soldiers intercepted a Toyota HiLux with four Afghans on board. One of them, who was in his late teens, was described by an Australian witness, a medic, as being terrified  shaking like a leaf.

On request, the medic handed over the men to Roberts-Smith and another soldier for questioning. About 15 to 20 minutes later, he said he heard over the radio Roberts-Smith reporting two EKIAs (enemies killed in action).

A day or two later, the medic said hed asked Roberts-Smith what had happened to the young, shaking Afghan male.

I shot that c--- in the head  pulled out my nine-mil [9mm pistol], shot the c--- in the side of the head, Roberts-Smith is alleged to have replied. Blew his brains out. And it was the most beautiful thing Ive ever seen.

In the defamation case, Roberts-Smith denied the allegation, saying the two enemies had been killed in action.

The judge accepted the medics evidence that he had handed over the boy, and that Roberts-Smith had expressed joy at the killing. But because no eyewitness to the shooting had come forward to give evidence, it could not be proved, even to the civil standard.

The court did hear, though, that there was another person in the compound  a soldier known in the defamation trial as Person 56. If the murder did take place, he would have been an eyewitness.

When he was called to give evidence and asked whether he had participated in the Fasil mission, he objected to answering the question on the grounds that his evidence might tend to prove he had committed the war crime of murder.

Determining that there were reasonable grounds for this objection, Besanko allowed him not to give evidence.

Read more on Ben Roberts-Smiths arrest:



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NationalNSWEducation Parents didnt like a character in a primary school book. Then it was pulled Christopher Harris April 7, 2026  7:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Oliver likes the sound of flushing toilets, garbage trucks and eating yoghurt. His dislikes include the smell of Vegemite, which can trigger a screaming meltdown that lasts for hours. As his 11-year-old sister, Matilda, tells readers of the fictional childrens novel The Thing About Oliver, sometimes he bites people. Oliver has autism. Deborah Kellys 2019 novel was shortlisted for the Childrens Book Council of Australias and Speech Pathology Australias book of the year. It won the Australian Association of Family Therapy book of the year and generates a weekly stream of fan mail from teachers and students in Australia and overseas. Author Deborah Kelly said she was never officially notified her book had been removed from the curriculum support materials. Dean Sewell The novel is dedicated to the so-called glass children, like Olivers sister Matilda, who are the sometimes overlooked siblings of those with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or mental health conditions. It was included among public schools English curriculum support material as an option for teachers. And that is when the problems started.

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In February last year, Square Peg Round Whole, an advocacy group made up of parents and carers of neurodivergent and disabled children, wrote to the head of the NSW Education Standards Authority, saying the book was undignified, outdated and damaging. Related Article Autism Thousand-fold increase: What is driving the rise of autism? [Members] have expressed distress over the books portrayal of autistic children, which reinforces harmful stereotypes and presents autistic individuals as burdens on their families, the groups co-national co-ordinators, Liz Ridgeway and Symone Wheatley-Hey, wrote. They also said some children had avoided going to school because their class was studying the text. We understand that the author is not autistic, and nor does she have autistic children. If this is true, it is very concerning that the book was published at all, to be blunt.

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In an online forum dedicated to discussing the novel, there were more complaints. Im autistic and find it abhorrent, one person said. Others defended the book. Deborah Kellys novel, The Thing About Oliver. The NSW Department of Education removed the unit of work in April 2025 for review and remediation and another book was put in its place. The curriculum support material was rewritten and another book was used. Author Deborah Kelly said she was never officially notified of the decision to remove the work but found out through word of mouth. She said she was never approached by the Department of Education to inquire about her lived experience with autism. I was deeply saddened to learn that this group has been offended by my book and want to remove it from schools where I know it is facilitating a love of reading and understanding of difference and diversity, she said.

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This was a deeply personal book of 10 years in the making, and a tapestry of so many people and places I know and love. I was very mindful of being respectful and consulted with many families and also health professionals during the writing process. Kelly, who works in healthcare where most of her patients are neurodiverse, said she wanted to be respectful of the privacy of those who informed the books characters. There are neurodivergent people in my immediate family who helped inspire its characters but out of respect for their privacy I have never discussed this publicly, she said. Almost all of Olivers traits and behaviours were based on those of neurodivergent people I know and love. I know I took the greatest of care to ensure the portrayal of my characters was honest, sensitive and dignified. President of the Primary English Teaching Association of Australia, Dr Helen Adam, said she believed the broader issue was a lack of childrens books by authors with a disability.

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It is absolutely unrealistic, and frankly unfair, to expect any single text to represent every perspective perfectly, she said. Editor's pick Education How many hours of childcare is best for kids, and how much is too much? I dont support removing a book, but I do support asking much harder questions about the ecosystem of texts we place around any single title. She said teachers were trained to teach literacy, interrogate texts, ask whose voice is present and whose is absent, and think about why. Square Peg Round Wholes Wheatley-Hey said many teachers and parent members of their organisation had contacted them about the book.

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Our advocacy was not directed towards Ms Kelly, for whom we have the utmost respect, but towards the obligation of NESA and the department to ensure curriculum materials, including fictional texts, represent disability in a way that centres lived experience, she said. She said the UNs Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires governments to actively combat stereotypes and promote respect and dignity of people with disability, including by fostering these attitudes from an early age and encouraging responsible representation in education and media. A NSW Department of Education spokesman said: The department is committed to ensuring curriculum support materials are inclusive, respectful and appropriate for all students. 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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NationalWAScams Leah thought she prevented a scam. Then her bank called Indigo Lemay-Conway April 7, 2026  3:36pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Western Australians are being warned not to believe everything they see or hear  or their money could be at risk. New figures show 773 people across the state were scammed in 2025 and lost a whopping $24 million. Perth resident and mother of six, Leah Lewis, was scammed out of $4540 in 2025. 9 News Perth Commerce Minister Tony Buti said the WA ScamNet Year in Review report revealed the number of people being scammed dropped from the previous year, but AI continued to be a problem. [The report is] sobering reading. Unfortunately, AI is becoming a real problem, and AI is becoming more sophisticated and people can generate what can be considered to be very convincing stories and convincing individuals, and theyre not who they say they are, Buti said.

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The report showed that 27 per cent of reported scams involved phishing  where scammers impersonate trusted brands, government agencies or banks to steal personal data via text, email or calls. All up, phishing and hacking scams tallied a loss of $2.1 million, dating and romance scams cost victims $3.8 million and fake charities a total of $2 million. The scam that saw the highest revenue loss was investment scams, which saw people hand over $13.7 million. Artificial intelligence-related scams resulted in $257,819 stolen from 20 victims in 2025 and $93,000 so far in 2026. Jindalee woman Leah Lewis lost $4540 after scammers pretended to be someone from her banks fraud department.

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I had a notification come through from my bank saying $540 was spent at EasyJet. I looked at my husband and asked Did you just buy a flight? and he said no, so I called Commbank, and it was a scam, Lewis said. They gave us our money back and everything was really good and then around 10 days later I had a phone call because I had a new card sent out in that time, and they said they were from Commbank, and they were looking out to see if I had just spent $300 in Darwin. I didnt, so I said no. They then asked if I knew anyone by the name of Eugene  and I said no  and they said Someone is trying to set up a direct debit for lots of different amounts. I need you to recite your card that weve just sent out to make sure that we can protect your money. The mother of six said she gave the callers her card details because she believed they were from Commbank, but in hindsight, it was the wrong move. Now [I know] its so silly, but stupidly I recited my card details to them, and they said they were going to protect my money, Lewis said.

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Related Article Social media Meta destroyed key evidence in Twiggy Forrests scam ad fight They said they needed me to approve it on the app  which I did, not realising where the money was actually going until later on. It ended up going to a company called Taptap Send, which at the time I had no idea what it was. Unfortunately, it went to an international money sending company. Lewis said that throughout the 22-minute phone call, she never had any indication that the callers were actually scammers. $4540 taken, it was awful, especially when youre a mum to six kids. I felt guilty, like Id just given away our hard-earned money to some scammers when I thought I was protecting it, she said. Lewis said after a long process, Commbank was able to refund the stolen money.

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Dont be ashamed Consumer Protection Commissioner Patricia Blake said she has one clear message for people amidst the rise of AI scams. Were still tragically seeing a lot of Western Australians lose their very hard-earned dollars to scammers year-on-year, and with the advent of AI, were seeing that those scams are becoming increasingly more sophisticated and increasingly more difficult to tell or to identify, she said. So one very clear message to everybody out there is, please do not be ashamed if you have been scammed; anyone and everyone is capable of being scammed. On investment scams, Blake said never to trust celebrity-endorsed investments.

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Investment scams continue to be a real problematic area for Western Australian consumers and for the ScammNet team. This year, we saw one person lose $200,000 to what was a celebrity fake, she said. This is the really important message: any celebrity is not going to be sharing with you their latest tips on investment. It just is not true; it will never happen. They have to have a financial services license in order to be recommending any kind of investment. Similarly, she urged people never to give money to someone they havent met in person. Romance scams are also very high on that list, and again, we sadly see a lot of people falling victim to AI with those romance scams, she said. They think theyre in a relationship with often quite famous people, and we all look at that and think its got to be obvious that its a scam, but we have to remember that these scammers are among the best behavioral scientists on this planet.

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They are so very, very good at preying on our vulnerabilities and getting us into that space where were no longer thinking logically, but are thinking with our hearts and with our emotions. Her piece of advice to those who think they have been scammed: reach out to your bank as quickly as possible. Always contact your bank. Contact your bank immediately; that is your best chance of getting any of your funds back, but  often when victims are scammed, that money is gone.
URCS sets up support points for those affected by Russian drone attack in Kharkiv

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) has set up support points for those affected by the Russian drone attack in the city of Kharkiv.

"Yesterday, at all the strike locations in Kharkiv, the rapid response unit of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society in Kharkiv region was on duty On site, URCS support points were deployed where victims could charge their mobile phones, drink water or hot beverages, and have a snack," the organization reported on Facebook on Tuesday.

Based on the needs identified, the Ukrainian Red Cross team distributed humanitarian aid: OSB boards for temporary repairs, drinking water, transit food and hygiene kits, including children's kits, as well as other essential items.

In addition, volunteers carried out patrols of areas near the strike sites and damaged buildings, conducted door-to-door visits to identify victims, provided first aid to the wounded, and offered psychological support to those in need.

According to Ukraine's State Emergency Service (SES), Kharkiv came under attack by Russian drones on April 6. At least five people were injured. A residential high-rise in the Kyiv district was destroyed, cars were damaged, and a bus near a public transport stop was hit. Fires broke out in open areas as a result of the strikes, which rescuers quickly extinguished.
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Exclusive PoliticsQueenslandQueensland government LNP donors scored meeting about plans for rival supermarket Matt Dennien April 8, 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

LNP donors who owned and operated an island supermarket discussed its future with a Queensland government MP before the local council dumped plans for a mainland competitor, emails obtained by this masthead show. The emails, provided under Right to Information laws, shed new light on the interactions between small businesses, developers and the city council in a rapidly growing part of Greater Brisbane. Redland councillor Shane Rendalls, whose division covers the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, last year sought to organise a meeting with the LNPs Redland MP Rebecca Young and the Russell Island IGA owner. A Google Maps view of the proposed Weinam Creek multi-storey carpark and shopping centre site at Redland Bay. Google Maps Arranged under the subject of the impact of Weinam Creek on SMBI retail precincts, the eventual meeting between Rendalls, Young, representatives of ultimate landlord Doval Construction and store operators Jones Retail Group took place on March 18, 2025.

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By December, Redland City Council had ditched plans for a $250 million development, anchored by a Coles store, at the site of the ferry terminal servicing the island  choosing instead to only progress plans for the car park. In 2013, the council had been told Weinam Creek needed a larger shop, as did one of the islands. The plans for the Coles came eight years after the area was confirmed as a priority development area by the state in 2014. Those plans were put in place in 2022, with Consolidated Properties Group (CPG) picked to deliver the Weinam Creek project, about one kilometre away from the only other major supermarket in the Redland Bay area. The Woolworths-anchored Redland Bay Village, part-owned by local developers Fox and Bell  with which council chief executive Louise Rusan has a declared family conflict of interest  was put up for sale after council dumped plans for the Coles competitor.

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The council and councillor who initiated the December vote, Rendalls, has maintained dumping the supermarket was about fast-tracking the car park, which will now be built by the state without the adjoining shops. Related Article Exclusive

Queensland councils A council dumped plans for a new supermarket. Its developer questions why Work had been due to begin later this year for completion in 2028, with CPG chief executive and chair Don ORorke raising questions earlier this year about the councils decision and resulting lack of retail competition. Jones Retail Group, which operates a suite of IGAs throughout Brisbanes east  including on Russell Island and IGA Redland Heights  made a $1000 political donation to the LNPs Redland branch in 2023. Doval Construction, which owns the site of the Russell Island IGA through a subsidiary, donated $10,000 to the LNP in 2022.

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Neither Rendalls, Young, Doval Construction or Jones Retail Group had previously given details about the March 2025 meeting listed in Youngs assistant ministerial diary when asked by this masthead. But the application under Right to Information laws has uncovered some of the emails involved in setting it up. These show Rendalls writing to Doval Construction director and construction manager Ben Dyson on February 18. In that email, with the subject line Impact of Weinam Creek on SMBI retail precincts, Rendalls tells Dyson to coordinate with his office to organise a meeting between the pair and then SMBI Chamber of Commerce president Dan Golin. Rendalls then asks his office to include Young in the meeting, with further emails outlining the attendance of Dysons fellow director Stephen Beck and a partner of the related Doval Holdings, Bernard Giraud.

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In a February 21 email seeking to confirm the meetings timing, a council officer describes the nature of the meeting as one to discuss the future for the Weinam Creek PDA. Dyson replied to ask if anyone had any objections to Tyrone Jones, an owner and founder of Jones Retail Group, also attending. Ultimately, Jones did. Rendalls, Doval Constructions and Jones Retail Group are yet to respond to additional questions from this masthead about any outcomes of the meeting. Young, in a written response, did not directly address questions but criticised the former government and stood behind her efforts to ensure a new multi-level car park that will provide significantly more spaces. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by any of the individuals, groups, or representatives of them. 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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TechnologyAI Memos and confidants allege pattern of dishonesty from OpenAI boss David Swan April 8, 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

Secret memos compiled by OpenAI co-founder and former chief scientist Ilya Sutskever allege chief executive Sam Altman engaged in a sustained pattern of lying to executives and board members, misrepresenting internal safety protocols, and manipulating colleagues. The allegations, which are denied by an OpenAI spokesperson, preceded Altmans dramatic firing and reinstatement in late 2023. The memos, which span approximately 70 pages of Slack messages, human resources documents and explanatory text, were disclosed in a New Yorker investigation published on Monday. They were compiled at the request of fellow board members and sent as disappearing messages to avoid detection. One memo opens with a list headed Sam exhibits a consistent pattern of  with the first item listed as Lying. The revelations raise pointed questions about governance at what is now one of the worlds most valuable technology companies, reportedly preparing for an initial public offering at a potential valuation of $US1 trillion ($1.45 trillion). OpenAIs Sam Altman. The company is reportedly preparing for an initial public offering. Bloomberg The governance questions also carry direct implications for Australia, where ChatGPT has an estimated several million users and OpenAIs models are embedded in Microsoft products used across the federal public service.

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Related Article Analysis

Data centres For every $100 in data centres, $80 leaves Australia almost immediately In a sworn deposition in a lawsuit lodged by Elon Musk against OpenAI, Altman and other OpenAI executives, seen by this masthead, Sutskever confirmed that characterisation was clearly his view at the time. He told lawyers he sent the memos as disappearing messages because he feared that if Altman had become aware of these discussions, he would just find a way to make them disappear. Asked what action he believed was appropriate, Sutskever gave a single-word answer: Termination. He testified he had been considering Altmans removal for at least a year before it occurred. The allegations are similar to those in a separate archive of more than 200 pages of contemporaneous notes assembled by Dario Amodei, the former OpenAI safety lead who left in 2020 to found rival firm Anthropic. Amodeis notes, also previously undisclosed, purport to document what he describes as escalating deception over several years. Treasurer Jim Chalmers met with Anthropics Dario Amodei in Canberra. Board members independently raised concerns about Altmans conduct, as detailed in the New Yorker report. Helen Toner, a board member and Australian AI policy expert, discovered that safety features Altman told the board had been approved for GPT-4 in December 2022 had not in fact received sign-off. Fellow board member Tasha McCauley was pulled aside after the same meeting by an employee who revealed that Microsoft had deployed an early ChatGPT version in India without completing a required safety review  something Altman had not disclosed during hours of board briefings.

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In the memos, Sutskever also alleged that when OpenAI prepared to release GPT-4 Turbo, Altman reportedly told then-chief technology officer Mira Murati the model did not need safety approval, citing general counsel Jason Kwon. But when Murati checked with Kwon directly, he responded over Slack: ugh ... confused where sam got that impression. Related Article AI Albanese government reaches deal with $550b AI giant in legal battle with Trump An OpenAI spokeswoman dismissed the investigation as a rehash of old events. Much of the piece revisits previously reported events through anonymous claims and selective anecdotes sourced from people with clear agendas, the spokeswoman told this masthead, claiming that the most serious allegations stemmed from Elon Musks smear campaign, which The New Yorker itself investigated and debunked. The company said it strongly rejects any suggestion that OpenAI has traded safety for growth, pointing to investments in youth safety protections and government partnerships. OpenAI said it now has more than 900 million weekly active users and is a very different company: larger, more mature, more rigorously governed. Multiple senior Microsoft executives described the companys relationship with Altman as fraught. Paul Graham, who recruited Altman to lead startup incubator Y Combinator, privately told colleagues that Sam had been lying to us all the time, according to the report. Former OpenAI chief technology officer Murati, who provided material for Sutskevers memos, said: We need institutions worthy of the power they wield.

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The revelations land as the Albanese government develops its mandatory guardrails for high-risk AI applications. The question of whether frontier AI companies can be trusted to self-report safety failures is central to that regulatory design. Toby Walsh speaking at the National Press Club. AAPIMAGE Professor Toby Walsh, one of Australias leading AI researchers at UNSW Sydney, said OpenAI should be judged by the same standards now being applied to social media companies. The New Yorker investigation noted that OpenAI faces seven wrongful-death lawsuits alleging ChatGPT contributed to suicides and a murder. They ought to be put in the same bucket as social media companies like Meta that are increasingly becoming recognised as dangerous and careless, Walsh told this masthead. He said the prospect of a trillion-dollar IPO made self-regulation even less credible. The commercial pressures are immense. The stakes are millions, perhaps billions of dollars for people like Sam Altman. Doing the right thing is hard in such circumstances. Surely weve learnt the lesson of social media that tech companies cannot be relied upon to comply.

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David Krueger, a prominent AI safety researcher who served as a research director on the founding team of the UK AI Security Institute, said the allegations suggested a pattern that should disqualify Altman from his role. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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InspirationFoodie travel Opinion The type of restaurant every traveller should seek out Ben Groundwater Travel writer April 8, 2026  5:00am

April 8, 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

Henry Onesemo emerges from the kitchen with a bowl and a jug. The chef and owner of one of Aucklands most awarded and expensive restaurants is here to wash your hands. He will do this as a sign of respect, he says, the same way he as a kid used to show respect to his elders in Samoa. This little ceremony will display his dedication to hospitality, the pleasure he and his staff take from cooking and serving and making people feel welcome. Henry Onesemo in action at Tala. Manja Wachsmuth And so he does it  he washes your hands. Then he heads back to the kitchen at Tala to prepare dessert. If Henry or his staff make any false move with this ceremony, if they give even the slightest hint of fakery, the whole thing falls apart. It becomes a charade, awkward and uncomfortable. It becomes less about respect and more about subservience. The rapport the Tala team have carefully built up over a few hours of fine-dining excellence will immediately dissolve.

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But there are no false moves. Youre left thinking: this is all real. He means it. They all mean it. What the hell? Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Tala is a restaurant that doesnt make a whole lot of sense, on face value. Its an eatery that is serving a cuisine that doesnt really exist: Samoan fine-dining, a 14-course meal of fancy Pasifika dishes that have never been cooked before. Umu chicken, Talas signature dish. Manja Wachsmuth These plates are being created and prepared by a chef with very little formal training, someone who runs the kitchen, keeps an eye on the floor, who does his own PR and even runs his own social media accounts in a world where most fine-dining establishments have a whole slick team to take care of that stuff. And hes charging almost $200 a head for dinner. Not to be too derogatory here, but Pacific Island food isnt the sort you think would lend itself to haute cuisine. Henry is also set on telling the story of Samoa and of his own childhood through what he calls journeys, which are his degustation meals  again, if you set a foot wrong with this sort of approach you end up with something painfully pretentious and ultimately boring.

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Those restaurants do exist. Ive been to plenty of them. Please just feed me, you think, somewhere deep into the chefs monologue about childhood memories of lavender fields or fishing trips with Uncle John. But now here you are eating Seasonal Fruit, which in this case is a slice of unripe pineapple rolled in salt and sugar and chilli, meant to replicate the green fruit Henry and his family would dunk in sweet cordial powder when he was growing up in Samoa. Pisupo is play on corned beef, which was brought to Samoa by American servicemen in World War II; here it becomes steak tartare with daikon and yuzu kosho. You make connections in these places, which isnt always easy to do in organic ways when youre travelling. You should go to Tala if you visit Auckland. In fact, you should visit Auckland to go to Tala. Its that good. Its also the perfect embodiment of the sort of restaurant that every traveller should be searching for: somewhere that provides connection. Somewhere that does far more than serve you food. It gives you an experience, unique and personal and cultural.

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Ditch the massive restaurant conglomerates. Avoid the empires, the spin-offs, the slick machines. Look for small restaurants run by passionate people. Find places where the owner is the man or the woman in the apron calling dishes from the pass, or banging the pans. Seek out the joint where the sons or the daughters are running the restaurant floor. Henry Onesemo. Manja Wachsmuth These places can be very expensive, but they can also be very cheap. For every Asador Etxebarri, an incredibly refined restaurant in the Basque hills where chef Victor Arguinzoniz has been quietly influencing every wood-fired eatery that has popped up around the world, theres 100 ramen joints in Japan where the owner charges $10 for a bowl that he or she has been perfecting for decades. Japan specialises in these sorts of eateries, where service is so personal, where culture is so ingrained. You dont have to search far when youre there: almost every izakaya, every soba noodle shop, every sushi joint fits these parameters.

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But you will find this in Italian trattorie, in Thai noodle joints, in Argentinian steakhouses, in French bistros, at Sri Lankan kottu roti stands. Related Article Foodie travel When it comes to great food, New Zealand is cutting Australias lunch You make connections in these places, which isnt always easy to do in organic ways when youre travelling. How often do you get to talk to someone who is the living, breathing embodiment of their culture, who is often changing that culture, who has passion and talent and who will share it all with you? Ill tell you some of my favourites. Gueyu Mar, a seafood restaurant on the coast of Asturias in Spain, where chef Abel Alvarez is a pleasure to get to know. Da Enzo al 29 in Rome. Fuku Yakitori in Tokyo. Schole in Hobart. Kabab Erbil in Dubai. Matria in Lima. And of course, Tala in Auckland. Time recently included this restaurant in its list of Worlds Greatest Places for 2026, and you can see why. Its all real. The writer visited Tala with assistance from Tourism New Zealand.
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Reviews & adviceBeach and island holidays I booked a bargain trip through Aldi Holidays. Heres how it went Caroline Zielinski April 8, 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

At first, my partner Liam thinks that sitting in the last row, right next to the toilet, is a great idea. With no one behind us, we can easily stand up and stretch during the eight-hour flight to Phuket, Thailand  not to mention access the toilet. I am less convinced. Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort and Spa, booked by the writer through Aldi Holidays. This is a bit gross, I say, buckling our toddler and myself into the window and middle seats. But I guess it suits the Aldi bargain holiday were on! When Liam stumbled upon an Aldi holiday deal, I was confused and sceptical. Im not a snob and I dont mind a bargain: youre likely to find me perusing the middle aisle of the local Aldi when stocking up on groceries.

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However, it would be remiss of me to omit that sometimes, the products Aldi sells are just a little  off the mark. The Aldi-branded Tim Tams arent quite as caramelly as the real deal; the bread is a little less crisp. And its soft goat cheese is certainly no Merediths. Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. But Liam gets me when I am tired, and the reality of the sort of holiday we used to take  booking Airbnbs in strange cities; hopping on and off planes every four days; going on street food tours and swimming with manta rays in Indonesia  is over with a three-year-old kid in tow. The kids water-play area at the resort. Kids like playgrounds and tiny pools with matching tiny slides, white bread with jam from buffets, and water parks. They like to sleep in the same bed each night and know what is happening the next day. Aldi is offering all this and more for the low price of $3965 (after some solid negotiations first  dont be afraid to ask for a better deal). This includes return flights to Phuket for three; eight nights at Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort and Spa; a full-day Coral Island and Racha Island Tour; free daily buffet breakfast, plus your choice of lunch or dinner; daily drinks from the main bar; a free Thai massage per guest; kids room and amenities, and more.

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It sounds too good to be true, but we figure that for under $4000 in Thailand, we can afford to fork out a bit more if something goes wrong. So here we are, on a plane, sitting next to the toilet. The initial few hours are fine; the excitement of travelling to a far-flung destination has not yet settled into the weary monotony that is economy flying. Then the toilet lines start. Ugh, Liam groans. He slowly sinks his head into the hood of his jumper, trying to block his nose. Eventually, he asks if he can borrow one of the scarves I packed to use as blankets. The author with daughter on the beach in Phuket. Liam Mannix Fortunately, the rest of the flight goes well (notwithstanding the occasional whiff of excrement) and we are picked up by the hotel bus as promised. The drive takes an hour, and we manage to check in by 10.15pm. When I call ahead to order food, the staff make sure to have it waiting for us.

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The room is lovely: cool, clean, and overlooking the pool. They have prepared a cot for our daughter beside our king-size bed, complete with a tiny pillow and doona. She is ecstatic. In the morning, we wake up to the sounds of exotic birds and the pitter-patter of rain. Part of the reason the holiday is so cheap is the dates we have chosen: mid-September in Thailand is not exactly the dry season. But, as anyone who travels to the tropics knows, the wet season is often filled with bursts of sunshine, and I figure if even half our days are semi-dry, the trip is worth it. The room is clean and comfortable. The rain stops by the time we get down to the buffet, a spectacular set-up featuring breakfasts commonly eaten in the West, many parts of Asia, and  Russia. This is an unexpected delight: as I am Polish, vegetable and egg salad with cold meats for breakfast is one of my favourite meals, so I load up and, to Liam and Evies horror, eat at least three servings of vegetables before we hit 10am. The buffet is also adjacent to the kids club, decked out with beanbags, toys, games, and a giant TV, manned by staff members for most of the day  a major plus for two tired parents and an energetic child. (Later, we find out there is also an indoor playground  first hour free  and a small fee for each hour after with trained staff.)

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We spend the days wandering around the small village and traipsing to Kata Beach, with plenty of nap and pool breaks in between. Evie loves the pool, and she loves participating in activities such as bracelet making and painting offered by the hotel. The kids club. But the highlight of the trip is the full-day Coral Island tour. Despite some initial problems (it appears Aldi has forgotten to inform the third-party tour company of our participation, so we spend a day frantically emailing and calling Aldi representatives to reschedule, only to find success after directly messaging the chief marketing officer on LinkedIn); and the tour guides lacking a life jacket small enough for a three-year-old, the tour goes smoothly. The tour company picks us up from our hotel in the morning, deposits us outside the headquarters, and then ferries our group in a high-speed boat between two islands of pristine white sand and turquoise water. At our second stop on Racha Island, we are treated to a humble lunch buffet before being left to our own devices. Evie, Liam, and I alternate between swimming, playing, and occasionally eavesdropping on the conversations of all the other Australian families.

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We think we will go to Phuket proper more than we do, but the 40-minute car ride there and back is prohibitive. But for those looking to stay in a resort or simply go to and from a beach, the experience is perfect. The staff at the Novotel are nothing but helpful and kind, and Evie has a blast. In fact, she keeps asking us when we are going to Thailand again. Related Article Family holidays The worlds 25 best family holiday destinations in 2026 The verdict Other than the administrative nightmare of rebooking our tour, everything goes smoothly. The trip comes with a free transfer to the airport and back, so we dont have to worry about booking a car. Would I do it again? Absolutely, sign me up. Its not often you get to rest as a parent of a small child, which is worth far more than $4000.

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See aldiholidays.com.au The writer travelled at her own expense.
Cameroon's Foreign Minister Lejeune Mbella Mbella announced on state television that 16 Cameroonian citizens died fighting for Russia in Ukraine, a fact confirmed by the Russian consulate in the capital Yaounde, Clash Report has said.

Cameroon stated on Tuesday that Russian authorities confirmed the deaths of 16 Cameroonians working as "military contractors." The Cameroonian Foreign Ministry published a list of the deceased.

"Cameroon's latest statement is the first public admission of citizen participation in the war, signaling growing concern over the uncontrolled flow of fighters and the consequences for internal security," the report says.

According to the publication, an internal memo from the Ministry of Defense of Cameroon dated March 2025 already warned that soldiers were leaving Cameroon to participate in the war, with commanders instructed to monitor units more closely. The country's government emphasized that it does not deploy troops abroad outside of international mandates.

In February, the Ukrainian side stated that more than 1,700 Africans are fighting for Russia; in November 2025, a figure of more than 1,400 fighters from 36 African countries was voiced, many of whom are now prisoners of war. Russia denies illegal recruitment, but numerous cases indicate various methods.

"African governments have begun to react. In March, Kenya stated that Russia agreed to stop recruiting its citizens after more than 1,000 Kenyans were recruited, according to Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi. Ugandan authorities also stated that employment agencies are exploiting youth unemployment and overseas employment programs," the article says.
Russian forces are increasing the amount of long-range artillery in the area of responsibility of the seventh Rapid Response Corps of Ukraine's Air Assault Forces as they try to intensify their offensive in Pokrovsk urban area, the corps command said.

"The enemy is hiding artillery both in tree lines and in private residential areas. Understanding the enemy's logic, the Defense Forces are detecting and destroying Russian guns. Over the past 24 hours alone, Ukrainian troops damaged and destroyed five enemy artillery pieces near Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. Despite constant pressure from the enemy, units in the area of responsibility of the seventh Rapid Response Corps continue to hold positions in the northern part of Pokrovsk," the corps said on Telegram.

It said Ukrainian units had forced the enemy to slow its advance, prompting Russian forces to step up activity in the directions of Hryshyne and Rodynske.

"Small-arms fighting is continuing in Hryshyne, including in the southeastern part of the settlement. Ukraine's Defense Forces are operating with active support from UAV units and artillery. The enemy is unsuccessfully deploying additional assault groups to put pressure on Hryshyne, including using motorcycles," the corps said.
Meeting of NMCs Slum Eradication and Housing Committee concludes





Business Reporter :

The meeting of Nagpur Municipal Corporations (NMC) Slum Eradication and Housing Committee was held here at the Dr Punjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Committee Hall, at the head office of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation in Civil Lines. Committee Chairperson Rutika Masram presided over the meeting. On the occasion, the chairman reviewed the number of slums in the city, progress of work in the last five years, implementation of various housing schemes, and discussed upcoming plans in detail. Masram said that the awareness about the Government schemes should reach the common people through various media.

Present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman of the committee Sandeep Gawai; Members Nagesh Mankar, Yogita Telang, Hemant Barde, Vivek Nikose, Sujata Kambade, and Pawan Koye, along with Municipal Commissioner and Social Development Departments Deputy Commissioner Dr Ranjana Lade, Superintending Engineer Leena Upadhyay, Executive Engineer Ashwini Yelchetwar, Deputy Engineer Pushpa Joge, and others.
A New Canaan-bound Metro-North train crosses Glenbrook Road following a stop at the Glenbrook train station in Stamford Dec. 9, 2024. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW CANAAN  Buses will replace weekend train service on Metro-North Railroad's New Canaan branch for about two months starting this weekend as crews work to install new track, officials said.

The bus service will begin at 11 p.m. on Fridays and will continue through Sunday nights, according to the state Department of Transportation. Normal train service will resume each Monday morning.

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This work is essential to building the infrastructure that supports a safer, more reliable system for the long term, DOT Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Jeffrey Gonneville said in a statement Tuesday. We appreciate the patience as we get this work done.

Transportation officials said the work involves installing new track adjacent to the New Canaan branch in order to support a maintenance facility in Stamford and trimming operations at various locations.

The work is expected to continue through June 7. Buses will replace trains each weekend except Memorial Day weekend, when trains will operate on a normal schedule between May 22 and 25, officials said.

Officials noted the buses, which will temporarily replace trains 1790 and 1799, may depart from the Stamford and New Canaan stations up to 30 minutes earlier than the normally scheduled train times.

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President Donald Trump speaks with reporters during a news conference in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington. Mark Schiefelbein/AP Relatives react as the coffins with the bodies of Pierre Mouawad, an official with the anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces party, and his wife are carried during their funeral in Yahshush, in Lebanon, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Emilio Morenatti/AP An excavator removes rubble at the site of a strike that, according to a security official at the scene, destroyed half of the Khorasaniha Synagogue and nearby residential buildings in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Francisco Seco/AP Men carry the coffins with the bodies of Pierre Mouawad, an official with the anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces party, and his wife during their funeral in Yahshush, Lebanon, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Emilio Morenatti/AP A nurse attends to a patient at Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Francisco Seco/AP

Irans Supreme National Security Council said it has accepted a two-week ceasefire in the war. Its statement said it would negotiate with the United States in Islamabad beginning Friday.

It is emphasized that this does not signify the termination of the war, the statement said. Our hands remain upon the trigger, and should the slightest error be committed by the enemy, it shall be met with full force.

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U.S. President Donald Trump said hes pulling back on his threats to widen attacks on Iran. The president said that includes an array of bridges, power plants and other civilian targets  subject to Iran being ready for a two-week ceasefire and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Trumps latest threat over the Iran war hit a new extreme earlier Tuesday when he warned, A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again, if Iran fails to make a deal that includes reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz.

The Republican presidents earlier comments were swiftly met with condemnation from Democrats, some Make America Great Again supporters who have since broken with Trump, and the first American pope.

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Here is the latest:

UN chief welcomes two-week ceasefire and urges end to hostilities

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls on all parties to abide by the terms of the ceasefire in order to pave the way towards a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region, his spokesperson said.

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Guterres also calls on the parties to comply with their obligations under international law, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement late Tuesday.

International law requires the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The secretary-general underscores that an end to hostilities is urgently needed to protect civilian lives and alleviate human suffering, Dujarric said.

Jean Arnault, the secretary-generals personal envoy, is in the region to support efforts toward lasting peace, the spokesperson said.

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The Islamic Resistance in Iraq says it will halt operations for two weeks

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed Iraqi militias, said in a statement early Wednesday that it will halt its operations in Iraq and the region for two weeks.

The announcement came hours after the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire.

Iran-backed militias in Iraq have claimed responsibility for dozens of attacks on U.S. bases and other facilities in the country in solidarity with Tehran since the war began.

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Key bridge between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain reopens

The King Fahd Causeway, a key bridge linking Saudi Arabia and the island kingdom of Bahrain, reopened Wednesday morning after an hourslong closure over possible incoming fire from Iran.

The King Fahd Causeway Authority said in its announcement on X that vehicle traffic has resumed.

Israel says ceasefire with Iran doesnt include war in Lebanon against Hezbollah

In a statement Wednesday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said it supports Trumps decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks, but that it doesnt include the war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

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It said the ceasefire is subject to Iran immediately opening the Strait of Hormuz and stopping all attacks on the U.S., Israel and countries in the region.

The statement said Israel also supports U.S. efforts to ensure Iran no longer poses a nuclear or missile threat.

Governments in Asia and the Pacific welcome ceasefire

Australia said it welcomes the agreement by the United States, Israel and Iran to a two-week ceasefire to negotiate a resolution to the conflict in the Middle East.

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The Australian government has been calling for de-escalation and an end to the conflict for some time now, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Wednesday in a statement.

They also criticized Irans de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, coupled with its attacks on commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure, and oil and gas facilities.

In Japan Minoru Kihara, chief cabinet secretary, said his nation welcomes the announcement as a positive development. We hope they reach an agreement.

Winston Peters, New Zealands foreign minister, said on X, that his nation welcomed the effort to end the war.

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While this is encouraging news, there remains significant important work to be done in the coming days to secure a lasting ceasefire, he said.

Australia PM says Trumps threat to Iranian civilization was not appropriate

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Trumps threat to the Iranian population was not appropriate.

Albanese referred to Trumps threat that a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again, if Iran failed to make a peace deal that included reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

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I dont think its appropriate to use language such as that from the President of the United States. And I think it will cause some concern, Albanese told Sky News television on Wednesday.

Weve said very clearly that the conduct of any conflict must be within international law and that provides for making sure that civilians  who arent parties to the conflict  are given every protection possible, Albanese added.

Albanese described the agreement reached by the United States, Israel and Iran to a two-week ceasefire to negotiate a resolution to the conflict as positive news.

Pro-government demonstrators take to the streets in Tehran

Pro-government demonstrators in the streets of Irans capital Wednesday morning after the ceasefire was announced screamed: Death to America, death to Israel, death to compromisers!

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Organizers tried at one point to calm demonstrators, but they continued the chants.

They also burned American and Israeli flags in the street.

It shows the ongoing anger from hard-liners, who had been preparing for what many assumed would be an apocalyptic battle with the U.S.

Iran includes acceptance of enrichment in Farsi version of its ceasefire plan

Iran in the Farsi-language version of its 10-point ceasefire plan included the phrase acceptance of enrichment for its nuclear program, something that was missing in English versions shared by Iranian diplomats to journalists.

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It wasnt immediately clear why that term was missing.

However, Trump had said ending Irans nuclear program entirely was a key point of the war.

Trump after Iran issued its 10-point plan had described it as fraudulent, without elaborating.

Israel is still attacking Iran, military official says

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said early Wednesday that Israel was still attacking Iran.

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Moments earlier the White House said Israel had agreed to the terms of the two-week US-Iran ceasefire agreement.

Iran also kept up fire on Israel.

 Sam Mednick

Israeli strike kills at least eight people in southern Lebanese coastal city

Lebanons Health Ministry said another 22 people were wounded in the strike on Sidon.

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The strike came without warning, and the Israeli military did not immediately specify who it was targeting.

At least 1,530 people have been killed in the latest war between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group.

Pakistan invites Iran and the US to talks in Islamabad on Friday

Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he is inviting Iran and the United States to meet in Islamabad and have further discussions.

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In a post on X, Sharif said that both parties have agreed on the ceasefire.

I warmly welcome the sagacious gesture and extend deepest gratitude to the leadership of both the countries, he said. And invite their delegations to Islamabad on Friday, 10th April 2026, to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes.

There has been no public response from the U.S. or Iran to the invitation.

US confirms release of journalist kidnapped by Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia in Iraq

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed in a statement that American journalist Shelley Kittleson, who was kidnapped last week in Iraq, has been released.

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Kittleson was abducted by the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah from a street corner in Baghdad on March 31.

Rubio said in a statement posted on X, We are relieved that this American is now freed and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq.

He thanked Iraqi authorities, as well as the FBI and U.S. defense department and other U.S. agencies for their work toward securing Kittlesons release.

Vance was involved in talks as deadline drew closer

As the clock inched closer to Trumps proposed 8 p.m. deadline with no resolution in sight, U.S. Vice President JD Vance got roped into the conversation late Tuesday, according to an official from one of the mediating countries who was briefed on the matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity to share sensitive diplomatic discussions.

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Vances office did not immediately have a comment.

Vance is currently traveling in Hungary.

 Farnoush Amiri and Michelle L. Price

Neither Iran nor the US has offered any time for the ceasefire to begin

But a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations, said American forces had halted offensive operations.

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Iran continued to fire at Gulf Arab states and Israel, despite Pakistan saying the ceasefire had taken hold immediately.

- Jon Gambrell

Chinese officials encouraged Iran to find path to ceasefire with US, AP sources say

China, which is Tehrans biggest trade partner, spoke with the Iranians to get them on board, according to two officials who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

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Chinese officials were in touch with Iranian officials to encourage Tehran to find a path to a ceasefire deal as the negotiations were evolving, the officials said.

Beijing primarily had been working with intermediaries, including Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt, as it tried to use its influence, said one of the officials, who was not authorized to comment publicly on the diplomatic matter.

The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Earlier Tuesday, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, said, All parties need to demonstrate sincerity and quickly end this war that should not have happened in the first place. She said China was deeply concerned about the impact the conflict has on the world economy and energy security.

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 Farnoush Amiri and Aamer Madhani

Iran and Oman to be allowed to charge for Strait of Hormuz passage

The two-week ceasefire plan includes allowing both Iran and Oman to charge fees on ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, a regional official said Wednesday.

The official said Iran would use the money it raised for reconstruction. It wasnt immediately clear what Oman would use its money for.

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The strait is in the territorial waters of both Oman and Iran. The world had considered the passage an international waterway and never paid tolls before.

The official, who had been directly involved in the negotiations, spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

 Samy Magdy

Pentagon press briefing set for Wednesday morning

The announcement of the press conference with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, comes after the president announced the ceasefire agreement.

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Israel agrees to terms of the two-week US-Iran ceasefire agreement, White House official says

The official was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Pakistan, which brokered the ceasefire deal, says it extends to Israel and Hezbollah fighting in Lebanon.

 Aamer Madhani

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There are concerns in Israel about ceasefire agreement, says AP source

Thats according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak to the media.

The person said Israel would like to achieve more in the war with Iran.

 Sam Mednick

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Leavitt says negotiations will continue

Asked for clarity on what Trump meant by the Iranian peace proposal being workable, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, President Trumps words speak for themselves: this is a workable basis to negotiate, and those negotiations will continue.

The truth is that President Trump and our powerful military got Iran to agree to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and negotiations will continue, Leavitt said in a statement.

Oil prices plunge after Trump pulls back on threats to widen attacks

Futures for U.S. crude oil sank 18% to around $92.60, while Brent crude oil futures fell about 6% to $103.40.

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Both prices remain well above where they were at the start of the war.

Futures for the S&P 500 rose 2.4%.

US signaled to Israel that strikes were meant to show Iran what could come, official says

Some Israeli officials had begun speculating as Trump neared his self-imposed deadline that he was edging toward finding an off-ramp even as he offered increasingly menacing rhetoric, according to person privy to internal deliberations.

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The U.S. administration had signaled to Israelis that the strikes on military assets on Kharg Island earlier Tuesday and the targeting of Irans two main petrochemical hubs, Mahshahr and Assaluyeh, were sending a clear message to Tehran of what would come if Trump chose to further intensify the bombardment, according to the person who requested anonymity to discuss the matter.

Israeli officials were skeptical and believed the apparent breakthrough could unravel and lead to further escalation if the Iranians dont make good on quickly opening the Strait of Hormuz, the person added.

 Aamer Madhani

US military has halted all offensive operations against Iran, US official says

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive military operations, noted that defensive measures and operations would still be in effect.

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It comes after President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire agreement with the Islamic Republic.

 Konstantin Toropin

White House doesnt immediately clarify what Trump meant by workable Iranian plan

The White House on Tuesday night did not answer messages on why the president described Irans 10-point peace plan as workable.

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Among the points communicated by Tehran were an easing of U.S. sanctions on Iran and the withdrawal of United States combat forces from all bases and points of deployment within the region.

In his social media post announcing a postponement of his threatened bombing campaign, Trump wrote: We received a 10 point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate.

The White House did not immediately clarify what Trump meant or provide details on what a basis for future negotiations might entail.

Missile alerts sound despite Iran and US saying theyve reached a ceasefire

Israel and the United Arab Emirates both sounded missile alerts early Wednesday, despite Iran and the United States saying they had reached a two-week ceasefire in the war.

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It wasnt immediately clear what was being targeted in the two countries, which bore the brunt of the missile and drone fire during the war.

Throughout the war, Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has called the shots in all decisions. Individual commanders have made decisions on what to strike and when, with the nations political leadership sidelined.

Whether they agreed to stop shooting with the declared ceasefire and negotiations being planned in Islamabad remained in question.

However, many Mideast wars see combatants launch last-minute attacks to be able to claim victory with their populations.

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Also not clear: What Iran means in referencing withdrawal of US combat forces

In question is another point messaged by the Iranians  the withdrawal of United States combat forces from all bases and points of deployment within the region.

The U.S. has maintained a network of military bases through the Persian Gulf for decades after the 1991 Gulf War with Iraq.

The bases have served as the regions chief security guarantor and provided protection for the energy-rich Gulf Arab states.

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Iran did not define, however, what it meant by combat forces, potentially giving wiggle room for those bases to remain.

But any step-down in troop levels in the region likely would anger the Gulf Arab states that have suffered through weeks of war.

It isnt clear if Iran will loosen its chokehold on the waterway thats crucial to global energy supplies

Irans foreign minister says that ships would be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, over the next two weeks under coordination from Irans military.

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About a fifth of the worlds oil transits the strait in peacetime.

Araghchi wrote in a statement that: For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Irans Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations.

Before the war, there were no technical limitations. Over 100 ships a day passed through the water in Iranian and Omani territorial waters in a decades-old traffic system.

But any step-down in troop levels in the region likely would anger the Gulf Arab states that have suffered through weeks of war.

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Irans explanation of its 10-point plan says Strait of Hormuz would be subject to regulated passage

Irans explanation of the 10-point plan included its claim that the Strait of Hormuz would be subject to regulated passage ... under the coordination of the Armed Forces of Iran.

It added that it would be thereby conferring upon Iran a unique economic and geopolitical standing. It would also receive full sanctions relief.

These terms would represent an extraordinary step down by the U.S. after 47 years of hostilities with Iran, starting from the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

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Iran says its acceptance of a ceasefire doesnt mean an end to the war

Irans Supreme National Security Council said Wednesday it had accepted a two-week ceasefire in the war.

Its statement said it would negotiate with the United States in Islamabad beginning Friday.

It is emphasized that this does not signify the termination of the war, the statement said. Our hands remain upon the trigger, and should the slightest error be committed by the enemy, it shall be met with full force.

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Trump says talks with Pakistani officials helped lead to his decision to delay bombing campaign

In his social media post, Trump said he decided to delay an expansion of U.S. strikes based on conversations with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Gen. Asim Munir, Pakistans powerful army chief.

Sharif, in a post on the social platform X earlier Tuesday, urged Trump to extend his deadline by two weeks to allow diplomacy to advance. Pakistan has been leading negotiations.

Sharif used the same post to ask Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks.

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Trumps second term has largely been defined by his eagerness to make intimidating threats

And then to retreat if a backlash ensues  a phenomenon his critics have derided as Trump Always Chickens Out, or TACO.

The president backed off on many of the sweeping Liberation Day tariffs he first announced in April 2025 after they caused the financial markets to go haywire.

He also largely dropped threats to impose high levies on many imported products from China, Mexico, the European Union and Canada  among other trade partners.

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Perhaps the most spectacular example came during a January meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Trump insisted that he wanted the U.S. to get Greenland including right, title and ownership, only to switch course and abandon his threat to impose widespread tariffs on Europe to press his case.

Trump says Iran has proposed a workable 10-point peace plan that could help end war

The president added in his social media post that Iran has presented a workable basis on which to negotiate.

Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two-week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated, Trump said in the post.

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Trump says hes pulling back on his threats to widen attacks

The president says that includes an array of bridges, power plants and other civilian targets  subject to Iran being ready for a two-week ceasefire and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on his social media site on Tuesday evening, Trump said Iran could agree to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz and said that hed then suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks.

Since the war began in February, Trump has set a series of deadlines threatening escalation of the conflict, only to back off just before they expire.

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Iran threatens to cut US and its allies off from the regions oil and gas for years

Irans joint military command spokesperson made the warning in a statement responding to U.S.-Israeli attacks.

Ebrahim Zolfaghari said Iran will intensify its attacks on military, security, and economic infrastructure in Israel and on centers related to the U.S. in the region.

Zolfaghari said Irans continued attacks on the infrastructure of the U.S. and its allies aim to deprive them of the regions oil and gas supplies for many years and force them to leave the Middle East.

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White House insists that Trump stands with innocent civilians in Iran

Thats according to a statement by spokeswoman Anna Kelly in response to criticism the presidents comments have received.

As President Trump has said, Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, and the Iranian people welcome the sound of bombs because it means their oppressors are losing, the statement says.

The President will always stand with innocent civilians while annihilating the terrorists responsible for threatening our country and the entire world with a nuclear weapon. Greater destruction can be avoided if the regime understands the seriousness of this moment and makes a deal with the United States.

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 Read more

4 wounded in Qatar after interception of Iranian missiles

Qatars Interior Ministry said late Tuesday that falling debris hit a residence in the Muraikh area, moderately wounding four people, including a child, as the country responds to Iranian attacks.

Trump uses the language of annihilation to threaten Iran

The president who yearned for a Nobel Peace Prize and once reveled in the appearance of solving conflicts has turned to the language of annihilation as he struggles to find a resolution to his war of choice in Iran.

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Donald Trumps latest threat over the Iran war hit a new extreme Tuesday as he warned, A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again, if Iran fails to make a deal that includes reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz.

His comments were swiftly met with condemnation from Democrats, some Make America Great Again supporters who have since broken with Trump, and the first American pope. Some fellow Republicans suggested his comments were a negotiating tactic.

Pakistans foreign minister briefs Saudi, Egyptian, Turkish counterparts on peace efforts

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar late Tuesday briefed his Saudi, Egyptian and Turkish counterparts on Islamabads efforts to promote dialogue and diplomatic engagement in pursuit of peace and stability in the region.

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The Foreign Ministry says Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan discussed the regional situation, and that Dar also spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Iranians fear power outages as Trumps deadline nears

Three times a week, Asghar Hashemi undergoes dialysis treatment at a hospital in northern Tehran. He fears that if power stations are knocked out, as Trump has threatened, his life will be in danger.

Tehran residents rushed Tuesday to stock up on bottled water and charge cellphones, flashlights and portable power banks as the hours ticked down to Trumps latest ultimatum.

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I am worried, but I am more worried about my fellow citizens, Hashemi said, lying on his bed at Tajrish Martyrs Hospital for treatment. Whatever happens, we will stand until the end.

Alaska Republican senator says Trumps Iran rhetoric endangers Americans

Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski on Tuesday said President Trumps threat that a whole civilization will die tonight cannot be excused away as an attempt to gain leverage in negotiations with Iran.

She said on social media that the rhetoric is an affront to ideas the U.S. has long sought to uphold and promote around the world.

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It undermines our long-standing role as a global beacon of freedom and directly endangers Americans both abroad and at home, she said.
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters during a news conference in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington. Mark Schiefelbein/AP

TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  U.S. President Donald Trump pulled back on his threats to launch devastating strikes on Iran late Tuesday, as the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump swerved to deescalate the war less than two hours before the deadline he set for Tehran to capitulate to a deal or face attacks on its bridges and power plants meant to destroy Iranian civilization.

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A girl stands next to replica of a space craft in a memorial for school children who were killed during a strike on a school in southern town of Minab on Feb. 28, in downtown Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP People wave Iranian flags and chant slogans in a memorial for school children who were killed during a strike on a school in southern town of Minab on Feb. 28, in downtown Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP The Damavand power station is seen from a nearby road on the outskirts of Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Francisco Seco/AP Bystanders watch from a distance as rescue teams and first responders work at the site of a strike that, according to a security official at the scene, destroyed half of the Khorasaniha Synagogue and nearby residential buildings in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Francisco Seco/AP Bystanders try to comfort and assist a woman as she reacts near the site of a strike that, according to a security official at the scene, destroyed half of the Khorasaniha Synagogue and nearby residential buildings in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Francisco Seco/AP

Irans Supreme National Security Council said it has accepted the ceasefire and that it would negotiate with the United States in Pakistan beginning Friday. Neither Iran nor the United States said when the ceasefire would begin, and attacks took place in Israel, Iran and across the Gulf region early Wednesday.

Israel backed the U.S. ceasefire with Iran but the deal doesnt cover fighting against Hezbollah in Lebanon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early Wednesday.

His office said in the statement that Israel supported Trumps decision to suspend strikes subject to Iran immediately opening the Strait of Hormuz and stopping all attacks on the U.S. Israel and countries in the region. His office said Israel also supports U.S. efforts to ensure Iran no longer poses a nuclear or missile threat.

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The ceasefire calls for Israel and Hezbollah to halt fighting in Lebanon, according to the prime minister of Pakistan, which has been mediating talks.

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The ceasefire process was clouded in uncertainty after Iran released different versions of the 10-point plan intended to be the basis for negotiations. The version in Farsi included the phrase acceptance of enrichment for its nuclear program. But for reasons that remain unclear, that phrase was missing in English versions shared by Iranian diplomats to journalists.

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Trump initially had said Iran proposed a workable 10-point plan that could help end the war launched by the U.S. and Israel in February. But he later called it fraudulent, without elaborating. Trump has said ending Irans nuclear program entirely was a key point of the war.

Pro-government demonstrators in the streets of Irans capital screamed: Death to America, death to Israel, death to compromisers! after the ceasefire announcement Wednesday morning. They also burned American and Israeli flags in the street.

It shows the ongoing anger from hard-liners, who had been preparing for what many assumed would be an apocalyptical battle with the United States.

Iran and Oman to collect shipping fees in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said passage through the strait would be allowed under Iranian military management. It wasnt immediately clear whether that meant Iran would completely loosen its chokehold on the waterway.

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The plan allows for both Iran and Oman to charge fees on ships transiting through the strait, according to a regional official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss negotiations they were directly involved in. The official said Iran would use the money it raised for reconstruction.

In addition to control of the strait, Irans demands for ending the war include withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from the region, the lifting of sanctions and the release of its frozen assets.

Since the war began, Trump has repeatedly backed off deadlines just before they expire.

In doing so again Tuesday, Trump said in a social media post he had come to the decision based on conversations with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Gen. Asim Munir, Pakistans powerful army chief. Sharif, in a post on X hours earlier, urged Trump to extend his deadline by two weeks to allow diplomacy to advance. He used the same post to ask Iran to open the strait for two weeks.

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Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated, Trump said.

There are concerns in Israel about the agreement, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak to the media. The person said Israel would like to achieve more.

Irans stockpile of highly enriched uranium is still buried at enrichment sites. The program had been one of the main issues cited by both Israel and the U.S. in launching the war.

Earlier Trump threats raised alarms

A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again, if a deal isnt reached, Trump said in an online post Tuesday morning. But he also seemed to keep open the possibility of an off-ramp, saying that maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen.

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Trumps expansive threat did not seem to account for potential harm to civilians, prompting Democrats in Congress, some United Nations officials and scholars in military law to say such strikes would violate international law.

Tehrans representative at the U.N., Amir-Saeid Iravani, said the threats constitute incitement to war crimes and potentially genocide and that Iran would "take immediate and proportionate reciprocal measures if Trump launches devastating strikes.

The U.S. and Israel have battered Iran with attacks targeting its military capabilities, leadership and nuclear program. Iran has responded with a stream of strikes on Israel and Gulf Arab neighbors, causing regional chaos and outsized economic and political shock.

Late Tuesday, Pakistan's prime minister urged Trump to extend his deadline by two weeks to allow diplomacy to advance. In a post on X, Shehbaz Sharif, whose country has been leading negotiations, also asked Iran to open up for two weeks the Strait of Hormuz.

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China, which is Tehrans biggest trade partner, encouraged the Iranians to find a way to a ceasefire as talks progressed, according to two officials who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Before the deadline, airstrikes hit two bridges and a train station, and the U.S. hit military infrastructure on Kharg Island, a key hub for Iranian oil production.

While Iran cannot match the sophistication of U.S. and Israeli weaponry or their dominance in the air, its chokehold on the strait since the war began in late February is roiling the world economy and raising the pressure on Trump both at home and abroad to find a way out of the standoff.

Airstrikes hit Iran, which fires on Saudi Arabia and Israel

Even as the ceasefire was announced, missile alerts continued in the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait early Wednesday, hinting at the chaos surrounding the diplomatic moves. A gas processing facility in Abu Dhabi was ablaze after incoming Iranian fire, officials said.

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Israel was continuing its attacks on Iran, said an Israeli military official who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with military regulations. Iran also kept up fire on Israel.

The U.S. military has halted all offensive operations against Iran but continues defensive actions, said an official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive military operations.

Earlier Tuesday the Israeli military said it attacked an Iranian petrochemical site in Shiraz, the second day in a row it hit such a facility. The military later said it also struck bridges in several cities that were being used by Iranian forces to transport weapons and military equipment.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began, but the government has not updated the toll for days.

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In Lebanon, where Israel is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah militants, more than 1,500 people have been killed. and more than 1 million people have been displaced. Eleven Israeli soldiers have died there.

In Gulf Arab states and the occupied West Bank, more than two dozen people have died, while 23 have been reported dead in Israel, and 13 U.S. service members have been killed.

___

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U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1st District, speaks on Friday, July 25, 2025, in Hartford. Larson filed articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, accusing the president of war crimes and piracy in the attacks on Iran. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media

U.S. Rep. John Larson of Connecticut has filed articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, accusing the president of war crimes and piracy.

Through his serial usurpation of the congressional war power and commission of murder, war crimes and piracy, Donald J. Trump has acted contrary to his trust as president and subversive of constitutional government, to the great prejudice of law, liberty and justice and to the manifest injury of the people of the United States, the resolution from Larson states.

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Introduced on April 6, the resolution has little to no chance of passage in a Republican-controlled House. The resolution was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary, according to the Congressional Record.

White House spokesman Davis Ingle described the impeachment attempt as pathetic.

Democrats have been talking about impeaching President Trump since before he was even sworn into office, Ingle said Tuesday. The Democrats in Congress are deranged, weak and ineffective, which is why their approval ratings are at historic lows.

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The resolution came amid Trumps threats on social media against Iran, including a post Tuesday that a whole civilization will die tonight if Iran does not accept a deal for surrender.

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Larson said he filed the articles of impeachment to remove Trump from office, saying the president is risking the lives, safety and security of the American people.

Donald Trump has blown past every requirement to be removed from office. And its getting worse. His illegal war in Iran is not only driving up prices for American families  it has cost American lives, Larson said in a statement Tuesday. Hes becoming more unstable by the day. His profane and sacrilegious Easter Sunday and subsequent threats, including a whole civilization will die and open the Strait  or youll be living in hell not only foreshadow war crimes, but put our security at risk.

Larson, in a separate news release on Tuesday, called on Congress to end the illegal war in Iran.

These threats are reprehensible and beyond the pale, he said. Congress cannot let any leader assert that he is above the Constitution. Article I makes it clear that he must come before Congress to authorize acts of war. Threatening to obliterate a country is clearly an act of war! We must take action urgently in response to these threats.

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U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., on Monday called for the invocation of the 25th Amendment, which sets out a process by which a president can be removed from office. Larson also called for the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment.

Quinnipiac University political science professor Scott McLean said Democrats saw no other alternative but to impeach Trump, and said moving to impeachment was more likely than invoking the 25th Amendment.

Trump was impeached twice during his first term, the only president to ever have been impeached more than once. But both attempts resulted in Senate acquittals.

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Their own base, their own rank and file in the House demanded it, that Trump had done something that was so egregious that they they had to do it in both those cases, McLean said. But every time hes rescued by Republicans in the Senate, and I think thats likely to happen again.

Larson, D-1st District, has been in Congress for 27 years, serving his first term in 1999. He is currently facing primary challenges from former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin; state Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, D-West Hartford; and Hartford Board of Education member Ruth Fortune.

Bronin released a statement Tuesday criticizing Trump and calling for his removal from office.

The president of the United States is unstable, increasingly unhinged, and a danger to our country, to our values, to our strategic interests, and to the world. Im glad that Congressman Larson has joined me in calling for his removal, Bronin said.

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After his sick Easter post, I called for impeachment or invocation of the 25th Amendment. When the president of the United States threatens to wipe out a 'whole civilization because he doesnt know how to get out of a reckless war that he recklessly started, morality, common-sense, and our national interest demand his removal.

Fortune said Larsons move was overdue and that Trump must be removed from office for his actions.

Congressman Larson should file articles of impeachment against President Trump every time the president commits an impeachable offense, Fortune said in a statement. The First District deserves a member of Congress who holds Trump accountable every day of the year, not just in an election year when he faces a primary challenge.

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Photo: https://www.facebook.com/karandieiev

Former acting Culture Minister Rostyslav Karandieiev has said that, as head of the ministry, he signed letters to the State Border Guard Service seeking approval for Ukrainian artists to travel abroad, but that some of those requests later turned out to be fraudulent.

"My involvement in this case is very simple  at one time, as head of the ministry, I signed letters on behalf of the Culture Ministry to the State Border Guard Service requesting approval for Ukrainian artists to travel abroad. As it turned out, among the legitimate requests there were also fraudulent ones," Karandieiev said in a comment to Interfax-Ukraine.

He said that, unfortunately, ministry employees could not distinguish such requests without special expertise.

"And therefore it is good that the bodies with the appropriate legal and professional capacity became involved and managed to expose the criminals," Karandieiev added.

Karandieiev served as first deputy culture minister from July 2020 and as acting minister from July 2023 to September 2024.

Earlier on Tuesday, prosecutors from the Prosecutor General's Office said they had served a notice of suspicion on a Ukrainian woman who, while outside the country, organized a scheme to illegally smuggle men of draft age across the state border under the guise of musicians. Officials of the Culture Ministry, including the former acting minister who approved the relevant facilitation letters for crossing the border, are being checked for involvement in the scheme. Law enforcement authorities said that 28 people left Ukraine under the scheme and have not returned.

As reported, the Culture Ministry sent 3,724 letters to the State Border Guard Service in 2023 requesting assistance with temporary travel abroad. At the same time, the ministry said it did not keep records of those who violated return requirements, although then-acting Culture Minister Rostyslav Karandieiev said that fewer than 1% of cultural figures who had been granted permission to leave the country failed to return.

In 2024, the Culture Ministry applied to the State Border Guard Service 2,744 times regarding border crossings by persons liable for military service. That year, 579 men did not return from abroad. In October 2024, then Culture Minister Mykola Tochytsky said that one in five cultural figures who travel abroad with permission from the Culture Ministry does not return.

In 2025, the Culture Ministry filed 1,300 requests with the State Border Guard Service regarding border crossings by persons liable for military service.
A ban of concealed weapons on public transportation in Illinois stays in place after the SCOTUS declines to hear arguments to reverse it. jirkaejc/Getty Images

A ban that keeps individuals with concealed weapon permits from bringing their firearms on public transportation is staying in place. The ban remains in place after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear arguments challenging it.

The high court declined to hear the case Monday, according to multiple reports. The Chicago Sun-Times writes, The Cook County States Attorneys office, alongside Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and DuPage County states attorney, had challenged a lower court ruling overturning the ban in 2024. A federal appeals court backed the law in a September decision.

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Read more: Illinois bill would allow concealed carry at state rest areas

The ban took effect in 2013. In 2024, four individuals sued to overturn the ban, and a federal judge sided with them, noting the ban was unconstitutional. However, the judges ruling applied only to those four plaintiffs  it wasnt a statewide reversal. Another federal judge put the full ban back in place in 2025, and that ruling remains in place following Mondays decision by the Supreme Court.

In a statement, Cook County States Attorney Eileen ONeill Burke said, Everyone deserves to feel safe on public transit. Minimizing the risk from dangerous weapons is crucial to protect members of the public who use this vital public resource. We are pleased the Supreme Court agreed with our arguments, which will allow Illinois commonsense law banning firearms on public transportation to stand.
International Studies Day at SIUE features a full program of events, including panel discussions and a keynote speaker. Courtesy of the International Studies Program at SIUE Attendees participated in an Indonesian Diaspora discussion and puppetmaking workshop at the 2025 International Studies Day. Courtesy of the International Studies Program at SIUE

International Studies Day is Thursday, April 9, at SIUE.

The theme of the annual event this year is Endangered Languages & Cultural Diversity. The program, taking place in the Mississippi/Illinois Rooms in the Morris University Center, will feature complimentary breakfast and lunch for all participants, as well as panel discussions, a lecture from keynote speaker Dr. K. David Harrison and a film screening. All events are free and open to the public.

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Breakfast begins at 8:45 a.m., with a full day of events to follow. The final event is the 5 p.m. screening of Zafari. The film screening is part of SIUEs 2026 Spanish Film Festival.

This year, International Studies Day marks the United Nations International Decade of Indigenous Languages and honors a UNESCO initiative to preserve endangered languages.

The keynote speaker, Dr. K. David Harrison, is a professor of linguistics at Swarthmore College and the author of When Languages Die: The Extinction of the Worlds Languages and the Erosion of Human Knowledge.

There are more than 7,000 languages spoken in the world, and linguists estimate that nearly half may be endangered, Harrison said. What is lost when a language stops being spoken? Why does it matter? And what are people doing to prevent this?

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Harrison will answer these questions during his lecture, which starts at 10:45 a.m. Thursday.

Each language contains an immense knowledge base about the natural world, plants, animals, landscapes, and human survival, Harrison said. We will meet plant experts who can name over 1,000 plants and describe their medicinal uses, and fish experts who can name more than 200 fish species. Many of these species, and the secrets of sustainable living, are as yet unknown to science. It is important that this knowledge be documented, valued, and revitalized before it vanishes.

Well-known examples of endangered languages include Irish Gaelic and Breton, which is spoken in France. The Miami-Illinois language was once spoken in Illinois but was thought to be extinct when its last speakers died in the 1970s. However, thanks to community revitalization, the language now has around 500 speakers.

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Language extinction is a global phenomenon, but it is not inevitable! Around the world, we can find inspiring examples of language warriors, people who are working to save their mother tongues from extinction, Harrison said.
Ukrainian authorities have evacuated another teenager from the temporarily occupied part of Kherson region, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said.

"The occupiers forced the 17-year-old boy to attend a so-called Russian school, threatening the family with deportation and the loss of parental rights. It got to the point where he was forcibly sent to a medical commission and handed a draft notice for the enemy army. To save their son, the family made the only possible decision  to leave. Thanks to the President's Bring Kids Back UA initiative, they are now safe and receiving the help they need," Prokudin said on Telegram.

He said this was already the 55th child evacuated since the start of the year from temporarily occupied communities in Kherson region.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission today (April 7, 2026) voted unanimously to designate the Church of Saint Mary on the Lower East Side as an individual landmark.

Parishioners, community members, and preservationists launched a grass roots campaign to secure landmark protection for the church. Saint Marys, located at 440 Grand St., was built in 1833, in the Greek Revival style. Thirty years later, architect Patrick Charles Keely was hired to create a new facade in the Romanesque Revival style. The Archdiocese of New York did not oppose the landmark application.

The Commission also voted to designate Public School 15 Annex at 372 Schermerhorn in Brooklyn and the Lithuanian Alliance Building, located at 307 West 30th Street in Chelsea. In a press release, Mayor Mamdani said, Immigrants built New York City. Their stories live in every block, every neighborhood, every corner of the five boroughs. Today, Im proud to recognize three more sites that carry that legacy forwardplaces that, for generations, have opened their doors to newcomers and helped define what it means to belong in the greatest city in the world.



Lower Manhattan City Council member Christopher Marte (chair of the Councils Landmarks Committee) added, Saint Marys Church has been part of the life of the Lower East Side for generations, and this vote means that history is finally being recognized and protected. This is one of the oldest Catholic churches in New York City, but more than that, it is a place that tells the story of immigrant New York  of people who faced discrimination, built community anyway, and left a lasting mark on this neighborhood. For a long time, working-class history and immigrant history have not always gotten the protection they deserve. Todays vote says that this history matters too. Im grateful to everyone, especially the Lower East Side Preservation Initiative, who helped make this happen, and proud to see Saint Marys preserved for the future.

Saint. Marys view from Ridge Street (de-mapped); 1924. Photo: NYHS-Eugene L Armbruster.

The Commissions research brief noted the cultural importance of Saint Marys as well as its architectural significance: The church itself is a striking example of Romanesque Revival architecture, boasting original early 19th-century field stone side walls, an impressive facade and dual towers, as well as late 19th-century stained-glass with elaborate enframements. Saint Marys remains an important reminder of the historical and cultural development of New York Citys Lower East Side.

Saint Marys was founded in 1826 to meet the needs of the growing Irish immigrant population in Lower Manhattan. In the midst of native and anti-Catholic discrimination, the first church building on Sheriff Street was deliberately burned in 1831. Patrick Charles Keely, the architect who designed Saint Marys updated facade, became a prolific designer of churches in New York and across the Northeastern U.S.

In January, Community Board 3 (CB3) approved a resolution in support of landmarking Saint Marys. At a meeting of CB3s landmarks subcommittee, there was discussion about false rumors that Saint Marys might close. When Father Andrew OConnor was reassigned to churches in Dutchess County, the Archdiocese did not appoint a new priest to lead Saint Marys. Instead, Father Thomas McNamara of Our Lady of Sorrows, another Catholic Church on Pitt Street, assumed responsibility for both parishes. Charlie Schleck, co-chair of Saint Marys Parish Council. acknowledged that there had been some consolidation for financial reasons but reassured community members that the Archdiocese is still supportive of Saint Marys. He added that there is no current use for the rectory building (28 Attorney St.) and a parking lot next to the church, and said its possible the parcels alongside Saint Marys could be sold at some point in the future. Notably, the landmark designation only includes the tax lot where the church sits, and not the adjacent parcels.

For two centuries, Saint Marys has held a central role for immigrants on the Lower East Side, with new arrivals including the Irish, Germans, Latinos, Asians and others all making their mark, said Richard D. Moses, president of the Lower East Side Preservation Initiative. Were so happy to have been able to work with parishioners and City Council Member Marte to spread the word on the churchs important history, and thrilled that the Commission has now landmarked this spiritual and architectural beacon to make sure it can serve generations to come.

For many years, local preservationists have urged the Commission to focus more attention on the Lower East Side. In his remarks at the public hearing last month, Moses said, LESPI requests that the (Commission) take a close look at the Lower East Side from East 14th Street to the Brooklyn Bridge in order to designate more individual landmarks and historic districts before the areas important and immense history and architecture fall to the wrecking ball. Mitchell Grubler, a co-founder of Friends of the Lower East Side, echoed these sentiments, saying, Friends of the Lower East Side is pleased to have the Commissions attention drawn to our neighborhood and we hope that interest will continue to result in future considerations of both individual designations as well as historic district designation.



Two other community members were included in the press release from Council member Martes office. Sandra Strother (Chair of Community Board 3s Landmarks Committee) said, I am ecstatic that LPC voted to landmark Saint Marys Church. This is absolutely the right thing to do. Saint Marys is a treasured part of our neighborhood, and protecting it means protecting an important piece of the Lower East Sides history for future generations. [Strother is also president at the resident association at Grand Street Guild, the housing complex that surrounds the church.]

Local resident and activist Norma Ramirez said, Im so glad to see this finally happen. Thank you to everyone in the community who signed petitions and stood together to protect Saint Marys Church. This victory belongs to all of us, and I also want to thank Council Member Marte for his support throughout this effort.

Editorial note: The Lo-Down previously reported that the LPC voted to designate Saint Marys immediately following the public hearing March 10. The vote did not occur until April 7.




One killed, two injured in Russian strike on Zaporizhia region  authorities

One person was killed and two others were injured in a Russian strike on Zaporizhia region on Tuesday, regional governor Ivan Fedorov said.

"Unfortunately, one person was killed. Two others were injured," Fedorov said on Telegram.

He added that a building was damaged in the strike.
Ukraine's Culture Ministry has set up an Expert Council on state information policy, the ministry's press service said, citing Order No. 450 issued on April 6.

"The Expert Council is headed by Deputy Culture Minister for European Integration Natalia Movshovych. It includes 23 members, among them media representatives and experts. The Expert Council is a standing advisory body that will prepare recommendations and proposals on shaping state information policy," the ministry said in a statement.

Among the council's key tasks are drafting proposals and recommendations on state information policy, identifying ways and mechanisms to address problems arising during the implementation of state policy in the information sphere, helping shape effective state information policy in line with current challenges and public needs, and promoting best international practices in information policy.

The council will also be responsible for establishing cooperation with other state bodies, public organizations and the expert community to exchange experience and best practices in the information sphere, as well as dealing with other issues related to shaping state information policy.

"The council will prepare analytical materials, take part in drafting regulations, analyze problematic issues in information policy and propose ways to resolve them. It will also interact with state bodies, public and international organizations, and the expert community to exchange experience," the ministry said.
Interfax-Ukraine to host press conference 'Military and Politics: balance of media presence, influence and state unity'

On Wednesday, April 8, at 13.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Military and Politics: balance of media presence, influence and state unity."

Results of a sociological survey conducted by the Active Group sociological company in April 2026, commissioned by the DEEP non-governmental organization (Strasbourg), will be presented.

Participants include founder of the Active Group research company Andriy Yeremenko and director of the Active Group research company Oleksandr Pozniy (8/5a Reitarska Street).

The event will be streamed on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel.

Admiission requires registration on the spot with press ID cards.
Is light ahead? The 18th Kyiv Security Forum will take place on 2324 April

On April 23-24, Kyiv will host the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum (KSF)  an event that has become Ukraines leading international platform for discussing issues of war, peace and global security.

The theme of this years Forum is: Darkness or Dawn: is light ahead?

The event takes place at a time of profound transformation in the global security architecture. Russias war against Ukraine, the spread of military conflicts, the nuclear factor, hybrid attacks on democracies, and disinformation campaigns are shaping a new reality in international relations.

This years Kyiv Security Forum will bring together international leaders, senior officials from the security and defence sectors, NATO representatives, diplomats, innovators and civil society figures to discuss todays security challenges.

One of the Forums key themes will be nuclear security. 26 April marks the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster. Russias attacks on Ukraines nuclear infrastructure and the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant have once again brought the nuclear threat to the forefront of the global agenda.

Other key topics of the Forum include international solidarity with Ukraine, transatlantic unity, global security, defence and modern warfare technologies, countering disinformation, and the resilience of cities and energy infrastructure.

Speakers at previous annual KSF events have included, among others, the 43rd President of the United States George W. Bush, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and Yale and Stanford University professors Timothy Snyder and Francis Fukuyama, as well as Ben Hodges, Commander of US Forces in Europe from 2014 to 2017; Admiral Rob Bauer, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee (20212025) and member of the KSF Security Council; Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur; Danish Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen; and others.

The programme for this years Forum will be published shortly  stay tuned for further updates.

Limited availability

To get accredited, media representatives must complete the form.

Accreditation closes on 12 PM on Wednesday, April 22. Confirmation and the venue address will be sent to the email address provided during registration.

Media contacts: tel. +38 050 352 50 30, email: [email protected]

Background

Kyiv Security Forum (KSF) is an annual international event launched in 2007 on the initiative of Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation.

The KSFs primary mission is to defend Ukraines national interests on the global stage. The Forum operates on several levels simultaneously: keeping Ukraine at the centre of the global agenda, expanding our countrys circle of international partners, and building expertise on pressing security issues. Since its inception, the KSF has organised thousands of events  annual meetings, special events and online discussions. These events are followed by millions of people in Ukraine and abroad.
The ZAMMLER Groups Ukrainian company has prepared its first carbon footprint report. In 2025, the total greenhouse gas emissions from the companys operations amounted to 5,165.47 tons of COe.

The calculation was performed by Bureau Veritas Ukraine in line with the GHG Protocol  one of the international methods to account emissions. As part of the report, the operation of vehicles, offices, and warehouse complexes was analysed. The analysis shows that the bulk of the companys emissions is associated with transportation activities:

74.5%  direct emissions (fuel for vehicles, diesel fuel for generators, natural gas for heating);

 direct emissions (fuel for vehicles, diesel fuel for generators, natural gas for heating); about 2.2%  indirect emissions from electricity consumption;

about 23.2%  other indirect emissions (waste, employee travel, etc.).

Over 95% of all emissions  both from our own fleet and contractors services  come from vehicles.

Around the world, logistics companies, particularly international ones, report their emissions and environmental performance on a regular basis. In Ukraine, comprehensive CO emissions reporting is yet to become a standard, although the market is gradually moving in this direction. ZAMMLER is a Ukrainian company; however, we have been proving for almost two decades that Ukrainian logistics can compete with global giants. This also applies to the responsible implementation of ESG strategies, which is among our top priorities, emphasised Viktor Shevchenko, ZAMMLERs co-owner.

ZAMMLER Ukraine LLCs Letter of Conformity for carbon footprint calculation

The company has set 2025 as the baseline for further monitoring and reduction of emissions. This is the first full year in which a comprehensive assessment of our carbon footprint was performed.

This report will lay the ground for our further system-wide work to manage emissions. We have gained a clear understanding of the structure of our influence and the areas where we can achieve the greatest effect. The next step is to integrate this data into the companys daily operational decisions and development planning, says Iryna Filimonova, Quality Manager at Zammler Ukraine.

The application of the GHG Protocol standard ensures transparency and comparability of results, since it is an internationally recognised valid system. It is essential that the company has covered not only direct emissions, but also a significant portion of indirect emissions, in line with modern approaches to the evaluation of the carbon footprint in the logistics sector, points out Kateryna Postolenko, Head of the Sustainable Development Department, Bureau Veritas Ukraine.

Based on the results of the report, Zammler Ukraine has now identified key areas for cutting emissions. First of all, the efficiency of the transport component is to be boosted. This includes further upgrades to our vehicle fleet, more pro-active adoption of economical driving practices, application of digital solutions to control fuel consumption, etc.

A separate area of work involves interaction with carrier partners, including the introduction of environmental selection criteria, better data transparency, and optimised logistics routes.

Why should a business follow an ESG strategy?

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is a strategy for sustainable business development based on environmental (E) and social responsibility (S), along with good corporate governance (G). Adherence to the strategy helps companies to:

Increase transparency and trust among partners, clients, and investors;

Optimise costs and boost efficiency through more rational use of resources;

Reduce environmental impact and increase social responsibility of business;

Be competitive in the international market, where environmental and social standards are becoming the norm.

For your information. ZAMMLER is a group of logistics companies offering a full range of services: all types of transportation, warehouse logistics, customs clearance, and support for export and import operations. The Group employs over 3,600 professionals and maintains its own fleet of more than 170 trucks. The Groups representative offices operate in four countries: Ukraine, Poland, China, and Kazakhstan. ZAMMLERs digital solutions include an electronic customer account for customs clearance, internal electronic document management, and electronic consignment notes. The company operates in line with international standards, is ISO certified, and holds the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO-B and AEO-C) status.
Concerns have been raised about the voters register as the election approaches, while officials maintain that safeguards are in place. How confident are you in the integrity of the register? Share your view in our poll.

You voted:
Aerial view of Shilaquan Canyon in China's Gansu

Xinhua) 09:46, April 07, 2026

This aerial drone photo taken on April 4, 2026 shows a view of the Shilaquan Canyon in Tangwang Town of Dongxiang Autonomous County, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province. Shilaquan Canyon has an average elevation of approximately 2,000 meters. The red sandstone and gravel layers on both sides of the canyon have been shaped by water erosion and wind abrasion, forming a distinctive Danxia landform. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

This aerial drone photo taken on April 4, 2026 shows a view of Danxia landform in the Shilaquan Canyon in Tangwang Town of Dongxiang Autonomous County, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province. Shilaquan Canyon has an average elevation of approximately 2,000 meters. The red sandstone and gravel layers on both sides of the canyon have been shaped by water erosion and wind abrasion, forming a distinctive Danxia landform. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

This aerial drone photo taken on April 4, 2026 shows a view of the Shilaquan Canyon in Tangwang Town of Dongxiang Autonomous County, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province. Shilaquan Canyon has an average elevation of approximately 2,000 meters. The red sandstone and gravel layers on both sides of the canyon have been shaped by water erosion and wind abrasion, forming a distinctive Danxia landform. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

This aerial drone photo taken on April 4, 2026 shows a view of Danxia landform in the Shilaquan Canyon in Tangwang Town of Dongxiang Autonomous County, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province. Shilaquan Canyon has an average elevation of approximately 2,000 meters. The red sandstone and gravel layers on both sides of the canyon have been shaped by water erosion and wind abrasion, forming a distinctive Danxia landform. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

This aerial drone photo taken on April 4, 2026 shows a view of Danxia landform in the Shilaquan Canyon in Tangwang Town of Dongxiang Autonomous County, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province. Shilaquan Canyon has an average elevation of approximately 2,000 meters. The red sandstone and gravel layers on both sides of the canyon have been shaped by water erosion and wind abrasion, forming a distinctive Danxia landform. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

This aerial drone photo taken on April 4, 2026 shows a view of the Shilaquan Canyon in Tangwang Town of Dongxiang Autonomous County, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province. Shilaquan Canyon has an average elevation of approximately 2,000 meters. The red sandstone and gravel layers on both sides of the canyon have been shaped by water erosion and wind abrasion, forming a distinctive Danxia landform. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

This aerial drone photo taken on April 4, 2026 shows a view of the Shilaquan Canyon in Tangwang Town of Dongxiang Autonomous County, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province. Shilaquan Canyon has an average elevation of approximately 2,000 meters. The red sandstone and gravel layers on both sides of the canyon have been shaped by water erosion and wind abrasion, forming a distinctive Danxia landform. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

This aerial drone photo taken on April 4, 2026 shows a view of the Shilaquan Canyon in Tangwang Town of Dongxiang Autonomous County, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Gansu Province. Shilaquan Canyon has an average elevation of approximately 2,000 meters. The red sandstone and gravel layers on both sides of the canyon have been shaped by water erosion and wind abrasion, forming a distinctive Danxia landform. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres will also welcome visitors to present its new global certification. The various tests that have enabled the awarding of the Chronometer Excellence title since the beginning of the year will be detailed there.

Finally, the Wake Up! retrospective will offer a reflection on the notion of time through around fifty historical pieces drawn from the collections of the Musee dArt et dHistoire de Geneve.

City of Geneva, the event's other beating heart

Alongside the fair, the city of Geneva will come alive to the rhythm of watchmaking. The watchmaking village located at Pont de la Machine will offer an immersion into craftsmanship through initiations and presentations of the sectors metiers.

The city center will also be animated by late openings organized by brand boutiques.

Last but not least, every evening from 5 pm to 11 pm, a new space located on Quai General-Guisan will host, in partnership with the Montreux Jazz Festival, an eclectic musical program, rounding off the experience in a decidedly festive atmosphere.
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The McFaddin-Ward House Museum invites the community to enjoy an enchanting evening at Music at the McFaddins' featuring the Symphony of Southeast Texas (SOST) String Quartet, an admission-free outdoor concert, on Friday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m. on the Museum's front lawn, located at 1906 McFaddin Ave., in Beaumont.

Staged on the front porch of the historic home, the SOST String Quartet will captivate the crowd with an intimate musical experience showcasing the works of master composers and contemporary artists. The quartet will include SOST Principal Second Violinist Samantha Arizpe, SOST Assistant Principal Cellist Omar Escobedo, Concertmaster and Violinist Mauricio Oliveros and Violist Bill Tackett, SOST.

"The Symphony of Southeast Texas is so excited to partner with the McFaddin-Ward House for an evening where elegance meets pure musical joy," said Maestro Chelsea Tipton, II, Symphony of Southeast Texas Music Director. "From the sparkle of ABBA to the swagger of Queen, woven together with the timeless beauty of Mozart and Tchaikovsky, this string quartet program has something for every mood. Picture a warm breeze, historic charm and melodies you didn't know you loved this much."

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and refreshments. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and music begins at 6:30 p.m.

In case of inclement weather, "Music at the McFaddins'" will be cancelled.

Completed in 1906, the McFaddin-Ward House is a fully restored Beaux-Arts Colonial-style mansion and historic landmark in Beaumont, Texas, that offers a vivid glimpse into the lives of the prominent McFaddin family and their enduring contributions to the economic, social and cultural history of the region. The museum offers admission-free tours of the historic home, carriage house and gardens, as well as educational programming and year-round events.

For more information, call 409-832-2134 or visit mcfaddin-ward.org.
An opinion piece that you describe, praises or criticizes, on the whole or partly, to cultural or entertainment work. It must be written by an expert on the matter

Every country likes to feel different from others. In reality, theyd rather say better, unless theyve chosen victimhood, but its frowned upon to say so openly. Thats why its much more convenient to proclaim that they are immune to the worst phenomena in history, from extractive colonialism to religious fanaticism, including political totalitarianism, especially fascism.

Thus, not long ago, in the United States it was claimed that their system of checks and balances made it impossible for them to fall into this type of authoritarianism, although writers like Philip Roth were already sounding the alarm in works like The Plot Against America. But if one nation had considered itself safe from the beast, it was France, the homeland of revolution and the rights of man, and therefore free from the fascist virus except by imposition through a foreign occupier.

It took an American researcher, Robert O. Paxton, to warn that France was naked and that the nature of the Vichy regime was unequivocally French, while another historian, the Israeli Zeev Sternhell, went even further, arguing that, in his view, it was in France that the intellectual seed of fascism had been sown. Less well-known in Spain, Sternhell is also worth remembering because he was one of the first to warn that having suffered a genocide did not automatically immunize one from becoming a perpetrator.

Interior image from the book 'The First Fascist,' by Sergio Luzzatto, with Mores dressed as a rancher. State Historical Society of North Dakota (editorial PASADO & PRESENTE)

Following in the footsteps of these two great masters, as well as Professor Victoria de Grazia, with whom he coordinated a remarkable Dictionary of Fascism (2002-2003), the Italian historian Sergio Luzzatto has now authored a biography of the Marquis de Mores, a 19th-century Parisian aristocrat who became a man of action and one of the main precursors of the ideology, praxis, and even the esthetics  both his own and that of others  of the fascist movements.

With the skill of the great storytellers, Luzzatto follows in Mores footsteps across no less than four continents, for the nobleman turned out to be a scoundrel and, after sharing training at the Saint-Cyr military school with Philippe Petain, embarked on successive adventures in the plains of North Dakota as an intensive cattle breeder, which led him to challenge the big names in the Chicago meat industry, and in French Indochina as a railway promoter, in both cases with resounding failure.

Upon his return to Europe, he blamed Jews for all evils and fueled a growing taste for street violence, converting the Parisian butchers and slaughterers guild into his own personal shock troops, easily recognizable by their blood-stained blue aprons, while he always wore a wide-brimmed hat  the chapeau Mores  which he only removed to duel with journalists and officers of Jewish descent, such as Captain Armand Mayer, whom he killed in 1892 in an interesting precursor to the Dreyfus affair, which led Hannah Arendt to cite him in The Origins of Totalitarianism as one of those responsible for the wave of antisemitism that made the treason case against Captain Alfred Dreyfus possible.

Hounded by his financial scandals and determined to gain new allies for his anti-Jewish crusade, Mores then set out to traverse the sands of Frances colonial empire in North Africa  a true equivalent to the conquest of the American West  where he met his death when his caravan was attacked by a group of Tuaregs and local Arab tribes.

Although it may seem like it, this is not the plot of a Martin Scorsese film, but the true story of a populist pioneer that Luzzatto documents with precision throughout a volume of more than 600 pages, bravely published by the publisher Pasado & Presente in a magnificent translation by Marc Figueras, and which can be read in one sitting.

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Richard Byrd passed away peacefully at his home on April 5, surrounded by his children.

Richard C. Byrd was born on January 24, 1938, to Jesse and Mattie Byrd in Many, Louisiana and later raised by his grandparents, Grandpa and Grandma Walker. As the fourth of seven children who sweetly nicknamed him Shorty, he was given the best life the world could offer him at the time. Raised in the Depression Era he worked hard alongside his grandparents, siblings and hired men to work their cotton farm, with help a little from a talking donkey, to provide for their home.

His Grandma's Bible and the Spirituals sang from his neighbors at night brought him to the Lord. He took every bit of knowledge from his grandparents and set out to find his own way through the world, which led him to the love of his life, Roma Francis Cox. Richard and Roma had a short engagement and married on August 1, 1959, in Port Arthur, surrounded by family and friends. She used to say, "His shoulders were wide enough to hold up the world, but his butt wouldn't cover a dime". But she must've liked him, because once married they quickly started their family.

Richard Conrad Jr. came first and he brought such joy to his Momma and pride to his Daddy. A second boy made his way a few years after, Rayland Edward, a mischievous boy who brought his Momma a couple heart attacks and giggles from his daddy. The only girl, Ronda ReGean came along and she brought a sweetness to her momma and the joy of spoiling a daughter from her Daddy. The littlest Byrd, Reese Wayne, rounded up the family, and he brought his momma joy and his daddy laughter, naming him Roho, his fightin' red rooster.

In the time of building his family, Richard worked hard as a truck driver, running between oilfields hauling pipes and parts all over the US. He worked hard for his family and spoiled his wife in any way he could, she ran the house and he provided for it, and they were a great team. He didn't mind hard work, and he taught each of his children every skill he had, though some took better than others. Richard and Roma settled their family in Vidor, in 1972 and they dug their roots in. They bought a house and made it their home, clearing land for the life he wanted to create. He loved her deeply 'til she died in March of 2009. He built a good life for his family and has left a legacy that will be carried through the lives of those he leaves behind.

He leaves behind three of his four children; Richard Byrd Jr and his family of Nederland, Ronda Phillips and her family of Vidor, Reese Byrd and his family of Vidor and a Daughter-In-Law Shelly Byrd and her daughter, of Vidor. He leaves several grandchildren and great-grandchildren who loved their Pawpaw Byrd dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings, two grandsons, a son and his beloved wife. We are incredibly thankful for the man he was and every lesson he taught us.

Visitation and Funeral Services will be held at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor on Thursday, April 9. Visitation begins at 12:30 pm and Funeral begins at 2:00 pm.
Giving a free hand to terrorists ? Emerging pattern

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Apart from coming out hard against the Tronglaobi massacre of two minors and the grievous injury inflicted on the mother, what steps is the Government mulling to take up ? Chief Minister Y Khemchand responded swiftly and apart from condemning the dastardly killings of the two kids, has announced that the case would be handed over to the NIA but what other steps is the Government mulling to take ? Would a probe by the NIA be enough to address the sense of hurt felt by Manipur ? More importantly, has the Government taken note of the audacity of the people who decided to fire the rocket fitted bomb into a house in the dead of the night ? Terrorist is the word that fits the description of the people who fired the rocket bomb, and the natural question is, what is the Government planning to do about this ? And it should not need rocket science know who were behind the attack. The natural question is who or what is the power or authority which has given the terrorists to strike out at will ? Will Imphal be able to work up the needed conviction to raise this question to New Delhi or will it just be a case of the political leadership of the State remaining satisfied with whatever lip service Delhi may pay ? Things should be clear. Union Home Minister Amit Shah talked a lot about the arms looted from the police armouries in the initial days of the violence, but as repeatedly pointed out in this column, not a word was said or asked about the guns and bombs that were used to attack and kill the Meitei people. From where have these guns come from ? Given the strict security arrangements, ostensibly put in place, how do these elements manage to fire at will at their chosen targets ? The very fact that the Kuki militants have come under the impression that they are now in a position to open two fronts, one against the Meiteis and the other against the Nagas at Ukhrul by itself should say so many things. Shouldnt this point be raised before Delhi ? And why have fingers of accusation been repeatedly pointed at the Central security forces, particularly the Assam Rifles, of siding with the Kuki militants ? Even if these charges are dismissed as mere allegations, isnt it right for the Government to question why such an allegation should be raised in the first place ? First it was the Meitei community which raised this particular accusation and now it is the turn of the Nagas at Ukhrul district. Or will it be a question of Imphal not willing to raise questions which may be uncomfortable to New Delhi ?

The fact is, some elements are out there who are hell bent on keeping the crisis brewing. Shouldnt this be a question which the State Government should be raising and asking at the right forum ? Who is going to benefit from keeping Manipur under a state of conflict and bloodshed ? The answer should be obvious to everyone and it is time for Imphal to man up and call a spade a spade. The dastardly murder of two children and critically injuring their mother in the dead of the night is something which should not be swept away as figures of casualties to be added to the conflict. The question that should be raised is, how did militants or terrorists sneak in close enough to fire a rocket bomb at a human settlement ? What were the security forces put on duty doing ? Does firing a rocket bomb need just the pull of a trigger ? How can activities such as choosing the spot from where the rocket bomb was launched to actually firing it go unnoticed to the security personnel somewhere near the site of incident ? What has happened to the, you look after the valley, I will look after the hills, line of Union Home Amit Shah to the then Chief Minister sometime in the early part of the ongoing clash ? Another critical question is whether the office of the Chairperson of the Unified Command is still operational and if so, is Kuldiep Singh still in charge of the Unified Command ? What is disturbing is to note that the bomb attack at Tronglaobi came after Kuki militants had rained bullets at Sinakeithei in Ukhrul district earlier in the night and the nefarious design should be clear to anyone.
A ballistic missile strike in a residential area of Haifa killed four members of the same family, in Irans second-deadliest attack on Israeli soil

Tragedy shattered the small residential paradise nestled between the sky and the sea where a retired couple had settled. Among pine forests overlooking the historic Haifa Bay in northern Israel, the direct hit of an Iranian ballistic missile destroyed their ground-floor apartment as they dined at sunset on Sunday with one of their sons and his wife. Fired from some 1,200 miles northeast with a payload of hundreds of kilograms of explosives, the projectile struck their living room. It failed to detonate, but it pounded like a pile driver on the five-story building, terraced on a slope of Mount Carmel. Rescue teams were still working on Monday to assist the distraught residents after recovering the four bodies. Nearby, army bomb disposal experts struggled to deactivate the warhead of a rocket that highlights Israels vulnerability, despite its advanced defensive systems.

They were two elderly people, one of their sons, and their daughter-in-law, Colonel Dovev Viess of the Home Front (the equivalent of civil defense) reported from a terrace across from the house. Amid a large deployment of police, firefighters, rescue workers, and Jewish religious leaders meticulously collecting the smallest human remains scattered by the impact, the officer explained to the press that only this family had been hit by the missile, which could have caused a massacre had it exploded. Only one man, around 80 years old, has been admitted to Ranban Hospital in Haifa in critical condition, the officer specified. Another 10 residents, including the hospitalized mans wife, around 75 years old, suffered only minor injuries.

The Israeli colonel declined to provide the victims identities as he pointed out to television cameras the living-dining room that had been struck by the ballistic missile. An air conditioning unit hung by a cable above the gaping facade. The local press identified them as Vladimir Gershovich, 73, and his wife, Lena Ostrovsky, 68; their son, Dima Gershovich, 42, and his wife, Lucille Jean, 25, a Filipino woman whom he had married two years earlier.

The first three had emigrated from the former Soviet Union more than three decades ago. Until her retirement, Lena Ostrovsky was a diction teacher at the Nissan Nativ Theater School in Jerusalem, according to a statement of condolence released by the Actors Association of Israel on state television.

I didnt know them, although many retirees live in this neighborhood in the upper part of Haifa, explained 84-year-old retired engineer Tsivi Nisnas, who had come to inquire about one of the buildings residents. Half the houses, the older ones like this one, barely have individual shelters or safe rooms, and there are only collective shelters in the basements, he noted, accustomed to conflict after a long life. When I was a child, I suffered through the War of Independence (1948-1949); I fought in the Six-Day War (1967) and the Yom Kippur War (1974), and now I have to live through this war at my age. What other choice do we have? he reflected.

Israeli rescue teams carry a covered body while searching the site where a residential building was hit by an Iranian missile attack in Haifa on April 6, 2026. JAMAL AWAD (EFE)

Just meters from where the press was still taking pictures of rubble and household items, bomb disposal experts were trying to deactivate the warhead of the ballistic missile so it could be removed to a safe location, at the end of an 18-hour search for the remains of the four victims. They used tunnel boring machines and technological tools for detecting bodies.

This is the second-deadliest Iranian attack on Israel in more than five weeks of war, surpassed only by the nine deaths from another direct hit in Beit Shemesh (in Jerusalem province) in the early days of the conflict. On March 22, two missiles launched from Iran injured 200 people when they struck the towns of Arad and Dimona in southern Israel, where the Jewish states nuclear facilities are located. In total, Israel has recorded 23 deaths in attacks by Iran and the Lebanese militia Hezbollah.

In Lebanon, at least 1,460 people have died, including 125 children. In Iran, authorities have stopped counting bodies, although the U.S.-based humanitarian NGO HRANA puts the death toll at over 3,500, including 240 children, and medical sources cited by Reuters report more than 7,000 fatalities. But Israel is a country with cell phone alerts, air raid sirens, and a missile defense system, the Iron Dome, that the army says has over 90% interception effectiveness.

What could have happened in the retirement neighborhood on Mount Carmel in Haifa? The ballistic missile was detected en route, and residents received a high-level emergency alert on their cell phones. Then the sirens began wailing, warning of an imminent bombing. All the testimonies gathered on the ground agree that there was advance warning. But the projectile penetrated the various layers of the missile defense system.

The digital news outlet Times of Israel cites military sources indicating that the missile broke apart before impact, thus failing to explode. Military spokespeople say they are investigating whether there were failures in the interception system.

This is not the first time Israelis have questioned whether the army has sufficient resources to protect the more than 10 million Israelis concentrated in the central and coastal areas of this relatively small country. Recently, the failure to intercept two missiles in quick succession sparked public concern.

The army eventually admitted that they were not special state-of-the-art missiles, but rather that they tried to shoot them down with a modified version of a cheaper and more accessible system (the medium-range Davids Sling), instead of the Arrow 3 (long-range), originally designed for ballistic rockets launched from 1,200 miles away.

This Monday, Benjamin Netanyahus government announced it will increase production of Arrow missile systems to counter the Iranian threat. Each Arrow interceptor costs between $2 million and $3 million. The Davids Sling missile system costs around $1 million.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir at the site of the missile impact in Haifa, Israel, on April 6, 2026. Shir Torem (REUTERS)

And why did the family buried in the rubble decide to continue with their Passover meal instead of going to the shelter? After nearly a month and a half of hostilities, Israelis seem to have grown accustomed to cell phone alerts, most of which are deactivated within a few minutes. Nor are there enough bomb shelters for everyone.

According to January 2025 data from the State Comptroller (Israels equivalent of the Ombudsman), approximately one-third (around 3.2 million) of the countrys population  primarily Arab  lacks adequate public or private shelters. In Haifa, 280,000 residents rely mainly on public shelters. The building that was hit had a communal shelter. And some residents told the EFE news agency that they had built a reinforced concrete safe room inside their apartment.

At the scene of the direct impact, the Mediterranean forest, the distant sea, and a stormy sky formed a funereal tableau on Monday afternoon for a war that is once again convulsing the Middle East.

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From left to right, Alderpersons Patricia "Patty" Ford, Stephanie J. Elliott, and John Meehan speak to one another as Mayor David Goins and Treasurer Elizabeth C Allen look on during an Alton City Council meeting on April 6, 2026. Ivy Lyons/The Telegraph

Alton City Council members voted on Monday night to postpone consideration of a resolution cutting contributions to the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau.

The vote marks a contentious, and at minimum delayed, first step toward consideration of the full ordinance slashing the budget, prompting Alderwoman Rosetta "Rosie" Brown and Alderwoman Patricia "Patty" Ford to move and second a month-long postponement of consideration of the measure. Consideration was moved to a Committee of the Whole meeting on or after May 15.

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Alton leaders, including Mayor David Goins and Alderwoman Ford, have defended cuts to the tourism bureau to the dismay of Great Rivers and Routes executive Cory Jobe, who has warned of significant cuts, including to staffing, that result from passing this ordinance. Ford proposed that the City's Hotel Room and Food and Beverage Sales tax contributions would drop from 60% to 20% for tourism and community enrichment in the upcoming budget.

Community members also showed up in large numbers on Monday, with more than a dozen public comments taking up the better part of an hour during the Committee of the Whole's seldom-used Monday evening public comment period.

There was standing room only and several signs held by community members when Great Rivers and Routes President and CEO Cory Jobe spoke to Alton City Council members on April 6, 2026. Ivy Lyons/The Telegraph

During those discussions, business owners and marketing leaders across the city disagreed about how best to handle the cutssome believed the cost was too high, while others argued that tourism generated too much revenue to justify changing tax contributions to the tourism bureau. However, all speakers on both sides of the public discussion Monday night agreed that this particular piece of legislation moved too fast.

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This included Cory Jobe, who argued that the cuts to funding would actually contribute to a strange cost for Alton, which has its own campaign, tourism staff, event support, and resources through Great Rivers and Routes.

"This cut will mean Alton will pay $30,000 more than Edwardsville," Jobe said, before asking Mayor Goins, "I want to ask why nobody reached out to discuss the drastic cuts to tourism funds and promotion" ahead of the Council's consideration.

Mayor Goins didn't respond during the meeting and briefly walked away from his seat shortly after Jobe concluded his public statement.

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Alton business owners urge tourism talks

Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau supports showed up with signs that read "Tourism Funding Cuts Hurt All of Us" during the April 6, 2026, meeting of the Alton City Council. Ivy Lyons/The Telegraph

Business owners also asked what plan city leaders have for the funds saved by cutting Great Rivers and Routes funding through the Hotel Room Tax and the Food and Beverage Tax. Some, like Cody Hinkle of Piasa Body Art, directly asked the Council and Mayor Goins to address "two sides of the coin" by working with Alton tourism stakeholders.

"I do want the city to think about an advisory committee ... with Alton Main Street, with Great Rivers and Routes, with AltonWorks," and others, Hinkle said.

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Alderpersons did not commit to building a committee to study this particular issue, but did say tabling the matter would allow time for more robust discussions ahead of any vote on ordinances and resolutions.
The Grafton Ferry, shown in this handout photo from the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau, will reopen Friday, April 10. Courtesy of Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau

GRAFTON  A handful of passengers will get a free ride Friday when the Grafton Ferry reopens under city ownership.

Mayor Mike Morrow will cover the fares for the first 15 vehicles that board the ferry after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday. The public is invited to attend at the ferrys landing on the Grafton riverfront, just a few yards upriver from the giant U.S. flag.

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During his first campaign for mayor in 2021, Morrow promised he would work toward acquiring the ferry from its longtime operator, Calhoun Ferry, which also owns the Golden Eagle and Winfield ferries on the Mississippi River.

Little did I realize it would take five years to do it, Morrow, now in his second term as mayor, said in an interview at City Hall last week.

In January, the city signed a 20-year contract with Calhoun Ferry, which calls for the company to continue operating the boat under Graftons ownership. Grafton is paying $878,577 to the ferry operator; Morrow said the city just got the check for the purchase from the Illinois Department of Transportation last week.

The Grafton Ferry Landing on the city's riverfront had only a small group of turkey vultures occupying it last week, but starting April 10, ferry service between the city and St. Charles County in Missouri will resume. Steve Whitworth/The Telegraph

The ferry that runs between Grafton and St. Charles County on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River will now provide year-round service, weather permitting, with expanded hours.

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The ferry will open at 5 a.m. Friday to serve commuter traffic and early bird travelers. The new hours of operation will be from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. from Monday through Thursday; 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Each trip across the river takes anywhere from five to 10 minutes. The ferry can also accommodate a limited number of pedestrians.

For more information about fares, please visit: https://www.riversandroutes.com/cities-towns/visit-grafton/grafton-ferry/

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Expanded ferry service to Grafton is a great asset for the city and the region as a whole, said Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau President/CEO Cory Jobe. We are thrilled with the option for weekday visits to Grafton, and we know this will only enhance Graftons position as a great visitor destination.

Grafton ferry launch aims to boost local business

Morrow said excitement is building around the city ahead of the ferrys reopening.

Im hearing nothing but praise from the businesses, the mayor said, noting the ferry traffic should especially help city businesses from Mondays through Thursdays, when regular vehicle traffic tends to be lighter than on weekends.

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While most passengers who take the ferry on the weekends are tourists, he said, the weekdays are important for those in agricultural occupations.

And it will be huge for delivery companies, Morrow said, pointing out that area residents can use the ferry to get to work at the Amazon warehouse in St. Charles County, as well as other workplaces in the business corridor along Missouri Highway 94.

The mayor also noted the ferry will be helpful for motorcyclists and bicyclists who like to ride loops rather than taking the same route back and forth.

Looking ahead, Morrow is also pursuing a $225,000 grant to design a diesel-electric ferry, which would allow for straight-line trips across the Mississippi with no need for angling.

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(The existing ferry) will have to be replaced eventually, he said. And the feds could pay 80% of the cost.

This week, the city plans to apply new oil-and-chip surfaces to the ferry landings on both sides of the river. New signage will also be installed both around Grafton and in Missouri.

Giving people quicker access to Grafton seven days a week has been an issue we have worked on for several years, and its great to see it come to fruition, Morrow said. Expanded ferry operations is an asset to visitors and residents alike.
Election results Rizwan Mehmood /Getty Images

The official results of the March 17 primary election have been released for Calhoun, Greene, and Macoupin counties. The general election will be on Nov. 3, 2026.

Calhoun County voters back Tim Bass in GOP primary

The Calhoun County Clerks Office announced a total of 586 ballots were cast in the county, which has 3,074 registered voters. A total of 187 ballots were cast in the Democratic primary, representing 31.9% of voters, while 399 ballots were cast in the Republican primary, representing 68.09% of primary voters.

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There were no contested Democratic primary races in Calhoun County.

On the Republican side, the only contested race was to fill a judicial vacancy in the 8th Judicial Circuit. In Calhoun County, Tim Bass received 200 votes, or 60.24%, to 102 votes, or 39.76%, for Christopher W. Pratt. The 8th Judicial Circuit spans eight counties, and Bass received the Republican nomination.

Greene County primary results set November races

Greene County Clerk Melissa Carter posted the official results on her offices Facebook page. Carter was unopposed for her re-election bid in the Republican primary, and she is currently unopposed in the November general election.

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Carter said 2,784 of the countys 8,583 registered voters cast ballots for a turnout of 32.44%.

In the Republican race for county treasurer, incumbent Phil Warren, who was appointed in 2025, defeated Karen J. Kirbach by 1,152 votes to 1,111.

He faces Kory E. Chapman, who was unopposed in the Democratic primary, in the November general election.

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Chris Weller won the Republican primary for county sheriff with 1,305 votes, defeating Chief Deputy Cale Hoesman, who got 705 votes, and Clark A. Wallis with 354 votes. Weller will face Ben Picou, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary, in the November general election. Incumbent Sheriff Rob McMillen did not seek re-election.

In the Republican primary for a four-year term on the Greene County Board, David Hicks was the top vote-getter with 1,519. The other three candidates who qualified for the November general election ballot were Mark Strang with 1,424 votes, Earlene Castleberry with 1,179 votes, and Christina (Tina) Lahr with 1,105 votes. Le Esarey received 752 votes and did not qualify for the November election. There were no Democratic candidates for the County Board.

Macoupin County sheriff primary: Ryan Dixon wins, unopposed

In Macoupin County, the Republican primary race for sheriff was won by Ryan Dixon with 3,922 votes to 2,455 for his opponent, Quinn Reiher. No Democrats ran for sheriff, so Dixon is set to be unopposed in the November general election.

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The only contested races for the Macoupin County Board in the November general election will be in District 5, where Kimberly Rossini and Michael R. Heyen Sr. got 291 and 278 votes, respectively, in the Democratic primary, while William Heyen and Larry Schmidt got 361 and 327 votes, respectively, in the Republican contest; and in District 8, where Robert Tony Wiggins won the Democratic primary with 234 votes and Harry Starr IV won the Republican primary with 804 votes. Voters were allowed to vote for two candidates in each County Board primary race.

Macoupin County reported a voter turnout of 29.06% for the primary, with 8,979 of the countys 30,896 registered voters casting ballots.

In the village of Brighton, voters rejected a referendum on electric aggregation. They were asked whether the town should have the authority to arrange for the supply of electricity for its residential and small commercial retail customers who have not yet opted out of such a program. The measure failed in that part of the village within Macoupin County with 156 votes against to 70 in favor. Voters in the part of the village within Jersey County rejected the referendum with 26 against to 14 for, for a total of 182 against to 84 in favor.
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NID to catch up on the golden mussel, Rollins Reservoir storage
Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson has resigned from his position, reports said on Tuesday.

A person familiar with the development told PTI that Wilson had expressed his intention to step down and formally conveyed his decision to the airlines board. The airline has yet to issue an official statement.

Wilson, who was appointed in July 2022 following former Turkish Airlines Chairman Ilker Ayci declining the role, was originally slated to serve a five-year term until 2027.

According to a source cited by Reuters, Wilson is currently serving a six-month notice period and is expected to remain in his role until a successor is appointed.

The airline, owned by the Tata Group, had reportedly begun searching for a replacement earlier this year.

While the exact reason for Wilsons resignation remains unclear, he has faced mounting pressure since the fatal crash of a London-bound Air India flight on June 12 last year, shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The incident resulted in the deaths of 241 of the 242 people on board and triggered intensified regulatory scrutiny.

Air India currently operates a fleet of 191 aircraft and has placed orders for more than 500 additional planes as part of its expansion strategy.

According to a Reuters report, the airline has lost money since being bought by Tata Group, with the financial pressure worsening since Pakistan banned Indian carriers from its airspace last year.

Air India and its low-cost carrier Air India Express reported a combined loss of Rs 98.08 billion in the 2024-2025 financial year, the report said.
The Indian Army received "hundreds of kamikaze" drones from a Gujarat-based deep-tech drone firm InsideFPV.

Kamikaze drones, also known as loitering munitions, are unmanned systems that can hover over a target area before striking and destroying it by crashing into it with an explosive payload. InsideFPV is a Surat-based defence-tech startup that has been manufacturing fast, low-cost tactical drones for military and civilian use.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

The Indian Army's Northern Command took the delivery of the drones. The exact number of drones that the Indian Army received has not been divulged by either the force or the company due to security reasons.

According to a Times of India report, the delivery was part of a Rs 10 crore contract that the drone technology manufacturer signed with the defence ministry under its emergency procurement route (EPR).

ALSO READ: IAF plans massive airship with 5,000 kg payload that may redefine border surveillance for India: Report

"Our Kamikaze and FPV systems were engineered specifically for India's harshest deployment environments, functioning reliably in temperatures dropping to -35C, " Arth Chowdhary, CEO, InsideFPV, was quoted as saying, adding, "Executing this order in just two months proves that we can meet the ministry of defence's exact operational timelines without compromising on volume or precision."

Media reports suggest that the order was delivered in a time of two months.

What the company says about its drones

According to the company, the Kamikaze drones feature advanced sensors and guidance systems for pinpoint target identification and minimal collateral damage.

Ideal for complex urban environments and remote areas, these drones excel in combat missions, the company stated.

They also gather real-time intelligence on enemy positions, enhancing operational planning. In counterterrorism, kamikaze drones offer a proactive approach to threat neutralization without endangering civilians.

"Cost-effective and rapidly deployable, they represent a pivotal advancement in modern military technology, integrating AI and ensuring their relevance in evolving warfare strategies," the company said.

A force-multiplier

These drones offer the force the capacity to deliver pinpoint strikes at a fraction of the cost of missiles or air sorties, making high-precision warfare accessible even at scale. As these suicide drones are capable of loitering, identifying targets, and striking instantly, they enable the force to adapt to the constantly evolving battlefield conditions.
Reports of Shah Rukh Khan doing a cameo in Rajnikanth-starrer "Jailer 2" are not true, according to a new update. The superstar has reportedly declined the opportunity politely and is said to be focusing only on his much-anticipated action thriller "King", and wants the Hindi movie to be his big appearance, according to Pinkvilla.

According to a source quoted by Pinkvilla, The makers were keen to have Shah Rukh Khan onboard for a 5-day cameo, and he was absolutely open to the idea. However, his current focus remains firmly on 'King', which holds immense importance for him, especially as it marks his daughter Suhanas big-screen launch. In a respectful conversation with the team, SRK expressed his willingness to do the cameo while requesting that the release of 'Jailer' could be aligned post 'King,' as he wanted his appearance to remain exclusive to that film. He has a certain look in 'King', and he doesnt want to have the same in any other film before.

The source further clarified SRK's decision, adding, The makers were looking at an August release, ahead of 'King' in December, and given the differing timelines, both parties mutually and amicably decided to part ways on this cameo. Shah Rukh Khan has also personally spoken to Rajnikanth and conveyed his admiration, assuring him that he would be happy to collaborate, be it a cameo or a full-fledged role at a more suitable time in the future.

The makers of "Jailer 2" are now looking for another big name to take his spot.

Recently, a major action sequence in "King", which was supposed to be shot in the Middle East, shifted the location to Mumbai due to tensions in the region.

"King", which reunites SRK with Siddharth Anand after "Pathaan", also features Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, and Arshad Warsi, among others.
A fast-moving measles outbreak in Bangladesh has triggered alarm across the region, with over 100 reported deaths, 98 of them children, marking what could be one of the countrys deadliest waves of the disease in recent years.

In response, authorities in Bangladesh launched an emergency vaccination campaign on Sunday, aiming to contain the spread and protect vulnerable populations. Despite longstanding immunisation efforts, the outbreak has exposed critical gaps in vaccine coverage and public health outreach.

Also read | Measles outbreak in Bangladesh: Why children are more vulnerable to this deadly infection

For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH

Highlighting the urgency, the Unicef representative in Bangladesh, Rana Flowers said in a statement on Sunday that vaccines are foundational to child survival, warning that the outbreak is putting thousands of children, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, at serious risk.

The situation has prompted swift political attention as well, with Prime Minister of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman directing senior officials to assess the scale of the crisis across the country.

But as Bangladesh battles this surge, a pressing question arises for its neighbour: Is India also at risk? What do the trends and experts suggest?

What is measles? Symptoms to watch out for as cases rise

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the measles virus, belonging to the Morbillivirus genus. It primarily affects children but can infect individuals of any age, especially those who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated.

The infection typically begins with what may seem like common flu-like symptoms - high fever, persistent cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. However, one of the earliest distinctive signs is the appearance of Kopliks spots, tiny white lesions inside the mouth that often precede the rash.

Within a few days, a red or purplish rash develops, starting on the face and gradually spreading downwards to the neck, trunk, arms, and legs. While many associate measles with this rash, doctors caution that the disease goes far beyond skin symptoms.

Measles can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. These include pneumonia, which is one of the leading causes of measles-related deaths in children, as well as severe diarrhoea that can result in dehydration. In some cases, the virus can cause encephalitis, or brain inflammation, which may lead to permanent neurological damage. A rare but fatal complication known as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) can develop years after infection, gradually affecting the brain.

What makes measles particularly dangerous is its extreme transmissibility. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breathes. These droplets can remain suspended in the air or settle on surfaces for up to two hours, making indirect transmission possible.

An infected person can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days after, allowing it to circulate widely before being detected.

There is no specific antiviral cure for measles. Treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms, preventing complications, and managing secondary infections. In children, Vitamin A supplementation is often recommended under medical supervision to reduce severity. The most effective protection remains vaccination. Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine (MCV) provide long-term immunity and are critical to preventing outbreaks.

Measles resurgence despite vaccines

A major reason behind the global resurgence of measles is insufficient vaccine coverage, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine for decades. According to estimates by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, in 2024, about 84 per cent of children worldwide received their first dose of the measles vaccine, while only 76 per cent received the second dose.

While this marks a slight improvement compared to previous years, it still falls significantly short of the 95 per cent coverage required to prevent outbreaks and achieve herd immunity. For a virus as contagious as measles, even small gaps in immunisation can lead to rapid and widespread transmission.

The scale of under-protection remains alarming. In 2024 alone, more than 3 crore children globally did not receive full protection against measles. Nearly three-quarters of these children live in the African and Eastern Mediterranean regions - areas often affected by conflict, fragile health systems, and limited access to routine immunisation services.

The Immunisation Agenda 2030 (IA2030) Mid-Term Review also warns that due to its high transmissibility, measles is often the first disease to resurge when vaccination coverage drops, making it a sensitive indicator of underlying gaps in routine immunisation and broader health system performance  it is known as the canary in the coalmine.

This means that rising measles cases are not just about one disease - they reflect broader cracks in healthcare delivery, surveillance, and access to vaccines.

Should India also be worried?

Against this global backdrop, Indias position raises important concerns. Provisional data reported to the World Health Organisation from August 2025 to January 2026 places India first among countries with measles outbreaks, with 12,135 reported cases.

Health authorities have long cautioned that measles does not remain confined within borders. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention notes that Measles can easily cross borders and cause outbreaks in any community where people are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated (missing one or both doses of the measles vaccine).

However, the challenge in India goes beyond just coverage, it also lies in the timing of vaccination. A 2025 study using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 20192021), which analysed a sample of 48,928 children aged 12 to 23 months, sheds light on this issue. While overall immunisation rates may appear relatively strong on paper, the study found that more than 55 per cent of immunised children received their measles vaccine later than the recommended age.

The researchers identified multiple socio-demographic and behavioural factors influencing delayed vaccination. These included maternal age and education, religious affiliation, access to media, and healthcare-seeking practices such as institutional delivery and antenatal care utilisation.

Such delays may seem minor but can have serious implications. Since measles spreads rapidly, even short windows of vulnerability can allow the virus to circulate within communities.

Untimely immunisation is a crucial issue in India. Addressing the timeliness of measles immunisation requires a comprehensive strategy that includes healthcare delivery, family planning, immunisation perception, and general education, the study concluded.

While these findings highlight the gaps, experts say Indias overall preparedness offers some reassurance.

Prof. Dr Sanjeev Bagai, Padma Shri awardee and Senior Consultant Paediatrician & Nephrologist, offered a relatively reassuring view. He pointed out that Indias long-running immunisation efforts under the Universal Immunisation Programme, supported by bodies like the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, have resulted in strong vaccine penetration.

India, as a community, is fairly well placed. Measles and MMR vaccination coverage is in the range of 80 to 90 per cent, he said, adding that this has helped build a degree of herd immunity.

However, he did acknowledge that risks remain due to regional and global movement. Dr Bagai noted that factors such as air travel and migration can contribute to the spread of infections across borders, especially from regions with weaker healthcare systems.

Despite this, he stressed that there is no immediate cause for panic, provided vigilance is maintained. I dont think there is any immediate cause to worry, but surveillance and timely action are crucial, he said.

He also underscored the importance of early detection and isolation. Measles is largely a clinical diagnosis. The infected child should be isolated for at least 7 to 10 days to prevent further spread, he advised.

Importantly, Dr Bagai strongly addressed vaccine hesitancy, calling for urgent action against misinformation. The measles vaccine is safe and does not contain any harmful additives. Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation must stop, he said, reiterating that immunisation remains the most effective tool to prevent outbreaks.

This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS
Assam Police on Tuesday reached Congress leader Pawan Kheras Delhi residence a day after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmas wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma filed an FIR over the formers statements regarding her.

The Delhi police is reportedly assisting the officers from Assam.

Reports say that the Khera is not at his residence. He confirmed that he is currently in Hyderabad and that he is "not running away from these allegations" and that he will "return to Assam today itself."

Khera had recently held a press conference and made allegations against Sarmas wife, questioning why she allegedly held three different passports from different countries. Presenting documents, he said that Riniki held passports from the UAE, Egypt and Antigua and Barbuda.

He also alleged that she owned properties in Dubai and had a company registered in Wyoming, USA.

Khera questioned why the Chief Minister's properties were not mentioned in his election affidavit.

The Assam CM had said that he would take legal action against Khera for the remarks, saying the claims were false and politically motivated.

Meanwhile, Sarma launched another set of scathing attacks against the Congress leader, saying, I show my left thumb to the Congress. For Gaurav Gogoi, Rahul Gandhi, I show my left thumb. I will make Pawan Khera into Pawan Peda, he said.

In a separate statement, he said that the ogress was trying to intimidate him. Responding to Rahul Gandhi, he said that his party were not afraid of any threats, adding we have Hanuman here.

The developments have come right amid the political campaigns ahead of the upcoming state elections on April 9.

Sarma also said that his party would win at least 100 seats that he would take the strongest action against Congress leader Pawan Khera.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday began hearing a batch of cases linked to the Sabarimala issue, with a nine-judge Constitution Bench examining key questions on religious freedom and equality.

The bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, is not directly reviewing the 2018 judgement that allowed entry of women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. Instead, it is dealing with broader constitutional questions about how courts should approach religious practices under Articles 25 and 26.

Opening the Centres arguments, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said courts should be cautious in deciding what counts as an essential religious practice. He argued that religion can only be restricted on limited grounds such as public order, morality, health, or if it violates fundamental rights.

Mehta said determining whether a practice is essential to a religion may not always fall within judicial review. He pointed out that religious texts and beliefs require interpretation by scholars and that courts may not be best placed to undertake such an exercise.

The discussion centres on the practice at Sabarimala, where girls and women aged between 10 and 50 years have traditionally not been allowed entry, based on the belief that Lord Ayyappa is a celibate deity. The Centre argued that this is a matter of faith and not a question of discrimination.

The judges, however, raised several questions during the hearing. Justice B.V. Nagarathna said courts can step in if a social practice is presented as a religious one. She noted that it is important to distinguish between genuine religious practices and social customs.

The Centre also told the court that the Sabarimala temple is a unique case. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said Ayyappa temples elsewhere allow entry of women, but Sabarimala follows a specific practice linked to a particular age group. He said such denominational practices need to be respected and cannot always be tested only on the basis of individual dignity or autonomy.

During the hearing, Justice B.V. Nagarathna questioned whether the exclusion could be compared to untouchability under Article 17. She pointed out that untouchability cannot be applied in a selective manner, observing that it cannot exist for a few days and disappear on others.

The Solicitor General also objected to observations in the 2018 judgment that had described the practice as treating women as untouchables. He said this characterisation was incorrect and added that Indian society cannot be viewed only through the lens of patriarchy.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi asked whether a groups belief about a form of worship leading to salvation can be tested against the principle of equality. He also said courts are capable of examining expert opinions in complex matters, including those involving religion.

Justice M.M. Sundresh highlighted the difference between science and religion, noting that religion is based on belief rather than logic. This, he suggested, makes judicial review more limited in such matters.

The Centre also argued that Sabarimala devotees form a distinct group whose practices should be protected under the Constitution. It said Indias religious traditions are diverse and cannot be narrowly defined.

At the same time, Mehta stressed that courts can intervene in extreme cases. He said if a practice clearly violates morality or fundamental rights, judicial review would still apply.

The Centre also argued that the restriction at Sabarimala cannot be seen as discrimination. Solicitor General referred to Article 25, which guarantees freedom of religion to all persons, and said the phrase includes different classes and sections. He said the provision was meant to address caste-based exclusion, and not every restriction linked to a religious belief can be treated as discrimination. According to him, prohibiting entry of a particular gender within a specific age group, based on the nature of the deity and the temples practice, does not automatically violate constitutional rights.

He also reiterated that social reform should be left to the legislature. Mehta said any change in religious practices must come from within the community or through laws made by elected representatives. He pointed out that Parliament and State Assemblies reflect the views of citizens, making them better suited to handle questions of reform rather than courts.

The outcome of the case is expected to clarify how courts should balance religious freedom with constitutional principles such as equality and dignity.

The hearing remained inconclusive and will continue April 8.
Expelled Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu has announced the formation of a new political party, the Bharatiya Rashtrawadi Party. In a social media post on Monday night, Kaur, wife of former Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu, said she will lead Punjab to achieve its "long-lost glory" of being a Golden State.

Kaur had been suspended from the Punjab Congress in December following her controversial claim that the chief ministership could be bought for Rs 500 crore. She had also accused Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring of selling the party for petty gains through an arrangement with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

She announced her resignation from the party on January 31, and on February 6, Congress general secretary in charge of Punjab, Bhupesh Baghel, claimed that Kaur had already been expelled from the party.

In her latest post, Kaur described her new party as an effort to offer a national-level alternative "after carefully monitoring and reviewing the current standards of performance of political leaders".

Just wanting to dedicate our lives to our country, giving back to the people what they truly deserve and expect from us, she wrote. "A divine intervention, which just put together some like-minded individuals who just have the ability, confidence, courage and determination to work on each state with the common goal to provide justice and peace, and through love work with the energy of higher consciousness and deliver just what Waheguru Ji desires from us".

She also shared a picture of her along with another person with the party bannerBharatiya Rashtrawadi Partyin the background.

The launch of the new party, just a year ahead of Punjabs assembly elections, has sparked speculation across the states political circles. It remains unclear whether Kaurs husband, Navjot Singh Sidhu, will join the new outfit, as his X profile still features Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi.

According to The Tribune, Kaurs move is widely seen as a strategy to further fragment anti-incumbency votes ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls.

Kaur stated that under her leadership, Punjab will regain its status as a Golden State where citizens experience love, justice, liberty, and freedom, working toward shared goals without external interference.

Kaur entered the Congress along with her husband ahead of the 2017 assembly polls. Before that, she served as an MLA from Amritsar East, having won the 2012 elections on a BJP ticket.

Upon her resignation from Congress on January 31, she launched a scathing attack on Warring, calling him the most horrific, incapable, corrupt president ever and accusing him of colluding with the Chief Minister to weaken the party.

"You saved yourself from jail by co-partnering with the CM to destroy Congress. You have sold the party for petty gains with a secret understanding with AAP, she had written in a scathing post on X.

Kaur had sparked a political controversy in December by claiming that the one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the chief minister of Punjab. She had also claimed that her husband, Sidhu, would return to active politics if the Congress declared him as the party's chief ministerial face in Punjab.
A recent report has revealed a striking disproportionality in voter deletions in West Bengals Nandigram Assembly constituency following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

Data from the SABAR Institute, a Kolkata-based research organisation, shows that an overwhelming 95 per cent of the names removed from the supplementary electoral lists are Muslims, despite the community accounting for only about 26 per cent of the constituencys electorate in the 2021 Assembly elections.

In total, 2,826 names were deleted from Nandigrams supplementary rolls, of which 2,700 belong to Muslim voters. More than 10,500 cases in the assembly segment have been marked under adjudication.

Muslims accounted for around 33 per cent of those on the December 2025 ASDD list.

"For the first time, a full analysis of supplementary list deletions in Nandigram Assembly constituency reveals a stark and alarming disproportionality," SABAR Institute said in post on X. "This raises serious concerns about the SIR process and its impact," it added.

Sabir Ahamed of the Sabar Institute said the analysis suggests that the SIR process was conducted with a political motive of purging Muslim names to secure electoral advantage for one party.

"The deleted voters are unlikely to be able to vote this time, as the appeals process will take time, he told the Telegraph newspaper.

The constituency is currently represented by senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who defeated Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in a high-stakes contest in the 2021 Assembly elections. Adhikari is now seeking to retain the seat, while the Trinamool Congress has fielded Pabitra Kar, a former BJP leader, in a bid to reclaim it.

Given the narrow margin of Adhikaris victory in the last elections, any irregularities in the voter list could carry significant political implications. In 2021, Nandigram had over 68,000 Muslim voters, accounting for roughly 26 per cent of the electorate.

Nandigram is among the constituencies going to the polls in the first phase of the Assembly elections, for which the nomination deadline was April 6. With the publication of the final supplementary list, the electoral rolls for the first phase have now been frozen as of midnight on Monday, in accordance with prescribed norms.

"There will be no further inclusion in the electoral roll at this stage. The list stands frozen as per law following the last date of nomination for the first phase," a senior Election Commission official told PTI news agency.
As public campaigning concludes in Kerala today, Congress MLA and Muvattupuzha UDF candidate Mathew Kuzhalnadan has alleged that the devastating floods that struck the state in 2018 were man-made.

Kuzhalnadan released an audio clip as evidence, in which a person, purportedly Minister K. Krishnankutty, is heard claiming that Mathew T. Thomas, who served as water resources minister in the first Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet, sacrificed the state to benefit private companies and accepted bribes in the process.

There is a general mindset in Kerala that when a government system shows some inefficiency, makes a mistake, or commits an error, it is seen as forgivable. This is the prevailing attitude of society in Kerala, and, unfortunately, even of our courts, Kuzhalnadan said before releasing the audio.

When it comes to the floods, people may say there were minor issues in flood management or dam management. They may describe them as small lapses. But if you examine how and why those problems occurred, the shocking reality is this: it was the greedindeed, the excessive greedfor crores among those in the Pinarayi Vijayan government that brought Kerala to this state of devastation. I want to state this clearly and with responsibility: it is the corruption and plunder of the Pinarayi government that caused the floods in Kerala to be this severe.

Both Krishnankutty and Mathew T. Thomas belong to the Indian Socialist Janata Dal (ISJD), formed after breaking away from the JD(S). In 2018, Krishnankutty became water resources minister after Mathew T. Thomas resigned, as per an understanding within their party at the time, the JD(S). Krishnankutty later served as electricity minister in the second Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet.

Kuzhalnadan addressed the press in the presence of Krishnankuttys former staff member, Prabhat. In the audio clip, the person, purportedly Krishnankutty, says that Mathew T. Thomas had a role in delaying the opening of the Thottappally spillway, which is critical for flood control in Kerala. The recording claims that the delay was intended to prevent sand deposits downstream from being washed awaya move that would benefit a private contractor. The person further alleges that Mathew T. Thomas made crores from the deal.

The Central Water Commissions study on the Kerala floods noted that, given the high rainfall in August 2018, the absence of adequate upstream storage reservoirs, the reduced carrying capacity of Vembanad Lake, and the diminished capacity of the Thottappally spillway may have worsened flooding in the Kuttanad region.

The person in the audio clip also claims that Mathew T. Thomas enabled measures that allowed private entities to make excess profits from the Maniyar project, part of the Pamba Irrigation Project, which in turn contributed to flooding and destruction in Chengannur and surrounding areas. It further alleges that similar actions at the Peringalkuthu Dam led to the Chalakudy river overflowing and causing widespread damage.

Mathew T. Thomas, who is contesting as the LDF candidate in Thiruvalla, termed the allegations baseless and said there was no need to reply to Kushalnadans claims. He said he was confident that the people of Kerala would reject the allegations. He also pointed out that the Central Water Commission and technical experts from IIT Madras had studied the floods and submitted reports. The allegations made by Mathew Kuzhalnadan lack credibility. The people of Kerala know me, he told the media, while reiterating that the floods were caused by extremely heavy rainfall.

THE WEEK has not independently verified the authenticity of the audio clip released by Kuzhalnadan.

The Opposition had alleged earlier too that the Kerala floods were not a natural calamity but a man-made disaster, and had raised it on the assembly floor too.

Krishnankutty pointed out that when the issue was discussed in the assembly, Kuzhalnadan had not raised these points. He alleged that the claims are being made now with an eye on the polling day (April 9).

Krishnankutty also suggested that the audio clip could be AI-generated. Responding to questions about a former staff member attending Kuzhalnadans press conference, he said the individual was no longer with the party and had been expelled for raising unnecessary issues and exerting pressure.

Krishnankutty added that Mathew T. Thomas is a person of integrity and that the matter would be examined, and added that legal action will be taken against Kuzhalnadan if needed.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, too, responded in his press meet along similar lines, stating that experts had already concluded that the Kerala floods were not man-made, and the rest are all just allegations.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal has resulted in the deletion of more than 90 lakh names from the voters list, out of an initial electorate of 7.6 crore.

During the exercise, nearly 60 lakh cases under adjudication were reviewed by judicial officers. Of these, around 32.68 lakh were included in the list, while 27.16 lakh were found ineligible. Names of around 63.66 lakh names, around 8.3 per cent of the electorate, were already removed from the final SIR list released on February 28. With the latest deletions, the total number of removed voters now stands at around 90.82 lakh, or 11.6% of the original electorate. The voter base has now been reduced from about 7.66 crore to just over 7.04 crore.

BLOs among those affected

Mohammad Shafiul Alam, a Booth Level Officer (BLO) from Bashirhat in North 24 Parganas, discovered that his name had been deleted after adjudication. The names of his parents and grandparents have been on the voters list since 1966. My name was deleted even though I have all the documents. I work in government service in the higher education department. It seems I am being targeted, Alam said.

Two of his brothers from the same constituency also found their names deleted, while their two sisters, living in another constituency, remain on the SIR list. All siblings had submitted the same ancestral details for progeny mapping with the 2002 SIR list.

Like other deleted voters, Alam has appealed online for inclusion. He is also helping others submit appeals and relevant documents. However, he and others in similar situations know they cannot vote in the current elections. I am a BLO, on duty, and I dont know about my future. I feel bad that my name has been deleted, he said. Alam added that his workplace is six hours away, making it difficult to juggle official duties with SIR-related work.

Another BLO from Bashirhat, Sahanara Khatoon, who was also under adjudication, found her name deleted. There is nothing wrong with my documents, and I was on the 2002 SIR list. Yet my name was deleted. I cannot understand this, she said. The names of her other family members, however, are on the current SIR list, which has further baffled her.

Out of the cases under adjudication, the maximum deletions are found in Muslim minority-dominated districts of Murshidabad (4,45,137), North 24 Parganas (3,25,666), South 24 Parganas (2,22,929), and Malda (2,39,975).

If they have been deleted and have to appeal to a tribunal with freezing of electoral rolls for the first phase, how will a genuine voter be included in the list? asked TMC MP Sagarika Ghose. A TMC delegation has sought a meeting with the Election Commission of India (ECI) on how deletions have taken place in various constituencies.

'Daylight travesty of democracy'

Elections are considered the core of Indias democratic journey. Despite many limitations, our ability to hold free and fair elections successfully ensures that despite social and communal conflict, there is a functioning democracy. But what is happening today with 27 lakh voters whose logical discrepancies are not settled by the Election Commission and judiciary, will not be able to vote in a democracy. Majority of them are minorities. This is daylight travesty of democracy. This is unprecedented, said Professor Zaad Mahmood, political science department, Presidency University.

Government officials assisting with the SIR exercise fear losing their voting rights along with other affected voters, with no clear reasoning provided for the deletions. While some hope to participate in future elections, the uncertainty leaves many concerned about their democratic rights.
With just two days remaining for the assembly polls, Congress leader K.C. Venugopal has written an open letter to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, questioning his meeting with the BJP leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah and reiterating the 'BJP-LDF' deal in the elections.

Venugopal tabled a ten-point challenge to the Chief Minister, asserting that these issues are at the forefront of public discourse across the state. The AICC General Secretary demanded an immediate response from the CM, framing the queries as a definitive test of the government's accountability ahead of Thursday's polls.

The 10 questions asked by Venugopal:

1) What was the agenda behind your meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence in Delhi, excluding officials? Was that where the "deal" was struck?

2) Why did you host a breakfast meeting for Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman without officials in Kerala House, Delhi? What "deal" was being finalised?

3) You have had several official meetings with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi. But have you met him outside Delhi? What was the purpose? Was it part of a deal?

4) Despite open opposition from CPI and its ministers, why did you go ahead and reach an understanding with the BJP to implement the PM SHRI scheme in Kerala? What "deal" was behind this? Whose interests were you protecting by keeping your own coalition partners in the dark? Why was the CPI state leadership misled after reaching a secret understanding with the BJP?

5) On the issue of labour codes introduced by the central government, why were rules framed and actions taken in extreme secrecy without taking LDF allies into confidence? Whom were you afraid of? As a leader of the labour movement, did you not increase the registration fee of trade unions from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000 following the labour code? Whom was this meant to satisfy?

6) In the SNC-Lavalin case, in which you are an accused, the repeated adjournments over 40 times in the Supreme Court have surprised the legal history of the country. Is this a reward from the central government or a bonus of a "deal"? By sacrificing your partys ideology and showing extreme subservience to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are you trying to protect your family interests by getting cases dropped? Is that why you hesitate to directly criticise PM Modi?

7) In the monthly payment (karimanal) case involving Exalogic Solutions, are the terms of the "deal" you made with the central government to stall the Serious Fraud Investigation Office probe something you can disclose? Is there any connection with the Kodakara hawala money case, where crores were allegedly brought for the BJP during the last Assembly election? What is the current status of the ED notice against your son?

8) On whose instructions are you still protecting ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar, who faced serious allegations of secretly meeting RSS leaders and later facilitating the disruption of Thrissur Pooram to help the BJP win the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat? Whose interests are being protected?

9) What was the understanding reached between you and BJP leaders at a star hotel in the capital? Do you have the courage to disclose its details to the public?

10) In the gold smuggling and dollar smuggling cases involving your former Principal Secretary, why did central investigations stall midway? Who intervened? What is the current status of the Justice V.K. Mohanan Commission appointed by your government against central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and Customs? Was the commission merely a smokescreen after striking a deal with the BJP?"

Venugopal's questioning comes at a time when the leader is facing allegation of 'money-for-ticket' by a Haryana native. Venugopal, who is contesting from Alappuzha constituency, filed a defamation case against the native alleging that the accusations were "baseless" and "fabricated" ahead of polls.
As election fever peaks in Tamil Nadu, which will witness a multi-cornered fight, a new opinion poll has made some interesting predictions about the outcome.

A pre-poll survey released by Lok Poll has revealed that the DMK alliance is coming to power again with 40.1% vote share. It has also been reported that the DMK will win the most seats in the Kongu region. It says that the DMK will win 181189 and 40.1 per cent vote share, while the main opposition AIADMK will end its run with 3842 seats and 29 per cent votes.

As for actor Vijays TVK, which will make its electoral debut this time, the survey predicts eight to 10 seats and 23.9 per cent votes. Seemans Naam Tamilar Katchi will not win any seats but will get 4.9 per cent of the votes. The remaining 2.1 per cent votes will be shared by others, according to the Lok Poll opinion poll.

The survey, conducted based on the opinion of over 1,17,000 people, used a stratified random sampling method. Accordingly, the districts in Tamil Nadu have been divided into 4 zones - North Zone, Delta Zone, South Zone, and West Zone (Kongu Zone).

The surprising outcome is from the Kongu Zone, which has been a traditional AIADMK bastion. The pre-poll survey predicted that the DMK will dominate the region too, winning 44 to 46 seats. It has been said that AIADMK will win only 9-10 seats and TVK will win only 2-3 seats. The west comprises districts of Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Coimbatore, Karur, Erode, Krishnagiri, Namakkal, Nilgiris, Salem, and Tiruppur. While the AIADMK won 26 out of 38 constituencies in 2021, the Lok Poll survey predicts that their run will end in 9-10 seats this time.

In the northern zone, which includes Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Tirupattur, and Ranipet, the DMK will win 53 to 56 seats while the AIADMK will win 11 to 12 seats. Vijay's TVK will win 2 to 3 seats.

The central zone or Delta zone in Tamil Nadu includes districts, including Ariyalur, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Perambalur, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Trichy, and Thiruvarur. These regions will totally favour the DMK, which will take 39-40 seats. The AIADMK alliance will win 9-10 seats.

As for the southern zone, including Kanyakumari, Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Theni, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, the DMK alliance will win 45-47 seats. The AIADMK alliance will win 9-10 seats, and the TVK will win 2 seats, the opinion poll said.

As for the most preferred chief minister, M.K. Stalin tops the list. According to the opinion poll conducted by Lokpal, MK Stalin is at the top of the list of people's preferred Chief Minister. Over 41% of the people have expressed their support for him, while Opposition leader Edappadi Palaniswami has 24.1% of the people. Actor Vijay has the support of 27.1 per cent of the people, while 7.8 per cent expressed their preference for others.
India is at a pivotal moment in its economic and technological evolution. As the world enters the era of Industry 4.0 defined by artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and data-driven systems the expectations from engineering graduates are undergoing a profound transformation. The real question today is no longer how many engineers India produces each year, but whether they are equipped to succeed in this rapidly changing industrial landscape.

For decades, India has prided itself on being one of the largest producers of engineering talent globally. Each year, close to a million graduates enter the workforce with engineering degrees. Yet, beneath this impressive number, lies a growing concern are these graduates truly industry-ready?

Industry 4.0 is not merely about adopting new technologies; it represents a fundamental shift in how industries function, innovate, and compete.

Traditional engineering roles are evolving, with automation and intelligent systems taking over routine tasks. Engineers are now expected to think beyond conventional boundaries, integrate knowledge across disciplines, and adapt to continuous technological disruptions. In such a scenario, technical knowledge alone is no longer enough. The modern engineer must also possess creativity, critical thinking, adaptability, and the ability to work collaboratively in complex environments.

However, the reality presents a stark contrast. Employability among engineering graduates continues to be a pressing challenge. Various studies indicate that only about 40 to 50 per cent of graduates are considered employable, pointing to a significant gap between academic learning and industry expectations. Even more paradoxical is the fact that while companies report a strong demand for skilled professionals, a large proportion of graduates struggle to secure jobs. This mismatch highlights a deeper structural issue. India is not facing a shortage of engineers, but a shortage of engineers with the right skills.

One of the most critical challenges lies in the widening skill gap. As Industry 4.0 technologies reshape the job market, employers are increasingly looking for expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and automation. At the same time, they value problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and a mindset geared towards continuous learning.

Unfortunately, many graduates lack this balanced skill-set. While some progress has been made in emerging technology domains, the pace of change in the industry is far outstripping the speed at which educational institutions are adapting.

The root of the problem can be traced back to the structure of engineering education in India. A significant number of institutions still rely on outdated curricula that emphasise theoretical knowledge over practical application. The lack of hands-on training, interdisciplinary exposure, and meaningful industry engagement leaves students underprepared for real-world challenges.

Internships and live projects, which are crucial for bridging the gap between theory and practice, are not uniformly accessible to all students. As a result, many graduates enter the workforce with limited exposure to actual industry environments.

Adding to this challenge is the rapid evolution of job roles themselves. With artificial intelligence and automation transforming industries, engineers are required to continuously upgrade their skills. A large number of professionals already acknowledge that their roles are changing, and many are actively seeking opportunities to upskill. This shift underscores the importance of viewing education not as a one-time process, but as a lifelong journey.

Another dimension that deserves attention is the deficit in soft skills. In todays interconnected and collaborative workspaces, communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence are as important as technical expertise. Recruiters often point out that while graduates may have a theoretical understanding of concepts, they struggle to apply this knowledge effectively in practical situations. This gap in workplace readiness remains a significant barrier to employment.

Addressing these challenges requires a fundamental rethinking of how engineering education is delivered in India. The focus must shift from rote learning to outcome-based education that emphasises problem-solving and innovation. Interdisciplinary learning should become the norm rather than the exception, enabling students to understand the interconnected nature of modern technologies. Equally important is the integration of emerging technologies into the curriculum, ensuring that students are familiar with the tools and systems shaping the future of work.

Stronger collaboration between academia and industry is also essential. Educational institutions must move beyond traditional placement-driven relationships and engage in deeper partnerships with industry. This can include co-designing curricula, setting up industry-led laboratories, and providing students with opportunities to work on real-world projects. Mandatory internships and apprenticeships can play a crucial role in giving students practical exposure and building their confidence.

At the same time, there must be a shift in mindset from valuing degrees to valuing skills. Micro-credentials, certifications, and modular learning pathways are becoming increasingly relevant in a fast-changing job market. These approaches allow students and professionals to continuously update their skills and stay aligned with industry needs.

Experiential learning must become a cornerstone of engineering education. Institutions should create ecosystems that encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and hands-on problem-solving. Incubation centres, start-up support systems, and community-based projects can provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. Such experiences not only enhance technical competence but also foster creativity and resilience.

Equally important is the need to invest in faculty development. Educators must be equipped with the knowledge and tools required to teach emerging technologies and adopt modern pedagogical approaches. Continuous faculty upskilling is essential to ensure that teaching remains relevant and aligned with industry trends.

Indias demographic dividend offers a unique opportunity to become a global leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. However, this potential can only be realised if we prioritise quality over quantity. Producing large numbers of graduates is not enough; we must ensure that they are equipped with the skills, mindset, and adaptability required to thrive in a dynamic and uncertain world.

Ultimately, the readiness of Indian engineering graduates for Industry 4.0 is not a simple yes-or-no question. It exists on a spectrum one that reflects both significant progress and persistent challenges. While pockets of excellence demonstrate what is possible, there is still a long way to go in transforming the broader ecosystem.

If India aspires to lead in the global knowledge economy, the transformation must begin in its classrooms, laboratories, and training systems. The future of engineering education will depend on its ability to evolve in step with technological change. The time to act is now not just to prepare graduates for jobs, but to prepare them to shape the future itself.

Dr (Prof.) Mukti Kanta Mishra is President, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha.
The confrontation between the United States and Iran may have reached its most precarious point yet, with a final American deadline set for April 7 at 8pm Eastern Time (April 8, 5:30am IST) and no sign of a breakthrough on either side.

President Donald Trump has issued what he describes as his last ultimatum to Tehran, demanding that Iran agree to American terms, principally the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Should Iran fail to comply, Trump has threatened an unprecedented military escalation, warning that Iranian civilian infrastructure would face complete demolition by midnight.

Trump has dismissed expert and international legal opinion that deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure constitutes a war crime, justifying the threatened strikes by labelling Iran's leaders as "animals" responsible for killing between 45,000 and 60,000 protesters earlier this year. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced the threat, warning that any new wave of strikes would be the largest since operations began.

Trump has simultaneously projected confidence about post-war arrangements. He has declared Iran militarily defeated and floated the idea that the United States, as the "winner," might establish a toll system for cargo ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz, effectively displacing Iran's traditional role in managing the waterway. He acknowledged that widespread destruction would take decades to repair, adding that Washington might eventually assist in reconstruction if a deal is reached.

A highly complex weekend mission by US Special Operations forces, which successfully rescued a downed American airman from deep within Iranian territory, was held up by Trump as proof of American tactical superiority. Negotiations on the US side are being handled by Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with Trump characterising Iran as an "active, willing participant" in the talks.

The force of Trump's ultimatum is, however, facing a serious credibility test. Since the original 48-hour deadline issued on March 21 demanding that Iran reopen the strait, the United States has repeatedly extended and revised its position. The deadline was paused on March 23 for what were described as "productive" talks, extended again to April 6, followed by a fresh 48-hour warning on April 4, before being pushed to the current Tuesday evening cutoff.

Tehran has shown no appetite for compromise on its core demands. Iran has firmly rejected a 45-day temporary ceasefire proposal put forward by regional mediators from Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey. Iran fears the United States and Israel would use any temporary lull in fighting to regroup and prepare further strikes.

Instead, Iran has submitted a comprehensive 10-point peace plan through Pakistani intermediaries, insisting on a permanent and absolute end to hostilities. Diplomatic channels have included Vance in communication with Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaking directly with Witkoff.

Iran's demands are sweeping. They include the complete lifting of all economic sanctions with legally binding guarantees against their reinstatement, and formal war compensation ratified by both the US Congress and the United Nations. After past experiences, Iran insists on international guarantees. On the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has proposed a new protocol for safe passage, with suggestions that the waterway could fall under joint Iranian-Omani administration. Trump acknowledged the 10-point plan as a "significant step" before dismissing it as "not good enough."

On the ground, the conflict shows no sign of abating. Iran continues to maintain its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, pushing global crude prices up 50 per cent to over $109 a barrel. Recent US and Israeli airstrikes across Iran killed more than 25 people, striking targets including Tehran's Sharif University of Technology, a residential area in Qom, and the South Pars petrochemical complex. Yesterdays attacks also killed Major General Majid Khademi, head of intelligence for the Revolutionary Guard. Iran, meanwhile, continues to target its Arab Gulf neighbours and Israel.

Iran says Trump's infrastructure threats are "rude, arrogant rhetoric" and "delusional." The country's central military command has vowed a "much more devastating" and "crushing" response should the United States proceed.
Amid US President Donald Trumps warning that he would strike all infrastructure in Iran, reports have stated that Israel has approved an updated list of targets for attacking infrastructure and energy sites in Iran and is awaiting Trumps green light to attack.

"Israel is waiting for Trump's decision regarding the next steps, but we have additional plans for the coming weeks, in accordance with the green light from the US," a senior Israeli security official told CNN.

With hours left for his deadline for Iran to end, Trump had escalated his threat, stating the entire country can be taken out in a night, and that night might be tomorrow night. We have a plan where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 oclock tomorrow night, where every power plant will be out of business, burning, exploding and never to be used again. I mean, complete demolition, by 12 oclock, and it will happen over a period of four hours if we want that to happen, he said.

Trump is reportedly sceptical about the chances of reaching a deal with the US. The CNN also quoted another official who claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a phone conversation with Trump, after the American navigator was rescued from Iran, and discussed both diplomatic contacts with Tehran and continued military coordination between the United States and Israel.

Another Israeli source noted that there is great doubt in Israel about the possibility of reaching an agreement, and that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised his concerns in talks with Trump. He said that any ceasefire from Israel's perspective must include the handover of all of Iran's enriched uranium and a commitment to a complete cessation of enrichment activities.

Hinting that Israel is prepping to strike hard, the Israeli Defence Forces on Tuesday issued an unusual urgent warning to Iranians not to travel by train across Iran until this evening. Dear citizens, for your safety, we request that from this moment until 21:00 Iran time, you refrain from using and travelling by train across Iran, says the IDFs Persian-language spokesman, Lt. Col. (res.) Kamal Penhasi in a statement. Your presence on trains and near railway lines puts your lives at risk, he adds.

Meanwhile, Iran is also preparing to strike back at Israel. Iran is receiving help from Russia, which provided Iran with a detailed list of 55 critical energy infrastructure targets within Israel. The information that was shared enables Iran to launch precision missile strikes against Israels energy grid, according to The Jerusalem Post.

The targeted sites are divided into three categories based on their strategic importance. These include critical production facilities, major urban and industrial energy hubs and local infrastructure, which include regional substations that support industrial zones and smaller power plants
US President Donald Trump has given a stark ultimatum to Iran to make a deal before Tuesday at 8 pm (ET), warning of sweeping strikes on critical infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, in the Middle East country.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said Iran had been given sufficient time to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict. This is a critical period, he said, noting that Tehran had requested a seven-day extension but was granted ten.

A lot of people are affected by this. We are giving them until tomorrow, 8 o'clock, Eastern Time. After that, they are going to have no bridges. They are going to have no power plants. Stone ages," he said.

Trump claimed Irans military strength has significantly declined over the past month and the country has now been decapitated.

"I think it is going fine, but we will have to see. You have to understand, we have been dealing with these people for 47 years. I'm standing here with a much more powerful Iran than a month ago, not anymore. Right now, they are decapitated," he said.

The remarks have raised concerns about potential violations of international law, particularly regarding attacks on civilian infrastructure. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated that such actions are prohibited under international law.

Trump, however, brushed off such claims an said he's "not at all" concerned about committing war crimes. "I hope I don't have to do it," he added.

He also claimed that the Iranian people have supported continued strikes in the cuntry, suggesting they are willing to endure hardship in pursuit of freedom.

"We have had numerous intercepts, 'Please keep bombing'... and these are people that are living where the bombs are exploding... they want freedom. They have lived in a world that you know nothing about. It is a violent, horrible world where if you protest, you are shot," he said.

"And when we leave and we're not hitting those areas, they're saying, Please come back, come back, come back.
Move aside Russian S-300, Chinese HQ-9B or the made-in-Iran Bavar-373 air defence missile systemsthe capabilities of which have been considerably degraded since February 28, when the joint US-Israel offensive into Iran began or when Israel launched strikes against the Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025.

Reports say US aircraft are now flying deep into Iran to hit targets directly because of a reported shortage of Beyond Visual Range missiles like Tomahawk land-attack missiles and RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 interceptors. Patriot missile systems are also in short supply because of their massive use by Ukraine in the past four years in its ongoing war against Russia.

The biggest dangers for US aircraft operations in Iran now are the thousands of MANPADS or Man-portable air defence systems. Irans Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) has domestically produced the Misagh series of MANPADS, whose stockpile quantity has not been publicly disclosed.

Hezbollah has released footage showing the moment an Israeli Hermes-450 drone was shot down over Aynata in southern Lebanon using a MANPADS pic.twitter.com/k3kB5S7rBU  VolgaLad (@cym27s) April 6, 2026

What makes it all the more ominous is that in December 2025, Iran inked a $700 million deal with Russia in Moscow to buy 500 Verba MANPADS launchers and 2,500 missiles. The Verba missile is infrared-guided and has a range of about 6.5 km.

Described as a surface-to-air missile that can be fired by positioning the launcher on an individuals shoulder, MANPADS are highly effective against low-flying aircraft, particularly slow-moving ones like helicopters and drones.

A fully-assembled MANPADS weighs 1520 kg and is at most two metres long. It consists of three components: the explosive projectile, the launch tube, and a grip and a battery unit to produce the needed electricity.

Though about 12 countries in the world produce MANPADS, about 105 countries have it in their weapons inventories. The US-made Stinger and the Soviet 9K32 Strela-2 or simply SA-7 are among the most prolific that have proliferated the most. The China-made FN-16 is the latest entrant to this deadly club.

What also makes the use of MANPADS more pertinent is the adoption of the mosaic defence strategy by the Iranian military now to counter the US offensive.

The mosaic defence is a strategy devised for the eventuality when Irans top military leadership is eliminated, and the military and communications network is destroyed. At its core, it implies organising the military architecture into 31 independent units comprising surviving elements of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Basij force, regular army and its various arms, all organised under a single sub unit with its own arsenal and weaponry. This is where MANPADS can become a vital tool of war.
Amid speculation over the condition of Irans new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, a report has claimed that the Iranian leader is unconscious and receiving medical treatment in the holy city of Qom.

Though there were reports, even within Iran, that the Supreme Leader was wounded, the latest is that he is incapacitated and incapable of running the country, according to a report by The Times. The report quoted a diplomatic memo based on American and Israeli intelligence, which was shared with Gulf allies.

Mojtaba Khamenei is being treated in Qom in a severe condition, unable to be involved in any decision-making by the regime, it reads. Though it is unclear what his severe medical condition was.

The report added that the US and Israeli spy agencies were aware of the senior leaders location for some time. Mojtaba was wounded in the Israeli airstrike that killed his father, mother and one of his sons.

Though there has been no public sighting of him, two statements attributed to Khamenei, 56, have been read on Iranian state television after the war began. There were also reports that Mojtaba was airlifted to Moscow and is undergoing treatment there.

However, Israeli media i24NEWS quoted sources who said Mojtaba Khamenei does not control Iran and "most likely, the Revolutionary Guards control the state.

A video of the new Supreme Leader walking into a war room went viral on the internet yesterday. The video shows Mojtaba walking into a war room and analysing a map of Israels nuclear power plant in Dimona; however, there was no recording of his voice. However, the video has been debunked as AI-generated and unverified by Grok, with no credible sources confirming its authenticity.
The ongoing conflict in West Asia is increasingly being framed as a test of American power, a theatre where Washington seeks to reassert global dominance while confronting Iran. This reading is not just simplistic; it is misleading. It overstates the coherence of U.S. strategy and underplays the deeper structural forces shaping the conflict.

West Asia today reflects a far more complex geopolitical churn, one that has decisively moved beyond the era of unipolar control. To suggest that Israel is operating on the sidelines is to fundamentally misread the conflict. For Israel, Iran represents an existential threat, not a distant adversary. Tehrans network of proxies, from Lebanon to Iraq and Syria, constitutes a persistent and immediate security challenge. Israels actions are therefore central to the escalation, rooted in a long-standing doctrine of pre-emption and deterrence aimed at degrading Irans regional reach.

This reality, in turn, shapes the American response. The United States is not acting in isolation with singular strategic clarity; it is influenced by alliance commitments, domestic political pressures, and a longstanding alignment with Israeli security objectives. The role of pro-Israel lobbies and ideological convergence cannot be dismissed as incidental. Washingtons posture reflects these constraints, making it as reactive as it is assertive.

More importantly, framing the conflict as an assertion of U.S. power overlooks a larger transformation, the steady shift toward a multipolar world.

West Asia is no longer susceptible to unilateral control. Russias strategic re-entry, Chinas economic footprint and the growing autonomy of regional actors have fundamentally altered the balance. Power is now diffused and contested, not decisive.

Irans endurance underscores this shift. Despite sustained military and economic pressure, it has neither collapsed nor retreated. Instead, it has adapted, leveraging asymmetric capabilities and a decentralised network of influence. This resilience reflects the limits of coercive power in a fragmented geopolitical environment. The persistence of Iran is not an anomaly; it is a feature of the new order.

Equally important is the battle of narratives underpinning the conflict. Iran positions itself as a force of resistance against Western and Israeli dominance, while Israel frames its actions as essential for survival. These competing narratives resonate across the region, shaping public sentiment and constraining policy choices. Any analysis that reduces the conflict to a binary contest between the U.S. and Iran risks missing these deeper dynamics.

The assumption of American strategic clarity is also increasingly questionable. U.S. policy in West Asia has oscillated between intervention and retrenchment, often appearing reactive rather than deliberate. This inconsistency reflects not strength, but constraint, a power navigating domestic divisions and an evolving global order.

Meanwhile, regional actors are asserting greater agency. Gulf states are diversifying partnerships, balancing ties with Washington, Beijing, and even Tehran. Turkey continues to pursue an independent trajectory. India, too, is emerging as a consequential stakeholder with interests in energy security, connectivity and regional stability, an evolution I have explored in the context of Indias expanding strategic footprint.

What we are witnessing, therefore, is not a straightforward assertion of American power but a complex interplay of Israeli security imperatives, Iranian resilience and a shifting global order. The United States remains an important actor, but it is no longer the sole architect of outcomes.

Misreading this reality carries risks. Overemphasising American intent while underestimating regional drivers leads to flawed analysis and potentially misguided policy responses. West Asia cannot be understood through outdated lenses of unipolar dominance. It demands a more nuanced recognition of competing interests and the limits of external power.

The region is not a stage for Americas revival; it is where the illusion of singular dominance begins to unravel.

(Sumeer Bhasin is Executive Director of the Delhi Forum for Strategic Studies (DFSS) and a geopolitical analyst with over three decades of experience in international business, strategic affairs, and Track 2 diplomacy across West Asia, Central Asia, and Eurasia.)
Three people have been neutralised, and two police officers were wounded in an exchange of fire near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, reports say. Two of the gunmen was captured injured, while one other died, Istanbul Governor Davut Gul confimed, Turkiye Today reported.

Turkish Interior minister Mustafa Ciftci said that the identity of the terrorists have been confirmed. "It has been determined that one of the individuals who arrived in Istanbul from Izmit using a rental vehicle has ties to an organization that exploits religion; and one of the two terrorists, who are brothers, has a drug record," he said.

The consulate is located in Istanbuls Buyukdere Avenue in Levent, Besiktas District. It is not clear if the consulate was targeted during the incident.

The building has been closed for at least two years and has been unstaffed since the Gaza war, according to a member of the local community.

The three suspects were shot by Turkish security forces, Turkish outlet NTV said. They arrivd wearing camoflage and carried backpacks. They were armed with long-barreled weapons, Turkish media reported.

Video footage seen by Reuters showed a police officer pulling out a gun and taking cover as gunshots were heard. A person is also seen covered in blood.

Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said that an immediate criminal investigation will made into the incident.

Reports said that the suspects fired near a building which is located in one of the key business hubs that houses one of Turkeys major banks.

A large police and medical team were dispatched to the scene with security measures. The clash lasted about 10 minutes, reports said.
President Donald Trump revealed Monday that the United States had attempted to arm Iranian anti-regime protesters, but that the weapons were diverted before reaching their intended recipients.

We sent guns, a lot of guns, they were supposed to go to the people so they could fight back against these thugs, Trump told reporters at a White House Easter event. You know what happened? The people that they sent them to kept them.

They said, What a beautiful gun. I think Ill keep it,' Trump claimed. So Im very upset with a certain group of people, and theyre going to pay a big price for that.

Trump did not name the group in his Monday remarks, but on Sunday he had told a Fox News reporter that he believed Kurdish intermediaries were responsible. We sent guns to the protesters, a lot of them and I think the Kurds took the guns, he said.

He continued his criticism of the Kurds later Monday at a White House press conference, saying he would prefer they stay out of the war entirely. Id rather have them stay away because I think they bring with them some problems and some difficulty, he said. They bring death to themselves.

The remarks shed new light on a covert effort to support the wave of anti-government protests that swept Iran in January. At the time, Trump had publicly vowed that help was on the way and urged Iranians to take to the streets and seize government institutions. After the Iranian regime launched a violent crackdown  reportedly killing tens of thousands  Trump pulled back from that posture and began military operations against Iran weeks later alongside Israel.

A Channel 12 investigative report published last week added further context, revealing that the U.S. and Israel had jointly planned for Kurdish militia forces to invade Iran at the outset of the war, hoping to trigger a broader rebellion that could topple the Islamic Republic. The plan was ultimately shelved due to media leaks, pressure from regional allies, and hesitation among the Kurds themselves.

Since the war began, both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have visibly moderated their regime-change rhetoric. Netanyahu has said several times in recent weeks that he cannot be certain the Iranian public will rise up, a notable shift from earlier proclamations of a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Iranians to overthrow their government.

Trump has since urged Iranians to wait until after the bombing campaign subsides before taking to the streets.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
President Donald Trump welcomed a wide-ranging group of Jewish leaders to the White House on Monday in a Pesach gathering that brought together representatives from across the religious and communal spectrum.

Among those in attendance were Antisemitism Envoy Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, American Friends of Chabad Lubavitch Executive Vice President Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Agudah CEO Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, and Holocaust Memorial Council Chairman Jeffrey Miller.

Also present were Holocaust survivor Jerry Wartski and former Hamas hostage Edan Alexander, who attended alongside his parents. Additional participants included Rabbi Meir Soloveitchik, representatives from the Satmar community, New Square Mayor Izzy Spitzer, Rabbi Moshe Margaretten, and Harold Loss, a Reform rabbi from West Bloomfield, Michigan, whose congregation was recently targeted in an attempted terror attack by a Hezbollah-aligned suspect.

During the gathering, Trump expressed appreciation for the Jewish leaders present and for the broader Jewish community, offering Passover greetings and reflecting on the significance of the holiday.

The event also included a call-in from Trumps daughter and son-in-law, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Irans Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is unconscious and receiving medical treatment in the Shiite holy city of Qom, The Times reported Tuesday, citing a diplomatic memo it said was based on American and Israeli intelligence shared with Gulf allies.

If accurate, the memo would mark the first time Khameneis location has been publicly identified since he succeeded his father following Ali Khameneis death in February. Iranian officials have insisted he remains in charge. But he has not appeared publicly since the war began, and no audio or video of him speaking has been released  only two statements broadcast on state television attributed to him.

The memo, which has not been independently verified, describes him as unable to participate in regime decision-making, reportedly for several weeks.

The disclosure raises an immediate question with no clean answer: who is actually running Iran?

The most likely candidate is the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has steadily accumulated power throughout the conflict. A prolonged leadership vacuum would accelerate that shift, potentially giving the IRGC effective control over both military operations and diplomatic decisions, including any negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz.

The same memo said preparations were underway in Qom for a large mausoleum for Ali Khamenei and possibly other family members  a detail that conflicts with earlier Iranian accounts of his burial plans, which placed mourning ceremonies in Tehran. Iranian authorities attributed the delay in a state funeral to expectations of massive turnout, but the gap between that explanation and Shiite custom, which favors swift burial, has drawn scrutiny.

Qoms centrality to the succession crisis is not new. In early March, Israeli strikes hit the building in the city where the 88-member Assembly of Experts was reportedly convening to choose Ali Khameneis successor  a strike that underscored both the citys religious significance and its role as the regimes clerical nerve center.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Tresident Trump personally called the NY Post on Tuesday to deny that the United States was moving toward nuclear war with Iran, unloading on Tucker Carlson in the process, who made the claim.

Tuckers a low IQ person that has absolutely no idea whats going on, Trump said. He calls me all the time; I dont respond to his calls. I dont deal with him. I like dealing with smart people, not fools.

The rebuke came after Carlson posted to X on Monday night claiming that Trumps expletive-laden Sunday Truth Social post  threatening to bomb Iranian power plants and bridges  was the first step toward nuclear war. Carlson urged Christians to take notice of where Trump was leading the country.

On the same day Carlson published his post, one of Americas so-called doomsday planes was spotted circling above Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska  home to the militarys premier nuclear command, control, and communications hub  hours before Trumps deadline for Iran to accept a peace deal was set to expire.

The White House did not offer an explanation for the aircrafts flight path.

Trumps denial was unambiguous, and his contempt for his former ally unusually sharp. The two men were once aligned closely enough that Carlson conducted one of the most-watched interviews of the 2024 campaign. Tuesdays remarks suggest that relationship has fully collapsed.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The four murdered victims of an Iranian ballistic missile that struck an apartment building in the northern Israeli city of Haifa on Sunday have been identified as all being members of one family.

The victims were identified as Vladimir Gershovitz, 73 hyd, his wife Lena Ostrovsky Gershovitz hyd, 68, their son Dimitri Dima Gershovitz hyd, 42, and Dimas wife Lucille-Jane Gershovitz, 29.

Dima and Lucille-Jane had driven up from their home in Herzliya that same day to escort Vladimir home after an extended hospital stay, arriving just hours before the missile struck.

Dima managed to bring Vladimir back from the hospital, and, unfortunately, the missile hit the residence, killing the four of them, a family friend recounted. All the floors collapsed on the first floor where they lived.

The family did not have time to reach the buildings shelter before the strike. The warhead did not detonate on impact, but the kinetic force of the missile caused multiple floors to collapse, burying all four beneath the rubble. An Israeli Air Force investigation found the missile was not intercepted because it broke apart mid-flight.

Four others in the building were wounded, including an 82-year-old man left in serious condition who underwent surgery and remained sedated and ventilated as of Monday. A 10-month-old baby sustained a head injury and was listed in light condition.

President Isaac Herzog offered condolences on X, calling the Gershovitzs a wonderful family that was wiped out in an instant by a criminal Iranian missile. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who said he grew up minutes from the Gershovitz home, wrote: Its hard to grasp how the complete lives of four people were simply obliterated in an instant.

The strike brings to 20 the number of Israeli civilians and foreign nationals killed in Iranian ballistic missile attacks since the war began February 28. More than 500 ballistic missiles have been launched from Iran at Israel since the start of the conflict.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Russian intelligence has provided Iran with a detailed list of 55 critical energy infrastructure targets inside Israel, according to a source close to Ukrainian intelligence cited by The Jerusalem Post, pointing to deepening military and intelligence cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.

The targeted sites are divided into three tiers based on strategic importance. The first category covers critical production facilities whose destruction would cripple Israels national energy system, with the Orot Rabin power station named as a primary target. The second tier encompasses major urban and industrial energy hubs concentrated in central Israel. The third covers regional substations and smaller power plants supporting industrial zones.

Russian intelligence reportedly assessed Israel as uniquely vulnerable due to what it characterized as the countrys status as an energy island. Unlike most European nations, Israel does not import electricity from neighboring countries, meaning its grid operates in near-total isolation. According to the findings, Russian intelligence told Iran that damaging even a handful of central components could trigger a total and prolonged energy collapse, producing mass blackouts and cascading technical failures that would be difficult to contain.

The report comes amid growing warnings from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about the expanding Russia-Iran axis. In an interview with the Post two weeks ago, Zelensky said battlefield knowledge Russia gained in Ukraine is being exported to the Middle East.

The Russians also helped them, like the Iranians helped [Russia] at the beginning of the war when they gave them Shaheds, Zelensky said. They gained big knowledge on the battlefield and this impacting and will have an impact on other regions.

Zelensky also alleged that Russia has begun producing Shahed-style drones on its own soil and supplying them to Iran, pointing to Russian components discovered in a drone recently downed in an unspecified Middle Eastern country. We saw some components; they had Russian details. We know it because Iranians didnt produce it, he said.

Ukrainian officials assess that Moscows motive is twofold: to strengthen its most significant regional ally and to engineer a fresh crisis in the Middle East that diverts international attention and resources away from the war in Ukraine.

Russias ambassador to Israel, Anatoly Viktorov, pushed back on the allegations, saying Russian and Israeli officials have long maintained security contacts and that Russian political leadership has repeatedly dissented from accusations that Moscow is supplying intelligence data to Iran.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
As Trumps Tuesday evening deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz ticks closer, Iranian officials are moving on two fronts: rallying citizens to volunteer as human shields around the countrys power plants, and signaling a willingness to sacrifice everything in defense of the nation.

Alireza Rahimi, secretary of the Supreme Council of Youth and Adolescents, called on young people, athletes, artists, students, university students, and their professors to form human chains around power plants at 2 p.m., according to AP. He described the facilities as national assets belonging to Irans future.

Hours later, President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on X that more than 14 million Iranians had already declared readiness to give their lives for the country, and that he was among them. He wrote that he has been, is, and will be devoted to Iran.

The dual moves came directly in response to Trumps threat to strike Iranian power plants and bridges if Tehran did not reopen the strait by Tuesday evening. Iran has warned that any attack on its energy network would trigger retaliation against civilian infrastructure across the region, including Israeli power plants, gas rigs, and desalination systems.

Negotiations appeared close to collapse. US officials told mediators the gaps were too wide to bridge before the 8 p.m. deadline. Iran had already rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal, instead demanding a full end to hostilities and shipping guarantees through Hormuz. Pakistan, serving as the sole communication channel, was still attempting to broker partial confidence-building steps, but sources described the chances of a deal as slim.

The stakes extend well beyond the two countries. The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of the worlds oil trade, and US intelligence has assessed that Iran is unlikely to relinquish its grip on the waterway in the near term.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is intensifying its campaign against Iran, targeting key military and logistical infrastructure used by the regime.

We are crushing the terrorist regime in Iran. But we are doing so with even greater vigor, and with increasing force.

Netanyahu revealed that Israeli strikes over the past two days hit major assets, including aircraft and transport networks used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Yesterday, our pilots destroyed transport planes and dozens of helicopters at an Iranian Air Force base. Today, they attacked the train tracks and bridges used by the Revolutionary Guards.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

He said the infrastructure was being used to move weapons, materials, and operatives targeting Israel, the United States, and other countries in the region.

Netanyahu emphasized that the campaign is not directed at the Iranian people, but at the regime itself.

These actions are not intended to attack the Iranian people. On the contrary, they are intended to weaken and crush the terrorist regime that has oppressed them for 47 years.

He added that the ongoing operation is reshaping the regional balance of power.

This is no longer the same Iran, nor is it the same Israel. We are changing the balance of power from one end to the other.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The Israeli Air Force bombed Irans primary sonar and underwater detection manufacturing facility in Shiraz on Monday, the IDF announced, dealing what the military described as a significant blow to Tehrans maritime warfare capabilities.

The Shiraz facility, which belonged to Irans defense ministry, was used for the planning, research, development, and production of sonar systems that operate using sound waves used to detect submarines, vessels, divers, and underwater missiles, the IDF said.

The strike significantly damaged the maritime detection and defense capabilities of the Iranian terror regime, as well as its ability to produce and maintain submarines and maritime electronic systems, the military said in a statement.

In a separate strike the same day, Israeli forces also hit a facility in Karaj described by the IDF as a central site for the manufacture of naval cruise missiles and air defense systems.

The IDF called the Shiraz installation Irans most central site for sonar and underwater detection production  suggesting the strike was aimed at crippling a capability that would be difficult for Tehran to quickly reconstitute.

The back-to-back strikes on Shiraz and Karaj represent a broad assault on Irans naval industrial base, targeting both the detection systems Iran relies on to monitor undersea threats and the offensive cruise missiles it deploys from its fleet.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Israel is preparing for a range of outcomes as an 8 p.m. EST deadline set by President Donald Trump for Iran expires, from a ceasefire or interim agreement to a significant expansion of military strikes, Channel 12 reported Monday.

Senior Israeli officials described the coming hours as dramatic, with concern mounting that Washington and Tehran could reach a last-minute arrangement that falls short of fully addressing Irans nuclear program or adequately protecting Israeli interests.

At the same time, officials told the network that if Trumps deadline passes without a deal, it could open an extraordinary window of opportunity to strike Iranian energy, electricity, and other national infrastructure targets that have not yet been hit.

Israel and the United States have already coordinated a division of such targets between them, according to the report.

Mediators including Qatar and Pakistan are continuing efforts to broker a compromise that could at minimum prevent further escalation, the report said.

The dueling scenarios reflect the acute uncertainty gripping Israeli decision-makers as the clock runs down  caught between concern over a diplomatic outcome that leaves core security questions unresolved and the prospect of a far broader campaign against Irans civilian and energy infrastructure if talks collapse entirely.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Tractors, lorries and trucks have converged on Dublin city centre as part of a protest about the cost of fuel.

On Tuesday morning, Gardai said they were aware of a number of slow-moving convoys across the country.

Posting on X, An Garda Siochana said there were convoys on the M7 and M4 in County Kildare, on M7 in County Limerick, on the M8 in County Offaly, on the M3 in County Meath, on the M6 in County Westmeath, on the M6 in County Galway and near Portlaoise in County Laois.

By noon, OConnell Street in Dublin had come to a standstill with coaches, cars, lorries and tractors parked on the capitals main thoroughfare.

The Luas tracks were kept clear but Dublin Bus said a number of routes were diverted.

Agricultural contractor Gary Leonard said he had travelled with a convoy of around 80 from Navan in County Meath to OConnell Street.

He said he believes carbon tax and excise duty should be removed from diesel.

He said this time last year, it cost 250 euros to fill an ordinary middle-sized tractor, but it now costs 450 euros.

Mr Leonard said it took the convoy around four hours to reach Dublin and the reaction on the way was unbelievable, adding: The solidarity is really, really showing today.

The 26-year-old said prices mean it is getting hard to make a living, despite working full time, adding it is nearly impossible to get on in life in Ireland.

John Dallon travelled with a convoy from County Kildare, and said: Were calling on the Government to save our economy.

If the Government does not take us seriously, the economy will come to a halt, itll just stop running, because the people just will not be able to afford fuel.

I can see this being a bigger collapse than back in the Celtic Tiger.

The farmer said it is not just the agriculture industry that is affected, haulage and construction sectors are also under serious pressure.

The demonstration is not just for the people in business, he added, but for the whole community of Ireland.

He outlined a number of measures the protesters want to see put in place, including a cap on white diesel at 165 or 170, a cap on green diesel at 90 cents, and the abolition of the carbon tax and excise duty at least, if not fully, in the interim, until this war is over.

In a statement released ahead of a planned rally on OConnell Street, Aontu leader Peadar Toibin called for a carbon tax cut.

He said the Government is the key driver of high prices for fuel in Ireland and it is charging a tax on a staple product that people simply do not have the ability to pay.

Speaking to Newstalk radio on Tuesday morning, Ger Hyland, president of the Irish Road Haulage Association, said the organisation is not involved in the protest.

When pressed, Mr Hyland refused to say whether he supports the protest and said: While our association is at the table trying to negotiate a deal with the Government, I am not going to give an answer.

He said he empathised with demonstrators, adding members of his organisation were probably involved and that its up to every individual haulier himself to do as he sees fit for his company.
This morning billionare, presenter, celeb and Insta hottie Kylie inspries another peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Choose Wisely . . .

Guide for April 7 General Municipal elections Missouri voters will cast their ballots on issues ranging from an earnings tax renewal to mayoral races and more.

KCI Implications

The short airport security line in Kansas City means more than you think * Missouri Independent How did Kansas City get so lucky as to have both a new airport and short wait times? Not luck, but privatization of airport security.

The Dotte Prevents Disease

KCK health officials brace for World Cup crowds after measles detected in metro The Wyandotte County Public Health Department is strategizing with area school districts and local officials to prepare.

Bargaining Session

Independence firefighters union voting on new 3-year contract with city The IAFF Local 781 began voting Monday on a new contract after union leadership and the city of Independence hammered out a new three-year deal, per multiple sources familiar with negotiations.

Tay-Tay Teachable Moment

Taylor Swift dancer, local doctor to speak at UMKC next month UMKC has announced its May 2026 commencement speakers, including a fan favorite dancer for Taylor Swift.

Celeb Fashion Statement

Kylie Jenner is white-hot in an itty-bitty bikini and body chain Kylie Jenner took to Instagram Monday to share a carousel of pics wearing a tiny white string bikini and gleaming Chrome Hearts body chain.

MAGA Message From On High

Trump, 79, Makes Bizarre Boast He Knows What God Is Thinking Donald Trump has said he believes God supports the U.S. as it wages war in Iran after the heroic rescue of U.S. airmen downed in enemy territory. The president and his top officials invoked God while ...

Progressive Evolution

Rahm Emanuel makes case for change to a divided Democratic Party Rahm Emanuel helped build the modern Democratic Party. Now he's making the case that it isn't working. In recent months, as he tests the waters for a 2028 presidential bid, the onetime chief ...

Prez Trump Showdown Tonight

Deadline Day: Trump Warns Iran of 'Complete Demolition' If No Deal by 8 PM President Donald Trump warned Iran "the entire country can be taken out in one night" as his Tuesday 8 p.m. Eastern Time deadline loomed.

MTG Aftermath

Georgia runoff to decide who replaces Marjorie Taylor Greene after her spat with Trump Voters in Georgia's 14th Congressional District will choose between Republican Clay Fuller and Democrat Shawn Harris.

Gunfire Double Take . . .

New video contradicts ICE's original story about North Minneapolis shooting The footage raises questions about why it took federal officials weeks to dismiss charges against two Venezuelan men.

Bold Declaration . . .

Ron DeSantis signs Florida law to label groups as terrorists and expel student supporters The governor last year designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Muslim Brotherhoods as foreign terrorist organizations.

Consequences Down Under

Former Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith arrested over alleged war crimes in Afghanistan Roberts-Smith previously failed in his attempt to sue three newspapers which published allegations he committed war crimes

Unfriendly Skies Again

Exclusive: ICE arrested more than 800 people after tips from US airport security agency U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested more than 800 people following tips shared by federal airport security officials from the start of Donald Trump's presidency through February 2026, internal ICE data reviewed by Reuters show, a figure far above what was previously publicly known.

MAGA Earns Reprieve

Supreme Court hands Steve Bannon a win likely to lead to dismissal of contempt of Congress conviction The move frees a trial judge to act on the Republican administration's pending request to dismiss Bannon's conviction and indictment "in the interests of justice."

Tech Life Lesson

Age-verification is hurting sex educators, study suggests These laws aren't working to keep minors off adult sites, but they are hitting creators' incomes.

Enlarged Civic Pride

Largest heart ever created for Parade of Hearts installed outside Kansas City hotel The Parade of Hearts kicked off its 2026 art season on Monday, installing the first heart of the year.

Writing On Wall . . .

New Kansas City mural celebrates "The Power of Us" in the Crossroads The mural is a new landmark in the area that can be seen from the KC Streetcar.

Local Architecture Explained

The story behind an eye-catching building on the Paseo Inside metal engineering firm Zahner's headquarters in Kansas City.

Taste Of Cowtown

Hungry to scale, Glenn Robinson built a following around KC's food scene The creator behind Hood Dude Food Reviews has become one of the city's most influential champions of Black-owned restaurants and small businesses. His formula is simple: show up, press record, and tell the truth.

Katie's Forecast . . .

We have another dry, breezy day on tap We have multiple First Alert Weather Impact Days coming up

Sabrina Carpenter - House Tour is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Lots to consider tonight as we review mugshots, police action, court cases and, as always, community outreach.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Court scams targeting residents across the Kansas City metro Local courts and law enforcement agencies are warning the public of a new scam targeting Kansas City residents on both sides of the state line.

Kansas City criminal sentenced after delivering child pornography to U.S. from Mexico, stealing firearms A Kansas City-area man was sentenced Thursday to over eight years in prison for stealing firearms and transporting child pornography to the U.S. from Mexico. Olathe resident Frank Guereca, 24, brok...

Kansas City police investigate Sunday evening homicide, suspect at large KCPD is investigating a deadly shooting, and no suspects are in custody.

2 sentenced to prison in Kansas City robbery-turned-homicide; third suspect awaits trial Two men have been sentenced to prison in a Kansas City robbery-turned-homicide, while a third suspect awaits trial.

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Kansas City man charged after firing shots in drive-by shooting There, officers located "numerous shell casings" and determined shots had been fired into a home.

Platte Co. sheriff threatens lawsuit to keep $315k from budget error, commissioner says A Platte County commissioner is speaking out after he said a clerical error led to the sheriff's office getting an extra $315,000 in its 2026 budget.

Kansas governor signs laws targeting sexual extortion, increasing incentives for rural attorneys * Kansas Reflector TOPEKA - A new Kansas law signed by Gov. Laura Kelly strengthens penalties and expands victim protection in cases of sexual extortion. Kelly signed House Bill 2537 on Monday, called Caleb's Law after Caleb Moore, a 14-year-old from El Dorado who died by suicide after being targeted by an online sextortion scheme.

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Developing . . .
Title changed

Details added: first version posted on 11:57

KHOJAVEND, Azerbaijan, April 7. The new group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) has arrived in Khojavend city, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

At this stage, 33 families (142 people) returned home in the city.

The families were welcomed in Khojavend by officials of the Special Representation of the President of Azerbaijan in Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts, the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs, and employees of the Restoration, Construction, and Management Service in Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts.

Overall, 234 families (904 people), including this stage, have already returned to the city permanently. Khojavend residents have settled in both apartment buildings and restored individual houses.

xxx

11:57

The new group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) has been sent to Khojavend city in accordance with the directives of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, as part of the ongoing Great Return to the liberated territories, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

At this stage, the return of 33 families (142 people) to Khojavend has been secured.

Prior to that, the IDPs temporarily settled in various parts of the country, mainly in hostels, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings.

Overall, 234 families (904 people), including this stage, have already returned to the city permanently. Khojavend residents have settled in both apartment buildings and restored individual houses.
ISLAMABAD, April 7 (Xinhua) -- A complete cessation of war, accompanied by guarantees against renewed aggression, remains Iran's maximum demand in ongoing peace diplomacy efforts, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said on Tuesday.

In an interview with the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Moghadam said Iran prioritizes diplomacy but insists that any negotiated outcome must ensure a permanent resolution to the conflict.

The ambassador underscored Iran's firm stance amid escalating regional tensions, warning that proposals lacking credible guarantees would fail to address the root causes of the conflict and could risk further instability.

The remarks come as diplomatic efforts intensify to broker peace between Iran and the United States, with Pakistan playing a mediating role in facilitating dialogue between the two sides.

Moghadam acknowledged Pakistan's diplomatic efforts, noting that ongoing contacts between Tehran and Islamabad at multiple levels reflect a shared commitment to de-escalation and regional peace.

The ambassador said Iran's defensive capabilities and the resilience of its people have strengthened its position, adding that attempts to combine negotiations with continued military pressure would not succeed.

He reiterated that Iran remains committed to diplomacy but stressed that any meaningful peace process must lead to a comprehensive and lasting end to the conflict, rather than a temporary ceasefire. 
MINSK, Belarus, April 7. On April 7, 2026, an agreement was signed in Minsk for the assembly of a new batch of municipal vehicles (100 units) based on MAZ chassis at the Ganja Automobile Plant, Trends special correspondent reports.

This agreement was signed as part of the implementation of instructions given by President Ilham Aliyev and President Aleksandr Lukashenko during the Belarusian head of states official visit to Azerbaijan.

The document was signed by Khanlar Fatiyev, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Ganja Automobile Plant and a member of the Azerbaijani Parliament, and Valery Ivankovich, General Director of OJSC MAZ.

The cooperation between the Ganja Automobile Plant and the Minsk Automobile Plant is aimed at expanding and strengthening the bilateral economic ties between Azerbaijan and Belarus, established by President Ilham Aliyev and President Aleksandr Lukashenko. The municipal vehicles are being manufactured at the order of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan.

On March 2, 2026, the first batch of municipal vehicles produced as part of the cooperation between the Ganja Automobile Plant and the Minsk Automobile Plant was presented to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. The high assessment given by the head of state served as an incentive to expand cooperation between the enterprises and conclude a new contract.

"The signing of todays document confirms the high level of trust placed in us by the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Belarus. The fact that the first batch of vehicles received approval at the highest state level in March set a high bar, which we intend to maintain as we implement the new contract for 100 vehicles. Our cooperation with Belarusian manufacturers is developing successfully and effectively. It allows us to produce products that meet modern quality standards and market requirements, Khanlar Fatiyev, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Ganja Automobile Plant, emphasized.

The municipal vehicles produced through a partnership between the Ganja Automobile Plant and MAZ are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment designed and assembled in Ganja. They are intended to maintain urban infrastructure throughout the country. This project contributes to the modernization of the countrys municipal vehicle fleet.

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MINSK, Belarus, April 7. The new agreement between the Minsk and Ganja automobile plants is expected to further contribute to the development of economic relations between Azerbaijan and Belarus, Khanlar Fatiyev, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Ganja Automobile Plant Production Association and Member of Parliament, told Trend.

Fatiyev made the remarks during the signing ceremony of an agreement on the assembly of a new batch of municipal vehicles (100 units) based on the chassis of the Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ) at the Ganja Automobile Plant.

The agreement was signed as part of the implementation of instructions given by President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus during the Belarusian leaders state visit to Azerbaijan.

Cooperation between the Ganja Automobile Plant and the Minsk Automobile Plant began after President Ilham Aliyev visited Belarus in 2006. At that time, instructions were given to initiate collaboration with Belarusian partners. To date, nearly 15,000 tractors and about 4,000 MAZ vehicles have been produced, and we continue to expand this partnership. On March 2, the first batch of municipal vehicles produced within this cooperation was presented to President Ilham Aliyev. The high assessment given by the head of state served as a strong incentive to further deepen this productive cooperation. Within the framework of agreements reached by our heads of state in Shusha to jointly assemble municipal vehicles, we are now in Minsk signing the relevant agreement. The equipment we produce meets modern quality standards and market requirements and is used across all cities of Azerbaijan, Fatiyev said.

The document was signed jointly with Valery Ivankovich, General Director of MAZ OJSC.

Municipal vehicles produced under the cooperation between the Ganja Automobile Plant and MAZ are equipped with modern systems developed and assembled in Ganja. They are designed to service urban infrastructure throughout the country and contribute to the modernization of Azerbaijans municipal fleet.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. Azerbaijan is regarded as one of the main partners of Belarus, Belarusian Minister of Industry Andrei Kuznetsov told Trend.

According to him, the signing of an agreement to assemble a new batch of municipal vehicles (100 units) based on the chassis of the Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ) at the Ganja Automobile Plant marks another step toward strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation between the two nations.

Belarusian equipment has proven itself well in the Azerbaijani market. A contract has now been signed for the supply of 100 machine kits, from which we will jointly produce municipal vehicles to meet Azerbaijans needs. This is another step toward further mutually beneficial cooperation, he said.

Meanwhile, an agreement was signed today in Minsk by Khanlar Fatiyev, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Ganja Automobile Plant Production Association and a member of the Azerbaijani Parliament, and Valery Ivankovich, General Director of OJSC MAZ.

This agreement was signed as part of the implementation of instructions given by President Ilham Aliyev and President Aleksandr Lukashenko during the Belarusian head of states official visit to Azerbaijan.

Over the past three years, we have doubled our trade turnover and established joint ventures that will further contribute to our mutually beneficial bilateral relations. Our relations with Azerbaijan are developing successfully. We have very good results regarding the Minsk Tractor Plant, and fruitful cooperation is also continuing regarding the Minsk Automobile Plant, the minister added.

The municipal vehicles produced as part of the cooperation between the Ganja Automobile Plant and MAZ are equipped with modern equipment developed and assembled in Ganja. They are intended to serve urban infrastructure throughout the republic. This project contributes to the renewal of the countrys municipal vehicle fleet.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. Azerbaijan has strongly condemned the recent attack carried out by a group of protesters on the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic, the MFA's publication on X says, Trend reports.

''Such acts of violence against diplomatic missions are unacceptable and constitute a clear violation of international law, including the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which guarantees the safety and protection of diplomatic personnel and premises.

We welcome the statement issued by the Syrian authorities and their commitment to take all necessary measures to ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law, the publication reads.

On April 6, a group of people attempted to attack the UAE embassy in Damascus during a protest.

The protest included vandalism and an attempt to enter the embassy area. Syrian authorities condemned the incident and said that the perpetrators will be held accountable.
Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Muhsin Senturk, Prosecutor General of the Supreme Court of Appeal of the Republic of Turkiye, on April 7, Trend reports.

The Prosecutor General expressed his gratitude for the reception and said he was honored to meet with the President.

Muhsin Senturk conveyed the greetings of President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan to President Ilham Aliyev.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked him for the greetings and asked that his own greetings be conveyed to President Erdogan.

During the conversation, the sides praised the successful development of bilateral relations in all areas, rooted in the principles of brotherhood and strategic alliance. They noted that no two countries in the world are as close to each other as Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

The meeting highlighted the successful cooperation between the prosecution authorities of the two countries. In this context, the parties discussed their fruitful collaboration within the Organization of Turkic States and stressed the importance of further expanding the exchange of experience.

The sides also exchanged views on the prospects for future cooperation.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. Another meeting of the Committee of High-Level Persons of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) was held under the presidency of Azerbaijan in the administrative building of the Secretariat of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Astana, Kazakhstan, today, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani MFA.

The ministry noted that the activity of Azerbaijan within the framework of the presidency of the CICA on the theme "A stronger CICA: digitalization, connectivity and sustainable development in Asia", the steps taken in various areas of cooperation, and the main directions of cooperation between the member states were reviewed at the meeting.

The presidency briefed on the developments in the agenda of the CICA transformation into an international organization, including the progress of negotiations on the relevant draft charter.

The event conducted an annual assessment of the implementation of confidence-building measures in the military-political dimension of the CICA. The development of cooperation in the military-political sphere by the member states, and the role of the CICA as a multilateral military security platform in this direction were considered.

The meeting discussed the draft Action Plan for the CICA Think Tanks Forum, reviewed concept documents on the implementation of confidence-building measures in various dimensions of the CICA, and adopted a concept document on the development of small and medium-sized businesses.

In addition, the event involved an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest in the CICA space.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. A working group is being established on the activities of subsoil users in Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

The Rules on measures to improve the activities of subsoil users engaged in the exploitation of non-metallic mineral deposits have been approved.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed the relevant decree.

The rules have been developed in accordance with Part 8 of Article 13 of the law of Azerbaijan "On subsoil" (hereinafter referred to as the law) and establish temporary rules for the improvement of the activities of subsoil users engaged in the exploitation of non-metallic mineral deposits and the regulation of the use of non-metallic mineral deposits during the transitional period established in accordance with these rules.

According to the rules, in order to fully comply with the requirements of the subsoil users' activities regulating relations in the field of subsoil use and other relevant normative legal acts, a working group is established by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan (hereinafter referred to as the ministry), with at least one representative from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency, the State Urban Planning and Architecture Committee of Azerbaijan (for territories liberated from occupation), Azerishig OJSC and relevant local executive bodies.

The activities of the working group are led by the chairperson, determined by the ministry, and organized by it.

The working group operates on the basis of a work plan approved at the meeting of the working group, taking into account the rights and obligations established by these rules.

The meetings of the working group are held when necessary, but not less than six times during the transition period. The time and agenda of the meetings of the working group are determined by the chairperson of the working group.

Members of the working group may participate in the meetings in person, and if such participation is not possible, remotely using information technologies.

The meetings of the working group are authorized when more than half of its members are present. At the meeting of the working group, decisions are made by open voting, with each member having one vote, by a simple majority of the members present at the meeting. In the event of a tie, the vote of the person chairing the meeting is decisive, and the chairperson casts the final vote.

The secretary of the working group is appointed by the chairperson from among the members during the first meeting.

A member of the working group acts on behalf of the state authority (institution) they represent.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. Relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia stand at the core of cooperation in the South Caucasus, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.

Whenever stability, development, and cooperation in the South Caucasus are discussed, the relationship between Azerbaijan and Georgia comes to the forefront. These ties go beyond mere geographical proximity. Rather, centuries of friendship, mutual trust, and shared interests have elevated these relations to the level of a strategic partnership. At the current stage, this cooperation is clearly reflected across political, economic, as well as energy and transport sectors, he noted.

According to him, the recent official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Georgia on April 6, 2026, once again demonstrated the high level of bilateral relations.

The meetings, discussions, and statements made in Tbilisi showed that cooperation between the two countries is not limited to the present but also encompasses broad prospects, Garayev added.

He emphasized that the people of Azerbaijan and Georgia have lived as good neighbors for centuries and have successfully maintained these ties throughout the period of independence.

These historical bonds form the foundation of modern interstate relations. As President Ilham Aliyev has emphasized: For centuries, the Georgian and Azerbaijani peoples have lived in an atmosphere of friendship and brotherhood, and these traditions continue today. This reflects not only a historical reality but also the ideological basis of current political relations. Building interstate ties on mutual respect and trust plays a crucial role in ensuring regional stability. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze also highlighted the essence of these relations, stating: For centuries, our peoples have been bound by good neighborliness and a special historical friendship. Thus, relations between the two countries are based not only on political interests but also on deep historical and cultural ties, he said.

Garayev noted that Azerbaijan and Georgia are recognized in the international system as countries that consistently support each other.

Political cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia is built on principles of high trust and mutual respect. Since gaining independence, both countries have demonstrated a consistent position in supporting each others sovereignty and territorial integrity. This approach contributes not only to strengthening bilateral relations but also to maintaining regional stability. The two countries also cooperate closely within international organizations, support each others initiatives, and act based on shared interests. Continuous political dialogue, high-level mutual visits, and regular contacts ensure the dynamic development of these ties. At the same time, coordinated positions on regional issues contribute to the formation of a stable and predictable environment in the South Caucasus. All this shows that Azerbaijan-Georgia political cooperation is a strategic pillar not only for today but also for the future, he added.

The analyst also highlighted the dynamic development of economic cooperation between the two countries.

Georgia remains one of Azerbaijans key trading partners, and mutual trade turnover continues to grow. Azerbaijans investments in Georgias economy clearly demonstrate the tangible results of this cooperation, particularly in energy, infrastructure, and other strategic sectors. As President Ilham Aliyev noted: To date, Azerbaijan has invested USD 3.7 billion in the Georgian economy. This figure clearly illustrates the depth of economic ties. At the same time, both sides are interested in expanding cooperation and implementing new joint investment projects. The energy sector is one of the most important areas of Azerbaijan-Georgia cooperation. Azerbaijan acts as a country rich in energy resources, while Georgia plays a key transit role in delivering these resources to global markets. Major projects such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor have increased the regions geopolitical and economic importance. These projects strengthen energy security and deepen mutual dependence and trust, Garayev said.

He added that cooperation in the transport sector has also gained increasing importance in recent years.

The Middle Corridor serves as a key route connecting Asia and Europe, with a significant portion passing through Azerbaijan and Georgia. As Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze noted: As a bridge connecting Asia and Europe, our countries play a pivotal role in transit. These projects not only enhance the regions transit potential but also strengthen the global trade role of Azerbaijan and Georgia. A new geopolitical environment is emerging in the South Caucasus, and in this context, cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia is of particular importance. Ensuring peace and stability in the region remains a priority for both countries. In this regard, the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia is also in focus, with Georgia expressing support and readiness to contribute to dialogue and cooperation in the region, he said.

According to Garayev, relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia represent a model of exemplary cooperation for the region.

This model is built on mutual respect, trust, and shared interests. Political dialogue, economic ties, and joint energy and transport projects form the main pillars of this partnership. The current dynamics indicate that this cooperation will continue to expand. Thus, the Azerbaijan-Georgia strategic partnership will remain a key factor in ensuring stability and development not only for the two countries but for the entire South Caucasus region, the analyst concluded.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. On April 7, Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the Parliament of Azerbaijan, met with a delegation led by Muhsin Senturk, Prosecutor General of the Supreme Court of Appeal of the Republic of Turkiye, who visited Azerbaijan to discuss issues of inter-institutional cooperation, Trend reports via the press service of the Azerbaijani Parliament.

Meanwhile, it was noted that during the meeting, it was emphasized that Azerbaijani-Turkish relations are developing based on friendship and brotherhood in accordance with the words of national leader Heydar Aliyev: One nation, two states. The strategic alliance between the two countries was also discussed, and the special role of fraternal relations between the heads of state in the development of Azerbaijani-Turkish relations was highlighted.

Throughout the conversation, the main focus was on relations between the legislative bodies of the two countries, and satisfaction was expressed with the effective cooperation between parliamentarians, including within the framework of working groups. The importance of joint activities by the parliaments of Azerbaijan and Turkiye on various platforms of parliamentary cooperation was also emphasized. It was noted that these platforms contribute to peace, stability, and cooperation in the region.

Speaking about the fruitful cooperation between the relevant institutions of the two brotherly countries, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova particularly emphasized the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the offices of the Prosecutor General of both countries in 2021. At the same time, she highly commended the activities of the Council of Prosecutors General of the Organization of Turkic States, established within the framework of multilateral cooperation.

Expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome, Muhsin Senturk, Prosecutor General of the Supreme Court of Appeal of the Republic of Turkiye, stated that relations between the two countries are developing in accordance with the bilateral cooperation program established by the heads of state and cover all areas.

Referring to developments in the world and the region, the Prosecutor General of the Supreme Court of Appeal of the Republic of Turkiye spoke about the role of the leaders of Turkiye and Azerbaijan, highlighting their role as reliable leaders and mediators in fostering peace, stability, and cooperation, both for their own peoples and nations and for the entire world.

At the meeting, the guest was also briefed on the effective cooperation between the Azerbaijani Parliament and the Prosecutor Generals Office.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 8. 34 years have passed since the genocide committed by the Armenia in the village of Aghdaban on the Azerbaijani Kalbajar region, Trend reports.

On the night from April 7 through 8, 1992, during the occupation of Kalbajar, Armenian armed grip massacred the residents of the village of Aghdaban. A total of 130 houses of the settlement were burned, 779 civilians were subjected to inhuman torture, including 67 who were killed. Armenian armed groups burned 8 people aged over 90 alive, as well as two children and seven women, 12 people were seriously injured, the fate of two persons is still unknown.

As another manifestation of the policy of vandalism carried out by Armenians against Azerbaijani cultural heritage, monuments of history, architecture, and culture were destroyed, sacred places of worship of Azerbaijanis of the Turkic-Islamic period were desecrated and destroyed.

National leader Heydar Aliyev was the first to give a legal and political assessment of this tragedy, calling the events in Aghdaban the greatest crime against humanity and describing them as a shame for all mankind.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while claiming that negotiations with the Iranian side via intermediaries over the deal are "going well."

CRITICAL PERIOD

"The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night," Trump said at a press conference at the White House.

Asked about whether he's winding down or escalating the war with Iran, Trump said, "I can't tell you. Depends what they do."

"This is a critical period," said Trump of his Tuesday deadline. "They have a period of, well, until tomorrow at 8 (p.m.) o'clock."

Trump also said at the press conference that his administration has a plan to strike and destroy bridges and power plants across Iran by midnight Tuesday.

"We have a plan, because of the power of our military, where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o'clock tomorrow night, where every power plant in Iran will be out of business -- burning, exploding, and never to be used again," Trump claimed. "It will take them 100 years to rebuild."

"I mean complete demolition by 12 o'clock. And it will happen over a period of four hours if we wanted to. We don't want that to happen," Trump added.

The president said Monday that the 8 p.m. Eastern Time Tuesday deadline he has set for Iran is final. However, he had previously repeatedly changed the deadlines he had announced for a ceasefire deal or for reopening the strait.

Earlier on Monday, Trump told reporters at the White House Easter Egg Roll that he was "not worried about" whether the U.S. airstrikes on Iran's power plants and other civil infrastructure could constitute a war crime.

NEGOTIATIONS

Meanwhile, Trump said at the press conference that Iran is an "active, willing participant" in the negotiations over the deal, claiming the talks via intermediaries are "going well."

"I can't talk about ceasefire, but I can tell you that we have an active, willing participant on the other side. They would like to be able to make a deal. I can't say any more than that," Trump said.

"Essentially they have till 8 p.m. tomorrow night, Eastern Time, but we are dealing with them. I think it's going well," said Trump, adding that his envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. Vice President JD Vance are "involved in the dealing" of talks via intermediary countries.

Trump said earlier on Monday that his administration has reviewed a proposal for a 45-day ceasefire in the Iran war, describing it as a "very significant step" but "not good enough," while Tehran said "no sane" person would accept it.

"It's a significant proposal, it's a significant step. It's not good enough, but it's a very significant step," Trump told reporters at the White House, referring to the ceasefire proposal, noting that intermediaries "are negotiating now."

The president also reiterated that he is the only person who can determine if there's a ceasefire in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Monday that a ceasefire would only give opponents time to regroup and commit further crimes.

Iran's state-run IRNA reported on Monday that Tehran had sent its response to a U.S.-proposed 15-point plan to end the war to Pakistan. According to the report, Iran rejected a ceasefire and instead called for a permanent end to the conflict, while taking into account the country's considerations.

TOLL AND OIL

Trump also claimed at the press conference that the United States should impose tolls on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that reopening the key global energy chokepoint must be part of a deal to end the war.

"What about us charging tolls?" Trump said. "I'd rather do that than let them (Iranians) have them."

"We have to have a deal that's acceptable to me, and part of that deal is going to be we want free traffic of oil and everything," the president said.

Shortly after the United States and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, Iran effectively closed the critical global energy waterway.

Asked about Iranian oil, Trump suggested again the United States could take control of it, similar to its approach in Venezuela after the United States military raided and forcibly seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3.

"To the winner belong the spoils," Trump claimed.

"If I had my choice, yeah, because I'm a businessman first," Trump said, noting after removing Maduro by U.S. forces, "we are a partner with Venezuela, and we've taken hundreds of millions of barrels, hundreds of millions."

Earlier on Monday, Trump told reporters at the White House Easter Egg Roll that he would take the oil from Iran, but U.S. citizens do not want U.S. forces to remain in the country.

"If I had my choice, what would I like to do? Take the oil, because it's there for the taking. There's not a thing they can do about it," Trump said. "Unfortunately, the American people would like to see us come home."

Trump has repeatedly claimed that the United States has won the war with Iran, but many U.S. experts say they believe the president is losing the ongoing war despite the overwhelming military advantage of the United States and Israel over Iran. 

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)
For the first time in Azerbaijan, the Africa Week initiative will be implemented. This project is aimed at strengthening cooperation between Azerbaijan and African countries in the fields of economy, trade, investment, healthcare, and education, and will create new opportunities for expanding relations between the two regions.

As part of the initiative, the first major activity will be the establishment of the Africa Pavilion within two of the regions leading international exhibitions  Caspian Agro 2026 and InterFood Azerbaijan 2026. The pavilion will showcase agricultural and food products from African countries, innovative technologies, and their export potential.

One of the key events of the Africa Week project will be the 3rd International Agrarian Innovation Forum  AzerbaijanAfrica Business Panel, which will take place on May 7, 2026, at the Baku Expo Center.

During the panel discussions, participants will explore cooperation opportunities in agriculture, the food industry, logistics, and investment. In addition, bilateral meetings (B2B) will be organized to facilitate the establishment of new business partnerships between Azerbaijan and African countries.

Furthermore, within the framework of Africa Week, presentations on cooperation in healthcare and education will be held, including contributions from international clinics and discussions on educational exchange programs. Additional sector-specific events and side events covering various industries are also planned.

According to the organizers, more than 40 business leaders and representatives from African countries are expected to participate in the events. This initiative is considered an important platform for deepening economic relations between Azerbaijan and African countries and for building new strategic partnerships.

The Africa Week project is organized by AfricaAzerbaijan Cooperation. With the participation of international guests, the 3rd anniversary of AfricaAzerbaijan Cooperation will also be celebrated during the events.

The Chairwoman of the Association, Rena Gafarova, has called on local entrepreneurs and business representatives to actively participate in the initiative. She emphasized that this project will provide a new impetus to economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and African countries and create new opportunities for local companies to enter international markets.
April 7 marks the 34th anniversary of the establishment of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL). Founded on this day in 1992, the airline has prioritized safe and uninterrupted air travel from the very beginning. This significant date represents one of the most important milestones in the development of Azerbaijans air connectivity with countries around the world.

Having started operations as a national carrier serving domestic routes, AZAL has played a key role in the development of civil aviation in Azerbaijan over the past 34 years and has grown into one of the leading airlines in the region. Fleet expansion, route network development, implementation of international safety and service standards, as well as the training of qualified aviation professionals have remained among the companys strategic priorities throughout its history.

Today, AZALs fleet includes nearly 30 modern and comfortable aircraft manufactured by Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer. By 2032, the fleet is planned to expand to more than 50 aircraft. At the same time, the airline continues to invest in human capital development, with particular focus on training national aviation specialists, including professional pilots. All these efforts are aimed at providing passengers with an even more comfortable travel experience.

New Destinations  New Opportunities

AZALs continuously expanding route network contributes to strengthening Azerbaijans international air connections and plays an important role in developing the countrys transport and tourism potential. Since 2022, the number of destinations offering passengers opportunities to discover new cultures has nearly doubled. Today, AZAL operates direct flights to numerous destinations across different regions of the world. The consistent expansion of its route geography creates broader opportunities for both business and leisure travel, while further reinforcing Azerbaijans position as an important transit hub.

Safety and Professionalism as Enduring Priorities

At every stage of its development, AZAL has consistently maintained flight safety as its top priority, continuously improving operational processes in line with international aviation standards. Alongside pilot training, the airline implements professional development programs for technical staff and cabin crew. The involvement of local specialists in practical training both domestically and internationally contributes significantly to the formation of a professional aviation environment in Azerbaijan. At the same time, advanced practices in safety, maintenance, and operational management are introduced through cooperation with international aviation organizations. This approach enables the national carrier to ensure a high level of reliability, safety, and service quality.

Recognized Achievements on the International Stage

Over 34 years of operation, AZAL has repeatedly received prestigious international awards for service quality, safety standards, and passenger satisfaction. In 2015, the globally recognized British consultancy Skytrax awarded Azerbaijan Airlines the prestigious 4-Star Airline rating. In 2025, AZAL received this distinction for the fifth time.

In addition, in 2018, Skytrax named AZAL the Best Regional Airline in Central Asia and India. In 2020, the aviation analytics publication Official Airline Guide (OAG) recognized AZAL as Europes most punctual airline for 2019. Last year, the airline also won the title of Best Regional Airline in Central Asia and CIS at the World Airline Awards 2025.

The Great Return: A Significant Milestone in the Skies of Karabakh

One of the most symbolic milestones for the national carrier was the restoration in 2021, after a long interruption, of national navigation system radio call signals in the skies over Karabakh. AZAL aircraft were the first to receive these signals.

Towards New Horizons

The achievements made over this 34-year journey confirm AZALs competitive position in the region and strengthen its reputation as a reliable carrier in the international aviation industry.

AZALs future development strategy is focused not only on providing passengers with safe and comfortable travel, but also on strengthening Azerbaijans role as an important transport hub reliably connecting the country to global airspace.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. A forum titled "A safe future for the Great Return" was held in Baku, organized with the support of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) and the Azerbaijan Youth Foundation, as well as the Great Return Youth Organization, Trend reports.

The main goal of the forum was to raise awareness about the fight against the threat of landmines, inform the public about the work being done in this area, and involve young people in this process.

As part of the forum, a photo exhibition was presented, showcasing humanitarian demining operations and the life stories of landmine victims.

Jeyhun Huseynov, Deputy Executive Director of the Youth Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan, delivered a welcoming address, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness among young people and the general public about the threat posed by landmines through their active participation. He particularly highlighted the significance of the work carried out by youth and volunteer organizations, as well as by volunteers from the Return program, in this regard. Huseynov emphasized that the Youth Fund always supports such initiatives and is constantly working to increase youth participation in educational activities and the development of a culture of safety.

In his speech, ANAMA Chief of Staff Rauf Huseynov spoke about the mine threat in the liberated territories, as well as the humanitarian demining efforts being carried out there. He also noted that a safe and sustainable future, free from the threat of landmines, is possible only through the joint efforts not only of government agencies but of society as a whole.

Gaya Mammadov, a member of the Azerbaijani Parliament, spoke about the social and humanitarian consequences of the landmine threat and emphasized the importance of joint efforts in this area.

Subsequently, Aykhan Allahverdiyev, Chairman of the Great Return Youth Organization, delivered a presentation in which he described the activities of volunteers from the Return program in the liberated areas. He also emphasized the importance of collaborating with ANAMA as part of the ongoing program to raise awareness about the risks of explosive devices, titled Safe Return.

The second part of the forum featured a panel discussion. The event was moderated by Anar Irzaguliyev, a staff member of ANAMAs Public Relations Department. Participants in the panel discussion included: Elnur Gasimov, Head of ANAMAs Quality Control Department; Nail Shukurov, Head of the Department for Work with Youth Organizations at the Youth Fund; Roza Sefihanli, member of the ANAMA Public Council; and Hasanali Aliyev, a mine victim and staff member of ANAMAs Education and Victim Assistance Department. The speakers discussed issues related to creating a safe environment in the post-conflict period, the consequences of the mine threat, the role of youth and volunteers as a driving force in combating the mine hazard, and exchanged views on educational projects.
Farid Huseynov, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Kapital Bank, held his first meeting with the winners as part of the Mentorship Program of the 5th Yukslis competition. This year, Farid Huseynov will act as a mentor to two winners  Farid Mustafayev and Elnur Mirzazada, supporting the realization of their personal development plans.

Aygun Musayeva, Director of the Talent Management Department at Kapital Bank, and Tukazban Gasimova, Head of the Organizational Learning and Talent Development Division, also attended the introductory meeting. The discussion focused on the winners' future career goals, the enhancement of their management skills, and the joint action plan to be implemented over the upcoming year.

Established by the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Yukslis competition consists of five stages. In its fifth season, 20 out of 124 finalists who scored the highest points were named winners. According to the rules, the winners receive a one-year personal development plan guided by top executives (mentors) and a monetary prize of 20 000 AZN.

Successful conclusion of the fourth season

Consistently contributing to the development of young talents and professional personnel, Farid Huseynov also held a final meeting with Elnur Abdullazade, the winner of the 4th Yukslis competition, officially wrapping up their one-year mentorship journey.

During this concluding meeting, they discussed the overall outcomes of the program, evaluating the participant's development path, acquired knowledge, and management experience. Furthermore, E. Abdullazade shared his future goals, and both highlighted the profound significance of the gained experience for his professional and personal growth.

Sharing his impressions on his social media accounts, Farid Huseynov noted: I am very glad to have known Elnur Abdullazade, the winner of the fourth 'Yukslis' competition, closely and to have witnessed his development through this program. Even though the mentorship program has officially ended, Elnur has many great achievements ahead on the way to his goals. I am confident that we will cross paths often on a professional level. I wish him the best of luck on his journey.

Kapital Bank, the country's first bank, is part of PASHA Holding. Kapital Bank has the largest service network in Azerbaijan with 114 branches and 53 departments all over the country. For more detailed information about the banks products and services, please refer to https://kapitalbank.az website, 196 Call Centre or the banks various social network pages. Applications for a cash loan and a Birbank HYPERLINK "https://birbank.az/cards/all?utm_medium=pr&utm_source=kb&utm_campaign=0-TRF-taksit-kartlari-general&utm_content=pr" card can be submitted online.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. The "Anatolian Phoenix - 2026" International Search and Rescue Exercise, involving servicemen from various countries, has commenced in Konya, Turkiye, Trend reports.

The purpose of the exercise is to enhance coordination and operational interoperability of the search and rescue teams from different countries, improve command and control mechanisms, elevate the professional proficiency of personnel, and develop capabilities in locating and rescuing crew members in emergencies. It also aims to ensure the effective execution of rescue operations at sea, on land, and in challenging terrain, facilitate the safe evacuation of pilots, provide aerial support, and further develop the skills of forward air controllers.

It should be noted that, in the international exercise scheduled to continue until 17 April, Azerbaijan is represented by pilots of the Air Force, parachute assault personnel, search and rescue specialists, forward air controllers, technical staff, and aviation assets.
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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 7. Uzbekistan and the US discussed key issues of business cooperation between the two countries, Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan Saida Mirziyoyeva wrote on her social media account, Trend reports.

A productive meeting took place in the U.S. capital with my colleague and co-chair of the U.S.-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council, Ambassador Sergio Gor. We discussed key issues of business cooperation between our countries, Mirziyoyeva stated.

She noted that the meeting preceded the official launch of the Council.

This platform will serve as an effective mechanism for further strengthening business ties between Uzbekistan and the United States. This is supported by the strong political will of the presidents of our countries, she added.

Meanwhile, the agreement to establish the Council was reached during President Shavkat Mirziyoyevs official visit to the United States from November 4 through 6, 2025, as part of the C5+1 Summit.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 7.The joint investment portfolio between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan currently includes 52 projects worth $3.8 billion, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev wrote on his social media account, Trend reports.

The statement followed Khodjaevs meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin.

We placed particular focus on advancing new investment initiatives, deepening industrial cooperation, moving forward with infrastructure projects, and further expanding our practical partnership, he said.

Khodjaev noted that one of the key issues discussed was the removal of remaining trade barriers and the development of practical measures to facilitate mutual supplies.

In particular, we discussed existing restrictive measures, expanding mutual recognition of conformity assessment results, upgrading the status of certain border crossing points, and further promoting mechanisms for the recognition of electronic phytosanitary certificates, he said.

He added that there is a clear understanding of the next steps across all priority areas, along with a shared commitment to achieving practical results.

This creates additional momentum for further strengthening Uzbek-Kazakh trade, economic, and investment cooperation, he wrote.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has issued an enforcement order to AFB Bank OJSC, and held the bank's official administratively accountable by fining 2,000 manat ($1,180), the statement of the CBA says, Trend reports.

According to the statement, AFB Bank OJSC didn't provide written notification to the CBA within the prescribed timeframe regarding appointments and changes to supervisory positions. This was considered a violation of Articles 10.6 and 15.2 of Azerbaijan's law "On banks". In accordance with Article 47 of the law, the CBA issued an enforcement order requiring the bank to improve its internal procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Additionally, a violation of the rules regarding the form, content, and submission of prudential reports by AFB Bank OJSC was identified. For this violation, based on Article 47 of the law "On banks" and Article 439.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, the bank's official was fined 2,000 manat.

The CBA emphasized that the violations in the reporting form do not pose any threat to the bank's financial stability.

The bank was registered under the name Azfinansbank OJSC in 2008. It rebranded in 2009 and became AFB Bank OJSC. The bank's charter capital is 70 million manat ($41.5 million), and its legal representative is Orkhan Khubanli.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 7. Turkiye and Turkmenistan discussed issues of bilateral partnership, as well as regional and international matters of mutual interest, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA.

The issues were arddressed during a telephone conversation between Foreign Minister of Turkiye Hakan Fidan and Turkmenistans Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov on April 6.

In the course of the talks, particular attention was paid to the interaction between Turkmenistan and Turkiye within the framework of international organizations, as well as major international forums and meetings.

Turkish companies are among the top economic partners in Turkmenistan, having implemented over 1,400 projects valued at more than $50 billion since 1991, with a strong focus on construction, energy, textiles, and transport. Major Turkish firms like Calk Holding and Polimeks are heavily involved in key infrastructure, industrial facilities, and the "smart city" of Arkadag.

Turkiyes trade with Turkmenistan reached $2.2 billion in 2025. The main goal for bilateral trade is to reach $5 billion, a target set by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
GENEVA, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it was suspending evacuations from Gaza after a person contracted to provide services to the organization in Gaza was killed during a security incident earlier on Monday.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a social media post that two WHO staff members were present at the scene but were not injured, adding that the incident is under investigation by relevant authorities.

Following the incident, the WHO suspended medical evacuations of patients from Gaza via Rafah to Egypt, noting that the evacuations will remain on hold until further notice.

Tedros also called for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, stressing that "peace is the best medicine." 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. A meeting was held between the central banks of Azerbaijan and Georgia to exchange experiences, Trend reports via the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA).

Thus, a delegation of the National Bank of Georgia paid a working visit to the CBA.

The meetings held during the visit discussed the experiences of the central banks of both countries in implementing activities on financial stability functions, forming a macroprudential policy framework, and assessing financial stability in households, the non-financial sector, and the real estate market.

Additionally, the meetings involved an exchange of views on the stress test framework, as well as the organization of climate stress tests on physical and transition risks.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 7. Uzbekistan and the United States have launched the U.S.-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council, Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan Saida Mirziyoyeva wrote on her social media account, Trend reports.

Yesterday in Washington, the U.S.-Uzbekistan Business and Investment Council officially began its work - a platform created to strengthen ties between entrepreneurs of our two countries. The Council is designed to provide a solid institutional foundation for joint business ambitions. The meeting resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding, Mirziyoyeva stated.

She noted that the establishment of the Council became possible due to the high level of trust between the presidents of the two countries.

Meanwhile, the agreement to establish the Council was reached during President Shavkat Mirziyoyevs official visit to the United States from November 4 through 6, 2025, as part of the C5+1 Summit.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 7. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia Valentina Matviyenko discussed the role of the two countries parliaments in expanding bilateral relations, Trend reports via the press service of the Uzbek president.

According to the statement, both sides highlighted the active role of the parliaments in strengthening Uzbekistan-Russia relations, which are based on a comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance.

It was noted that meetings of the interparliamentary cooperation commission between the upper chambers are held on a regular basis, while effective interaction has also been established within the framework of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistans commitment to further developing close and productive cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 7. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) rolled out a specialized conference titled Export Experience Exchange in Ashgabat, aimed at supporting Turkmen companies in expanding their presence in international markets, Trend reports via the press service of the Turkmen Government.

The event is being held at the Yyldyz Hotel and has brought together experts in foreign trade, representatives of international financial institutions, and local businesses.

The conference focuses on practical mechanisms for export diversification and integration of Turkmen producers into global supply chains. Participating companies include Nesil Coffee, Erte, and Mahmal, among others, seeking to expand into new markets.

Representatives of the EBRD presented tools and trade facilitation programs designed to reduce risks associated with entering foreign markets and provide advisory support to businesses.

A panel discussion titled How I entered export markets: advice from experienced entrepreneurs featured business leaders sharing practical insights on overcoming export barriers. The program also includes B2B meetings, offering tailored consultations to small and medium-sized enterprises from experts representing MCT Agency, Export Hyzmat, SGS Turkmen Ltd., and Ak Sahypa.

Workshops held during the event covered key topics such as digital marketing, the use of global e-commerce platforms, and business process automation. Participants also highlighted the importance of international certification as a prerequisite for accessing high-standard global markets.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 7. Turkmenistan and Iraq discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation, as well as a number of regional issues, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA.

The talks were held during a meeting between Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Iraq in Turkmenistan Jassim Mohammed Al-Attar on April 6.

During the talks, the sides reviewed the current state and future prospects of cooperation in political-diplomatic, trade-economic, as well as cultural and humanitarian spheres.

The participants noted that the opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Ashgabat in March this year would give additional impetus to the development of bilateral relations.
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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 7. Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili received Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev to discuss a major expansion of bilateral cooperation across several strategic sectors, Trend reports via the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.

President Kavelashvili expressed satisfaction with the current "positive dynamics" of the partnership, noting that the relationship between the two nations is entering a more active phase. Minister Kosherbayev echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Kazakhstan places "special attention" on its cooperation with Georgia, viewing the country as a key regional ally.

The discussions centered on enhancing interaction within multilateral formats and identifying new avenues for mutually beneficial projects. Both parties underscored the need to effectively resolve existing logistical and economic issues to fully unlock the potential of the Kazakh-Georgian partnership.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has reminded joint-stock companies of their legal obligations regarding the preparation, submission, and disclosure of annual reports, Trend reports, citing the CBA.

Under the Law On Securities Market, annual reports must be prepared based on the results of the completed calendar year and approved by the general meeting of shareholders, except in cases specified by law. Companies are required to submit these reports to the Central Bank within ten business days of approval. Unless instructed otherwise by the CBA, the reports must also be disclosed on the companys website and through media outlets within 30 calendar days of submission.

The CBA highlighted that annual reports must include a management report, financial statements, and an external auditors opinion, except for micro and small businesses. Companies that cease operations during the year are advised to notify the Central Bank and provide documentation, including the general meeting decision and a certificate from the State Tax Service.

The Central Bank warned that companies failing to submit their annual reports on time will receive formal warnings and may face administrative penalties under the Code of Administrative Offenses.

For questions regarding reporting requirements, the CBA encourages companies to contact its Call Center at 966.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 7. Uzbekistans Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov and First Vice-President of the Senate of Spain Javier Ignacio Maroto discussed the development of inter-parliamentary dialogue and economic cooperation, the Uzbek foreign minister wrote on his X page, Trend reports.

We discussed issues related to strengthening inter-parliamentary dialogue and developing regular exchanges between our legislative bodies, Saidov stated.

He also highlighted significant untapped potential in bilateral cooperation, particularly in advancing economic diplomacy.

The partnership between our countries, rooted in a long shared history, will continue to grow stronger in a spirit of mutual respect, trust, and shared values, he added.
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NAIROBI, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The 32nd anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda was marked on Tuesday at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), with calls for humanity to embrace reconciliation, unity and healing in the face of ongoing geopolitical headwinds.

The event, held under the theme "Remember, Unite, Renew," was attended by senior government officials, diplomats, representatives of multilateral agencies, civil society and academia.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a speech read on his behalf by UNON Director-General Zainab Hawa Bangura, said that a reflection on the tragic events that occurred in Rwanda 32 years ago presents an opportunity for humanity to reject hatred and division, and chart a new path for unity, peace and reconciliation.

Guterres added that investing in social fabric, building communities' resilience and strengthening institutions are key to helping avert mass atrocities that were witnessed in Rwanda three decades ago.

"I call on all countries to become parties to the Genocide Convention without delay and to implement it fully," he said.

On Jan. 26, 2018, the UN General Assembly adopted a revised draft resolution designating April 7 as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Abraham Korir Sing'Oei, principal secretary at Kenya's State Department for Foreign Affairs, said that fidelity to multilateralism is key to preventing the recurrence of mass atrocities in any part of the globe, fueled by militarism and disregard for diversity.

Ernest Rwamucyo, Rwanda's high commissioner to Kenya, said the commemoration of genocide victims and survivors should serve as a wake-up call for the international community to ensure such atrocities do not happen again anywhere. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. Italian Eni has announced a significant gas and condensate discovery in Egypt following the successful drilling of the Denise W-1 exploration well in the Temsah Concession, located offshore in the Eastern Mediterranean, Trend reports via the company.

Preliminary estimates indicate approximately 2 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas initially in place (GIIP) and 130 million barrels of associated condensates.

The Denise W discovery is situated 70 km offshore at a water depth of 95 meters and less than 10 km from existing infrastructure, offering strong potential for fast-track development. The reservoir, similar to the nearby Temsah field in production since 2001, is a high-quality gas-bearing sandstone with about 50 meters of net pay.

The drilling of Denise W-1 follows the binding agreement signed in July 2025 with the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) for a 20-year renewal of the Temsah Concession. Eni operates the Denise Development Lease with a 50% working interest, alongside bp, which holds the remaining 50%. The concession is managed through Petrobel, the joint venture between Eni and EGPC.

Eni has been active in Egypt since 1954 and currently holds a diversified portfolio across exploration, development, and production. In 2025, the company reported oil and gas production of 242,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (kboed) on an equity basis.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has unveiled a new multi-partner financing mechanism aimed at supporting the preparation of cross-border energy and transmission infrastructure projects across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The initiative marks the first fund of its kind in the region, Trend reports via the Bank.

The newly established Regional Connectivity Fund for Energy in Southeast Asia (RCF) is designed to fast-track the development of the ASEAN Power Gridone of the blocs flagship initiatives to achieve a fully integrated regional electricity network by 2045.

The ASEAN Power Grid represents a major opportunity for Southeast Asia, with the potential to strengthen energy security for nearly 700 million people and underpin long-term economic growth, said Masato Kanda. He added that the launch of the fund, backed by strong partner support, marks a significant step toward accelerating investment and translating regional ambitions into concrete outcomes.

The RCF operates under the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF), the regions largest infrastructure financing platform, and is expected to enhance its reach and effectiveness. Initial contributions totaling approximately $25 million have been provided by Australia, Canada, the European Union, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Administered by ADB in close coordination with the AIF Board and ASEAN member states, the fund will provide technical assistance and grants to support project readiness. This includes financing for feasibility studies, engineering design, financial structuring, and environmental and social safeguards. In addition, the RCF will support policy advisory services, regulatory reforms, capacity building, and knowledge sharing to strengthen the enabling environment for energy connectivity.

The initiative comes amid projections that Southeast Asias energy demand will triple by 2050. The ASEAN Power Grid is expected to play a critical role in ensuring access to reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydropower.

ADB has committed up to $10 billion over the next decade to support the ASEAN Power Grid and related investments, including cross-border interconnections, national grid enhancements, and renewable energy projects that facilitate regional power trade. In October, the bank launched the ASEAN Power Grid Financing Initiative in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Centre for Energy, and the World Bank.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. The European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide advisory support to Latvia to accelerate the development of high-growth business sectors, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economics and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), Trend reports via the Bank.

The initiative aims to create conditions for more competitive and scalable companies across the country.

EIB experts will assess how Latvian businesses, research institutions, and emerging technologies are currently supported, identifying opportunities to strengthen policies and financing mechanisms. The work, scheduled to continue until the end of 2026, will also examine potential for deeper collaboration with neighboring Estonia and Lithuania, fostering strategic Baltic-wide initiatives.

Latvias startup ecosystem is expanding rapidly, with approximately 560 companies generating over 600 million in turnover and employing more than 5,000 people by the end of 2025. However, access to early-stage and scale-up financing remains uneven. Deep-tech and science-based companies face challenges in expanding internationally, while industry stakeholders have called for a stronger project pipeline and better-aligned national support measures.

As part of the advisory program, the EIB will implement a capacity-building initiative for Latvias innovation ecosystem, including public authorities involved in innovation and economic development. The pilot project will review the development plan of Riga Technical University, demonstrating how major university investments can support national innovation and economic growth. The program will help authorities design financial instruments, implement support measures, plan long-term strategic investments, and attract European Union funding for technological advances.

The advisory work will result in a set of recommendations and a roadmap to strengthen Latvias innovation system. The initiative is part of the European InvestEU program, specifically its Advisory Hub, and will be carried out in close collaboration with public authorities, investors, industry partners, and startups to ensure practical, market-aligned recommendations.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. Sukuk market entered 2026 with strong credit fundamentals, said Ian Linnel, President of Fitch Ratings, during the Islamic Finance Symposium 2026, Trend reports.

Sukuk is now a vital funding tool in many countries in emerging markets, and there are currently more than $1 trillion of Sukuk outstanding globally, Linnel said. Outside the core markets, we are seeing inaugural Sukuk issuances in new markets such as Australia, the UK, and Sri Lanka.

He noted that the global Sukuk market entered 2026 with strong credit fundamentals. Over 80% of Fitch-rated Sukuk are investment-grade, 90% of ratings have stable outlooks, and there have been no defaults in the past four years, Linnel added.

The Fitch president also highlighted the increasing systemic importance of Islamic banking. Islamic banking is gaining systemic importance in around 17 jurisdictions worldwide, and these banks now hold up to 85% of domestic market share in some key markets, he said.

Despite this growth, Linnel acknowledged ongoing challenges in the sector, including regulation, standardization, Sharia compliance, and product offerings. He warned that as the industry expands, new credit considerations and broader risks, such as the conflict in Iran, emerge. This creates a space where Fitch's independent, transparent, and objective perspectives are more vital than ever as we help to support the industry's development through our credit insights, he said.

Linnel also outlined Fitchs long-standing commitment to Islamic finance. As many of you will know, Fitch established a dedicated Islamic finance group over a decade ago. This group has been instrumental in spearheading our Islamic finance initiatives and mandates, he said.

He highlighted Fitchs leadership in the sector: Fitch now rates more Islamic banks, Islamic insurers, Sukuk programs, and SPVs than any other global credit rating agency. We rate over 70% of the global US dollar Sukuk market with outstanding values above $240 billion. We also rate more than 70% of the global US dollar ESG Sukuk market.

Looking ahead, Linnel stressed the need for innovation and collaboration to navigate future opportunities and challenges in Islamic finance. The opportunities and challenges that the Islamic finance industry faces require thoughtful discussion, innovation, and collaboration, he concluded.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. A prudent regulatory framework, local talent development, and public awareness are important in building a sustainable Islamic banking ecosystem in Azerbaijan, Redmond Ramsdale, Head of Middle East Bank Ratings and Islamic Banking at Fitch Ratings, said, while answering Trends question during the Islamic Finance Symposium 2026.

Its about a prudent regulatory framework. That is the key cornerstone to building anything. Its developing your local talent, but that all comes with a strong framework. Things like liquidity management tools are also important to support it as it grows. Also promoting public awareness, because for something to grow, it needs that, Ramsdale said.

Azerbaijan plans to launch Islamic banking products starting in 2026. Under a special regulatory framework established by the Central Bank, the process of introducing the first products to the market has already begun, while efforts to further develop the legal and regulatory framework continue.

Currently, with the support of the Islamic Development Bank, the Central Bank is implementing a technical assistance project to establish a legal framework for sukuk, an Islamic financial instrument.

In addition, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan has identified international cooperation as a priority in developing Islamic finance.

Alongside establishing a regulatory and institutional framework for the implementation and growth of Islamic finance, creating a skilled workforce with the necessary knowledge and expertise in this field is considered one of the main priorities. To this end, Azerbaijan studies the advanced experience of countries such as Turkiye, Pakistan, and Malaysia. Furthermore, within the framework of cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank, the country regularly participates in experience-sharing, knowledge-exchange, and capacity-building programs, with plans to continue such initiatives in future phases.
Photo: Official information source of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 7. Kazakhstans coal reserves exceed 33 billion tons, ensuring more than 300 years of production at current extraction levels, Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov said during a government meeting, Trend reports via the government of Kazakhstan.

According to the minister, Kazakhstan ranks 10th globally in terms of coal reserves. He emphasized that Kazakhstans coal industry plays a key role in ensuring the countrys energy security.

The largest coal deposits are concentrated in two key regions of Central Kazakhstan, including the Karaganda coal basin and the Turgay coal basin, with major fields such as Shubarkol and Zhalyn. In the northeastern region, key assets include the Ekibastuz coal basin, the Maikuben coal basin, and the Karazhyra deposit, Akkenzhenov said.

Following the President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's directive to grant coal generation the status of a national project, the government approved the national project Development of Coal Generation on March 20, 2026.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 7. The government of Kazakhstan has approved an investment agreement between the Ministry of Industry and Construction and Ultradecor Trading Kazakhstan for the construction of a wood processing plant in North Kazakhstan Region, Trend reports via the Kazakh government.

The 70-billion-tenge (about $148 million) project, scheduled for 2026-2028, is expected to create at least 160 permanent jobs, expand domestic wood processing, increase production of finished goods, and strengthen the regions industrial capacity. The plant will have an annual production capacity of around 600 cubic meters of particleboard and 20 million square meters of laminated particleboard.

Under the agreement, the investor is required to use goods, raw materials, work, and services from Kazakh manufacturers. At least 50% of finished products will be directed to the domestic market, and once the plant reaches 80% of its design capacity, exports of locally produced finished goods are expected to reach 60,000 cubic meters per year.

The agreement also includes obligations for social support in the region, as well as the introduction of continuous staff training and skills development programs.

The project is expected to advance the wood processing sector, increase local content, expand employment, and strengthen the export potential of Kazakhstans manufacturing industry.
ULAN BATOR, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia's National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring issued a nationwide warning on Tuesday over the heightened risk of forest and steppe fires.

According to the weather monitoring agency, severe dry and windy conditions across most parts of the country have significantly increased the likelihood of wildfires this spring. The public has been urged to take precautionary measures to prevent potential fire outbreaks.

More than half of Mongolia's 21 provinces are currently experiencing extremely dry conditions.

As of Tuesday, firefighters are battling three active wildfires in Dornod and Khentii provinces, according to the National Emergency Management Agency.

Authorities have warned the public to avoid lighting open fires and to refrain from discarding cigarette butts on the ground during this period of heightened fire risk. 
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 7. Kazakhstans Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev and Georgias Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili signed a Program of Cooperation for 2026-2027, Trend reports via the Kazakh MFA.

During his meeting with Botchorishvili in Tbilisi, Kosherbayev highlighted the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish an International Water Organization within the UN framework, aimed at strengthening global cooperation on sustainable water management and ensuring water security.

The ministers also noted the significant potential to expand cooperation in the agro-industrial sector, digital economy, and financial services.

During discussions on economic matters, the parties expressed satisfaction with the positive growth in trade turnover, the volume of Kazakh investments in Georgia exceeding $600 million, and the active participation of Kazakh companies in projects in logistics, energy, and finance.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 7. Kazakhstans Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev and Georgias Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili discussed the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), Trend reports via the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.

Our common task is to consistently increase its capacity, enhance the predictability of transport services, and ensure transparency in tariff policies, Kosherbayev said during a meeting in Tbilisi.

During the talks, the sides welcomed the positive trends in trade turnover, noting that Kazakh investments in Georgia have exceeded $600 million. They also highlighted the active involvement of Kazakh companies in logistics, energy, and finance projects in Georgia.

The Middle Corridor is a transport trade route passing through several countries in the region and connecting Asia with Europe. It serves as an alternative to the traditional Northern and Southern corridors.

The route begins in China and passes through Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It then crosses the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye before reaching Europe. The Middle Corridor is a land-based route that bypasses longer maritime paths, linking eastern parts of Asia, including China, with Europe.
Photo: Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 7. Kazakhstan is set to reduce its oil production through the first half of 2026 as part of an updated compensation plan submitted to the OPEC Secretariat, Trend reports citing the OPEC.

The OPEC Secretariat has received updated compensation plans from Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, and Oman.

According to the plan, Kazakhstan is set to reduce its fuel production by 619,000 barrels per day (b/d) in March, increasing the cut to 789,000 b/d in April. For June and July, the countrys compensation volume will reach 879,000 b/d.

Meanwhile, Iraq required to reduce production by 417,000 b/d in March, UAE required to cut production by 178,000 b/d in March. Oman is scheduled to reduce output by 16,000 b/d in May and 20,000 b/d in June.

These adjustments follow a virtual meeting held on March 1, 2026, by eight OPEC+ countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Kuwait, and Algeria.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstans national company KazMunayGas (KMG) reported that its oil and gas condensate production grew 10% year-on-year to 26.2 million tonnes in 2025.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 7. Kazakhstans manufacturing industry is expected to grow by 6% in the first quarter of 2026, Trend reports via the Kazakh government.

The statement was announced during a meeting on economic growth chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin.

Meanwhile, data from the Bureau of National Statistics show strong growth in light industry (56.4%), fabricated metal products (31.4%), furniture production (27.6%), construction materials (27.4%), and mechanical engineering (15.5%).

The transport sector also demonstrated solid performance. According to the Ministry of Transport, growth in the sector was estimated at 9% during the reporting period. The total volume of services reached 2.8 trillion tenge (about $6 billion), which is 14.3% higher year-on-year.

Summing up the meeting, Zhumangarin instructed relevant government bodies to intensify efforts to identify additional reserves for economic growth, including through the expanded use of state support instruments.

The exchange rate used is the official rate of the National Bank of Kazakhstan as of April 7, 2026 (466 KZT per $1).
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 7. Kyrgyzstan and France have discussed the current state and prospects of Kyrgyz-French cooperation, including the development of interparliamentary engagement, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz parliament.

The discussions took place on April 6 during a meeting between Chairperson of the Committee on International Affairs, Defense, Security and Migration of the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan, Elvira Surabaldieva, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to the Bishkek, Nicolas Faye.

Elvira Surabaldieva noted that strengthening partnership with France, as well as with European countries in general, is one of the priorities of Kyrgyzstans foreign policy.

"The Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) is ready to provide comprehensive support for the development of bilateral relations, including through the intensification of interparliamentary cooperation," she said.

Speaking about trade and economic cooperation, the head of the committee highlighted the existing potential for its expansion.

"Kyrgyzstan is interested in attracting French investment and technologies in such sectors as energy, healthcare, agriculture, transport, tourism, and critical minerals development," the lawmaker stated.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Elvira Surabaldieva supported the embassys initiative to hold an annual series of events in Kyrgyzstan aimed at promoting the French language, culture, and arts - "Francophonie Spring".

In turn, Nicolas Faye expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed Frances readiness to further strengthen cooperation with Kyrgyzstan. He outlined opportunities for expanding interaction in tourism, healthcare, and transport infrastructure.

The ambassador also placed particular emphasis on education, highlighting the importance of supporting the study of the French language in schools and implementing joint educational programs.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further deepening Kyrgyz-French cooperation across all areas.
Photo: Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 7. Tajikistan and South Korea have discussed ways to further develop bilateral cooperation, Trend reports via the Tajik MFA.

The issue was discussed on April 6, 2026, during a meeting between Deputy Foreign Minister of Tajikistan Idibek Kalandar and Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Dushanbe Jeon Sung-sik.

During the meeting, the parties also reviewed prospects for advancing bilateral and multilateral relations across various sectors.

The discussions focused in particular on preparations for the first Summit of Heads of State within the "Central Asia  Republic of Korea" Cooperation Forum.

Tajikistan and South Korea have been steadily expanding cooperation in recent years, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, infrastructure development, education, and technology.

South Korea has supported a number of development projects in Tajikistan through grant aid and concessional financing, while also promoting knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 7. Tajikistan and the US discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, Trend reports via the Tajik MFA.

This issue was discussed on April 6, 2026, during a meeting between Tajikistans Ambassador to the US, Zavqi Zavqizoda, and U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of International Affairs Tommy Joyce.

During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the agreements reached between the leaders of the two countries - President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of the United States Donald J. Trump - in November 2025 regarding the expansion of bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.

The expansion of cooperation includes the implementation of projects for the construction of data centers, solar power plants, backup power supply systems, as well as other joint initiatives in Tajikistan with the involvement of advanced American technologies and expertise.

Tajikistan has been consistently working to expand international cooperation in the energy sector, focusing on attracting foreign investment, modern technologies, and expertise to support infrastructure development and diversify its energy mix.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has issued an urgent warning to citizens of Iran not to travel by train within the country until this evening, Trend reports via IDF.

"Dear citizens, for your safety, we ask that you refrain from using train services and traveling by train within the country from now until 21:00 Iranian time," IDF Farsi-speaking spokesman, retired Lieutenant Colonel Kamal Pinhasi, said in a statement.

"Being in train cars and near railway lines puts your life at risk," he added.

On April 6, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that the IDF has been instructed to "continue to strike the national infrastructure of the Iranian terrorist regime with full force."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. The death toll in a residential area in the Shahriar County of Tehran Province, Iran, has reached nine following the U.S. and Israeli military airstrikes last night, Ali Rahimi, deputy governor of the county, told local media, Trend reports.

According to him, 15 people were injured as a result of the military airstrikes. At the same time, the rescue operation is ongoing.

Rahimi noted that the military airstrikes caused a powerful explosion. Therefore, clearing the avalanches is creating difficulties for rescue workers.

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.
TOKYO, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Five workers fell after scaffolding collapsed at a steel plant in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, on Monday, leaving three in critical condition, local media reported.

According to public broadcaster NHK, the accident occurred shortly before 4:30 p.m. local time at a construction site near the sea in Kawasaki City. The scaffolding, about 40 meters high, collapsed, causing multiple workers to fall, some into the sea.

Four workers have been rescued so far, three of whom are unconscious and in critical condition, the report said, citing local police.

Another worker remains unaccounted for, while police and firefighters are continuing rescue efforts and investigating the details of the accident. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. An Israeli Orbiter unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was shot down in the Sirik County of Hormozgan Province in southern Iran today, the statement of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says, Trend reports.

According to the statement, the UAV was shot down by the country's air defense system.

Approximately 170 UAVs have been shot down in Iran since February 28.

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 7. As many as 18 people died in Iran's Alborz Province amid U.S. and Israeli military airstrikes against Iran last night, the province's deputy governor, Ghodratollah Seif, told local media, Trend reports.

According to him, the death toll includes two infants.

Seif stated that 24 people were injured as a result of the military airstrikes. The injured were taken to medical centers.

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 7. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has carried out missile and drone attacks on US-linked companies operating in Saudi Arabia, Trend reports via the IRGC.

According to information, the strikes were conducted using medium-range missiles, cruise missiles, and kamikaze drones as part of the latest phase of its ongoing operation.

Furthermore, the information noted that the attacks targeted companies including Sadara, ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical, and Chevron Phillips in Saudi Arabia. The IRGC also claimed that a container vessel linked to Israel was struck by a missile at a port in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. The Iranian army launched a wave of kamikaze drone strikes targeting U.S. and Israeli positions, the statement of the Iranian army says, Trend reports.

According to information, the strikes targeted oil and chemical fuel storage facilities and a power generation unit in the Dimona industrial zone in Israel, as well as a U.S. naval maintenance and logistics center in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and buildings at an air base in Kuwait.

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 7. Amid ongoing US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, a railway bridge in the Kashan district of Isfahan Province in central Iran has been struck, Akbar Salehi, the deputy governor of the province, told reporters, Trend reports.

Salehi stated that the attack resulted in the deaths of two people, while three others sustained injuries.

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 7. The U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran damaged a railway bridge in the Rey district of Tehran Province, which connects the Iranian capital, Tehran, with the city of Mashhad in Razavi Khorasan Province, located in the northeast of the country, Head of the Qalano administrative district of Ray County, Mohammad Qahharpur, told local media, Trend reports.

According to him, the railway bridge in the Qalano administrative district was hit by several missiles.

Qahharpur stated that the movement of trains in that direction is currently impossible. No deaths were recorded as a result of the incident.

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 8. An airstrike was carried out on a petrochemical plant in the Iranian city of Mahshahr, Trend reports.

In addition, there were reports of a US and Israeli attack on an aluminum plant in the center of the city of Arak.

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 7. The Israeli Air Force carried out another series of strikes on Tehran, the press service of the Israel Defense Forces said, Trend reports.

According to the source, this time the targets were headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In particular, strikes were carried out on key facilities at the main headquarters and the Air Force headquarters in Tehran.

In addition, Israeli aircraft hit a warehouse containing ballistic missiles, as well as launchers prepared for firing missiles toward Israel.

In 2015, an agreement was reached between Iran and the P5+1 group on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding Irans nuclear program, and the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2231, which led to the repeal of the previous six resolutions and the lifting of widespread sanctions against Iran related to its nuclear program.

In 2018, the U.S. withdrew from the plan and imposed sanctions on Iran. Irans gradual lifting of the restrictions provided for in the plan was not unanimously accepted by other countries. Consequently, on September 28, 2025, UN Security Council resolutions against Iran were reinstated.

The International Atomic Energy Agencys report, published in May 2025, indicated that Irans stockpile of enriched uranium stood at 9,247 kilograms, of which more than 408 kilograms were enriched to 60% or higher.

Although two rounds of negotiations on Irans nuclear program took place between the U.S. and Iran at different times, the parties failed to reach a concrete agreement, and both rounds of talks ended in conflict. The most recent of these conflicts began on February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched military airstrikes against Iran.

In response, Iran began launching missile and drone strikes against Israeli and U.S. targets in countries across the region. Over time, the conflict expanded significantly and engulfed various countries in the Middle East.

The conflict has placed the regions energy infrastructure and maritime shipping under serious threat. Due to security tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices have risen significantly. Iran fully controls the Strait of Hormuz and allows passage only to vessels it deems necessary.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over statements allowing for collective punishment of civilians for political and military decisions, the Secretary General's official representative, Stephane Dujarric, Trend reports.

A spokesman for the secretary-general said Guterres called for urgent diplomatic efforts to end the war in the Middle East.

Dujarric stressed that no military objective can justify the destruction of civilian infrastructure or the deliberate infliction of suffering on the population.

Guterres also called for the restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, noting that its blockade has a particularly severe impact on the world's most vulnerable populations.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 8. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked US President Donald Trump to extend the deadline for reaching an agreement with Iran by another two weeks, Shehbaz Sharif wrote on his X page, Trend reports.

"Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future. To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks," the Prime Minister wrote.

He added that Pakistan sincerely requests the Iranian government to open the Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture.
KATHMANDU, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza, also commonly called bird flu, has spread across four districts of Nepal, a government official said on Tuesday.

The highly pathogenic virus has been detected in 23 poultry farms in Morang, Sunsari, Jhapa and Chitwan districts, Indira Sharma, an information officer at the Department of Livestock Services, told Xinhua. This year, the bird flu was first detected in the farms in Morang district on March 18.

"We are putting all our efforts together to ensure it doesn't spread further," Sharma told Xinhua. As per the department's report, a total of 113,608 birds, including chickens and ducks, and 211,867 eggs have been destroyed from the affected places as of Saturday. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. An armed incident occurred in Turkiye near the Israeli Consulate General in Istanbul, the statement of the Turkish Ministry of Justice says, Trend reports.

According to information, a large number of police officers were dispatched to the scene, and heightened security measures have been implemented in the area.

Moreover, it is reported that two police officers were injured. Of the three perpetrators involved in the incident, two have been neutralized, and one has been wounded.

Further details of the incident have not been disclosed.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. Turkiye does not approve of actions leading to the complete destruction of Iran, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during a telephone conversation with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Trend reports.

The Turkish President also stated that he does not support a retaliatory stance towards countries in the region.

He added that everyone with a conscience should strive for peace and focus on diplomacy.
Maryland legislators briskly strode through Lawyers Mall in Annapolis and into the State House on a Thursday morning in late March, with just a few sessions left before Crossover Day where bills must pass from one chamber to the other for their best chance at approval.

The buzz of urgency was palpable  but it didnt prevent legislators from stopping at the Governors Wellmobile, operated by the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON). The Wellmobile was at the state capitol providing free blood pressure and glucose screenings to highlight to the Maryland delegation just a small sample of the free services it offers to Marylanders who need it most.

Joseline A. Pena-Melnyk, speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates and member of the Governor's Wellmobile Program Advisory Board, was one of those legislators.

I have been on the Governor's Wellmobile board for many years, and I love it. I love their mission  I love the work they do, Pena-Melnyk said. They go into communities that are really poor, that have no health insurance, and oftentimes, the Wellmobile is the only provider.

The Wellmobile, a mobile clinic that served approximately 1,600 patients in Fiscal Year 2025, operates four days a week in Prince Georges County and has provided continuous primary care services since its founding in 1994.

Its services not only help to fill care gaps for those who are uninsured or underinsured but also helps to reduce strain on the hospital system.

Were not an urgent care center, we're not an emergency care center," said Veronica Gutchell, DNP, RN, CNS, CRN, assistant professor, chair of the Department of Partnerships, Professional Education, and Practice at UMSON, and director of the Wellmobile, adding that a lot of its role is helping with hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, and high cholesterol. It's mostly chronic disease management to try to help and work with people to stay healthy so that they don't have to go to the emergency department or the hospital where they're consuming very expensive care.

Providers in the Wellmobile are able to diagnose an issue and follow-up with patients, Pena-Melnyk said. That preventative care is so important, she added.

The Governors Wellmobile is funded through an annual allowance that pays for costs like the nurse practitioners, outreach workers, and drivers, Gutchell said. Recently, they were also awarded a one-time $1 million allocation, which allowed them to build out two new trucks. Those have been out in the community for nearly a year, she added.

While patients are encouraged to make appointments, Gutchell said, there currently is not a waitlist and walk-up clients can often be seen. Most often though, patients call and talk with a community outreach worker to get scheduled, she added.

The exam and the visit with the nurse practitioner are all free, and Gutchell said they work to prescribe tried-and-true prescription medications when necessary, so that the cost remains low. The Wellmobile also has a contract with Quest Diagnostics so patients can can get a slight discount on their lab work, and they refer to organizations like Catholic Charities that can sometimes help get other procedures like imaging paid for.

We have a whole population of people who don't have access to health insurance, but they have chronic diseases and they need help with managing, Gutchell said. And that is part of the intent behind the funding of the Wellmobile  that we'll work with people who don't have access to health care or health insurance, and then we can work with them to stay healthy.

Read more about the Wellmobile.
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The Meghalaya Board of Secondary Education (MBOSE) is releasing on mbose.in and other websites the result and toppers list of Class 10 Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination 2026 today i.e. Tuesday April 07, 2026

MBOSE SSLC Result 2026: The Meghalaya Board of Secondary Education (MBOSE) has announced the Class 10 SSLC Result along with the list of top 20 students and their marks. The state registered an overall pass percentage of 86.84%.

As per the MBOSE SSLC result booklet published by the board, a total of 48,805 had registered for the exam. Of them 48,623 appeared and 42,228 students cleared the exam.

The pass percentage of Regular 1 students is 93.30% whereas that of Regular 2 is 80.72%.

List of Top 20 Students

Wangaal Lama (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,N) 585 marks Vishal Kumar (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Hin) 576 marks Prajukta Roy (E,M,S&T,SSc,CSc,Ae) 575 marks Prinita Das (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Hin) 575 marks Samdi Mukhim (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Ae) 572 marks Nathanael Mantre Laloo (E,M,S&T,SSc,CSc,Ae) 572 marks Wandarihun Lyngkhoi (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Kh) 572 marks Jenita Pator (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Kh) 571 marks Mehek Islam (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,B)) 570 marks Nausheen Islam Choudhury (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Ae) 569 marks Ishant Bhatt (E,M,S&T,SSc,CSc,Ae) 569 marks Aaditya Thapa (E,M,S&T,SSc,CSc,Hin) 569 marks Kevin B Pale (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Kh) 568 marks Abiela Nongsiej (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Kh) 568 marks Sharat Chettri (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,N) 568 marks Binit Rai (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Hin) 568 marks Lasarapynbiang Nongbri (E,M,S&T,SSc,Hc,Kh) 568 marks Weimaya Nongtdu Lakiang (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Kh) 568 marks Ronit Biswas (E,M,S&T,SSc,CSc,Ae) 566 marks Dodavah Eliana S Nongrum (E,M,S&T,SSc,CSc,Kh) 566 marks Trishakshi Das (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Ae) 565 marks Iakmenika Chullet (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Kh) 565 marks Emalton D Marak (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,G) 565 marks Vivek Sharma (E,M,S&T,SSc,CSc,Hin) 564 marks Bennaiah Kharshandi (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Kh) 564 marks Tushar Das (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Hin) 564 marks Abhinanda Saha (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Ae) 564 marks Shriyansh Joshi Adhikari (E,M,S&T,SSc,CSc,Ae) 563 marks Abba N Sangma (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Ae) 563 marks S Shekinah Marboh (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Kh) 563 marks Dasanbha Kharmawphlang (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Ae) 562 marks Prathama Choudhury (E,M,S&T,SSc,Bw,Ae) 561 marks Firoza Akhtar (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,U) 561 marks Reedhi Baidya (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Ae) 560 marks Katherine Amy Nongbet (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Ae) 559 marks Deep Jyoti Koch (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,G) 559 marks Sanidahun Riialariti Nongkhlaw (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Kh) 558 marks Mohammad Irfan (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Hin) 558 marks Zaynial Banshan S Marbaniang (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Kh) 557 marks Aaron Dhar (E,M,S&T,SSc,CSc,Ae) 557 marks Pragati Gupta (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Hin) 557 marks Baishali Paul (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Hin) 556 marks Sammaya Isa Shylla (E,M,S&T,SSc,ITs,Kh) 556 marks Mebanteilang Mawa (E,M,S&T,SSc,El,Kh) 556 marks Ericfernando Papang (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Kh) 556 marks Leadingstar Maria Lamin (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Kh) 556 marks Adiel R Sangma (E,M,S&T,SSc,CSc,G) 556 marks Asavaca Symblai (E,M,S&T,SSc,CSc,Kh) 555 marks Daiakmen I Ka Talang (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Kh) 555 marks Churchill Leitanthem (E,M,S&T,SSc,HPE,Hin) 555 marks

10:25 AM: The Meghalaya Board of Secondary Education (MBOSE) is releasing on mbose.in and other websites the result and toppers list of Class 10 Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination 2026 today i.e. Tuesday April 07, 2026.

The Meghalaya Board of Secondary Education had conducted the Class 10 SSLC exams from January 30 to February 11, 2026. After successfully conducting the board exams, the Meghalaya board is declaring the result of the students who appeared in the secondary exams.

The Meghalaya Board of Secondary Education had earlier confirmed that the result will be declared today i.e. April 07, 2026.

"Class 10 or Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exam 2026 result will be announced on April 07, 2026 at 11.00 AM", the board said.

Once declared, the results of Meghalaya Board of Secondary Education (MBOSE) SSLC Class X will be available for download on the board's official website "mbose.in".

Steps to check Meghalaya board SSLC 2026 Result

Go to the official websites by clicking here: mbose.in

Enter your roll number.

Enter the Captcha code in the given box

Click on Submit buttom

Take a printout and save the result for future reference.

Students can also check their result on the website "megresults.nic.in". Students should note along with the result, the Meghalaya board will also release the Merit List of toppers. The board releases "First-Twenty Candidates in Order of Merit" i.e. Top 20 list along with the result.

Students can also check their result via SMS and DigiLocker. To check result via SMS, Type MBOSE10 <Roll No> and send to 5676750 e.g. MBOSE10 20577 send to 5676750.

The students, who appeared in the MBOSE SSLC Class 10 exams, can check and download their marksheets from the official websites using the steps given above.

MBOSE SSLC Result 2025

The MBOSE SSLC Class 10 board exams last year were held between February 10 and February 25, 2025 and the result, along with Merit List of Toppers, was announced on April 5, 2025.

The overall pass percentage last year was 87.10%.

Leisha Agarwal and Avila Kathrene P Lyngdoh had jointly bagged the first position in MBOSE Class 10 SSLC exam 2025.

The second position was also obtained by two students  Evanshan Nongrum and Pori Pandey. There were three students in the third position  Anushmita Choudhury, Sourav Pandey and Eulogemene Rilin L Suting.

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

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A delegation of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, led by its chairwoman Cheng Li-wun for a mainland visit, arrives at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, in Shanghai, east China, April 7, 2026. The delegation arrived here on Tuesday for a mainland visit that will run through Sunday. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

SHANGHAI, April 7 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, led by its chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, arrived in Shanghai at noon on Tuesday for a mainland visit that will run through Sunday.

The delegation is scheduled to visit Jiangsu Province, Shanghai and Beijing, marking the first time in a decade that a KMT chairperson has led a delegation to the Chinese mainland.

The visit is regarded as an important part of the exchanges and dialogue between the KMT and the Communist Party of China (CPC) under the new circumstances.

Strengthening exchanges and dialogue between the two parties, according to a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, will have a significant and positive impact on maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

Cheng was elected KMT chairperson in October last year. Since taking office, she has repeatedly expressed her willingness to visit the mainland.

After accepting the invitation to visit the mainland, Cheng told a press conference in Taipei that the visit is in line with the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan.

"We have a choice," she said. "For the sake of both sides of the Taiwan Strait, for regional stability, and for the well-being of the next generation, we must firmly choose the path of peace."

She said that her visit, like previous visits to the mainland by former KMT chairmen Lien Chan and Ma Ying-jeou, is on the basis of the same political foundation -- adherence to the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, and opposition to "Taiwan independence."

The Taiwan question is a scar left over by a full-blown civil war fought between the forces led by the CPC and the KMT about eight decades ago. In 1949, the remnants of the defeated KMT retreated to Taiwan, and the People's Republic of China (PRC) was founded under the leadership of the CPC.

The unresolved civil war and foreign interference have left the two sides of the Taiwan Strait in a prolonged state of political confrontation. However, the fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory has never changed.

In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758 by an overwhelming majority, clarifying that the PRC government is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. It is widely recognized by the international community that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of China's territory. 

A delegation of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, led by its chairwoman Cheng Li-wun for a mainland visit, arrives at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, in Shanghai, east China, April 7, 2026. The delegation arrived here on Tuesday for a mainland visit that will run through Sunday. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)
TEHRAN, April 7 (Xinhua) -- At least 18 people were killed and 24 others wounded in overnight U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on residential areas in Iran's northern Alborz province, the official news agency IRNA reported.

The injured were immediately taken to nearby medical centers, IRNA quoted Qodratollah Seif, deputy governor of Alborz province for political, security and social affairs, as saying on Tuesday. He added that two children were among the victims.

Seif described the strikes as "cowardly," saying the attacks on residential units were carried out by Israeli fighter jets with direct U.S. support.

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 later responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and U.S. bases and assets in the Middle East. 
BEIRUT, April 7 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were killed in Israeli airstrikes at dawn and on Tuesday morning targeting multiple areas in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.

The casualties on Tuesday morning included three people killed in a strike on the village of Tayr Debba, one person killed in the Zebdine area, and another killed in Deir al-Zahrani.

In another location near Tyre, the death toll from a dawn airstrike rose to three after a wounded woman succumbed to her injuries.

In separate statements, Hezbollah said it carried out rocket attacks targeting Israeli positions and settlements, as well as Israeli troops.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's General Security Directorate issued a statement denying Israeli reports that the Masnaa border crossing, the country's main overland gateway to Syria and the Arab hinterland, is being used for weapons smuggling.

In a statement released by its media office, the directorate emphasized that Masnaa is a legal border point and cannot be used for arms smuggling. It noted that all trucks and vehicles are subject to strict inspection measures, describing circulating allegations of smuggling operations as unfounded.

Cross-border fighting has continued along the Lebanon-Israel border since March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets toward Israel for the first time since a ceasefire took effect on Nov. 27, 2024, triggering intensified Israeli airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as on Beirut's southern suburbs. 
The Israeli-American-British war [1] against Iran has profoundly impacted the United Nations and revolutionized the way international law is approached. Until now, everyone believed that this right was based solely on respect for its signature and the right of peoples to self-determination. However, over time, everyone had also become accustomed to the idea that Israel and the United States were never considered outside the law.

Although he invoked collective self-defense by Israel (sic), this point was swept aside by the astonishing candor of US President Donald Trump, who stated that Iran did not threaten his country [2]. Until now, Washington had lied shamelessly to maintain the illusion that it respected international law. We remember the lies of George W. Bush and Barack Obama regarding the 9/11 attacks, Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, the Libyan and Syrian massacres, and the wars that followed.

Benjamin Netanyahu simply resorted to his thirty-year-old speech about "the head of the octopus," meaning Iran, to explain its influence. He could think of nothing better than to refer to Iranian slogans: "Death to the Zionist entity!" and "Death to the United States!" implying that Iran wanted to kill all Israelis and all Americans. However, chanting "Death to the Zionist entity!" has never meant hoping for the death of the State of Israel and its people, but simply questioning the self-proclamation of this state, without the approval of the United Nations, and contrary to the initial plan for a binational state. As for the cry of "Death to the United States!" This means that Iran is challenging the legitimacy of a state founded on the massacre of millions of indigenous people and the enslavement of millions of Black Africans.

One might have expected every member of the UN to declare this war illegal, an aggression as defined by the Charter. Not so! No one said itexcept North Koreaalthough they all thought it. While this attitude is understandable, given the military might of the United Stateseach member preferring to avoid acknowledging this truthit is clear that this collective cowardice will have consequences.

The most important point lies elsewhere: not only does this war, in itself, constitute an aggression and call into question the signatures of Tel Aviv and Washington, but it is being waged in a barbaric manner, as defined by the Hague Conference (1899). Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted to assassinating, one by one, all the religious, military, and political leaders of the man he considers his enemy. These crimes have been echoed and also endorsed by Donald Trump.

Until now, Westerners considered assassinating leaders immoral and counterproductive. Israel and the United States are perfectly aware that it is counterproductive, but they dont care whether it is moral or not [3]. For seventy-eight years, Israel has assassinated Palestinian leaders. It has orphaned this people and has no choice but to attack them if it no longer has anyone to negotiate with.

In the process, Israel razed the home of the Supreme Leader of the Revolution, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and assassinated him. It is exactly as if he had bombed the Vatican and assassinated Pope Leo XIV because the latterand all his predecessorsopposed the creation of a Jewish empire, to use Vladimir Zeev Jabotinskys (1880-1940) expression, even though he accepted that Israel and Palestine should be a refuge for Jews worldwide, to use Theodor Herzls (1860-1904) expression.

It should therefore come as no surprise that today, terrorist movements are forming, such as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI) (Islamic Movement of the Right-Hand People), which are planting bombs in Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and perhaps France. Those Shiites who have accepted the Velayat-e Faqih (Islamic jurist doctrine) feel compelled to avenge their spiritual leader.

As if that werent enough, Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump are now targeting Iranian civilians [4], whom they were calling on yesterday to "overthrow their regime" (sic). Alas! The Iranians, who were not convinced by Western propaganda that the Revolutionary Guards had massacred 40,000 of their compatriots, have joined the Revolutionary Guards en masse to hold the aggressors at bay.

These cruel operations began with the bombing of Tehrans hydrocarbon storage facilities, which released "sulfur and nitrogen oxides," causing acid rain [5]. Everyone, having clearly understood that Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump are waging an illegal "aggression" against Iran and behaving like barbarians, assassinating leaders and deliberately targeting civilians, has been able to realize that Iran is fully entitled to respond to the treatment it is receiving.

This is the great discovery of this war: international law stipulates that attacked states can take action against their aggressor not only on their own territory, but also against military bases operating from abroad that participate in the aggression, and finally against third-party states that host these bases [6]. Never before, since the creation of the United Nations, had an attacked state attacked its aggressor(s) on the territory of a third-party state. The entire world had forgotten this response, particularly effective in the era of economic globalization [7].

The members of the Security Council themselves had forgotten the definition of aggression, adopted unanimously without a vote on December 14, 1974. So much so that, on March 11, 2026, they adopted Resolution 2817, which condemns in the strongest possible terms the unacceptable attacks perpetrated by the Islamic Republic of Iran against the six Gulf States and Jordan. Without immediately realizing it, they voted for a resolution that contradicted all their signatures and therefore international law.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar were thrust into this war against their will. These seven stateslike the Security Councilinitially reacted without understanding. They filed a complaint with the Security Council. Then, through a series of letters, they were forced to admit that Iran was within its rights and that the Council had overlooked this. They all signed UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 (XXIX) (December 14, 1974). Their protests became less vehement, more vague. All had agreed to host US military bases to ensure their security, and all now find themselves trapped by the presence of these bases.

There are several ways to address this contradiction, one being to declare international law inappropriate, but who will protect them in the future? Either by declaring that the United States is acting recklessly and endangering them, but how can they break free from their precious patron?

At the time of writing, more than 80 letters have been exchanged at the Security Council, but none of these seven states has resolved this dilemma: international law or foreign military bases. A choice must be made.

Unable, like the others, to reconcile the irreconcilable, the Sultanate of Oman, for its part, calls upon the Security Council to exercise its responsibilities by conducting a comprehensive and impartial assessment of the root causes of this crisis so that these can be addressed at their source and not merely superficially. [8].
NASA denies claims that viral zero gravity cameo appearance was product placement.

A jar of Nutella became an unlikely viral sensation on Monday during NASA's livestream of the Artemis II mission's historic lunar flyby, briefly overshadowing one of the most significant moments in human spaceflight for more than half a century.

The Italian hazelnut cocoa spread appeared to make a break for it during the livestream after mission specialist Christina Koch was seen putting away a bag.

The jar floated past Koch undetected as the crew was focused on preparing for the seven-hour lunar flyby window.

In zero gravity, the jar drifted, turned and practically posed - perfectly framed with label facing forward - delivering a product shot that viewers said seemed storyboarded.

The jar's primetime showcase happened around four minutes before the Artemis II crew made history, surpassing Apollo 13's 1970 distance record of 248,655 miles from Earth.

The four astronauts ultimately reached a maximum distance of 252,752 miles as their Orion spacecraft whipped around the Moon, breaking the old record by more than 4,100 miles.

The clip spread rapidly across social media, making headlines in Italy where the chocolate-hazelnut spread was created and launched by the Ferrero family more than 60 years ago.

Advertising out of this world

Social media users hailed it as the "greatest free advert in history," with some alleging that Ferrero had arranged a paid brand deal with NASA, given the improbably photogenic framing.

NASA was quick to dismiss those suggestions. Agency press secretary Bethany Stevens told Futurism: "NASA does not select crew meals or food in association with brand partnerships. This was not a product placement."

Nutella's marketing team embraced the moment regardless, reposting the video on its official X account with the message: "Honored to have traveled further than any spread in history. Taking spreading smiles to new heights."

Honored to have traveled further than any spread in history Taking spreading smiles to new heights pic.twitter.com/vDUJMi1qbS  Nutella (@NutellaUSA) April 6, 2026

The crew - NASA commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency mission specialist Jeremy Hansen - have been sustained during the 10-day mission by a menu including macaroni and cheese, beef brisket, broccoli au gratin and scrambled eggs, along with 58 tortillas and supplies of coffee, lemonade and various other drinks.

The Artemis II mission launched from Kennedy Space Center on 1 April 2026. The crew is scheduled to splash down off the coast of San Diego at about 20.07 EDT on Friday 10 April.

The mission is the first crewed Moon-bound flight since Apollo 17 in 1972 and a precursor to a planned crewed lunar landing.
Streaming giant to appeal against court ruling.

A court in Rome has ruled that Netflix's subscription price increases in Italy between 2017 and 2024 were unlawful, ordering the streaming company to reimburse affected subscribers and reduce its current prices.

The ruling was issued in response to an injunction brought by the Italian consumer group Movimento Consumatori against Netflix Italia, Reuters reports.

The court found that the clauses permitting subscription price hikes between 2017 and January 2024 were unfair and invalid because they did not indicate a justified reason for the increases.

Major setback

The judgment represents a significant legal setback for the US company in one of its major European markets.

The ruling voids the relevant contract clauses and orders current subscription prices to be rolled back to their 2015 launch levels: 11.99 for the premium plan and 9.99 for the standard plan.

The increases ruled unlawful were applied in 2017, 2019, 2021 and November 2024, for contracts signed before January 2024.

Lawyers representing the consumers argued that for the premium plan the unlawful increases amount to 8 per month, and for the standard plan to 4 per month.

A premium subscriber who has held a continuous subscription since 2017 could be entitled to a refund of approximately 500, while a standard subscriber would be due approximately 250, according to lawyers who represented consumers in the case, Reuters reports.

Appeal

Netflix, which has around 5.4 million users in Italy, has 90 days to comply with the notification and price-reduction obligations, or risk penalties for non-compliance.

Movimento Consumatori president Alessandro Mostaccio warned that if Netflix did not immediately reduce prices and reimburse customers, the group would initiate a class action to ensure all users recovered what had been unduly paid.

Netflix said it would appeal. "We will appeal the decision. At Netflix, our subscribers come first. We take consumers' rights very seriously and we believe that our conditions have always been in line with Italian regulations and practices," the company said.

Bigger picture

The Italian ruling does not stand alone. In Germany, the federation of consumer organisations vzbv has brought a parallel action against Netflix on the same legal basis, and courts in Berlin and Cologne have already ruled that price changes based on generic formulas are void because they do not allow users to understand the actual reasons for cost increases. Consumer groups in Spain have filed similar challenges.

The cases hinge on EU Directive 93/13/EEC, which prohibits unfair terms in standard consumer contracts, and raise the prospect that, if the Rome court's interpretation is upheld on appeal or replicated elsewhere in Europe, the commercial model underlying a decade of streaming price increases would require fundamental redesign across the sector.

The ruling came just days after Netflix had announced a global price increase on 26 March, raising subscription costs across every major market.

Photo credit: MAXSHOT.PL / Shutterstock.com
Speaking from Castel Gandolfo, the Pope Condemns Trumps Ultimatum to Iran as a Moral Crisis, Not Just a Legal One

As the world held its breath on Tuesday 7 April over an American ultimatum threatening to destroy Iranian infrastructure, Pope Leo XIV broke his silence with language that was unusually direct even for a pontiff: the threat was not acceptable, and the question was not merely legal but moral.

Speaking to journalists as he left Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV said: Today, as we all know, there has been a threat against the entire people of Iran, and this is not acceptable.

The statement came in direct response to remarks made by US President Donald Trump earlier in the day. Trump had written on Truth Social: An entire civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back. I dont want it to happen, but it probably will. However, now that we have a complete and total regime change, where different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail, perhaps something wonderful and revolutionary can happen, who knows? The post was widely understood as a final ultimatum before potential large-scale military action against Iran.

The Popes Words

Pope Leo XIV, speaking from Castel Gandolfo before returning to the Vatican, went beyond a simple condemnation. There are certainly questions of international law here, but much more than that. It is a moral question for the good of the entire people. I would like to invite everyone to think in their hearts about so many innocent people, so many children, so many elderly people, totally innocent, who would also be victims of this escalation of a war that has already begun.

Cardinal Parolin, the Vaticans Secretary of State, echoed the call and urged that the Popes voice should not be heard as a voice in the desert.

The intervention from Castel Gandolfo was notable both for its timing, coming within hours of Trumps post, and for its framing. The Pope chose explicitly to move beyond the language of international law, which he acknowledged was relevant, and to place the question in the domain of moral responsibility for civilian life. The reference to children and elderly people as innocent victims of escalation was a deliberate attempt to redirect attention from geopolitical calculation to human consequence.

The Broader Crisis

The Popes statement came on one of the most dangerous days of a conflict that began on 28 February with a joint American-Israeli attack on Iran. According to figures released by the human rights news agency Hrana, an NGO based in the United States, nearly 3,600 people had been killed in the joint US-Israeli attacks against Iran since the beginning of hostilities, including at least 1,665 civilians, of whom at least 248 were children.

On Tuesday, Israeli forces claimed to have destroyed eight bridges in Iran. The island of Kharg, the heart of Irans oil export industry, was also struck. Oil prices surged to over 110 dollars a barrel before falling back as contradictory reports about the state of negotiations circulated on markets.

Irans Revolutionary Guards threatened to cut off regional oil and gas supplies for years and warned Gulf states that the period of moderation is over, threatening to target US and allied infrastructure across the Middle East.

The White House publicly denied considering the use of nuclear weapons, after Vice President JD Vance, speaking alongside Viktor Orban in Budapest, had referred to instruments not yet used that the president can and will decide to use if Iran does not change its conduct. The White House moved quickly to clarify that nuclear options were not on the table.

Diplomatic activity was intense.

Pakistan proposed a two-week ceasefire. Mediators were focused on extending Trumps deadline rather than reaching a final agreement. Irans ambassador to the UN said a UN official was on his way to Tehran. Trump described the Pakistani proposal as a great step, but not sufficient, and added that Iran can be eliminated in a night.

Italy and the Vatican

The Popes intervention placed the Vatican at the centre of international attention on a day when other European voices were also being raised. The European Union strongly rejected any threat against civilian infrastructure, warning of catastrophic consequences for millions of people and calling on all parties to respect international humanitarian law.

For Rome, where the Vatican sits at the heart of the city and where the question of Italian bases being used for American military operations in Iran has already caused significant political friction, the Popes words carried particular weight. Italy had already taken the unusual step of refusing to allow US bombers to use Sigonella as a staging point for Middle Eastern operations.

The Popes moral condemnation of the threat now added a different register to Italys relationship with the conflict: not the careful treaty language of defence ministers, but the direct moral authority of the Catholic Church speaking about innocent lives.




KABUL, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Afghan counter-narcotics police have arrested 40 suspected drug smugglers and seized a quantity of illicit drugs during operations across multiple provinces, the Ministry of Interior Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday.

The seized contraband included 3.6 kg of methamphetamine, 12.4 kg of opium, 4.6 kg of hashish and nearly 3,000 stimulant tablets. Operations were conducted in several provinces, including Ghazni, Kabul, Nangarhar and Kapisa, according to the ministry.

The Afghan government has banned poppy cultivation, drug production and trafficking, vowing to continue its crackdown until the country, once a leading global source of opium, becomes drug-free. 
Delays expected at airports in Italy on 10 April due to strike action.

Passengers travelling through Italian airports on Friday 10 April face potential disruption after trade unions called a four-hour national strike in the aviation sector.

The stoppage is scheduled from 13.00 to 17.00 and has been called by numerous trade unions including Uiltrasporti, FAST-Confsal and Astra.

The strike action will involve staff at ENAV - the state-owned company responsible for managing Italian air traffic - as well as personnel at Techno Sky, which maintains and operates flight management systems.

The walkout will specifically affect ENAV's area control centres at Rome's Fiumicino and Ciampino airports, and at Milan Malpensa and Naples Capodichino.

The strike could result in knock-on delays and cancellations beyond the official end time.

The unions cite concerns over contractual protections relating to workload, organisational changes, and rising operating costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as the drivers behind the protest.

The national civil aviation authority ENAC is expected to publish a list of guaranteed flights, nearer the time.

April is a busy month for industrial action across Italy, with further strikes planned in the press sector on 16 April, private healthcare on 17 April, maritime transport across the Strait of Messina also on 17 April, and a transport strike affecting ATM services in Milan on 24 April.

For official information about upcoming strikes in Italy see the transport ministry website.

Photo credit: MikeDotta / Shutterstock.com
On this day 100 years ago, Violet Gibson tried to change the course of history.

On 7 April 1926, Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini was walking through cheering crowds in the centre of Rome when a woman in a black veil attempted to assassinate him.

Mussolini survived the attempt on his life, after a bullet grazed his nose, in an episode largely forgotten by history.

The person who pulled the trigger was Anglo-Irish woman Violet Gibson who mingled among the crowd with a Model 1892 revolver hidden under her shawl.

Gibson shot at Mussolini as he walked through Piazza del Campidoglio, seat of Rome's city hall, after he had addressed the International Congress of Surgeons.

Imprisonment and deportation

She fired one shot, with the bullet grazing Mussolini's nose, before the gun jammed and she was almost lynched by the crowd. She was only saved after the police intervened to arrest her.

As for Mussolini, he suffered only minor injuries which he dismissed as "a mere trifle," and once his nose was bandaged he continued his parade around the Capitoline Hill.

Gibson was imprisoned in Rome but later released without charge, on the orders of Mussolini, before being deported to Britain.

There she spent the rest of her life in a mental asylum, despite repeated pleas for her release.

She died in 1956 and is buried in Northampton.

Dublin remembers Gibson

In 2022, Gibson was honoured with a plaque outside her childhood home in Merrion Square in Ireland's capital Dublin.

The memorial to Gibson, described on the plaque as an "Anti-Fascist", was erected with the unanimous support of Dublin City Council and Gibson's family.

Plaque dedicated to Violet Gibson in Merrion Square, Dublin. Photo RTE.

The motion to install the plaque was first proposed by independent councillor Mannix Flynn who said it was "time to bring Violet Gibson into the public eyes and give her a rightful place in the history of Irish women and in the history of the Irish nation and its people," hailing her as a "committed anti-fascist."

Speaking in 2022, Flynn noted that "it suited both the British authorities and her family to have her seen as 'insane' rather than as political," adding that "for some odd reason" Gibson had been "totally ignored" by the "Irish establishment, and indeed the British establishment."

Who was Violet Gibson?

Born in Dublin in 1876, Gibson came from a privileged background. Her father was the politician and lawyer Lord Ashbourne, a friend of British prime minister Benjamin Disraeli.

Gibson suffered ill health throughout her life. In 1922 she had a nervous breakdown and was declared insane.

She was committed to a mental institution for two years.At the time of her attack on Mussolini in Rome she was aged 50.

She was never released from St Andrew's Hospital in Northampton where she died aged 79.

In recent years it came to light that she had written several letters appealing for her release to powerful society figures, including Princess Elizabeth - the future Queen - and Winston Churchill. The letters never reached their intended recipients.

Over the years Gibson has been the subject of books, plays and songs. She was also portrayed by Olwen Fouere in The Irish Woman Who Shot Mussolini, broadcast on Irish television in 2021.
An investment of 8.7 million in the County Waterford fire service will see two new stations and six new fire appliances in the county.

Minister of State for Planning & Local Government, John Cummins TD, confirmed the allocation today, Tuesday, April 7.

The funding allocation to Waterford City & County Council, will lead to the construction of brand-new, state-of-the-art fire stations for two communities in County Waterford - in Tallow and Kilmacthomas - and the acquisition of fire tender appliances, support vehicles and equipment.

The new fire station in Tallow will be constructed in line with Waterford City and County Councils priority project list for the 2026-2030 Fire Services Capital Programme. This will be in addition to Kilmacthomas Fire Station, on which construction has commenced by local contractor Conor Phelan Ltd.

Waterford City and County Council has also been allocated funding for two new Class B fire appliances - estimated to cost approximately 500,000 each - one new high reach aerial appliance worth an estimated 1.1 million and three support vehicles, as part of the largest capital funding plan for fire services nationwide.

The funding is part of the National Fire Services Capital Programme (20262030), developed by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), which sets out a comprehensive plan to modernise Irelands fire service fleet, infrastructure, training capability and communications systems to meet the evolving risks facing communities nationwide.

Read More Contracts signed for new fire station in County Waterford

In welcoming the funding Minister Cummins said: I welcome the announcement of funding through the Fire Services Capital Programme for a new fire station at Tallow and the continued support for the new fire station at Kilmacthomas."

"This long-term investment through the Departments Fire Services Capital Programme not only ensures the ongoing development of the infrastructure of fire stations in Waterford, but also provides further investment in vehicle fleets, specialist equipment and command and control capability, reflecting the importance we place on fire safety of our communities," he said.

"Waterford City & County Council were recently approved to accept the tender of Conor Phelan Ltd for the construction of the new fire station in Kilmacthomas, and works are expected to begin imminently, while a new site has been identified for development in Tallow, and everything is being done to progress this project and ensure its delivery," he added.

Minister Cummins said the investment in the fire service will reinforce public safety in Waterford and ensure that the city and county's critical infrastructure and essential services are protected.

"Having fire services that are recognised as dependable, well-trained and well-equipped is crucial to the communities they serve, and this injection of funding will future-proof the service they provide," he said.
The multi-million euro investment in Waterford fire service has been welcomed by Government Chief Whip and Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD.

In particular, Minister Butler welcomed the allocation of 5.7 million towards the development of new fire stations in Kilmacthomas and Tallow, under the Fire Services Capital Programme.

In January, Minister Butler announced that approval had been given to Waterford City & County Council to accept a tender for construction of a new fire station for Kilmacthomas and 2.7 million has now been allocated under the capital programme, paving the way for works to commence.

Speaking on the matter today, Tuesday, April 7, Minister Butler confirmed her colleague, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD is also allocating 3 million for a new fire station in Tallow, which will be very welcome news for communities in West Waterford.

Minister Butler stated: I am very pleased to see another significant step taken in the delivery of two new fire service stations in Waterford. Fire services are typically the last line of defence in protecting lives, homes and businesses from a myriad of hazards. This investment ensures they have the modern tools, facilities and systems required to meet that responsibility."

I want to thank my colleague, Minister James Browne, who has consistently engaged with me on fire services in Waterford," she said.

"He immediately recognised the need to get these projects shovel-ready and off the shelf. Credit is also due to Waterford City & County Council for their continuous work on these important local infrastructure projects," she added.

Read More Waterford woman celebrates her 90th birthday among family and friends

Minister Butler described the news as very positive for Kilmacthomas which she described as "a town of geographical significance in the context of Waterford fire services, being located mid county".

"Similarly, Tallow Fire Station plays a pivotal role in serving the many communities in West Waterford," she said.

Todays announcement represents a significant investment in the safety, resilience and wellbeing of communities in Waterford," she added.

She said the investment will ensure Waterford's fire services will have upgraded facilities and equipment required to meet the challenges they face, "with a changing climate, a growing population and increasingly complex emergency risks".

The retained firefighters of Kilmacthomas and Tallow, who provide such a vital service to their town and the surrounding communities, will deservedly benefit from a significant upgrade over current premises," she said.

"We are deeply grateful to them for putting themselves in harms way to protect people and communities, she added.

The funding for County Waterford is part of an overall nationwide investment of 328.5 million under the Fire Services Capital Programme (2026-2030).
Reece Kelly (27) of 52 Beech Drive, Greenfields, Waterford, received a five-year and three-month sentence, with the final 15 months suspended, for the home break-in of an intellectually disabled man.

On November 19 2021, a disturbance was reported at a centre in Waterford, that houses individuals with additional needs and accommodation struggles, where residents heard the voice of a man threatening his possession of a knife and willingness to use it.

Gardai met the injured party, who was then in his 60s. He had sustained injuries and his shirt was covered in blood.

That day, the victim had been met by an unknown male who had broken into his residence, punched him and damaged his television. He was interviewed by a specialist Garda following the incident.

Waterford Circuit Criminal Court before Judge Eugene O'Kelly, heard the victim has fully recovered physically from the incident, but is still left traumatised. Due to his intellectual disabilities, the man was unable to give a fully-detailed breakdown of the incident, but believed he was hit once.

CCTV footage from the residence led to Garda Donal OKeefe identifying Reece Kelly.

The court heard that Kelly occasionally stayed at the centre with his uncle, and wouldve known it was social/special housing.

At the time of the crime, Kelly had 10 previous convictions, relating to burglary, theft, assault, possession of a knife and threats to cause damage.

He was on bail for theft when he broke into the victims residence.

Kelly committed a slew of offences on the date of the incident. Defence counsel Gareth Hayden BL said Kelly expressed a severe level of shame.

Mr Hayden said Kelly had little recollection of the event due to the amount of drugs and alcohol he had ingested on the date in question.

Mr Hayden said Kelly had serious addiction issues dating back to his teenage years and has an estranged relationship with his mother. He has continually struggled to hold down long-term employment.

Kellys probation report had outlined concerns around potential psychosis; in one instance, Kelly believed the TV was communicating with him while in a custodial environment.

His probation report also highlighted convictions in the UK for brandishing a knife.

An aggravating factor for Judge Eugene OKelly in his sentencing was that Kelly had failed to properly engage with substance abuse strategies.

The court heard Kelly had often sought alternative methods, trying to deal with his substance issues by finding God". The gravity of Kellys sentence was increased by the vulnerability of the victim, who was on blood thinners at the time.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Roads and businesses in Waterford saw huge disruption on Tuesday morning as a large vehicle protest took over the city centre.

Hauliers and transport operators set out from Waterford City this morning to protest the price of fuel.

A series of small convoys travelled through the city, beeping horns and holding up traffic.

Watch the vide below of some of the convoy during the protest

The Quays and The Mall were affected, along with Lombard Street, William Street and Parnell Street with the former two gridlocked for a time.

Parnell Street was particularly hit by trucks and buses competing for space.

No particular group has been named as the organiser, but a poster circulating on social media said the protest would start at 9am at the roundabout at the train station.

Traffic in the city was backed up until just before 11am.

Parnell Street

The Irish Hauliers Association has distanced itself from the protest but said they do have empathy for the operators participating.

Similar protests were held in Wexford and Cork and Tipperary.

ITS A KNOCK-ON EFFECT

The Waterford News and Star spoke to some local businesses about how the protest had affected trading.

Thomas Keighery of RJ Keighery Antiques on William Street said the protest has caused huge disruption to his business.

They were due to do a house clearance in Dublin, but the truck and men are stuck on the motorway and have had to cancel.

He said he is now down the cost of the men and the truck.

The showroom also had an auction viewing scheduled, which he expects will be a very quiet event today.

So, it is hitting us on multiple levels.

You would support the message, I suppose, but the way they are going about it is probably not ideal because it is affecting other people who are having the same issues. These issues are worldwide, said Mr Keighery.

The Mall.

One Waterford food outlet, which did not wish to be named, said they were thinking of closing early, but dont want their staff to lose the hours.

They told the Waterford News and Star that all of their food is cooked fresh and that while they had been open since 8am, they had only served three customers.

We spoke to them at around 10:45am.

Companies that had ordered food have cancelled because staff cant get to work.

Waterford is already struggling, and what they are doing is affecting businesses.

It is affecting no one in government or the council. The council are still working; they dont really care.

Everyone is saying, well, we have to do more for Waterford. You have just completely shut down Waterford, they said.

While this business was not affected in terms of their supply delivery, they did say that many businesses will have been.

They also pointed out that the protesters are using large vehicles, which will need to be fueled, supporting the companies raising the cost.

And its not like we can do anything. There is a war going on. The Government could lower taxes, but that would affect everything else. Its a knock-on effect.

Im struggling as it is with everything going up and they are shutting down Waterford City, they said.

Enda Walsh of Ardkeen Tool Hire said his business was not impacted by the protest and supported it in theory.

But he said he was raging about the price of diesel more than the protest itself.

IRISH HAULAGE ASSOCIATION

The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has said it was aware of the protest but was not involved.

It said that it is committed to working with the Government on practical and sustainable supports for the sector.

And that it continues to support members in this way.

In a statement, the association said:

We fully understand, empathise with, and share the frustration felt across the sector. Hauliers and transport operators continue to face significant challenges due to increased fuel prices and rising operating costs.

Heavy traffic coming onto the quays from the Mall.

However, the IRHA wishes to make it clear that, at this point in time, we are not involved in the organisation of this protest and will not be participating.

Our focus remains on constructive engagement with the Department of Transport to deliver support for our members.

We had a very engaging meeting with Minister OBrien last Friday. We will be meeting him again shortly, along with officials from the Department.

We are keeping the lines of communication open and working on delivering further support for our members to mitigate against surging fuel prices.

We believe dialogue  not disruption  is the most effective way to deliver real solutions for our members and the wider industry at this point in time.
A credit union organisation in Waterford is 'buzzing' after providing sponsorship to a local beekeepers group and in doing so, adopted a beehive.

Linda O'Kane, from Journi Credit Union, presented a cheque to Mary Madigan and Liam Neville, from East Waterford Beekeepers Association, in support of the credit union adopting a beehive.

A spokesperson for the credit union commented: "In an age of sustainability and bio-diversity, Journi CU is delighted to support this worthwhile initiative."

"At a time when bees are in decline due to disease, climate change, habitat loss, pesticides and the importation of foreign bee species unsuited to our climate, this initiative seeks to ensure bees remain invaluable to our entire ecosystem and to our natural world," she said.

The beekeepers group was delighted with the support and thanked the credit union for its generosity.
Gardai in Waterford are investigating an incident involving a number of scrambler bikes.

The gardai received a number of reports of scrambler bikes on the Maypark/ Dunmore Road river walk at around 2pm on Wednesday, April 1.

CCTV of the incident has been obtained by gardai.

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana in Waterford said: We would encourage people to report any such activities with as much detail as possible to allow An Garda Siochana to successfully prosecute any breaches of the Road Traffic Act.

The appeal comes as the gardai get new powers to deal with the use of non-registered motorized vehicles.

The Road Traffic (Control of Certain Vehicle) Regulations 2026 came into effect on Friday, April 3.

The new rules mean off-road vehicles are not allowed to be used in public spaces.

Read More WATCH: Frustration and gridlock as Haulage protest takes over Waterford City

The regulation defines an off-road motorcycle as a mechanically propelled vehicle that is primarily intended for off-road use and designed to travel on unpaved surfaces (referred to in Article 2.2(g) of the Approval Regulation), or that has been specifically modified for such off-road use, and includes  a

Motorised quadbikes

Motorised trikes

Motorised trail-bikes

A scrambler,

Pit-bikes

Dirt-bikes

Motorised go-carts

Motorised off-road buggies.

This does not apply if a person is using such a vehicle on their own land or someone elses land, who has given permission in writing.

a a Waterford gardai said that they had some success tackling the dangerous use of these vehicles and highlighted a recent case.

Most recently, on the outer ring road in Waterford City at the end of March, when gardai encountered two drivers on motorised scooters who were allegedly involved in incidents of dangerous driving.

Gardai apprehended one of the drivers and seized the motorised vehicle, and the driver was arrested, detained and interviewed and a file is being forwarded for decision with regard to multiple road traffic offences, said the spokesperson.

The gardai also warn anyone who finds their vehicle seized that it will not be returned to them unless a District Court judge grants an application.
Another incident involving a person trying to enter the water in Waterford City has been resolved successfully.

In a post on social media, Waterford Marine Search and Rescue said that while on foot patrol, they came across a woman trying to enter the water at the Rice Bridge.

WMSAR team engaged with the female, and after a short time, along with the assistance of Waterford Gardai, the situation was safely resolved. Our lifeboat crew was also on standby at Rice Bridge as a precaution, wrote the group.

This was the third reported incident since the weekend.

WMSAR urged anyone in distress to reach out for help.

They shared the following helplines for anyone in need.

Pieta House 24-hour helpline at 1800 247 247.

Samaritans at 116 123.

For free 24/7 support in a crisis, free-text HELLO to 50808.

Mens Aid 01 5543811

Womens Aid 1800 341 900

ALONE 0818 222 024
This photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows a recreated scene of a classroom at a memorial event held to mourn the students of an elementary school who were killed in a missile strike in southern Iran, in Tehran, Iran. A missile strike on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran on Feb. 28, 2026 killed at least 175 people, most of them schoolgirls. Increasing evidence has shown this tragedy was of the U.S. making. (Xinhua/Shadati)

This photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows a recreated scene of a classroom at a memorial event held to mourn the students of an elementary school who were killed in a missile strike in southern Iran, in Tehran, Iran. A missile strike on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran on Feb. 28, 2026 killed at least 175 people, most of them schoolgirls. Increasing evidence has shown this tragedy was of the U.S. making. (Xinhua/Shadati)

This photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows a recreated scene of a classroom at a memorial event held to mourn the students of an elementary school who were killed in a missile strike in southern Iran, in Tehran, Iran. A missile strike on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran on Feb. 28, 2026 killed at least 175 people, most of them schoolgirls. Increasing evidence has shown this tragedy was of the U.S. making. (Xinhua/Shadati)

This photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows a recreated scene of a classroom at a memorial event held to mourn the students of an elementary school who were killed in a missile strike in southern Iran, in Tehran, Iran. A missile strike on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran on Feb. 28, 2026 killed at least 175 people, most of them schoolgirls. Increasing evidence has shown this tragedy was of the U.S. making. (Xinhua/Shadati)

People mourn during a memorial event held to mourn the students of an elementary school who were killed in a missile strike in southern Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 6, 2026. A missile strike on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran on Feb. 28, 2026 killed at least 175 people, most of them schoolgirls. Increasing evidence has shown this tragedy was of the U.S. making. (Xinhua/Shadati)

This photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows a recreated scene of a classroom at a memorial event held to mourn the students of an elementary school who were killed in a missile strike in southern Iran, in Tehran, Iran. A missile strike on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran on Feb. 28, 2026 killed at least 175 people, most of them schoolgirls. Increasing evidence has shown this tragedy was of the U.S. making. (Xinhua/Shadati)

A woman is pictured during a memorial event held to mourn the students of an elementary school who were killed in a missile strike in southern Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 6, 2026. A missile strike on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran on Feb. 28, 2026 killed at least 175 people, most of them schoolgirls. Increasing evidence has shown this tragedy was of the U.S. making. (Xinhua/Shadati)

This photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows a recreated scene of a classroom at a memorial event held to mourn the students of an elementary school who were killed in a missile strike in southern Iran, in Tehran, Iran. A missile strike on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran on Feb. 28, 2026 killed at least 175 people, most of them schoolgirls. Increasing evidence has shown this tragedy was of the U.S. making. (Xinhua/Shadati)

This photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows a recreated scene of a classroom at a memorial event held to mourn the students of an elementary school who were killed in a missile strike in southern Iran, in Tehran, Iran. A missile strike on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran on Feb. 28, 2026 killed at least 175 people, most of them schoolgirls. Increasing evidence has shown this tragedy was of the U.S. making. (Xinhua/Shadati)

A memorial event is held to mourn the students of an elementary school who were killed in a missile strike in southern Iran, in Tehran, Iran, on April 6, 2026. A missile strike on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran on Feb. 28, 2026 killed at least 175 people, most of them schoolgirls. Increasing evidence has shown this tragedy was of the U.S. making. (Xinhua/Shadati)

This photo taken on April 6, 2026 shows a recreated scene of a classroom at a memorial event held to mourn the students of an elementary school who were killed in a missile strike in southern Iran, in Tehran, Iran. A missile strike on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran on Feb. 28, 2026 killed at least 175 people, most of them schoolgirls. Increasing evidence has shown this tragedy was of the U.S. making. (Xinhua/Shadati)

A girl lights a candle during a memorial event held to mourn the students of an elementary school who were killed in a missile strike in southern Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 6, 2026. A missile strike on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran on Feb. 28, 2026 killed at least 175 people, most of them schoolgirls. Increasing evidence has shown this tragedy was of the U.S. making. (Xinhua/Shadati)
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CultureCelebrityPop culture Digital soap opera: Blake Lively responds after claims against Justin Baldoni dismissed Nell Geraets April 7, 2026  8:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Blake Lively has responded to a US federal judges ruling that dismissed most of the claims she brought against her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, imploring people to ignore the digital soap opera and focus instead on the pain caused by digital violence. US district judge Lewis Liman handed down the decision last Thursday (Friday AEDT) in Manhattan after more than a year of heated litigation over the 2024 film, which was adapted from Colleen Hoovers best-selling romantic drama. Blake Lively has responded to a federal courts ruling that dismissed the majority of her claims against her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni. AP The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit, but I brought this case because of the pervasive RETALIATION I faced, and continue to, for privately and professionally asking for a safe working environment for myself and others, the actor wrote on Instagram on Tuesday. I hope the Courts decision shows others that, as unfathomably painful as it is, you can speak up, she continued. Dont be distracted by the digital soap opera. The constant packaging of this lawsuit as a Celebrity Drama is not only irresponsible, but it is by design: to keep you from seeing yourselves in my story. The physical pain from digital violence is very real.

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Lively, 38, sued Baldoni, production company Wayfarer Studios and others in December 2024, seeking unspecified damages for alleged sexual harassment, defamation, invasion of privacy and violations of federal and state civil rights laws. Baldoni, 42, denied all allegations against him, claiming that he resolved the actors concerns as soon as she raised them. Last week, Liman dismissed Livelys sexual harassment claims against Baldoni and other defendants on jurisdictional grounds, saying she had sued under a California law, but the alleged wrongful conduct took place elsewhere. The judge said Lively might pursue a retaliation claim against Baldonis production company Wayfarer Studios, as well as a contract claim and an aiding and abetting claim against various defendants. In response, Lively said she is grateful the courts ruling will allow her to present the heart of her case to a jury next month.

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Related Article Taylor Swift Felt like a bad friend: Taylor Swift-Blake Lively text messages reveal friendship fallout If youre looking, my claims wont be the first or last time youll see examples of the extreme dangers of retaliation and digital warfare. And it often wont be directed at celebrities or those who may be able to speak up, she said on Tuesday. It affects us all. Across the political spectrum. Pay attention to all the ways we can be manipulated online. Digital manipulation has been boasted (sic) as untraceable. If you have kids on phones, they are some of the most vulnerable. Protect them. The actor, who has maintained a relatively low profile since filing her lawsuit against Baldoni, went on to cite studies estimating between 16 per cent and 58 per cent of women have experienced online abuse or stalking, with 97 per cent of gender-based violence service providers reporting technology-facilitated abuse in their cases. She expressed gratitude to those who have fought similar battles before her, helping to create new laws and trigger social change.

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Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni co-starred in It End With Us in 2024. Baldoni also directed the film. AP 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. I know its a privilege to be able to stand up. I will not waste it. Your support keeps me going, she said. The It Ends With Us legal saga has captivated Hollywood since late 2024. It has drawn in famous names such as pop juggernaut Taylor Swift, model Gigi Hadid and actor Hugh Jackman, all of whom, according to Lively, might have information supporting her claims. In January 2025, Baldoni sued Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, for defamation, saying they tried to destroy his reputation, but Liman dismissed that case last June. A select number of Livelys claims, including retaliation, will go to trial on May 18.

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With Reuters Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday.
Australian astronomers have used the ESOs Very Large Telescope to find new black holes and the universes oldest stars.

Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

As humanity returns to the moon, Australias ability to contribute to the new space race has been dealt a hammer blow after the government cut astronomers access to the worlds most powerful telescopes. Australian scientists have built and harnessed cutting-edge instruments to explore the beginning of the universe and detect oxygen on nearby Earth-like planets under a decade-long partnership with the European Southern Observatory. That arrangement is set to end after the government rejected the astronomy sectors call to pursue full membership with ESO, one of the worlds pre-eminent astronomy organisations, on the same day Artemis II astronauts launched for the moon. A laser beam fired from the European Southern Observatorys (ESO) Very Large Telescope. G. Hudepohl (atacamaphoto.com) The decision cuts off Australias access to key space observation facilities by 2027 and limits the opportunities for our engineers to build some of the most advanced instruments ever made for ESO and feed knowledge back to local industry. Ending the partnership could hinder Australias participation in the modern space race, said Nobel laureate Brian Schmidt. Australian National University scientists, for instance, are helping NASA test a new laser communication system on the Orion spacecraft as it nears the moon, a key Australian link to the historic Artemis missions.

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That is directly connected to our ability to build these world-class instruments on [ESOs] telescopes, Schmidt, an astronomy professor at ANU who won a Nobel Prize in 2011 for discovering the universes expansion was accelerating, said. If we are no longer able to be part of world-class international facilities, then were going to lose those types of capabilities. Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt. Rohan Thomson Australian scientists are helping develop laser communications technology on board the Orion spacecraft, (pictured) which has almost reached the moon. AP There was a bitter irony in finding out the partnership was over on the same day ANU showed off its NASA laser technology and Artemis II launched, he said. The only way I can describe it is sad. Australian astronomers have contributed to more than a thousand research projects under the ESO partnership. Schmidt has used ESOs telescopes to help reveal one of the oldest stars in the universe, while other astronomers have found the largest, fastest-growing and closest black holes to Earth using the organisations instruments. The telescopes are also key to the search for oxygen, water and life on other planets.

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Size matters in astronomy. The bigger the telescope, the more light you can gather, the more you can see in greater detail. And ESO builds and runs some of the worlds largest telescopes. Under the current arrangement, Australians can apply for timeslots to use ESOs Very Large Telescope, an array of 8-metre wide telescopes in Chile with no local equivalent. Size matters in astronomy  and ESO operates some of the largest telescopes on Earth. ESO/G.Hudepohl (atacamaphoto.com) An artists impression of quasar J0529-4351, the most luminous object in the universe, pictured by an ESO telescope. ESO/M. Kornmesser ESO is also building the 39-metre wide Extremely Large Telescope high in the clear air of the Chilean Andes. When the facility opens in 2029, it will be the worlds largest ever optical telescope and spark a generational leap in space science, allowing humanity to look right to the edge of the visible universe, evaluate the atmospheres of distant exoplanets and study the dawn of galaxies. Now experts fear Australia will not get access to the telescope.

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The ESO partnership has also boosted opportunities for more than 100 specialist engineers working in astronomy. That includes Australian-led efforts to build a $90 million instrument for the Very Large Telescope called MAVIS, which will capture images three times sharper than Hubble and investigate the birth of the first stars 13 billion years ago. Australian astronomer Professor Michael Ireland is currently working at the ESOs Paranal Observatory. ESO/B. Tafreshi (twanight.org) Australian professor Michael Ireland, from ANU, is at the Very Large Telescope in Chile installing a next-generation instrument called Asgard. His team have used it to gather data on a quasar  the luminous core of a galaxy powered by a supermassive black hole  10 billion light-years away. Australia has been a world leader in ground-based optical astronomy for more than 50 years, he said from ESOs Paranal Observatory in the Atacama Desert. I believe ESO membership was the only realistic way to maintain that leadership into the future. Full membership would cost $40 million per year. It is expensive, theres no doubt about it, Schmidt said. But its an investment over half of the OECD is making, and Australia is one of the highest-performing OECD nations in astronomy.

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Schmidt pointed to Wi-Fi as a benefit of looking at the stars; CSIRO radioastronomy research in the 1990s was part of the story that led to modern-day wireless internet. Scientia Professor Richard Holden, a University of NSW economist, last month weighed up Australias outsized contribution to astronomy and valued it at $330 million per year. The SKA radio telescope in WA was meant to complement access to ESOs optical light telescopes. SKAO Research expands the global stock of knowledge, Holden said upon the publication of the resulting report, which found investing in the ESO would boost our capabilities in electric vehicles, renewable energy, defence, 5C, satellite communications, AI and quantum computing. History shows that countries that contribute to that knowledge tend to grow faster and become more prosperous, he said. Astronomy Australia warned the decision risks bleeding science and engineering talent overseas. The organisation is also concerned NSWs Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT) near Coonabarabran could be shut down if its federal government funding isnt extended next year. The Morrison government invested $387 million in 2021 to build the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope in Western Australia and the Albanese government tipped in another $48 million in 2025. But Astronomy Australia said SKA was supposed to complement rather than replace ESOs telescopes. SKA detects radio signals while ESOs telescopes detect optical light.

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Exclusive NationalRoberts-Smith case How the surprise arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith unfolded Amber Schultz Updated April 7, 2026  2:45pm ,first published 1:56pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

When Ben Roberts-Smith boarded a plane from Brisbane to Sydney for a family holiday, he had no idea a group of officers would be waiting for him on the tarmac, ready to arrest the former soldier over alleged war crimes. The decorated former special forces soldier was on Tuesday afternoon charged with five counts of war crime  murder  following a joint investigation between the Office of Special Investigator and the Australian Federal Police after five years of extensive investigations into the alleged killings of Afghan civilians. Ben Roberts-Smith is escorted off his flight upon arrival at Sydney Airport on Tuesday by AFP officers. AFP Roberts-Smith has always denied any wrongdoing, and it is anticipated that he will fight criminal charges. The 47-year-old, who has been living in a luxury Riverside serviced apartment in Brisbanes South Bank, boarded his Qantas flight from Brisbane shortly after 9am on Tuesday, flanked by his girlfriend and twin teen daughters.

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The family were dressed for a holiday, with Roberts-Smith wearing a pale-coloured cap, a blue button-up shirt, sneakers and jeans, and his girlfriend, Sarah Matulin, wearing a flowing white dress. They are understood to have celebrated Easter weekend with Roberts-Smiths parents, Len and Sue, visiting from Perth. His parents have always defended him. Ben Roberts-Smith was taken away by an AFP car waiting on the tarmac after his arrival from Brisbane. AFP The flight touched down slightly delayed at 11.15am. On the other side of the plane door, several Australian Federal Police officers stood waiting. Gary, who asked for his surname to be withheld, was sitting in an adjacent row to Roberts-Smith near the front of the plane, noting his towering frame.

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He said the plane sat on the tarmac for an extended period, with no announcements as to what was happening. He saw two police cars pull up on the tarmac beside the plane. Once the doors opened, the officers strode onboard. Loading Two gentlemen in suits got on the flight, Gary said. They walked up to Roberts-Smith. One stood behind him, while the other crouched down speaking to him in a low voice. Roberts-Smith had an initial look of surprise, maybe slight bemusement, Gary said.

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Roberts-Smith case Tapped phones, listening devices, secret raids: Nick McKenzie on the arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith After a brief chat, which Gary described as civil and professional, Roberts-Smith stood up and was escorted off the plane, with his girlfriend and children trailing behind. He was not handcuffed. Its very weird, very weird to know that there are very different lives being led on that plane, and very sad, another passenger who witnessed the arrest told Nine News. Another said it all unfolded quickly.I had no idea what was happening, she told Nine.

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It was a bit of a shock to see the commotion, [it was] very swift, in and out. Neither was aware that the man being led off the plane was a fallen war hero. Flanked by a uniformed AFP officer and another official in a suit, Roberts-Smith was walked to an unmarked police SUV waiting on the tarmac. His daughters walked behind, followed by Matulin, who had her phone to her ear. With a woven handbag dangling from her hand, its clear the family had no idea the fate that awaited them. The trio got in a separate car to Roberts-Smith.

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The estate of late Melbourne billionaire Nick Andrianakos is the subject of a bitter inheritance dispute between his four children, with his youngest son claiming the former property and petroleum tycoon had changed his will before his death in Greece last year. Theo Andrianakos is listed as a plaintiff in the Supreme Court of Victoria case and has claimed the revised will, which was never signed, represents the lawful and legitimate plan for his fathers inheritance. The late Nick Andrianakos. Athina Souli However, siblings Paul and Kristina Andrianakos and Vicky Papamarkou will rely on the original document that was signed by their father, who had an estimated fortune of $2 billion according to the Financial Review Rich List in 2025. A source familiar with the probate feud, but not authorised to speak on behalf of the family, said it had become Melbournes answer to Succession  a reference to the HBO drama on the fictional family battle for the media empire of patriarch Logan Roy.

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Theo Andrianakos succeeded his father as CEO in 2018. Its obviously very high stakes and theres some heavy lawyers involved on both sides. None of them want this aired in public, but thats where its heading, the source said. The case is expected to proceed to trial, after a mediation hearing held on March 30 failed to resolve the dispute. Theo Andrianakos released a statement to this masthead regarding the legal stoush. This is a private family matter. I am focused on continuing my fathers legacy including ensuring that his final wishes are honoured, he said.

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Kristina Andrianakos and Vicky Papamarkou declined to comment on the matter, while Paul Andrianakos did not respond to several phone calls and SMS messages. Related Article Explainer

Death Do you need to make a will (and what happens if you dont)? The legal case has been further complicated by the involvement of the partner of the late petroleum baron, who lives in Greece, but was represented at the mediation last week. A source familiar with the matter said the woman had been promised up to 5 million ($8 million) from the estate. Peter Pagonis, a succession planner with Horizon Nexus Partners is also listed as a plaintiff in the case along with Theo Andrianakos, after providing financial advice to the billionaire. A consultant to more than 450 ultra-high-net-worth families over the past 40 years, Pagonis has provided strategic guidance on family dynamics, governance frameworks and succession planning, according to his LinkedIn profile. Pagonis did not respond to several requests for comment.

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The late Andrianakos estate holds at least five Victorian properties, most notably a sprawling Greenvale mansion and private penthouse at the Westin Hotel on Collins Street. The billionaire also had significant property and business interests in Greece. At the time of his death, it was reported the 81-year-old was building a luxury hotel in Nafplio, the ancient former capital on the Peloponnese peninsula. The companys property portfolio spans Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, acquiring its crown jewel in 2025 with a $385 million half-stake in Melbournes Northland shopping centre. The Andrianakos family mansion sits on an acreage in Greenvale. Justin McManus In 2022, an article published on the Andrianakos Property website noted that a succession plan was already in place and reflected the fact that everyone in the family worked in the business.

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In the article, Andrianakos singled out his youngest son, Theo, as a driving force behind the petrol and property conglomerate. I work very closely with Theo in the business. Theo has been devoted to the business at a young age and I have had the opportunity over the years to teach him, the late patriarch said. Theo has been chief executive of Andrianakos Property Group, Nikos Property Group and Milemaker Petroleum since 2018, while his siblings hold director roles on several family companies. Editor's pick Opinion

Middle East at war Chinas been very quiet during Trumps Iran war. Theres a good reason for that Peter Hartcher Political and international editor The petroleum baron debuted on The Australian Financial Review Rich List in 2021, ranking as the 150th wealthiest Australian with an estimated fortune of $896 million. In 2025, the Andrianakos family reached a valuation of $2 billion  a 26 per cent surge from the previous year.

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Andrianakos died unexpectedly in March last year while in Greece. Local media reported the octogenarian suffered a heart attack during a meeting in Argos, a city about 135 kilometres north-west of Athens. Theo led the familys response to his death, issuing a statement on behalf of the family and flying to Greece to accompany his fathers body back to Australia. It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our father  He was an incredible man, Theo told the AFR. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Something interesting happened in oil markets in response to Donald Trumps eleventh-hour announcement of a ceasefire in the hostilities in Iran. Oil prices immediately plunged, but the US price traded above that of global oil. In fact, since late last week, the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) price has traded at a premium to the price of Brent crude, the global benchmark.

Thats an inversion of the historical relationship, or at least the one that has held for more than a decade, in which Brent oil has usually traded at a $US3 ($4.25) to $US6-a-barrel premium over its WTI counterpart. The last time an inversion occurred was in May 2022, in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Brent has generally been priced higher than US oil because it is the reference point for globally traded oil flowing from the North Sea, the Middle East and West Africa. It can be shipped and delivered anywhere, and therefore the pricing reflects its global reach, liquidity and seamless logistics.

US onshore oil is landlocked. It is piped to a hub at Cushing, Oklahoma, and, where Brent reflects global supply and demand balances and geopolitics, WTI prices are also driven by US domestic influences  production, demand and refining capacity.

So, why has the WTI price traded at a premium to Brent over the past week, a premium that was more than $US3 a barrel ahead of the announcement of the ceasefire?

Read the full analysis here.
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WorldNorth AmericaCrime Savannah Guthrie fights back tears in return to Today show after mothers disappearance David Bauder April 7, 2026  6:32am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

New York: Savannah Guthrie was back and almost all business at NBCs Today show anchor desk, marking a return for the first time in more than two months since her mothers disappearance. Here we go, ready or not, Guthrie said as the show opened on Monday (New York time). Lets do the news. Loading After running through a series of news headlines, Guthrie said that we are so glad that you started our week with us and its good to be home. Her co-host, Craig Melvin said that its good to have you back at home. She greeted longtime co-worker Al Roker with Good morning, sunshine, when he noted that it was good to see her on the set. At the end of the first 25-minute portion of the show, she offered Melvin a high-five.

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Emotions got the better of her before the last half hour, when she joined her colleagues in front of fans gathered at the shows Rockefeller Centre studio. She fought back tears when one fan was seen with a Welcome home Savannah shirt, and clutched colleague Jenna Bush Hagers arm and thanked people for their support. Guthrie, one of morning televisions most recognisable faces, has been a Today host since 2012. She has acknowledged that shes a changed person and that its difficult to go forward not knowing what happened to Nancy Guthrie, who authorities believe was taken against her will from her Arizona home. Savannah Guthrie and her mother, Nancy Guthrie, on the Today show set in 2023. Getty Images Despite an intense search involving thousands of federal and local officers and volunteers, there has been no sign of the 84-year-old mother of three since she was reported missing on February 1. The Today show has followed the story closely for the past two months, but it wasnt mentioned during the first hour of her return on Monday.

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Hoda Kotb, the former anchor who had filled in for Guthrie for much of the past two months and interviewed her former colleague, wasnt on set on Monday. Today has experienced a ratings boost over the past two months and has even eclipsed ABCs Good Morning America as the leader in the morning show ratings. The shows arent the profit generators they once were for the networks, but the rivalry is still intense. Guthrie (second from right) with colleagues (from left) Jenna Bush Hager, Carson Daly and Craig Melvin during the Today show in New York on Monday. AP Today averaged 3.1 million viewers for the first three months of the year, up nearly 9 per cent in an era when most broadcast programs lose viewers. Its difficult to tell how much the Guthrie story had to do with that: NBC also aired the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics in February, and both events tend to help a morning shows ratings. As part of a video message released by her New York church on Easter Sunday, Guthrie spoke about feeling moments of deep disappointment with God, the feeling of utter abandonment. But she said the resurrection is not fully celebrated if we do not acknowledge the feelings of loss, pain, and yes, death.

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In announcing her return to NBCs flagship morning show, Guthrie said she was uncertain whether shell feel like she still belongs. Its hard to imagine doing it because its such a place of joy and lightness, she said just over a week ago on Today during her first interview since the disappearance. I cant come back and try to be something that Im not. But I cant not come back because its my family. Guthrie embraces a fan outside the Rockefeller Centre in New York on Monday. AP She said she didnt anticipate faking her way through the show, which is normally light-hearted with a mix of serious, breaking news. There had been a great deal of speculation about whether she would return.

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I want to smile, and when I do, it will be real, she told Hoda Kotb, who came back to Today to fill in while Guthrie focused on the search. Being there is joyful, and when its not, Ill say so. Related Article Crime Im so sorry, Mummy: Savannah Guthrie gives emotional first interview about missing Nancy Nancy Guthrie made occasional appearances on Today over the years, once taking part in a cooking demonstration and surprising her daughter on the set. When Savannah Guthrie returned to her hometown of Tucson in 2025 for a segment recorded for the show, the two visited one of their favourite restaurants and talked about their love of Arizona. The Guthrie family has offered a $US1 million ($1.45 million) reward for information leading to the recovery of their mother. Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped, abducted or otherwise taken against her will after finding blood near the doorstep of her home in the foothills outside Tucson. The FBI later released surveillance videos showing a masked man on the porch that night. Volunteers and search teams scoured the nearby desert terrain filled with cactuses, bushes and boulders in the first weeks after she vanished.

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Related Article Missing person An elderly mother in peril, a masked intruder, an agonised celebrity: Why Americans cant look away But attention has faded from an investigation that was declared to be a top priority for the FBI and local authorities. Investigators have not released new evidence in weeks and say the number of tips has slowed. The FBI and the Pima County Sheriffs Department both said late last week that they had no updates. Early on, some media outlets reported receiving ransom messages tied to the case. Guthrie said she and her siblings responded to two messages that they believed were real and offered to pay. Guthrie said her celebrity status might be the reason her mother was taken, but said that possibility was too much to bear. AP Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.

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KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (Xinhua) -- An oil tanker chartered by Petco, a subsidiary of Malaysian energy firm Petronas, carrying Iraqi crude, passed through the Strait of Hormuz and is heading to the Port of Pengerang in Malaysia's Johor state, according to the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday.

The ministry said in a statement that one of the seven Malaysian commercial vessels previously stranded in the Strait of Hormuz has been granted safe passage and is currently proceeding to its final destination.

The Ocean Thunder loaded about 1 million barrels of Basrah Heavy crude on March 2 and is expected to discharge its cargo in Pengerang in mid-April, based on data released by real-time data analytics firm Kpler and the London Stock Exchange Group. 
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB)  Louisville police officers shot and killed a homicide suspect Monday afternoon near a downtown Taco Bell.

According to Louisville Metro Police Deputy Chief Ryan Bates, officers responded at 4:09 p.m. to a report of a recent homicide suspect at the Taco Bell on South 1st Street and West Broadway.

Once on the scene, officers approached the suspect, who was sitting against the building alone, police said.

According to police, the suspect then fired at officers, and multiple officers returned fire. Police said the suspect fell to the ground, but refused to drop the weapon, and officers fired again.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

The departments Public Integrity Unit is investigating the shooting. Under department policy, additional information and body camera footage from the shooting will be made public within 10 business days.

Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
THE HAGUE, April 7 (Xinhua) -- A light aircraft crashed on Tuesday morning near the city of Middelburg in the Netherlands, killing one person, local media reported.

The crash occurred at around 8:45 a.m. local time (0745 GMT), regional public broadcaster Omroep Zeeland reported. The aircraft had taken off from Midden-Zeeland Airport shortly before crashing in the meadow.

No details about the victim have been released so far, but authorities confirmed that the person was the sole occupant of the aircraft. An airport spokesperson confirmed that the plane was a Reims-Cessna F172P Skyhawk II.

Emergency services, including the fire brigade, ambulance and police, were dispatched to the scene. No fire was reported following the crash.

The Dutch Safety Board has launched a preliminary investigation into the crash. 
TEHRAN, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) warned Tuesday that if the U.S. army crosses the red line in attacking civilian targets, Iran's response "will go beyond the region."

"We will not hesitate to retaliate vile aggressions against civilian facilities," the IRGC said in a statement published on its official news outlet Sepah News. 
A Mayo teenager was among those who met with An Taoiseach Micheal Martin at Government Buildings to mark the launch of AsIAms Same Chance Report 2026, which highlights growing concern about misinformation surrounding Autism in Ireland.

17-year-old Hazel Nolan was part of a special meet-and-greet with the Taoiseach alongside members of AsIAms Autistic Youth Advisory Panel and leadership team.

Led by AsIAm CEO Adam Harris, the group discussed firsthand the challenges facing Irelands Autistic community and the importance of delivering on the Governments commitment to legislate for a National Autism Strategy.

The meeting took place following the launch of new research by AsIAm, Irelands Autism Charity, which found that almost seven in ten Autistic people and families (68%) believe misinformation about Autism has increased in the past year. The findings are contained in the Same Chance Report 2026, based on the experiences of more than 1,600 Autistic people and families across Ireland, and highlight the ongoing barriers many Autistic people face across education, healthcare, employment and community life.

An Taoiseach Micheal Martin met with AsIAms leadership team and ambassadors from AsIAms Autistic Youth Advisory Panel, including Hazel Nolan, a student at Ballyhaunis Community School, where they discussed firsthand the challenges facing Irelands Autistic community and the importance of delivering on the Governments commitment to legislate for a National Autism Strategy.

The report highlights growing concern about misinformation surrounding Autism, particularly as misleading information continues to circulate online and internationally. Recent global debates, including renewed claims about the causes of Autism and unproven cures promoted on social media, have added to confusion and stigma faced by Autistic people and their families.

The research also found that 91% of respondents do not believe the Government is doing enough to tackle misinformation about Autism.

Alongside these concerns, the research points to significant structural barriers across Irish society, including long waiting lists for disability supports, financial pressures and a lack of inclusive community spaces.
Home advantage perhaps counted for something as two Mayo-based drama groups took home awards from An tOireachtas, the National Drama Festival for Irish language amateur dramatics which was held in Westport Town Hall Theatre.

Cumann Dramaiochta Naomh Padraig, Westport enjoyed a double success at the festival, with their newly written play An Rud Eatarthu, written and directed by Seamas Mac Eachmharcaigh, winning Drama of the Festival. The production also earned Alanna Ni Mhiochain the Best Actor award for her compelling portrayal of Siofra in the same play.

Newly established group Ardan Mhaigh Eo took home an award for Best Props and Costume for their play Na Speaclai Draiochta, translated by Aine Nic Giolla Bhride and directed by Roisin Ui Chogain.

I extend my heartiest congratulations to everyone who took part in the 2026 festival, said Muireann Ni Dhroighneain, National Coordinator of Performing Arts for An tOireachtas. We thank all those who assisted with organising this years festival and Westport Town Hall Theatre team. Were looking forward to continuing our work with Irish language-based drama companies, to encouraging new companies, and together strengthening and fostering amateur dramatics across the country.
COMMUNITY NOTES: BALLYHAUNIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (APRIL 7 EDITION)

A short film about a farm near Ballinlough was shown at the recent Irish Film Festival Los Angeles.

One by One, the Lights Go Out was made by film-maker Kathy Raftery on her familys farm and screened as part of The Futures short film strand at the annual festival.

As my 87-year-old father steps away from the land he has tended for decades, One by One, the Lights Go Out captures the quiet end of an era for a family farm steeped in history and memory, wrote Kathy. Narrated by writer Michael Harding and inspired by his essay, the film reflects on legacy, change, and letting go.

The film will be coming to the Community Hall in Ballyhaunis next month, the location in 2023 for a screening of another short film by Raftery, on a trip by Corporal Patrick Bob Gallagher from the U.S to visit his family one last time before he departed to fight with US troops in the Vietnam War.
COMMUNITY NOTES: BALLYHAUNIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (APRIL 7 EDITION)

The number of passengers using Ballyhaunis train station has increased to pre-Covid levels, data from an Irish Rail survey shows. 238 train passengers used the station according to the National Rail Census Report which was undertaken on a Thursday in November 2025.

122 passengers boarded trains that day while 116 alighted at Ballyhaunis, according to data from the census released to this column under a freedom of information request. Curiously, the number boarding in 2025 is the same as the figure for 2019, despite extra services being added in 2023 and 2024.

Commenting on the data for Ballyhaunis station, a spokesperson for Irish Rail explained: The census is a snapshot of a single day each day, so while it is helpful in determining trends over time, there might be a specific year where numbers at a specific station are a little out of line - either higher or lower - from the general trend. Youre correct that we would have seen growth across the route in the intervening years with the additional services, and this is indicated by the total journeys on the Westport/Dublin route in 2019 of 603,000 increasing to a record 773,000 journeys in 2025.

Overall passenger numbers for Ballyhaunis have recovered after dropping significantly during the pandemic. According to the National Rail Census Report 2022, 57 people boarded in Ballyhaunis on the day of the census  higher than the number (42) in the 2021 survey but well below the 122 passengers boarding at the station on the day of the survey in 2019 and in 2018 (69 passengers) and 2017 (106 passengers).

Rail passenger numbers appear to be on a long-term growth trend in line with growth in the countrys population. Nationally the period 2014-18 saw a 43 percent growth in passenger rail numbers on Irish Rails services.

Ballyhaunis passenger numbers have been increased by a new Westport bound morning service and a 7.35pm service from Dublin Heuston which gets into Ballyhaunis just before 10pm.

Growth in passenger numbers at Ballyhaunis due to increased services has caused significant issues with parking at the station with cars parked on footpaths on the approach road to the station now a source of annoyance to local residents.

A long-awaited review of its car park at Ballyhaunis by Irish Rail has yet to be published though the company told this column in November the review was being finalised for publication before the end of the year.

Government has sought to get more people onto trains in order to reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector which remain among the highest in Europe on a per capita basis.

A service every two hours on the Dublin-Westport line is one of the recommendations in the Draft All Island Strategic Rail Review (AISRR) published in 2024. Significant work will be required to track networks in order to increase scheduling.
COMMUNITY NOTES: CLAREMORRIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (APRIL 7 EDITION)

The retention of the Expressway Route 52 service has been confirmed following public concern, securing a key transport link for communities across the west, including Claremorris. The route, operated by Bus Eireann, connects Ballina and Galway, serving a number of towns along the way, with Claremorris remaining a central stop on the line.

The decision follows the introduction of a Public Service Obligation by the Department of Transport, allowing the State to support services that are not commercially viable but are considered essential. The move ensures that Claremorris continues to benefit from direct access to both Mayo and Galway, maintaining a link relied upon by commuters, students and those attending medical appointments.

For Claremorris, the continuation of the service represents the preservation of an important connection to surrounding towns including Balla, Ballindine and Tuam, as well as onward access to Galway city. The route has long provided a practical option for those without access to private transport and has supported daily travel for work, education and services.

The service had been due to cease following an announcement by Bus Eireann citing ongoing financial losses. The proposed withdrawal prompted concern across the region, with strong reaction from public representatives and local communities. Independent councillors Richard Finn and Patsy OBrien were among those who raised concerns about the potential impact on towns such as Claremorris, highlighting the role of the route in maintaining regional connectivity.

They said that removing the service would have reduced transport options for many residents and risked isolating communities, particularly affecting students, older people and those commuting between towns. The route also contributes to reducing reliance on private cars, supporting broader transport and environmental objectives.

The confirmation that Route 52 will continue has been widely welcomed, with recognition of its importance to towns like Claremorris where public transport links remain a key part of daily life. The decision ensures that the town retains a direct and consistent connection to the wider region, supporting both local activity and access to essential services.
JERUSALEM, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Ice has been slowly building up at the Moon's poles for at least 1.5 billion years, Israeli and U.S. scientists have found, according to a statement from Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science on Tuesday.

Their study, published in Nature Astronomy, points to "cold traps," which are deep, sunless craters near the poles where temperatures drop to around minus 160 degrees Celsius, as the best places to find ice, read the statement.

Using data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, the researchers found that older dark regions contain more ice, suggesting gradual accumulation rather than a single event, read the statement.

This ice could be turned into water, oxygen and fuel, and NASA plans to explore these areas under its Artemis program, read the statement.

The scientists hope future missions will collect samples to determine the water's origin and how it could support human activities in space, read the statement. 
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KAMPALA, April 7 (Xinhua) -- 11 people were killed and 33 others injured in a road crash in the central Ugandan district of Lwengo early Tuesday, a police spokesperson said.

Twaha Kasirye, spokesperson for police in the southern region, told Xinhua by telephone that the accident occurred at Kalegero Corner along the Masaka-Mbarara Highway and involved a passenger bus.

Kasirye said a speeding truck traveling from Masaka toward Mbarara lost control and rammed into the bus, which was heading from Rukungiri to Kampala, at around 2:00 a.m. local time (2300 GMT).

He added that the bodies had been taken to a mortuary, while the injured were taken to nearby health centers in Lyantonde and Kyazanga. 
BAGHDAD, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Two civilians were killed early Tuesday in a drone attack in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, local authorities said.

An explosives-laden drone launched from Iran struck a residential house in the Darashakran district of Erbil province at 12:15 a.m. on Tuesday (2115 GMT on Monday), the regional Directorate General of Counter Terrorism said in a statement.

The counter terrorism service condemned the attack, calling it a violation of international law and a war crime.

The incident came amid heightened regional tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on Feb. 28. Iran and its regional allies responded with attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests across the Middle East. 
JAKARTA, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia is intensifying its readiness for an early and prolonged dry season, with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) mobilizing water-bombing helicopters to combat escalating forest and land fires.

The Southeast Asian archipelago is vulnerable to such blazes, which are major contributors to global carbon emissions. This year, the threat is heightened as officials warn of a dry season arriving earlier and lasting longer than average.

The BNPB has readied 16 water-bombing and 12 patrol helicopters to be stationed in high-risk provinces. Additional aircraft will be deployed if the intensity of the fires increases, a BNPB official said on Monday.

Satellite data from the Ministry of Forestry indicates that fires razed approximately 32,637 hectares nationwide in January and February alone. West Kalimantan recorded the most extensive damage at over 10,600 hectares.

The severity of the current situation is reflected in a dramatic spike in hotspots. From Jan. 1 to April 5, authorities detected 702 hotspots, a sharp increase compared to the 125 hotspots recorded during the same period last year.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole are currently neutral, but modeling suggests ENSO may shift to an El Nino phase in the second half of 2026.

"We are entering the dry season in April and May, which is expected to peak in August," said BMKG Head Teuku Faisal Fathani, noting that rainfall this year is projected to be significantly below the 30-year average.

Authorities have urged local governments and communities to remain on high alert, citing low rainfall and rising temperatures as critical risk factors. Firefighters and local agencies have been advised to maintain close coordination to prevent a repeat of historical haze crises. 
KAMPALA, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has dispatched a team to capture a reported leopard that has sparked fear among residents in Nakasongola District in central Uganda.

Bashir Hangi, spokesperson for the state-run conservation agency, told Xinhua by telephone on Tuesday that the team is already en route to the affected area. "Our team should be on the way to manage the case. Such incidents are not common, especially involving leopards," Hangi said.

The reported presence of the leopard has heightened tensions, with residents voicing concerns over their safety, particularly those engaged in grazing and farming in bushy areas.

Local authorities said the animal has killed one person and critically injured another. Godfrey Lutalo, a local council chairman in Nakitoma Sub-county, said the fatal attack occurred on April 4 while herdsmen were tending cattle.

Lutalo told Xinhua that the animal emerged from a nearby thicket and attacked the group, triggering panic among residents. He added that locals have since organized efforts to track the animal, fearing further attacks as it is believed to still be roaming in nearby bushes.

Human-wildlife conflict remains a persistent challenge in Uganda, particularly in communities bordering conservation areas. Incidents involving fatalities on both sides have been reported.

In a similar case late last month, UWA captured a stray elephant that had alarmed residents in Kahunge and Kamwenge sub-counties in Kamwenge District in western Uganda. 
Wits Mining Institute appoints new Director

Dr Pontsho Twala's research expertise spans artisanal and small-scale mining, skills development, community development, and environmental sustainability.

The Wits Mining Institute (WMI)  a multidisciplinary research and training hub has appointed Dr Pontsho Twala as its new director.

Dr Twala brings over a decade of experience in mining research, education and stakeholder engagement, underpinned by a doctorate from the School of Mining Engineering at Wits. She is the second Black South African female to obtain her PhD in Mining Engineering, having earned her BSc (Honours) and Masters degrees from Wits before beginning her career at Mintek, South Africas national mineral research and development organisation.

She returned to Wits in 2016 as a lecturer and programme manager for the Centre for Sustainability in Mining and Industry (CSMI)  focusing on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). After two years, she moved to a lecturing post in the School of Mining Engineering.

Evolving demands

Her research portfolio includes projects on ASM, beneficiation, skills development, community development, and environmental sustainability  areas that critical in supporting the transformative role of the mining sector in society. She is passionate about empowering mining communities to actively participate in the industry, fostering inclusive growth and shared value. Her work involves collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including mining companies, government departments, civil society organisations, and local communities.

Dr Twala has led and contributed to high-impact projects for organisations such as the Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Among her recent research engagements have been projects focused on beneficiation skills, artisan development, critical minerals value chains, and provincial skills reviews aimed at identifying community skills development needs related to participation in mining and other key economic sectors. Many of these studies have been conducted in partnership with the MQA.

This involvement has aligned her experience well with the WMIs mandate as a hub for innovation, skills development and collaboration. Established to address complex mining challenges, the WMI brings together multidisciplinary expertise to develop integrated solutions for the sector.

Innovation with sustainability

This approach is more critical than ever, as the challenges facing mining are not only about technical solutions anymore, she explains. We need to consider environmental impacts, communities and the broader socio-economic context.

She highlights that, under her leadership, WMI will continue to focus on three core areas. Firstly, it promotes innovation and technology, including research into automation, AI and data-driven mining systems. Secondly, it will continue to advance responsible mining, which mining that is safe, socially accepted, and environmentally responsible. The third focus is on skills and capacity building, to support the changing requirements of industry, government and civil society stakeholders.

One of our flagship projects is the cutting-edge Sibanye-Stillwater Digital Mining Laboratory, where our research into digital technologies is helping define the mine of the future, she says. This work is complemented by research supported through two SAMERDI centres: SATCAP (Successful Application of Technologies Centred Around People) and RTIMS (RealTime Information Management Systems). All three bring together digital innovation, realtime systems, and peoplecentred solutions to advance mining. Another cornerstone of WMIs work is its focus on skills development, including specialised training such as its Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) programme.

Training offerings

The WMIs training offerings are informed by sector needs and designed to address identified skills gaps across key stakeholders. These programmes, Dr Twala notes, go beyond traditional training by incorporating critical thinking and systems-based approaches.

For example, in our OHS programme, we teach participants to look at OHS as a system, she explained, This means encouraging them to ask questions, investigate issues and use evidence to inform improvements.

WMI courses combine academic insights with practical industry inputs, she emphasises, featuring contributions from experienced practitioners and encouraging peer-to-peer learning among participants. This reflects WMIs broader model of translating research into practical, industry-relevant training.

Africas potential

Looking ahead, Dr Twala sees a significant opportunity for WMI to extend its impact beyond the borders of South Africa.

There is an opportunity for the WMI to be a central hub for knowledge creation and coordination to support Africas mining agenda  as outlined in the Africa Mining Vision and Africas Green Minerals Strategy, she said, noting that global demand for critical minerals positions Africa as a key player in the energy transition.

The discussion is now about how African countries can turn over a new leaf, create their own solutions, lead their own mineral development agendas, and maximise the benefits of mining for their communities, she says. In that context, I hope to strengthen WMIs role as a trusted partner to the mining sector. We have much to offer, with our evidence-based research to help foster innovation and build the skills needed for a more sustainable industry.
You are the best of the best  Wits VC

Future actuaries, doctors, computer scientists and aeronautical engineers dominated the VCs Awards.

The top 20 students were honoured by Professor Zeblon Vilakazi FRS at the 2026 Vice-Chancellors Scholarship Awards at the Wits Club on Monday, 30 March 2026.

These high-performing students, all with an average over 90% in matric, received full scholarships that covers their tuition and residences fees, and other costs for the duration of their first degrees. This significant investment by Wits aims to nurture South Africas future leaders.

In his address, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi FRS praised the group as the best of the best, underscoring both their achievement and their responsibility. This scholarship recognises not only your exceptional academic ability but also your potential, he said. We believe in you because you are the future leaders of society. We believe that the talent in this room deserves every opportunity to flourish.

The prestigious Vice-Chancellors Scholarship Awards celebrate academic excellence, commitment and the promise of future leadership. Selected from more than 130 000 applicants competing for approximately 5 500 first year places at Wits, these 20 scholarship recipients represent an elite cohort.

Vilakazi addressed the students and emphasised that their journey is only just beginning. Some of you will become doctors caring for patients across this country. Some will become engineers designing the infrastructure of the future. Others will become scientists and innovators solving problems we cannot yet imagine, but every one of those journeys begins here.

He also reminded them to remain grounded, humble and ethical active citizens, and to use their education not only for their personal success but for the broader benefit of society.

A scholarship such as this is an investment in your future. The hope behind that investment is that you will use your knowledge and your talents not only to succeed personally but to contribute meaningfully to society, he added.

The awards ceremony was directed by Carol Crosley, the Wits Registrar who expressed her appreciation to the parents and caregivers, school principals and teachers, Heads of School and members of the Senior Executive Team for all playing an important role in nurturing these exceptional students. Crosley said: Behind every student here is a story of early mornings, perseverance and quiet determination - today, we recognise you too.

She further highlighted the diversity of the cohort, noting that the students come from different schools, provinces and communities across South Africa and that they had talent, hard work and a shared commitment to excellence in common.

The Dean of Student Affairs, Jerome September congratulated the students and awarded them their certificates. The students who attended the ceremony and received awards are:

Keira Leask, Aeronautical Engineering, De La Salle Holy Cross College

Kwanele Nkwanyana, Aeronautical Engineering, Lasolomuzi High School

Fariha Carrim, Medicine, Middelburg Muslim School

Rookaya Gafoor, Medicine, St Johns KZN

Aidan Goralsky, Medicine, King David Victory Park

Fanelo Baloyi, Actuarial Science, Thambisa Secondary School

Tyler Cimring, Actuarial Science, King David High School Linksfield

Ndivhuweni Fhedzisan, Actuarial Science, Thengwe High School

Ruhan Gosai, Actuarial Science, St Johns College Jhb

Devak Govender, Actuarial Science, Scottburgh High School

Siyabonga Mashaba, Actuarial Science, Soshanguve Secondary School

Mihir Modi, Actuarial Science, Greenside High School

Mpho Mohlala, Actuarial Science, Phakamani Secondary School

Maduvha Munyai, Actuarial Science, Thohoyandou High School

Ethan Naidoo, Actuarial Science, Ashton International College

Raz Oudmayer, Actuarial Science, King David High School Linksfield

Brett Sandler, Computational and Applied Mathematics, King David High School Linksfield

The Vice-Chancellor closed his speech with the following words of inspiration: We are proud that you have chosen Wits. And today, Wits proudly chooses you.
People line up outside the Frank P. Zeidler Municipal Building during the first day of Wisconsin's in-person absentee voting Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
A delegation of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, led by its chairwoman Cheng Li-wun for a mainland visit, arrives at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, in Shanghai, east China, April 7, 2026. The delegation arrived here on Tuesday for a mainland visit that will run through Sunday. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

SHANGHAI, April 7 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, led by its chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, arrived in Shanghai at noon on Tuesday for a mainland visit that will run through Sunday.

The delegation is scheduled to visit Jiangsu Province, Shanghai and Beijing, marking the first time in a decade that a KMT chairperson has led a delegation to the Chinese mainland.

The visit is regarded as an important part of the exchanges and dialogue between the KMT and the Communist Party of China under the new circumstances.

Strengthening exchanges and dialogue between the two parties, according to a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, will have a significant and positive impact on maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. 

A delegation of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, led by its chairwoman Cheng Li-wun for a mainland visit, arrives at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, in Shanghai, east China, April 7, 2026. The delegation arrived here on Tuesday for a mainland visit that will run through Sunday. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)
JOHANNESBURG, April 7 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will formally receive the credentials of U.S. Ambassador-designate Leo Brent Bozell III on Wednesday, a move that may signal a tentative easing of bilateral tensions.

According to a statement from the presidency, Bozell will present his formal credentials in Pretoria on Wednesday morning alongside envoys from 19 other nations.

Bozell, a long-time critic of South Africa's ruling African National Congress, arrived in the country in February and initially presented his documents to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Diplomatic friction has persisted since Bozell's arrival. Last month, South Africa's Foreign Ministry issued a formal diplomatic protest to the envoy to explain his "undiplomatic remarks" regarding a domestic court ruling, which Pretoria viewed as a disregard for its judicial sovereignty.

U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Bozell in March 2025, shortly after expelling South Africa's Ambassador to the United States Ebrahim Rasool over his public criticism of Washington.

South Africa has not yet appointed a successor to Rasool.

Since the start of Trump's second presidential term in 2025, relations have deteriorated sharply due to growing divergences on major international issues, including Pretoria's 2023 case at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

The U.S. administration has also accused South Africa of persecuting its white minority, a claim rejected by Pretoria, while Washington has imposed steep tariffs on South African exports and suspended aid. 
A recently uncovered British government paper provides evidence of a 70-year official cover-up of the consequences of the United Kingdoms thermonuclear tests in the Pacific after World War II.

London human rights law firm McCue Jury & Partners has obtained documentary material that it claims exposes as lies decades of official assurances denying radioactive fallout and exposure. Data from the previously suppressed paper suggests key evidence was buried in critical hearings and court cases.

The British Grapple Y test on 28 April 1958 [Photo: Atomic Weapons Research Establishment]

In 195758, during what was called Operation Grapple, Britain deployed some 14,000 servicemen, supported by 276 Fijian troops and two New Zealand Navy frigates, to Malden Island and Kiritimati (Christmas) Island in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands. These are now part of Kiribati, which has a population of about 138,000 and is spread across 33 atolls, halfway between Hawaii and Australia.

The UK conducted nine atmospheric nuclear explosions involving atomic and hydrogen bombs. The program culminated in the UK becoming the third recognised nation to possess thermonuclear weapons and saw the restoration of the nuclear Special Relationship with the United States in the form of the 1958 USUK Mutual Defence Agreement.

The US also carried out 24 nuclear tests near Kiritimati in 1962 in Operation Dominic.

Through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, McCue Jury has obtained a 2014 internal report by the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), part of the UK Ministry of Defence, (MoD) titled Review of environmental monitoring data for Christmas Island (CI) 19571958.

Writing on Substack on March 20, Oli Troen, a senior associate acting for test veterans and their families, argues the document points to a long-running institutional effort to deny the extent of radioactive fallout at Kiritimati.

The paper reveals that environmental data from the 1950s in fact showed alarming fallout levels in areas where troops were stationed and indigenous populations lived. Elevated radiation readings were taken at Port Camp, where Royal Navy personnel were based during one detonation. None of this had ever been disclosed. Troen writes that officials classified the paper as a draft and then buried it.

For decades, the British ruling elite maintained that there was no dangerous fallout. The MoD claimed that few people were exposed to any radiation or contamination and that studies had shown little or no health effects. Successive governments dismissed repeated claims for compensation.

Veterans campaigner Tom Watson, a former Labour Party MP, posted in his March 19 newsletter, under a heading A bomb in the Pacific, a lie in Whitehall, a litany of occasions when the issue was raised directly in the House of Commons and with ministers. Spokesmen for successive governmentsLabour and Conservativehad flatly declared there were no significant health risks to veterans. In 1997 ministers said surveys had found no radioactive contamination which would present a hazard to the inhabitants of Christmas Island.

The 2014 paper, however, states that factual data refutes claims made by AWE, and by extension, HMG (Her Majestys Government) in the public domain. It cautions that if the importance of this data is identified by others, there is potential for substantial detriment to the reputation of AWE, MoD and HMG. It specifically expresses concerns about adversarial lawyers obtaining the evidence through a Freedom of Information request.

The report was prepared while veterans were pursuing claims in the War Pension and Armed Forces Compensation Tribunal. It warned that the data could potentially be used to challenge the validity of statements made by AWE, MoD and HMG regarding the occurrence of fallout and could potentially overturn the accepted and previously reported information provided by HMG in judicial proceedings.

Kiritimati (Christmas Island) as seen by the crew of Expedition 4 aboard the International Space Station [Photo: NASA]

Operation Grapple was a crime carried out by British imperialism to further its interests. The British ruling class sought nuclear status at the expense of poisoning the Pacific and its people. The tests were bound up with boosting the geopolitical position of Britain as its empire and economic strength waned by proving to Washington that Britain had a place among the nuclear powers.

Several inconclusive scientific inquiries helped whitewash the tests. A 2010 British government study concluded that the fallout did not reach concentrations that could affect the surrounding environment. An analysis of illnesses among veterans of Operation Grapple and other weapons tests produced statistics that proved difficult to interpret.

A 2005 study by New Zealands Massey University examined 50 sailors who observed the tests from ships. It found that DNA repair mechanisms in the veterans were not deficient, but blood tests for chromosome translocations discovered a statistically higher rate of certain abnormalities among the group.

British veterans and island communities have long claimed the testing program exposed thousands to radiation and living with lasting illness. Some veterans believe that cancers, bone problems and genetic defects passed on to subsequent generations are consequences of their radiation exposure.

A group of 1,011 British ex-servicemen were denied permission to sue the MoD by the Supreme Court in March 2012, on the technical grounds that too much time had elapsed under the terms of the Limitation Act 1980. Two veterans in 1993 took a claim over their health defects to the European Court of Human Rights, which rejected it in a 54 split decision. An appeal to the court to reopen the case was declined in 2000.

At the time of the tests, about 260 people lived on Kiritimati, working coconut plantations. According to Troen, Survivors and their descendants continue to suffer with a myriad of injuries, from thyroid cancers and fertility problems to children born with disabilities. Yet the UK has offered nothing: no compensation, no medical support, no environmental clean-up.

Researcher Christopher Hill wrote in the Diplomat on October 30, 2024, that one of the detonations cracked the walls of [peoples] homes and smashed their doors and furniture. Coconut trees were damaged and many wild birds were blinded by the flash.

Teeua Tekonau, chair of Kiritimatis Association of Atomic Cancer Patients, told Hill: Many, many died of cancer And many women had babies that died within three months. People who drank from coconuts grown on the island become sick. Teeuas younger brother, Takieta, died of leukemia at the age of two in November 1963.

In January 2015, Fijis Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama announced his government would offer a paltry $F9,855 ($US4,450) in compensation payments to the 24 surviving Fijian servicemen who participated in Operation Grapple.

The law firm McCue Jury and Watson has called for a full investigation. Troen notes that the legal implications of the disclosure and cover-up are serious and wide-ranging. The evidence could lead to a revival of veterans civil and War Pension Tribunal claims, previously decided on evidence that the MoD knew to be false. Criminal offences could apply to officials involved in the cover-up.

The veterans, many now in their 90s, are demanding a Special Tribunal to establish the truth and fast-track their claims before more of them die waiting. They are seeking criminal investigations into those responsible and a public inquiry. They also insist the government must consider the implications for the people of Kiritimati.

In the wake of the criminal World War II bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Pacific islands were treated as expendable nuclear laboratories. Between 1946 and 1958, the US carried out 67 atmospheric and underwater nuclear explosions and biological weapons tests in the Marshall Islands. France, in defiance of intense local opposition, conducted 193 tests in French Polynesia from 19661996.

Throughout the Cold War, the imperialist powers sought to assert their strategic domination against the USSR with the construction of potentially catastrophic nuclear weapons. The colonial territories in the Pacific were cynically used as dumping grounds for radioactive contamination, while workers and island populations bore the health, environmental, and social consequences.

This history is a stark reminder that nuclear weapons remain fundamental instruments of predatory state power. The entire Indo-Pacific region is being re-militarised by US imperialism and its allies in preparation for war against China. Last October Trump announced the resumption of US nuclear weapons testing, escalating the threat of a nuclear war.
On April 1, the U.S. Supreme Court heard two hours of arguments in Trump v. Barbara to review lower-court rulings striking down President Donald Trumps executive order to end birthright citizenship for children born to parents who are undocumented or present in the United States on temporary visas.

Anti-Trump demonstrators rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court, before justices hear oral arguments on whether President Donald Trump can deny citizenship to children born to parents who are in the United States illegally or temporarily, on Capitol Hill, in Washington, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. [AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite]

The case turns on the fundamental democratic advances in equality that followed the defeat of the slave owners rebellion in 1865 in the Civil War, the Second American Revolution. Based on comments of the nine justices, most observers believe the lower court rulings will be affirmed, although no ruling is expected before June.

D. John Sauer, who as Trumps personal attorney argued for immunity in the attempted coup of January 6, 2021, defended the order as U.S. Solicitor General. Trump attendeda first for a sitting presidentglaring with his arms crossed like a Mafia boss trying to intimidate a turncoat witness. He left during the hearing, after Sauer was sliced and diced, including by several of the right-wing justices.

Trump then posted, Kangaroo court!! and, falsely, that Were the only Country in the World Stupid enough to allow Birthright Citizenship! There are at least 30 others, including Canada and Mexico.

Birthright citizenship is guaranteed by the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, ratified three years after the Civil War. It states: 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.

The Citizenship Clause ingrains jus soli into the Constitution, that all persons born on US soil are vested with equal citizenship, in contrast to the hereditary rights of jus sanguinis, citizenship by blood, the reactionary conception still in use by European capitalism, Middle Eastern monarchies and much of the rest of the world to deny immigrants and their offspring rights of equal citizenship, thus creating an oppressed caste of workers for increased exploitation.

Trumps executive order is based on a novel theory that children born in the US to non-citizen parents are not subject to federal jurisdiction, an absurdity that would strip millions of their US citizenship.

The jurisdictional exception has only been applied to offspring of foreign diplomats, who inhabit a jurisdictional bubble when in the US and, prior to the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, certain Native Americans.

Trumps crude and ignorant assertion that the Citizenship Clause protects the babies of slaves, but not immigrants, is based on the Supreme Courts infamous 1857 decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford that people of African descent imported as slaves cannot be US citizens. During the run-up to the Civil War, however, official discrimination extended to the waves of European immigrants. Representatives of the Know Nothing Party enacted state laws barring them from government employment and imposing other legal disabilities.

During the Civil War, those same immigrants, many whose families fled the defeats of the 1848 democratic revolutions in Europe, enlisted in the Union Army. One example is Patrick Henry Paddy ORorke, born in Ireland but named after the Revolutionary War hero. Rising to the rank of colonel, he died at Gettysburg leading the 140th New York Regiment, comprised largely of immigrants, in defense of the key Union position on Little Round Top, fighting next to the 20th Maine regiment led by Joshua Chamberlain.

Given this historical background, the Supreme Court in 1898 emphatically rejected any contention that the Citizenship Clause applied only to babies of slaves, ruling in favor of Wong Kim Ark, who was born in San Francisco to Chinese nationals, traveled abroad and then was denied reentry to the United States.

Sauer centered his argument on the contention that non-citizen immigrants owe allegiance to foreign powers and are not domiciled in the US. Neither term is used in the Citizenship Clause, however, and both terms focus on the subjective characteristics of the parents, rather than the rights of their offspring.

Unrestricted birthright citizenship contradicts the practice of the overwhelming majority of modern nations, Sauer asserted. It demeans the priceless and profound gift of American citizenship. In other words, eliminating birthright citizenship will create a caste of resident aliens without citizenship rights.

As the senior justice, arch reactionary Clarence Thomas spoke first, mumbling a question about Dred Scott motivating the Citizenship Clause, confirming that he will likely vote to uphold Trumps executive order.

Chief Justice Roberts spoke next, exposing the flaws in Sauers jurisdiction argument. The examples you give ... strike me as very quirky, you know, children of ambassadors, children of enemies during a hostile invasion, children on warships, and then you expand it to a whole class of illegal aliens who are here in the country. Im not quite sure how you can get to that big group from such tiny and sort of idiosyncratic examples, Roberts said.

Sonia Sotomayor, one of the three moderate justices, referred to the famous exchange between senators Edgar Cowan of Pennsylvania and John Conness of California during the ratification debate. She noted that the people who opposed the amendment kept saying we cant pass it because were making citizens of gypsies, who have no allegiance to anybody, and were going to make citizens of Chinese people, who cant be citizens because were not going to permit them to be citizens.

Sotomayor asked Sauer rhetorically, What do we do with those debates and the fact that the proponents  said everyone whos born in the US will be citizens?

Reactionary Justice Samuel Alito rushed to protect Sauer. What were dealing with here is something that was basically unknown at the time when the Fourteenth Amendment was adopted, which is illegal immigration, Alito said, comparing undocumented people to a microwave oven not invented at the time criminal theft laws were enacted.

Sauer responded as if Alito were his boss, saying, I strongly agree with the way that you framed it, that there is a general principle thats a broad principle thats adopted in the phrase subject to the jurisdiction thereof.

Moderate Justice Elena Kagan saw that Sauer was flip-flopping. Most of your brief is not about illegal aliens, she said. Most of your brief is about people who are just temporarily in the country, where there was quite clearly an experience of, an understanding of, that they were going to be temporary inhabitants.

The Fourteenth Amendment refers to jurisdiction, not allegiance or domicile, Kagan added. I appreciate that jurisdiction has many meanings, but, you know, the first meaning is, like, if youre subject to jurisdiction, youre subject to the authority of.

Neil Gorsuch, nominated during Trumps first term, cited the unrestricted immigration when the Amendment was ratified. If somebody showed up here in 1868 and established domicile, that was perfectly fine without respect to any immigration laws, Gorsuch said. Why wouldnt we, even if we were to apply your own test, come to the conclusion that the fact that someone might be illegal is immaterial?

And just to circle back to Justice Kagans point, Gorsuch added, its striking that in none of the debates do we have parents discussed. The focus of the clause is on the child, not on the parents. And you dont see domicile mentioned in the debates. The absence is striking.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett, like Gorsuch appointed by Trump during his first term, pointed to the many enslaved people whose children became citizens under the Fourteenth Amendment although their parents were brought here unlawfully, in defiance of laws forbidding the slave trade.

Sauer responded, Even though their entry may have been unlawful, Nineteenth Century antebellum law never treated their presence as unlawful. In fact, quite the opposite. A Mississippi statute ... says slaves in Mississippi have an indefeasible domicile in Mississippi. In other words, even if they run away, if they get away, Mississippi says, nope, you still live here.

Coney Barrett responded, You would say that their lawful presence is not dictated by whether they were brought here lawfully or not, and thats different from someone who, say, crosses the border unlawfully?

Ketanji Brown Jackson, the third moderate justice, pointed out that were birthright citizenship to depend on the parents legal status under federal immigration law, the Fourteenth Amendment [would] turn then ultimately on Congresss will in a way that the Framers did not intend, thus gutting constitutional protection altogether.

What do we do with the fact, Jackson asked Sauer, that even at times in this country where we understood that the parents were declared enemies of the United StatesIm talking about World War II, and Japanese internment babies born in that circumstance were given birthright citizenship?

In reference to Trumps wild claims that dozens of women impregnated by individual Chinese billionaires visit the US to give birth so the children acquire US citizenship, so-called birth tourism, Roberts asked Sauer whether he had any information about how common that is or how significant a problem it is. Sauer responded, Its a great question. No one knows for sure, triggering the following remarkable exchange.

You do agree that that has no impact on the legal analysis before us, Roberts said. When Sauer objected, Roberts said, It certainly wasnt a problem in the Nineteenth Century.

Sauer rejoined with hyperbole, Were in a new world now, as Justice Alito pointed out, where 8 billion people are one plane ride away from having a child whos a US citizen. Roberts replied, Well, its a new world, but its the same Constitution, causing laughter in the courtroom.

Alito jumped to Sauers defense again, repeating a Trump and Fox News talking point that the US has an unusual situation here because our immigration laws have been ineffectively and, in some instances, unenthusiastically enforced by federal officials.

Brett Kavanaugh, the third Trump nominee and the last justice to speak, confronted Sauer with the wording of the Immigration and Naturalization Acts. By the time of the 1940 and 1952 congressional actions, where Congress repeats subject to the jurisdiction thereof... one might have expected Congress to use a different phrase if it wanted to try to disagree with Wong Kim Ark on what the scope of birthright citizenship or the scope of citizenship should be, Kavanaugh said, signaling that he too may vote against Trump, perhaps on narrow statutory rather than broad constitutional grounds.

The argument by ACLU National Legal Director Cecillia Wang, who represents a class of children and families affected by Trumps executive order, went smoothly, suggesting sympathy among most justices.

The exception was Alito. A supposed textualist, he found the Citizenship Clause undecipherable, telling Wang, subject to the jurisdiction thereof is like the puzzle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a mystery.

A boy is born here to an Iranian father who has entered the country illegally, Alito continued. That boy is automatically an Iranian national at birth, and he has a duty to provide military service to the Iranian government. Is he not subject to any foreign power? Alito asked.

Wang responded, Again, Justice Alito, that would have meant that the children of Irish, Italian, and other immigrants, to which Wong Kim Ark refers  would not have been citizens either because, if the only test is whether that US-born child is considered a citizen by another country under their jus sanguinis laws, then no foreign nationals children would be included in citizenship.

Wang ended her argument with a ringing endorsement of the democratic principles at stake, explaining that the Citizenship Clauses framers rejected concerns that the offspring of immigrants characterized as invaders, trespassers, and-law breakers will become birthright citizens without regard to parentage.

Wang pointed out that when the Fourteenth Amendment was drafted, there had just been 15 or 20 years of unprecedented immigration from Ireland, and in response the Know Nothing Party was dominant in the 1850s, just a decade earlier, and they were vehemently opposed to Irish immigration.

Contrary to the governments arguments now, Wang concluded, the framers of the Citizenship Clause had an intuition that was consistent with the founding aversion to inherited rights and disabilities.

The written decision is expected before the July 4 holiday.
A First Sudent school bus [Photo by Die4kids / CC BY-SA 3.0

On March 31, the Teamsters announced a tentative agreement (TA) with First Student covering more than 17,000 school bus drivers, thereby preventing a nationwide strike that had been scheduled to begin on April 1.

The union issued a statement praising a new national foundation for economics while withholding the full text of the agreement, leaving rank-and-file members to wonder what exactly had been agreed upon.

The Teamsters press release claims the deal will deliver stronger retirement benefits, improved access to healthcare benefits, and robust contractual protections for all members, and asserts these national minimums will boost bargaining on important issues at the local level.

The refusal to release concrete details is a typical sign that the deal is worse than the bureaucrats let on. If it was a major victory, they would be shouting the details from the rooftops.

This was the second strike the Teamsters blocked in two days. On March 30, the bureaucracy announced a new deal to block a strike by 6,000 DHL Express workers.

The formulation that a national minimum will set the floor while leaving critical details to local collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), is one mechanism through which the Teamsters are attempting to break up workers unity.

Similar methods are being used by the United Steelworkers, which announced a national pattern bargaining framework for oil refinery workers this year, leaving actual contracts to be worked out from one local to the next. It is being used to isolate workers at the BP refinery in Whiting, Indiana, where management has locked workers out.

The drivers demands were straightforward and urgent: guaranteed minimum hours, enforceable paid sick leave and additional paid holidays; overtime calculated fairly, guarantees against unpaid gaps between routes that are contractually binding; and pensions. Workers also pushed back against AI cameras and other surveillance tools that many see as a way to discipline and control drivers.

The diversion of key issues to local CBAs means drivers from chronically underfunded urban and rural districts will inevitably be pressured to accept worse terms than at other districts.

Budget crises are proliferating across the country.

In California, districts have warned of layoffs affecting thousands of classified employees, including bus drivers. In San Diego, more than 200 positions have already been cut, with routes consolidated and workloads increased. In San Francisco, school closures are being advanced as a cost-cutting measure due to funding shortfalls. In North Carolina, the state has yet to pass a budget for the 20252026 school year, leaving teachers and staff without raises amid rising costs.

On social media, drivers responded with distrust to the announcement. Do we get to keep our guaranteed hours???, one wrote. Two weeks ago, our union walked out of negotiations after First Student proposed doing away with the guarantee. All of a sudden after one day of negotiations, they have a tentative agreement. I want an answer to my questionGetting rid of the guarantee is a major deal breaker for me!

Another driver asked, So nothing about the AI cameras? Nothing about paid sick days? Nothing about more paid holidays? What about OT?

When asked for specifics, a union official replied that members will know prior to when you vote. This would keep workers in the dark about key details until right before the vote, allowing the bureaucracy to control the narrative.

Drivers should insist that the full text of the TA must be published immediately and distributed to every member. There must be a meaningful review period and open, democratic meetings in every depot and local to debate the terms. Any ratification vote must follow such democratic discussion.

More fundamentally, core conditions must be secured in binding national language. Guaranteed hours, overtime standards, paid sick leave and holidays, and protections against surveillance must not be left to local negotiation.

But legal language and demands are not enough. The only reliable safeguard against bureaucratic betrayals is organization from below. Drivers must build rankandfile committees in every terminal that are: elected, recallable and accountable to the membership.

These committees must be empowered to coordinate strikes, document abuses, and link with drivers in other districts and internationally. Only by taking the initiative out of the hands of the Teamsters bureaucracy can workers defend their interests.
The European Unions (EU) murderous anti-immigration agenda claimed the lives of scores more people over the last week.

On Saturday, at least 70 migrants died in the Mediterranean Sea after their boat capsized off the coast of Libya. Only 32 survived on the small wooden vessel that was filled with at least 100 people who left Libya hoping to enter Europe. Those who survived said they were rescued not by any coastguard, but by a commercial ship which took them to the island of Lampedusa.

Asylum seekers cling on for life atop their wooden boat, no more than 15 metres in length, which capsized in the Mediterranean Sea, April 4, 2026 [Photo: Sea-Watch/X]

There is no end to the grotesque suffering faced by desperate migrants attempting the perilous journey across the Med.

In the early hours of April 1, the Italian coast guard recovered 19 bodies from a migrant boat adrift around 85 miles off Lampedusa. 58 people were rescued but five were reported to be in critical condition. A spokesperson for Doctors without Borders (MSF) and the UNs International Organization for Migration (IOM) said they appeared to have died of hypothermia.

Survivors said that after their boat broke down, they were drifting for several days in severe weather. The boat left western Libya around March 30, containing migrants from African countries including Sudan, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Nigeria, Ghana, and Ethiopia.

Europes governments have all but ceased monitoring and assisting small boats attempting the crossing. This task is largely being carried out by a few charities run by volunteers such as Sea-Watch. The organisation said a recent surge had seen at least 100 deaths in just the three days to April 1. Among these were another 19 victims of hypothermia, including a baby, that drowned when their inflatable boat capsized off western Turkey on April 1. According to Deutsche Welle, 21 were rescued.

Scores more would have perished in another incident had they not made it to an abandoned oil rig. Euronews reported Sunday, A Sea-Watch rescue ship arrived in Lampedusa Saturday carrying 44 migrants rescued from an abandoned oil rig in the Mediterranean. The rescue group said the migrants were on the oil rig, Didon in the waters between Tunisia and Libya after taking refuge to escape a storm. The migrants had been on the rig since Wednesday.

Vast numbers of deaths take place after boats leave Libya headed for Europe, as its ports operate as transit points for refugees fleeing Asia, the Middle East and Africaleaving behind home countries devastated by imperialist war and grinding poverty. Those who manage to escape the shores of Libya represent a small minority. Fully 70 percent of the worlds refugees never get further than a neighbouring state, with most contained in hellish conditions in slums and refugee camps throughout Africa and Asia.

Libya is nothing more than a massive dungeon for refugees, paid for by the European Union. In February, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights released a harrowing report noting: Across the country, migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees are forcibly rounded up, abducted, separated from their families, arbitrarily arrested and detained, and transferred without due process  often at gunpoint  to official, unofficial, or illegal detention facilities. There, they endure prolonged detention and are coerced through torture and inhumane treatment into paying for their release.

The most recent Mediterranean deaths are part of a gruesome toll, making 2026 the deadliest start to a year since 2014, when the IOM began to record this data.

That assessment was made on February 23, by which point at least 606 people had already been reported dead or missing trying to reach Europe. The IOM updated the death toll to 683 on April 5.

Such figures underestimate the actual death toll in the Med. Over the past year, there have been reports of hundreds more missing at sea that cannot yet be verified. In just two weeks in February, 23 human remains were washed up on southern Italian and Libyan coasts not associated with any reported sinking.

According to the IOMs Missing Migrants dataset, a staggering 34,570 refugees have lost their lives in the Mediterranean since 2014.

The rising toll of mass deaths is the inevitable result of the Fortress Europe policy enacted by the continents major imperialist powers for more than a decade.

Anti-immigrant policies once associated with the far-right have been adopted by parties of the ruling class, whether nominally conservative or social democrat. Fascistic forces spewing xenophobia and scapegoating asylum seekers for all social illssuch as Italys Mussolini-admiring Giorgia Meloni, Marine Le Pen in France, the Alternative for Germany, and Reform UKare all now part of mainstream bourgeois politics.

On the mainland, governing parties are strengthening their borders with barbed wire, metal fencing, and military and drone surveillance. Concentration camps has been set up on every external border and within many member states, housing asylum seekers in the most inhumane conditions.

Last month, European Parliament deputies passed safe countries of origin legislation, paving the way for mass deportations. Other legislation laid the basis for return hubs in non-EU countries to which migrants and refugees can be deported. Europes ruling elite are systematically tearing up every post-war legal commitment to human rights laws and conventions.

Politico reported last month that Germany and the Netherlands want to have plans in place by the end of 2026 for so-called return hubsfacilities in third countries where rejected asylum seekers would be sent before deportation. Austria, Denmark and Greece are also involved in those talks. Charlie Weimers, the Swedish negotiator for the European Conservatives and Reformists group, declared, There is a new consensus in Europe The era of deportations has begun.

As they prepare this offensive, the European powers are colluding with what could lead to the greatest forced movement of refugees since the Second World War, as the US and its Israeli client state undertake the systematic destruction of Irana nation of 90 million people.

A report written just as the war on Iran got underway by the EUs Agency for Asylum noted that even partial destabilization could generate refugee movements of an unprecedented magnitude. Making clear the response that can be expected, Social Democrat Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark and Italys Meloni insisted in a joint letter, We cannot afford to be taken by surprise as in the past. This means further strengthening our borders.

Europes onslaught on immigrants and asylum seekers is one foul expression of a global process. Everywhere, impoverished migrants face closed borders and state-sanctioned demonisation designed to divert social anger over poverty, unemployment and cuts in vital social services away from the super-rich oligarchy despoiling the planet.

On February 26, the International Organization for Migration reported, At least 7,667 people died or went missing on migration routes worldwide in 2025. This followed the nearly 9,200 deaths recorded in 2024, with the fall since then mostly due to the ending of all efforts to monitor and safeguard migrants.

On the Asia and the Eastern Routefrom the Horn of Africa to and from Yemen and Gulf countriesMore than 3,000 deaths were recorded making 2025 the deadliest year on record for migrants along this route for the third consecutive year and including 1,540 Afghans.

Workers and youth must not allow this brutality against asylum seekers and migrants to continue. It is the spearhead of a right-wing assaultled by fascist and far-right forcesaimed at the destruction of the social position of the entire working class, and the bitter product of wars that threaten the destruction of humanity.

Fortress Europe must be torn down and replaced by the United Socialist States of Europe, with the defence of immigrants, migrants and asylum seekers a clarion call in this struggle. This is conceivable only as part of a unified struggle by the international working class to end the division of a global economy into antagonistic nation states based on the private ownership of the essential means of productionthe root cause of wars, economic exploitation and oppression and the destruction of democratic rights.
BANGKOK, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Petrol stations might be ordered to close from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. after the Songkran festival, as part of the new fuel-saving measures, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Tuesday.

The restriction on petrol station operating hours is expected to be implemented from April 20 onwards, and will not affect travelers during the Songkran festival, which is from April 13 to 15.

The prime minister said the government would try all possible means to save energy during the ongoing Middle East conflict. 
Elevenlabs AudioNative Player

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Washington. [AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein]

The United States is on the brink of a moral and political catastrophe. This is the inescapable conclusion to be derived from Donald Trumps press conference on Monday.

The language of the press conference speaks for itself. Trump declared, in the midst of a series of homicidal statements, that the US military would destroy Iran as a country if its leaders did not immediately surrender to US demands. The entire country can be taken out in one night, he bellowed, and that night might be tomorrow night.

Before a worldwide television audience, Trump put on display the frenzy that he had previously vented with obscenities on social media Sunday morning. We have a plan because of the power of our military, he said, where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12:00 tomorrow night, where every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding, and never to be used again. I mean, complete demolition by 12:00. It will happen over a period of four hours, if we want it to.

He continued: It will take them a hundred years to rebuild. Right now, if we left today, it would take them 20 years to rebuild their country, and it would never be as good as it was.

Every word Trump said implicates the government of the United States in a crime of Hitlerian proportions. He says openly what the Nazi leaders discussed behind closed doors. That is a measure of the decay and degradation of world capitalism in the 21st century.

The press conference began with nearly an hour of nonstop celebration of the prowess of the US military and the supposed courageous leadership and ironclad determination of President Donald J. Trump, as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared, in the unctuous flattery that has become mandatory for US cabinet officials.

Trump then took questions, although he prefaced this by threatening to jail the reporter who first reported that only one of two airmen on an F-15 warplane shot down by Iran had been recovered. This report was based on a leak from the Pentagon, Trump claimed, and an investigation had been launched to identify the leaker. We will go to the media company that released it and we are going to say, national security, give it up or go to jail.

There were further threats and denunciations of the media, even though the press conference was largely packed with right-wing podcasters and other sycophants, who thanked Trump effusively before they posed their questions.

Trump declared that he was reviving the principledating back to barbarismthat to the victor go the spoils. Having defeated Iran militarily, he claimed, the United States should charge tolls for the passage of tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. If it was up to him, he said, the US would seize Irans oil resources.

Asked what Iran had to do to meet the deadline of 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Trump replied, We have to have a deal thats acceptable to me. And part of that deal is going to be, we want free traffic of oil and everything else.

Another reporter asked, You said glory be to God in this conflict. Do you believe God supports the United States actions? Trump replied, Because God is good, and God wants to see people taken care of.

A strain of fascistic Christian fundamentalism ran throughout the utterances of Hegseth and others. In his own remarks to the press conference, Hegseth presented the rescue of the second airman on the F-15 as a Christian parable:

Shot down on a Friday: Good Friday. Hidden in a cave, a crevice, all of Saturday. And rescued on Sunday. Flown out of Iran as the sun was rising on Easter Sunday, a pilot reborn. All home and accounted for, a nation rejoicing. God is good.

The Pentagon chief went on to declare, Per the presidents direction, today will be the largest volume of strikes since day one of the operation. Tomorrow, even more than today. Then Iran has a choice. Choose wisely. Because this president does not play around. You can ask Soleimani, Maduro, you can ask Khamenei, referring to leaders murdered or kidnapped on Trumps orders.

In response to a handful of pointed questions, Trump sputtered in anger. What is your response to critics? he was asked. I dont care about critics, he said. Are you concerned that your threat to bomb power plants and bridges amounts to war crimes? Trump replied, No, not at all.

Trump heads a regime that operates outside of all legal constraintthe criminal underworld in power. The logic of escalation is inexorable: intensified bombing, the invasion of Iran with ground troops, the occupation or destruction of major cities, and, in the face of mounting US casualties, the resort to nuclear weapons, the hell which Trump constantly threatens against the Iranian people.

Implicated in a crime of monumental proportions is not just Trump and his administration but the entire ruling class and its political system. Trump can declare publicly his intention to destroy the social infrastructure of a country of 93 million people, sending it back to the Stone Age, and there is no serious opposition, either from the other major powers on the planet or from within the ruling class of the United States.

The corporate-controlled political system in the United States is incapable of placing any check on this policy of aggression and mass death. The Democratic Party, after being largely silent for the first month of the war, now declares that Trump is a madman carrying out war crimes. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries called him disgusting and unhinged, while Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called Trump an unhinged madman, adding, Hes threatening possible war crimes and alienating allies.

But no Democrat has proposed any action to halt this criminal war. They treat the narrow Republican majorities in the House and Senate as though they were unassailable, although if conditions were reversed, a Republican minority would easily blockade a Democratic president. Instead, Senator Bernie Sanders pleads impotently, Congress has got to act NOW. End this war.

Nor has a single Democrat suggested that Trump and his partners in war crimes should be held accountable before any international tribunal.

Last fall, a group of Democratic senators and representatives issued a video appeal to US military personnel, advising them of their responsibility not to obey illegal orders. But now that illegal orders are raining down from the White House and Pentagon, they have fallen silent. They have not told the military brass that a future Democratic administration will prosecute those responsible for war crimes, because that future administration would be engaged in its own imperialist schemes for which it will require the full services of the armed forces.

If Trump carries out his threats, todayApril 7, 2026will live in infamy. It will be remembered as one of the great crimes of the modern era. Whatever the next turn in the war, a line has been crossed. This war has demolished, for all time, the pretense that the United States is a democracy. It brands the Trump administration as an outlaw regime. It condemns the oligarchy as a ruling class that has outlived any historical justification. It must open up, in short, a period of social revolution.
NASA reacquired contact with the Orion spacecraft at approximately 7:25 p.m. EDT Monday, restoring communications with the four Artemis II astronauts after a 41-minute blackout as the capsule passed behind the Moon. The crew of Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen confirmed they were in good health preceding and following the blackout, which also included the missions closest approach to the Moon of 4,070 miles (6,550 kilometers) above the lunar surface.

The NASA broadcast captured a live view of the Orion spacecraft, with both the moon and a distant crescent Earth in the background. [Photo: NASA]

The mission is now past its halfway point. And unlike the first trip to the Moon undertaken by the crew of Apollo 8 in 1968, which orbited 10 times before returning to Earth, Artemis II simply shot once around the Moon, using its gravity to head immediately back to Earth, performing no maneuvers there. It is expected to undergo reentry and splashdown on Friday.

The new aspects of spaceflight being probed by Artemis II largely concern the impacts of radiation on the spacecraft and the astronauts themselves. The dangers of radiation beyond Earths protective magnetic field, above all coming from our Sun, were poorly understood a half-century ago, and almost cost the lives of the crews of Apollo 16 and 17. Today, the different types of energy output from the Sun, broadly grouped under the term space weather, are far more studied, but the impacts they might have on humans traveling in deep space have only been theorized since no humans have traveled past low Earth orbit since 1972.

To that end, Orion carries six active Hybrid Electronic Radiation Assessors at various positions inside the crew module, supplemented by individual Crew Active Dosimeters worn by each astronaut, the same equipment used on the International Space Station. Germanys DLR space agency contributed an updated version of its M-42 radiation sensor, the M-42 EXT, which is six times more sensitive than the version flown on Artemis I. Four of these sensors are affixed at points around the cabin. Together they will measure total radiation dose and distinguish between different types of energetic particles, including the heavy ions considered most hazardous to human tissue at the cellular level.

The mission is also serving as a live test of two forecasting models for space weather developed by researchers at the University of Michigan. One is a machine-learning system that uses satellite imagery of the solar corona to estimate the probability of a dangerous solar particle event up to 24 hours in advance. The second is a physics-based model designed to simulate particle acceleration in the Suns outer atmosphere itself and predict how particle storms will propagate toward Earth and the Moon.

These forecasting tools are being evaluated by NASAs Space Radiation Analysis Group, and their performance during Artemis II will determine whether they are incorporated into mission planning for future flights.

The crew is also enrolled in three human health studies. The ARCHeR experiment uses wristband devices to monitor sleep patterns and movement throughout the flight, building a dataset on how deep space travel affects cognitive performance and stress, factors that are well documented in low-Earth orbit but never studied during lunar-distance missions. The AVATAR experiment uses organ-on-a-chip devices, roughly the size of a USB drive, seeded with cells derived from each astronauts own blood drawn before the mission, to create miniature stand-ins for their bone marrow. Bone marrow is particularly sensitive to radiation and plays a central role in immune function.

A third study tracks immune biomarkers through dry saliva samplesrefrigeration being unavailablecollected in a pocket-sized booklet, before, during and after the flight.

NASA is also testing the Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System, a laser-based transmitter and receiver that has allowed for high definition video to be sent back to Earth. And while certain media reports are citing this system as new technology, it is not. NASAs LADEE mission in 2013 demonstrated laser communications from lunar distances, downlinking data at 622 megabits per second, more than twice the rate of the current mission.

And while the crew have taken numerous photos of the far side of the Moon, their contribution is dwarfed by the imagery taken by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which has been mapping the Moon at high resolution since 2009, and by other orbiting surveyors launched by China and Japan.

Much has been also made of the communications blackout itself, which in a more scientifically and rationally planned mission would not be necessary. Communicating with any spacecraft is an inherently international effort. For any that travel beyond 30,000 km from Earth, it takes a minimum of three ground-based radio telescopes spread equally distant across the planets surface. The original tracking stations were set up in 1958 when the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) sent one each to Nigeria, Singapore and California. More permanent facilities were constructed over the next five years in Madrid, Spain and Canberra, Australia, which, along with the telescope in Barstow, California (the Goldstone facility), constitute the modern Deep Space Network that was established in 1963 and has run continuously ever since.

The gaps in communications that do occur are caused when a spacecraft passes behind a planet or moon, as seen from Earth. Apollo 8 astronauts Jim Lovell, Frank Borman and Bill Anders were the first humans to experience this blackout in 1968 when they orbited the Moon 10 times as one of the critical flight tests of the entire 1960s space program, laying further groundwork for the Moon landing a year later during the Apollo 11 mission on July 20, 1969.

For current robotic missions, attempts have been made to overcome this limitation by using multiple spacecraft to get signals from different angles and relay them back to controllers on Earth. When the Mars rovers Curiosity and Perseverance landed, for example, NASA used the satellites orbiting the Red Planet, including the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Odyssey and MAVEN missions, along with the European Space Agencys Mars Express.

And at the Moon itself, the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) launched the Queqiao-1 satellite in 2018 and its companion Queqiao-2 in 2024 to provide telemetry for its Change series of landers to have constant communications with Earth.

NASA was not unaware of this capability, and in 2019 the agency obtained formal approval to use the Queqiao satellite for relay purposes. That there was a blackout for Artemis II is much more an issue of geopolitical posturing from the Trump administration, which has insisted that the mission is an American triumph, rather than any lack of technical know-how.

More broadly, that attitude characterizes much of the Artemis II mission. Both Trump and NASA Administrator Isaacman, a fellow billionaire, have presented the Artemis program as the vanguard of a new era of lunar science. In reality, the drive to return humans to the Moon is above all an exercise in imperialist ambition in space and the preparation for the assertion of US claims over the water ice deposits concentrated in the permanently shadowed craters of the lunar south pole.

Control of those resources, a potential source of both drinking water and hydrogen fuel for spacecraft, is the underlying economic rationale for the billions of dollars being spent on a program that, technically, has so far only replicated what was accomplished in the 1960s.

Artemis IIs reentry is scheduled for Friday. The heat shield problem carried over from Artemis I, in which portions of the char layer separated in fragments rather than ablating as designed, has not been fixed. NASA instead altered the reentry trajectory. The crews safe return is dependent on how well that decision holds.
Germanys Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer is pursuing his rampage against freedom of art and expression. The Office of the Commissioner for Culture and Media (BKM) has announced a new measure to sharply intensify censorship. According to Weimers instructions, all members of juries in the field of cultural funding are to be recorded in lists to be handed over to the government.

Wolfram Weimer, May 2025 [Photo by Martin Rulsch / CC BY 4.0

The proposal was reported by Der Spiegel magazine, which has obtained relevant internal email correspondence. The lists are to be submitted to the ministry within three days for informational purposes. They are to be shareable (for example, with Germanys intelligence agency, the Verfassungsschutz?), as significant political pressure is building here. The ministry stated that this was intended to provide an overview of numerous jury-based procedures and explain them in the parliamentary arena if necessary.

Apparently, this measure is intended to enable a comprehensive review of juries by the Verfassungsschutz using the controversial Haber method, in order to purge juries in a timely manner before they decide on cultural funding measures that do not align with Germanys national interest. Such a selection of juries would, under certain circumstances, make it unnecessary to reverse awards, scholarships or funding decisions after they have been madewith the involvement of the Verfassungsshutzas was recently the case with the German Bookstore Prize.

Since Weimers censorship measures in regard to the Berlinale and the Bookstore Prize, calls for his resignation or dismissal have been mounting. In the Suddeutsche Zeitung, Claudius Seidel justifies such calls by arguing that Weimer is not up to the task, because he understands too little about culture or is simply overwhelmed. In fact, Weimers course is in alignment with the reactionary, anti-democratic concept the ruling CDU/SPD government (a coalition of the Christian Democratic Union CDU, Christian Social Union CSU and Social Democratic Party SPD) has assigned to cultural policy.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has confirmed this. Weimers actions meet with broad approval not only from him but also across the entire cultural and media sector, though not from everyone and not at all times, Merz claimed. Weimer is fulfilling the task for which he was appointed, i.e., enforcing a backward-looking policy and eradicating left-wing tendencies in the cultural sector.

The sanctioned bookstores are now suing Weimer. The Berlin bookstore Zur schwankenden Weltkugel has filed an urgent motion with the Administrative Court, its attorney Jasper Prigge announced. The culture minister is to be prohibited from publicly labelling the bookstore and its staff as political extremists. In an interview with Die Zeit, Weimer had said: If the state awards prizes and uses taxpayer money, it cannot do so for political extremists.

Attack on Berlins cultural funding

The latest attack by Weimers agency is directed against the Capital Cultural Fund (HKF), which includes two representatives each from Weimers ministry and the Berlin Senate Department for Culture. The HKF is a program funded by the federal government with 15 million [US$17.3 million] annually to promote art and culture in Berlin.

Here, too, Weimers agency intervened in the jurys decision, which had intended to award 30,000 to a project for the translation of significant 20th-century Palestinian authors. The jury had selected this projectalong with 75 othersfrom a total of 400 submissions. Of all the projects, this specific oneproposed by translator and literary scholar Miriam Rainerwas struck from the list, despite being not a political action program, but a purely literary endeavor.

The translation proposal was endorsed by the Cultural Funds curator, Leonie Baumann, the former rector of the Weissensee Academy of Art. The project focused on three Palestinian authors who have long since passed away: Samira Azzam, Ghassan Kanafani and Mahmoud Darwish. In response to an inquiry from the Suddeutsche Zeitung, a spokesperson for Weimer asserted the jurys selection of projects was merely a recommendation. These recommendations were not binding on the Joint Committee. However, until now, the committee had always followed the jurys recommendations.

Poet Mahmoud Darwish [Photo by Amer Shomali / CC BY 3.0

The jury members viewed the move as intimidation. Independent juries are not a symbolic accessory in public cultural funding, but rather an institutional safeguard for artistic freedom, they explained. The juries assured that decisions are made based on professional diversity, collective responsibility, and with distance from partisan political expediency. If their decisions were compromised, this would permanently damage trust in the integrity of cultural funding.

The reasons for the projects postponement were not passed on to its initiator. A spokesperson for the Berlin Senate Department of Culture stated that the funding had been placed on hold to clarify open questions. What these questions entailed was not explained. Rainer rejected suggestions to the initiator that she modify the project by pairing Palestinian texts with Israeli ones and withdrew her application. Her concern, she noted, was precisely the lack of translations of Palestinian literature.

Another of Weimers recent actions has also caused outrage. He intends to halt the planned expansion of the German National Library in Leipzig. The National Library is the countrys central archival library and national bibliographic centre. It is legally obligated to store, preserve and protect all German and German-language publicationsboth in print and digitallywith the support of the federal government.

The planned storage facility at Deutscher Platz in Leipzig was intended to serve the long-term archiving of the National Librarys holdings. Designed as a highly functional and climate-controlled repository, it was intended to ensure the secure storage of approximately 35.5 million media works for about 30 years.

Weimer justified halting the project by arguing that the collection of physical media works was no longer appropriate for the foreseeable future; the National Library should focus more on its digital collection.

Following fierce criticism from, among others, the German Publishers and Booksellers Association and library circles, he initially backtracked and explained that the final review of the planning documents by the federal building authority was still pending and that long-term financing had not been secured.

Buchenwald Memorial

While the legal battle surrounding the Bookstore Prize and the debate over the National Library were still ongoing, a new front opened up for the Minister of State: the Buchenwald Concentration Camp Memorial.

Two Buchenwald associations have issued an open letter calling on Weimer to refrain from appearing at the commemoration of the liberation of the concentration camp on April 12. The letter was signed by the chairpersons of the Buchenwald-Dora Camp Working Group and the Buchenwald Camp Community, Katinka Poensgen and Horst Gobrecht.

The letter accuses Weimer of failing to engage positively with the legacy of the survivors of Buchenwald and other camps. Among other things, it cites Weimers repeated misuse of a quote by Heinrich Heine as evidence of his lack of understanding.

Heinrich Heine

The famous Jewish-born German writer Heine (17971856) had allowed himself to be baptized as a Lutheran so he could practice law after passing his bar exam, which was forbidden for Jews at the time. He commented on this with the words: The baptismal certificate is the ticket to European culture. As is well known, Heine abandoned this plan, chose the profession of a writer (becoming a friend of Karl Marx in the process) and later regretted having been baptized.

Weimer, however, turns Heines scathing indictment of the oppression and exclusion of Jews upside down, claiming that Christianity, the baptismal certificate, is the true and sole foundation of European culture.

As early as 2013, he took up arms against the alleged cultural decline of Europe with the Heine (mis)quote in the magazine Schweizer Monat. Europe was becoming increasingly silent in the realm of ethical cultural forms; with this religious masochism, Europe was killing its cultural primal force, he wrote at the time. Weimer makes a similar argument in his Conservative Manifesto. In it, he laments that Christianity has been relativized, fought against, and ultimately abandoned for several centurieswhich he claims is leading to Europes decline.

The open letter from the Buchenwald associations states that Weimers interpretation of the Heine quote means for many of the former prisoners of the Buchenwald campand also for us as descendants and political successors of survivorsthat, from their perspective, we do not belong to the realm of European culture.

The International Committee of Buchenwald, Dora, and Commando Camps had already criticized Weimers censorship of the bookstore award in a press release: The public stigmatization of bookstores or publishers by government agencies  is reminiscent of traditions of exclusion and cultural control, the consequences of which were devastating.

Weimer, however, is sticking to his appearance in Buchenwald. He has received backing from the director of the Buchenwald Memorial, Jens-Christian Wagner; the president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Josef Schuster; Thuringian Minister of Education Christian Tischner (CDU); and the Federal Government Commissioner for Antisemitism, Felix Klein.

Wagner stated that Weimer, by participating in the commemorative event marking the 81st anniversary of the liberation of the camp in Buchenwald, is sending an important signal of support for our work. Klein criticizes the associations for allegedly mixing aspects of current politics with the fundamental concerns of remembrance culture in a manner worthy of criticism. What purpose does a culture of remembrance serve, if not to draw lessons for the present?

Weimer holds a conservative-neoliberal worldview and is well-established and well-connected in those circles. He worked as a journalist for newspapers and magazines on the right and served as editor-in-chief of the newspaper Die Welt, the Berliner Morgenpost, Focus, the magazine Cicero (which he founded), and finally the magazine The European. He was never responsible for culture in these roles.

His books, in which he advocates a return to homeland, family and faith, attest to his mindset, which borders on a blood and soil ideology. In The Conservative ManifestoTen Commandments of the New Bourgeoisie, for example, he writes: While generation after generation, for millennia, has taken for granted the continuity of ones own family, ones own blood, the clan, the tribe, the nation, the culture, and civilization as a sacred moment of life, this consciousness is suddenly shattering into pieces.

Weimer also laments the lack of spatial expansion of Europe after 1945ultimately, the loss of colonies (or perhaps living space in the East?). A thesis he applies in practice today by deeming colonialism projects unworthy of funding.

Like numerous far-right politicians, starting with Donald Trump, Weimer unabashedly links his political office to business and personal enrichment.

At the beginning of his term, he came under criticism for his involvement in the Weimer Media Group, which he had founded in 2012. He has since transferred his shares to a trustee. The company is now run by his wife, and Weimer himself likely continues to benefit from its revenues.

The Weimer Media Groups business model is based on brokering contacts with political decision-makers for large sums of money. For instance, it organizes the Ludwig Ehrhard Summit every year at Gut Kaltenbrunn on Lake Tegernsee and awards the Media Freedom Prize there. Participation comes at a cost: 1,000 to 3,000 for regular attendees, and between 20,000 and 100,000 for partner companies to participate in panel discussions.

For these hefty sums, participants gain exclusive access to high-ranking politicians or other prominent figures who can advance their careers or economic success.

Politically, Weimers views certainly overlap with those of the far-right Alternative for Germany, AfD. For instance, he has criticized what he considers Germanys overly lax migration and integration policies as a form of reparations through cultural self-destruction. He referred to the basic income security benefits as migrant money. He has also cast doubt on whether climate change is manmade and railed against compulsory fees for public broadcasting.
Ronald Adams Sr. [Photo by Adams Family]

One year ago today, Ronald Adams Sr. went to work and did not come home. The 63-year-old skilled trades workera machine repairman with 19 years at the Stellantis Dundee Engine Complex in Southeast Michiganwas performing maintenance on an industrial washer in the early morning hours of April 7, 2025, when an overhead gantry crane suddenly activated without warning, plunging down with massive force and crushing his upper torso. He was pronounced dead at Trinity Health Ann Arbor. He is survived by his wife, Shamenia Stewart-Adams, his children and his grandchildren.

Twelve months have now passed. Stellantis has not been held accountable. The United Auto Workers has issued no demands for accountability. And the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA), which opened an investigation the day Adams died, has still not released its findings. His family has received not a letter, not a phone call, not a single word of official explanation.

A year has passed and no information has been provided to our family, Shamenia Stewart-Adams told the WSWS. Her family, she said, is honoring Ronalds memoryand we will not stop demanding the truth.

A year of silence, a year of cover-up

According to the autopsy report, obtained by the WSWS through a Freedom of Information Act request, Adams sustained catastrophic injuries: 18 of his 24 ribs were broken, his sternum was crushed, he suffered spinal fractures, and roughly 20 percent of his blood volume was found in his lungs. A surgeon who reviewed the report told the WSWS that the trauma was comparable to injuries sustained in an airplane crash or a combat explosion. A 63-year-old man went to work to repair a machine and was killed as if on a battlefield.

The only serious investigation into the conditions that produced this death was carried out not by MIOSHA, nor by the UAW, nor by Stellantis, but by the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), which presented its initial findings at a public hearing in Detroit on July 27, 2025. What that investigation uncovered was damning. Workers testified that management, with the acquiescence of the UAW, had circulated cheater keysdevices that trick safety gates into registering as closed, bypassing lockout/tagout (LOTO) protections entirely.

After Adams death, plant management ordered the keys returned, threatening workers with termination. Popcorn tins were placed around the plant to collect them. One tin outside the UAW local union office was reportedly half full. A former OSHA compliance officer who reviewed the findings told the WSWS that conditions at Dundee amounted to virtually no functioning lockout/tagout systemand that the scale of the violations approached criminal negligence.

Workers also reported that signs indicating lockout points on machinesknown as placardswere never updated after the gantry was physically relocated within the plant. A worker could believe a machine was locked out when it was not. Meanwhile, contractors from Fives Cinetic, who programmed the washer and gantry system, and who could have examined its fault history and determined exactly what signal caused it to activate while Adams was inside, were never contacted by Stellantis, the UAW or MIOSHA. The control boards that held that data have since been restarted, and the information may be gone.

In the immediate aftermath of Adams death, management and UAW officials brought the incoming shift into the plant auditorium, locked the doors, and instructed workers to say nothing. Workers who tried to contact the Adams family received anonymous threats. Local UAW officials issued vague statements, while the UAW International published only a perfunctory mention of Adams deathburied at the bottom of a Workers Memorial Day post nearly two weeks after he was killed. On the very day Adams was laid to rest, the UAW and Stellantis jointly posted a video touting their partnership on workplace safety.

MIOSHA stonewalledand admits it

Asked by the WSWS to explain why its investigation into the death of Ronald Adams Sr. remains incomplete after a full year, a MIOSHA spokesperson offered the following: The length of time required to complete a fatality investigation can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the ability to obtain necessary information. In some instances, MIOSHA must pursue additional legal or administrative steps to obtain information, which can extend the timeline. These factors are outside of MIOSHAs direct control.

This statement requires plain translation. Additional legal or administrative steps to obtain information means that someone has refused to provide it voluntarily. MIOSHA has been compelled to seek compulsory disclosuremeaning that a party to this investigation, in all likelihood Stellantis or the UAW or both, has refused to cooperate through normal channels. The WSWS asked MIOSHA to specify the nature of the obstruction and to identify the parties responsible. A spokesman replied saying, MIOSHA cannot comment on the specifics of an open investigation. Letters were sent to both Stellantis and the UAW requesting comment. Neither responded.

I dont want this to happen to another family

The death of Ronald Adams Sr. was not an isolated incident. His death is part of a pattern of eliminated safety guards, bypassed lockout procedures, accelerated production timelines, and the systematic subordination of workers lives to quarterly output targets.

Seven months before Adams was killed, 53-year-old Antonio Gaston was crushed to death on the assembly line at Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex, with workers charging that the company had deliberately removed safety guarding from a conveyor, exposing workers to pinch points. OSHA eventually cited Stellantis for a serious safety violation and imposed a fine of $16,000minutes of profit for a corporation of Stellantis scale. Stellantis appealed even that.

Gastons widow, Renita Shores-Gaston, filed a wrongful death lawsuit in August 2025, saying she still had not been told the truth about how her husband died. It was the hardest day of my entire life to hear that news, she said, and then to have to call my children and tell them that their dad died at work.

Less than three weeks ago, on March 16, 2026, Gregory Knopfa 64-year-old plumber and pipe fitter at Ford Motor Companys Sharonville Transmission Plant in Ohiowas killed when a press machine activated during routine maintenance and pinned him against equipment. His death bears a direct and grim resemblance to the death of Ronald Adams Sr.: a skilled tradesman, performing maintenance, killed by machinery that should have been locked out.

Knopf is survived by his wife, three children, and eight grandchildren. His daughter Miranda remembered him as selfless. His son Corey called him the best man he knew.

Shamenia Stewart-Adams and family members at the IWA-RFC investigation into the death of Ronald Adams, Sr., July 27, 2025

Shamenia Stewart-Adams, on this first anniversary of her husbands death, said she extends her solidarity and deepest sympathy to Renita Shores-Gaston and to the family of Gregory Knopf. I dont want this to happen to another family. No wife should be left without answers. No child should grow up without knowing why their father did not come home.

She concluded, I encourage workers not to be afraid to speak out and stand up to defend the lives and you and your co-workers. I especially appeal to workers at the Dundee plant to come forward with information about the conditions in the factory.

Workers must assert control

Will Lehman, a Mack Trucks worker running for UAW president, issued the following statement marking the first anniversary of the death of Ronald Adams Sr.:

One year ago, Ronald Adams Sr. was killed because the safety systems designed to protect him had been systematically dismantledwith cheater keys, incorrect placards, bypassed lockout proceduresand the union that was supposed to represent him stood by and said nothing. Today, MIOSHA has still not released its investigation results. Stellantis and the UAW refused to answer questions from Adams family and co-workers. That is not a coincidence. That is a cover-upand it must end now. I am calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the MIOSHA investigation results, and for the full disclosure of every act of obstruction by Stellantis and by the UAW that has delayed this investigation for twelve months. But the deaths of Ronald Adams Sr., Antonio Gaston, and Gregory Knopf make something else absolutely clear. We cannot wait for Stellantis to act. We cannot wait for the UAW bureaucracy to act. We cannot wait for MIOSHA. Every day workers remain dependent on a union apparatus that enforces management's production dictates rather than protecting our lives, more workers will be killed. The only answer is for workers on every shop floor to build rank-and-file safety committeesdemocratically controlled, answerable to workers ourselves and not to management, with the real power to halt production over unsafe conditions and the authority to conduct our own independent investigations. Workers must assert control over safety and production ourselves. No one else will do it for us. For a full year, the UAW bureaucracy under Shawn Fain has issued no public demand for accountability from Stellantis over the death of Ronald Adams Sr. It has made no public demand of MIOSHA. It moved as quickly as possible to resume full production at Dundee Engine. The plant now runs three shifts, producing engines on the site where Adams was killed, with UAW approval. These deaths are not accidents. They are the predictable, measurable product of the capitalist system. The US Department of Labor reported that 5,070 workers were killed on the job in 2024. That figure itself vastly understates the true toll, as it excludes most deaths from occupational illnessthe AFL-CIO estimates that workplace disease claims an additional 135,000 lives annually. Across American industry, roughly 15 workers die on the job every single day. Our lives are sacrificed for corporate profit, and the institutions that are supposed to protect usthe unions, the regulatory agencies, and the corporations themselvesparticipate in the cover-up when things go wrong. Now Trump makes the agenda plain: gut OSHA, defund every protection workers have, and pour the money into war. This slaughter must stop. Workers must stop it. The life of Ronald Adams Sr. demands it. The lives of every worker who will go to work tomorrow demand it.

The ruling class sacrifices lives for profit

The killing of Ronald Adams Sr. did not occur in a vacuum. For decades, Democrats and Republicans alike have overseen the gutting of workplace protections while handing endless sums to the rich and expanding the machinery of war. Under the Trump administration this class policy has entered a new and more openly ruthless stage.

Since taking office, the administration has moved to destroy what remains of even minimal federal protections for workers. It has frozen new rulemakingincluding a proposed heat illness and injury prevention standardslashed inspection staffing to historically low levels, and rolled out the so-called OSHA Cares program, replacing enforcement and penalties with voluntary compliance by employers.

Workplace inspections fell by 20 percent in the first six months of 2025 compared to the prior year. The administrations proposed FY2026 budget would cut OSHAs overall funding by 8 percent, eliminate 223 staff positionsprimarily compliance officersand project a 30 percent reduction in inspections.

Just days ago, Trumps FY2027 budget request proposed $1.5 trillion for military spendinga 40 percent increase over already record Pentagon outlays, and the largest such request in modern historyarriving as the administration wages war against Iran. To finance it, the administration proposes $73 billion in cuts to domestic programs, including further reductions to an already eviscerated OSHA, cuts to housing, health care and education, and the explicit targeting of core social programs.

At a closed Easter lunch last week, Trump stated with blunt clarity: Dont send any money for day care.  Were fighting wars. We cant take care of day care, and went further: Its not possible for us to take care of day care, Medicaid, Medicare.  We have to take care of one thing: military protection. The logic is undisguised: every dollar that might fund a safety inspector, a heat standard or a lockout/tagout enforcement actionevery protection that might have kept Ronald Adams Sr. aliveis to be redirected to feed the war machine. Workers are to be sacrificed twice: first on the shop floor, then on the battlefield.

Ronald Adams Sr. was a husband, father and grandfather. He was a skilled tradesman who worked at Dundee for 19 years, who knew machines, who cared about safety, who was respected by coworkers and loved by his family. He went to work in the early hours of April 7, 2025 and was killed because a corporation treated his life as expendable, because a union bureaucracy treated his death as an inconvenience, and because a regulatory apparatusshaped by the priorities of corporate-controlled partiesbows to the dictates of profit.

Adams family is still waiting. They deserve the truth. So do the workers who will go to work today at Dundee, at Toledo, at Sharonville and at every plant in America and around the world where the same conditions exist and the same catastrophe waits.

The defense of workers lives cannot be left to the parties of big business or the agencies they oversee. It requires a political struggle for a society organized around social need and the rights of the working classincluding the most basic right of all: the right to life, health and a safe workplace.
BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) -- China's vast market will remain open to the world, and China is willing to import more high-quality products from Australia, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Tuesday.

In a phone conversation with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Li also said that China stands ready to work with Australia to expand and upgrade bilateral trade, support enterprises of both countries in conducting cooperation based on market principles, and promote mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

Amid the current complex and volatile international situation, with the global economy continuously affected by geopolitical turbulence and protectionism, China and Australia, as important cooperative partners, should steer their bilateral relations in the right direction, strive to foster and maintain a positive atmosphere, and consolidate the positive momentum in bilateral relations and cooperation, Li said.

China is ready to work with Australia to follow through on the important consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Albanese last year, maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen communication and coordination, consolidate mutual political trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, safeguard multilateralism and free trade, inject momentum into the development of the two countries and provide more stability for the region and the world at large, he said.

Li noted that China-Australia economic and trade cooperation has strong internal momentum and still holds great potential in the long run. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), China will adhere to expanding domestic demand as a strategic priority, vigorously boost consumption, promote a marked increase in the household consumption rate, and continuously unleash market demand, he said.

Both sides should accelerate the review and upgrade discussions of the bilateral free trade agreement to provide stronger institutional support for cooperation, Li said.

There is great potential for China-Australia green cooperation, and China is willing to leverage complementary advantages with Australia to deepen cooperation in such areas as clean energy, electric vehicles, energy storage and carbon reduction, jointly building stronger momentum for the development of the green economy, he added.

For his part, Albanese said the Australian government has always been committed to developing a stable, mature and constructive relationship with China. Under the current international circumstances, the steady development of Australia-China relations is particularly important, he said.

Australia has long adhered to the one-China policy and is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with China, expand cooperation in trade, investment, mining, clean energy and people-to-people exchanges, properly manage differences in the spirit of mutual respect, and advance the Australia-China comprehensive strategic partnership, he said.

Albanese said he looks forward to visiting China to attend the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. Australia is willing to enhance multilateral communication and coordination with China to address global challenges and promote world peace, stability and development, he added. 
FUZHOU, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Five people died after a car fell into a river from a bridge in east China's Fujian Province on Monday, local authorities said on Tuesday.

The accident occurred on Monday night in Xinqiao Township, Changting County of the city of Longyan, and all passengers in the car were killed, according to the county's publicity department. 
David Schwimmer has argued Kanye West hasn't properly apologised to Jewish people for his past antisemitic comments.

Last month, organisers of the 2026 Wireless Festival in London announced that the controversial rapper, also known as Ye, would be making his live comeback in the U.K. by headlining all three nights of the event.

Following the news, bosses at Pepsi, PayPal, and Diageo confirmed they'd be withdrawing sponsorship of the festival, and returning to Instagram on Monday, Schwimmer blasted Wireless officials for choosing to give a platform to "one of the most recognizable hate-mongering bigots in the world".

In January, Kanye took out a full-page advert in The Wall Street Journal to apologise to both Jewish and Black communities for his controversial comments.

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The 48-year-old attributed some of his past behaviour to his bipolar disorder diagnosis and a car accident 25 years ago that he claimed damaged his frontal lobe.

Reflecting on the apology, Schwimmer asserted that Kanye should be doing more to make amends, such as officially pulling a song named after Nazi leader Adolf Hitler from all streaming services or making a donation to a Jewish charity.



"Remember: Ye's apologized before, only to retract that apology and double down on his virulent hatred of Jewish people," the Friends star continued. "This time, he explained it was a health condition that had made him specifically target Jews with hate speech and threats of violence."

In addition, Schwimmer argued that the Stronger hitmaker's fans should also be calling on him to take responsibility for his actions.

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"An apology letter is just that: Words on paper. An advertisement, generating publicity before a concert tour. It does not erase years of abuse... I believe in forgiveness, but it takes much more than this. Then again, I do not profit from his appearing at Wireless," he added. "Until Ye demonstrates a commitment to building back trust - not only with the Jewish community, but with ALL the fans he left heartbroken and disappointed by his hateful rhetoric the last several years - he should not be granted a platform to perform."

Representatives for Kanye and the Wireless festival have not yet publicly responded to the 59-year-old's post.

Earlier on Monday, the U.K. promoter of Wireless, Melvin Benn, issued a statement in which defended Kanye due to his struggles with mental health conditions.

"I have witnessed many episodes of despicable behaviour that I have had to forgive and move on from," he commented. "If I wasn't before, I have become a person of forgiveness and hope in all aspects of my life, including work."
Rapper Offset was shot near a Hollywood, Florida, hotel on Monday night, according to multiple reports.

A representative for the rapper, whose real name is Kiari Cephus, shared a statement with multiple outlets confirming that the rapper suffered a gunshot wound.

Reports say the shooting happened near the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

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We can confirm Offset was shot and is currently at the hospital receiving medical care, said the rep. He is stable and being closely monitored.

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The ABC affiliate in Miami, WSVN-TV, reported that rapper Lil Tjay, whose real name is Tione Jayden Merritt, was arrested and charged in the shooting.

Merritt faces charges of disorderly conduct and driving without a license.

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According to reports, Lil Tjay, 24, and Offset, 34, were together at the casino. However, Lil Tjays attorney stressed that his client has not been charged in the shooting.

Seminole police said Lil Tjay and another person were detained, and Lil Tjay was later placed under arrest. They said the second individual has not been charged.

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Cephus, 34, grew up in Lawrenceville, Georgia, alongside his fellow Migos members, Quavo and Takeoff.

In November 2022, Takeoff was shot and killed outside of a Houston, Texas bowling alley.

Cephus shares three children with rapper Cardi B, who filed for divorce from him in 2024. He is also the father of three other children.

WSVN-TV contributed to this article.

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Offset was photographed smoking a cigarette outside of a Florida hospital after he was shot in the leg.

The Taste rapper appeared slightly distressed as he crouched over in an ICU wheelchair alongside his mom, Latabia Woodward, and a hospital employee on Tuesday.

The hitmaker, who wore a hospital gown and gray socks, lifted his gown to reveal his left thigh to the worker.

Offset was spotted smoking a cigarette on Monday after he was tragically shot in the leg. MiamiPIXX/VAEM / BACKGRID

The rapper let off steam while outside of a Florida hospital. MiamiPIXX/VAEM / BACKGRID

Offset  born Kiari Kendrell Cephus  engaged in conversation with Woodward and the employee, who were attentive to him.

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The Open It Up crooner, 34, was transported to the hospital after he was shot while at the valet area of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, on Monday night.

He is stable and being closely monitored, a rep for the hitmaker told Page Six.

He wore a hospital gown and socks. MiamiPIXX/VAEM / BACKGRID

Offset sat in a wheelchair with a hospital worker and his mom, Latabia Woodward. MiamiPIXX/VAEM / BACKGRID

At one point, he lifted his gown to reveal his thigh. MiamiPIXX/VAEM / BACKGRID

At the time, Seminole County police told Page Six that the incident began with an affray, or fight, and resulted in non-life-threatening injuries.

Seminole Police were on site immediately, and the situation was contained quickly. Two individuals have been detained by police, the police said, ensuring that there was no threat to the public.

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Lil Tjay  born Tione Jayden Merrit  was later arrested and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct-affray.

The Taste rapper appeared slightly distressed. MiamiPIXX/VAEM / BACKGRID

Offset looked down while beside his mom. MiamiPIXX/VAEM / BACKGRID

He was booked into the Broward County Jail with his bond set to $500.

An attorney for the Calling My Phone emcee, Dawn Florio, denied her clients involvement in the shooting.

We are issuing this release in regards to false rumors that Lil Tjay was involved in a shooting  which [resulted] in non-life-threatening injuries to Offset, formerly a member of Migos, the lawyer wrote via Instagram.

At one point, he put his hands on his head. MiamiPIXX/VAEM / BACKGRID

Lil TJay was arrested and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct-affray. His lawyer denied any wrongdoing. Getty Images

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Lil Tjay has not been shot, nor has Lil Tjay been charged with any shooting. Any reporting to the contrary is false, the statement continued.

The shooters identity has yet to be confirmed.

Before the shooting occurred, Offset was photographed talking and posing with fans in the valet area of the hotel, with a witness describing him as relaxed and friendly.
Princess Kate's older sister, Pippa Middleton, has sparked fury in her community after she and her husband, James Matthews, closed a public footpath that runs through their lavish estate in a move that her neighbors say is putting them at serious risk.

Middleton, 42, and Matthews, 50, purchased their sprawling Grade I-listed mansion, which is known as Barton Court and sits on an extravagant 145-acre estate, for around $20 million in 2022. Soon after, they sealed the entrance to a footpath that runs across their land, no doubt in a bid to protect their privacy.

Electric gates were put in place weeks after they bought the 32-room dwelling and large "no trespassing" signs were added to warn away any walkers attempting to access the path.

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Then, in 2024, Matthews submitted a highway declaration notice stating that the path, known as Mill Lane, was no longer accessible to the public, according to British outlet The Times.

But that move is now at the center of a furious controversy, after Britain's largest walking charity, The Ramblers' Association, teamed up with a group of community members to have the local council declare Mill Lane a public pathway.

While the council initially agreed with the villagers, Matthews is now challenging that decision and will go before a planning inspector in May to argue his case against the locals, who insist that there is no reason for a pathway that has been open to the public for more than 20 years.

But, The Ramblers' Association says, the key issue at the heart of the debate is that of the safety of the locals who have been regularly using Mill Lane to travel between the areas surrounding Barton Court and the local village, Kintbury, where many residents attend church on Sundays.

Princess Kate's older sister, Pippa Middleton, has sparked fury in her local community after she and her husband, James Matthews, closed a public footpath that runs through their lavish estate in a move that her neighbors say is putting them at serious risk. (Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Without the option of using the path, those locals are being forced to walk along a road that does not have a pedestrian sidewalk, thereby putting themselves at risk of being hit by passing traffic.

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"We have accounts of people having unfettered public access in the Sixties and the use probably goes back generations with people from other villages walking to Kintbury," Eugene Futcher, chairman of the West Berkshire Ramblers, told The Times.

"It is a safe way to get to and from the village, so walkers are put at risk if they have to use the road."

He added that it is currently unclear to the local community why Matthews and Middleton objected to the continued public use of the path, noting: "Presumably they wanted to deter walkers from using the public footpath to keep their privacy."

Many locals have also called attention to the fact that Barton Court's former owner, fashion designer Sir Terence Conran, never made any objection to people using Mill Lane during the many years that he was living at the property.

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"Sir Terence did nothing to discourage people from using the lane and kept the gate open. Feelings are running quite high in the village," Futcher shared.

One local resident, Rob Brown, added to The Mail on Sunday that the closure of the path has made Middleton and Matthews very unpopular in the community, explaining: "I 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."

Some locals were more tolerant of the restrictions, with one anonymous resident telling the outlet: "I understand their need for privacy."

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Middleton and Matthews, who wed in 2017 and share three children, Arthur, 7, Grace, 5, and Rose, 3, have not yet issued a public statement about the decision.

However, the uproar over the move comes not long after Middleton's sister, Princess Kate, and her husband, Prince William, sparked their own backlash after a "no-go zone" was put in place around their new mansion in nearby Windsor.

Middleton, 42, and Matthews, 50, purchased their sprawling Grade I-listed mansion, which is known as Barton Court and sits on an extravagant 145-acre estate, for around $20 million in 2022. (Google Maps)

Soon after, they sealed the entrance to a footpath that runs across their land, no doubt in a bid to protect their privacy. (Google Maps; Realtor.com)

The Prince and Princess of Wales relocated to the property, known as Forest Lodge, from their former residence, Adelaide Cottage, at the end of 2025but weeks before the move, extensive security measures were put in place to protect the estate from prying eyes.

However, their desire to carve out a happy home for themselves and their childrenPrince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7caused some discontent among their fellow Windsor residents, who voiced upset over the impact the Wales' relocation has had on one of their most beloved local amenities: Windsor Great Park.

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In a bid to ramp up security around the family's new abode, Forest Lodge, which is located in the park, a large "no-go zone" was created around the propertywhich spans a 2.3-mile perimeter and includes about 150 acres of land, according to The Times.

Fences were erected along part of this zone, while trespassers were warned they would be arrested if they venture inside the "exclusion area."

The news came as a shock to Windsor residents, many of whom used part of the area for dog walkingand say they were given only a few days' notice about the changes to public zoning, despite the fact that several of them pay around $150 a year to use a car park that is now closed.

Some agreed that ensuring the safety of the Wales family is "paramount," but admitted that they can't help but feel disappointed at their restricted access to an area that was once freely open to all.

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"Obviously, its disappointing as my dog loves it here," Tom Bunn, 32, who regularly walked his dog, Mr. Brown, near Forest Lodge, told The Sun.

"We come here every couple of weeks and were going to have to find somewhere else now for him to get the miles in. But I completely understand the safety of William, Kate and their family is paramount so we should make sure they can live happily here."

Another woman added: "Many of us have been walking our dogs here for 20 years so to be told we cant any more is a kick in the teeth. We pay annually towards the upkeep of a park but we are no longer going to be allowed to use part of it.

"Theyve only given us a few days notice to say this section of forest is closing for ever. Now Ill need to get in my car to drive further afield to take my dog for a walk."
The British government on Tuesday blocked Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, from entering the United Kingdom to headline the Wireless Festival in London this summer because of his history of antisemitism. As a result, the festival was canceled.

The Home Office, which is the British governments department responsible for immigration, said the rappers Electronic Travel Authorization had been denied because his presence at the music festival would not be conducive to the public good, BBC News reported.

The decision followed backlash after Ye was announced as the headliner for the three-day festival in Londons Finsbury Park this July. Jewish groups and politicians underscored Yes repeated antisemitic remarks in recent years. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the festivals decision to have him headline despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism was deeply concerning, the Sun reported on Sunday.

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Sponsors like Pepsi and Diageo, owner of the Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan liquor brands, withdrew their sponsorship from the concert series following Starmers remarks.

In the wake of the U.K. governments decision, Festival Republic, which organizes Wireless, said in a statement on Tuesday, Wireless Festival is cancelled and refunds will be issued to all ticket holders. Wireless is one of the U.K.s biggest music festivals, with about 150,000 concertgoers attending every year.

West made a last-minute statement on Tuesday in hopes of avoiding a potential ban from the U.K., writing that he wanted to travel to London to bring unity, peace and love through my music. He expressed hope to meet with members of Britains Jewish community to listen to their concerns.

I know words arent enough, he said in the statement. Ill have to show change through my actions.

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But the plea wasnt enough to quell concerns about his presence. The Board of Deputies of British Jews said Tuesday that its members were open to meeting with the rapper as part of his journey of healing, but only after he agrees not to play the Wireless Festival this year.

It has been less than a year since Kanye West released a song entitled Heil Hitler, the culmination of three years of appalling antisemitism, the statement from the board added.

Starmer also reacted to the U.K. governments decision on X, writing, Kanye West should never have been invited to headline Wireless. This government stands firmly with the Jewish community, and we will not stop in our fight to confront and defeat the poison of antisemitism. We will always take the action necessary to protect the public and uphold our values.

How we got here

Yes music career evolved from being a groundbreaking producer for artists like Jay-Z and Alicia Keys to becoming a successful solo artist and fashion mogul. But over the years, seemingly impulsive outbursts and antisemitic and racist statements overshadowed his success.

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In a December 2022 podcast appearance hosted by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, Ye, wearing a face covering, said, I see good things about Hitler. He told Jones that the Nazi leader, who systematically killed millions of Jews during the Holocaust, had brought value to the world.

After that, West was suspended from Twitter on multiple occasions for inciting violence over offensive tweets concerning the Jewish community. One of the erratic posts appeared to show a symbol combining a Jewish star and a swastika.

In December 2023, West issued his first apology to the Jewish community, vowing to make amends and promote unity. But in February 2025, West started selling T-shirts with swastikas on them, causing Shopify to take down the online store.

A few months later, he released Heil Hitler, claiming in the song that he turned toward Nazism after a child custody battle and his financial assets were frozen. The song was banned from all major digital streaming platforms.

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West was denied a visa to enter Australia last year over the controversial song.

In January 2026, West took out a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal to apologize again for his antisemitic behavior.

I am not a Nazi or an antisemite, he wrote. I love Jewish people. He blamed his erratic and controversial behavior on his bipolar disorder. I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change. It does not excuse what I did though.

Last week, the rapper performed his first live show in the U.S. in five years at a sold-out SoFi stadium near Los Angeles as part of his Bully album tour. His upcoming tour locations also include France, Spain, Turkey and India.
NEW DELHI, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Two siblings died and their mother was injured when suspected militants hurled a bomb at their house in India's northeastern violence-prone state of Manipur on Tuesday, confirmed the local police.

The incident happened in Moirang valley of the state's Bishnupur district. Following the incident, internet services were shut in Bishunupur, Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Kakching districts, as a precautionary step to investigate any further flare-up.

A curfew was also imposed in certain sensitive areas, said the police.

Tuesday's bombing incident sparked protests, as hundreds of locals torched two oil tankers and a truck, burnt tyres outside a police station, and also damaged a temporary police post, local media reports said, adding that local police resorted to firing to disperse the arsonists.

Besides, a large mob of protesters stormed a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp situated near the Bishnupur-Churachandpur border, said the reports.

Manipur had been a violence-prone state following serious unrest between the local tribes Meitei and Kuki in May 2023. In the past three years, repeated violence claimed around 260 human lives and rendered more than 60,000 people homeless. 
Boundless Bakery owner Mike Glatfelter in his Hopkinton 100 percent vegan bakery, April 3, 2026. Boundless Bakery baker Christian Castillo puts raspberry ftruit bars in the oven in Hopkinton, April 3, 2026. Cranberry walnut muffins at Boundless Bakery in Hopkinton, April 3, 2026. Boundless Bakery owner Mike Glatfelter makes whoopie pies in his 100 percent vegan Hopkinton bakery, April 3, 2026. Chocolate and chocolate chip whoopie pies at the 100 percent vegan Boundless Bakery in Hopkinton, April 3, 2026. Daniela Ayube with cranberry walnut muffins and hot chocolate cookies at Boundless Bakery in Hopkinton, April 3, 2026. Carrot cake cream whoopie pies at Boundless Bakery in Hopkinton, April 3, 2026. Boundless Bakery baker Christian Castillo makes raspberry ftruit bars in the Hopkinton bakery, April 3, 2026. Boundless Bakery baker Christian Castillo makes raspberry ftruit bars in the Hopkinton bakery, April 3, 2026. Daniela Ayube with a cupcake in the display case at Boundless Bakery in Hopkinton, April 3, 2026. Boundless Bakery in Hopkinton, April 3, 2026. Making whoopie (pies) in Hopkinton and they're 100% vegan 1 of 11 Boundless Bakery owner Mike Glatfelter in his Hopkinton 100 percent vegan bakery, April 3, 2026.

HOPKINTON  A new plant-based bakery has brought dairy- and egg-free options to town.

Boundless Bakery, at 71 West Main St., has been operating under soft-opening hours since March 14, but plans to expand to full hours later this month. For owner Mike Glatfelter, the storefront marks the bakery's first permanent location after years of selling online and at local farmers markets.

Inside, customers will find a menu centered on dairy- and egg-free baked goods including muffins, fruit bars, cookies and a rotating selection of whoopie pies. Traditional chocolate and chocolate chip whoopie pies remain top sellers, while seasonal flavors such as lemon-raspberry are especially popular in the summer, Glatfelter said.

These chocolate chip and chocolate whoopie pies are among the items consumers can find at the 100% vegan Boundless Bakery in Hopkinton, April 3, 2026.

The bakery's name was chosen by Glatfelter's wife, who wanted something that reflected their philosophy that baked goods can be made "without boundaries," and that they can be just as delicious without dairy or eggs as they are with traditional ingredients.

Bakery offers allergy-friendly baked goods

Glatfelter, a vegan himself, said many customers don't realize the baked goods are plant-based until after they've tried them. The bakery has also become a welcome stop for families managing food allergies, as no eggs or dairy are used anywhere in the kitchen.

Mike Glatfelter, proprietor of Boundless Bakery on West Main Street in Hopkinton, puts the finishing touches on some whoopie pies in his 100% vegan bakery, April 3, 2026.

"We have a lot of kids coming in and they're able to actually enjoy things, because there's no eggs or milk in the kitchen, so that's a nice after-effect," he said.

Starting out in small Walpole kitchen

The road to opening the Hopkinton bakery began years earlier. Glatfelter spent much of his career working in IT, but attending culinary school on the side while living in Albany, New York. During COVID-19, his wife encouraged him to pursue baking full time after noticing he was growing tired of the IT industry.

Boundless Bakery in Hopkinton, April 3, 2026.

'Enjoyed by everyone': Five eastern Mass. places to indulge in vegan ice cream

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In 2022, the couple moved to Massachusetts and launched Boundless Bakery from a small commercial kitchen in Walpole. They sold online and attended farmers markets and festivals to share their vegan items with customers.

Hopkinton residents welcome new bakery

So far, Glatfelter said the community response has been overwhelmingly positive.

"All the local people that have been driving by a lot and have seen the 'Coming Soon' sign have all been really eager to come inside," he said. "We've had a lot of repeat customers and a lot of people coming in buying stuff and not necessarily realizing it was vegan and finding that out."

Christian Castillo, a baker with Boundless Bakery, makes raspberry fruit bars inside the Hopkinton bakery, April 3, 2026.

Glatfelter hopes to become involved in local events and markets, and looks forward to meeting more members of the community. He added that several local charities have already reached out about potential partnerships for events.

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"I'm a big people person," he said. "I like talking with folks, so I'm eager to go from being in that small kitchen all day in Walpole to actually being able to interact with customers."

Glatfelter plans to expand the Boundlress Bakery's hours. It's currently open from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, but the plan is to add Thursdays and additional days later in April.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Hopkinton Boundless Bakery opens specializing vegan baked goods
Jack Daniels and Coca-Cola have introduced a new zero sugar ready-to-drink variety pack, expanding their canned cocktail lineup with lower-calorie options and new flavors.

The Jack & Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Flavor Pack is now available nationwide and includes three expressions: Jack & Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Jack & Coca-Cola Cherry Zero Sugar, and Jack & Coca-Cola Vanilla Zero Sugar. Each six-pack contains two 12-ounce cans of each flavor.

This marks the first time Cherry and Vanilla variations of the drink have been offered in zero sugar format.

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Each can is made with Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey and is bottled at 5% ABV with 100 calories. The new pack is priced at a suggested retail of $16.99.

The response to our first Jack & Coca-Cola Flavors Pack proved customers are thirsty for choice, convenience and bold flavor, Mary Beth OMara, Jack Daniels RTD brand director, said in a news release. Were excited to now give consumers a zero sugar option that brings the same ease of enjoyment and flavor-forward variety, right in time for spring celebrations with friends.

The release expands on the existing Jack & Coca-Cola RTD lineup, which has grown as demand for spirits-based canned cocktails continues to rise in the U.S.

The new variety pack is positioned as a lower-calorie alternative while maintaining the core whiskey-and-cola profile across multiple flavor options.

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Scan any liquor bottle to see all expert reviews in one place with the free Daily Pour app. Download today!

Founded by Dan Abrams, The Daily Pour is the ultimate drinking guide for the modern consumer, covering spirits, non-alcoholic and hemp beverages. With its unique combination of cross-category coverage and signature rating system that aggregates reviews from trusted critics across the internet, The Daily Pour sets the standard as the leading authority in helping consumers discover, compare and enjoy the best of today's evolving drinks landscape.
One night in the sparse forests of eastern Tanzania, I stood in the viridian twilight and watched a troop of chimpanzees make their beds. Standing in a tangle of underbrush, I listened to the sounds of rustling as the dark, distant bodies deftly wove their nests, rapidly bending and tucking the springy branchesa flurry of haphazard-looking movement that resulted, within minutes, in something startlingly intricate, much as a magicians frantic gestures give birth (et voila!) to a balloon animal.

I was visiting the research camp, known as the Greater Mahale Ecosystem Research and Conservation area (GMERC), which was run by a primatologist named Fiona Stewart. Among her colleagues, Stewart was revered for an audacious series of experiments she once conducted in Fongoli, Senegal. Curious to know why chimpanzees prefer to sleep in nests, she spent five full nights sleeping in a chimpanzee nest. Then she spent five more nights sleeping on the ground, without any sleeping bag or tent. Throughout the night, she took her temperature, counted her insect bites, and marked down how many times her sleep was disturbed. In effect, she turned her body into a scientific instrument.

What Stewart discovered is that in the nest, she was woken up far less often than on the ground, where roaming animals frequently startled her. She also discovered that she was bitten by fewer insects in the nest, even though mosquitoes are perfectly capable of flying that high; she theorized that the broken branches emitted a scent that acted as a natural insect repellant. A nest, in other words, is an intricately engineered sleep machine. Indeed, since our arboreal ancestors also built nests, the aerial sleeping platform may well be the very earliest form of human technologya technology older than humanity itself.

The cover for In Trees: An Exploration by Robert Moor. Simon & Schuster

Watching the chimps bunk down for the evening, I felt a sudden urge to join them. I was curious if, like Fiona, sleeping in a nest might teach me something about human evolution that my mind, in reading stacks of research and conjecture, had missed. Plus, I was just curious to see what it felt like.

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I ran this unusual proposition by Fiona.

I dont see why not, she said. After all, chimpanzees abandon their nests after only one night. (Making a new nest each evening, Fiona informed me, is only a little bit more onerous to them than making the bed each morning is for us. They prefer fresh nests, which, being made of green branches, are stronger, safer and, presumably, more comfortable to sleep in.) She assured me I wouldnt be bothering them, only inconveniencing myself.

(Read Jane Goodall's iconic 1963 article on the chimpanzees of Gombe Stream Game Reserve)

On the origin of human sleep

One of the great mysteries of human evolution resides in a dark, amnesiac realm: the enigma of sleep. Studies show that getting a better nights sleep improves our memory, creativity, immune response, metabolism, and emotional regulation. And yet, spending eight hours or so each night in a state of bodily paralysis and mental hallucination leaves us open to attack, both from predators and from other humans. And the deeper we sleep, the deeper the risk. One of the peculiarities of our species is that we sleep for fewer hours overall than any other primate, but we spend more time in the phase of deep sleep known as REM, when the body is immobilized. Evolutionarily speaking, this is somewhat baffling. Sleeping like a log, as my grandpa used to say, would have left our early ground-sleeping ancestors profoundly vulnerable to attack. A nest lifts the sleeper above any ground-dwelling predators and provides her with a kind of natural alarm system; any large predator that attempts to sneak up on her will jostle the branch, startling her awake. On solid ground, this alarm system is disabled. So how, evolutionary biologists wonder, did humans come to feel safe enough to sleep so deeply on the ground, surrounded by predators?

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(Meet Tatu and Loulisthe last of the 'talking' chimpanzees)



The anthropologist David Samson has dedicated much of his life to solving this riddle. He began his career by studying the sleeping habits of chimpanzees; his fieldwork included climbing into 72 nests in order to study their construction. He then moved onto orangutans, and then human hunter gatherers, namely the Hadza people of Tanzania. In his papers, he highlights the fact that building nests was a major step in the evolution of apes (compared to, say, monkeys, who sleep on bare branches, and who, perhaps not coincidentally, exhibit the skittery irritability of the perpetually sleep-deprived). But early humans, by abandoning nests and learning to sleep on solid ground, made an even greater breakthrough.



The most common explanation for the origins of human ground-sleeping is that by that point in our evolutionary history we had already mastered fire, which would have provided heat and deterred predators. But this theory faces a major challenge: wielding fire undoubtedly allowed us to become a smarter species, but how did humans become smart enough to master fire? Anthropologists sometimes refer to this Catch-22 as the gray ceiling, a reference to the brains gray matter. Samson suggests an elegant solution: it could be that mastering the art of sleeping on the ground, over the course of many generations, gave us the increased cognition necessary to master fireamong a thousand other innovations unique to our species of ape.

Still, the central question remains: without fire, how did the earliest humans manage to leave the nest?

Samson has a theory about that, too.

A fitful night in the branches

The following evening, I packed my gear and hiked with my husband, Remi, down to a nearby river, about 30 minutes outside of camp, where there was a Brachystegia tree with a big, fresh, comfortable-looking nest that an adult male chimp had built the night before. With relatively little effort, I managed to anchor a climbing rope to a branch just above the nest, which meant that all I needed to do was to climb up the rope, using mechanical ascenders, and then lower myself into it. In theory at least, it was dead easy.

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With us that day was Pascal Gagneux, a lean, leathery, alert-eyed, voluminously talkative evolutionary biologist. During one phase of his research he had climbed into more than 300 chimp nests to collect samples of their DNA. Pascal gave me three warnings: First, he warned that, as I ascended, I should take care not to jostle the nest too hard, or else it could explode in my face. Second, he pointed out that chimpanzees frequently soil their nests in the morning, so I should be sure to check it for droppings. Third, he said that while I was up there, I should be ready to come down at a moments notice. It was not likely, but it was possible that a chimp might not be happy to see me up in their domain. He said that one time while he was climbing into a nest, he had encountered a female chimpanzee carrying the corpse of her recently deceased baby. The mother, in a fit of grief and rage, screamed, threw the baby at him, and then fled.

(These slumbering fish may offer clues to the origins of sleep)



While I prepared my climbing gear, Remi began unpacking the rest of our stuff. He was acting as my support crew for the night, and was armed with a walkie talkie should anything go wrong. Pascal warned Remi that the area was frequented by lions, leopards, and hyenas. Before leaving, he told us a story about a local man, the grandfather of a staff member at the research camp, who had been attacked by a hyena and had half of his face ripped off. So all his life, to eat, he had to hold one hand against the missing half, to keep the food in, he said.

Never in all of our years traveling together have I seen Remi set up our tent so quickly.

As the daylight began to dim, I attached my ascenders and inch-wormed up the rope. The nest sat about 35 feet off the ground. I paused for a moment just below it to admire its construction. It resembled a small green cloud. The branches had been woven into an ovoid shape, then lined with an extra layer of fresh leaves. I was somewhat humbled to realize that, if asked to, I, with all of my human intelligence, would have no idea how to replicate it.

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Once I was above the nest, I switched over to my rappel device and lowered myself down into it. It sank beneath my weight, with a sickening softness. For a moment, I worried I would fall right through the bottom. But then the layers of branches compressed into a kind of net, gained tension, and held me. I slacked out my rope completely, so that all of my weight was resting on the nest. It was comfortable, in a tenuous kind of way. The only problem was that my legsthose wonderful, quintessentially human appendagesare much longer than a chimps legs. When chimps sleep, they tend to lie on their backs and fold their short legs up, frog-like, with their heels near their crotch. I was too tall and too inflexible to do that, so my legs dangled in the open air. The blood began to pool in my feet. After only a few minutes, it was clear that this would be a very uncomfortable night.

Down below, in the tent, I could hear Remi inventorying all of his cozy accouterments.

Okay, Ive got my pillow, Ive got my sleeping mat, Ive got my sleeping bag he muttered to himself. A few minutes later, I heard him sighing contentedly as he settled into his soft, crinkly, synthetic little nest. Then he went quiet.

(Exploring the mesmerizing physics of animal locomotion)

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Night spread; the sky turned lilac, then indigo, and a single fiery orange star appeared through the branches.

Down below, I heard Remi gasp.

Oh my god, he said. The ground is alive. Hed unzipped the door to his tent for a moment, to adjust something, and within that brief window of time, dozens of bugs had gotten in; I could hear him down there, hunting down the infiltrators. Theyre everywhere! he yelled, slapping the sides of the tent.

From her studies, Fiona concluded that the relative absence of creepy-crawlies was the biggest reason chimpanzees build nests. When she slept on the bare ground, she found that just after sunset it became a single crawling, slithering, hopping carpet of insects, which continually interrupted her sleep. It was unbearable, she said.

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Fifteen minutes later, Remi, having evicted the last remaining insects, was softly snoring. For the next few hours, I lay there in the dark, growing increasingly bored and miserable. My dangling legs caused my lower back to arch, which caused it to cramp up, so I tried propping them up on a branch, but each time I drifted off to sleep, they would slip off and I would jolt awake with that terrible plummeting sensation familiar to anyone who has tried to sleep on an airplane. This phenomenon, known as a hypnic jerk, is surprisingly common; it is estimated that 70 percent of people experience it at some point. It might well be an ancient holdover from our arboreal past, a time when the act of sleeping and a fear of falling were deeply intertwined.

Hours passed, a small eternity. I fished out my phone to check the time, thinking it must be only a few hours from dawn, at which point I could climb down and stretch out on the ground.

The clock read 11:04 p.m.

By this point, I had been aloft for five hours. My lower back was already so badly cramped that I was afraid I would soon become trapped in the nest. Whats more, every time I shifted my weight or repositioned my legs in an attempt to find a more comfortable position, I could feel the twigs below me sproinging loose, which meant that my sleeping platform was gradually disintegrating; I recalled Pascals warning that with too much jostling, the nest could simply explode.



Utterly defeated, I heaved myself upright, crawled out, rappelled down to the ground, and, glancing about warily for hyenas, slipped into the tent beside Remi. My camp-bednothing more than a stinky old sleeping bag and a mouse-chewed foam padsuddenly felt like the pinnacle of human innovation.

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(Inside the hunt for the 'other humans')

To sleep, perchance to dream

Fire, it turns out, is not as essential to sleeping comfortably outdoors as it might seem. Studies of the Hadza, a group of modern hunter-gatherers living in the Central Rift Valley, show that what seems to most reliably ward off lions are large numbers of humans in a tight formation, ideally in a hut or fenced-in area, with at least one individual serving as a sentinel in shifts throughout the night. Samson believes our early ancestors learned to sleep in precisely this manner around 1.8 million years ago, which is what allowed us to safely leave the nest. If true, this would make literal the maxim, put forward by Martin Nowak and Roger Highfield, that life is not just a struggle for existence; it was also a snuggle for existence.

This theory meshes nicely with other recent findings in evolutionary science, which emphasize the necessity of cooperation among even the earliest human ancestors. In 2021, the paleoanthropologist Jeremy DeSilva published a book entitled First Steps. While studying various hominin fossils around the world, he had noticed that they often showed signs of injury. (Lucy, for example, likely had both an injured back and an infected femur.) This was not surprising; sprinting away from predators on two spindly legs is inherently risky. What surprised DeSilva was how often those same injured boneswhat in many cases should have been life-ending injurieshad healed. In order to survive, DeSilva surmises, our early ancestors would have needed friends and family members to help care for them when injured. We could not afford to be lone wolves or petty tyrants. Bipedalism in an overly aggressive ape with purely selfish tendencies and a low tolerance for other group members would have been a recipe for extinction, he writes.



Cooperation functions as a kind of evolutionary skeleton key, unlocking many of the constraints on the growth of human intelligence. Social sleeping may have given us that key. It would have created a feedback loop between increased group cohesion, increased emotional regulation, and increased cognitive capacity: in other words, we got calmer, kinder, and smarter, the one feeding into the next in a virtuous circle. It also would have created a negative selective pressure against psychopathically dominant individuals, who couldnt be trusted to watch one anothers backs. Nestled together like a pack of dogs, dreaming alongside one another, early humans would have quickly become tightly bonded in ways no other apes are.



Once individuals or families cohere into tribes, their collective abilities mushroom. The invention of cooperative parenting, for examplewhere extended family and community members occasionally pitch in to help with the burden of child-rearing, a practice human communities almost universally share, but chimpanzees altogether lackallowed mothers to participate in more aspects of social life and be more productive while still nursing their infants. It also allowed those infants to explore, play, and learn from various adults, before finally setting about the hard work of gathering food for themselves.

Indeed one of my favorite theories of the origin of language is that it emerged not among adults, but among children, who had both open minds and free time, allowing them to experiment with sounds until they began to formulate humanitys first words. Once language was inventedonce our thoughts and dreams could be shared to create entire conceptual worldshumanity acquired a power to coordinate our actions and achieve complex tasks no other animal could even imagine. We became, in the words of the anthropologist Loren Eiseley, a dream animal.

Robert Moor is the bestselling author of On Trails and In Trees. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Harpers, The New York Times, Outside, Emergence, Granta, GQ, and n+1, among other publications. He lives in Halfmoon Bay, British Columbia.
NEED TO KNOW

A Tesco supermarket location accidentally ordered about 38,000 bananas due to a glitch in the system

The store ordered 380 boxes of bananas instead of 380 kg of bananas, which would have been about 3,000 bananas

The store ultimately was able to donate the excess product to a variety of local charities and organizations

A supermarket gave away about 38,000 bananas after the store ordered too many boxes.

A Tesco in Kirkwall, a town in the Orkney Islands off the coast of Scotland, recently intended to order 380 kg of bananas (about 3,000 individual fruits). However, a technical error ultimately led to a delivery of 380 boxes, each containing about 100 bananas, according to the BBC.

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Excess product would typically be returned to the mainland, but high winds and rough waters surrounding the island this week meant that the bananas could not be shipped back, per the outlet. Because of this, the store has been giving the fruit away to members of the community.

We have mountains of bananas....literally lol!!!! Would any local groups like to come along to the store and collect a box for free? Pop past the Customer Service Desk to collect, Tesco community champion Paula Clarke posted on Facebook on March 28.

In response to a comment on the post, Clarke shared that the order error was due to a glitch in the system.

A Tesco location in Scotland

Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty

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She also posted photos of homemade banana bread and muffins in an effort to encourage people to come claim some bananas and avoid waste.

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What will you make with bananas?, she captioned the photo.

Members of the community quickly responded to the posts, requesting boxes be put aside for local childcare centers and community kitchens. Some also provided suggestions for local charities and organizations that might benefit from a donation.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

On March 31, Clarke shared that the last boxes of bananas were headed to North Ronaldsay, one of Orkneys most remote islands.

A spokesperson for Tesco confirmed to PEOPLE that the excess fruit was offered to local schools and community groups, and that all the bananas have now been redistributed to these good causes.

Read the original article on People
April 7 (UPI) -- Animal services personnel in Virginia came to the rescue of a litter of seven fox kits found trapped in the window well of a home.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria said on social media that its Animal Services team was dispatched to rescue the baby foxes from a window well in a situation "proving that when one sibling makes a questionable life choice, the rest will absolutely follow."

"'If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?' Apparently yes. Yes, they would," the post said.

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The fox kits were scooped out of the window well and reunited with their mother, who was watching the rescue from nearby.

The mother "escorted her little daredevils to a better location once they were freed," officials wrote.
Your neighborhood fights over Amazon delivery trucks probably seem quaint compared to what happened at 12:45 AM in Indianapolis. Someone allegedly fired 13 rounds at City-County Councilor Ron Gibsons front door, reportedly leaving a handwritten note reading No Data Centers on his doorstep. Gibson and his 8-year-old son were inside, awakened by gunfire but physically unharmed. The bullets struck just steps from where his child had been playing with Legos the day before.

Gibson, a Democrat representing the Near Eastside since 2023, had publicly supported a controversial $500 million data center project thats been tearing his community apart for months. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission reportedly voted to approve rezoning for the facility, moving the project one step closer to reality. Gibsons backing of the development generated what local media called significant backlash from the communityan understatement that now feels tragically prescient.

The proposed data center development would occupy significant acreage in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. Residents have protested for months, arguing the facility would worsen existing environmental contamination, including lead-contaminated soil, while adding new burdens from noise, water usage, and power consumption. Data centers consume huge amounts of water to cool servers, potentially 5 million gallons of drinking water per day. Their opposition mirrors a pattern playing out nationwide as communities push back against data center expansion in residential areas.

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The FBI and Indiana Department of Homeland Security are reportedly investigating what Indianapolis police classified as an isolated, targeted incident. Gibson addressed the broader implications in what appears to be a statement to media. The City-County Council still needs to cast the final vote on the project, with heightened security measures now in place at municipal buildings.

This shooting represents more than local politics gone wrong. Its a glimpse into how infrastructure debates can escalate when communities feel unheard and officials feel caught between development pressures and constituent concerns. Data centers have become flashpoints across America, and Indianapolis just learned how quickly civic disagreement can turn dangerous.

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Human remains found in Love County, Okla., on Feb. 18 have been identified as Molly Miller and Colt Haynes

Miller and Haynes disappeared in 2013 after they were involved in a car chase with a third person, who has since maintained his innocence in connection to the couple's disappearance

Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances of their deaths and pursuing justice for the couples families

Two sets of human remains found in Oklahoma earlier this year have been identified as a couple who disappeared in 2013.

The remains were discovered in Love County on Feb. 18 during a new search for Molly Miller and Colt Haynes led by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit (BIA) and the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department (CLPD), the BIA previously said.

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According to the BIA, the search was launched after "new information" came to light surrounding Miller and Haynes' disappearances.

The BIA announced on Monday, April 6, that the remains have been confirmed to belong to Miller and Haynes, whose families have been notified. Miller was a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation.

While no outcome can ease their loss, we hope this identification provides a measure of closure and allows them to begin the process of healing," the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department (CLPD) said in a news release.

Molly Miller, whose remains were found in Love County, Okla., on Feb. 18, 2026

Miller and Haynes were passengers in a vehicle driven by James Con Nipp when they were involved in a police pursuit July 7, 2013, according to missing persons flyer for Miller previously shared by the CLPD.

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The vehicle involved in the pursuit was discovered two weeks later in Love County, Oklahoma, in the area south of Oswalt Road, between Pike Road and Long Hollow Road, police said. Miller and Haynes were never seen again.

The BIA said Miller and Haynes remains were found by search teams operating in an area between Oswalt Road, Pike Road and Long Hollow Road  near where the vehicle was previously found.

Investigators said the search area had not been previously examined and was identified after new information emerged and access to the land was obtained, the BIA said in its latest release.

Nipp allegedly walked home after the car crashed in the woods, but authorities believe Miller and Haynes stayed behind and called friends to come get them, according to KXII, which reported that their phones died the morning after the crash. Miller was 17 and Haynes was 21 when they disappeared.

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Nipp was later convicted for the car chase, but has maintained his innocence in the disappearances of Miller and Haynes, per KXII.

Colt Haynes, whose remains were found in Love County, Okla., on Feb. 18

Credit: NamUs

BIA MMU Acting Unit Chief Micah Ware said the agency will continue to pursue every lead and stand with every family we serve as we confront the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis, according to the agencys news release.

This effort reflects the Department of the Interiors unwavering commitment to public safety and justice across Indian Country, and we will not waver in that mission, Ware said.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding Molly and Colt's deaths is active and ongoing, according to the CLPD.

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.

We are committed to pursuing all leads and ensuring a thorough and complete investigation, they added.

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In a statement, District Attorney Melissa Handke said her office will be pursuing justice after the investigation is complete.

"My prayers are with the families today as we seek justice for Colt and Molly," Handke said after promising to "present this case to the Multi-County Grand Jury for formal charges."

Read the original article on People
Three people are facing charges after a 19-year-old mans body was found on the side of a Clermont County road last month.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

As previously reported, Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) troopers responded to reports of a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian on Bethel-New Richmond Road east of US 52 on March 8.

Upon arrival, Jayden Nelson, 19, of New Richmond, was found dead.

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Two juvenile males, ages 16 and 17, and 19-year-old Dakari Campbell have been arrested in connection with Nelsons death, according to our media partner, WCPO-9 TV.

All three are facing several charges, including aggravated murder and aggravated robbery.

Officials ruled Nelsons death a homicide a few days after the crash.

An autopsy done by the Clermont County Coroners Office found that he died from a gunshot wound to the head, WCPO-9 reported.

Clermont County Prosecutor Mark Tekulve said forensic analyses and searches helped OSHP and the sheriffs office locate and arrest the suspects.

The three suspects allegedly came to New Richmond to sell Nelson marijuana.

Instead, they robbed him of his cellphone, more than $3,000, and left his body on the side of the road, according to WCPO-9.

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Three gray whales have been found dead in Washington over the last week.

The situation is unusual, according to experts who monitor the population.

First, a juvenile gray whale was spotted in the north fork of the Willapa River, according to the Cascadia Research Collective (CRC). The whale was thin, but did not appear to have any injuries.

CRC went out on the river on April 2 and wasnt able to get the whale out. A few days later, the whale was found deceased.

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On April 4, crews examined two deceased gray whales that were found washed ashore in Ocean Shores. Both were malnourished. One had head trauma, which appeared consistent with a ship strike.

Stephanie Raymond, the programs director of the Orca Network, told KIRO 7 the gray whale population is believed to be struggling with finding food.

What we think is happening is that as the water in the Arctic gets warmer, this is really impacting their food supply, Raymond said. So theyre having a harder and harder time finding food.

Raymond says the organization is seeing more whales come into Puget Sound in poor body condition.

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The whales need to bulk up before their migration to Baja, California, as they typically do not feed during the entire migration. Raymond says some of the Sounders Gray Whales, a small group of gray whales, are diverting from their normal migration. Some, she said, are skipping their migration altogether.

We did have the calf counts in Baja in the breeding grounds have been just devastatingly low for the last several years, she said. So thats a place that we can be looking to see if theres recovery happening for the gray whales.

Raymond said the gray whale population peaked in 2016. Since then, she says, weve been seeing fluctuations, but reports that NOAA estimates we have now lost more than 50% of the population.

The one glimmer of hope I would offer is that we have seen these fluctuations happen in the past, where they get better, she said. The question is, why is this one not seeming to get better?

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Solutions to solve the problems associated with the warming ocean water are complex, she said, but we can focus on protecting the whales food supply and shorelines.

The gray whales that come into Puget Sound feed on ghost shrimp in the intertidal.

Making sure vessels are aware of the whales is important, too, especially because gray whales do not have dorsal fins and often move much more slowly than other species, making them harder to spot in the water.
An Alameda County judge sentenced three men involved in the fatal shooting of Kevin Nishita, a retired San Jose police officer, who was working as a private security guard for a TV news crew in Oakland.

"There are no winners today. There are no winners here. Kevin will never come home," says Kevin's widow, Virginia. "And I miss Kevin."

PREVIOUS: Suspect pleads guilty to first-degree murder in 2021 shooting of former SJ cop Kevin Nishita

Nishita was shot the day before Thanksgiving in 2021. He died in the hospital three days later. Tuesday's sentencing ends a 4-year-long case.

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"And today justice did prevail. Again, it did. These three men received what the law was able to give them," says Virginia.

Mrs. Nishita wanted life without parole. But instead, 31-year-old Laron Gilbert, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. He is eligible for parole after age 50.

His two co-defendants, Hershel Hale and Shadihia Mitchell, who admitted to robbing Nishita, both got 25 years in prison. They are eligible for parole in about 15 years, with 85% of their sentenced to be served.

"I thanked the three defendants for admitting guilt, taking responsibility and accountability. And that's what Kevin would want. Kevin was a true believer that if you do the crime, you do the time," says Virginia.

MORE: TV news guard fatally shot in Oakland remembered as 'caring, courageous' at memorial

Frank Venuti was friends with Nishita for decades. He read a victim statement at the sentencing.

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"One thing I could do to pay Kevin back. Make sure that I could give my statement to make sure everyone understood what he meant to me, what he mean to his family. So when those folks come for parole, 15-20 years from now, the prole board will understand the impact it had in our lives and hopefully keep them behind bars longer," says Venuti.

Cameras were not allowed in the courtroom. An overflow room was set up to accommodate friends and family of both of the Nishita family and the defendants.

Gilberts attorney read a statement apologizing to the Nishita family and to his own family, expressing remorse. But some questioned his sincerity.

"If (he) is, good for him. It is the first step that he needs to take," says Virginia. "We are devasted. We are traumatized."

The three men will be given credit for time served.





If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live


by Dames Alexander Sinaga

JAKARTA, April 7 (Xinhua) -- On a quiet Sunday morning in Jakarta, 62-year-old Nurul Aisyah watched her 12-year-old granddaughter scroll through social media.

This time, however, her usual concern was replaced by a sense of relief.

The Indonesian government has recently imposed limits on children's access to social platforms, a landmark move aimed at shielding minors from harmful content and the pitfalls of excessive screen time.

Under the new regulation, users under 16 face restrictions on access to a number of social media platforms, with implementation to begin in stages starting March 28.

Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid said the phased implementation will continue until all platforms meet their compliance obligations.

"I welcome this rule," Nurul told Xinhua. "Social media is a double-edged sword. In the right hands, it's educational; in the wrong, it can severely harm a child's mental and physical health."

Nurul has already pioneered similar rules at home. "No app downloads without parental approval, strictly limited screen time, and a 'no devices' rule at the dinner table," she explained. "At first, children may feel frustrated, but they eventually adjust and rediscover other meaningful activities."

She identified social media and artificial intelligence as the most daunting challenges for modern parenting. Without proper oversight, children can easily fall victim to, or even become perpetrators of, cyberbullying and online harassment.

Nurul noted recent reports from other parents regarding students being harassed online by their own classmates, underscoring the risks of unchecked digital access.

Indonesia boasts one of the world's largest online populations. Official data showed that nearly half of these users are under 18, with many children reportedly spending several hours online daily.

Without intervention, Nurul fears these habits could foster addictive behaviors and long-term mental health issues.

Denny Irawan, a 32-year-old father of two from Bekasi on Jakarta's outskirts, has witnessed the impact firsthand.

"I've seen kids throw tantrums when their devices are taken away," he said. "If they are glued to screens, they miss out on essential social skills and real-life experiences."

Denny now caps his children's screen time at 45 minutes per day and ensures devices are out of reach at night.

Parents across the archipelago are cautiously optimistic. Many are supplementing the government's mandate with their own household rules, striving to balance the benefits of technology with its inherent risks.

"Social media is here to stay," Nurul said. "But now, our children have a better chance to learn how to use it responsibly." 
The Brief

Three metro Atlanta high school students died in a fiery crash in Franklin County, Florida, while on spring break.

The crash happened along Highway 65, though authorities have not released details about what caused it.

The Franklin County sheriff posted a video on Facebook expressing condolences to the families of the victims.

FORSYTH COUNTY, Fla. - Three metro Atlanta high school students were killed in a fiery crash on Monday while on spring break in Florida.

What we know

Authorities say the teens were traveling along Highway 65 in Franklin County when the crash happened. It appears the students were traveling in a Jeep that left the road and crashed into the treeline. The Jeep caught fire after the crash.

Courtesy of Florida Highway Patrol

One person survived the initial crash and was transported to a hospital in Tallahassee, according to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.

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The three teens who lost their lives were an 18-year-old male from Alpharetta; a 17-year-old female from Cumming; and a 16-year-old female from Cumming. A 17-year-old female from Alpharetta was transported to a hospital in critical condition, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety.

What they're saying

The Franklin County sheriff shared a video message on Facebook offering condolences to the victims families. "We don't know how fast they were going or what happened, but we do know that they obviously something happened to cause this vehicle to go into the other lane and hit a tree," the sheriff said.

The sheriff says some Good Samaritans were driving by and stopped to help before the car caught fire. "They were there maybe seconds after the crash and as a result, they stopped to render aid, and they were able to pull one of the teenage females out of the front passenger seat," he said. "We're all heartbroken about it, and we just hope that people will keep the families of all these kids in their prayers and continue to you know pray for the young lady that's recovering."

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"They were just, you know, just regular kids coming down to have a good time at the beach," the sheriff said.

It has now been confirmed that the students attended Horizon Christian Academy. They posted a statement on their Facebook page late Tuesday morning saying that "three of our amazing, kind, smart, and loved students were killed in a tragic car accident in Florida."

In a statement Tuesday afternoon, the school wrote:

"Horizon Christian Academy is grieving the tragic loss of three students who were killed in a car accident in Florida. One additional student involved remains hospitalized and is receiving medical care.

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"We are heartbroken as a school community and we ask for prayers for these families and their loved ones, as well as for the student who remains in the hospital. This is an incredibly difficult time for all who are affected.

"HCA is leaning on its faith as we process the tragedy. We are reminded in Psalm 34:18 that The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Our prayer is that Gods presence will be deeply felt by these families and that He will bring comfort, peace, and hope in the midst of unimaginable loss.

"As a school family, we are preparing to mobilize support for the affected families as more information becomes available. Our small and close-knit community is our strength but we value and appreciate prayers and support from all who have reached out to our community.

"In the days and weeks ahead, we will stand together, grieve together, and support these families in every way we can."

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The school also said that it opened its chapel Monday night to allow students and families a place to come together to grieve and to pray and that the school will share additional ways to help friends, families and staff in the coming days. They are asking everyone for their prayers.

The City of Cumming says that it will light the "Cumming Home" water tower at Ga. Hwy. Ext 14 in navy blue and gold tonight through April 17 in honor of the students and to show their support.

What you can do

Loved ones of Jaylyn Fehr, a junior at Horizon Christian Academy who died in the crash, have set up a GoFundMe account to help pay for travel and funeral expenses. On the page, they wrote:

"Jaylyn was actively involved in her church, Local Forsyth, and attended youth group at Northpoint Community Church. Her faith and kindness touched everyone who knew her, and her loss is deeply felt by her family, friends, and the entire community."
A 5-year-old who went into the water at Shasta Lake drowned on Monday morning, the Shasta County Sheriff's Office said.

Sheriffs deputies said they were dispatched to a report of a child missing in the water at Shasta Lake's Turntable Bay about 11:22 a.m. on April 6.

Authorities determined the youngster was not wearing a life jacket when he went into the water. Before the parents could get the child and put on his personal flotation device, he had gone underwater, the sheriff's office said.

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A search effort started immediately to find the child, involving public safety personnel from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the U.S. Forest Service, the California Highway Patrol Air Operations and medical personnel.

Just over an hour later, at 12:33 p.m., the child was located and recovered with the assistance of the Shasta County Dive Team.

The boy's remains were released to the Shasta County Coroners Office for further investigation and the child's identity is not being released at this time.

No foul play is suspected, the sheriff's office said.

In their social media post, the sheriffs office said the agency offered sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the juvenile and to all those affected.

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In their press release posted on social media late Monday, the Shasta County Sheriffs Office reminded the public that while weather temperatures have warmed, water temperatures will remain extremely cold for the foreseeable future.

The agency encouraged people to check the condition of all boating equipment, including safety gear, to make sure it's in proper working condition.

Michele Chandler covers public safety, reports on trials in Shasta County Superior Court, writes about restaurants and foodies and handles whatever else comes up for the Redding Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. Accepts story tips at 530-338-7753 and at mrchandler@gannett.com. Please support our entire newsroom's commitment to public service journalism by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: After a child drowned in Shasta Lake, authorities issue safety warning
A Vietnamese national died in immigration detention at the Miami Correctional Facility last week, according to a news release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Tuan Van Bui, 55, was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m. on April 1 after staff found him unresponsive. Despite medics' intervention, he could not be resuscitated. Bui's cause of death is under investigation.

Bui legally entered the US in 1990 under the Amerasian Homecoming Act, which granted visas to children born in Vietnam to American fathers and their immediate next-of-kin. ICE's news release said that Bui never received or applied for American citizenship. His AM-1 visa could have qualified him for lawful permanent residency, often known as a 'green card.'

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When asked if Bui had ever applied for or received any type of legal status other than citizenship, ICE did not immediately respond.

Bui was ordered removed from the country by an immigration judge in 2005. He had "multiple convictions" at the time of his death, according to the ICE release. It's unclear, however, if that's what led to the removal order.

Federal court records show that at the time of his death, Bui was challenging his detention through a habeas corpus case.

Centurion, the company that provides medical care for detainees and inmates housed at the prison, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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More: High death tolls, rising violence: What to know about the prison dubbed the Speedway Slammer

Bui is the second immigration detainee to die in the facility since ICE began using it in October 2025. Lorth Sim, a 59-year-old man from Cambodia, died on Feb. 16. The Miami County Coroner ruled that Sim died of natural causes from a combination of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

The Indiana Department of Correction did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ryan Murphy is the communities reporter for IndyStar. She can be reached at rhmurphy@indystar.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 55-year-old man dies in ICE detention at Miami Correctional Facility
An Iraqi militia group freed a kidnapped Wisconsin journalist April 7, according to the U.S. State Department.

The group Kataib Hezbollah released Shelley Kittleson, who is from Mount Horeb in Dane County, after abducting her April 1 in Baghdad, Iraq's capital, according to a statement posted on social media by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday evening.

Government officials were working to "support [Kittleson's] safe departure from Iraq," Rubio's statement said.

I am pleased to announce the release of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was recently kidnapped by members of the foreign terrorist organization Kataib Hizballah near Baghdad, Iraq.



The U.S. Department of State extends its appreciation to the Federal Bureau of  Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) April 8, 2026

The New York Times and the Associated Press previously reported on Kittleson's release, citing Iraqi security officials and the militia group. The news outlets said the militia group, which is allied with Iran, freed Kittleson in exchange for members of the group that were detained by Iraqi authorities.

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Kittleson's release came after the militia group said it was "in appreciation of the patriotic positions of Iraqs prime minister, according to a Kataib Hezbollah statement cited in the news reports. Kittleson is required to leave the country as a condition of her release, the reports said.

This initiative will not be repeated in the future, the militia's statement said, according to the reports. "We are in a state of war waged by the Zionist-American enemy against Islam and in such situations, many considerations are disregarded.

Kittleson is a longtime freelance journalist in the Middle East. She has written for publications like BBC World Service and Politico, along with multiple regional outlets.

Her mother, Barb Kittleson, previously told the Journal Sentinel her daughter wanted to work in the region to "help people." It was her passion, she said.

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"She's just a journalist," her mother said.

David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@usatodayco.com.

This story was updated to add new information.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Abducted Wisconsin journalist Shelly Kittleson freed
A suspect remains at large after escaping deputies near Kennesaw State University on Tuesday afternoon. Deputies said the man is wanted on a domestic violence charge.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The Cobb County Sheriffs Office says Jessie Santiago, 26, was spotted earlier in the area by deputies who recognized him from an active warrant.

Officials say deputies were not initially trying to serve the warrant but moved in to take him into custody after identifying him.

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Thats when Santiago ran away, leading to an active search.

Later Tuesday evening, the CCSO said that despite extensive efforts by deputies, Santiago has not been found.

Authorities said information was shared early today out of an abundance of caution.

While this search generated public attention due to its proximity to a college campus, situations like this occur more frequently than many realize and are typically resolved without the need for public notification, the sheriffs office said in a statement.

Officials said at this time, there is no known danger to the public.

Authorities are urging residents and students to stay alert, be aware of their surroundings and avoid approaching the suspect.

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Anyone with information about the suspects whereabouts may contact the Cobb County Sheriffs Office at 770- 499-4600 or submit a tip through the Cobb County Sheriffs Office mobile app.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  An arrest affidavit detailing a struggle between El Paso police and a woman taken into custody last week does not mention an officer striking the suspect, which was recorded on cellphone video that later circulated on social media.

According to an arrest affidavit, officers Tavera and Gallardo with the El Paso Police Department went to a home in the 600 block of East Rio Grande on April 1 to locate Kelcee Hufford, who was wanted on an outstanding warrant.

What we know about the woman punched in the face by EPPD officer

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When officers arrived, they made contact with a co-defendant at the home. The co-defendant was not identified in the arrest affidavit. The officers reportedly asked whether a 911 call had been placed in an attempt to lure Hufford to the door. The co-defendant told officers that Hufford was inside the home.

Tavera reported that he informed the co-defendant that Hufford had an active warrant and would be taken into custody. The co-defendant then attempted to close the front door, which is why Tavera stated he placed his foot in the doorway to prevent it from shutting because he believed Hufford was being concealed inside.

Hufford then approached the door, where Tavera recognized her from a prior knowledge. Hufford allegedly placed her hand on the door frame and Tavera grabbed her so she couldnt flee and to pull her outside.

Kelcee Renee Hufford (EPPD)

The affidavit states that Hufford continued to resist as officers tried to take her into custody. At one point, Tavera deployed a stun gun, but it was ineffective. Gallardo reportedly loudly stated, You have a warrant for your arrest! Stop fighting! Tavera alleged that he then approached Hufford and grabbed her left hand in an attempt to place her in handcuffs.

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Officers repeatedly instructed Hufford to stop resisting and informed her of the warrant, according to the report.

During the struggle, Hufford is accused of dropping her weight multiple times and used her leg to push against Tavera, causing him to briefly lose balance and fall toward her. Tavera was eventually able to secure one handcuff on her wrist as officers continued efforts to fully restrain her.

The arrest affidavit for Huffords resisting arrest charge that stemmed from this April 1 encounter with El Paso police did not disclose the punch that Tavera did hitting Hufford on side of the face. A recording of this interaction between Hufford and El Paso police was posted on social media on Friday, April 3, sparked community concern. El Paso police released Huffords booking photo on Monday, April 6. The mug shot shows that Huffords right eye is bruised and swollen.

El Paso Police officer seen punching woman in chaotic arrest

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The incident remains under investigation. According to county records, Hufford was charged with resisting arrest and has obtained legal representation.

She was later booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on charges of resisting arrest and assault causing bodily injury  the alleged incident for which she was originally sought. Police said Hufford was subsequently released on a personal recognizance bond authorized by Judge Nunez.

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 Lyon man has been charged with six felony counts after authorities allegedly found tens of thousands of child porn images on his devices.

The case came to light after the suspect's wife reported to authorities that she found the illicit images on his computer, according to Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald.

The suspect, 35-year-old Austin McCarty, allegedly told his wife he had used an artificial intelligence tool to generate sexually explicit images of children, McDonald said in a press release.

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After the man's wife reported the incident in January 2025, police seized his electronics. During a yearlong examination of McCarty's devices, Oakland County Sheriff's officers allegedly found more than 40,000 images of child sexually abusive material, McDonald said.

Even as technology changes, the laws against child sexually abusive material remain constant, McDonald said in a statement. It doesnt matter if images are created with AI or a camera; they represent the abuse of children. We will hold accountable anyone who would harm and sexually exploit children, regardless of the technology they use.

More: X users tell Grok to undress women and girls in photos. Its saying yes

McCarty has been charged with three counts each of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material and use of a computer to commit a crime.

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Michigan law defines child sexually abusive material broadly to include any visual depiction that is of a child or appears to include a child, including computer-generated images."

Aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material is punishable by up to 10 years in prison per count, while using a computer to commit a crime is punishable by up to 10-20 years incarceration per count.

Online court records do not list an attorney for McCarty, and his next court appearance has not been scheduled.

The charges came just days after a former Coldwater teacher was charged with 10 criminal counts for allegedly using AI to create nude images of students at the middle school where he taught woodshop.

mreinhart@detroitnews.com

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: AI child porn found on Michigan man's computer by wife: Prosecutor
Could a Florida AI-data center be built in Palm Beach County's western suburbs? A developer aims to establish the area's first large-scale data center near the Wellington and Arden communities.

Project Tango has sparked controversy among local residents who oppose it being placed 800 feet away from the nearest homes and 1,500 feet from an elementary school.

Palm Beach County Commissioners are expected to vote on the project on April 24.

Leighton Blake stands with her mother Masha Blake and dozens of politicians, teachers and parents during a media event organized by the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association in a field just west of Cane Field Trace near Saddle View Elementary School in the Arden development in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on April 6, 2026. The group voiced opposition to a possible hyperscale data center site that would be next to the Arden development and the school. Ruiz attends the school and his family are Arden residents. Leighton attends the school and they are are Arden residents. Leighton made the sing, Masha said. Ben Brown, left, and Ben "LB" Brown, Jr.., joined dozens of politicians, teachers and parents during a media event organized by the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association in a field just west of Cane Field Trace near Saddle View Elementary School in the Arden development in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on April 6, 2026. The group voiced opposition to a possible hyperscale data center site that would be next to the Arden development and the school. Ruiz attends the school and his family are Arden residents. Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association president Gordan Longhofer addresses dozens of politicians, teachers and parents during a media event organized by CTA in a field just west of Cane Field Trace near Saddle View Elementary School in the Arden development in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on April 6, 2026. The group voiced opposition to a possible hyperscale data center site that would be next to the Arden development and the school. Ruiz attends the school and his family are Arden residents. Nico Ruiz, 5, holds a sign while dozens of politicians, teachers and parents during a media event organized by the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association in a field just west of Cane Field Trace near Saddle View Elementary School in the Arden development in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on April 6, 2026. The group voiced opposition to a possible hyperscale data center site that would be next to the Arden development and the school. Ruiz attends the school and his family are Arden residents. Florida Power & Light's West County Energy Center as seen from Arden community property in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on April 6, 2026. Dozens of politicians, teachers and parents attended a media event organized by the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association in a field just west of Cane Field Trace near Saddle View Elementary School in the Arden development in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on April 6, 2026. The group voiced opposition to a possible hyperscale data center site that would be next to the Arden development and the school. Florida Power & Light's West County Energy Center as seen from Arden community property in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on April 6, 2026. State Representatvie Meg Weinberger (R) addresses dozens of politicians, teachers and parents during a media event organized by the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association in a field just west of Cane Field Trace near Saddle View Elementary School in the Arden development in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on April 6, 2026. The group voiced opposition to a possible hyperscale data center site that would be next to the Arden development and the school. Ruiz attends the school and his family are Arden residents. Leighton Blake leaves with her mother Masha Blake after attending a media event organized by the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association in a field just west of Cane Field Trace near Saddle View Elementary School in the Arden development in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on April 6, 2026. The group voiced opposition to a possible hyperscale data center site that would be next to the Arden development and the school. Ruiz attends the school and his family are Arden residents. Leighton attends the school and they are are Arden residents. Leighton made the sing, Masha said. Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association opposes data center 1 of 9 Leighton Blake stands with her mother Masha Blake and dozens of politicians, teachers and parents during a media event organized by the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association in a field just west of Cane Field Trace near Saddle View Elementary School in the Arden development in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on April 6, 2026. The group voiced opposition to a possible hyperscale data center site that would be next to the Arden development and the school. Ruiz attends the school and his family are Arden residents. Leighton attends the school and they are are Arden residents. Leighton made the sing, Masha said.

Here are is what you need to know on AI-data centers and the latest on Project Tango:

What is an data center? Is it different from an AI-data center?

Data centers are considered the backbone of the digital economy. They house the IT infrastructure necessary to process and store massive amounts of data used to support online services including social media, e-commerce, and cloud computing.

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Traditional data centers are facilities that hold an organization's servers, storage systems and networking equipment.

AI-data centers are specialized, high-performance facilities designed to run massive computer networks that sustain artificial intelligence models. They require two to four times the energy of traditional data through generators that rely on cooling systems to keep servers running.

The rapid growth of generative AI has driven the demand for more AI data-center across the U.S.

How many data centers are in Florida?

Florida is considered the fourth-largest data center hub in the U.S., with over 100 data centers across the state.

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The largest data centers in Florida are in Miami and Jacksonville. Palm Beach County is home to a dozen data centers including Lumen and Cloud South in West Palm Beach and a 365 Data Centers in Boca Raton.

Project Tango is among dozens of data center facilities currently being proposed across the state, including other "hyperscale projects in Miami, Orlando and Tampa.

What is Project Tango? Data center proposed in western Palm Beach County

Rendering of the proposed 200-acre Central Park Commerce Center that would feature 1 million square-feet of AI data-centers along Southern Boulevard near the Arden communities.

WPB Logistics LLC, an Atlanta-based developer, is seeking to build a large-scale AI-data center on 200 acres in Loxahatchee, along Southern Boulevard.

Project Tango would feature 1 million square feet of data center and 1.9 million square feet of warehouses.

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The proposed data center would support artificial intelligence workloads on a hyperscale. It would house a powerful network of computers that can process substantial amounts of data and computing tasks. It would use thousands of servers and specialized hardware that rely on water-based cooling systems.

If approved, Project Tango would be the first data center in unincorporated Palm Beach County. It would also be the first of its kind in the county's western suburbs, a sleepy area known for its bedroom communities, farms and agricultural fields.

Where would Project Tango data center be built?

Project Tango would rise on the Central Park Commerce Center in Loxahatchee, on the north side of Southern Boulevard about 4 miles west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road.

It would stand next to the Florida Power & Light Co. energy plant, which would supply the data center with electrical power.

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The 200-acre facility would sit roughly 1,000 to 1,200 feet from the Arden community and approximately 5 miles from Wellington.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qo7v7NKQW7vfQrut8

Has Palm Beach County already approved data center on the site of Project Tango?

Back in 2016, the county approved the 200-acre site for warehouses and a data center, but one about one-eighth the size of the current plan, or about 250,000 square feet.

WPB Logistics needs the county to approve a master-plan change for the larger plant.

County Commissioner Sara Baxter said during a Feb. 26 town hall that commissioners can't stop the project already approved on the site but, their April 24 vote will be on the proposed expansion.

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Baxter added it would be up to the state, not the county, to restrict where data center can be built.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed legislation to regulate AI data centers that would ban them within 5 miles of a school or residential area and prevent water and energy expenses being passed on to residents.

Developer says AI data center will bring economic growth

Ernie Cox, representing the applicant for Project Tango talks during the Board of County Commissioners Zoning Hearing on the Project Tango agenda item in county commission chambers at the Robert Weisman Palm Beach County Governmental Center in West Palm Beach, Fla., on December 10, 2025.

Ernie Cox, the manager of Project Tango, said during the Feb. 26 town hall AI data center are essential to support the digital networks and services that communities across rely on.

Cox added it will lead to economic growth and bring jobs jobs to the rural, residential area.

"The benefit I mentioned is the ability to continue to grow the economy in this area by having access to data center processing nearby, Cox said before the crowd cut him off with boos.

Why are residents against data centers?

Leighton Blake stands with her mother Masha Blake and dozens of politicians, teachers and parents during a media event organized by the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association in a field just west of Cane Field Trace near Saddle View Elementary School in the Arden development in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on April 6, 2026. The group voiced opposition to a possible hyperscale data center site that would be next to the Arden development and the school. Ruiz attends the school and his family are Arden residents. Leighton attends the school and they are are Arden residents. Leighton made the sing, Masha said.

The push to build more data centers in Florida has been met with resistance from residents across the state who say they negatively impact communities by staining power grids, water supplies and causing noise and light pollution.

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School officials, elected officials and residents from Palm Beach County's wester communities have showed up in droves to community meetings to voice their concerns over the project. They say county officials haven't studied how much electricity and water the site would, or how the noise it makes will impact its surrounding areas.

Many of them say they don't oppose data centers or projects that bring economic growth to the western communities, but that they were against having them built next to a school in a mostly rural and residential area.

Arden resident Santiago Lattanzio said residents don't give have key details of the project and he fears it can set a precedent for more AI data centers to be built in the western communities.

"This the biggest Trojan horse," Lattanzio told the Palm Beach Post. "The lack of transparency is not allowing us to determine magnitude of the project, and without us being able to determine magnitude, we can't determine impact."

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Valentina Palm covers immigration and Palm Beach County's western communities for The Palm Beach Post. Email her at vpalm@pbpost.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @ValenPalmB. Support local journalism: Subscribe today

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: AI data center proposed in Palm Beach County. What is a data center?
The future of Alligator Alcatraz, the immigration detention center built in the Florida Everglades, now rests with a three-judge federal appeals panel following oral arguments in a lawsuit brought against the state of Florida.

Judges with the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday, April 7 heard more than an hour of arguments on whether the facility must be halted or allowed to continue operating without a federal environmental review.

The case stems from a preliminary injunction granted to Friends of the Everglades, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, which are seeking to stop construction and operation of the site in Big Cypress National Preserve in eastern Collier County. No ruling was issued from the bench. A written decision is expected.

Does Alligator Alcatraz require federal environmental review?

The court must determine whether the project qualifies as a federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which would trigger a full environmental review.

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Jesse Panuccio, representing the Florida Division of Emergency Management, argued the state controls the project and does not meet that threshold.

"The ultimate use of this property is Florida's," Panuccio told the panel.

He said Florida retains authority over who is housed at the facility and how the site is used, including decisions to reject certain detainee populations or shut it down entirely.

Paul Schwiep, representing Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity, disputed that argument.

"The project is to serve an exclusively federal function. This facility would not exist but for immigration enforcement. The federal government has outsourced immigration detention to the state of Florida," Schwiep told judges.

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He argued the project depends on federal approval and coordination, making it subject to federal environmental law.

U.S. President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visit a temporary migrant detention center informally known as "Alligator Alcatraz" in Ochopee, Florida, U.S., July 1, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

More: Feds defend Alligator Alcatraz, judge weighs injunction, changes

How much federal involvement is there?

Judges pressed both sides on the level of federal control and funding connected to the project.

Chief Judge William Pryor questioned whether the state could repurpose the site for other uses, such as law enforcement training, suggesting that state flexibility could weigh against federal oversight.

"If theres no federal control, thats fatal to their claim," Pryor said.

Judge Nancy Abudu focused on federal funding and the governments role in the project, asking whether a $600 million federal pledge could qualify as federal action even if funds had not yet been distributed.

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She also questioned what authority the federal government holds over detainees housed at the facility.

More: Records: Authorities withheld financial details for Alligator Alcatraz

What are the environmental concerns?

The lawsuit challenges the rapid construction of the facility on a 39-square-mile former training site within Big Cypress National Preserve.

Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe argue the project moved forward without studying impacts from paving, lighting and wastewater on the surrounding ecosystem.

They say the sites infrastructure and daily operations could affect water flow and wildlife in the Everglades, as well as tribal lands used for hunting, fishing and ceremonies.

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Florida hastily built and opened the detention camp just a few weeks after Florida's attorney general announced it on June 19, 2025.

Speaking after the hearing, Center for Biological Diversity attorney Elise Bennett said the scale of the impact was clear.

"The court did not seriously question the fact that there is ongoing, irreparable harm to wildlife, waters, and wild lands in Big Cypress. Well keep pushing until the government shuts down this environmental disaster in our Everglades," Bennett said.

Betty Osceola, a member of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and an environmental activist, attended the oral arguments in Miami. Osceola, who lives a few miles from the site in a traditional chickee village, has been a leading voice in opposition to the detention center, helping to organize gatherings outside the facility and documenting construction in the area. She has said the site sits near ceremonial and burial grounds important to the tribe.

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After the hearing, Osceola noted the timing of the arguments on Marjory Stoneman Douglass birthday. She added, "Now its the waiting game until the justices rule."

How did the case reach the appeals court?

The appeal follows a ruling by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams in August 2025, which ordered the government to halt expansion and begin winding down operations at the facility.

Williams found the project was a joint state-federal effort requiring environmental review under federal law.

State and federal officials appealed that decision, and a separate appellate panel later allowed the facility to remain open while the case moved forward.

More: Friends of the Everglades files lawsuit against the state, this time for public records

What happens next?

The three-judge panel did not indicate when it will issue a decision.

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If the court sides with the environmental groups, operations at the facility could again be restricted or halted while the case proceeds in district court.

Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades, said the case is about protecting a nationally significant ecosystem.

"For nine months, Alligator Alcatraz has inflicted harm on the Everglades in violation of federal environmental law, on public lands encircled by our country's first national preserve," Samples said. "Today's hearing got us one step closer to resuming our trial in the district court, where we will fight until the government is held accountable and Big Cypress is protected."

Mickenzie Hannon is a watchdog reporter for The News-Press and Naples Daily News, covering Collier and Lee counties. Contact her at 239-435-3423 or mhannon@gannett.com.

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Please support local community journalism and stay informed about Southwest Florida news by subscribing to The News-Press and Naples Daily News; download the free News-Press or Naples Daily News app, and sign up for daily briefing email newsletter, food & dining and growth & development newsletters here and here.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Alligator Alcatraz environmental fight reaches Miami appeals court
The Artemis II crew honored NASA commander Reid Wisemans late wife, Carroll Wiseman, in an emotional tribute on Monday.

Wiseman, one of four astronauts on the Artemis II mission, lost Carroll, a 46-year-old pediatric nurse practitioner, to cancer in 2020. Carroll was survived by Reid and their two daughters, Ellie and Katherine, according to an obituary in The Virginian-Pilot.

News: Arizona Hiker In Critical Condition After Being Stung More Than 100 Times

In remarks to mission control, the crew announced that they would like to name an unnamed crater on the moon for Carroll.

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Theres a feature in a really neat place on the moon, and it is on the near side, far side, boundary. In fact, its just on the near side of that boundary, and so at certain times of the moons transit around Earth, we will be able to see this from Earth, CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen said, his voice breaking at times. We lost a loved one, her name was Carroll, the spouse of Reid, the mother of Katie and Ellie. And if you want to find this one, you look at Glushko, and its just to the northwest of that at the same latitude as Ohm. And its a bright spot on the moon. And we would like to call it Carroll.

Reid Wiseman could be seen on video wiping away tears as he put his hand on Hansens shoulder. The four crew members, which also includes astronauts Victor Glover and Christina Koch, then embraced in a hug.

Watch the moment here:

Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost.

To commemorate the Artemis II mission, the astronauts announced their suggestion to rename certain features on the Moon to honor the Orion spacecraft, named Integrity, as well as commander Reid Wiseman's late wife, Carroll. pic.twitter.com/ejfhnItDo8  NASA (@NASA) April 6, 2026

The crew also proposed naming another crater after their Orion spacecraft, Integrity.

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Wiseman has said that Carroll insisted he continue pursuing his dreams as an astronaut even after she got sick, per the British outlet The Times. He has also discussed what its like to be an only parent and how he prepared his daughters for the potential risks associated with a mission into space.

News: Oil Prices Sink And U.S. Stock Futures Jump As U.S. And Iran Agree To 2-Week Ceasefire

I went on a walk with my kids, and I told them, Heres where the will is, heres where the trust documents are, and if anything happens to me, heres whats going to happen to you, Wiseman said at a January NASA news conference, according to The Baltimore Banner. Thats just a part of this life.

In an Instagram post he shared shortly before liftoff last week, Wiseman boasted about his children.

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I love these two ladies, and Im boarding that rocket a very proud father, Wiseman wrote in a caption alongside a selfie with his daughters.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
UNITED NATIONS, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Preliminary findings indicate Israeli tank fire and a Hezbollah explosive were likely responsible for the deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers in Lebanon last week, a UN spokesperson said Tuesday.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) shared the initial findings of its inquiry with the governments of Indonesia, Israel and Lebanon, said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

He said these are preliminary findings, based on initial physical evidence, adding that a full UN investigation continues.

"These incidents are unacceptable," he said. "We have requested with the relevant parties that the cases be investigated and prosecuted by national authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure criminal accountability for crimes against peacekeepers. Attacks on UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law."

The spokesperson said that all actors must fulfill their obligations to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers at all times. The inviolability of UN installations must be respected.

UNIFIL paid tribute to the life and work of the fallen peacekeepers in an April 2 ceremony at Rafik Hariri International Airport, Beirut, before their remains were repatriated.

The three peacekeepers were posthumously awarded medals in recognition of their dedicated service to UNIFIL's mission in southern Lebanon.

The secretary-general earlier condemned the killings, extended his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers and to the government of Indonesia, while expressing appreciation for the courage and service of all men and women serving with UNIFIL.

The UN Security Council, which mandated the UNIFIL mission, also condemned the attacks in a statement, offering condolences to the victims' families and to Indonesia. Council members reaffirmed their full support for UNIFIL. 
Artemis II is giving people a "once in a blue moon" type of hope.

As the four astronauts on board the Orion spacecraft continue their historic space flight, many back on Earth have reveled in amazement about the gravity of the 10-day mission.

Social media is flooded with similar sentiments of collective awe: "how lucky are we to witness history? artemis II has been so amazing to keep up with," one person wrote on X.

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"This is the best thing weve all gotten to experience together in a really long time, and it feels wonderful," another said.

In addition to Artemis II being the first crewed trip to orbit the moon since the Apollo missions ended more than five decades ago, it is also the first mission of its kind to occur in the age of social media.

This handout image released by NASA shows a fully illuminated Moon, with the near side at top, dark lava plains, and the Orientale basin, with parts of the far side visible, on April 6, 2026. The four astronauts embarking on NASA's lunar flyby became on April 6 the humans to travel furthest from our planet, as they get set to view areas of the Moon never before seen by the naked eye. The Artemis II team broke the previous record set by 1970's Apollo 13 mission, which they are expected to surpass by approximately 4,105 miles (6,606 kilometers) when they reach this journey's anticipated furthest distance from Earth -- 252,760 miles -- later today. This screengrab from a NASA livestream shows Artemis II crew members Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, Jeremy Hansen and Christina Koch wiping their tears after naming a lunar crater "Carroll" in honor of Wiseman's late wife, aboard the Orion spacecraft on April 6, 2026. Artemis astronauts at the outer edge of human space travel had an emotional moment April 6 as they named a crater in honor of the deceased wife of mission commander Reid Wiseman. "It's a bright spot on the Moon. And we would like to call it Carroll," Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen told a live broadcast. The crater can be seen "at certain times of the Moon's transit around Earth," he said. This handout image released by NASA shows Artemis II mission specialist and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen shaving inside the Orion spacecraft during Flight Day 5 and ahead of the crew's lunar flyby on April 6, 2026. The Artemis astronauts entered the final phase of their run-up to a lunar loop on April 6, a tipping point of sorts that means the Moon's gravity is now having a stronger pull on the spacecraft than Earth's. The Orion capsule will now whip around the Moon, setting the crew up to travel farther from our home planet than any human before. This screengrab from a NASA livestream shows the Orion spacecraft approaching the Moon on April 6, 2026. The four astronauts embarking on NASA's lunar flyby became on April 6 the humans to travel furthest from our planet, as they get set to view areas of the Moon never before seen by the naked eye. The Artemis II team broke the previous record set by 1970's Apollo 13 mission, which they are expected to surpass by approximately 4,105 miles (6,606 kilometers) when they reach this journey's anticipated furthest distance from Earth -- 252,760 miles (406,778 kilometers) -- later today. Artemis II flight controllers monitor the Orion spacecraft from the White Flight Control Room at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, on April 6, 2026. The Artemis astronauts entered the final phase of their run-up to a lunar loop on Monday, a tipping point of sorts that means the Moon's gravity is now having a stronger pull on the spacecraft than Earth's. The Orion capsule will now whip around the Moon, setting the crew up to travel farther from our home planet than any human before. This handout picture by an Artemis II crew member provided by NASA shows the moon through a window of the Orion spacecraft on April 6, 2026. The Artemis astronauts entered the final phase of their run-up to a lunar loop on Monday, a tipping point of sorts that means the Moon's gravity is now having a stronger pull on the spacecraft than Earth's. The Orion capsule will now whip around the Moon, setting the crew up to travel farther from our home planet than any human before. This handout image released by NASA shows Artemis II pilot and NASA astronaut Victor Glover peering out one of the Orion spacecraft's windows looking back at Earth ahead of the crew's lunar flyby on April 6, 2026. The Artemis astronauts entered the final phase of their run-up to a lunar loop on April 6, a tipping point of sorts that means the Moon's gravity is now having a stronger pull on the spacecraft than Earth's. The Orion capsule will now whip around the Moon, setting the crew up to travel farther from our home planet than any human before. This handout image released by NASA shows a fully illuminated view of the Moon, including the Orientale basin and parts of the far side not visible from Earth, on April 6, 2026. The Artemis astronauts entered the final phase of their run-up to a lunar loop on April 6, a tipping point of sorts that means the Moon's gravity is now having a stronger pull on the spacecraft than Earth's. The Orion capsule will now whip around the Moon, setting the crew up to travel farther from our home planet than any human before. NASA staff pose for a group photo in the White Flight Control Room at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, on April 6, 2026. The Artemis astronauts entered the final phase of their run-up to a lunar loop on Monday, a tipping point of sorts that means the Moon's gravity is now having a stronger pull on the spacecraft than Earth's. The Orion capsule will now whip around the Moon, setting the crew up to travel farther from our home planet than any human before. A look at Artemis around the far side of the moon 1 of 9 This handout image released by NASA shows a fully illuminated Moon, with the near side at top, dark lava plains, and the Orientale basin, with parts of the far side visible, on April 6, 2026. The four astronauts embarking on NASA's lunar flyby became on April 6 the humans to travel furthest from our planet, as they get set to view areas of the Moon never before seen by the naked eye. The Artemis II team broke the previous record set by 1970's Apollo 13 mission, which they are expected to surpass by approximately 4,105 miles (6,606 kilometers) when they reach this journey's anticipated furthest distance from Earth -- 252,760 miles -- later today.

'What a time to be alive.' See how people are celebrating Artemis II

Many social media users are saying Artemis II has restored their faith in humanity or sparked unbridled joy.

Today reminded us that no matter how far technology can take us, what ultimately propels us to new heights is the care humans can have for each other. Thank you @NASAArtemis and @NASA!  Dr. Lucky Tran (@luckytran) April 7, 2026

the moon is so beautiful, our world, our universe is so so beautiful I wish we were kinder to each other and I wish we appreciated the beauty all around us more because there are so many beautiful things, and so so much joy and love all around.   (@ecstxsyovo) April 7, 2026

if I think too long about the Artemis ll mission I get emotional like wow our universe is so beautiful and so grand we are only just a small spec in her history. Any chance we get to explore the cosmos and see what she has to offer should never be taken for granted.  Marv   (@panxramic) April 6, 2026

somehow both the farthest and closest to humanity weve ever been https://t.co/mNUlbp66Ci  Erin  (@erinluckyone) April 6, 2026

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Hope can break through in unexpected times and in the unexpected ways. The character of the Artemis crew, the excellence of the team at NASA, the joy from all sides of the political spectrum. This is why nations should attempt great things, and put great people at the helm. https://t.co/90YkiuEl2k  David French (@DavidAFrench) April 7, 2026

Im not crying, youre crying 

-First mission to the moon in 53 years

-Farthest mission ever

-A historic crew

-Victors message of oneness

-A crater named after Reids wife

-Christinas space curls

-Nutella in space!



In a world where so much feels so big and overwhelmingwe pic.twitter.com/WOQ7rOBlrq  Rep. Melanie Stansbury (@Rep_Stansbury) April 6, 2026

Genuinely crying watching the Artemis stream I love you moon I love you humanity  amanda (@jailedamanda) April 6, 2026

Some noted how historic and significant the mission is, especially for women and girls.

Shes a hero to every 9 year old girl who ever looked up at the night sky in wonder and imagined herself there.



Now please excuse me while I go outside and look up and cry. https://t.co/RgtQgnkRuw  Sarah Axelrath MD (@DrSarahAxelrath) April 7, 2026

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the artemis 2 crew is genuinely so amazing like we sent the first woman to the moon, the first man of color to the moon (he's also the pilot), sent a canadian. theyre waking up to chappell roan and they're playing with a moon plush named rise. beautiful things do happen  dhanush  (@spunchbawbII) April 7, 2026

my heart is so full listening to all these talented smart young women share their contributions and excitement with the world alongside the first woman to orbit the moon. women in stem i love you  soph is blooming  (@showgirlmaroon) April 6, 2026

pretty incredible to think about just how many more women were seeing working on this mission compared to the NASA missions 50 years ago  julie  (@CasquetteGirl) April 6, 2026

ok once again. maybe not important to some of you, but hearing a WOMAN speak about what shes seeing on the MOON with her own two eyes is something i will never forget as long as i live!!!  chey (@seeyouintime) April 6, 2026

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im SO emotional and proud of how many amazing brilliant women are involved with artemis !!!   freckxi  (@freckxi) April 6, 2026

Carroll crater brings some to tears

Six years after Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman's wife Carroll died from cancer, the crew paid tribute to her when it came time to name a crater on the moon's surface.

"We would like to call it Carroll," said mission specialist Jeremy Hansen, his voice cracking as Wiseman patted his shoulder and wiped his tears.

Many watching from home have shared in the emotional moment on social media.

i genuinely feel like this is one of the most beautiful moments of humanity ill ever witness in my life https://t.co/xre86NO6EU  katie  (@Kaaaaatie_x) April 6, 2026

Her name was Carroll. The spouse of Reid and the mother of Kate and Ellie  Its a bright spot on the moon.



Being human is all we really have https://t.co/wHxE2e7gwq  reb (@rebmasel) April 6, 2026

When he returns to Earth, hell look up at night and see her. Shes there amongst the stars. https://t.co/okbwMg5433  Elijah (@kansandoge) April 6, 2026

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Carroll, now a bright spot on our Moon, because four people, who traveled farther from Earth than any human in the 4.5-billion-year history of Earth has ever been, loved someone so much, they carried her the whole way there. pic.twitter.com/C5MMeheOVo  reb (@rebmasel) April 6, 2026

no man can ever top the wife guy getting a crater on the moon named after her. game over. he won.  artemish (@amrtsh) April 7, 2026

imagine being the wiseman daughters and knowing that not only does dad love you to the moon and back, but also that mom will always be up there in the sky, watching over you. https://t.co/o5q3rVv7nm  snowbaird ceo | eva stratt defense attorney (@snxwbaird) April 6, 2026

Artemis II crew's family reacts on social media

Family members of the Artemis II crew  Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch and Victor Glover of NASA, and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency  have also joined the collective online celebration.

"When your dad successfully pilots Artemis II halfway to the moon," Glover's daughter Maya wrote on a TikTok video that has been viewed more than 10 million times as of April 7.

"We love you dad," she wrote on another TikTok video, featuring a compilation of photos of her dad and family.

Wiseman's daughter Katey took to Instagram to share a carousel of photos from the mission's launch.

"To the moon and back," she wrote. "Love you, Dad."

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Alongside a video on her Instagram story of the crew naming the Carroll crater, Katey Wiseman wrote, "Absolutely unreal."

Hansen's son Devon also shared a lengthy tribute to his dad on Instagram.

"Its hard to describe what it feels like to watch the man you respect most in the world climb into a space capsule and fly off into orbit," he wrote.

Hansen's wife, Dr. Catherine Hansen, has been posting updates on her Instagram account throughout the mission.

"Unbelievably proud of the entire Artemis II team!! Emotional & filled with immense gratitude," she wrote on launch day.

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Internet celebrates Artemis II. 'Our universe is so beautiful.'
Police in the Bahamas are searching for an American woman who disappeared after reportedly falling overboard from a small boat while on a holiday with her husband.

Her husband told authorities that she went missing on Saturday at about 19:30 local time (00:30 BST) after falling out of an 8ft (2.4m) hard-bottom dinghy and being swept out to sea by strong currents.

The woman's husband told police that they left Hope Town for Elbow Cay, in the Abaco islands, on Saturday evening when she fell overboard, taking the boat's keys with her.

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In a statement on social media, Royal Bahamas Police Force said it is investigating and multiple agencies are searching for the woman.

"She apparently bounced out of the boat," Hope Town Volunteer Fire and Rescue chief Troy Pritchard told CBS News, the BBC's US news partner.

"Strong currents subsequently carried her away, and he lost sight of her," the Royal Bahamas Police Force said.

The husband, also a US national, paddled the vessel to shore and made it to the Marsh Harbour Boat Yard at about 04:00 local time (09:00 BST) on Sunday.

The husband told a person in the boat yard that his wife was missing, and that person then informed the authorities.

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"U.S. counterparts, volunteers, the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force are assisting with this," the Royal Bahamas Police Force told CBS News in a statement.

The missing woman was named by local authorities as Lynette Hooker from Michigan, according to CBS News.

In a March 2025 travel advisory, the US State Department warned of potentially deadly boating issues in the Bahamas.

The advisory said "boating is not well regulated" on the islands, and "injuries and deaths have occurred".
Bahrain is cracking down on dissent as it struggles with the political and economic impacts of the war.

On Monday, several people were arrested on charges of spying for Iran, adding to more than 200 detained since the conflict began, according to the UK-based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy. At least one man, Mohamed Almosawi, has died in custody. Rights groups said his corpse showed signs consistent with torture; the government dismissed the allegations as misleading.

The government is wary of protests, haunted by memories of the 2011 Arab Spring pro-democracy movement and historic enmity with Iran tracing back to the kingdoms founding and Tehran sponsoring a failed coup in Manama in 1981.

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Bahrain has intercepted more than 650 Iranian missiles and drones since the start of the war on Feb. 28. Unlike its Gulf peers, the kingdom cant afford the economic consequences: This week, Capital Intelligence Ratings lowered the countrys credit rating one notch, and expects the budget deficit to spike this year because of the cost of repairing damaged infrastructure.
Wilson County Zone 2 board member Beth Meyers has resigned effective April 7.

Meyers announced her resignation to the board at a scheduled meeting on April 6. Meyers told the board that she and her husband have been presented with an "opportunity" in East Tennessee.

The resignation comes near the end of Meyers' term as the Zone 2 board seat, which is up for a vote as part of the Aug. 6 Wilson County General Election.

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Meyers, elected in 2022, did not seek reelection for the seat. Meyers had moved to Wilson County in 2019 from Louisiana. She has 31 years experience in education, including 20 in the classroom.

Beth Meyers

Matthew James McPeak and Doug Raines qualified to run for the zone 2 seat as Republicans with the primary on May 5. Melissa Granstaff qualified to run as a Democrat.

Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto will release information in the coming days on the process and timing to fill Meyers' vacant seat until the election.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Beth Meyers resigns from Wilson County School Board, plans move
The Maine Legislature passed legislation to strengthen existing avenues for oversight of Maine jails, a compromise after an initial proposal for a corrections ombudsman faced pushback.

Debate on this bill underscored the current lack of independent oversight of the Maine Department of Corrections, as there have been years-long vacancies on boards of visitors  panels assigned to each correctional facility tasked with inspecting and reviewing their management  and instances where lawmakers have been denied entry to facilities.

LD 1962 would require the department to develop rules that ensure legislator access. It would also fill vacancies on the boards by giving more authority to the Legislature if the governor doesnt act. After being passed and enacted by both the Maine Senate and House of Representatives, the bill is now headed to Gov. Janet Mills, who for years has left many of those positions empty.

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This governors office declined to share her stance on the legislation, though the Department of Corrections is opposed.

The original proposal for an Office of the Corrections Ombudsman is not going away.

Assistant Senate Majority Leader Jill Duson (D-Cumberland), the bill sponsor, told Maine Morning Star she plans to propose it again next year if elected, calling the version that passed a Band-Aid.

Last months floor debate on the bill largely centered on legislative oversight of the department.

Sen. Scott Cyrway (R-Kennebec) called the bill another example of legislative overreach. He said it would change the Legislatures current relationship with the Department of Corrections to an adversarial one.

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Sen. Chip Curry (D-Waldo) pushed back. Its not meant to be adversarial, but it is not meant to be cozy, either, he said.

So often we talk about maintaining the duties and and the power of the Legislature, Curry said. This is one of those places where we need to express our power as the Senate and the House in order to ensure that we are doing the oversight for the moral and the financial duties of the state.

The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee had recommended the bill to explicitly require the department to make sure legislators can fully access their facilities and the people incarcerated within them, with exceptions for emergency situations, such as riots and hostage situations.

Cyrway argued that wouldnt account for other reasons that could warrant limits to access, such as insufficient staff, echoing concerns raised by the department, which opposed both the current and earlier version of LD 1962.

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Ultimately, the Senate and House of Representatives opted to go with what a minority of the committee recommended: directing the department to draft its own rules for legislative access, which would still require legislative review and approval before adoption.

Currently, legislator access is the same as anyone else. Democratic Rep. Nina Milliken of Blue Hill, a co-sponsor of the bill, said she was denied entry to Maine State Prison multiple times after being approved for a scheduled visit.

Boards of visitors are also tasked with visiting prison facilities and interacting with incarcerated people, however Milliken said she knows of few that do so.

Three of the five boards are underfilled. The DOC puts forth recommendations and the governor makes appointments. The process of filling those vacancies is continuing, Mills spokesperson Bed Goodman said this winter.

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Under the bill, if a vacancy arises, the governor would have to notify the criminal justice committee within five days, and then the governor would have 90 days to fill that seat. If she doesnt, the presiding officers  the president of the Maine Senate and speaker of the House  are tasked with filling the vacancy.

Many of those vacant positions are for representatives of specific affinity groups, such as mental health professionals and formerly incarcerated people, which a 2023 update to Maine statute required. As a result of that change, almost every member of the board for the states largest prison, Maine State Prison, resigned in protest and six of the seven seats remain vacant.

I chose not to resign just so that future legislative interest would have someone to talk with! So, here we are. Finally! Perry Gates, the sole remaining member, wrote in a letter to the State and Local Government Committee in March.

Gates letter was in opposition to a different bill, LD 2228, which sought to repeal inactive boards and commissions, though that committee removed boards of visitors from the measures purview to wait and see what happened with LD 1962.

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In his letter, Perry instead recommended lawmakers change several aspects of boards of visitors, including the requirement that members have certain lived experience. But, Perry recommended the Legislature push off any such changes until the next governor, given that the executive is the one to make appointments.

He also recommended ensuring seats arent left vacant for more than three months, which LD 1962 would effectively do.

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Topline

Democratic lawmakers and former conservative allies have increasingly called for Vice President JD Vance and members of Donald Trumps cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove the president from office this week after he threatened to kill an entire civilization if Iranian leaders failed to meet U.S. demands.

President Donald Trump mimics firing a gun as he speaks about the conflict on April 6, 2026, in Washington, DC. AFP via Getty Images

Key Facts

Trump Tuesday morning said "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again" if Iran did not agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by an 8 p.m. deadlineroughly 10 hours later, Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran.

Figures on both sides of the aisle on Tuesday accused from Trump of threatening genocide against the people of Iran and called for him to be forcibly removed from office through the 25th Amendment, which outlines how a vice president and members of a presidents cabinet can involuntarily strip a president of his powers.

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Democratic lawmakers including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) and at least 30 others have all said the 25th Amendment needs to be used against Trump.

Some former allies of the president, including former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga), far-right commentator Alex Jones and conservative media personality Candace Owens have made similar calls.

Billionaire JB Pritzker, Democratic governor of Illinois, on Tuesday said Trump is "a deranged mad man threatening to wipe out an entire country, adding it is past time the 25th Amendment be invoked.

While most Republican lawmakers stopped short of calling for his removal, several criticized his strongly-worded threat as "an affront to the ideals our nation" and "not consistent with the principles that have long guided America.

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Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: Were launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the days headlines. Text Alerts to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here: joinsubtext.com/forbes.

Crucial Quote

25TH AMENDMENT!!! Not a single bomb has dropped on America. We cannot kill an entire civilization. This is evil and madness, Green posted to X.

How Could The 25th Amendment Remove Trump From Office?

The fourth section of the Constitution's 25th Amendment, which has never been invoked, allows for the vice president and a majority of either the presidential Cabinet or a majority of an "other body" created by Congress, to declare a president unfit for office. The vice president would then be elevated to acting president until the president can either prove he is capable of resuming his duties, or 2/3 of Congress votes to keep him out of office. In that case, the vice president would continue to serve as president. Some refer to section four as the "involuntary removal mechanism.

Contra

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) said Tuesday he thinks Trump "is facing serious mental decline" but added that "invoking the 25th is not realistic right now. He said he doesnt think Trumps cabinet would ever vote to involuntarily remove him. Lawyer Robert Barnes, who appeared on Jones' Infowars podcast this week, cast doubt on the idea of the 25th Amendment being invoked, noting "it's harder than impeachment." Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) suggested Trumps cabinet is too cowardly to remove him from office.

What Other Conservatives Have Spoken Against Trumps Iran Threats?

Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Texas, criticized Trumps threats on X: That is not who we are, and it is not consistent with the principles that have long guided America. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said the threat cannot be excused and said he and Iran must de-escalate their unprecedented saber-rattling before it is too late.Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis) on Tuesday said he is "hoping and praying" that Trump's threat is "bluster." "I do not want to see us start blowing up civilian infrastructure. I do not want to see that, he said. We are not at war with the Iranian people. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) told MS NOW he did not appreciate Trump's vulgar and profane language in an Easter post that threatened Iran, but said he had "mixed opinions" on if attacking bridges and power plants constitutes a war crime.

Who Is Supporting Trumps Iran Threats?

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) praised Trump for holding Iran accountable. Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) urged Trump to hit the Iranians so hard, the Angels in Heaven nod in wonder. Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) posted on Monday Happy Power Plant and Bridge Eve! Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC) on Monday said he supported Trump launching a "massive military attack destroying (the Iran) regime's capability to ever wage war again." The X account for Senate Republicans posted several messages in support of Trump, including a post reading, "Iran would be wise to take President Trump at his word. They can choose the easy way or the hard way."

Tangent

Some urged members of the military to defy Trumps orders. Retired Lt Gen Mark Hertling told MS NOW that military commanders are preparing to disobey unlawful orders from Trump related to the Iran war. Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) called on the Joint Chiefs of Staff to "disregard any such military orders that violate federal and international law." Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass) posted, To the members of our military: remember, you do not have to follow illegal orders.

Further Reading

MORE FROM FORBESTrump Calls Tucker Carlson 'Low IQ Person' After Former Ally Slams 'Vile' Iran Threats By Mary Whitfill Roeloffs

MORE FROM FORBESIranians Form Human Chains As Trump Threatens Death Of Whole Civilization (Live Updates) By Sara Dorn

This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Pam Bondi, who was fired on April 2 as attorney general by President Donald Trump, has said that she is moving on to an "important private sector role I am thrilled about, and where I will continue fighting" for the guy who just fired her.

Bondi has another fight coming  a broad coalition of lawyers and legal groups is planning to refile an ethics complaint against her with The Florida Bar. The group will once again accuse her of misconduct for using her former position as the nation's top law enforcement official to serve only Trump and not the Americans she swore to serve.

The timing of this development is extraordinarily exquisite.

President Donald Trump showered former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi with praise on social media April 2, 2026  praise that might have suggested an honor, not a firing. The message instead marked the end of Bondis brief stint at the Justice Department, after barely a year on the job. Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was fired by the president on March 5, 2026, not long after lawmakers grilled her about her departments massive spending. President Donald Trump fired John Bolton as his national security adviser on Sept. 10, 2019, noting the two "disagreed strongly" on foreign policy matters. President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Nov. 7, 2018, after a year of intense scrutiny from the White House. Sessions' exit, a resignation forced by Trump, was expected for weeks amid Trump's attacks over his attorney general's decision to recuse himself from the Justice Departments inquiry into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. After months of disputes with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, President Trump removed him on March 13, 2018, and nominated CIA Director Mike Pompeo to head the State Department. Anthony Scaramucci was fired as White House Communications Director on July 31, 2017, just 11 days after the man known as "The Mooch" was hired, making it the shortest in White House history. 'You're fired'  From Bondi to The Mooch, see Trump's firings 1 of 6 President Donald Trump showered former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi with praise on social media April 2, 2026  praise that might have suggested an honor, not a firing. The message instead marked the end of Bondis brief stint at the Justice Department, after barely a year on the job.

Bondi, before she got fired, proposed a new federal regulation that would give the attorney general the power to hijack the processes that state bar associations use to investigate ethics complaints filed against Department of Justice lawyers. The 30-day period for public comment about that ended on April 6.

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More than a million people left comments on the Federal Register, and it looks like the bulk of them opposed Bondi's proposed regulation. They don't want the DOJ to shield public servants from ethics complaints.

Previously: Pam Bondi had a ploy. A million people had opinions about it. | Opinion

Pam Bondi is 'not above the law in any way'

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi attends a Cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, on March 26, 2026.

Bondi is no longer a DOJ lawyer, so her proposed rule would not protect her.

But the lawyers and legal groups looking to hold her accountable have been frustrated so far by The Florida Bar, which rejected the ethics complaint they filed against Bondi in June, stating it does not "investigate or prosecute sitting officers appointed under the U.S. Constitution while they are in office."

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The Florida Supreme Court in October rejected an effort to force The Florida Bar to investigate the complaint.

Opinion: DOJ's accidental transparency is forcing GOP to defend Trump

Lauren Rikleen, the executive director of Lawyers Defending American Democracy, told me that an attorney general, like any other lawyer, "has an obligation to uphold the Constitution and the code of professional ethics."

"She is not above the law in any way," Rikleen said in an interview. "And the frustration of this has been, of course, that The Florida Bar took the position that indeed the attorney general was above the law and they would not investigate."

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She said the coalition will be meeting soon to discuss whether to refile the original 23-page complaint or to amend it to include new allegations against Bondi. The coalition includes the groups Democracy Defenders Fund and Lawyers for the Rule of Law.

Expect new allegations against Bondi in future ethics complaints

Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies at a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Feb. 11, 2026, in Washington, DC.

Democracy Defenders Fund, in an email, told me they "are fully committed to holding Pam Bondi accountable for her apparent failure to comply with her professional obligations."

The original complaint was signed by 68 lawyers, including law professors, retired state and federal judges, and former DOJ attorneys. Two of them, Peggy Quince and Barbara Pariente, are former Florida Supreme Court chief justices. Both told me they're on board with refiling the ethics complaint against Bondi.

Opinion newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter on people, power and policies in the time of Trump from columnist Chris Brennan. Get it delivered to your inbox.

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The original complaint accused Bondi of "serious professional misconduct that threatens the rule of law and the administration of justice" while serving as attorney general. It notes that Bondi, on her first day in that post, issued a memo calling for "zealous advocacy" in pursuit of Trump's agenda and threatened discipline and terminations for any DOJ staffer who "delays or impedes the Department's mission."

The complaint offers "three glaring examples" of DOJ lawyers being fired or forced to resign "as a result of demands that they act unethically issued by Ms. Bondi" or her management team.

That included a DOJ lawyer who questioned his department's actions in court during a high-profile deportation case, a lawyer who resigned rather than follow an order to investigate federal spending to prevent pollution despite a lack of evidence, and lawyers who resigned after objecting to the dismissal of a criminal case against former New York Mayor Eric Adams.

I'd expect more allegations when the amended ethics complaint gets filed against Bondi.

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"I think it's reasonable to assume we will be looking at activities since the time of the original filing," Rikleen told me. "A lot has happened in the last six months. All of us who do this work take a lot of care and effort in how we draft these and make sure that we have a very solid basis for every allegation."

Trump has a long history of lawyers who faced discipline for actions they took on his behalf. Bondi knew that when she took the job as attorney general. And that job now no longer protects her from the consequences of her actions.

Follow USA TODAY columnist Chris Brennan on X, formerly known as Twitter: @ByChrisBrennan

You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bondi's firing leaves her open to ethics complaints. Finally | Opinion
The two suspects arrested in last week's deadly shooting of a 7-month-old baby girl in Brooklyn have been indicted on second-degree murder and other charges.

The Brooklyn district attorney announced the indictment against Amuri Greene and Matthew Rodriguez on Tuesday.

"The theory is acting in concert for the driver, so he would be held as accountable as the shooter," said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.

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The suspects are also charged in the shooting of the victim's 2-year-old brother who was grazed by a bullet.

Greene, the suspected gunman, waived his right to attend his first court appearance.

Rodriguez, the suspected scooter driver, is still in Pennsylvania. He has waived extradition and should be back in Brooklyn by the end of the week.

Both men should be arraigned on their indictment at that time.

They are facing charges in connection to the death of Kaori Patterson-Moore last Wednesday in East Williamsburg.

Patterson-Moore was being pushed in a stroller by her mother when shots rang out in the middle of the day.

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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."

Her mother spoke out last week, wanting to clear the record after the NYPD said her fiance may have been the intended targeted.

On Tuesday, Gonzalez also cast doubt on that theory.

"We allege that this was a targeted attempt at a person, but I am not prepared to say today definitively that the father was the target," Gonzalez said.

ALSO READ | Mother of 7-month-old baby shot and killed in Brooklyn wants to set record straight

Darla Miles spoke with the mother of 7-month-old Kaori Patterson-Moore.

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Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker said construction on Buc-ee's first Louisiana store is "rocking and rolling" with a partial slab already in place, fuel tanks buried and the first walls to be raised this month.

"They're moving fast," Walker said April 6 in an interview with USA Today Network.

Buc-ee's, a freeway phenomenon, officially broke ground last fall on its Ruston store on Interstate 20 off of the Tarbutton Road exit with officials announcing a target opening of April 2027.

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"They're definitely on schedule  or even ahead of schedule  for next year's opening," Walker said.

A second Louisiana Buc-ee's in Lafayette has a 2028 target opening.

Buc-ee's founder and CEO Arch "Beaver" Aplin III said his first travel center in Ruston will be a homecoming.

Aplin, who opened his first Buc-ee's in Texas in 1982, was raised in Texas but spent summers working at his grandfather's general mercantile store in Harrisonburg, Louisiana, which he said planted the seed for business.

"It's our first store in Louisiana; that's a big deal," Aplin said in a previous interview with USA Today Network. "This is where my roots are from, so we're super excited about it."

Buc-ee's Beaver mascot was among those who celebrated a ground-breaking of the company's first Louisiana store on Oct. 24, 2025 in Ruston.

Buc-ee's, with its toothy Beaver mascot, has developed a devoted following among travelers who consider the centers tourism destinations rather than just giant convenience stores with specialty foods, endless rows of gas pumps and pristine bathrooms.

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Every Buc-ee's has a wide variety of culinary delights like its famous brisket, fudge, jerky and signature Buc-ee's Beaver Nuggets, which are similar to caramel popcorn, as well as branded merchandise.

Walker said the city has completed it's $8 million project to upgrade the Tarbutton exchange to accommodate Bucee's. "We installed the new traffic lights April 2 for the finishing touches," he said.

He said the city will complete a $3 million service road project leading up to Ruston Junior High School on Tarbutton Road this summer to mitigate potential traffic problems during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up of students.

Construction on the Buc-ee's in Ruston, La., is underway as shown in this April 6, 2026 photo.

Walker said he expects Buc-ee's to draw 15,000 vehicles a day.

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The mayor said his office is also getting inquiries "every day" from businesses that want to locate near Buc-ee's.

Buc-ee's also owns 40 acres adjacent to its campus for which it will market out-parcels.

Walker said the travel center is expected to employ 200 workers and generate commerce throughout the city, Lincoln Parish and the northern Louisiana I-20 corridor.

"People will stop here in northern Louisiana at the Buc-ee's who have never stopped here before," he said.

The legend of Buc-ee's: How the Beaver built Buc-ee's into freeway phenomenon with cheap gas, brisket, bathrooms

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA Today Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Buc-ee's construction 'rocking and rolling' on first Louisiana store
YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP)  Cameroon said on Monday that Russia has confirmed the deaths of 16 soldiers in Ukraine, according to a memo addressed to the Russian Embassy in the central African country.

In the memo addressed to the embassy, the countrys foreign affairs ministry acknowledged the death of 16 Cameroonian soldiers serving in the special military operations zone in Ukraine. The ministry said necessary arrangements had been made to contact the families of the deceased soldiers.

A separate message sent the same day invited the families of six other Cameroonian nationals living in Russia to come to the ministry for urgent matters concerning them. It did not give further information.

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In March last year, Cameroons defense minister instructed the country's various military high commands to take strict emergency measures to prevent further defections by active or retired Cameroonian soldiers.

Ukraine has said it believes more than 1,700 Africans have been recruited to fight for Russia, and several African nations have said some of their citizens have been tricked into fighting for Russia by offers of lucrative jobs or skills training.

An intelligence report presented to parliament in Kenya earlier this year said that 1,000 Kenyans were recruited to fight for Russia after being misled with false promises of jobs in the country before being sent to the front lines.

Two Nigerians were killed late last year fighting for Russia, Ukraines intelligence agency said this month.

Another AP investigation in 2024 found that African women were also duped into being part of the Russian war effort and sent to work in a factory assembling attack drones to be used against Ukraine. They were lured by social media adverts offering work-study programs.
CAIRO, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran entered its 39th day Tuesday as President Donald Trump warned that Iran could be "taken out" in one night, suggesting that night "might" be Tuesday.

He framed the timeline as a deadline for Tehran to reach a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. With the deadline approaching, Pakistan said it had proposed a two-week extension that is under review by the U.S. and Iran.

The following is an overview of the latest developments in the crisis affecting much of the region and beyond.

The United States

-- The White House says Trump has received Pakistan's proposal for a two-week extension to the deadline for U.S. strikes on Iran's civilian infrastructure.

Trump threatened on Tuesday morning that Iran's "whole civilization will die tonight," the deadline he set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, marking a possible sharp escalation in the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

-- U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday that the United States has largely achieved its military objectives against Iran, while warning that Tehran faces a narrowing window to enter negotiations or risk further economic hardship.

-- Trump said Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night and that night "might" be Tuesday evening, the deadline Trump set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while claiming that negotiations with the Iranian side via intermediaries over the deal are "going well."

Israel

-- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that its air force, guided by intelligence, struck a petrochemical facility in Shiraz, southern Iran. The Israeli military said in a statement that nitric acid was produced at the site for Iran's armed forces, which is a key material used in the production of explosives and components for ballistic missiles.

-- The IDF said on Tuesday that its air force, guided by naval intelligence, struck a key Iranian site producing sonar and underwater detection systems in the city of Shiraz, southern Iran.

It claimed that the strike, carried out on Monday, significantly impaired Iran's ability to detect maritime threats, as well as its submarine and naval electronics production.

-- The IDF said Tuesday night that increased missile fire toward Israeli territory is possible "in the coming hours." It urged the public to "remain vigilant, alert, and act responsibly, while continuing to follow the Home Front Command's instructions, which are updated from time to time."

Iran

-- According to Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency, several explosions were heard in Iran's Kharg Island, following multiple attacks by the United States and Israel. Western media reports said the attacks hit over 50 military targets on the island, which is Iran's oil export hub.

Later in the day, Mehr reported that critical facilities, infrastructure, and docks have not been harmed, and the general situation is stable on the island.

-- At least two people were killed, and three others injured as a railway bridge in Iran's central province of Isfahan was attacked by the United States and Israel, the official news agency IRNA reported.

-- An international airport in Iran's western province of Lorestan was attacked by the United States and Israel, with no casualties reported, Iran's official news agency IRNA said, citing a local official.

-- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said he has joined a national campaign comprising people who have voiced readiness to sacrifice their lives to defend the country, while making the announcement in a post on social media platform X.

-- At least 18 people were killed and 24 others wounded in overnight U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on residential areas in Iran's northern Alborz province, the official news agency IRNA reported.

-- A spokesperson for Iran's electricity industry said the country's power grid is a vast, interconnected network stretching more than 1 million kilometers, Mehr news agency reported.

The spokesperson said Iran operates multiple power plants across different regions, allowing electricity shortages caused by accidents in one area to be compensated through other transmission lines or facilities.

Specialized and experienced electricity workers are on standby, the spokesperson added, with about 30,000 personnel currently deployed in operational teams.

Lebanon

-- At least eight people were killed in Israeli airstrikes at dawn and on Tuesday morning targeting multiple areas in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.

-- The death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon since March 2 has risen to 1,530 from 1,497 a day ago, with 4,812 injuries, the Lebanese Public Health Ministry reported Tuesday.

Iraq

-- Two civilians were killed early Tuesday in a drone attack in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, local authorities said. An explosives-laden drone launched from Iran struck a residential house in the Darashakran district of Erbil province at 12:15 a.m. on Tuesday (2115 GMT on Monday), the regional Directorate General of Counter Terrorism said in a statement.

-- -- Iraqi special forces intercepted an unidentified drone that attempted to target a radar system at Ayn al-Asad Airbase in the western Anbar province on Tuesday, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

-- Five people were killed when an unknown rocket struck a residential house in Iraq's southern province of Basra, a security source said.

-- Protesters stormed the Kuwaiti Consulate in Basra in southern Iraq after three people were killed in a rocket attack reportedly fired from the direction of Kuwait, local media said.

Kuwait later condemned the attack on its diplomatic site and said it holds Iraq "fully responsible" for the incident.

Bahrain

-- The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain directed all U.S. government employees in Manama to shelter in place and advised American citizens in Bahrain to do the same until further notice, citing heightened regional security concerns.

Qatar

-- Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari warned that continued escalation in the region is pushing security, humanitarian, and environmental conditions to a critical threshold, urging all parties to avoid further escalation.

"The attacks on critical infrastructure since the war began have taken us to the brink," he said, adding that further escalation could worsen the situation across the region.

Kuwait

-- Kuwait's Ministry of Interior called on citizens and expatriates to remain indoors during overnight hours as part of precautionary security measures.

The United Arab Emirates

-- Two people were injured after a ballistic missile struck an administrative building belonging to regional mobile-satellite service provider Thuraya Telecommunications Company in Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates' third-largest emirate, the Sharjah Media Office said.

Egypt

-- Cairo-based Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit said the ceiling of demands of both the United States and Iran is not likely to lead to a settlement as the deadline for reaching a deal looms, urging all sides to take their responsibilities at this critical time to prevent catastrophes. 
Samuel Ronan is out of the Republican primary for the Ohio 15th Congressional District, leaving the field clear for incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Carey, after a federal judge determined Ronan lied about being a Republican.

Ronan, who's previously run for office as a Democrat and publicly urged Democrats to run in GOP primaries, maintains he is a Republican now and is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene.

In an order filed April 6, U.S. District Court Judge Sarah D. Morrison allowed the Franklin County Board of Elections to remove Ronan from the race. The two Republican members of the four-person county board voted last month to kick Ronan out of the race while the two Democrats voted to keep him on.

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Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose later broke the 2-2 tie and sided with his fellow Republicans against Ronan's candidacy. Ronan appealed the decision in federal court, and Morrison initially issued a temporary restraining order allowing him to remain in the race. That order is now vacated.

Ronan already appealed Morrison's decision to the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, which sided with Morrison. Ronan is now appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court. A response to his application for an injunction is due by noon on April 8.

Barring a favorable decision from the Supreme Court, Ronan will not be an official candidate.

More primary election news: What county, municipal and school issues are on central Ohio ballots?

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Ronan told The Dispatch that Carey coordinated with the Ohio Republican Party to have Ronan removed.

"The question is do parties have the right to determine who's in their primary," Ronan said. "My frustration is that people, regular people like me who may not have gone their whole life being one thing, can be pushed off the ballot despite meeting the legal state requirements."

Carey's campaign team did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment for this story.

Morrison said in her order that Ronan falsified his declaration of candidacy when he attested he is a Republican.

Brad Keefe votes at Cityview United Methodist Church on Election Day in Columbus on Nov. 4, 2025.

Franklin County GOP Central Committee member Marc Schare filed the protest against Ronan's candidacy, pointing to past statements from Ronan while he was a longshot candidate for chair of the U.S. Democratic National Committee and a recent Facebook comment Ronan made.

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Ronan told The Dispatch his statements are being mischaracterized. Ronan argues that he should be allowed to present his progressive ideology as a Republican and let the GOP voters decide.

It is too late to reprint the May 5 primary ballots, said Franklin County Board of Elections Director Antone White. Barring the Supreme Court intervening, the board will notify absentee voters that votes for Ronan will not count and post notices at polling places.

Ronan, who has never held political office, was a longshot candidate for Congress. Carey has held the seat since 2021 and won in 2024 with 56% of the vote.

Government and politics reporter Jordan Laird can be reached at jlaird@dispatch.com. Follow her on X, Instagram and Bluesky at @LairdWrites.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Samuel Ronan removed from Republican primary against Mike Carey
Another hearing for Keshia Golden began Tuesday morning as she faces charges for the murder of her boyfriend.

Golden's attorneys want the charges dropped, they argue she acted in self-defense.

She was eight months pregnant when her attorney says her boyfriend at the time, Calvin Sidney, attacked her and she defended herself by stabbing him in October 2022.

So far, the state has refused to drop the charges. Instead, the Cook County State's Attorney Office offered her an opportunity to plead guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree murder with a two-year probation, which she rejected.

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Golden arrived for her latest court hearing on Tuesday.

SEE ALSO | Supporters call for charges to be dropped against Chicago woman accused of killing boyfriend

Her lawyers in the public defender's office argue Golden was acting in self-defense against a man with a history of abuse.

Golden's attorneys say between June and September of 2022, police responded to five domestic violence incidents involving Golden and Sidney.

In July 2022 she had an order of protection against Sidney.

Prosecutors argue that Golden and Sidney were arguing over who could use the microwave the day of the stabbing.

They allege Golden "knocked a plate of food" out of his hands, and that's when he allegedly pushed her onto the counter. A family member separated the two.

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Sidney allegedly went into a bedroom, prosecutors said Golden walked into the room while armed with a knife and fatally stabbed him while he was laying on the bed.

Golden remains out on bond; her daughter is now three years old.

She is due back in court for a status hearing on July 13. A bench trial hearing was set for August 17.

If the charges are not dropped and this does go to trial, Golden's attorney says the trial is expected to start sometime this summer.

You can contact the Illinois domestic violence hotline at 1-877-863-6338 click here for more information.
By David Brunnstrom

April 7 (Reuters) - China and Russia on Tuesday vetoed a U.N. resolution encouraging states to coordinate efforts to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the measure biased against Iran, while Washington's ambassador to the world body called on "responsible nations" to join the U.S. in securing the waterway.

The 15-member Security Council voted 11 in favor of the resolution presented by Bahrain, with two against - China and Russia - and two abstentions.

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U.S. President Donald Trump threatened that "a whole civilization will die tonight" as Iran showed no sign of accepting his ultimatum to open the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday evening, Washington time.

Oil prices have surged since the U.S. and Israel struck Iran at the end of February, unleashing a conflict that has run for more than five weeks while Tehran has largely closed the strait that was previously the route for about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas.

"The draft resolution has not been adopted, owing to the negative vote of a permanent member of the Council," Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said.

U.S. AMBASSADOR CONDEMNS VETOES

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The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, condemned the Russian and Chinese vetoes, saying they marked "a new low" when Iran's shutting of the strait was preventing medical aid and supplies reaching humanitarian crises in the Congo, Sudan and Gaza.

"No one should tolerate that. They are holding the global economy at gunpoint. But today, Russia and China did tolerate it. They sided with a regime that seeks to intimidate the Gulf into submission, even as it brutalizes its own people."

Waltz said Iran could choose "to reopen the strait, to seek peace and to make amends."

He added, "But until then and afterwards, we call on responsible nations to join us in securing the Strait of Hormuz, protecting it, ensuring that it remains open to lawful commerce, to humanitarian goods, and the free movement of the world's goods."

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France deplored the vetoes.

"The aim was to encourage strictly, purely defensive measures to provide the security and safety for the strait without spiraling towards escalation," its U.N. ambassador, Jerome Bonnafont, said.

RUSSIANS AND CHINESE SAY TEXT WAS BIASED

Russia and China said the resolution was biased against Iran, and China's U.N. envoy Fu Cong said adopting such a draft when the U.S. was threatening the survival of a civilization would have sent the wrong message.

Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said Russia and China were proposing an alternative resolution on the situation in the Middle East, including maritime security.

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A text of that resolution seen by Reuters urges "de-escalation of the ongoing hostilities" and "a return to the path of diplomacy."

At a regular news briefing on Wednesday, China's foreign ministry said China's "objective and fair" vote would withstand the test of history, and called on the Security Council to aim for de-escalation.

"(The UNSC) should not be providing a veneer of legitimacy to unauthorized military actions, giving a pass for the use of force, let alone add fuel to the fire," ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said when asked about the U.N. resolution.

Iran's U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani praised the Chinese and Russian moves, saying "their action today prevented the Security Council from being misused to legitimize aggression."

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Iravani added that the U.N. secretary-general's personal envoy was en route to Tehran to pursue consultations. A U.N. source said the envoy, Jean Arnault, who left for the Middle East on Monday, intends to visit Iran as part of his efforts to encourage an end to the war, but his travel plans would depend on security and logistics.

China and Russia used their vetoes even though Bahrain had significantly weakened its draft after China opposed authorizing force.

The draft submitted to a vote dropped any authorization of the use of force. An explicit reference to binding enforcement, included in an earlier draft, was also left out.

Instead the text strongly encouraged states "to coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate to the circumstances, to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation across the Strait of Hormuz."

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It also said such contributions could include "the escort of merchant and commercial vessels," and endorsed efforts "to deter attempts to close, obstruct or otherwise interfere with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz."

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Additional reporting by John Irish in Paris and Liz Lee and Ethan Wang in Beijing; Editing by Caitlin Webber, Barbara Lewis, David Gregorio and Cynthia Osterman)
Police in Colonial Heights say they have arrested a suspect after he allegedly shot at a car over the weekend, prompting the car to crash and cause a power outage to parts of the city.

Dominique Armani Johnson, 34, of the 100 block of Dunlop Farms Boulevard in Colonial Heights, has been charged with use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, shooting into an occupied vehicle, firing a weapon within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and reckless handling of a firearm. He is being held without bond, according to a statement from Colonial Heights Police.

The incident occurred around 12:45 a.m. April 4 at the intersection of Conduit Road and Pleasant Dale Avenue near Colonial Heights High School. Officers found a car crashed into a transformer that had knocked out power to a significant portion of the city, police said.

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The driver told officers that an unknown assailant shot at his vehicle, and he wrecked while trying to get away.

The driver was taken to Bon Secours Southside Medical Center with minor injuries.

More: Lawmaker warns bill would lead to big tax hike in Colonial Heights

Officers canvassed the area but could not find the suspect. An investigation into the shooting was launched.

The next day, police said, officers with the departments Special Response Unit traced Johnson to a residence in the 900 block of Dogwood Drive not far from where the shooting took place. According to reports, Johnson had been staying there.

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Police also arrested another occupant of the residence on an outstanding warrant in Petersburg.

More: Fourth suspect in McComber killing arraigned in Caroline County

Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) has won numerous awards during his 40-year journalism career. A Petersburg native, Bill is a 1984 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond with a degree in mass communications. He specializes in coverage of breaking news, crime, government, and local/state/national politics. He is an avid history buff and a lifelong Washington Commanders fan. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com with news tips and story suggestions.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Suspect arrested in shooting that knocked out power in Colonial Heights
The company behind new AI parking services at the El Paso International Airport has faced multiple legal actions, including one in just the last few months.

El Paso recently announced that AI company Metropolis Technologies will begin offering "seamless drive-in, drive-out AI technology" across airport parking lots starting Wednesday, April 8, with the intent of saving travelers time as they enter and exit.

Less than three months ago, however, Metropolis reached a settlement in Tennessee over "consumer complaints about unclear pricing and inadequate signage," as well as "misleading communications about parking fees and violation notices," according to a news release from Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti's office.

An airline passenger walks to the parking lot as he arrives at El Paso International Airport Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022.

Tennesseans work hard for their money, and when they park they deserve a clear price up front and no shenanigans with bogus charges and stonewalling customer service, Skrmetti said in the release. My office is here to protect consumers and hold companies accountable, and this is exactly the type of situation where we need to step in."

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Representatives for the El Paso International Airport did not respond to a request for comment.

Tennessee AG investigation into Metropolis

The Tennessee Attorney General's Office launched its investigation into Metropolis two years ago after receiving more than 100 complaints about pricing and signage at company-operated parking lots.

More: El Paso International Airport raises long-term parking rates starting March 1

The investigation found that Metropolis misled consumers about parking prices through inaccurate signage, charged unexpected fees due to technology glitches, made refunds nearly impossible to obtain, and created confusion with notices that resembled government bills.

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As of January, the attorney general's office received more than 300 complaints against Metropolis.

What was in the settlement?

Metropolis settled with the state of Tennessee in January for $8.75 million. Along with covering consumer refunds, the company is also required to take the following actions, according to the news release from Skrmetti's office:

Create and implement the Tennessee Parking Program, which will provide $2.25 million in credits for free parking sessions for eligible Tennessee consumers;

Display clear signage with accurate rates at every lot entrance, showing current active rates and the customer support phone number;

Send text messages with rates upon entry to lots that use license plate reader technology;

Never charge more than what is posted on the signage;

Give consumers a 15-minute grace period to enter and exit with no charge in lots using license plate reader technology;

Stop implying affiliation with any local or state agency in electronic or mailed notices;

Comply with all state and local booting regulations;

Automatically issue refunds where their technology malfunctions and wrongfully charges a consumer;

Evaluate each refund request individually.

"Im proud of the work of my consumer team and glad that Metropolis has agreed to make things right," Skrmetti said. "If the company does not follow through and do right by Tennessee consumers, we stand ready to take further action.

Metropolis: El Paso launch has 'nothing to do' with Tennessee settlement

Despite the substantial settlement in Tennessee, Metropolis Vice President of Communications Nick Rosen-Wachs asserted in an email that the settlement has "nothing to do" with the company's launch in El Paso.

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Rosen-Wachs said the issues in Tennessee stemmed from the company's 2022 acquisition of Premier Parking and "long-past complaints" against the company.

"As we began integrating our technology into Premiers operations, we identified issues that prompted us to make a number of changes, including significant customer service and operational improvements," he said. "While our discussions with the Attorney Generals Office involved less than .01% of all parking sessions, this agreement enabled us to move forward, dramatically improving the customer experience and raising the standard for all operators in Tennessee and nationwide. We are confident the improvements we made have more than addressed all questions."

More action against Metropolis

The settlement in Tennessee is not the only legal woe facing Metropolis over its parking services.

The company also faced a class action lawsuit in Tennessee filed in June 2024 alleging that it "mailed fake parking citations" and that it "obtained, disclosed and used" vehicle owners' personal information in violation of federal law.

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"Metropoliss business model ostensibly involves charging drivers to park their vehicles in its facilities," the lawsuit stated. "However, Metropoliss business also profits by mailing fake parking citations to vehicle owners and threatening them with severe consequences if they do not pay exorbitant sums."

More: El Paso mayor criticizes FAA for 'unnecessary' flight halt, lack of communication

The law office handling the suit, Parker & Crawford in Brentwood, Tennessee, confirmed that the suit is ongoing.

A separate class action lawsuit was filed against the company by two Texas law firms  the Houston-based Lanier Law Firm and the Dallas-based Vertabedian, Hester and Hayes firm  in September 2024. The suit alleges that Metropolis "intentionally devised a scheme to overcharge customers" that failed to "follow a confusing parking system," according to Law.com.

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"When a driver leaves without paying  sometimes after a stay as short as sixteen minutes  Metropolis mails a 'Notice of Parking Violation' to the driver's home, complete with photos of their car," Daniella Main, an attorney working on the class action suit in Texas, said in an email. "The Notice demands the unpaid parking fare plus a so-called 'Violation Fine' that dwarfs the original charge."

"In one of our clients' cases, the unpaid parking fare was $5 and the Violation Fine was over $70  more than fourteen times what parking actually cost," she added. "In another, a $9 fare came with a $30 Violation Fine."

The Better Business Bureau reported a total of 841 complaints against the company over the last three years.

Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso airport parking company faces lawsuits in Texas, Tennessee
Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost.

WASHINGTON  The part of the U.S. government thats supposed to decide whether we go to war is on vacation while President Donald Trump threatens the wholesale annihilation of a foreign country.

The president wrote on his social media website Tuesday that a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. The statement came amid other threats to bomb civilian infrastructure unless Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz.

Politics: Sonia Sotomayor Makes A Damning Assessment Of Brett Kavanaugh

Congress has not held a single hearing on the war, which has killed thousands of people, including more than a dozen U.S. service members, caused gas prices to spike, and led to Iranian attacks on U.S. allies throughout the Middle East, destabilizing the region. Republicans show no interest in getting involved.

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As of Tuesday afternoon, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) have had no response to Trumps genocidal threat against Iran. Spokespeople for the Republican leaders did not respond to requests for comment.

With both the House and Senate out of session until next week, Republican lawmakers dont even have to pretend they havent seen the presidents statement. They can just hide in their districts.

Its unfortunate the Republicans are just silent and just not doing their job of oversight, Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.) told HuffPost. Cisernos, a Navy veteran, said Congress should invoke the War Powers Resolution to bring an end to the Trump-launched war. Its just ridiculous whats going on here and what hes doing with these threats  hes making us the bad guy.

Politics: Ro Khanna Credits Tucker Carlson And Marjorie Taylor Greene With Pushing Trump's Ceasefire

House Democratic leaders called on Johnson to bring the House back to Washington from its two-week Easter recess, a step which would allow for hearings and for War Powers votes.

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Donald Trump is completely unhinged. His statement threatening to eradicate an entire civilization shocks the conscience and requires a decisive congressional response, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said in a joint statement with other senior House Democrats. The House must come back into session immediately and vote to end this reckless war of choice in the Middle East before Donald Trump plunges our country into World War III.

Progressive Democrats in the House and Senate went further, calling on Congress and members of Trumps cabinet to join forces and immediately oust Trump from office by invoking the 25th Amendment, which outlines procedures for removing a president unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.

After bombing a school and massacring young girls, the war criminal in the White House is threatening genocide, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) said on social media. Its time to invoke the 25th Amendment. This maniac should be removed from office.

Politics: House Speaker Mike Johnson Opposes War Powers Vote After Attack On Iran

Several prominent MAGA voices outside of Congress have spoken out forcefully against the Iran war. And one prominent Republican, former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), also said Trump should be removed per the 25th Amendment, calling his Tuesday morning statement evil and madness. Greene, however, removed herself from the elected office where she would at least have a theoretical say in how the war goes.

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Invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office would be a difficult task, however, since the text of the amendment allows the president to assert in writing hes suffering no disability. Ultimately, removing him would require a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate  an even higher bar than removing the president through impeachment.

Still, its possible Trumps provocative comments could have consequences on Capitol Hill. Previous efforts to stop the Iran conflict, through votes on War Powers resolutions, failed by slim margins last month. With just a handful of additional Republican defections, a resolution could clear both the House and Senate  though Trump would still be able to veto.

Cisneros said he didnt see Trumps cabinet playing along with the 25th Amendment plan.

Politics: Health Care Laws Could Face First Amendment Attacks After Supreme Court Ruling

The best thing we could do right now is get Congress back, get a war powers resolution voted on, and hopefully get some Republican support and rein the president back in and call him out for his illegal activity, that hes doing this illegal war, Cisneros said.

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Jennifer Bendery contributed reporting.

Political Updates

Read the original on HuffPost
Ethan Gabrick believes his neighbors need a fighter to represent them in the General Assembly, someone who is willing to take on corporate interests and prepared to push back on the policies championed by his own party if he feels they are wrong.

We need a leader who will fight for us, the Cumru Township Democrat said. The establishment in both parties has been ignoring the needs of the working class for far too long. Its time we asserted ourselves and fought for a seat at the table.

Gabrick said thats the reason he decided to get involved in local politics.

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The 23-year-old has announced hes running unopposed for the Democratic nomination to represent the 99th Legislative District.

The district includes Brecknock Township and Mohnton as well as parts of Spring and Cumru townships in Berks County in addition to parts of northern Lancaster County. He will face Republican incumbent Rep. David Zimmerman in the general election.

I have a genuine conviction in my values and positions that I think is missing in the current generation of politicians, he said. We need a leader who will fight for the working class residents in this district.

Gabrick said his focus, should voters send him to Harrisburg, would be addressing the affordability crisis facing most Pennsylvanians.

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To make raising a family more affordable, Gabrick said he would support raising the minimum wage to $15, expand the Pennsylvania child tax credit and increase state appropriations to the Child Care Works Program.

Gabrick said he also cares deeply about bringing down the cost of health care and housing.

To make health care more affordable, he said he would support legislation that would guarantee affordable health care insurance for all residents of Pennsylvania, raise Medicaid reimbursement rates for various services and expand Medicaid coverage to include dental, vision, hearing behavioral health and substance abuse.

To make housing more affordable, Gabrick said he would back legislation to cap rent increases to the consumer price index, expand the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund and authorize the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to prioritize the construction of affordable housing.

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People might think some of these proposals are a little far-fetched, but I believe we have the possibility to pass historic legislation if Democrats can win a majority in the House and Senate, he said. I think it really is possible to usher in a new era of leadership.

Meet the candidate

Candidate: Ethan Gabrick, 23, Cumru Township.

Position sought: State representative for the 99th Legislative District, which includes part of northern Lancaster County and Brecknock Township and Mohnton as well as parts of Spring and Cumru townships in Berks County.

Current salary for position: $113,591.

Background: Gabrick is a paraprofessional who works as an aide to students with special needs. He also serves as a volunteer for Progressive Victory, an organization dedicated to teaching volunteers the skills needed to get involved in community advocacy.

Website: ethan4pa.com
She was sitting in the lunchroom when a friend approached her.

Your nudes got leaked, the friend said.

But the 16-year-old student had never sent a nude. Instead, there was a deepfake pornographic image of her circulating at her high school.

In her next class, she asked another friend, Have you heard anything about nude images of me?

The friend said yes  at a party. Someone showed a photo of a naked body and identified it as the 16-year-old girl.

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Her parents told USA TODAY that the deepfake scandal began months prior in December 2024, when their daughter had a falling out with a friend. A rumor spread through the school  located in the Pennsylvania New Hope-Solebury School District  that their daughter was "sending nudes." But until the exchange in the cafeteria in February 2025, her parents say she had no idea explicit photos were being generated and distributed among students.

The impact on the student and her family has been devastating. Once social and bubbly, the now 18-year-old has become reclusive, her parents say, afraid to go to the grocery store or pharmacy out of fear that other patrons have seen the deepfake images. The parents and their legal representative, Matthew Faranda-Diedrich, a partner at the Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld law firm, claim the school failed to adequately investigate the deepfake scandal and provide support in the aftermath. They are working with Faranda-Diedrich to initiate legal action against the school district. The family requested to remain anonymous to protect their daughter's privacy.

Lawyers for the school district and representatives for the high school did not return USA TODAY's requests for comment.

The school district's solicitor sent a letter to Faranda-Diedrich in March 2026 that was reviewed by USA TODAY. The letter states that a Title IX investigation conducted by the school did not find proof that perpetrators accused of sharing the photos "actually circulated deepfake nudes and/or rumors of the same."

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But the parents pulled their daughter from the public school after what they describe as persistent bullying. Her parents are proud of the progress she's made at her new private school  she's planning to attend senior prom with her new friends after skipping junior prom at her old school  but they say the deepfake scandal still weighs on the entire family.

They aren't alone in facing the impact of deepfake abuse. A growing number of schools across the country are grappling with the rise of deepfakes and "nudify" applications, and parents are often left in the dark, according to AI experts, lawyers and impacted families. For victims of deepfake abuse, the emotional toll can be serious and long-lasting. Often when they reach out for support, they feel alone or misunderstood.

When the 18-year-old's parents share their experience with friends, most respond with shock.

"There's still a lack of awareness around that this can happen to anybody," her father says. "We live in a very resourced school district, a very resourced area of the world. If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere."

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Here's what they want other parents to know about deepfake abuse, and how experts are helping schools navigating this rising crisis.

Two boys made deepfake porn of 60 girls. Here's what happened next

'It's a fake picture, but it's a real life'

The first time parents hear about pornographic deepfake shouldn't be when their children encounter this type of media or are victimized.

"The school is supposed to be the one that is up to date on these types of things that are happening," the mother says. "There should be outreach to the community, because they do outreach for other things like bullying."

In 2024, a survey of 3,170 K-12 students, teachers and parents was conducted by the Center for Democracy & Technology to demonstrate the prevalence of AI deepfakes in schools and how prepared schools were to handle cases.

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The survey found that 6 in 10 teachers were not aware of school policies and procedures for addressing authentic or deepfake sexual images, and only 16% said their schools teacher training covered how to protect the privacy of a student depicted in a deepfake. Only 13% of students reported that their school has explained that sharing this type of AI-generated media is harmful to the person depicted.

Evan Harris, a national expert on emerging AI risks in schools at Pathos Consulting Group, says schools already have so much on their plate and are struggling to keep up with this technology. Harris has conducted thousands of webinars to help schools navigate this rising crisis, worked on the ground to workshop policies with various schools and contributed to a free educational program co-led by Elliston Berry, a victim of deepfake abuse, and Adaptive Security, a security awareness training platform.

"A big part of my job is making all of this feel manageable, because if people are in that fight-or-flight mode, they can't really get into anything concrete or actionable," Harris explains. He starts by establishing three buckets: policies, crisis readiness plans, and preventative education for faculty, parents and students.

It's a "shared responsibility" between the school, parents and the students themselves, the Pennsylvania student's father says. "It takes a village."

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Her mother also wants students to complete educational trainings that emphasize the "human repercussions of doing this to an individual."

"(Our daughter) loved school, she loved her town," her father says. "And in the end, she ended up having to leave the school and she's afraid to go into town."

"It's a fake picture, but it's a real life," her mother says.

Don't wait to talk to your kids about deepfakes

The traditional parental advice and health class warnings ("don't send nude photos") are no longer sufficient, experts say. Anyone can have a explicit photo of them made and shared, even if they never take it themselves.

The Pennsylvania student's parents say that keeping an open dialogue with your children is imperative.

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"Kids that are going through this need to be heard. They need to be believed," her father says.

"Being able to know what was going on, we were able to help her," he continued. This required tough conversations, but they say this helped prevent their daughter from sinking further into a "dark place."

Harris says that schools and parents need to establish an "anti-judgment culture" by modeling positive responses while educating stakeholders about deepfake abuse  before a crisis arises.

"(Students) have to hear that message that they go to a school where if they come forward, they will be supported, they will be believed and they won't be judged," he says. "Shame is the number one enemy here. That's what we're trying to counter."

Parents and experts call for stronger mandatory reporting laws

The Pennsylvania student's parents say the school took too long to act on multiple complaints about what was happening to their daughter and did not file ChildLine report to the state, meant to identify potential child abuse, until May 2025.

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They want schools to implement stronger protections and reporting practices to prevent deepfake abuse from happening in the first place  and to better support students when it does.

"It's about a lack of understanding," Faranda-Diedrich says. "If someone had walked in and said there's child pornography being spread in the school, there's no way the school would have handled it the way they did."

State Sen. Tracy Pennycuick cosponsored the bill updating Pennsylvanias AI child pornography laws, and is hoping to see their states bipartisan action extend nationally. In Pennsylvania, she is sponsoring another bill that would tighten up reporting requirements for mandatory reporters, like teachers and school administrators.

Pennycuick wants to leave "no ambiguity" in what mandatory reporters are required to act on: "If you suspect that there is any kind of child sexual abuse material, you report."

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The Pennsylvania student's parents want to protect other families from living their nightmare, too.

"Schools need to trust the students that are coming to them and realize it's a new world we're living in," her mother says. "If you hear something, say something. I'm around my children; I hear their friends talking. Start the conversation with them about it. It's uncomfortable, but it's something that's real nowadays."

This story was supported by a grant from the Tarbell Center for AI Journalism. Funders do not provide editorial input.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Their daughter was bullied by deepfake nudes. They're warning others.
Six people have died and 6,000 have been evacuated following flooding in Russia's Dagestan republic, Civil Protection Minister Aleksandr Kurenkov said on Tuesday.

Kurenkov announced in a video link with President Vladimir Putin that a national emergency could soon be declared in response to predictions of further flooding.

This would allow additional assistance to be given to the approximately 1.5 million people affected in the region on the Caspian Sea.

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"More than 2,000 homes and properties are now flooded in 10 municipalities in the Republic of Dagestan," Kurenkov said.

Putin called for further efforts to mitigate the consequences and instructed that a crisis unit be set up to monitor the health situation in particular, give the risk of an epidemic.

He also instructed the authorities to provide financial, medical and legal help to those affected. Dozens of emergency accommodation units have been set up.

"The situation continues to be difficult," Dagestan Republic head Sergey Melikov said. He noted that weather forecasts for the days ahead were unfavourable.

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Forecasters are predicting more storms for the mountainous region, with heavy rains and a third wave of flooding for Saturday. River levels could rise further, they said. There were also warnings of landslides.

On Sunday, a dam wall burst in the Derbent district in the region, with entire villages being inundated.

The North Caucasus has been hit by heavy rains since the end of March. Flooding of power substations has led to outages in almost 20 districts in Dagestan.
For the first time in eight years, Ohioans will pick a new attorney general to act as the state's top law enforcement officer and head of the largest public interest law firm in the state.

Republicans are expected to nominate Keith Faber, who has been state auditor since 2019. In the May primary, Democrats will pick either former state representative Elliot Forhan or retired Vorys partner John Kulewicz to be the party nominee for attorney general.

Attorney General Dave Yost cannot run for reelection due to term limits.

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The attorney general represents state agencies, pension funds and public colleges and universities, investigates and prosecutes charity fraud and Medicaid fraud, and operates the peace officers' training academy, state crime labs and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The attorney general can also join multi-state lawsuits on behalf of Ohio.

Early voting for the May 5 primary starts April 7.

Upper Arlington City Counci member John Kulewicz

Who is John Kulewicz?

Kulewicz, of Upper Arlington, earned his undergraduate degree from Ohio State University and law degree from Yale. He has been involved in local and statewide Democratic politics since the mid-1980s and is in his second term on the Upper Arlington City Council.

He retired in December 2024 after 43 years with Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease.

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"I have far more experience as a lawyer in both the number of years and breadth of experience," Kulewicz said when asked why voters should pick him over Forhan.

If elected, Kulewicz said he'll focus on issues to help improve lives for Ohioans, including fighting monopolies, pushing utility regulators to protect consumers, and investigating nursing home fraud, wage theft and elder abuse.

Kulewicz said he's running to give voters a choice between "more of the same" and aggressive action to protect Ohioans' interests.

Election 2026: Get the latest news on Ohio politics with our weekly newsletter

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Kulewicz filed a complaint with the Ohio Inspector General over JobsOhio paying $60,000 for a podcast. He noted that Faber, Forhan and Yost had not done so.

Kulewicz said he would work to make sure public pension board members follow their fiduciary duties. While he said he followed Yost's lawsuit to remove two men from the State Teachers Retirement System, he declined to comment on it since the case is being appealed. The next attorney general will likely inherit that appeal.

Kulewicz is an accomplished long-distance swimmer who led relay teams crossing the English Channel. "It's a wonderful experience," he said. "To swim the English Channel is like playing in the Super Bowl."

His longest swim was 13.7 miles across the Straits of Gibraltar.

Elliot P. Forhan

Who is Elliot Forhan?

Forhan lives in Brooklyn Heights but grew up in Athens County. He earned his undergraduate degree from Kenyon College and law degree from Yale. He served one term in the Ohio House from 2023 to 2024, where he was accused of hostile and erratic behavior toward constituents, staff and his fellow representatives.

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"I'm running to tax the rich, stand up to bullies and prosecute Donald Trump to the fullest extent of the law," Forhan said. He said he wants to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court decision that grants wide presidential immunity for actions taken in office.

Forhan said he opposes how Yost has used the office to join lawsuits advancing conservative causes, such as efforts to ban gender-affirming care and block transgender Americans from using bathrooms that align with their gender.

Forhan offered no opinion on whether Yost's lawsuit to remove two people from the State Teachers Retirement System board was an overreach. "I have heard a little bit about that case," he said.

The attorney general was recently assigned prison inspection duties after lawmakers opted to eliminate the Correctional Institution Inspection Committee. Forhan criticized Faber's move years ago to reduce CIIC staffing and linked that to the Christmas Day beating death of Corrections Officer Andrew Lansing.

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If elected, Forhan pledged to file a lawsuit to force the state to provide full funding for K-12 schools.

State government report Laura Bischoff can be reached at lbischoff@usatodayco.com and @lbischoff on X.

Tell us what you think about the race for Ohio attorney general?

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Who is running for Ohio Attorney General?
UNITED NATIONS, April 6 (Xinhua) -- UN humanitarians warned on Monday that continuing drone attacks in Sudan are killing civilians, damaging critical infrastructure and deepening already severe humanitarian needs across the country.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the attacks have increasingly targeted populated areas and healthcare facilities, further constraining access to essential services as the conflict nears its third year.

OCHA said that in White Nile State, a drone strike on Al-Jabalain Hospital last Thursday reportedly killed 10 health workers and injured 22 others, forcing major disruptions to medical services.

In a social media post over the weekend, Tom Fletcher, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, called for the protection of medical personnel and facilities, stressing that international humanitarian law requires such safeguards.

"These incidents are part of a broader pattern of attacks on healthcare in Sudan," OCHA said.

The office said that since the conflict began nearly three years ago, the World Health Organization has verified more than 200 attacks on healthcare facilities, resulting in over 2,000 deaths. In the first quarter of this year alone, 13 attacks were verified, killing 184 people and injuring nearly 300 others.

In Blue Nile State, drone strikes last Wednesday hit a Balila village market and other localities, reportedly killing seven civilians.

Escalating insecurity has also triggered fresh displacement.

The International Organization for Migration said more than 10,000 people were displaced from Kurmuk locality between mid-February and late March, with many crossing into neighboring Ethiopia.

OCHA said that families newly uprooted to the state capital, Ed Damazine, face acute shortages of food, healthcare and shelter. At the same time, women and children are exposed to heightened risks of violence and abuse. Humanitarian access in the area remains constrained.

However, the office said that despite mounting challenges, humanitarian operations continue. The UN Sudan Humanitarian Fund has allocated nearly 200 million U.S. dollars to deliver life-saving assistance to about 4 million people.

OCHA said that as the third anniversary of the start of the conflict nears, more than 1.6 million people have returned to the capital, Khartoum, in recent months, even as explosive remnants of war and damaged infrastructure continue to pose serious risks.

UN agencies are scaling up their presence, including reopening additional offices in the city.

Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said Guterres' personal envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, is continuing regional meetings aimed at de-escalation and civilian protection.

Haavisto, currently in Nairobi, met with Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, following talks last week with Sudan's army chief and Transitional Sovereign Council President Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

"The meetings afforded a constructive opportunity to exchange views and explore practical avenues for de-escalation and the protection of civilians," Dujarric said, adding that all parties expressed readiness to cooperate with the United Nations.

"This is encouraging and must swiftly translate into concrete progress towards ending the suffering of all Sudanese, once and for all," he said.

Dujarric said UN humanitarian teams are expanding operations in Khartoum, with Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Denise Brown returning to the capital with a core team. While most OCHA staff remain in Port Sudan, several UN agencies have reopened offices in Khartoum after being closed since the war began.

"As the three-year mark of hostilities in Sudan approaches, we reiterate our call for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, including health facilities, an immediate cessation of hostilities, and rapid, safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access," Dujarric said.

He also said that funding is urgently needed.

Sudan's 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which seeks 2.9 billion dollars to assist more than 20 million people, is only 16 percent funded, with 465 million dollars received so far. 
As Donald Trump unleashes curse-filled threats against Iran, Democrats are raising alarm over his mental stability and calling for his removal from office  while Republicans remain conspicuously silent.

Democrats are escalating their rebukes as the 79-year-old president delivers rambling, incoherent speeches, hurls puerile insults at US allies and brazenly threatens to commit war crimes. He used an Easter Sunday social media post to warn Iran to Open the Fuckin Strait, you crazy bastards, or youll be living in Hell.

The president followed up by insisting that a whole civilization will die tonight if Tehran does not meet his latest deadline to agree to a deal that includes reopening the strait of Hormuz.

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By Tuesday afternoon, more than 20 Democratic members of Congress had called for Trumps cabinet to invoke the 25th amendment to the constitution to remove a president who is deemed unfit for office.

Rashida Tlaib of Michigan wrote on the X social media platform: After bombing a school and massacring young girls, the war criminal in the White House is threatening genocide. Its time to invoke the 25th Amendment. This maniac should be removed from office.

Ilhan Omar of Minnesota wrote that Trump is an unhinged lunatic and demanded: When will it be enough for my Republican colleagues to grow spines and remove him from office?

Mark Pocan of Wisconsin added: 25th Amendment RIGHT NOW! Trump is too unhinged, dangerous, and deranged to have the nuclear codes!

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They were joined by Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former Republican US representative turned Trump critic. She wrote: 25TH AMENDMENT!!! Not a single bomb has dropped on America. We cannot kill an entire civilization. This is evil and madness.

Greene had previously warned that Trump has gone insane. And since Sunday, other Democrats have broken new ground by questioning the presidents mental health.

Yassamin Ansari, the only Iranian American Democrat in Congress, wrote on social media: The President of the United States is a deranged lunatic, and a national security threat to our country and the rest of the world.

Ansari told the Guardian on Tuesday: I am devastated and appalled by the lack of action from Trumps cabinet, from Republicans in Congress who are standing idly by as Donald Trump is threatening genocide, war crimes, and essentially speaking as though he intends to use a nuclear weapon in Iran.

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This is a grave moment not just for the United States but in world history and we will be judged on what we did in this moment. I am urging Republicans to put party affiliation and blind loyalty to Donald Trump aside and take action immediately to restrain him.

But the chances of Trumps notoriously loyal cabinet turning against him to install JD Vance as president are close to zero. Even as Trump threatens to target civilian infrastructure in Iran in breach of international law, few Republicans have raised any voice of dissent. Many in the party support the war.

Kurt Bardella, a former Republican congressional aide turned Democrat, said: The one mechanism that we know could be executed immediately is the 25th amendment. All thats standing in the way of the complete annihilation of a civilisation or not is if there are a dozen or 13 Republicans who have a spine, a soul, a conscience and the fortitude to do what they know is right.

The divide in Washington echoes Joe Bidens presidency, when Republicans and rightwing media spent years contending that the octogenarian Biden was in cognitive decline and claimed vindication when a feeble debate performance ended his 2024 re-election campaign

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Bidens mental and physical health was a thorny subject for years in Washington. Trump and other Republicans mocked him as senile and forced to depend on an autopen to sign documents. The White House only fuelled speculation by limiting Bidens public appearances and clamping down hard when media reports tackled the sensitive subject.

The presidents doddering debate performance against Trump in June 2024 left Democrats  and some sections of the media  ruing their failure to grapple with the issue until it was too late. Trumps current conduct raises the question of what lessons have been learned.

Bardella, a political commentator and contributor on the NewsNation network, said: If anything, because of what happened with Joe Biden, that should actually increase the level of scrutiny that we have on someone like Donald Trump. Frankly, anyone over 80 thats in public office at this point, you should be scrutinised. Father Time is undefeated and Donald Trump is no exception to that.

If it turns out that we find out later on that this was someone who was suffering from dementia or some mental condition that has created deterioration and were allowing him to wage a literal war on an entire civilisation, no one should feel good about that. Your place in history will be looked upon with infamy because you knew better and you did nothing.

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Trump is also facing criticism from his right flank. Along with Greene, former Make America Great Again allies such as Tucker Carlson, Alex Jones and Candace Owens have described his threats to Iran as a betrayal of his America First promise to end forever wars. Jones, a notorious conspiracy theorist, asked: How do we 25th amendment his ass?

Yet Republicans on Capitol Hill, some of whom are longtime Iran hawks, seem impervious and are willing to overlook Trumps reckless rhetoric. Bill Galston, a former policy adviser to Bill Clinton, said: I dont think anybody is surprised by that because Republicans attitude towards this presidents misdoings can charitably be described as supine.

It is utterly unsurprising that a party, 98% of which has tolerated anything and everything from this president, would continue their cowardly behaviour because there are many Republican members of the House and Senate who are known to be competent and reasonable people who have simply bit their tongues for far too long.

Trump does not drink or smoke but does love fast food. His defenders insist that he is remarkably energetic, often working through the night and delivering speeches of an hour and a half without even taking a sip of water. However, over the past year he has been unable to hide evidence of hand bruising and swollen ankles.

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His mental state is even more contentious. Trump himself repeatedly claims to have aced cognitive tests that no other president could. His press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, asserted last week that he is always the most well-read person in the room. Critics find such statements laughable and accuse Republicans of hypocrisy.

Galston, a senior fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution thinktank in Washington, commented: Its certainly fair for a party that questioned the cognitive competence of the other partys president to be subject to the same kind of questioning now. If it turns out that, behind the scenes, senior members of the Trump administration are aware of any mental distortion or incapacity on the part of president, history wont deal with them kindly.

The Goldwater rule, however, is a convention that psychiatrists should not give an opinion about the mental state of a person they have not examined. Galston added: Its very difficult to make psychological judgments at long distance, even though occasionally they may be correct, just because these judgments are very complicated.

My memory goes all the way back to 1964, when legions of the countrys best psychologists got together to declare that Barry Goldwater was mentally disturbed, which he quite clearly was not, just because he was talking a kind of aggressive language on many foreign policy and domestic issues that a left-leaning psychology profession didnt like. So theres reason to be cautious.
Democrats have repeatedly overperformed in surprising places this year, including President Donald Trump's own Florida state senate district, but the heights of their forecasted "blue wave" will be tested April 7 in a Georgia congressional seat formerly held by Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Democrats long-shot hopes there are pinned on Shawn Harris, a retired brigadier Army general, who believes the rough economy, unpopular war with Iran and Trump's dipping approval numbers makes this ripe for a political upset, despite the district's strong Republican tilt. Greene, an arch-conservative, beat Harris by about 29 percentage points in 2024.

"If you got the right candidate, you got the right message, and then you got the right environment, then, yes, in a place like northwest Georgia... a Democrat like me can win this," Harris told USA TODAY.

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The 60-year-old cattle farmer said Democrats used to be a party for "hard-working people" and his campaign has largely stayed focused more on those kitchen-table issues.

Georgia's 14th Congressional District is nestled state's northwest corner that grazes Atlanta's suburbs and stretches into a more mountainous Appalachia region bordering Tennessee. It is rated as 19 points more Republican than the country as a whole, according to the Cook Political Report.

A rainbow is seen above the White House in Washington, DC on April 1, 2026. US President Donald Trump will deliver a prime-time address on April 1, 2026 on the Iran war in the face of plunging approval ratings, economic jitters and spiralling diplomatic fallout. President Trump speaks to the nation on Iran from the White House A rainbow is seen above the White House in Washington, DC on April 1, 2026. US President Donald Trump will deliver a prime-time address on April 1, 2026 on the Iran war in the face of plunging approval ratings, economic jitters and spiralling diplomatic fallout.

But this contest will be one of the first amid the escalating conflict with Iran, which he hopes will become a wedge issue in the district for those already struggling with America's affordability crisis.

"It's not the top issue, but I put it in the top three and the reason why it's in the top three is because when people go to the gas pump, they see how much they got to pay for gas or diesel," Harris told USA TODAY in an interview. "Our district is 100% agriculture and that cost diesel fuel and that cost for fertilizer is killing our farmers."

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Republican confidence hasn't publicly wavered, as Clay Fuller, a Trump-endorsed former prosecutor who served in the Air National Guard, remains wedded to the president and his agenda after surviving the crowded primary to be in the run-off.

Trump described the special election as "very important" in a April 6 post on Truth Social, adding Fuller is a "fantastic candidate" who has his full support.

Fuller was not available for comment a request for this story but he emphasized in a previous interview with USA TODAY after the special election's first round in March that he doesn't take anything for granted.

"I want to be focused each and every day on just making sure that I'm a warrior for the people who are voting me into the office," he said.

Iran war divides two veterans vying for MTG seat

The Georgia run-off is one of first congressional battles between the two parties that is taking place in the shadow of Trump waging war against Iran, which is broadly unpopular with large swaths of voters, polling shows, and has also divided key figures within the Make America Great Again movement, including Greene, who has becoming a leading anti-war critic since resigning in January.

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The war has become a central divide between Harris and Fuller, with the latter giving the president his full-throated support during their lone debate last month.

"Our country is safer because of what President Trump has done regarding Iran," Fuller said.

The 44-year-old GOP nominee served in 2024 at an air base in Qatar that came under attack last month.

Asked back in March about conservative-leaning voters skeptical or critical about the war, Fuller emphasized Iran's reputation around the world as the main reason many Republicans remain overwhelmingly supportive.

That same understanding, he said, is being extended by MAGA-aligned voters to the president when it comes to rising gas prices, which Democrats are making a focus in swing districts across the country.

President Donald Trump looks on as Republican congressional candidate Clay Fuller speaks at the Coosa Steel Corporation in Rome, Georgia, on Feb. 19, 2026.

"They understand that there may be some issues at the pump, but they know that since January 2025 there's a bad hand of cards that the president was was handed from an economic standpoint," Fuller told USA TODAY.

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"They know the long-term economic strategy that the president is working on and they're not going to panic over any kind of short term thing that's going to be forgotten in two weeks or a month," he added.

Trump hasn't made it easy for congressional GOP incumbents or candidates who have the task of defending the war on the campaign trail without his name at the top of the ticket.

In a primetime address before the nation on April 1, the president briefly touched on rising prices at the pump without offering a clear timetable on when the conflict could come to a close.

Then he put out an expletive-laden threat on Easter Sunday, saying the U.S. would bomb Iran's power plants and bridges if it did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for oil production, before ending the online post with: "Praise be to Allah."

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Ryan Ward, an aspiring musician who cast an early ballot for Harris in Rome, Georgia on April 1, said the escalating rhetoric and actions surrounding the war is a chief concern.

"The fact that (Harris is) a veteran is really great, given what we're doing in Iran right now. Completely pointless situation there, like he's even-keeled, has a level head," the 24-year-old independent said in an interview.

Ward said Democrats have a "really bad branding problem" and that the party needs candidates who are more themselves, "even if you say stuff that rubs people the wrong way."

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene asks questions during Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatleas congressional hearing on July 22, 2024.

That authenticity  along with objections to the war from independents, Democrats and Trump voters who feel he betrayed his campaign promise to avoid starting foreign wars  is what the Harris campaign believes can make the race competitive.

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Fuller declined a request for comment responding to the president's online April 5 post, for instance, while Greene, who hasn't endorsed the GOP nominee, slammed the president's Truth Social post on Easter that same day. She said Trump, "has gone insane" in response on X, adding that the strait is closed due to the U.S. and Israel starting an "unprovoked war against Iran."

As Georgia voters were flocking to the polls, Greene called for Trump's cabinet to use the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and remove him from office in response to the president's threat that he would wipe out Iran's "entire civilization" by 8 p.m. EST unless the strait is opened.

"25TH AMENDMENT!!! Not a single bomb has dropped on America," Greene said in an April 7 post on X. "We cannot kill an entire civilization. This is evil and madness."

Why are Democrats fighting so hard in a MAGA-coded district?

Georgia Democrat Congressional candidate Shawn Harris at his campaign headquarters during a special election in Georgia to fill a seat in its 14th congressional district, in Rome, Georgia, U.S., March 10, 2026.

There has been little to no polling ahead of the April 7 election, and few forecasts give Harris a chance to win. Many conservatives scoff at Harris' chances. But in other elections across the country Democrats are doing noticeably better in places where Trump and his allies have blown out opponents previously.

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In the six contests last year to fill vacancies in the U.S. House of Representatives, Democratic contenders outpaced former Vice President Kamala Harris' margin in 2024, including conservative strongholds such as Tennessee's 7th Congressional District.

Even down at the state legislative Democrats are seeing significant gains such as in Texas where a Democrat running for state Senate nabbed the seat by 9% after Trump previously carried the area by 17%, representing a 31-point swing.

Democrats spotlight those trends to justify their glimmer of hope in Georgia, where Fuller being a less-known candidate compared to Greene is viewed as anothe asset.

Fuller finished about 2% behind Harris in the nonpartisan March 10 contest but that was mostly because Republicans were split among a larger crop of candidate who did not dissipate after the president's endorsement.

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Harris did slightly improve his margins in almost all of the district's 10 counties in March compared to his performance two years ago. He will need to do massively better to prevail over Fuller, however, particularly in the more populated areas such as Cobb County that are closer to metro Atlanta.

Potential 2028 Democratic contenders, including Sen. Raphael Warnock, of Georgia, who endorsed Harris over the weekend and former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, have come to the district in support of his underdog campaign.

Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. People gather at the site of a destroyed building at a school where, as the state media reports, several people were killed in an Israeli airstrike, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Minab, Iran in this screengrab obtained from a social media video released on February 28, 2026. Iranian state media reported on February 28 that Israel struck a school in southern Iran, resulting in 40 deaths. Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel had launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026 in this screen grab taken from video. Iranian people run for cover in Tehran, Iran, on February 28, 2026, as explosions are heard after a reported strike and Israel announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran, with sirens sounding in Jerusalem and phone alerts warning of an "extremely serious" threat. Smoke rises following an explosion after the U.S. and Israel reportedly launched an attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026, in this screen grab taken from video. A graffiti on a wall reads" Down with the U.S.A", after Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. People run for cover following an explosion, after Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026. A plume of smoke rises after an explosion on February 28, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. After explosions were seen in the Iranian capital, the office of the Israeli Defense Minister issued a statement saying it had launched a preemptive strike against the country. A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on February 28, 2026. Two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on February 28 morning by AFP journalists, and two plumes of thick smoke were seen over the centre and east of the Iranian capital.



Israel's defence ministry announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and people across the country received phone alerts about an "extremely serious" threat. U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after disembarking Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., February 27, 2026. Hours later, Trump made live comments about the military strikes he launched against Iran. A plume of smoke rises over Tehran after a reported explosion on February 28, 2026, after Israel said it carried out a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and phone alerts warned of an "extremely serious" threat. A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on February 28, 2026. Two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on February 28 morning by AFP journalists, and two plumes of thick smoke were seen over the centre and east of the Iranian capital. Israel's defence ministry announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and people across the country received phone alerts about an "extremely serious" threat. Buildings inin Tehran stand after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, February 28, 2026. Iranians try to clear a street amid heavy traffic in Tehran, Iran, on February 28, 2026, as explosions are heard following a reported strike and Israel announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran, with sirens sounding in Jerusalem and phone alerts warning of an "extremely serious" threat. Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese area of al-Qatrani on February 28, 2026. Lebanon's foreign minister said on February 24 his country feared its infrastructure could be hit by Israeli strikes if the situation with Iran escalates, after Israel intensified its attacks on Tehran-backed Hezbollah Anti-riot police stand in front of state building that is covered with a giant anti-U.S. billboard depicting the destruction of a US aircraft carrier in downtown Tehran on a main street in Tehran on February 21, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. In recent weeks, the United States had moved vast numbers of military vessels and aircraft to Europe and the Middle East. The US and Israel proceeded to launched strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, Latest photos capture US and Israeli strikes against Iran 1 of 16 Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026.

Harris said other prominent party leaders have reached out as well, including former Vice President Kamala Harris. The former vice president, who is not related to the candidate, told USA TODAY gave him a phone call after making the run-off.

The former 2024 Democratic presidential told him it was, "OK if your message don't always match up," with national Democratic leaders, the Georgia congressional hopeful said.

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Democratic strategist Nina Smith, who worked on Buttigieg's 2020 presidential campaign, given the pessimism about the war and the economy, the party must actively engage voters in every corner of the country.

Any positive movement in the Georgia results will be viewed as proof that "Trump's coalition is dissolving," she said.

Georgia is a critical swing state for both parties and Republican-aligned groups are spending approximately $44 million to defeat Democratic incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff in November.

But infighting among the state GOP has jeopardized those chances, according to reports, leading experts to change their reelection forecast. The Georgia Senate race moved from "toss-up" to "leans Democratic" in January, according to Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics.

"While the district may be a long shot, it can be a bellwether, demonstrating how bad the landscape has become for Republicans and how good it can be for Democrats in November," Smith said. "We can't afford to play small when we have nothing to lose."

Contributing: Irene Wright

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Democrats hope for 'blue wave' in Marjorie Taylor Greene's GA district
Since the arrest of Matthew Farwell, the former Stoughton police officer charged in the killing of Sandra Birchmore, prosecutors say they have gathered even stronger evidence.

In new court filings on Monday, prosecutors say there is DNA evidence tying Farwell to the killing of Birchmore and her unborn child. Investigators also uncovered additional corroboration that indicates that Farwell committed statutory rape, as well as more evidence of Farwells state of mind in the weeks and days before Birchmore died.

All of which indicates that Farwell planned the killing well in advance, prosecutors wrote in court filings.

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New DNA evidence conclusively ties Farwell both to the crime scene and a weapon used in her killing, prosecutors wrote.

In May 2021, the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory conducted tests and found DNA on several items that state investigators gathered from Birchmores apartment in Canton.

Although state investigators learned that a ligature around Birchmores neck tested positive for male DNA, no meaningful conclusions were drawn in 2021 because investigators did not obtain DNA from Farwell or anyone else, according to court filings, according to court filings.

As part of the federal investigation, however, the FBI obtained a federal search warrant in August 2024 to obtain a sample of Farwells DNA, which was compared to the DNA found on the ligature used in Birchmores death.

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Farwells DNA was found on the strap used to asphyxiate Birchmore that tied her neck to a closet door handle, according to federal prosecutors.

DNA testing also found that his sperm cells were in multiple locations on the underwear that Birchmore was wearing when she was found dead on Feb. 4, 2021. This contradicts what Farwell told Massachusetts State Police on Feb. 6, 2021, when he claimed the last time he had sex with Birchmore was in October 2020.

Through DNA testing, federal investigators excluded Farwell as the father of Birchmores unborn son. Yet in text messages between Farwell and Birchmore between Dec. 28, 2020, and Feb. 1, 2021 there are no text messages where Farwell denied or expressed doubts about the paternity of the child, according to federal prosecutors.

Rather, the evidence indicated that Farwell believed that he was the father of Birchmores unborn son, federal prosecutors wrote. It is the fact that Farwell held this belief  and not the fact that he was mistaken  that will be most relevant at trial."

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Prosecutors also included new statements from witnesses, including one from a former co-worker of Farwells who told FBI agents that he looked stressed two weeks before Birchmores death. The witness and Farwell were at a restaurant, and Farwell said that he was having relationship troubles with a woman other than his wife.

When the witness asked if he could help, Farwell said, The problem was going to take care of itself, according to prosecutors.

The latest disclosures from federal prosecutors on Monday follow an attempt by Farwells lawyers to release him from detention before his trial, which is set for Oct. 5. Prosecutors argue he is a clear and convincing danger to the community and that he is a risk of obstruction and flight.

Farwell was arrested on Aug. 24, 2024, and he faces federal charges of killing a witness or victim and violating the protection of unborn children statute.

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Birchmore, 23, was pregnant when she was killed in her Canton apartment in 2021. Prosecutors say Matthew Farwell, 40, began sexually exploiting her when she was 15 and strangled her to death to keep her from reporting him for federal crimes.

The former Stoughton police officer then staged the apartment to appear as if Birchmore had killed herself, according to prosecutors. The state Chief Medical Examiners Office ruled her death a suicide.

Farwells lawyers last week requested that a federal judge allow his release from detention on an unsecured $50,000 bond and to live at his mothers house, among other conditions. His lawyers argue that he has conducted himself like the innocent man this Court presumes him to be amid a state police investigation and press coverage of Birchmores death.

His lawyers  Joanne Daley, Kimberly Stevens and Sandra Gant  maintain that Birchmore died by suicide. In their court filings, they wrote that Birchmore had a substantial and documented history of suicidal ideation and that the states Office of the Chief Medical Examiners Office has not updated its conclusions that Birchmore died by suicide.

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Birchmore met the former detective through a Stoughton Police Department youth program when she was a teen. Prosecutors say he began planning her killing in January 2021 after a department employee told him a friend had reported his sexual relationship with Birchmore.

Farwell was the last person known to have seen Birchmore alive on the night she died, according to an internal Stoughton police report. Security footage from that night shows him entering and exiting her apartment building, prosecutors say.

More news about the Sandra Birchmore case

Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
BANJA LUKA, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP)  Donald Trump Jr. lashed out at the European Union on Tuesday, saying its liberal policies were discouraging investment and predicted a major fracture between the bloc's eastern and western member states.

The eldest child of the U.S. president said that the biggest players, the biggest names in banking and finance, in tech and AI across the board believe that Europe is a disaster, but the disaster that they feel also needs to be fixed.

The only way it gets fixed, though, in my opinion is if they (Europe) get out of of their own way, Trump Jr. said during a business discussion in the northwestern Bosnian city of Banja Luka, according to video recordings provided by the official television RTRS television.

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Banja Luka is a key city in Republika Srpska, the Serb-run part of Bosnia, whose leaders are staunch admirers of U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The press office of the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo, Bosnias capital, told The Associated Press in an email that Trump Jr. came in a private capacity. The visit was nonetheless seen here as a boost for the Serb separatist political leadership.

Trump Jr.s trip came as U.S. Vice President JD Vance traveled to Hungary to support the reelection bid of nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban before a highly-contested vote next weekend.

Bosnian Serb politician and former Republika Srpska president, Milorad Dodik, an ally of Orban, said on X that the two visits signal an important shift of the U.S. administration under the leadership of President Trump and the care for this part of Europe regarding the position of Christians.

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Trump Jr,, in Banja Luka, said that eastern European countries have a work ethic that has (withstood) some of the woke nonsense that has really been a parasitic thing in the mind in Western Europe.

I see that creating major fractures in the European Union between those few countries in eastern Europe that actually still believe in common sense, and Western Europe thats clearly missing in the political discourse these days, he said.

Dodik has repeatedly called for the Serb-run half of Bosnia to break off from the rest of the country that is run by Bosniaks, who are mainly Muslims, and Croats. The Serb bid to form its own state and unite with neighboring Serbia was seen as the main cause of the 1992-95 ethnic war that killed more than 100,000 before ending in a U.S.-brokered peace agreement.

The Biden administration in 2022 imposed sanctions on Dodik and individuals and companies linked to him because of the separatist policies that stoked fear of renewed instability. The sanctions were lifted by the Trump administration last year.

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The Trump administration has long been critical of the EU, notably over trade and EU regulation of the technology sector. Its criticism of long-time European allies has intensified during the Iran war.

Bosnia is a candidate country for EU membership and the 27-nation bloc says it's Bosnias biggest trading partner, investor and provider of financial aid.
President Donald Trump said Tuesday morning that a whole civilization will die tonight, escalating his rhetoric against Iran as the United States increases pressure on Tehran.

Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.

I dont want that to happen, but it probably will, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, adding that complete and total regime change had already happened.

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Trumps comments come as the administration has warned Iran to comply with U.S. demands tied to the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, and has threatened strikes on infrastructure if it does not.

In recent days, Trump has said Iran could be taken out in one night, while administration officials have pointed to the possibility of expanded military action.

truth social post

Donald Trump threatened to end Iran's civilization in a Truth Social post. Truth Social

Trumps latest threat was hours after U.S. forces carried out early-morning strikes on military targets on Irans Kharg Island, a strategically significant site for the countrys oil exports, U.S. officials told Reuters. The strikes targeted military sites and avoided oil infrastructure, according to officials, who said the operation did not represent a shift in overall U.S. strategy.

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On Monday, Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the rescue of a U.S. airman in Iran in religious terms, calling it an Easter miracle. Hegseth compared the timeline of the rescue, from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Trumps latest statement drew swift condemnation from Congresswoman Sarah McBride of Delaware, who said in a statement that the presidents remarks were horrifying, illegal, and genocidal. McBride said Trumps threat was among the most dangerous and appalling of his political career and warned that a president cannot be allowed to threaten genocide with the United States military. She said threats of war crimes and disregard for human life must be met with accountability under the law and urged Republicans, alongside Democrats, to use any and all constitutional powers at our collective disposal to end this illegal war.

Retired Space Force colonel and Virginia congressional candidate Bree Fram wrote on social media that the president is threatening genocide. Every member of Congress should be calling for his removal. Now.

Fram, who was the highest-ranking transgender person promoted to colonel before her forced retirement due to Trumps ban on trans service members, elaborated in a phone interview with The Advocate.

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If what the president calls for are war crimes or violations of international law, then the people hes calling on to do these acts could be held criminally liable for them at some future date, Fram said.

She said such orders could create lasting moral injury for service members and place them in an untenable position. That is not a position any president, any secretary of defense, or commander should ever be putting their people in, she said.

She also warned that Trumps actions could make Americans less safe by provoking retaliation. He is making Americans less safe, Fram said, pointing to the risk of cyberattacks, physical attacks, or harm to captured U.S. service members.

Fram called for an immediate response from lawmakers, including the possibility of impeachment.

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I think every member of Congress needs to be issuing statements that this is something that cannot occur, that genocide is wrong, that this president will be held to account for what he does and what he calls for, she said. That should include impeachment for his offenses that he is either calling for or taking action upon.

Congress is currently out of session, limiting the likelihood of an immediate legislative response.

Under international law, genocide refers to acts intended to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with remarks from Rep. Sarah McBride.

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This article originally appeared on Advocate: Donald Trump threatens genocide in Iran: A whole civilization will die tonight

RELATED
Khan Younis, Gaza Strip  Nawaf al-Akhras begins his day by carrying bottles and jerrycans with his eldest son to a water filling station about one and a half kilometres (0.9 miles) from his tent in southern Gazas al-Mawasi camp.

Upon arrival, they are met with thousands of people crowding the station, waiting under the scorching sun for their turn.

Nawaf, a father of seven who was displaced from Rafah to al-Mawasi two years ago, describes the daily round trip, which can stretch for five hours or more, as a torment for his family, and for other Palestinians displaced as a result of Israels genocidal war on Gaza.

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My entire day with my son is spent waiting in line to fill water, with people coming from very far distances, Nawaf tells Al Jazeera. Its daily suffering, just so that we can drink water.

Water shortages have recently worsened in several areas across Gaza, including al-Mawasi, after Eta  a company that provided clean and potable water, serving displaced people across the Strip from Rafah to Beit Hanoun  stopped operating due to what it said was a lack of funding.

Water trucks used to come almost daily near the tents and eased the burden of collecting and transporting water, Nawaf says.

But for several weeks now, these trucks have stopped, and our struggle to obtain drinking water has doubled.

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Nawaf explains that he can barely fill two small jerrycans due to the overwhelming crowd and intense competition among displaced people to access the filling stations.

We died from hunger, and now they are testing death by thirst on us this is whats left, Nawaf says.

Two jerrycans are barely enough for my familys daily drinking needs, forcing us to ration even drinking water,

Nawaf and other displaced residents fear that the water crisis will worsen further, especially with the arrival of summer and rising temperatures.

I wont even begin to describe the suffering of summer in the tents It feels like we are literally being roasted in a frying pan There is no roof to protect us or our childrens bodies and now, with the lack of drinking water, things will definitely be catastrophic, Nawaf says.

Protesters on Saturday in al-Mawasi hold up small posters denouncing the lack of water [[Abdullah Attar/Al Jazeera]

Protests

Severe water shortages in al-Mawasi have pushed residents to organise protests. Hundreds of displaced people took part in one such protest on Saturday, April 5, demanding an end to the worsening drinking water crisis amid harsh humanitarian conditions, as Israel continues to prevent sufficient aid from entering Gaza.

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They have called on international institutions and local authorities to intervene to prevent further deterioration, stressing the need for an immediate response to save the lives of thousands of children and elderly people, and adding that access to clean water is a fundamental human right.

Salah al-Koush, a resident of al-Mawasi and one of the protest participants, told Al Jazeera that the struggle to find water has become a daily nightmare since water trucks that once provided limited supplies stopped operating.

He added that his displaced family of 13 has been forced to buy utility water with a high salt content for drinking, cooking, and daily use, even though it is typically not considered safe to drink.

The current crisis has forced many displaced people here to use contaminated water, he said.

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I fear for my four children; every day, there are cases in the camp of children getting sick due to water contamination.

Palestinians in al-Mawasi travel for hours to fill up jerry cans with drinking water [Abdullah Attar/Al Jazeera]

Damaged infrastructure

Al-Mawasi, which lies in the west of Khan Younis, has transformed from a sparsely populated agricultural strip into one of the most densely populated areas during the war.

Having previously only hosted a few thousand residents, hundreds of thousands of displaced people flowed into al-Mawasi following its designation as a so-called safe zone by Israeli forces during Israels genocidal war. Despite also coming under attack and lacking the basic infrastructure to accommodate large numbers, tens of thousands of Palestinians displaced from other parts of Gaza moved there, living in overcrowded tents.

The population surge has intensified a water crisis that the United Nations has described as catastrophic.

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According to UN human rights experts, the majority of Gazas population does not receive enough drinking water. The crisis was not only predictable; it was predicted, the experts said.

UN officials have also noted that people are receiving far less water than they need, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases amid rising temperatures and deteriorating sanitation conditions.

This collapse is the result of Israels widespread destruction of water infrastructure, alongside fuel shortages and Israeli restrictions on the entry of equipment needed for maintenance.

The Palestinian Water Authority has confirmed that attacks have destroyed water infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, including around 65 percent of water wells in some areas, leading to a sharp decline in the sectors ability to produce and distribute water.

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As a result of the war, per capita water availability has dropped by 97 percent, while total available water in Gaza is now estimated to be only 10 to 20 percent of pre-war levels.

This supply remains unstable and dependent on fuel availability, as Gaza relies primarily on groundwater sources, according to a report by the Palestinian Water Authority.





Systematic problem

At the same time, human rights organisations warn that the crisis is no longer merely a byproduct of war but has taken on a systematic nature.

According to the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, the lack of clean drinking water has become a matter of life or death for civilians.

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UN experts have also argued in a letter in July 2025 that what is happening goes beyond a conventional humanitarian crisis and falls within the use of essential resources as a tool of pressure.

The experts said the issue was not limited to infrastructure destruction, but also included cutting supplies, restricting fuel entry needed to operate water facilities, and obstructing repair and maintenance efforts.

Israels blockade and destruction of civilian infrastructure has left most of Gazas two million residents displaced and without access to the minimum vital amount of drinking water, the experts said.

This recurring pattern, combining direct targeting with sustained restrictions, has led to a deliberate reduction in the amount of water available to the population.

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The UN experts warned that the use of thirst as a weapon has become a reality in Gaza, stressing that cutting water and food is a silent but deadly bomb.

The dynamic is reflected in daily life, where people are forced to travel long distances to reach limited water sources, wait for hours in queues, and sometimes risk their lives in unsafe areas.

With repeated supply disruptions and instability, access to water is no longer guaranteed, turning it from a basic service into a tool of control over civilian life.




Deep within the forests of Kenya lives one of the most striking yet elusive antelopes in the world, the eastern bongo. Recognised for its rich chestnut coat marked with bold white stripes, this animal stands out as one of Africas most visually unique species. Despite its large size, the eastern bongo remains shy and rarely seen in the wild. It inhabits only a few isolated mountainous forest regions in Kenya, making its presence both special and fragile. Adult bongos can weigh between five hundred and nine hundred pounds, with long spiralling horns that can reach up to forty inches. These horns are not only impressive in length but also proportionally wide, matching the animals body size. As herbivores, bongos feed on leaves, shrubs, and forest vegetation, relying on dense cover for protection. They are most active during twilight and dusk, when low light helps them avoid predators. This behaviour, combined with their cautious nature, makes them difficult to observe even for experienced wildlife researchers. Their environment plays a crucial role in their survival, as the forests provide both food and shelter. However, this delicate balance is now under serious threat, placing the eastern bongo among the most endangered animals in Africa today.

The eastern bongos population has declined dramatically over time, with estimates suggesting that only around one hundred individuals remain in the wild. This number places the species well below the threshold for critical endangerment and highlights the urgency of conservation efforts. The primary threats facing these animals include illegal hunting and the destruction of their forest habitats. As forests are cleared for agriculture and human settlement, the safe spaces that bongos rely on continue to shrink. In response to this crisis, conservation organisations and local authorities in Kenya have taken important steps to protect the species. Certain forest regions have been designated as protected areas, allowing bongos to move freely without the constant threat of poaching. These efforts aim to stabilise and eventually increase the population, though recovery remains a long term challenge. Protecting the eastern bongo is not only about saving a single species, it is also about preserving the biodiversity of Kenyas unique ecosystems. Each animal plays a role in maintaining ecological balance, and the loss of one can have wider consequences. The story of the eastern bongo serves as a powerful reminder of the impact human activity can have on wildlife and the importance of continued conservation action.
By Asif Shahzad and Ariba Shahid

ISLAMABAD, April 7 (Reuters) - Talks between the United States and Iran were at risk of being derailed following Tehran's attacks on Saudi Arabian industrial facilities, two Pakistani sources with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters on Tuesday, as the hours before President Donald Trump's threat to unleash "hell" on the nation dwindled.

The next few hours of talks are critical, one of the sources said. Trump has given Iran until 8 p.m. in Washington - 3:30 a.m. in Tehran - to end its blockade of Gulf oil or see the U.S. destroy every bridge and power plant in Iran.

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Iran has vowed to retaliate against U.S. allies in the Gulf, whose desert cities would be uninhabitable without power or water. Iran intensified its strikes overnight, hitting a Saudi petrochemical complex in the latest evidence of the nation's ability to strike back against U.S.-Israeli attacks.

The five-week-old war has killed thousands across the region, mostly in Iran and Lebanon, and resulted in the worst-ever energy supply disruption in history due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the key artery used to transit one-fifth of the world's oil and gas.

Pakistan has been the main go-between for proposals shared by both sides, but there has been no sign of a compromise.

The attack on the Jubail petrochemical complex raises the risk that Saudi Arabia could retaliate, a move that would end the talks, one of the sources said, as it could also draw Pakistan into the conflict under its defence pact with Riyadh which binds both nations to fight for each other in case of a war.

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In a telephone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the strikes on Saudi facilities, saying Pakistan would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its Saudi brothers and sisters.

MESSAGES BEING EXCHANGED

"We are in touch with the Iranians. They have lately shown flexibility that they could join the talks, but they are at the same time taking hard lines as a prerequisite for any negotiations," the Pakistani security source said.

He added that Islamabad was persuading Tehran to enter negotiations without prior conditions.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday that messages are still being exchanged between Iran and the U.S. via mediators.

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A senior Iranian source said Tehran had rejected a proposal for a temporary ceasefire with talks dependent on an end to U.S.-Israeli strikes and compensation for damages.

Pakistan's foreign office said on Tuesday that the strikes on Saudi Arabia constitute a dangerous escalation.

"Such unwarranted aggressions have serious repercussions, to spoil the ongoing peaceful options and conducive environment," added a Pakistani army statement after top commanders met with army chief Asim Munir.

Pakistan wants to avoid being pulled into the war, which could wreak havoc along its shared western border with Iran and roil discontent among its large Shi'ite population, the second-largest in the world after Iran.

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Analysts say the defence agreement may not trigger immediate military action but could be activated if conflict escalates.

Iran's willingness to risk embarrassing Pakistan at a time when "it is crucial to brokering a ceasefire reveals just how committed Tehran is to a tit-for-tat strategy that punishes the Gulf for U.S. and Israeli strikes," said Adam Weinstein, an expert on Pakistan, Afghanistan and U.S. politics at the Quincy Institute.

(Reporting by Asif Shahzad, Ariba Shahid and Parisa Hafezi; Writing by Saad Sayeed; Editing by YP Rajesh, Andrew Cawthorne and David Gaffen)
Eight men arrested in Kansas sex-sting operation

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Eight men were arrested in Park City last week in connection with a sexsting operation.

According to the Park City Police Department, multiple law enforcement agencies conducted a covert operation Friday and Saturday at a Park City hotel.

During the operation, investigators identified six adult women involved in the sale of sexual relations. Police say several of the women were potential victims of human trafficking.

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The next day, eight adult men were arrested on suspicion of buying sexual relations:

A 22-year-old man from Maize

A 24-year-old man from Wichita

A 31-year-old man from Milan

A 37-year-old man from Derby

A 43-year-old man from Goddard

A 43-year-old man from Wichita

A 48-year-old man from Wichita

A 49-year-old man from Valley Center

The Sedgwick County Sheriffs Office identified the 22-year-old man from Maize as a detention deputy who began working for the agency in February 2024. He has since been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, according to the sheriffs office.

KSN News is not naming the men until formal charges are filed.

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Sedgwick County detention deputy arrested for allegedly buying sexual relations, sheriffs office says

Police say they are working to provide the victims with appropriate assistance and resources.

This operation was proactive in nature and was not conducted in response to any specific complaints or known issues at a particular location, PCPD said in a news release. Rather, it reflects the ongoing commitment of participating agencies to address human trafficking and sexual exploitation wherever it may occur.

The case remains under active investigation, and additional charges may be added.

Park City police were assisted by the Bel Aire Police Department, Valley Center Police Department, Goddard Police Department, the Wyandotte Nation Police Department, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here.

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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 KSN-TV.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)  Environmental groups on Tuesday asked a federal appellate court panel to drop its temporary halt of a lower court's order instructing state officials to close an immigration detention center in the heart of the Florida Everglades known as Alligator Alcatraz.

The Everglades facility remains open, still holding detainees, because the appellate court in early September relied on arguments by Florida and the Trump administration that the state had not yet applied for federal reimbursement, and therefore wasnt required to follow federal environmental law. State officials opened the detention center last summer to support President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown.

Questions by the three appellate judges during oral arguments in a Miami courtroom focused on how much control the federal government had over the state-built facility and under what circumstances an environmental review was required to be in compliance with federal law. The judges did not indicate when they would rule.

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Jesse Panuccio, an attorney for the Florida Department of Emergency Management, told the judges federal funding and federal control of the facility were the two criteria for determining if the federal environmental law would apply and the federal agencies had no control over the state-run detention center.

Florida was notified in late September that FEMA had approved $608 million in federal funding to support the centers construction and operation.

You need both, Panuccio said. Even with funding, I dont think that would follow because they dont have federal control.

An attorney for the environmental groups said the law requiring a review applied to the facility because the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had authorized the funding and immigration was a responsibility of the federal government, not the state. There only needed to be substantial federal control and not complete control, said Paul Schwiep, an attorney representing the Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity.

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Chief Judge William Pryor, who was appointed to the appellate court by President George W. Bush, responded, It's not federally controlled when the state retains authority to make decisions.

Judge Nancy Abudu, who was named to the appellate court by President Joe Biden, asked an attorney for the federal government if states can be in charge of immigration matters. Adam Gustafson responded that the federal government can delegate certain responsibilities to states.

"Is it also, once the federal government gives the states its authority, its the Wild, Wild West? Abudu asked.

The federal district judge in Miami in mid-August ordered the facility to wind down operations over two months because officials had failed to do a review of the detention centers environmental impact according to federal law. That judge concluded that a reimbursement decision already had been made. The appellate court halted the order on an appeal.

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The environmental lawsuit was one of three federal court challenges to the Everglades facility since it opened. In the others, a detainee said Florida agencies and private contractors hired by the state had no authority to operate the center under federal law. The challenge ended after the immigrant detainee who filed the lawsuit agreed to be removed from the United States.

In the third lawsuit, a federal judge in Fort Myers, Florida, ruled the Everglades facility must provide detainees there with better access to their attorneys, as well as confidential, unmonitored and unrecorded outgoing legal calls.

___

Follow Mike Schneider on the social platform Bluesky: @mikeysid.bsky.social.
KAMPALA, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan government has announced visa waivers for visitors traveling to the country during the 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Uganda will co-host the tournament with Kenya and Tanzania between June 19-July 18, 2027.

The announcement was made Tuesday by Dennis K. Mugimba, Uganda's AFCON chairperson, during a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala.

"The Cabinet of the government of Uganda has decided to grant a visa waiver for visitors coming to Uganda, starting one month before the kickoff of AFCON 2027 and ending one month after the tournament. This decision is intended to encourage more visitors to come to Uganda as part of the marketing and promotion of Destination Uganda," Mugimba said.

He added that Uganda is working with co-hosts Kenya and Tanzania to facilitate seamless cross-border movement for fans and visitors.

"To facilitate the ease of movement of fans and guests during the tournament, the government is pursuing the option of a special purpose joint PAMOJA visa with Kenya and Tanzania during the tournament," Mugimba said.

A total of 28 teams will compete in the 2027 AFCON, including co-hosts Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, which qualify automatically. 
Experts agree that Donald Trumps executive order aimed at restricting mail-in ballots will likely fail under court challenges due to the Constitutions provisions mandating state governments as the ultimate authority over elections in their jurisdictions.

Trump signed an order Tuesday that would ban the U.S. Postal Service from sending absentee or postal ballots to any voter who does not appear on a list of legal, documented citizens he has ordered the Department of Homeland Security to collect with the help of the Social Security Administration.

Two Republicans with experience overseeing elections themselves said as much on ABCs This Week on Sunday, saying they expect lawsuits challenging the order to result in Trumps mandate being tossed.

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Al Schmidt, the Republican secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, said he was confident that Pennsylvanias legal challenge against the Trump administration would prevail.

Americans should rest assured ... that Pennsylvania, the birthplace of our republic, and Gov. [Josh] Shapiro are going to stand up for our voters, and know that the Constitution is on our side, Schmidt said.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at restricting mail-in ballots, which he has long criticized (REUTERS)

Stephen Richer, the former Republican elections chief in Maricopa County, Arizona, said the order is likely to be stopped very quickly.

Both men characterized Trumps order as an unnecessary attempt to address a problem that does not occur at a large scale: Noncitizen voting in federal elections.

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They argue that Trumps order was meant to stir the pot and introduce further suspicion of a system he has undermined for years ahead of a midterm election season that is likely to decide the fate of his legislative agenda in his final years in office.

Trumps executive order follows his unsuccessful push for the Republican-controlled Senate to blow up the filibuster to pass a sweeping elections bill that would impose nationwide voter ID and proof of citizenship laws to register to vote (AP)

The order comes as Trump has fought unsuccessfully for weeks to see the Republican-held Senate do away with the 60-vote filibuster threshold and pass the SAVE America Act, a piece of restrictive voter ID legislation that many critics argue will disenfranchise poorer voters and those without easy access to identification documents.

Only five states currently print drivers licenses  the most common form of identification in America  that also indicate citizenship.

The SAVE America Act (or SAVE Act, another iteration of the bill) currently sits in the Senate unable to reach 60 votes with Democrats unified in opposition and at least one Republican senator currently against the legislation.

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As a signature piece of Trumps agenda, the bills fate has weighed heavily on the president and he has demanded that the chamber not pass other legislation until it reaches his desk.

Pennsylvanias suit is one of several already filed against Trumps executive order, and the list is growing. Other litigants include the Democratic National Committee and American Civil Liberties Union, among others.

Once again, President Trump is attempting to rewrite the rules of our democracy through a blatant abuse of executive power, this time targeting mail-in voting, ACLU Voting Rights Project director Sophia Lin Lakin said this week.

He does not have the authority to dictate how Americans cast their ballots, and no executive order can override that fundamental limit, she added. This latest move is not about election integrity  its about injecting confusion and chaos into our elections as midterm season ramps up.

Trump remains convinced that large numbers of noncitizen voters contributed to his loss to Joe Biden in 2020, which his own attorney general and other top officials disputed at the time. To this day, he continues to insist at public events that the 2020 election was stolen and accuses Democratic election officials of committing fraud.
By Ted Hesson and Kristina Cooke

WASHINGTON, April 7 (Reuters) - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested more than 800 people following tips shared by federal airport security officials from the start of Donald Trump's presidency through February 2026, internal ICE data reviewed by Reuters show, a figure far above what was previously publicly known.

The leads came from the Transportation Security Administration, which supplied ICE with records on more than 31,000 travelers for possible immigration enforcement, the data showed.

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Reuters could not determine how many arrests took place inside airports, although the TSA tips would mainly be useful in determining when a person would be traveling.

ICE and TSA are part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The agencies have historically shared information related to national security threats, but they began focusing on routine immigration arrests last year as part of Trumps mass deportation effort.

TSA PROGRAM WAS DESIGNED TO COUNTER TERRORISM

The 31,000 traveler records were gathered by TSA's Secure Flight Program, which was created in 2007 to allow the agency to review passenger information for people who may be on U.S. government watchlists. The program was intended as a counter-terrorism measure, not to track down immigration offenders, according to the regulation outlining its purpose.

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DHS did not respond to questions about TSA providing passenger information to ICE, but said that under Trump, TSA "is pursuing solutions that improve resiliency, security, and efficiency across our entire system."

Figures for arrests and traveler records that TSA shared with ICE before Trump's current term were unavailable.

U.S. airports and immigration enforcement have been at the center of a partisan funding fight since mid-February, when Democrats refused to support additional money for the Republican presidents immigration crackdown without reforms to scale back aggressive tactics.

The standoff blocked the passage of a bill to fund DHS, which caused TSA security officers to miss at least two full paychecks. After some unpaid TSA officers began calling in sick, Trump deployed ICE officers to more than a dozen airports in March to aid security efforts.

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Democrats have criticized the deployment and called on the Trump administration to remove them. A group of more than 40 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives wrote in a letter to recently installed Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin last week that ICE officers will cause confusion and fear" if allowed to remain in airports.

REPORTS OF UNEXPECTED AIRPORT ARRESTS

Several cases of ICE officers arresting travelers in U.S. airports have sparked backlash.

ICE officers detained a college student traveling from Boston to Texas to celebrate Thanksgiving in November and arrested a sobbing mother at San Francisco International Airport the day before Trumps airport deployment began.

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DHS defended both arrests and said they were subject to final orders of removal.

Reuters spoke with three immigration attorneys who said they were familiar with cases of people without legal immigration status being arrested in airports.

The cases included an Irish couple who had lived in the U.S. for more than two decades and were detained last summer by immigration authorities in front of their children when trying to fly from Florida to New York after a vacation, Christina Canty, one of the lawyers, said.

The parents - who had pending applications for permanent residency - were deported and left their two young children, ages 7 and 10, with adult siblings in the U.S., Canty said.

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In another case, a Chinese woman with a final order of removal who was seeking permanent residence was detained by ICE last year at the Atlanta airport en route to Philadelphia, one of the attorneys said.

(Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington and Kristina Cooke in San Francisco; Editing by Rod Nickel)
The Brief

Police say they shut down a "large-scale fraud ring" involving fraudulent mechanic's liens.

One man was arrested in connection to the case.

Police say nine cars were seized, along with cash and other assets.

HOUSTON - Houston police say theyve shut down a large-scale auto fraud operation involving stolen luxury vehicles moving from California to Houston. Investigators say the scheme used fraudulent mechanics liens to try to cash in on high-end cars.

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HPD says the investigation led them to a business on Windswept Lane in west Houston, where they say a complex fraud scheme was operating in plain sight.

One man is under arrest, and investigators say this case may just be the tip of the iceberg.

Man arrested in Houston

According to HPD, 35-year-old Talal Obeid was arrested after investigators uncovered what they call a large-scale operation involving stolen vehicles and fraudulent mechanics liens.

Police say those liens were used to falsely claim expensive repairs, in some cases totaling more than $60,000, on high-end vehicles like a 2024 Mercedes-Benz.

But when officers inspected the car, they say there was no major damage and no evidence repairs were ever done. Authorities believe the paperwork was used to try to gain money or control over the vehicles.

Assets seized at business

Police say several vehicles were seized from a business on Windswept Lane in Houston. Photo: Houston Police Department

By the numbers

During a search warrant at a business on Windswept Lane, investigators say they recovered nine exotic cars, along with cash and assets totaling more than $900,000.

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According to court documents, Obeid has since filed a motion requesting his property back, claiming some of the vehicles belong to customers and are currently being repaired.

Big picture view

HPD says the case is part of a broader effort to crack down on organized auto fraud tied to stolen vehicles moving across state lines.

The Source

The information in this article comes from court documents and the Houston Police Department.
A former university professor who authored books for Christians about the ethics of marriage and sexuality has been arrested for raping a child, Us Weekly has learned.

John Kent Tarwater was once a finance professor at Cedarville University, a Baptist school in Ohio.

Tarwater, 55, is facing eight sex-based felonies stemming from allegations made by the minor victim.

He was formally charged on March 27 with two counts of rape, three counts of sexual battery and three counts of gross sexual imposition.

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He has no defense counsel identified in court records, and there are no hearings scheduled in his case.

Tarwater was a professor of finance at the Robert W. Plaster School of Business.

Ohio Man Exploited Moms Knocking Instructions to Sexually Assault Girl in Store Bathroom

Tarwater published two books for Christian readers  2005's Marriage as Covenant: Considering Gods Design at Creation and the Contemporary Moral Consequences, and 2019's Business Ethics: A Christian Method for Making Moral Decisions.

He is accused of raping a victim younger than 13 starting in 2019. He sexually assaulted the victim for six years, investigators alleged.

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Authorities contend Tarwater compelled the victim to comply using force or threatening force.

Cedarville University sent an email to students and staffers last week, explaining, We were informed in July 2025 that Dr. Tarwater was under investigation concerning allegations. Due to the nature of the investigation, he was immediately placed on administrative leave and restricted from coming on campus."

Tarwater "was dismissed from his contract" in October.

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," the email added. "Our understanding is that these charges do not involve anyone Dr. Tarwater met or interacted with as a university professor. Even so, we desire to be transparent and ensure the safety of everyone on campus, the message continued.

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Biology Teacher at Louisiana All-Girls Catholic School Arrested for Sexually Abusing Student

Police have asked anyone who may believe they may be a victim of Tarwater's to come forward.

Cedarvilles email also urged anyone aware of any inappropriate behavior from this former professor to contact their Title IX office. This is difficult news that is grievous to read, but we share it because the safety and well-being of our students will always be a guiding priority, reads the email. We encourage you to pray for healing for all affected by this situation.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
A family is taking legal action after they say Inglewood police used excessive force during a traffic stop with their loved one, leading to his death.

The family of Bryan Bostic released an audio recording they say documents some of the moments leading up to his death following a traffic stop by the Inglewood Police Department on March 10.

"I'm going to see my mom," Bostic can be heard answering.

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"We then hear him struggling with them, pleading with them, screaming in anguish," said attorney Denisse Gastelum.

Bostic's family also released a witness video of the arrest near the intersection of Hillcrest Blvd and Nutwood Ave around 9:30 p.m. In the video, Bostic is face down and appears in distress as one officer is on top of him, and others rush in and keep him on the ground.

During a news conference on Monday, Gastelum said that according to witness accounts, paramedics and the coroner's office were on scene. "That there was excessive force, causing trauma to his face, trauma to his body," said Gastelum.

The family accuses officers of triggering a medical emergency and not taking Bostic to a hospital, adding that upon arrival at the police station, he was dead.

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"We don't know what was the cause of death. We don't even know why he was stopped," said Talia Castillo, a cousin of Bostic.

Before the news conference, the family delivered a claim for damages and plans to file a lawsuit against the city of Inglewood.

"The city of Inglewood has refused to comply with California mandates, providing that they must provide video, audio, witness statements, police officer statements," said Gastelum. Inglewood police officers do not wear body cameras. The family is seeking any patrol vehicle, witness or surveillance video that may be in the possession of police.

Bostic was 37 years old and leaves behind a 13-year-old child. He was described as someone who loved nature, music and serving in his church community.

"Whatever he could do, he would be there. A kind spirit, a giving spirit," said pastor Sherman Gordon. The family continues to call on witnesses for help with any information. Eyewitness News reached out to the city of Inglewood and the police department, but has not heard back.
The family of a University of Connecticut dental student who died in an intensive care unit overseen remotely by a teledoctor in his final hours has accused the hospital of negligence in a wrongful death lawsuit filed last month.

Conor Hylton, 26, was admitted to Bridgeport Hospitals Milford campus in August 2024 after experiencing severe abdominal pain associated with nausea and vomiting. Emergency room staff members diagnosed him with alcohol-induced pancreatitis, dehydration and other related issues, according to an after-action report by the state Public Health Department that is cited in the lawsuit.

ICU remote staffing has become more common in recent years as hospitals look for ways to reduce costs and backfill positions. The model expanded during the Covid pandemic, despite concerns from medical workers who worry that virtual care could be slower and less personal, which puts patients at risk.

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Hylton was considered high risk after his initial assessment, according to the report, yet staffing issues prevented constant and consistent care in the 18 hours he was hospitalized, the lawsuit alleges.

His death was a direct and proximate result of the negligence of the hospital and its employees, the complaint said.

The state DPH investigation uncovered an incomprehensible level of incompetence at Milford Hospital ICU, the familys lawyer Joel T. Faxon said in an emailed statement. Its alarming to think in a supposedly intensive care setting: Where is the doctor? Where are the nurses?

The hospital said in an emailed statement, Yale New Haven Health is aware of this lawsuit and is committed to providing the safest and highest quality of care possible, however, we are unable to comment on pending litigation.

Conor Hylton. (Faxon Law Group via Hylton family) (Faxon Law Group via Hylton family)

According to the states report, Hyltons condition quickly declined after he arrived at the emergency room. His heart rate was elevated, his blood pressure was dangerously low, and he showed signs of alcohol withdrawal. The symptoms only worsened from his arrival at 11 a.m. Aug. 14 to his death the next morning.

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On-site staff members did not notify Hyltons parents that he was being transferred to the ICU and failed to administer the appropriate medication for his worsening alcohol withdrawal, the report found.

An on-site doctor did not visit Hylton once in the four hours after he was transferred to the ICU, the states report found. Instead, hospital staff members were forced to virtually confer with a remote doctor, who ordered an attending doctor to intubate Hylton after he slid down his bed, his eyes rolled back and he became unresponsive and vomited dark and brown matter, which indicates internal bleeding.

But the on-site doctor got lost on his way to Hyltons bed and was delayed 10 minutes, according to the report. He had to stop and ask a nurse for directions. Hylton was pronounced dead less than two hours after he was intubated, the report said.

Faxons office described Hylton in a statement as a beloved son, fiance, athlete and friend.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Editor's note: New information has been added to this story.

Fired Rutherford County Library Director Luanne James still inspires supporters who spoke April 6 to officials seeking to replace her.

The majority of the Rutherford County Library System Board led by Chairman Cody York fired James March 30 for refusing their March 16 directive to move 132 children's books, including more than 100 with LGBTQIA+ topics, to the adult section.

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James contends the majority violated First Amendment rights for the impacted children's authors and the children who'd like to read the books.

The board's executive committee heard public comment speaker Colin Willumson and others April 6 prior to discussion about appointing an interim director to oversee library operations until a new director can replace the fired James.

"Luanne James stood up for the law," Willumson told executive committee members during the meeting at the Rutherford County Courthouse.

"Firing her without even providing a reason to your community for why you did that, I think is insane. I wish that we could count on any of the people in this room to find a leader with the amount of integrity that she showed."

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In addition to speakers supporting James, over 3,000 people have made donations to the fired director, and the total reached nearly $129,000 by the afternoon of April 7.

First Amendment issue: Rutherford library director refuses to move children's gender-related books to adult section

Willumson: 'Their stories deserve to be told'

Colin Willumson tells the Rutherford County Library System Board Executive Committee members April 6, 2026, the board majority made an "insane" decision to fire Library Director Luanne James March 30 for refusing to follow a majority directive March 16 to move 132 children's books during meetings at the Rutherford County Courthouse in downtown Murfreesboro.

Willumson told the present board members that he's a Christian who focuses on "forgiveness and grace."

"I find it offensive that you would use my faith to pursue this agenda (to move LGBTIA+ children's books to adult section)," Willumson said.

Willumson also told the officials that he wants his daughter to be exposed to the real world that includes gay and trans people.

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"I'm not gay. I'm not trans. Neither is she," Willumson said. "But those people exist, and their stories deserve to be told."

February meeting on book issues: Library board postpones decisions on removing books in Rutherford County amid security issues, yelling and tears

'Christ follower' urges board to do what's best

Murfreesboro resident Herb Strong urges audience members April 6, 2026, to "agree to disagree agreeably and be kind and loving about it" during a Rutherford County Library System Executive Committee meeting with discussion about appointing an interim library director until the board can hire a replacement for fired Library Director Luanne James.

About two dozen people filled the seats in the small meeting room, as well as others standing in the hallway, at the courthouse in downtown Murfreesboro.

Most public comment speakers spoke against the board's decision to fire James.

The board's executive committee members did hear words backing them from Herb Strong, who said the March 30 decision "had nothing to do with the First Amendment."

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Censorship: What's in the LGBTQIA books that cost TN library director her job

Strong identified himself as a "Christ follower" and encouraged each library board member to do "what's in the best interest of the entire community, our families, our children."

Strong noted that he had served for 20 years in public service as a mayor and county commissioner in Southern New Jersey prior to moving to Murfreesboro a couple of years ago.

Impact of protecting free speech rights: Rutherford County Library System Board fires director for stance on children's LGBTQIA books

Sign protests chairman: 'FIRE CODY YORK'

Freddy Beckwith holds a "FIRE CODY YORK" sign April 6, 2026, during a Rutherford County Library System Board Executive Committee meeting led by Chairman Cody York at the Rutherford County Courthouse in downtown Murfreesboro.

Most in the room applauded the speeches of supporters of James, including Freddy Beckwith, a Murfreesboro resident holding a sign saying, "FIRE CODY YORK."

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Beckwith after the meeting expressed concerns about the majority of the board failing to abide by separation of church and state principles established by the nation's founding fathers.

"I don't believe they should be able to police what I read," Beckwith told The Daily News Journal.

"I am a fully grown adult. If I want to check out a book, I should be able to check out any book."

LGBTQAI+ issues: Rutherford County Library System Board moves books on 'gender confusion' to adult sections

Board ranks 4 staff as interim director options

After listening to the public comments, the executive committee led by board Chairman York decided to rank the following four library system staff members who can serve as interim director until a replacement for James can be hired:

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1. David Coutcher, who oversees human resources and financing;

2. Elsa Britt, the administrative assistant for the director and board;

3. Cassandra Taylor, the branch manager for Smyrna Library;

4. and Mindy Barrett, the branch manager at Linebaugh Library in downtown Murfreesboro.

Barrett had previously served as interim director prior to James replacing retired Library Director Rita Shacklett.

The executive committee agreed to let board Treasurer Beth Duffield ask the four ranked interim director options if any will serve until the board hires a replacement for James.

Taking a stand against censorship: Fired Rutherford library boss explains refusal to move children LGBTQ+ books to protect rights

Interim director needs to 'just keep the lights on'

In addition to York and Duffield, others on the executive committee are Vice Chairman Sam Huddleston and Secretary Susan Quesenberry. All were part of the majority 8-3 vote to fire James.

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The majority vote to fire James also included Dina Piazza, Darrell Thomas, Jeffrey Wiencek and John Curtis.

The three board members who opposed firing James and moving the 132 children's books are Lynn Reynolds and Allison Belt.

Reynolds and Allison also attended the April 6 meeting.

Government accountability: Rutherford County Library System director files 4 complaints, against board chairman

'Librarians are well trained'

Colin Willumson tells the Rutherford County Library System Board Executive Committee members April 6, 2026, the board majority made an "insane" decision to fire Library Director Luanne James March 30 for refusing to follow a majority directive March 16 to move 132 children's books during meetings at the Rutherford County Courthouse in downtown Murfreesboro.

The leadership provided by the branch managers should be considered for the interim library director job, Reynolds suggested.

"Librarians are well trained," Reynolds said.

York said the interim director mainly needs to "just keep lights on" and "get bills paid." He ranked Coutcher as the top ranked choice with as a staff member finance experience at a time the board is still working on next year's budget.

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December decision: Rutherford County Library Board retains chairman after misconduct complaint

Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Backers of fired Rutherford library director blast board's decision
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON, April 6 (Reuters) - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law a measure that gave him and other state officials the power to designate groups as "terrorist organizations" and expel students who support them, with rights groups saying the law will chill free speech.

The law empowers the state's chief of domestic security, governor and cabinet to designate any organization they determine engages in extremist acts as a "terrorist organization."

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After such a designation, the group can be forcibly dissolved and face a freeze on state funding, according to the legislation. It also says that students shall be expelled from their institution if they "promoted a domestic terrorist organization or a foreign terrorist organization."

DeSantis, a Republican, signed the law on Monday.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, one of the country's most prominent Muslim rights groups, called the law "draconian" and unconstitutional in a Monday statement.

Late last year, DeSantis signed an executive order designating CAIR as a "foreign terrorist organization." CAIR sued over the designation and a judge eventually blocked the order.

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Free speech group PEN America says the measure signed by DeSantis "could chill free speech by placing unprecedented pressure on individuals to avoid speaking, organizing, or engaging with certain viewpoints."

In November, Texas also designated CAIR as a "terrorist organization," alleging the rights group had ties to extremists. CAIR sued over that designation as well and dismissed the claims.

Darryl Li, a legal scholar at the University of Chicago, and Shirin Sinnar, a professor of law at Stanford Law School, said in a joint piece in February that efforts by Texas and Florida towards such designations "could lay the groundwork for even more sweeping forms of authoritarianism."

Republican President Donald Trump's administration and some Republican-governed states have cracked down against left-leaning organizations and pro-Palestinian groups that they cast as extremist, antisemitic and anti-American.

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Those groups dismiss the allegations and say the crackdown violates free speech and due process. They also say that those states and the Trump administration conflate pro-Palestinian advocacy with support for extremism, and criticism of U.S. ally Israel's assault on Gaza and its occupation of Palestinian territories with antisemitism.

Trump's attempts to deport some protesters and freeze funds for universities where protests were held have faced judicial roadblocks.

PEN America Florida Director William Johnson said the Florida legislation "opens the door for Florida students to face punishment for constitutionally protected speech."

DeSantis cast the legislation as a framework to combat extremism and have accountability in the education system.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
Former elite Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has been arrested on suspicion of serious war crimes in Afghanistan, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said on Tuesday

The 47-year-old is accused of multiple murders of unarmed civilians and prisoners in Afghanistan, the AFP said.

A few hours after his detention, he was charged in five cases of war crimes.

The Sydney Morning Herald wrote that the proceedings would become "the most significant military prosecution in Australian history."

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The highly decorated veteran was arrested on Tuesday morning at Sydney Airport by federal police officers shortly after arriving on a flight from Brisbane. He remains in custody and was initially denied bail. A court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

The arrest followed five years of investigations, including numerous eyewitness statements from members of Australias Special Air Service Regiment, commonly known as the SAS.

These are said to show that Roberts-Smith was involved in several killings between 2006 and 2012.

He is accused, among other things, of pushing a civilian off a cliff and later ordering that person to be shot as well as personally killing at least one prisoner.

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So-called "blooding" rituals - the deliberate killing of prisoners by younger soldiers on orders - are also being investigated.

Roberts-Smith was awarded Australia's highest award, the Victoria Cross, for his bravery during a 2010 battle against Taliban fighters in Kandahar.

The allegations stem from a years-long probe by the Office of Special Investigations (OSI), which was set up in 2021 after a report on alleged war crimes by Australian soldiers.

The Sydney Morning Herald wrote that the report had provided indications of a total of 39 alleged unlawful killings by members of the special forces.

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OSI director Ross Barnett said the investigations were highly complex.

If convicted, Roberts-Smith faces a life sentence. In addition, his military decoration could be revoked retroactively.

Internationally, it is not the first case of its kind. In other countries too, alleged war crimes by soldiers have repeatedly been examined in court in recent years.

In the US, for example, proceedings were brought against Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher over acts in Iraq. He was later acquitted by a jury.
A former U.S. Postal Service clerk has been sentenced to probation for mail theft and stealing government funds, the U.S. Attorney said Tuesday.

Michael Murray, 38, of Lynn, was sentenced in federal court to 30 months probation, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement.

U.S. District Court Judge Leo Sorokin handed down his sentence.

Murray was also ordered to pay $8,553 in restitution and forfeiture of $5,130.

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Murray pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of theft of mail matter by an employee and one count of theft of government money. A federal grand jury indicted Murray in April 2024.

From approximately September 2022 through July 2023, Murray worked as a U.S. Postal Service clerk at the Beach Street Post Office in Revere and the Melrose Post Office.

From approximately April 2023 through July 2023, prosecutors said Murray used his official position to steal the contents of hundreds of pieces of mail entrusted to him, including gift cards, cash, and checks totaling approximately $3,422.

During the same time period, prosecutors said Murray stole and fraudulently negotiated USPS money orders by generating them for postal customers for his own use, totaling approximately $5,131.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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JOHANNESBURG, April 7 (Xinhua) -- A first consignment of 37,920 doses of the groundbreaking, six-monthly HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, has arrived in South Africa last week, the National Department of Health announced on Tuesday.

The department described the arrival of the medicine, provided through a 29-million-U.S.-dollar grant from the Global Fund, as a vital reinforcement for the country, which manages the world's largest HIV-positive population of approximately 8 million people, with over 6 million currently on antiretroviral treatment.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is working with President Cyril Ramaphosa to officially launch the rollout in May, which is expected to be provided to initiate and sustain nearly half a million people in South Africa over the next two years, said the department in a statement.

The initial phase will target high-incidence districts and vulnerable groups, it said.

Administered just twice a year, Lenacapavir is a critical tool for reaching the Global AIDS Strategy goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. 
GUWAHATI, India, April 7 (Reuters) - At least four people were killed, two of them by police fire, in India's northeastern state of Manipur on Tuesday, officials said, after months of relative calm.

Two children from the mostly Hindu Meitei community were killed after a bomb exploded in a house in the Meitei-dominated Bishnupur district, the officials and the chief minister's office said.

Later on Tuesday, police opened fire to control a crowd that had stormed a camp belonging to security forces, killing two people, the state's interior minister, Govindas Konthoujam said.

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Clashes first broke out in May 2023 between Manipur's dominant, mostly Hindu Meitei community and the mainly Christian Kuki tribes over economic benefits and job quotas. In all some 260 people have been killed and more than 60,000 displaced.

The children killed in the latest unrest belonged to the Meitei community, whose members alleged the attack was carried out by Kuki militants. Kuki groups denied the accusations.

The state's Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the perpetrators were yet to be identified and that the bomb attack was the "handiwork of individuals or groups with an interest in disturbing the prevailing peace".

Authorities imposed a curfew in the regional capital Imphal and surrounding areas and suspended internet services for five days.

(Reporting by Tora Agarwala, writing by Shilpa Jamkhandikar; editing by Barbara Lewis)
April 7 (UPI) -- Two French people held in Iran for nearly four years have been allowed to leave the country and return home, French authorities announced Tuesday.

"Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris are free and on their way to French territory, after three and a half years of detention in Iran. This is a relief for all of us and obviously for their families," French President Emmanuel Macron said on X. "Thank you to the Omani authorities for their mediation efforts, to the State services, and to the citizens who mobilized tirelessly and thus contributed to their return."

The couple, both teachers, were convicted of espionage after a trial the French government said was "completely unfounded" and "arbitrary."

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Kohler, 41, is a high school literature teacher, and her partner, Paris, is a retired teacher in his 70s. They were arrested during a tourist trip to Iran in 2022. They were imprisoned in the Evin prison, which is where political prisoners and dissidents are kept.

They were allowed four consular visits over the three years after their arrest. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said their conditions were like "torture."

Kohler and Paris were convicted in 2025 of spying for French intelligence services, conspiring to undermine Iran's national security and cooperating with Israeli intelligence services. Kohler was sentenced to 20 years in prison, and Paris was sentenced to 17, the French government said.

After intense negotiations, a month later they were released but couldn't leave Iran. They moved into the French Embassy in Tehran.

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Their families and friends have rallied for them over the years and kept their images with the word "freedom" posted on the gates of the French National Assembly and other ministry buildings.

Once the war in Iran began, French authorities intensified negotiations with Iran to get the pair out of the country. They wouldn't disclose if anything was given to Iran in exchange, The New York Times reported.

Macron announced the release at a health summit in Lyon. He said they were "free and on their way back to France. This is wonderful news," The Times reported. When the announcement was made in the National Assembly, lawmakers stood and applauded.

Barrot announced on X that Kohler and Paris "have finally left Iran and are now permanently FREE. On the phone just a few moments ago, they expressed to me their emotion and their joy at soon reuniting with their country and their loved ones."

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They were expected to arrive in Paris on Wednesday.

In March 2025, Iran released French tourist Olivier Grondeau, who was held for two years of a five-year sentence for spying. His family had said he was a passionate fan of Persian poetry and was on a tourist visa as part of a world tour.
Washington  Voters in Georgia's 14th Congressional District will decide Tuesday whether Republican Clay Fuller or Democrat Shawn Harris will replace former GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. She resigned from Congress three months ago after a bitter falling out with President Trump, whom she has accused of forsaking his MAGA base on issues like affordability and foreign affairs.

The result will have an effect on the balance of power in the House, where Republicans (and one independent who caucuses with the party) hold 218 seats and Democrats have 214.

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Harris performed slightly better than Fuller in a special election on March 10, but neither secured a majority of the vote in a crowded field of candidates, forcing a runoff election.

Harris' ability to attract more votes than Fuller, who had Mr. Trump's endorsement, was attributed to the number of GOP candidates in the race and is not viewed as an indication that Democrats could pull off a major upset in the conservative district that Greene has consistently won by wide margins.

Greene was first elected to Congress in 2020, winning by nearly 50 points against her Democratic opponent. She won her two subsequent reelection campaigns by about 30 points.

But in an interview with CBS News on Tuesday, Harris projected confidence that turnout will defy expectations in the deeply Republican district, adding that he is "confident that tonight, this district will flip."

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"If we wasn't a threat of winning, then why is the Republican Party at the highest level spending so much money on a ruby red district where you shouldn't have to be worried about it?" Harris said.

Tuesday's margin is likely to be viewed as one of the first tests of how voters view Mr. Trump's handling of the Iran war and the economic ramifications.

Fuller, a district attorney and Air National Guard veteran, has supported Mr. Trump's decision to go to war with Iran, describing the Iranian regime as "a death cult that could not be negotiated with."

"Our country is safer because of what President Trump has done regarding Iran," he said in a debate against Harris last month.

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At the debate, Harris, a farmer and retired Army general, called it a "war of choice" and said Mr. Trump's focus should be on "how do we get this economy back together."

Greene, who has not endorsed a candidate in the race, has accused Mr. Trump of betraying his "America First" promises by leading the U.S. into another foreign conflict. On Sunday, she said in a post on X that the president "has gone insane" after he threatened to bomb Iran's power plants and bridges if the regime did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

"This is not making America great again, this is evil," she said.

Greene left Congress in January as the rift between her and Mr. Trump grew wider. The president labeled her a "traitor" and a "lunatic" for breaking with Republican leaders to demand the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She also criticized Mr. Trump's focus on foreign conflicts while Americans are saddled with the high cost of living and rising health care costs.

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Greene announced her departure a week after Mr. Trump said he would back a primary challenger against her.

Fuller and Harris could face off again later this year in the general election in November, which will determine who holds the seat from January 2027 through January 2029. Before then, they'll have to get through the May 19 midterm primaries.

One hospice doctor. One year. $71.7 million worth of Medicare claims.

Expert weighs in on rescue missions for downed U.S. fighter jet, Trump's threats against Iran

Search underway for woman after husband says she fell overboard while on boat ride in Bahamas
A 21-year-old climate protester was handed a warning by a Hamburg court on Tuesday for his role in disrupting operations at the northern German city's airport in July 2023.

The court found the man guilty of disrupting public services, resisting an officer, damage to property and disturbing the peace.

The man was not present in court to hear judgement and sentence passed under young offenders' legislation.

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On July 13, 2023, 10 activists from the since-disbanded Last Generation climate group cut through a fence at the airport, with some of them glueing themselves to the asphalt near the runways.

According to the prosecution, traffic was disrupted for almost four hours that day, with 68 flights cancelled and 14 rerouted.

Financial loss to the airport has been put at 131,000 ($151,000), with a further 13,000 for repairing the fencing and freeing the activists from the asphalt.

Judge Gotz Gottsche expressed respect for the protester's motives but said that the blockade could not be justified on grounds of a climate emergency nor as civil disobedience.

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Trials under standard criminal law are proceeding against others involved in the blockade.

In November last year, a Hamburg court ruled in favour of a civil complaint brought by Eurowings, a budget subsidiary of Lufthansa, and imposed damages of more than 400,000 on the 10 activists.
Billerica police are investigating aggressive fundraising tactics by a vendor representing their patrol officers union, who is accused of targeting the owner of a popular restaurant in town.

Ronnie Doucette, owner of What the Fork Catering on Boston Road in Billerica, said the vendor has been calling him multiple times a day from different numbers since December.

I was furious, he told Boston 25 on Monday.

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Doucette said a solicitor for the vendor named Mike reached out to him for a donation in December. After donating for the last two years, Doucette declined due to financial trouble.

From that point, he said Mike and other solicitors would call him nonstop  and refuse to take no for an answer.

Every day, they called multiple times a day, he said. There was one day where he called about 10 times, and when I told him to stop calling me, he started to call my wife for donations. They just dont quit.

Doucette said he had blocked Mikes number but was still getting calls from the vendor.

Last week, he was out to lunch with his wife and got another call from the vendor.

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He explained, I had had enough. I told him to screw, were not donating.

10 minutes later, he said, he got a call from a West Virginia number.

Same person, same voice with threats of bodily harm to me and my family, he added. That they are going to kill me and my wife. Thats pretty much how it went.

Doucette went to the Billerica Police Department last week and posted his story on What the Forks Instagram page.

Billerica police on Monday said theyre investigating the threats and the vendor who historically raises funds for the departments union.

In a statement, Billerica Police Chief Roy Frost said, These kinds of aggressive tactics have no place in our community, and we absolutely will not stand for threats against our local business owners.

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Doucette told Boston 25 on Monday that police had told him they planned to cut ties with the vendor.

Billerica Police didnt specify if they would cut ties in their statement. Boston 25 has reached out to police about this claim and is still waiting to hear back.

Monday, Ronnie claimed other businesses, residents, and those nearby have reached out to him with similar stories of aggressive fundraising and solicitation.

He said it hurt his family and business, finishing, I have anxiety already, and it shot it through the roof. I was sick with this... I just made me tired; you know what I mean? Its so hard to get ahead.

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Billerica Police said their union is actively working to find out who is behind the threatening calls and ensure it never happens again.

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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Republicans are working overtime to defend their slim majorities in Congress, with outside groups planning to spend more money than ever to secure crucial victories in the 2026 midterm elections.

The Senate Leadership Fund, the main fundraising super PAC for Senate Republicans, unveiled its $342 million battle plan on Monday, targeting eight Senate races that could be essential to defending their power in Washington. Its the largest investment the group has ever made, according to officials, and it includes aggressive spending against three Democratic-held seats.

Thanks to the tremendous successes of Senate Republicans and Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Leadership Fund is better positioned than ever to execute an aggressive offensive strategy to protect and expand the Republican Senate Majority, SLF Executive Director Alex Latcham said in a statement. SLFs historic investment will help elect strong Republican Senators across key battleground states and ensure that Chuck Schumer and his party remain in the minority.

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The group will spend the most money in the Ohio Senate race, dedicating a whopping $79 million to the Buckeye State. The investment comes as Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, faces a challenge from former Sen. Sherrod Brown, who was ousted in 2024 after losing to Bernie Moreno.

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and his spouse Tina Husted stand together on stage during the Ohio March for Life rally at the Ohio State House in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. | Carolyn Kaster, Associated Press

Recent polling shows the race in a statistical tie, and its expected to become one of the most expensive Senate races this cycle.

SLF is also dropping $71 million in the North Carolina race, which has become more competitive after Sen. Thom Tillis announced he wouldnt run for another term, giving Democrats an opportunity to flip a crucial seat. Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley is running against former Gov. Roy Cooper, with most polling showing the latter ahead.

The group will allocate money to three other Republican incumbents races, including $42 million for Susan Collins in Maine; $29 million for the open seat in Iowa being vacated by Sen. Joni Ernst; and $15 million toward Dan Sullivans reelection in Alaska.

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SLF will also seek to go on the offensive to try to flip three Democratic-held seats, dedicating $45 million in Michigan and $44 million in Georgia, both of which are deemed toss-up races in November. The group will invest another $17 million in New Hampshire.

As part of the investment, SLF will dedicate funds to go toward advertising on streaming platforms  so far planning reservations that are 66% larger than its entire digital investment in 2024, according to the group. The money will also go toward television and digital ads as well as mailers and other get out the vote opportunities.

On the other hand, Senate Democrats said the hefty investments are evidence that Republicans are fearful of losing their majority come next January.

This announcement is a sign Republicans are nervous, plain and simple, Lauren French, spokesperson for Senate Majority PAC, the campaign arm for Senate Democrats, said in a statement. Their battleground map has increased substantially and were seeing the tell-tale signs of weakness with bad candidates, uninspiring messaging, and an approval rating in the pits. We are seeing support that has only been ramping up since November and as we get closer to the primaries, its clear Democrats have something Republicans are trying to buy: momentum.

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Republicans currently hold 53 seats in the Senate with Vice President JD Vance as a tiebreaker vote if needed. That means Democrats would need to flip four seats, or more if any Democratic-held seats are won by Republicans, in order to win the majority next year.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation to strengthen the states legal framework and boost efforts against foreign influence and terrorism.

HB 1471 states Florida courts must follow constitutional law and cannot enforce foreign or religious laws, like Sharia, if they violate rights. It also bans foreign judgments or contracts attempting to bypass these protections.

DeSantis emphasized the need for a unified legal system based on the Constitution to protect state institutions from external threats. He said this legislation is part of a broader effort to defend Floridas legal integrity and public safety.

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The measure further enhances the states counterterrorism powers. The new legislation authorizes the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to identify domestic terrorist groups via its Chief of Domestic Security. Furthermore, terrorist organizations recognized federally will now be enforceable within state law.

Once designated, these organizations are subject to strict restrictions, such as bans on public funding and support. People offering material support to them could face serious criminal penalties.

HB 1471 also addresses educational institutions by banning taxpayer money from supporting or promoting terrorist groups. It permits disciplinary measures against students promoting terrorist violence. Violations could lead to loss of state funding for those schools or institutions.

The legislation expands on earlier measures by the state, such as an executive order from December that instructs agencies to prevent contracts, funding, and benefits related to terrorist groups or their supporters.

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State officials say the new law aims to keep Floridas courts aligned with the constitution and enhance protections against evolving security threats.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
ERLANGER, KY  U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell said he supports what President Donald Trump is doing in Iran  even amid Trump's online statement that "a whole civilization will die tonight" in Iran.

McConnell, R-KY, visited the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport April 7 to celebrate millions of dollars he helped bring into the area recently.

But questions quickly turned to Trump's pending decision to attack Iran's critical infrastructure after a stalemate on the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

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Trump wrote on Truth Social April 7, "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will.  We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World."

Senator Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., speaks during a press conference at the CVG Centre in Erlanger, Ky., on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

McConnell, when asked about Trump's comments, said he supports Trump's efforts in Iran. "They've been at war with us for 47 years," McConnell said. "They've killed Americans. They've killed Israelis. They've killed throughout the Middle East."

"They're bad guys." he added.

McConnell said he doesn't know how the conflict in Iran will end. But, regardless, he said the country's capabilities have been "significantly diminished."

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See McConnell's entire statement in the video above.

Have a news tip? Comment? You can reach Northern Kentucky reporter Jolene Almendarez at jolenea@usatodayco.com or follow her on social media. Keep up with Northern Kentucky news at NKY.com or by downloading our NKY news app.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Sen. Mitch McConnell supports Trump, says Iranians are 'bad guys'
A spokesperson for Israel's Foreign Ministry told The Jerusalem Post that the consulate is not staffed. One gunman was killed, and two police officers were injured, Turkish authorities confirmed.

Several gunmen opened fire near the building housing the Israeli consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, in a suspected Islamic State-linked attack.

The consulate is located in Istanbul's Besiktas District. It remains unclear at this time if the consulate was targeted during the incident. A spokesperson for Israel's Foreign Ministry told The Jerusalem Post that the consulate is not staffed.

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Video footage showed a police officer pulling out a gun and taking cover as gunshots resounded. One person was seen covered in blood.

Turkish Interior Minister appears to indicate ISIS link

Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci noted that the attack involved three individuals and an armed clash with police officers.

One of the three gunmen was killed, and the other two were wounded.

The authorities later revealed the terrorists to be brothers Onur C., Enes C. who were arrested, and Yunus E.S, who was killed at the scene.

Ciftci reported that Yunus had "ties to an organization that exploits religion." Separately, Turkish journalist Mehmet Karatas and Turkey's NTV confirmed this to be ISIS.

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A strong armed police presence is always maintained in the area near the Israeli consulate, Reuters noted. Television footage showed armed police patrolling in the area after the shooting.

Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek stated that he has assigned three investigators to look into the incident, acknowledging that it took place outside the Israeli consulate, while not commenting on whether the incident was antisemitic or anti-Zionist in nature.

"The investigation is being conducted meticulously and in a multifaceted manner," Gurlek wrote on X/Twitter.

The Post reached out to both the Istanbul Police and the Israeli Embassy in Ankara for comments.

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The Foreign Ministry stated that it "strongly condemned" the terrorist attack on the consulate in Istanbul.

"We appreciate the Turkish security forces swift action in thwarting this attack," a foreign ministry statement read.

"Israeli missions around the world have been subjected to countless threats and terrorist attacks. Terror will not deter us."
More rounds of heavy rain are on the way, according to weather forecasters, heightening anxieties during ongoing flood recovery efforts after back-to-back Kona-low storms last month.

The City and County of Honolulu on Monday said it sent crews across Oahu to clear out stormdrains and rivers, including manually lowering the sand plug at the Ewa drainage channel to improve water flow. But city officials are urging residents to prepare for the storms now, given that the ground in many areas is already saturated and water levels are higher than normal.

Were asking everybody in Oahu to begin to prepare and to start now, said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi at a news conference Monday. Start today  ; dont wait until the weather turns, because as we saw with these rain bombs, theres no time.

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The Honolulu Emergency Operations Center will be activated Wednesday, Blangiardi said, and the city is preparing for the worst.

Crews have been busy since the aftermath of the recent Kona-low storms, he said, clearing out waterways across Oahu, especially areas that were hardest hit.

We know that the ground is saturated, our reservoirs are higher than normal  still within good room  but theyre higher than normal, Blangiardi said. And we know that our streams can flood fast. We saw that. So all of that increases the risk of flooding, with even less rainfall. So every inch of rain, as far as were concerned, now is more than an inch of rain.

City officials will monitor dams, streams and waterways in coordination with state and federal partners.

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Additionally, the Hawaii National Guard continues to support the city with cleanup efforts on Oahus North Shore, according to Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, and can rapidly pivot to response operations should the situation dictate.

Still, Blangiardi warned that the public has to do its part and prepare for possible evacuations, with go bags ready and a plan in place to get out safely.

You dont know which area  or if we even have to evacuate, he said. But if we do  and as weve learned through that last storm  time is of the essence. It can make a difference between life and death.

The National Weather Service warned that heavy rains and flash flooding are in store for tonight into the weekend due to a deep-layered trough developing west of the islands.

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On Monday afternoon, the NWS issued a flood watch effective from Wednesday morning to Friday afternoon, warning that flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall will be possible across the island chain, from Niihau and Kauai to Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and Hawaii island.

Forecasters have not characterized the storm as a Kona low but said the system will draw deep, tropical moisture northward over the state. That translates into heavy rains and potential flash floods once again, starting Tuesday night on Kauai.

The impending wave of heavy rains is stoking anxieties for flood survivors who are still in the process of cleaning up from the Kona-low storms, and will likely hamper efforts to repair roads.

Some major potholes have just been patched up, while debris removal is still underway, along with stream work along parts of Farrington Highway in Waialua and slope stabilization efforts above Pali Highway.

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The state Department of Transportation said crews went to Waikane and Waiahole on Oahus windward side Monday afternoon to clear roadways.

Motorists should definitely be prepared for material such as rocks and trees to come down from already saturated slopes, DOT said, by signing up for local emergency alerts and avoiding travel during flood warnings.

Hawaiian Electric is urging customers to be prepared for possible power outages as a result of severe weather. Customers should ready flashlights, emergency generators and lanterns, plus buy extra batteries, as well as have a backup plan if household members are dependent on electrically powered medical equipment.

Forecasters do not know exactly how much rain is in store this week but warned the bad weather is expected to last throughout most of the week.

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Its hard to be really precise about exact rainfall amounts, but one factor working against us is how long this rain is going to last, said NWS meteorologist Cole Evans. Basically, every day from Tuesday to the first half of the weekend.

The system is also expected to bring an extended period of strong, southerly winds along with possible thunderstorms Tuesday over interior areas. Southerly winds could potentially cause damage.

A winter storm watch was issued for Big Isle summits above 12,50ot feet due to freezing rain, ice accumulation and snowfall of up to 3 inches. Winds could also gust as high as 55 mph, weather officials warned, and trips to the summits should be postponed until the weather improves.

How much longer the rains will last is not entirely predictable, according to Evans, but the wet season typically ends sometime in April.

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Aprils the tail end of our wet season, so its not completely out of the ordinary, Evans said.

The amount of rainfall in March was highly unusual, according to researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, who estimated more than 2 trillion gallons of water  the equivalent of 3 million Olympic-sized swimming pools  rained down on the state.

During the 14-day period of the Kona-low storms in March, the accumulated rainfall reached as high as 3,000% of normal historical levels for that time of year, researchers said.

The first storm from March 10 to 16 brought up to 62 inches of rain to Maui, according to Hawaii Mesonet data, while the second from March 19 to 23 dumped up to 61 inches in localized areas, leading to floods across central and eastern Molokai, West Maui and Oahu.

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On Oahu, the Kaala station on the North Shore recorded the islands highest two-day rainfall of roughly 22 inches, with close to 20 inches in a 24-hour period starting the evening of March 19.

On March 23, a rain bomb over Manoa and Palolo valleys dropped 2 to 4 inches of rain per hour, turning streams into raging torrents and triggering flash floods.

Many nearshore water remain brown from excessive runoff from the recent storms, while others had just cleared up after a few days of sunshine over the Easter weekend. State health officials advise the public to stay out of waters that appear brown or murky following storms, as they may contain higher than normal pollutant levels.

City officials, meanwhile, have postponed all scheduled town hall meetings indefinitely in order to focus on storm response and recovery efforts and due to the impending storm.

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Additionally, the consolidated Waialua Community Assistance Center and Distribution Hub at Waialua District Park to help storm survivors will temporarily close between Wednesday and Friday as a safety precaution, officials said.

GET READY NOW

City officials urge residents to prepare now for the upcoming storm.

>> Clear gutters, storm drains, culverts and drainage areas of debris.

>> Move valuable items out of low-lying or flood-prone areas. Secure outdoor items, including tarps, building materials and debris piles.

>> Check flashlights, pumps, generators and emergency equipment to ensure they are operational.

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>> Take stock of emergency supplies, including food, water, medications and backup power sources.

>> Review family emergency plans.

>> Avoid driving through flooded roadways or standing water.

>> Stay away from streams, canals and low-lying areas during heavy rain.

>> Residents living near stream, rivers, gulches, valleys, ravines and flood-prone areas should remain especially alert and prepare to move to higher ground if flash flooding develops.

>> If someone is dependent on electrically powered, life-sustaining medical equipment, check backup facilities. Plan where to go if evacuation occurs.

>> If using a portable generator after the storm, make sure it is placed in a well-ventilated area outside the home. Follow all instructions in the manufacturers manual.

>> Visit (prepare for flash floods).

Sources: National Weather Service, City and County of Honolulu, Hawaiian Electric



Star-Advertiser writer Kevin Knodell contributed to this report.
Electric vehicles are displayed in front of a BYD 4S dealership in Canberra, Australia, on April 8, 2026. (Photo by Zhang Na/Xinhua)

CANBERRA, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Electric vehicle (EV) sales in Australia hit a record high in March amid rising fuel prices driven by the oil supply crisis.

According to official data released on Tuesday by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), battery EVs accounted for 14.6 percent of all new vehicle sales in Australia in March, up from 7.5 percent in March 2025.

The FCAI said it represents a new record-high monthly market share for EVs in Australia.

Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI, said in a statement that more Australians are considering a shift to EVs due to the disruption to fuel supply caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

The Australian Institute of Petroleum said that the national average price for unleaded petrol hit a record-high of 2.53 Australian dollars (about 1.75 U.S. dollars) per liter in the week to March 29, prior to federal, state and territory governments cutting the sales tax on fuel for three months.

Weber said that the automotive industry would welcome a sustained shift to EVs, but warned that it would require Australian governments to boost the availability of public charging infrastructure.

"Ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with consumer demand will be critical to enabling sustainable growth in EV adoption beyond short-term influences," he said.

The FCAI said in March that China became the leading source of new vehicles in Australia for the first time in February, ending the Japanese automotive industry's 28-year domination of the market.

The data released on Tuesday revealed that leading Chinese manufacturers BYD, GWM and Chery sold a combined 44,155 new vehicles in Australia through the first three months of 2026, up from 26,403 in the same period in 2025. 

Electric vehicles are displayed in front of a BYD 4S dealership in Canberra, Australia, on April 8, 2026. (Photo by Zhang Na/Xinhua)

An electric vehicle, which has just been sold, charges at a dealership before delivery in Canberra, Australia, on April 8, 2026. (Photo by Zhang Na/Xinhua)

Electric vehicles are displayed in front of a GWM 4S dealership in Canberra, Australia, on April 8, 2026. (Photo by Zhang Na/Xinhua)
Officials in Los Angeles County have warned residents that typhus, a serious and potentially fatal flea-borne illness, is surging, according to the Los Angeles Times.

What's happening?

On April 2, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a bulletin to alert residents to "a record number of flea-borne typhus cases" in the area.

The Department reported that 2025 had the "highest-ever recorded" number of cases, up nearly 20% from 187 cases in 2024.

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According to the Los Angeles Times, typhus rates have been rising in Los Angeles County. There were 141 reported infections in 2021, 171 in 2022, and a "slight decrease" in 2023.

"Alarmingly, nearly 9 out of 10 people identified as infected with typhus required hospitalization," the Department of Health cautioned in its bulletin, emphasizing the severity of the flea-borne illness and an urgent need for public awareness.

Moreover, the Times described a worryingly broad public health threat that affected individuals aged 1 to 85 in 2025.

"Everyone is at risk of contracting typhus," the outlet explained, adding that proximity to "rats or other rodents" and outdoor living placed some residents at a higher risk of contracting the disease.

Why is this concerning?

"An ancient disease spread by fleas has been making a comeback in California," Gizmodo reported, alluding to the fact that typhus had become rare.

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Data from the Centers for Disease Control on historical typhus rates in the United States illustrated this with an unsettling visual. In the late 1940s, typhus rates dwindled dramatically.

Cases plummeted from 5,401 in 1944 to 163 in 1954, remaining in the dozens for decades.

"Because the disease is rare, in 1987, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists voted to remove flea-borne typhus from the nationally notifiable disease list," the CDC explained in regard to the data set, which ended that year after more than 30 years of negligible infection rates.

In 1987, the total number of recorded cases in the U.S. stood at 49, versus 220 cases in one California county in 2025.

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Typhus isn't the only vector-borne illness that's either returning or surging anew, as researchers have reported: tick-borne pathogens like Lyme disease are skyrocketing, as are mosquito-borne diseases like Zika.

Although the roster of vectors and the diseases they spread is broad, the root of the public health risk is similar across the board: rising temperatures and human activity.

As the planet overheats, the geographic range of disease vectors like ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas broadens, their breeding seasons lengthen, and people spend more time outdoors.

Consequently, infection rates for once-rare illnesses spike, as is the case in Los Angeles County.

What's being done about it?

In its bulletin, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advised residents to take flea-prevention measures for people and pets, such as using an EPA-registered insect repellent.

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Officials also urged residents to learn the signs of typhus and to seek medical attention promptly, given the severity of the illness.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices  and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
Iowa House Republicans said Tuesday they are considering spending $1.4 million to create a publicly accessible tool to analyze the spending and revenue of Iowa counties and some school districts through a priority focused artificial intelligence model.

The House Government Oversight Committee hosted Tyler Technologies Senior Account Executive Mark Welch, who gave a presentation Tuesday to the House lawmakers on what a potential analysis could look like. Welch said Tyler Technologies, a software company focused on public sector entities, would be able to provide analysis by running the publicly available data on Iowa local entities budgets in an AI model which includes the companys data set on other government entities.

The AI model would be able to provide an overview of where these public entities are spending their money, and areas for potential savings. Welch said the analysis would include recommendations for areas where governments could find between 10% and 28% in savings by finding areas where services are duplicated, where a government is paying more than similarly situated peers for a service, or identifying funding for services that do not align with a communitys priorities.

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Lets think about streets maintenance or mulching in a park, Welch said.  We have common services across Iowa, for example  across the country  and we can now go out and say, how do we compare to each other, right? Which ones have high efficiency? Which ones are, you know, not within the mean of their peers?

Welch said the AI tool is able to take into consideration other factors that could impact the costs of certain services  for example, being able to account for a rural school district having higher transportation costs because they are busing children from a wider area. Rep. Angel Ramirez, D-Cedar Rapids, said she saw the potential costs savings that could be found using the tool, but said she was hesitant in moving forward with the analysis project because it does not involve collecting qualitative data  an important tool when considering spending in areas like social services.

Those preventative measures can be difficult, because its  how do you measure someone didnt enter the carceral system because of a service that they received five years prior? Ramirez said.

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Some lawmakers on the committee brought up concerns about the accuracy of the information and analysis of the data when the company is using AI. Rep. Steve Holt, R-Denison, brought up an anecdote of seeing a search engines AI overview that incorrectly stated he had been working on an issue for decades that he had only been discussing for two years.

Welch said the Tyler Technologies AI model is not a large language model like ChatGPT, OpenAI or Claude  the analysis on local government budgets would not involve just going out, searching web, trying to come up with information, but references Tyler Technologies budget and personnel data sets and set training. He said the model has been between 90% and 95% accurate when compiling publicly available data, and that the remaining 5% where inaccuracies occur are because the model does not account for the correct description of a service.

Its more in line with a traditional software offering than like an AI offering, Welch said.

The initial, one-time cost for creating this tool for all 99 counties and two-thirds of the highest-spending school districts in the state would be between $1.4 million and $1.5 million, with an ongoing cost of $900,000 annually for a three-year term.

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Speaking with reporters after the committee meeting, House Speaker Pat Grassley said House Republicans were considering pursuing funding for this tool through either the regular budgeting process  which would involve approval from the Senate and governor  or funding the tool through a House standing limited appropriation.

Gov. Kim Reynolds told reporters at a news conference Tuesday she understood the House GOP sentiment of wanting to work with an outside consultant to analyze areas for potential saving  pointing to her own use of a consultant when moving forward her agency restructuring plan. But she said it was important to ensure that the consultant would be able to deliver on their promises.

Grassley said House GOP leaders saw this tool as a benefit especially as lawmakers pursue ways to find local government efficiencies as part of ongoing discussions on property taxes.

Welch said one benefit of using the AI tool instead of traditional consulting services that offer this type of budget analysis was that the AI model could produce analysis within six weeks  potentially providing lawmakers more analysis on current local government spending discussions. While Grassley said legislators would love to have as much information as possible on local government budgets and the impact of potential property tax changes before voting on a bill, he said he did not look at the proposal as a reason to delay a resolution on property taxes.

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I think when it comes to settling the property tax bill itself, I look at this as more of what does (it mean for) the future and how the money is spent to find efficiencies, Grassley said.

He also said making this data available does not mean lawmakers would require local governments make any changes based on the analysis.

They would still have to make that decision at the local level, Grassley said. We feel this is a tool that we could use, but would be open to the public to be able to look at, to utilize.

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(AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) vented that she is tired of serving with a bunch of immoral freaks in Congress on Tuesday, with the conservative lawmaker recently ripping both Democrats and Republican representatives for alleged sexual and financial crimes.

I am sick of serving in Congress with immoral freaks who abuse their office and bring dishonor to the institution, Paulina Luna posted on X. Congress is rotted to the core and it needs a complete overhaul. The American people deserve better than this.

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While the congresswoman did not call anyone out by name in her post, it isnt too hard to figure out who she is angry with. Paulina Luna shared a story from The Hill a few hours earlier where she insisted Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) and Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) both need to go.

I am sick of serving in Congress with immoral freaks who abuse their office and bring dishonor to the institution. Congress is rotted to the core and it needs a complete overhaul. The American people deserve better than this.  Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) April 7, 2026

She was disgusted with Gonzales over a report from the San Antonio Express-News that said he asked a staffer a dozen times for nude pictures during his 2020 congressional campaign.

That report came a month after Luna filed two resolutions to censure Gonzales or strip him of his committee assignments following allegations that he had an affair with a separate congressional staffer, who died by suicide, according to The Hill.

As for Cherfilus-McCormick, a House Ethics Committee investigation found clear and convincing evidence in March that she stole $5 million in FEMA funds in 2021. A federal grand jury indicted the representative last year for it, claiming Cherfilus-McCormick used a substantial portion of the dough to fund her 2022 campaign; she has denied any wrongdoing and argued the charges against her were racist.

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Paulina Luna on Tuesday said the latest lawmaker who should be branded an immoral freak is Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA).

Swalwell  who is running to succeed Gavin Newsom as Californias next governor  will soon face sexual harassment allegations from a number of credible women, including former staffers, The Washington Free Beacon reported on Monday. Cheyenne Hunt, the head of the liberal advocacy group Gen Z for Change, accused Swalwell of sleeping with many of his interns and made them all sign NDAs, the report noted.

The post House Republican GOES OFF on Her Colleagues: Immoral Freaks! first appeared on Mediaite.
BUDAPEST, April 7 (Reuters) - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban offered last year to help Russian President Vladimir Putin "in any way", such as by hosting a summit in Budapest to settle the war in Ukraine, Bloomberg News reported, citing the transcript of a phone call.

A Hungarian government spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment and for the release of the transcript of an October 17 call between the two leaders reviewed by Bloomberg but not verified by Reuters.

There was no immediate comment from the Kremlin.

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Orban, a eurosceptic nationalist in power since 2010, faces his toughest re-election bid of the past 16 years on April 12.

Orban has fostered warm ties with Putin despite the Ukraine war, and maintained Hungary's heavy reliance on Russian oil and gas. Citing a dispute with Kyiv over a war-damaged oil pipeline, Orban has also blocked the implementation of a European Union loan to Ukraine agreed back in December.

The cordial conversation between Orban and Putin took place as U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to a second summit on the war in Ukraine to be hosted in the Hungarian capital.

In the phone call, Orban calls Putin a friend, noting that their close ties date back to a 2009 meeting in St Petersburg.

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"But yesterday our friendship rose to such a high level that I can help in any way  there is a story in our Hungarian picture books where a mouse helps a lion," he tells Putin according to the transcript. "I am ready to help immediately ... In any matter where I can be of assistance, I am at your service."

Putin tells Orban in response that he values their relations highly and says Budapest would be what he described as "perhaps the only European country that is an acceptable venue" for a possible meeting with Trump.

Hungary at the time said it would ensure that Putin, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, which Orban's government is in the process of leaving, could enter the country for a summit with the U.S. president.

Putin also tells Orban that he greatly appreciates his "independent and flexible" stance on the Ukraine crisis.

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The publication of the transcript follows the release of an audio clip by an investigative news outlet that featured Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov discussing EU sanctions.

(Reporting by Gergely SzakacsEditing by Gareth Jones)
The IDF said it had completed a wide-scale operation on Iran after reports that railways in Karaj and Qazvin, as well as bridges in Kashan and Tabriz-Zanjan, were destroyed.

The IDF targeted several railways and bridges across Iran in an effort to cripple the regime's capacity to move its missile launchers and avoid them being located by the Israeli and American forces, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Tuesday, while adding that attacks against Iran are being conducted with "increased intensity."

We are targeting the railways and bridges used by the Revolutionary Guards," Netanyhu said and added, "They use them to transport raw materials for weapons, weapons, and the operatives who attack us, the US, and also the countries of the region," he added.

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The IDF said that it struck eight bridge segments in several areas across Iran, including Tehran, Karaj, Tabriz, Kashan, and Qom.

"The Iranian terror regimes Armed Forces used the bridges to transport weapons and military equipment, and carry out terror attacks against the State of Israel and other countries in the Middle East," the military said.

The military also confirmed that, prior to the strikes, "steps were taken to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance."

Later on Tuesday, the IDF announced it had struck Iran's most central site for the production of sonar systems and underwater detection systems.

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The site, located in the city of Shiraz, was attacked by a joint operation from the Israel Air Force and Navy. According to the military, it was used to design, research, develop, and produce sonar systems that operate on sound waves, and it provided the systems to the Iranian navy's submarine fleet.

"The attack significantly damaged the Iranian terrorist regime's maritime detection and defense capabilities, as well as its ability to produce and maintain submarines and naval electronic systems," the military said.

The IDF struck the central site for the production of sonar and underwater detection systems. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)

IDF strikes Shiraz petrochemical site

The IDF hit a petrochemical compound in Shiraz on Monday, the military announced on Tuesday, stating that the facility was "one of the last remaining sites used for producing critical chemical components for explosives and other materials for developing ballistic missiles."

The facility was used to produce nitric acid, which is critical to producing explosives and other ballistic missile components, the military stated. This facility was "one of the last remaining compounds producing critical chemical components for explosives and materials for developing ballistic missiles," the military said.

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The military's statement and publication of an infographic follow Defense Minister Israel Katz's confirmation on Monday that the IDF had struck the South Pars petrochemical facility near Asaluyeh in southern Iran, the largest such facility in Iran. The facility is no longer functioning, he stated, indicating that IDF strikes on two of Iran's petrochemical facilities, which are responsible for 85% of Iran's petrochemical exports, had "taken them out of use."

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have instructed the IDF to continue attacking...the infrastructure of the Iranian terrorist regime," he said. The petrochemical industry is a major source of finances for the IRGC and for Iran's military industry in general, Katz added.

The IDF also struck the petrochemical complex in Mahshahr on Saturday, which is one of the key sites for the production of chemical materials used for weapons.

IDF continues to strike Iran's air defenses

Additionally, the IDF on Tuesday published footage of the Israel Air Force striking Iran's air defense systems over an unspecified period of time. The footage shared was taken from cameras within the missiles used to hit the air defense systems, the military noted.

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According to the military, over 130 systems were "dismantled," but the military did not clarify whether this was since the start of Operation Roaring Lion on February 28, or during a specific time period during the operation. "The IDF continues its systematic efforts to further dismantle the Iranian terror regime's fire array and air defense systems across Iran," the military stated.

IDF footage of Israel Air Force airstrikes destroying Tehran's air defense systems, published April 7, 2026. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Meanwhile, footage shared by Iranian media appears to show strikes on Tehran at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

The Shi'ite holy city of Qom was also reportedly struck on Tuesday morning. According to a Tuesday report by London-based The Times, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is currently located in Qom, unconscious, and unable to run the regime.

Ariella Roitman and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.
In a series of strikes overnight on Sunday, the IDF targeted three airports across Iran holding Iranian Air Force and IRGC Air Force capabilities.

The IDF struck Iranian regime terror infrastructure in Tehran and other areas across Iran, the military announced early on Tuesday.

Earlier, an attack was reported at the airport in Kashan, a northern city in the Isfahan province, according to N12.

IDF strikes airports

The military announced on Monday a series of large-scale strikes by the Air Force on three airports across Tehran overnight Sunday.

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The attacks were conducted in an attempt to wear down Iranian Air Force and IRGC Air Force capabilities, according to the IDF.

The targets were located in Bahram Airport, Azmayesh Airport, and Mehrabad Airport, the last of which was used as a central hub by the IRGCs Quds Force.

Later on Tuesday, a projectile hit a synagogue in the center of Tehran, semi-official Mehr News reported. The origin of the projectile is unknown.

Additionally, the Iranian Red Crescent reported strikes on a residential area in Tehran, while other strikes were reported in Isfahan, Yazd, Karaj, and Bandar Chabahar.

This is a developing story.
Every morning, Shakuntala Devi and Shakiba Bibi - neighbours at a slum in India's capital Delhi - leave their homes, walking from one shop to another in search of a cooking gas cylinder.

For three weeks now, they have returned empty handed.

"If it continues like this for a few more days, we will run out of gas in our kitchens and have to return to our villages," Shakuntala says.

Shakuntala, Shakiba and many of their neighbours who join them in the cylinder hunt work as domestic helpers in middle-class neighbourhoods near the slum, earning around 15,000 rupees (122; $161) a month. Their families migrated to Delhi from villages in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and eastern Bihar state over the past decade.

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The disruption to global shipments caused by the war in the Middle East has strained cooking gas supplies in India. Many people are finding it difficult to access Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders, the most widely used cooking fuel in the country.

India depends heavily on LPG imports, much of which reach the country through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow, critical shipping route affected by the conflict. While Iran is now allowing Indian vessels to pass, the situation is still uncertain and several ships are waiting near the strait to get through.

The government says there is no shortage of LPG, that it is ramping up domestic production and securing more supplies from countries including the US, Russia and Australia. It has also asked people to stop "panic ordering" of gas cylinders.

But migrant workers in big cities, many of whom depend on informal networks to buy cooking gas, say they are worried.

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The BBC spoke to nearly 30 migrant workers in Delhi who said they would have to return to their villages if the situation did not improve.

News reports and visuals of crowded railway stations and bus terminals suggest the situation is similar in cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, where large numbers of migrant workers live and work. In some areas, shutdowns in industries such as textiles, jewellery and ceramics have also forced workers to return home.

People who have left say they are watching the situation closely to decide when they can return.

"There was no cooking gas available. Even local restaurants were shut. I was struggling to eat two meals a day, so I had to return home," Ashok Yadav told the BBC over the phone from his village in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya town. He had worked in a catering firm in Delhi.

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Last month, the government asked refineries to prioritise gas distribution for households over businesses. This forced many small restaurants to trim their menus or temporarily shut down as they could not afford commercial gas cylinders.

The shortage is also pushing some towards more polluting fuels such as firewood, kerosene and coal.

Sushila Devi, a tea shop owner in Delhi, has been using firewood to cook for the past few days [Abhishek Dey/BBC]

Sushila Devi, who runs a small tea shop in a bustling market in Delhi, says she has been using firewood for both her shop and home.

"I have not been able to get a gas cylinder for nearly four weeks," she says. "The price of firewood is rising quickly, and it is not a long-term option anyway. If the gas shortage continues, I will have to return to my village [in Uttar Pradesh]."

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Her neighbour Pushpa Devi says that at least they "will not starve" in their villages as they can share meals with relatives.

Experts say that the situation is "manageable" right now.

"But if this [reverse migration] continues, it will have [a] significant impact, especially on micro, small and medium enterprises, particularly in labour-intensive sectors such as construction, textiles and manufacturing," says Arvind Goel, co-chairman of the industrial relations committee of the Confederation of Indian Industry.

According to India's last census held in 2011, the country had 54 million inter-state migrants, but analysts say the actual number is much higher and would have increased manifold in the years since then. The latest census, much delayed, kicked off last week.

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For many of these workers, access to cooking gas was already complicated. To obtain LPG cylinders legally in India, households and businesses must register for a connection using identity and address documents, and book cylinders in advance through authorised distributors.

But migrants who work in the informal sector often do not have the right documents in the cities they live in.

"Migrant workers relocate frequently and cannot keep updating documents. Some landlords also refuse to provide proof of address, so getting formal documents in the cities where they migrate often becomes difficult," says Rajesh Kumar, a trade unionist in Delhi.

Many of these workers rely on informal, often unregulated centres that sell and refill cylinders smaller than the standard 14.2kg size.

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But since the war began, many of these centres have shut down, while others are charging nearly four times the usual price - around 3,500 rupees for regular household cylinders and more than 1,600 rupees for refilling the smaller ones.

"Most migrant workers with meagre earnings can't afford to pay so much," says Rajesh Kumar.

Gas distribution centres across cities have seen long queues for the past few weeks, though the government says India has enough LPG in stock [Getty Images]

Limited alternatives add to the difficulties.

Cooking with firewood or coal is unsafe in cramped rooms in slums. Shared electricity connections in such houses cannot support cheaper electric stoves, and safer models are too expensive.

For some, the uncertainty has already forced hard decisions.

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Ramnaresh Yadav sold his autorickshaw two weeks ago before returning to his village near Bihar's Chhapra town.

"I was already struggling to feed my family on my earnings. Then this gas shortage happened. If things don't improve, I may have to enrol my children in the village school," he told the BBC over the phone.

Others are hopeful the situation will improve.

Brij Kumar, a cart-puller in Delhi who recently returned to his village near Deoghar in Jharkhand state, says he expects things to get better once the conflict ends.

"But until then, life will be stressful, especially for people like us."

Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.
April 7 (UPI) -- An Indianapolis city councilor said a gunman shot more than a dozen rounds at his home, seemingly over a proposed data center for the city.

In a statement distributed by the Indianapolis City-County Council on Monday, the councilor, Ron Gibson, said his front door was shot 13 times between 12:45 and 12:50 a.m. EDT Monday while he and his 8-year-old son were home asleep.

A note was left on his doorstep that read, "No Data Centers," he said.

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Neither he nor his son was injured.

"Just steps from where those bullets struck is our dining room table, where my son had been playing with his Legos the day before. That reality is deeply unsettling," he said. "This was not just an attack on my home, but endangered my child and disrupted the safety of our entire neighborhood."

Specifics about the law enforcement response have not been made public. In his statement, Gibson thanked the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI and Homeland Security for their efforts in the investigation.

Gibson, who represents Martindale-Brightwood, has been a supporter of a Metroblocks data center proposed to be built in his district that has drawn strong opposition over pollution, noise, water use, power demand and other potential concerns.

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Last week, the Metropolitan Development Commission approved the project, with final approval now to be voted on by the City-County Council.

Council President Maggie Lewis said the entire council was "deeply disturbed and heartbroken by the violent act" that "represents an alarming and unacceptable escalation."

"This act of intimidation strikes at the heart of our values. No elected official -- or any resident of Indianapolis -- should ever fear for their safety because of their public service or policy positions," she said in a statement, urging anyone with information about the incident to cooperate with law enforcement.

"We stand in unwavering solidarity with Councilor Gibson and his family during this troubling time."
An appellate court said Iowa can enforce a ban on LGBTQ+-themed books in libraries and the Hawkeye States dont say gay law.

Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ + news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit removed preliminary injunctions that had blocked provisions of a law signed by Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds in 2023. That law drew multiple lawsuits, with federal judges previously halting key provisions.

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Iowa Safe Schools, backed by Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union, had challenged part of the law and secured an injunction from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. But state officials appealed, and appellate judges said the law can be enforced while the lawsuits continue.

This ruling is a setback, but it is not the end of this fight, said Nathan Maxwell, senior attorney at Lambda Legal. Iowas SF 496 is a cruel and unconstitutional law that silences LGBTQ+ children, erases their existence from classrooms, and forces educators to expose vulnerable students to potential harm at home. We will continue to use every legal tool available to protect these young people. They deserve nothing less.

Related: Federal judge again blocks Iowa book ban; expected to rule on 'don't say gay' restrictions soon

Related: 'Don't Say Gay' Bill Signed in Iowa; GOP Gov. OK's Ratting on Trans Students

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The lawsuit challenged a ban on instruction or curriculum materials relating to gender identity or sexual orientation, as well as a requirement that school staff notify parents or guardians if a student is transgender.

Appellate judges said lower courts had engaged in flawed analysis of the state law that ultimately created an expansive view of the laws scope, according to an opinion by U.S. Circuit Judge Ralph Erickson, an appointee of President Donald Trump.

Throughout the litigation, the State has insisted that this statute applies only to mandatory parts of the educational curriculum. Reading the plain language, we cannot say the States assertion is wrong, Erickson wrote.

A group of publishers, led by Penguin Random House, separately challenged the law requiring books containing depictions of sex acts to be removed from school libraries. A lower court had blocked that provision on free speech grounds, but the appellate court said that too went too far.

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Related: Iowa must pay $85k to transgender students banned from bathroom at state Capitol

Related: Iowa bans Medicaid from covering gender-affirming care for adults

Related: Iowa's LGBTQ+ Books Ban and 'Don't Say Gay' Law Partially Blocked by Federal Judge

The First Amendment does not guarantee students the right to access books of their choosing at taxpayer expense, Erickson wrote in a separate opinion. The cases will continue at the district court level. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, a Republican, cheered the ruling.

This is a huge win for Iowa parents, Bird said. Parents should always know that school is a safe place for their children to learn, not be concerned they are being indoctrinated with inappropriate sexual materials and philosophies. I am grateful that our law protecting children was upheld today.

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But the states largest teachers union expressed disappointment that the law will take effect while the challenge continues.

Our schools should be safe spaces where students are free to learn, teachers can use their professional expertise without fear, and families can trust that education is based on open inquiry rather than government censorship, said Iowa State Education Association President Joshua Brown in a statement reported by The Gazette.

This article originally appeared on Advocate: Iowa can enforce previously blocked dont say gay law, appeals court rules

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April 7 (Reuters) - Iran on Tuesday attacked Saudi Arabia's Jubail petrochemical complex, the heart of the kingdom's downstream sector, its Revolutionary Guards said, the latest evidence of Tehran's ability to strike back in response to U.S.-Israeli attacks ahead of a U.S. deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran said the attack was in response to attacks against its Asaluyeh petrochemical plants, which are connected to its massive South Pars gas field and were reportedly hit by multiple explosions overnight.

U.S. President Donald Trump's ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz oil chokepoint by the end of Tuesday or face bombing of civilian infrastructure would be the biggest escalation yet of the war. Iran has warned it would target similar infrastructure in the Gulf. Hormuz's closure has sent global energy prices surging.

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Iran has shown it retains the ability to strike targets in neighbouring countries and effectively shut transit through the Strait, previously a conduit for a fifth of global oil supply.

Jubail, a sprawling industrial city, houses multi-billion dollar joint ventures between state-backed oil giant Saudi Aramco and its petrochemical subsidiary SABIC, and Western energy majors.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the attacks were "in response to the enemy's crimes in the aggression against (Iran's) Asaluyeh petrochemical plants," which had reportedly been hit by several explosions overnight.

It was not immediately clear which facility or facilities were hit in Saudi Arabia. Video footage verified by Reuters showed smoke and flames rising from the direction of Jubail.

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The IRGC said in a statement it had "effectively targeted with medium-range missiles and several suicide drones" the Sadara complex, a $20 billion joint venture between Aramco and Dow that was shut last week, and other facilities in Jubail including one belonging to ExxonMobil.

The IRGC also said it hit a petrochemical facility in nearby Juaymah. It indicated the facility was owned by Chevron Phillips but the company does not appear to have any facilities there, but rather in Jubail.

A spokesperson for Chevron Phillips Chemical said on Tuesday the company "is aware of the reports and can confirm its facilities in Saudi Arabia were not directly impacted."

Saudi Arabia's defence ministry earlier said that air defences intercepted and destroyed seven ballistic missiles launched towards the kingdom's eastern region, adding that debris from the intercepted missiles fell near energy facilities.

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Aramco declined to comment on reported attacks in Jubail and Juaymah. The Saudi government communications office and SABIC did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Ros Russell)
AMMAN, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Unpredictable rainfall linked to climate change has emerged as a double-edged sword for water-hungry Jordan, bringing both relief to the country's strained water supplies and disruptions to daily life, infrastructure, and agriculture.

When heavy rain floods the streets of Amman, taxi driver Ahmad Khalil knows his day's work may come to a halt. "Sometimes I have to stop working for hours, and that directly affects my income," he said.

For schoolteacher Lina Riyad, erratic swings between cold, rain, and warmer days have fueled a spike in flu and respiratory illnesses, pushing up student absences.

Across Jordan, such daily disruptions are becoming more common, as unpredictable weather patterns reshape routines, livelihoods, and public health, a trend experts directly link to climate change.

This winter's rains have been both a blessing and a warning for Jordan: While they filled dams, improved water storage, and offered some relief to a country long struggling with water scarcity, they also triggered flash floods, soil erosion, road damage, and farming disruptions. In Karak governorate, part of the old city collapsed amid floods, shutting a key road.

On the positive side, Water and Irrigation Ministry spokesperson Omar Salameh told Xinhua on Tuesday that the 2025-2026 rainy season is "excellent," having achieved more than 130 percent of the Kingdom's average annual rainfall of approximately 8.1 billion cubic meters. Most of the Kingdom's dams in the southern and central regions have reached full storage capacity due to the continuous rainfall.

Meanwhile, climate change is taking its toll. Climate expert Omar Shoshan noted a clear shift from stable seasonal patterns to extreme and uneven weather -- prolonged droughts followed by sudden heavy rains, driven by rising Mediterranean Sea surface temperatures and changing atmospheric circulation.

The implications of this shift are serious, Shoshan warned, noting that heavy rain can fill dams and recharge groundwater only if managed well, since quick downpours usually run off instead of seeping into underground aquifers.

Raed Khattab, director general of the Jordan Meteorological Department, also warned that climate change has become one of the most urgent challenges facing Jordan, citing a 5-year uptick in atmospheric instability, heatwaves, and extreme rainfalls.

Farmers in the Jordan Valley, the country's agricultural backbone, are caught in the dilemma. Mahmoud Al Awran, director general of the Jordanian Farmers' Union, said the rains benefited water harvesting, fruit trees, and livestock, but the prolonged cold combined with rainfall also damaged crops in the valley, a key producer of high-quality crops, including vegetables, citrus fruits, bananas and Medjool dates.

Vally farmer Nawash Al Yazjeen confirmed rain and cold weather can improve crop quality, but also reduce production. Unprotected crops are prone to disease during the rainy season, while even protected crops suffer lower yields, driving up tomato prices this year, he said.

Experts stressed that Jordan can no longer treat these extreme weather events as isolated incidents.

"Climate change is no longer a future risk for Jordan. It is a present reality," Shoshan said. He called for stronger adaptation measures, including upgraded drainage systems, expanded rainwater harvesting, improved flood protection, climate-aware urban planning, and better early warning systems.

For Jordan, rainfall remains a precious resource. But in a warming world, the challenge is no longer how to capture every drop, but rather how to live with its growing unpredictability. 
It is the latest attack by Iran and Iranian-backed militias using drones and missiles on the Kurdistan region. Iranian-backed militias have launched more than 500 attacks since February 28.

A drone attack on the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq killed a Kurdish couple, media reported from Erbil on Tuesday.

It is the latest attack by Iran and Iranian-backed militias using drones and missiles on the Kurdistan region. Iranian-backed militias have launched more than 500 attacks since February 28, when Israel and the US began attacks on Iran.

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Iran has sought to move the war to Iraq and is focused on the Kurdish region. Iran has also attacked the Kurdistan region directly, killing Kurdish Peshmerga and targeting Kurdish Iranian opposition groups.

Kurdish leaders in the autonomous region have called the recent drone attack a terrorist attack. They are demanding that Baghdad stop letting terrorist groups operate from Iraq.

According to the reports, the drone attack was launched from Iran. This means that Iran is likely directly responsible for this attack, even though Tehran and Baghdad often try to avoid responsibility by blaming attacks on militias.

Damage to a vehicle following an Iran-backed Iraqi militia's drone attack on the Kurdistan region, March 31, 2026; illustrative. (credit: SAFIN HAMID/AFP via Getty Images)

Wladimir Van Wilgenburg, an expert on Kurdish issues who is based in the Kurdistan Region, shared a photo of the funeral of the Kurdish couple. The family of Musa Anwar Rasool and his wife, Mujda Asaad Hassan, killed in an Iranian drone strike, say their final goodbyes at a mosque before the couple is laid to rest. They leave behind two children, now orphaned, he wrote on X/Twitter. The couple had two daughters who now have no parents.

Iraqi government must prevent Iranian drone attacks, KRG President Barzani insists

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani condemned the terrorist attack and extended condolences to the victims families. These attacks are in no way acceptable and are completely rejected, Rudaw media in Erbil reported him saying.

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The Iraqi federal government must fulfill its duty and responsibility to prevent these crimes and terrorist attacks, and these assaults on the civilian and innocent people of the Kurdistan Region must not be repeated, Barzani noted.

Kurdish media said that no group had claimed responsibility for the attack, but said Iranian-backed groups were likely behind it.

Erbil Governor Omed Xoshnaw told Rudaw on Tuesday that three drones targeted the village where the couple lived, a rural agricultural area with no known military presence. Two drones fell in open land, while the third struck the couples home, Rudaw noted.

I condemn this heinous crime in the strongest terms and denounce its perpetrators, said Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in a statement. The targeting of civilians and civilian homes is a war crime. He went on to say that we will convey the voice of the victims to the international community to help end the oppression and the unjustified attacks against the people of the Kurdistan Region.

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Rudaw says that 540 drones have targeted areas around Erbil since February, while 111 have targeted Sulimaniyeh province. Twenty-five have also struck near Dohuk. Erbil and Dohuk are considered bases of support for the Kurdish KDP party, which is historically more critical of Iran, while Sulimaniyeh is the home of the PUK Kurdish party, which is considered to have warmer ties to Tehran.

Before Tuesdays incident, the attacks had killed 14 people and injured 93 others, including Peshmerga forces, Asayish personnel, fighters from Iranian Kurdish opposition groups, a French soldier, and multiple civilians. With the latest fatalities, the death toll is expected to rise further, Rudaw noted.
BAGHDAD/WASHINGTON, April 7 (Reuters) - The Iran-aligned Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah has released abducted U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday.

Officials from the Pentagon, the FBI and the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council were among the people who assisted in securing Kittleson's release, Rubio said in a statement. She was abducted in late March in Baghdad.

"We are relieved that this American is now free and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq," he added.

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Kataib Hezbollah had said earlier on Tuesday that it would release Kittleson and that she must immediately leave Iraq.

Her release follows intensified efforts by the Iraqi government and several influential Shi'ite leaders, who applied pressure on the militia group to secure her freedom, a government official with knowledge of the situation told Reuters.

Middle East news site Al-Monitor said Kittleson was a U.S. freelance journalist based in Rome who had covered several wars in the region and had contributed articles to the outlet.

A video purporting to show Kittleson was shared by a social media outlet close to Kataib Hezbollah on Tuesday.

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Reuters could not independently verify the authenticity of the video, which if confirmed would be the first images of Kittleson published since her kidnapping.

In the video, a woman identifying herself as Kittleson appears standing against a plain background, speaking in English directly to the camera. Reuters could not verify when or where it was filmed.

In March 2023, an Israeli-Russian graduate student from Princeton University, Elizabeth Tsurkov, was kidnapped by Kataib Hezbollah militia during a research trip to Iraq. She was released in 2025.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Matthew Lewis and Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Middle East news site Al-Monitor said Kittleson was a US freelance journalist based in Rome who had covered several wars in the region and had contributed articles to the outlet.

Iraqi terror group Kataib Hezbollah, which is Iran-aligned, said on Tuesday it would release abducted US journalist Shelly Kittleson, adding that she must leave Iraq immediately.

Kittleson was abducted in late March in Baghdad.

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Middle East news site Al-Monitor said Kittleson was a US freelance journalist based in Rome who had covered several wars in the region and had contributed articles to the outlet.

A video purporting to show Kittleson was shared by a social media outlet close to Kataib Hezbollah on Tuesday.

Reuters could not independently verify the authenticity of the video, which, if confirmed, would be the first images of Kittleson published since her kidnapping.

Kataib Hezbollah said it will release journalist Shelly Kittleson

In the video, a woman identifying herself as Kittleson appears standing against a plain background, speaking in English directly to the camera. Reuters could not verify when or where it was filmed.

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Her release follows intensified efforts by the Iraqi government and several influential Shi'ite leaders, who applied pressure on the militia group to secure her freedom, a government official with knowledge of the situation told Reuters.

In March 2023, an Israeli-Russian graduate student from Princeton University, Elizabeth Tsurkov, was kidnapped by Kataib Hezbollah militia during a research trip to Iraq. She was released in 2025.
BEIRUT, April 7 (Reuters) - The Israeli military has refrained from striking a key border crossing between Syria and Lebanon after both pressed the U.S. on the need to keep it open, a Lebanese source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.

The Israeli military on April 4 issued a warning for the Masnaa crossing, the main border point between Lebanon and Syria, saying it would strike it "in the near future" because Lebanese armed group Hezbollah was using it to smuggle weapons.

The crossing has been used by both Lebanese and Syrians fleeing the expanding war in Lebanon, where nearly 1,500 people have been killed by Israeli strikes and military operations since March 2. Hezbollah has launched rockets and drones into Israel and is fighting Israeli troops in southern Lebanon.

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After Israel's warning on Saturday, Syria's border authority said Masnaa was not being used for any military purposes but that it would be closed temporarily to avoid any casualties from a future strike.

Lebanese border officials told Reuters on Sunday that talks were under way to try to spare the crossing.

The Lebanese source said on Tuesday that Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam had been working with Syrian counterparts, and had secured a U.S. guarantee that Masnaa would not be struck.

The border was still closed for the time being, the source said.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to questions from Reuters on whether it would refrain from striking the Masnaa crossing as a result of Syrian-Lebanese efforts to mediate.

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Israeli public broadcaster Kan had reported on Monday that the U.S. had asked Israel to suspend its attack on Masnaa, citing political reasons.

The Israeli military declined to comment on the Kan report. The U.S. embassy in Lebanon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Maya Gebeily; Additional reporting by Pesha Magid and Alexander Cornwell; Editing by Alison Williams)
The White Houses plans to completely annihilate Iran are so haphazard that even the vice president cant keep up with them.

JD Vance was apparently caught off guard Tuesday when a journalist informed him that Donald Trump had threatened to obliterate the entire Iranian civilization by 8 p.m. Vance was onstage in Budapest at the time, feet away from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

The exchange began when a Washington Post reporter asked Vance if there had been any recent developments in the war that could inform a peace deal, reported The Daily Beast.

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I dontunless I have a text message from Steve Witkoff, Vance said, referring to Trumps Middle East envoy.

But as Vance pulled out his phone to check his notifications, it became clear that he did have an urgent notification from Witkoff.

I do have a message from Steve Witkoff, Vance acknowledged awkwardly.

Wouldnt you like to know the subject of this message? Vance continued. But no, uh, I need to read it first before I talk about it. But heres, heres  uh, what time is it in the United States right now?

The uncomfortable lapse became even more unsettling when a Reuters reporter urged Vance to properly read up before speaking with the press about his apparently misinformed analysis of the war.

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I do think you have to read that text because we have reporting that the United States is striking some targets in Kharg Island, she said. You did say that the military objectives of this war have been achieved. So could you help us understand why the president is still threatening to attack every bridge and every power plant in Iran?

Kharg Island is an export hub off the Iranian coast that handles roughly 90 percent of the countrys crude oil exports. The U.S. struck Kharg Island in March, when U.S. Central Command claimed that 90 targets on the island had been hit, including naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple other military sites.

U.S. officials said that they had struck the island again Tuesday morning, though they claimed that the U.S. did not hit any of Khargs oil facilities.

The attack occurred moments after Trump pledged that a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again should Iran fail to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, another vital tradeway for the region. Iran has so far rejected potential peace deals. Iranian media responded just after 9 a.m. E.T., announcing through diplomatic channels that talks with the U.S. had stalled in the wake of Trumps explicit threats. Shortly after, international paper the Tehran Times reported that diplomatic and indirect channels were not closed, after all.

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Vance was supposed to be on standby and prepared to jump into peace talks with Iran should the moment arise, Politico reported Monday.

Nonetheless, Vance backed Trumps explosive response to the rapidly devolving conflict Tuesday morning, telling the Budapest assembly that he hopes Iran makes the right response while emphasizing Americas need for free-flowing oil.

The president of the United States is a man who recognizes leverage, Vance said. That if the Iranians want to exact a certain amount of pain, the United States has the ability to exact much, much greater pain.
April 7 (UPI) -- Vice President JD Vance is in Hungary this week just ahead of Sunday's national election, for which Prime Minister Viktor Orban is trailing in the polls.

Vance is there officially to highlight the close ties between the two countries. The "visit marks an important moment in strengthening Hungarian-American relations, with high-level talks expected on security, economic cooperation and shared strategic interests," CNN reported Hungarian government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs said after the visit was announced.

On Tuesday, his engagements in Budapest include a meeting with Orban and a speech "on the rich partnership between the United States and Hungary," a press release from Vance's office said.

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"The vice president looks forward to visiting Hungary, a close U.S. ally, to build on the progress President Trump and Prime Minister Orban have made on many key issues, including energy, technology, and defense," CNN reported a spokesman for Vance said.

At the bilateral meeting on Tuesday, Vance told Orban that it was lovely to be in Budapest. He told the hardline right-wing prime minister that "the president loves you, and so do I."

President of the Tisza Party Peter Magyar addresses his supporters during the National March in Budapest, Hungary, in March, on the national holiday to mark the 178th anniversary of the outbreak of the 1848 revolution and war of independence against Habsburg rule. If his party wins on Sunday, Magyar could become the new Hungarian prime minister. File Photo by Tibor Illyes/EPA

He called Orban "one of the only true statesmen in Europe."

In this campaign, Trump's support hasn't seemed to help much. Orban has been accused of corruption and leading a stagnant economy.

Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban smiles during a lunch wiith President Donald Trump in the Cabinet Room of the White House in November. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI

Orban has held the office since 2010 and is pro-Russia, anti-Ukraine and anti-European Union, though Hungary is a member.

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He has used his hostility toward Ukraine in his re-election campaign, saying that his Fidesz party is the only one that can protect Hungary from its eastern neighbor. He champions national sovereignty, strong borders and traditional values.

In January, 11 leaders and far-right figures appeared in a video endorsing Orban's re-election bid. They included France's Marine Le Pen, Italy's Giorgia Meloni and Argentina's Javier Milei.

The center-right Tisza party has a strong lead over Fidesz, though many voters are still undecided, CNN reported.

A survey in late March showed that Tisza leads with 56% of decided voters, compared with 37% backing Fidesz. That poll showed 26% were still undecided.

Tisza, the Respect and Freedom Party, was founded in 2020. Its leader, Peter Magyar, left the Fidesz to join Tisza in 2024. If Tisza wins, Magyar, 45, will likely become the new prime minister.
A hearing on a legal challenge to NV Energys peak demand charge will be held on April 28, according to an order issued Monday by Clark County Judge Mary Kay Holthus.

Holthus granted an ex parte motion  an emergency legal request made by one party, the Nevada Attorney Generals Bureau of Consumer Protection, without notice to the opposing parties, NV Energy and the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada  to schedule a hearing on the demand charge and whether it violates state law.

Under Nevada law, a petition for judicial review, such as the one filed by the BCP, takes statutory precedence over other civil matters, the BCP argued in its motion.

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The demand charge was scheduled to take effect on April 1. NV Energy asked to delay implementation until October 1. The Nevada Public Utilities Commission voted last week to have it take effect Jan. 1.

What Holthus does and when could figure into the Nevada race for governor, say some experts.

Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Democrat who is hoping to challenge Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo in November, said last week that if elected, he will halt the demand charge. His campaign would not say how.

Lombardo, who appointed the PUC members who approved the demand charge, responded in a news release, asserting the governor has no authority to override the PUC.
A Benedict Canyon homeowner has won a major legal victory after a judge ruled that more than $100 million in mechanics liens filed against her property were null and void.

The 7 On Your Side Investigates team exposed the unusually large and questionable liens earlier this year.

Homeowner Marjorie Josaphat had just finished remodeling her home in February when she discovered her title was clouded by two $24.6 million mechanics liens for alleged unpaid "Cleaning Services" and "Business Consulting Services."

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The liens were filed by Rita Ortiz of Ortiz Consulting LLC.

Ortiz then filed an additional $98.5 million lien for "contracts" and "agreements."

"I have never met her," Josaphat said.

"I don't know who she is to this day."

On Friday, a judge bought Josaphat's side of the story and granted her request to have the liens expunged, clearing her title.

"It means less stress. It means the worry is gone," Josaphat told ABC7.

During our investigation, 7 On Your Side Investigates reviewed public records showing Ortiz had filed 35 mechanics liens since 2023, totaling more than $568 million in alleged unpaid.

In a sit-down interview, Ortiz told Eyewitness News she believed she was owed money for cleaning properties, describing the work as physically demanding.

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"Honest, professional, work so hard, pick up heavy, heavy, heavy furniture to clean destroyed properties," Ortiz said back in February.

But days after that interview, the Los Angeles Police Department arrested her.

Ortiz now faces 26 felony counts of filing a false or forged document with a public office and remains in custody with bail set at $700,000.

"If not for putting the story out there, I don't think we would have got the attention that we got, and I don't think things would have moved as quickly as they have," Josaphat said as she thanked 7 On Your Side for reporting on the liens.

"The story went viral. I got calls from people in New York and New Jersey because they read and saw the story."

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office says it plans to seek expungement of all remaining liens tied to Ortiz once the criminal case concludes.
TOPEKA  Gov. Laura Kelly told Legislators Monday to focus on fully funding special education and to prioritize public schools instead of giving tax credits for youths attending private schools.

Kelly vetoed House Bill 2468, which changes tax credit limits for a low-income student scholarship program and approves participation in federal tax credits for individual contributions to scholarship granting organizations. The tax credits are exclusive to private school students.

The bill passed the House 76-44 and the Senate 27-12. The House would need 84 votes to override the governors veto when lawmakers return to action Thursday.

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After years of neglect and budget disasters before I took office, weve worked hard to make sure Kansas public schools are fully funded and back on track, Kelly said in her veto announcement. We must prioritize meaningful increases in Special Education funding over expanding the private school tax credit program.

The governors budget, which the GOP-led Legislature ignored, called for a $50.6 million funding boost for K-12 special education needs. The state for years has failed to meet its obligation to fully fund special education in public schools.

Opponents argued HB 2468 functions as a way to support students attending private schools, which undermines support for public schools. Proponents said the tax credit programs provide more scholarships for Kansas students and that failing to opt-in to the federal program would result in dollars that should come to Kansas students going elsewhere.

The Kansas National Education Association testified in opposition to the bill, raising concerns about any tax plan or funding formula that has the effect of financing private education with public funds.

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Such programs could lead to racial, economic, and social isolation of students and weaken or destroy the public school system, the organization said.

Jamie Finkeldei, associate superintendent of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, said the school system serves nearly 9,000 K-12 students.

In 2025, Support for Catholic Schools distributed $3.4 million and was responsible for 34% of all tax credits used, he said. Next school year, we anticipate serving almost 1,300 students so our need continues to grow.  There has been slow but steady growth of the number of low-income students being served by private and Catholic schools across the state. We are just asking to be able to continue that growth.
TOPEKA  Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly shot down legislation riddled with bureaucratic red tape, political games and micro-managing as part of her Monday veto spree.

Among the eight bills vetoed in one go were a prohibition on local electric fence regulations, a new mandate for state agencies that oversee occupational licenses, restrictions on proxy advisers and changes to public regulatory processes.

Kelly, a Democrat, also vetoed Monday a pair of anti-abortion bills, tax incentives for private school attendees and a bill that would end in-state college tuition for immigrants. They came ahead of the Legislatures veto session, which is scheduled to begin Thursday, where Republican lawmakers, with the voting power of a two-thirds majority in both chambers, could override Kellys vetoes.

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House Bill 2603 would forbid municipalities from requiring permits, fees and conditions of maintenance or installation for battery charged security fences.

Ive always believed that local elected officials are best suited to make these types of policy decisions for their constituents, Kelly said in a Monday news release. Local leaders and law enforcement officials, not the state government, should determine how these types of security fences are used in their communities.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, said in a statement the bill implements standard guardrails, removing barriers for Kansans.

Kansas businesses should be able to protect their property without navigating a patchwork of local regulations, he said. Businesses shouldnt face burdensome pushback from cities on how to protect themselves from trespassing, theft, vandalism, or any other crime that these systems deter and prevent.

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The bill passed the House on Feb. 18 in a 86-38 vote and the Senate on March 19 in a 29-11 vote.

Senate Bill 30 would give the Legislature control over occupational licenses, requiring that any new license or change to licenses be approved by lawmakers.

Hawkins said the bill ensures that unelected agencies dont unilaterally expand government by adding new licensing requirements without oversight.

Kellys veto protects the status quo and limits workforce development, he said, alleging state agencies impose new license restrictions with little accountability.

Kelly said the bill was another inappropriate power grab from legislators without the necessary technical knowledge.

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Not only do they lack the required expertise, but this process would simply add bureaucratic red tape and bloated administrative busy work, she said. It is the role of the legislature to solve big problems only it can, not micromanage the state agencies with technical expertise for these professions.

SB 30 passed the House on Feb. 16 in a 86-35 vote and the Senate on March 24 in a 30-10 vote.

Kelly said she vetoed Senate Bill 375 because it came to her desk through a process of political games.

The bill was based on model legislation that adds reporting requirements for proxy advisers, hired consultants who assist investors with their shareholder votes. Under the bill, proxy advisers would have to prove the recommendations they make that go against a companys management are based in financial analysis. It would also give the Kansas Attorney Generals Office the power to take action against violators.

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Hawkins said the governors veto protects hidden influence at the expense of Kansas investors, and that the bill brought transparency and honesty to the forefront.

But Kelly said the bill wasnt written in a thoughtful manner and lacked adequate opportunity for discussion from both parties in both chambers.

A bill of this magnitude needed much further vetting and a full debate in the House, she said.

It passed the House on March 18 in a 84-40 vote and the Senate on March 25 in a 32-8 vote.

Rep. Nick Hoheisel, R-Wichita, pushed back against Kellys procedural claims. He said she didnt raise any objection to the bills content, so she objected to how it was passed. She got it wrong, he said in a statement posted to X.

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Kansas investors, retirees, and pension beneficiaries are the ones who pay the price for this veto, Hoheisel said.

He added: The governors procedural objection is factually incorrect  this bill was vetted, debated, amended, and passed through both chambers exactly as the process requires. Kansans dont have the luxury of a veto built on a false premise. The Legislature will override it.

House Bill 2719, which passed both chambers without any opposition, is five-pronged, making changes to the procedural elements of public notice requirements for new regulations, technical amendments and records retention. The bill also allows the Legislature to prioritize regulations for approval, which would expedite processes within the Department of Administration, the Attorney Generals Office, the Division of Budget, and the Secretary of States Office.

Kelly said it was a blatant attempt by the Legislature to undermine the separate, but equal, authority of the executive branch by micro-managing state agency functions. She said the bill makes government less efficient and cost effective.

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The Secretary of States Office requested and backed the bill.

Disappointed to see this bipartisan effort to increase transparency for Kansans and reduce regulatory red tape vetoed by the Governor, Secretary of State Scott Schwab wrote Monday on X.

Hawkins, too, heralded the bipartisan support for the bill.

The governors veto pen doesnt discriminate, he said. Even unanimous, bipartisan legislation isnt safe.

He said the Legislature set aside politics to pass straightforward changes. He promised House Republicans would override the vetoes on all four bills.
SEOUL, April 7 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's special counsel on Tuesday sought a 23-year prison sentence in the appeals court for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo for aiding the insurrection of former President Yoon Suk-yeol.

The team of Cho Eun-suk, an independent counsel who led investigations into Yoon's insurrection and other charges, demanded the 23-year prison term in appeal after requesting a 15-year imprisonment in the first instance.

The Seoul Central District Court sentenced Han to 23 years in prison in January.

Han was charged with engaging in critical duties of the insurrection relevant to Yoon's martial law declaration. Yoon was sentenced to life in prison in February on the insurrection charges.

The emergency martial law was declared by Yoon on the night of Dec. 3, 2024, but it was revoked hours later by the National Assembly. 
A Kentucky attorney has been called out after admitting he used artificial intelligence to draft appellate briefs that contained inaccurate legal citations.

A recent opinion from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit detailed how attorney Steven N. Howe filed briefs in a criminal appeal that included misquoted and misrepresented case law after relying on AI-generated content he failed to properly verify.

According to the courts April 3 opinion in United States v. Farris, Howe acknowledged that he used an artificial intelligence tool to prepare both his principal and reply briefs, then submitted them without confirming the accuracy of the cited authorities. The court found that several quotations attributed to real cases do not appear in their cited sources, and in some instances misrepresented the holdings of prior decisions.

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The panel said Howes conduct violated core professional obligations, emphasizing that attorneys have an ethical obligation to verify the citations and propositions they submit to courts, regardless of whether AI tools are used. As a result, the court ordered that Howe not be compensated for his work under the Criminal Justice Act, removed him from the case, and referred the matter for possible disciplinary action.

The ruling underscores growing concerns about the reliability of generative AI in legal practice, even as some systems demonstrate advanced capabilities. In 2023, researchers reported that GPT-4 was able to pass the Uniform Bar Exam, scoring in roughly the 90th percentile and outperforming many human test takers, according to a Stanford-affiliated analysis.

Still, the Sixth Circuit cautioned that such advancements do not replace attorney oversight, warning that new technologies are no substitute for tried-and-true safeguards managed by practicing attorneys.

The case is the latest in a string of incidents involving lawyers misusing AI in court filings. In 2025, two attorneys representing MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell were sanctioned $3,000 each after submitting a brief containing nearly 30 defective citations, including references to nonexistent cases, according to a prior report by The Dallas Express.

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Courts have increasingly flagged so-called hallucinations, where AI systems generate false but plausible-sounding information. A separate DX investigation in 2025 found that Googles AI Overview tool falsely claimed that Diana Ross had been arrested for cocaine possession, an assertion unsupported by public records.

In the Kentucky case, the Sixth Circuit noted that even though Howes brief cited real cases rather than entirely fictitious ones, the inaccurate quotations and misleading arguments still constituted serious misconduct.

Attorneys should not utilize technology without knowing the ways in which it can be misused or contribute to inaccuracies, the court wrote, adding that reliance on staff to oversee AI-generated work did not meet professional standards.

The decision also highlighted broader ethical considerations, including the need for lawyers to safeguard client information, maintain competence with evolving technology, and ensure transparency when using AI tools.

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While Howe told the court he had not previously been disciplined in his 40-year career, the judges concluded that his failure to review the AI-generated material resulted in inexcusable transgressions that delayed proceedings and consumed judicial resources.

The Dallas Express reached out to Howe for comment before publication, but did not receive a response.
March 30

Brittany L. Sanders, 38, Columbus, pleaded no contest to willful or wanton disregard of safety; highways; 2+ priors and was found guilty. Sentence: 4 points, 5 days jail, 5 credited upon pro-gram completion.

Donald R. Crisp, 71, Lima, pleaded no contest to use, possession, or sale of drug paraphernalia and was found guilty. Sentence: 30 days jail, 21 suspended, 9 credited, complete alcohol/drug as-sessment. He also pleaded no contest to use, possession, or sale of drug paraphernalia and was found guilty. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended, consecutive.

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Orlando Lopez, 51, Lima, pleaded no contest to use, possession, or sale of drug paraphernalia and was found guilty. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended.

Danielle J. Halverson, 48, Lima, pleaded guilty to theft without consent. Sentence: 30 days jail, 30 suspended, pay $77 restitution and remain out of Allen County Walmarts for one year.

Cecil C. Benton, Sr., 53, Lima, pleaded guilty to willful or wanton disregard of safety; highways; 2 + priors. Sentence: 4 points, 60 days jail, 30 suspended.

March 31

Jayvin S. Jones, 32, Lima, charged with strangulation, a felony, bound over.

Dominick K. Durr, 36, Lima, charged with OVI; prior, a felony, bound over.

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Amanda L. Frantz, 53, Lima, pleaded guilty to use, possession, or sale of drug paraphernalia. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended.

Cassander N. Lynch, 41, Lima, pleaded guilty to theft without consent. Sentence: 180 days jail, 90 suspended, 15 credited, pay restitution of $766.22 and remain out of Meijer, Lima, for one year.

Deroyce L. Bunch, 41, Lima, pleaded guilty to criminal trespass. Sentence: 30 days jail, 17 sus-pended, 13 credited.

Dustin A. Kohli, 39, Spencerville, pleaded guilty to OVI; 1 prior in 10. Sentence: 6 points, 180 days jail, 170 suspended.

Jamie L. Hobbs, 39, Elida, pleaded guilty to OVI. Sentence: 6 points, 180 days jail, 175 sus-pended, 5 credited upon program completion.

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David T. Gipson, 44, Lima, pleaded guilty to OVI. Sentence: 6 points, 3 days jail, 3 credited. He also pleaded guilty to driving under suspension  OVI suspension. Sentence: 3 days jail, 3 cred-ited, consecutive.

Modesti K. Laws, 27, Lima, pleaded guilty to OVI; breath; greater than .17 grams. Sentence: 6 points, 30 days jail, 15 suspended. She also pleaded guilty to driving under suspension  OVI suspension. Sentence: 3 days jail, consecutive.

Amy L. Kervin, 55, Lima, pleaded guilty to OVI. Sentence: 6 points, 5 days jail, 5 credited upon program completion.

Edward D. Bott, 61, Lima, pleaded guilty to OVI. Sentence: 6 points, 180 days jail, 175 sus-pended.

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April 1

Ryan L. Conley, 29, McGuffey, pleaded no contest to use, possession, or sale of drug parapherna-lia and was found guilty. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended, and complete assessment at Cole-mans by April 3.

Garrett A. Baker, 56, Lima, pleaded guilty to physical control of vehicle while under the influ-ence. Sentence: 3 days jail, stayed upon program completion.

April 2

Marquis R. Shorter, 23, Lima, charged with aggravated burglary, a felony, bound over.

Jeffrey M. Harpest, 48, Lima, pleaded guilty to violating a protection order. Sentence: 180 days jail, 142 suspended, 38 credited. He pleaded guilty to another charge of violating a protection or-der. Sentence: 180 days jail, 142 suspended, 38 credited, concurrent to other case, and no contact with victim.

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Ontra Brooks, 57, Lima, pleaded guilty to use, possession, or sale of drug paraphernalia and was found guilty. Sentence: 30 days jail. She also pleaded guilty to theft without consent. Sentence: 180 days jail, 9 suspended.

April 3

Mark D. Dingledine, 42, Lima, pleaded guilty to theft without consent. Sentence: 60 days jail, 50 suspended, and remain out of Allen County Walmarts for one year.

Cadence K. Rowe, 21, Lima, pleaded guilty to theft without consent. Sentence: 30 days jail, 20 suspended, complete 40 hours community service, and remain out of TJ Maxx, Lima, for one year. She pleaded guilty to another charge of theft without consent. Sentence: 90 days jail, 70 suspended, consecutive, complete 40 hours community service, and remain out of Allen County Walmarts for one year.

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Joseph R. Snyder, 40, Lima, pleaded guilty to obstructing official business. Sentence: 90 days jail, suspended, complete anger management program. He also pleaded guilty to persistent disor-derly conduct. Sentence: 3 days jail, 3 credited.

Julia M. Wallen, 21, Delphos, pleaded guilty to assault. Sentence: 90 days jail, 80 suspended and pay restitution of $93.63, complete anger management and have no contact with the victim.

Zayne A. Salsbury, 25, Beaverdam, pleaded guilty to menacing. Sentence: 30 days jail, 20 sus-pended, complete anger management and have no contact with the victim.

Danetta K. Bagley, 35, Lima, pleaded guilty to falsification; mislead public official. Sentence: 180 days jail, 150 suspended, consecutive.

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Deonte Stephenson, 19, Lima, pleaded guilty to obstructing official business. Sentence: 10 days jail.

Jason M. Cox, 45, North Jackson, pleaded guilty to OVI. Sentence: 6 points, 5 days jail, 5 cred-ited upon program completion.
Apr. 7WASHTUCNA  In a tiny town in the southeastern corner of Adams County, some folks are trying their best to save a piece of history, and turning to the Washington Trust for Historical Preservation for help.

"The (Bassett Hardware) Building is 125 years old," said Michelle Plumb, treasurer/secretary of the Washtucna Heritage Museum and Community Center. "I don't know how many things in this area are that old. It would just break my heart to (lose) that building."

The Bassett Hardware Building, located in downtown Washtucna, is one of the oldest structures in the little town of about 200 and possibly in Adams County. Built by the town's founder George W. Bassett, it's stood in the same place since 1901, through boom and bust, storm and sunshine, a reminder of the town's frontier past. The lower part started life as a hardware store, then became a grocery store in the 1940s and '50s, Plumb said.

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The upper part of the building was always some sort of community space, she said. The Modern Woodmen, the Oddfellows, the Rebekahs and the Masons all used it as a lodge hall over the decades. During the 1970s, the building finally fell vacant. The building was sold to a private owner in the 1980s, and was finally donated to the Washtucna Heritage Museum and Community Center in 2018. Somewhere along the line, part of the roof blew away off in a high wind.

The upstairs also had served as a theater for movies and plays in the 1910s and '20s, Plumb said. That was when the gable in the front 20 feet or so of the building was taken apart and replaced with a square structure with room to raise and lower a theater curtain. That construction was no match for a 2025 windstorm that caved in the rest of the roof and collapsed the false front.

The rest of the building, however, was very sturdy, Plumb said. Volunteers came into the building in 2021 and 2022 to clean out the pigeon droppings and assess the building's condition.

"We had an engineer look at it in 2022, and he said the whole building is kind of leaning in the direction the winds come from, which you would expect after it turns 125 this year," she said. "But the first floor is still pretty stable-looking. It doesn't seem to have any problems other than falling plaster from being open to the elements."

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The organization would like to use the bottom part as an exhibit space for artifacts from Ice Age floods, and maybe a business incubator with Wi-Fi access and space to give presentations. The upstairs would make a great community space, Plumb said. But to do that, it needs a lot of work. Which is where the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation comes in.

The Bassett Building was added last year to the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation's list of Most Endangered Places, said Preservation Programs Director Moira Nadal.

"The Most Endangered Places list isn't just buildings," Nadal said. "It could be buildings, places, structures. The idea is, we're trying to amplify a concern from a community (as) an organization. People will come to us and say 'Hey, there's this really important thing in our community that a lot of us care about, and we're worried about it for XYZ reason, and we're looking for help."

That help could be as simple as having people show up at a city council meeting, Nadal said, or it could be fundraising to make repairs. The Trust doesn't run fundraisers itself, Nadal said, but it can help with getting the word out for the people who do.

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"We can reshare social (media) posts," she said. "We can include information in our newsletters and e-blasts and we can try to leverage connections with other organizations or local entities."

The trust has had a hand in saving some artifacts, like the train bridge across the Columbia River at Beverly, which has been integrated into the Palouse-to-Cascades trail, or the iconic Teapot Dome gas station in Zillah. Inclusion on the Most Endangered List isn't a guarantee, however; some of the places listed have been irrevocably lost.

"Unfortunately, that's a real part of preservation," Nadal said. "Historically, preservation ... has been reactive. You lose something big like Penn Station in Manhattan (torn down despite public outcry in the 1960s) and people begin to (say), 'Wait a minute.'"

The buildings that get onto the Most Endangered Places list may not look like much, but they're part of a community's history and often of its heart. Especially in a town like Washtucna, where the population has decreased and most of the businesses that were there 50 years ago are gone.

"You see a real ebb and flow of the movement of population, but when you lose those sort of community spaces, it's hard to attract people to move or visit or linger in your town," Nadal said. "But if there were a cool community center or a museum ... that might do something. For a community of that size to reach out to us and be fighting so hard for a building, there's definitely heart there."
A 26-year-old man has been charged with kidnapping a female UCLA student and the rape of another woman in Culver City, prosecutors said.

Alexander William Schecter, 26, of Santa Monica faces multiple felony counts, including kidnapping to commit another crime, first-degree residential robbery, forcible oral copulation and forcible rape, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Schecter's arraignment and bail review hearing was continued to May 4. Bail remains set at $700,000, although prosecutors said they will seek to have it increased to $1.4 million.

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If convicted as charged, he faces up to 37 years to life in state prison.

According to prosecutors, Schecter allegedly sexually assaulted a woman about 3:15 a.m. Oct. 12, 2025, in Culver City.

He is also accused of kidnapping a female UCLA student about 3 a.m. March 8 in the 500 block of Landfair Avenue. Authorities allege Schecter was dropping off the student but prevented her from exiting his vehicle and threatened violence before she was able to get out about a half-mile away in the 400 block of Gayley Avenue.

Schecter was arrested March 12 by UCLA police in connection with the Westwood incident. During the investigation, authorities said he was linked to the earlier sexual assault.

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"The callous and deeply disturbing actions of the defendant have left two women with unimaginable trauma," L.A. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said.

A Santa Monica man suspected of sexually assaulting a woman was arrested by UCLA police and later released on bail.

"Our Sex Crimes Division will vigorously prosecute this case and hold the responsible individual accountable for the harm he caused," he added.

Authorities have urged any additional victims or anyone with information to contact UCLA police at (310) 825-9371 or L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is urging the state Supreme Court to hear a case of a man who was seriously hurt from an exploding vape battery.

Jackson filed an amicus brief Friday in support of Stephen Weaver, according to WCTI, our news partners in Greenville. Weaver suffered serious and permanent injuries after a counterfeit vape battery exploded in his pocket and burned his hand and leg.

The attorney general argues allowing vape shops to stock shelves with counterfeit products puts North Carolinians at risk.

Without Supreme Court review, retailers and distributors could be shielded from liability and leave other victims without a way to seek damages.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) criticized the tax rates of billionaires and expressed dissatisfaction with the current tax system.

Jaypal took to X on Thursday and pointed out that billionaires such as Meta Platform Mark Zuckerberg, legendary investor Warren Buffett, Mike Bloomberg, and Tesla Inc. Elon Musk are taxed at a lower rate than the average nurse in the United States.

Jayapal, along with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), plans to reintroduce the Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act to rectify this situation.

Mark Zuckerberg, Warren Buffett, Mike Bloomberg, and Elon Musk pay a lower tax rate than the average nurse in America.@EWarren and I are reintroducing the Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act because that's bullshit.  Pramila Jayapal (@PramilaJayapal) April 2, 2026

Don't Miss:

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The proposed legislation, also supported by Rep. Brendan F. Boyle and over 40 other lawmakers, would apply a 2% annual tax and 1% surcharge (total 3% annual tax) to fortunes above $50 million. The Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act aims to reduce inequality by requiring the richest 0.15% of U.S. households, about 260,000, to pay more taxes, helping level the playing field and narrow the racial wealth gap.

According to a new analysis, the bill could generate $6.2 trillion in revenue over the next decade, more than double the score of the bill when it was first introduced five years ago.

This revenue could fund investments like universal child care, free community college, Medicare expansion, and more  without raising taxes on 99.85% of American households.

Wealth Tax Push Gains Momentum

The move comes at a time when wealth disparity is a hot topic in the United States. Washington state recently made history by signing Senate Bill 6346, the Millionaires' Tax, into law. The bill taxes incomes above $1 million and directs a growing share of revenue back to families and small businesses, funding free school meals, expanded tax credits, affordable childcare, and eliminating sales tax on diapers and OTC drugs.

Trending: Most Retirement Plans Ignore Taxes  See If Yours Does

Meanwhile, earlier in March, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) introduced the Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share Act, proposing a 5% wealth tax on U.S. billionaires, which could fund $3,000 payments to millions of Americans. The plan targets about 938 billionaires as part of efforts to reduce inequality.

Jamie Dimon Differs

However, not everyone agrees with the idea of increasing taxes on the wealthy. Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase & Co., has expressed confusion over what is meant by billionaires not paying their fair share. He argued that higher taxes alone won't solve underlying issues, urging reforms to policy gaps and better use of government funds instead.

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Dimon also warned of a growing migration from high-cost states like California and New York to places such as Nevada and Florida, saying the trend is hurting major cities.

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This article Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk Being Taxed Less Than An 'Average Nurse'? Jayapal, Elizabeth Warren Say Not Anymore originally appeared on Benzinga.com
The Senate voted overwhelmingly Monday for legislation that aims to reduce Marylanders electric bills, setting up a clash with the House of Delegates, which took some more aggressive steps to lower bills.

The two chambers have a week to iron out their differences on the Utility RELIEF Act before the end of this years 90-day session.

At least so far, both sides appear to be digging in their heels. House Speaker Joseline Pena-Melnyk (D-Anne Arundel and Prince Georges) has argued that some Senate changes are too friendly to the utility companies. More recent amendments have only caused more frustration for the Houses presiding officer.

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On Monday, only four Senators voted against the massive omnibus bill, all Republicans.

Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready (R- Carroll and Frederick) said he cast a cautious yes vote, because he said its unclear whether several amendments added by Senate Republicans will survive the conference committee with the House.

Our understanding on this side of the aisle, from conversations weve had, is that the Senate will fight to keep those important amendments in this bill, Ready said. I believe very strongly that we should push in conference to add more relief, to do more.

Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready (R-Carroll and Frederick) speaks about the Utility RELIEF Act, which passed the Senate Monday. (Photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters)

Both bills are similar on a number of issues, including boosting new solar energy projects using already-collected ratepayer funds, giving regulators more control over transmission lines and adding more data centers to a separate energy tariff for big customers.

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Its a very comprehensive a piece of legislation, said Sen. Brian Feldman (D-Montgomery), chair of the Senate Education, Energy and the Environment Committee. It goes far beyond just providing short-term relief, through a variety of program changes and adjustments to rate-making policies within the control of the General Assembly.

In the near-term, both the House and Senate plans would trim utility bills by reducing a state-imposed surcharge to support the EmPOWER Maryland program, which is used to fund home improvements meant to reduce energy use.

The bills would shrink the EmPOWER program beginning in 2027, meaning Maryland homeowners will likely have less access to rebates for home improvement projects, but they would also pay less in the EmPOWER surcharge, which currentky averages $15 to $20 a month.

Its estimated that the short-term changes could result in at least $150 in annual bill savings for the average household.

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Gas customers would see the EmPOWER surcharge disappear under the House bill, but a Senate amendment would allow Washington Gas to continue its EmPOWER programming.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Accompanying language in the budget would also throw $100 million from a Maryland clean energy fund into EmPOWER, which would also reduce the surcharge paid by customers.

But its possible that, due to other differences, the Senates version of the bill could result in less savings for Maryland ratepayers over time, compared to the House version.

In a statement Monday evening, consumer group Maryland PIRG argued that the Senate version of the bill guts consumer protections. Emily Scarr, a senior adviser at Maryland PIRG, argued that the Senates changes to the bill reward the utility companies that are driving our high bills.

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The Senate declined to limit a practice used by the electric utilities called forecast test years, under which utilities can get rate increases for expected costs  rather than costs theyve already incurred.

The Maryland Office of Peoples Counsel estimated that six years of forecasting has cost Baltimore Gas & Electric customers an extra $100 per year, compared to the six years before forecasting was allowed.

Sen. Brian Feldman (D- Montgomery) holds copies of the Utility RELIEF Act on the Senate floor Monday. (Photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters)

Another provision added in the Senate last week aims to overturn a Maryland Public Service Commission decision that prevented gas companies from spreading the cost of new gas line extensions to all customers. That change was expected to save gas customers $952 million through 2035, at least for Washington Gas and Baltimore Gas & Electric ratepayers.

The House also took a more aggressive stance than the Senate on utility salaries, capping the amount of any supervisors salary that can come from ratepayers. The Senate only capped officer salaries, decreasing the number of employees that the provision would affect.

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The Senate also embraced a controversial GOP-backed study, which opponents argue will disadvantage renewable energy.

Sen. Johnny Mautz (R-Middle Shore) said Friday that he was casting a red vote with a very heavy heart. He was disheartened by the failure of a Republican amendment that would have reduced the states renewable energy goals, in hopes of lowering the costs of compliance for energy suppliers  and therefore ratepayers.

That would have been something that we could have actually had a major impact  not just a short-term, minor refund, but something that would have lasted longer and have been more substantial, Mautz said.

Mautz was joined in opposition by Sen. Jack Bailey (R-Calvert and St. Marys), Sen. Jason Gallion (R- Harford and Cecil) and Sen. Mike McKay (R-Western Maryland).

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Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey (R-Upper Shore) said in a message Monday that he would also have voted against the Utility RELIEF Act. He missed Mondays vote because of the earlier-than-usual time of the floor session.

Our constituents want us to go further than $12.50 per month savings, Hershey wrote. We can do better than that through some meaningful changes to the green energy policies that have put us in this position to begin with.

Sen. Ben Kramer (D- Montgomery) defends the Utility RELIEF Act on the floor of the Senate Monday. (Photo by Christine Condon/ Maryland Matters)

On the Senate floor, Sen. Ben Kramer (D-Montgomery) argued that some Republicans were acting as climate deniers as they pushed against Maryland programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions  and also influence ratepayers bills.

Last week, Republicans made several failed attempts to combat climate programs, including a proposal to pull Maryland out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, a multistate cap-and-trade program that limits power plant emissions.

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Republicans have argued that the program has cost energy providers  and in turn ratepayers. But Democrats dispute that data, and point to economic benefits.

Every year we hear from the climate deniers, who claim Maryland cannot possibly make a difference in addressing the climate crisis because we are just but one little state, Kramer said. But nearly two decades ago, Maryland joined with like-minded states across the mid-Atlantic and the Northeast in the RGGI pact to do exactly that  work together, not alone.

Kramer argued that RGGI has produced immense success in reducing carbon emissions and improving health outcomes.

What was the response from our colleagues on the other side of the aisle? A floor amendment. A floor amendment that would have pulled Maryland out of the overwhelmingly successful cooperative, forcing us to go it alone in the face of a global challenge, Kramer said. Colleagues, the hypocrisy is blinding.

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Ready pushed back.

There has to be middle ground between the idea that you either deny theres anything happening, or climate fanaticism, Ready said. We cannot ask our ratepayers to pay more and more and more all the time, when what theyre paying for is not making any appreciable difference.
The Worcester County Climate Summit will take place 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. April 11 at the Colonial Hotel in Gardner. According to a community announcement, the event is hosted by Mass Audubon and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation.

Climate activists from all 60 towns and cities in Worcester County are invited to discuss and strategize on climate action, according to the announcement. The summit aims to foster countywide collaboration and enhance the regions ability to address climate-related challenges.

Melissa Hoffer, Massachusetts first Climate Chief, will be the keynote speaker. Hoffer is recognized as a leader in climate action and is also an environmental attorney and a farmer in Barre.

Mass Audubon and Greater Worcester Community Foundation are excited to host a Worcester County Climate Summit on Saturday, April 11.

Participants are encouraged to register in advance to attend the event.

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This story was created by Kimberly Green, KGreen@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Worcester County climate summit set for Gardner
If U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie loses his upcoming primary against a Republican opponent backed by President Donald Trump, you'll see a whole lot less of him.

"If I lose on May 19, I am not doing any more government ever," he told University of Louisville students April 6 at an event on campus. "... It's a sign from God or the people or both that I should go back to the farm."

But if he wins, Frankfort could be on the mind of the longtime congressman from Northern Kentucky, who's emerged during Trump's second term as one of Congress' most consequential members.

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During a question-and-answer portion of his forum, hosted by the school's College Republicans group, an attendee asked Massie if he would ever consider running for governor. Gov. Andy Beshear is ineligible to run for a third time as he eyes a presidential campaign, leaving the seat open at the end of 2027.

Massie wouldn't run for a U.S. Senate seat  "it's the same circus with different clowns, and also they don't have a discharge petition, which is kind of a neat thing to do"  but he sees the appeal of the governor's mansion.

"If I do win (the upcoming primary), I would consider it," responded Massie, who would be up for reelection in 2028 if he wins the 2026 race. He pointed to an old friend he'd served with in Congress for three terms as an example.

"His name was Ron DeSantis," he said. "What I've seen him achieve in Florida is inspiring and a lot of people want to move to that state, so I do believe that you could make a difference.

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"There are other offices I think would be fun  state Senate," he added, noting the chamber has fewer members than the U.S. House of Representatives and is a role that comes with a lot of local influence (Massie lives in a district currently represented by state Sen. Robin Webb, R-Grayson). Time he spent as Lewis County's judge-executive before heading to Washington, D.C., in 2012 was "the best job I had," Massie told an audience of more than 100 students.

"Being in the executive branch, whether it's in the county level or the state level, you have a lot better fulcrum in terms of getting stuff done," Massie continued. "I've got to May 19 before I speculate about any of that. But if I'm looking at jobs and saying, 'Which would be the best job to have?' Probably governor."

Lana Marrero, a 21-year old with family ties to Nelson County, was the student who raised the question. She's a registered Democrat, she said after the event, but she said the congressman had won some respect from her because "he's not strictly party."

"I feel like a lot of the issues with Democrats and Republicans nowadays is they like to stay voting with each other instead of collaborating, and I appreciate that he'll collaborate with them sometimes, even if it's not all of the time," Marrero said. Massie's most well-known legislative move, the near-unanimous passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, was accomplished with a Democratic cosponsor.

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The congressman isn't the only Republican in deep-red Kentucky who could have eyes on the governor's office.

U.S. Rep. James Comer has openly speculated about a campaign, drawing big cheers at Western Kentucky's 2025 Fancy Farm political picnic as several speakers encouraged him to run. Last August he said he was "very interested" in exploring a run once he wraps up his congressional reelection campaign in 2026.

He's expected to have significant support from members of his party, which could chill others from jumping in. Comer, the ranking member of the U.S. House Oversight Committee, is a frequent sight on Fox News and other conservative news outlets and was popular among Republicans in the Bluegrass State as a state House representative and Kentucky's agriculture commissioner.

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Secretary of State Michael Adams also hasn't shot down speculation he could run. He's term-limited in his current job and landed more total votes than any other candidate on the ballot during the 2023 election cycle. He's also won praise by Beshear and some other Democrats during his time in office for improving the state's election processes.

In January, he told the Kentucky Lantern that many voters on both sides of the aisle "want a reasonable, decent person who will go do the job, and I feel like theres an appetite for that," though he noted he'd need to explore whether he'd be able to raise enough money and how well his platform resonates with GOP voters in the state before making a decision.

To date, no high-profile Republicans have officially announced they plan to run. No notable Democrats have launched campaigns either, though current Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and Rocky Adkins, a longtime state representative and Beshear's senior advisor, are frequently linked to the race.

U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie in an undated photo. The congressman spoke at the University of Louisville on April 6.

Dyllan Tipton, chair of Louisville's College Republicans chapter, has known Massie for years and said he feels he'd be an effective governor. "He's very personable, and I feel like a governor is out and about so often throughout the state," he said.

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We're more than a year and a half away from the election, but the primary is just 13 months out. Tipton said the speculation is already worth watching.

"If Congressman Massie hops in the race, there will be a real split when it comes to May 2027, when we vote for the next Republican nominee for governor," he said.

Massie talked to the crowd for more than an hour and also spoke with The Courier Journal ahead of the event. Here are a few more highlights from the University of Louisville's Chao Auditorium:

 Massie keeps an eye on prediction markets and watched his stock trending downward days before Trump hosted an event last month with Ed Gallrein, the congressman's primary opponent. He said it jumped back up to "pre-rally highs" afterward, though. But while Massie touted internal polling that gave him a 17-point lead over Gallrein in February, he told The Courier Journal the race has tightened up lately, though he added his team's polls show "we do have a good lead." Independent polling has not been released.

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 Massie drew cheers when he mentioned the recent arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former British prince who was close with Jeffrey Epstein. He lamented the fact that three women in Congress who backed him in his push for the release of more information in the case suffered political consequences  Colorado U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert had funding for a water project in her district vetoed, former Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has stepped down, and South Carolina U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace has not landed a key Trump endorsement in her gubernatorial campaign.

 Tesla founder Elon Musk, the richest man in the world who has poured money into some Republican campaigns, once said he would support Massie in his primary. But the congressman no longer expects Musk's cash after he "buried the hatchet" with the president. "I think Elon sincerely wanted to make government work better. He probably sees it's harder to do that than it is to land rockets backwards, so I think he's gone back to landing rockets backwards."

Reach Lucas Aulbach at laulbach@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Thomas Massie may 'consider' Kentucky governor run if he wins 2026 race
A warehouse employee was arrested on suspicion of arson after a massive fire erupted at the building in Ontario, prompting a large response from first responders overnight.

The fire started around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday near Hellman and Merrill avenues, according to the Ontario Fire Department. More than 100 firefighters were on scene battling the flames that cast an orange glow in the area.

The firefight continued for several hours as the blaze continued to burn through the Kimberly-Clark warehouse, which is estimated to be 1.2 million square feet. The flames and smoke were visible for miles.

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Nearly twelve hours later, crews were still on scene shooting water at the building from ladder trucks. They were able to contain the flames to the warehouse, protecting nearby businesses.

The warehouse was filled with paper products, which further fueled the fire.

Officials said the building has a fire suppression system, which was operating but was compromised when a portion of the roof collapsed. Several big rigs docked the facility were also destroyed.

About 20 employees were inside the warehouse when the fire broke out. One person was initially missing and was later accounted for. That missing person was the suspect, police said.

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"This fire was very quickly identified as suspicious in nature," said Deputy Chief Mike Wedell. "There was a subject of interest identified very early on in the incident. That subject has been arrested."

The suspect has been identified as a current employee of the warehouse. A motive for the alleged arson has not been determined.

No injuries were reported from the fire.

A thick plume of smoke continued to billow over the area several hours later, prompting a warning for children, seniors and other groups sensitive to poor air quality to stay inside if possible.
MOSCOW, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The situation in the Middle East is rapidly deteriorating and threatens to spin completely out of control, but chances for a political-diplomatic resolution of the conflict remain, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

Russia expressed extreme concern over strikes on civilian infrastructure, including nuclear facilities and cultural heritage sites, as well as the enormous number of civilian casualties, according to a statement published on the ministry's website.

Of particular concern to Moscow are the increasingly frequent attacks on the Bushehr nuclear power plant, which have already resulted in casualties among the staff and created the risk of a more severe radioactive disaster in the Persian Gulf region than the Chernobyl nuclear accident, said the statement.

"We once again urgently call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. We welcome the efforts of a number of states, including Pakistan, Turkiye, and China, to de-escalate tensions around Iran with the aim of initiating a dialogue on a long-term and sustainable normalization of the situation in the Middle East," it said.

Moscow believes that chances for a political-diplomatic settlement still remain, but to prevent them from being undermined, the parties must abandon threats, ultimatums, and actions capable of escalating the conflict, the statement added. 
This coverage is made possible through a partnership between Verite News and Grist, a nonprofit environmental news organization.

When Louisiana launched the countrys liquified natural gas export boom in 2016, LNG was touted as a cleaner, climate-friendly alternative to coal and oil.

But the states first LNG terminal, Sabine Pass LNG, quickly became one of Louisianas largest sources of climate-warming pollution, releasing more greenhouse gases than its biggest oil refineries.

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An even larger source is on the way. A sprawling LNG facility under construction near Lake Charles, about 40 miles east of Sabine Pass, is projected to produce substantially more emissions  eclipsing every LNG export terminal built in the United States so far and exceeding the dozens of LNG projects proposed for the next decade, according to a Verite News analysis of state and federal records.

Wow, thats really distressing, said Anne Rolfes, executive director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, an environmental group, in response to Verites findings. Louisiana faces several climate threats exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions, including rising sea levels and more intense hurricanes. As Louisiana becomes more vulnerable, were just adding to that vulnerability by producing more greenhouse gases, Rolfes said. Thats insanity.

The terminal, called Louisiana LNG, is owned by Woodside Energy, Australias biggest oil and gas producer. Construction costs are expected to reach nearly $18 billion, ranking the project among the largest foreign investments in Louisianas history, Gov. Jeff Landry said. At the projects groundbreaking ceremony in September, Landry called the occasion a great day for Louisiana and an unbelievable day for America.

The project is expected to support thousands of temporary construction jobs and hundreds of jobs within the completed terminal, while also boosting local tax revenue, according to Louisianas economic development agency.

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Woodside is betting heavily on LNG, a fuel produced by supercooling natural gas into a liquid thats much easier to store and ship. The company acquired the 1,000-acre Calcasieu Parish terminal site in 2024 from Houston-based Tellurian, which had begun developing the facility under the name Driftwood LNG.

Set to open in 2029, the terminal is expected to generate more than 9.5 million tons of greenhouse gases annually, according to permitting documents filed with Louisiana regulators. The terminals emissions would be substantially higher than the nearly 7 million tons of greenhouse gases the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says are emitted by Sabine Pass, and would exceed the emissions of the seven other terminals thatve been built over the past 10 years.

Of the 23 proposed terminals that reported potential greenhouse gas emissions to regulators, the Woodside facility would release far more than any other. The closest is a terminal planned for Alaska in 2030, with an estimated annual emissions of nearly 8.6 million tons.

Compared with all of Louisianas refineries, chemical plants and other industrial facilities, the Woodside terminals estimated emissions rank just below the states largest greenhouse gas source, the CF Industries chemical complex in Donaldsonville. That complex, which is the worlds largest producer of ammonia, released about 10.4 million tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in 2023, the latest year in the EPAs national greenhouse gas emissions inventory. The Sabine Pass terminal would rank third, followed by ExxonMobils refinery in Baton Rouge, according to EPA records.

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Woodside is working to minimize its emissions, a company spokesperson said.

Our priority is to avoid and reduce emissions, the spokesperson said in an email. All Woodside-operated assets and projects must draw up decarbonization plans to identify the technical opportunities to reduce emissions at the facility, so that the opportunities can be further assessed for engineering and commercial viability.

Woodsides company-wide climate strategy aims to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. In recent years, Woodside has met incremental climate goals by improving facility designs to reduce methane leakage and other emissions, and by buying carbon credits, including investments in forest restoration to offset the companys environmental impacts.

Woodside was an LNG pioneer, developing one of the worlds first LNG export terminals in 1989. Like many LNG companies, Woodside promotes the liquified natural gas as better for the planet than other fossil fuels.

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Coal remains the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel and the largest contributor to anthropogenic CO2 emissions, Woodsides 2025 Climate and Sustainability Summary said. By comparison, power generated from natural gas typically emits around half the lifecycle emissions as power generated from coal.

A decade ago, the opening of Sabine Pass LNG came with a similar pitch. The terminals owner, Cheniere Energy, marketed LNG as a way for companies and countries to meet climate targets.

Natural gas is becoming the fossil fuel of choice to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while still being a reliable and economic supply source, Anatol Feygin, a Cheniere executive, told investors in 2016. Chenieres U.S. LNGwill help markets shift to cleaner-burning natural gas to reach their environmental goals.

Since then, U.S. LNG shipments have surged from less than 1 billion cubic feet per day to about 15 billion, making the country the worlds largest supplier of liquified natural gas.

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Despite industry assurances about reduced climate impacts, many experts who study greenhouse gas emissions say the LNG boom likely will worsen global warming. In 2023, 170 scientists signed a letter urging President Joe Biden to halt the expansion of LNG terminals, warning that growing use of liquified natural gas will put us on a continued path toward escalating climate chaos.

LNG is at least 33% worse for the climate than coal when energy use from processing and shipping is taken into account, according to a Cornell University study. Methane and carbon dioxide released during LNGs extraction, supercooling, transportation, and storage account for about half of its total greenhouse gas footprint, the studys authors said.

Biden paused permitting on new LNG terminals in early 2024, but President Donald Trump reversed course a year later. Part of Trumps push to unleash American energy dominance, the resumption of permitting broke open a logjam of LNG projects.

There are so many liquified natural gas facilities in the pipeline  pun intended, said Alexandra Shaykevich, a research manager with the Environmental Integrity Project. Theyre proposed all over the United States, but the bulk of the build-out is in Louisiana and Texas.

At least 32 LNG export projects are under construction or proposed in the U.S. Most are planned for the Gulf Coast, including 14 in Louisiana. The proposed facilities would join four already operating in Louisiana: Sabine Pass, Cameron LNG, and Calcasieu Pass LNG in Cameron Parish, and the newest, Plaquemines LNG in Port Sulphur, which began shipping liquified gas in late 2024.

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Trump has rolled back several regulatory barriers that had slowed the development of LNG infrastructure. Because the industry depends on exports and interstate pipelines, it would normally face a complex, multi-agency web of trade, environmental, and safety regulations.

All thats been fast-tracked, and were seeing an emboldening of the industry, Shaykevich said. In the first six months of [Trumps second term], weve seen a tremendous amount of announcements to expand or build new facilities.

The Russia-Ukraine war has helped drive recent growth. Since Russia invaded its neighbor in 2022, pipeline gas supplies to Europe have plummeted. U.S. liquified natural gas has filled more than 40 percent of the gap, according to the International Energy Agency.

Almost all of the LNG streaming into Germany comes from the U.S., said Markus Hatzelmann, deputy consul general at the German consulate in Houston.

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That just shows you the role LNG from the Gulf Coast plays in strengthening Germanys security as well as stabilizing European supplies, he said at the Woodside terminal groundbreaking.

Woodside Energys Pluto liquefied natural gas facility glows at night in Western Australia. The company is building a large LNG export terminal near Lake Charles, Louisiana. (Photo courtesy of Woodside)

Building new LNG import terminals also will help Germany reach its greenhouse gas emissions goals, which include the phase-out of coal by 2038. Despite growing concerns about LNGs climate impacts, Germany sees the fuel playing a key role in this transition, Hatzelmann said.

Rolfes of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade dismisses such talk as greenwashing a dirty fuel.

She said rising greenhouse gas emissions wont just harm the planet but could have devastating consequences for southwest Louisiana, where Woodside and other LNG companies operate.

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Look at what hurricanes do to us, she said, pointing to the more than $14 billion in damage Hurricane Laura caused in 2020. Look at Laura and what it did to Lake Charles. It was one step from being wiped off the map. Do you want to continue to live in Louisiana? Then you should be concerned about greenhouse gas emissions from all these terminals.

This article first appeared on Verite News New Orleans and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Chicago is promoting a new tax, on certain hotel stays in the city.

City Council approved the so called Tourism Improvement District earlier this year, and it impacts bigger hotels in certain neighborhoods.

The total tax on a hotel stay in Chicago is now 19 percent.

Mayor Brandon Johnson and city leaders touted this as a transformative moment for Chicago's tourism industry. This new investment, they said, will amplify marketing efforts, attract more events, and benet Chicago's economy."

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"In the year 2025, it was a very strong year for tourism," Mayor Johnson said. "We saw a record number of passengers flying through O'Hare Airport, and we welcomed more leisure visitors for our hotels than ever before."

And the mayor wants that momentum to continue. He introduced a "Tourism Improvement District," approved by Chicago City Council last month to provide dedicated funding to Choose Chicago. the agency responsible for bringing tourists to the Windy City.

It's a program that tourism leaders say Chicago's been lacking for decades.

"Already, we have these tourism improvement districts in over 200 other cities across the country. And most importantly, it would allow the city to generate more revenue and economic opportunity without placing burdens on residents," Michael Jacobson, president and CEO of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, said.

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Starting May 1, visitors staying at a hotel with 100 or more rooms will see a 1.5% assessment on their bill within designated zip codes.

These funds are projected to raise nearly $40 million annually to enhance Chicago's presence in global markets, attract more travelers, and drive economic growth for the city and the state.

"We compete as the largest convention center in North America with Orlando and Vegas primarily," Kristen Reynolds, president and CEO of Choose Chicago, said. "Our budget is about 34 million. Orlando is 120, Vegas is over 200 million. So we've been really operating in a deficit for many, many years and this makes our competitors nervous."

City leaders said the benefits from this program will go beyond the tourism industry, bringing more money to the city without affecting people who live in Chicago.
As NASAs Artemis II astronauts traveled farther from Earth than any humans since 1970, they heard a familiar voice  one from Milwaukee.

Before the crew reached the historic milestone, NASA played a message recorded before his death by the late James Jim Lovell, welcoming the Artemis II astronauts to his old space travel stomping grounds, according to NASA.

Hello, Artemis II, this is Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell. Welcome to my old neighborhood, Lovell said.

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When Frank Borman, Bill Anders and I orbited the moon on Apollo 8, we got humanitys first up-close look at the moon and a view of the home planet that inspired and united people around the world. Im proud to pass that torch on to you  as you swing around the moon and lay the groundwork for missions to Mars  for the benefit of all.

Its a historic day, and I know how busy youll be. But dont forget to enjoy the view. So, Reid, Victor, Christina and Jeremy, and all the great teams supporting you  good luck and Godspeed from all of us here on the good Earth.

'OK, Houston, weve had a problem here'

Lovell, a Cleveland-born native who grew up in Milwaukee, died Aug. 7 at the age of 97.

His interest in space began at Milwaukees Juneau High School, according to a previous report from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

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Lovell was a U.S. Navy pilot and NASA astronaut who flew four missions, including two to the moon, according to NASA.

Lovell became famous in 1968 as a crew member on Apollo 8, along with Frank Borman and William Anders, when they became the first humans to see and photograph the far side of the moon and an Earthrise during the Dec. 21-27 mission.

Lovell then commanded the ill-fated Apollo 13 lunar mission that launched April 11, 1970. The flight, which was planned to be the third moon landing, had the goal of exploring the Fra Mauro region of the moon. Astronauts John L. Swigert Jr. and Fred W. Haise Jr. accompanied Lovell on the mission.

The mission did not go as planned, when two days into the mission, an oxygen tank in the service module exploded  causing the electrical life-support system to disable and cripple the spacecraft.

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OK, Houston, weve had a problem here," said Swigert Jr. as he radioed Mission Control.

Instead of landing on the moon, Lovell and his crew were forced to abort the mission and rely on the lunar module as a lifeboat, while working with NASA engineers to safely return to Earth, which they did on April 17, splashing into the Pacific Ocean.

Although the mission to the moon failed, Apollo 13 set the record for the farthest distance humans have ever traveled from Earth, reaching a maximum distance of 248,655 miles, which was broken on April 6 by the Artemis II space crew, according to NASA.

"I'm very proud of 13 even though I didn't land on the moon," he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in an 2020 interview. "That was a disappointment for me, but then a lot of people landed on the moon. And if 13 was a very successful flight, I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you today."

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Lovell retired from the Navy and NASA on March 1, 1973.

He later wrote the bestselling book 'Lost Moon, which was adapted into the 1995 film "Apollo 13" starring Tom Hanks and nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.

Lovell remained a celebrated figure in Milwaukee, where the city honored him with a parade, named a street after him and welcomed him back for events throughout the years.

Lovell was married to Marilyn Lovell, whom he met at Milwaukees Juneau High School. The two married in 1952 and had four children. Marilyn Lovell died in 2023.

More than 50 years after Apollo 13, Lovells words are still echoing through space  a reminder of the path he helped shape in one of NASAs most critical moments.

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Adrienne Davis is a south suburban reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Jim Lovell voice plays during Artemis II mission
A Georgia woman found guilty of child abuse was sentenced to 40 years in prison after her child told an elementary school teacher that their mother allegedly kicked and punched their legs, as well as choked them, authorities said.

At the end of Candice Nicole McClures jury trial that unfolded over four days, she was convicted of one count of aggravated assault and two counts of cruelty to children, the Cherokee County District Attorneys Office in Georgia announced in a news release.

McClure, 35, of Lenox, was sentenced to prison that same day, according to the office.

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It was not immediately clear who represented her at trial.

The case against McClure dates back to when a Cherokee County teacher reported possible physical abuse against McClures child in April 2023, after the child spoke up about the abuse, prosecutors said.

1st Grade Teacher in Tennessee Arrested and Charged With Abusing Her Own Kids

The family was new to Cherokee County, and we believe the abuse had been ongoing before the family arrived, Cherokee Assistant District Attorney David Bailey, the lead prosecutor in McClures case, said in a statement.

The schoolteachers are the heroes in this case, Bailey added.

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After the teacher came forward to authorities, the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services and Canton police began investigating McClure, according to prosecutors.

When a DFCS employee went to McClures home "unannounced," they found bruises on her childs leg and a patterned injury on the childs forehead, the district attorneys office said.

The employee took photos of the injuries inflicted on the child, who was taken to Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta hospital, according to prosecutors.

Hospital staff examined the injuries, including to the childs forehead, that were consistent with being struck by a belt, the district attorneys office said.

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McClures child, 12 state witnesses, family members, law enforcement officials and others testified at her trial, according to prosecutors.

Allegedly Abusive Woman Smacked Child With Wooden Paddle Called the Attitude Adjuster

The jurors were also shown evidence of previous injuries to the child that occurred nearly 10 years earlier, when the child was 4, in a different county, the district attorneys office said.

While reading a victim impact statement in court, McClures child said that they were grateful that the jury heard their story, according to prosecutors.

The child was joined by their adoptive parent, a victim advocate and a service dog named Parker, who the district attorneys office said provided comfort and support to the victim.

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The childs age was not specified by the district attorneys office.

"The trauma this child experienced is heartbreaking," said Cherokee County District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway in a statement. "Instead of protecting her own child, the defendant repeatedly inflicted abuse that caused lasting harm."

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
Between car payments, gas prices, and toll roads, being a Harris County driver can get expensive. Now, a social justice and policy group, Texas Appleseed, is looking towards lawmakers to reform auto insurance costs.

A new study by Texas Appleseed and United Way of Greater Houston found auto-insurance prices rose 23.8% in 2022 and 25.5% in 2023. As of today, 14.4% of drivers in Harris County are uninsured.

Even with the rising costs, in a car-centric city like Houston, auto insurance is one bill many can't outrun.

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"It's a doozy, right? I mean, you would rather put that money into a savings account or save up for a wedding ring," driver Sean McCanna said.

Part of the rising number of uninsured drivers can be attributed to the rising cost of insurance, according to one of the study's authors, Ann Baddour.

"It's increased on average more than 50% in Texas, and with a lot of struggles affording housing and affording basic needs, these kinds of price increases can really make or break a family budget," Baddour said.

Right now, car insurance is more expensive if you're unmarried or live in certain zip codes. Baddour said if you have bad credit, you can pay three times more than someone with good credit, even if you have the same driving record.

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Baddour said they're urging legislators to reexamine how auto-insurance prices are determined.

"Coming up with something that is more streamlined and not using all of these non-driving factors to adjust the cost that makes it out of reach for the very people that it's more important that they have it," Baddour said.

Baddour said their latest focus group wants to see standard pricing for liability coverage with increases based solely on driving history. A change that could save some drivers hundreds of dollars a year. Right now in Texas, drivers pay on average $238 a month or $2,856 a year.

With non-driving factors like marriage continuing to impact costs, people like McCanna and his fiancee will have to wait for their wedding day to see their bill come down.

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"What are you going to do?" McCanna said.

Baddour said insurance works best when everyone has it, because if a non-insured driver hits you, you're the one who will see an increase on your bill, and if you don't have insurance, you could face fines and legal penalties. The problem now is for lawmakers to create consumer protections and make the price more manageable for more people.
Two people were killed early in the morning on Easter Sunday in a wrong-way collision on a stretch of Interstate 77 in Richland County, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

William Vazquez-Hernadez, a 26-year-old Lexington resident, as well as 62-year-old Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania resident Mark McCormick were identified as the crash victims, Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford said Monday.

The two-vehicle collision happened at about 4:05 a.m. Sunday, said Cpl. Nick Pye.

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A 2023 Toyota SUV was driving north on I-77, while a 2017 Chevrolet pickup truck was heading south in the northbound lanes, according to Pye. The Toyota and Chevy collided near I-77s 10-mile marker, Pye said. Thats near the junction with Fort Jackson Boulevard in Columbia.

Both the Toyota and the Chevy driver died, Pye said. There was no word about which man was driving the Chevy and who was driving the Toyota.

No other injuries were reported.

There was no word if either of the drivers were wearing a seatbelt.

Information about why the Chevy was driving in the wrong direction toward oncoming traffic was not available, but the wreck continues to be investigated by the Highway Patrol and coroners office.

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Through March 29, at least 173 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2026, according to the state Department of Public Safety. A minimum of 914 people were killed in collisions in South Carolina in 2025, DPS data shows.

At least 11 people have died in Richland County crashes this year, and 48 people died in wrecks there in 2025, according to DPS data.
Jay Vaingankar posted a campaign video in Hindi on Friday. By Saturday, he said, his inbox looked like a threat log.

Vaingankar, 28, who is running for Congress in New Jerseys 12th District, says Laura Loomer  a far-right activist and close ally of President Donald Trump  slammed him over the weekend over his multilingual outreach.

Within hours, he said, came the racial slurs, calls for him to be deported and stripped of his birthright citizenship  and worse.

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People were looking up my parents immigration status when I was born, Vaingankar said in an interview with NJ.com. There were calls for me to be hanged, calls for blood to be spilled.

The sharp criticism of the video began Friday morning courtesy of End Wokeness, a popular anonymous account on X with 3.9 million followers. Within hours, other right-wing accounts had picked it up and amplified it.

Mehek Cooke, an Indian-born conservative commentator and Fox News contributor, was one, falsely accusing Vaingankar of running his ENTIRE campaign in a foreign language.

Loomer Unleashed, Loomers official show account, also weighed in directly.

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Leave it to House Democrats and their candidates to force Americans to read translations just to understand their ads, a post by the account read. Talk about America Last.

Loomer then retweeted the post to her 1.8 million followers.

In a statement released on Monday, Vaingankar said: That says everything about the state of our politics under Trump. Extremists like Loomer want to intimidate anyone who doesnt fit a narrow definition of who belongs in this country.

The episode unfolded in a district that is, by many measures, among the most demographically complex in the country.

New Jerseys 12th is a solidly blue swath of the state stretching across Central Jersey, from Trenton to the edge of Middlesex County, taking in university towns, working-class boroughs and prosperous South Asian enclaves.

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Roughly one in three residents was born outside of the U.S., according to Data USA, a public government data aggregator. Two in five households primarily speak a language other than English at home. The most commonly spoken languages in the district, after English, are Spanish, Chinese and Hindi.

While Loomer calls this un-American, in Central Jersey we know that this diversity represents the best of America, Vaingankar, who is also fluent in Spanish, said in his statement.

The son of Hindi-speaking immigrants from Mumbai, he grew up in diverse Hightstown, a Mercer County borough that was redistricted from the 12th to the 3rd in 2021. He was an official in the U.S. Department of Energy under former President Joe Biden.

The 12th district is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, who announced last year she would not seek re-election.

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An astonishing 13 Democrats have since jumped into the race to succeed her. The sole Republican candidate is Gregg Mele, who has run unsucessfully for several elected positions across the state in recent years.

The primary is June 2.

Democrats view the seat as a must-hold in a cycle when control of the U.S. House could again come down to a handful of races.

Far-right voices have increasingly trained criticism on candidates and elected officials who campaign in languages other than English.

Vaingankar, who is running for public office for the first time, said it was his first experience with vitriol on this scale  though not his first encounter with the underlying sentiment.

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Growing up, I think every brown kid has experienced the trope of being told, Go back to where you came from, he said.

Vaingankar has little interest in stepping back.

Our rising utility bills and health care premiums dont care what language we speak at home, Vaingankar said.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
NASA is in the midst of completing one of the most momentous achievements in human history. This week, four humans went further out into space than anyone has before, as part of a flyby of the moon. Its the first time mankind has even attempted to approach the moon since the termination of the Apollo program more than fifty years ago.

And its a total failure.

The astronauts got there and will likely get back, and thats good, but the larger goal in doing something like this is to get people to care enough about it so they can do more. They didnt do that at all. Worse, they didnt even seem to try. Everything NASA did was completely and totally wrong.

Branding The Mission As A Prank

First, they launched the mission on April first. For you non-Americans, thats April Fools Day, a holiday dedicated to pulling pranks. This went over well with all the flat-earthers out there, and only strengthened skepticism that moon missions are faked.

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That NASA could have launched on April 2nd, but chose April Fools Day on purpose, should probably get everyone in charge of the agency fired. However, that was only the start of their epic string of failures.

Its 2026 And We Still Cant Take Pictures In Space

Next, as always seems to happen, NASAs team of geniuses has been unable to find a way to send any decent cameras on the Artemis II mission. Or if they did, they werent used.

The Astronauts had their iPhones with them, which was a good idea, so presumably they could have just pointed them out the window and then tweeted the result. If they did that, NASA chose not to highlight most of their pictures. You wont see many astronaut selfies going viral.

Instead of an endless stream of cool videos and photos of our planet as Orion left, NASA has released three photos that their crew took of the Earth.

Photo one (above) is of the Sahara Desert, where no one lives. Also, its upside down from our normal orientation. NASA could have simply rotated it, but didnt.

Photo two (above) is of the Australian Outback, where virtually no one lives.

Photo three (above) is of the Earth in darkness, filtered so that even city lights arent visible. As a result, it looks like a dark circle with a sliver of light on it. In other words, it looks like nothing.

You Cant See Your House From There

Then there was the approach to the moon, where we saw a vague gray shape. The astronauts claim the stars out their windows are impressive, but apparently no one has figured out how to photograph them. And then the capsule was past the moon and on its way back to Earth, having shown us nothing.

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Now the mission is on its way home, having shown the people of Earth emptiness. Empty space, empty desert land, empty gray circle of dust. Not even an image we could point at and say: I can see my house from here!

The astronauts did give some awkward, pre-written speeches that they probably didnt even write themselves. Its not their fault; making this interesting isnt their job.

NASA will now mumble excuses about why they cant get any good pictures, and then throw in some technical jargon about why the mission was important to science despite how boring it looked. Theyll say it matters because it sets up future missions. Doubtless, those missions will also be unable to do basic photography and social media marketing.

Space Travels Chief Value Is In What It Teaches Us About Ourselves

Unlike age of sail exploration, in which brave men in ships traveled vast distances and returned with gold and exotic fruits as proof of their journeys value, space travel has no real, tangible benefit to most of the people funding it. Its chief value to humanity is in what it can teach us about ourselves.

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When NASA cant even show people a picture of North America, the continent paying for its missions, it has abandoned the real reason for its existence.

NASA Just Made Every Kid Hate Space

I tried to tune in with my 9-year-old son, who was excited about space travel. We watched the rocket launch, which was badly filmed. He tried to be excited about it, but it was just a two-second burst of fire. Then the camera malfunctioned and cut out. It came back on in an extreme close-up, and then the rocket was gone.

Later space footage of it separating was grainy and hard to make out. By the way, when SpaceX has done launches like this, their videos of the rocket are always pristine and beautiful. You see it all. Somehow, despite billions in tax dollars, thats not something that can be accomplished by NASA.

When the mission arrived at the moon a few days later, we watched the flyby live feed, which largely consisted of two women sitting in front of the camera spinning word salad and occasionally explaining why we cant see anything. When Orion came around the dark side of the moon and returned to contact with Earth, we still saw nothing. While looking at nothing, we had to sit through a crew member reading a boring, grandiose, pre-prepared speech.

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I tried to spice it up for my son by showing him pictures from NASAs X feed. Except, well, there were only those three images. Also, there was a video of some floating Nutella, which was almost certainly a paid, space-faring native ad.

Soon, we went back to the NASA live feed, still showing nothing. Wed been watching for nearly an hour now and, after a few more minutes, my son asked: Can we turn it off, Dad? Theres nothing to see. Id rather read a book. That was the end of his interest in the space program.

The only interesting footage in the entire endeavor was a clip salvaged from the mess and shared around on X by Elon Musk, who seems to understand the assignment, even if NASA doesnt. Here it is

NASA Artemis passing close to the Moon pic.twitter.com/jLvGoW1IR9  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 7, 2026

NASA should have been the first to clip this footage and share it around on social media. It should have been a priority for their marketing team. It wasnt. Maybe theyve done it by now. By the way, most of the comments being left on it are from people who think the footage is fake, because NASA launched the mission on April first.

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If wed stuck around for another half hour of watching nothing, my formerly space-crazy kid might have seen the footage from Elon Musks video on NASAs live feed at some point. But hes a 9-year-old boy with an energetic mind, not a bedridden geriatric with nothing to do but watch NASAs version of Between Two Ferns.

Thanks, NASA. This is what total failure looks like. At least my son has books to fuel his imagination.
Ukraine has demonstrated its ability to rapidly adapt to a changing battlefield.

A top NATO commander said the Western military alliance needs to be able to do the same.

Part of this means fast-tracking new war technology.

A top NATO commander has said Ukraine's battlefield adaptation is impressive and that the alliance needs something like an "HOV lane" to fast-track new war tech.

In its four years of fending off Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine has demonstrated an "adaptation DNA," Adm. Pierre Vandier, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, told Business Insider.

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"That means that they've been very good at solving the problems at a very high speed. We haven't been accustomed to do that for decades," said Vandier, who oversees modernization efforts. He added that he wants NATO to adopt a sense of urgency in developing and procuring new weaponry like Ukraine has done.

The Western warships, aircraft, and armored vehicles that have dominated in past wars often take several years to build; the process can be even longer for newer designs.

The war in Ukraine has been defined by the overwhelming involvement of drones, robots, and other emerging technologies that move from the design phase to field testing and eventually into the hands of soldiers on a much quicker timeline.

In some cases, that process takes only weeks or months  any slower, and the product may become obsolete.

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New tactics and countermeasures are evolving rapidly as well. For instance, early in the war, Ukraine had limited options to fight Russia in the Black Sea, so it created a fleet of exploding naval drones. When Moscow responded to this development by increasing combat aircraft patrols in the region, Kyiv armed the drones with surface-to-air missiles.

Ukraine's fleet of naval drones has been a key area of innovation for the country's defense industry. Nina Liashonok/Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Senior Ukrainian officials have described the arms race as a cat-and-mouse game. NATO isn't driven by the same wartime pressures; however, officials and security experts argue it can't afford to relax.

Vandier said the war in Ukraine has demonstrated that the defense industry moves at two speeds: one for bigger, more complex systems, where development cycles last years, and another where necessary adaptation occurs every few weeks based on direct feedback from combatants.

The latter doesn't exist in the West, Vandier said. He compared the situation to a highway, explaining that the fast track is stuck behind a slow track. NATO needs "an HOV lane" for war technology so it moves at speed instead of getting stuck in traffic, he added.

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NATO leadership recognizes it needs to change how it approaches the development of new tech and create a strong demand signal for industry. A challenge is that some legacy defense contractors remain focused on older procurement models, though newer startups are trying to more closely emulate Ukraine's industry.

"They want to enlarge the highway but not build the HOV," Vandier said of current NATO defense procurement efforts. So more of the same  more cars and more traffic jams. We need a fast track."

NATO officials like Vandier have long praised Ukraine's ability to adapt rapidly to changing battlefield dynamics. However, security experts have criticized the alliance for its sluggishness in preparing for modern warfare and for failing to address some of the threats seen on the battlefield.

"We need to apply a new model to understand what's going on, not only in Ukraine. It's the difference you have between a crisis and a shock," Vandier said.

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In a crisis, he said, "you just want to reestablish what was broken or dysfunctional, and you go back to the previous model. When you are in shock, you need to invent something else because what you have in hand is not sufficient."

Read the original article on Business Insider
BRUSSELS, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Tuesday called for maximum restraint and full respect for international law amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, stressing its rejection of any threats against critical civilian infrastructure.

"We have always said that diplomacy is the answer," Anitta Hipper, the European Commission's lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, said at a press briefing.

Hipper reiterated that the EU rejects "any threats to attacks regarding critical civilian infrastructure," warning that such actions could have devastating humanitarian consequences across the region and beyond, and could further escalate tensions.

"The EU calls for maximum restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and full respect of international law and international humanitarian law by all parties," she said.

The remarks came as concerns mounted over a sharp deterioration in the Middle East situation. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that Iran could be "taken out" in one night, adding that night "might" be Tuesday evening - the deadline he set for Iran to reach a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. 
When Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth invokes no quarter, no mercy and prays for "overwhelming violence of action" against those who "deserve no mercy" during a prayer service at the Pentagon, the country is hearing more than wartime bluster. It is hearing a dangerous view of power that confuses cruelty with strength, and risks replacing the language of disciplined force with the language of vengeance.

Its even more concerning when the nation's commander in chief speaks of killing as an honor, and shares videos integrating the actual violence of war with fictional depictions pulled from popular culture films and video games.

That matters because in the United States, war is supposed to be an instrument of policy, constrained by law and guided by discipline, not a stage for bloodlust.

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Americans have long accepted that military force may be necessary at times, but we have also insisted that force be used for a lawful purpose, under civilian control, and with professional restraint.

U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. first lady Melania Trump, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff take part in a dignified transfer of the remains of six U.S. Army service members of the 103rd Sustainment Command, who were killed in Kuwait, Major Jeffrey O'Brien, Capitain Cody Khork, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, Sergeant 1st Class Nicole Amor, Sergeant 1st Class Noah Tietjens and Sergeant Declan Coady, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, U.S., March 7, 2026. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine pay their respects during a dignified transfer of the remains of six U.S. Army service members of the 103rd Sustainment Command, who were killed in Kuwait, Major Jeffrey O'Brien, Capitain Cody Khork, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, Sergeant 1st Class Nicole Amor, Sergeant 1st Class Noah Tietjens and Sergeant Declan Coady, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, U.S., March 7, 2026. Members of military carry a transfer case during a dignified transfer of the remains of six U.S. Army service members of the 103rd Sustainment Command, who were killed in Kuwait, Major Jeffrey O'Brien, Capitain Cody Khork, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, Sergeant 1st Class Nicole Amor, Sergeant 1st Class Noah Tietjens and Sergeant Declan Coady, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, U.S., March 7, 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attend a dignified transfer of the remains of six U.S. Army service members of the 103rd Sustainment Command, who were killed in Kuwait, Major Jeffrey O'Brien, Capitain Cody Khork, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, Sergeant 1st Class Nicole Amor, Sergeant 1st Class Noah Tietjens and Sergeant Declan Coady, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, U.S., March 7, 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stand as members of military carry a transfer case during a dignified transfer of the remains of six U.S. Army service members of the 103rd Sustainment Command, who were killed in Kuwait, Major Jeffrey O'Brien, Capitain Cody Khork, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, Sergeant 1st Class Nicole Amor, Sergeant 1st Class Noah Tietjens and Sergeant Declan Coady, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, U.S., March 7, 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump salutes as members of military carry a transfer case during a dignified transfer of the remains of six U.S. Army service members of the 103rd Sustainment Command, who were killed in Kuwait, Major Jeffrey O'Brien, Capitain Cody Khork, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, Sergeant 1st Class Nicole Amor, Sergeant 1st Class Noah Tietjens and Sergeant Declan Coady, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, U.S., March 7, 2026. Members of the military carry a transfer case during a dignified transfer of the remains of six U.S. Army service members of the 103rd Sustainment Command, who were killed in Kuwait, Major Jeffrey O'Brien, Capitain Cody Khork, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, Sergeant 1st Class Nicole Amor, Sergeant 1st Class Noah Tietjens and Sergeant Declan Coady, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, U.S., March 7, 2026. Trump receives remains of six Americans killed in Iran war. See photos 1 of 7 U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. first lady Melania Trump, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff take part in a dignified transfer of the remains of six U.S. Army service members of the 103rd Sustainment Command, who were killed in Kuwait, Major Jeffrey O'Brien, Capitain Cody Khork, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, Sergeant 1st Class Nicole Amor, Sergeant 1st Class Noah Tietjens and Sergeant Declan Coady, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, U.S., March 7, 2026.

That is not softness. It is one of the things that has long distinguished a professional military from a mob, and a constitutional republic from the regimes it opposes.

The American military ethic does not teach service members to delight in killing or to treat mercy as weakness. It teaches them to perform difficult duties under the law, mission and discipline.

It demands self-control in the face of danger and obedience to standards that are meant to preserve both effectiveness and humanity. Service members are trained to understand that war is not an emotional outlet. It is a grave responsibility.

The military is no place for trash-talking

President Donald Trump, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, holds a news conference at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 6, 2026.

That is why Trump's and Hegseth's statements should trouble Americans across the political spectrum. They suggest not merely a hard line toward an enemy, but a philosophy of war untethered from restraint.

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There is a profound difference between promising to defeat an adversary and speaking as though killing itself is a source of honor. There is a profound difference between resolve and rhetoric that dismisses mercy altogether.

One is the language of disciplined command. The other is the language of vengeance.

Previously: Why is Hegseth being attacked for defending Americans? | Opinion

Defenders of such comments will say critics are overreacting. War is brutal, they will argue, and leaders sometimes need harsh language to project strength, intimidate enemies and reassure the public. No one expects a president or Defense secretary to sound delicate in a crisis.

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Fair enough, but that defense misses the real issue.

The question is not whether leaders should sound strong. The question is whether they understand that true strength requires restraint.

US needs to distinguish itself from its enemies

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a news conference with President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 6, 2026.

The United States does not prove its resolve by sounding more pitiless than its enemies. It proves its resolve by showing that even when it uses force, it remains governed by law, discipline and constitutional accountability.

Words from leaders at that level do not exist in a vacuum. They shape public expectations. They influence the command climate. They signal to allies and adversaries alike what kind of nation America intends to be.

Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. People gather at the site of a destroyed building at a school where, as the state media reports, several people were killed in an Israeli airstrike, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Minab, Iran in this screengrab obtained from a social media video released on February 28, 2026. Iranian state media reported on February 28 that Israel struck a school in southern Iran, resulting in 40 deaths. Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel had launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026 in this screen grab taken from video. Iranian people run for cover in Tehran, Iran, on February 28, 2026, as explosions are heard after a reported strike and Israel announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran, with sirens sounding in Jerusalem and phone alerts warning of an "extremely serious" threat. Smoke rises following an explosion after the U.S. and Israel reportedly launched an attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026, in this screen grab taken from video. A graffiti on a wall reads" Down with the U.S.A", after Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. People run for cover following an explosion, after Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026. A plume of smoke rises after an explosion on February 28, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. After explosions were seen in the Iranian capital, the office of the Israeli Defense Minister issued a statement saying it had launched a preemptive strike against the country. A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on February 28, 2026. Two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on February 28 morning by AFP journalists, and two plumes of thick smoke were seen over the centre and east of the Iranian capital.



Israel's defence ministry announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and people across the country received phone alerts about an "extremely serious" threat. U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after disembarking Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., February 27, 2026. Hours later, Trump made live comments about the military strikes he launched against Iran. A plume of smoke rises over Tehran after a reported explosion on February 28, 2026, after Israel said it carried out a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and phone alerts warned of an "extremely serious" threat. A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on February 28, 2026. Two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on February 28 morning by AFP journalists, and two plumes of thick smoke were seen over the centre and east of the Iranian capital. Israel's defence ministry announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and people across the country received phone alerts about an "extremely serious" threat. Buildings inin Tehran stand after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, February 28, 2026. Iranians try to clear a street amid heavy traffic in Tehran, Iran, on February 28, 2026, as explosions are heard following a reported strike and Israel announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran, with sirens sounding in Jerusalem and phone alerts warning of an "extremely serious" threat. Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese area of al-Qatrani on February 28, 2026. Lebanon's foreign minister said on February 24 his country feared its infrastructure could be hit by Israeli strikes if the situation with Iran escalates, after Israel intensified its attacks on Tehran-backed Hezbollah Anti-riot police stand in front of state building that is covered with a giant anti-U.S. billboard depicting the destruction of a US aircraft carrier in downtown Tehran on a main street in Tehran on February 21, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. In recent weeks, the United States had moved vast numbers of military vessels and aircraft to Europe and the Middle East. The US and Israel proceeded to launched strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, Latest photos capture US and Israeli strikes against Iran 1 of 16 Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026.

History offers ample warning about where the rhetoric of cruelty can lead. Nations rarely begin by openly abandoning restraint. They begin by blurring it. They begin by teaching citizens to hear vengeance as resolve, brutality as realism and moral limits as weakness.

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Once that shift takes hold, the line between lawful force and licensed cruelty becomes easier to cross.

This is why Congress cannot remain a spectator.

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Generations of Americans in uniform did their duty under law, discipline and civilian authority. They were expected to bear the burden of combat without abandoning professional restraint.

They followed lawful orders, operated within rules and accepted that in a constitutional system, military power is never supposed to answer to impulse alone.

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Congress should be held to no less a standard.

Another view: Congress should be governing, not on a break in Disney World | Opinion

Congress shouldn't sit silent as war rages

The Constitution does not give lawmakers the luxury of silence when the executive branch drifts toward open-ended conflict or adopts rhetoric that suggests contempt for restraint. Congress has a duty not only to authorize war, oversee it and debate it, but also to defend the legal and moral framework that governs how America fights.

The War Powers framework exists precisely because the country is not meant to slide into war on presidential will alone.

That means members of Congress should publicly reject rhetoric that glorifies killing and scorns mercy. They should insist that any further military action be subject to the constitutional role of the legislative branch.

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They should demand clarity on objectives, the legal basis and the limits. And they should make plain that toughness is not measured by how casually leaders speak about destruction.

(L-R) Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel, Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Lt. Gen. James Adams III, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Army Lt. Gen. William Hartman and Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe testify during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats on March 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. A closed session immediately followed the hearing. (L-R) Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel, Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Lt. Gen. James Adams III, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Army Lt. Gen. William Hartman arrive to testify during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats to U.S. national security in Washington, DC, on March 18, 2026. Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe greets Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) before testiying at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats to U.S. national security in Washington, DC, on March 18, 2026. Mar 18, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Chairman Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) speaks during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats to U.S. national security in Washington, DC, on March 18, 2026. Senate Intelligence Vice Chairman Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) speaks during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats to U.S. national security in Washington, DC, on March 18, 2026. CIA Director John L. Ratcliffe (R) testifies alongside (L-R) Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel, Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Lt. Gen. James Adam, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Army Lt. Gen. Lieutenant General William Hartman during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats on March 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) holds up a document for a Trump administration fundraising effort as he makes a statement during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats on March 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, speaks as the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence holds their annual hearing on the assessment of worldwide threats to U.S. national security in Washington, DC, on March 18, 2026. FBI Director Kash Patel looks down as he testifies during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats on March 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) makes a statement during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats on March 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. John Ratcliffe,Central Intelligence Agency director, speaks as the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence holds their annual hearing on the assessment of worldwide threats to U.S. national security in Washington, DC, on March 18, 2026. Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, speaks as the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence holds their annual hearing on the assessment of worldwide threats to U.S. national security in Washington, DC, on March 18, 2026. FBI Director Kash Patel testifies during a Senate Committee on Intelligence hearing to examine worldwide threats, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on March 18, 2026. Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) questions intelligence leaders during the Senate Select Committee on Intelligences annual hearing examining the annual assessment of worldwide threats to U.S. national security in Washington, DC, on March 18, 2026. Senate grills intel chiefs on Iran and global threats 1 of 14 (L-R) Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel, Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Lt. Gen. James Adams III, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Army Lt. Gen. William Hartman and Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe testify during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats on March 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. A closed session immediately followed the hearing.

Americans who served have done their duty under the hardest of conditions, but always under a professional ethic that demanded discipline over rage, and mission over vengeance. They were not given a license for bloodlust. They were given standards.

Now Congress faces its own test.

When a president celebrates killing and a Defense secretary flirts with the language of no mercy, the issue is no longer just rhetoric. It is whether America still intends to act like a constitutional republic in matters of war.

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Service members did their duty. Congress must now do its own.

Dave Petri, a retired U.S. Navy commander, serves as the communications director for National Security Leaders for America.

You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hegseth is confusing cruelty with strength. It's dangerous | Opinion
Even before his fateful and thus far largely unpopular decision to go to war with Iran in late February, both President Donald Trump and his party had been encountering some significant political headwinds as a result of an array of controversial policy actions. Now, with the war dragging on without much explanation or any clear plan for a conclusion, and rising prices for fuel and related items hitting Americans in their pocketbooks, standard political wisdom would predict a good chance of big Republican electoral defeats this fall.

That said, the fall elections are still seven months off, so how accurate are such predictions likely to be? Recently, to get a better gauge on where things stand, what people are thinking and where the president is likely playing with political fire as a result of some of the approaches hes taken, Newsline sat down for a two-part conversation with one of our states most experienced and astute political observers, NC State University Professor of Political Science, Steven Greene.

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In Part One of our recent conversation with Greene, we discussed President Trumps deeply controversial decision to attack Iran, its impacts here at home, and how both matters are playing out in domestic politics as we look forward to the 2026 elections.

In Part Two of our conversation, we turned our attention to the North Carolina political scene and, in particular, the massive earthquake that just hit the state legislature as a result of the primary defeat of the states most powerful politician  longtime Republican Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger.

Click here to listen to the full interview with NC State University political scientist Steven Greene.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A neighbor feud included threatening that a family was next before a woman bought a gun and shot and killed a pastor in front of his wife and children, prosecutors said.

Joe Junio, 38, faces charges of murder with the use of a deadly weapon, attempted murder, child abuse and other charges stemming from the Dec. 29, 2023, killing of 46-year-old Nick Davi.

On the day of the shooting, Nick Davi and his family returned to their North Las Vegas home to gather more belongings as they were staying with a friend amid the growing tension with Junio, prosecutors said. The two homes shared a wall and yard.

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Junio is accused of shooting Davi amid ongoing complaints to their homeowners association, according to documents. Junio also allegedly shot Davis wife, Sarah Davi.

Video shown to the grand jury shows Junio pulling into a driveway and speaking with Nick Davi before getting out of the car and shooting him. One of Davis children was recording. (KLAS)

Junio has pleaded not guilty, and a trial was scheduled to begin in May.

Prosecutors filed new documents ahead of trial, painting what they called a culmination of a rapidly escalating pattern of hostility, threats, and harassment directed at the Davi family leading up to the shooting.

A grand jury indicted Junio on the charges in 2024. Video shown to the grand jury shows Junio pulling into a driveway and speaking with Nick Davi before getting out of the car and shooting him. One of Davis children was recording.

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Why dont you leave us alone? Weve had enough, Nick Davi is heard in the video as Junio glares at him.

Whats your problem with us? Nick Davi said before Junio got out of the car and shot at him, the video showed.

Junio exhibited escalating threatening behavior after the family reported her to the HOA for violations related to chickens and dogs, a police report said. In response, Junio started harassing and threatening the family, resulting in them calling the police on her twice in the month before the shooting, according to the report.

On Dec. 13, 2023, two weeks before the shooting, North Las Vegas police responded to the Davi home for a report of Junio throwing large rocks at their house, documents said. Earlier that same day, Junio allegedly confronted members of the Davi family and ran her finger across her throat in a cutting motion, and said the family was next, documents said.

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Later that same day, the Davi family alleges Junio attempted to flood their unit. The Davi family then decided to leave their home and stay with a friend, documents said.

Pastor Nick Davi died in the December 2023 shooting. (KLAS)

On Dec. 15, police responded to the home after Sarah Davi observed a large number of rocks and dog feces, documents said. Upon arrival, officers observed large amounts of dog feces scattered throughout the Davi familys backyard, along with rocks and pieces of brick that had been thrown over the fence.

Junio allegedly purchased a gun on Dec. 17. In a message to a person in Junios phone, Junio reportedly asked a friend how to use the gun, saying. My neighbor is harassing me [sic] kicking my door.

Sarah Davi filed a temporary protection order against Junio on Dec. 19. A hearing was scheduled for Jan. 8, 2024.

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On the day of the shooting, Junio texted the same friend about her neighbor harassing her, saying, If Im dead or in jail. [sic] Take my 2 dogs and 2 dog treadmill, according to prosecutors.

A still image from the shooting of Nick Davis as provided in court documents. (KLAS)

Junio allegedly shot and killed Nick Davi 10 minutes after sending the messages, prosecutors said.

In a post-arrest jail phone call, Junio claimed, My neighbor has been harassing me for 10 years, adding she shot Nick Davi, according to prosecutors. The person speaking with Junio replied, You know, I told you to get rid of that gun.

Nick Davi was a pastor at Grace Point Church in North Las Vegas. He moved to North Las Vegas in 2005 after leaving the South after Hurricane Katrina, the lawsuit said.

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Sarah Davi filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Junio in 2024 and the homeowners association in 2025.

Junio remained in custody at the Clark County Detention Center, where she was held without bail. A death review committee declined to pursue the death penalty should a jury convict her. Attorneys for Junio did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The judge overseeing the case is expected to hear arguments about the new evidence and whether it is admissible at trial on April 21. The trial was scheduled to start on May 4.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
SEOUL, April 7 (UPI) -- Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, on Monday described South Korean President Lee Jae Myung as "frank and broad-minded" after he expressed regret over unauthorized drone incursions into the North, in a rare conciliatory remark from Pyongyang.

Lee addressed the issue earlier Monday during a Cabinet meeting, following last week's indictment of three individuals accused of carrying out incursions between September and January.

"Although this was not an act by our government, I express regret to the North Korean side over the unnecessary military tension caused by such reckless behavior," Lee said during the meeting.

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In a statement carried by state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim said Pyongyang "appreciated it as a very fortunate and wise behavior for its own sake."

"Our head of state commented it as a manifestation of a frank and broad-minded man's attitude," she added.

North Korea in January accused the South of violating its airspace with multiple drone flights, including one on Jan. 4 that it said had photographed key facilities before being shot down.

South Korean prosecutors last week indicted three civilians in connection with the alleged incursions. An employee of the National Intelligence Service and two active-duty military officers were also referred to the prosecution Tuesday for their alleged roles in the drone flights.

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Kim's remarks struck a less hostile tone than recent statements from Pyongyang, but still included a warning to the South to "stop any reckless provocation against the DPRK" and to "refrain from any attempt at contact."

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.

President Lee has sought to ease inter-Korean tensions since taking office in June, calling for the resumption of dialogue and making conciliatory gestures such as dismantling border propaganda loudspeakers.

Pyongyang has rebuffed those overtures, with Kim Jong Un last month declaring South Korea the "most hostile state" in a parliamentary address.

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Seoul on Tuesday described the exchange as a positive signal.

"The fact that the leaders of North and South Korea quickly confirmed their intention to stop unnecessary military tension escalation activities and that communication took place was evaluated as meaningful progress toward peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula," the Unification Ministry said in a statement to reporters.
OKLAHOMA CITY  The Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday narrowly passed a $12.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2027 with most of the Democratic minority joining far right Republicans to cast votes against it.

Senate Bill 1177, called the general appropriations bill, passed by a vote of 28-17, slightly above the 25 votes needed to secure passage in the upper chamber.

The measure, which is a slight increase from the existing fiscal years nearly $12.6 billion budget, heads to the House for consideration.

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It sets up a scenario where lawmakers could end the legislative session well before the 5 p.m. May 29 deadline and hit the campaign trail.

Democrats said the measure didnt contain enough to help working Oklahomans, such as providing more funding for child care and health services. They also said it catered to special interests and was largely crafted behind closed doors without input from them.

Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, who chairs the Freedom Caucus, said the measure is an embarrassment and spends too much money.

When we say yes to special interests and lobbyists and state agencies, we are saying no to the people back home who are struggling to pay for fuel at the gas pump, struggling to pay mortgages, Jett said.

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State government will continue to grow unless lawmakers put their foot down, he said.

This budget is a shame to any conservative who puts conservative on their campaign flyers back home, Jett said. This is not a conservative vote. This is not a conservative bill.

Sen. Nikki Nice, D-Oklahoma City, said it is difficult to explain to those making the minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, who are trying to make ends meet that the budget has $12.8 billion in taxpayer expenses.

Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, said some of the criticism of the budget could have been avoided had the process been more transparent and included all lawmakers.

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Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, said she was voting against the budget because it lacked strategic and targeted investments that strengthen Oklahoma families.

But Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall, R-Perry, said the budget invests $450 million in health care and $280 million in education.

It contains $50 million in some form or fashion to fix the states water infrastructure system, Hall said.

Eighty-two percent of the new spending in this budget lies in those three areas, education, health care and water, Hall said.

The budget makes investments in reading and math sufficiency along with school security, Hall said.

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He said agencies made $1.6 billion in new requests and budget crafters had to prioritize.

We were able to balance this budget and keep it vertically flat with some exceptions, Hall said.

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By Gursimran Mehar

April 8 (Reuters) - Pakistan, a mediator between the U.S. and Iran, on Wednesday requested that U.S. President Donald Trump grant a two-week ceasefire and extension to a deadline he imposed on Iran to end its blockade of Gulf oil, while U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran intensified during the sixth week of the war.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters Tehran is positively reviewing Pakistan's request for a two-week ceasefire. The White House said Trump is aware of Pakistan's proposal, saying a response will come.

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"To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks. Pakistan, in all sincerity, requests the Iranian brothers to open Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture," Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a post on X.

The war has killed thousands across the region and resulted in the worst-ever energy supply disruption due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the artery used to transit one-fifth of the world's oil and gas.

Sharif's comments come after Trump, in a social media post that shocked world leaders, said "a whole civilization will die tonight" if an agreement is not reached to end the conflict.

Trump has given Iran until 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT) in Washington - 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday in Tehran - to end its blockade of Gulf oil or see the U.S. destroy every bridge and power plant in Iran.

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Sharif urged "all warring parties" to observe a ceasefire for two weeks "to allow diplomacy to achieve conclusive termination of war."

He added that diplomatic efforts to settle the war peacefully were "progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future."

During the early hours of Wednesday in Pakistan, close to Trump's deadline, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held conversations regarding the conflict in separate calls with his counterparts from Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, called Pakistan's efforts to stop the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran a step forward from a critical, sensitive stage.

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Sources told Reuters on Tuesday that talks between the U.S. and Iran were at risk of being derailed following Tehran's attacks on Saudi Arabian industrial facilities.

Pakistan has been the main go-between for proposals shared by Iran and the United States, but there has been no sign of a compromise.

(Reporting by Gursimran Kaur in Bengaluru; Editing by Franklin Paul, Cynthia Osterman, Alistair Bell, Rod Nickel)
The Israeli Knessets passage last week of a law imposing the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of terrorism drew swift and sweeping international condemnation. It also sparked a general strike across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, with Palestinians taking to the streets in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron and elsewhere on April 1 to protest the measure.

Some local shop owners in the occupied East Jerusalem area reported that Israeli forces had coerced them into reopening.

A coalition of eight countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and Turkiye, condemned the law as discriminatory and warned that it entrenches a system of apartheid. The European Union called it a step backwards. At the same time, United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk went further, warning that its application to residents of the occupied Palestinian territory would constitute a war crime.

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Demonstrations broke out not only across Palestinian cities, but also in Syria, including the cities of Damascus, Hama and Deraa.

The weeks political tensions unfolded against the backdrop of an ongoing siege on Jerusalems holy sites. Al-Aqsa Mosque has remained closed to Muslim worshippers for more than a month, with a state of emergency extended until mid-April.

Palestinians in Jerusalem have been holding Friday prayers in the streets surrounding the Old City as Israeli authorities continue to ban access to Al-Aqsa, contravening the sovereignty of the Islamic Waqf over the site under the custodianship of King Abdullah II of Jordan.

Israel has continued to display its de facto ultimate authority over the site. On Monday evening, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stormed the compound under the protection of Israeli forces.

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Restrictions also continued at Christian sites, as Western Christian denominations commemorated Holy Week. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the holiest site in Christianity, remained closed to the public throughout Holy Week.





Gaza peace plan reaches impasse

In Gaza, the past week brought further evidence that the Board of Peaces framework for reconstruction and governance transition remains far from implementation. According to the Reuters news agency, a Hamas delegation informed Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators in Cairo that the movement would not discuss disarmament until Israel ceased its violations of the ceasefire agreement and committed to a full withdrawal from Gaza.

We will under no circumstances accept the surrender of weapons. We affirm that what the enemy could not seize from us through tanks and extermination, it will not take from us through politics or at the negotiation table, the spokesperson for Hamass Qassam Brigades said, in a statement, released on Sunday.

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Meanwhile, funding pledges for Gazas reconstruction from Gulf Arab states have been frozen as a result of the US-Israel war on Iran.

With the implementation of phase 2 of the October peace plan for Gaza appearing as remote as ever, Israeli air strikes ramped up across the Strip throughout the past week, according to documented reports published on the Telegram messaging app.

On March 31, strikes killed at least six people across Gaza, including three in Jabalia, and a father and son in Khan Younis. On April 3, a drone attack injured six civilians near the Abu Shurakh roundabout in northern Gaza. On April 4, a strike hit a vehicle near the Maghazi camp, killing one person and injuring several others. Israeli forces also struck a police checkpoint in northern Gaza City and continued artillery shelling across multiple areas.

And in the days since Qassams defiant statements, the civilian casualties in Gaza have quickly shot up. Early in the morning on April 5, three Palestinians were killed, while others were injured, in an air strike carried out by Israeli forces on al-Shawa Square, east of Gaza City.

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Later that day, others were injured by Israeli military gunfire in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, including a small child, who received a bloody head injury. A Palestinian man was then reportedly shot dead by Israeli soldiers while inspecting his home east of Gaza, followed by a military strike on a group of civilians near the Al-Jazeera Club in central Gaza City, killing one person and injuring others.

In all, Gazas Ministry of Health reported early on Monday morning that seven people had been killed and another 17 injured during the previous 24 hours.

Israeli forces reportedly shot dead another man east of al-Qarara on the morning of April 6. At least two Palestinians were killed in an air strike targeting an electric bicycle in Sheikh Radwan, leaving others, including a small girl, critically wounded, later in the afternoon. And then, in the early evening, Israeli forces and affiliated armed groups unleashed heavy gunfire in central Gazas Maghazi camp, killing at least 10 people and leaving dozens injured, according to local reports.

Not including the many casualties on April 6, since the October 11 ceasefire, at least 723 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed and 1,990 injured, according to Gazas Health Ministry. Approximately 100 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed since the US and Israel launched their war on Iran. In addition, a citizen died as a result of a building collapse, bringing the number of people in Gaza killed by building collapses to 29, according to the ministry.

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Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation continued to deteriorate sharply as the entry of aid into the devastated Strip remains severely restricted by Israel. The Gaza Ministry of Health issued an urgent warning on April 2 that the complete unavailability of fuel in the local market poses a genuine threat of death to hundreds of patients in intensive care and those relying on neonatal incubators and dialysis units, while risking the spoilage of childhood vaccines and blood bank supplies. Long queues were photographed outside a single bread distribution point on al-Wehda Street in Gaza City.

The Gaza Center for Human Rights warned this week that approximately 71,000 tonnes of unexploded ordnance remain buried across the Strip, with seven people, including five children, already killed by unexploded munitions. More than 1 million people remain living in tents or in the open, with the Health Ministry warning of rising rodent populations and the risk of disease outbreaks, including plague and hantavirus.





Settler attacks and military raids continue across the West Bank

While this week saw a slight drop in the feverish intensity of settler attacks in the occupied West Bank that began with the launch of the US-Israel war on Iran on February 28, the daily occurrences of settler violence, military raids and movement restrictions continued nonetheless.

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The most serious attack took place on April 4, when more than 40 settlers  some armed, some on government-supplied Ranger ATVs  raided the villages of Jalud and Qusra, south of Nablus, attacking homes and residents. According to locals, when residents attempted to defend themselves, settlers opened fire.

Locals say Israeli soldiers reinforced the settlers rather than stopping them. Settlers then burned a farm and attacked firefighters who rushed to extinguish the blaze, severely beating one worker, Zahran Shanablah, 32, until he lost consciousness. The attack originated from the Jabel Ein Eina outpost  the same outpost from which settlers descended on Qusra on March 14 to kill a resident. The day before, settlers had cut off electricity to the villages Ras al-Ein area and arrived with clubs when residents went to repair the grid.

Also on April 4, more than 40 settlers invaded Turmus Aya, north of Ramallah, attacking residents, damaging vehicles, and partially burning a truck before opening live fire on youths who confronted them.

In Masafer Yatta, in the southern West Bank, the pattern of settlers attacking shepherds and releasing livestock into crops  followed by soldiers detaining Palestinians rather than settlers  continued for multiple days in communities including Wadi Abu Shaban, Rujum Ali, and Shaab al-Batim.

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In the village of al-Mughayyir, northeast of Ramallah, soldiers have been reported as closing the village entrance on a near-daily basis, beating and robbing residents during searches, and, on one occasion, deploying what local activists described as a nerve agent, causing residents, including elderly people and children, to lose consciousness. The nature of the gas employed remains unconfirmed.

Despite recent claims by the Israeli government of a renewed effort to crack down on settler violence and new settler outposts, particularly in Area B, the part of the West Bank under joint Israeli and Palestinian control, a new illegal settler outpost was established between Tayasir and Aqqaba, east of Tubas. Another outpost was set up on lands northwest of Sinjil in Area B, where soldiers have since barred farmers from their lands.

Also this week, the Israeli Civil Administration deposited a planning document that the Palestinian Authoritys Jerusalem governorate warned is designed to forcibly displace Bedouin communities east of Jerusalem, including Khan al-Ahmar, Abu Nuwar and Arab al-Jahalin, from their pastoral land into a confined urban settlement. The governorate described the plan as directly linked to the E1 settlement project connecting Maale Adumim to Jerusalem, and said it constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.

In a separate legal development, an Israeli high court extended the administrative detention of Palestinian activist Rabia Abu Naim by a further three months  following an initial six-month period  without charge or trial.




Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg criticized President Donald Trump's proposed budget, saying it prioritizes foreign wars over essential services at home, leaving Americans to shoulder the cost.

$500 Billion Trump War Budget Draws Criticism

On Saturday, Buttigieg wrote in a post on X, "Trump's new budget adds an extra $500 billion to fund wars abroad  about $3,700 more for every household in America  while cutting health, jobs, housing, and education.

He added, "Put simply, it takes more of your money for foreign wars, while making life in America even more unaffordable."

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Buttigieg framed the budget as a shift of resources away from domestic priorities.

Trump's new budget adds an extra $500 billion to fund wars abroad  about $3,700 more for every household in America  while cutting health, jobs, housing, and education.



Put simply, it takes more of your money for foreign wars, while making life in America even more  Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) April 3, 2026

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Democratic Leaders Slam Trump's $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget

Top Democratic leaders criticized President Trump's budget for prioritizing massive military spending over domestic needs.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called the plan "rotten to the core," citing cuts to energy, housing, and education while increasing financial strain on American families.

My Statement on Trump's Budget: It's Rotten to the Core pic.twitter.com/FbVDbqzSZ0  Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 3, 2026

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) slammed Trump, saying, "No money to lower energy costs for American families, but $1 billion a day for Trump's war in Iran," criticizing the budget for prioritizing military spending over domestic relief.

No money to lower energy costs for American families, but $1 billion a day for Trump's war in Iran. https://t.co/OnNSBscoHA  Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) April 4, 2026

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Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) warned the budget threatens Medicare and Medicaid, saying, "No way. No how. We will fight this."

Donald Trump wants $1.5 TRILLION of your taxpayer dollars  a 40 percent increase in defense spending  to help support his war with Iran.



Meanwhile, he says we can't afford Medicare and Medicaid, and wants to gut your health care.



No way. No how. We will fight this. pic.twitter.com/o3LFmUKQDg  Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) April 3, 2026

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Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-Ill.) pointed to rising gas prices, measles outbreaks, struggling farms, and higher grocery costs as signs of misaligned priorities.

Gas prices are up.

Measles is back.

Farms are folding.

Tariffs are raising grocery costs.

Americans have been sent to fight another Middle East war.



WHERE IS DONALD TRUMP? pic.twitter.com/XcyxlvHs0C  JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) April 5, 2026

See Also: Fast Company Calls It a Groundbreaking Step for the Creator Economy'  Investors Can Still Get In at $0.91/Share

Trump Defended Defense Budget Amid Ammo Shortages

Last month, President Trump defended a proposed defense budget increase, blaming depleted ammunition stockpiles on U.S. aid to Ukraine and criticizing former President Joe Biden for not replenishing supplies.

He highlighted Lockheed Martin and Raytheon ramping up production and opening new factories.

Trump said the U.S. was in strong defensive shape but wanted it "in the best shape" and avoided answering questions on troop deployments.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the budget would cover past and future needs, while Kevin Hassett reported the U.S.-Iran conflict had cost $12 billion, with no extra funding needed from Congress.

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This article Pete Buttigieg Criticizes Trump Budget For Prioritizing Foreign Wars Over Domestic Needs, 'Making Life In America Even More Unaffordable' originally appeared on Benzinga.com
A plane was forced to return to a Massachusetts airport on Monday after the main cabin door popped open mid-flight, officials said.

The door on Cape Air flight 5001 opened shortly after the plane departed Nantucket Memorial Airport, a spokesperson for the airline said in a statement shared with Boston 25 News.

"Yesterday morning, shortly after departing Nantucket Memorial Airport, flight #5001 experienced an issue in which the upper portion of the main cabin door opened while in flight," the statement read.

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The plane continued to operate normally, returning to Nantucket Memorial Airport safely without further incident, according to the airline.

Officials said the aircraft in question has been taken out of service for further evaluation.

"We are following all established safety procedures and will take any necessary actions based on our findings," the statement continued. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority.

A passenger shared video of the incident with the Nantucket Current.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Two men are dead following an apparent murder-suicide at an extended stay hotel in the central valley, according to Las Vegas Metro police.

The incident occurred on Monday around 3:41 p.m. in the 1500 block of Flamingo Road near Maryland Parkway. Police received a 911 call that a gunshot had been heard and that a man had been found shot and injured.

When officers arrived, they found a man in his 30s dead. During their investigation, they learned that a person witnessed an elderly man leaving the area at the time of the shooting and going into a room, and then heard another gunshot.

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When officers made entry into that room, they found the elderly man in his 80s suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

When a medical team arrived at the scene, they pronounced both men dead.

LVMPD investigating a homicide at MainStay suites (Aaron Arellano/KLAS) LVMPD investigating a homicide at MainStay suites (Aaron Arellano/KLAS) LVMPD investigating a homicide at MainStay suites (Aaron Arellano/KLAS)

Police told 8 News Now the man shot and killed worked at the MainStay Suites hotel and was a fairly new employee. The elderly man was identified as a resident at the hotel by the police.

No other information was released.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
THE HAGUE, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The Dutch government signed a contract with the American company Raytheon on Tuesday to acquire an additional Patriot air defense system, the Ministry of Defence announced.

"The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East underscore the importance of strong air defense. That is why I am signing today for an additional Patriot fire unit," Dutch State Secretary for Defence Derk Boswijk said in a social media post, adding that the move is intended to strengthen the protection of both the Netherlands and its NATO allies.

The Patriot system consists of several components, including a launch station, a control station and a radar. The agreement also covers spare parts and a logistical reserve.

"The new contract underscores our ambition to respond quickly and effectively to evolving threats in the airspace," the Dutch Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

According to local media RTL News, two Dutch Patriot systems are currently deployed in Poland as part of NATO operations to counter potential Russian threats. One system remains stationed in the Netherlands, while a fourth, which was ordered last year, has yet to be delivered. With this latest purchase, the total number of Dutch Patriot systems will rise to five.

The exact delivery date of the new system has not been disclosed, though it is expected to be before 2030. 
Police are searching for a suspect in connection to a deadly carjacking in Newark over the weekend.

Authorities say 46-year-old Jhon Aponte Alarcon left his car unattended while delivering packages around 12:45 p.m. on Saturday.

That's when police say the alleged carjacker jumped in the driver's seat of the vehicle and took off.

Alarcon grabbed onto the car in an attempt to stop the suspect from driving off.

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The vehicle then traveled southbound on Bergen Street before crashing into a parked car, causing it to overturn and crush Alarcon.

Police say the suspect got out of the vehicle and ran off on foot.

Alarcon was taken to University Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Police are still searching for the suspect, and the investigation is ongoing.

The public is encouraged to report any information related to this incident by contacting the Essex County Prosecutors Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. All calls will remain confidential.
Tuesdays threats from President Donald Trump to destroy a whole civilization should Iran fail to meet his deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz have drawn an uncommon rebuke from the leader of the Catholic Church, who calls Trumps remarks unacceptable.

The response from Pope Leo XIV, who oversees the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics, marks a rarity: Popes rarely respond directly to a world leader. Recent weeks, however, have seen the American-born pontiff voice increasing disapproval of the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

Today, as we all know, there was this threat against the entire people of Iran, and this is truly unacceptable, Pope Leo said while addressing journalists outside his residence Tuesday in Castel Gandolfo, Italy. There are certainly issues here of international law, but even more than that, it is a moral question for the good of the (worlds) people.

See how Middle Eastern countries are caught in the crossfire of the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran.

Bahrain

Smoke rises in the sky after blasts were heard in Manama, Bahrain, Feb. 28, 2026. Syria

Syrian children stand on the wreckage of an Iranian rocket that was reportedly intercepted by Israeli forces in the southern countryside of Quneitra, near the Golan Heights, close to the town of Ghadir al-Bustan. Iraq

A plume of smoke rises near Erbil International Airport in Erbil on March 1, 2026. Loud explosions were heard early on March 1 near Erbil airport, which hosts US-led coalition troops in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, an AFP journalist said. Iraq

Members and officers from the Iraqi Interior Ministry's Explosives Directorate inspect the fuel tank of a rocket that landed in a rural village in the Siyahi area near the city of Hilla in the central Babil province on March 1, 2026. Iraq, which has recently regained a sense of stability but has long been a proxy battleground between the U.S. and Iran, warned that it did not want to be dragged into the war that started on Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Qatar

A prayer appealing to God for protection is projected on the dome of al-Hazm shopping mall in Doha on March 1, 2026. Qatar

Motorists drive past a plume of smoke rising from a reported Iranian strike in the industrial district of Doha on March 1, 2026. Bahrain

A building that was damaged by an Iranian drone attack, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, March 1, 2026. Saudi Arabia

The empty terminal at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is pictured on March 1, 2026. Global airlines cancelled flights across the Middle East after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Saturday, plunging the region into a new conflict. In Saudi Arabia, Iranian missiles targeting Riyadh's international airport and the Prince Sultan Airbase, which houses U.S. military personnel, were intercepted, a Gulf source briefed on the matter told AFP. United Arab Emirates

A food delivery bike drive close to a plume of smoke rising from the Zayed Port following a reported Iranian strike in Abu Dhabi on March 1, 2026. United Arab Emirates

An oil tanker is pictured offshore in Dubai on March 1, 2026. Attacks have damaged tankers, and many ship owners, oil majors and trading houses suspended crude oil, fuel and liquefied natural gas shipments via the Strait of Hormuz. Oman

Smoke billows from an oil tanker under U.S. sanctions, that was hit off Oman's Musandam peninsula, in this screen grab from a video obtained by Reuters on March 1, 2026. Kuwait

Smoke rises from a reported Iranian strike in the area where the U.S. Embassy is located in Kuwait City on March 2, 2026. Black smoke was seen rising from the U.S. embassy in Kuwait City on March 2 after the latest volley of Iranian strikes, an AFP correspondent saw, Saudi Arabia

A satellite image shows efforts to control a fire as smoke rises in the Ras Tanura oil refinery in Saudi Arabia after a drone attack, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia March 2, 2026. Turkey

People make their way after crossing from Iran into Turkey at the Kapikoy Border Gate in eastern Van province,Turkey, March 2, 2026. United Arab Emirates

Delivery persons ride motorcycles along a road as a tall smoke plume billows following an explosion in the Fujairah industrial zone on March 3, 2026. United Arab Emirates

Pieces of missiles and drones recovered after Iran's strikes are displayed during a press briefing by the UAE government held in Abu Dhabi on March 3, 2026. Iran stepped up its attacks on economic targets and US missions across the Middle East on March 3, as the US president warned it was "too late" for the Islamic republic to seek talks to escape the war. As drones and missiles crashed into oil facilities and U.S. embassies in the Gulf, Washington's ally Israel bombarded targets in Iran and pushed troops deeper into Lebanon to battle the Tehran-backed militia Hezbollah. Lebanon

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut on March 3, 2026. The Israeli military issued new evacuation orders for dozens of locations in Lebanon on March 3, including warning residents in two southern Beirut neighbourhoods to stay away from several buildings ahead of an imminent operation. Lebanon

Emergency personnel work at the site of an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, Lebanon, March 3, 2026. Lebanon

Rescuers gather at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the Jamaa Islamiya offices in the southern Lebanese coastal city of Sidon on March 3, 2026. United Arab Emirates

Tankers are seen off the coast of the Fujairah, as Iran vows to close the Strait of Hormuz, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, March 3, 2026. See how the Iran wars fallout is hitting the Middle East 1 of 20 See how Middle Eastern countries are caught in the crossfire of the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran.

Bahrain

Smoke rises in the sky after blasts were heard in Manama, Bahrain, Feb. 28, 2026.

The presidents harsh words were delivered in an expletive-laden post Tuesday morning on Truth Social, where he wrote that a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will.

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Trumps shocking threats to obliterate Iranian infrastructure has drawn bipartisan backlash in the U.S., as well as from religious leaders. In Michigan, Muslim leaders denounced the presidents message as a dangerous escalation that undermines both international stability and the moral fabric of public discourse while Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, called on Trump to step back from the precipice of war.

The threat of destroying a whole civilization and the intentional targeting of civilian infrastructure cannot be morally justified, Coakley said. There are other ways to resolve conflict between peoples.

In his April 7 remarks, the pope called Trumps threats to blow up Iranian bridges and power plants against international law and urged Catholics around the world to voice their objections to political leaders and encourage them to find ways to quash the growing regional conflict.

"People want peace," he said. "I would invite the citizens of all the countries involved to contact the authorities  political leaders, congressmen  to ask them to work for peace."

Pope Leo XIV speaks to the media on the U.S.Israeli conflict with Iran, as he leaves the papal residence to head back to the Vatican, in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, April 7, 2026. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

Irans ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said the threats constitute incitement to war crimes and potentially genocide, and added that Iran rejects any agreement that does not involve a long-term end to the conflict. Iran has vowed to retaliate against any U.S. military escalation with strikes on its Gulf neighbors' infrastructure.

With reporting by Reuters.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pope Leo XIV calls Trump's Iran threats 'unacceptable,' urges peace
ROME (AP)  Pope Leo XIV said Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trumps threat to destroy Iranian civilization was truly unacceptable and said any attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law.

In some of his strongest comments yet against the war, the American pope urged Americans and other people of good will to contact their political leaders and congressional representatives to demand they reject war and work for peace.

Today as we all know there was this threat against all the people of Iran. This is truly unacceptable, Leo said as he left his country house in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome.

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He was referring to Trumps threat that a whole civilization will die tonight if Iran fails to meet his latest deadline to strike a deal that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Leo recalled his Easter appeal for peace and to reject war, "especially a war which many people have said is an unjust war, which is continuing to escalate, and which is not resolving anything.

He invited all people of good will to contact their political leaders and congressional representatives to remind them that attacks on civilian infrastructure are against international law" and also are a "sign of the hatred, the division, the destruction human beings are capable of, and we all want to work for peace.

In recent weeks, historys first U.S.-born pope has escalated the tone of his opposition to the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran after initially issuing muted appeals for peace and dialogue.

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Last week for the first time, Leo publicly named Trump in saying he hoped the U.S. president was truly looking for an off-ramp.

The Vatican has a tradition of diplomatic neutrality and it is rare for a pope to name a political leader or country specifically in a critical way. But the war in Iran has nudged even a reserved pope to break with typical protocol.

On Tuesday, Leo didnt cite Trump by name but in comments in English he urged people to contact their political leaders and congressional representatives to ask them, tell them to work for peace and to reject war.

We have a worldwide economic crisis, an energy crisis, (a) situation in the Middle East of great instability, which is only provoking more hatred throughout the world, he said.

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He said the message to political leaders should be: Come back to the table, lets talk, let's look for solutions in a peaceful way and lets remember especially the innocent children, the elderly, sick, so many people who have already become or will become victims of this continued warfare.

The Vatican is particularly concerned about how the Iran conflict has spread to a renewed war in Lebanon between Israel and the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant Hezbollah group. The Vatican fears for Christians in southern Lebanon, who are an important bulwark for the church in the region.

Earlier in the day, the Vatican released a special message from Leo to the residents of Debel, Lebanon after a convoy carrying over 40 tons of aid led by the Vatican was prevented from arriving with an Easter shipment. It was canceled for what Lebanons Maronite Church said were security reasons.

In the message, Leo expressed solidarity with the injustices that the Christians of southern Lebanon are enduring and compared them to Christs suffering.

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In your misfortune, in the injustice you endure, in the feeling of abandonment you experience, you are very close to Jesus. You are close to Him also on this Easter Day when He conquered the forces of evil, and which resonates for you as a promise of the future, read the message, which was written in French and was signed by the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Leo visited Lebanon late last year on his first international trip as pope.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
The spectrum looked almost empty.

That was the clue. In the faint light from a red giant star called SDSS J0715-7334, astronomers found barely any sign of the heavier elements that later generations of stars forged and scattered across space. As a result, what remained was something close to a chemical time capsule. It was a star so chemically primitive that researchers now call it the most pristine star known.

The finding, published in Nature Astronomy, points to an object born from material touched by only the earliest stellar deaths. This likely makes it one of the clearest surviving records of the young universe.

Students from University of Chicago professor Alexander Jis Field Course in Astrophysics class pose in front of the Magellan Clay telescope at Carnegie Sciences Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. They are using their bodies to spell MIKE, referencing the Magellan Inamori Kyocera Echelle (MIKE) spectrograph instrument that they used on the telescope to make their breakthrough discovery. (CREDIT: Zhongyuan Zhang)

These pristine stars are windows into the dawn of stars and galaxies in the universe, said Alexander Ji of the University of Chicago, who led the work.

A rare survivor from a very early cosmos

After the Big Bang, the universe began as a hot, dense mix of particles. As it expanded and cooled, hydrogen and helium gas gathered into the first stars. Those first stars were thought to be massive and short-lived. Before dying, they forged heavier elements, what astronomers call metals, and blew them into space. Later stars formed from that enriched debris.

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That is what makes SDSS J0715-7334 remarkable. It appears to come from just the second generation of stars. This generation formed after the first stellar explosions but before the cosmos had been heavily enriched.

Deeper analysis showed the star has less than 0.005 percent of the Suns metal content. The research team reported a metallicity upper limit of less than 7.8  10. This makes it about twice as metal-poor as the previous record holder, J1029+1729. In addition, its iron and carbon levels are especially low. The star is also more than ten times more metal-poor than the most iron-poor star known. This is a reminder that iron alone does not tell the whole story.

All of the heavier elements in the universe, which astronomers call metals, were produced by stellar processes, from fusion reactions occurring within stars to supernovae explosions to collisions between very dense stars, Ji said. So, finding a star with very little metal content in it told this group of students that theyd come across something very special.

Carbon and iron abundances of ultra-metal-poor stars. J07157334 is shown as a large red star. Black points show a literature sample. Colored points highlight eight other notable stars, with 1D LTE abundances shown as small open symbols and a combination of 1D NLTE, 3D LTE and 3D NLTE analyses shown as large solid colored symbols. (CREDIT: Nature Astronomy)

Found in a survey, confirmed in Chile

The discovery began in data from the fifth-generation Sloan Digital Sky Survey, or SDSS-V, which takes millions of optical and infrared spectra across the sky. Ji and his students used those survey data to flag stars with extremely low heavy-element content. Then, they traveled to Carnegie Sciences Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. There, they used the Magellan telescopes to gather sharper, high-resolution spectra.

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The star was confirmed during their first Magellan observing run.

We have to look in our cosmic backyard to find these objects, because we cant yet observe individual stars at the dawn of star formation, said Juna Kollmeier, a Carnegie astrophysicist who leads SDSS-V. Since these stars are rare, surveys like SDSS-V are designed to have the statistical power to find these needles in the stellar haystack and test our theories of star formation and explosion.

The Las Campanas site played a central role. Data from the du Pont telescope, gathered through SDSS-Vs Milky Way mapping, helped identify the candidate. Meanwhile, the Magellan Clay telescope delivered the spectrum that proved just how unusual it was.

The ecosystem of telescopes at Las Campanas was critical to nearly every aspect of this breakthrough work, said Michael Blanton, Director and Crawford H. Greenewalt Chair of the Carnegie Science Observatories.

The twin Magellan telescopes at Carnegie Sciences Las Campanas Observatory in Chile drive discovery across astronomy and astrophysics, observing objects ranging from exoplanet systems to star-forming regions and supernova remnants to interacting galaxies. The UChicago students discovered. (CREDIT: Carnegie Science Observatories)

A galactic immigrant with a deeper message

The star sits about 80,000 light-years from Earth. By combining their observations with data from the European Space Agencys Gaia mission, the team concluded that SDSS J0715-7334 was likely born in or near the Large Magellanic Cloud. Later, it was pulled into the Milky Way. In that sense, it is a galactic immigrant.

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Its chemistry matters as much as its orbit. The team found that the stars carbon content is so low that it likely could not have formed through a process called atomic fine structure cooling. Therefore, that leaves dust cooling as the required mechanism. This makes SDSS J0715-7334 only the second known star to provide such evidence. The result suggests dust-driven low-mass star formation operated not only in the Milky Way, but in other environments as well.

The researchers also matched the stars elemental pattern to models of metal-free Population III supernovae. Their best fit points to a progenitor star of about 27 solar masses. It also shows a high explosion energy around 6.0  10 erg.

Even so, the paper leaves room for caution. The exact metallicity still depends on assumptions about unmeasured elements, especially nitrogen and oxygen. The team also notes that more stars this metal-poor, found in different environments, will be needed to test bigger ideas about how the first stars formed.

My first visit to LCO is where I really fell in love with astronomy, and it was special to share such a formative experience with my students, Ji said.

The past orbit of J07157334 and the LMC in Galactic coordinates on-sky, overlaid on the distribution of all stars observed by Gaia. (CREDIT: background ESA/Gaia image, A. Moitinho, A. F. Silva, M. Barros, C. Barata, University of Lisbon; H. Savietto, Fork Research)

Practical implications of the research

This discovery gives astronomers a cleaner benchmark for testing how the first stars changed the universe. It strengthens the case that dust helped later low-mass stars form, even in environments beyond the Milky Way.

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It also offers a nearby target for studying conditions that telescopes still cannot resolve directly in the early universe.

For now, SDSS J0715-7334 serves as a rare local record of a cosmic era that mostly survives only in theory.

Research findings are available online in the journal Nature Astronomy.

The original story Pristine star reveals the dawn of stars and galaxies in the universe is published in The Brighter Side of News.

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NEW YORK  Multiple activists were arrested for occupying the lobby of the Palantir building in the West Village after a protest in which Mayor Zohran Mamdani stood with hundreds of Jewish New Yorkers on the sixth night of Passover to protest the federal immigration crackdown.

Mamdani joined more than 500 activists at Union Square for Sedar in the Streets, a protest in which demonstrators recite prayers, sing songs and rally against corporate collusion with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

Thank you for showing us what it looks like, showing us what it means to live out the lessons of Passover, Mamdani said. Lessons of hope overcoming fear, of solidarity being able to overcome isolation, and the knowledge that at the end of the story, freedom is attained, and with it the sweetness of liberation.

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After rallying at the park, the protesters headed to Palantirs offices, located about a half mile west, at 45 W. 18th St. near Sixth Avenue, where they joined another demonstration in which more than two dozen activists occupied the buildings lobby as hundreds more waited outside.

Police took multiple protesters into custody after orders to vacate the building were ignored, according to an NYPD spokesman. Charges remained pending Monday night.

_____
A small Wisconsin city upended by a data center backed by President Donald Trump is set to vote Tuesday on a referendum that could reshape grassroots resistance to AI projects nationwide.

The vote in Port Washington, a lakeside town of roughly 12,000 people just north of Milwaukee, appears to be the first time any U.S. municipality will go to the ballot to kneecap data center development. It marks an aggressive new tactic in an escalating movement to oppose the hulking artificial intelligence factories  and offers a potential blueprint for other small towns challenging Big Tech.

"I'm not aware of another ballot referendum that has been taken directly to the voters yet," said Brad Tietz, state policy director for the Data Center Coalition, which represents tech companies and developers. If this trend continues and grows, it's going to have significant consequences for our economic competitiveness [and] our national security. I don't think that can be understated.

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The vote comes as companies descend on Middle America to build the data centers, which are major priorities for the White House and the U.S. tech sector but the object of scorn for roughly 3 in 10 U.S. voters who, according to a recent POLITICO poll, say they would oppose a facility being built in their area. At least three other U.S. cities are gearing up for referendums of their own this year, in a growing trend that pits grassroots organizers against some of the worlds richest companies.

If it passes Tuesday, the referendum wont actually derail the proposed $15 billion, 1.3-gigawatt data center campus from OpenAI and Oracle, one of multiple Stargate AI infrastructure megaprojects that the companies are planning with Trumps support. Rather, it would allow residents to potentially obstruct future projects by requiring city leaders to obtain voter approval before awarding developers lucrative tax incentives.

The backers, a group of roughly a dozen Port Washington residents who formed a nonprofit in October to organize against the project, placed the measure on the ballot after connecting on Facebook and protesting at city council meetings. Organizers said that it took roughly 10 days to collect the approximately 1,000 signatures needed to qualify their measure.

"None of us are specifically anti-development," said Carri Prom, a former nurse practitioner and mom of three who co-founded the nonprofit Great Lakes Neighbors United late last year to resist the Port Washington project. "We're not even really anti-tech. It's just that we want responsible development, and we want responsible tech moving forward."



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The group's largely social media-organized protest campaign has gone viral thanks in part to impassioned coverage from internet-famous comedian and staunch AI critic Charlie Berens. Protests have spilled over into local city council meetings, including one where Great Lakes Neighbors United co-founder Christine Le Jeune and two other women were arrested.

She and Prom, both of whom spoke to POLITICO, said they werent deeply involved in politics before the data center fight, and that they had known each other for just a few weeks when they first created the organization.

Weve just banded together as a group of concerned citizens who really had enough of the way things were going, Le Jeune said.

In emails to POLITICO, spokespeople for OpenAI and Oracle touted the Port Washington projects expected financial benefits and sustainable features, such as a closed-loop cooling system that recycles water. The project will run primarily on zero-emissions energy sources and create 4,000 skilled construction jobs, along with approximately 1,000 long-term jobs, according to Oracle.



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Were paying our own way on energy so ratepayers bills and electric grid reliability are not impacted by our data center. We plan to invest $175 million in local infrastructure upgrades to improve water mains, sewer lines, a new water tower, and power, Oracle spokesperson Michael Egbert said in a statement. We take similar approaches at all of our AI data center locations to deliver long-term value to the community.

OpenAI spokesperson Jamie Radice said the company appreciate[s] the opportunity to be part of the Port Washington community, adding: Projects like this support tools people rely on every day, and we take that responsibility seriously.

The White House didn't respond to a request for comment on the referendum or on concerns surrounding the Stargate project in Port Washington.

Were a Rust Belt city

Data center angst is particularly acute in the Rust Belt, where decades of deindustrialization has fostered disillusionment with politics and large corporations.

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In Port Washington and across Southeast Wisconsin, now a data center hot spot that includes a megaproject from Microsoft and another proposed large-scale campus from Meta, leaders have touted the project as much-needed economic revitalization  only for local activists to push back over concerns about transparency, noise pollution, freshwater use and increased energy costs. Skeptics fear the AI boom is yet another overzealous promise that will flame out, leaving them to foot the bill.

Nationally, according to POLITICO polling, fears of higher electricity bills, rolling blackouts and increased taxpayer costs are voters top concerns about data center construction.

This referendum is just a natural reaction to that, said Amy Barrileaux, communications director for an environmental group, Clean Wisconsin, that has criticized the proposed Port Washington project. It is people trying to get some kind of control over what is going on.

Trump says the facilities are essential to U.S. technological dominance, while insisting tech giants should pay their own way to offset related costs and avoid spikes in utility bills for everyday Americans.

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Tech giants like Meta, Google, Amazon and others are racing to accelerate the AI models that data centers power, and theyve spent millions on ad campaigns and political lobbying to advance their goal, arguing that AI is essential to national security and humanitys future.

The data center industry is the foundation, the backbone of our economy today, said Tietz of the Data Center Coalition. Prohibiting them from entering markets is going to have a larger impact.



Nationwide, at least three other communities  Monterey Park in California, Augusta Township in rural Michigan and Janesville, an industrial town in Southern Wisconsin  are slated to weigh data center-related ballot measures in 2026 elections. In Ohio, grassroots organizers are attempting to place a ban of data centers over 25 megawatts on the statewide ballot in November.

We feel like we're in emergency mode, said Jessica Baker, a real estate agent and one of the organizers who filed the Ohio ballot measure petition last month.

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The resistance has already driven away at least one developer in Monterey Park: Australian firm HMC Capital last week withdrew its plans for a 250,000 square foot facility in the Los Angeles suburb, according to a letter posted to Facebook by the citys mayor.

But data center proponents in business and government contend that criticisms of the computing facilities impacts are exaggerated, pointing to mixed findings in recent research. They argue data centers are a rare opportunity for small towns to grow their local tax base, fund schools and revitalize their community  and that blocking the facilities is short-sighted.

We can bring some significant development to our city, because we lost all of our industry in the early 2000s. Were a Rust Belt city, said Port Washington Mayor Ted Neitzke. And now we have this going to the vote, and it could really mess up our city.

NIMBY or not?

The Port Washington referendum campaign has prompted Neitzke and other project proponents to defend the facilitys merits, leading to skirmishes with activists.

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Vantage Data Centers, the company partnering with OpenAI and Oracle to construct the Stargate facility in Port Washington, has advertised the project in a billboard ad along a major freeway in the area, Le Jeune said. Its also offered free car washes to residents whose vehicles were coated in dust kicked up by construction of the data center campus. (Vantage representatives didnt respond to a request for comment.)

Neitzke told POLITICO that he and other city officials have tried to be transparent about the project. He said the city has held hearings to discuss the plan and that government leaders refused to sign nondisclosure agreements with project developers  only to be met with angry protests and anonymous death threats.

The mayor said he also met with Berens, the comedian, for two hours to try and diffuse tensions. He described the conversation as very friendly but felt there was confirmation bias taking place. (Berens didnt respond to a request for comment.)

We had to bring in the sheriff's department one night, it got so weird. We had an arrest in our council chambers, Neitzke said, referencing a December city council meeting where Le Jeune and two other women were arrested and ticketed for disorderly conduct. It's scaring other communities out of any digital development.

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Le Jeune contends she was civil during the meeting and said the arrest was unnecessary, calling it an absolutely shocking and horrific experience. She said her and the two other women plan to appeal the citations in court.

Neitzke and local business leaders argue the proposed referendum would stifle all kinds of future development because it targets the biggest financing tool that Wisconsin communities rely on to spur economic growth  called tax incremental districts, or TIDs  instead of proposing a blanket ban on data center development. The measure as drafted would require city leaders to seek voter approval before creating a TID with a base value of $10 million or more.

You can't tell a prospect that you need to wait for an election, let alone tell them that they have to put their company on a ballot. It will be a killer for economic development, said Dale Kooyenga, president of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce and a former Republican state senator.

MMAC filed a lawsuit seeking to block the referendum that could be heard within days after Tuesdays vote.



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That hasnt deterred organizers. Prom and Le Jeune argued that increased citizen oversight shouldn't be a burden for noncontroversial projects and that nearly all other recent TIDs in Port Washington were small enough that they wouldnt have needed citizen approval under the proposed referendum.

They also framed the referendum as their only option to head off future data center projects after leaders plowed ahead to approve the Stargate project and after a recall effort targeting Neitzke flopped.

It seemed like something we could do now, Prom said of the referendum. We didn't want this to happen in the same fashion again, for the public financing just to be given to these multibillion-dollar companies.

Meanwhile, independent Wisconsin municipal finance experts told POLITICO the measure appears legally vulnerable because it would expand the scope of local referenda power beyond whats explicitly dictated in state law. One of those experts, University of Wisconsin, Madison, urban planning professor Kurt Paulsen, said he thought the case may end up in the state Supreme Court.

The question is, can you actually submit something to a referendum that is not required in [state] statutes? Paulsen said. The idea that every expenditure needs to go to voter approval is just incredibly cumbersome.

The referendum is also calling attention to the policy vacuum at the state level. While lawmakers introduced multiple proposals last year to standardize rules for data centers, the bills stalled amid partisan division. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers signaled he would veto a Republican-led proposal to regulate the facilities, while a separate, Democratic-led measure with more stringent sustainability requirements failed to receive a floor vote in the Republican-controlled Legislature.

We're going to continue to have these fights, municipality by municipality, project by project, until we make some sort of decision, Paulsen said. But if we say everybody gets to be a NIMBY, then we don't get the products and economic development that we say we want.
Stephen Miller earned himself an awkward college nickname with a bizarre introduction at his freshman orientation for Duke University.

The White House deputy chief of staff, who is the architect of some of President Donald Trumps most hardline policies, attended Duke from 2003 to 2007, earning a bachelors degree in political science.

While there, he struck his classmates as odd and combative, focused more on building his personal brand than socializingeven with other conservatives.

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At freshman orientation, Miller, 40, introduced himself by saying, Hi, Im Stephen Miller. Im from Santa Monica, California, and I like guns, according to a new report in the Duke Chronicle.

The line, which appeared designed to attract attention, quickly earned him the nickname Guns, sources told the Chronicle.

He also liked to carry around a metal sword, according to the paper.

Miller looked and acted like an old man, according to a woman who lived in his freshman dorm.

He walked around in a weird, brown bathrobe, drinking scotch and smoking cigarettes, former classmate Amy Terwilleger told the Chronicle.

Former classmates said they couldnt recall President Trumps deputy chief of staff spending much time with friends. / Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

In some ways, he was just a normal 18-year-old kid, she said. He just did these things and said these things that were just so odd, so off the wall, that you didnt take it seriously like typical kids trying to get attentionthey say kind of outrageous things.

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Miller didnt respond to the Chronicles request for comment. The Daily Beast has reached out as well.

In 2005, Miller began writing a column for the Duke Chronicle called Miller Time in which he apparently delighted in defending seemingly indefensible positions, including rallying behind a radio show host who said that one way to reduce crime was to abort Black babies.

Millers column was widely hate-read, a fellow conservative columnist told the Chronicle, and helped establish him as a known presence on campus.

Stephen Miller, seen here in his high school yearbook photo, was accepted as a diversity pick for Dukes student newspaper. / ABC

He cultivated this personality where he didnt want to be close with anybody, his editor Seyward Darby said. He wanted to have really extreme positions and upset people, provoke people and just really set himself apart.

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At the time he was chosen to be a columnist, the paper was trying to offer a diversity of viewpoints, including at least one more conservative perspective, but in retrospect the paper probably shouldnt have published his pieces, Darby told the Chronicle.

Even his fellow conservatives at the Duke Conservative Union, where Miller was the executive director during his senior year, were put off by his unnecessarily over-the-top, provocative rhetoric, which many viewed as counterproductive, according to a former student government leader.

Most of his classmates were sick of him in college, and theyre definitely sick of him now, Darby told the Chronicle.

Theres still a sort of persistent feeling that he likes the attention, so I think people are like, Dont give him oxygen, she said, adding that for that reason, she declines most interview requests involving Miller.
At just 44 years old, Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman became a widower when he lost his wife Carroll to cancer.

Now six years later and nearly 250,000 miles from Earth, the moon mission's crew shared an emotional moment when it came time to name a crater they spotted from the Orion capsule on Monday, April 6.

"We would like to call it Carroll," said mission specialist Jeremy Hansen, his voice cracking as Wiseman patted his shoulder and wiped his tears.

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A number of years ago we started this journey, in our close-knit astronaut family we lost a loved one, Hansen said to Mission Control in Houston, adding that the crater "is in a really neat place on the moon."

He called it a bright spot on the lunar surface that can been seen from Earth during certain times of the lunar cycle.

Shortly after that, Wiseman and Hansen were hugging. Their crewmates, mission pilot Victor Glover and crew specialist Christina Koch, then joined them for a group hug.

Its all in the details. Check out these zoomed-in views of moon photos taken by the the Artemis II crew to see incredible lunar surface details. The lunar surface fills the frame in sharp detail, as seen during the Artemis II lunar flyby. Orientale basin is visible in this close-up, with a black patch of ancient lava in the center that punched through the Moons crust in an eruption billions of years ago. Moon crates are revealed in this detail of a photo captured by the Artemis II crew during their journey around the far side of the Moon on April 6. A close-up view shows the Vavilov Crater (left) an impact crater on the rim of the older and larger Hertzsprung basin. High-end digital cameras provide astronauts with powerful imaging tools that they can use to capture and share detailed views during their mission. We zoomed-in on Artemis moon photos. See the astonishing detail 1 of 6 Its all in the details. Check out these zoomed-in views of moon photos taken by the the Artemis II crew to see incredible lunar surface details.

It was a heartfelt moment for the history-making crew, which on Monday surpassed a record distance from Earth of 248,655 miles  set in 1970 during the infamous Apollo 13 mission, according to NASA.

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Carroll Wiseman "dedicated her life to helping others as a newborn intensive care unit Registered Nurse," NASA says. "Despite a long list of professional accolades, Reid considers his time as an only parent as his greatest challenge and the most rewarding phase of his life."

Reid and Carroll Wiseman are pictured.

Who was Carroll Wiseman?

Carroll Taylor Wiseman was 46 years old when she lost a five-year battle with cancer on May 17, 2020. She was survived by her husband, NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, the couple's two daughters, Katie and Ellie, and her parents. She also had a brother and a sister and was the aunt of seven nieces and nephews, according to her obituary.

Carroll Wiseman was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University as a pediatric nurse practitioner.

During her career, she worked at Childrens Hospital of the Kings Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia, and as a school nurse in Patuxent River, Maryland, and later in Friendswood, Texas, near her husband's job at NASA, her obituary said.

Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman addresses the media after the crew arrives at Kennedy Space Center, FL March 27, 2026 in advance of their launch on a mission to fly around the moon and back. Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

Just before his mission to the moon began last week, Reid Wiseman shared a selfie on Instagram with his now-teenage daughters and the spacecraft he'd be commanding for 10 days.

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"I love these two ladies," he wrote. "I'm boarding that rocket a very proud father."

Is the crater officially named Carroll?

The crater that the Artemis II crew wants to name Carroll has not yet been officially named. It's just a suggestion for now, NASA says.

The crater name proposal will be formerly submitted to the International Astronomical Union after the mission is over, the agency says. The union governs the naming of celestial bodies and their surface features, NASA says.

Contributing: Brooke Edwards, Florida Today

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Reid Wiseman's wife name suggested for moon crater in emotional moment
A Michigan woman who recently disappeared in the Bahamas after apparently going overboard on a dinghy is an experienced boater, her daughter said while calling for a detailed probe into the incident.

"It does seem suspicious," Karli Aylesworth told The Detroit News on Tuesday. "I just hope they do a thorough investigation."

Brian and Lynette Hooker are seen during a recent trip to Fort Myers Beach, Florida.

Police on the island of Abaco launched the investigation after 56-year-old Lynette Hooker went missing at sea on Saturday while traveling from Hope Town to Elbow Cay, Bahamian officials said.

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According to a preliminary investigation, a man reported to the Royal Bahamas Police Force that he and his wife departed from Hope Town at about 7:30 p.m. aboard an 8-foot dinghy for Elbow Cay, officials said in a news release.

Police said the man told officers his wife had gone overboard with the boat keys, causing the vessel's engine to shut off. He reported that strong currents carried her away, and he lost sight of her, investigators said.

The man told detectives that he paddled the dinghy to shore.

Officials said the man arrived at the Marsh Harbour Boat Yard in the Bahamas at about 4 a.m. Sunday. He informed a person at the boat yard, and that individual alerted the police, according to authorities.

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Aylseworth said her mother and stepfather, 58-year-old Brian Hooker, both of Onsted in Lenawee County, are avid travelers who had been in the Bahamas for about a month.

"It's just hard to believe that she would just fall overboard," said Aylseworth, 28, of Grand Rapids. "I just hope they find her so we can know exactly what happened."

Lynette Hooker

While in the Caribbean, the couple had been living on their boat, Aylseworth said. They had been married for about 25 years, she said.

She said the last news she got regarding the investigation was that authorities had located a floatation device that had been thrown to her mother when she went overboard.

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"If anyone knows anything, let me know," said Aylseworth. "Otherwise, support for our family now would be nice."

cramirez@detroitnews.com

mreinhart@detroitnews.com

@CharlesERamirez

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Michigan woman missing after going overboard in Bahamas: Officials
Police in Ethiopia have arrested a man accused of being at the centre of a multi-million-dollar international human trafficking ring that since 2018 has lured thousands of people to Libya, where they hoped to travel on to Europe.

Yetbarek Dawit is alleged to have operated five detention warehouses in Libya, torturing migrants there to try and force their relatives to send extra money.

He was detained along with nine of his alleged accomplices in northern town of Shire, according to police. They are yet to be charged in court.

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Police say testimonies collected so far suggest the network has been involved in the deaths of more than 100 people and the sexual abuse of more than 50 women.

The arrests were the result of a complex and cross-border investigation, the police said, involving an organisation called the Regional Operational Centre (Rock) - set up to tackle smuggling networks in East Africa and funded by the European Union.

Warning: This story contains details some may find distressing.

Photos of suspects - seven men and three women - taken after their arrest in Shire, which is in the northern region of Tigray and borders Eritrea and Sudan, were posted on the Ethiopian Federal Police's Facebook page.

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The traffickers are alleged to have transported more than 3,000 mainly young people from Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Sudan to Libya using various routes.

According to the police, Yetbarek is wanted internationally and uses a variety of aliases:

"Adhanom" in Sudan

"Ahmed" in Djibouti and Somalia

"Munir" in Kenya

"Kibrom" in Sweden and other European countries.

Armed with these names, investigators had been able to use advanced technology to track down Yetbarek, the police said.

The bank accounts of Yetbarek and his accomplices had been frozen and the properties belonging to the group confiscated, it added.

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Testimonies gathered from more than 100 alleged victims and their families living in Ethiopia, Libya, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK and Canada had also aided the investigation, the police said.

They told of the gruesome experience of those held in the warehouses in Libya - allegedly forced to contact their families to send more money to the traffickers.

Those who could not pay were allegedly given food only once a day and were subjected to extreme torture.

This allegedly included beatings with rubber, sticks and electric wires, being chained by their hands and feet, and having melted plastic dripped on to their bodies.

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Women were allegedly subjected to sexual violence, also resulting in severe physical and psychological injuries.

The group is believed to have generated more than $19m (14m) through these criminal activities, according to the police.

Following their arrest in Tigray, the 10 suspects were taken on Monday to the capital, Addis Ababa.

You may also be interested in:

[Getty Images/BBC]

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

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WASHINGTON, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Monday proposed a plan to ease hostilities between Iran and the United States, sharing the initiative with both capitals just as U.S. President Donald Trump's deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz approaches.

Describing the ceasefire negotiations with the Iranian side via intermediaries as "going well," Trump also threatened to destroy every bridge and power plant in Iran if no peace deal is reached with Tehran before 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time Tuesday night (0000 GMT Wednesday).

With tensions mounting across the region, there is little expectation that Iran will comply with Trump's demands. Why is a deal so hard to reach?

UNRELIABLE PROMISE

On Sunday, the United States, Iran, and regional intermediaries were reportedly holding talks centered on a 45-day pause in hostilities, the first stage of a broader two-phase agreement that may bring the conflict to a temporary close.

However, Tehran has been pushing for a permanent ceasefire, with assurances that neither the United States nor Israel would carry out further attacks, according to Iranian officials, who also said that Iran has received messages from mediators including Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt.

"We only accept an end of the war with guarantees that we won't be attacked again," reported The Associated Press, quoting Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, head of the Iranian diplomatic mission in Cairo.

In late March, U.S. media reported that Washington had conveyed a 15-point plan to Tehran through Pakistan in an effort to end the war. Iranian officials later dismissed the proposal, describing it as "excessive and disconnected from the realities on the battlefield."

Despite ongoing negotiations, U.S. airstrikes inside Iran have continued, prompting Iranian officials to prepare for further attacks and casting doubt on whether talks will limit military action.

"If attacks on civilian targets are repeated, the subsequent phases of our offensive and retaliatory operations will be carried out much more crushingly and extensively," Ebrahim Zolfaghari, an Iranian military spokesman, said on Monday.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the same day that a ceasefire would only give opponents time to regroup and commit further crimes.

As the deadline looms, analysts said that discussions are continuing, though they concede that the two sides remain far apart. They also questioned the reliability of the United States' assurances, noting that Washington has not stopped Israel from launching strikes on targets in Gaza, even after a ceasefire was reached last year.

"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," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday.

HORMUZ FACE-OFF

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pressing Trump to withhold any ceasefire deal unless Iran offers concessions, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, reported Axios, a U.S. digital news outlet.

Shortly after the United States and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, Iran effectively closed the critical waterway for global energy trade.

Since then, the United States has long made the immediate reopening of the strait a precondition for any agreement. Trump claimed Monday at a press conference that the United States should impose tolls on vessels passing through the strait, stressing that reopening the global energy chokepoint must be part of a deal to end the war.

"What about us charging tolls?" Trump said. "I'd rather do that than let them (Iranians) have them."

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints, saw roughly 20 million barrels of oil and oil products pass through each day in 2025 alone, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

"Iran's power is the Hormuz Strait," Araghchi said on March 25.

The Strait of Hormuz "will be reopened" when a portion of transit tolls is used to compensate for "all the damage caused" by the war, BBC reported, quoting Seyyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, a spokesman for the Iranian president's office.

Trump could also extend the deadline, a move he has done several times.

On March 26, Trump issued a second ultimatum in the span of a week, demanding that Iran fully reopen the strait to international shipping. In a later statement, he said that at Iran's request, he was "pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 days."

NUCLEAR PROGRAM

Trump and Tehran have long been at odds over Iran's nuclear program, and this is hardly the first confrontation. In June 2025, Trump suspended negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program and carried out strikes on three of its nuclear facilities.

In February this year, following a month marked by a significant U.S. military buildup in the region, Trump once again accused Tehran of dragging its feet in nuclear talks and launched with Israel attacks on Tehran.

"Only President Trump knows what he will do, and the entire world will find out tomorrow night if bridges and electric plants are annihilated," said White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly on Monday.

While United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said attacks on power plants and bridges would represent "a violation of international law," Trump dismissed the statement, saying, "You know what a war crime is? Having a nuclear weapon."

Iran is believed to be in possession of a stockpile of 60-percent enriched uranium that is reportedly buried "under the rubble" of its bombed nuclear facilities.

While the United States and Israel justified their strikes on Iran as targeting nuclear facilities, subsequent attacks also hit schools, civilian infrastructure, and hospitals.

"I would never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon," Trump said on April 1 in his first formal address to the nation since launching a war on Iran, accusing Tehran of trying to carry out "campaigns of terror, coercion, conquest and mass murder from behind a nuclear shield."

In early April, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States of launching a sudden attack on Iran amid ongoing negotiations, calling it a "war crime" for targeting the country's energy and industrial facilities.

Analysts suggested that U.S. strikes on Iran have gone far beyond nuclear facilities, inflicting economic damage that will be difficult to repair in the short term and creating a major obstacle to reaching any agreement. 
MADISON - Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson is pushing back against President Donald Trump's threats to destroy critical infrastructure in Iran, warning such a move could usher in the "end times."

Johnson made his comments a day before Trump said in a social media post that "a whole civilization" will be destroyed if Iranian officials do not fully open the Strait of Hormuz, a key choke point between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman in a trade route where large amounts of the world's oil and liquified natural gas travel.

"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on April 7. A day before, Trump warned he would direct the U.S. military to destroy power plants and bridges if Iranian officials did not comply by the evening of April 7.

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"Open the (expletive) Strait, you crazy bastards, or youll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH!" Trump wrote in an April 5 post on Truth Social.

Johnson, a consistent Trump supporter, said in an April 6 interview with conservative podcast host John Solomon that he supported Trump's decision to attack Iran to keep officials there from developing a nuclear program but was "hoping and praying" that Trump's comments about attacking civilian targets were just "bluster."

"I do not want to see us start blowing up civilian infrastructure. I do not want to see that. We are not at war with the Iranian people. We are trying to liberate them," Johnson said.

"These people are, they are fanatics. They're apocalyptic," Johnson said of the Iranian leaders. "They may just be happy to try and usher in the end times. We need to prevent that."

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Johnson said in an April 7 interview with the Wall Street Journal that blowing up infrastructure that civilians depend on would "be a huge mistake."

"I mean, he loses me if he attacks civilian targets. Whatever we do has to be within the laws of warfare," Johnson said.

While Democratic members of Wisconsin's federal delegation have criticized Trump's threats, Republican members with the exception of Johnson have been largely quiet with the exceptions of Johnson and U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden.

Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is running for governor, did not respond to questions about whether he supported Trump's plan.

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Van Orden, who represents the 3rd Congressional District in western Wisconsin, defended Trump's plans this week by comparing them to actions taken by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to destroy bridges and other travel routes for Russian military in his battle against Russian invasion.

"I dont recall any democrats calling Zelensky a war criminal," he said in a post on X on April 7. In an April 6 interview on Newsmax, Van Orden said the targets are "dual-use infrastructure" used by military officials, making the plan legitimate.

Meanwhile, Democratic U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, who represents the 2nd Congressional District in south central Wisconsin, said Congress should seek to remove Trump.

"This is stuff youd wouldnt even see from Putin, let alone the American president. Isnt it time for the 25th amendment?" Pocan said on X.

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A recent Marquette University Law School poll found 61% of Wisconsin voters disapprove of the war in Iran, compared to 39% who support the U.S. strikes.

More: New poll finds Trump's net approval at record low in Wisconsin

That includes 97% of Democrats and 73% of independents who oppose the war. A majority of Republicans, 75%, approve of the war in Iran.

But the poll found divisions among Republican voters on the war.

Among Trump loyalist Republicans, who align most closely with the president, 88% approve of the war, compared to just 28% of Republicans who don't strongly identify with Trump's Make America Great Again movement.

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More: Trump's polling raises red flags for Wisconsin Republicans in November

Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Ron Johnson warns Trump's threatened actions could trigger 'end times'
Russia has confirmed that 16 Cameroonian soldiers have been killed while fighting in its four-year war against Ukraine, according to the West African country.

In a statement broadcast on state media late on Monday, the Foreign Ministry of Cameroon called on the families of the dead to make contact with officials in the capital city of Yaounde.

It was the first time that Cameroon had discussed the involvement of its nationals in the Russia-Ukraine war. Moscow has pulled foreigners from numerous nations into its invasion forces over the course of the war.

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A Cameroonian diplomatic note, dated Monday and seen by the Reuters news agency, referred to the deceased as military contractors of Cameroonian nationality operating in a special military operation zone, the term Russia uses to describe Ukraine since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Neither the statement nor the diplomatic note specified how the 16 men ended up fighting for Russia, nor did they provide details on the location, timing and circumstances of their deaths.

In an internal memo issued in March 2025 and seen by Reuters, Cameroons defence minister expressed concern that soldiers were leaving the country to join the war in Ukraine and instructed commanding officers to closely monitor their units.

Cameroon has said it does not officially deploy troops abroad outside of international or regional mandates, and has warned citizens against taking part in foreign conflicts.

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Ukraine said in February that more than 1,700 Africans were fighting for Russia, though analysts say the true figure is likely higher.

Furthermore, several African countries have said some of their citizens have been tricked into fighting for Russia by offers of lucrative jobs or skills training.

An intelligence report presented to Kenyas parliament earlier this year said that 1,000 Kenyans were recruited to fight for Russia after being misled with false promises of jobs in the country before being sent to the front lines.

Two Nigerians were killed late last year while fighting for Russia, Ukraines intelligence agency said this month.

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Russian authorities have denied illegally recruiting African citizens to fight in Ukraine.

Young men from South Asia have also joined the Russian army in its war against Ukraine after they were promised lucrative salaries and benefits.

At least 202 Indian nationals have been recruited into the Russian army, with at least 26 killed, according to Indias Foreign Ministry.

Russia agreed in August 2024 to release all Indian nationals from its army and confirmed that recruitment of Indian nationals has ceased, following demands by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

South Koreas National Intelligence Service reports that 11,000-15,000 North Korean troops were deployed to Russia, with roughly 6,000 killed or wounded, earlier in the conflict.
Two additional measles cases were recorded by the Sacramento County Department of Public Health, bringing the total cases to five in the county's outbreak.

Both cases occurred in unvaccinated children. It's unclear when or where these children were exposed to the disease, but county health officials confirmed that both children are "in isolation and are recovering."

The continued identification of measles cases in our community is concerning and underscores how quickly this disease can spread, said Dr. Olivia Kasirye, Sacramento County public health officer, in a press release.

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Measles can cause serious illness but its important to remember these cases are preventable. Vaccination is the most important step people can take right now to protect themselves and others.

For 2025, more than 2,000 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of March 12, 2026, more than 1,300 measles cases have been confirmed since January.

Last month, county health officials determined there was an outbreak in the greater Sacramento area, which includes Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado and Yolo counties, after an unvaccinated toddler contracted the virus while traveling through South Carolina.

After returning to California, three kids in Placer County came in contact with the toddler and transmitted the disease. In March, the health department recorded two additional cases in the same community. In one case, a child contracted the disease at an educational program where there were at least 130 children present.

Within the greater Sacramento area, officials have confirmed at least eight measles cases.

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Last month, California's Department of Public Health urged residents to check their immunization status and get vaccinated against measles after it was determined that cases are on the rise across the state.

Where have cases been reported?

As of March 30, local public health departments have identified 34 measles cases in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Sacramento, Placer and Shasta counties.

Nine cases were linked to exposure in Southern California, possibly at Disneyland in Anaheim and at Los Angeles International Airport as people were traveling on Jan. 22 and 28, California Department of Public Health officials said on Feb. 3.

The disease is breaking out across the nation as South Carolina is experiencing one of the largest outbreaks in over 30 years, with nearly 990 associated cases reported as of April 2026.

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"The United States is experiencing the highest numbers of measles cases, outbreaks, hospitalizations and deaths in more than 30 years, driven by populations with low vaccination rates," Erica Pan, California Department of public health director and state public health officer in a February press release "We all need to work together to share the medical evidence, benefits, and safety of vaccines to provide families the information they need to protect children and our communities."

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles typically begins with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, usually about seven to 14 days after exposure but can occur up to 21 days after contact with an infected person, according to the California Department of Public Health. The fever can reach 105 degrees.

Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin, according to the California Department of Public Health. A rash can form on the hairline and face two to four days after symptoms first appear.

The rash then spreads down the back and torso and extends into the arms, hands, legs and feet, according to the California Department of Public Health. After about five days, the rash fades in the same order in which it appeared.

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"The MMR vaccine provides the best protection against disease and serious illness," according to the California Department of Public Health.

The department recommends families avoid hosting or attending holiday gatherings, birthday parties, group gatherings, faith-based services and school if they believe their child is sick.

Officials are also recommending that families returning home after traveling to an area experiencing a measles outbreak should monitor for symptoms and limit contact with others.

If an individual believes they or a family member may have been exposed to the disease, they should contact their family's health care provider or the local health department.

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Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him at npadilla@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. Sign up for the TODAY Californian newsletter or follow us on Facebook at TODAY Californian.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sacramento County confirms 2 additional measles cases in the region
PARIS (AP)  French former President Nicolas Sarkozy maintained his innocence at an appeal hearing in Paris on Tuesday over his conspiracy conviction last year, saying that not a single cent from Libya helped fund his 2007 presidential campaign.

I owe the truth to the French people, Sarkozy told a three-judge panel during a hearing in the case that led him to spend 20 days in prison before being granted release pending appeal.

Im innocent, he said.

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Sarkozy, 71, is challenging his conviction after being found guilty in September of criminal conspiracy. He was sentenced to five years in prison for his alleged part in a scheme to obtain funds from the government of then Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi in exchange for political and diplomatic favors.

Sarkozy has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and says the allegations are politically motivated.

Review of evidence

Sarkozy's wife, supermodel-turned-singer Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, attended Tuesday's hearing, which focused on his role as a conservative presidential candidate and then president from 2007 to 2012.

The 12-week appeal trial, which began last month, will reexamine all of the evidence and testimony related to him and nine co-defendants  including three former ministers.

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Sarkozy said that he championed Western military intervention in Libya in 2011 after Gadhafis government violently cracked down on anti-government protesters, when Arab Spring pro-democracy protests swept through the region.

I took the initiative, France took the initiative. Why? Because Gadhafi had no hold over me  financially, politically or personally, Sarkozy said.

Gadhafi was killed by opposition fighters in October 2011, ending his four-decade rule of the North African country.

Families of plane bombing victims raise concerns

Sarkozys appeal hearing comes after families of French victims of a 1989 plane bombing expressed their distress last week over possible promises made to Gadhafis government as part of the alleged deal.

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In 2003, Libya took responsibility for both the 1988 plane bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, and the bombing of UTA flight 772 over Niger the following year that killed 170 people, including 54 French nationals.

I believe that such unspeakable suffering can only be answered with the truth, Sarkozy said.

Financial prosecutors have accused Sarkozy of having promised to lift the arrest warrant targeting Gadhafis brother-in-law and intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senoussi, accused of masterminding the attacks, in exchange for alleged campaign financing.

Sarkozy rejects allegations

The truth is that I did not act in favor of Mr. Senoussi  who is in prison (in Libya) because he was arrested following the international action led by France, Sarkozy said. I never promised him anything.

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Visibly irritated, Sarkozy, who as interior minister met with Gadhafi in 2005 in Libya, told the court: Why would I have chosen Mr. Gadhafi, whom I had never met before, to set up a suspicious financing arrangement with him during a 30-minute meeting? It makes no sense, Sarkozy said.

In 2005, people close to Sarkozy, including his chief of staff, Claude Gueant, and junior minister Brice Hortefeux, traveled to Tripoli, where they met with al-Senoussi.

The trial at Paris appeals court is scheduled to last until June 3, with a verdict expected at a later date.

Defendants have so far been unable to explain all the inconsistencies that may exist in this case," Vincent Brengarth, lawyer for French anti-corruption group Sherpa, told reporters.

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"Up to now, the various hearings have not resulted in these explanations, and we are now expecting them from the main defendant, namely Nicolas Sarkozy, he said.

Sarkozy has faced multiple legal cases since leaving office. In November, the Court of Cassation  Frances top court  upheld his conviction for illegal campaign financing of his 2012 reelection bid, requiring him to spend six months under house arrest wearing an electronic ankle tag, a sentence that has yet to be implemented.

___

Oleg Cetinic contributed to this report.
Saudi Arabia's defense ministry said on Tuesday that air defenses intercepted and destroyed seven ballistic missiles launched towards the Eastern region.

Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry said on Tuesday it intercepted and destroyed seven ballistic missiles launched towards the country's Eastern Region, with debris falling near energy facilities.

The ministry said work was underway to assess any damage, but did not specify who launched the missiles.

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Saudi Arabia has come under attack by hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, most of which were intercepted, authorities say.

Tehran has launched strikes on Israel and Gulf Arab states that host US military installations.

Iranian attack on Kuwait base injures 15 US servicemembers

Fifteen Americans were injured in an Iranian drone strike on Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait overnight, CBS reported on Monday night, citing two US officials.

Most have returned to duty, according to one official.

Blasts heard in Damascus as Israeli air defenses intercept Iranian missiles, Syrian state TV says

Explosions were heard in the Syrian capital, Damascus, and the surrounding countryside on Tuesday that were caused by the Israeli interception of Iranian missiles, Syrian state TV reported.

This is a developing story.
A Millvale man accused of punching a Norwood man to death was arrested across the country in Seattle.

Seattle police detectives and SWAT arrested 24-year-old Emory Green months after a $500,000 nationwide warrant was put out for his arrest, according to a Seattle police news release.

Green and 37-year-old Barbara Mathis are charged with murder and felonious assault in the death of 34-year-old John O. Nichols III, according to an indictment in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court. Green is also indicted on a charge of cocaine trafficking.

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Court documents state that Green and Mathis repeatedly struck Nichols in the head in the fall of 2024, causing him to fracture his skull, break his jaw and sustain other injuries. A verbal altercation turned physical among the three, the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement.

Nichols stayed in the hospital and a long-term care facility for months afterward before dying from his injuries last July.

Seattle police tracked Green to apartment

Around noon April 2, Seattle detectives learned Green might be in the area. They tracked him down to an apartment building in the city's Roosevelt neighborhood, north of the University of Washington.

A security perimeter was set up around the apartment. Green was then arrested without incident, Seattle police said.

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Seattle police booked Green into a local county jail. He remains in custody there and is expected to be extradited back to Ohio soon.

Seattle Police Department spokesman Det. Eric Munoz credited "good ol' fashioned police work" in tracking down Green.

Mathis released on $20K bond

Mathis was initially held at the Hamilton County Justice Center on a $500,000 bond on a murder charge after Nichols died.

Her attorney asked Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Alan Triggs for a reduction because Mathis is a stay-at-home mother of seven children and a lifelong Hamilton County resident, court documents state.

Triggs agreed and set Mathis' bond at $20,000 with electronic monitoring lockdown, according to court documents. Mathis was released on bond shortly thereafter.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati murder suspect arrested in Seattle after months on the run
A smash and grab burglar who targeted luxury retail stores from Florida to Massachusetts has been sentenced to federal prison, the U.S. Attorney said Tuesday.

Ronald Patterson, Jr., 35, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 37 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani handed down his sentence.

Patterson was also ordered to pay $33,000 in restitution.

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He pleaded guilty in September 2021 to conspiracy to transport stolen goods in interstate commerce and one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods.

A federal grand jury indicted Patterson in January 2023 along with two co-conspirators.

Patterson was a member of a group of people who conducted smash and grab burglaries of luxury stores from Florida to Massachusetts.

Prosecutors said Patterson admitted to participating in 14 burglaries totaling $506,532 in stolen merchandise.

Store surveillance cameras recorded many of the burglaries.

The videos show a group of men breaking into a store by smashing the glass doors. After entering the closed stores, the men grabbed and stole armfuls of high-end merchandise.

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Investigators said Patterson then listed the stolen merchandise for sale on his social media account.

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
A man in South Carolina will spend life in prison after killing a Lancaster man and his dog several years ago.

According to our partners at the Rock Hill Herald, Derrick Brown was just off of parole in 2023 when he shot and killed Timothy Barbee, 51, and his six-month-old puppy.

It happened inside a home on Hughes Street.

PREVIOUS: Man shot, killed in Lancaster, police say

The Herald reported that Brown, 40, was sentenced to life in prison on Friday after a four-day trial.

Brown was convicted of murder, malicious injury to personal property, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a weapon by a person convicted of certain crimes.

Brown was acquitted of one first-degree burglary charge.
Rising gas prices are creating even more pressure on families already struggling to afford everyday essentials, which has led to a spike in demand at the San Antonio Food Bank compared to the same time last year.

The ongoing war in Iran has disrupted the global supply chain of crude oil, which has led to increased gas prices. In San Antonio, many families are seeing the costly impacts at the pump and in many cases having to weigh the purchase of fuel and food.

Most people are telling me theyre spending about 50% more in fuel, said Eric Cooper, president and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank.

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The San Antonio Food Bank is serving more than 140,000 individuals and families; a 20% increase compared to the same time period in 2025.

Bottom line is, theyre putting more money in their tank than they are in their grocery cart, Cooper said.

While the nonprofit is working to meet the growing need, it is also facing financial strain of its own when it comes to ensuring its fleet of 50 vehicles is fuel-ready.

Weve had a 50% increase in our fuel budget, and we have to fundraise to put those gallons of diesel into those trucks, Cooper said. When were hiring a third-party trucking company, those carriers are charging more per mile to offset their increases.

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Cooper said the San Antonio Food Bank is operating at a high level of efficiency amid the challenges.

We use the term, squeeze the buffalo off the nickel. We want to make sure that were having the kind of impact. But when youre that lean and unplanned, unbudgeted expensive of a half a million dollars, we feel it.

Inside the food banks massive warehouse, there are noticeable gaps on shelves where food would typically be stocked, something Cooper calls unusual for this time of year.

Even with the challenges, he remains confident they will be able to replenish supplies ahead of the summer months, when demand typically rises.

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Families should never go hungry. Were trying to get the right amounts and the right varieties to make sure that we can really nourish. But we can help, Cooper said. Its all about coming together. Its about moving through those hard times. I know were going to move through this. I am so grateful for our community thats always supported us, grateful for great companies.

For San Antonio residents like Ruby Rodriguez, the rising costs are already taking a toll.

My savings already got depleted, Rodriguez said.

Still, she remains hopeful as she navigates mounting expenses.

I live by faith alone because I said God is always the provider, Rodriguez said.

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So far, the food bank has not had to ration food to families, a reality Cooper hopes stays true.

That trickle-down effect is what makes us anxious, knowing that we're seeing this uptick in demand now. What will that look like in six months if things don't move to a more resolved state when it comes to the world's need for energy," Cooper said.

The San Antonio Food Bank is ready to help. To learn more, visit the food bank's website and call 210-431-8326.
Gareth Gore was on a research trip to California earlier this year when he was told to expect a call from the Vatican arranging a one-on-one audience with the pope.

Gore was stunned. In 2024 he published the book Opus, a meticulously researched and gripping account of the abuses allegedly perpetrated by Opus Dei, the highly secretive Catholic group started by the Spanish priest Josemaria Escriva in the 1920s. Over a century Opus Dei established itself as a deeply religious order that, they claim, helps ordinary people love God and serve others through work well done, carried out with honesty and integrity.

Related: I became like a slave: why 43 women are suing the secretive Opus Dei Catholic group in Argentina

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Gores book lays out claims the organisation is at the heart of a conspiracy involving child grooming, human trafficking, and psychological and emotional control, with former members saying the group used private confessions as leverage against members and drugged those under its sway  claims Opus Dei categorically denies. Gore reported that Opus Dei collaborated closely with the bloody dictatorship of Francisco Franco in Spain, before supporting rightwing causes around the world.

Gore laid much of the blame for these alleged abuses with the wider Catholic church, which relied on Opus Dei for financial support in the 1970s and in return gave it freedom to operate as a legitimate branch of Catholicism, but outside the Vaticans normal structures. In 2002, Escriva was made a saint after ferocious lobbying by Opus Dei, despite much protest from within the Vatican, as abuse allegations mounted and some Catholic leaders began to raise questions about the organisation.

Gore believes Opus Dei would never have been able to function without the complicity of the Vatican  which made the invitation from Pope Leo all the more surprising.

Gore began reporting on Opus Dei almost by accident. He was a financial journalist looking into the collapse of Banco Popular, one of Spains largest banks, in 2017. At the time, the world couldnt understand how such a pillar of European banking had failed so spectacularly. Gore discovered that the bank had been hijacked by Opus Dei since the 1940s (the banks chair was a lifetime member, as were many on its board, and companies controlled by Opus Dei turned out to be the banks largest shareholders). Opus Dei had used the bank as its personal cash machine, Gore alleged, siphoning off funds to finance its expansion around the world. (The trial of Banco Populars former leadership, facing allegations of fraud, is scheduled to begin in Spains national court in 2027. For its part, Opus Dei has denied that it was involved in the management of the bank and said it does not get involved in commercial activities.)

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Through hundreds of interviews with former Opus Dei members, Gores book traces how from the 1950s onwards, Banco Populars wealth went into creating a vast recruitment network targeting children and vulnerable teenagers, building palatial Opus Dei centres across the world, and eventually forming one of the most formidable clandestine political influences in the US. Its US members would become crucial in eroding reproductive rights, funding the Washington march that led to January 6, and heavily influencing Project 2025, according to Gores reporting.

Who knows how much information actually gets to [the pope]. Opus Dei is renowned for having penetrated the Vatican Gareth Gore

Gores book also sheds light on the inner workings of Opus Dei. Its most religious members, called numeraries, live in single-sex dormitories in a life of servitude and self-flagellation: they fast for dangerously long periods, wear a small spiked chain called a cilice around their thighs, and whip themselves with ropes, former members told Gore. Every element of their life is strictly controlled and manipulated by the groups leader and senior priests, Gore said. Mental illness, common in an atmosphere of constant physical and psychological abuse, was treated with a reported cocktail of antidepressants, sedatives and even Rohypnol, according to claims made by victims in interviews Gore conducted.

Female members known as numerary assistants  women and girls from mostly underprivileged backgrounds  staffed the Opus Dei residencies, working long days cooking and cleaning. Many of them were allegedly cut off from their families, transported internationally and, in many cases, expected to give their entire salaries to Opus Dei in an operation that Gore believes meets the UN definition of human trafficking. Some made claims to Gore of sexual abuse.

In Argentina, federal prosecutors are leading an investigation into senior leaders of Opus Dei who they accuse of overseeing the exploitation and trafficking of women and girls; Opus Dei in Argentina set up a healing and resolution office to hear the womens complaints. In 2024 it also said allegations that girls were coerced into joining the organization on promises of education at its schools were false and misleading. Opus Dei said it was committed to safeguarding minors and vulnerable adults.

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Most Opus Dei members dont live in these conditions. These supernumeraries can marry and live in their own homes. The most critical mission of the numeraries is to recruit supernumeraries to make large donations back to Opus Dei and influence politics and society to further Opus Deis conservative goals. An Opus Dei priest in Washington DC, who Opus Dei acknowledged has credible accusations of sexual misconduct against him, oversaw the 2009 conversion of the former speaker of the House Newt Gingrich to Catholicism.

In a statement to the Guardian, Opus Deis US communications director said: There are cultural spheres from which the reality of faith cannot be understood. In this case, a financial journalist interprets the reality of the Church through an economic and political lens. Unless the dimension of faith is taken into account, one cannot understand the Church  at the same time, we firmly reject the serious allegations contained in the book Opus. The book contains numerous errors, distortions, and unfounded allegations.

The organization previously denied claims that it exercise[s] control of its members political and business dealings. It has also denied that it is a secretive organization.

I spoke to Gore, who lives in London, two weeks after his 16 March visit to the Vatican about what happened when he met Pope Leo.

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This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Youve spent almost a decade compiling this dossier on Opus Dei that implicates the Vatican. How on earth does it happen that youre invited to present these findings to the pope?

Honestly, I dont know. I was on a work trip in the States and I got a call from somebody I know in Peru whos quite close to the pope. And he had heard from the pope himself, that the pope wanted to meet me and to hear more. I remember putting the phone down and having to take a moment: is this for real?

I was told to contact someone at the Vatican who would arrange the meeting. So I sent this message, still thinking: no ones going to reply to this. And almost immediately I got a message from someone quite senior inside the Vatican who was like, Yeah, yeah, the Holy Father has told me absolutely that he wants to meet you. Let me know what dates might work.

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It was then a pretty stressful lead-up to the meeting. Not because I was stressed about meeting the pope, but because I felt this weight on me. Having conducted this investigation over the course of five years, having spoken to literally hundreds of former members of Opus Dei and having unearthed all of these secret documents about the way that this group operates, I felt this weight to ensure that he received all this information.

How much do you think Pope Leo already knows about the organization?

Who knows how much information actually gets to him. Opus Dei is renowned for having penetrated the Vatican. Its highly likely there are people there who are limiting what information gets to the pope  perhaps for malicious reasons, but also, as with any other kind of big company or big institution, sometimes its better that the boss doesnt know everything so that there can be some kind of deniability.

I think [the pope] quite clearly wanted to send a signal to Opus Dei that hes taking these allegations seriously Gareth Gore

In the limited time you had to speak with Pope Leo directly, what was the central story that you wanted to tell him?

I think people on the outside dont realize the founder of this movement, this Spanish priest Josemaria Escriva, told his members that the idea for Opus Dei had come directly from God. Hed received this vision which he wrote down in meticulous detail.

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These writings are the source of all of this control and manipulation and political manoeuvring thats ongoing today. And so without understanding the internal documents, internal rules, and without understanding that the members truly believe that these rules came directly from God, its impossible to understand the mentality of how Opus Dei works. So I was trying to convey that message to [the pope], while also trying to explain why reforming this group will be unbelievably difficult, because the founder is revered as a saint, which he is. He was made a saint by the Vatican in 2002.

So the pope cant just say, You guys have got to stop doing this, because the true believers will continue believing that all of these practices and all of this manipulation is what God wants of them.

How does one hammer things home to the pope? Did you feel like you had the freedom to be persuasive, or do you have to adopt a respectful tone?

I went into the meeting with this kind of burden of wanting to really get this information to him, but I had this attitude of not giving a damn. Maybe I want to rephrase that: I was unafraid of offending him or of breaching etiquette. I just thought: no one else has been given this opportunity and if they throw me out after five minutes, I can live with that because Ive tried to do what I think is right.

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But I had no idea about how he would respond to me ambushing him with this huge pile of papers, these internal documents and me giving him a very clear, full, unvarnished account of what life in Opus Dei was really like. I didnt know whether hed be pressing his button, getting his secretary to come in and show me out.

How did he respond?

Honestly, the meeting could not have gone any better. He asked a number of very incisive questions. It went on for much longer than was scheduled. There were two cameramen there. And at the end of the meeting, the pope said to me that it had been his decision to invite the cameras in and to make the meeting public. I think he quite clearly wanted to send a signal to Opus Dei that hes taking these allegations seriously.

Opus Dei is only 100 years old, and perhaps the reason its not treated like other groups of the 20th century that have accused of cultlike behaviour is the seal of religious authority that has been stamped on it by the Vatican. Does the Vatican have real powers to rein in Opus Dei if it chose to?

The Vatican helped to create this monster, not least Pope John Paul II because he saw them as political allies in his conservative crusade. He saw them almost like his personal green berets that he could send off to any part of the world where there was some kind of progressive priest or bishop who was causing trouble. He could send Opus Dei there to do his work or be his eyes and ears. He gave them this special status that has never been granted before or since in the history of the Catholic church.

What is that status?

He made them into this thing called the personal prelature, which basically meant that they were answerable to no one but the pope. They could operate anywhere they wanted to in the world and any abuse allegations against [Opus Dei] couldnt be handled in the normal way through the local bishop or archbishop. Ordinary Catholics welcome this group into their homes, they allow their kids to go to its schools, they attend its meetings because [it has] this stamp of approval from the Vatican.

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Pope Francis, to his credit, started to take action [before his death in April 2025]. He issued a papal decree in 2022 where he basically ordered Opus Dei to get its house in order. But there was no effort to speak with any former members, no effort to speak with journalists such as myself who investigated the group.

The point I was trying to make to Pope Leo is that if youre trying to solve a problem, the first step is to understand exactly what the problem is. Which is why I suggested to him that the next logical step would be to open a full independent investigation into all allegations of abuse [by Opus Dei]  whether they are spiritual, psychological, emotional, physical.

This is a group that is by invitation only and they target the elites: politicians, judges, business people, journalists, academics Gareth Gore

Prosecutors are starting to look into the organization too.

Certainly in Argentina, public prosecutors there have conducted a two-year investigation into the allegations made by 43 or 44 women. And after the investigation, these public prosecutors concluded that there were absolutely grounds to charge the group with human trafficking and serious labour offences. But thats just the tip of the iceberg. Since the Argentina allegations have come out, weve had more women coming forward in places like Ireland, Mexico, France, Spain.

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Opus Dei operates about 300 [private Catholic] schools around the world, including in the UK and the US. Not far from my home in south London there are two Opus Dei schools where kids my kids age go. The next big step is for governments and for social services to really look into safeguarding practices at these schools and to begin to ask questions about whether this group, which is accused of very serious abuses and crimes, is fit to be looking after young kids and young adults. I would argue that it absolutely is not.

One of the things youre pushing for is for the canonization of Escriva to be undone? Would that be terminal for Opus Dei?

Unfortunately people are brainwashed into believing certain things, so whether removing the sainthood of Escriva would result in this group just dying out, Im not sure. But it would go a long way to removing this stamp of legitimacy and approval from the Vatican. If all the Vatican does is make a few tweaks around the edges but leaves this guy as a saint, thats going to send very mixed messages. We have [the founders] actual writings in black and white where these practices are not only outlined but mandated and ordered of the membership, which is why this is such an enormous headache for the pope.

People might think that this is an obscure religious group that has little to do with them. Opus Dei says it does not take political positions other than the stances of the Catholic church. But you describe them as having pivotal influence when it comes to the makeup of the supreme court and abortion.

The founder of Opus Dei made it clear that he saw his followers as part of a militia who were going to enter into battle against what he called the enemies of Christ. So right from the beginning, this is a political group that uses religion as almost a veneer to hide behind  controlling and manipulating the membership to get them to do things that might benefit Opus Dei politically or financially.

In places like Washington, [Opus Dei has] made a real concerted effort to infiltrate the corridors of power and has been immensely successful. I would argue that today, Opus Dei within the Maga Republican movement is one of the pre-eminent forces. There are several very high-ranking figures inside the White House and the wider Maga ecosystem who are either full-on members of Opus Dei or big supporters. People like Kevin Roberts, the president of the Heritage Foundation [and the force behind Project 2025], is a regular at the Opus Dei centre in central DC and gets his spiritual direction from them. Youve got Leonard Leo, who helped to orchestrate the conservative takeover of the supreme court and sits on the board of the Opus Dei centre in central Washington. The list goes on.

This is a group that is by invitation only and they target the elites: politicians, judges, business people, journalists, academics.

Whats ironic is that you have the leader of the Catholic church speaking out against war and against the way that immigrants are being treated. That shows this co-option of the Christian identity by Opus Dei to be a complete fallacy; its all for political expediency. Its about these peoples own deeply authoritarian and conservative views about how the world should be run.
BUDAPEST, April 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday that the United States has largely achieved its military objectives against Iran, while warning that Tehran faces a narrowing window to enter negotiations or risk further economic hardship.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest, Vance said Washington would continue efforts to curb Iran's weapons production capabilities.

Vance confirmed that U.S. forces had struck military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, but stressed that energy infrastructure had not been targeted, in line with a previously set deadline.

"The president believes this war could conclude very quickly," Vance said, outlining two possible paths: Iran could "no longer support terrorism" and integrate into the global economy, or face prolonged economic isolation.

He said the United States has set a deadline for Tehran to respond to negotiations by 8:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time, giving Iran roughly 12 hours to respond, and expressed hope for a "favorable answer" that would allow the resumption of oil shipments in the Strait of Hormuz.

Vance said Iran, following what he described as a military setback, is now seeking to inflict economic costs globally, while the United States retains the capability to conduct further strikes if necessary.

"Military force remains an option if Iran does not change its behavior, but this is not the preferred path," he added. 
Parents and guardians in St. Clair County can now complete the required process to waive school immunizations entirely online, eliminating the need for an in-person visit to the health department.

The St. Clair County Health Department announced in a news release on April 7 that it has launched a fully online certification system for non-medical immunization exemptions, allowing parents to complete the education, paperwork and submission process from home.

Previously, parents were required to attend an in-person waiver visit to receive the education required under state rules before an exemption could be certified.

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Read more: McKenzie Health to host Talking is Teaching on child language growth

Parents declaring a non-medical exemption are to receive vaccine-related education that satisfies the state rule, Medical Director Dr. Remington Nevin said. Once parents have received this education, our responsibility is merely to certify that fact, without adding burdens that go beyond what the law and rule require.

Under Michigan law, parents may exempt their child from required immunizations for religious or other objections, but must first receive education on the risks and benefits of vaccination before the exemption is certified .

Health Officer Liz King said St. Clair County is the first in Michigan to offer a fully online certification option.

How the online waiver process works

Parents can access the process through the county health departments website by selecting the Non-Medical Immunization Exemption Form.

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From there, the process follows several steps:

Review eligibility information, which applies to children attending school or child care programs in St. Clair County

Enter the online form system

Read the required education about the risks of not vaccinating and the benefits of vaccination

Certify they have received that education by selecting required checkboxes

Enter the childs information, including name and date of birth

Select which vaccines they are requesting to waive

Provide a written reason for the exemption

Enter parent or guardian contact information

Review all submitted information before continuing

After completing the form, parents are prompted to check their email. The waiver is not submitted for review until it is signed electronically through DocuSign.

Once signed, the health department will review and certify the exemption. Parents will receive the certified document by email within five days, according to the department.

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Submitting the online form does not complete the process.

Parents must open the email sent through DocuSign and sign the document for it to be reviewed and certified. Without that step, the exemption will not be processed.

In-person option still available

While the new system allows the entire process to be completed online, parents can still complete the exemption in person at the health department.

During those visits, the required education is provided in writing before certification.

Officials said the change is intended to make the process more accessible while still meeting state requirements.

St. Clair County supports vaccine choice, Nevin said. As the divide has widened between state and federal vaccine recommendations, it is vital that families are empowered to make health care decisions that reflect their priorities and values.

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The St. Clair County Health Department is located at 220 Fort St., Port Huron. For questions, visit the departments website or call (810) 987-5300.

Contact reporter Andy Jeffrey at ajeffrey@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: St. Clair County, Mi launches online vaccine waiver system
Every time you buy a shot in North Carolina, youre helping out the state.

Thats due to the structure of North Carolinas alcohol system, as all proceeds are reinvested in communities.

ALSO READ: The Political Beat: District 12 Republican candidate Jack Codiga discusses values, looks ahead

And state auditor Dave Boliek recently finished an audit of the commission and even found out how money goes to Mecklenburg County.

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It felt like it was a good time for us to do that and to just, you know, do a check in to see how things are going, Boliek said.

He probed the states contract with LB&B Associates for liquor distribution, and he analyzed how much money liquor is generating for the state.

Turns out-- a lot. $1.4 billion in FY2024 and 2025. Heres where the money went:

$1.1 billion went to the States General Fund

$243.9 million to counties and municipalities

$243.9 million to counties and municipalities

$29.4 million to local law enforcement

$38.3 million to alcohol education

$8.4 million to counties for rehabilitation

$5.1 million to DHHS

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Mecklenburg County is leading the charge when it comes to buying liquor. Followed by Wake County, Greensboro, New Hanover County and the Triad.

[It} shouldnt surprise anyone that Mecklenburg County led the state and liquor sales, with 29 ABC stores also operating inside Mecklenburg County, Boliek said.

All that money flows back into the community. The proceeds of the sales go to local governments and nonprofits.

Funding recipients in Mecklenburg County.

In Mecklenburg County, these were the top 5 recipients of funds for alcohol education thanks to liquor sales.

The proceeds of those sales the net after cost of goods sold, then gets invested back into the community, in county government, municipal government, and then toward alcohol and education services and to nonprofits as directed by the local ABC commission, Boliek said.

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Boliek also revealed the most popular liquor in the state. For vodka, its Titos. For bourbon, it was Jim Beam. And for tequila, it was Don Julio.

(WATCH BELOW: Cabarrus County Clerk of Courts faces competency hearing)
Extreme weather causes tens of billions of dollars of damage each year in the United States. From wildfires and drought to hurricanes and flooding, severe weather also poses a major public health threat. According to the National Weather Service, 3,883 Americans were killed in severe weather events between 2020 and 2024, more than the number of U.S. troops killed in combat during the nearly decade-long Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Currently, 2005 stands as the deadliest year on record for severe weather in the United States. Largely due to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, there were 1,451 weather-related fatalities in 2005, well above the annual average of about 650. But while major weather events like Hurricane Katrina stand out as singularly devastating, extreme heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States. Heat has been linked to 4,158 deaths nationwide in the 20th century, more than double the number of fatalities attributed to hurricanes or tornadoes.

Of course, the likelihood of potentially life-threatening weather events is directly influenced by geography. Extreme cold, for example, is less of a concern in south Florida than it is in Upstate New York, just as hurricanes pose a far greater threat to the Gulf region than they do in the Upper Midwest. As a result, not all Americans are exposed to the same level of risk from severe weather events.

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Using historical data from the NWS, Climate Crisis 247 identified the states with the most fatalities linked to severe weather. We ranked all states in the Continental U.S. on the total number of weather-related deaths over the five-year period from 2020 to 2024. All supplemental data is from the NWS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Due to unavailable data, fatalities linked to cold weather do not include totals for the year 2022.

Among the 10 states on this list, the number of fatalities caused by severe weather in the last five years ranges from 83 to more than 1,400. These states include some of the largest by population, like California and New York, as well as places like Kentucky and Nevada  states with relatively small populations and disproportionately high risk from climatic conditions.

10. New York

Total number of weather-related fatalities, 2020-2024: 83

Leading cause of weather-related fatalities: Winter Storms (33 deaths from 2020-2024)

Major winter weather event in state, 2020-2024: Arctic front with heavy snow and high winds in Dec. 2022

Second most-common cause of weather-related fatalities: Flooding (19 deaths from 2020-2024)

State population in 2024: 19,867,248 (4th largest of 50 states)

9. Tennessee

Total number of weather-related fatalities, 2020-2024: 124

Leading cause of weather-related fatalities: Tornadoes (49 deaths from 2020-2024)

Major tornado event in state, 2020-2024: Multiple EF-3 and EF-4 tornadoes breakout in Nashville area in March 2020

Second most-common cause of weather-related fatalities: Flooding (45 deaths from 2020-2024)

State population in 2024: 7,227,750 (15th largest of 50 states)

8. Nevada

Total number of weather-related fatalities, 2020-2024: 136

Leading cause of weather-related fatalities: Heat (128 deaths from 2020-2024)

Major heat event in state, 2020-2024: Temperatures as high as 120F break local, all-time records in July 2024

Second most-common cause of weather-related fatalities: Flooding (3 deaths from 2020-2024)

State population in 2024: 3,267,467 (20th smallest of 50 states)

7. Kentucky

Total number of weather-related fatalities, 2020-2024: 144

Leading cause of weather-related fatalities: Tornadoes (75 deaths from 2020-2024)

Major tornado event in state, 2020-2024: Southeast-Central Tornado Outbreak brings 190 mph winds in Dec. 2021

Second most-common cause of weather-related fatalities: Flooding (56 deaths from 2020-2024)

State population in 2024: 4,588,372 (25th smallest of 50 states)

6. North Carolina

Total number of weather-related fatalities, 2020-2024: 151

Leading cause of weather-related fatalities: Flooding (85 deaths from 2020-2024)

Major flood event in state, 2020-2024: Flooding from Hurricane Helene in Sept. 2024

Second most-common cause of weather-related fatalities: Wind (16 deaths from 2020-2024)

State population in 2024: 11,046,024 (9th largest of 50 states)

5. California

Total number of weather-related fatalities, 2020-2024: 194

Leading cause of weather-related fatalities: Heat (37 deaths from 2020-2024)

Major heat event in state, 2020-2024: Temperatures exceeding 110F break or match all-time records in Southern California in July 2023

Second most-common cause of weather-related fatalities: Flooding (22 deaths from 2020-2024)

State population in 2024: 39,431,263 (the largest of 50 states)

4. Oregon

Total number of weather-related fatalities, 2020-2024: 201

Leading cause of weather-related fatalities: Heat (153 deaths from 2020-2024)

Major heat event in state, 2020-2024: Heat Dome in the Pacific Northwest brought temperatures up to 119F, the highest ever recorded in Oregon in summer 2021

Second most-common cause of weather-related fatalities: Winter Storms (17 deaths from 2020-2024)

State population in 2024: 4,272,371 (24th smallest of 50 states)

3. Florida

Total number of weather-related fatalities, 2020-2024: 268

Leading cause of weather-related fatalities: Hurricanes (113 deaths from 2020-2024)

Major hurricanes in state, 2020-2024: Hurricane Helene in Sept. 2024 and Hurricane Ian in Sept. 2022

Second most-common cause of weather-related fatalities: Lightning (21 deaths from 2020-2024)

State population in 2024: 23,372,215 (3rd largest of 50 states)

2. Texas

Total number of weather-related fatalities, 2020-2024: 303

Leading cause of weather-related fatalities: Heat (114 deaths from 2020-2024)

Major heat event in state, 2020-2024: Local, all-time temperature records are shattered by temperatures as high as 116F in June 2023

Second most-common cause of weather-related fatalities: Cold (78 deaths from 2020-2024)

State population in 2024: 31,290,831 (2nd largest of 50 states)

1. Arizona
A cash incentive is being offered to eligible Detroit residents to stay in the Motor City.

Make Detroit Home is a new program that will provide over $500,000 in benefits to 313 current and future residents, supporting local business growth and welcoming people back home to Detroit.

The program is designed to support current residents working in creative industries, entrepreneurs, and small-business owners, while also offering opportunities for new and returning Detroit residents.

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Selected participants will receive a $15,000 stipend for business expenses, home down payments, renovations, or rental subsidies. Other eligible residents can access $1,000 in support to cover relocation costs, security deposits, or qualityoflife perks such as gym memberships and meal deliveries.

"Selected participants will also receive wraparound support, including access to industry and community events, quality-of-life enhancements like park passes, discounts to local businesses, and experiences," Hilary Doe, president and CEO of MoveDetroit, tells Realtor.com.

"Taken together, these offerings help residents grow roots in their community and support their decision to call Detroit home over the long term."

"This kind of initiative can have a huge impact. The $15,000 piece is the most interesting to me. In Detroit, thats not symbolic; thats catalytic. It can turn a renter into a homeowner, or take a property from 'not quite there' to livable," Erica Collica Swink, associate broker at Detroit-Max Broock Realtors, tells Realtor.com. "And when that happens, it doesnt just change one household. It actually can change the whole block."

MoveDetroit coalition aims to attract people to the city

Launched last week, the MoveDetroit coalition is a nonprofit dedicated to attracting and supporting city residents. Its inaugural initiative, Make Detroit Home, unites local businesses, nonprofits, and civic partners with the full backing of the mayor's office.

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Dan Gilbert, the Detroit-born billionaire and founder of Rocket Mortgage, serves as the chair of the MoveDetroit coalition.

"For too long, we've been educating some of the most talented young people in the country, only to watch them leave to places like New York City, Atlanta, California, Seattle, Miami, and elsewhere," Gilbert said at a press conference. "Our city and state has basically been running a free training program for other cities. At our largest universities, we are losing nearly half our graduates. But today, we're flipping that equation."

Gilbert noted that companies such as Rocket, Google, Fifth Third Bank, Henry Ford Health, Birdstop, and StockX all have a presence in Detroit.

"Now Detroit has more to offer than ever to attract and compete for these young people who are vital to our growth," said Gilbert.

Who is eligible?

The program is open to Detroit residents working as creatives, entrepreneurs, or small-business owners.

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Former residents, those with ancestral Detroit roots, and students returning to the city are also encouraged to apply.

In addition, workers and families relocating with remote work or critical skills that support Detroit entrepreneurs and businesses in growing local sectors are eligible.

"We are going to keep the people who are already here. We are going to bring back those who left. And we're going to attract the next generation of builders, creators, and entrepreneurs from everywhere, including the cities who stole our kids," Gilbert said.

Who's funding this?

Doe says the programwhose fundraising goal for the year is $10 millionis not publicly funded.

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"MoveDetroit is a nonprofit," Doe tells Realtor.com. "Its work is funded by the over 50 Detroit-based organizations and counting, across sectors, that have joined the coalition as members."

Doe says Gilbert "has generously committed to matching every dollar raised by the broader coalition in the first year."

Gilbert said he's doing this because "this is an investment in our city's future, and I know the results will be transformative."

Gilbert closed out his press conference by saying, "Cities do not grow by accident. They grow when people decide to grow together. So my last question is, 'Are you going to walk from the sidelines, or are you in?'"
FIRST ON FOX: Montana will again have a new face coming to the Senate, with Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., bowing out. His chosen successor knows he was picked to stop Democrats from taking the seat.

Former U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme was handpicked by Daines at the last minute to replace him, and he has no qualms about it as Republicans try to maintain their majority in the upper chamber in a midterm election cycle that is historically a referendum on the party  and president  in control.

"Knowing how important it was for Republicans to hold the Senate, I told him if he decided to retire, I would be interested," Alme told Fox News Digital in an interview.

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Top Trump Ally Steve Daines Exits Montana Senate Race, Plans To Retire

Former U.S. District Attorney Kurt Alme knows he was tapped to replace outgoing Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., to maintain the GOP's majority in the Senate, and he's ready to lean into his bona fides to keep the Treasure State red. (Fox News)

Daines, who was seeking a third term in the Senate, dropped out of the race in early March, withdrawing his name just as the registration deadline in Montana was approaching. As he bowed out, Alme leapt in.

The move drew heavy criticism from Daines opponents in the state and from Democrats in Washington, D.C., but Alme described the plan as one geared toward maintaining the balance of power in the upper chamber.

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Seth Bodnar, the former University of Montana president who jumped into the race as an independent hours before Daines exit, said on X that the lawmaker had "so little respect for Montana Republicans that he withdrew at the last minute to coronate his handpicked successor instead of giving them a voice at the ballot box."

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"This is the disgusting arrogance of Washington politicians and their party bosses who trade power back and forth like candy while Montanans are crushed under higher costs and fewer opportunities," Bodnar said.

10 Senate Races That Could Decide Control Of The Chamber In The 2026 Midterms

Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, plans to retire at the end of his term, opening up his seat in Big Sky Country as Republicans look to keep their grip in the upper chamber.

Its a move fitting for Daines, given that he has become one of Washingtons savviest political operators and played a key role in clinching Republicans Senate majority while serving as National Republican Senatorial Committee chair during the 2024 election cycle.

"The way it happened was Senator Daines called me a few days before the filing deadline, and he said he wanted to retire, but he didnt want to lose the seat and the Senate to the Democrats," Alme said. "He said hed only retire if he knew someone like me would step up and keep the seat in Republican hands."

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"So then, the morning of the filing deadline, he let me know that he would withdraw if I stepped up. So I resigned as U.S. attorney and entered the race, and now, with President Trumps endorsement, were moving forward full speed with the election," he continued.

Alme quickly racked up endorsements from President Donald Trump, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte and his possible future colleague Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont. Its no surprise, considering Trump twice tapped Alme to serve as U.S. attorney in the Treasure State and that he previously served as Gianfortes budget director.

Trump said on Truth Social that "if Kurt didnt have the highest level of aptitude and talent, Steve would have remained exactly where he is."

Schumer, Jeffries Sue Trump, Accuse Him Of Trying To 'Rig' Mail-in Voting

President Donald Trump credited his economic policies for the positive March jobs report.

"But Kurt is exceptional, and I will be giving him, based on Steves strongest recommendation, my Complete and Total Endorsement," Trump said.

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Though Trump won Montana by nearly 20 points in 2024 and has consistently notched double-digit wins in his three bids for the White House, Almes ascension to the upper chamber isnt guaranteed.

Hell have to prevail in a three-way statewide contest against Bodnar, the independent, and the expected Democratic nominee, former Montana state Rep. Reilly Neill, who believes Daines exit will give her a boost.

"His stepping down opens the field for the United States Senate, and this is a good development for Montana," Neill said.

Click Here To Download The Fox News App

Still, Alme is leaning into his bona fides in his pitch to Montana voters, particularly when it comes to bringing back "fiscal discipline" and continuing the Trump administrations crackdown on crime.

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"Ive got to go out and prove who I am, and Im going to have to earn peoples votes," Alme said.

"We think that the Republican platform  and certainly President Trumps approach to governing  is a winner in Montana," he continued. "And we think that if we stick to our conservative roots, were going to perform well against anyone."





Original article source: Steve Daines' handpicked Senate successor Kurt Alme vows to keep Montana in Republican hands in 2026
Donald Trumps former ally, Steve Bannon, received a favorable ruling on Monday after he was convicted of failing to testify about the infamous insurrection that took place on Jan. 6, 2021.

In its ruling on Monday, the Supreme Court cleared a path for Trumps administration to drop the charges against the former White House adviser who was convicted for defying a subpoena from Congress after the insurrection at the Capitol, CNN reported. The latest development comes after federal prosecutors made a plea to the Supreme Court in February, asking for Bannon to be cleared of the charges brought during Joe Bidens term.

Whats next for Steven Bannon after the Supreme Court allowed a path for him to be cleared?

Before he spent four months in prison for defying the subpoena, Bannon asked for the Supreme Court to overrule the lower courts decision to uphold the conviction. However, the high court ignored his plea at that time. With its decision on Monday, the Supreme Court is sending the case back to the appeals court, NPR reported. The latest decision clears a path for the lower courts prior ruling to be vacated.

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According to the BBC, the lower court is expected to dismiss the case against Bannon. However, the decision would be more of a symbolic gesture for the 72-year-old, who already served his time for a four-month sentence.

What did Steve Bannon say in his argument after being convicted of defying the subpoena?

Bannon said in his argument that he didnt defy the subpoena willfully. The former Trump aide argued that intention is a necessary evidence that needs to be proven in order to be found guilty of contempt. According to NPR, Bannon said the Presidents executive privilege protects him from being convicted. The lower court, in its prior ruling, decided that Bannons decision was indeed willful.







The post Supreme Court Allows For Steve Bannon To Be Cleared After He Was Convicted For Defying Congress Subpoena appeared first on Blavity.
A former Cincinnati City Council member convicted of bribery and attempted extortion but later pardoned by President Trump may now see his case dismissed after the Supreme Court cleared the way.

In an order Monday, the justices declined to hear arguments in Alexander P.G. Sittenfelds appeal of his 2022 conviction, instead granting his petition only to vacate a lower courts holding and kick the case back there, where the case can be dismissed for good.

Sittenfeld had urged the high court to weigh in on when political campaign donations cross the line into felony bribes, asking if unambiguous evidence of a quid pro quo is required to secure a conviction for bribery based on campaign contributions.

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The Democratic ex-Cincinnati City Council member was found guilty of agreeing to accept $20,000 in donations to his political action committee from undercover FBI agents posing as advocates for a downtown property.

Prosecutors said the scheme crossed the line from campaign fundraising to bribery, amounting to an illegal quid pro quo for supporting the development project.

Sittenfeld argued that candidates routinely raise money by pledging official actions, like vowing to cut taxes or repeal certain laws with constituents financial support.

Such campaign solicitations are the lifeblood of our representative democracy, and they lie at the heart of the First Amendments protection, his attorney, Noel Francisco, wrote in his petition.

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But ambitious prosecutors can easily paint the same donations as corrupt agreements  a picture that many jurors hostile to money in politics will eagerly accept.

However, the government said Trumps pardon rendered his challenge moot.

Petitioner expresses concerns that the pardon does not return his $40,000 fine or eliminate the collateral consequences of his conviction, but those concerns rest on an unduly narrow view of the Presidents pardon power, lawyers in the solicitor generals office wrote.

Regardless, to effectuate the pardon and avoid any doubt about its effects, the government has filed a motion in the district court  to vacate the judgment and dismiss the indictment with prejudice, they continued.

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Francisco, who was solicitor general during Trumps first term, still celebrated the courts decision to clear the way for the former councilmans conviction to be vacated.

As we have maintained all along, his acceptance of campaign contributions did not violate any criminal law, and his prosecution was an affront to the First Amendment, he said in a statement. Elected officials accept campaign contributions from supporters every day, and prosecuting them for engaging in this type of routine political activity based on an implicit bribery theory is a dangerous step toward the criminalization of politics.

Before his indictment in November 2020, Sittenfeld was seen as a prospective frontrunner for mayor of the city.

His conviction resulted in a 16-month prison sentence, though he was ordered released pending appeal less than five months into his term by a federal appeals court panel.

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When the panel voted 2-1 to uphold his conviction in February, he faced a return to prison unless the Supreme Court took up his case, which the panel had urged the justices to do.

But Trumps pardon, granted in May, took that off the table. It came alongside acts of clemency for 25 others, including longtime political allies, reality TV stars and a Louisiana rapper.

Each one represents a story of redemption, rehabilitation, and resilience, White House pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson wrote on the social platform X at the time. Their second chance is a second shot at life.

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 surgical technician has been charged in the theft of approximately $2.5 million worth of medical supplies from Cooper University Hospital in Camden, the Camden County Prosecutors Office said Monday.

Marci M. Staub, 44, of Galloway, was charged April 1, with second-degree theft, receiving stolen property, distribution of prescription legend drugs and impersonation of a representative of a medical organization following a six-month investigation.

Cooper University Hospital first reported in October 2025 that Medtronic Infuse bone graft devices, used for spinal fusion procedures, hernia patches and other medical supplies were missing from its supply room, authorities said.

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The hospital discovered that orders for the devices were unusually high from December 2024 through July 2025, and that inventory did not match the number of products documented as used.

In total, the unaccounted devices and supplies were valued at approximately $2.5 million, the prosecutors office said.

Surveillance footage from November to December 2025 showed Staub arriving at work with an empty bag and leaving with it filled.

Staub was arrested in December 2025 by Camden County Sheriffs deputies as she attempted to leave the hospital with medical supplies.

Detectives learned that Staub was impersonating a medical supply vendor and selling the stolen devices and supplies to a wholesale medical supply company in South Carolina, authorities said.

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Financial records obtained by detectives indicated that Staub was making sales to a medical supply company and had received over $427,000 in payments.

Staub initially said she kept the supplies on her to be prepared for future surgeries, claiming the hospital was not able to keep stock of certain items, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

Staub was charged on April 1 with theft, receiving stolen property, distribution of prescription legend drugs and impersonation of a representative of a medical organization, all second degree charges.

Staub was arraigned and released on April 7 pending trial.

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Ms. Staub has led a law abiding life and has been a hardworking and devoted employee of Cooper Hospital, David Bahuriak, Staubs lawyer, said in a statement. This investigation is still ongoing and she is presumed to be innocent.

She has pled not guilty and she is being released from custody today, he added. We look forward to challenging these accusations in court and clearing her name.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The World Health Organization has suspended medical evacuations from Gaza to Egypt via the Rafah crossing after a contractor was killed by Israeli troops on Monday.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the contractor  named locally as Majdi Aslan, 54  was killed in a "security incident" and that two staff were present but not injured. He gave no further details.

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said the contractor was driving a WHO-rented vehicle in southern Gaza when it was targeted by Israeli forces.

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Israel's military said its troops "identified an unmarked vehicle approaching them and the Yellow Line, posing an immediate threat", referring to the line marking Israeli-held territory.

"In response, the troops fired warning shots. The vehicle continued to accelerate toward the troops, who then responded with additional fire that hit the vehicle," it added.

"The incident is under review."

Tedros said the WHO had suspended medical evacuations of sick and wounded Palestinians from Gaza via Rafah to Egypt until further notice.

"We call for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers," he added.

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Hanan Balkhy, the WHO's regional director, described the killing of the contractor as "a devastating loss" and warned that the suspension of medical evacuations was "cutting off a critical pathway to care for patients".

At al-Aqsa hospital in central Gaza, a colleague of Majdi Aslan told reporters the vehicle he was driving was clearly marked with the WHO's logo on all sides, and that it had been at the front of a co-ordinated convoy transporting patients to the Rafah crossing when it came under fire from an Israeli tank.

"The tank came out directly and targeted the driver so that he would stop. There were three people in the vehicle; the driver is the one who paid the price for the situation we are living in," Raed Aslan said. "What ceasefire is this? Every day we have someone killed."

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A medic at the hospital, Dr Fathi al-Lulu, said Majdi Aslan had been targeted while "co-ordinating the transfer of patients from the Gaza Strip to the Egyptian side".

The Rafah crossing was reopened for the limited movement of people in both directions in early February as part of October's ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, having been largely closed since the Gazan side was captured by Israeli forces in May 2024.

Israeli authorities shut the crossing on 28 February following the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran, but it reopened again after 20 days.

Israeli military body Cogat says approximately 1,150 people have left Gaza via the crossing over the past two months and that the same number have entered Gaza.

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More than 18,000 Palestinian patients are waiting to leave Gaza for treatment, according to local hospitals and the WHO.

Israel and Hamas have accused each other of repeatedly violating the ceasefire which they agreed almost six months ago.

At least 733 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began on 10 October, according to the territory's health ministry.

The Israeli military has said five of its soldiers have been killed in attacks by Palestinian groups over the same period.
The evacuations were suspended after an individual who was contracted to provide services to the WHO in Gaza was killed during a security incident, Tedros said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) suspended medical evacuations of patients from Gaza to Egypt via the Rafah border crossing until further notice, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced Monday night.

The evacuations were suspended after an individual who was contracted to provide services to the WHO in Gaza was killed during a security incident, Tedros said.

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Two WHO staff members were present at the incident but were not injured.

No other details of the incident were shared. However, Tedros wrote that it is under investigation by the relevant authorities.

The Rafah crossing

Medical evacuations via the Rafah crossing were last suspended between 23 and 25 March due to unsafe conditions. Rafah is currently the only point of access to outside medical care for those within Gaza.

According to the WHO, on March 27, thousands of patients still await medical evacuation from Gaza.
TEHRAN, April 7 (Xinhua) -- At least two people were killed and three others injured as a railway bridge in Iran's central province of Isfahan was attacked Tuesday by the United States and Israel, the official news agency IRNA reported.

The bridge is located in Yahyaabad village in Kashan County, the IRNA quoted Akbar Salehi, Isfahan's deputy governor for political and security affairs, as saying.

According to the IRNA, an area near Kashan's train station was also targeted with three projectiles at around 13:00 local time (0930 GMT), damaging a number of nearby residential units as well as cars.

Meanwhile, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that a number of road bridges west of Iran's central Qom province were also struck by U.S. and Israeli projectiles on Tuesday, without causing any casualties.

According to Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency, several explosions were heard in Iran's Kharg Island on Tuesday, following multiple attacks by the United States and Israel.

Western media reports said the attacks hit over 50 military targets on the island, which is Iran's oil export hub.

Also on Tuesday, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said it has targeted an Israeli-owned container ship trying to transfer military equipment to Israel through the United Arab Emirates without crossing the Strait of Hormuz.

Additionally, the IRGC warned that if the U.S. army crosses the red line in attacking civilian targets, Iran's response "will go beyond the region," stressing, "We have not been and will not be the initiators of attacks on civilian targets, but we will not hesitate to retaliate vile aggressions against civilian facilities."

U.S. President Donald Trump previously threatened to strike and destroy bridges and power plants across Iran.

The developments 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. 
Rep. Eric Swalwells campaign for governor denied on Tuesday that he had ever behaved inappropriately with female staffers, countering a number of left-leaning influencers and other social media accounts that have alleged without evidence that he has a record of improper behavior.

The decision by the California Democrats campaign to confront the claims is an unusually forceful move to rebut vague allegations that have not been vetted and published in the media or leveled by anyone claiming firsthand knowledge of the purported behavior.

This false, outrageous rumor is being spread 27 days before an election begins by flailing opponents who have sadly teamed up with MAGA conspiracy theorists because they know Eric Swalwell is the frontrunner in this race, said Micah Beasley, a spokesperson for Swalwells gubernatorial campaign, in a statement to POLITICO.

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The denial comes as claims of wrongdoing have crescendoed on social media, primarily from a number of left-leaning online influencers. In public posts, these influencers say they have heard accounts from people who allege Swalwell engaged in inappropriate behavior as a member of Congress toward staff and other women. POLITICO hasn't independently confirmed allegations of wrongdoing against Swalwell.

The influencers say a group of women have retained counsel and plan to speak out soon, but they claim some have been hesitant because they have signed a non-disclosure agreement.

The Swalwell campaign disputed the existence of any NDAs.

In 13 years, no one in Eric Swalwell's Congressional office has ever been asked to sign an NDA. Ever, Beasley said in his statement. In 13 years, not a single ethics complaint by any staff in his office or any other office has ever been lodged. Ever.

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A Swalwell campaign adviser, asked if the representative had ever asked anyone to sign an NDA, regardless of if they were staff, said that Swalwell has never asked someone to personally sign an NDA, though the campaign does have a privacy agreement to protect confidential materials.

For weeks, the campaign had not commented as the swirl of allegations percolated largely among liberal social media users. But the volume of the rumors and speculation about forthcoming accusations increased significantly in recent days, crossing over to right-leaning influencers. On Monday, the conservative news outlet the Daily Caller News Foundationpublished a story largely based on posts by one influencer, who is a former Democratic congressional candidate.

That escalation  combined with primary ballots dropping in less than a month and specific assertions to dispute, such as the NDAs  was the tipping point that pushed the Swalwell campaign to respond, said the campaign adviser, who was granted anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

Swalwell, who has emerged as a top Democratic contender to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, has long faced attacks from the online right over his association with Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese intelligence operative also known as Fang Fang.

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Swalwell, who was not accused of wrongdoing, cut off ties from Fang after the FBI alerted him around 2015 to concerns she was a spy. Last month, the Washington Post reported that FBI Director Kash Patel is pushing to release case files from the decade-old probe that resulted in no criminal charges against Swalwell.

Swalwell slammed Patels reported plans as laughable and told POLITICO it was proof the Trump administration was motivated by personal vendetta against him.

Other candidates running against Swalwell in Californias open primary in June are Democrats Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Xavier Becerra, Antonio Villaraigosa, Tony Thurmond and Betty Yee, and Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco. In recent public polls, Swalwell has been in a statistical tie with Steyer and Porter.


BEIJING (AP)  Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun arrived in China on Tuesday at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, in what she's calling a journey for peace as Beijing pushes for the self-ruled island to come under its control.

The visit is the first by a Taiwanese opposition leader in a decade and comes ahead of a meeting in Beijing between Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled to take place in May.

Meanwhile, Taiwan's opposition-controlled parliament has stalled attempts by its government to pass a $40 billion special defense budget, expected to fund arms deals with the United States and the development of Taiwan's indigenous defense industry.

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China claims the self-ruled island as its own territory and has not excluded the use of force to take it. Beijing has been ramping up its military pressure by sending warplanes and naval vessels around the island almost daily, while its military occasionally stages live-fire drills nearby, the latest in December.

The U.S. State Department said such activities increase tensions unnecessarily and called on Beijing to cease military pressure against Taiwan.

Before leaving the capital, Taipei, the chairwoman of the Kuomintang party told reporters that Taiwan must spare no effort to prevent war and seize any opportunity to promote peace.

A few dozen supporters and detractors of Cheng showed up at Taipeis airport, chanting and holding signs.

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The purpose of this visit to mainland China is precisely to show the world that it is not just Taiwan that unilaterally hopes for peace, Cheng said.

I believe that through this journey for peace, everyone is even more eager to see the sincerity and determination of the CPC Central Committee to use peaceful dialogue and exchange to resolve all possible differences between the two sides, she added, referring to the initials of the Communist Party of China.

China takes issue with US arms sales to Taiwan

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday relations with Taiwan were part of China's internal affairs.

Chinas opposition to military ties between the U.S. and Taiwan is consistent and clear, spokesperson Mao Ning said.

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Beijing has repeatedly criticized U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, in particular a massive deal announced by the Trump administration in December, valued at more than $11 billion, that includes medium-range missiles, howitzers and drones.

China prohibits all its diplomatic partners, including the U.S., from maintaining formal ties with Taipei. The U.S. is the islands strongest informal backer and arms provider, and the arms sale is expected to be discussed at the Xi-Trump summit.

In a call in February between Xi and Trump, the Chinese leader said that Taiwan will never be allowed to separate from China, according to a Chinese government statement about the conversation released at the time. The U.S. must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence, it added.

Beijing also said that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations.

Taiwan's ruling and opposition parties hold different stances toward Beijing

It was not clear if Cheng was going to meet with Xi as part of her six-day trip to China, which started in the eastern metropolis of Shanghai and is set to conclude in Beijing.

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The KMT, as Taiwan's main opposition party, is not in a position to strike agreements with Beijing that would affect the entire island; however, Cheng might sign party-to-party cooperation agreements with the Communist Party to reinstitute regular dialogue or boost ties at a municipal level between KMT-controlled localities and Chinese cities, said Wen-Ti Sung, a fellow with the Atlantic Council, an American think tank.

Cheng's visit may sideline the Taiwan Strait tension issue from the Xi-Trump summit, thus enabling the U.S.-China summit to focus on business areas of common interest rather than geostrategic points of contention, Sung said.

The KMT has proposed a smaller defense budget and criticizes the governing Democratic Progressive Party's larger budget as a blank check for arms purchases.

Cheng's visit contrasts sharply with Beijing's treatment of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, with whom China does not engage, labeling him a separatist.

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Taiwan has been governed separately from China since 1949, when a civil war brought the Communist Party to power in Beijing. Defeated KMT forces fled to Taiwan, where they set up their own government.

Lai's party views Taiwan as a sovereign country, not a subordinate to China. The KMT, meanwhile, officially recognizes only one China, which it interprets as the Republic of China that before 1949 included the mainland and today is Taiwans official name.

___

Mistreanu reported from Bangkok.
The leader of Taiwan's main opposition party has arrived in China and is expected to meet President Xi Jinping, in a closely-watched visit.

Cheng Li-wun, who took over as Kuomintang (KMT) chairperson last year, said she "gladly accepted" President Xi Jinping's invitation to visit and hopes to be a "bridge for peace".

She is expected to meet Xi later in her six-day trip which will span Shanghai, Nanjing and Beijing. Cheng is the KMT's first incumbent chief to visit China in a decade.

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Beijing cut off some communications with Taiwan after the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) Tsai Ing-wen became president in May 2016, citing Tsai's refusal to endorse the concept of a single Chinese nation.

China sees self-governed Taiwan as a breakaway province that will eventually be part of the country, and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve this.

Many in Taiwan consider themselves to be a sovereign nation. At the same time, most favour "the status quo", meaning they do not want to formally declare independence nor unification with China.

On Tuesday Taiwan's ruling party, the DPP, criticised Cheng for being "subservient" to Beijing, noting that her trip would be "completely controlled" by the Communist Party.

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The DPP accused Beijing of being the "main culprit in disrupting regional peace", adding that China has continued to dispatch war planes and naval vessels around Taiwan.

Premier Cho Jung-tai said the government would closely monitor Cheng's trip.

Although the KMT has traditionally maintained warm ties with China, Cheng's eagerness to visit contrasts with her predecessors' more cautious approach towards cross-strait relations, some analysts say.

Her trip comes amid growing scepticism about the US in Taiwan "largely stemming from [Donald] Trump's mixed signals on his Taiwan policy and the Middle East conflict", says William Yang, North East Asia analyst at the non-profit think tank International Crisis Group.

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"Cheng sees this as an opportunity for her to present herself as the political leader capable of maintaining cross-strait exchange and potentially reducing cross-strait tension," Yang says.

Although the US has formal ties with Beijing rather than Taiwan, it has for decades remained the island's biggest arms supplier. In recent years Trump has said that Taiwan should pay the US for defending it against China.

Last week, a bipartisan US delegation visited Taipei to urge parliament to pass a $40bn (30bn) special defence spending budget. The proposal is currently stalled in the opposition-dominated parliament.

Xi's invitation to Cheng comes weeks before he is due to meet Trump, who is scheduled to visit Beijing on 14 and 15 May.

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"Beijing wants a cordial meeting with Taiwan's opposition to undermine the argument for US-Taiwan defence cooperation," says Wen-ti Sung, a political scientist with the Australian National University's Taiwan Centre.

This will then allow China to focus on "cutting business deals" with the US during Trump's visit, rather than addressing cross-strait issues, Sung explains.

For Cheng and the KMT, this could be politically beneficial ahead of Taiwan's local elections later this year.

Despite having started her political career as a pro-independence advocate, Cheng has in recent years tried to cultivate a reputation as a peace builder.

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She is "trying to thread a needle between the US and China... to strengthen her leadership stature while highlighting Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's failure to resume engagement with the Chinese side", says Yang.

Within Taiwan, however, Cheng's position of accommodating Beijing has proven unpopular, says political scientist Chong Ja-Ian of the National University of Singapore.

"Many do read Cheng as a fair-weather politician, an opportunist with little principle, and a politician that cares about her own position more than anything else," Chong says.

"That is a reason why the polls show little confidence in her.

"That also means that she is willing to wheel and deal," Chong adds. "Who this benefits, and how much, are the bigger questions."
Taiwan's main opposition leader landed in China on Tuesday for a rare visit aimed at building cross-strait "peace", as the Taipei government warned Beijing would seek to stop US arms sales to the democratic island.

Kuomintang (KMT) chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, who is the party's first leader to visit China in a decade, has insisted on meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping before she visits the United States -- Taiwan's main security backer.

The KMT supports closer relations with China, which claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to seize it.

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But Cheng, whose unexpected rise to the top of the KMT drew a congratulatory message from Xi in October, has been accused by critics, including inside the party, of being too pro-China.

The KMT leader landed at a Shanghai airport on Tuesday, where she was presented with a bouquet of flowers before being driven away in a convoy, live video from Taiwanese media showed.

Cheng then travelled to the eastern city of Nanjing, where Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said she thanked Xi and China for the warm reception.

She is expected to visit the memorial of Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen in the city on Wednesady.

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Cheng will be in China for six days, also visiting Beijing where she hopes to meet Xi.

Cheng told journalists before her trip that Taiwan "must do everything in our power to prevent war from breaking out".

"To preserve peace is to preserve Taiwan," Cheng told a news conference at the KMT headquarters in Taipei.

"Goodwill must be built up and mutual trust needs to be expanded, step by step, by both sides."

Ahead of the visit, Taiwan's top China policy body warned Beijing would attempt to "cut off Taiwan's military purchases from the US and cooperation with other countries", which the KMT dismissed.

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"This trip is entirely for cross-strait peace and stability, so it has nothing to do with arms procurement or other issues," Cheng said last week.

Taiwanese lawmakers have been at loggerheads over the government's plan to spend NT$1.25 trillion ($39 billion) on defence, which has been stalled for months in the opposition-controlled parliament.

While KMT party members regularly fly to China for exchanges with officials, its last leader to visit was Hung Hsiu-chu in 2016.

- US pressure -

China severed high-level contact with Taiwan that year after Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party won the presidency and rejected Beijing's claims to the island.

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Cross-strait relations have worsened since then, with China ramping up military pressure with near daily deployments of fighter jets and warships near Taiwan and regular large-scale military drills.

Tsai's successor Lai Ching-te, who was elected in 2024 and whom Beijing brands a separatist, warned as Cheng arrived in Nanjing that China is the "biggest" threat to Taiwan's democracy.

Cheng's trip comes a month before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing for a summit with Xi.

The United States has been piling pressure on Taiwanese opposition lawmakers to back a proposal for defence purchases, including US weapons, to deter a potential Chinese attack.

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Cheng has railed against the government's proposal, insisting "Taiwan isn't an ATM" and instead backed a KMT plan to allocate NT$380 billion for US weapons with the option for more acquisitions.

But she faces deepening divisions inside her party over how to counter China's military threats, with more moderate senior figures in the KMT pushing for a much higher budget.

While the United States has long been ambiguous about its willingness to defend Taiwan, Washington remains Taipei's biggest arms supplier, which angers Beijing.

The United States approved the sale of $11 billion worth of arms to Taiwan in December. More deals are in the pipeline, but there have been doubts about whether they would proceed after Xi warned Trump against sending weapons to Taiwan.

Cheng has insisted she supports Taiwan having a strong defence, but said the island does not have to choose between Beijing and Washington.

amj-aw-dhw/ami
One person was killed, and another was hurt in a tanker explosion outside Carolina Beverage Group in Mooresville, officials said.

The Iredell County Sheriffs Office confirmed the explosion happened around 7 a.m. Tuesday at the plant on Barley Park Lane. Thats just off Mazeppa Road.

Officials say the tanker operator was killed in the explosion. Another worker at the plant, who was assisting the operator at the time of the blast, was seriously injured and transported to the hospital. Their condition is unknown at this time.

Emergency responders rush to the scene

Hazmat and fire crews quickly arrived on scene. They believe the chemical that caused the explosion is sodium hydroxide, which is used in cleaning supplies. They also determined the explosion caused a secondary leak on a stationary nitrogen tank. That leak has since been contained.

Officials say there is no current danger to the community, but theyre asking the public to avoid the area as cleanup efforts remain underway.

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It is a large-scale cleanup, Mooresville Fire Chief Shane LaCount said.

Once mitigation is complete, LaCount said the investigation will be turned over to the National Transportation Safety Board. Representatives from the North Carolina division of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will also be investigating.

What is sodium hydroxide?

Sodium hydroxide is commonly known as lye. Its a very strong base that is highly caustic, which means it can cause chemical burns. Its most commonly used to clean drains or as an industrial-grade cleaner.

When its exposed to water or certain metals, sodium hydroxide is highly reactive. Those reactions can generate intense hear and put off hydrogen gas. The gas is extremely flammable and can cause explosions.

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Sodium Hydroxide is regulated under the Hazardous Chemicals Right to Know Act, meaning North Carolina law requires any employer that uses, stores or produces it needs to report it to the fire department and local emergency responders.

Cleaning up sodium hydroxide requires protective gear to prevent touching any skin. It needs to be neutralized by a weak acid and absorbed by sand or other nonreactive material.

About the company

Carolina Beverage Group packages a variety of nonalcoholic carbonated and noncarbonated drinks, including teals, energy drinks, spirits and wine.

The company packages those drinks into cans, ranging from eight to 24 ounces.

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Its a nationwide company. Its Mooresville plant is its flagship facility, dating back to the late 1990s. The company also has two distribution centers within a mile of the plant.

Channel 9 checked OSHA records for the company and found two violations regarding their machines  one from 2022 and one from 2023. Both were quickly addressed.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

VIDEO: Emergency management officials speak out about deadly explosion at Mooresville beverage plant
A USC freshman who went to photograph a recent "No Kings" protest in downtown Los Angeles was allegedly shot with a less-lethal projectile by a Department of Homeland Security agent and had to have one of his eyes removed, according to his attorney.

Tucker Collins, 18, was shot in the eye with what appeared to be a projectile containing chemical irritants during the March 28 demonstration, said his attorney, V. James DeSimone. He was taken to the side of the protest at the Metropolitan Detention Center and given an eye patch. A nurse happened to be driving by and offered to take him to the hospital, DeSimone said.

"Weve unfortunately seen in other instances where law enforcement has targeted the press with violence," he told The Times. "Instead of targeting people who were throwing things into the crowd, they were targeting someone who was documenting and taking photos of the crowd."

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Collins, who is still recovering and wasn't feeling well enough to be interviewed Monday, had his right eye removed as a result of his injuries, according to DeSimone.

People watch the "No Kings" rally on Alameda Street in L.A. March 28. (Scott Strazzante / For The Times)

According to a Homeland Security spokesperson, a group of around 1,000 protesters surrounded the Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles. The protesters allegedly "threw rocks, bottles, and cement blocks at officers." Seven warnings were given "before the deployment of crowd control measures," according to the statement.

The First Amendment protects speech and peaceful assembly  not rioting," the spokesperson said. "DHS is taking appropriate and constitutional measures to uphold the rule of law and protect our officers and the public from dangerous rioters. Our law enforcement has followed their training and used the minimum amount of force necessary to protect themselves, the public, and federal property."

"This is the third person whos lost an eye, maybe the fourth by a [Department of Homeland Security agent]." DeSimone said. "Two were in Orange County. Im not representing those people but my former partners are. I see it as a really rampant problem across the board."

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DeSimone's law firm has represented at least 15 people who were allegedly injured by federal or local agents during protests since last June, including a guitar player whose finger was shattered and a 79-year-old car wash owner who was slammed to the ground and experienced a brain bleed.

Federal judges have issued preliminary injunctions restricting Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from using tear gas, pepper-ball munitions and other less-lethal projectiles against protesters  banning the targeting of the head, neck or torso, except when deadly force is justified.

DeSimone said that he is planning on filing a federal civil rights lawsuit on Collins' behalf, claiming that an officer shot in reckless disregard of his rights under federal or state law.

"Theyre able to protect themselves in many different ways," he said. "There was no imminent threat to those officers and it's upsetting to see the level of violence. These less-lethal weapons are target specific and its not like theyre spraying it into the crowd and getting them to disperse. It's against policy and against the law to use them for crowd dispersal."

A protester dressed as a chained Lady Liberty chants outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building on Alameda Street March 28 in Los Angeles. (Scott Strazzante / For The Times)

DeSimone said he has seen other cases in which a member of the press or someone taking photos was targeted by agents at a protest.

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"I think unfortunately you have a mindset by some in the police agencies that the people out there exercising their First Amendment right is the enemy, instead of honoring that theyre exercising their rights in the American tradition of freedom of speech and peaceful protest," he said.

DeSimone said that other lawsuits filed on behalf of individuals who say they were injured by Homeland Security agents are all in their beginning stages and still being filed. He said he is "confident" that he will be able to win those cases.

"Ive been a civil rights lawyer for 40 years, but back during the protests of the 80s, they didnt have that kind of weaponry and they just hand them out like candy to these officers," he said. "These officers have high-powered toys in their hands but theyre not toys. They may have a green stock barrel but theyre 12-gauge shotguns that file at a range of over 200 mph so with that amount of force, weve got people with broken jaws and broken skulls. Its just heartbreaking."



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
NEED TO KNOW

A Tennessee community is calling for the removal of a school board member who made an inappropriate comment to a minor

Keith Ervin can be heard calling a female student hot while putting his arm around her during a live-streamed public meeting

Theres a lot of context missing, Ervin later said during an interview

A Tennessee school board member is facing backlash after being heard calling a female student hot during a public meeting.

Parents and community members are calling for the resignation of Washington County school board member Keith Ervin after he referred to a teen as hot before placing his arm around her during a live streamed meeting on Thursday, April 2.

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Since the student is a minor, her identity has not been disclosed.

The live-stream shows the student sitting at a large table among adults, with Ervin on one side and Washington County Superintendent Jerry Boyd on the other. After she shared some of her thoughts, Ervin touched her and chimed in.

God, youre hot, you know that? Where do you go to school at? he asked.

The minor told him she attends Crockett.

Ervin has since defended his comments, claiming his actions were taken out of context.

I had a student board member beside me, and we was talking, and she got up and was asking questions, and [she] just thoroughly impressed me and the other board members, Ervin told WJHL on Friday, April 3. I was. She was a top-notch student board member, and she was asking real smart questions. And I reached over, and I touched her on the shoulder, and I said, Youre hot. Youre youre good. Youre one of the best Ive seen.

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The board members were discussing potential school restructuring, CTE education and the curriculum during the meeting.

I didnt mean nothing by it. She was just, she was on fire. She asked good questions, and I was bragging about her, Ervin told WJHL.

Theres a lot of context missing, he later added. You got to watch the whole meeting to see how impressive the student board member is. I dont know what to say. Im just, I was impressed.

As far as the comment made by the board member, just like any individual board member, whether its the vote they cast or the comments that they make, they need to be the ones to respond to questions about what their intent was in their comments or if its about a vote, they make it," Boyd said in a statement. "They need to explain, as elected officials, what was behind their vote or their comment.

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The Washington County Board of Education will hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday, April 8, to discuss the "grossly inappropriate comment" by Ervin, reports WCYB. The board is expected to approve a motion to censure Ervin, leaders told the outlet.

"Mr. Ervin knows his own intentions, but the rest of us have to judge his words and his actions. What we saw was shocking. He objectified and diminished a young woman publicly. No explanation can justify that," board chairperson Annette Buchanan said in a press release, per WCYB.

The community is calling for more to be done.

"As a member of the school board, he is responsible for our children's health, welfare, safety and education, parent Hillary Haley said, WCYB reported. The display that he put on tells me he should be nowhere around our children.

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There is also a planned protest demanding the resignation of Keith Ervin scheduled for 4 p.m. local time on Wednesday, April 8.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The same post has a link to a Change.org petition calling for the firing of both Boyd and Ervin. The petition has over 3,000 signatures. However, Ervin is already seeking re-election and a school board member can only be removed by a successful recall election under Tennessee law, reports WCYB.

PEOPLE reached out to Boyd and Washington County Schools for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.

Read the original article on People
This article was adapted from our premium politics newsletter, The Blast, which delivers exclusive reporting, nonpartisan analysis and the first word on political moves across the state. Subscribe today.

In 2012, Houston-area restaurateur Brad Bailey traveled to Tampa for the Republican National Convention to convince delegates to support a legal pathway for foreign labor  and to soften the immigration rhetoric.

Now, Bailey is likely headed to the Texas House in a campaign supporting the border wall and President Donald Trumps deportations.

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Bailey, the GOP nominee to succeed outgoing state Rep. Steve Toth in House District 15, was the subject of a New York Times dispatch from the 2012 convention about his personal campaign to add the foreign labor component to the party platform. Along the way, he condemned the rhetoric around illegal immigration coming from hardliners like then-Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer and Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

Jan Brewer and Joe Arpaio are hijacking the issue and damaging the Republican party brand, Bailey said at the time. We need to stop the hatred language and fix this problem.

Fourteen years later, Bailey, now an elected official, has changed his tune. He says he now opposes all attempts at amnesty  or granting legal status to undocumented immigrants already in the country  and supports Trumps bold actions on the border. However, he declined to say where he stands on the guest worker program he was calling for back in 2012.

The Biden administrations open-border policies and willingness to allow millions of illegal immigrants into our country have completely reshaped this issue, making me and many other conservatives craft a new solution for the problem that exists today, Bailey, chair of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, told The Texas Tribune.

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Arpaio and the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office were the subject of a string of racial profiling lawsuits that came to a head in 2011 and 2012. At the same time, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling upholding the states papers, please provision Brewer signed into law in 2010. In that context, Bailey and others feared the Hispanic vote would doom Republicans in 2012.

Since then, the GOP has followed Trumps lead in embracing much of the Arizona-style immigration policy and rhetoric once denounced by Bailey. Some of the biggest immigration laws passed by the Texas Legislature have their roots in Arizonas SB 1070, including the 2017 sanctuary cities ban and last years Senate Bill 8, which requires sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and passed over Democratic opposition that invoked Arpaios controversies.

Amid all this, Bailey notes, Republicans have gone from Mitt Romneys estimated 27% of the Hispanic vote in 2012 to the 48% that went for Trump in 2024. Republicans also cracked South Texas longtime status as a Democratic stronghold, turning the Rio Grande Valley red last year as Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz won a majority of the Hispanic vote in Texas.

The facts show that President Trumps comments on border security and illegal immigration are resonating with Hispanics and growing the Republican base, not hurting it, Bailey said.

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Bailey will face Democratic nominee Moniqua Scott and Libertarian Jessi Cowart in November. Trump carried HD-15 by 27 percentage points in 2024.

Bailey ran unopposed for the GOP nomination after Toth, one of the staunchest conservatives in the Texas House, launched his challenge against U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Humble. Toth was going to support the Texas Youth Summits Christian Collins as his successor, but Collins never jumped in.

Despite Baileys evolving position on immigration, if elected in November, hell likely be a change in pace and tone for the district  at least based on the people and groups he surrounded himself with during the campaign.

He was supported by Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC and the Associated Republicans of Texas, the latter of which backed then-Conroe ISD Board President Skeeter Hubert against Toth in 2024. On top of his $20,000 from TLR PAC, Bailey also received $5,000 from former U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, who successfully defended himself against a primary challenge from Toth in 2016, and $500 from retiring moderate GOP state Rep. Sam Harless in nearby HD-126.

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That likely aligns the former restaurant owner with the business wing of the Texas House Republican Caucus. But although some in the business community have warned that deportation raids are hurting the South Texas economy and their standing among Hispanic voters, Republicans at-large are holding the Trump line.

I still recognize that finding skilled and unskilled labor remains an issue for all business owners, but hiring illegal immigrants to fill these positions is not the solution, Bailey said.

As the House prepares for a new freshman class after the previous session-defining class of hardliners, Bailey likely isnt the only candidate whose positions on conservative policy have evolved, particularly around immigration.

The world today is nothing like it was in 2012, and pretending otherwise ignores reality, Bailey said.

Disclosure: New York Times has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
An advanced imaging infrared seeker from a U.S.-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-ballistic missile interceptor looks to have been recovered largely intact in Syria. This could be a major intelligence loss that may allow adversaries to gain valuable insights into the capabilities of THAAD, which is being very heavily employed in the current conflict with Iran. THAAD has also been an important player in blunting previous Iranian missile barrages against Israel, and is a key component of the U.S. militarys global missile defense architecture.

A video, seen below, began circulating on social media earlier today showing the THAAD seeker, as well as other portions of the interceptor, on the ground. The clip is said to have been shot in the vicinity of the Syrian city of Suwayda in the southwestern corner of the country, though TWZ cannot immediately verify this independently. However, Suwayda is some 25 miles north of the border with Jordan and around 55 miles to the east of Israels internationally recognized boundaries. The U.S. military is currently reported to have THAAD batteries in Israel and Jordan.

Kill vehicle of a US THAAD Talon interceptor missile reportedly found in Syria. https://t.co/ZaQmjSlWBo pic.twitter.com/uIXG11eVHT  Trevor Ball (@Easybakeovensz) April 6, 2026

As its name indicates, THAAD is designed to intercept short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in the terminal phase of flight. Depending on a variety of factors, including the physical position of the launcher relative to the threat, the system can attempt intercepts against targets just as they begin their descent into Earths atmosphere.

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THAAD cues its interceptors before their launch, either using its own powerful AN/TPY-2 radar or via data from offboard sensors through the Command, Control, Battle Management and Communication (C2BMC) network.

A Missile Defense Agency graphic giving a very general overview of how THAAD executes an intercept using its organic AN/TPY-2 radar. MDA

After launch, the so-called kill vehicle at the front end detaches from the rocket booster at the rear. A shroud at the front, which covers the seeker and the rest of the kill vehicle, also breaks away.

Freed from the shroud, the kill vehicle uses its conformal infrared seeker to find and home in on the target missile. In general, infrared imaging has the benefit of being a passive guidance method that is immune to radiofrequency countermeasures, such as jamming or decoys designed to mimic the radar signature of a real threat.

One doesn't ofen see the KV without the shroud. https://t.co/agig2DhvQD pic.twitter.com/bXPgiNRQyu  Dr. Jeffrey Lewis (@ArmsControlWonk) April 6, 2026

THAADs interceptors are hit-to-kill types that are designed to destroy their targets through sheer force of impact. As such, the kill vehicles do not contain any kind of explosive warhead. Each one does have several small rocket motors that help it precisely maneuver into position to slam into the incoming missile. These are collectively known as the Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS).

A graphic the Missile Defense Agency has released in the past, offering a general breakdown of the THAAD interceptors components. MDA

The unique DACS provides two kinds of propulsion: one for attitude control and another for kill-vehicle maneuvering. The DACS uses six thrusters to provide roll, pitch, and yaw control for the interceptor, according to L3Harris, which supplies this component of the interceptor. These thrusters work together to precisely stabilize the interceptor-seeker field of view for proper target visibility. The seekers target data are then converted into maneuvering or divert commands that actuate the other four DACS thrusters as required. The four divert thrusters provide short, forceful pulses to quickly and accurately position the THAAD kill vehicle for target intercept.

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In the video, the entire kill vehicle is intact enough that the ports for some of these rockets are plainly visible.

Two of the ports through which rockets fire to help the THAAD kill vehicle maneuver can be seen in this capture from the video that emerged online earlier today. capture via X

The exact circumstances that led to the kill vehicle coming down largely intact and what has since happened to the debris are not known.

Gaining access to a THAAD interceptor seeker, as well as the rest of the kill vehicle, would give an adversary new insights into its performance envelope and other capabilities. That information could then be used in the development of new countermeasures, as well as tactics, techniques, and procedures to reduce the interceptors effectiveness. This would be on top of what Iran, as well as countries like Russia and China, have already been gleaning just from observing THAADs performance in the current conflict, as well as prior engagements.

Deep intelligence exploitation of the physical design of the seeker and the kill vehicle, as well as the materials used to make them, could be beneficial for supporting other developments, as well. The kill vehicle and the systems within have to survive the stresses of traveling at hypersonic speeds, typically defined as anything above Mach 5, as it screams toward its target. Adversaries like China could leverage this information to improve their own anti-ballistic missile capabilities or attempt to clone THAAD more directly.

A full-scale model of a THAAD seeker is prepared for a test in a high-speed wind tunnel. USAF

Employing highly advanced weaponry of any kind always carries at least a degree of risk of intelligence loss. Even just in the course of normal operations, the most reliable systems can still fail and fall into the wrong hands. This is not the first time TWZ has called attention to this reality, including in regard to the recovery of sensitive components of surface-to-air interceptors. The U.S. government, as well as China, Russia, and many other countries, have extensive foreign materiel exploitation programs poised to seize on any opportunity to acquire weapon systems and other equipment for extensive analysis, testing, and even reverse engineering.

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Though we do not know what happened to the THAAD seeker and the rest of the kill vehicle seen in the video, this may not be the last time we see such debris in Syria or elsewhere in the region, given how extensively these interceptors are being used as Iranian ballistic missile attacks continue.

Editors note: The original version of this story talked about the interceptors nose shroud also being visible on the ground, separate from the seeker and the rest of the kill vehicle, but, upon closer review, it is just one piece. We have updated the post to reflect this.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who has advised Donald Trump in the past, said even the president doesnt believe his own lies about the 2020 election being stolen from him.

Christie, who has emerged as a Trump critic, said at an event Monday for the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School that the presidents claims that the 2020 election was rigged in favor of former President Joe Biden were make-believe.

The crap that Donald Trump put out there about the 2020 election is fiction. Its make-believe, the Republican politician said. And by the way, I was there in 2020. He doesnt even believe it. He didnt believe it. He thought he lost. And he was afraid he was gonna lose all during that fall.

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The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who advised Donald Trump in the past, has said even the president doesnt believe his own lies about the 2020 election being stolen from him (Sophie Park/Getty Images)

Trump began sowing doubt about the integrity of the 2020 election months before Election Day. In August 2020, Trump claimed mail-in ballots were a very dangerous thing for this country, because they're cheaters, adding that they were fraudulent in many cases.

To this day, Trump publicly maintains his baseless claim that the 2020 election was fraudulent and has attacked mail-in voting ahead of the midterm elections. Thats despite reports he and his family recently used the method to cast ballots in a special election in his new home state of Florida.

In a legally questionable move last week, Trump issued an executive order banning the U.S. Postal Service from sending absentee or mail-in ballots to any voter who does not appear on a list of confirmed U.S. citizens he has ordered the Department of Homeland Security to collect.

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When asked at the Harvard event whether the country would have fair and equal elections this November and in 2028, Christie insisted, Weve never not had fair and equal elections, so we will have them again.

Christie, who has emerged as a Trump critic, said the presidents claims that the 2020 election was rigged in favor of former President Joe Biden were make-believe (Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images)

Christie endorsed Trump during the 2016 presidential election after suspending his own bid. He backed Trump again during the 2020 election, but then later turned against him.

Christie announced he was running for president again in June 2023, saying he was wrong about Trump in a CNN interview at the time. He dropped out early on in the race.

Now, Christie appears regularly on ABC News This Week to offer his political analysis, often criticizing Trump.

When Christie announced he was running for president during the 2024 election cycle, he said he was wrong about Trump after supporting him for years (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

The former governor accused the GOP of having no principles during Mondays event.

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Even for people who agree with some of the stuff the president is doing, if youre really honest with yourself, you know its not based on principle, Christie said.

He wakes up every morning and tries to figure out what is the best thing for him to do in his self-interest that day, and that day only, he added.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (R) and U.S. Vice President JD Vance attend a joint press conference in Budapest, Hungary, April 7, 2026. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)

BUDAPEST, April 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday that the United States has largely achieved its military objectives against Iran, while warning that Tehran faces a narrowing window to enter negotiations or risk further economic hardship.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest, Vance said Washington would continue efforts to curb Iran's weapons production capabilities.

Vance confirmed that U.S. forces had struck military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, but stressed that energy infrastructure had not been targeted, in line with a previously set deadline.

"The president believes this war could conclude very quickly," Vance said, outlining two possible paths: Iran could "no longer support terrorism" and integrate into the global economy, or face prolonged economic isolation.

He said the United States has set a deadline for Tehran to respond to negotiations by 8:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time, giving Iran roughly 12 hours to respond, and expressed hope for a "favorable answer" that would allow the resumption of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

"Military force remains an option if Iran does not change its behavior, but this is not the preferred path," he added.

On bilateral relations, Vance said the United States seeks strong cooperation with Hungary, particularly in the areas of energy security and independence.

He criticized what he described as pressure from "Eurocrats" in Brussels on Hungary over its policy decisions, adding that Washington maintains multiple channels of cooperation with Budapest.

Vance also questioned Western European approaches to energy policy, noting that some leaders speak of an energy crisis while not supporting Hungary's strategy. He said Hungary has managed to keep energy prices below levels seen in parts of Western Europe.

Hungary has advocated maintaining access to relatively cheap Russian fossil fuels as part of Europe's economic model - a position that differs from broader European Union efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy.

Vance said the United States supports Europe's long-term success and energy independence, adding that Hungary's policy direction could contribute to strengthening energy security across the continent.

Orban said economic relations between Hungary and the United States have strengthened, citing increased trade and recent investment announcements by U.S. companies. He added that cooperation has also expanded into areas such as the space and defense industries.

On energy, Orban warned that Europe is facing what he described as a deepening energy crisis, marked by rising prices and potential shortages of oil and gas. He said U.S.-Hungarian cooperation in the energy sector is crucial for ensuring Hungary's energy security.

Regarding Ukraine, Orban reiterated Hungary's support for peace efforts, saying the country has been living "in the shadow of war" for several years. He stressed that diplomatic solutions should be prioritized and called for progress in ongoing peace initiatives. 

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (R) and U.S. Vice President JD Vance attend a joint press conference in Budapest, Hungary, April 7, 2026. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)
This story has been updated with significant new developments.

Two Democratic members of Michigan's congressional delegation said Republican President Donald Trump's threat to wipe out "a whole civilization" in Iran made clear he is unfit to be chief executive and must be removed immediately.

U.S. Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Shri Thanedar, both of Detroit, made their calls for removing the president on social media platform X on Tuesday, April 7, ahead of Trump's deadline of 8 p.m. Eastern time for Iran to agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face widespread attacks on civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants.

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Trump, about an hour and a half before the deadline, said he would postpone "the bombing and attack" for two weeks based on ongoing negotiations through Pakistani officials with Iran as long as there is an agreement to the "complete, immediate and safe" reopening of transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

On Trump's Truth Social site, he said early Tuesday morning that talks had broken off. "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again," he wrote at that time. "I dont want that to happen, but it probably will."

Democratic leaders and even some Republicans, including U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, called for the president to rein in his threats.

Johnson said it would be a "huge mistake" if the president hits civilian targets in his war with Iran.

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Meanwhile, a growing number of Democrats, including Tlaib and Thanedar, called for other officials to invoke the 25th Amendment, by which the president can be deemed unable to discharge his duties for any reason and removed, to be replaced by the vice president. There was no evidence, however, that members of Trump's Cabinet or Republicans leaders in control of both chambers of Congress were entertaining such a move.

"After bombing a school and massacring young girls, the war criminal in the White House is threatening genocide," wrote Tlaib on X. "It's time to invoke the 25th Amendment. This maniac should be removed from office."
Iran has freed a Japanese national held since January, Tokyo said Tuesday, with Kyodo News reporting however that the individual is not allowed to leave the Islamic republic.

The Japanese news agency also reported, citing unnamed sources within the government in Tokyo, that the person is believed to be the Tehran bureau chief of broadcaster NHK.

"The Japanese embassy in Iran has confirmed that a Japanese national who was detained by Iranian authorities on January 20 was released on April 6 local time," government spokesman Minoru Kihara said.

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"The ambassador in Iran directly met that person after release and confirmed they were in good health," Kihara told reporters.

Kyodo News reported that the person has been released only on bail and has been charged with security-related offences and is expected to stand trial.

Media reports had said in February that the NHK bureau chief was arrested on January 20 and was sent to a prison known for holding political detainees.

US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Radio Farda and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) both named the journalist as Shinnosuke Kawashima.

The detention followed major anti-government protests that peaked in early January and which were met by a violent government crackdown that rights groups said killed thousands of people.

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This was before the United States and Israeli militaries began "Operation Epic Fury" on February 28 and killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The CPJ in February cited a source as saying that in addition, NHK's longtime videographer Mehdi Mohammedi's passport was confiscated along with his personal devices.

Another NHK staff member -- whose identity CPJ said it was withholding for safety reasons -- fled Iran in early February after being summoned several times, CPJ said.

Contacted by AFP, NHK said it was "not in a position to comment at this time".

"We will continue to make every possible effort to ensure the safety of our employees and staff, while fulfilling our journalistic mission of contributing to the realisation of peace," NHK said.

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Iran last month released another Japanese citizen -- who was also not named -- who was being held, with Tokyo saying on March 22 that the person would return to Japan.

Japan and Iran have historically had relatively friendly relations.

Shinzo Abe, premier at the time, visited the Islamic republic in 2019. Then-president Hassan Rouhani made a return visit to Japan the same year.

But more recently, close US ally Japan has drastically reduced its once-substantial imports of Iranian oil as part of international pressure over Tehran's nuclear activities.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tuesday that "arrangements" were being made for a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

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Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi spoke by phone with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi late Monday Japanese time, Tokyo said.

Motegi called for "an early de-escalation" and "urged Iran to engage sincerely with the diplomatic efforts currently underway among the relevant countries".

tmo-stu/mtp
President Donald Trump has pledged to target infrastructure across Iran unless the country reaches an "acceptable" deal to end the war with the US and Israel by Tuesday night.

Promising to bomb the country "back to the Stone Ages", Trump said US forces would target bridges and power plants across Iran. He also posted to social media on Tuesday that a "whole civilization will die tonight" if an agreement is not struck.

There has been a spate of attacks on infrastructure critical to ordinary Iranians since the conflict began, with schools and hospitals damaged.

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BBC Verify has confirmed that US and Israeli strikes have targeted at least two steel plants, three bridges and a pharmaceutical plant over the past two weeks.

Some senior Democrats in the US Congress and UN officials have warned that strikes like these could amount to war crimes. But in a news conference on Monday Trump dismissed those concerns.

What civilian infrastructure has been hit by strikes?

On Thursday, US aircraft attacked a bridge which had been under construction in the central city of Karaj. Local officials said the attack killed at least 13 people.

Footage confirmed by BBC Verify showed at least two strikes on the bridge. A large gap in the bridge can be seen in the aftermath of the attack, with construction cranes visible either side of it.

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Trump later shared footage on the strike online, writing that the "biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again," adding: "Much more to follow."

A number of steel facilities have also been targeted. On 27 March, verified footage showed smoke billowing from the Isfahan Mobarakeh Steel company, forcing workers to suspend operations. The plant - which is Iran's largest steel manufacturer - exported around $860m (649m) between March 2025 and January 2026, according to company linked-reporting.

Satellite images also showed damage at the Khuzestan Steel Company - the country's second largest manufacturer. Local officials said that it could take up to a year to repair the damage caused to the plant by the attacks.

[BBC]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that the strikes have disrupted up to 70% of Iran's steel manufacturing capability. Arman Mahmoudian, research fellow at the University of South Florida's Global and National Security Institute, said the damage could seriously impact the Iranian economy.

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"Steel is a cornerstone of Iran's non-oil economic capacity," he said. "If Israeli strikes have indeed dismantled around 70% of Iran's steel production capacity, this would place nearly 20 million tons of output at risk, potentially affecting around 33.5% of Iran's GDP."

Mahmoudian also noted that attacks on Iran's pharmaceutical industry could pose major issues for the healthcare system. On 31 March, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson said it had carried out a strike on the Tofigh Daru Research & Engineering Company - one of Iran's largest pharmaceutical companies which produces anaesthetic and cancer drugs.

The IDF said in a statement that it had carried out the strike and alleged that the company had transferred "chemical substances, including fentanyl, that were used for research and development of chemical weapons". The BBC cannot independently verify that claim.

While pharmaceutical goods represent only a small part of Iran's economy, Mahmoudian noted that strikes against the sector could impact access to medicine at a time of need and undermine Tehran's "medical independence". Iranian media has previously claimed that over 90% of pharmaceuticals are produced domestically, but BBC Verify cannot confirm that.

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Educational facilities have been heavily damaged in recent strikes, verified footage and photos suggest. On Saturday, images showed debris around the exterior of Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran and parts of the building were destroyed after a reported attack.

Images also showed damage at the Sharif University of Technology in Tehran on Monday after strikes on the capital.

Religious buildings have also been hit. In the central city of Zanjan an attack levelled parts of the Husseinya Mosque, photos showed. Local officials said two people were killed in the strike, which destroyed a clinic and a library within the complex.

Verified images showed damage to the Husseinya Mosque after a strike [Tasnim]

The IDF also said on Tuesday that it had bombed 10 "key" parts of the Iranian railway. Verified footage from Aminabad village in central Iran showed a collapsed railway bridge said to be caused by the attacks.

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Another video posted by the Iranian Red Crescent and which we verified showed paramedics carrying an injured man away from a railway line near Karaj. It's unclear what caused his injuries.

One railway worker in Tehran who spoke to the BBC expressed frustration at the attacks on the lines. "I'm really angry," the worker said. "Everything is falling apart."

The strikes came after IDF warned Iranians early on Tuesday against travelling. Writing in Farsi in a post to social media, it warned civilians that their "presence on trains and near railway lines endangers your life".

Could the US-Israeli strikes amount to war crimes?

The recent strikes are just the latest in a wave of attacks which have damaged civilian infrastructure.

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Last month BBC Verify revealed that a UNESCO world heritage site, schools and a hospital were among the sites damaged in bombing runs.

Legal experts and some senior US and UN officials have questioned whether the US-Israel attacks could amount to war crimes.

Under international law, strikes on civilian sites are permitted in certain limited circumstances where they are being used for a definite military advantage, Professor Rachel VanLandingham, a former US military lawyer, told BBC Verify. But she emphasised that any actions taken cannot cause "excessive" harm to civilians.

Acled - an independent organisation which monitors the impact of conflicts - said on Thursday that data indicated that "civilian harm has largely remained clustered around US-Israeli strikes on military, security, and state-linked sites, rather than indiscriminate bombardment across urban neighbourhoods".

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It said its analysis suggested that 40 dual use sites - facilities which produce both civilian and military products - have been hit since US-Israeli strikes began on 28 February.

But UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday attacks would be prohibited where they caused "excessive incidental civilian harm". The UN's human rights chief Volker Turk said on Tuesday that "deliberately attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure is a war crime" and that those responsible would be held responsible.

Stephane Dujarric warned that strikes against infrastructure in Iran cannot excessive arm to civilians [Getty Images]

Sir Geoffrey Nice - a former prosecutor at the Hague - told the BBC's World at One programme that attacks on infrastructure like power plants and water facilities would likely be disproportionate under international law.

"The civilian population in any war is entitled to be properly protected and if you interfere with the basic means of life you are at grave risk of causing completely disproportionate damage, ultimately including by starvation and disease," he said.

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In a news conference on Monday, Trump dismissed concerns about the attacks, saying he was "not worried about it" when asked whether his threats to strike energy facilities could amount to war crimes.

"You know the war crime? The war crime is allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon," he added.

Additional reporting Emma Pengelly, Peter Mwai, Luke Unger.

[BBC]

What claims do you want BBC Verify to investigate?
ROME, GA  Republican congressional candidate Clay Fuller says that Tuesday's special election runoff in Georgia is "extremely crucial."

Fuller is facing off against Democrat Shawn Harris in the race to fill the seat in Georgia's solidly red 14th Congressional District  in the northwest part of the state  left vacant when MAGA firebrand Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene stepped down at the beginning of January. Greene quit Congress with a year left in her term, after a bitter falling out with President Donald Trump.

The special election, held on the same day as a state Supreme Court contest in battleground Wisconsin, comes as Republicans cling to a razor-thin 218214 majority in the House. The GOP cannot afford any surprises or allow the Democrats to pull an upset in the special election, in a district Trump carried by a whopping 37 points in his 2024 presidential victory.

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"We need the reinforcements," Fuller, a local district attorney and a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard who's served in the Air Force since 2009, emphasized in a Fox News Digital interview on the eve of the runoff election, as he pointed to the GOP's fragile majority. "I think the voters in Georgia 14 understand that, and they're looking forward to sending a MAGA America first fighter up on Capitol Hill to support that agenda."

Primary Pause, Political Firestorm: High-stakes Elections This Month Take Center Stage

Republican congressional candidate Clay Fuller, left, speaks next to President Donald Trump, during a visit to the Coosa Steel Corporation in Rome, Georgia, Feb. 19, 2026.

Asked if he was concerned that MAGA supporters would sit out what may be a low turnout election since the president is not on the ballot, Fuller said voters "would crawl through glass to make sure they have a representative up there that fight for them and fight for President Trump, and that's why we're going to have the votes pouring out on April 7."

Read On The Fox News App

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Trump Hits Campaign Trail In Key Battleground As Race To Replace Marjorie Taylor Greene Heats Up

Harris, a cattle farmer who spent four decades in the military and retired as an Army brigadier general, needs the support of crossover Republicans in order to pull off an upset.

"I am a Democrat, but I'm not tied to the party," Harris highlighted as he spoke with Fox News Digital. And Harris argued, "My opponent, Clay, cannot say that. He actually sold his soul to President Trump."

Harris, pointing to surging gas prices fueled by Trump's military attack on Iran, said when voters "go to the polls, they will have to stop at the pump, and that'll be the last thing they think about before they go and vote. And they're going to say, 'You know what, Shawn Harris is the only one that's talking about bringing down costs, Shawn Harris is the only one saying, 'I'm going to stand up for the people here in Northwest Georgia, period.'"

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"We will win this war militarily. However, if we don't watch it and be clear with the American people, based on these gas prices and diesel prices, we could actually lose this war politically."

Harris said he "will support President Trump on things like the...southern border." But he added "when it comes to things like...a forever war. Send me. I will push back."

Fuller said that "the voters in Georgia-14 support the president in this endeavor. They understand that the Iranian regime was a long term threat to our national security...they understand that President Trump is making the world safer, and they understand that there may be short term pain at the gas pump, and they'll expect those prices to drop as soon as this conflict is over."

Harris grabbed 37% of the vote, with Fuller at 35% amid a field of 17 candidates, including 12 Republicans, in the first round of voting in early March. Since no candidate topped 50%, Harris and Fuller advanced to Tuesday's runoff.

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The congressional seat  which stretches from Atlanta's outer suburbs to the state's northwest borders with Alabama and Tennessee  was left vacant when Greene quit Congress with a year left in her term, after a very public falling out with Trump mostly over her push to release the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., speaks during a news conference with 10 of the alleged victims of disgraced financier and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein outside the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 3, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

While Greene remains popular among Republicans in the district, Fuller said the voters he's talked with on the campaign trail "are focused on the fights of the future, not anything that had happened in the past."

Asked if he's talked with Greene, Fuller said he "reached out to Rep. Greene, had conversations with her and got advice on the district, and I'll keep those conversations confidential."

Harris, who as a first-time candidate lost to Greene by nearly 29 points in her 2024 re-election, emphasized that "I'm not running against Marjorie Taylor Greene anymore," and that his name "carries more weight than any other name in this district."

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If Harris loses but holds Fuller's margin to the mid-teens or less, national Democrats will argue the election is the latest in nearly 15 months since Trump returned to the White House in which they overperformed.

Head Here For The Latest Fox News Reporting From The Campaign Trail

The ballot box brawl in Northwest Georgia isn't the only electoral showdown on Tuesday. There's also a state Supreme Court election in battleground Wisconsin.

While officially a non-partisan contest, state Supreme Court elections in Wisconsin have become extremely partisan in recent years.

With the court's majority on the line in last year's contest, outside money poured in and out-of-state door knockers blanketed Wisconsin. One of the biggest spenders was Trump ally Elon Musk, who headlined a rally days before the election and donned a cheesehead hat worn by fans of the Green Bay Packers.

Then-Trump adviser Elon Musk appears at a town hall meeting in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in March. Musk and his super PACs spent more than $2 million to support conservative Supreme Court candidate Brad Schimel's campaign.

Democrats won that election by a larger-than-expected margin and currently hold a 4-3 majority on Wisconsin's highest court .

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Click Here To Download The Fox News App

With a conservative justice retiring, the majority isn't at stake in this year's election, although if state Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor, a former democratic state representative, wins, liberals would expand their majority on the high court to 5-2.

If Appeals Court Judge Maria Lazar, a conservative, wins or keeps the margins close, the GOP may claim a moral victory.





Original article source: Trump-backed candidate aims to pad GOP's fragile House majority battle in showdown for MTG's seat
President Donald Trump, hours away from the deadline he put on Iran to reach a deal, took a few moments on Tuesday to hail Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in an impromptu call-in to a campaign rally address by Vice President JD Vance.

"Mr. President, you are on with about 5,000 Hungarian patriots, and I think they love you even more than they love Viktor Orban," Vance told the president in a call that blared over the speakers at the event in Hungary.

Speaking by phone to what attendees described as roughly 5,000 supporters before Sunday's election, Trump praised Orban as "a fantastic man" who has "done a fantastic job" leading his country.

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"I love Hungary and I love that Viktor, I'll tell you," Trump said. "He's a fantastic man. We've had a tremendous relationship, and he does a job. Remember this? He didn't allow people to storm your country and invade your country like other people have and ruin their countries."

Trump Says Hungary's Border Stance Keeps Crime Down, Says Europe 'Flooding' With Migrants

Vice President JD Vance laughs at the sound of President Donald Trump calling in as he was delivering remarks at a Day of Friendship event with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at MTK Sportpark in Budapest, Hungary, on April 7, 2026. (Reuters)

"Frankly, he's kept your country good. He's kept Hungarian people in your country. And he's done a fantastic job," Trump added.

Read On The Fox News App

Trump credited Orbans hard-line immigration stance with keeping Hungary "strong" and said Hungarians were "my kind of people."

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Hungarian Official Touts 'Golden Age' Of Us Relationship, Credits Trump With Boosting Nato And Investment

Trump said he and the U.S. are with Orban "all the way."

After Trumps remarks, Vance told the crowd they had to get Orban reelected as Hungarys prime minister.

Vance's visit to Budapest, just days before a vote that independent polls suggest Orban might lose, underscores how crucial Trump's "MAGA" movement deems the veteran Hungarian nationalist's reelection.

Trump Ally Orban Issues Scathing Letter Demanding Zelenskyy Change Ukraine's 'Anti-hungarian Policy'

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"It's a real honor to talk to you: You're really incredible people with great enthusiasm and brilliance," Trump told the crowd to conclude brief remarks.

"Brilliant people, and I really love it. You have a man that kept your country strong and he kept your country good, and you don't have problems with all of the problems that so many other countries have because they let their countries be invaded," Trump added. "And you don't have that problem because of Viktor Orban. That's the only reason you don't have that problem. There was a lot of pressure on him to do it, and those other countries made big mistakes. So I wish you a lot of luck and I love you all."

Earlier, Vance lashed out at what he called "disgraceful" interference from the European Union in the Hungarian election.

Rubio Seals Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement With Hungary

U.S. President Donald Trump (L) greets Prime Minister of Hungary Victor Orban as he arrives at the White House on Nov. 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

"What has happened in this country, what has happened in the midst of this election campaign, is one of the worst examples of foreign election interference that I've ever seen or ever even read about," Vance told a news conference. "The bureaucrats in Brussels have tried to destroy the economy of Hungary. They have tried to make Hungary less energy-independent. They have tried to drive up costs for Hungarian consumers, and they've done it all because they hate this guy [Orban]."

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Trump Hails Vance And Rubio As Extraordinary Duo: Hammer And Velvet Glove

The visit broke with the norms of prior U.S. presidential administrations of not openly campaigning in foreign elections, especially for a government that has maintained close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Orban has maintained cordial ties with Moscow despite the Ukraine war, and says Russian energy is essential for Hungary.

Trump has already personally endorsed Orban, 62, as "a truly strong and powerful leader" and Vance lavished praise on the Hungarian prime minister's policies on everything from energy to the war in Ukraine.

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"I'm here because of the moral cooperation between our two countries, because what the United States and Hungary together represent under Viktor's leadership and under President Trump's leadership is the defense of Western civilization," Vance said.

Click Here To Download The Fox News App

Orban, fighting the toughest reelection bid of his career after 16 years in power, hailed what he called "a golden age" in relations between Hungary and the U.S. under Trump's leadership.

Reuters contributed to this report.





Original article source: Trump calls into Vance-Orban Hungary event: 'My kind of people'
US President Donald Trump has endorsed a former top adviser to ex-UK Prime Minister David Cameron for governor of California, shaking up an unusually unpredictable race in the heavily Democratic state.

Trump declared Republican candidate Steve Hilton would "be a great governor" in a Truth Social post. The president argued that "Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job" in California and that "people are fleeing" the state.

Hilton is one of 10 total candidates running in the 2 June primary. The top two finishers, regardless of party, will advance to the general election.

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Republicans have not won a statewide election in California in two decades.

Hilton posted on X on Monday that he was "deeply honoured" to receive the Republican president's endorsement.

But Trump's backing could become a hindrance if Hilton faces a Democrat in November's election in the liberal-leaning state.

Hilton, who now lives in California, previously served as a top aide to Cameron from 2010-12, but later grew critical of the Conservative prime minister's immigration policy.

Hilton went on to host a Fox News show for several years and continues to contribute to the conservative news network.

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He is running for governor on a platform of lower taxes and cutting back the state budget, while helping lower housing and other costs for families.

Hilton joined Stanford University in California as a visiting scholar in 2012 and said he was applying for US citizenship in 2019.

Democrats dominate California state politics, but Republicans view this as a rare chance to capture the governor's mansion because of a splintered Democratic field of candidates in the state's so-called jungle primary system.

Trump's endorsement of Hilton, however, may squeeze out the other Republican in the race, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, leaving the door ajar for a Democrat to become a top vote-winner.

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A March poll by the University of California, Berkeley's Institute of Governmental Studies rattled the political establishment, after it suggested Hilton and Bianco were ahead of the Democratic contenders.

Democrats became alarmed enough that top state party officials called for some candidates to drop out.

The University of California, Berkeley poll suggested that Congressman Eric Swalwell, former Congresswoman Katie Porter, and billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer had the most support among the eight Democrats running.
President Trump is backing Republican former Fox News host Steve Hilton in the race for California governor.

I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years. He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell, Trump said in an early Monday post on Truth Social.

Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job. People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World, he added, using one of his nicknames for California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).

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Hilton announced last year that he was stepping into the Golden States gubernatorial race, seeking to succeed Newsom, who is seen as a possible 2028 presidential candidate and with whom Trump has had a longstanding feud.

Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT. He will be a GREAT Governor and, importantly, WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!! Trump said in his Monday post.

A campaign account for Hilton responded on the social platform X to the presidents post with, GO STEVE!!!

Polling from last month found Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) leading the California primary to replace Newsom, who is term-limited. In the Emerson College/Inside California Politics survey, Swalwells backing had risen several points since late last year, garnering 17 percent of likely voters.

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Hilton was in second place in the poll at 13 percent support, down 4 points from February.

Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and billionaire Tom Steyer followed with 11 percent each, while former Rep. Katie Porter (D) brought in 8 percent support.

California has a nonpartisan system in which the top two candidates move on from the primary to the general, regardless of party affiliation.

The Hill has reached out to Newsoms press office for comment.

Updated at 11:28 a.m. EDT

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Donald Trump unleashed a brutal tirade against Fox News most prominent liberal co-host in a late-night Truth Social meltdown

Trump, 79, fired up his social media just before 10 p.m. on Monday to offer unsolicited advice to the bosses at his favorite network about his least-favorite presenter.

For Fox executives only, take Jessica Tarlov off the air, Trump wrote.

President Trump got angry thinking about his Fox nemesis. / Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

It is unclear what triggered Trump, as Tarlov did not appear on Mondays episode of The Five, where she is the token liberal panelist.

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However, Trump has regularly criticized Tarlov, who is equally outspoken in calling out his behavior on social media and Fox News.

Trump continued to spew his late-night bile, saying of the host of the podcast Raging Moderates, She is, from her voice, to her lies, and everything else about her, one of the worst personalities on television, a real loser!

Jessica Tarlov at Raging Moderates Live. / Tico Mendoza / SXSW Conference & Festivals

The president also claimed, People cannot stand watching her.

Last week, Fox said The Five had become the most-watched show on cable news for 18 consecutive quarters, with 4 million viewers.

Tarlov is the latest in a growing line of female journalists to be targeted by Trump.

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On April 1, he lost his cool with NewsNations Libbey Dean, who had asked him whether Iran would have to make a deal for him to end the U.S. military intervention. Youre a fresh person, you know? Trump snapped. Weve had a lot of problems with you, havent we?

In March, on board Air Force One, Trump opened fire on a female reporter from ABC. I think its maybe the most corrupt news organization on the planet, he said. I dont want any more from ABC.

In February, the president laid into CNNs Kaitlan Collins, 33, when she asked him what he would like to say to the survivors of convicted child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

You are so bad. You know, you are the worst reporter. No wonder, Trump said. CNN has no ratings because of people like you.

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Trumps latest female target, Tarlov, may have been absent from Fox News on Monday, but that didnt stop her from using her X account to slam the president.

Sharing his F bomb post threatening Iran from Easter Sunday, Tarlov, 42, told her 284,000 followers, What an embarrassment this man is.

Jessica Tarlov slams Donald Trump on social media. / screen grab

The Daily Beast has contacted Fox News for comment.

Trumps latest drive-by against Tarlov follows his appearance on The Five two weeks ago. I watch Jessica, and Im not a fan, Trump said, claiming Tarlov uses fake numbers to report negatively on his popularity.

Tarlov was not on the panel the day of Trumps phoned-in interview.

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Trump imitated Tarlovs reporting saying, Hes only polling 42 percent before adding, Thats not right, Im polling very high actually.

He told the panel, Im sure Id like her, Im sure shes a lovely person, shes just not for me.

Jessica Tarlov on Fox News The Five. / screen grab

Tarlov later shared a clip of Trump talking smack about her on The Five on her social media, saying she was so bummed to miss the show. She added, But I definitely wouldve said hes even inflating his numbers to 42 percent!

Trump also used his Monday night pre-bedtime Truth Social screed to publicly correct Fox News Sunday host Shannon Bream. He said his voter eligibility bill is not the Save Act, its the Save America Act, a big difference.

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The president ironically called out Bream, an attorney and a journalist, for letting her guests spew out Democrat propaganda and lies on her not very hard hitting show.

On Sunday, Bream interviewed Democrat and former Marine Corps officer Jake Auchincloss, who was critical of Trump and his threats to Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.

Shannon Bream interviews Jake Auchincloss on Fox News Sunday. / screen grab

As always with this president, it is all hat, no cattle, Auchincloss said before referencing his TACO Trump nickname.

He is blustering, he is threatening, and yet he always backs down. And the reason is, because he misunderstands the nature of grand strategy. The nature of grand strategy is about choke-point control; it is not about the raw exercise of power.

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Auchincloss continued, Last year, this president tried to pick a trade war with China. He lost it. He lost it because China choked off critical minerals. This year, hes picking a war with Iran; he is losing it because Iran choked off oil transit through the strait.

That Sunday morning comment prompted Trump to belatedly claim on his Monday night Truth Social post, I always close deals, unlike the Dems, and did great with China in every way, also, unlike the Dems!
Later on Tuesday, Iran officially cut off all direct communications with the US over Trump's threat. It is currently unclear if the nations will resume direct talks before the 8 p.m. EST deadline.

US President Donald Trump once again pushed Iran to make a deal by his Tuesday deadline, saying a "whole civilization will die tonight" if an agreement is not reached to end the conflict, in a move that stopped direct communications between the two warring nations.

"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. "However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?" said Trump.

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"We will find out tonight," Trump added, "one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World."

Trump has set a deadline of 8 p.m. EST Tuesday night for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to rain hell on Tehran if no deal is reached.

Later on Tuesday, Iran officially cut off all direct communications with the US over Trump's threat, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing Middle Eastern officials.

Smoke rises following strikes on Tehran on April 7, 2026. (credit: ATTA KENARE / AFP via Getty Images)

The officials noted that while the move complicated efforts to make a deal by the Tuesday deadline, it has not ended talks.

One of the officials who spoke to the WSJ said that Iran cut off the US in order to signal its disapproval and defiance.

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It is currently unclear if the nations will resume direct talks before the deadline.

US Vice President JD Vance stated before the Iranian announcement that the US "feels confident" that the US can secure a deal by Trump's deadline, adding, "The United States has largely accomplished its military objectives in Iran."

We were going to strike some military targets on Kharg Island, and I believe we have done so," said Vance.

"We're not going to strike energy and infrastructure targets until the Iranians either make a proposal that we can get behind or don't make a proposal," he added. "I don't think the news in Kharg Island... represents a change in strategy, or represents any change from the President of the United States.

Pakistan requests a deadline extension on Irans behalf

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday requested Trump make a two-week extension to the deadline he imposed on Iran to end its blockade of Gulf oil.

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Pakistan has been the main go-between for proposals shared by Iran and the United States, but there has been no sign of a compromise.

"To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks. Pakistan, in all sincerity, requests the Iranian brothers to open Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture," Sharif said in a post on X.

Netanyahu confirms strikes on Iranian bridges, railways

The IDF targeted several railways and bridges across Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday, describing the operation as an effort to cripple the regime's capacity to move its missile launchers to prevent identification by Israeli and US forces.

'Today, they [the IDF] attacked the train tracks and bridges used by the Revolutionary Guards," said Netanyahu. "They use these to transport raw materials for weapons, the weapons themselves, and the operatives who attack us, the US, and the countries of the region, the same operatives who also oppress the Iranian people."

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Among the targets were railways in Karaj and Qazvin, as well as bridges in Kashan and Tabriz-Zanjan, according to a Reuters report.

According to Army Radio, a total of 10 bridges and railways were targeted during the strikes, with the objective of diminishing Iran's weapon transfer capabilities and damaging Iran's economy.

Guterres condemns Trump

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres wrote on X/Twitter late on Tuesday that no military objective justifies the wholesale destruction of a societys infrastructure or the deliberate infliction of suffering on civilian populations.

The post is likely a response to Trumps earlier claims of renewed US strikes on Iran in the case of rejection of a ceasefire proposal by Tehran.
President Donald Trump remains underwater with voters as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran drags on and he threatens that the Iranian civilization "will die."

Several recent polls show Trump faces largely negative disapproval ratings, reaching as high as 64% disapproval of Trump's job performance in a CNN poll.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned that Irans entire civilization will be wiped out if Tehran does not make a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ramping up pressure on the Middle Eastern country to capitulate to U.S. demands.

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"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will," Trump wrote on social media. The presidents stark warning comes hours ahead of an 8 p.m. ET deadline for Iran to make a deal or face broad attacks targeting country's power plants and bridges.

Polling shows Americans continue to oppose the conflict, as they feel the impact on loved ones in the region and with rising gas prices. In a recent The Economist/YouGov poll, 53% opposed war with Iran and 62% opposed sending U.S. ground troops into Iran. The CNN poll showed 65% think Trump has not gone far enough in trying to reduce the price of everyday goods.

Here's what to know about Trump's latest approval ratings.

What is Trump saying?

In an April 7 Truth Social post, Trump warned of impending military action in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict against Iran.

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"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will. However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!," the post read.

How did CNN rank Trump?

CNN:

64% disapprove of Trump's job performance, while 35% approve

62% disapprove of Vice President JD Vance's job performance, while 37% approve

60% said Trump has gone too far in using the power of the presidency and executive branch

65% said Trump has not gone far enough in trying to reduce the price of everyday goods

The online and telephone survey of 1,201 U.S. adults was conducted March 26-30, 2026 and has a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points.

How did Rasmussen Reports rank Trump?

Rasmussen Reports:

51% disapprove of Trump, while 47% approve

The poll was conducted April 7, 2026

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The Rasmussen Reports survey did not break down party affiliation of respondents or Trump's approval ratings on policy issues.

How did The Economist/YouGov rank Trump?

The Economist/YouGov:

55% disapprove of Trump's job performance, while 38% approve

53% oppose the Iran war, while 34% approve

62% oppose sending U.S. ground troops into Iran, while 15% favor it

The online survey of 1,750 U.S. adults was conducted April 3-6, 2026 and has a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points.

How did Civiqs rank Trump?

Civiqs:

58% of Michigan respondents disapprove of Trump's job performance, while 37% approve

Nationwide, 58% disapprove of Trump's job performance, while 38% approve

The online survey was conducted April 6, 2026

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Detroit Free Press and USA TODAY contributed.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Is Trump unpopular? See latest approval ratings as Iran war continues
WASHINGTON, April 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday morning that Iran's "whole civilization will die tonight," a deadline he set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a possible sharp escalation of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will," Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social.

Tuesday night would be "one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World," said Trump. He also claimed that the United States has already achieved "Complete and Total Regime Change" in Iran, asserting that the republic, established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, "will finally end."

The president said on Monday that the White House planned to strike and destroy bridges and power plants across Iran by Tuesday midnight.

"We have a plan, because of the power of our military, where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o'clock tomorrow night, where every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding and never to be used again," Trump told reporters at the White House.

He dismissed concerns that targeting such infrastructure could constitute a war crime.

U.S. forces struck military targets on Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran's oil exports, overnight, multiple U.S. media outlets reported on Tuesday, citing U.S. officials. The targets reportedly didn't include oil facilities.

Multiple railway lines across Iran were also hit by airstrikes on Tuesday, according to Iranian media.

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) warned Tuesday that if the U.S. army crosses the red line in attacking civilian targets, Iran's response "will go beyond the region."

"We will not hesitate to retaliate vile aggressions against civilian facilities," the IRGC said in a statement published on its official news outlet Sepah News. 
US President Donald Trump has threatened to take out Iran "in one night" if it fails to make a deal before the deadline he set for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global supply route.

Trump's deadline for an "acceptable" deal - one that includes the free flow of energy through the Gulf - is set for 20:00 Washington DC time on Tuesday (00:00 GMT on Wednesday).

Trump said at a White House news conference that he believed "reasonable" leaders in Iran were negotiating in "good faith", but the outcome remained uncertain.

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Iran has rejected proposals for a temporary ceasefire, instead calling for a permanent end to the conflict and the lifting of sanctions.

Trump's news conference - alongside Gen Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth - comes days after US forces successfully recovered two crew members of an F-15 fighter jet that was downed in southern Iran.

Although much of Trump's remarks highlighted what the president described as the "heroic" rescue of the crew, Trump once again repeated his warning that the US could launch attacks on Iran's energy and transportation infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz were not reopened by Tuesday's deadline.

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"The entire country can be taken out in one night  and that night might be tomorrow night," he said on Monday.

Once the deadline passes, Trump added, Iran would be sent back to the "Stone Ages".

"They're going to have no bridges," he said. "They're going to have no power plants."

Despite Iran's earlier rejection of US demands, Trump continued to express optimism that Iran was negotiating in good faith after successive layers of Iranian leadership were killed in US and Israeli strikes.

"We're going to find out," he said.

Meaningful progress in any negotiation is unlikely to take place without a ceasefire first, according to a regional official familiar with the discussions.

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The official - who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of talks - said that talks were complicated because of difficulties in getting messages to and from Iranian officials amid an ongoing communications blackout.

"To convey messages to Iran, getting a response in a reasonable time is not possible," the official said. "The average time of response has been a day or so."

Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt have all been involved in efforts to mediate.

Trump provided few other details as to the administration's plans going forward, saying only that he had "the best plan" but that he would not divulge it to the media.

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Legal experts have warned that deliberate, sustained assaults on Iranian infrastructure could constitute a war crime.

"Obliterating all power plants, threatening coercive actions against the civilian population to try to bring a government to the negotiating table - those kinds of things are all flatly illegal," Tess Bridgeman, former Obama-era National Security Council legal adviser, told CBS, the BBC's US partner.

Earlier in the day, Trump said he was not "worried" about that possibility, and in the news conference insisted that Iran's population would be "willing to suffer to have freedom" - even if toppling Iran's government was not his intention.

The president also renewed his criticism of key US allies - including the UK, Nato and South Korea - that he said had failed to come to the help of the US during the conflict.

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"That's a mark on Nato that will never disappear," he said, adding that the US did not "need" the UK.

US forces have conducted over 13,000 strikes across Iran since the war began, according to an update from the US military's Central Command on Monday.
Donald Trump on Tuesday morning threatened to annihilate the entirety of Iranian civilization should the countrys government ignore his 8pm ET deadline to reopen the strait of Hormuz.

The presidents own words, posted publicly and tied to a specific deadline and set of demands, provide unusually direct evidence of intent to violate international law, and were being met with shock and dismay by Democrats and a growing number of prominent conservatives.

A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again, Trump posted on Truth Social about the country with more than 90 million people. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will.

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This is an extremely sick person, said the Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, accusing Republicans of abetting the president in plunging the US into a wanton war of choice.

In his post, Trump followed with a reference to complete and total regime change and signed off with God Bless the Great People of Iran, making a formulation that suggested the destruction of the state and the benediction of its people were, in his telling, compatible.

47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end, he wrote, referencing the Islamic regimes takeover of the country in 1979. We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World.

Neither the US nor Iran is a member of the international criminal court, meaning no formal ICC jurisdiction applies. The more immediate legal framework is the Geneva conventions of 1949 onwards, which both countries have ratified. Article 33 of the fourth convention explicitly prohibits collective punishment of a civilian population. Article 54 of additional protocol I  whose core principles are binding as customary international law even on states, like the US and Iran, that never ratified it  prohibits attacks on infrastructure indispensable to civilian survival, with only a narrow exception for objects used exclusively to sustain enemy armed forces.

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The US has itself acknowledged this customary obligation, though the adoption of this position came under the Biden administration in 2024. In one formal UN submission, Washington said it treated the fundamental protections of additional protocol I as legally binding even without ratification.

Trumps latest threat against the totality of Iranian civilization shocks the conscience, House Democratic leaders said in a joint statement, calling for a decisive congressional response.

The House must come back into session immediately and vote to end this reckless war of choice in the Middle East before Donald Trump plunges our country into World War III, the representatives Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Katherine Clark of Massachusetts and Pete Aguilar of California said in their statement. Members are not scheduled to return to Washington until next week.

Questions about the presidents mental state have grown louder since Trumps expletive-ridden Easter Sunday message, with Democrats and critics calling him unhinged and a madman.

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Related: Republicans silent as Democrats call on US cabinet to oust Trump over Iran

Senator Patty Murray described Trumps post as the rantings of a bloodthirsty lunatic while Senator Chris Coons said: This is a threat to commit a war crime.

Representative Joaquin Castro said the threat suggests hes either considering using a nuclear weapon or wants Iran to believe he would. Several Democrats said it was time to invoke the 25th amendment against Trump, a call to remove him from office and replace him with the next in line to the presidency.

Representative Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker, said Trumps instability is more clear and dangerous than ever.

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If the Cabinet is not willing to invoke the 25th amendment and restore sanity, Republicans must reconvene Congress to end this war, she said in a statement.

Jason Carter, the grandson of the late Jimmy Carter, whose presidency was defined by the 1970 Iranian revolution and the subsequent 444-day hostage crisis, condemned Trumps comments as unAmerican and unChristian.

If my grandfather were here he would challenge all Americans  Democrats Republicans and especially Christians who worship the Prince of Peace  to stand up and say enough is enough, Carter, who serves as the chair of the Carter Centers board of trustees, said in a video statement. The Islamist government of Iran has been our enemy, including an enemy of my family, but the people of Iran have never been our enemy. This country must be better than Donald Trumps unbridled and dangerous rhetoric.

It is not only Democrats; Trumps Middle East war has fractured the American right, driving a deep divide between traditional hawkish conservatives who have long clamored for military action against Iran and the presidents anti-interventionist America First loyalists.

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Reacting to Trumps Tuesday post, the former US representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who recently split with the president, in part over what she said was his abandonment of America First policy principles, called for invoking the 25TH AMENDMENT!!!

Not a single bomb has dropped on America, she wrote. We cannot kill an entire civilization. This is evil and madness.

Nathaniel Moran, a Republican representative of Texas, said in a social media post he supports the presidents military intervention in Iran but disagrees with his threat to destroy a whole civilization. That is not who we are, and it is not consistent with the principles that have long guided America, Moran said.

Trumps Truth Social post came the morning after a chaotic White House press conference in which Trump voiced his threats to reporters. The entire country could be taken out in one night, he told reporters on Monday, and that night might be tomorrow night.

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When a reporter noted that deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure violate the Geneva conventions, Trump did not dispute the point. I hope I dont have to do it, he said, then pivoted: Forty-seven years theyve been negotiating with these people. Theyre great negotiators, and because theyre not going to have a nuclear weapon. Asked whether the war was winding down or escalating, he said only: I cant tell you. Asked about a ceasefire, he said: I cant talk about the ceasefire.

He reiterated the 8pm ET Tuesday deadline for Iran to reopen the strait or face strikes on energy infrastructure and bridges. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard navy for their part said on Monday that the strait of Hormuz will never return to its previous state for the US and its allies.

Trump also claimed, without providing evidence, that US intelligence had intercepted communications from Iranian civilians near active bombing sites urging American forces to continue. Please keep bombing, he quoted the alleged intercepts as saying. He dismissed concerns that destroying power and water infrastructure would harm ordinary Iranians, insisting they would willingly endure such losses for the chance at regime change.

The military campaign is being followed by Trumps $1.5tn Pentagon budget request, submitted last week alongside sweeping cuts to domestic programs.

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The rhetorical escalation of recent days also sits alongside a pattern of contradictions. Trump said in recent weeks that the US had no strategic need for the strait of Hormuz; days later he made its reopening the central condition of his ultimatum to Tehran. He claimed total dominance of Iranian airspace even as a US fighter jet was shot down over the country.

And he declared the war won, but now threatens its most destructive phase yet.
WASHINGTON  The U.S. and Iran appear far apart in diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war, just over 24 hours from President Donald Trumps deadline for the government in Tehran to either agree to a deal or face a bombardment of attacks on its countrys infrastructure.

Were giving them till tomorrow, 8 oclock Eastern time, and after that, theyre going to have no bridges, Trump said during a news conference at the White House on Monday. Theyre going to have no power plants.

Trump vowed to bomb Iran to the Stone Ages if no deal that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is reached by Tuesday night. Without clarifying which proposal he was referring to, Trump described a latest offer from Iran as a significant proposal, but added that its not good enough.

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Iran, for its part, has been demanding a permanent end to the war despite Trumps latest ultimatum. Iran publicly has rejected proposals for a temporary ceasefire that have been shared through intermediaries.

One of those proposals includes a 45-day ceasefire that was recently delivered by Pakistan to both U.S. and Iranian officials, according to two regional officials and a senior White House official.

The White House official said the 45-day ceasefire proposal is one of many things being discussed in an exchange of views between the U.S. and Iran through mediators. Trump has not signed off on the proposal, the White House official said.

The only one who is going to set a ceasefire is me, Trump said Monday during an Easter event when asked about the 45-day ceasefire proposal. I havent set any ceasefire.

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Iranian state media IRNA reported Monday that Tehran has sent a 10-point proposal to the U.S. through Pakistan that emphasizes the need for a permanent end to the war. IRNA reported that Iran would reject a temporary ceasefire given that during previous rounds of negotiations with the U.S., the Trump administration launched military strikes while talks were ongoing.

Asked if he has concerns about bombing Irans infrastructure amounting to a war crime, Trump said, No, not at all.

I hope I dont have to do it, he said.

The U.S. and Iran have acknowledged exchanging messages through intermediaries for the last two weeks including Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey. As part of those discussions, Vice President JD Vance has been in touch with Pakistans army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to regional officials. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said he has been in touch directly with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.

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On Monday, Trump said the U.S. is negotiating with an active, willing participant in Iran, while also saying that communicating with Iranian leadership has been a challenge.

They have no communication. In fact, the biggest problem we have in our negotiation is that they cant communicate, he said. Were communicating like they used to communicate 2,000 years ago, with children bringing a note back and forth.

I can tell you, theyre negotiating, he later added. We think in good faith. Were going to find out.

The president has issued a series of threats to the Iranian regime with deadlines that have come and gone, namely over reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

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On March 21, he gave Iran 48 hours to reopen the critical waterway, but later extended it for more than a week, announcing the start of diplomatic negotiations to end the war. Since then, the president has vacillated between saying a deal is unnecessary for Iran to reopen the strait to saying it is not the United States but other countries responsibility to ensure the strait is reopened to demanding that Iran reopen the strait or face attacks on its infrastructure.

Dennis Ross, a former Middle East envoy who is currently a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said Irans leaders have lost much of the countrys military might from U.S. and Israeli strikes, but despite Trumps threats, they see significant leverage in controlling the Strait of Hormuz given the impact on the global economy.

They dont discount the threats, but they see the conflict in existential terms and they see themselves better off by continuing it  and in any event believe the president will need to end it before they do, Ross said.

Trump suggested Monday that any deal to end the war would have to include the free traffic of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, which he said is a very big priority.

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He also said there would be no more extensions to his Tuesday deadline.

Its not going to be moved again. I gave them a chance, and I hope they take the chance, he said. If they dont, its trouble.

Trump's rhetoric likely won't derail ongoing diplomacy efforts because there are too many other nations vested in an end to the conflict - though the U.S. decision to continue bombing may create problems, said Eric Edelman, a former ambassador who served under former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

In reality, he only has two choices  either escalating or walking away," Edelman said. "Neither is good from his point of view or that of the American people. I worry that he if he chooses the former then we will have a race to the bottom with both sides attempting to inflict absolute destruction.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
On Monday, US President Donald Trump threatened to take out Iran "in one night" if it failed to agree a deal by 20:00 Washington DC time on Tuesday (00:00GMT Wednesday) to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

But even before his latest threat some countries had secured deals with Tehran for their vessels to use the key shipping route.

Asian nations - most recently the Philippines - have been particularly keen to reach agreements as their economies are heavily reliant on energy from the Gulf.

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The critical route has become a global flashpoint after Tehran retaliated to US and Israeli airstrikes by threatening to attack ships in the strait.

Oil prices have surged since the disruption to shipping in the narrow waterway, through which a fifth of the world's energy shipments usually transits.

Last week, Trump said the US did not need the Gulf's oil. He has repeatedly urged countries reliant on the region's energy to send warships to the strait and to take the lead to ensure shipments can resume.

In recent weeks - several Asian countries including Pakistan, India and the Philippines - have made agreements with Tehran to let some ships pass through the strait safely. China has also acknowledged that their vessels have also used the channel.

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Questions remain over the scope of these assurances and just how lasting these agreements with Iran will be.

We still don't know whether the guarantees apply only to some ships or all vessels flagged under a certain country, said Dimitris Maniatis from shipping consultancy Marisks.

Nevertheless, countries that need the Gulf's energy are now recognising that they must engage with Iran if they want to resume shipments, said Roc Shi from the University of Technology Sydney.

The fruits of diplomacy

The Philippines is the latest nation to strike a deal with Iran.

Iranian officials assured the "safe, unhindered and expeditious passage" for Philippines-flagged ships through the waterway, said Theresa Lazaro, the South East Asian country's foreign affairs secretary.

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She said the agreement - reached after "a very productive phone conversation" with Tehran on Thursday - was "vital" in helping to ensure energy and fertiliser supplies.

The Philippines imports 98% of its oil from the Middle East and was the first country to declare a national energy emergency after petrol prices in the country more than doubled after the start of the Iran war.

There remains uncertainty over Tehran's claim that the strait is open to all countries except the US and its allies, said Roger Fouquet from the National University of Singapore's Energy Studies Institute.

The Philippines, often seen as a US ally, is an interesting case that could suggest that Iran is "willing to compartmentalise", he said.

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"Iran appears to be distinguishing between a country's alliance and its active participation in the conflict."

Other countries have also held talks with Iran.

Pakistan announced on 28 March that Iran has agreed to let 20 of its ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

"This is a welcome and constructive gesture by Iran and deserves appreciation," said Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. "Dialogue, diplomacy and such confidence-building measures are the only way forward."

Iran has openly welcomed India-flagged ships crossing the strait.

"Our Indian friends are in safe hands, no worries," the Iranian Embassy in India posted on X last week.

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The embassy was responding to another post by its offices in South Africa saying that "only Iran and Oman" will decide the future of the Strait of Hormuz.

India's foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told the Financial Times in March that the passage of its tankers was the result of diplomacy.

China, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, also confirmed last week that some of its ships had crossed the strait, although it did not mention Iran or give more details on the vessels.

"Following coordination with relevant parties, three Chinese vessels recently transited the Strait of Hormuz. We express our gratitude to the relevant parties for the assistance provided," a foreign ministry spokeswoman told reporters.

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Vessel-tracking data show that despite the war millions of barrels of US-sanctioned Iranian oil have been delivered to China in recent weeks.

Beijing holds friendly diplomatic ties with Tehran and has joined Pakistan in trying to broker a ceasefire between the US and Iran.

What we still don't know

It is uncertain under what conditions some ships have negotiated safe passage - and whether they paid to cross the strait.

Over the weekend, a Japanese vessel carrying liquefied natural gas passed through the Strait of Hormuz, shipping firm Mitsui OSK Lines told the BBC.

"The safety of the vessel and all crew members have been confirmed," said the company, without commenting on whether any tolls were paid and how the crew secured safe passage.

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In March, Malaysia also said some of its tankers have been cleared by Tehran to pass through the strait, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim thanking Iran's president for facilitating the passage of its vessels.

Anthony Loke, Malaysia's transport minister, credited "good diplomatic relationship with the Iranian government", local media reported.

It is unclear if other Malaysian-flagged vessels will be granted the same assurances.

Roughly two-thirds of Malaysia's oil imports come from the Gulf.

The implications of these deals for other countries are still uncertain. For instance, whether other countries would switch their flags to those of countries being allowed to pass though.

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Many tankers currently carry the flags of countries such as Panama and the Marshall Islands, which have not secured assurances of safe passage, Maniatis said.

Energy economist Shi noted, however, that while these agreements mark a "diplomatic breakthrough", it is not a resolution to the problem.

It is still unknown just how lasting these assurances will be and how military operations in the region will impact them, he said.
President Donald Trump's ultimatum to Iran is sparking emergency protests across the country on the deadline he gave Iranian officials to come to a deal.

Tuesday morning, Trump posted that "a whole civilization will die tonight" if a deal is not made, igniting fears of the retaliation effort against Iran as officials from both countries struggle to reach a deal.

Trump gave Iran until Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET to open the Strait of Hormuz as Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that "only the President knows where things stand and what he will do."

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Grassroots organizers, including some in New York City, are planning to take to the streets Tuesday night to protest Trump's handling of the war in Iran.

Are there protests in NYC today?

Hosted by The Revcoms, an emergency rally is being held in NYC's Union Square to protest President Donald Trump's actions in Iran.

The protest is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m., according to the group's Instagram.

The organizers are holding similar rallies in Los Angeles and Chicago.

Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. People gather at the site of a destroyed building at a school where, as the state media reports, several people were killed in an Israeli airstrike, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, in Minab, Iran in this screengrab obtained from a social media video released on February 28, 2026. Iranian state media reported on February 28 that Israel struck a school in southern Iran, resulting in 40 deaths. Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel had launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026 in this screen grab taken from video. Iranian people run for cover in Tehran, Iran, on February 28, 2026, as explosions are heard after a reported strike and Israel announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran, with sirens sounding in Jerusalem and phone alerts warning of an "extremely serious" threat. Smoke rises following an explosion after the U.S. and Israel reportedly launched an attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026, in this screen grab taken from video. A graffiti on a wall reads" Down with the U.S.A", after Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. People run for cover following an explosion, after Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran, in Tehran, Iran February 28, 2026. A plume of smoke rises after an explosion on February 28, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. After explosions were seen in the Iranian capital, the office of the Israeli Defense Minister issued a statement saying it had launched a preemptive strike against the country. A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on February 28, 2026. Two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on February 28 morning by AFP journalists, and two plumes of thick smoke were seen over the centre and east of the Iranian capital.



Israel's defence ministry announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and people across the country received phone alerts about an "extremely serious" threat. U.S. President Donald Trump pumps his fist after disembarking Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., February 27, 2026. Hours later, Trump made live comments about the military strikes he launched against Iran. A plume of smoke rises over Tehran after a reported explosion on February 28, 2026, after Israel said it carried out a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and phone alerts warned of an "extremely serious" threat. A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on February 28, 2026. Two loud blasts were heard in Tehran on February 28 morning by AFP journalists, and two plumes of thick smoke were seen over the centre and east of the Iranian capital. Israel's defence ministry announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and people across the country received phone alerts about an "extremely serious" threat. Buildings inin Tehran stand after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, February 28, 2026. Iranians try to clear a street amid heavy traffic in Tehran, Iran, on February 28, 2026, as explosions are heard following a reported strike and Israel announced it had launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran, with sirens sounding in Jerusalem and phone alerts warning of an "extremely serious" threat. Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese area of al-Qatrani on February 28, 2026. Lebanon's foreign minister said on February 24 his country feared its infrastructure could be hit by Israeli strikes if the situation with Iran escalates, after Israel intensified its attacks on Tehran-backed Hezbollah Anti-riot police stand in front of state building that is covered with a giant anti-U.S. billboard depicting the destruction of a US aircraft carrier in downtown Tehran on a main street in Tehran on February 21, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. In recent weeks, the United States had moved vast numbers of military vessels and aircraft to Europe and the Middle East. The US and Israel proceeded to launched strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, Latest photos capture US and Israeli strikes against Iran 1 of 16 Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026.

What protests are being held in NYC for Iran?

Another emergency rally is being held in New York City tomorrow to protest against U.S. military actions in Iran.

On Wednesday, April 8 at 6 p.m., grassroots organizers are hosting an emergency rally in Times Square, according to a website titled "Stop the War on Iran."

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"Trump has given a deadline for genocide  either Iran surrenders by 8pm ET, or the countrys 'whole civilization will die tonight'," the website says.

"This is the criminal threat of a madman, but a madman who controls the deadly might of the Pentagon war machine."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's Iran war threats spark protest plans in New York City
Dispatches from Ukraine. Day 1,504.

Ukraine Outpaces Russia In Drone Launches

For the first time since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022 and began to pummel Ukraine with near daily aerial attacks, Ukraine appears to have launched more drones in a single month than the Kremlin, according to an ABC News analysis of official data from both sides.

The figures come with caveats, as neither sides claims can be independently verified, and both Kyiv and Moscow have an incentive to either overstate interception rates or amplify incoming threats to shape the narrative about their air defense effectiveness amid stalled peace efforts due to the Iranian war.

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Even so, Russias Defense Ministry reported shooting down 7,347 Ukrainian drones in March, a record monthly figure that, if correct, translates to an average of 237 drones per day. Importantly, Russia has generally played down the impact of Ukrainian strikes, often portraying them as failed and reporting "insignificant" damage from falling debris of drones. Moscow publishes only the number of drones it claims to have intercepted (not the total number of units launched). This likely indicates that Russia may underreport the full scale of Ukrainian strikes.

The Ukrainian Air Force has been less secretive in reporting statistics, disclosing the number of un-intercepted projectiles. Ukraine reported facing 6,462 Russian drones and 138 missiles last month, or 208 projectiles per day; of those, 5,833 drones and 102 missiles were intercepted, yielding a 90% interception rate for drones and close to 75% for missiles.

Long-range strikes have become an integral part of both sides war strategies, intended not merely to hit targets, but to sap economic resilience and stretch the enemys air defenses. Ukraine has focused its drone campaign on Russias military and oil refineries, seeking to tear apart the sinews of Moscows war machine; meanwhile Russia, in addition to consistently striking civilian buildings, has targeted power plants, inflicting heavy damage on Ukraines energy system and forcing rolling blackouts for businesses and households as recently as this winter, the coldest in more than a decade; such outages have recurred throughout the war, yet Ukraine has managed to lick its wounds and piece its energy infrastructure back together.

Recognizing the growing importance of aerial warfare, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has hailed the rapid expansion of Ukraines defense industry. In October, he said that Ukraines production potential for drones and missiles alone will reach $35 billion by 2026, though he did not specify whether these capacities would be fully contracted by the state, as Kyiv faces a budget crunch and domestic arms makers deal with export restrictions and patchy government orders. The Ukrainian leader also noted that Ukrainians are creating a defense product that, in certain parameters, already "surpasses many others in the world.

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Missile development is also advancing in Ukraine. Ukraines Flamingo cruise missile, reportedly capable of traveling more than 1,800 miles, promises to help fill a gap in longer-range capabilities. However, drones remain the workhorse of the campaign.

Ukraines long-range campaign is now morphing into a tool of economic coercion. Russia, buoyed by higher global oil prices due to the war in Iran, has reaped significant revenues from energy exports. At the same time, Kyiv has increased its drone strikes on Russias oil infrastructure and export terminals to chip away at one of the main pillars of the Kremlins income.

The geography of Ukrainian strikes is expanding, and with it, their ambition. Russian Ports such as Primorsk and Ust-Luga (both 80 miles from Saint Petersburg, Russia's second biggest city) have been repeatedly targeted. These ports together account for more than 40% of Russias seaborne crude exports.

Ukrainian drones have also struck deep inside Russia, hitting industrial facilities in Ufa, some 1,100 miles from Ukraine, including assets belonging to the oil companies Rosneft and Bashneft. Satellite imaging cited by Bloomberg indicate fires at multiple oil processing sites with a combined capacity of roughly 470,000 barrels per day.

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The financial toll for Russia is becoming harder to absorb, as Ukrainian attacks pinch revenue streams. According to estimates by the Kyiv School of Economics, five recent attacks by Ukraine on Primorsk and Ust-Luga have resulted in close to $1 billion in lost revenues for Russia in a single week in March. Although Russia can resume its shipments within days, the damage to its storage tanks and infrastructure may take months to repair, creating bottlenecks in global energy markets.

By Danylo Nosov, Karina L. Tahiliani

This article was originally published on Forbes.com
COMANCHE COUNTY, Okla. (KFDX/KJTL)  Two support staff members of an Oklahoma public school system were terminated in March 2026 following allegations that they assaulted students.

Mugshot of Ottoria McClung, provided courtesy of the Comanche County Detention Center

According to Comanche County Jail records, Ottoria Rose McClung, 37, of Elgin, Oklahoma, was taken into custody on March 12, 2026, on a charge of assault and battery upon a student, a misdemeanor offense.

Court documents show that McClung was accused of putting a 5-year-old student in a chokehold and carrying the child down the hall with her arm wrapped around the childs neck.

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According to Nathaniel Meraz, Superintendent of Elgin Public Schools, McClung was a support staff member in her third year with the school district. Meraz released the following statement after McClungs arrest:

An investigation began upon being made aware of the incident. The support employee was immediately placed under suspension and then subsequently terminated in accordance with school policy. All of the appropriate authorities were notified. Elgin Public Schools highest priority is the safety and well-being of its students. Nathaniel Meraz, Superintendent of Elgin Public Schools

LOCAL NEWS: Former Big Pasture employee pleads not guilty to posting nudes on Snapchat

Mugshot of Elizabeth Sutton, provided courtesy of the Comanche County Detention Center

Comanche County Jail records also show that Elizabeth Kay Sutton, 38, of Elgin, was booked into jail on March 31, 2026, charged with the same misdemeanor offense as McClung.

According to court documents, Suttons arrest came after a separate incident in which shes accused of hitting a student in the face.

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Both McClung and Sutton have since been released from custody and are currently free on bond. Both women face up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $2,000 if convicted of the offenses pending against them.

Meraz released the following statement to Texomas Homepage following Suttons arrest:

The support employees were terminated in accordance with school policy. All of the appropriate authorities were notified immediately. Our paraprofessionals and personal care assistants underwent training in August as the school year began, in January once we returned to school from Christmas break, and then again on February 13th during the parent/teacher conference day. All employees must pass a background check and professional references are called prior to employment. Both of these instances were reported to administration by fellow employees, which reflects the culture of accountability established here. We are tasked to educate kids in a safe environment, and will continue to train staff toward that end. Elgin Public Schools highest priority is the safety and well-being of its students. Nathaniel Meraz, Superintendent of Elgin Public Schools

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

You can now stream KFDX and Texomas FOX live 24/7 on your smart TV with KFDX+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.

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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 Texomashomepage.com.
Two IDF officers and a civilian face indictments for smuggling contraband into Gaza using humanitarian aid trucks, part of a growing wartime smuggling investigation.

Military and civilian prosecutors on Tuesday filed prosecutors declarations ahead of indictments against two IDF officers and a civilian suspected of exploiting humanitarian aid trucks to smuggle prohibited goods into the Gaza Strip for profit, in the latest in a growing wartime cluster of Gaza-smuggling cases. According to the joint statement by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), Israel Police, and the IDF, the suspects are accused of trying to move contraband into Gaza in exchange for hundreds of thousands of shekels.

Investigators allege that Nasser Abu Mustafa, a resident of Rahat, used his ties to an IDF reservist officer to examine the possibility of carrying out smuggling operations into the enclave. After the two allegedly formulated the plan, the reservist is suspected of bringing in a second officer.

IDF officers exploited their military positions

Authorities say the officers exploited their military positions and access to information about aid convoys, while Abu Mustafa hid the prohibited goods inside trucks that had broken down on the way to Gaza after arriving under the guise of repairing them. The contraband allegedly included hundreds of thousands of cigarettes and several cellular devices. Prosecutors said indictments are expected to be filed soon.

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The case adds to an expanding body of wartime prosecutions centered on the movement of goods into Gaza. In February, prosecutors filed indictments against 12 Israelis accused of helping smuggle millions of shekels worth of goods into the Strip during the war, including cigarettes, mobile phones, batteries, vehicle parts, communication cables and electrical equipment, in a scheme prosecutors said strengthened Hamas economically.

In March, prosecutors filed another indictment against four defendants accused of repeatedly attempting to move prohibited goods into Gaza outside the authorized inspection and transfer mechanism, including cigarettes, cellphones, solar panels, batteries, generators, and computers.

This affair, based on the material now public, does not appear to be part of the recent Iran-linked espionage investigations.

Still, it emerges against a broader wartime backdrop in which Israeli security agencies have been dealing at once with two separate patterns: internal smuggling cases involving alleged profiteering through Gaza supply routes, and a distinct wave of Iran-linked espionage probes involving Israelis suspected of carrying out tasks for Iranian actors. Just this week, limited publication was allowed in a separate security case involving suspects alleged to have provided services to Iranian elements, including suspected work connected to explosive material.
Utah is breaking records for alarming reasons, with its hottest winter and flimsiest snowpack on record. But officials from the state and two cities see something to celebrate.

This article is published through the Great Salt Lake Collaborative, a solutions journalism initiative that partners news, education and media organizations to help inform people about the plight of the Great Salt Lake  and what can be done to make a difference before it is too late.

They announced a new deal Monday to get more water to the drying Great Salt Lake, saying homeowners and businesses in Sandy and Salt Lake City conserved enough to make it happen.

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Hannah Freeze, deputy Great Salt Lake commissioner, called it proof that we are all in this together, and that as we collect our efforts and continue to conserve, we can have an impact on Great Salt Lake.

A conservation trust is paying the Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake City and Sandy an undisclosed sum to send 2,500 acre-feet of water to the lake each year for up to a decade. Its a tiny fraction of the annual boost of 800,000 acre-feet thats needed to restore the lake to good health, but supporters see it as a blueprint for a bigger solution.

If we were to implement this and duplicate this across the Wasatch Front, the difference it would make would be incredible, said Joel Ferry, executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources.

The government leaders joined conservation and philanthropic groups involved in the project Monday with a message that every drop helps. They emphasized that the kind of broad collaboration on display at the news conference is key, along with help from individual Utahns who can opt for low-water landscaping.

The shores of the Great Salt Lake are pictured at Great Salt Lake State Park near Magna on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

This sort of deal wasnt always possible. In 2022, Utah established the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust and changed state law to allow for this sort of water lease. The trust went on to make several deals to help the lake, but this is the first stemming from homeowners and businesses conserving more in cities, said Shaela Adams with the National Audubon Society.

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Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski said her city has taken several steps to conserve, including changing its water rates to hit superconsumers with surcharges. It also introduced a water alert system notifying people in real time if theres a leak or a spigot left running.

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The Great Salt Lake has shrunk after years of drought, climate change and redirection of water for farming and other uses, reaching a record low in 2022 and ending last year at its third-lowest level since 1903.

In the Great Salt Lake Basin, agriculture remains the biggest consumer of water, at 65%, according to state data. Thats followed by municipal and industrial uses at 26.8% and mineral extraction at 5.7%.

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State lawmakers this year streamlined a program paying farmers to leave some fields dry, allowing them to participate for shorter stretches to entice more to participate.

The exposed lakebed contains metals like arsenic and lead. As the state sets up a monitoring system to track the concentrations of those metals drifting into communities, some families arent waiting to see what the data reveals. A couple in Orem told Utah News Dispatch theyre making the decision now to leave the state because of the pollution and the health risks it may carry.

A terminal saline lake like Utahs has never been fully restored after this sort of decline, but the coalition said steps like those announced Monday are moving in the right direction.

Utahs proving over time that this is doable, this is solvable, said Tim Hawkes, a member of the trusts advisory board. But its going to take the kind of creative partnerships that we see showcased today.

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WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump said the American F-15 fighter jet was brought down in Iran by a shoulder-fired missile, leading to the dramatic rescue of two airmen  a glaring reminder of the complexity of the conflict and the perils still posed by Tehran.

Trump and his top officials have said the six-week campaign has devastated the Iranian military, all but eliminating its navy and air force, and damaged countless missile sites and launchers and drone factories. U.S. Central Command said Monday it has hit more than 13,000 targets and damaged or destroyed more than 150 Iranian vessels so far.

But neutralizing conventional military capabilities is exposing a more enduring threat as Trump weighs sending American troops on the ground for another mission inside Iran: so-called asymmetric warfare, in which individuals or small groups of militants can pose strategic threats to the American military.

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Trump acknowledged that reality for the first time Monday when he was asked at the White House briefing room about the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has all but shut down.

We can knock them for a loop, but to close the strait, all you need is one terrorist, he said.

At a White House news conference, Trump revealed Hollywood-style details of the rescues of both airmen. After the pilot was rescued early on after the crash, the CIA identified the location of the second airman, a weapons systems officer, or back-seater, who was hiding in mountainous terrain.

He scaled cliff faces bleeding rather profusely, treated his own wounds and contacted American forces to transmit his location, Trump said.

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The U.S. flew more than 20 military aircraft into Iran, many at low altitudes, in a daring rescue mission after the airman activated a beacon signaling his location during his nearly 48-hour ordeal, Trump and others said.

But it was a race against time; the Iranian regime sent thousands of its own military forces into the region to locate the airman.

As U.S. special operations forces rushed to find the injured airman, the CIA launched a deception campaign to convince Iranian forces that the Air Force officer had already been rescued, CIA Director John Ratcliffe said Monday.

It was critical that we locate the downed aviator as quickly as possible while at the same time keeping our enemies misdirected, he said.

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The U.S. search-and-rescue operation was comparable to hunting for a single grain of sand in the middle of a desert, Ratcliffe said.

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters at the White House on Monday as, from left, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, listen. (Mark Schiefelbein / AP) (Mark Schiefelbein)

Deception, sometimes involving coordination with local opposition forces, is a standard tactic for the CIA and the U.S. military in rescue operations for troops or aviators marooned in enemy territory.

Airmen are trained to use their beacons sparingly or else risk alerting adversaries about their whereabouts. But the airman was still invisible to the enemy, but not to the CIA, Ratcliffe said.

The information was passed on to the military and the White House.

But the military hit a last-minute snag: Two aircraft got stuck in the sand, and the U.S. had to execute a backup plan to bring in new aircraft to replace them. Those two aircraft and two others were later purposely destroyed by the U.S. before it left the country, Trump and others said Monday.

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The recovery of the airman also highlights the dangers of operating on the ground in Iran, even for a limited time. The U.S. military has drawn up possible options for Trump that would involve ground troops, including potential operations to retrieve Irans highly enriched uranium, to seize Iranian oil facilities or to free up passage in the Strait of Hormuz by deploying troops to Iranian ports or small islands in the Persian Gulf, NBC News has reported. Any of those operations would entail much more significant and prolonged risks.

The effort to find the injured airman lasted almost two days, but an operation in the Strait of Hormuz or seize the oil terminal at Kharg Island would require many more troops and could mean Marines or other ground forces would hold islands for days or potentially weeks, while the troops on the ground could be exposed to Iranian cruise missiles and drones or attacks from the sea, according to military analysts.

An operation to seize or neutralize nearly 1,000 pounds of enriched uranium would most likely require U.S. forces to hold a perimeter deep inside Iran for several days, according to two former senior officers.

Trump declined to say Monday when he might end the war or what was next for the military campaign, though he threatened Iran and gave the regime until 8 p.m. Tuesday to agree to a deal.

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Trump vowed to bomb Iran to the Stone Ages if a deal that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz is not reached.

After that, they have no bridges, they have no power plans, Stone Ages, yeah, Trump said.

Targeting civilian infrastructure could be considered a war crime.

Iran has been demanding a permanent end to the war despite Trumps latest ultimatum. It publicly has rejected proposals for a temporary ceasefire that have been shared through intermediaries.

Apart from the downed F-15, the Iranians shot down an A-10 Warthog aircraft last week and have successfully targeted multiple U.S. military helicopters and more than 15 Reaper drones. Irans attacks on U.S. military aircraft suggest the U.S. and Israel have not yet fully eliminated the threat posed by Irans missiles, drones and air defenses even though Trump has said Iran had no anti-aircraft equipment.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lauded the wider Trump administration for its efforts to rescue the airman, highlighting a coordination call for national security officials that remained active for nearly two full days.

For 45 hours and 56 minutes, we held that call open for coordination, Hegseth told reporters, adding that our mission was unblinking.

The meeting never stopped. The planning never ceased, he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
WASHINGTON, April 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday morning that Iran's "whole civilization will die tonight," a deadline he set for Iran to make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a possible sharp escalation of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will," Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social.

He said that Tuesday night would be "one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World."

The 80-year-old president claimed that the United States has already achieved "Complete and Total Regime Change" in Iran, asserting that the republic, established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, "will finally end." 
Police say they're searching for an American woman who disappeared Saturday in the Bahamas. The woman's husband told authorities that his wife went missing after falling from their boat and being swept out to sea.

The missing woman was identified Monday as Lynette Hooker from Michigan, according to Hope Town Volunteer Fire and Rescue. Her husband, Brian Hooker, reported that he and his wife, who are both U.S. nationals, left Hope Town for Elbow Cay on the Bahamian island of Abaco at around 7:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force. They had set sail aboard an 8-foot hard-bottom dinghy, police said.

The search and rescue efforts have turned into a search and recovery operation, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said Wednesday.

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Brian Hooker told police that his wife fell overboard with the keys to the boat, causing its engine to turn off. He said that strong currents carried her out to sea, and he lost sight of her, according to police. Brian Hooker paddled the dinghy to shore, arriving hours later at the Marsh Harbor Boat Yard at 4 a.m. Sunday morning.

"She apparently bounced out of the boat," Hope Town Volunteer Fire and Rescue chief Troy Pritchard told CBS News on Monday.

Lynette Hooker was wearing a black bathing suit at the time, officials said.

Karli Aylesworth, Lynette Hooker's daughter, said she has "been privy to very little information" about her mother's case and called for "an intensive review of the facts and circumstances" surrounding it.

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"My sole concern is to find out what happened to my mother and make sure a full and complete investigation is performed into her disappearance," Aylesworth told CBS News.

"There have been prior issues brought to my attention, which may be important for any thorough investigation," she said. "If this truly was an accident, I can understand and live with it. However, there needs to be an intensive review of the facts and circumstances of this tragic incident before that can be determined."

Aylesworth told CBS News that Brian and Lynette Hooker had split up and gotten back together in recent years. Brian Hooker declined to answer questions about the investigation when approached by CBS News on Tuesday but has since addressed his wife's disappearance in a social media statement.

"I am heartbroken over the recent boat accident in unpredictable seas and high winds that caused my beloved Lynette to fall from our small dinghy near Elbow Cay in the Bahamas," he said. "Despite desperate attempts to reach her, the winds and currents drove us further apart. We continue to search for her and that is my sole focus."

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He also thanked authorities and volunteers involved in the search effort.

Police said Brian Hooker told someone his wife was missing once he made it to the boat yard, and that person informed authorities. Officers proceeded to search the surrounding area, with help from members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and Hope Town fire officials.

"U.S. counterparts, volunteers, the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force are assisting with this," the Royal Bahamas Police Force told CBS News in a statement. The U.S. Coast Guard Miami Sector also provided air support to Bahamian authorities in their search Sunday.

Police have asked people in the community who may have information relevant to the probe to report what they know to law enforcement, or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.

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The U.S. State Department warned of potentially deadly boating issues in the Bahamas in a travel advisory issued in March 2025, which said "boating is not well regulated" on the islands, and "injuries and deaths have occurred." The advisory also warned that watercraft, like jet skis, may come from unlicensed operators who "sometimes ignore weather forecasts." It encouraged travelers to "always follow local weather and marine alerts."

One hospice doctor. One year. $71.7 million worth of Medicare claims.

Search underway for woman after husband says she fell overboard while on boat ride in Bahamas

Republican Clay Fuller to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in House, CBS News projects
CAIRO (AP)  Ukrainian forces are operating in western Libya under a covert deal endorsed by the West, and they used the Northern African country's territory to strike a Russian tanker in the Mediterranean last month, two Libyan officials said Tuesday.

The Russian-flagged Arctic Metagaz, carrying 61,000 tons of liquefied natural gas, was badly damaged in a suspected sea drone attack near Maltese waters early in March. It has since drifted off Libya. All 30 crew members were rescued and put on another vessel heading to the Libyan city of Benghazi, the Libyan Maritime Authority said.

The tanker is part of Russias so-called shadow fleet transporting oil in violation of international sanctions over Moscows more than 4-year-old invasion of Ukraine. A recent temporary U.S. waiver on those sanctions is aimed at easing supply shortages amid the Iran war.

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Russia blamed the attack on Ukrainian sea drones. Ukraine says the oil export revenue is helping fund Moscows invasion.

The strike launched from Tripoli

The Ukrainian forces, most of them drone experts, operate mainly at an air base in the coastal city of Misrata, but also in other military facilities in the capital Tripoli and the coastal town of Zawiya, the officials told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential matters.

One of the officials said the March 3 drone strike that hit the tanker was launched by Ukrainian operatives in a military facility in Tripoli.

The Libyan Maritime Authority said at the time that the tanker experienced sudden explosions, followed by a massive fire, while it was about 240 kilometers (150 miles) off the Libyan city of Sirte. The Libyan governmental body mistakenly reported that the tanker had sunk.

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The Arctic Metagaz remained afloat after the attack and was pushed by winds and currents toward the Libyan coast, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature, a global conservation organization. In recent weeks, Libyan authorities attempted to tow the tanker to a safe zone off the countrys western coast. However, their efforts failed due to harsh weather conditions and strong winds that caused the tanker to drift out of control.

Neither Russian nor Ukrainian officials made any immediate comment on the claims. The government in Tripoli didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ukraine has become a laboratory of rapid military innovation, especially in drone technology, during its effort to thwart the invasion by Russias bigger army.

Ukraines Sea Baby naval drones have repeatedly hit Russian ships in the Black Sea. Its successful attacks prompted Russia to adapt, limiting opportunities for further Black Sea strikes and forcing Ukrainian experts to envision more ambitious attacks.

The deployment is said to be part of a covert deal

The officials said Ukrainian forces were gradually deployed in western Libya in recent months as part of what one of the officials described as a covert deal between Kyiv and the embattled government of Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah who is based in Tripoli.

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The deal enjoyed the backing of Western countries, including the United States, whose adviser for African affairs Massad Boulos has drafted a proposal to settle the long-running conflict in Libya, which keeps Dbeibah as prime minister, the officials said.

Boulos proposal also includes appointing Saddam Hifter, son of powerful east-based military commander Khalifa Hifter, as head of the presidential council, the officials said. Saddam Hifter is the chief of staff of the self-styled Libyan National Army which controls eastern and southern Libya, incluiding major oil fields.

The country has for more than a decade been split between a U.N.-supported government in Tripoli, now led by Dbeibah, and a rival administration loyal to Russia-backed Hifter in the east. Each has been backed by different armed groups and foreign governments.

The mandate of Dbehibahs government expired when Libya failed to hold its first presidential election during his watch in December 2021. He has since battled efforts to establish a new government and steer the oil-rich nation through elections, and warned that replacing him could trigger war.

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Jalel Harchaoui, a Libya analyst with the Royal United Services Institute, suggested that the presence of Ukrainian forces in western Libya is part of NATOs yearslong efforts to keep the area out of Russias reach.

It is entirely plausible that, with the knowledge and blessing of NATO powers  chiefly the United States but also the United Kingdom and Turkey  several small groups of Ukrainian operatives now maintain a presence in the greater Tripoli area, he said.

Libya has been wracked by chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled then killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The oil rich nation has for years become a theatre for a long-running rivalry between Russia and the West. Libya has borders with six countries and has become a headache for Europe since it has turned into a transit point for migrants seeking to reach European shores.

____________

Associated Press writer Barry Hatton in Lisbon contributed in this report.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  Russia and China on Tuesday vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz that had been repeatedly watered down in hopes those two countries would abstain.

The vote  11-2, with two abstentions from Pakistan and Colombia  took place shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump issued an unprecedented threat that a whole civilization will die tonight" if Iran does not open the strategic waterway and make a deal. But late Tuesday, less than two hours before the deadline he set, Trump pulled back his threat.

Trump said he would suspend the threatened attack for two weeks provided Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. One-fifth of the worlds oil typically passes through the strait, and Irans stranglehold during the war has sent energy prices soaring.

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Iran accepted the two-week ceasefire and said passage through the strait during this period would be allowed under Iranian military management. Trump said Iran has proposed a workable 10-point plan for ending the war.

Russia and China strongly defended their opposition to the U.N. resolution, both citing Trump's threat to end Irans civilization as confirmation that the proposal would have given the U.S. and Israel carte blanche for continued aggression," as Russian envoy Vassily Nebenzia put it.

Nebenzia and Chinas U.N. ambassador, Fu Cong, said the resolution failed to capture the root causes and full picture of the conflict by not showing that America and its closest ally started the now spiraling war.

Fu said in his statement that resolution was highly susceptible to misinterpretation or even abuse, and if it were adopted would send a wrong message and have serious, very serious consequences."

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Russia and China immediately followed up by circulating a rival resolution, seen by The Associated Press, which urged all parties to halt military activities and condemned attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Nebenzia told reporters it was already in a form that could be put to a vote.

,The foreign minister of Bahrain, which authored the draft, assailed the U.N.'s most powerful body for not taking action and allowing the international community to be held hostage to economic blackmail" from Iran.

Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said failing to adopt the resolution sends the signal that the threat to international waterways can pass without any decisive action by the international organization responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Al-Zayani told reporters that Gulf countries will intensify diplomatic efforts to deter Iran's attacks and safeguard freedom of navigation.

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But Irans ambassador to the U.N. thanked its allies on the 15-member council for refusing to adopt the resolution.

The text unjustifiably and misleadingly portrays Irans lawful measures in the Strait of Hormuz, which have been taken in the exercise of its inherent right of self-defense in accordance with the UN Charter, as threats to international peace and security, Amir-Saeid Iravani said in his statement.

How the resolution evolved

Its doubtful the resolution, even if it had been adopted, would have impacted the war, now in its sixth week, because it was been significantly weakened to try to get Moscow and Beijing to abstain rather than veto it.

The initial Gulf proposal would have authorized countries to use all necessary means  U.N. wording that would include military action  to ensure transit through the Strait of Hormuz and deter attempts to close it.

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The United States, which had supported the draft from its original form, assailed the countries that objected to the resolution.

No one should tolerate that they are holding the global economy at gunpoint," Mike Waltz, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., said of Iran, but today, Russia and China did tolerate it. He said in his statement: They sided with a regime that seeks to intimidate the Gulf into submission, even as it brutalizes its own people during a national internet blackout, for daring to imagine dignity or freedom.

After Russia, China and France, all veto-wielding members of the Security Council, expressed opposition to approving the use of force, the resolution was revised to eliminate all references to offensive action. It would have authorized only all defensive means necessary. A vote had been expected on Saturday.

But instead the resolution was further weakened to eliminate any reference to Security Council authorization  which is an order for action  and limit its provisions to the Strait of Hormuz. Previous drafts had included adjacent waters.

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The resolution vetoed Tuesday would have strongly encouraged countries to coordinate their efforts to ensure the safety of navigation across the Strait of Hormuz, including escorting merchant and commercial vessels.

The resolution also demanded that Iran stop impeding freedom of navigation through the strait and attacking civilian infrastructure.

Why it was Bahrain pushing the UN resolution

In response to the U.S. and Israeli attacks beginning on Feb. 28, Iran has targeted hotels, airports, residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure in more than 10 countries, including the Islamic Republic's Gulf neighbors, some of the worlds

major exporters of oil and natural gas.

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Iran's blockade in the strait is seen by Gulf nations as an existential threat. Bahrain, a Gulf nation that hosts the U.S. Fifth Fleet and is the Security Councils Arab representative and its president this month, has been pressing for U.N. action.

In response to Irans strikes against its Gulf neighbors, the Security Council adopted a Bahrain-sponsored resolution on March 11 condemning the egregious attacks and calling for Tehran to immediately halt its strikes.

That resolution, adopted by a vote of 13-0 with Russia and China abstaining, also condemned Irans actions in the Strait of Hormuz as a threat to international peace and security and called for an immediate end to all actions blocking shipping.

-

This version corrects the second reference to China's U.N. ambassador to Fu.
TOPEKA  A federal judge tossed out most of the claims from a former University of Kansas student employee who was fired after he spoke out against changes to the campus LGBTQ+ residence hall.

But one claim survived, leaving room for Anthony Alvarez to argue that his supervisor retaliated against him.

Alvarez, who is transgender, spoke to news outlets following changes to the gender-inclusive dorm where he worked and lived, and he told Kansas Reflector at the time he intended not to enforce those changes. He was fired weeks later, losing his housing and residence hall job prospects, and filed a federal lawsuit in May 2025.

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Alvarez residence hall, Grace Pearson Scholarship Hall, was designated as the universitys gender-inclusive dorm, where students could access gender-neutral bathrooms and gender-inclusive room assignments.

The university in February 2025 modified policy for the following school year, requiring the halls floors to be segregated by gender and students to use the bathrooms that aligned with the genders listed in their student files.

The change inspired protests among residents and other students. Alvarez, who has written for Kansas Reflector, was a three-year Grace Pearson resident and two-year proctor when he publicly criticized the universitys decision.

He told media outlets the universitys decision was political, and he expressed frustration at the loss of an inclusive space on campus. He claims that he engaged in protected speech by speaking to a member of the media in his capacity as a private citizen on a matter of public concern  specifically, by criticizing KU policies and practices related to housing policies for LGBTQ+ community members pursuant to recent state and federal legislative directives, court documents said.

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The university placed Alvarez on probation for failing to refer media inquiries to senior staff. Before the window to appeal the probation closed, Alvarez was let go from his position, and he was forced to rescind an offer to continue as a proctor at a different residence hall in the following academic year.

Alvarez initially sued the university and his supervisors, Emily Chellgren, former assistant director of KU Housing and Residence Life and the director of Grace Pearson, and Sarah Waters, executive director of KU Housing and Residence Life. KU was dropped from the lawsuit in July.

Chellgren challenged Alvarez claim that speaking to the media was not part of his official duties as a proctor. The First Amendment doesnt protect a public employees speech if it was through the course of official duties.

Chellgren argued Alvarez comments owed their existence to his role as a proctor and related to his job, and he said he wouldnt enforce new university policy. But just because Alvarez speech relates to his job, that doesnt mean they were part of his professional responsibilities, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Vratil wrote in a March 18 order.

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Here, the first amended complaint does not allege that plaintiffs job duties as a proctor involved speaking to the press about Grace Pearson policies, or that KU paid him to do similar tasks, Vratil wrote. In fact, the first amended complaint alleges that KU policy prohibits proctors from speaking to the press.

Plus, Vratil said Alvarez wasnt set to be a proctor at Grace Pearson when the policy changes were to go into effect, so whether he implemented the changes was irrelevant.

Vratil granted Chellgrens request to dismiss two other counts against her, but she denied Chellgrens motion to dismiss the count alleging she retaliated against Alvarez based on First Amendment-protected speech. Waters motion to dismiss was granted entirely.

Chellgren on Wednesday appealed Vratils decision to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals while the case proceeds.






(This story was updated with new information and to correct a subhead.)

BUNNELL  A Palm Coast woman accused of posing as a licensed nurse while treating thousands of patients at AdventHealth Hospital in Palm Coast was sentenced April 7 to five years' probation.

Autumn Bardisa, 29, was charged with one count of unlicensed practice of health care profession and one count of fraudulent use of personal identification information.

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She pleaded no contest to the charges during a hearing before Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols.

Nichols withheld adjudication meaning Bardisa will not be a convicted felon unless she violates the terms of her probation. She sentenced Bardisa to 60 months of probation which can be terminated after 30 months.

The judge said Bardisa graduated from nursing school and excelled at her job.

Nichols said that Bardisa wound up in court because she lied after she didn't pass her exam and used another woman's license.

"Incredibly poor judgment," Nichols said.

"Her actions were wrong. She will pay for those actions severely," Nichols said.

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The judge said Bardisa was a single mother who worked through nursing school, which is very difficult. The judge said Bardisa excelled at her job to the point of making some coworkers jealous who then did some digging and found out she did not have a nursing license.

According to the plea, she can never work in the medical field again in Florida.

Autumn Bardisa, the unlicensed nurse accused of treating thousands of patients at AdventHealth in Palm Coast last year, awaits sentencing April 7, 2026, at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center in Bunnell.

Bardisa must also complete 50 hours community service and write an apology letter of at least 500 words to the nurse whose name she used falsely.

Nichols sentenced Bardisa to the terms of the plea agreement.

Each charge she faced was a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. The charge of unlicensed practice of health care carries a minimum mandatory of one year incarceration and a $1,000 fine.

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Josh Davis, Bardisa's defense attorney, had originally filed a written plea of not guilty on her behalf.

Autumn Bardisa, the unlicensed nurse accused of treating thousands of patients at AdventHealth in Palm Coast last year, awaits sentencing April 7, 2026, at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center in Bunnell.

Autumn Bardisa: Mistake shouldn't ruin someone's life

Davis said during a press conference after the hearing that he was able to get the prosecutors to waive the one-year minimum mandatory sentence for practicing nursing without a license.

Davis said that the night before depositions were scheduled, the Department of Health and AdventHealth attorneys contacted him and said their witnesses would not be appearing.

Davis said that Bardisa gave AdventHealth all of her identification.

Bardisa said there was a lot more to the story, but declined to elaborate.

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Im just glad it ended up the way it did, Bardisa said. And my daughter wasnt harmed at all or didnt have to face any of the backlash.

Davis said there was the criminal act of practicing without a license but that never would have come out had she been a bad nurse.

The reason that we are in the courthouse is, because she was really good at her job and she makes people jealous, Davis said.  Some coworkers go back and do the digging and thats the reason we are here.

Bardisa said she would not return to nursing in another state because she felt there would be a target on her back. She said she had enrolled in a master's program but declined to provide details.

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Bardisa said: I think a mistake shouldnt ruin someones life.

How did Bardisa get hired without at AdventHealth without a license?

Bardisa was arrested Aug. 5 after Flagler County Sheriffs Office detectives determined she had participated in medical services to 4,486 individuals from June 2024 through January 2025, despite not holding a valid nursing license, the sheriff's office previously stated.

The hospital hired Bardisa on July 3, 2023, as an advanced nurse tech to work under the supervision of a registered nurse, according to a previous press release from the sheriffs office.

Bardisa later told the hospital she had passed the licensing exam to become a registered nurse but gave them the license number of another woman and said the license had a different last name because she had gotten married, according to the sheriff's office. Bardisa was supposed to provide the hospital with her marriage license but never did.

Co-worker discovers Autumn Bardisa lacked registered nurse license

Autumn Bardisa

In January 2025, Bardisa received a promotion. Another employee checked Bardisas license and discovered that Bardisa had an expired certified nursing assistant license, the sheriff's office stated. The employee reported her discovery to administrators.

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Administrators fired Bardisa Jan. 22, 2025, and the hospital contacted the sheriffs office.

On Feb. 18, 2025, Bardisa was issued a registered nurse license by the state Department of Health, according to online records. The license expires July 31. Bardisa is qualified as a multistate registered nurse and is not currently practicing, according to the online records.

Flagler Sheriff says Bardisa 'potentially endangered patients'

In a statement released on April 8, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly commended his agency's investigation and said he respected the prosecutor and the courts in the sentencing decisions.

"Nursing is a noble profession about caring for those in need, but there is a right way and wrong way to go about it, and she chose the wrong way by using a real nurse's license. Because she chose to circumvent the rules, she ruined her career, and she potentially endangered patients, Staly stated.

Judge: No evidence of countless lives on the line

The woman whose name Bardisa used to fake a license spoke during the hearing via Zoom. She said the incident caused her anxiety.

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Why you chose to treat people. Why you chose to put countless lives on the line, the woman said, saying it was appalling and scary to her.

You never were and never will be an actual nurse, the woman said.

At that point, Judge Nichols stopped her.

Im going to ask you to stop the personal attacks, Nichols said and asked her to address the court.

The woman said she had been feeling this way for a long time.

The judge said she was not minimizing the impact on the victim but Bardisa did not use the victims name to run up bills on a credit card. The judge said there was no damage to the victims reputation.

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The judge also addressed the victims statement about the lives on the line.

There is absolutely zero evidence that countless lives were on the line. Zero evidence, Nichols said. As a matter of fact the information that has been presented is that she was excellent in her job and she excelled at her job.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Autumn Bardisa, unlicensed nurse who treated thousands, avoids jail
The clock is ticking on President Donald Trump's threat to wipe out much of Iran's civilian infrastructure if the country doesn't strike a deal by Tuesday evening in the US.

But Trump has backed himself into a corner with threats that the US military can't feasibly carry out in one fell swoop, military experts and analysts told the BBC. And they warn that a new round of attacks, no matter how large, is unlikely to force the Iranian regime to quickly agree to a ceasefire.

Trump vowed on Monday to destroy "every bridge" and power station in Iran in just four hours if a deal isn't reached by 20:00 EST (00:00 GMT Wednesday). He escalated even further on Tuesday morning, warning that "a whole civilisation will die" if Iran doesn't agree to a deal by his deadline.

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Taken together, the warnings amounted to an unprecedented threat from a US president. Targeting civilian infrastructure could constitute a war crime, according to experts on international law, some of whom said that Trump's threat to wipe out an entire civilization could be construed as inciting genocide. But Trump dismissed such concerns at a press conference on Monday.

Aside from the impact on Iranian civilians, former US defence officials and other analysts said the US simply can't destroy every bridge in a country the size of Iran in just a few hours, as Trump threatened to do.

Iran is approximately one-third the size of the continental US. The US knows the exact location of Iran's main nuclear facilities and other key infrastructure, but likely cannot identify thousands of other targets across the country and destroy them in such a short time span, experts said.

"To meet this threat literally would be an absolute herculean task. And would it have the desired strategic effect?" said a former senior US defence official who asked not to be named. "Trump is almost struggling to come up with a new level or threat that he can say with words that will move the strategic needle more in favour of the US here."

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A large-scale attack on Iran's power sector is more feasible than taking out every single bridge in the country, experts said.

A majority of Iran's power plants and refineries are located in three coastal provinces - Bushehr, Khuzestan and Hormozgan - on the Persian Gulf. Striking power plants in the region could deal the Iranian regime a significant blow, said Miad Maleki, a former senior US treasury official who led sanctions against Iran.

"You do anything to those three provinces, you cut the regime's access to oil revenue [and] its access to the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz," said Maleki, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracy.

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In another development around the negotiations on Tuesday afternoon, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged Trump to extend his deadline by two weeks to allow more time to strike a deal.

"To allow diplomacy to run its course, I earnestly request President Trump to extend the deadline for two weeks. Pakistan, in all sincerity, requests the Iranian brothers to open Strait of Hormuz for a corresponding period of two weeks as a goodwill gesture," Sharif said in a post on X.

Pakistan has emerged as a key interlocutor between the US and Iran, with Islamabad floated as a possible location for high-level talks if the countries appear close to reaching a ceasefire deal.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that Trump had "been made aware of the proposal" from Pakistan's prime minister. Leavitt said the US would respond soon. Trump told Fox News on Tuesday that the US and Iran were in the middle of "heated negotiations."

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Earlier on Tuesday, Vice-President JD Vance had confirmed that the US carried out airstrikes on military targets on Kharg Island, a key island in the Persian Gulf that handles roughly 90% of Iran's oil exports.

Speaking to reporters in Budapest, Vance said those strikes did not represent a change in Trump's strategy. He said negotiations with Iran would continue until Trump's deadline but warned that the US could inflict "much greater pain" on the country's economy.

"So they've got to know, we've got tools in our toolkit that we so far haven't decided to use. The president of the United States can decide to use them, and he will decide to use them, if the Iranians don't change their course of conduct."

The White House dismissed reports that Vance's comments contained any suggestion of a US nuclear strike against the Islamic republic.

Smoke rises following a US-Israeli airstrike in Tehran, Iran, on Tuesday. A joint Israeli and US military operation continues to target multiple locations across Iran [ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH/EPA/Shutterstock]

Some civilian infrastructure has already been targeted. Iran's state media said on Tuesday that US-Israeli airstrikes targeted a bridge in the city of Qom. Last week Trump said the US bombed Iran's largest bridge.

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It's unclear if the new wave of attacks Trump has threatened would be enough to force Tehran to come to the negotiating table. US and Iranian officials reportedly spoke directly on Tuesday after weeks of indirect talks failed to move the sides closer to a deal. Still, the countries remain far apart on major issues including the future of Iran's oil sector, nuclear programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said on Monday that his special envoy Steve Witkoff, son-in-law Jared Kushner and Vance were leading the talks. But a US official who spoke on the condition of anonymity said Witkoff and Kushner are leading the day-to-day efforts and Vance would only be brought in if a deal is imminent.

"The Vice-President may be tagged in more directly if there's sufficient progress made by Witkoff and Jared," the US official said.

Trump may be betting the regime will feel pressure from Iran's population to strike a deal if the country is plunged into darkness by a widespread attack on the power grid.

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But Iranians were already living with power outages before the war started in late February. The regime likely wouldn't view more blackouts as an incentive to negotiate with the US, Maleki said.

"This is not a wartime issue," he said. "The Iranian people are already dealing with a completely dysfunctional energy and power sector."

Furthermore, attacking Iran's power sector could complicate Trump's push to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has brought most oil tanker traffic in the waterway to a standstill, roiling the global oil market and causing prices to soar.

Trump hasn't made a strong case that the US is going to get what it wants by escalating the war, said Jason Campbell, a former Department of Defense official under former President Joe Biden and Trump.

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Nearly six weeks into the war, the Iranian regime has shown it has a high pain threshold and won't easily cave to US demands, said Campbell, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute.

For Iran's leadership, Campbell said, the war "is an existential fight not just for the country but for the regime."
US Vice President JD Vance has said that he believes "military targets" were hit on Iran's Kharg island, a key part of the country's infrastructure for oil exports.

Iran had earlier Tuesday reported new explosions on Kharg, which is located in The Gulf. The Mehr news agency reported that the island had come under attack.

"My understanding ... is that we were going to strike some military targets on Kharg island: I believe we have done so," Vance said when asked about the reports during a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest.

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Vance stressed that the attacks did not represent any backing away from the ultimatum that US President Donald Trump had set Tehran.

The deadline for opening the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blocked, expires at 8 pm on Tuesday in Washington (0000 GMT Wednesday). If Iran does not back down by then, Trump has threatened to destroy all of Iran's bridges and power plants within hours.

"The president's deadline is being followed by us and everybody else. And he said very clearly: We're not going to strike energy and infrastructure targets until the Iranians either make a proposal that we can get behind or don't make a proposal," Vance said.

He said he therefore did not think the reported attacks on Kharg meant a change in Trump's strategy.

Citing a US official, NBC News reported that there had been airstrikes along the northern side of the island, but no ground operation. The strikes were said to have targeted military bunkers and storage sites, air-defence systems and other military facilities but not Iran's oil infrastructure.
By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK, April 6 (Reuters) - Venezuela's government and its political opposition are seeking to coordinate their legal defense of the oil-rich country's United States assets, after Washington's official recognition of interim President Delcy Rodriguez raised questions about who could represent the country in U.S. courts.

Lawyers for Rodriguez's government and the opposition asked Manhattan-based U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn on Monday to pause for 45 days a case in which creditors are seeking to seize funds linked to state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela while they determined who would represent Venezuela's interests.

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The letter signaled potential cooperation between the opposition and Rodriguez's government in the safeguarding of U.S. assets including Houston-based oil refiner Citgo Petroleum from creditors, including holders of debt issued by PDVSA and Venezuela's government, companies whose Venezuelan assets were expropriated, and victims of acts of alleged terrorism.

Venezuela's information ministry, which handles media requests on the government's behalf, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Relations between the opposition and Venezuela's socialist government have long been acrimonious. The opposition has controlled U.S. assets including Citgo since 2019, when Washington first imposed sanctions on PDVSA in a bid to pressure now-jailed President Nicolas Maduro to leave office.

Washington in March recognized Rodriguez as Venezuela's leader, following the capture of Maduro by U.S. forces. She is now preparing to take over the boards of PDVSA's U.S. subsidiaries including Citgo, Reuters reported on April 1, citing four people close to the preparations.

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The U.S. recognition of Rodriguez's government prompted Netburn to ask the parties to the lawsuit to clarify who had authority to represent Venezuela in court.

Netburn on Monday granted the request to pause the case. Lawyers for the government and opposition are expected to update her on the selection of a lawyer to permanently represent Venezuela's interests by May 21.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Bill Berkrot)
The latest developments in the Middle East war:

- Second Philippine national killed -

A second Philippine national has been killed in the Middle East war after a missile struck a residential building in northern Israel, according to Manila's foreign affairs department.

The woman was killed in the port city of Haifa on Sunday "alongside her Israeli husband and elderly parents-in-law", the department said.

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Israeli rescue services said Monday that the bodies of four people had been recovered from the rubble of a residential building in the city, after it was struck by an Iranian missile the previous day.

- Israel, Iran trade fire -

Explosions were heard in parts of Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj, Iranian media reported, as the Israeli military said it was carrying out a "wave" of airstrikes on Iran.

"Moments ago, explosions were heard in parts of Tehran and Karaj," local media outlets Fars and Mehr said on Telegram.

The Israeli military also announced its air defences were activated to respond to missiles fired by Iran.

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- Saudis down ballistic missiles -

Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed seven ballistic missiles launched toward the country's east, debris of which fell near power facilities, the defence ministry's spokesperson said.

- Two killed in Iraqi Kurdistan-

A drone "coming from Iran" killed a couple in Iraqi Kurdistan after crashing into their home, local authorities reported.

Separately, two blasts were heard near Erbil airport, which hosts advisers from the US-led anti-jihadist coalition, in Iraq's northern autonomous Kurdistan region, an AFP journalist said.

Some hours earlier, air defence systems downed four missiles headed towards the US consulate in Erbil, a security source told AFP.

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- UN to vote on Strait of Hormuz resolution -

The UN Security Council is set to vote on Tuesday for a resolution addressing Iran's threats to the Strait of Hormuz, diplomatic sources told AFP.

The latest draft, seen by AFP, demands Iran end its attacks on commercial vessels and halt "any attempt to impede transit passage or freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."

But objections from several veto-holding permanent members have seen the text watered down and the latest draft does not expressly authorize force.

Tehran has virtually closed the key waterway since US-Israeli strikes targeting Iran on February 28, sending global oil and gas prices soaring.

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- Iran slams 'arrogant rhetoric' -

After US President Donald Trump doubled down on his threats to raze Iran's infrastructure, an Iranian army spokesman said the "rude, arrogant rhetoric" was not impacting its actions.

- Trump threatens Iran infrastructure -

Trump told a news conference that "the entire country" of Iran "could be taken out in one night and that night might be tomorrow night," if his ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 0000 GMT Wednesday was not met.

"Every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding and never to be used again," he said, threatening the same for the country's bridges. "I mean complete demolition by 12 o'clock (0400 GMT), and it'll happen over a period of four hours -- if we wanted to."

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- Details on US airman rescue -

Trump and other senior US officials gave details of the high-risk mission to rescue two US airmen who were shot down over Iran, saying more than 170 aircraft and hundreds of troops were involved in the operation.

"These two operations reflect our nation's most sacred obligation to our military service members," top US general Dan Caine said. "We leave no one behind."

- US, Iran reject ceasefire -

Trump and Iran rejected a ceasefire bid from mediating countries, though the US leader called it a "significant proposal."

"It's a significant step. It's not good enough, but it's a very significant step," Trump told reporters in Washington before his news conference.

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Iranian state media said the proposal contained 10 undisclosed points, but Tehran "has rejected a ceasefire and insists on the need for a definitive end to the conflict."

- Red Cross condemns threats to infrastructure -

International Committee of the Red Cross chief Mirjana Spoljaric warned that "deliberate threats... against essential civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities must not become the new norm in warfare."

"Any war fought without limits is incompatible with the law," she said, without singling out any country or leader.

Trump, asked about potentially committing war crimes by attacking civilian infrastructure, said "I'm not worried about it." He argued an Iran with "a nuclear weapon" would be worse.

burs/rmb/sbk/lkd/abs
The White House tore into Democrat activist and failed Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams on Monday after she argued President Donald Trump's executive order seeking to rein in mail-in voting was "patently illegal."

"Has Stacey Abrams conceded the multiple elections she lost yet or is she still pretending to be Governor?" White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told Fox News Digital. "Election integrity has always been a top priority for President Trump, and the American people sent him back to the White House because they overwhelmingly supported his commonsense election integrity agenda."

The comment was in response to Abrams, who said during an appearance on Ms Now over the weekend that Trumps order would disenfranchise voters, resurfacing long-held tensions with the president amid his latest push to enhance voter security ahead of the midterms. Abrams previously ran for Georgia governor twice and refused to formally concede her 2018 election.

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"It is patently illegal, and it is entirely in the playbook of voter suppression that Republicans, including Donald Trump, have been using for the last decade or so," Abrams said.

Stacey Abrams Touts 10 Steps To Autocracy, Says Do Not Let Propaganda Win

Stacey Abrams speaks onstage during the Clinton Global Initiative 2025 Annual Meeting, Sept. 25, 2025, in New York City. (Getty Images)

Trumps order, called "Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections," directed the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration, in coordination with state leaders, to create a list of citizens, and then directed the U.S. Postal Service to only deliver mail-in ballots to people on the list.

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"The president will do everything in his power to defend the safety and security of American elections and to ensure that only American citizens are voting in them  thats only controversial for Democrats like Stacey," Jackson added.

Abrams founded Fair Fight Action after her 2018 loss to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, saying Georgias election system suppressed voters. The group was later ordered to reimburse the state more than $200,000 in legal costs after an unsuccessful lawsuit.

Separately, Abrams-linked advocacy groups have faced campaign-finance and nonprofit-compliance scrutiny, including a Georgia Ethics Commission case involving the New Georgia Project and a 2025 IRS complaint targeting Fair Fight Action.

Abrams has since criticized Republican-led voting initiatives at the federal and state level as relics of the Jim Crow era and designed to disenfranchise racial minorities.

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"The Constitution gives to the states the authority to determine how elections are held," Abrams said. "What the Republican regime is upset about is that democracy has been working."

President Donald Trump displays a signed executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on March 31, 2026. Trump signed an executive order Tuesday intended to make it harder for voters to cast mail-in ballots, escalating his long-running campaign against a practice used by millions of Americans. (Getty Images)

Trump criticized Abrams as far back as 2018 over her stance on voting, accusing her of wanting "illegal aliens to vote." Abrams "opposed requiring proof of American citizenship at the ballot box," Trump said at the time.

Trump has long argued that noncitizen voting, which is illegal, is a widespread problem in U.S. elections. In addition to his executive order, Trump has urged Congress to pass the SAVE Act before the 2026 elections to impose a physical identification requirement on people registering to vote, though it lacks the needed support from Democratic senators to advance in the upper chamber.

While the White House has framed Trump's executive order as an effort to bolster election integrity, Abrams and other critics argued it intruded on state authority and would unfairly suppress votes.

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"The biggest risk for Americans right now is that we see these as piecemeal, and we dont recognize its part of a pattern," Abrams said. "This is step 10 in an authoritarian playbook. You end democracy."

James Carville Tells Ex-cnn Host He's Worried Trump Will Tamper With 2026 Midterm Elections

Vote by Mail ballots are inspected at the Los Angeles County Ballot Processing Center on November 4, 2025, in City of Industry. California.

Abrams also alleged that the executive order would serve to create a master list of voters, effectively usurping state control over voter registration lists and federalizing elections.

"The creation of a database  should terrify all of us," Abrams said. "That is an attempt to do national surveillance."

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In addition to Abrams' criticisms, roughly two dozen states and voting rights groups filed lawsuits seeking to block the executive order, arguing Trump's directives violated the Constitution by encroaching on states authority to administer elections.

Fox News Digital reached out to an Abrams representative for comment.





Original article source: White House unleashes on Stacey Abrams in latest clash over Trumps election order
by Wen Tsui

LOS ANGELES, April 6 (Xinhua) -- NASA's Artemis II mission broke the record for the farthest distance humans have ever traveled from Earth on Monday, surpassing a mark set 56 years ago, while contending with repeated equipment failures throughout the flight.

The crew of Integrity, as the astronauts named their capsule, exceeded the previous record of 400,171 km set by the Apollo 13 crew on April 15, 1970, at 1:57 p.m. EDT (1757 GMT), according to NASA.

The four crew members are NASA commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency mission specialist Jeremy Hansen. They launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 1 on a 10-day test flight around the Moon, the first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17 in 1972.

The capsule reached its maximum distance of 406,771 km from Earth at 7:07 p.m. EDT (2307 GMT).

"Congratulations to this incredible crew and the entire NASA team, our international and commercial partners, but this mission isn't over until they're under safe parachutes, splashing down into the Pacific," NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman wrote in a post on X.

The mission had been delayed nearly seven months from its planned September 2025 launch date. Engineers needed additional time to address concerns about the capsule's heat shield and life-support systems after problems were found during an earlier uncrewed test flight in 2022. NASA flew the mission with the existing heat shield after modifying how the capsule would re-enter Earth's atmosphere, a decision that drew criticism from independent engineers before launch.

Shortly after reaching orbit on April 1, the crew lost two-way contact with Mission Control. NASA said the fault was traced to a technical problem at a ground station and was resolved quickly with no effect on the mission.

The mission's onboard toilet broke down three separate times during the flight. The first breakdown, caused by a jammed fan in the toilet's waste system, occurred within hours of launch. Mission Specialist Koch, who described herself as the mission's space plumber, worked with Mission Control to fix it. A second breakdown on April 4 led flight director Judd Frieling to tell reporters that engineers suspected ice was blocking a pipe used to flush liquid waste out of the capsule.

On April 6, Mission Control ordered the crew to stop using the toilet altogether. "We just wanted to let you know that the toilet right now is 'no go' for use, as we stick with a predetermined limit," capsule communicator Jenni Gibbons told the crew, directing the astronauts to use portable disposal bags for liquid waste instead.

During the lunar flyby, Canadian astronaut Hansen informed Mission Control that the crew proposed naming two previously unnamed craters on the Moon. The first would be "Integrity," after their capsule, located on the Moon's far side, and the second "Carroll," near the boundary between the Moon's near and far sides. Both proposals require formal approval by the International Astronomical Union, the body responsible for naming features in space.

The crew also heard a recorded message from Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell, who flew to the Moon as command module pilot on Apollo 8 in 1968 and died on Aug. 7, 2025, at age 97. "Good luck and Godspeed from all of us here on the good Earth," Lovell said in the recording, according to NASA's mission blog.

On April 3, the White House proposed cutting NASA's annual budget by 23 percent, from 24.4 billion U.S. dollars to 18.8 billion dollars, for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2026, according to SpaceNews. The proposal would cut NASA's science programs by 47 percent and cancel more than 40 missions.

The Planetary Society, an advocacy group for space research, said the proposal "needlessly resurrects an existential threat to U.S. leadership in space science and exploration." Congress rejected an identical proposal last year and will have the final say on the new budget.

Artemis II is following a free-return trajectory similar to the one utilized by Apollo 13. The mission does not include a lunar landing. Splashdown is scheduled for April 10 in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego, California. 
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against a Colorado law that prohibits mental health professionals from providing "conversion therapy" to minors, which the state defined to include "any practice or treatmentthat attemptsto change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attraction or feelings toward individuals of the same sex." To the surprise of many observers, the decision was 81, a strikingly one-sided result in such a politically and socially divisive dispute. What happened?

Kaley Chiles, a licensed mental health counselor whose practice focuses on "talk therapy," challenged the Colorado law on First Amendment grounds, arguing that the ban, as applied to her, unlawfully infringed on her constitutional right to speak freely with her clients.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit disagreed, however, holding that the state law was a permissible regulation of "professional conduct" that only "incidentally" affected speech. According to the 10th Circuit, the Colorado ban should be understood as part of "a long-established history of states regulating the healthcare professions," and was therefore entitled to the most deferential form of judicial review, a lenient standard known as the rational-basis test.

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But the Supreme Court took a different view. Writing for the majority in Chiles v. Salazar, Justice Neil Gorsuch held that the 10th Circuit "failed to apply sufficiently rigorous First Amendment scrutiny in this case." The state law "does not just regulate the content of Ms. Chiles's speech," he wrote. "It goes a step further, prescribing what views she may and may not express." And a law of that kind must always be reviewed under the Court's most aggressive standard of review, which is known as strict scrutiny. The Supreme Court therefore reversed the 10th Circuit and remanded the case "for further proceedings consistent with this opinion."

In other words, the Court ordered the 10th Circuit to revisit the case and rereview the law under the far tougher strict scrutiny test, rather than the more lenient rational-basis test that it used the first time around.

That may sound like a lot of unsatisfying legalese, but it effectively amounts to a judicial death sentence for the state law in this case. "Colorado may regard its policy as essential to public health and safety. Certainly, censorious governments throughout history have believed the same," Gorsuch wrote. "But the First Amendment stands as a shield against any effort to enforce orthodoxy in thought or speech in this country. It reflects instead a judgment that every American possesses an inalienable right to think and speak freely, and a faith in the free marketplace of ideas as the best means for discovering truth. However well-intentioned, any law that suppresses speech based on viewpoint represents an 'egregious' assault on both of those commitments."

Those words should leave little doubt in anyone's mind that the Colorado law's application to Chiles will be ruled unconstitutional by the current Supreme Court if the lower court fails to take the none-too-subtle hint and do so itself on remand.

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As noted above, this ruling was a lopsided 81. The sole dissenter was Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. She thought the Colorado law was entitled to broad judicial deference and should be upheld as part of the state's traditional regulatory authority over the medical field. "The conclusion that a State can regulate the provision of medical care even if, in so doing, it incidentally restricts the speech of some providers, fully comports with the First Amendment's animating principles," Jackson asserted.

Yet no other member of the Court, including no other member of the Court's "liberal" wing, was willing to sign on to that assertion. In fact, in a separate concurrence, Justice Elena Kagan, joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, announced their full endorsement of Gorsuch's opinion. "The Court today decides that the Colorado law challenged here, as applied to talk therapy, conflicts with core First Amendment principles because it regulates speech based on viewpoint," Kagan wrote. "I agree."

Sometimes, a highly controversial political or social issue will lead to a highly fractious Supreme Court decision. Chiles v. Salazar is a reminder that even the most contentious issues do not always raise equally difficult legal questions for the Supreme Court to answer.

The post Why SCOTUS Ruled 81 Against Colorado's 'Conversion Therapy' Ban appeared first on Reason.com.
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD)  The Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University has been gifted its largest donation ever.

Some $17 million will go to support experience-driven learning at the school, including financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship programs as well as innovation-focused programming in Silicon Valley.

This gift will significantly impact our business students through several initiatives like expressions-driven learning, student support services and professional development programming, Satish Deshpande, the dean of the Haworth College of Business, said.

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WMU celebrates construction of new geological repository

He pointed specifically to financial literacy programs and a career readiness initiative that follows students throughout their time at the college.

Its all the stuff that you need to be successful. So there are different activities that you have to do  basically career development. We have a career center that will get a lot of support, too, Deshpande said.

Funds are also expected to support first-generation students through scholarships and expanding dual-enrollment opportunities. However, only so much planning could have been done ahead of time.

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The thing is, we couldnt talk about it to anyone. We knew this money was coming in. We earmarked a certain money for scholarships and other things, Deshpande said.

Dan Grady, co-trustee of the Stan Lucas Trust and a Western graduate, announced the donation at an event Tuesday afternoon. Lucas was a California commercial real estate developer who died in January 2025. He asked that trustees divide his $600 million estate between four charities, including a school that supported ideals of capitalism. Grady and the trustees chose WMUs Haworth.

(Lucas) believed deeply in supported state-sponsored institutions and the students who attended them. Western Michigan checked all the boxes that Stan wishes: strong entrepreneurship program, a belief in capitalism  (and) a clear vision to develop students as future leaders. Western Michigans truly a special place  one of higher educations best-kept secrets, I believe, Grady said.

He praised the business school, the engineering and aeronautical programs, the medical school and Miller Auditorium.

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To understand why Western Michigan University is so dear to my heart  you need to know my Bronco story, Grady said. I remember walking the campus as a 15-, 16-year-old kid, dreaming of being a Bronco and knowing the business school was the right path for me.

He became a student assistant coach at WMU. That opened the door for him to get a football scholarship and take business classes there. A major in business management launched a 40-year banking career. Thats how he met Lucas, who had no affiliation with the school.

Whether its your student arriving here and paying tuition, whether its your business employing our graduates, this is a $17 million investment from someone who didnt even know Western Michigan University, who is from the West Coast and is an entrepreneur. That is how successful the Haworth College of Business is, WMU President Russ Kavalhuna said.

WMU board approves $6 million purchase of Newell building

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Dick and Matthew Haworth, after whose family the business college is named, were in the room as the donation was announced. While it was the business schools largest donation, it was the sixth-largest gift to WMU overall.

Its a transformational gift. It means a lot to me because of the education I received here and all the people that supported me while attending Western Michigan University. I look at the Haworth College of Business certainly as the benefactor of all this, but I also look at the university as a big benefactor of all this as well, Grady said.

The $17 million gift had been under wraps for months, said Deshpande. As it moved from the trust to the university, members on both sides had to share where it was going with California state officials. The total is expected to grow as more of Lucas properties are sold. Grady said it could grow to $20 million to $21 million for the school.

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 WOODTV.com.
BUDAPEST, April 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday that the United States has largely achieved its military objectives against Iran, while warning that Tehran faces a narrowing window to enter negotiations or risk further economic hardship.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest, Vance said Washington would continue efforts to curb Iran's weapons production capabilities.

Vance confirmed that U.S. forces had struck military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, but stressed that energy infrastructure had not been targeted, in line with a previously set deadline.

"The president believes this war could conclude very quickly," Vance said, outlining two possible paths: Iran could "no longer support terrorism" and integrate into the global economy, or face prolonged economic isolation.

He said the United States has set a deadline for Tehran to respond to negotiations by 8:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time, giving Iran roughly 12 hours to respond, and expressed hope for a "favorable answer" that would allow the resumption of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

"Military force remains an option if Iran does not change its behavior, but this is not the preferred path," he added.

On bilateral relations, Vance said the United States seeks strong cooperation with Hungary, particularly in the areas of energy security and independence.

He criticized what he described as pressure from "Eurocrats" in Brussels on Hungary over its policy decisions, adding that Washington maintains multiple channels of cooperation with Budapest.

Vance also questioned Western European approaches to energy policy, noting that some leaders speak of an energy crisis while not supporting Hungary's strategy. He said Hungary has managed to keep energy prices below levels seen in parts of Western Europe.

Hungary has advocated maintaining access to relatively cheap Russian fossil fuels as part of Europe's economic model - a position that differs from broader European Union efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy.

Vance said the United States supports Europe's long-term success and energy independence, adding that Hungary's policy direction could contribute to strengthening energy security across the continent. 
U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 6, 2026. Caine told reporters that the U.S. A-10 Warthog downed on Friday was conducting a "sandy" mission -- positioning itself between the rescue force and enemy fire. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that the U.S. military had used as many as 155 warplanes to rescue the second airman in Iran and was forced to destroy some cargo planes that got stuck.

The pilot was injured "quite badly," Trump said at a press conference at the White House.

"We blew up the old planes," Trump said while focusing on the details of the rescue. He said the planes contained communications equipment and anti-missile technology.

The search-and-rescue mission was then conducted by "faster, lighter planes," Trump said.

"Hundreds of people could have been killed," Trump said. "So we had people that were within the military that said this is not wise, and I understood that. But I decided to do it."

U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine told reporters that the U.S. A-10 Warthog downed on Friday was conducting a "sandy" mission -- positioning itself between the rescue force and enemy fire.

The aircraft was hit multiple times by Iranian fire, but the pilot managed to fly it out of Iran before ejecting over friendly territory.

The plane had only one job: "Get to the survivor, bring the rescue force forward, and put themselves between that survivor on the ground and the enemy," said Caine.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe said the agency played a key role during the search and rescue efforts by using "human assets and exquisite technologies" to locate the airman and determine he was alone and alive on Saturday morning.

Ratcliffe described the search and rescue as a "daunting challenge" that is "comparable to hunting for a single grain of sand in the middle of a desert."

"This was also a race against the clock, as it was critical that we locate the downed aviator as quickly as possible, while at the same time keeping our enemies misdirected," he told reporters.

Ratcliffe confirmed that the CIA "executed a deception campaign" against Iran during the rescue so that the missing pilot, when "concealed in a mountain crevice," was "invisible to the enemy, but not to the CIA."

Trump said that an Iranian shoulder-fired missile downed the U.S. Air Force F-15E jet on Friday. But neither the president nor his top officials elaborated on the type of munition and how the fighter jet was shot down. 
BUDAPEST, April 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday that the United States has largely achieved its military objectives against Iran and set a deadline for Tehran to respond to negotiations by 8:00 p.m. U.S. time.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest, Vance said Washington would continue efforts to curb Iran's weapons production capabilities, but indicated the conflict could end soon depending on Tehran's response. 
WASHINGTON, April 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he has agreed to "suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks."

Trump wrote on social media that his decision is subject to Iran agreeing to the complete, immediate and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

"The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East," Trump said.

"We received a 10 point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate," he said. 
Israel says it has struck the southern Iranian port of Assaluyeh, home to Iran's largest petrochemical facility (Behrouz MEHRI)  Behrouz MEHRI/AFP/AFP

Here are the latest economic events in the Middle East war:

- Global stocks mostly fall, oil mixed -

Global stock markets mostly pulled back Tuesday as investors braced for US President Donald Trump's looming deadline for Iran -- to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face devastating attacks.

Oil prices jumped after US-Israeli strikes on the key Iranian oil export terminal of Kharg island.

But they later moderated, with the West Texas Intermediate rising 0.5 percent to $112.95 a barrel and the Brent international benchmark slipping 0.6 percent to $109.27 a barrel.

- Madagascar declares energy emergency -

Madagascar declared a two-week national energy emergency, saying disruptions in supply because of the war in the Middle East were causing crisis.

The Indian Ocean island is a net importer of fuel, most of which comes from Oman, just south of the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

- Saudi petrochemical complex hit -

Overnight attacks on Saudi Arabia hit a petrochemical complex in a sprawling industrial area in the eastern city of Jubail, a witness who requested anonymity told AFP on Tuesday, hours after similar installations in Iran were struck.

Jubail is home to one of the world's largest industrial cities, where steel, gasoline, petrochemicals, lubricating oil and chemical fertilisers are produced.

- Bahrain's main port to pause operations -

Bahrain's main port will suspend operations starting early Wednesday, around the time of a US deadline for Iran to agree to a deal or face attacks on civilian infrastructure.

"Operations in Khalifa Bin Salman Port will be temporarily suspended from early April 8," APM Terminals Bahrain, which operates the port, told AFP.

- Russia, China veto UN resolution on Strait of Hormuz -

Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution Tuesday on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a text already diluted from the green light Gulf states had sought to use force to protect the key shipping lane.

The draft resolution prepared by Bahrain and supported by the United States received 11 votes in favor, two against and two abstentions. Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said Gulf states "regret" the rejection of the measure.

- Iran reports strikes on bridges, key highway, railways -

Iranian officials reported damage to bridges, railway systems and highways on Tuesday as part of a wave of deadly airstrikes on infrastructure.

A bridge near the holy city of Qom and another carrying a railway line in the central city of Kashan were struck, according to regional officials quoted by state media.
By Lucia Mutikani

WASHINGTON, April 7 (Reuters) - New orders for key U.S.-manufactured capital goods increased more than expected in February while shipments of those products rose solidly, suggesting business spending on equipment was on firmer footing before the war with Iran.

The strength reported by the Commerce Department on Tuesday followed weakness in January, which some economists had blamed on harsh weather. The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, now in its second month, has boosted oil prices and snarled supply chains.

More from Yahoo Scout How is the Middle East conflict affecting business investment? Why did Boeing's aircraft orders decline so sharply? What role is AI playing in manufacturing demand? What drove February's unexpected capital goods orders increase?

Economists anticipated softness in orders and shipments in the months ahead.

"I suspect that firms turned cautious again in March, and likely April, waiting to see how high energy prices would move and for how long," said Stephen Stanley, chief U.S. economist at Santander U.S. Capital Markets. "My base case remains that the spike in energy prices seen in March will last no more than a few months, which would suggest no worse than a pause in investment activity with little impact on the broader trend."

Non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircraft, a closely watched proxy for business spending, rose 0.6% after a downwardly revised 0.4% drop in January, the Commerce Department's Census Bureau said.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast these so-called core capital goods orders would increase 0.4% after a previously reported 0.1% gain in January.

The Census Bureau is still catching up on data releases following delays caused by last year's government shutdown.

There were increases in orders for primary metals and fabricated metal products. Orders for machinery jumped 1.5%. Orders for computers and electronic products were unchanged as an increase in the computers and related products category was offset by a decline in communications equipment. Orders for electrical equipment, appliances and components dipped 0.1%.

Core capital goods shipments increased 0.9% in February after being unchanged in January. These shipments are among the components that go into the calculation of the business spending on equipment component in the gross domestic product report.

Core capital goods inventories rose 0.2% in February. Business spending on equipment has grown for four straight quarters, though the pace slowed in the fourth quarter.

Stocks on Wall Street were trading lower as President Donald Trump's deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz approached. The dollar slipped against a basket of currencies. U.S. Treasuries were little changed.

DELIVERY TIMES ARE LENGTHENING
New privileges for workers as part of the Employment Rights Act, which was led by Angela Rayner, will come into force on Monday - Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images

Labours tax and employment laws have pushed businesses to a dangerous precipice which are pricing young people out of work, leading industry groups have warned.

New sick pay laws championed by Angela Rayner will come into force on Monday, with trade groups warning that corporate Britain is under mounting strain as unemployment is at a five-year high and youth joblessness now higher than the EU average.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) warned that the countrys jobs market risked becoming less flexible than France, adding that businesses were struggling to absorb the extra costs.

We have reached a dangerous precipice for business when it comes to employment costs, said the CBIs Matthew Percival.

Alongside NICs and business rate increases, the National Living Wage has gone up by 34pc in the past four years.

Something has to give. Unfortunately the consequence is that investment is stymied, growth is on pause and young people are being priced out of the labour market.

New privileges for workers as part of the Employment Rights Act (ERA), which was led by Ms Rayner when she was deputy prime minister, will give staff the right to statutory sick pay from their first day of absence, instead of the fourth day.

The law, coming to force on Monday, will also give new fathers enhanced paternity rights.

However, small business owners warned that they were likely to bear the brunt of sick pay changes at a time when costs are rising quickly against the backdrop of the Iranian war.

Many bigger firms already offer sick pay from day one.

Craig Beaumont, of the Federation of Small Business (FSB), said the changes would punish those willing to hire people with health issues.

Charging employers every time someone throws a sickie is a recipe for fewer jobs, worse productivity and a harder time for businesses, he said.

Worse, it disadvantages those who are actually unwell and struggling in work  it hits the firms who employ people with health problems, the hardest.

Mr Percival said the new laws would leave firms with little protection against somebody claiming to be sick when they are not.

The changes will also mean British workers will now receive sick pay faster than workers in France, even though they still get less money overall.

Leading firms in the City have already warned the Government that parts of the Employment Rights Act will leave Britains employment laws worse than France.

Law firms and big banks have told officials that new rights that will put bankers and lawyers in line for unlimited payouts if they win unfair dismissal claims will discourage investment.
Hyundai Motor says vehicle exports to Europe and North Africa are facing delays as the Middle East conflict disrupts shipping corridors that these routes typically use.

Reuters reported that the situation is constraining space on major maritime routes, raising freight costs and slowing delivery times, which is adding strain for Hyundai and companies in its supply chain.

The carmaker said the effects could persist even if hostilities subside in the near term, as logistics networks would require time to resume normal operations.

Kim Dong-jo, Hyundai Motor Global Policy Office senior vice president, as reported by Reuters, said: Even if the conflict ends, it will take a considerable amount of time to rebuild and restore existing supply chains.

Dong-jo also pointed to rising logistics expenses and raw material constraints connected to the conflict, which are weighing on parts suppliers and production.

He said Hyundai is working with suppliers and the government to reduce the impact.

Hyundai Glovis, the logistics arm of Hyundai Motor Group, said it is currently unable to use certain Middle East routes, prompting temporary storage of cargo at alternative locations until conditions improve.

The report said services to North Americas west and east coasts are largely operating normally, but limitations in the Middle East and higher fuel prices are reducing efficiency.

South Koreas Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, cited by the news agency, said some shipments are being redirected to interim hubs including Sri Lanka, where cargo is being held as firms adjust delivery plans.

In a separate update last month, Hyundai Motor Company set out plans to increase global annual production capacity by 1.2 million units by 2030.

"Hyundai warns Middle East conflict disrupting export supply chains" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




Audit practices in India have pushed back against proposed changes to auditor independence rules, the Economic Times reported.

This comes after the Ministry of Corporate Affairs suggested amendments to the Companies Act to expand restrictions under Section 144.

Under the proposal, audit companies would be prohibited from offering any non-audit services to clients for three years after their audit tenure ends.

According to the auditors, the proposed rule could reshape the audit market, alter commercial models and reduce options for companies.

Industry experts told the publication that two elements in the draft proposal are particularly significant: the use of the word any in relation to non-audit services, without detailing what that includes, and the extension of the restriction to a three-year period after the audit relationship has ceased.

BDO group managing director Yogesh Sharma was quoted by the ET as saying: While there has been a concept of a cooling off period prior to acceptance of an audit engagement in certain overseas geographies, a cooling off period for non-audit services after the end of an audit tenure is fairly unique.

Audit professionals noted that most large international networks active in India  including Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, GT and BDO  already choose not to take up even allowed non-audit mandates from an audit client during the engagement period.

They argue that adding a further three-year bar would be excessive and could have anti-competitive effects.

Indias banking sector already operates with a one-year cooling-off period for statutory auditors under Reserve Bank of India rules.

However, experts said there is little evidence that stretching this to three years in the corporate sector would enhance audit quality.

Audit companies expect two broad outcomes if the proposal is implemented unchanged.

First, mid-sized and smaller operators that rely on ongoing advisory work may be hit harder, while bigger practices could better absorb the gap, leading to greater concentration at the top.

Second, even large companies may pick clients more carefully as each audit could block non-audit work with that company for around eight years, reshaping the business case.

"Indian audit companies warn of fallout from tighter rules  report" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.




A major international banking company is making a massive investment in Charlotte.

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, better known as SMBC, announced it will establish its second U.S. headquarters in the Queen City, bringing 2,000 highpaying jobs over the next six years.

Governor Josh Stein, who met with SMBC leaders during a trade trip to Tokyo last year, joined company and state officials in Charlotte on Tuesday to celebrate the deal. Stein said North Carolinas workforce played a key role in attracting the global financial giant.

ALSO READ: Slim pickings: Can data center jobs reverse Richmond Countys population trend?

North Carolina has so much going for us, most importantly, its people, Stein said. We have one of the best workforces, because we are able to deliver all kinds of talent.

North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley described the states economic strategy as the three Ps: people, places, and partnerships. He said SMBCs decision further cements Charlottes status as the nations second city of finance, behind only New York.

SMBC is one of Japans three major megabanks and a significant player in global finance.

The company says it will invest $50 million in Charlotte and offer jobs with an average salary of $165,000.

The expansion will support lending not only to Japanese companies operating in the U.S., but also to American businesses.

Governor Stein said the pitch to SMBC was straightforward: Come to North Carolina, you will have the talent you need to grow and thrive.

This could become one of Charlottes largest job announcements ever. The only comparable project was in 2020, when managed healthcare company Centene announced plans to bring 3,200 jobs to the region.

That project ultimately fell through after leadership changes and a shift toward remote work.
Japan is running out of workers. Its population declined for a 14th straight year in 2024; its working-age population is projected to shrink by nearly 15 million over the next two decades; and a 2024 Reuters/Nikkei survey found that labor shortages are the primary force pushing Japanese firms toward automation and AI adoption.

More from Yahoo Scout What makes physical AI different from traditional automation? How are robots addressing dangerous workplace conditions? Which industries benefit most from robotics automation? Why is Japan investing heavily in physical AI?

Last month, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry said it was looking to build a domestic physical AI sector, with hopes of holding 30% of the global market by 2040. The idea is to employ robots in logistics warehouses, on factory floors, and inside data centerswhere theyre not taking peoples jobs, but filling the ones no one wants.

Ally Warson, a partner at UP.Partners, a venture firm focused on transportation tech and the physical world, has been telling investors this for years. Japans labor shortage is one prime example of where its becoming evident.

Thats all the more accentuated in fields where theres a large demand for labor and few people to fill those roles. For example, Japan is looking to employ robots to take care of its aging population in home health scenarios and in other domestic sectors.

In fact, theyll become so ubiquitous that a recent Bank of America report predicted people will soon own more humanoid robots than cars by 2060.

The reality is, no one wants to do these jobs, Warson told Fortune. For example, there are something like 600,000 unfilled jobs in the industrial space. No ones raising their hand and signing up for it.

Robots are building walls

The UBS Global Entrepreneur Report 2026, which surveyed 215 business leaders at companies with a combined $34.3 billion in revenue, found that 47% of entrepreneurs with industrial businesses see automation and robotics as the biggest commercial opportunity.

The UBS researchers spoke with the head of a Luxembourg construction and property firm who drew a distinction between AI and the physical potential of robotics. In the construction industry, AI has limited uses. This is a physical business, and AI cant build a wall. Therell be robots at some point in time, but not yet, the firms leader told UBS researchers.

Warson agrees. Although robots are not there yet, she said, there are plenty of jobs where the risk to a persons life makes it a prime target for robotics automation. In tunnel construction, you can just have a robot keep boring instead of possibly subjecting a manned crew to hazardous conditions. Or something as visible as window-washing: Even hanging someone off the side of a building hundreds of feet in the air to window-wash. Why is this still a thing?
The April 15 tax filing deadline is less than two weeks away. Forms, receipts, and in some cases an impending tax bill can make this a stressful time for Americans. But for real estate investors in 2025, at least one thing got better.

With the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), 100% bonus depreciation was permanently reinstated for what the IRS labels "certain qualified property acquired and placed in service after January 19, 2025." This is a big change from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which placed bonus depreciation at 100%, but with phaseouts beginning in 2023. Those phaseouts were set to hit 40% in 2025.

The Jan. 19 distinction, outlined in IRS Publication 946, is one of several important nuances experts are warning real estate investors to keep in mind when attempting to accelerate depreciation.

With the ability, in some cases, to write off 20% to 30% of a property's purchase price in year one, investors could be sitting on six-figure tax deductions. But as experts warn, these savings are only available to those who understand how they're achieved.

"But heres the thing most investors are missing: Bonus depreciation is only as powerful as your ability to use it correctly," said Ashley Kehr of Bigger Pockets' Real Estate Rookie podcast.

This ability can be limited by everything from when the asset was purchased, to how its value is allocated, to whether the owner meets specific requirements that allow the losses to actually benefit their situation in 2026.

Experts warn against bonus depreciation mistakes

Any real estate investor looking to use bonus depreciation must first understand the role of a cost segregation study.

Rather than taking straight-line depreciation over the course of 27.5 years for residential property or 39 years for commercial property, real estate investors can accelerate depreciation with a cost segregation study that separates a property's components by their useful life, omitting land that is not depreciable.

For an investment property, this can classify components of the building as a five, seven, or 15-year property, all of which can be eligible for 100% bonus depreciation if certain requirements are met  one being the study itself. Without this, the strategy falls apart.

"While 100% bonus depreciation is back permanently, a deduction you dont know how to capture is a deduction you dont get," Kehr added in her warning to investors.

Understanding which components of a building can qualify for bonus depreciation allows investors to begin estimating how much a cost segregation study could impact their tax situation. The list often includes, but is not limited to, the following components (via EisnerAmper).
MOSCOW, April 7 (Reuters) - Global supply disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East have opened up new trade opportunities for Russia, but price stability in the domestic market remains a priority, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Tuesday.

Russia, the world's second-largest oil exporter, the largest wheat exporter, and a major producer and exporter of fertilisers, is seen by many experts as one of the main economic beneficiaries of the conflict.

More from Yahoo Scout What specific commodities are creating new export opportunities for Russia? How is Russia protecting its domestic market? How is Russia benefiting economically from Middle East conflicts? What trade disruptions are opening opportunities for Russia?

"For our country, the current situation - if we consider exclusively the economic aspects - creates new opportunities to improve the financial position of export-oriented industries and to provide additional budget revenues," Mishustin told a government meeting.

"Our country has the capacity to increase overseas shipments of resources that are currently scarce due to the Middle East crisis, or that may become scarce in the near term, including food-related supplies," Mishustin said.

Apart from oil and gas, Mishustin noted that global supplies of urea, sulphur, and helium had been disrupted. Russia is a major producer of all three commodities.

Russia must protect its own domestic consumers from external price shocks, he said, citing recent bans on gasoline and nitrogen fertiliser exports as examples of protective measures.

"Our top priority remains protecting the domestic market," he said.

(Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Writing by Gleb Bryanski; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
New UK employment rights reforms coming into force in April 2026 are prompting mixed reactions from the retail sector, with industry leaders warning that implementation details will shape their impact on jobs, flexibility and business costs.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said it supports stronger worker protections under the Employment Rights Act, but raised concerns about specific measures, including trade union reforms and guaranteed hours proposals.

The legislation introduces a wide range of changes, including day-one rights to sick pay and parental leave, alongside reforms to trade union access and future plans for guaranteed working hours.

Retail backs worker protections but flags risks

Retailers have broadly welcomed measures aimed at improving employment standards. The BRC said many of these changes will make a meaningful difference to peoples lives, pointing in particular to reforms on parental and bereavement leave.

The sector employs millions of workers across the UK and is heavily reliant on part-time and flexible roles. Around 55% of retail jobs are part-time, significantly higher than the national average, reflecting demand from students, parents and those balancing other commitments.

However, the BRC stressed that reforms must be applied in a way that maintains this flexibility. It said employers are committed to offering fair, secure and flexible jobs, highlighting the need to balance worker protections with operational realities.

Concerns over trade union and guaranteed hours changes

The retail body identified specific risks linked to changes in trade union rules and the planned expansion of guaranteed hours for workers on low or variable contracts.

It warned that removing trade union recognition thresholds could undermine that balance between workforce representation and employer operations.

Proposals on guaranteed hours are also under scrutiny. These reforms aim to provide more predictable income for workers, particularly those on zero-hours contracts. Yet retailers argue that poorly designed rules could limit the availability of flexible roles.

Implementation must be carefully considered so they work in practice for both employers and employees, the BRC said.

Industry analysis suggests more than half of retail roles could be affected by guaranteed hours policies, raising concerns about reduced hiring flexibility.

Rising costs and pressure on employment

The Employment Rights Act reforms come at a time of increasing cost pressure for UK retailers. Higher wages, tax changes and wider economic uncertainty are already affecting hiring decisions and pricing strategies.
By Emma Rumney

LONDON, April 7 (Reuters) - The U.S. vaping market, long dominated by Chinese imports, is seeing an uptick of "Made in America" products, in what some analysts and industry executives say is a reaction to the Trump administration's crackdown on unlicensed brands.

The products suggest the multi-billion-dollar industry is shifting marketing tactics under President Donald Trump's global trade tariff salvoes and a tougher approach to unlicensed vapes from U.S. authorities, especially against popular Chinese labels.

The United States is the world's top market for vapes, coveted by major tobacco players like British American Tobacco, which estimated the market was worth around $12 billion in 2024. Most vapes globally are produced in China, and the devices are imported and distributed in the U.S. often without formal permission from regulators.

Since October last year, at least eight new vape brands playing up their American credentials have appeared among the broad array of unlicensed labels available on U.S. shelves, according to a Reuters analysis. Trademark documents and business filings show some of those eight brands, all of which lack permission for sale in the U.S., are controlled by U.S. firms but at least two are Chinese or Hong Kong-owned.

Pallav Mittal, analyst at Barclays, said the vape companies appeared to be betting that the move would make their labels less likely to "catch the eyes" of customs officials on the lookout for unlicensed Chinese vapes at the U.S. border.

That could mean the U.S. crackdown on the massive illegal vape market will have an even more gradual impact than major tobacco companies were hoping, he added.

"(If) the illegal players have found another way to stay in the U.S. market... then this shift from illegal to legal will probably slow down," Mittal said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration declined to comment on whether there had been a shift towards U.S. production of vapes, but said it is illegal to sell unauthorised vapes regardless of where they are made.

The website of one brand, Maxus Star, proclaims "Vape American" and shows the device emblazoned with stars, stripes and a "built in the USA" stamp.

Reuters could not verify where the device is made. The "MAXUS" brand is owned in the U.S. by Hong Kong-based Rivermountain (H.K.) Tech, which also holds trademarks in China for sub-brands of Chinese vape maker Freemax, trademark documents show. MAXUS Star, Freemax and Rivermountain did not respond to requests for comment.
Andys view

To rebalance US trade with China, the White House is touting a Board of Trade as a major outcome of next months summit in Beijing between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

American businesses should be wary.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says the board will bring together officials from both countries to pick which products they want to trade with each other. On Greers export wish-list: Boeing planes, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and agricultural products. In return, the US wants to buy Chinese commodities and low-tech consumer goods.

One can argue that China has left the US with little choice: Beijing has made clear it has no intention of adjusting its predatory trade practices that feature massive industrial subsidies  the IMF calculates these equal 4.4% of Chinese GDP  gargantuan state-owned enterprises, and currency manipulation. Last year, China recorded a stunning $1.2 trillion trade surplus, the largest in history.

And in the short term, a Board of Trade may serve a valuable purpose in stabilizing US-China relations and securing a trade truce forged by Trump and Xi last year that both sides badly need. The US in particular needs time to overcome Chinas chokehold over rare earths by building out its own supply chains  a project made more urgent by war in Iran; rebuilding the Pentagons depleted stock of munitions will require vast quantities of these minerals.

Indeed, managed trade isnt a new idea in Washington. In the 1980s, then President Ronald Reagan struck a Voluntary Export Restraint agreement with Japan under which Tokyo agreed to limit its car exports to the US in return for avoiding tariffs. He took a similar approach on Japanese semiconductors. And, for what its worth, the Biden administration was no stranger to trying to put its thumb on the scale when it came to trade.

But this is different.

Reagan sought to give specific US industries breathing room to survive a Japanese export onslaught, and figure out how to become competitive. Biden opted for subsidies and other financial incentives to induce investments in critical industries, including semiconductors and green tech, to counter the growing economic and military threat from China.

By comparison, a Board of Trade  in which bureaucrats, rather than markets, determine the shopping basket  looks more like industrial policy on a grand scale. The irony here is that after spending decades lecturing China about the merits of free trade, the US is taking a page out of Beijings own state capitalist playbook.
Anthropic (ANTH.PVT) on Tuesday announced a cybersecurity partnership with companies including Amazon (AMZN), Apple (AAPL), and Microsoft (MSFT) that it said will help defend against the rise of AI-powered cyberattacks.

Called Project Glasswing, the initiative relies on Anthropics new Claude Mythos Preview, a frontier model that the company said will only be made available to a handful of organizations. A group of roughly 40 other companies that work on critical software infrastructure will be able to use the model to secure their own software and open-source offerings.

More from Yahoo Scout How does Claude Mythos Preview detect software vulnerabilities? Which major companies are partnering with Anthropic? What is Project Glasswing and its cybersecurity purpose? What government discussions surround Claude Mythos Preview?

Anthropic said Claude Mythos Preview is already proving effective at detecting software vulnerabilities, stating that the AI has identified thousands of zero-day vulnerabilities, many of them critical.

Zero-day vulnerabilities are previously unknown errors in software that developers need to address before they can be exploited, or errors that have already been exploited by attackers and need to be fixed before they can cause any more harm.

Its also detected flaws in every major operating system and web browser, and found one software bug that was 27 years old, and another thats 16 years old.

Given the rate of AI progress, it will not be long before such capabilities proliferate, potentially beyond actors who are committed to deploying them safely. Project Glasswing is a starting point, Anthropic said in a statement.

Anthropic CEO and co-founder Dario Amodei attends the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File)  ASSOCIATED PRESS

No one organization can solve these cybersecurity problems alone: frontier AI developers, other software companies, security researchers, open-source maintainers, and governments across the world all have essential roles to play, the company added. The work of defending the worlds cyber infrastructure might take years; frontier AI capabilities are likely to advance substantially over just the next few months. For cyber defenders to come out ahead, we need to act now.

Claude Mythos Preview, Anthropic explained, is a general purpose, previously unreleased AI model that uses strong agentic coding and reasoning skills to tackle cybersecurity tasks.

Unlike its previous AI models, Anthropic doesnt plan to make Claude Mythos Preview generally available.

As part of the effort, the company said its committing $100 million worth of usage credits and $4 million in direct donations to open-source cybersecurity organizations.

In addition to its work with its fellow tech companies, Anthropic said its in discussions with the US government about Claude Mythos Previews defensive and offensive abilities.

Thats despite the fact that Anthropic and the Pentagon are locked in a legal battle over Anthropics decision to establish redlines as to how the Department of Defense can use its AI models.
Costco has never been afraid to lean into trends.

Whether that means adding Dubai chocolate or whatever the latest culinary trend might be, the warehouse club tries to offer the items its members want.

Over the past couple of years, that has included gold bars, which some consider an investment and others consider a hedge against a widespread societal collapse.

Our work suggests there has been significant interest given COSTs aggressive pricing and high level of customer trust, Edward Kelly, an equity analyst at Wells Fargo, said in a note to clients shared with CNBC.

The accelerating frequency of Reddit posts, quick online sell-outs of product, and COSTs robust monthly eComm sales suggest a sharp uptick in momentum since the launch.

Costco isn't making a political statement with its gold bar sales; it's simply capitalizing on customer demand.

Costco drives its own gold rush

Costco CFO Gary Millerchip shared some insight on the warehouse club's gold bar sales during its second-quarter earnings call.

"It's broader than gold bars, but I think certainly, gold bars have been a great example for us actually of where  it's one of those examples where it's certainly been a tailwind to the business, but the amount of interest it drives around the brand and the traffic it drives to our websites and some of the cross-selling it drives there," he said.

Gold bars have helped Costco drive revenue in other ways.

"I think it's been a nice surprise of, yes, it's been a great way to deliver value for members, but it's actually, I think, helped elevate other parts of our business, too, by raising more awareness of the things we have to offer online, for example," he added.

More Costco:

Millerchip also explained how Costco made the decision to sell gold bars.

"I think as we look at the overall state of the consumer and our members and how they're shopping, I think it really is, generally big picture, a continuation of the trends that we've seen over the last few quarters where, for sure, members are very focused on quality and value and newness and exciting new items are very important," he said.

Selling gold helps Costco

Selling gold accomplishes multiple things for Costco. It meets clear consumer demand, while the warehouse clubs reputation allows it to credibly sell a commodity that many retailers cannot.

That benefits Costco beyond just immediate sales, helping drive traffic, reinforce member trust, and support renewals.
Second, this time around, though, the forward curves for both WTI and the global Brent crude markets are showing strong backwardation (inverses), meaning nearby futures contracts are higher priced than deferred issues. When talking about a storable commodity (e.g. Energies, Grains), a forward curve that is in backwardation tells us the markets real fundamentals are bullish. Commercial interests are pushing the spot or nearby price in an attempt to source supplies to meet demand. Oddly enough, this also takes me back to 2008 when I traveled to New York to speak at a meeting of energy sector traders and investors in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge. One of the other speakers, another analyst, showed a scatter plot chart connecting the markets contango (again, at the time) to actual supply and demand.

First, the 2008 financial. In my discussion with Michelle Rook last week, I mentioned the difference between what we are seeing in the crude oil market today versus what was going on back in 2008. Back then, I appeared on one of the CNBC programs, debating with New York energies trader about over the outlook for the US domestic WTI crude oil market. At the time the spot-month futures contract was in the $130 to $140 per barrel range, with much of the noise focusing on how soon until it rocketed beyond $150, maybe to $200. I didnt see it that way, making the point the markets forward curve was in a strengthening contango (carry for all of you not in New York) meaning fundamentals did not support an extension of the spike rally. This was in the summer of 2008. By the time we had reached the end of December 2008 the spot-month contract had fallen to $35 before extending its break to $33 in January 2009.

Late last week I saw a story on CNBC.com with the teaser, Brent oil spot price for actual cargo soars to $141, highest level since 2008 financial crisis [i] . Three things jumped out at me about this. Lets talk about them.

It is impossible to guess how high crude oil could go, but when supplies start to move again, the selloff will be volatile.

Story Continues

Third, you might recall that my reads on real market fundamentals do not come from a government agency, any government agency, but rather the market itself. My progression of reads is as follows: Spot/cash price, Basis, Futures Spreads/Forward Curves. Looking at last weeks crude oil market, Brent in particular, the spot price was reported at $141 as compared to the nearby June futures contract (QAM26) settlement last Thursday at $109. That meant basis was $32 over. Digging back through the archives, my son Ben found this to be the strongest basis has been going back through 2008. What about Russias invasion of Ukraine back in 2022? Brent basis jumped to $11 over. Back in 2008 basis was actually weak, as we would expect given it was a technical rally rather than one driven by fundamentals.

What does this level of strong basis tell us? Keep in mind basis, in any market, is the key fundamental tool we have. When basis collapses, like it did in 2008, we know a market bubble is forming as futures lose touch with reality. When basis strengthens beyond previous extremes we know there is a real issue with supply in relation to demand  something along the line of the Strait of Hormuz getting shutdown because of political and/or military folly. Michelle asked me how high I thought crude oil could go given basis and forward curves. I have no idea.

What I do know is this is not a demand driven market, but rather a short supply situation. What I mean by this is where the former is a long-term change in price expectations (e.g. the US ethanol boom back in the mid 2000s), the latter creates a shorter-term price spike that usually implodes with the arrival of the next round of supplies (see the weather driven rallies to record highs in the Softs sector over the last number of years). Since we have no idea how long the US president will continue his War on Iran, there is no way of telling how long this short supply situation could last. Keep in mind Russias invasion of Ukraine is into its fifth year.



[i] You can read the piece here: (LINK)

On the date of publication, Darin Newsom 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
Lachlan Star has announced the commencement of the initial drilling programme at the New Waverley Gold Project in Western Australia (WA).

Situated in the gold-rich Norseman region of the Eastern Goldfields, the project is focused on diamond drilling at historical sites including the Waverley and Trial Pits.

The company has identified gold-bearing quartz reef mineralisation of high grade, which remains open down-dip, down-plunge and along strike.

Historical drill intercepts targeted for follow-up include a section of 4.1m at 12.53 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 59.7m, with a notable 0.65m at 77.3g/t gold from 63.1m.

Another significant intercept is 4m at 13.83g/t gold from 16m, including 1m at 53g/t gold from 19m.

Additional targets include 2m at 10.34g/t gold from 24m, and 8m at 2.71g/t gold from 18m, featuring 1m at 20.05g/t gold from 23m.

Upon completion of the 1,000m diamond drilling programme and receipt of assays, a subsequent 2,000m reverse circulation (RC) drilling phase is scheduled.

This will target a mineralised corridor of approximately 400m between the Waverley and Trial Pits and the Baker Boys Prospect.

The current diamond drilling campaign is expected to finish in around three weeks, pending assay analysis.

Lachlan Star CEO Andrew Tyrrell said: Commencement of drilling at New Waverley represents a key milestone as we move to systematically test the high-grade quartz reef corridor identified at the project.

The presence of historical drill intercepts, recent rock chip results and mineralisation remaining open in multiple directions provides confidence in the potential for the project to deliver further high-grade results.

With diamond drilling now under way and RC drilling to follow, our focus is on confirming the grade and continuity of mineralisation within the defined ~400m corridor and evaluating the projects broader scale potential. I look forward to providing shareholders with updates as results are received over the coming weeks.

Lachlan Star finalised the purchase of the New Waverley Gold Project last month.

The acquisition involved a cash payment of A$150,000 ($103,001) and the issuance of 12.5 million fully paid ordinary shares to the vendor, with half of these shares subject to a 12-month voluntary escrow.

"Lachlan Star starts drilling at New Waverley Project, WA" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




A satellite image, captured by NASA, shows the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Gulf of Oman (L) with the Persian Gulf (R) and separates Iran (below) from the countries of the Arabian PeninsulaOman, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. -/Nasa/dpa

Russia is generating billions in revenues from its commodity exports due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the German-Russian Foreign Trade Chamber reported on Tuesday.

Russias profits from exporting oil, gas and fertilizer amount to more than 10 billion ($11.54 billion) a month, the chamber said. "Russia is the big winner of the new war in the Middle East," Matthias Schepp, the chambers chairman, told dpa.

Russia is benefiting from higher global commodity prices because it uses other export routes. All of this could "bring Russia an unexpected windfall on a historic scale," Schepp said in Moscow.

With a sustained oil price of around $100 a barrel, Russia could expect an annual increase of $71.8 billion compared with the budget plan.

The price of Brent crude for June delivery rose to more than $111 per industry-standard barrel - each of which holds 159 litres - at the start of the week. That is almost $40 more than before the war began.

The Russian budget is heavily dependent on the sale of oil and gas, with $59 per barrel currently assumed in the budget. Before the Iran war, it showed a deficit because the oil price was below the planned level.

"At the current price level, Moscow can generate around $50 billion in additional revenue per year from oil and gas alone," the chamber said.

Russia funds its war in Ukraine through exports

Russia, which is also hoping for an end to Western sanctions, is using the proceeds from commodity sales to finance its war against Ukraine.

Some in Moscow are already hoping for an oil price of $200 per barrel. According to the chamber, that would bring in $350.4 billion, $247 billion more than planned in the budget.
Chairman of the German-Russian Chamber of Foreign Trade (AHK) Matthias Schepp attends the Business Day Russia as part of the Global Connect trade fair. Ulf Mauder/dpa

Russia is generating billions in revenues from its commodity exports due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the German-Russian Foreign Trade Chamber reported on Tuesday.

Russias profits from exporting oil, gas and fertilizer amount to more than 10 billion ($11.54 billion) a month, the chamber said. "Russia is the big winner of the new war in the Middle East," Matthias Schepp, the chambers chairman, told dpa.

Russia is benefiting from higher global commodity prices because it uses other export routes. All of this could "bring Russia an unexpected windfall on a historic scale," Schepp said in Moscow.

With a sustained oil price of around $100 a barrel, Russia could expect an annual increase of $71.8 billion compared with the budget plan.

The price of Brent crude for June delivery rose to more than $111 per industry-standard barrel - each of which holds 159 litres - at the start of the week. That is almost $40 more than before the war began.

The Russian budget is heavily dependent on the sale of oil and gas, with $59 per barrel currently assumed in the budget. Before the Iran war, it showed a deficit because the oil price was below the planned level.

"At the current price level, Moscow can generate around $50 billion in additional revenue per year from oil and gas alone," the chamber said.

Russia funds its war in Ukraine through exports

Russia, which is also hoping for an end to Western sanctions, is using the proceeds from commodity sales to finance its war against Ukraine.

Some in Moscow are already hoping for an oil price of $200 per barrel. According to the chamber, that would bring in $350.4 billion, $247 billion more than planned in the budget.

The chamber also calculated what the price increase would mean for Germany. Germanys oil import bill alone could rise to more than 60 billion.

"Together with the additional gas costs, German industry faces a cost shock that will thwart the hoped-for economic recovery in 2026," said the chambers energy expert, Thomas Baier.

For fertilizer, Russia could achieve up to 8.9 billion in additional revenue in a medium scenario. By contrast, German farms face additional annual costs per hectare of arable land of 36 to 145, the chamber said.

The chamber said it has 750 members and is the largest foreign business association in Russia.
Soybeans are coming out of the long weekend with gains of 3 to 5  cents on Monday morning. Futures saw losses of 1 to 5  cents in most contracts on Thursday, as May saw a 4  cent gain last week. Open interest was up 6,464 contracts on Thursday, mainly in July. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price was down 5 1/2 cents at $10.94. Soymeal futures were down $3.00 to $4.20, as May was down 10 cents on the short week. Soy Oil futures were 100 to 183 points higher, was May was 153 points in the green.

USDA Export Sales data showed bean sales at 353,259 MT in the week of 3/26. That was down from last week but 35.51% above the same week last year. China was the top buyer of 141,000 MT, as 134,000 MT was switched from unknown, with 91,400 MT sold to Bangladesh. New crop business came in a 0.

More News from Barchart

Commitments are now 37.61 MMT for the full year, which is down 18% from last year. That is also 88% of USDAs WASDE projection and lags the 95% average pace. Shipments at 29.88 MMT are 70% of that number and lag the 82% average shipping pace.

CFTC data was released on Friday, showing spec traders adding back 15,503 contracts to their net long position in soybean futures and options as of 3/31. That net long stood at 213,407 contracts. In bean oil managed money was a record net long of 135,809 contracts.

May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.63 1/2, down 5 cents, currently up 5 1/2 cents

Nearby Cash was $10.94, down 5 1/2 cents,

Jul 26 Soybeans closed at $11.80, down 4 1/2 cents, currently up 5 1/2 cents

Nov 26 Soybeans closed at $11.54, down 1 1/2 cents, currently up 3 cents

New Crop Cash was $10.92 1/1, down 1 3/4 cents,

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Wheat is trading with early losses across the three exchanges so far on Monday as the market comes out of the long weekend. The wheat complex held on for marginal gains to head into the long weekend. Chicago SRW futures saw fractional to 2 cent gains on the day, with May down 6  cents on the week. KC HRW futures were 2 to 3 1/2 cents higher on Thursday, as May fell 17 cents last week. MPLS spring wheat was 3 to 4  cents in the green, with May up 1  cents last week.

The next week looks a little wetter for parts of the Southern Plains, with parts of Central Texas through the panhandle and up through parts of Nebraska are seen with nearly 1 inch of precip. We will get our first look at the Crop Progress report from a national level this afternoon.

More News from Barchart

Export Sales data from Thursday showed just 23,521 MT of old crop wheat sold in the week of 3/26. That was a marketing year low. Mexico has net cancellations to 56,200 MT, with unknown seeing net reductions of 60,100 MT, likely switched to a destination. New crop business was pegged at 272,839 MT, a marketing year high for the 2026/27 crop year. Mexico was the top buyer of 172,200 MT, with 65,000 MT sold to South Korea.

Export Commitments are now at 24.277 MMT, up 13% from last year. That is 99% of USDAs estimate and behind the 101% average sales pace. Shipments are 20.005 MMT, or 82% of USDAs projection and ahead of the 80% average pace.

Commitment of Traders data showed CBT wheat specs at a net long for the first time since June 2022 at 8,641 contracts, a 10,875 flip in the week ending on March 31. In KC wheat, managed money was net long 21,517 contracts, a 11,812 contract increase on the week. MPLS wheat spec funds were a record net long of 21,156 contracts.

May 26 CBOT Wheat closed at $5.98 1/4, up 3/4 cent, currently up 2 1/4 cents

Jul 26 CBOT Wheat closed at $6.09 1/2, up 3/4 cent, currently up 2 1/4 cents

May 26 KCBT Wheat closed at $6.15 3/4, up 2 cents, currently up 6 1/4 cents

Jul 26 KCBT Wheat closed at $6.31, up 2 3/4 cents, currently up 5 3/4 cents

May 26 MIAX Wheat closed at $6.47 3/4, up 4 3/4 cents, currently up 2 1/4 cents

Jul 26 MIAX Wheat closed at $6.61 1/2, up 3 3/4 cents, currently up 6 1/2 cents

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Builders are packing artificial intelligence (AI) into their toolboxes.

Builders

New research showed that one in five use the technology more than five times a day, with almost a third of builders using AI to measure up and work out costs of materials.

In total, 35 per cent said they would struggle to perform their job without the digital tools.

Meanwhile, 91 per cent of engineers rely on AI daily, and 76 per cent of tradespeople has incorporated the technology into their business to assist in an area of their firm, such as record keeping, generating invoices and filing tax returns (43 per cent).

Lisa Ewens, of accounting software firm Sage, which conducted the study, said: "Technology is transforming how tradespeople operate behind the scenes, and our research shows that many sole traders are embracing new digital tools.

"For many these tools are becoming as much an essential for keeping businesses running as a spirit level or a chisel - with sole traders relying on them to communicate with their customers, generate quotes, issue invoices and make payments.

"AI tools such as Sage Payments Agent can add another layer of speed and efficiency - removing the burden of chasing invoices, automating reminders and follow-ups so sole traders can get paid faster and more efficiently."

Stuart Bogazzi, the owner of Oak Sure Construction in Croydon, South London, added: "AI has made my life much easier - I'd say I use it on four days out of five.

"Digital tools are really helpful for working out calculations. I'll enter the measurements of a space and it will tell me how much concrete I need, and where I can buy it cheapest. It has helped me find suppliers I would never have found otherwise.

"I also use Sage digital tools for 90 per cent of my accountancy. I keep track of all of my book-keeping and taxes in their Sole Trader mobile app, and then I use the Payments Agent tool to generate invoices and chase late payments.

"The software has saved me money as well as time. I used to spend around three hours a week doing admin and now that's down to about 20 minutes - and I can spend the rest of the time with my family.

"Technology is moving so fast and I know a lot of people are worried about how AI will impact their jobs in the future, but for sole traders like me, digital tools can also be used to make your business far more profitable and efficient."
The wheat complex is mixed at midday, with the soft red contracts higher. Chicago SRW futures are fractionally to a penny in the front months so far on the day. KC HRW futures are trading with 2 to 3 cent losses on Tuesday. MPLS spring wheat is down 2 cents in the nearbys at midday.

Crop Progress data indicated 7% of the US winter wheat crop headed, ahead of the 5% 5-year average. The first condition rating for the year pegged the crop at 35% good/excellent, well below the average 42% estimate from analysts. That was shy of the 48% to start last year. The Brugler500 index (100-500 weighted scale) was at 298 points, which was 30 points below the start of last year. That was the 7th lowest start to the crop since 1990. The first Crop Progress report of the year showed the spring wheat crop at 2% planted, behind the 2% average pace.

More News from Barchart

Analysts are looking for USDA to trim the US ending stocks estimate by 8 mbu to 923 mbu in Thursdays WASDE according to a Bloomberg survey.

Argus estimates the Russian wheat crop at 88.7 MMT, an increase of 1.2 MMT from their previous number. European Commission data shows 18 MMT of EU wheat exports from July 1 to April 5, which is 1.21 MMT above the same time last year.

May 26 CBOT Wheat is at $5.96 1/4, up 1 cent,

Jul 26 CBOT Wheat is at $6.07 1/4, up 3/4 cent,

May 26 KCBT Wheat is at $6.05 1/2, down 2 3/4 cents,

Jul 26 KCBT Wheat is at $6.21 1/4, down 2 1/2 cents,

May 26 MIAX Wheat is at $6.42 1/2, down 2 cents,

Jul 26 MIAX Wheat is at $6.56 3/4, down 2 cents,

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Japan's SANAE TOKEN saga has entered a new phase, with fresh media reports alleging the prime minister's office knew more than it admitted. But for crypto markets, the bigger story is what happens next in Tokyo's legislature.

The political noise and the regulatory signal are arriving at exactly the same time.

How the Token Unraveled

SANAE TOKEN launched on Solana on Feb. 25, as BeInCrypto reported. NoBorder DAO  a community led by serial entrepreneur Yuji Mizoguchi  issued it as part of a "Japan is Back" initiative, with Takaichi's name and likeness on the project website. The token surged over 40x on launch day before Takaichi's March 2 denial triggered a 58% crash.

The FSA opened a probe into NoBorder DAO for operating without a crypto exchange license. The token's operators halted issuance shortly after.

The SANAE TOKEN website describes the token as not just a meme, but the hope of Japan, alongside a portrait of Prime Minister Takaichi and a timeline of her political career. Source: japanisbacksanaet.jp

Japanese Tabloid Reports Secretary's Approval

Weekly Bunshun, a Japanese tabloid known for breaking political and celebrity scandals, says developer Ken Matsui told the magazine his team informed Takaichi's office that the project was a crypto asset. That directly contradicts her March 2 denial. Takaichi said neither she nor her office had been told anything about the token.

The publication says it obtained audio recordings of Takaichi's chief secretary over a period of more than 20 years, reportedly describing the project favorably. Another Japanese online media reported that Takaichi's office had not responded to media inquiries on the matter as of Tuesday. Takaichi has held no press conference since February 18, when her second cabinet was inaugurated.

The political dimension remains unresolved. What matters for crypto is whether the scandal accelerates  or complicates  Japan's regulatory overhaul.

FSA Bill Changes the Rules

Japan's Financial Services Agency submitted its landmark crypto reform bill to parliament this week, Asahi Shimbun reported. The legislation moves crypto from the Payment Services Act into the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, reclassifying digital assets as financial instruments for the first time.

As BeInCrypto previously reported, the maximum prison term for unlicensed crypto sales would triple to 10 years, with fines rising from 3 million to 10 million. The SESC gains criminal investigation powers it has never held over crypto operators. The SANAE TOKEN case was explicitly cited in Nikkei's reporting on the legislative push.

The bill would also void transactions with unregistered operators by default, making it easier for investors to seek refunds  a provision directly relevant to the SANAE TOKEN case.

Read the Original story Did Japans PM Actually Back the Memecoin Bearing Her Name? by Oihyun Kim at beincrypto.com
Bitcoin inched its way back toward $70,000 on Monday as President Trump updated the nation on the Iran war  all while he was flanked by the calming presence of the Easter Bunny.

And while there are other headlines that matter to crypto, its clear the market continues to swing on Iran headlines and the Presidents self-imposed Tuesday evening deadline for a peace deal.

So why is Bitcoin higher? Well, for one reason, Michael Saylor and Strategy are back to buying. The largest crypto asset treasury company revealed it scooped up $330 million more in Bitcoin last week. That boosted Strategys total holdings to slightly more than $58 billion in BTC, which is currently held at about a $5 billion loss on paper.

At 766,970 Bitcoin, Strategy controls almost 4% of Bitcoin's total circulating supply.

Strive, another Bitcoin treasury company that has endeavored to emulate Strategy, also announced it scooped up a much more modest $7.75 million in Bitcoin. The company now holds about $920 million in Bitcoin.

So far, Bitcoin has proven to be a better bet since the conflict with Iran began compared to gold. Bitcoin is up about 10% since then, versus gold's decline of about 7.5%.

More From Coinage:

But the number one question facing investors now is reaching a tipping point: Is this war ending soon, or is it about to intensify?

President Donald Trump continued pushing for a ceasefire deal before a self-imposed Tuesday deadline, while simultaneously warning in an interview with Axios over the weekend, that if a deal doesnt happen, Im blowing up everything over there.

The President continued that threat while speaking to reporters in person from the White House on Monday. The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night, he said, noting that negotiations are ongoing calling them a significant step.

For now, traders seem content to straddle a bit above and below the $70,000 mark. As Galaxys Alex Thorn jokingly pointed out, there remains a large short wall around the $73,000 level that would need to fall to break into new ground.

DeFi Giant AAVE Faces Shakeup

It feels like the biggest project in DeFi, AAVE, has been dealing with battle after battle. Last year, the projects public DAO got locked in a governance dispute (dubbed a civil war at the time) with the firms development arm, AAVE Labs (Avara) over how revenue should be distributed.

Now, one of the largest risk managers behind the platform is stepping away, with Chaos Labs making the public announcement today.
Crypto investment products attracted $224 million in inflows last week, per a report from asset manager CoinShares, as European markets unexpectedly dominated global activity while XRP surged to its strongest performance in months.

Switzerland led regional inflows with $157.5 millionfar outpacing the U.S. market's $27.5 million worth of investmentsmarking an unusual geographic shift in institutional crypto investment patterns, according to CoinShares Research Analyst James Butterfill.

The weekly data revealed XRP as the standout performer with $119.6 million in inflows, its largest weekly tally since mid-December 2025. The surge brought XRP's year-to-date inflows to $159 million, representing 7% of assets under management.

Other major cryptocurrencies showed mixed performance during the week. Bitcoin attracted $107.3 million, despite starting April with net outflows of $145 million, while Ethereum extended its recent struggles with $52.8 million in outflows last week.

Solana bucked the negative trend with $34.9 million in inflows, bringing its year-to-date performance to 10% of assets under management. Short-Bitcoin products also saw renewed interest, attracting $16 milliontheir largest inflows since mid-November 2025. The report attributed some late-week outflows to stronger-than-expected retail sales data and shifting investor expectations.

The geographic shift in flows comes as regulatory frameworks continue to diverge between jurisdictions. The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act crypto market structure bill passed the House in mid-2025, but has stalled in the Senate over disagreements on stablecoin yield provisions.

Bitcoin ETFs Add $471M in Biggest One-Day Haul Since February

Spot XRP ETFs launched in the U.S. in late 2025, providing institutional investors with regulated exposure to the asset. The timing of XRP's surge alongside European dominance in flows suggests investors may be positioning based on regional regulatory clarity.

Bitcoin ETFs are already off to a hot start this week, adding $471.3 million worth of investments on Mondaythe biggest single day for the funds since February, per data from SoSoValue.
Quick Read

Nvidia (NVDA) delivered $130.4B in operating income for fiscal 2026, a 30-fold increase from $4.2B in fiscal 2023, while maintaining a 71.3% gross margin on $215.9B in revenue. The companys Vera Rubin platform, shipping in the second half of 2026, targets $1 trillion in cumulative lifetime sales for Blackwell and Vera Rubin chips combined through end of 2027.

Nvidias forward valuation sits near 16x earnings despite record profitability and visible demand extending to 2027, as the stock trades under $200 after a three-year operational expansion unmatched in semiconductor history.

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The AI infrastructure buildout keeps accelerating. Hyperscalers and enterprises spent record sums on data-center chips last year, and spending shows no sign of peaking. Yet Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) shares trade under $200, as they have since last November.

Yet, one number explains why this is not the top, but rather the entry point savvy investors should be waiting for. That number is Nvidias operating income. Lets take a closer look at what it reveals about the companys operational muscle, its runway ahead, and why the stock still looks cheap.

Nvidias Operating Income Explosion

Nvidia delivered $130.4 billion in operating income for fiscal 2026. Three years earlier, in fiscal 2023, the figure stood at just $4.2 billion. That is a 30-fold expansion in just under three years. Few, if any, companies have ever witnessed such an explosive increase.

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The chipmaker's fiscal 2026 earnings release shows the full-year total rose 60% from fiscal 2025s $81.45 billion. Revenue for the year hit $215.9 billion, up 65%, while gross margin held at 71.3% even as the company scaled production of Blackwell GPUs. In plain English, Nvidia turned roughly $0.60 of every revenue dollar into operating profit after costs. That is the kind of leverage most semiconductor firms only dream about.

Compare the trajectory to Nvidias own past. From fiscal 2022s $10 billion in operating income, the company first contracted, then exploded once AI demand hit. No other major chipmaker posted comparable acceleration. The operating-income surge reflects the CUDA software lock-in, full-stack AI systems, and hyperscaler orders that locked in visibility for quarters ahead. In short, this is not hype-fueled revenue. It is cash-generating power that grew faster than almost anyone modeled.
The company also announced a substantial 25% dividend increase. Its quarterly payment will move up to 31.25 cents, for a full-year payout of $1.25 per share. Smithfield expects to pay its next quarterly dividend on April 21 to shareholders of record on April 7. Overall, this gives the stock a strong indicated dividend yield of approximately 4.4%.

The companys guidance points to another solid year ahead. While Smithfield expects sales growth to moderate, it forecasts continued margin expansion. A shift toward higher-margin, value-added products and operational improvements drives this forecast.

The stock went on a particularly strong run in late March into early April, rising around 20% over approximately two trading weeks. This came after the company announced its Q4 2025 earnings. Smithfield beat analyst expectations on sales and significantly surpassed estimates for adjusted earnings per share (EPS).

Smithfield Foods (NASDAQ: SFD) is a large producer of meat products and livestock, with a strong emphasis on pork and hogs. The company went public in early 2025 and has performed impressively since, with shares up around 40% from their IPO price of $20. Including its considerable dividend yield, the stocks total return since going public is near 50%, far exceeding the S&P 500s approximately 11% return over the same period.

Meanwhile, these companies are giving income investors more to like by adding substantial juice to their dividends. That combination of share appreciation alongside healthy and increasing yields makes all three strong candidates for portfolios looking to hedge against the potential of more downside price action in the S&P 500 and NASDAQ.

While the broader market and tech stocks in particular have hit a skid recently, three under-the-radar names are outperforming the major indices. All are seeing solid underlying improvements in their business, and investors are taking notice.

These stocks are also substantially increasing their dividends, and two are engaging in considerable buyback spending, which comes as a vote of confidence for investors.

However, across food and retail, three inconspicuous names are providing significant gains to investors as risk-on assets continue to lag.

Elevated volatility has seen the S&P 500 lose around 5% from its highs, while the ongoing tech selloff has seen the sector fall around 10%.

Story Continues

 Vertical Aerospace: The Milestone that Changes the Pitch

TJX Companies Issues 13% Dividend Increase as Store Expansion Continues

TJX Companies (NYSE: TJX) is a leading off-price retailer known for operating chains like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods. This partially defensive stock has done very well over the past 52 weeks, delivering a total return near 30%. Additionally, while the S&P 500 is down by several percentage points in 2026, shares of TJX are up around 5%.

Sales rose 7% year over year (YOY) in 2025, marking a significant acceleration versus the 4% growth TJX saw in 2024. Underscoring the companys confidence going forward is its plan to open 146 new stores in 2026, or its fiscal year 2027.

The company also plans to return significant capital to shareholders. TJX has announced a solid 13% dividend increase, moving its quarterly payment to 48 cents per share. This pushes the stocks indicated dividend yield to around 1.2%, just above the 1.1% yield offered by the S&P 500. The company plans to pay its next quarterly dividend on June 4 to shareholders of record on May 14.

Furthermore, TJX plans to spend between $2.5 billion and $2.75 billion on stock buybacks in 2026. At the midpoint, this would account for just under 1.5% of the stocks approximately $180 billion market cap. While this program isnt huge, it should add a meaningful tailwind to metrics like adjusted EPS.

Signet: Shares, Buybacks, and Dividends Are on the Rise

The worlds top diamond jewelry retailer, Signet Jewelers (NYSE: SIG), operates well-known retail outlets, including Kay Jewelers, Zales, and Jared. This stock has also been a winner over the past 52 weeks, having gained around 40%. Shares received a nearly 14% boost after the companys Q4 earnings report for its fiscal year 2026 (FY2026).

Sales of $2.35 billion were in line with expectations, and the company posted a solid beat on adjusted EPS, with that figure coming in at $6.25. Signet saw its free cash flow increase by a substantial 20% during the year, marking the firms highest free cash flow growth since 2021 and was vastly above the 4% growth seen in 2024.

The company also supported its stock in a big way during 2025, buying back 7% of its shares through $205 million of repurchases, good for an almost 50% YOY increase. Its remaining buyback capacity is $518 million, giving it the ability to continue spending substantially. In its latest earnings call, the company said it believes that shares remain attractive, a statement that was accentuated by a boost to the stock's yield.

Signet announced a more than 9% dividend increase, raising its quarterly payout to 35 cents per share. This moves the stocks indicated yield to just under 1.7%. Despite seeing significant variance in its financial performance, Signet has continually raised its dividend over the past several years. Since the companys fiscal year 2022, or roughly calendar year 2021, its dividend has grown by a compound annual rate of approximately 21%.

Analysts Eye Further Upside in SIG

Among this group of stocks, Wall Street analysts are expressing the most confidence in Signet going forward. The MarketBeat consensus price target of $112 implies more than 25% upside in shares. Price targets, which were updated after the companys latest earnings report, are only slightly lower at around $107. However, it is worth noting that Signet has a lack of analyst coverage compared to many other stocks, making this gauge less robust.

The article "3 Quiet Outperformers Boosting Dividends as Markets Retreat" was originally published by MarketBeat.
nCinos Q4 results drew a positive market response, reflecting outperformance across revenue and profitability metrics versus Wall Street expectations. Management attributed this to robust adoption of its AI-powered platform, citing a 17% annual increase in annual contract value (ACV) and notable momentum in both U.S. and international markets. CEO Sean Desmond credited expanded commitments from existing customersparticularly those embracing nCinos new AI capabilities and platform pricing modelas a core growth driver, emphasizing the companys unique position as a system of record for financial institutions.

Is now the time to buy NCNO? Find out in our full research report (its free).

nCino (NCNO) Q4 CY2025 Highlights:

Revenue: $149.7 million vs analyst estimates of $147.8 million (5.9% year-on-year growth, 1.3% beat)

Adjusted EPS: $0.37 vs analyst estimates of $0.21 (72.2% beat)

Adjusted Operating Income: $34.71 million vs analyst estimates of $33.13 million (23.2% margin, 4.8% beat)

Revenue Guidance for Q1 CY2026 is $155.5 million at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $153 million

Operating Margin: 1.9%, up from -4.1% in the same quarter last year

Billings: $208.2 million at quarter end, up 4.1% year on year

Market Capitalization: $1.99 billion

While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.

Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From nCinos Q4 Earnings Call
Air India has announced the resignation of its chief executive amid mounting troubles stemming from last years Ahmedabad crash that killed 260 people and subsequent regulatory reprimands over safety failings.

The airline said it had constituted a committee to find a successor to Campbell Wilson in the coming months.

Mr Wilson, a New Zealand-born former Singapore Airlines veteran who took the top job in 2022 after the Tata Group bought the carrier from the Indian government, was expected to stay put until his successor was found, Reuters reported earlier. His term was originally due to run until 2027.

Mr Wilson had informed Air India chair N Chandrasekaran of his intention to step down back in 2024, the airline said in its statement, but had continued in the role to ensure a stable transition.

Mr Chandrasekaran said he wished to record my deep appreciation for Campbells leadership and contribution over the past four years in spite of numerous external challenges like the post-Covid supply chain disruptions, aircraft delivery delays, and "major geopolitical and other headwinds".

The past year has been one of the most difficult in Air Indias history. In June last year, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed seconds after taking off for London, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 on the ground in western India.

Aviation regulators have since reprimanded the carrier for a series of safety failings, including flying an aircraft eight times without an airworthiness certificate and operating planes without checking emergency equipment.

In December, the airline acknowledged a "need for urgent improvements in process discipline, communication, and compliance culture.

Wreckage of the crashed Air India plane in Ahmedabad (AP)

Mr Wilson said the airline had undergone a transformation during his tenure and he believed the time was right to hand over the reins.

"Air India's privatisation has seen the acquisition and successful merger of four airlines. It has seen the complete modernisation of systems, the launch of new physical products, and deployment of elevated service standards on ground and in the air as well as 100 additional aircraft added to the fleet, he said.

"With these foundational blocks now settling and a brief window until deliveries from the nearly 600-strong aircraft orderbook commence in earnest from 2027, the time is right for me to hand over the reins for the next phase of Air India's rise. It has been a true honour to play a small part in this latest chapter of Air India's long history."

The US-Israeli war on Iran has added further financial strain to the companys operations. With the Gulf airspace severely disrupted since late February, Air India has been forced to reroute flights to Europe and North America over Africa, adding hours and significant fuel costs to each journey. To make matters worse, jet fuel prices have risen sharply due to the war.
Amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and energy market volatility, Asian markets have been navigating a complex landscape, with indices showing mixed performances as investors assess the impact of these global events. In such an environment, identifying stocks that may be trading below their estimated value can offer potential opportunities for investors looking to capitalize on market inefficiencies.

Top 10 Undervalued Stocks Based On Cash Flows In Asia

Name Current Price Fair Value (Est) Discount (Est) Zhuhai CosMX Battery (SHSE:688772) CN14.69 CN29.31 49.9% Xi'an NovaStar Tech (SZSE:301589) CN155.53 CN307.31 49.4% Vista Group International (NZSE:VGL) NZ$1.64 NZ$3.23 49.2% L&C BIOLTD (KOSDAQ:A290650) 64400.00 127477.27 49.5% Horizon Robotics (SEHK:9660) HK$6.63 HK$13.10 49.4% Higold Group (SZSE:001221) CN61.75 CN122.28 49.5% DIGITAL HEARTS HOLDINGS (TSE:3676) 862.00 1677.53 48.6% CURVES HOLDINGS (TSE:7085) 775.00 1512.37 48.8% Chongqing Zaisheng Technology (SHSE:603601) CN14.00 CN27.30 48.7% Avic Aviation High-Technology (SHSE:600862) CN20.84 CN40.63 48.7%

Click here to see the full list of 234 stocks from our Undervalued Asian Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener.

Below we spotlight a couple of our favorites from our exclusive screener.

Overview: Busy Ming Group Co., Ltd., with a market cap of HK$83.21 billion, operates as a food and beverage retailer in China through its subsidiaries.

Operations: Revenue Segments (in millions of CN):

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 31.8%

Busy Ming Group is trading at HK$382, significantly below its estimated future cash flow value of HK$559.71, indicating potential undervaluation. The company reported substantial earnings growth with net income rising to CNY 2.33 billion from CNY 833.7 million year-on-year. Analysts forecast robust annual profit growth of 23.9%, outpacing the Hong Kong market's average, and anticipate a stock price rise by 36.1%.

SEHK:1768 Discounted Cash Flow as at Apr 2026

Overview: Phison Electronics Corp. designs, manufactures, and sells flash memory controllers and peripheral system applications globally, with a market cap of NT$338.93 billion.

Operations: The company's revenue is primarily derived from its Flash Memory Control Chip Design segment, which generated NT$72.66 billion.

Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 25.7%

Phison Electronics, trading at NT$1555, is valued below its estimated future cash flow value of NT$2092.57, highlighting potential undervaluation. The company forecasts significant earnings growth of 33.53% annually over the next three years, surpassing Taiwan's market average. Recent expansions in the EU and innovations in AI memory technology bolster its strategic positioning. Despite a volatile share price recently, Phison's robust revenue growth and high expected return on equity enhance its investment appeal.
AMSTERDAM, April 7 (Reuters) - Shares of computer chip equipment maker ASML (ASML) dipped on Tuesday, the first trading day after U.S. lawmakers last week proposed a law that could further restrict the company's sales to China.

Analysts said the bill, if enacted by the U.S. and enforced by the Netherlands, could lead to the first new restrictions on ASML since September 2024, blocking sales and the servicing of its DUV immersion lithography tools to customers in China.

More from Yahoo Scout How might global chip markets be affected by restrictions? What is ASML's current exposure to the Chinese market? How would proposed U.S. restrictions impact ASML's financial performance? What new U.S. restrictions could affect ASML's China sales?

ASML is the dominant maker of such tools that are used to create the circuitry of chips, though it faces competition from Nikon of Japan and Chinese firm SMEE.

"We view this prospect negatively" Citi analysts said in a note.

Shares dropped by as much as 4.7% before recovering slightly. They were 4.1% lower at 1,114 euros in Amsterdam by 1100 GMT. ASML declined comment and the Dutch government said it is not up to the Netherlands to comment on proposals by the U.S. legislature.

DIFFERING ANALYST VIEWS ON FINANCIAL IMPACT

Opinions on the financial impact varied. ASML has forecast its sales in China at 20% of its total in 2026, but sales of older machines would not be affected.

Analyst Michael Roeg of Degroof Petercam estimated the new rules could weaken ASML sales by a "single digit" percentage.

JPMorgan analyst Sandeep Deshpande said ASML's EPS could be reduced by up to 10%. He also said ASML's sales to other regions would "increase considerably, though not offsetting the lost China revenue," as non-Chinese chipmakers increase their capacity to compensate. The biggest impact would be on global markets, he wrote in a note.

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"The current tight capacity for chips in multiple markets would get much worse with these restrictions," he said.

(Reporting by Toby Sterling and Nathan Vifflin; editing by Barbara Lewis)
Kanye West has vowed to bring "peace, and love" to London's Wireless Festival and offered to meet with "members of the Jewish community".

Kanye West has commented on the Wireless Festival backlash

The controversial rapper is facing a major backlash after he was booked to headline three nights at the event in Finsbury Park in July with sponsors including Pepsi withdrawing from the event and the booking being criticised as "deeply concerning" by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, but Kanye has now spoken out to insist his antisemitic remarks are in the past and he wants to "present a show of change".

In a new statement released on Tuesday (07.04.26). Kanye explained: "Ive been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly.

"My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music.

"I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen. I know words arent enough  Ill have to show change through my actions. If youre open, Im here."

Kanye - who also goes by the name Ye - has faced criticism in recent years after making antisemitic comments and expressing admiration for Nazi leader Adolf Hitler - releasing a track titled Heil Hitler and promoting a swastika T-shirt on his website.

The rapper later apologised in a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal in which he declared: "I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people."

He also blamed his outbursts on his mental health issues, writing: "In early 2025, I fell into a four-month-long manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour that destroyed my life.

"I lost touch with reality. Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret.

"I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change. It does not excuse what I did though."

Kanye's booking at Wireless was criticised by UK leader Starmer, who said: "It is deeply concerning that Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism.

"Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted clearly and firmly wherever it appears. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe and secure."

However, the booking was defended by Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, which owns Wireless, who said in a statement issued on Monday (06.04.26): I am a deeply committed anti-fascist and have been all my adult life. I lived on a kibbutz for many months in the 1970s that was attacked on October 7th, am pro Jew and the Jewish state, while being equally committed to a Palestinian state."

He added: "What Ye has said in the past about Jews and Hitler is as abhorrent to me as it is to the Jewish community, the Prime Minister and others that have commented and  taking him at his word  to Ye now also.

"Yes music is played on commercial radio stations in this country. It is available via live streams and downloads in this country without comment or vitriol from anyone and he has a legal right to come into the country and to perform in this country.

"He is intended to come in and perform. We are not giving him a platform to extol opinion of whatever nature, only to perform the songs that are currently played on the radio stations in our country and the streaming platforms in our country and listened to and enjoyed by millions."

Melvin concluded: Forgiveness and giving people a second chance are becoming a lost virtue in this ever-increasing divisive world and I would ask people to reflect on their instant comments of disgust at the likelihood of him performing as was mine and offer some forgiveness and hope to him as I have decided to do."
The addressable market is substantial. Nearly 3.5 billion people, or 42% of the world's population, have little or no access to mobile communications (GSMA). Given that, the market opportunity could be more than $1.1 trillion a year, according to the company. A tiny bit of that could make a fortune. But there is execution risk in the journey from technological demonstration to commercial scale.

The way AST SpaceMobile is attacking the existing market is completely different from its competitors. The constellation is a space-based cellular long range communication system that sends signals to unmodified communications devices over existing wireless bands. Even those who have weak service in the countryside or live out of cell range can receive phone service without having to buy another piece of hardware. The company already has agreements with more than 35 mobile operators around the world, from AT&T and Verizon to Vodafone and Rakuten (investor presentation). As a B2B wholesale model, AST does not directly sell to end consumers. Instead, it sells infrastructure to the third parties that do.

BlueBird 6 was launched on Dec. 23, 2025, from the Indian Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The satellite is close to 2,400 square feet in area, three times the size of any previous one and with nearly 10 times the capacity of any of the company's previous satellites. It was a breakthrough moment that validates years of U.S. innovation and American manufacturing, the chief executive officer, Abel Avellan, said. It is designed to deliver speeds of up to 120 Mbps on commercially available mobile devices. But is that worth a market capitalization of $30 billion? It all hinges on execution.

AST SpaceMobile Inc. ( NASDAQ:ASTS ) is one of the most controversial stocks in telecom. Consumers would be able to employ their existing smartphones and other mobile devices on the company's new, space-based cellular broadband system that is to be the first of its kind, worldwide. By January 2026, it was worth north of $30 billion. Its full-year 2025 revenue of $70.9 million, with Q4 contributing $54.3 million, has been called into question, as have its cumulative operating losses of some $274 million (SEC filings). And, due to the huge gap between the company's financials and its market cap, this is a name that obviously is all about execution, not fundamentals.

Story Continues

Financial Reality: Pre-Revenue Valuation Challenges

From the financials, it is clear that this is an early stage commercialization story. For the full year 2025, AST reported revenue of $70.9 million against an operating loss of $274.2 million (Q4 2025 earnings report). The company had a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $303.8 million, or $1.29 a diluted share.

Metric TTM Value YoY Change Revenue $18.5M +641% Operating Loss ($274.2M) Widened Net Loss ($303.8M) Expanded Cash from Operations ($164.9M) Improved R&D Expenses $151.7M +24%

But the truth is more complicated. AST SpaceMobile had $3.9 billion in cash and short-term investments as of its most recent presentation. The company's total assets were $2.55 billion and its total liabilities were $924.9 million. This means that it had net equity of $1.626 billion. The book value per share is $4.56, which means that the stock sells for about 22 times that, or about $100 a share.

Almost all historical measures show that valuation multiples are very high. The P/S ratio is 1,424x, over 114,000% above the sector median of 1.25x (GuruFocus). Even with forward sales, which are still uncertain, EV/Sales is 549x. These multiples are valid only if investors believe the company will generate significant revenue over the next 24 to 36 months.Management expects that revenue in the second half of 2026 will be between $50 million and $75 million, and that partners will commit to more than $1 billion in commercial revenue (company guidance).

Execution Milestones and the Road to Commercialization

The company has greatly accelerated its operational execution. BlueBird 6 is the first next-generation satellite in AST's fleet, and the company plans to launch 45 to 60 new satellites by the end of 2026. The company expects an average of 45 days between launches throughout the year. Production capability has scaled to around 500,000 square feet of facilities in Texas and Florida with the ability to produce six satellites per month. More than 3,800 patents and pending patent applications cover AST's technology.

AT&T announced it has reached several infrastructure milestones since BlueBird 6 was deployed, including the activation of a fourth ground relay station (AT&T press release). The company intends to provide a beta satellite service for select AT&T customers and FirstNet public safety users in the first half of 2026 ahead of the commercial launch. If the revenue inflection materializes within the next 12 months, sentiment will improve. If delayed, investor confidence will be greatly affected.

Milestone Timeline BlueBird 6 Launch Completed Dec 2025 Objective: 5 Orbital Launches By End of Q1 2026 AT&T Beta Service H1 2026 45-60 Satellites in Orbit By End of 2026 Commercial Service Launch H2 2026

Competitive Landscape: The Starlink Challenge

Competition in space-based connectivity is heating up. Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, already has more than 9,000 satellites orbiting the Earth and serves over nine million customers around the world (Starlink). While Starlink's current strategy involves proprietary ground terminals, the company is developing direct-to-device capability through its collaboration with T-Mobile and its spectrum acquisition from EchoStar. This development diminishes AST's differentiation.

AST SpaceMobile still has a few cards to play. The macro-satellite design requires a lower number of satellites for complete coverage by area, since each BlueBird covers roughly 300,000 square miles. The direct-to-device approach removes the hardware costs to the end user, and the B2B partnership model circumvents competing directly with consumers. But Starlink's velocity, its financial advantage and its existing base of customers pose major obstacles. SpaceX has a structural advantage that AST cannot match, as SpaceX can launch its own satellites at marginal cost.

Capital Intensity and Structural Economics

Beyond execution risk, there is a more fundamental question about the economics of the business. AST SpaceMobile satellites are akin to floating macro towers, but the comparison illustrates structural disadvantages that investors should consider carefully.

Conventional cell towers are built to last 30 or 40 years. In the case of AST's satellites, they operate for a projected seven years before needing to be replaced. This fivefold difference in asset longevity means that the reinvestment profile will look very different. The tower companies, such as American Tower and Crown Castle, are able to yield those types of returns on invested capital (15%20%) because their investments depreciate slowly over time (unlike the high tech equipment that goes into space) and require minimal ongoing capital expenditures once the assets have been built out. AST, even with best case assumptions, faces an uphill battle to deliver ROIC in excess of the mid-single digits when one considers ongoing capital investments are necessary just to stay current with a constellation.

The math is unforgiving. With the company needing to completely replace its satellite fleet every seven years, the reinvestment burden puts structural pressure on returns no matter how well management executes. Paying about 22 times book value for a business that can earn, say, 5% to 8% on invested capital is hard to justify using conventional valuation methods. As Charlie Munger once observed, executing flawlessly on a structurally low-ROIC idea is simply a faster way of destroying capital.

The bull case rests on one assumption: that AST can extract substantially higher ARPU from previously unreachable customers in remote areas, oceans, and underserved regions. If the economics are genuinely additive rather than substitutive and if telcos are willing to pay premium wholesale rates for coverage they cannot otherwise provide, the returns could exceed tower-like levels. However, this remains unproven. Until the company shows that its unit economics can produce a sustained return above its cost of capital, the investment case rests on faith rather than evidence.

Risks to the Thesis

AST SpaceMobile is a moonshot, and investors must consider the genuine risks involved in it. How well you execute is what makes the difference. If any one of these launches does not succeed then there are tons of steps along the way and points within the process that create delays in putting infrastructure into orbit. The firm aims to have between 45 and 60 spacecraft on hand by late 2026, and it must get it all right.

Regulatory trouble is also a real risk. Currently, the service operates on experimental licenses and direct-to-device has yet to win full approval from the FCC. Any resistance or delay there would be detrimental to the business model. There is still no consensus on how to distribute frequencies, and land-based mobile networks are still concerned about interference.

Dilution is not merely a theory. Shares which reached 148.5 million in August 2024 have slightly over doubled to approximately 272 Million today, decreasing the value of early investors by half. The at-the-market facility is still available, and the company could require more funds as it scales. Despite having more than a billion dollars in cash, they might need to raise additional funding because satellite launches are expensive.

The value itself is a risk. With a trailing price-to-sales ratio above 500x and a forward P/S of ~110x, any execution issues would appear entail quite a bit of multiple compression. When timelines slip, space tech stocks experienced large drops, and position sizing needs to reflect that.

Investment Considerations

That takes care of liquidity worries for the time being. Following the convertible notes offering, AST's pro forma cash position stands in excess of $3.9 billion. That buys time, lessens immediate dilution pressure and profoundly shifts the terms of the debate. The question of whether the company survives to 2026 is no longer the issue. The question is whether that survival is worth $30 billion.

That number requires greater scrutiny. The company reported revenue of $70.9 million in 2025, with $54.3 million coming in Q4. That exceeded expectations. Cost discipline fell short. Quarter-over-quarter, operating expenses soared 41% to $95.7 million. Read that again. The company spent nearly double what it earned just to keep the lights on. The technology exists, the contracts are real, and the addressable market is not fiction. None of that changes the structural math.

Satellite lives of seven years create a reinvestment treadmill that tower economics simply do not face. American Tower built an asset once and rented it out for 40 years. AST has to build the whole thing over and over, and prove at the same time that its unit economics can justify the cost. That is a fundamentally different business, and the market is not pricing it that way.

What maintains the bull case is the partnership structure. AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone and more than 35 operators globally are not signing wholesale agreements out of charity. If those relationships translate into contracted revenue beyond the $1.2 billion already on the books, the story changes. First-mover advantage in space-based direct-to-device connectivity is genuinely rare, and for all its scale, Starlink retains dependence on proprietary hardware in most markets.

Rare does not mean cheap. At a forward P/S of around 110x, the stock trades well above what current fundamentals can support, with no margin of safety built in. The narrative may appeal to long-term investors, but the shares are priced for perfection and offer no protection against execution delays, regulatory challenges or capital intensity surprises. The Q1 2026 launch milestones will either validate the thesis or fracture the sentiment holding the multiple together. Until the ROIC question is resolved, caution is warranted at these price levels.
For Delta employees, Valentines Day lately has come with a little something extra: a bigger paycheck, thanks to Deltas now robust profit-sharing program.

The payout is sizable: This year, Delta disbursed over $1 billion to its roughly 100,000 employees. For Delta CEO Ed Bastian, keeping employees happy is key to the airlines success.

More from Yahoo Scout What connection exists between employee satisfaction and revenue? How did shareholders initially react to Delta's program? How does Delta's profit-sharing program actually work? What impact does profit-sharing have on employee retention?

Delta launched its profit-sharing incentive in 2007, and at the time, Bastian notes, people didnt think too much about it, because it wasnt paying anything, as the company was far from profitable. But that quickly changed when the CEO led the airline out of bankruptcy, turning it into the $43.6 billion company it is today, and the most profitable U.S. airline.

Theyll get a 15% effective return on profits for as long as were around, Bastian told Fortune editor-in-chief Alyson Shontell during the latest episode of the Fortune 500: Titans and Disruptors of Industry podcast. This is not like a short-term thing, because they created the 15% investment return. I thought [it] was a pretty good idea to get people excited.

Profit-sharing distributes a slice of company earnings directly to workers as a cash bonus. At Delta, the formula is simple: 10% of the first $2.5 billion in adjusted profits, and 20% of everything above that. The 15% Bastian cites falls between those two percentages.

As Deltas success grows, the greater the reward for its staff.

This year, Delta distributed $1.3 billion to its employees, marking the ninth time in the past decade that the company distributed more than $1 billion to its workers. Thats equal to about four weeks of additional pay for the average employee. Since 2015, Delta has distributed more than $11 billion this wayfar more than the rest of the U.S. airline industry combined.

The sharing of success is just core to the culture, Bastian said. Core to the competitive advantage that Delta has in the culture and the people.

That culture definitely seems to strike a chord with the companys employees. Nearly nine in 10 say they envision working at Delta for a long time, which is about four points higher than average among the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For 2025. Even Bastian said as much himself: Im here 30 years, but Im actually not one of the more senior people in the company. Many people have 40, 50, up to 60 years of service. As a result, it took the 11th spot on this years Worlds Most Admired Companies list and ranked higher than any other airline in the top 50.

All that employee satisfaction leads to strong results. Delta has a Net Promoter Score of 41 to 43, a customer loyalty metric ranging from 100 to +100 that measures the likelihood of customers recommending the company. Delta attributes nearly a quarter (24%) of its score to employee interactions with customers, and that score translates to 14% more revenue per seat mile, compared with Deltas competitors.
Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR) is one of the 10 Best Affordable Growth Stocks to Buy for the Next 5 Years. On March 31, Deutsche Bank analyst Hillary Cacanando started coverage of Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR) with a Buy rating and a price target of $50. The banks assigned price target offers around 22% upside from the current levels. Deutsche Bank also started coverage of the broader packaging sector, noting that it is facing a complex and changing economic environment in early 2026. According to the research note, last years challenges, such as rising costs and weak consumer demand, are continuing to affect the industry. These challenges are now being worsened by significant tariff pressures and higher oil prices, making the overall industry environment even more difficult.

Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR) is one of the 10 Best Affordable Growth Stocks to Buy for the Next 5 Years.

Despite these headwinds, Deutsche Bank remains positive about the rigid and flexible packaging segment, while taking a more cautious view on the fiber-based packaging group. The bank believes that certain areas of the packaging market still offer attractive opportunities for investors.

Before Deutsche Bank initiated coverage, Wells Fargo downgraded Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR) from Overweight to Equal Weight on March 20. The firm also cut its price target on the stock from $48 to $43. The firm pointed out that the share price reaction across the packaging sector to the Iran conflict has been disproportionate. Wells Fargo said it prefers companies with high U.S market exposure, low leverage, and defensive production profiles.

Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR) produces packaging solutions, including flexible and rigid plastics, cartons and specialty packaging for food, beverage, healthcare and consumer goods. The company serves clients which are global brands, manufacturers and retailers that require packaging for products. Its products are used to protect, preserve and market goods while ensuring safety and sustainability. It was founded in 1928 and headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.

While we acknowledge the potential of AMCR as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 8 Dirt Cheap Stocks to Buy With $1000 Right Now and 8 Best American Stocks to Buy for the Next 5 Years.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
As April 2026 unfolds, European markets are experiencing a wave of optimism, with the STOXX Europe 600 Index climbing 3.92% amid hopes that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East might be easing. This positive sentiment is reflected across major European indices, despite rising energy costs driving inflation to its highest rate since January 2025. In this environment, identifying promising small-cap stocks involves looking for companies that can navigate inflationary pressures while capitalizing on regional economic improvements and sector-specific opportunities.

Top 10 Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals In Europe

Name Debt To Equity Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Health Rating Bijou Brigitte modische Accessoires NA 10.79% 37.31%  Caisse Regionale de Credit Agricole Mutuel Brie Picardie Societe cooperative 27.45% 2.48% 3.53%  Wasko 0.49% 2.70% 8.42%  Moury Construct 1.91% 12.60% 22.14%  Envirotainer 43.54% -23.63% nan  HOMAG Group NA -33.98% -16.26%  Vincorion 46.51% 31.51% -6.99%  Freetrailer Group 45.99% 23.09% 29.44%  ABG Sundal Collier Holding 15.00% -8.76% -20.25%  BAUER 72.65% 19.57% 989.58% 

Click here to see the full list of 343 stocks from our European Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener.

Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen.

Simply Wall St Value Rating: 

Overview: TX Group AG operates a network of platforms and participations offering information, orientation, entertainment, and various services in Switzerland, with a market capitalization of CHF1.38 billion.

Operations: TX Group AG generates revenue from various segments including Tamedia (CHF385.70 million), Goldbach (CHF236.10 million), 20 Minutes (CHF85.60 million), TX Markets (CHF113.30 million), and Groups & Ventures (CHF148.20 million). The company's financial structure reflects a diverse set of income streams across its operations in Switzerland, with significant contributions from each segment to its overall revenue profile.

TX Group, a notable player in the media landscape, has shown intriguing financial dynamics over recent years. The company's debt to equity ratio impressively decreased from 1.3 to 0.5 over five years, indicating stronger financial health. Trading at 72.7% below its estimated fair value suggests potential undervaluation opportunities for investors. Recent earnings reveal a turnaround with net income of CHF 8.6 million compared to a prior loss of CHF 3.2 million, and basic earnings per share improved from a loss of CHF 0.31 to earnings of CHF 0.83 this year, highlighting its profitable trajectory amidst industry challenges.
The ING lofo is seen on the ING Germany headquarters in Frankfurt am Main. Arne Dedert/dpa

Dutch banking giant ING said on Tuesday that it has terminated its deal to sell the company's Russian business to Moscow-based Global Development JSC.

"The decision follows our assessment that there currently is no realistic expectation that the buyer will obtain the necessary approvals," the financial services company said. "Our position remains unchanged: we see no future for ING in Russia and remain focused on ending our activities in the Russian market."

The deal was first announced in January 2025.

European companies have largely ended operations in Russia due to sanctions and public pressure following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine early 2022.

"Since February 2022, we have taken on no new business with Russian clients, have scaled down operations and have taken actions to separate our business in Russia from INGs networks and systems," the company continued. "We will also continue to further reduce our offshore exposure to Russian clients."
This story was originally published on Social Media Today. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Social Media Today newsletter.

X owner Elon Musk is trying another tactic to boost ad spend in the app, this time by pressuring potential SpaceX investors to also buy X ads and subscribe to xAIs Grok tools.

As reported by the New York Times, Musk has told banks, law firms and other advisers working on the upcoming SpaceX public offering that they need to be paying customers of xAI and advertise on X in order to win favor for his business.

As per the New York Times: Some of the banks have agreed to spend tens of millions on the chatbot, and they have already started integrating Grok into their I.T. systems, three of the people said.

The New York Times said that Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley are expected to work on the offering, while law firms Gibson Dunn and Davis Polk are also advising on the deal.

SpaceXs IPO is expected to be one of the biggest public offerings ever, with Reuters reporting on April 3 that the company had boosted its target valuation to more than $2 trillion.

SpaceX is a leader in satellite connection and is looking to sell potential investors on projects such as orbital data centers for artificial intelligence projects. In addition, Musk has also outlined the potential for humanoid robots, which are being developed in conjunction with Tesla, and could be another business opportunity.

In February, Musk announced on X that SpaceX is planning to build a self-sustaining base on the moon, which Musk said could be up and running within 10 years. That could be a key step towards eventual travel to Mars, which remains a longer-term vision for SpaceX.

Musks predictions, however, tend to be highly optimistic, and its not clear how achievable any of these goals are. Even so, Musks cult of personality has won him many supporters, including rich investors who might be keen to latch onto the SpaceX IPO.

This could end up being a boon for X, especially if it brings more ad dollars to the platform and helps make the app a more sustainable stand-alone proposition.

Its difficult to say how well X is performing because as a private entity, the platform isnt required to provide in-depth data on usage or general performance. That could change with a SpaceX IPO because X is now part of the broader SpaceX/xAI business. Though its still unlikely the company will provide significant insight into usage or ad revenue data.
Washington, D.C.-based Danaher Corporation (DHR) designs, manufactures, and markets professional, medical, research, and industrial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company has a market cap of $135.3 billion and operates through Biotechnology, Life Sciences, and Diagnostics segments.

DHR is expected to release its Q1 2026 earnings on Tuesday, Apr. 21, before the market opens. Ahead of the event, analysts expect the companys EPS to be $1.94 on a diluted basis, up 3.2% from $1.88 in the year-ago quarter. The company has exceeded Wall Streets EPS estimates in each of its last four quarters.

More News from Barchart

For fiscal 2026, analysts project the companys EPS to be $8.40, up 7.7% from $7.80 in fiscal 2025. Moreover, its EPS is expected to rise by roughly 8.2% year over year (YoY) to $9.09 in fiscal 2027.

www.barchart.com

DHR stock has declined 6.8% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 22% rise and the State Street Healthcare Select Sector SPDR ETFs (XLV) 1.7% rise during the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

On Feb. 17, DHR announced a definitive agreement to acquire Masimo Corporation (MASI), a leading specialty diagnostics provider of pulse oximetry and other patient monitoring solutions, primarily in acute care settings. The acquisition greatly strengthens the companys diagnostics franchise, combining its advanced sensor technology and AI-enabled monitoring to bring powerful new capabilities to Danahers repertoire. Despite an intraday 2.9% downturn, DHR stock rose 1.1% in the following trading session.

Analysts are highly bullish on DHR, with the stock having a Strong Buy rating overall. Among the 22 analysts covering the stock, 17 are recommending a Strong Buy, one recommends a Moderate Buy, and four suggest a Hold. DHRs average analyst price target is $264, indicating an upside of 38.1% from the current levels.

On the date of publication, Aritra Gangopadhyay did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Valued at a market cap of $208.4 billion, Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) provides communications, technology, information, and streaming products and services to consumers, businesses, and governmental entities. The New York-based company is scheduled to announce its fiscal Q1 earnings for 2026 before the market opens on Monday, Apr. 27.

Ahead of this event, analysts expect this telecom company to report a profit of $1.23 per share, up 3.4% from $1.19 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has topped Wall Streets earnings estimates in each of the last four quarters. In Q4 2025, VZs EPS of $1.09 outpaced the consensus estimates by 2.8%.

More News from Barchart

For the current fiscal year, ending in December, analysts expect VZ to report a profit of $4.94 per share, representing a 4.9% increase from $4.71 per share in fiscal 2025. Its EPS is expected to further grow 6.5% year-over-year to $5.26 in fiscal 2027.

www.barchart.com

VZ has gained 10.4% over the past 52 weeks, lagging both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 22% return and the State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETFs (XLC) 15.3% uptick over the same time period.

www.barchart.com

On Jan. 30, VZ shares surged 11.8% after delivering better-than-expected Q4 results. The companys adjusted EPS of $1.09 declined marginally year-over-year, but topped analyst expectations of $1.06. Additionally, it reported more than 1 million total net additions across mobility and broadband, the highest reported quarterly net additions since 2019, with 616,000 postpaid phone net additions. Meanwhile, its operating revenue of $36.4 billion surpassed consensus forecasts of $35.9 billion.

Wall Street analysts are moderately optimistic about VZs stock, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Among 29 analysts covering the stock, 10 recommend "Strong Buy," three advise "Moderate Buy, and 16 suggest "Hold." The mean price target for VZ is $50.88, indicating a 3% potential upside from the current levels.

On the date of publication, Neharika Jain 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
By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK, April 7 (Reuters) - Gautam Adani, India's second richest person, will ask a U.S. judge to dismiss the Securities and Exchange Commission's civil fraud case stemming from an alleged bribery scheme, his lawyers said on Tuesday.

Adani and his nephew Sagar Adani were charged by the SEC in November 2024 with orchestrating a scheme to pay or promise to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes to Indian government officials to benefit Adani Green Energy, where both men are executives and directors.

The securities fraud case is tied to Adani Green's alleged failure to disclose the scheme in documents for a $750 million bond offering in 2021.

In a filing in the Brooklyn, New York federal court, the Adanis' lawyers said their clients disputed there was any credible evidence supporting the alleged bribery scheme.

The lawyers said the Adanis' lack of involvement in the offering, and the absence of any intent to defraud or negligence, supported a dismissal.

They also called the SEC claims "impermissibly extraterritorial," reflecting how the Adanis and all alleged misconduct were in India, and the bonds were never traded on a U.S. exchange.

The SEC had no immediate comment. Lawyers for the Adanis said they will formally seek a dismissal by April 30.

U.S. prosecutors filed a related criminal case in November 2024 against the Adanis and several other defendants. There have been no public developments in that case since December 2024. A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's office in Brooklyn declined to comment.

Gautam Adani, 63, founded and chairs the conglomerate Adani Group, and is chairman of Adani Green.

He is worth about $60.6 billion, ranking 30th worldwide according to Forbes magazine.

Mukesh Ambani, chairman of the conglomerate Reliance Industries, is India's richest person, worth about $91.4 billion and ranking 20th worldwide, Forbes said.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New YorkEditing by Tomasz Janowski and Bill Berkrot)
You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters.

(Bloomberg) -- Goldman Sachs Group Inc. says a reliance on stickier, more patient institutional investors, rather than wealthy individuals, helped its $15.7 billion private credit fund narrowly escape the broader exodus plaguing peers this year.

Now, its looking to capitalize on the retreat of retail money to swoop in while rivals pull back.

Goldman Sachs Private Credit Corp., which manages a so-called non-traded business development company, met redemption requests in the first quarter amounting to 4.999% of its outstanding shares, according to a filing on Monday. That contrasts with peers including Blue Owl Capital Inc. that saw redemption requests dramatically higher than an industry-wide 5% limit.

Amid the exodus, Goldman Sachs is seeing a meaningful shift in the lending environment: the fierce competition that marked the rise of the $1.8 trillion asset class in recent years is starting to ease. Thats tilting the balance back toward the lender rather than the borrower, managers of the fund said in a letter to shareholders.

And Goldman Sachs, which is also raising a $10 billion direct lending fund, isnt the only one talking up the opportunity. A Barings LLC fund that saw investors request 11.3% in redemptions on Monday said that its decision to cap withdrawals will allow it to pounce on deals created by the turmoil in the $1.8 trillion market.

Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase & Co. are planning new funds investing in private credit even as the latters Chief Executive Officer, Jamie Dimon, cautions that losses on leveraged lending will be higher-than-expected.

There could be some rebalancing, as retail investors stay away, boosting spreads, covenants and other deal terms to the benefit of the lender, said Meghan Neenan, the head of non-bank financial institutions for North America at Fitch Ratings. But it will take some time for those to show up in financial reports or move the needle on overall portfolio metrics, she added.

A representative for Goldman Sachs declined to comment.

Read the Explainer: Why Private Credit Is Facing a Sudden Investor Exodus

To be sure, redemptions remain a huge issue for the market. With more than $8 billion trapped in private credit vehicles to date, investors are again expected to seek larger-than-usual withdrawals next quarter. And performance has slipped broadly in the industry, with reported losses in February the worst in more than three years.
Offset has been admitted to hospital after he was wounded in a shooting in Florida.

Offset has been shot in Florida

The 34-year-old rapper - real name Kiari Kendrell Cephus - sustained "non-life threatening injuries" after being gunned down outside the Hard Rock Hollywood casino in Seminole, Florida on Monday evening (06.04.26) and a spokesperson for the star confirmed Offset's condition is "stable".

The representative told PEOPLE: "We can confirm Offset was shot and is currently at the hospital receiving medical care. He is stable and being closely monitored."

A spokesperson for the Seminole Police Department revealed two individuals have been detained in relation to the incident and an investigation is ongoing, telling TMZ.com: "We are aware of an incident that occurred at a valet area after 7 p.m. Monday outside of Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood that resulted in non-life threatening injuries to an individual who was transported to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood.

"Seminole Police were on site immediately and the situation was contained quickly. Two individuals have been detained by police. The investigation is ongoing. The site is secure and there is no threat to the public. Operations continue as normal."

Further details about the hip-hop star's injuries were not available but a source added to PEOPLE: "Right now it looks like hes going to be okay. Hes at Memorial Regional Hospital and is not in the ICU."

Pictures shared on social media show the rapper smiling and posing for snaps with fans at the casino shortly before the incident.

Offset rose to fame as part of hip-hop trio Migos, alongside Quavo and Takeoff, but the group disbanded in 2023 after Takeoff was killed in a shooting in Houston, Texas the previous year.

Takeoff, 28, died from injuries sustained in the 2022 shooting outside a bowling alley and Offset remembered him in an emotional statement, which read: "Dear Take, doesn't feel real posting you like this ...

"This still doesn't feel like reality. I've been searching for the right words to say, but there aren't any that will suffice. I wish I could hug you one last time.

"Laugh one last time. Smoke one [sic] last time. Perform one last time. I know someone with a soul like yours is in heaven now. I hope you can see how much we love you and miss you. You have left a hole in my heart that will never be filled."

Offset - who has three children with his ex Cardi B - went on to focus on his solo career.
Some of the most advanced artificial intelligence (AI) companies, both public and private, are headquartered in the U.S., including Nvidia, OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, and Palantir. And investors can no doubt benefit from owning shares in many of them.

But there's one AI stock that's not based in the U.S. that looks like a fantastic place to put $1,000 right now. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM), also known as TSMC, is the best pick-and-shovel stock that benefits no matter which AI software companies win in the coming years. Here's why this growth stock more than deserves to be on your buy list.

Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue 

Image source: Getty Images.

1. Its revenue doubled and earnings surged in 2025

It's easy to find AI stocks with soaring prices and nearly incomprehensible valuations that aren't profitable.

You don't have to worry about any of that with TSMC.

The company's sales doubled last year to $122.4 billion, and its earnings spiked 46% to $10.65 per American depositary receipt. TSMC's impressive results came as demand for its AI chip manufacturing drove AI revenue up 48% from 2024 to $71 billion.

This is the part where I remind you that TSMC benefits from the expansion of artificial intelligence, no matter who's winning. This means that, as Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Amazon, and Microsoft ramp up their capital expenditures to a collective $650 billion this year, TSMC sits back and lets them fight it all out for AI dominance while it reaps the benefits.

2. TSMC holds 70% of the chip manufacturing business

This advantage can be an easy one to overlook, because in the ultra-competitive technology sector, market share can sometimes shift quickly. But that's very unlikely to happen with TSMC, because it has spent years creating a durable moat around its business through its advanced manufacturing prowess.

For example, Samsung and Intel are TSMC's rivals, but their manufacturing processes aren't as advanced as TSMC's and don't have the same high-yield manufacturing rates. And research from Morningstar indicates TSMC can maintain its manufacturing lead because it has close relationships with tech giants and "structural cost advantages."

This means that not only does TSMC have nearly three-quarters of the global manufacturing capacity, but it has also invested in the right technology and is the best at using it to continue making the best semiconductors. That dominance has given TSMC a decades-long lead over its rivals, according to Morningstar.
Valued at a market cap of $31.9 billion, Halliburton Company (HAL) is a global provider of products and services to the energy industry, operating through its Completion and Production and Drilling and Evaluation segments. It delivers a wide range of solutions spanning well construction, reservoir management, and production optimization.

The Houston, Texas-based company is set to release its fiscal Q1 2026 results before the market opens on Tuesday, Apr. 21. Analysts forecast HAL to post an adjusted EPS of $0.51 for the quarter, a 15% decline from $0.60 in the same quarter last year. It has surpassed or met Wall Street's bottom-line estimates in the past four quarters.

More News from Barchart

For fiscal 2026, analysts expect Halliburton to report adjusted EPS of $2.21, a 8.7% decrease from $2.42 in fiscal 2025. However, looking ahead to fiscal 2027, adjusted EPS is expected to grow 18.6% year-over-year to $2.62.

www.barchart.com

Over the past 52 weeks, HAL stock has surged 90.3%, outperforming the broader S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 30.3% increase and the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF's (XLE) 50.3% jump over the same period.

www.barchart.com

Shares of Halliburton rose 4.1% on Jan. 21 after the company reported strong Q4 2025 results, including net income of $589 million ($0.70 per share) and adjusted EPS of $0.69. Investor sentiment was further boosted by a sharp sequential rebound in profitability, with operating income rising to $746 million from $356 million in Q3 and cash flow from operations reaching $1.2 billion with $875 million in free cash flow.

Analysts' consensus rating on HAL stock is cautiously optimistic, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Out of 25 analysts covering the stock, opinions include 13 "Strong Buys," three "Moderate Buys," eight "Holds," and one "Strong Sell." As of writing, the stock is trading above the average analyst price target of $37.71.

On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Latin American and Caribbean foods company El Latino has struck a deal with private-equity firm Apex Capital to accelerate its expansion across the US.

In a statement, El Latino said Apex Capital joins the business as a strategic partner to support its next phase of growth and to provide additional capabilities.

Headquartered in Doral, Florida, El Latino was set up by Maria Elena Ibanez in 2002.

Ibanez, who is also company president, commented: This alliance with Apex Capital will enhance El Latino's ability to deliver even greater value to our customers while strengthening our long-term relationships.

It also creates a compelling opportunity to expand into new regions across the United States, bringing our proven model and high-quality offerings to a broader and increasingly dynamic market.

The company offers a range of products from cheeses and yoghurts to arepas corn cakes, empanadas and frozen products.

According to the companys LinkedIn profile, its products are distributed through major US supermarket chains such as Walmart and Costco, as well as Hispanic grocers, with an additional presence in parts of Texas, Kansas, Missouri, and Puerto Rico.

Apex Capital brings more than 140 years of combined experience in the food and beverage industry through its link to Grupo Mariposa, the company said.

The private-equity investor is part of Grupo Mariposa, a Latin American conglomerate, which has interests in food and beverages and operates in over 20 countries.

Financial terms and other details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Ibanez will stay on as president to maintain strategic continuity, stability, and close connection with clients, according to the statement.

Pedro Palma, Apex Capital's managing partner, said: This partnership represents an opportunity to build on a strong and proven platform while accelerating its next phase of expansion.

We look forward to supporting El Latino in its continued growth and long-term success, as the company remains firmly committed to its core principles of quality, service, and innovation.

Last April, Apex Capital acquired a majority stake in California-based Mexican-style foods business Juanitas Foods.

The De La Torre family founded Juanitas Foods in 1946 in Wilmington.

Juanitas Foods offers a range of shelf-stable Mexican staples including menudo, pozole, hominy, albondigas and nacho cheese.

"LatAm cuisine firm El Latino signs private-equity deal " was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.




A month ago, nuclear stock Oklo (NYSE: OKLO) seemed to have stalled out. The small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) start-up was stuck waiting on critical government approvals to move forward with its business plans.

But the company just announced it's received key government approvals across all three of its major initiatives. You'd think Oklo's share price would soar on the news, but it plummeted instead. Oklo stock is down 20% since the announcement, and it's down more than 70% from its 2025 highs:

Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue 

Here's why Wall Street wasn't impressed by Oklo's big wins, and what the market seems to be missing.

Why Oklo stock is a win

Oklo announced three new regulatory approvals on March 17, representing regulatory progress on all of its major initiatives.

Image source: Getty Images.

The first was from the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), approving the Nuclear Safety Design Agreement (NSDA) for Oklo Subsidiary Atomic Alchemy's Groves Isotopes Test Reactor in Texas. The approval was granted as part of the DoE's Reactor Pilot Program (RPP), an initiative by the Trump administration to rapidly develop multiple nuclear power projects this year. The facility will focus on creating a reliable domestic supply of nuclear isotopes for multiple industries.

The second approval was Oklo's first-ever approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which is separate from the DoE. It granted a materials license for Atomic Alchemy to "receive, possess, use, store, and conduct ... activities involving" nuclear isotopes Radium-266, Cobalt-60, and Americium-241.

Finally, Oklo's flagship Idaho Aurora Powerhouse project received NSDA approval by the DoE. This locks in the safety and regulatory framework of the project. The next step, a Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis from the DoE, will allow Oklo to move forward with final design and construction of the facility.

What the market is missing about Oklo

While these approvals are important, what Oklo really needs is approval from the NRC for its Aurora Powerhouses to operate commercially. Oklo's business model for its entire power generation unit hinges on that one approval, which is why these other approvals didn't move the needle. But these DoE approvals make ultimate NRC approval more likely in the long run.

Image source: Getty Images.

Although the DoE and NRC are separate entities, they've been sharing technical expertise and resources since 2019. And in November, they announced they would start coordinating with one another on the reviews of advanced nuclear reactors and fuel technologies like those of Oklo and Atomic Alchemy. While the extent of the collaboration isn't specified, the NRC has agreed to provide "an expedited pathway to approve advanced reactor designs that have been authorized and tested by DoE." That means that every step toward DoE approval is also a step toward NRC approval, which should reassure Oklo investors.
Oracle Corporation shares are trading lower during Mondays session.

The company has appointed Hilary Maxson as chief financial officer, effective April 6.

Maxson Steps In as CFO

Hilary Maxson officially took on the CFO role on April 6, 2026, succeeding Doug Kehring, who guided the company through significant structural changes.

Before joining Oracle, Maxson served as EVP and Group CFO at Schneider Electric SE. She drove operational performance, scaled the business, and advanced strategic initiatives. Earlier, she spent 12 years at AES Corporation in senior finance, strategy, and M&A roles, supporting complex global infrastructure projects.

Don't Miss:

Under her leadership, Oracle aims to capitalize on the growing demand for cloud infrastructure and AI, which has already led to over 20% growth in organic total revenue and non-GAAP earnings per share in the most recent quarter.

Clay Magouyrk, CEO of Oracle, said Hilary brings broad experience across industrial, infrastructure, and software sectorsareas where disciplined execution and capital management are essential. He added that he and CEO Mike Sicilia look forward to partnering with her in the CFO role.

Magouyrk also thanked Doug Kehring for leading the finance organization over the past six months during the transition and noted that Kehring will now return to focusing on optimizing and accelerating the companys go-to-market operations.

Massive Workforce Cut

The company has recently been in the spotlight for significant layoffs. Approximately 18% of its global workforce reportedly received termination emails at 6 a.m. from Oracle Leadership.

In addition, the company disclosed plans to lay off 475 employees in Seattle, Washington, with the reductions set to take effect on June 1.

Trending: What If Tires Didn't Need Air  Or Replacing? This Startup Says It's Possible

TD Cowen estimates total job cuts could range between 20,000 and 30,000 employees, potentially marking the largest tech layoff of 2026. Benzinga has reached out to Oracle for confirmation of the reported figures but has not received a response.

Oracle Next Earnings

Oracle is slated to provide its next financial update on June 10, 2026 (estimated).
She is also set to receive an equity grant with an intended grant value of $26 million, $20.8 million in time-based equity  comprised of Maxsons choice of either 100% stock options, or 50% stock options and 50% restricted stock units, per the filing. The remaining 20% or $5.2 million of the grant will consist of performance-based equity, with the time-based grant to vest over four years and the performance-based portion to vest over three years.

As Oracles CFO, Maxson is set to receive an annual base salary of $950,000, according to the SEC filing. She will also be eligible to receive an annual performance bonus with a target of $2.5 million, based on achievement of certain performance metrics, according to the filing.

Maxson has served as CFO for energy technology company Schneider Electric for six years, after joining the business in 2017 as its SVP of finance and CFO, building and IT, according to her LinkedIn profile. Previously, she served in various roles for the AES Corporation during an 11-year career at the energy company, including CFO of its Asia segment. She also currently serves as a non-executive director for mining firm Anglo American.

The Austin, Texas-based cloud technology provider founded by Larry Ellison will rely on Maxsons financial expertise as Oracle aggressively ramps up its AI spending as it looks to finance expansion of its data centers. We are pleased that we found a financial leader that matches our culture of strong financial and operational discipline and has experience scaling capital intensive global organizations, Magouyrk said in a statement included in the Monday press release. Hilarys experience spans industrial, infrastructure, and software businesses  sectors where capital intensity and execution excellence are critical to success.

Maxson, 48, will also succeed Doug Kehring as Oracles principal financial officer, according to the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Kehring, who will return to his role as EVP of operations also as of the effective date, has served in the previous capacity since September, when long-time Oracle veteran Safra Catz stepped down from both the CEO and principal financial officer roles and the business appointed Clayton Magouyrk and Michael Sicilia as co-CEOs, according to an SEC filing at the time.

Oracle announced Monday that Hilary Maxson , an alum of Schneider Electric, has stepped in as its new CFO effective Monday, according to a press release and securities filing Monday.

This story was originally published on CFO Dive . To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO Dive newsletter .

Story Continues

Oracle has built extraordinary momentum at the intersection of cloud, AI, and industry applications, Maxson said in a statement included in the press release. Im excited to join at this pivotal moment, and I look forward to partnering with Clay, Mike, and the broader leadership team to continue to invest with discipline and to translate this momentum into durable, longterm value for customers and shareholders.

Maxson will take Oracles financial reins as the business seeks to continue that momentum. In February, the business announced plans to raise up to $50 billion in debt and equity financing with the aim of expanding its cloud infrastructure business to support accelerating demand from clients in the generative AI space, including Nvidia, OpenAI and Meta, according to a press release at the time.

Leadership also detailed their plans to continue optimizing that infrastructure during its latest earnings call on March 10, with Magouyrk noting AI infrastructure revenue for Oracles third quarter grew by 243% year-over-year.

Demand for AI infrastructure, including data centers and graphic processing units, has continued to overtake supply: something which is directly visible in the $553 billion in remaining performance obligations the business recorded for the quarter, he said. The figure, a 325% jump YoY according to its earnings release, represents contracted but not yet recorded revenue.

Oracle has continued to innovate across its data centers, including its compute, networking and storage capacities as it looks to turn those obligations into recorded revenue, Magouyrk said.

However, the companys aggressive AI spending pace has also drawn some concerns from its stakeholders and industry experts. The companys stock price has slumped by approximately 24% year-to-date amid fears of a potential AI bubble as well as worries on its expanding debt, the Motley Fool reported.

Oracle is also one among several companies conducting mass layoffs in the face of an AI spending spree. Beginning on March 31, the company began sending out severance emails to thousands of employees as part of a larger organizational restructuring, according to a NextWeb report. The layoffs could potentially affect 18% of Oracles global workforce, or 30,000 employees, the news outlet said.

Oracle did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Maxsons appointment.
Nike (NYSE: NKE) has a growth problem. The business just isn't doing as well as it has been in years past, and these days, investors are looking elsewhere in search of top growth stocks to own. Over the past five years, the returns from Nike stock have been abysmal, as it has crashed close to 70% during that stretch. Normally, a buy-and-hold strategy, especially when it involves an iconic company with a terrific track record, yields strong returns for investors. That hasn't been the case with Nike at all.

Under CEO Elliott Hill, the company is attempting to turn things around. While there have been some small wins and signs of progress, the business is still trying to prove to investors that it's worth investing in -- its stock recently hit a new 52-week low.

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 

There is one market that has been doing particularly poorly for Nike, and that's China. Is its dependence on that part of the world the biggest problem for the shoe stock right now, and if so, what does that mean for investors?

Image source: Getty Images.

Sales have been underwhelming in China

Nike's sales were flat in its most recent quarter, which ended on Feb. 28. But a closer look at the results shows investors that the performance wasn't nearly the same across all of its geographical areas. The company did the best on its home turf, with North American sales rising by 3%.

The most challenging market has been in China, with Nike reporting that revenue in Greater China was down 7% year over year, and that falls to 10% when excluding the impact of foreign exchange. Even in the Asia Pacific & Latin America segment, things weren't that bad, with its organic growth rate being a negative 2%.

The Greater China segment is an important one for Nike, as it represents about 14% of its revenue. Plus, the company has many factories in China. At a time when U.S.-China relations aren't the greatest, the exposure that the company has to that part of the world could be particularly troubling for the stock.

Is Nike's stock too cheap to pass up?

Nike's stock hasn't been this cheap in over a decade, and investors may be willing to look past the challenges the company faces in China and other parts of the world, simply because its valuation is so low. Buying at a severely discounted price can, after all, provide you with some great margin of safety.
Quarterly earnings results are a good time to check in on a companys progress, especially compared to its peers in the same sector. Today we are looking at Murphy Oil (NYSE:MUR) and the best and worst performers in the mixed or offshore upstream e&p industry.

This category includes smaller or niche E&P companies operating in specialized basins, geographies, or resource types outside major classifications. These firms may target unconventional resources, frontier regions, or specific commodity niches. Tailwinds include potential for outsized returns from successful exploration, acquisition opportunities during industry downturns, and specialized expertise commanding premium valuations. Headwinds include higher operational and geological risks, limited scale reducing negotiating power and cost efficiencies, and constrained capital market access during challenging commodity environments. Regulatory risks and ESG concerns may disproportionately affect smaller operators with fewer resources for compliance.

The 21 mixed or offshore upstream e&p stocks we track reported a mixed Q4. As a group, revenues were in line with analysts consensus estimates.

Luckily, mixed or offshore upstream e&p stocks have performed well with share prices up 11.6% on average since the latest earnings results.

Murphy Oil (NYSE:MUR)

Operating in waters over a mile deep in the Gulf of Mexico and extracting hydrocarbons from tight shale rock formations in Texas, Murphy Oil (NYSE:MUR) explores for and produces crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids from fields in North America and Asia.

Murphy Oil reported revenues of $624.6 million, down 7% year on year. This print fell short of analysts expectations by 1%. Overall, it was a slower quarter for the company with a significant miss of analysts EBITDA estimates.

Throughout 2025 we stayed true to our strategy  allocate capital with discipline, execute our core plan, and pursue selective, high impact exploration. We delivered record-setting well performance in our onshore program, advanced our exploration agenda, and strengthened our liquidity and debt maturity profile. Our Hai Su Vang discovery and appraisal success, along with our broader Vietnam portfolio, position us for material new growth over the coming decade. Our accomplishments in 2025 have provided a robust foundation for continued progress in 2026, positioning us to deliver sustainable value through all market cycles, stated Eric M. Hambly, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Murphy Oil Total Revenue

Interestingly, the stock is up 29.3% since reporting and currently trades at $41.30.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) is one of the best large cap value stocks to buy according to analysts. On March 31, Royal Caribbean Group and Bank of America announced the launch of the Royal ONE and Royal ONE Plus Visa Signature cards, marking the cruise industrys first tri-branded credit card program. These new cards allow travelers to earn and redeem rewards across the companys three wholly owned brands: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.

The two card options cater to different traveler needs, with the standard Royal ONE card offering no annual fee and 3X points on cruise purchases. The Royal ONE Plus card carries a $99 annual fee and provides elevated earnings of 4X points on cruise purchases, along with 2X points on airfare, hotels, and dining. Both cards feature no foreign transaction fees and include points for everyday spending on gas, groceries, and electric vehicle charging. Additional perks range from priority boarding and anniversary rewards to TSA PreCheck credits for the Plus tier.

This partnership expands the long-standing relationship between Royal Caribbean Group and Bank of America, aimed at recognizing loyal guests through a more connected redemption experience. Cardholders can use their points for cruise savings or onboard credits for amenities such as specialty dining and shore excursions.

Royal Caribbean (RCL) and Bank of America Launch Tri-Branded Visa Cards

A Norwegian Cruise ship. Photo from Norwegian Cruise website

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) is a global travel services and cruise company that operates under several brand names, such as Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises.

While we acknowledge the potential of RCL 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.
B2Gold Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:BTG) is one of the 10 Best Affordable Growth Stocks to Buy for the Next 5 Years. On April 1, B2Gold Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:BTG) announced that the Toronto Stock Exchange had approved the renewal of its normal course issuer bid. This allows the company to buy back up to 132.7 million shares, which is about 10% of its public float. The buyback period will run for 12 months, starting on April 3, 2026, and ending on April 2, 2027. According to the management, this move is part of the companys strategy to return value to shareholders. It also reflects B2Gold Corporations (NYSEAMERICAN:BTG) confidence in its assets, showing that management considers the stock to be undervalued at times. The program offers a way to help support the share price through regular buybacks and share cancellations.

B2Gold Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:BTG) is one of the 10 Best Affordable Growth Stocks to Buy for the Next 5 Years.

Earlier, B2Gold Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:BTG) announced strong results from its 2025 exploration program at the Back River Gold District in Nunavut on March 25. Drilling at the Goose Mines Llama deposit returned high-grade results, which are expected to upgrade some Inferred resources to the indicated category. Meanwhile, work at the Nuvuyak deposit confirmed the continuity of high-grade mineralization, highlighting its potential for inclusion in the Goose Mine life-of-mine plan.

The company spent $32 million on the program, completing nearly 28,600 meters of drilling across 140 holes. Of this, $21 million went to Goose Mine and nearby targets, while $11 million was directed to regional prospects, including Boulder, George, Boot, Del, and Needle.

B2Gold Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:BTG) operates in the global precious metals and mining industry, supplying gold to markets around the world. The companys major clients are gold refiners, bullion dealers and institutional investors who trade or invest in gold. The companys flagship product is gold dore bars, which are refined and used for investment, trading, jewelry, and various industrial purposes. It was founded in 2007 and is based in Vancouver, Canada.

While we acknowledge the potential of BTG as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 8 Dirt Cheap Stocks to Buy With $1000 Right Now and 8 Best American Stocks to Buy for the Next 5 Years.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
Wireless Festival has been cancelled after the Home Office withdrew Kanyes ETA, denying him entry to the UK.

Kanye West being banned from the UK has led to the cancellation of Wireless 2026

Festival Republic confirmed the decision in a statement, saying all ticket holders will receive refunds.

A spokesperson said: The Home Office has withdrawn YE's ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom."

"As a result, Wireless Festival is cancelled and refunds will be issued to all ticket holders."

"As with every Wireless Festival, multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking YE and no concerns were highlighted at the time.

Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had."

"As YE said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and in spite of this still hopes to be given the opportunity to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the UK.

The Home Offices decision follows mounting criticism of Kanyes past behaviour and antisemitic comments.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said earlier: Decisions are taken on a case-by-case basis in line with the law and the evidence available, but where individuals pose a threat to public safety or seek to spread extremism, the Government has not hesitated to act, and that includes cancelling permission to enter this country for extremist preachers and far-right figures.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he was appalled by Kanyes behaviour and accused him of using his bipolar disorder as an excuse.

He said: What I would say is that Kanye West has no business headlining the wireless festival.

I think organisers showed a terrible error of judgement in inviting him.

These weren't a couple of off colour remarks.

These were, I think, a pattern of behaviour.

Antisemitism is serious, it can be deadly and people like Kanye West, who have an enormous platform, fame, reach, they have to accept the responsibility that comes with that.

And I don't think he has.

I'm only too disappointed the festival organisers are too blind to see it.

Last week, a spokesman for London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: We are clear that the past comments and actions of this artist are offensive and wrong, and are simply not reflective of Londons values.

This was a decision taken by the festival organisers and not one that City Hall is involved in.

The cancellation comes despite Kanyes vow to bring peace and love to Wireless.

In a statement released on Tuesday (07.04.26), he said he had been watching the reaction to his appearance and wanted to address it directly.

He explained that his goal was to come to London and present a show of change, adding that he hoped to bring unity through his music.

He also said he would welcome the chance to meet members of the UKs Jewish community, stressing that he understands words alone are not enough and that he must demonstrate change through his actions.

Kanye  who also goes by Ye  has faced widespread backlash in recent years for making antisemitic comments and expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler, even releasing a track titled Heil Hitler and selling a Tshirt featuring a swastika on his website.

He later issued an apology in a fullpage Wall Street Journal advert, writing that he is not a Nazi or an antisemite and declaring his love for Jewish people.

He has since attributed his behaviour to a severe manic episode in early 2025, saying he lost touch with reality and deeply regrets the things he said and did.

Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, defended the decision to keep Kanye on the bill before the ban.

He described himself as a lifelong antifascist and said he had lived on a kibbutz in the 1970s that was later attacked on October 7.

He emphasised his support for Jewish people and the Jewish state, while also backing a Palestinian state.

Melvin said Kanyes previous comments were abhorrent to him, but argued that the rappers music is already widely available in the UK and that he has a legal right to perform.

He added that Wireless was not providing Kanye with a platform to express political views, only to perform songs already streamed by millions.

He urged the public to consider the value of forgiveness, saying that offering people a second chance is becoming a lost virtue in an increasingly divided world.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Tesla (TSLA, Financials) said that deliveries to South Korea rose sharply in the first quarter. This shows that demand is still robust in that region, even though global shipment patterns are getting worse.

The company sold 20,964 cars in South Korea during the quarter, which is 335% more than the same period previous year, according to industry data. Tesla's achievement propelled it ahead of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, making it the first time the business has been number one in the country's imported car market.

There were a lot of reasons for the spike, including more interest in electric cars when the government announced incentives earlier than expected and rising gasoline prices because of geopolitical concerns. Tesla's pricing cuts on Model Y and Model 3 automobiles made in China also helped increase demand.

Tesla shipped 358,023 units worldwide in the quarter, which was 6.3% more than the same time last year but 14% less than the prior quarter, which was below expectations. Some analysts are lowering their price estimates, while others point to long-term growth drivers like AI and self-driving cars.
For profitable companies with meaningful equity on the balance sheet, the price to book, or P/B, ratio is a useful way to see how much investors are paying for each dollar of net assets. It often reflects what the market thinks about the durability of returns on equity.

Our Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis suggests Nebius Group is undervalued by 81.5%. Track this in your watchlist or portfolio , or discover 62 more high quality undervalued stocks .

After discounting each of these annual cash flow estimates back to today, the model arrives at an estimated intrinsic value of about $606.89 per share, compared with the current share price of US$112.54. This implies the stock screens as about 81.5% undervalued on this DCF view.

For Nebius Group, the model used is a 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity approach based on cash flow projections in $. The latest twelve month free cash flow stands at a loss of about $3,546 million. Analyst estimates are used up to 2030, with projected free cash flow of $4,780 million in that year. Simply Wall St then extends the projections out to 2035 using its own growth assumptions.

A Discounted Cash Flow, or DCF, model estimates what a business could be worth today by projecting its future cash flows and discounting them back to a present value using a required rate of return.

Nebius Group currently has a valuation score of 3/6 , reflecting that it screens as undervalued on half of the checks used. This sets up a closer look at methods like DCF and multiples, and later, a broader way to think about valuation that goes beyond just the numbers.

Recent coverage has centered on Nebius Group's role in the software space, including its positioning on the Nasdaq and how investors are reacting to its profile within the wider tech sector. These headlines help explain why attention has intensified around the stock and why price moves may be closely tied to shifting expectations.

The stock has recently been very active, with returns of 22.0% over 7 days, 26.0% over 30 days, 25.1% year to date, and 434.6% over the past year, which can reshape how the market views both opportunity and risk.

Wondering if Nebius Group at US$112.54 is still reasonably priced after its surge, or if you are arriving late to the story? This article focuses squarely on what the current share price could imply about value.

Story Continues

Growth expectations and risk both influence what a normal or fair P/B ratio might look like. Higher expected growth or more resilient profitability can justify a higher multiple, while higher risk or weaker profitability generally points to a lower one.

Nebius Group currently trades on a P/B of 6.17x, compared with the Software industry average of about 2.64x and a peer group average of 17.47x. Simply Wall St also uses a proprietary Fair Ratio for P/B, which estimates the multiple that could be reasonable given factors such as earnings growth, industry, profit margins, market cap and company specific risks.

This Fair Ratio approach is more tailored than a simple comparison with peers or the broad industry because it adjusts for Nebius Groups own characteristics rather than assuming all software stocks deserve similar pricing. In this case, the Fair Ratio is not available, so it is not possible to say whether the current 6.17x looks undervalued, overvalued or about right based on that framework.

Result: ABOUT RIGHT

NasdaqGS:NBIS P/B Ratio as at Apr 2026

P/B ratios tell one story, but what if the real opportunity lies elsewhere? Start investing in legacies, not executives. Discover our 20 top founder-led companies.

Upgrade Your Decision Making: Choose your Nebius Group Narrative

Earlier it was mentioned that there is an even better way to understand valuation. On Simply Wall St this comes through Narratives, where you set out a clear story for Nebius Group, plug in your own expectations for future revenue, earnings and margins, and connect that story to a Fair Value that can be compared with the current price so you can decide whether the stock looks attractively priced or stretched.

A Narrative is your summary of what you think is really driving the company, translated into numbers and a valuation. For example, one investor on the Community page might focus on Nebius Group as an AI infrastructure provider with strong funding and partnerships and arrive at a Fair Value of about US$45.62 per share. Another might emphasize large AI contracts and capacity expansion and arrive at a Fair Value closer to US$278.70. Both views can sit side by side.

Because Narratives on the Community page are refreshed when new news, earnings or analyst inputs are available, you can quickly see how different stories update their Fair Value, compare these with the latest Nebius Group share price of US$112.54, and then decide which Narrative best matches your own view and risk tolerance.

For Nebius Group, however, we will make it really easy for you with previews of two leading Nebius Group Narratives:

 Nebius Group Bull Case

Fair value in this bullish narrative: US$165.85 per share.

At the last close of US$112.54, this narrative implies the stock is about 32.1% below that fair value.

Revenue growth assumption in this narrative: 206.36%.

Analysts in this Narrative expect very rapid revenue expansion supported by large AI infrastructure contracts, higher profit margins over time and a future P/E of around 37x by 2029.

They highlight long term AI demand, global data center build out, partnerships with large tech names and a sizeable funding base as key supports for recurring revenue and earnings power.

The bullish view is that if Nebius Group reaches around US$15.2b of revenue and about US$1.7b of earnings by 2029, a fair value near US$165.85 can be justified using an 8.7% discount rate.

 Nebius Group Bear Case

Fair value in this more cautious narrative: US$45.62 per share.

At the last close of US$112.54, this narrative implies the stock is about 146.6% above that fair value.

Revenue growth assumption in this narrative: 17%.

This Narrative sees Nebius Group as an AI infrastructure provider with solid assets, funding and partnerships, but concludes that the implied valuation is high relative to peers and internal fundamentals.

It focuses on capacity build out, Nvidia backed GPU access, liquidity of around US$4.5b and a targeted AI client base, while still anchoring on a fair value of about US$45.62.

The cautious takeaway is that even with projected ARR of US$750m to US$1b and a growing GPU footprint, the current share price sits well above what this author views as a reasonable appraisal of the business.

If you want to see how other investors are framing the story, including different assumptions on risk, growth and valuation, it is worth reading the full range of Narratives and comparing them with your own expectations before making any decision.

To see how these results tie into long-term growth, risks, and valuation, check out the full range of community narratives for Nebius Group on Simply Wall St. Add the company to your watchlist or portfolio so you'll be alerted when the story evolves.

Do you think there's more to the story for Nebius Group? Head over to our Community to see what others are saying!

NasdaqGS:NBIS 1-Year Stock Price Chart

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include NBIS.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Lockheed Martins (LMT) outlook is getting a boost from Washington.

President Donald Trumps proposed $2.2 trillion defense budget eases one of the biggest concerns around Lockheed Martin's forward guidance.

At the same time, missile demand is building, and the company is expanding capacity to meet it, but the key question is whether that momentum translates into stronger earnings over the next few years.

Proposed 2027 budget eases F-35 downside risk

The most important change in Lockheeds outlook is coming from Washington. In the Trump administrations FY2027 defense proposal, the Pentagon backed procurement of 85 new F-35 aircraft as part of a broader $1.5 trillion defense budget framework.

Right now, the central bear case for Lockheed Martin is that cost pressures and program scrutiny would force a meaningful pullback in F-35 purchases. Instead, the proposal signals continued support for the companys largest franchise at a time when Lockheed already has a record$194 billion backlog.

White House budget director Russell Vought said in a message: The 2027 Budget... would ensure that the United States continues to maintain the worlds most powerful and capable military.

More Trending Stocks:

The immediate impact is more stable F-35 revenue and a lower risk of negative estimate revisions. If U.S. procurement stays near that 85-aircraft level, Lockheed will likely maintain stability in the program that supports its backlog quality.

That also reduces the risk that the 2026 revenue guidance of $77.5 billion to $80.0 billion will face a fighter-related shortfall. The next question is whether appropriators keep support close enough to the proposal to sustain bookings and backlog through the FY2027 cycle.

If that holds, the risk of a near-term reset in Lockheeds largest program looks far less likely. The focus then shifts away from program stability and toward execution.

Missile ramp-up adds a second growth pillar

Missiles are emerging as a credible source of upside for Lockheed Martin.

Management has outlined a major expansion of PAC-3 MSE production, with annual capacity set to rise from 620 units to 2,000 under long-duration framework agreements tied to missile-defense demand. This buildout starts from a position of strength, with MFC sales already up 14% in FY2025.

Replenishment demand for interceptors and air-defense systems has become more durable across U.S. and allied budgets, giving Lockheed a growth lane that does not depend on higher fighter output.
What Happened?

Shares of oilfield equipment manufacturer Cactus (NYSE:WHD) jumped 3.6% in the afternoon session after President Trump held a press conference reaffirming his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on its power plants and bridges. Crude oil prices rose, pulling energy equities higher as markets priced in the risk of prolonged conflict. Iran's rejection of a proposed 45-day ceasefire deepened that anxiety.

After the initial pop the shares cooled down to $49.57, up 3.7% from previous close.

Is now the time to buy Cactus? Access our full analysis report here, its free.

What Is The Market Telling Us

Cactuss shares are quite volatile and have had 18 moves greater than 5% over the last year. In that context, todays move indicates the market considers this news meaningful but not something that would fundamentally change its perception of the business.

The previous big move we wrote about was 27 days ago when the stock dropped 5.1% after a sharp retreat in crude oil and natural gas prices weakened sentiment.

WTI crude futures plunged over 10% to around $84 per barrel, a steep reversal from the nearly $120 seen in the previous session. The sell-off was triggered by multiple factors, including comments from President Trump suggesting the war with Iran could be brief. Additionally, global leaders are signaling a readiness to intervene to stabilize energy markets.

The International Energy Agency (IEA), an organization that works to ensure reliable, affordable, and clean energy, has convened a meeting to assess the situation, with G7 nations requesting preparations for a potential release of emergency oil reserves. Meanwhile, natural gas prices also declined, with the U.S. Energy Information Administration lowering its price forecast due to strong domestic production and mild weather, which are expected to insulate the U.S. market from the conflict's impact.

Cactus is up 5.4% since the beginning of the year, but at $49.57 per share, it is still trading 15.6% below its 52-week high of $58.76 from February 2026. Investors who bought $1,000 worth of Cactuss shares 5 years ago would now be looking at an investment worth $1,613.

ALSO WORTH WATCHING: Nvidias Quiet Partner. Nvidias chips cost a hundred grand. The connectors that make them work cost even more. One company makes them all.

Every AI server needs specialized infrastructure the chip companies dont make. High-speed cables. Power connectors. Thermal sensors. This 90-year-old company built a monopoly on it. The AI boom just started. This stock is still flying under the radar. Claim The Stock Ticker Here for FREE.
(Bloomberg)  Samsung Electronics Co. (005930.KS) earned a far stronger-than-expected eight-fold leap in quarterly profit, underscoring robust demand for AI memory chips in the face of markets roiled by war in the Middle East.

Customers led by cloud service providers are ramping up orders for high-bandwidth memory and other chips used in data centers to feed artificial intelligence services, lifting both volumes and margins at the chips-to-smartphones conglomerate.

Shares of Samsung, which have slumped from their February peak, rose as much as 4.9% during early morning trading in Seoul on Tuesday, shaking off some of the fears that the US-Iran conflict is hurting the durability of spending on energy-guzzling AI hardware. Shares of rival SK Hynix Inc. gained 5.3%.

Samsung reported preliminary operating profit of 57.2 trillion won ($37.9 billion) in the March quarter  up 755% to hit a record  versus analysts average projection for 39.3 trillion won. Revenue climbed to 133 trillion won, against the average estimate of 116.8 trillion won. The company will release a full financial statement, including net income and divisional breakdowns, on April 30.

Its all driven by memory and its stronger than what people anticipated, said Sanjeev Rana, head of research at CLSA Securities Korea, estimating that memorys contribution may be close to 90% of total operating profit. Supply is very tight for HBM and conventional DRAM products, he said.

Koreas largest company dominates global memory supply along with SK Hynix and Micron Technology Inc. The trio has increasingly shifted production in recent years toward HBM used in Nvidia Corp.s AI accelerators, tightening supply of conventional memory.

Samsungs first-quarter operating profit dwarfs its performance in other quarters and blew past the 43.6 trillion won the company generated in all of 2025. South Koreas semiconductor exports  a bellwether of global technology demand  soared 151.4% in March to a record $32.8 billion, government data show.

Samsung is in the midst of a sharp profit recovery cycle, wrote Morgan Stanley analysts Shawn Kim, Ryan Kim, Duan Liu and Cindy Huang in a report. Significant upside exists once we adjust to earnings growth in a period of unprecedented capacity constraints.

Analysts remain upbeat on South Koreas biggest company, largely dismissing concerns about AI optimization by offerings such as Googles TurboQuant or Anthropics Claude Mythos.

Its fast becoming a case of Turbowhatever, with investors glossing over the threat of the Google compression technology, said Andrew Jackson, head of Japanese equity strategy at Ortus Advisors.
By Anmol Choubey

BENGALURU, April 7 (Reuters) - Oil prices extended gains on Tuesday as U.S. President Donald Trump heightened his rhetoric against Iran, threatening stronger action if the country fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit chokepoint.

Brent crude futures rose 57 cents, or 0.5%, to $110.34 a barrel by 1202 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up $1.26, or 1.1%, at $113.67.

Trump, has threatened to rain "hell" on Tehran if it fails to comply with his deadline of 8 p.m. EDT Tuesday to reopen the strait. "They could be taken out," Trump warned, pledging further action if a deal is not reached.

Responding to a U.S. proposal through mediator Pakistan, Tehran rejected a ceasefire and said a permanent end to the war was necessary, and pushed back against pressure to reopen the strait.

Iranian forces effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz after U.S. and Israeli attacks began on February 28, disrupting a waterway that typically carries about 20% of global oil flows.

"Clock-watching is now playing almost as big a role in oil markets as the fundamentals themselves in the run-up to Trump's ultimatum deadline," said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.

"The potential for a ceasefire deal offers some counterweight and could spark a relief move lower if it gains traction, but persistent supply worries from the Hormuz chokepoint and damaged energy facilities are keeping the floor under prices."

On Monday, Iran's Revolutionary Guards halted two Qatar liquefied natural gas tankers and directed them to hold position without providing explanations, sources told Reuters. However, shipping data has shown limited vessel movement through the strait since last Thursday.

The U.N. Security Council is expected to vote on Tuesday on a resolution to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, but in significantly watered-down form after veto-wielding China opposed authorizing force, diplomats said.

The attack in the region continued as explosions were heard in the Syrian capital, Damascus, and surrounding countryside on Tuesday that were caused by the Israeli interception of Iranian missiles, Syrian state TV reported.

Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday it intercepted and destroyed seven ballistic missiles launched towards its Eastern Region, with debris falling near energy facilities, according to the defence ministry.

The conflict has pressured global crude markets, with spot premiums for U.S. WTI crude surging to record highs as Asian and European refiners scramble to secure replacement supplies amid disrupted Middle Eastern flows.
It could be time to code a few tech stock buys into your portfolio.

"The underperformance of the technology sector is also starting to generate attractive valuation opportunities for investors as its valuation, relative to expected consensus growth, has fallen below that of the global aggregate market," Goldman Sachs strategist Peter Oppenheimer wrote in a new note on Tuesday.

Oppenheimer continued, "These factors have opened up an opportunity in the technology sector where growth rates remain strong, but valuations are now low. In the US, the valuation premium of the technology hyperscalers has fallen to close to the same as the rest of the market."

Read more: The latest tech stock news and updates

2026 has been unkind to tech stocks for a host of reasons.

The massive increase in capital expenditures by hyperscalers such as Microsoft (MSFT) and Amazon (AMZN) has raised concerns about the potential returns that these companies can achieve from their outsized investments.

Investors have also begun to fret that the costs of this investment are beginning to take a hefty bite out of cash flows and balance-sheet capacity.

Oracle (ORCL) is an extreme example of these concerns: It has had to raise debt and recently laid off 30,000 workers to fund its AI infrastructure build-out ambitions. And other Big Tech players are doing the same.

"The history of technology breakthroughs, from the steam engine to railways, PCs and the internet, is littered with examples of new technologies that attracted large sums of capital to build out underlying infrastructure which have led, ultimately, to low returns," Oppenheimer explained. "The gains are then enjoyed by other companies, many of which piggyback off the original investment."

People walk in front of the Microsoft store in Manhattan on March 31, 2026, in New York City. (Zamek/VIEWpress)  VIEW press via Getty Images

Meanwhile, the boom in hyperscaler spending, together with the release of new versions of large language models (LLMs), has shifted investor fears to the companies that might have the most to lose from AI disruption.

Investors are keen to avoid the AI eras version of Kodak, IBM (IBM), Nokia (NOK), Blackberry (BB), and several other companies that saw their business models collapse under the weight of new waves of innovation, Oppenheimer said.

The geopolitical shock of the conflict in Iran, which has created a sharp divide between AI winners and consumer/macro losers, hasn't helped sentiment in tech. In other words, investors have used the uncertain backdrop to rotate into war plays in the oil and defense spaces.

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As of early April 2026, the "Magnificent Seven" group of stocks has lost a collective $1.1 trillion in market cap.
Oil prices have surged over the past month as the Middle East conflict intensified. Those higher prices are weighing down many sectors with higher production and logistics expenses, but they're generating strong tailwinds for big oil and energy companies.

Investing in those stocks can be tricky, since they tend to swing with oil and gas prices, but sticking with them for years instead of quarters smooths out that near-term volatility. If you can maintain that disciplined approach, then you can consider buying ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) and Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET) as no-brainer ways to profit from soaring oil prices.

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.

ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil, one of the world's largest publicly traded oil and gas companies, is involved in upstream exploration and production, downstream refining and marketing, and the production of plastics and petrochemicals. Rising oil prices boost its upstream profits, generate more cash to fund its dividends and buybacks, and improve the economics of its larger energy projects.

Like its rival Chevron, ExxonMobil gets most of its oil from the United States. Its largest oil fields are in the Permian Basin, and it also drills offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Most of its overseas growth comes from Guyana (one of the world's fastest-growing oil regions), as well as other Latin American countries, Canada, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Over the next few years, ExxonMobil will continue to generate most of its revenue in the U.S. -- but a growing share will likely come from Guyana. Its other markets should also continue to produce oil at a steady rate, even as it weathers some near-term headwinds in the Middle East.

From 2021 to 2025, ExxonMobil grew its EPS at a steady 6% CAGR, even as oil prices experienced fluctuated widely. From 2025 to 2028, analysts expect its EPS to increase at a 14% CAGR as it expands its Permian Basin and Guyana fields. The expansion of its liquefied natural gas (LNG), chemicals, and low-carbon businesses should complement that growth. That's an impressive growth trajectory for a stock that trades at 19 times this year's earnings. ExxonMobil also pays a forward yield of 2.6%, and it's raised its payout annually for 43 consecutive years. That stability makes it one of the safest ways to increase your exposure to rising oil prices.
By Daphne Zhang and Lewis Jackson

TAIZHOU, China, April 7 (Reuters) - At the edge of one of the many pig farms spread across the vast, unbroken floodplains of Taizhou, a two-hour drive northwest of Shanghai, a pair of square, four-metre pools of acrid-smelling ochre liquid hold the key to cutting costly soybean use in half.

The pools hold a swill of cheaper, locally sourced ingredients, which can include brans, pumpkin vines and wine lees. But it is fermented - like yogurt - so the proteins are already broken down and easy to digest, lessening the need for the higher-quality proteins in soy, 80% of which China imports.

For the farm's owner, 47-year-old Gao Qinshan, the motivation is entirely monetary. Feed accounts for 70% of pig rearing costs, and soybean prices have jumped - squeezed by Beijing's trade standoff with Washington and compounded by war in the Middle East.

"Soybean prices have become so unstable, Gao lamented.

With the industry already hobbled by oversupply and weak consumer demand, "pig farming has become unprofitable," he said. "Everyone is thinking about how to cut costs."

The grassroots fixation on overheads belies Beijing's more strategic motivations: longterm food security and increased selfreliance.

The government sharply accelerated a drive to expand protein sources for livestock in March of last year, just as trade tensions ramped up early into President Donald Trump's second term. Soybeans quickly became a key bargaining chip.

Reuters interviews with dozens of livestock and feed producers, state researchers and industry experts revealed Beijing is moving faster than previously thought to deploy new technologies and promote fermented feed.

It's the agricultural equivalent of Beijing's campaign to build domestic capabilities in microchips and artificial intelligence, catalysed by Washington's stringent controls on advanced technology exports to China.

In terms of agriculture, "the biggest national policy goal right now is soymeal reduction," said Fu Zhenzhen, a feed analyst at Beijing Orient Agribusiness Consultants.

"The most direct reason for that is the trade war with the United States," she said. "Fermentation is essential."

MOTIVATING FARMERS TO SWITCH

China is the world's biggest buyer of soybeans, and imported $52.7 billion of the oilseed in 2024, $12 billion of which came from the U.S., the latest figures from the World Bank show.

Last year, inbound shipments increased 6.5% from 2024 to a record 111.8 million metric tons, according to Chinese customs data.
If youve been putting off the purchase of an electric vehicle (EV), you might be wondering if now is the time to buy one as prices at the gas pump keep rising. As of April 6, the average price of gas is over $4 a gallon (1) in the U.S.

U.S. automakers, including Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, have recently pivoted away from electric vehicles (EVs) (2). And the federal EV tax credit ended in 2025 (3).

Must Read

At the same time, consumers have been hesitant to make the switch to EVs because of high costs, range anxiety (the fear of running out of battery life before reaching your destination) and the lack of robust EV charging infrastructure across the country.

But now, as gas prices rise, some car owners are wondering if they should swap in their gas guzzler for an EV instead.

Since the Iran war began on February 28, Autotrader saw a 28% jump in inquiries about buying a new EV and a 15% jump in inquiries about used EVs. The online vehicle marketplace said that, while fuel prices are still below 2022 extremes, surging interest suggests concerns about future energy security/instability/price shocks are driving behavior (4).

The rising cost of oil and gas

At the start of the Iran war, it was widely assumed that higher oil prices would be temporary.

The Middle East produces about 30% of the worlds total oil, led by Saudi Arabia and Iran (5). At the same time, about a fifth of the worlds oil and liquified natural gas (LNG) is transported through the Strait of Hormuz (6).

Iran has effectively closed the Strait to commercial shipping, which is restricting shipments, squeezing supply and driving up prices.

That could be reversed, if it was simply a matter of reopening the Strait. But gas fields and production facilities are also targets in this war.

Israel bombed Irans South Pars natural gas field on March 18 (7) and again on April 6 targeting the Jam and Damavand petrochemical facilities in the complex (8). Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded to the March 18 strikes by launching drones and missiles at energy hubs across the Gulf Arab states (9).

QatarEnergy CEO and state minister for energy affairs Saad al-Kaabi told Reuters that Iranian attacks have destroyed 17% of Qatars LNG export capacity. He also said this will set the region back 10 to 20 years (10).
A former Rockstar Games developer has suggested that Grand Theft Auto VI could take inspiration from Red Dead Redemption 2, continuing the studios tradition of evolving ideas across its titles.

Grand Theft Auto VI could include features introduced in Red Dead Redemption 2

Rob Carr, who previously worked as an audio designer on projects including Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2, shared his thoughts in an interview with Kiwi Talkz, explaining that Rockstar often reuses and refines gameplay systems.

He said: "Even on GTA 5, they took the Dead Eye system. They used the Dead Eye as one of the perks for one of the characters."

In GTA V, each protagonist had a unique ability  Michael could slow down time during shootouts, Franklin had enhanced driving focus, and Trevor entered a damage-boosting "berserker" mode.

Carr noted these mechanics were influenced by earlier Rockstar titles, highlighting how the studio builds on its own ideas.

He explained: "They're all things that have been used in previous titles that they wanted to expand upon.

"So I'll be surprised if they don't use something from Red Dead 2."

While Carr did not confirm any specific features, Red Dead Redemption 2 introduced a range of systems that could translate into a modern Grand Theft Auto setting. These include highly detailed world interactions, dynamic NPC behaviour, and immersive storytelling elements such as Arthur Morgans journal.

Speculation has already begun among fans about how such mechanics could evolve in GTA VI, with some suggesting features like deeper character tracking systems or social media-style storytelling could take the place of Red Deads more traditional elements.

Rockstar has yet to officially detail gameplay systems for GTA VI ahead of its release in November, but the studios history suggests it will continue blending ideas from across its portfolio.
Essar Group-backed Mesabi Metallics has obtained $150m in funding from Macquarie Group for its iron ore mine and pellet plant in the US.

This financing supports the planned launch of the direct reduction (DR)-grade plant in Nashwauk, Minnesota, in the third quarter of 2026.

The $2.5bn plant is set to supply next-generation electric arc furnaces (EAFs) for the US steelmaking sector.

Mesabis latest financing package builds on its previous $520m senior secured credit facility arrangement with Breakwall Capital, demonstrating significant progress for the project.

The US Export-Import Bank has recently extended support to Mesabi, highlighting the project's increasing strategic significance for sectors including manufacturing, automotive, infrastructure, shipbuilding and defence.

The facility, which occupies more than 16,000 acres in northern Minnesota, represents a substantial new US source of DR-grade iron ore.

This initiative comes amid US efforts to bolster industrial supply chains and minimise reliance on imports for raw materials.

Mesabi Metallics president and CEO Joe Broking said: This financing from Macquarie marks another major step forward for Mesabi Metallics and builds on the strong momentum we have established with our recently announced financial partnerships.

Together, these transactions reflect growing confidence in the quality, scale and strategic importance of our project as we build a new American source of DR-grade iron ore to strengthen domestic steel supply chains and reduce dependence on imports.

The construction site currently comprises more than 800 workers.

Macquarie Group commodities and global markets business senior managing director Mike Burns said: Macquarie has enjoyed a long-standing financing relationship with Essar Group, and we are pleased to extend that relationship to their metals and mining investments in the US.

Mesabi is developing a high-quality and strategically important project for the US steel sector, and we look forward to supporting the company over the long term.

"Macquarie backs Mesabi Metallics with $150m in financing" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




The global packaging industry is being hit by the Iran war through higher plastic prices, disrupted shipping and rising energy costs. The immediate pressure is strongest in plastic packaging, where producers depend on petrochemical feedstocks and shipping routes linked to the Gulf.

As the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted, resin supply has tightened, freight costs have risen and buyers in food, drink, beauty and household goods are paying more for jars, films, bottles and tubes.

The scale of the shock is significant. Reuters, citing Rabobank, reported that petrochemical products worth about $20 billion to $25 billion pass through the Strait of Hormuz each year.

Reuters also reported that the Middle East accounted for more than 40% of global polyethylene exports in 2025, while S&P Global said the region represents close to 25% of global polypropylene and polyethylene exports.

That matters to packaging because polyethylene and polypropylene are core materials for flexible packaging, caps, tubs, closures and many rigid packs.

Plastic prices rise

The clearest effect is in polymers. Reuters reported on 26 March that prices for polyethylene and polypropylene had climbed to about four-year highs after disruptions to oil and petrochemical flows through Hormuz tightened global supply.

On the Dalian Commodity Exchange, polyethylene had risen nearly 37% since late February and polypropylene more than 38%.

This is now feeding directly into packaging costs. FoodNavigator reported that food and drink account for about 40% of global plastic packaging demand, making the sector especially exposed to higher resin costs and shrinking feedstock availability.

In practical terms, that means higher prices for pouches, trays, bottle formats and protective films used across food and beverage supply chains.

Market participants say availability is as much of a problem as price. A European trader told S&P Global that producers are declining to confirm offers as volatility increases.

Reuters quoted Dow chief executive Jim Fitterling saying global logistics have become uncertain, with up to 50% of polyethylene supply either offline, constrained or affected by the conflict.

Together, those comments show why converters and brand owners are struggling to secure material on normal terms.

Shipping routes tighten

The second blow is logistics. Reuters reported from Cosmoprof in Bologna that the war is pushing up the cost of plastic jars and lipstick tubes as well as transport, while shipping delays and lower container availability are forcing some companies to reroute cargo or switch to air freight.
Ive spent the last few weeks watching oil charts like everyone else, wondering if we were all just passengers on the same runaway train.

Every headline about the Strait of Hormuz closing seemed to confirm the same simple story: 20% of the worlds oil cut off, prices going vertical, and not much you or I can do except brace for impact.

Then I read a note arguing that oil markets might actually be overstating the disruption.

A recent report summarized by Seeking Alpha suggests that what is happening in Hormuz looks less like an absolute shutdown and more like a messy, partial re-engineering of how oil and fuels move, with some crude rerouted, some cargoes delayed, and some flows quietly resuming under new rules.

If that is right, traders may be paying up for a horror scenario that is worse than what the physical market is actually delivering.

That doesnt mean everything is fine. It means the story is more complicated than Strait closed, oil doomed, and if you care about your wallet or your portfolio, that nuance matters more than the scariest tweet.

Oil markets could be wildly wrong on Strait of Hormuz.Shutterstock  Shutterstock

The scary headline and what it leaves out

When the current war flared and Iran announced it was blocking traffic, tanker flows collapsed.

Related: Morgan Stanley flags a troubling oil trend rattling markets

The International Energy Agency later said the closure had triggered the largest disruption to global oil markets in history, with supply expected to fall by about 8 million barrels per day in March and member states preparing a record 400 million barrel reserve release to help stabilize prices, Journal Record reported.

An IEA assessment summarized by Politico added that oil and product flows through Hormuz had plunged from around 20 million barrels per day to a tiny fraction of that level.

From there, the market reaction made emotional sense.

Brent crude climbed above $100 a barrel, and some forecasts jumped straight to $150 or even $200 if a near closure lasted six to eight weeks, Seeking Alpha highlighted. The same report shows Energy consultancy FGE warning that a prolonged disruption at Hormuz could push oil toward $200 per barrel, particularly if the conflict spreads and spare capacity stays on the sidelines.

The problem, as the newer analysis argues, is that gone may be the wrong word.

What the overstating disruption camp is actually saying

The report highlighted by Seeking Alpha makes two key claims that stuck with me.

First, it argues that Irans real goal is not to permanently shut Hormuz, but to regulate and weaponize it, allowing some cargoes through while restricting others.

Second, it says traffic is recovering in a patchy way, with fewer supertankers and more smaller ships and alternative routes, which changes the risk profile without completely erasing flows, the same analysis suggested.

In other words, this is not an on/off switch. It is more like a badly clogged artery where blood is still moving, just slower, costlier, and through different veins than before.

More Oil and Gas:

You can see hints of that in other data.

Major container companies halted operations through Hormuz and rerouted around Africa, but some energy shipments continue and the regions main ports remain critical transshipment hubs for global trade, CNBC reported.

The real story is not just the headline price spike but how flows, routes, and insurance terms are being renegotiated in real time as players adjust to a prolonged disruption, Finextras Kunle Fadeyi argued in his analysis of the crisis.

Phil Davis, founder of Philstockworld, walked through the same nuance in a recent breakdown of Hormuz restrictions, in an analysis published on Seeking Alpha. He argued that the impact could extend far beyond oil prices and into broader supply chains, but he also pointed out that some crude and liquefied natural gas are still moving and that investors should think in terms of constrained flows and changing routes rather than assuming an absolute halt.

If you zoom out, the picture that emerges is messy. There is real, historic disruption. There is also an adaptation that pure price action might be ignoring.

What the price is telling you and what it is not

Oil has already run hard.

Brent crude reached roughly $105.88 a barrel in mid March, up more than 40% since the war began, while U.S. crude traded just under $100, according to market coverage from AlphaSpread. Dubai crude, which matters more for Asia, has traded as high as $166.80 a barrel, Intellectia.ai reported, signaling intense regional tightness even as Western benchmarks moved less dramatically.

The International Energy Agency warned that Aprils supply losses could be even worse than Marchs.

IEA chief Fatih Birol told CNBC that this crisis is already more severe than past oil shocks from the 1970s embargo to the Russian gas disruptions, even after a 400 million barrel reserve release. He stressed that draining reserves merely alleviates the immediate discomfort and that the real solution is reopening the Strait, not treating stockpiles as a permanent fix.

So where do the markets are overstating people see the gap?

Part of it is about how much oil can be rerouted or replaced, at least for a while.

Goldman Sachs estimates that roughly 4.2 million barrels per day of the oil that normally moves through Hormuz can be redirected via existing pipelines, and that U.S. shale and other non Middle East producers are still running hard, according to a recent forecast revision featured on TheStreet.

The IEA also counts spare capacity and emergency reserves as buffers, even if they are finite.

The other part is about perception. Markets are forward looking and emotional.

When traders see largest disruption in history and 20% of global supply at risk, they price not just todays barrels but fear about what comes next. If the actual path ends up closer to ugly but manageable, the price you see on the screen today may not match the reality you live with in six months.

Where oil markets could be wrong

From my seat, there are three big places the market can misjudge this crisis, even with all the scary numbers.

Overestimating a permanent loss of flows

If Hormuz gradually shifts from fully constrained to partially regulated, with some crude, products, and LNG finding new routes or exemptions, the 20% gone story could quietly become some barrels delayed, some diverted, some discounted.

Underestimating demand damage

Oil bulls spend a lot of time on supply. But prolonged high prices in the 100 to 150 dollar range will eventually force consumption changes, from fewer discretionary flights to more aggressive fuel switching by power producers. That demand response can cap prices earlier than pure supply math suggests.

Ignoring policy and enforcement shifts

If you assume nothing changes politically, every risk looks permanent. In reality, the IEAs record reserve release, quiet U.S. and Gulf diplomacy, and even talk of escorted convoys are all attempts to shorten the timeline of maximum pain.

None of that makes this crisis trivial. It does mean that a market priced for endless, unmitigated disruption can be wrong in both directions: too panicked now and too complacent later if it assumes a snap back that never fully comes.

How to use this without panicking

What I ended up getting from that Seeking Alpha report was not comfort exactly. It was a more useful lens: instead of asking how bad can this get, I started asking how different is reality from the story the oil price is telling me today, the way Finextras breakdown urged readers to do.

If oil markets are even partly wrong about the Strait of Hormuz, the risk for you isnt just higher prices. It is reacting to the wrong story, at the wrong time, with your own money.

Related: Iran partially reopens Strait of Hormuz. Whats next for oil price?

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Apr 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Economy section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The U.S. spends more on health care than any country, yet outcomes don't reflect the price. The late Charlie Munger kept coming back to that disconnect.

"The cost of American medical care and medical insurance is a disgrace," Munger said at the Daily Journal annual meeting in 2023. "If you go to Singapore, you'll find that they do the whole thing better than we do and it costs 20% of what we pay," he said.

He pointed to what he saw as the real barrier to change. "And, by the way, I have no idea how to get from where we are to where Singapore is because all the people that are getting all of that extra money fight like fierce tigers to hold onto it," Munger said. "They control boards and cities and states, so I don't know how to fix the costs in American healthcare. They are totally out of control."

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He Had Already Laid Out The Singapore Model

That comparison had been on his mind well before that meeting.

At the Daily Journal annual meeting in 2021, Munger broke down why Singapore stood apart. "When I look at modern Singapore health system, it costs 20% of what the American system costs, and of course, it works way better than our medical system," he said.

He explained what drives that difference. "In Singapore, you get a savings account the day you're born," Munger said. "If you don't spend the money, you and your heirs get to spend it eventually. In other words, it is your money."

He tied that structure directly to behavior. "So that, to some extent, everybody buying medical service in Singapore is paying for it himself," he said.

Trending: Caught With Nothing Saved for Retirement? These 5 GameChanging Tips Could Still Save You

Why The U.S. System Stays Expensive

Munger's critique centered on incentives, not confusion.

In his view, the system keeps costs high because too many players benefit from the current setup. Insurers, providers, and administrative layers all draw from the same pool of spending, and none of them have much reason to shrink it.

That's where his "fight like fierce tigers" line fits. He was describing how aggressively those interests protect the flow of money. With influence across boards, cities, and states, those groups aren't just part of the system. They help shape the rules around it.
Inside Biotech: Orthocell targets nerve repair gap as US rollout gathers pace Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

Orthocell Ltd (ASX:OCC, OTC:ORHHF)s push into the US market is starting to put real numbers behind a long-anticipated commercial transition.

After years of development, regulatory work and early offshore sales, the company is now building a footprint for its nerve repair device Remplir in what is both its largest opportunity and its most demanding market. Early adoption trends  spanning hospitals, surgeons and repeat usage  suggest the rollout is gaining traction, while the threshold to profitability remains relatively low compared with the size of the addressable market.

That combination is drawing attention to a segment of surgery that is both high-volume and underpenetrated by advanced devices, where even incremental shifts in clinical practice can translate into meaningful commercial outcomes.

A large market with persistent limitations

Despite the scale of the nerve repair market, clinical outcomes remain inconsistent.

More than 700,000 peripheral nerve repair procedures are performed annually in the US, yet around 90% still rely on suturing alone.

That approach remains the standard of care, but it comes with well-documented drawbacks. Suturing can introduce tension at the repair site, trigger inflammation and scarring, and ultimately limit the quality of nerve regeneration. Even in successful cases, recovery of function is often incomplete, with typical success rates in the 50% to 70% range.

Remplir US Peripheral Nerve Repair Trends.

Devices designed to improve outcomes have been available for some time, but adoption has remained low  used in only about 10% of procedures, according to Orthocells estimates. That reflects both product limitations and the inherent conservatism of surgical practice.

For Orthocell, however, it also highlights a relatively underpenetrated opportunity. The company estimates the US nerve repair market at around US$1.6 billion, with scope for further expansion as clinical applications broaden.

Remplir Significant US Market Opportunity: Orthocell has commenced commercial distribution into an estimated US$1.6 billion total addressable nerve repair market in the US alone.

Remplirs positioning in the operating theatre

Orthocells core product, Remplir, is designed to address some of the practical and biological limitations of existing approaches.

The collagen-based nerve wrap mimics the natural epineurium  the outer layer of a nerve  while creating a more controlled healing environment. By protecting the repair site from inflammation and scarring, it aims to improve the consistency of regeneration outcomes.
After the pandemic subsided, seniors flooded back into doctors offices and hospitals for care they had put off for years, driving utilization higher. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission estimated that Medicare Advantage cost taxpayers $76 billion more than traditional Medicare in 2026 alone.

The exodus is not random, and the reasons behind it affect your bottom line, whether you are on Medicare Advantage or traditional Medicare. Insurance companies say rising medical costs and slower federal reimbursement growth have turned certain counties into money-losing propositions for private plans.

That rate surged to 6.9% in 2025 and then leaped to 10% for the 2026 plan year, according to CMS data . The speed of this reversal blindsided millions of retirees who had never experienced anything close to a plan termination in their lifetimes.

That figure represents roughly 10 percent of all Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in individual HMO and PPO plans, the study found . The average forced disenrollment rate hovered at just 1 percent from 2018 through 2024, making coverage disruption virtually unheard of for most seniors.

A February 2026 JAMA study offered the clearest accounting to date of how many seniors have been forced out of Medicare Advantage plans nationwide. Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Georgetown University found that approximately 2.9 million enrollees were forced to disenroll this year alone.

Insurers pulled out of counties across the country, leaving seniors who thought their coverage was locked in scrambling for replacements. Medicare Advantage was once a choice but for a growing number of retirees, it is now simply unavailable.

But heading into 2026, that promise began to unravel quickly, catching millions of retirees completely off guard with sudden plan terminations.

Enrollment climbed steadily , reaching more than 34 million Americans by 2025, making the program a cornerstone of retirement health planning nationwide. The pitch was simple and effective: better benefits for less money, all bundled into one convenient private insurance package for seniors.

For two decades, private insurers lured retirees into Medicare Advantage with promises of low premiums, dental perks, and vision benefits galore.

Story Continues

Federal regulators at CMS responded by slowing payment increases to insurers, in an attempt to close what analysts describe as a persistent overpayment gap. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget has estimated that cumulative overpayments could reach $1.2 trillion over the next full decade.

Major carriers, including UnitedHealthcare and Humana, have trimmed their plan offerings, cutting less-profitable products and reducing supplemental benefit packages for seniors. Preferred Provider Organization plans, which give you more freedom to see out-of-network doctors, have taken the biggest hit from these market corrections.

Smaller regional insurers have been hit even harder because they lack the financial reserves to absorb losses from higher-than-expected healthcare utilization costs.

Rural seniors and small-carrier enrollees bear the heaviest losses

If you live in a rural area or rely on a smaller insurance carrier, the disruption to your Medicare Advantage coverage is significantly worse than average. The JAMA study found that seniors facing forced disenrollment were nearly twice as likely to reside in rural communities with fewer plan alternatives available.

Medicare Advantage has grown substantially over the last decade. During that time, enrollees have rarely been forced to disenroll from their plans if they wanted to keep themwhat were seeing now is a substantial and sudden reversal of that pattern. Mark Meiselbach, PhD, (Assistant Professor, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Meiselbach)

Those enrolled in plans from smaller carriers and plans rated below four stars by CMS were disproportionately affected by the 2026 market exits.

Rural seniors and small plan enrollees face higher disenrollment risks, fewer choices, and deeper disruptions as Medicare Advantage market exits accelerate nationwide.DC Studio/Shutterstock  DC Studio/Shutterstock

States with the highest Medicare Advantage disenrollment rates in 2026:

12 states saw disenrollment rates above 20%, and several exceeded 40% for the current plan year, the researchers found.

Vermont: 92.2% of Medicare Advantage enrollees lost their plan coverage, effectively eliminating private Medicare options statewide for most residents

Wyoming, South Dakota, Idaho, New Hampshire, Maryland and North Dakota: Each state experienced forced disenrollment rates at or above 40% of enrollees

Maryland: Despite being an urban state, it also experienced very high forced disenrollment rates among Medicare Advantage beneficiaries this year

Vermonts collapse illustrates a dangerous downward spiral that could repeat itself in other states facing significant insurer exits this year. When plans exited Vermont in 2025, their members shifted to remaining carriers, overloading those plans with higher-cost enrollees and eroding their profitability.

By 2026, the last remaining plans will pull out entirely, leaving the states Medicare Advantage market effectively gutted for thousands of vulnerable seniors, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins.

Switching to traditional Medicare comes with expensive coverage gaps

If your Medicare Advantage plan disappears, you are automatically enrolled in traditional Medicare, though the switch is neither smooth nor free.

Traditional Medicare has no annual out-of-pocket spending maximum, unlike Medicare Advantage plans, which cap your yearly costs at $9,250 for 2026. Without supplemental coverage, you could face unlimited cost-sharing for hospital stays, specialist visits, and outpatient procedures throughout the entire year ahead.

The Medigap problem you need to understand

Most seniors on traditional Medicare purchase a Medigap supplemental policy to fill in the gaps, but getting one is not always straightforward or affordable. Medigap premiums range from $32 to $550 per month in 2025, depending on your location, age, and the plan's comprehensiveness.

Nearly every state allows Medigap insurers to charge higher premiums or deny coverage entirely to applicants with preexisting health conditions, limiting your options. If your Medicare Advantage plan was terminated by the insurer, you may qualify for guaranteed issue rights that block Medigap carriers from rejecting you.

However, those protections apply only during a narrow enrollment window, and many seniors do not realize these rights exist until the deadline has passed. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B alone rose to $202.90 in 2026, a nearly 10 percent increase from the previous years level, CMS confirmed.

Steps you should take right now to protect your Medicare coverage

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31 each year, giving current enrollees one opportunity to switch.

During this window, you can move to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to traditional Medicare with a standalone Part D prescription drug plan. Any changes you make before the deadline take effect on the first day of the following month, meaning decisions made today start on April 1.

Your action checklist for protecting Medicare coverage

Check your mail carefully: Insurers are required to send official termination notices, and missing these notices could leave you without a coverage plan

Contact SHIP for free help: Every state operates a federally funded State Health Insurance Assistance Program that provides free Medicare counseling to seniors

Verify your doctors are in-network: Even if you find another Medicare Advantage plan, your current providers may not be covered under the new network

Review your prescription drug formulary: Many plans have changed their covered medications list for 2026, and your current prescriptions may no longer be included

Explore Medigap if you qualify: Seniors whose plans were terminated may have guaranteed issue rights, meaning Medigap carriers cannot reject you for preexisting conditions

Use Medicare Plan Compare: Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to explore all available plan options in your specific area

After March 31, most Medicare Advantage enrollees must wait until the fall Annual Enrollment Period, beginning October 15, to make additional plan changes.

Missing todays deadline could lock you into a plan with higher costs, fewer providers, or reduced benefits for the remainder of the 2026 calendar year. The Medicare Rights Center has warned that beneficiaries who miss this deadline face months of potentially higher out-of-pocket costs and coverage limitations ahead.

The bigger picture for Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage enrollment grew steadily for more than two decades, with private plans offering extras that traditional Medicare could not match. By 2025, more than 54% of all Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, making private coverage the majority choice for seniors.

But the combination of reduced federal payments, rising healthcare costs, and stricter oversight is now fundamentally reshaping the economics of the entire program. Many plans have already cut supplemental benefits like over-the-counter allowances, grocery stipends, and transportation assistance that attracted seniors in previous years.

Dental coverage caps are shrinking, vision benefits are being trimmed, and hearing aid allowances are declining even in plans that continue operating in your county. The perks that once made Medicare Advantage feel like a no-brainer for retirees are quietly disappearing, leaving you with fewer extras and potentially higher costs.

Researchers warn that the pattern seen in Vermont, where successive insurer exits triggered a cascading collapse, could recur in other vulnerable states. States with dominant hospital systems, rural populations, and limited plan competition face the highest risk of further Medicare Advantage market contraction.

Your best defense is staying informed, reviewing your coverage annually, and understanding exactly what trade-offs you are accepting with any Medicare plan you choose.

People who need help finding Medicare Advantage coverage or a Medigap supplemental plan can contact their State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which operates in every state plus the District of Columbia. CMS has stated that it is monitoring trends in Medicare Advantage to protect seniors and preserve the program's long-term stability.

Related: Medicare has an age gap that is costing millions of Americans their health

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Apr 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Retirement section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Washington Blinked and Health Insurers Made $13 Billion - Moby

BREAKING NEWS

The health insurance lobby has been living rent-free inside Washington's head for years, and on Monday it finally collected the lease. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services finalized a 2.48% average payment increase for Medicare Advantage plans in 2027, amounting to $13 billion in additional funding. Back in January, the agency had proposed a nearly flat 0.09% bump worth around $700 million. Plot twist!

Markets responded accordingly. UnitedHealth jumped 8% (underdog story of the year, you guys), Humana popped 5%, and CVS cleared 4%, the kind of afternoon that makes health insurance executives feel briefly, dangerously, like they are winning. The rate is not exactly a gusher in isolation, but it gives insurers room to expand margins in 2027 if they keep doing what they do best: trimming benefits and managing costs.

The 2.48% headline figure also understates the actual windfall. Fold in estimated risk score trends driven by population changes and coding practices, and the effective increase lands closer to 5%. Coding practices are the polite term for a game the industry has been running for years, upcoding patients to appear sicker than they are to unlock higher government payments. The agency says it wants to clean that up, while simultaneously handing insurers their biggest rate increase since last year's 5.06%. The jury on that commitment remains out.

The agency's administrator is Dr. Mehmet Oz (never not funny) who called it a win for seniors and taxpayers alike. The stocks suggest someone is winning. Taxpayers can figure out which column they fall in.

Downstream Analysis

Positive Impacts

Companies
The competition between OpenAI (OPAI.PVT) and Anthropic (ANTH.PVT) doesnt appear to be cooling off.

In a memo to staff published by The Verge, OpenAIs chief revenue officer Denise Dresser outlined a number of priorities for the companys sales org this quarter, saying enterprise AI is entering a more mature phase, and that its biggest customers want a system they can trust and build on.

The most notable headline to emerge from Dressers memo, however, came from the concluding thoughts on the competitive landscape, namely, OpenAIs biggest competitor, Anthropic.

Their stated run rate is inflated, Dresser wrote.

They use accounting treatment that makes revenue look bigger than it is, including grossing up rev share with Amazon and Google. Our analysis shows that this overstates their run rate by roughly $8 billion (at the current $30 [billion] stated). We report Microsoft revshare net, which is more inline with standards we would be held to as a public company.

(Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)  NurPhoto via Getty Images

Last week, Anthropic disclosed the $30 billion run rate figure, which signaled its growth rate had roughly tripled since the end of 2025.

Dressers memo also criticized Anthropic for telling a story built on fear, restriction, and the idea that a small group of elites should control AI.

The memo also said Anthropic made a strategic misstep in not acquiring enough compute to meet user needs and that its focus on coding, gave them an early wedge. But you do not want to be a single-product company in a platform war. As AI spreads beyond developers into every team, workflow, and industry, that narrowness can become a real liability.

Dresser also said OpenAIs relationship has been foundational to its success, but that it limited our ability to meet enterprises where they are.

In February, OpenAI announced an expanded deal with AWS, which included a $50 billion investment from Amazon and an exclusive cloud deal with AWS to distribute OpenAI Frontier, its enterprise platform.
Anthropic has signed an agreement with Google and Broadcom for approximately 3.5 gigawatts of computing capacity built on Google's tensor processing units, with the capacity expected to come online starting in 2027, the company said Monday.

The deal expands an existing relationship. Broadcom CEO Hock Tan said during an earnings call last month that Broadcom was providing one gigawatt of Google TPU compute for Anthropic this year, according to CNBC. Broadcom helps Google design its TPU chips. In a securities filing Monday, Broadcom said Google and Broadcom have also entered a long-term supply assurance agreement running through 2031, according to Bloomberg.

Anthropic also said Monday that its revenue run rate has now crossed $30 billion on an annualized basis  more than three times the roughly $9 billion figure it recorded at the ende of 2025. Enterprise traction has also accelerated: The number of clients committing at least $1 million a year has surpassed 1,000, a threshold Anthropic said is twice what it was reporting around the time of its Series G announcement in February.

"We are making our most significant compute commitment to date to keep pace with our unprecedented growth," Anthropic CFO Krishna Rao said in a statement.

Anthropic said the majority of the new infrastructure will be built on U.S. soil, framing the commitment as a continuation of a pledge made last year to direct $50 billion toward domestic computing capacity. According to Monday's securities filing, Broadcom flagged that Anthropic's ability to draw on the additional compute hinges on its ongoing commercial performance, and noted that discussions with outside operational and financial partners are underway to support the rollout.

Anthropic trains and runs its Claude models across multiple hardware platforms  including AWS Trainium, Google TPUs, and Nvidia GPUs  and describes Amazon Web Services as its primary cloud and training partner. Claude is available on AWS Bedrock, Google Cloud Vertex AI, and Microsoft Azure Foundry.

The revenue growth comes as Anthropic navigates a legal dispute with the Pentagon, which designated the company a supply-chain risk after a standoff over AI safety guardrails. Anthropic has warned the label could cost it billions in lost revenue. Still, the company's annualized revenue has more than tripled in recent months, driven in part by demand for its Claude Code developer tools and broader enterprise adoption.

Broadcom stock gained as much as 3.6% in after-hours trading following the news. No financial terms were attached to the agreement. A post-earnings research note from Mizuho analysts put Broadcom's prospective AI revenue from Anthropic at $21 billion for 2026 and $42 billion for 2027, according to CNBC.
Broadcom has agreed to develop and supply future generations of Googles tensor processing units (TPUs) and expanded its deal with Anthropic, which will give the AI company access from 2027 to around 3.5GW of computing capacity based on Googles AI processors, according to a securities filing on Monday (6 April).

The filing also mentioned that Broadcom and Google signed a supply assurance agreement under which Broadcom will provide networking and other components for Googles next-generation AI racks through to 2031.

Broadcom shares rose 3% in extended trading after the disclosure.

Under the expanded collaboration, Anthropic will access the capacity through Broadcom as part of the multiple gigawatts of next-generation TPU-based computing power it has committed to use.

The filing said Anthropics use of the expanded capacity depends on its continued commercial performance.

The companies are also discussing the deployment with some operational and financial partners.

Anthropic said the additional TPU capacity is expected to come online from 2027 through Google Cloud services and access to Google-built TPUs supplied through Broadcom. Most of the new infrastructure will be in the US.

On a March earnings call, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan said the company was off to a very good start in 2026 supplying Anthropic with 1GW of computing capacity using Googles in-house TPUs. Broadcom supports Google in producing its TPUs.

The agreements reflect demand for infrastructure used to run generative AI models.

Anthropic said in a blog post that its annualised revenue had passed $30bn, up from about $9bn at the end of last year. The company has more than 1,000 business customers spending more than $1m a year, double the number from two months earlier.

Anthropic finance chief Krishna Rao, in the blog post, said: This groundbreaking partnership with Google and Broadcom is a continuation of our disciplined approach to scaling infrastructure: we are building the capacity necessary to serve the exponential growth we have seen in our customer base while also enabling Claude to define the frontier of AI development.

Anthropic is also expanding its use of Google Cloud services, including BigQuery, Cloud Run, and AlloyDB, to support model development, data, and applications.

The company said thousands of customers access Claude models through Google Cloud, including Coinbase, Palo Alto Networks, Cursor, Shopify, and Replit.

Broadcom is also working with Anthropic rival OpenAI on custom AI silicon.

OpenAI and Anthropic both rely heavily on Nvidia graphics processing units through cloud providers including Amazon, Google and Microsoft.
Eyewear has evolved significantly over the years, with styles constantly changing to reflect fashion trends and individual preferences. However, there are certain glasses frames that have stood the test of time, remaining popular for decades due to their classic designs and versatility. These timeless styles have been embraced by everyone, from fashion icons to everyday individuals proving that when it comes to eyewear, some looks never go out of style. Whether you're looking for a bold statement piece or something more understated, these enduring styles continue to captivate.

Polular Sun Glasses

In this post, well explore some of the most popular and iconic glasses styles that have remained relevant for years.

The Timeless Appeal of Ray-Ban Glasses

One of the most iconic eyewear brands in the world, Ray-Ban glasses have remained a symbol of style and functionality for decades. First introduced in 1937, Ray-Bans Aviators became synonymous with pilots and military personnel, thanks to their practical design and protective lenses. Soon, the brand expanded its range to include other popular styles, including the classic Wayfarer, which became a cultural phenomenon in the 1950s and 1960s.

What makes Ray-Ban glasses so enduring is their perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and timeless style. The Aviator, in particular, has been worn by countless celebrities and public figures, contributing to its long-standing popularity. Whether you're wearing them for outdoor activities or adding a touch of cool to a casual outfit, Ray-Ban frames continue to remain relevant in the world of eyewear, offering a classic, versatile look that works for nearly everyone.

The Wayfarer, another long-time favorite from Ray-Ban, first made waves in the 1950s and has since become a staple in both fashion and everyday wear. Known for its bold, square frame and clean lines, the Wayfarer appeals to individuals who want a timeless yet stylish look. Whether paired with casual attire or a formal outfit, the Wayfarers adaptability and enduring popularity make it a perfect choice for anyone seeking classic eyewear that stands the test of time.

The Elegance of Versace Glasses

When it comes to luxury eyewear, Versace sunglasses have become a symbol of sophistication and high-end fashion. Known for their bold designs and intricate detailing, Versace frames have maintained their popularity for decades by offering a perfect balance of glamour, craftsmanship, and luxury. The brands eyewear collection has consistently showcased an array of stylish frames, each reflecting the opulent, extravagant aesthetic for which Versace is known.

The appeal of Versace lies in their ability to blend opulence with wearability. Whether you're looking for a pair of classic, understated frames or something more extravagant with unique patterns and embellishments, Versace offers options that cater to all tastes. The iconic Medusa logo is often featured on their frames, adding a signature touch that speaks to the brands long legacy of excellence in fashion and design.

Round Glasses: The Vintage Look That Endures

Round glasses are another style that has maintained a strong presence in eyewear for decades. Popularized by figures such as John Lennon and Harry Potter, round frames have transcended their initial association with intellectual or bohemian fashion to become a go-to option for those looking for a unique and retro-inspired look.

These frames are particularly flattering for individuals with angular or square faces, as their soft, circular shape helps balance sharp lines. Round glasses can give a nod to vintage aesthetics while also feeling fresh and modern. Their ability to combine nostalgia with a timeless style ensures they remain a favorite choice among eyewear lovers worldwide.

Cat-Eye Glasses: Timeless Elegance with a Touch of Drama

The cat-eye glasses style first rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s, thanks in part to film stars like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. Known for their upswept, winged shape, cat-eye glasses exude a sense of elegance and femininity, with a bold design that still feels modern today. This style has been embraced by countless women who want to make a statement with their eyewear while still maintaining a sophisticated, classic look.

Cat-eye glasses have evolved over the years, with modern versions offering variations in size, color, and material. Today, these frames remain a favorite for those who want to channel vintage Hollywood glamour or add a playful yet stylish touch to their wardrobe. Whether you choose a subtle, neutral tone or a bold, colorful option, cat-eye glasses continue to be a timeless choice for fashion-forward individuals.

Rectangular Glasses: Sleek and Structured

Rectangular glasses have a strong, minimalist appeal and have been a go-to choice for both professional and casual wearers for decades. Known for their clean lines and sharp angles, rectangular frames provide a more structured look, making them ideal for individuals who want a sleek and modern appearance. These frames can be found in a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and acetate, offering a range of options for different tastes and preferences.

The popularity of rectangular glasses remains constant because they are versatile, easy to wear, and can suit almost any face shape. Whether you're wearing them for work or a night out, rectangular frames always have a polished, sharp look that makes them a perfect choice for anyone seeking a simple yet stylish option.

The Rise of Oversized Glasses

Oversized glasses have become increasingly popular in recent decades, with large, bold frames making a statement on both the runway and in everyday fashion. These glasses exude a sense of confidence and drama, making them perfect for individuals who want to draw attention to their eyewear while maintaining a chic and fashionable appearance. Celebrities like Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, and Kim Kardashian have embraced oversized frames as a way to elevate their overall look.

Oversized glasses frames provide ample coverage and often feature larger lenses, which not only make a statement but also offer practical benefits by providing greater protection from the sun and glare. Whether opting for oversized square, round, or cat-eye frames, this style continues to be a favorite for those who enjoy bold, fashion-forward eyewear.

Conclusion

Eyewear is more than just a tool for improving vision; its an essential part of personal style that can make a significant impact on your overall appearance. Some glasses frames have remained popular for decades because of their timeless appeal, versatility, and ability to complement various face shapes and fashion preferences.Whether you prefer the retro charm of cat-eye glasses, the boldness of oversized frames, or the sleekness of rectangular glasses, choosing the right eyewear can elevate your look and give you that celebrity-inspired style. These classic frames continue to stay relevant because they combine practicality with lasting style, proving that the right pair of glasses can truly make all the difference.
Lite-On Technology, a key player in the tech sector, is capitalizing on AI-driven data center demands with its innovative power solutions and strategic alliances. The company recently showcased at NVIDIA GTC 2026, its advanced AI data center technologies including a 800 VDC Power Rack and liquid-cooling systems designed for high-efficiency energy management. This aligns with Lite-On's collaboration with POET Technologies to develop next-generation optical communication modules, underpinning its commitment to enhancing AI infrastructure. With annual revenue and earnings growth projected at 21.7% and 29.4% respectively, Lite-On is poised to address the escalating compute performance needs in the AI era while fostering robust partnerships like that with NVIDIA to bolster its market position.

Operations: The company generates revenue primarily through its Cloud and Internet of Things Department, contributing NT$75.13 billion, followed by the Information and Consumer Electronics Sector at NT$64.89 billion. The Optoelectronic Department adds NT$28.29 billion to the overall revenue stream.

Overview: Lite-On Technology Corporation, with a market cap of NT$329.12 billion, operates globally in the research, design, manufacturing, and sale of optoelectronic semiconductor components and power management modules.

As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to influence global markets, Asian tech stocks are navigating a complex landscape marked by both volatility and opportunity. In this environment, high-growth tech companies in Asia that demonstrate resilience through innovation and adaptability to shifting economic conditions are particularly worth watching.

Story Continues

TWSE:2301 Revenue and Expenses Breakdown as at Apr 2026

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: Tripod Technology Corporation is engaged in the processing, manufacturing, and sale of printed circuit boards and related components across various countries including Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, and Mexico with a market cap of NT$182.12 billion.

Operations: With a market cap of NT$182.12 billion, Tripod Technology Corporation primarily generates revenue through its printed circuit board segment, which accounts for NT$73.13 billion.

Tripod Technology has demonstrated robust growth, with a notable 22% increase in earnings over the past year, surpassing the electronic industry's average decline of 2.9%. This performance is underpinned by significant R&D investments that fuel innovation and competitiveness in high-tech sectors. Recently added to the FTSE All-World Index, Tripod reported a revenue rise to TWD 73.4 billion from TWD 65.8 billion year-over-year and an increase in net income to TWD 10.2 billion, up from TWD 8.4 billion, reflecting strong operational efficiency and market acceptance of its products. With earnings expected to grow by another 22.3% annually, Tripod is strategically positioned for sustained growth amidst evolving tech landscapes.

TWSE:3044 Revenue and Expenses Breakdown as at Apr 2026

Simply Wall St Growth Rating: 

Overview: PharmaEssentia Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company involved in medicine discovery and the development of specialty pharmaceutical reagents, APIs, and new drug patterns across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Taiwan with a market cap of NT$234.57 billion.

Operations: With a focus on the research and development of new drugs, PharmaEssentia generates revenue primarily from this segment, amounting to NT$15.63 billion.

PharmaEssentia's recent strategic maneuvers, including the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in Puerto Rico, underscore its commitment to enhancing global supply chain robustness and expanding its market reach. This move aligns with a remarkable 70.1% surge in earnings over the past year, significantly outpacing the biotech industry's average growth of 9.3%. With projected annual revenue and earnings growth rates of 32.4% and 50.3%, respectively, PharmaEssentia is poised for sustained expansion, especially as it leverages innovations like the high-dose dosing regimen for Ropeginterferon alfa-2b approved in Japan which promises faster therapeutic benefitsa testament to its R&D prowess reflected in substantial investments that drive these advancements.

TWSE:6446 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Apr 2026

Key Takeaways

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include TWSE:2301 TWSE:3044 and TWSE:6446.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Mazda Motor said it will stop producing vehicles for export to the Middle East until May after the Strait of Hormuz was shut.

Shipments to the region had already been suspended in March, with the company now shifting production capacity towards vehicles headed for the US and Europe, according to several media reports.

The Japanese carmaker has been building major models for Middle Eastern markets in Japan, including its mainstay CX-5 sport utility vehicle.

To keep total factory volumes steady, Mazda said it will raise production of the CX-5 and other vehicles for Western markets instead.

Mazda manufactures roughly 30,000 vehicles a year for the Middle East. Exports to the region have been on hold since March due to the war in Iran.

Looking ahead to June and later, the company, as reported by Nikkei Asia, said it will make flexible decisions while closely monitoring developments.

Other Japanese manufacturers are also changing plans as Iran-related tensions disrupt business.

Subaru said on 1 April that it had halted exports to the Middle East from that date.

Toyota Motor has also started reducing production of models intended for the region, including the Land Cruiser SUV.

Mazdas latest operating figures showed its global production in February 2026 increased 6.7% from a year earlier to 101,934 vehicles.

Output in Japan rose 12.0% to 67,375 units, while overseas production fell 2.4% to 34,559.

Exports rose 17.7% to 60,939 vehicles, supported by gains in North America, up 34%, and Europe, up 24.1%.

Shipments to other markets fell 11.2%, a category that generally includes the Middle East.

Worldwide sales in February declined 9.1% to 92,993 vehicles, with domestic sales down 19.0% and overseas sales lower by 7.2%.

For the January-February period, production fell 2.9% and global sales were down 9.6%, although exports increased 11.7%.

"Mazda pauses Japan output for Middle East exports until May  report" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




Mitsubishi Motors plans to begin producing a new hybrid electric vehicle in the Philippines from around mid-2028.

The company said the proposed project depends on the outcome of its application under the Philippines Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) programme.

The programme is intended to encourage the development and uptake of electric vehicles in the country.

If the application is cleared, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) will build the hybrid model at its manufacturing site in Santa Rosa City, Laguna.

Ahead of the targeted launch, MMPC intends to make further investments, including upgrades to facilities to support electrified vehicle production.

The company said the work is expected to help broaden the local supply base and generate jobs in the area.

MMPC, formed in February 1963, has an annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles and operates on a site of about 21.4ha.

The plant currently produces the Mirage, Mirage G4 and L300 models.

Its sales line-up includes the Xforce, Xpander, Xpander Cross, Destinator, Montero Sport and Triton.

The announcement followed a meeting between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Mitsubishi Motors CEO Takao Kato, where the company reaffirmed its intention to take part in the EVIS programme.

Kato said, The Philippines has long been one of our most important markets, where we have engaged in production and sales for many years. In cooperation with the Philippine government, we are honoured to contribute to the advancement of vehicle electrification and industrial development through the EVIS programme, as well as to support the further growth of the Philippine economy.

Separately, Mitsubishi Motors reported last month that global production rose 8.3% year-on-year to 81,196 vehicles in January 2026, compared with a fall of 18% to 75,004 in the same month a year earlier.

Output in Japan increased 4.4% to 44,424 units, marking a third consecutive monthly rise, while production outside Japan climbed by more than 13% to 36,772 units after two months of declines.

"Mitsubishi Motors to start HEV production in Philippines by 2028" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




2027 Honda Insight

Hondas CEO delivered this stark verdict after touring an auto supplier factory in Shanghai.

THE BREAKDOWN

Honda President Toshihiro Mibe recently visited an auto supplier factory in Shanghai.

Upon returning to Japan, he told suppliers, 'We must act quickly' to speed up production.

In 2025, Honda's sales in China fell for the fifth consecutive year.

Its safe to say that Honda is in a bit of a pickle. It recently canceled two of its own electric vehicles, the 0 SUV and 0 Sedan, along with the Acura RSX revival. It will book up to $15.8 billion in losses, and thats not all. The two Afeela-badged EVs it had been developing with Sony are also dead on arrival. Its an alarming sign of how some traditional automakers are struggling to create a profitable business case for electric cars.

But the issues go deeper than just EVs. As with most long-running nameplates, Honda is having a hard time remaining competitive in China. Sales have collapsed in just a few years, from a peak of 1.62 million in 2020 to only 640,000 units in 2025. Only about half of its manufacturing footprint is being utilized, well below the 7080 percent typically needed in the automotive industry to turn a profit. For 2026, annual output is projected to drop below 600,000 units.

Honda CEO and President Toshihiro Mibe recently traveled to China to gain insight into how domestic companies are churning out so many products in such a short timeframe. After visiting an auto supplier factory in Shanghai, he made a stark remark: We have no chance against this," Nikkei Asia reports.

China Develops A New Car In Two Years

You might have heard about China Speed and how local automakers can develop a brand-new model in two years or less. By comparison, legacy brands often need twice as long, and sometimes even more, to engineer a new product. With an astronomical number of companies developing vehicles at a record pace, its no wonder it feels like China is launching a new car every other day.

Chinese suppliers are not only able to match this pace but also do so with cost efficiency that the industrys biggest names can only dream of. Mibes statement shouldnt be seen as an admission of defeat, however. Upon returning from China, Hondas CEO told suppliers, We must act quickly to accelerate development.

To that end, Honda is restoring its independent R&D division by relocating thousands of engineers to a newly established engineering subsidiary. It is expected to operate with greater autonomy than in the past six years, when development was centralized, and headquarters called the shots. Whether this added creative freedom will turn things around remains unclear, though its reasonable to assume that major decisions will still be made at HQ.
United Rentals Inc. (NYSE:URI) is one of the best large cap value stocks to buy according to analysts. On March 12, United Rentals announced the launch of the Equipment Agent, an industry-first AI-powered digital assistant designed to streamline the equipment rental process. The tool uses a conversational interface to provide personalized recommendations based on specific project requirements described in plain language. This allows customers to compare equipment types and review critical specifications, like reach and capacity, in seconds, reducing the time spent on manual searching and filtering.

According to Tony Leopold, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology & Strategy Officer, customers using the Equipment Agent have seen a 70% improvement in finding the correct equipment for their projects. The assistant is built upon decades of fleet knowledge and real-world jobsite expertise, connecting users directly to detailed product pages on the companys website to facilitate faster reservations.

The solution is part of a broader digital strategy to combine data insights and connected equipment to improve efficiency for construction and industrial clients. The Equipment Agent is now available at unitedrentals.com and represents a key step in the companys ongoing investment in a connected jobsite ecosystem. By simplifying the path from project planning to having equipment on-site, United Rentals Inc. (NYSE:URI) aims to provide expert guidance earlier in the decision-making process.

United Rentals (URI) Launches AI-Powered Equipment Agent Digital Assistant

United Rentals Inc. (NYSE:URI) is a rental & leasing services company with two segments: General Rentals and Specialty. The company sells through brokers, its website, at auctions, and directly to manufacturers.

While we acknowledge the potential of URI 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.
Meryl Streep based her character in The Devil Wears Prada on two Hollywood directors.

Meryl Streep has finally revealed the inspiration for her famous movie character

The 76-year-old actress played icy magazine editor Miranda Priestly in the first film in 2006 and she has reprised the role for the sequel - The Devil Wears Prada 2 which hits cinemas in May - and now Streep has dispelled long-running rumours suggesting her inspiration came from famed Vogue boss Anna Wintour and revealed she actually based her portrayal on her experience of working with moviemakers Mike Nichols and Clint Eastwood.

During an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the actress explained: "I was basically imitating Mike Nichols that whole time. If Mike Nichols and Clint Eastwood had a baby  it would be Miranda Priestly ...

"The command on the set. And Mike would do it sort of with a sly humour. And Miranda, she knows that what shes saying is sort of snide, but she knows its kind of funny too. And that little way of doing things, people take as mean, but its funny. I think its funny."

She added of Eastwood: "Clint would never raise his voice. He would direct and people had to lean forward to hear what he was saying  Hed often shoot the rehearsal and then move on. So his crew was like on the balls of their feet. No one was sitting down except me."

Meryl went on to reveal she never told Eastwood he inspired her performance in The Devil Wears Prada - based on Lauren Weisbergers novel of the same name - but she did tell Nichols.

She added: "I told Mike, and he was thrilled."

Longtime Vogue boss Wintour was long rumoured to have inspired the character of Miranda Priestly and she previously admitted she wore a Prada outfit to the movie's premiere in 2006 because she had no idea what it was going to be about.

During an appearance on The New Yorker Radio Hour podcast, Wintour said: "I went to the premiere wearing Prada, completely having no idea what the film was going to be about. And I think that the fashion industry were very sweetly concerned for me about the film, that it was going to paint me in some kind of difficult light ...

"First of all it was Meryl Streep, which, fantastic. And then I went to see the film, and I found it highly enjoyable. It was very funny. Miuccia [Prada] and I talk about it a lot, and I say to her: 'Well it was really good for you' ... [It] had a lot of humor to it. It had a lot of wit. It had Meryl Streep. I mean, it was Emily Blunt, [and] they were all amazing. In the end, I thought it was a fair shot."
A critical transmission project to support Australias energy transition is also fixing longstanding mobile coverage gaps, with a nation-first initiative integrating telecommunications equipment directly onto electricity towers to improve reception for regional communities.

As part of the HumeLink project in NSW, Transgrid, in partnership with Lumea, is installing telecommunications boosters on transmission towers to improve mobile and internet coverage along the 365km corridor  demonstrating how energy infrastructure can also help deliver digital connectivity.

The initiative is creating a connectivity corridor through regional NSW, boosting coverage for residents, businesses, motorists, tourists and emergency services while the project will also provide access to cleaner and cheaper renewable energy for consumers.

Lumeas Head of Telecommunications Tim Stone said the HumeLink connectivity corridor could be a catalyst for Australias electricity networks to be utilised more broadly to address poor mobile coverage for regional communities.

With Transgrids transmission network spanning more than 11,500km, using electricity infrastructure to support telecommunications coverage could help address connectivity gaps in regional communities across NSW and the ACT, Mr Stone said. Major transmission projects are already transforming how electricity moves across the country and initiatives like this show how they can also play a role in strengthening digital connectivity for regional Australia.

HumeLink will fund installation of up to 10 telecommunications boosters at locations across Cootamundra-Gundagai, Wagga Wagga, Snowy Valleys, Upper Lachlan Shire and Yass Valley LGAs, helping to address long-standing mobile blackspots.

Boosters have already been installed at Myrtleville and Chatsbury in the Upper Lachlan Shire and Wyangle in the Snowy Valleys Council area. More boosters will be rolled out this year.

As Australia builds the new transmission infrastructure needed to support renewable energy, there is an opportunity to think more broadly about how that infrastructure can benefit regional communities, HumeLink Project Director Jeremy Roberts said. Weve heard consistently from landholders and communities along the HumeLink alignment that poor mobile reception is a real challenge, so improving connectivity has been a priority for us. For some residents and businesses, this will mean having dependable coverage for the first time  allowing them to make calls, send messages and access online services without relying on patchy or inconsistent reception. It will also boost coverage for motorists, visitors and tourists travelling along regional roads and assist emergency services such as the NSW Rural Fire Service Transmission towers already provide the height, power supply and geographic reach needed to support telecommunications equipment. By integrating mobile boosters with electricity infrastructure, were demonstrating how the energy transition can also help improve digital connectivity for rural and regional communities.

Upper Lachlan Mayor Paul Culhane said he welcomed the HumeLink connectivity corridor to contribute to addressing the long-standing issue of poor mobile reception for parts of the region.

These boosters are a welcome and practical improvement for local residents, landholders and anyone travelling through the area, Councillor Culhane said. Its encouraging to see HumeLink delivering some benefits for the community alongside the construction work, particularly where better connectivity supports safety and day-to-day life in regional NSW.

The boosters capture mobile network signals from up to 20km away and redirect them to nearby communities up to a three-kilometre radius, depending on terrain.

Early testing at the first installed sites has already recorded mobile download speeds of around 30Mbps, delivering reliable connectivity in areas that previously experienced no reception.

Locations are identified following consideration of known telecommunications blackspots, community feedback and areas where improved coverage would support residents, motorists and emergency services. The boosters are being installed on a mix of existing and new towers along the HumeLink alignment.

HumeLink is one of Australias largest energy infrastructure projects, connecting Snowy 2.0 and other new renewable energy generation to the grid, increasing market competition and helping put downward pressure on electricity prices.
Gemma Collins was too "embarrassed" to face Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly at ITV bashes because of her abysmal performance on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in 2014.

I'm A Celebrity...South Africa 2026 star Gemma Collins

The reality TV icon left the show's Australian-based jungle after three days because the experience was not for her, and with Gemma now doing the spin-off show, I'm A Celebrity...South Africa, she hopes to prove to hosts Ant and Dec, both 50, that she is stronger now.

Gemma, 45, told The Sun newspaper: "Me quitting has been a shadow hanging over me. Going on All Stars is a real moment for me in my career - its redemption.

"To be able to do this again is the greatest honour ever. If I could get crowned the 'Legend', I would just feel complete in my life.

"I am so excited to see Ant + Dec again. It has been embarrassing whenever I have been to ITV parties, knowing their first thought might be, 'Oh no, there is that girl who left the jungle.'

"I want to show them what I am made of and get that newfound respect.

Reflecting on her time on the Australia-based version in 2014, she added: "I just hated it from the minute I got in there, and I couldnt wait to get out.

"I didnt do any trials. I gave up before I started. I dont think anyone goes into the jungle going woohoo. Its not normal to be faced with animals."

Gemma is adamant that she will stay in the camp - located in Kruger National Park - for more than 72 hours and will finally do a gruesome challenge.

The Only Way Is Essex alum said: "There is no way I am going to be leaving after 72 hours. I am in it to win it. I am going through to the end.

"I am going to be the best campmate and get those stars. None of us will be starving under my watch."

Tuesday night's (07.04.26's) episode will see Gemma and her 2014 co-star, Red Dwarf alum Craig Charles, 61, enter camp, and they go straight into doing a dreaded eating trial.

And Gemma cannot wait to seize the opportunity to show she is no longer the weak person seen on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in 2014.

The star said: "I am going in as Gemma Collins. Gemma Collins is a self-made woman. I have been to hell and back to get to where I am today.

"With hindsight, I realise I wasnt wholesome or grounded when I went in.

"I was this girl from Essex who was all about Range Rovers, fancy jewellery and fancy coats. I wasnt as strong as I made out. I needed to work on my character and build myself up.

"I am going to South Africa with a very different mindset. My soul told me it was right for me. Ive never been to South Africa before.

"I think that is why they made a show on Essex people, because none of us have really left Essex!"
COMPANY NEWS: In a time in which much of the recruitment industry is moving toward automation and AI-driven candidate matching under the guise of speed and scale, Six Degrees Executive , one of Australias leading specialist executive recruitment agencies, is using its latest rebrand to reaffirm its commitment to human-led recruitment.

At the executive level, cultural fit, leadership style and long-term organisational impact are difficult to assess through automated tools alone. Maintaining the integrity of a human, expertise-led approach is a clear competitive advantage worth celebrating.

The agency is marching into the future with renewed brand purpose, embracing the power of human connection to spark greater possibilities. This mantra headlines a refined statement of values that cut straight through to the companys core philosophy: relationships first, integrity in action, and expertise that delivers.

The rebrand carries these values forward with greater visual clarity, including an updated website, a refined colour palette and a new tagline, Expertly human, a clear statement that represents both the core of the company and its capabilities.

The update also reflects 22 years of organisational growth and brings the agencys visual and digital presence into alignment with the expert-led experience its clients and candidates have come to know and trust.

A human-led approach to hiring great Australian talent

Commenting on the announcement, Six Degrees Executive CEO Suzie McInerney said the refresh was simply about bringing the companys brand identity up to speed with how its team had always worked.

Whats always mattered at Six Degrees is showing up for every connection we make. Markets shift, industries evolve, but our focus on building deep relationships that last, putting integrity into action and delivering long-term impact for all our stakeholders hasnt changed, Ms McInerney said.

This next chapter is about carrying that brand promise forward with greater clarity, leveraging our truest source of competitive advantage, having the best people with deep tenure to consult organisations and leaders to feel confident with every hiring decision.

Over its 22-year history, Six Degrees Executive has placed more than 12,000 candidates across 2300 companies in industries including fast-moving consumer goods, retail, industrial, services and government.

For clients, the refreshed brand brings the firms digital presence into line with the consultant-led experience they already know. The updated digital platform makes it easier to understand Six Degrees specialist areas and connect directly with consultants who know your sector. For candidates, the changes reflect a firm that takes the relationship seriously from first contact.

Deep consulting expertise reflected in brand refresh

Six Degrees has built its position in the market around people before process, honest partnerships and long-term impact. Its consultants average more than 10 years tenure, which is unique in the recruitment sector and has a direct effect on the way they show up for their community and partners.

Consultants develop deep knowledge of their specialist industries and disciplines, and build relationships that span the full arc of a leaders career. Many of the agencys current clients were first placed by Six Degrees as candidates years ago.

The company describes its personality as sincere, competent and polished yet approachable. In practice, that means consultants provide frank, experienced counsel at every stage of the hiring process, telling clients what they need to hear rather than what they want to hear.

The refreshed brand is designed to reflect that directness, pairing a warm, human visual identity with the confidence of an agency that has operated through two decades of market cycles.

The updated website and visual identity close a gap between experience and expression. Clients and candidates working with Six Degrees already encounter deep market knowledge, specialist expertise across industries and disciplines, and advice grounded in long-standing relationships.

The digital presence now reflects that same quality. The agency has also introduced graphic devices drawn from its brandmark, reinforcing a visual language that is modern without losing the essence of Six Degrees.

Six Degrees credibility rests on four pillars outlined in the refreshed brand framework: its people, its expertise, its relationships and its resilience. The companys founders remain actively involved in the business, and leadership hiring decisions continue to be guided by experienced consultants with deep sector knowledge rather than automated processes.

About Six Degrees Executive

Six Degrees Executive is an Australian-owned recruitment and executive search partner founded in 2004.

We specialise in permanent and contracting recruitment, executive search and talent consulting, partnering with organisations across Marketing, Sales, Accounting & Finance, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Operations, Retail, FMCG Consumer, Industrial, Services and Queensland Government. Our work spans Board and C-suite appointments through to senior leadership, functional management and specialist roles. We believe in the power of human connection to create long-term impact - for businesses, for individuals, and for the teams they build. What sets Six Degrees apart is the depth of expertise within our specialist teams. Many of our consultants have spent years immersed in their markets, building trusted networks and developing a genuine understanding of how industries operate through peaks and troughs. We take the time to understand the purpose behind every role and the ambitions behind every hire, offering honest advice and thoughtful challenge to ensure placements support performance, engagement and sustainable growth. Internally, weve built a culture grounded in relationships first, integrity in action and expertise that delivers. We stay curious, lead with candour and focus on long-term, genuine partnerships. Our commitment to sparking the right connections is what makes us Expertly Human.

Visit our site: https://www.sixdegreesexecutive.com.au/
The Pearcey Foundation announced Jordan Green AM as its new chair, succeeding Wayne Fitzsimmons OAM, who led the Foundation from 1999. Helen McHugh, the immediate past president of the ACS (Australian Computer Society), has been appointed as a director.

Jordan Green is a key figure in the Australian startup community, with wide experience as a founder, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, angel investor, and business advisor. In his career to date, Green has founded or co-founded more than 20 ventures across three continents, and has been an active committee member and organiser with the Pearcey Foundation since 2009. He is one of the founders and a former chair of a University of Melbourne Industry Advisory Group, and founder and president emeritus of Melbourne Angels, a group of more than 90 members who actively invest in early stage businesses and small companies poised for growth.

We have a remarkable year ahead of us in recognising, celebrating, and promoting the outstanding individuals who are making, or have made, significant contributions to the benefit of our ICT community and industry. Im excited by enhancements we are planning for our awards program and the development of the Pearcey Museum - a virtual national computer museum  watch this space! said Green.

For Wayne Fitzsimmons, it all started with an ad placed in The Age by founding chair Ian Dennis in 1999. The former Datacraft Technologies managing director and OpenDirectory founder joined with Dennis to lead the Pearcey Foundation, which under Fitzsimmons leadership has developed into a highly respected, independent voice for ICT in Australia.

While Fitzsimmons is stepping back from his role as chair, he will remain an active member of the Pearcey Foundation board, and will continue to lead the Foundations Australia 4.0 initiative, which is exploring the profound changes required of the Australian electricity system as the nation embraces renewable energy sources.

Thanks to Waynes leadership and drive over many years, the Pearcey Awards have become the most prestigious state and national personal awards program in ICT in the country, the Pearcey Oration the most significant annual technology address in Australia, and our heritage program a robust and uniquely valuable collaboration that brings to light and celebrates the remarkable achievements of Australians in ICT, said Green.

The success of the Foundation is largely due to the work of so many friends and volunteers who have shared the Pearcey mantra of promoting ICT to Australia and Australians. Ive always said that we dont just punch above our weight in ICT, we genuinely and regularly have had the opportunity to be the global leader in our chosen domain  we just need to back ourselves. A case in point is our leadership position today in quantum computing, said Fitzsimmons.

Helen McHugh joins the Pearcey Foundation board after completing her two-year term as ACS president in 2024 and 2025.

Helens considerable ICT leadership skills and her passion for our industry and the people who work in it make her a welcome addition to our board. Helen also brings a personal connection with the Pearcey Foundation. One of her earliest childhood memories is visiting the CSIRAC laboratory at Sydney University to see her father, who worked as a programmer alongside Trevor Pearcey, said Green.

2026 Pearcey Foundation board and officers

Chair: Jordan Green (Director)

Immediate Past Chair: Wayne Fitzsimmons (Director)

Treasurer: Simon Foster (Director & Public Officer)

Entrepreneur Awards Chair: Rick Harvey (Director)

Lifetime Awards Chair: Professor Maurice Pagnucco (Director)

Board Member: Helen McHugh (Director)

Heritage Committee Chair: Dr Peter Thorne (Officer)

About the Pearcey Foundation

The Pearcey Foundation Inc. is a non-profit organisation established in 1998 to raise the profile of the Australian Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry and profession. It was created in the memory of one of the greatest pioneers of the Australian ICT industry, Dr Trevor Pearcey. By celebrating the heroes in our industry, past, present and future, the Foundation is looking to attract and encourage young Australians into this most exciting of global high technology sectors of our nation.
(Photo courtesy of Iwakuni City Tourism Association)



Near MCAS Iwakuni, Kitaikyo is a symbol of Iwakuni and one of Japans most famous bridges. The majestic, five-arch wooden bridge spans 233 feet across the Nishiki River. Due to the height of its arches, however, it has a total surface length of no less than 690 feet. It is 16.4 feet wide, and its arches are nearly 22 feet tall.

On and around such a picture-friendly wooden bridge, the annual Kintaikyo Festival will be held April 29.

Kintaikyo Festival (Photo courtesy of Iwakuni City Tourism Association)

Kintaikyo Festival (Photo courtesy of Iwakuni City Tourism Association)

Kintaikyo Festival (Photo courtesy of Iwakuni City Tourism Association)



Since the festival began in 1978 to preserve Iwakunis cultural heritage, the festival has showcased impressive reenactments of a daimyo (feudal lords) procession, along with matchlock gun squad demonstrations and taiko drum and traditional dance performances.

Today, the festival is counted as one of Iwakunis three major annual festivals, along with the Nishikigawa Water Festival in August and the Iwakuni Festival in October, and draws nearly 40,000 visitors every year, according to the event provider.

The festival kicks off with an opening ceremony at Kikko Shrine to honor the former lords of the Iwakuni domain at 9 a.m. on April 29.

Kintaikyo Festival (Photo courtesy of Iwakuni City Tourism Association)

Kintaikyo Festival (Photo courtesy of Iwakuni City Tourism Association)

Kintaikyo Festival (Photo courtesy of Iwakuni City Tourism Association)



Dont miss the events highlight  the daimyo procession from 1:30  2:40 p.m. - where you can observe dozens of locals in traditional samurai or townspeople attire crossing the scenic bridge, taking you back in time to its feudal age.

In the festival field, booths will sell local Iwakuni foods and products.

So, mark your calendar and join the popular festival to enjoy Iwakunis rich culture and traditions!

The 48th Kintaikyo Festival
Yokohama Nanbu Market (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)



In Yokohama, you dont have to wait until the weekend to shop fresh produce, seafood and other items at a wholesale market.

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)



Yokohama Nanbu Shijo is about a 30-minute drive from Yokosuka Naval Base and offers dozens of retail shops and restaurants.

This market is huge, spanning about six times the size of Yokohama Stadium. Here youll find electronics shops, drugstores, household and clothing stores, a 100-yen shop and, of course, a market section.

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)



Since its establishment in 1973, Yokohama Nanbu Shijo has served as a major wholesale market for vegetables, seafood, groceries and various household items, contributing to everyday life of Yokohama City residents. The market was updated to include retail shops in 2019.

The market draws a crowd on weekends and holidays, as locals shop for the week or specific items for end-of-year meals. The market is open every day except for Wednesdays, so you can easily shop on a weekday to avoid the congestion.

On the first weekend of every month from April to June and from October to December, a flea market is held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The wholesale seafood section also regularly hosts an open market for general visitors, so check the market website before your visit.

Grab your ecobags because were heading to the market!

Yokohama Nanbu Shijo market
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Today we discuss probability, self-destruction and political bossism.

Wow. California, which is as blue as Lake Tahoe, is about to elect a Republican governor ! How crazy is that?

Whoa. Hold up, pony. Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves.

Well, there's certainly a lot of Democratic angst out there.

That's for sure. It's reminiscent of the panic that followed Joe Biden's wretched debate performance in Atlanta, the biggest disaster to hit the city since a 2009 flood caused more than half a billion dollars in damage.

In California, the high anxiety is a result of the state's "jungle" primary, in which all candidates appear on the same ballot, regardless of party, with the top two finishers advancing to a November runoff. With so many Democrats running, there's the genuine prospect of them splintering partisan support, resulting in the leading GOP candidates  Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton  grabbing both slots and moving past June 2.

How likely is that to happen?

I can't say. And Nostradamus is away on spring break.

But one of California's leading political savants, Paul Mitchell, has developed a helpful online tool to suss out the possibilities. Visitors to his site have run tens of thousands of simulations, which right now put the odds of a Democratic freeze-out at about 17% to 20%.

Which suggests it's unlikely. But it's also not impossible.

Why don't some Democrats step aside, for the good of the party?

That's easy for you to say.

Anyone putting themselves out there by seeking public office has to have a certain amount of faith, in both their capabilities and the prospect of good fortune smiling upon them. (Luck being a greatly undervalued factor in political success.)

To be clear, no one is running away with the gubernatorial contest. For all the talk of Republicans "leading" in the polls, it's more like a four- or five-way tie for first place, when you factor in the margin of error. And 20% support  which is roughly what the top candidate receives in surveys  is hardly a number to strike fear in the heart of rivals.

There's also the YOLO factor.

You mean the county just outside Sacramento ?

No, that's Yolo.

I mean, YOLO  as in You Only Live Once

Several of the candidates mired near the bottom of polls  Antonio Villaraigosa, Xavier Becerra, Betty Yee  are probably looking at the end of the line if they lose this race. So you can understand, if not necessarily agree with, their reluctance to drop out and call it a day, in the hope that, just maybe, that proverbial bolt of lightning will strike.

So why doesn't someone force some candidates to drop out?

Like who? There is no Tammany Hall. This isn't Chicago under Boss Daley. Modern-day California has never had that kind of all-powerful political machine.

The closest approximations were in San Francisco, where brothers Phil and John Burton held great sway, and Los Angeles, where another pair of siblings, Howard and Michael Berman, exercised enormous clout with their compatriot, Henry Waxman. But their influence was mainly limited to Congress, the Legislature and local politics. They weren't kingmakers when it came to electing California governors.

And the two major political parties, which never wielded the power they enjoy in other states, have become even less influential in this entrepreneurial age of politics, when candidates raise their money online and boost their profile by going on the political chat shows on TV.

What about Gavin Newsom ?

The governor could certainly try to pare the Democratic field. But he'd risk humiliating himself and hurting his presidential prospects in the process.

How so?

It would be embarrassing if Republicans were to seize the governorship on Newsom's watch. (At least among those political insiders who pay attention to that kind of stuff.) It would also be embarrassing if the governor tried to muscle candidates aside and failed.

It's not at all clear Newsom would have much clout. He isn't particularly close to any of the candidates running. No one needed his blessing to enter the race, or his backing to sustain their candidacy. And there isn't very much the term-limited governor, playing out his final months in office, can offer as incentive to quit.

Newsom also has to consider how it would look if he tried to ease out the laggards  whose ranks happen to include all the prominent candidates of color: Becerra, Villaraigosa, Yee and state Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.

We saw how that worked out for USC, which abruptly canceled a scheduled debate after a storm of criticism over its selection process and the exclusion of those four candidates.

Would Newsom care to veto Thurmond et al., then defend his actions in, say, South Carolina, where Black voters typically constitute more than half the Democratic primary electorate?

Sounds like Newsom doesn't have many good options.

No.

Speaking of options, is there anything Democrats could do if they're frozen out of the runoff?

Such as?

Waging a write-in campaign in the fall?

Nope. Under California law, write-in candidates are allowed only in the primary.

Hmm. How about a Democrat running as an independent?

Nope. Same rule applies. Only the two candidates getting the most votes in June will be on the November ballot.

So what can Democrats do?

Hope their voters consolidate around a single candidate, or either Bianco or Hilton pull far enough ahead with GOP voters that there's room for a Democrat to make the top two.

Failing that, get ready for a Democratic-led recall campaign, beginning early in 2027.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Mark Z. Barabak

Los Angeles Times/(TNS)

Mark Z. Barabak is a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, focusing on politics in California and the West.
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President Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are quickly ridding themselves of "RINOs"  dumping the party rejects to face the music from voters or encourage them to join the Democratic Party instead.

The term "RINO"  Republican In Name Only and typified by Mitt Romney  is now a dirty word in conservative circles as Trump moves to purge the disloyal lawmakers and elected officials from the party ranks. RINO Republicans are leaving or being kicked out of office, becoming extinct.

Donald Trump Jr. has declared war on RINOs, saying the true Republican Party is now fully MAGA and warning that RINOs could move to defeat his father in the mid-term elections.

"The Democrat Party wants to do whatever they possibly can to shut this movement down, not just the Democrats, the RINOs," Trump Jr. declared at the Turning Point USA convention.

In Texas, MAGA supporters and Trump celebrated after RINO Rep. Dan Crenshaw lost his primary battle to conservative state Rep. Steve Toth by a double digit margin.

"Bye, Bye RINO Dan!" conservative commentator Evan Kilgore said.

Crenshaw enraged Trump by accepting Joe Biden's 2020 electoral victory and calling some Republicans "Grifters" and "Performance Artists."

Trump lately has also lashed out at Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for distancing herself from MAGA and supporting a Democratic petition to push the Justice Department to release all the Epstein files.

"Lightweight Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Brown (Green grass turns brown when it begins to ROT) betrayed the entire Republican Party when she turned Left, performed poorly on the pathetic View, and became the RINO that we all know she always was," Trump posted.

In Indiana, Trump has lashed out at two state senators and Gov. Mike Braun for failing to pass a redistricting map favorable to Republicans and voting with Democrats on a new map.

"Very disappointed in Indiana state Senate Republicans, led by RINO Senators Rod Bray and Greg Goode, for not wanting to redistrict their State, allowing the United States Congress to perhaps gain two more Republican seats," Trump posted last November.

Trump then vowed to challenge the RINO Republicans in primaries and endorse their opponents.

The pattern repeated itself in Oklahoma, where Trump went after Gov. Kevin Stitt, calling him a RINO after Stitt announced he would not hold the annual National Governors Association meeting at the White House because it excluded Democratic governors.

Stitt also angered Trump by endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the 2024 primaries.

And in Colorado, Trump pulled his endorsement for RINO U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd because Hurd joined Democrats and voted against his tariff plan on Canada.

"He is more interested in protecting Foreign Countries that have been ripping us off for decades than he is the United States of America," Trump posted.

The president instead endorsed Hurd's primary opponent, Hope Scheppelman.

"Unlike RINO Jeff Hurd, HOPE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN," Trump posted.

Romney, the former Massachusetts governor and Utah senator, is the prototype RINO  the only Republican senator to vote to impeach Trump.

The Bay State is a particular RINO stronghold. Two-term Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker earned the RINO label from conservative critics, while Baker-style Republicans  more moderate and Democratic than Republican  continue to seek and hold offices in the state.

Trump blasted Baker in 2020 for supporting mail-in voting, saying "RINO Governor Charlie Baker of Massachusetts is unsuccessfully trying to defend Mail in Ballots, when there is fraud being found all over the place. Just look at some of the recent races, or the Trump Ballots in Pennsylvania that were thrown into the garbage. Wrong Charlie!"

GOP Chair Amy Carnevale has carefully tried to distance the party from MAGA, without much success. Democrats hold every statewide office and have a stranglehold on the Legislature. Trump is still the dominant leader in Massachusetts Republican politics, with just 9% of the state's voters identifying as GOP.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Joe Battenfeld

Boston Herald/(TNS)

Joe Battenfeld is a veteran Boston Herald political columnist and multimedia reporter.

Previously:
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One of the most powerful addictions of our times is also one of the most vexing to treat. After all, there's a good chance you're on this drug. It's called social media.

Like anything potentially addictive, social media isn't particularly good for anyone and might be uniquely bad for kids. And yet, I use it all the time, a small dose of hypocrisy that reveals the real problem. Social media digs a canyon between what we show and what we are, a phenomenon that also correlates with mental illness.

Outright prohibition of social media is neither practical (or constitutional), nor will it necessarily heal our society. Nevertheless, we are right to seek remedies for its negative impact. Thus, the best policy for social media might be a mix of targeted regulations and substitutions. Government has a role to play, but so do we.

Though causation is hard to prove, more research shows harmful links between social media and children's mental health  including bullying, peer pressure and exploitation. This came up in conversations last year when I wrote a series of columns about the rural mental health crisis in Minnesota.

"If you look at the charts, you can trace it back to 2010 and 2011," said Marnie Werner, a researcher at the Center for Rural Policy and Development. "What happened there? That was the introduction of the smartphone and the apps that go on it. Social media has been very bad for kids."

In response to similar observations, governments around the world are banning children from using social media with laws targeting companies that provide these networks.

In December 2025, Australia launched the world's most restrictive child protection laws regarding social media, disallowing social media accounts for anyone 16 or younger. Today, the country is preparing action against social media services like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube for failing to meet the strict age verification terms of the new law.

Other countries have also weighed in with some version of a social media ban for kids, including France, Indonesia, Norway, Malaysia, Spain and the United Kingdom. Several other European nations, along with New Zealand and some regions of India, are considering similar policies.

The U.S. lags in this regard, though that's not surprising. Here, the world's most powerful social media companies hold significant political influence. Certain states have taken a run at social media regulation, but it's hard to pin down something so ubiquitous. And yet, these companies now face legal reckoning.

On March 25, a jury in Los Angeles found Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, and Google's YouTube to be liable for harm to children using their platforms. Another jury in New Mexico agreed there was a link between social media and children's mental health, along with concealment of company knowledge about child sexual exploitation.

For those looking for some kind of restraint on Big Tech's growing power over our lives, this was a major victory. We might compare these rulings to early negative findings against tobacco companies that paved the way for major class-action suits and anti-smoking laws.

It's hard to deny that social media is addictive. We're familiar with addictions to alcohol, nicotine and other drugs. These are chemicals, and most of us took chemistry in school, or at least saw "Breaking Bad."

Some might struggle to empathize with addictions to gambling, sex and overeating, but they are part of the same disorder. Anything that changes the way we think is potentially addicting, and that is perhaps a better way to understand this condition.

Addiction to social media alters our brain chemistry in much the same way as alcohol or drug abuse. Like these other addictions, not all will succumb to abuse of social media, but many do. The effects become deeply tied to our well-being, which begins to explain the seemingly inexplicable mental health crisis facing people of all ages.

And yet, American mental health and happiness statistics remain worse than other countries where people use social media. Furthermore, social media platforms contain many examples of legitimate discourse and public information, even though it can also be used to manipulate. So, social media is not a cigarette. It's half free speech and half cult, neither of which are illegal, even when they're harmful.

Arguments that certain forms of speech endanger children were applied to books and records long before the existence of TikTok and Instagram. Now, as before, we might acknowledge that free speech is worth a nuanced approach to the problem.

Kids need to make friends, explore their world, try new things and learn how to be a person without parents looming over them. Social media can function alongside these important goals, but it also runs the risk of replacing these noble aims with something crueler and more artificial.

Should we keep our kids off social media? The benefits of doing so are clear, and yet we cannot hold them to higher standards than we hold ourselves. The reason why kids should wait to join these networks is the same reason adults should limit their own use of them. We can do much better things with our time.

Limiting access to social media for kids might be a good policy within a limited scope. But the government can't do it alone.

After two decades, social media patterns are no longer new; they're a cycle. If we don't like the cycle, we need to break it.

Aaron Brown is a columnist for the Minnesota Star Tribune Editorial Board.

Previously:



 What I learned playing liar's poker against AI

 What if gambling used the 'free price effect'?

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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 People's Liberation Army - marrying artificial intelligence with open-source data to market information they claim can "expose" the movements of U.S. forces.

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 government's 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 Beijing's 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 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 China's 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 China's military but holds a National Military Standard certification required for firms supplying services to the People's 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 Israel's Ovda Air Base, Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan Air Base and Qatar's 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, MizarVizion's 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 Asia 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 company's 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 spokesman 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 spokesman for Planet Labs said that MizarVision is not a client and it had verified 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 company's 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.

Jing'an Technology, another Hangzhou-based firm tracking U.S. military movements in the Middle East, released what it claimed was a recording 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, [Jing'an] 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 isn't 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 China's 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 CIA's 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 China's technology ecosystem isn't theoretical, it's 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 MizarVision's work.

Analysts say the work of private firms like MizarVision and Jing'an 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: "There's some things adversaries are doing to provide info and intel that they shouldn't. We're aware of it and ultimately we move things around."

(COMMENT, BELOW)




Paramount Skydance has secured nearly $24 billion in funding from major Middle Eastern wealth funds to support its planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, as the massive deal faces ongoing regulatory review.

According to reports, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has committed about $10 billion, while funds from Qatar and Abu Dhabi will provide the remaining investment.

The financial backing is expected to help offset the cost of the $81 billion deal led by CEO David Ellison and supported by his father, Larry Ellison, NY Post reported.

The agreement comes as Paramount pushes forward with one of the biggest media mergers in recent years.

The combined company would include major brands such as HBO, CNN, CBS, and well-known film franchises.

Executives have told employees they are aiming to close the deal by the end of July, pending approvals.

The investment structure may help ease regulatory concerns. The Gulf funds will receive non-voting shares and will not have board representation.

Media analyst Derek Reisfield said this setup "eliminates some of the regulatory scrutiny," since the investors will not control company decisions.

Paramount secures $24B from Gulf wealth funds as Warner Bros. deal seeks regulatory approval: report https://t.co/YG10hQoq2I pic.twitter.com/5vTTfqoVji  New York Post (@nypost) April 6, 2026

Paramount Skydance Deal Faces US and EU Review

Still, the deal is under close review in both the United States and Europe. In the US, regulators like the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and the Federal Communications Commission are expected to examine the transaction.

Because each foreign investor will hold less than 25% ownership, experts believe an FCC review is less likely. The deal has also drawn political attention.

According to Variety, officials have warned it will not receive special treatment. Omeed Assefi, acting head of the Justice Department's antitrust division, said the merger will "absolutely not" be fast-tracked due to political ties.

Paramount's bid won out after a competitive process earlier this year, beating out Netflix.

To secure the deal, Paramount agreed to cover a $2.8 billion termination fee and offer additional payments to shareholders if the closing is delayed.

The Ellison family has played a key role in financing the acquisition. Larry Ellison had already pledged to fund the deal if needed, but the new commitments reduce the amount he must contribute.

A shareholder vote for Warner Bros. Discovery is scheduled for April 23.

Originally published on vcpost.com
The US-Israeli war on Iran and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz have created a crisis in the world economy and further exposed the fault lines between US imperialism and its Russian and Chinese competitors.

[Originally published at communistusa.org]

Closing the Strait and threatening other commercial routes, like the nearby Red Sea and Suez Canal, is having grave ramifications on the world economy, which was already on thin ice. Energy is essential to all industrial production, and the oil and natural-gas shock caused by the imperialist slaughter threatens to push the entire world into a deep economic slump.

Worlds most vital waterway for energy

The Strait of Hormuz is a 103-mile long passageway that narrows to 21 nautical miles. Iran controls over 250 miles of the northern coastline around the narrowest point, and 300 miles of coastline in the Gulf of Oman, which feeds directly into the Strait from the Arabian Sea.

The shipping lane is an indispensable node of world commerce. Prior to the war, 20 million barrels of oil a day flowed through this crucial artery, which the Financial Times called the worlds most vital waterway for energy markets. In addition to a fifth of the worlds oil and gas, a third of all fertilizer and countless other commodities passed through it daily.

Military analysts have dubbed the Strait the gauntlet. Any ship that passes through will be at the mercy of Iranian missiles, drones, torpedoes, submarines, and mines. In order to neutralize the threat, an invading force would not only have to capture the entire length of the coastline, but hold it against a military and population that would fiercely resist the invading forces.

Risk premiums on shipping insurance in London have leaped fivefold making passage not only potentially deadly, but more importantly for vessel owners, impossibly expensive. In reality, Iran has not closed the Strait. Select ships from countries not engaged in attacking Iran are being allowed through, and ships with ties to the imperialist attackers simply cannot afford insurance. The ball is in the imperialists court.

Oil crisis

Not only has Iran prevented all non-Iranian fossil fuels from leaving the Persian Gulf, it has struck production facilities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, and the UAE, which are all complicit in the war. In short, Iran has succeeded not only in disrupting the world energy market, but also in destroying energy production and export capacity in the Gulf States.

The global oil market is in more trouble than it was in the 1973 and 1979 oil crises combined / Image: public domain

At least three large energy producers in the Gulf have declared force majeure, a clause in contracts allowing one party to suspend its obligations due to uncontrollable circumstances. As Bloomberg News reported: It took just days for the Iran war to hobble oil fields, refineries and gas plants across the Persian Gulf, but it could take years to restore their full potential as the conflict drags on.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) declared this the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market, bigger than the 1973 and 1979 oil crises combined. The 1973 crisis pushed the price of oil 300% above pre-crisis levels. At that time, less than 10% of the worlds supply was cut off by Gulf producers. Today 20% is affected. The price of Brent crude leaped about 60% in the wars first four weeks. It will climb even higher as the war drags on.

Scrambling to control the market mania, the IEAwhich includes the UScommitted to releasing 400 million barrels from the strategic reserves of its member states. Its the largest-ever release of reserves, more than double the previous record in 2022 at the beginning of the imperialist proxy war in Ukraine.

Significant as this may sound, strategic reserves cant plug the gap. There are technical limitations to how quickly this oil can be delivered to the market. Besides that, 400 million barrels represents less than three weeks worth of what usually passes through the Strait.

The US imperialists launched this war in part to weaken China by cutting it off from Iranian energy. But their maneuver is backfiring. Despite consuming 90% of Irans oil exports before the war, China is weathering the storm. The Chinese ruling classforeseeing the US imperialist assaults on Venezuela and Iranstockpiled oil to supplement their own diverse domestic energy sources. At the same time, most of the vessels Iran has allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz are tankers transporting millions of barrels of oil to China.

Not only have the American imperialists failed to weaken China, but theyve also strengthened Russia. The shortfall in the world market has forced the US to drop its sanctions on Russian oil. Russia can now export oil at market price, meaning a significant windfallestimated at an extra $150 million a day. As a result, the Financial Times dubbed Russia the biggest winner from the conflict in the Middle East.

Desperate to hold prices down, the US has even lifted sanctions on Iranian oil. For decades, the American imperialists used economic sanctions to bully any government that failed to fall into line. The lifting of sanctions on Russia and Iran are a stark admission of US imperialisms growing weakness relative to China and Russia.

Millions at risk of hunger

Energy is the most important commodity to the functioning of production and commerce. When its price soars, the prices of all other goods and services rise too. But it is not the only commodity held up by the closure of the Strait.

Before the war, a third of the worlds nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer passed through the crucial waterway. A 30% drop in the fertilizer supply means farmers will be forced to sow fewer crops at higher costs. Similar to the oil market, the world fertilizer market is closely integrated. When the price of fertilizer jumps in one part of the world, it affects even those who purchase fertilizer produced outside the Middle East.

The early impacts of the Middle East crisis mirror those seen at the start of the Ukraine war in 2022, when supply disruptions drove food prices sharply higher. 



If the crisis continues, an estimated 45 million more people could face acute food insecurity this year. pic.twitter.com/f68At90lJX  World Food Programme (@WFP) April 2, 2026

These costs will inevitably be passed onto the working class, who will feel the sting at the grocery store checkout. The World Food Program estimates, An extra 45 million are projected to be pushed into acute hunger because of rises in food, oil, and shipping costs, pushing the global tally above its current record level of 319 million.

AI bubble

AI is another sector of the world economy being undermined by the war. The Gulf states produce a tenth of the worlds aluminum and about half its supply of helium, sulfur, and bromine, crucial components for chip manufacturing.

An AI crisis is looming, compounded by the rising cost of powering data centers and manufacturing. Look at South Korea, which imports around 70% of its energy from the Gulf. Their stock market experienced the largest crash since 2008, clearing out $500 billion in market value in the first week of the war. Semiconductor chipmakers Samsung and SK Hynix, major providers for Nvidia, made up 40% of the whole market. Both saw their stock value slashed by more than 20%.

Taiwan, whose Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Company produces 60% of all semiconductors and 90% of the most advanced chips, is in a similar position. The lack of energy threatens to disrupt production. According to analysts at The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, The AI boom has driven up chip prices to historic highs, resulting in a shortage in the industry even before the Hormuz traffic stalled.

The Gulf states themselves have become an epicenter of global AI infrastructure. Cheap energy and land made them ideal for building AI data centers. In recent years, 61 data centers have been built in Saudi Arabia and 57 in the UAE.

As the war drags on, they will be forced to pull back on AI-related investments at home and abroad. Last year, during a visit from Trump, the Gulf states pledged to invest $3 trillion in US tech and energy firms. Within just a week of war, a Gulf state official told Reuters that Three of the big four economies in the [Gulf] are all assessing future and current investments. With Chinese capitalists surging ahead in the global AI race, a blow this size could spark a devastating crisis in the US market.

The US-Israeli war against Iran is an accident expressing the necessity of the breakdown in the US-led world order. Chinese and Russian imperialism will emerge strengthened from this conflict, as nations once beholden to US imperialism look elsewhere for military alliances and trade relationships.

Trump and US imperialism will lose this war, but the biggest loser will be the working class, who will be forced to pay for the mounting crisis. The only solution to the war and anarchy endemic to capitalism is for workers of the world to unite and take the economy into their own hands under a rational, socialist plan.
OpenAI has asked state officials in California and Delaware to investigate Elon Musk and his associates for what it calls "improper and anti-competitive behavior," as a major court battle between the two sides nears.

In a letter sent Monday to California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings, OpenAI claimed Musk's actions could harm fair competition and disrupt its mission.

The request comes just weeks before a jury trial expected to begin later this month in California.

The dispute traces back to Musk's lawsuit filed in 2024 against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman.

Musk accused the company of moving away from its original nonprofit mission as it shifted toward a for-profit structure.

Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015, left the group in 2018 and later launched rival AI company xAI, which created the chatbot Grok, Reuters reported.

OpenAI said Musk's lawsuit is seeking more than $100 billion in damages from its nonprofit foundation, a move it warned could seriously damage the organization. A judge has already ruled that the case will go before a jury.

OpenAI urges California, Delaware to investigate Musk's 'anti-competitive behavior - https://t.co/ch9jIvmDTR  Dave Agar (@dave1agar) April 7, 2026

OpenAI Warns of Elon Musk Actions

Jason Kwon, OpenAI's chief strategy officer, said in the letter that Musk's actions may interfere with the company's goal of developing artificial general intelligence, or AGI, for public benefit.

"These attacks are designed to take control of the future of AGI out of the hands of those who are legally obligated to pursue the mission of ensuring that AGI benefits all of humanity," Kwon wrote.

The company also raised concerns about alleged coordination between Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, though it said Zuckerberg did not join a past investment bid tied to Musk's group.

OpenAI further pointed to reports claiming that individuals linked to Musk gathered information about Altman and spread harmful claims. It argued that such actions show a pattern of behavior that should be reviewed by regulators.

Chris Lehane, OpenAI's chief global affairs officer, questioned why powerful tech leaders would try to block the company's progress.

According to CNBC, he said their actions are "highly questionable and sharply worthy of investigation."

The company also warned that if Musk succeeds in court, it could benefit xAI's Grok platform, which has faced scrutiny over its outputs.

Musk has not publicly responded to the latest claims.

Originally published on vcpost.com
Air Mauritius regrets to announce the passing of a passenger today, on board flight MK 746 operating to Chennai, approximately one hour before landing.

The passenger, a Mauritian national travelling under MEDA (medical) status, was accompanied by his wife during the journey.

Despite the care provided by a medical team on board, the passenger unfortunately passed away in-flight.

Air Mauritius extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.
The Government of Burkina Faso has rejected a report published on April 2, 2026, by Human Rights Watch (HRW), describing it as inaccurate and misleading. In a statement, government spokesperson Gilbert Ouedraogo labelled the report a fake document filled with conjecture and baseless allegations.

The HRW report had claimed that government forces and their allies were responsible for killing more than twice as many civilians as terrorist groups since the current leadership assumed power in 2023. However, the Burkinabe authorities dismissed these assertions, questioning the credibility of the organization.

Officials further criticized HRW for lacking a physical presence in the country, arguing that it is disconnected from realities on the ground. The government also accused the organization of relying on selected sources allegedly incentivised to provide information that supports what it described as imaginary and fanciful stories.

Additionally, the authorities cited what they called methodological shortcomings in the report, suggesting it was designed to tarnish the image of national forces and portray them as violators of human rights to serve external interests.

Reaffirming its stance, the government insisted that its security forces operate professionally, prioritizing the protection of civilians and adherence to both national laws and international human rights obligations, while maintaining that the fight against terrorism remains a top national priority.
The Ethiopian Federal Police has arrested a suspected international human trafficking kingpin, Yitbarek Dawit, along with nine accomplices, following a wide-ranging cross-border investigation.

The announcement of his arrest was made on Monday. Authorities allege the network was responsible for trafficking more than 3,000 people, causing over 100 deaths and the sexual abuse of more than 50 women.

The arrests mark the culmination of a coordinated international operation involving intelligence-sharing with the Regional Operational Centre in Support of the Khartoum Process. The main suspect was apprehended in Shire, in Ethiopias Tigray region, after reportedly operating under multiple aliases across Africa and Europe to evade detection.

Investigators say the syndicate, active since 2018, targeted vulnerable migrants from countries including Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Kenya and Somalia. Victims were trafficked to detention centres in Libya, where they were subjected to extreme abuse, including torture, starvation and sexual violence while being held for ransom.

Authorities identified more than 70 individuals linked to the global network through digital tracking and intelligence analysis. Financial investigations further revealed that the syndicate controlled illicit assets exceeding 3 billion Birr, prompting court-ordered asset freezes and seizures.

The case has now been transferred to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution, with evidence drawn from over 100 victim testimonies and international sources across Europe and North America. Police have urged continued public vigilance, underscoring the importance of cooperation in dismantling human trafficking networks.
On the night of Sunday, 5 April 2026, suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants launched an attack near Mambasa town in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, marking one of the closest incursions to the town to date.

The assailants, reportedly arriving from the north around 11:00 PM, set several houses ablaze, looted shops, and took multiple hostages, allegedly to transport stolen goods. While no official death toll has been confirmed, the scale of destruction has raised alarm among civil society groups.

By Monday, 6 April 2026, Mambasa had ground to a halt, with businesses and schools shut down amid widespread fear. Residents described a climate of anxiety, with farmers avoiding their fields and some locals contemplating displacement.

The attack forms part of a broader surge in violence in the region over recent weeks, following earlier strikes on the Muchacha mining site in mid-March and other nearby towns, each leaving casualties and displacing populations.

Security officials indicated that the Army responded to the latest assault, claiming to have neutralized five militants. However, analysts note that the group has exploited gaps in security presence to expand its operations, heightening concerns in the capital, Kinshasa.

In response, Government authorities have reiterated commitments to restore stability, with defence officials assuring that efforts are ongoing to counter the persistent threat and protect civilians in the affected territory.
A joint operation by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Delhi Polices Special Cell has uncovered an alleged terror plot involving the radicalisation of teenagers aged 1517, who operated through gaming chats, Telegram and Signal groups to discuss attacks targeting multiple locations across India.



Officials have so far identified the involvement of at least five to six minors from across the country, including a 15-year-old from Kandivali.



His family has been approached for counselling. Agencies suspect more teenagers may be involved.



On Monday, the operation led to the arrest of Mohammad Hamad Siddiqui, 18, from Kurla and Mosaib Ahmad alias Sonu alias Kamaal, 33, from Thane. A key handler, identified as Bada Imran, was detained in Odisha. Officials said he allegedly coordinated the groups activities online.



Following the Kurla arrest, Hamads father, Jalaluddin Siddiqui, claimed his son is innocent and has been implicated, adding that he had been addicted to online games such as PUBG and Free Fire over the past three years and had recently been in contact with unknown individuals.



According to official, individuals were allegedly radicalised through online platforms. An officer said sensitive issues such as the Babri Masjid, National Register of Citizens and Ghazwa-e-Hind were discussed to influence and indoctrinate youths. Some chats also referred to establishing a caliphate and implementing Sharia in India.



The probe indicates that several youths were drawn into the network through gaming platforms, social media and encrypted messaging applications. Agencies have seized multiple digital devices, chat records and alleged radical content, which are being sent for forensic analysis.



Gaming apps provided a casual, unsuspecting space where first contact was established. Conversations later shifted to encrypted platforms like Telegram and Signal, an officer said. Investigators believe the groups were used not only for discussion but also to exchange extremist content and discuss coordinated attacks across different parts of the country. There were conversations indicating intent and ideological alignment. The nature of the chats is under detailed forensic analysis, a source said.



During the investigation, two more suspects  a 15-year-old from Kandivali and a 27-year-old Thane-based professional  were identified. Searches were conducted at their residences, and they have been asked to join the probe.



Officials said the case highlights a growing concern over online radicalisation among youths, particularly those active on gaming platforms. Many under scrutiny were regular gamers, and agencies suspect prolonged interaction in closed online groups led to gradual ideological grooming.



The arrested accused have been taken on transit remand to Delhi for further interrogation. Agencies are expanding the probe to identify more members of the network, including possible foreign handlers and sleeper links. This is not an isolated case. We are looking at a structured digital network where vulnerable youths are being targeted and radicalised in phases, a senior officer said.



The ATS and Special Cell are also coordinating with central agencies to map the full extent of the network and prevent potential threats.




The cutting of 45,000 mangrove trees for the second phase of the Coastal Road has taken Mumbai by storm. It reminds me of the 2018-19 phase of the Aarey campaign.



Similar pattern, quite the same outcome. I used to call the car-shed matter a fait accompli in TV discussions during that phase, but there was no questioning the enthusiasm of some who had joined the campaign new.



I ended up being seen as a negative person and chose to write a book covering a three-decade trajectory on why environmental campaigns fail in Mumbai, but no one is interested in understanding that. Some things just dont seem to change in environmental campaigns. Every other aspect of the city has moved up the learning curve except what happens with and during our environmental campaigns.



The time to start a campaign to save Aarey was 2012 but no one in the city had a clue, or interest. The time to save the 45,000 odd mangroves was also around the same time when there was absolute unanimous support for the coastal project across party lines. There was not a single political leader who had a contrary view.



At that time, efforts by a few of us to build momentum and invite people to engage elected representatives in large numbers failed. In 2015, when the Maharashtra government decided to hold a public consultation on the coastal road at the BJPs Nariman Point head office, only five people showed up to meet Prakash Javadekar and Mangal Prabhat Lodha. To now see these thousands of likes and millions of views for online content can be a bit unsettling. Why do the numbers always show up at the funeral march and not when campaigns are alive and kicking?



The recent agitations over the past six months have been a personal trigger. I was among the handful who played a pioneering role at the turn of the century to elevate the citys understanding of mangroves and their importance even as we were going about saving large tracts from being destroyed by real estate interests. So much systematic and structured work happened that decade. But I got burnt out and left.



Why?



***



In economics, the concept of dollar vote got popular in the mid-20th century. A very easy to understand concept, it suggested that economic participation by millions of people is a form of pure democracy, maybe the highest form of expression. It is your purchases, not your vote, which ultimately determine the direction and quality of social progress. If people are spending on burgers and carbonated drinks and a vendor selling millet-based products is seeing hardly any customers, then no amount of policy or incentives can help the cause of healthy food.



Now look at the past five decades of work on Mumbais environmental issues, of which three decades I have witnessed first-hand. I have seen the very active phase of environmental organisations, which no one will remember now. I have since then formed numerous NGOs and those too see a similar fate. A common thread is that all these organisations were eager to get support from citizens and used to have membership forms with the usual categories of annual and life membership. To enable a very broad-based participation annual membership would rarely be above Rs 500.



There was no dollar vote for those membership forms. The reason we are not able to save mangroves is because the average educated and well-off resident of Mumbai (many now part of the concern and agitation) has not paid any serious attention to the development and cultivation of civic and environmental organisations thatchoose to have a very long-term engagement with Mumbais urban planning, governance and sustainable development.



***



Those who are now becoming concerned about environmental issues need to improve their understanding of what makes environmental campaigns effective, unless their only interest is in emotion and drama and leveraging the crisis for limelight and fame. Achieving serious environmental outcomes is a very high-order complex task beyond the capacity of ordinary citizens.



Its easy to brush up on your knowledge of mangrove ecosystems online and descend with your digital playbook but it is downright impossible to build the insight and nuance that comes with consistently dealing with institutions and the key policies over decades like only full-time environmental activists or an environmental organisation can do. These ordinary citizens have completely failed in helping build strong environmental organisations.



The writer is an environmentalist and co-founded the Mumbai Chapter of Mangrove Society of India




Calaveras, CA The Calaveras County Sheriffs Office is warning residents about an emerging scam that targets elderly community members by using rideshare services to collect cash.

The sheriffs office warns the public that suspects contact victims by phone while posing as law enforcement officers, bank officials, or family members in distress. The callers create a sense of urgency and instruct victims to withdraw large sums of money. Victims are then directed to place the cash in an envelope or package, which is picked up by a rideshare driver and delivered to unknown suspects. Officials emphasized that law enforcement will never request money to be picked up or delivered, especially through a rideshare service. Authorities also warned residents not to hand over cash or valuables to any courier or driver, noting that suspects may claim an agent or delivery service will come directly to a home.

In many cases, scammers stay on the phone and guide victims through the process while they withdraw money. They often demand secrecy and use spoofed phone numbers that appear legitimate on caller ID to gain trust, authorities said. The sheriffs office urged residents to be cautious of urgent requests and to verify claims by contacting a trusted family member or local law enforcement agency. Officials said suspects frequently pressure victims to act immediately.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call is advised not to comply and to contact the Calaveras County Sheriffs Office at 209-754-6500. In an emergency, call 911.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a statement regarding former Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Jeffries was Tuesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here is the statement:

Pam Bondis tenure as the most corrupt Attorney General in modern American history has been a disgraceful affront to our Constitution.

The so-called Attorney General and the pathetic, sycophantic political hacks installed with her have repeatedly weaponized the Department of Justice and taxpayer dollars to target political opponents of Donald Trump, trample the rights of law-abiding Americans and silence and attempt to intimidate those who disagree with this administration. Pam Bondi has lied to Congress and to the American people. Under her tenure, the Department has lost centuries of professional experience, willfully violated federal law and judicial orders alike, while at the same time, hiding millions of documents linked to the Epstein files in a massive cover-up.

This long-overdue firing is not enough to restore the credibility of the Justice Department or fix this rotten, out-of-control administration. House Democrats will hold every political extremist involved in unprecedented abuses of power accountable for their lawlessness.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan has urged Kenya to accelerate reforms that improve the countrys business climate, saying the move could unlock greater investment from Chinese companies and expand Kenyas exports to China.

Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, the envoy encouraged Kenyan authorities to take full advantage of Chinas tariff-free trade framework, which grants many African exports duty-free access to the Chinese market. According to Guo, strengthening the regulatory environment would help Kenyan businesses compete more effectively while attracting more Chinese investors.

We hope that Kenya will continue to improve business climate to attract more Chinese enterprises, Guo told journalists in Nairobi.

The ambassador also urged Kenya to raise the standard of its export goods to fully benefit from the policy.

The Ambassador challenged Kenya to seize the opportunity of zero-tariff treatment to improve the quality of its export products.

China signals support for Kenyas economic transformation

Guo said reforms that strengthen Kenyas trade and investment environment could drive deeper industrial growth and modernization.

She noted that stronger economic collaboration would help the country achieve economic transformation and structural upgrading. According to the envoy, such progress would enable Kenyan goods to move up the global industrial and value chains.

China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Kenya on infrastructure and logistics to provide stronger hardware support for Kenyas export to China, the envoy said.

Chinas backing could include expanded infrastructure cooperation and logistics improvements designed to make it easier for Kenyan exports to reach Chinese markets.

Agricultural exports seen as key opportunity

The Chinese envoy identified agriculture as a sector with strong export potential. She said Kenya could increase shipments of products such as fresh flowers, fruits, and aquatic goods to China.

Kenya already exports several high-value agricultural commodities that enjoy strong demand internationally, including macadamia nuts, coffee, tea, and avocados. Chinese officials believe these products could capture a larger share of their domestic market if Kenyan exporters align production and packaging with Chinese consumer preferences.

To support that expansion, Beijing plans to assist Kenyan producers in developing new export-ready products that appeal to Chinese buyers, helping African goods move into premium market segments.

Training and digital platforms to help Kenyan exporters

China has also outlined practical steps to help Kenyan exporters navigate the complexities of international trade.

The Chinese government plans to organize training sessions and policy briefings for Kenyan export firms. These programs will guide local traders through inspection and quarantine procedures that often determine whether agricultural goods can enter the Chinese market.

Officials also plan to support digital trade platforms that can simplify cross-border commerce and logistics for Kenyan businesses seeking to reach Chinese consumers.

Trade expos offer gateway to Chinese market

Beijing has invited Kenya to make stronger use of major global trade exhibitions hosted in China. These include the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) in Changsha.

Both events serve as major networking hubs where businesses showcase products, negotiate deals, and build long-term trade partnerships.

Kenya has already participated in the exhibitions. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi led a Kenyan delegation to the 2025 CAETE, signaling the governments commitment to strengthening trade links with China.

Faster customs clearance planned for Kenyan goods

China is also rolling out new trade facilitation measures aimed at speeding up Kenyan exports.

Ambassador Guo confirmed that Beijing plans to streamline customs clearance procedures while expanding the green lane initiative, a program designed to accelerate the entry of perishable goods such as fresh produce into Chinese markets.

The policy is expected to reduce delays at ports and lower logistical costs for Kenyan exporters.

New tariff-free agreement takes effect in 2026

The latest push for trade expansion follows a key agreement signed during the recent visit to Nairobi by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.

During the visit, both governments concluded an early harvest deal that will grant Kenyan goods additional tariff relief starting May 1, 2026. Officials view the agreement as a stepping stone toward a broader Economic Partnership Agreement for Common Development, which will guide future cooperation in trade, investment, and technology.

Chinese officials say the initiative provides stability for African exporters at a time when global trade is increasingly affected by protectionist policies and shifting geopolitical alliances.

China expands zero-tariff access for African exports

The tariff-free policy forms part of a broader initiative championed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Under the plan, China will extend zero-tariff treatment to 100 percent of tariff lines for all African countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Beijing.

The policy covers 53 African nations and emerged as a key outcome of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit 2024. China previously offered similar benefits to least-developed African countries starting in 2005, but the expanded framework significantly widens access for the entire continent.

Kenya gains early advantage in tariff-free trade

According to the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya has moved faster than many African countries to implement the new trade arrangements, giving its exporters a competitive edge.

When it comes to the full implementation of zero tariff treatment, Kenya is one step ahead, thereby enjoying the dividends of zero tariff treatment early, bringing China-Kenya practical cooperation to new heights and setting an inspiring example for other African countries, the embassy in Nairobi said.

Chinese officials believe this early adoption positions Kenya to increase exports and attract new investment tied to the expanding trade relationship.

First tariff-free Kenyan exports already underway

The benefits of the new arrangement were recently demonstrated when Vice President Han Zheng visited Nairobi at the invitation of Kenyas Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

During the visit, officials presided over the flag-off ceremony for the first shipment of Kenyan products destined for Beijing under the new tariff-free trade framework.

Beijing views these developments as part of a broader effort to build a long-term economic partnership with Kenyaone that deepens cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and investment while expanding opportunities for businesses in both countries.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has vowed to take decisive action against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following sensational allegations he leveled against the agency and President William Ruto. In an official statement released on Sunday, April 5, 2026, the DCI explicitly challenged claims Gachagua made during an Easter service at the AIPCA Gakoe Church in Gatundu North, Kiambu County.

During his speech, the former Deputy President alleged that the DCI and the President orchestrated a Ksh500 million scandal involving the importation of substandard fuel valued at over Ksh4 billion.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has taken note of certain remarks made today by Rigathi Gachagua during the Easter Sunday Service at AIPCA Gakoe Church in Gatundu North, Kiambu County, the agency said.

Gachagua further suggested that the recent fallout within the petroleum sector, which led to the resignation of key officials, including former Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, former Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang, and former Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, was not a genuine crackdown on corruption.

Instead, he described the situation as a deal gone sour, alleging that these officials are currently facing punishment because they attempted to go behind the governments back.

Gachagua further alleged that authorities recovered Ksh500 million from the homes of the implicated officials  funds he described as proceeds from the fake fuel deal  and subsequently surrendered the cash to the President.

The DCI issued a swift and forceful rebuttal, dismissing Gachaguas claims as false and malicious. The agency asserted that his statements regarding recovered exhibits lack any factual or evidentiary basis and represent a deliberate attempt to damage public trust in national law enforcement.

The allegations levelled against the DCI in the course of Rigathi Gachaguas speech are false, unfounded, and malicious. The claims he made concerning recoveries and exhibits in regard to the ongoing probe lack any factual or evidentiary basis and are clearly intended to undermine public confidence in a key national law enforcement institution, DCI reiterated in their statement.

While reaffirming its commitment to professional standards, the DCI revealed that it has launched a formal review of Gachaguas remarks. Detectives are particularly focused on statements made in his native Gikuyu language to determine if they violate the National Cohesion and Integration Act. The agency warned that it will pursue legal action if the utterances are found to be inflammatory or constitute hate speech.

Furthermore, the DCI is actively reviewing the full utterances made by Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, particularly those delivered in the Gikuyu language. We are assessing whether any of these statements may constitute offences under the National Cohesion and Integration Act, the agency revealed.

The directorate concluded by stating that no individuals status or political position will grant them immunity from the law.

The DCI will not hesitate to take appropriate action where the law has been broken, irrespective of the status or position of any individual.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has moved to dispel public anxiety surrounding a new mobile device directive and persistent fears of internet interference during the upcoming election cycle.

Recent days have seen a wave of confusion sweep across the country following a government requirement for all new mobile devices entering Kenya to feature USB Type-C charging ports. This sparked concerns among many Kenyans that they might have to discard existing accessories or face the sudden obsolescence of their current smartphones.

Speaking at a community event in Kambirwa, CA Chairman Charles Karondo clarified that the directive will not disrupt current users. He assured the public that the rule applies strictly to future imports, meaning devices already in use, or those currently purchased and in transit, remain entirely unaffected.

Aligning with Global Tech Standards

According to Karondo, the authority intends to align Kenya with evolving global technology standards rather than inconvenience the public. This shift aims to simplify the charging landscape, eventually reducing the need for multiple, incompatible cables.

This should not be misunderstood as a ban, he said, noting that the transition to USB Type-C is meant to reduce confusion caused by multiple charger types and improve user convenience over time.

The Authority has already notified international manufacturers of the change. Moving forward, the CA will only approve devices equipped with USB Type-C ports for the Kenyan market.

Protecting Digital Freedom During Elections

Beyond hardware specifications, Chairman Karondo addressed the sensitive issue of digital freedom. With memories of internet shutdowns in neighboring countries like Uganda and Tanzania during their respective election periods, many Kenyans feared a similar crackdown at home.

The CA boss firmly rejected the possibility of such measures. He promised that the government will maintain uninterrupted internet access, affirming a commitment to protecting freedom of expression within the countrys legal framework.

Tackling Misinformation and Incitement

While pledging to keep the country connected, Karondo noted that the authority remains vigilant against the risks inherent in modern digital platforms. A surge in online misinformation and cases of incitement has prompted state agencies to strengthen their collaboration.

Karondo revealed that the CA now coordinates with the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to monitor online content. He described this joint effort as a strategy for fostering responsible communication rather than a tool for censorship.

The chairman explained that the initiative seeks to balance digital freedom with national stability, focusing on accountability rather than the restriction of democratic rights.

We are not restricting democratic space, he said. Our goal is to ensure that communication remains responsible and does not threaten national cohesion.
Tensions flared at the Likoni Ferry in Mombasa after a man dressed in sacks and tattered clothing appeared to carry a firearm, prompting authorities to take immediate security measures. A video of the incident quickly went viral, showing officers surrounding the individual and conducting a thorough search. The scene sparked significant public concern regarding safety at the busy crossing.

Addressing the matter, Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli clarified that the man was not carrying a functional weapon but rather a toy. Masengeli revealed that the individual suffers from mental illness and was transported to a hospital for a formal medical assessment following his arrest.

He was indeed arrested and taken to the hospital for a check-up. The hospital revealed that he was mentally challenged. The gun he was with was also found not to be a real gun, he said.

The Deputy Inspector General explained that police took the man into custody despite his condition because officers cannot afford to take risks when public safety is at stake. He maintained that the police must remain alert to protect both the community and themselves, regardless of a suspects perceived mental state.

The police remain vigilant to ensure that the security of the public is guaranteed. Even their own security, he added.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli justified the arrest by highlighting a concerning trend: criminal syndicates often exploit vulnerable street children to hide firearms or facilitate illegal operations. He noted that because authorities frequently overlook these individuals, gangs use them to store weapons out of public view.

Criminals have, on many occasions, in the country, worked with street boys to enhance their activities in cities and urban areas. The criminals usually rely on the street boys to store their weapons since authorities are not much concerned with them, he said.

Masengeli pointed to previous incidents, such as a case in Nairobis Dandora estate where street children surrendered more than five firearms to authorities, as evidence of this dangerous exploitation.

During a security patrol and public engagement at Pirates Public Beach, Masengeli and his colleague, Ali Nuno, reassured residents that law enforcement remains fully prepared to dismantle gangs like the Panga Boys. The officials promised a heightened security presence to ensure public safety.
Mike Sonko has announced that Baby James will remain under his care after the child reportedly refused to return to his relatives in Kisii, a decision that has intensified an ongoing guardianship dispute attracting national attention.

In a statement issued on Easter Monday, April 6, 2026, Sonko explained that he had initially planned to send the boy back to his family following a request from relatives. However, he changed course after the child resisted the move.

Last night, I made arrangements to take Baby James back to Kisii. However, as I calmly prepared him, following his uncles request and without applying any pressure, the child clearly and firmly refused. He chose to remain under my care, Sonko claimed.

Sonko says childs welfare comes first

The former Nairobi governor said he respects the childs wishes and intends to continue caring for him. According to Sonko, Baby James safety, stability, and education remain his top priorities as the dispute unfolds.

The situation has triggered widespread debate online and within the extended family. Some relatives insist the boy should return to Kisii, while others support Sonkos decision to continue providing guardianship in Nairobi.

Sonko also addressed speculation circulating on social media, urging the public to be cautious about unverified claims related to the childs situation.

Not everything seen on social media reflects the truth. What began as a small matter has been deliberately distorted by individuals with personal interests, to the extent of dragging an innocent child into unnecessary public drama, he said.

He warned that he would not tolerate individuals attempting to exploit the boys circumstances for personal gain, including what he described as efforts to use the child for clout, blackmail, or intimidation.

Sonko invites extended family to visit

Despite the tension surrounding the custody dispute, Sonko struck a conciliatory tone toward Baby James relatives. He said he remains open to maintaining family connections and encouraged members of the boys extended family to stay involved in his life.

Anyone from his extended family including grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins who wishes to follow his progress or visit him is welcome. I will even be ready to facilitate this, including covering travel expenses from Kisii to Nairobi and back, he said.

The former governor said the offer aims to ensure the child maintains close ties with his relatives while continuing his upbringing in Nairobi.

Tragic events brought Baby James into the spotlight

Baby James first captured public attention following a tragic incident in Mathare where he reportedly witnessed the killing of his father. The traumatic event left the young boy orphaned and deeply affected.

Sonko later stepped in to support the child, taking him into his home and pledging to provide a stable environment, education, and care.

Since then, the boys circumstances have changed significantly. According to Sonko, he has already arranged access to quality schooling and a structured support system intended to help the child rebuild his life after the tragedy.

However, involvement from extended family members has complicated the arrangement. The disagreement has sparked questions about long-term guardianship and whether the boy should grow up in Nairobi or return to his ancestral home in Kisii.

So far, no formal court proceedings related to legal custody have been publicly confirmed. Much of the debate continues to play out on social media, drawing widespread public interest.

Sonko maintains that he will not force the child to leave against his will.

My priority is to ensure that this child grows up in a safe, stable environment, with proper care and quality education, he said.

As discussions continue, Sonko appealed to the public to allow the boy some privacy and urged people to stop turning his personal situation into a public spectacle.
Somewhere on Hawaii's Big Island, a crew of nursery workers is separating sandalwood seedlings into trays. Several thousand miles east, at a corporate campus in Pleasant Grove, Utah, engineers are testing a new mobile app built to give doTERRA's independent distributors better data about their customers and sales. One operation runs on soil and patience; the other on code and cloud infrastructure. Both belong to the same company.

That juxtaposition sits at the center of a short video doTERRA released in early 2026, which documents the company's investment in technology across its operations while emphasizing that none of those tools replace what doTERRA calls "Natural Intelligence." Coined during the company's March 2026 Leadership Retreat in San Diego, the phrase refers to the combination of nature, science, and person-to-person connection that doTERRA considers its competitive identity.

"Our 'Natural Intelligence' philosophy is more than a message. It reflects how we show up for each other every day," said Jessica Moultrie, president of North America for doTERRA, during the San Diego event. "When we combine the power of nature with science and authentic human connection, we create something truly meaningful for families around the world."

With Earth Day 2026 arriving this month, that claim deserves a closer look. doTERRA's recent moves offer a useful case study for an industry-wide question: can a company push aggressively into digital tools and device technology while staying rooted in the environmental and humanitarian commitments that gave it credibility in the first place?

A $2 Billion Company, Net Debt-Free, with New Tech Ambitions

doTERRA's annual sales surpassed $2 billion in 2024, with more than 10 million customers worldwide and over 3 million independent distributors, called Wellness Advocates. CEO Kirk Jowers announced the figures during the company's Jumpstart 2025 virtual event in January of that year, adding that doTERRA operates net debt-free and distributes products to customers in more than 155 countries.

Those numbers provide context for the company's technology investments. doTERRA is spending from a position of financial stability rather than chasing growth through a digital overhaul. Recent moves include the adoption of Workday for human capital management and recruiting in 2025, the launch of the doTERRA Pro App announced at the San Diego Leadership Retreat, and a new Business Hub designed to give Wellness Advocates better tools for managing their customer relationships.

Perhaps the highest-profile hire signaling this direction came in January 2026, when doTERRA appointed Steve Powell as executive vice president of Innovation and Advanced Development. Powell holds more than 70 patents and has generated over $1 billion in global revenue through his work creating device technologies for health, beauty, sleep, and IoT applications. His portfolio includes the development of light therapy technology for mood and sleep disorders, later acquired by Philips, and leadership of professional device platforms at Rodan + Fields and Nu Skin.

"doTERRA has built an extraordinary global community around natural wellness," Powell said upon joining. "I'm honored to join the team and excited to help shape the next era of innovation that empowers people to live healthier, more connected lives."

Powell's mandate focuses on next-generation device platforms that combine intelligent technology, personalization, and wellness science. For a company whose origins lie in bottling plant distillates, the addition of a hardware-and-IoT executive marks a clear expansion of scope.

611,019 Trees and Counting: The Earthbound Side of the Equation

Technology adoption only tells half the story. doTERRA released its 2024 Impact Report on Earth Day 2025, and the figures tell a different kind of growth story. Over 179,000 native trees were planted at the Kealakekua Mountain Reserve on Hawaii's Big Island in 2024 alone, bringing the total to 611,019 since the project started in 2018. doTERRA purchased the 9,627-acre former ranch for $7.3 million that year and has since partnered with the Hawaii State Division of Forestry and Wildlife on a management plan to restore native forest degraded by two centuries of logging and grazing.

The Kealakekua project constitutes the largest reforestation effort in Hawaii's history. Under its 10-year management plan, doTERRA only uses dead or dying sandalwood in essential oil production and must keep 75 percent of the land forested. The reserve's nursery grows seedlings for replanting and has welcomed nearly 4,000 visitors since 2021 through its Hiki Ola partnership, which supports educational programs, cultural preservation with Native Hawaiian communities, and hands-on reforestation visits.

"Earth Day is a moment to reflect on our shared responsibility to people and planet," Jowers said in the 2024 Impact Report announcement. The report also disclosed that doTERRA co-funded a climate adaptation program in Kenya supporting more than 1,000 smallholder farmers with sustainable irrigation, repurposed over one million pounds of birch through circular economy efforts in Pennsylvania, and distributed more than 97,000 hygiene kits across eight countries and 28 U.S. states in response to natural disasters.

The company won the 2025 SEAL Sustainability Innovation Award for its ginger sourcing efforts in Tanzania, following a 2021 SEAL Environmental Initiative Award for its Hawaiian sandalwood conservation work. Both awards tie back to the Co-Impact Sourcing model that doTERRA uses across 45 sourcing countries.

Healing Hands at Fifteen: $55 Million and the Structure Behind It

doTERRA's philanthropic arm turned 15 in June 2025. The Healing Hands Foundation has donated more than $55 million since its founding in 2010. doTERRA International covers all overhead and administrative costs of the foundation, a structure designed to ensure 100 percent of individual donations reach recipients.

"The doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation has transformed lives and communities worldwide, creating a ripple effect of positive change," said Misty Bond, vice president of corporate relations and philanthropy, during the 15th anniversary celebration. "Our projects not only uplift those directly served but also empower the volunteers and organizers who bring them to life."

In 2024, the foundation donated more than $3 million, funding initiatives in 14 countries that delivered clean water in Nepal, education in Ghana, and medical support in Eswatini. The Match Program, which provides grants of up to $15,000 to Wellness Advocates at the rank of Elite or higher for service projects, paid out nearly $1.33 million in 2024 alone. Healing Hands also highlighted its work in Bulgaria, where funds from doTERRA spa Rose Hand Lotion sales helped establish a mobile blood donation clinic in the Rose Valley community.

At the 2025 Global Convention in Salt Lake City, more than 850 participants assembled nearly 20,000 emergency hygiene kits. Attendees also raised over $20,000 for Rising Star Outreach during a live giving session, a figure that doTERRA matched.

Where Tech Meets Touch: The Direct Selling Model as Connective Tissue

The tension between technology and human connection plays out most visibly in doTERRA's distribution model. The company's 3 million-plus Wellness Advocates build their businesses through personal relationships, one-on-one education about essential oils, and in-person events. That model predates any app or analytics dashboard.

doTERRA's video makes the argument that technology should serve those relationships rather than replace them. New tools like the doTERRA Pro App and the Digital Marketing Kit give Wellness Advocates access to ready-made assets and business analytics, but the sale itself still happens person to person. Maquel Shaw, doTERRA's executive vice president of marketing, put it directly at the 2025 Convention: "Our convention is about more than products, it's about community and empowerment."

doTERRA's approach carries particular significance for the direct selling industry. The global essential oils market was valued at $25.86 billion in 2024, with direct selling accounting for 46.8 percent of distribution channel revenue, according to Grand View Research. Companies in the sector face constant pressure to digitize without undermining the relationship-driven model that differentiates them from conventional retail.

Boyd Blake, doTERRA's technology leader who oversees the global IT organization, brings 32 years of experience from Shell Oil Company, NuSkin and doTERRA. His team provides technology platforms and tools for both Wellness Advocates and customers, with a mandate to enhance rather than displace the person-to-person engagement that drives the business.

19 Awards, One Question

doTERRA collected 19 industry awards in 2024, spanning product quality, sustainability, and leadership categories. Gold medals came from the Global Makeup Awards for products including its Refreshing Body Wash, Serenity Stick + Valerian, and Roam Diffuser. The year ended with the company winning gold for Best USA Beauty Brand at the same awards.

Good Housekeeping selected the company's Laluz Diffuser as a winner in its 2025 Bath Awards. Bishnu Adhikari received a gold Titan Business Award for Sustainability Leader of the Year, and Shannon Bible won platinum for Team Builder of the Year. The company also received the 2024 SEAL Sustainable Innovation Award for its Co-Impact Sourcing model, adding to the 2021 and 2025 SEAL awards it has earned for environmental and sourcing work.

Whether these accolades reflect genuine differentiation or simply a well-resourced awards strategy depends on whom you ask. What's harder to dispute is the operational scope behind them: 45 sourcing countries, 611,000-plus trees planted, $55 million in charitable giving, and a Certified Pure Tested Grade (CPTG) testing protocol that the company says involves multiple rounds of chemical analysis for every batch of oil.

Earth Day and the Long View

Companies routinely publish sustainability reports around Earth Day. doTERRA is no exception. What separates its approach from a pure communications exercise is the capital it has committed to specific, measurable projects: a 9,627-acre reserve with a state-monitored management plan, a goal of 1 million trees by 2030 (with more than 60 percent already planted), and certified carbon credit development now underway at Kealakekua.

The company's 2026 Convention will be held in Orlando, Florida, this September, the first time in its history the annual event leaves Salt Lake City. It will carry the theme "Imagine." If the video and the recent leadership hires are any indication, doTERRA intends to pair that imagination with continued investment in intelligent devices and personalized wellness technology.

But the video's most telling moments aren't about code or hardware. They're about hands in soil, conversations between Wellness Advocates and their customers, and community projects funded by lotion sales. doTERRA's bet is that those things still matter more than any algorithm, and that the right technology makes them easier rather than obsolete.

It's a bet worth watching.
Leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) recently voiced their frustration regarding the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) partys intention to field candidates in regions traditionally considered ODM strongholds.

This disagreement over political zoning has created visible friction as both parties begin pre-election negotiations ahead of the 2027 General Election. While the ruling UDA party seeks to expand its footprint nationwide, the Orange party maintains that any meaningful coalition agreement must prioritize the protection of its established electoral bases.

Speaking in Kisumu on Sunday, April 6, 2026, ODM leaders, led by party chairperson Gladys Wanga, argued that regional zoning remains a non-negotiable requirement for any future partnership with President William Rutos party. They cautioned that they will not accept a subordinate role in the upcoming political arrangement.

If we are going for negotiations, we are going as equal partners, not as a weaker party, Wanga stated.

The two parties currently appear to be operating with competing strategies. While UDA continues to ramp up its national presence through aggressive grassroots recruitment and candidate registration, ODM leaders insist that they will not cede control of their political heartlands, signaling a complex path forward for any potential pre-election coalition.

Several ODM Members of Parliament echoed Chairperson Wangas stance, vowing to block UDA from fielding candidates in the partys traditional heartlands. The lawmakers signaled that they would not offer unconditional loyalty to their potential partners if the Orange partys influence is sidelined during coalition talks.

And we are not going to sing songs of praise to anybody if they are not going to know that on that table, ODM is very strong, and ODM can field everybody everywhere, stated Kisumu County woman representative Ruth Odinga.

Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi went further, dismissing the possibility of compromise on the issue. He insisted that UDA must respect the geographical boundaries of ODMs political territory and stay out of areas like Muhoroni.

There is no negotiation when it comes to zoning. Because we are not going to allow UDA to plant candidates here in Muhoroni. All our party strongholds, all those strongholds are reserved for ODM, he said.

However, the UDA leadership has flatly rejected these demands. Speaking in Kilifi on Saturday, April 4, 2026, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar dismissed the calls for zoning as an attempt to stifle democratic competition. He argued that every political party possesses the right to seek votes in any corner of the country, regardless of historical voting patterns.

ODM is saying the Coast is their stronghold and it should be left to them. I want to tell them that the Coast region belongs to its residents. They should allow us to compete fairly, Omar said.

Omar challenged his counterparts to trust in their own popularity rather than seeking to lock out opponents through administrative agreements.

If you believe this is your stronghold, then why are you worried? Come, campaign, and win. There is no problem, he added.

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai also voiced a sharp dissent against proposals to zone the Nyanza region exclusively for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), branding the strategy as both selfish and ill-advised. Alai argued that such a move, championed by a specific faction of ODM leadership, offers no strategic value to President William Ruto should he enter a pre-election pact with the party.

In Alais view, zoning serves as a tool for powerful leaders to exploit the partys regional influence, allowing them to handpick preferred candidates while denying others a fair chance to compete. The process typically involves informal agreements within coalitions to allocate specific constituencies or counties to certain allies, effectively stifling internal competition to consolidate power.

Anyone zoning Nyanza as an ODM-only stronghold is trying to be a broker and reducing competition while not helping President Ruto in any way.

Alai further suggested that those pushing for exclusivity are more interested in establishing personal dynasties than in genuine political cooperation. He cautioned against using party dominance to force relatives or cronies onto the electorate, calling instead for open and free competition.

Its foolish to zone Nyanza as an ODM-only stronghold when you are also trying to create a dynasty in the same Nyanza through ODM domination. Do not force your relatives on the electorate. Allow free competition. Zoning benefits brokers desperate to create their own dynasties, he stated.

ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has proposed zoning as a natural extension of the broad-based government spirit, citing the successful collaboration between UDA and ODM during the joint endorsements seen in the November 27, 2025, by-elections.
Saluki AdLab students who garnered recently garnered regional American Advertising Federation of Southern Illinois American Advertising awards are front row, from left, Audrey Dowland and Alexis Moore and back row, from left, Clare Johnson, Marisa Nix and Emma Thompson. (Photo by Russell Bailey)

SIU Carbondale students succeed in regional advertising competition

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Southern Illinois University Carbondale students continue to show they can compete with advertising professionals at the regional ADDYs. Saluki advertising students brought home a bevy of honors in the recent American Advertising Federation of Southern Illinois American Advertising Awards

They earned 20 gold and nine silver ADDYS in the competition where their work is judged alongside those of industry professionals and honors top advertising pieces and campaigns in the region.

Bridget Lescelius, an associate lecturer in the Charlotte Thompson Suhler School of Journalism and Advertising and Saluki AdLab director, said success on the local level launches students work on to a national stage for review. The expanded network and the attention their work receives can be critical to a successful job search  especially because they can list their awards on their resumes, Lescelius said.

The work they submit is a mix of projects from AdLab and individual projects from courses or passion projects, Lescelius said. Our membership in the American Advertising Federation is key to giving our students opportunities and connections far beyond the campus experience.

The ADDYs are one of the largest advertising competitions in the U.S., with tens of thousands of entries annually. Each submission is judged on its own merits. Entries earning Gold ADDYs advance to national competitions  and that means multiple rounds of expert evaluation by experienced industry professionals.

Students, their total awards, majors and hometowns, are:

Alexis Moore, 6 gold and 5 silver ADDYS, undergraduate third year, art, Geneseo, Illinois.

Marisa Nix, 4 gold ADDYS and 1 silver ADDY, undergraduate fourth year, art, OFallon, Illinois.

Audrey Dowland, 1 gold ADDY and 3 silver ADDYS, undergraduate fourth year, marketing, OFallon, Illinois.

Emma Thompson, 3 gold ADDYS undergraduate fourth year, journalism, Opdyke, Illinois.

Clare Johnson, 1 gold ADDY, undergraduate second year, journalism, Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

Saluki AdLab earned four Gold Addys for work with an AT&T campaign and video ad, Night Light interactive website and Hangar 9 event promotions.

In addition, James Jameson, a third-year undergraduate majoring in journalism from St. Cloud, Florida, won a Gold ADDY for illustration for the Daily Egyptian student newspaper.

Saluki AdLab continued success

Saluki AdLab provides students with professional experience and exposure by applying the skills and theory from the classroom to benefit local, regional and national organizations and businesses, as well as strengthening university-community relations.

The two-time district champions (2021, 2023) will be looking for a third title along with a top three finish for the seventh time in eight years when they compete in the National Student Advertising Conference District 6 competition, April 9-10, in South Bend, Indiana.
(Photo by Bhanu Prakash Reddy Badhireddy)

SIU Carbondale workshops will help students learn about water resources management

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Students from six area high schools will learn about water resources management during Southern Illinois University Carbondales eighth annual University Council on Water Resources (UCOWR) workshop on April 15.

Nearly 125 students are expected to attend four, 50-minute workshops throughout the day and interact with SIU Carbondale water resources faculty and graduate students in a variety of hands-on activities.

Our goal is to first introduce students to the various fields involved in water resources research, hopefully giving them ideas about possible careers in this very important resource area, Elaine Groninger, a researcher with UCOWR in the School of Forestry and Horticulture. We also want them to see what SIU has to offer students considering entering water resources research and management fields.

Media availability

Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to cover the University Council on Water Resources workshops. For more information or assistance in arranging interviews, contact Elaine Groninger at 618-536-7571 or egroninger@siu.edu.

Students attending the workshop are from:

Brehm Preparatory School.

Carbondale Community High School.

Carterville High School.

Cobden High School.

Herrin High School.

Murphysboro High School.

Array of workshops planned

The activities will have faculty and graduate students from geology, civil and environmental engineering, fisheries, and forestry. The morning workshops start at 9 a.m. with lunch at 11 a.m. in the Student Center Renaissance Room. The afternoon workshops are from 12:20 to 2:10 p.m.

The students will be divided into four groups  two groups will begin with workshops in the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics on campus, while the other two groups attending workshops in the Gower Translational Research Center,1785 University Press Dr. After lunch, the groups will switch locations and workshops.

Some of the activities will include:

Fisheries: Students will experience a variety of techniques biologists in Southern Illinois use to understand aquatic species. Topics and hands-on activities include rearing fish in aquaculture, finding and identifying aquatic invertebrates, and capturing and identifying fish.

Geology: Students will be introduced to geologic field expeditions and participate in demonstrations of tools used to collect and analyze sediment cores and water chemistry. They will also learn how sediments beneath their feet record and preserve environmental and climatic signals from the landscape and atmosphere.

Civil and environmental engineering Students will learn the concept of the urban water cycle  where drinking water comes from, how it is supplied, and where the wastewater is discharged. Theyll design a water distribution network and learn about how the community and environmental engineers contribute to making the cycle healthier and more sustainable, especially considering climate and socioeconomic challenges.

Forestry: Students will make their own water filters to test soils and other substrates for their ability to filter and hold water to highlight the importance of natural landscapes such as wetlands and vegetated buffers, between agricultural or urban land and adjacent waterways.
NEW YORK, Apr 07 (News On Japan) - U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Japan over its response to a military operation involving Iran, stating that Japan "did not help" during the campaign.

Trump pointed out that around 50,000 American troops are stationed in Japan to defend the country from threats such as North Korea, adding that despite this, Japan did not provide support to the United States.

In addition to Japan, Trump also named NATO, South Korea, and Australia as allies he believes failed to offer sufficient assistance, signaling broader frustration with key partners.

Source: TBS
VMPL New Delhi [India], April 7: A Bengaluru-based Spiritual Scientist whose wellness framework has reached lives across 30+ countries was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Wellness Industry (India) on March 28, in one of the country's most recognised industry honours. Rashmi Aiyappa, Founder of Aashwasan Group of Companies and inventor of Aashwasan Science, received the award from Bollywood actor, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate Shilpa Shetty Kundra at the Udyog Yogdaan Puraskar 2026, supported by Karnataka Tourism. The Udyog Yogdaan Puraskar recognises individuals whose contributions have created a lasting legacy in their respective fields. The ceremony, attended by prominent industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and social personalities, provided a national platform to acknowledge Rashmi Aiyappa's two decades of work at the intersection of spiritual science, quantum phenomena, and human wellness. At the heart of Rashmi Aiyappa's work is Aashwasan Science -- a spiritual technology she describes as grounded in quantum phenomena and aimed at enabling holistic well-being at physiological, psychological, and spiritual levels. Since founding Aashwasan on May 23, 2005, her inventions have recorded more than 100 breakthroughs in health and wellness, with her programmes impacting millions of lives across 30+ countries. In her words, Aashwasan Science is "spiritual in origin, scientific in approach, and experiential in nature." Rashmi Aiyappa's work has been particularly noted for its reach among those who have exhausted conventional approaches to health and life challenges. Aashwasan, as she has often described it, is "a place where people who have lost hope come to find life." Her organisation has also guided corporations and institutions through transformation programmes, applying the same principles to organisational well-being. Apart from Aashwasan Group of Companies, Rashmi Aiyappa's entrepreneurial footprint spans technology and social impact. She is the Founder and Executive Chairperson of Epiance Software and Aank Humane Technologies, and the Founder & Managing Trustee of Aashwasan Foundation -- a combination that has positioned her as a rare figure bridging the worlds of tech entrepreneurship, social innovation, and the science of consciousness. Her work has been covered by more than 250 publications worldwide and featured across major media and radio platforms from 2005 to 2012. "Aashwasan is nature's own. It's a revolution that will continue for lifetimes and is here to stay. The only essence that marks life is love. Love is where it all begins," Rashmi Aiyappa said. Awards and Recognitions The Lifetime Achievement Award adds to a decade-long record of national and international recognition: * 2013 -- Social Innovator -- CMO Asia Awards, Singapore * 2017 -- Iconic Women Creating a Better World for All -- Women Economic Forum * 2017 -- 50 Most Impactful Social Innovators -- World CSR Congress * 2018 -- Global Peace Leadership & Excellence Award -- World Peace Conference * 2019, 2020 & 2021 -- Mahatma Awards -- Social Good, Impact Leadership, and Maximising Human Potential * 2021 & 2022 -- Top Women CEOs -- Women Entrepreneur Magazine * 2023 -- Forbes Recognition as eXtrepreneur -- Select 200 Companies with Global Business Potential * 2024 -- Influential Leader in Mindfulness -- Global Leaders Today Magazine * 2025 -- Best Brand 2025 -- Economic Times Conclave * 2026 -- Lifetime Achievement Award, Wellness Industry (India) -- Udyog Yogdaan Puraskar, in association with Karnataka Tourism The conferral of this award at a nationally prominent stage reflects both the growing recognition of wellness as a serious domain of impact in India, and the singular journey of a scientist who built her life's work from a deeply personal experience of nature's phenomena. As India asserts itself in the global wellness movement, Rashmi Aiyappa's two-decade legacy stands as one of its most enduring contributions. For further details, contact: Aashwasan Group of Companies, www.aashwasan.com Aashwasan Foundation - www.aashwasan.org Social media handles: FB - www.facebook.com/RashmiAiyappaSpiritualScientist Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/msrashmiaiyappa/ Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/rashmiaiyappa Youtube - www.youtube.com/Aashwasan/ ABOUT AASHWASAN Founded in 2005 by Rashmi Aiyappa, Aashwasan is a spiritual science organisation headquartered in Bengaluru, India. Through her pioneering invention, Aashwasan Science, she introduced a transformative approach that for the first time in the world brought forward quantum science to be experienced in lives so that people experience holistic wellness. Its programmes have impacted millions of lives across 30+ countries, enabling individuals and organisations to undergo deep, lasting transformation. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
Limited partners (LPs) rank India as their top investment destination in Asia-Pacific, underscoring a sharp shift in global investor sentiment as the country cements its position in private markets. A McKinsey survey of more than 50 global LPs finds India not only leading regional preference rankings, but also attracting deeper and more sustained capital commitments across asset classes. LPs are passive investors in a partnership who contribute capital but do not manage daily operations. Their liability is limited solely to the amount of their investment. They share in profits and losses but lack voting or management rights. India was ranked the most attractive private markets destination in Asia-Pacific, with "31 per cent ranking it first and 76 per cent placing it within their top three choices," reflecting strong conviction among institutional investors. This growing preference comes even as the broader Asia-Pacific private markets landscape has contracted in recent years due to geopolitical shifts and macroeconomic pressures. Despite the regional slowdown, India has emerged as a relative outperformer. Private equity and venture capital investment activity expanded "1.6-fold to $207 billion between 2016-20 and 2021-25," while exits "more than doubled to around $120 billion" over the same period. The country's share of Asia-Pacific PE and VC deployment has also risen significantly, from about 12 per cent in 2015-19 to roughly 21 per cent in 2020-24, highlighting its growing importance in global capital allocation. Limited partners are backing this shift with capital. India now accounts for more than a third of all Asia-Pacific investment exposure among surveyed LPs, with European investors showing particularly high exposure at around 60 per cent. Overall, surveyed LPs allocate about 64 per cent of their India exposure to private markets, signalling strong confidence in the country's long-term growth trajectory. The attractiveness is anchored in structural growth drivers. Investors rate factors such as entrepreneurial talent, India's GDP, economic growth and domestic consumption highly relative to other markets. Sectorally, capital remains concentrated in scalable, demand-driven industries, with nearly three-quarters of PE capital between 2021 and 2025 flowing into five sectors led by technology (29 per cent), financial services (15 per cent), and IT services (13 per cent). Investor preference is also evolving toward more mature strategies. LPs show stronger enthusiasm for buyout and growth equity, scoring them 7.8 and 7.7, respectively, on a 10-point scale, compared with lower preference for earlier-stage investments. Co-investments are gaining traction as well, accounting for about 25 to 28 per cent of deployment value in recent years, with 54 per cent of participating LPs reporting outperformance versus fund investments. However, the report flags structural challenges that could temper momentum. India's private capital intensity relative to GDP remains modest, and capital deployment is concentrated in a narrow set of sectors. Additionally, fundraising is skewed, with the six largest general partners accounting for 64 per cent of capital raised between 2022 and 2024. Limited partners also cite operational hurdles, including currency risk, a complicated tax regime, and the difficulty of doing business and contract enforceability, as areas needing improvement. Addressing these concerns, alongside improving exit pathways and deepening capital markets, will be critical to unlocking broader investor participation. Even so, investor intent remains firmly positive. More than 50 per cent of LPs plan to increase allocations to India-dedicated funds, while only 5 per cent expect to reduce exposure. As global capital continues to rebalance across Asia, India's combination of scale, growth, and improving market maturity positions it as a central destination for private market investment in the years ahead. (ANI)
PRNewswire Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 7: ANSR, the global leader in establishing and scaling Global Capability Centers (GCCs), today announced the launch of ANSR MedTech, a new capability center being built in India for a Fortune 100 fastest-growing company in the MedTech sector. The innovation hub in India will power next-generation healthcare platforms and accelerate global MedTech innovation for a Fortune 100 fastest-growing company. ANSR MedTech Capability Center will serve as a global innovation hub, bringing together world-class engineering, product, and technology talent to build next-generation healthcare platforms and digital solutions that power global operations and accelerate medical innovation. The center will power technology and product innovation for the global MedTech company. "Healthcare innovation is entering a defining decade, and the technology that powers it must be built by the world's best engineers," said Lalit Ahuja, Founder and CEO, ANSR. "With ANSR MedTech, we are creating a mission-driven engineering and product hub that will design and build next-generation healthcare platforms for a global MedTech leader. For technologists who want their work to impact millions of lives, this is an opportunity to build category-defining healthcare innovation from the ground up." The new center will build advanced technology capabilities across cloud platforms, data and analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and modern platform engineering, enabling the development of secure, scalable healthcare systems. These capabilities will power next-generation digital health platforms, accelerate product innovation, and drive intelligent, connected solutions across the MedTech ecosystem. They will also enable the development of advanced wearable technologies and digital patient solutions, helping simplify and improve healthcare experiences for patients worldwide. For more details visit: https://ansr.com/ansrmedtechgcc/ About ANSR MedTech ANSR MedTech is a global capability center established in India in partnership with ANSR for a Fortune 100, fastest-growing MedTech company. The center brings together world-class engineering, product, and technology talent to build next-generation healthcare platforms that accelerate innovation in healthcare. Designed as a strategic global innovation hub, ANSR MedTech is shaping the future of connected healthcare and improving lives through technology. About ANSR ANSR is the definitive global leader in establishing and operating Global Capability Centers. With over 200 GCCs established for more than 100 Fortune 500 companies across key innovation hubs in India, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia, ANSR combines unparalleled strategic insight, proven execution capabilities, and proprietary technology solutions to help enterprises build and grow their global teams. As pioneers of the GCC as a Service (GaaS) model and creators of the revolutionary 1Wrk platform, ANSR continues to redefine how enterprises achieve operational excellence and accelerate their digital transformation journeys. With over a decade of experience and a team of seasoned GCC experts, ANSR delivers predictable outcomes that enable enterprises to gain competitive advantage through their global capability centers. To know more www.ansr.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2950226/ANSR___MedTech_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The Air India group has announced revisions to its fuel surcharge structure across domestic and international routes amid a sharp rise in global jet fuel prices. In a statement, the airline said the decision comes as airlines worldwide face one of the toughest fuel cost environments in recent years. "Air India group today announced further revisions to its fuel surcharge structure across domestic and international routes," the airline said. The airline noted that global jet fuel prices have surged significantly in recent weeks. "According to the latest data published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global average jet fuel price rose to USD 195.19 per barrel for the week ending March 27, 2026, up from USD 99.40 at the end of February, recording a surge of close to 100%," the airline said. It added that the rise has been driven not only by higher crude oil prices but also by a sharp increase in refining margins. "ATF... has seen simultaneous increases in both its crude oil component as well as the refinery margin, known as 'crack spread', with the latter having nearly tripled within three weeks," the airline said. For domestic routes, the airline said it will transition from a flat surcharge structure to a distance-based system starting April 8. "Following the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas' and Ministry of Civil Aviation's decision to cap domestic Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) price hike at 25%, Air India group is reflecting this calibrated approach, transitioning from a flat domestic surcharge to a distance-based grid," the airline said. Under the revised structure, the surcharge will range from Rs 299 per passenger for flights up to 500 km to Rs 899 for flights above 2,000 km. For international routes, the airline said the changes will be more substantial due to the absence of similar fuel price caps. "At the same time, in the absence of any such mitigations on international ATF prices, the Air India group will be implementing more significant changes to fuel surcharges," it said. Despite the revision, the airline said the surcharge still does not fully cover the increase in fuel costs. "The fuel surcharges on international routes do not compensate for the exponential increase in jet fuel prices for international flights. Air India continues to absorb a significant portion of this increased cost," the statement added. Meanwhile, the airline's Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson informed employees that he has decided to step down from the role after overseeing a major transformation of the airline over the past four years. "With a brief window until bulk deliveries from the nearly 600-strong aircraft orderbook commence in earnest from 2027, the time is right for me to hand over the reins for the next phase of Air India's rise," Wilson said in an internal message. He added, "I have informed the Board of my resignation, albeit with a commitment to remain in the role until a smooth transition can be effected." Reflecting on the airline's transformation since its return to the Tata Sons group, Wilson said employees had played a crucial role in driving change. "The four years since Air India's privatisation have seen tremendous change and progress... including the acquisition and successful merger of four airlines, modernization of systems and the addition of more than 100 aircraft to the fleet," he said. "It has been a true honour to play a small part in this latest chapter of Air India's long history," Wilson added. (ANI)
NewsVoir Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], April 7: What if real estate worked like software? ASBL shows how AI in real estate is making that possible. ASBL, a tech-first real estate company, was a platinum sponsor at the Python Conference Hyderabad 2026. The event was held on March 14 and 15, 2026, at the Engineering Staff College of India, Hyderabad. It brought together developers, engineers, and technology professionals from across the country. At the conference, Abhijith Reddy, CTO of ASBL, explained how technology in real estate is solving real challenges across construction, sales, and resident living. He highlighted that the industry still struggles with basic but critical problems in construction, such as maintaining budget discipline, managing material and labour payments, detecting delays early, and ensuring consistent quality. ASBL is addressing these challenges using advanced prop tech solutions. The company has developed a digital twin system along with mobile apps and planning tools. In simple terms, every building is mapped digitally, and each task is clearly assigned. Teams know what work needs to be done, where it should happen, and in what order. Once a task is completed, proof is uploaded and verified before moving forward. This approach improves control, increases accountability, detects delays faster, and strengthens quality checks. The same approach is applied to sales. Abhijith Reddy explained that the focus is on identifying the right customers, understanding buyer needs, automating outreach, and simplifying financing. By using structured data, automation, and AI in real estate, ASBL is making the sales process more efficient and responsive. This also creates a smoother experience for both customers and sales teams. He also spoke about life after handover, where many real estate processes remain manual. In gated communities, there are multiple moving parts such as residents, staff, visitors, service requests, and amenities. Managing all of this can be complex without the right systems in place. ASBL addresses this through Homes by ASBL, its dedicated resident management app. The app allows residents to manage daily activities in one place. From booking amenities to raising service requests and receiving updates, everything is handled digitally, making daily living simpler and more organized. ASBL has also digitized the entire home-buying journey. Documentation workflows, approvals, and customer communication are handled through technology. This reduces the need for physical visits and makes the process easier, especially for NRIs purchasing homes from abroad. By leveraging AI, they automate repetitive tasks, speed up development, and reduce errors, which allows them to focus on solving real-world real estate challenges. In a month alone, they used 3.8 billion tokens, a testament to how cursor usage drives innovation and efficiency across all the processes. ASBL believes it is not a real estate company doing tech, but a tech company doing real estate. By supporting the Python community and showcasing the use of AI in real estate and prop tech, ASBL reinforced its vision of building better homes and better customer experiences through technology. (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.)
Uday Kotak, Founder and Non-Executive Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, on Tuesday warned that the world may be entering a phase of structural geopolitical change and said India must invest more in research, innovation and manufacturing to truly achieve self-reliance. Speaking at the FICCI Foundation Day - Celebrating the Spirit of Entrepreneurship organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Kotak said the current global situation -- particularly rising conflicts and shifting geopolitical power -- raises an important question about whether the world will return to normal or undergo deeper structural changes. "We are at an important cusp of what I call the return of global colonialism," Kotak said, referring to recent geopolitical developments and comments by Donald Trump. "He (Trump) made two points that clearly identified that we are in a very different world. One... 'whoever wins the war keeps the spoils.' And two... 'if we get control of the Strait of Hormuz, we the United States of America will charge a rent'," Kotak said. Kotak said such developments echo historical patterns of colonial expansion, drawing a parallel with the rise of the East India Company in India. "In the early stages, East India Company was a pure trading company. It traded and made money. Then they had superior technology -- guns and gun powder -- which gave them leverage," he said. "Soon the trader figured out that why not I start acquiring territory as well. And through that you saw the trading company become the British Empire in India," Kotak added. According to him, the world currently faces two possible economic scenarios. The first is a continuation of the global order that emerged after World War II, where economies typically recover after crises. "For the last 80 years, whenever there has been a crisis, we have seen a reversion to mean," he said. However, Kotak said the second scenario could be a return to the kind of structural shifts that defined global history before 1945. "In this scenario, whenever there is a crisis, there is structural change happening in the world -- lands conquered, rulers changed and the rule of might," he said. Kotak said while the first scenario may remain the base case for businesses, even a small probability of deeper structural change cannot be ignored. "Even if it is a low probability event, it's a very high impact event," he said. "Whatever low probability you put to scenario two, do not assume that to be zero." Turning to India's growth strategy, Kotak said the country must focus on innovation, product development and manufacturing if it wants to build true economic strength. "Research and innovation has to be at the core of Atma Nirbhar Bharat," he said. Kotak noted that Indian companies often rely on imported technologies rather than building their own capabilities. "We believe we can buy technology. We can buy rare earths from China. We can get Microsoft and other technologies from the US. But where is the Atma Nirbhar Bharat truly?" he asked. He also highlighted the need for Indian firms to move beyond services and focus on building products, especially in the age of artificial intelligence. "As AI comes at our doorstep, hardly any company has moved to productise themselves," Kotak said. Drawing comparisons with China, Kotak said the country has made rapid progress in electric mobility and manufacturing capabilities. "I went to China last week. In China, 60 per cent of domestic car production is electric. India is 3 per cent," he said. Kotak added that India must strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities, particularly in mid-scale industries. "The biggest area where we need to build is middle manufacturing," he said, referring to companies investing between 100 crores and 1,000 crores. Reflecting on India's economic journey since the 1991 Indian economic reforms, Kotak said Indian businesses initially resisted liberalisation but eventually adapted. "Soon Indian businesses figured out that let's get our act together and Indian manufacturing got back and created world-class manufacturing," he said. However, he said India must now take the next leap to strengthen industrial capacity and reduce dependence on imports, especially from China. "The reality is a $116 billion trade deficit with China," Kotak said. He concluded by urging the business community to prepare for an uncertain global environment while strengthening India's long-term economic resilience. (ANI)
KYOTO, Apr 07 (News On Japan) - A trial luggage storage service has begun at a bank in Kyoto, as part of efforts to address the growing number of tourists visiting the city.

According to a report by Ishikawa Chisato: "At what appears to be an ordinary bank branch, visitors can now leave behind large pieces of luggage."

Mitsubishi UFJ Banks Kyoto branch has partnered with major logistics company Sagawa Express to launch a temporary luggage storage and delivery service starting on April 6th.

With the spread of cashless payments reducing the number of in-branch visitors, the bank had been exploring ways to utilize unused space within its premises.

The initiative aims to encourage tourists to store large luggage, helping to ease congestion on streets and public transportation in Kyoto, where overtourism has become an increasing concern.

Kosugi Yuji, head of Mitsubishi UFJ Banks Kyoto branch, said: "We have real estate in prime locations that is not being fully utilized, and through this partnership, we have been able to create a framework to address social challenges that we could not solve alone."

The bank is also considering expanding the service to other branches in the future.

Source: YOMIURI
The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) has urged the Ministry of Civil Aviation to adopt a "calibrated and reciprocal approach" after authorities at Dubai International Airport imposed temporary limits on the number of flights foreign airlines can operate. In a letter dated March 31 addressed to the ministry, the industry body representing Indian carriers flagged that the restriction could create an uneven playing field for domestic airlines operating to Dubai. The FIA, which represents major Indian carriers including Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet, said the move follows a communication issued by Dubai airport authorities. "The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA)... wishes to draw the Ministry's urgent attention to a recent communication dated 27 March 2026 received from Dubai International Airport (DXB) authorities," the letter stated. According to the letter, Dubai authorities have directed airlines to cancel certain flights for the Northern Summer 2026 season. "As per the said communication, DXB authorities have mandated flight cancellations for the Northern Summer 2026 (S'26) season... effective from Monday, 20 April 2026 to Sunday, 31 May 2026," the letter said. It added that during this period foreign airlines will be allowed to operate only limited services. "During this period, foreign carriers have been restricted to only one rotation per day, until further capacity becomes available," the FIA said. However, the airline body claimed that carriers based in the United Arab Emirates are not facing the same restrictions. "It is pertinent to highlight that UAE-based carriers, namely Emirates (EK) and Flydubai (FZ), have already resumed operations to India at pre-disruption levels and are not subject to similar restrictions," the letter stated. The FIA warned that such differential treatment could lead to market distortions and operational challenges for Indian airlines. "The continuation of such restrictions on Indian carriers is already leading to anti-competitive market conditions, operational inefficiencies, substantial revenue losses, and passenger inconvenience and disruption," the letter said. The body has requested the ministry to take up the issue with Dubai authorities to ensure fair treatment for Indian airlines. "In light of the above, FIA respectfully requests the Ministry to urgently examine the matter and approach Dubai authorities for immediate removal of this restriction for Indian carriers so that Indian carriers can reinstate operations to Dubai (DXB) to pre-war levels," the letter said. If the restrictions continue, the airline body has also asked the government to consider reciprocal measures. "In the absence of such relief, we further request the Ministry to consider the implementation of appropriate reciprocal measures to ensure parity and fairness, i.e., restricting the operations of Dubai carriers to the level of cumulative seat capacity deployed by Indian carriers on services to/from Dubai (DXB)," the letter added. The FIA said such steps would help ensure a level playing field for Indian carriers operating international flights to Dubai. (ANI)
In a striking crossover moment between Bollywood and Hollywood, Karan Johar recently met global cinema icons Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway in Tokyo, Japan, as part of the international promotional tour for 'The Devil Wears Prada 2.' Sharing the moment on his Instagram handle, Johar offered fans a glimpse into what can only be described as a rare convergence of cinematic and fashion legacies. Describing the encounter as a "once in a lifetime" moment, the 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' filmmaker wrote, "This is not a caption. This is a confession. I am singularly obsessed and inspired by the unmatchable brilliance of Meryl Streep. In many ways she has been my guru in the art of acting & portraying characters across cinema!!" He also wrote that meeting the two icons made his knees rattle. "I have watched The Devil Wears Prada no less than 47 times. I have quoted it at dinner tables, in edit suites and in board meetings (no kidding!) So when I tell you that standing next to HER & them today, I felt the ground shift, please believe me. I tried very hard to be calm and composed but here's a another confession - my knees were RATTLING," he wrote. https://www.instagram.com/p/DW0UD1XiGez/?img_index=1 The meeting comes at a time when anticipation is steadily building for the sequel to the 2006 cult classic, which famously explored the high-stakes world of fashion journalism. The original film left a lasting cultural imprint, driven by Streep's portrayal of the formidable Miranda Priestly and Hathaway's transformation as Andy Sachs. Their reunion for the sequel has already sparked excitement amongst fans. 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' reunites the original main cast and brings back director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna. The sequel also expands its ensemble with new cast members including Kenneth Branagh, Simone Ashley, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J Shen, Pauline Chalamet, BJ Novak and Conrad Ricamora. Additionally, Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman reprise their roles as Lily and Irv from the original film. Backed by 20th Century Studios, the film is set for a theatrical release on May 1, 2026. (ANI)
'Ramayan' actor Dipika Chikhlia backed the the Women's Reservation Bill, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the initiative aimed at empowering women in India. "All I can say is that it is very good because, you know, actually we are 50 per cent of our population. Women are 50 per cent of population and I don't see really anything wrong in trying to help and support and, you know, bring them up in the society," Chikhlia told ANI. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that Parliament will convene a special session on April 16 to take up the Women's Reservation Bill. She emphasised the need for the bill, noting the divide between urban and rural India. "There is a certain percentage of people, women who are very educated, they're doing very well, but there's still, you know, there are two kinds of India. So, one where the women are, you know, excelling themselves everywhere, but they're still in the three tiers and the villages, women are still not up to where they should be." The government is planning to bring an amendment bill to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816 from 543 seats. The idea is to have at least 273 seats reserved for women. According to sources, the key agenda may include amendments to the 2023 Nari Shakti Vandan Act and the introduction of the Delimitation Commission Bill.The sources said that the Centre has planned to take the 2011 census as the basis for delimitation and seat redistribution.Currently, the Lok Sabha has 543 seats. With a proposed 50 per cent increase, the number of seats will rise to 816, with 273 (about a third) reserved for women. Chiklia praised PM Modi's initiative as a step toward inclusive representation. "I think Modiji is supporting a bill like this as a, for a reservation. It's primarily because I think women also need to come out more in the open and I think it is absolutely very necessary for women to stand up and I think this is a complete support to womanhood," she added. BJP MP Ravi Kishan also welcomed the move to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, saying that this will allow more women MPs to bring forward issues of their constituencies. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that Parliament will convene a special session on April 16 to take up the Women's Reservation Bill. "The Prime Minister's idea has infused all women with a new energy. Now there will be 33 per cent women's representation in the Parliament, and they will bring forward the issues of their constituencies. There are about 70 crore women in the nation, and women's first choice while casting votes is PM Narendra Modi. Reservation for women was important, and I welcome this move," Ravi Kishan said. Earlier, veteran actor and CINTAA President Poonam Dhillon also voiced her support for the Women's Reservation Bill, emphasising that increased representation of women in Parliament will bring greater sensitivity and focus to key societal issues. Dhillon highlighted the positive impact of women's participation in grassroots governance. "As we have seen in the last few years, when it was implemented in the panchayat, it made a lot of difference. Logon ko samajh aaya ki jab ek aurat apni awaaz rakhti hai aur nirnay mein bhi jo bhi uska opnion hota hai yes or no rakhti hai to usme bahut farak padta hai...(People understood that when a woman has her own voice and has her own opinion in the decision-making process, it makes a lot of difference)," she said. She also noted that women are better positioned to understand and address issues such as family welfare, education, sanitation, and health. "Issues like family, women empowerment, education, sanitation, health, no one can understand these issues better than a woman. Sensitivity is very important," she added. Dhillon said, "I am very happy that this time, this issue will be raised in our parliament, and a lot of time has been spent on it. We used to talk about the 33 per cent reservation. This is the right time." The government aims to amend the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, also called the Women's Reservation Bill, which aims to delink quotas for women from the delimitation process. Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was passed in 2023.A separate Delimitation Bill will be introduced. Both bills need to be passed as Constitutional amendments for women's reservation. The new Lok Sabha is likely to have more than 800 seats. (ANI)
Actor Antony Starr has expressed pride over the viral memes inspired by his character Homelander from the hit series 'The Boys', as anticipation builds for its fifth season on Prime Video. The show, known for its sharp satire and shocking twists, has consistently dominated pop culture discourse, with Starr's portrayal of the volatile superhero Homelander becoming a major talking point. One particular moment from Season 3, a panic attack scene featuring the 'inflated cheeks' expression, exploded across timelines, turning into one of the most widely shared meme formats from the show, as per the press release. Reflecting on the unexpected popularity of these memes, Starr said that he finds it "surreal" yet gratifying that younger audiences resonate with the character in unusual ways. He recalled being unaware of how expressive his performance appeared on screen, only to later discover that fans had turned the moment into humorous edits circulating online. "I love that young people seem to connect with this character, in a very strange way. There's one shot from season three, where Homelander has a panic attack. I didn't know that my cheeks were so elasticated, so rubbery...! Two years later, all these kids were blowing my cheeks up like hot air balloons, there was a whole sequence of memes going around. It's surreal. There are elements of the show, if not the entire show, that are firmly in the collective pop culture's consciousness, it's great. It's indicative of how the show has really gotten into people's minds, it's fun. I'm proud of Homelander's memes," Starr said in a statement. Based on the best-selling comic created by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, the show has been developed by Eric Kripke. It features an ensemble cast including Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Erin Moriarty and Chace Crawford, among others. Produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios, Produced by Sony Pictures Television, Amazon MGM Studios with Kripke Enterprises, Original Film, and Point Grey Pictures, 'The Boys' Season 5 will premiere with Episode 1 and 2 on Prime Video, on April 8, followed by weekly releases every Wednesday, until the finale on May 13. This season will be available to stream in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada languages. (ANI)
Tis Hazari Court on Monday refused to grant anticipatory bail to one Sajid alias Iqbal, who is accused of leading a mob at Faiz-E-Elahi Mosque in Turkman Gate area. The court rejected the anticipatory bail plea of the accused in view of his past conduct of non-cooperation in the investigation. It also considered the submission and reply filed by the Delhi police, stating that the allegations against him are serious in nature. An incident of stone pelting occurred during demolition by civic agencies in January this year. An FIR was lodged at Chandani Mahal police station in this case. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Shilpi Jain rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Sajid alias Iqbal after considering all the facts and submissions. "In view of the aforesaid facts and circumstances, considering the gravity of offence and seriousness of the allegations leveled against the accused, his conduct of not cooperating with the investigating agency, fact that custodial interrogation of accused is required for detailed investigation to ascertain the motive behind the alleged offence and finding force in the submissions made by Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) for the State and reply of Investigation Officer, this Court is not inclined to enlarge accused Sajid alias Iqbal on anticipatory bail at this stage," ASJ Jain said in the order of April 6. In its reply, Delhi Police said that despite joining the investigation, the accused has not cooperated with the investigating agency and therefore, his custodial interrogation is required for a detailed investigation to ascertain the motive behind leading the mob very aggressively. It was further stated that the motive of the applicant/accused to stop the lawful work of agencies is also to be investigated, and the persons who are behind him are also to be ascertained. Counsel for the accused had submitted that the assembly was peaceful and without any pre-planned motive for rioting or conspiracy; the accused was not named in the FIR. It was also submitted that no specific role has been attributed to him, he has not given any provocative speech, and 13 co-accused persons have already been enlarged on regular bail, and therefore, the accused should also be released on the grounds of parity. On the other hand, the prosecution opposed the bail plea on the ground that custodial interrogation of the accused is required for a detailed investigation to ascertain the motive behind leading the mob by the accused very aggressively. It was further submitted that the motive of the applicant/accused to stop the lawful work of agencies is also to.be investigated, and the persons who are behind him are also to be ascertained. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Monday directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the investigation in the alleged blockade (gherao) of judicial officers deployed in the Election Commission's (ECI) special intensive revision (SIR) of voter roll exercise in West Bengal's Malda district. A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi examined a status report filed by the National Investigation Agency. It noted that three FIRs have been registered over incidents directly involving judicial officers and nine pertain to blockades in other areas. A total of 24 people have been arrested, including identified troublemakers and history-sheeters. Keeping in view that there are serious allegations in the matter against officials of the WB administration, the Court ordered the NIA to take over the probe. "...Judicial officers deputed to do work related to SIR of voter roll in West Bengal, we are informed that the ECI entrusted the inquiry to the National Investigation Agency. The NIA has consequently filed a status report in a sealed cover. Contents are perused... There are serious allegations against the State officials, including the State police. We direct the NIA to take over the inquiry", it noted. It further clarified that the agency would have full powers to widen the probe."The NIA will be at liberty to register further FIRs if it finds that the offences... have other dimensions or involvement", the Court added. The Court laid down a clear framework for the investigation and directed that all reports be filed before the NIA (special) Court in Kolkata, while periodic updates must also be submitted before it. "Irrespective of place of occurrence, the investigation reports shall be submitted at the NIA Court at Kolkata; however, before passing of orders, the NIA shall also submit its report in this Court from time to time." The State police were ordered by the court to hand over all records and extend complete logistical support. "The State/local police is directed to hand over a report relating to all incidents to the NIA. Logistic support or assistance, as may be required by the NIA to take the probe to its logical conclusion." The Court also ensured that the custody of accused persons would not remain with the State police. "The suspects who have been arrested so far by the State/local police shall be independently interrogated by the NIA; for this purpose, their custody shall be handed over to the NIA even though they are in police custody." During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the NIA, placed the agency's status report before the Court in a sealed cover. Upon its consideration, the Court noted that the report detailed multiple serious incidents, including obstruction of judicial officers, blockades and coordinated disturbances during the SIR exercise. Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for the West Bengal DGP and Chief Secretary, informed the Court that two alleged kingpins of the alleged blockade in Malda district, Mudawarul Islam and Mohammad Ali Shajari, had been arrested. Relying on the NIA's findings, the Court observed that there were serious allegations against State officials, including the police and that the nature of the incidents suggested a broader breakdown of law and order. Thus, it stated that the material placed before it warranted an independent and centralised investigation. The Court's concern was also rooted in specific incidents flagged in the report, such as a lady judicial officer being prevented from reaching her assigned venue and instances of gherao and obstruction at official locations. Coming down heavily on the State administration, the Court remarked that the situation reflected a complete failure of governance and coordination. It observed: "Only because of sheer failure of State and police administration... the ECI is kept in the dark. You don't communicate with the High Court or ECI, and this lack created disturbance in the State." The Court also criticised the conduct of senior officials of the WB administration for their lack of responsiveness and accountability. "Why is the entire State policy being played out in the Secretariat and in offices of bureaucrats... We do not like when such senior officers invite adverse orders from us," it said. It underscored that such a situation is not limited to just one State, rather it's in many States where senior bureaucrats and other officials of the State administration are pampered. During the hearing, top officials of the West Bengal administration, including the State's Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP), appeared before the bench through video conferencing, in compliance with the court's earlier orders, where it had issued show cause notices to them to explain their inaction during the gherao incident. The Court asked the Chief Secretary as to why he was unable to receive multiple phone calls made by the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court in a situation where judicial officers deployed in SIR duty were gheraoed and constrained for long hours. The top state official, in his response, submitted that during the time of the incident, he had been away from the State for official work. Answering the Court's query on why he was unable to receive phone calls, the Chief Secretary said his phone is a highly secured device and he had been on a flight during the day. Displeased with the top officials response, the Court directed him to issue an apology to the Chief Justice of the High Court. "Your number is mostly switched off, Mr Secretary... Lower yourself a bit so the other minion State officials, such as the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, could speak to you and convey his messages to us", Justice Joymalya Bagchi remarked. You must issue an apology to the Honble Chief Justice of the High Court," he added. Despite these strong observations, the Court accepted affidavits filed by senior officers and refrained from initiating further action. "We hope and trust that both officers have understood the sense of responsibility... We do not propose any further action on these officers", the Court noted. underscored the gravity of the situation. As regards the disposal of claims and objections in SIR, the Court held that decisions taken by the Judicial Officers can be challenged before appellate tribunals 19 presided over by former Chief Justices and High Court judges. It clarified that aggrieved persons, whether excluded from voter lists or dissatisfied with decisions of adjudicating officers, can approach these tribunals. The Court also allowed the tribunals to frame their own procedures, as long as they follow principles of natural justice and give all parties a fair hearing. The Court also directed that a uniform procedure must be followed across all 19 tribunals. It asked the Chief Justice of the High Court to form a team of three former Chief Justices or judges to lay down a common procedure. "The tribunals will be free to evolve their own procedure as per principles of natural justice and they will give a fair opportunity to parties to hear their appeal. With a view to bring uniformity in the procedure to be followed by all 19 tribunals, it would be necessary that this procedure is formally prescribed before adjudication of the appeals", it noted. It also directed that this process begin immediately so that appeals can be heard without delay. "We request the CJ HC to constitute the team immediately and start proceedings tomorrow so that appeals can be taken up immediately and taken up expeditiously. The High Court at Calcutta has requested the ECI vide April 5 to clarify certain issues, namely, when the venue of the appellate tribunal will be ready to be functional in all aspects. We are informed that the requisite infrastructure has been made available and the officers are ready to function.ECI counsel informs that a nodal officer has been notified, who shall be required to issue directions. The SDO will acknowledge the receipt of the filing of appeals," it noted. The Court also directed the Election Commission of India to publish the supplementary list of voters by tonight and permitted the portal to remain open until April 7 for the limited purpose of completing pending digital signatures on verified objections. "The ECI is directed to publish the supplementary list tonight. Even in the absence of digital signatures on all the verified objections, for the limited purpose of digital signatures, the portal will remain open till April 7," it noted. (ANI)
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will inaugurate newly procured Fire Services vehicles and equipment at the Parade Ground in the capital Amaravati on Tuesday at 4:00 PM, according to a release issued by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office (CMO). As per the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission, the state government has undertaken the modernisation of the Fire Services Department with an outlay of Rs 252.93 crore. As part of this initiative, vehicles and equipment worth Rs 33.25 crore have been procured. The Chief Minister will personally inspect the modern vehicles and equipment before formally launching them, the release said. The newly procured assets include 25 Advanced Water Tenders, 40 Quick Response Vehicles, 50 Inflatable Rubber Boats and 30 BA Set Compressors. The release stated that in the first phase, 25 advanced fire tenders were purchased at a cost of Rs 18 crore. Additionally, 40 quick response vehicles equipped with high-pressure pumps were procured at a cost of Rs 10 crore. The government also acquired 50 inflatable rubber boats worth Rs 2.49 crore and 30 BA set compressors worth Rs 2.08 crore. Under the Rs 252.93 crore modernisation plan recommended by the 15th Finance Commission, the Central Government contributed Rs 189.70 crore (75 per cent), while the State Government contributed Rs 63.23 crore (25 per cent), the release added. Out of the total funds allocated under the plan, 50 per cent is earmarked for modernisation, 30 per cent for expansion, 15 per cent for state-specific needs and 5 per cent for training, it added. According to the release, Andhra Pradesh has achieved the distinction of securing the first position in the country by utilising 100 per cent of the central funds allocated for this initiative. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu on Monday unveiled a comprehensive plan to build a statewide water grid aimed at transforming irrigation and ensuring water security across the state. Speaking at the Jaladhara programme in Anantapur, the Chief Minister said the government is committed to completing the Polavaram Project before the 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu. Once completed, the project will enable gravity-based diversion of Godavari waters into the Krishna River, helping stabilise the Krishna delta and potentially extending the water supply up to Visakhapatnam. As part of the larger vision, CM Naidu proposed diverting nearly 200 TMC of Godavari water towards the Nagarjuna Sagar ayacut. This water would then be routed through projects like Nallamala Sagar and Veligonda, allowing Srisailam waters to be reserved for Rayalaseema. The move is expected to provide irrigation coverage to every acre in the drought-prone region. The Chief Minister also outlined a long-term strategy to interlink rivers across Andhra Pradesh, ensuring that surplus floodwaters from Srikakulam reach parched regions like Anantapur. He emphasised the completion of key projects, including Vamsadhara, Nagavali, and Champavathi, and noted that approval has been received for a new barrage on the Vamsadhara River. (ANI)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi President Saurabh Bharadwaj said the BJP-controlled Delhi Police is driven by prejudice, pointing out that while no FIR was registered even after an attack on Dalit MLA Kuldeep Kumar, the entire police machinery, including the Commissioner, swung into action when ink was thrown at the Assembly Speaker's car and a bouquet was left behind. A car breaching security and entering the Delhi Assembly premises by breaking through the gate has triggered fresh questions over the functioning of the Delhi Police. AAP Delhi Unit Chief Saurabh Bharadwaj stated, "Had the Speaker of the Assembly strongly reprimanded the Delhi Police for not registering an FIR in the attack on MLA Kuldeep Kumar, perhaps today's incident could have been prevented." He appealed that the BJP government and the Delhi Police must come out of their anti-Dalit mindset. In a post on social media platform X, Saurabh Bharadwaj said, "Any kind of attack or violence is shameful, but the prejudice of the BJP-controlled Delhi Police against Dalits is even more shameful. Ten days ago, our Dalit MLA Kuldeep Kumar's vehicle was attacked in the presence of police personnel. The car's window was smashed. Delhi Police CCTV cameras were installed at the spot, but the police did not provide the CCTV footage and did not even register an FIR in the attack." Emphasising institutional responsibility, he emphasised, "The Speaker of the Assembly is considered the guardian of the House. As the Speaker, Vijender Gupta should have strongly pulled up the police. The police have failed to provide security to the House and its MLAs." Meanwhile, Delhi Police has registered a case at Civil Lines Police Station under appropriate sections of law in the Delhi Assembly security breach incident. According to the DCP North Raja Banthia, a case has been registered at Police Station Civil Lines under appropriate sections of law, including attempt to murder, criminal trespass with preparation to commit an offence, use of criminal force against a public servant, and Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, along with other relevant provisions pertaining to obstruction of public servants in the discharge of duty. The accused, identified as Sarabjit Singh (aged 37 years), resident of Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, was apprehended along with two other persons. All individuals are currently being questioned, and further investigation is underway, the DCP said. The accused in the Delhi Assembly security breach incident, Sarabjit, was allegedly suffering from a mental health illness, according to sources.According to preliminary findings, his family members have said that Sarabjit suffered from a mental health illness and would not listen to his family during his episodes, according to sources.Sarabjit has not yet revealed the reason behind his act during the police interrogation, according to sources. (ANI)
A man has been arrested in connection with the sexual assault of an eight-year-old girl in the Aman Vihar area of the national capital, the Delhi Police said on Tuesday. According to police officials, the accused allegedly lured the minor to his residence on the pretext of repairing a speaker before committing the crime. Acting swiftly on the complaint, police registered a case under relevant sections of the Criminal Code and Section 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Section 8 of the POCSO Act, 2012, mandates punishment for "Sexual Assault," defined under Section 7 as non-penetrative physical contact with sexual intent. Offenders face rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than 3 years, extendable up to 5 years, along with a fine. This section specifically targets sexual touching without penetration. The accused has since been taken into custody, police said. In an official statement, Delhi Police appealed to citizens to maintain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands under any circumstances. "All citizens are requested not to take the law into their own hands under any circumstances and immediately inform the police about any such criminal so that strict legal action can be taken against him," the police said. In another incident, a 19-year-old man was arrested for the alleged stabbing of a vegetable transporter to death near Azadpur Mandi, Delhi police said. Police added that the accused, a resident of a village in Delhi, was caught at the spot by a police team from PP Badhola, PS Mahendra Park. Officers recovered the vegetable knife used in the crime from his possession, as per police, adding that he has no prior criminal record. More details are awaited in this case. (ANI)
Telangana Chief Minister and Congress leader A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday expressed his willingness to engage in a direct, fact-based debate with Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, amid an intensifying political exchange between the two leaders ahead of the 2026 Keralam Assembly elections. Speaking on the controversy over his earlier "dark era" remarks about Keralam, Reddy said, "I am ready to debate with Pinarayi Vijayan whenever he gives me the opportunity. My point is, who is his role model? Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, or Jyoti Basu and Somnath Chatterjee? Pinarayi Vijayan is following Narendra Modi as his role model, and this is not acceptable to people of Keralam. He is campaigning like one more Narendra Modi." Reddy criticised Vijayan for allegedly misquoting data and politicising comparisons between Telangana and Keralam. "The competition is not going between Telangana and Kerala. The fight is going in Kerala between LDF and UDF. He has to answer for the Kerala people, not Telangana. He is making it appear as if the election is between Telangana and Kerala," he said. He highlighted discrepancies in Vijayan's use of the NITI Aayog SDG Index, stating that much of the data cited pertained to the 2023-24 period, which predates the current Congress government in Telangana. "A quick preliminary observation: virtually every statistic you cite is from the NITI Aayog SDG Index 2023-24 - a period representing the tail-end of a disastrous decade for Telangana. That era ended in December 2023. You are measuring our recovery by data that predates our government," Reddy said. On poverty, he questioned Vijayan's claim that Keralam would eradicate extreme poverty by late 2025, noting that the timeline has passed. "We are now in April 2026. Did it happen? Or was it, like many LDF promises, still a work in progress?" he asked. Addressing literacy and healthcare, Reddy emphasised Telangana's progress since its formation in 2014. "Kerala's 95.3% literacy rate versus Telangana's 76.9% is cited to belittle us. Telangana, carved out in 2014 from a state with deep regional inequities, has brought literacy from 72% in 2011 to 76.9% in a decade. Our investment in schools and Gurukul institutions continues to narrow this gap," he said. On healthcare, he criticised selective comparisons of Keralam's infant mortality rate (IMR) with that of the United States. "Your claim that Kerala's IMR of 5 per 1,000 live births is better than the USA's 5.6 is a factual cherry-pick. Telangana's IMR has fallen sharply, with Rajiv Aarogyasri now covering 10 lakh per family, 99.9% institutional deliveries, and rapid hospital infrastructure expansion. Kerala's achievement took 70 years; we are closing the gap in just a decade," Reddy noted. He also called out Vijayan for emulating PM Narendra Modi in his campaign style. "You see, wherever you go, only Pinarayi Vijayan posters and cut-outs are there. Even Panchayat elections are contested in the name of Modi. How can a senior leader insult Kerala people in this way?" Reddy extended an invitation for a debate in Thiruvananthapuram, saying, "Since you are a senior leader, I am happy to come on April 7 and share our data directly, to hear your views in a positive, fact-based discussion. I extend this invitation with genuine respect." The Telangana CM also highlighted political dynamics, alleging that Vijayan avoids criticising Narendra Modi due to legal protections. "It is clear why Pinarayi Vijayan avoids criticising Modi while targeting Rahul Gandhi. He is embroiled in several cases, including the gold smuggling and Sabarimala gold theft cases. His protector resides in Delhi, so he remains silent on Modi, who shields him," Reddy said. He contrasted this with investigations faced by the Gandhi family, saying, "While Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have faced numerous investigations despite their sacrifices, Pinarayi Vijayan remains untouched. The people of Kerala have recognised this, and significant political change is imminent in the state." The controversy follows Reddy's launch of the UDF manifesto for the Keralam Assembly elections on April 3, when he declared the end of the "dark era" and the start of a "golden era" under the UDF. Vijayan responded on April 4, calling Reddy's remarks "entirely baseless" and urging him to focus on Telangana's shortcomings rather than "preaching" to Keralam. Keralam will go to the polls for the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections on April 9, with counting on May 4. The current assembly's tenure ends on May 23. (ANI)
Nebraska lawmakers are debating a new bill that would let parents use more of their children's college savings plan money for a wider range of education expenses, from K-12 programs to job training.

What the Bill Would Do

The proposal focuses on Nebraska's NEST 529 college savings program, which currently lets families save with state income tax advantages for higher education costs.

Under federal rules, 529 plans can already be used tax-free for colleges, universities, community colleges, trade and vocational schools, and registered apprenticeships. Nebraska's bill seeks to align more closely with recent federal changes by expanding how these funds can be spent without tax penalties, according to 1011 NOW.

Lawmakers are considering allowing parents to tap 529 savings for certain K-12 education expenses, including private school tuition and some learning services. The bill would also reaffirm that families can use the money for job training and trade schools, reflecting a broader view of posthigh school education.

Supporters say this flexibility would help families respond to changing education needs, such as skills programs that do not follow the traditional four-year college path.

Current Rules and Recent Changes

Nebraska's NEST 529 program has been in place since 2001 and now holds about $8 billion across more than 300,000 accounts, underscoring its role in family financial planning.

Contributions can qualify for a state income tax deduction of up to $10,000 a year for most filers, and investment earnings grow tax-deferred. When used for qualified education costs, withdrawals are free from federal and Nebraska income tax, making NEST 529 a key savings tool for many households.

Read more: New Jersey School District Cuts Paraprofessionals and Preschool Teaching Assistants To Offset Healthcare Cost Spike

In recent years, Congress has expanded what counts as a qualified 529 expense, adding options like student loan repayment and registered apprenticeship programs.

Federal changes also broadened K-12 uses, allowing funds to cover not only tuition but tutoring, curriculum materials, test fees, and certain educational therapies. However, states must decide whether to fully adopt these options, and Nebraska law still treats some federal K-12 uses differently for state tax purposes, Saving for College reported.

Arguments For and Against

Backers of the Nebraska bill argue that parents deserve more control over how to use money they set aside for their children's education. They say flexibility can prevent families from being "locked in" to a four-year college path and may reduce pressure to borrow for alternative programs.

They also point to the Meadowlark Act, which automatically opens small NEST 529 accounts for Nebraska newborns, as evidence that the state is committed to broadening access to education savings.

Critics, including some education advocates, have previously warned that expanding 529 use to private K-12 tuition can shift public resources away from traditional public schools.

They worry that higher-income families are most likely to benefit from added tax breaks tied to private options. As debate continues in Lincoln, the bill's sponsors hope to move it forward this session, while opponents push for safeguards to protect public education funding, as per Corporate Vanguard.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Tuesday that the regional agricultural conference in Jaipur focused on three key objectives: ensuring food security, increasing farmers' income, and providing nutritious food to citizens. The Centre and states will work together to prepare a comprehensive roadmap to achieve these targets and strengthen the agriculture sector in the country. He also plants a sapling under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative ahead of the regional conference. Speaking to ANI, the Union Minister said, "The objective is to strengthen the agriculture sector in the country, increase farmers' income, and ensure food security. A comprehensive strategy has been discussed, and a roadmap will be prepared through coordination between the Centre and the states." He outlined three key goals identified during the conference. "First, to ensure food security so that our food reserves remain full. Second, to increase farmers' income and improve their standard of living. Third, to provide nutritious food to citizens and contribute to global food supply when required," he said. To achieve these targets, Chouhan said a six-point strategy was discussed. "These include increasing agricultural production, reducing input costs, ensuring fair prices for farmers' produce, compensating losses due to natural disasters, promoting diversification in agriculture, and encouraging modern technologies," he stated. Highlighting the need to reduce import dependency, he added, "There is a need to increase production of pulses and oilseeds, as we still depend on imports to meet demand." The minister also stressed the role of innovation in farming. "Special emphasis has been laid on natural farming, modern agricultural practices, and the use of technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning," he said. Chouhan further noted that integrated farming systems and region-specific strategies were discussed. "We must adopt integrated farming and select crops, seed varieties, and techniques based on agro-climatic conditions," he added. "At the end of the conference, it was agreed to prepare a joint roadmap for the upcoming agricultural season, focusing on increasing production, managing risks, and ensuring farmers' income," Chouhan said. He also pointed out that earlier, such conferences were limited in scope. "Previously, one-day conferences did not allow for detailed discussions. Now, regional conferences are enabling comprehensive planning in collaboration with states," he added. The minister underscored that while the Centre formulates policies and provides resources, effective implementation lies with the states. "The aim is for the Centre and states to function as a team," he said. Representatives from Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan participated in the conference. The implementation of central schemes in these states and the impact of natural disasters on crops were also reviewed. (ANI)
Congress MP and General Secretary (Organisation), KC Venugopal, on Tuesday questioned Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging a "deal" with the BJP's central leadership. In an open letter, Venugopal asked Vijayan to respond to the allegations and disclose the "agenda" behind his meetings with several top BJP leaders and Union Ministers. In the run-up to the polling for Keralam Assembly elections, the Congress-led UDF has, on several occasions, called the LDF a "B-team" of the BJP in the Centre. KC Venugopal questioned the Keralam CM over the implementation of the Centre's PM SHRI scheme despite a reported disagreement with LDF ally CPI. Questioning Vijayan's credibility as a labour movement leader and an LDF ally, the Congress MP criticised the CM over the labour codes. Venugopal wrote, "As Kerala once again stands at the threshold of an election, there remain a number of questions in the minds of the people regarding the legacy of your ten-year rule. Through this open letter, I raise ten of the most discussed questions in Kerala. I hope you will respond to them." "What was the agenda behind your meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence in Delhi, excluding officials? Was that where the 'deal' was struck? Similarly, in Kerala House in Delhi, why did you host a breakfast meeting for Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman without officials? What 'deal' was being finalised? You have had several official meetings with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi. But have you met him outside Delhi? What was the purpose? Was it part of a deal?" he asked. Questioning the implementation of the Centre's schemes in Keralam, he alleged CPI(M)'s "secret understanding" with the BJP. The Congress leader wrote, "Despite open opposition from CPI and its ministers, why did you go ahead and reach an understanding with the BJP to implement the PM SHRI scheme in Kerala? What 'deal' was behind this? Whose interests were you protecting by insisting on implementing it while keeping your own coalition partners in the dark? Why was the CPI state leadership misled after reaching a secret understanding with the BJP?" "On the issue of labour codes introduced by the central government, why were rules framed and actions taken in extreme secrecy without taking LDF allies into confidence? Whom were you afraid of? As a leader of the labour movement, did you not increase the registration fee of trade unions from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000 following the labour code? Whom was this meant to satisfy?" he further asked. Venugopal recalled the SNC-Lavalin case, in which Vijayan was an accused before getting discharged by the court. The Congress MP called the discharge a "bonus of the deal" with the BJP, while accusing Vijayan of sacrificing the party's ideology and showing "extreme subservience" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He wrote, "In the SNC-Lavalin case in which you are an accused, the repeated adjournments over 40 times in the Supreme Court have surprised the legal history of the country. Is this a reward from the central government or a bonus of a 'deal'? By sacrificing your party's ideology and showing extreme subservience to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are you trying to protect your family interests by getting cases dropped? Is that why you hesitate to directly criticise Modi?" "In the monthly payment (karimanal) case involving Exalogic Solutions, are the terms of the 'deal' you made with the central government to stall the Serious Fraud Investigation Office probe something you can disclose? Is there any connection with the Kodakara hawala money case, where crores were allegedly brought for the BJP during the last Assembly election? What is the current status of the ED notice against your son?" the letter read. He also questioned Vijayan over ED and FCRA cases against his former Principal Secretary, M Sivasankar. Venugopal wrote, "On whose instructions are you still protecting ADGP MR Ajith Kumar, who faced serious allegations of secretly meeting RSS leaders and later facilitating the disruption of Thrissur Pooram to help the BJP win the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat? Whose interests are being protected? What was the understanding reached between you and BJP leaders at a star hotel in the capital, mediated by Sri M? Do you have the courage to disclose its details to the public?" "In the gold smuggling and dollar smuggling cases involving your former Principal Secretary, why did central investigations stall midway? Who intervened? What is the current status of the Justice VK Mohanan Commission appointed by your government against central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and Customs? Was the commission merely a smokescreen after striking a deal with the BJP?" the letter stated. This comes amid an intense contest between the CPI(M)-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF for the 140-seat Keralam Assembly. The state will hold polling for the Legislative Assembly elections on April 9, with counting of votes on May 4. (ANI)
The First Additional District and Sessions Court in Madurai awarded the death penalty to nine police personnel accused of custodial torture and causing the deaths of father and son Jeyaraj and Benniks in the Sathankulam custodial death case. According to a press release by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the quantum of sentence was pronounced on Monday. The First Additional District Judge (ADJ), Madurai, on Monday, upheld that the case is a clear instance of abuse of authority and falls in the rarest of the rare cases, according to the CBI. The case dates back to June 19, 2020, when the father and son duo were wrongfully confined by the accused police officials of Santhankulam Police Station. Both were mercilessly beaten and brutally tortured during the intervening night of June 19 and 20, 2020. Benniks succumbed to his injuries on June 22 and Jeyaraj on June 23 while in judicial custody, the release said. The release added that following public outrage and widespread media coverage, the Government of Tamil Nadu transferred the case to the CBI for a fair investigation. The CBI filed a charge sheet against nine accused persons -- S Sridhar, Inspector and then SHO of PS Sathankulam; P Raguganesh, SI; K Balakrishnan, SI; S Murugan, HC; S Chelladurai, PC; M Muthuraja, PC; A Samadurai, HC; X Thomas Francis, PC; and S Veilumuthu, PC -- after a thorough investigation completed within 90 days. All accused persons were earlier convicted of charges of murder and destruction of evidence. During the trial, CBI argued that the crime is a gross violation of human rights which had shaken the conscience of society. The CBI cited 135 witnesses, examined 52 witnesses, and pressed for the highest degree of punishment in a trial spanning over five years. Earlier, Tamil Nadu Congress President K Selvaperunthagai welcomed the Madurai District Court's verdict, pronouncing the death penalty in the Sathankulam custodial death case, stating that justice was achieved through the CBI probe and DMK government's cooperation. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he asked AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, who was the Chief Minister in June 2020 when the custodial death incident occurred, to apologise to the public. Selvaperunthagai clarified that he does not stand with death penalty; however, a punishment was needed in the case to uphold justice. Selvaperunthagai said, "The punishment in the Sathankulam case, secured through a CBI probe with the cooperation of the Tamil Nadu government, is welcome. Although I do not believe in the death penalty, the fact that punishment has been delivered upholds justice. It is commendable that the Central Bureau of Investigation conducted the inquiry with the cooperation of the Tamil Nadu government and secured the conviction." "Two innocent people were brutally assaulted and killed; this cannot be forgiven by anyone. We strongly condemn this murder. During Edappadi Palaniswami's rule, there was police high-handedness. It was under an incompetent government that all the evidence points to the police brutally killing these two individuals," he added. (ANI)
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday alleged that Congress leader Pawan Khera "ran away" to Hyderabad from New Delhi, following Assam Police searches at his residence in the national capital, amidst the ongoing passport row. Speaking to ANI, CM Sarma noted that he came to know about the development through the media, adding that the law will take its course in the matter. "He ran away from Guwahati yesterday. I have come to know through the media that the police have gone to his residence in Delhi, but he has run away to Hyderabad. The law will take its own course," CM Sarma said. Amid the ongoing controversy over Congress's claims that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife holds three passports, Assam Police searched Congress leader Pawan Khera's residence in Delhi. The searches followed the FIR lodged by Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, into the matter on Monday. Earlier, addressing a press conference in Guwahati on Monday, CM Sarma vowed to take "stringent action" against Pawan Khera. "I will take stringent action against Congress leader Pawan Khera. Just wait for a few days. We will win at least 100 seats in the elections." Sarma said. CM Sarma further countered the allegations levelled by Congress, claiming that property documents used to link his family to apartments in Dubai were stolen from the document-sharing platform Scribd. He asserted that the Congress is "finished" in the state, while reiterating his allegations of Pakistani links in the ongoing passport row involving Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Pawan Khera over claims related to his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma. "Congress is finished in Assam. Just look at the 'Satta Bazar' rate yesterday. After making this allegation, the seats for NDA went up to 99. In the morning, it was 94 for NDA. By night, it became 99. Just an indication, today there will be more people in my meeting. Congress had trapped VP Singh's son in the same way," Sarma said. Escalating his attack, the Chief Minister questioned Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Pawan Khera over alleged foreign links. "Why did you take help from a Pakistani social media group? So whatever has been said about us, we will go to court, everything, but my allegation is why Pakistan is helping Gaurav Gogoi," he said. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma on Monday said she has filed an FIR over the allegations levelled by Congress and accused the opposition party of acting in frustration and trying to "set up a playbook".In an interview with ANI, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma said that allegations cannot be taken in "a lenient manner" and "let justice prevail". The allegations were levelled by Congress Media Department Chairperson Pawan Khera at a press conference on Sunday. Assam is scheduled to hold Assembly elections on April 9, with campaigning ending today evening and vote counting set for May 4. (ANI)
Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, framing the contest as a battle between two RCs -- the BJP's "Remote Control" and TMC's "Report Card." In a post on X, Banerjee alleged that the BJP's remote control is being used to halt Bengal's rightful funds, disenfranchise legitimate voters through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, sow seeds of chaos and communal disharmony, and misuse Central Agencies, Central Forces, and democratic institutions. "On one side is the BJP's RC. Their Remote Control to halt Bengal's rightful funds, disenfranchise legitimate voters through SIR, sow seeds of chaos and communal disharmony, misuse Central Agencies, Central Forces, and democratic institutions, label Bengalis as 'Rohingya' and 'Bangladeshi' while tormenting innocent migrant workers, repeatedly insult our culture, our icons, our food habits, and our long-held customs. Their Remote Control blares loudspeakers to amplify lies, but goes completely mute when Bengal's sovereignty and interests are threatened," Banerjee posted. Countering the BJP with TMC's report card, he cited 15 years of the Unnayon (development) agenda without central support. "On the other side is Trinamool Congress's RC. Our REPORT CARD. Fifteen glorious years of Unnayon without any help from the Centre. A Report Card of work done, promises kept, dreams realised, and lives transformed. Janasabha covering Jalangi and Domkal in support of Babar Ali and Humayun Kabir (Ex-IPS), the powerful roadshow covering Harishchandrapur and Chanchal for Md. Matebur Rahman and Prasun Banerjee, and the janasabha in Siliguri for Goutam Deb have put the writing clearly on the wall," Banerjee posted. "The Remote Control is finished in this land. The Delhi Zamindars can keep pressing buttons from afar. But Bengal will decide its future, with pride, with resolve, and with the Joraphool," Banerjee added. 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. 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 TMC 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)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday hit back strongly at Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's recent remarks related to striking Kolkata, stressing that he should not give "such provocative statement" because they suffered the consequences when Pakistan was divided into two parts. Speaking to ANI, Singh further said that only the god would know how many parts Pakistan would be divided if "they cast an eye on Bengal." "Pakistan's Defence Minister should not have given such a provocative statement. 55 years ago, they suffered the consequences when Pakistan was divided into two parts. If they try to cast an eye on Bengal, only God knows how many parts Pakistan will be divided into this time," said Rajnath Singh. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday reportedly said that Islamabad would retaliate by striking Kolkata in the event of any future misadventure by India. The incident also drew criticism of the government from TMC as party MP Abhishek Banerjee on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of not being able to "muster the courage" to condemn Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's reported open threat to strike Kolkata. Addressing a public gathering here, Banerjee said, "The self-proclaimed '56-inch' Prime Minister and his Home Minister are so busy with vote prachar that they have no time to respond to direct threats of external aggression against Bengal. Pakistan's Defence Minister has openly threatened to strike Kolkata, yet neither Narendra Modi nor Amit Shah could muster the courage to condemn this grave attack on a state of the Indian Union and India's sovereignty." "Either the lives of the people of Bengal simply don't matter to them, or they are too gutless and cowardly to take a stand. If they have even an ounce of courage, let them give free rein to the Central Forces, BSF, and the Indian Army to reclaim Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Will Narendra Modi dare? Will Amit Shah dare? Will Rajnath Singh dare?" he added. (ANI)
Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath on Tuesday said that Amaravati will take shape as the permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, with Vijayawada soon being upgraded to Greater Vijayawada. Speaking on the approval, Kesineni said, "Amaravati has received full approval in Parliament as the capital, and Vijayawada will also soon be upgraded to Greater Vijayawada." He added that the capital represents the hopes, aspirations, and collective vision of the people of the state. "This is a victory for the people of Andhra Pradesh, and especially a victory for the farmers of Amaravati," he said. Highlighting the significance of the development for the Telugu community, the MP remarked, "The days have come when every Telugu person can proudly say, 'Our capital is Amaravati.'" Kesineni further expressed his gratitude to the Central Government, stating, "The approval given by the President is a testament to the sincerity, love, and respect the Central Government has for the Telugu people. It is a matter of pride for me to be part of this great initiative to establish Amaravati as the permanent capital." The development follows the Andhra Pradesh Assembly's resolution passed on March 28 supporting Amaravati as the single capital, which paved the way for the introduction of the legislation in Parliament. After the Lok Sabha passed the bill on April 1, the Upper House approved it the following day, cementing Amaravati's status as the permanent capital. The Act amended the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, adding the phrase, "Amaravati shall be the new capital." The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, on Tuesday was published in the Gazette after receiving the President's assent, making Amaravati the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh. Sharing the Gazette publication on X, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced, "The capital of Andhra Pradesh is Amaravati." CM N Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the recognition of Amaravati as the state's sole capital, expressing gratitude towards President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI)
BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday lambasted Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over his "you can fool people who are illiterate in Gujarat" remark, saying he does not deserve to be the chief of a national party. Addressing a press conference in the BJP Headquarters in the national capital, Ravi Shankar Prasad called Kharge's remarks a "height of shamelessness," and sought a public apology. He also advised Congress MP Rahul Gandhi to separate himself from Kharge's statement. Prasad said, "Elections come and go, but has Congress President completely abandoned all decorum? I cannot even repeat his words. This is the height of shamelessness and depravity. His utterances are not only demeaning but shameless. What is fitting for a president of a national party to call the people of a state illiterate? Mr Kharge, were Gandhi ji, Sardar Patel, Morarji Desai and Vikram Sarabhai illiterate?" "Gujarat's literacy rate is 82 per cent, which improved under PM Modi. Will you say anything just because you hate PM Modi? You owe an apology to the country. BJP demands an apology. Do Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi agree with the party president's statement? If Rahul Gandhi demonstrates good judgment, he should separate himself from the remark and ask the party chief to apologise. He even called Bihar and UP illiterate. Do you want to divide the nation? He does not deserve to be the President of Congress," he added. Further, slamming the Congress president's "venomous snake" remark against the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), he accused Kharge of creating communal tensions. He said, "Are you creating communal tensions? You have blatantly and unabashedly stoked communal fire by pandering to the religious sentiments of the Muslim community. Rahul Gandhi's ancestors kept criticising the Sangh. However, Sangh reached new heights, and several of its members are MPs now. See where you are now? You should understand that the public does not like such statements." Earlier, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge sought to make a comparison between people in Keralam and Gujarat as he attacked Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He said that the two leaders "can fool people who are illiterate in Gujarat or in other places" but not in the poll-bound Keralam. This sparked a political row with several BJP leaders hitting out at Kharge and Congress. (ANI)
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma vowed action against Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, stressing that the "Assam Police can find people and bring them from paatal." Speaking to reporters, CM Sarma stated that before levelling any kind of allegations, the Congress should have asked the Foreign Minister, further suspecting that the documents would reach Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi. "Before levelling an allegation, he should have asked the foreign minister. Kharge ji has aged, yet he speaks like a madman. Assam Police can find and bring people from 'pataal' as well. I suspect Rahul Gandhi has given him these documents. So this case will extend to Rahul Gandhi. Do not try to scare us. This is Assam, and we have fought against Islamic invasion 17 times," said CM Sarma. Meanwhile, following completion of searches at Pawan Khera's residence in the national capital, Assam Police DCP Debajit Nath said, "We have searched his house. We can't give more details." Two days ago, Pawan Khera held a press conference alleging that the Assam CM's wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma holds three passports (from India, the UAE, and Egypt) and owns undisclosed luxury properties in Dubai and a company in Wyoming, USA. The Sarma family has vehemently rejected these claims, labelling the documents shared by Khera as "AI-generated fabrications" and "doctored images" sourced from Pakistani social media groups. Earlier in the day, CM Sarma alleged that Pawan Khera "ran away" to Hyderabad from New Delhi, following Assam Police searches at his residence in the national capital, amidst the ongoing passport row. Speaking to ANI, CM Sarma noted that he came to know about the development through the media, adding that the law will take its course in the matter. "He ran away from Guwahati yesterday. I have come to know through the media that the police have gone to his residence in Delhi, but he has run away to Hyderabad. The law will take its own course," CM Sarma said. Earlier, addressing a press conference in Guwahati on Monday, CM Sarma vowed to take "stringent action" against Pawan Khera. "I will take stringent action against Congress leader Pawan Khera. Just wait for a few days. We will win at least 100 seats in the elections." Sarma said. CM Sarma further countered the allegations levelled by Congress, claiming that property documents used to link his family to apartments in Dubai were stolen from the document-sharing platform Scribd. He asserted that the Congress is "finished" in the state, while reiterating his allegations of Pakistani links in the ongoing passport row involving Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Pawan Khera over claims related to his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma. "Congress is finished in Assam. Just look at the 'Satta Bazar' rate yesterday. After making this allegation, the seats for NDA went up to 99. In the morning, it was 94 for NDA. By night, it became 99. Just an indication, today there will be more people in my meeting. Congress had trapped VP Singh's son in the same way," Sarma said. Escalating his attack, the Chief Minister questioned Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Pawan Khera over alleged foreign links. "Why did you take help from a Pakistani social media group? So whatever has been said about us, we will go to court, everything, but my allegation is why Pakistan is helping Gaurav Gogoi," he said. Assam is scheduled to hold Assembly elections on April 9, with campaigning ending today evening and vote counting set for May 4. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday appealed to the voters to form the BJP's third consecutive government in Assam, promising to drive out the "infiltrators" from the state. Addressing an election rally in Hailakandi on the last day for campaigning, Amit Shah asked the voters not to vote for Himanta Biswa Sarma or a legislator, but for the BJP to end illegal immigration in Assam. Driving out illegal immigrants has been the poll plank for the BJP in Assam. Shah said, "On April 9, you all will press the button on the lotus symbol. No one is voting to make someone a legislator or to make Himanta Biswa Sarma the Chief Minister; rather, on April 9, you have to vote for the BJP to handpick and drive out the infiltrators from this entire region." Citing Tripura as an example, he added that the BJP government in the north-eastern state has stopped illegal immigration. He said, "The BJP government is set to be formed for the third time in Assam. When the government was formed for the first time, we put an end to infiltration; no new infiltrators are coming now. They used to come from Tripura and Bengal; the BJP government was formed in Tripura, and that too has stopped. And on the upcoming May 5, along with Assam, a BJP government is set to be formed in Bengal as well, putting an end to infiltration from there too." "The last five years, we have spent detecting them. Now, in the coming five years, we will selectively remove these infiltrators from the country. You have to press the 'lotus' button with such anger that the infiltrators across the nation feel the current," he added. Amit Shah slammed the Congress, claiming that nine districts were "infiltration-ridden" under the party. "Congress made Assam the main gateway for infiltration for years. Nine districts of Assam have become majority infiltration-ridden. I am saying from here today and leaving with this assurance that this is India's land, there is no place for infiltrators here. This is no dharamshala, this is India," the BJP leader said. Invoking the promise of the Uniform Civil Code in Assam, he added, "PM Narendra Modi ended triple talaq, yet the Congress opposed it. Now, we are bringing the Uniform Civil Code, and they are opposing this as well. UCC means no one can have four marriages. On 5 May, form a BJP government in Assam, and we will implement the UCC here." The 126-seat Assam Assembly is set to go for polling on April 9, with counting of votes on May 4. The BJP has appealed to voters with calls against illegal immigration and promises of UCC, like Uttarakhand and Gujarat, as the party eyes a third consecutive term. Demographic change and illegal immigration have been recurring themes in the BJP leaders' speeches since Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged the issue from the Red Fort. The BJP-led NDA faces a contest from the Congress-led alliance in the state. (ANI)
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SOURCE Mazda North American Operations
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging corruption, poor governance, and failure to implement central welfare schemes, while asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will form the next government in the state under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing a roadshow here in Hooghly district in support of BJP candidates, Saini claimed that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is gripped by fear of exposure. "Mamata paagal hogyi hai (Mamata has gone mad) because of the corruption she committed, and she is afraid of her files... There is a gang with Mamata; action will be taken against that entire gang. All those files will be opened," he said, alleging that public money had been misused and that the leadership was now attempting to mislead voters. Referring to allegations about central forces during elections, Saini said the deployment of forces is a standard practice and dismissed TMC's objections. "I have said that they have become puzzled and they are making such statements to hide their shortcomings because the CRPF used to come earlier too, central force used to come at the time of elections, they are coming now too, but her hooliganism will not work anymore, nor will they let it work, strict action will be taken against it," he added. He further accused the TMC government of failing to ensure women's safety. Referring to incidents such as Sandeshkhali and RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case, and alleged misconduct cases in educational institutions, Saini said, "The atrocities they have caused against women... despite being a woman Chief Minister, such major incidents have happened, and the guilty were protected." Highlighting the BJP's governance model, the Haryana Chief Minister pointed to welfare schemes implemented in his state under the "double-engine" government framework. He cited financial assistance to women, subsidised LPG cylinders, procurement of crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP), and healthcare coverage under Ayushman Bharat, stating that similar benefits have not reached people in West Bengal. "Many central schemes have not been implemented here... people are being deprived due to political reasons," he said, alleging that this has contributed to rising poverty and migration. Saini further criticised both the Communist regime and the current TMC government, claiming that Bengal has suffered decades of exploitation, unemployment, and industrial decline. Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. (ANI)
Advocate Vasu Ranjan, an advocate at the Supreme Court and Punjab & Haryana High Court and Chairman of the Council of Lawyers, on Tuesday joined the Indian National Congress. In the presence of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, he took primary membership of the party. He was welcomed with a ceremonial patka, and Raja Warring expressed gratitude for his faith in the Congress. After joining the Congress, Advocate Vasu Ranjan said that he will work to strengthen the party across Punjab and take its policies and ideology to every household. He added that he will launch a special campaign to connect youth with the Congress and will work diligently to form a Congress government in Punjab in 2027. He also stated that he will soon meet Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to initiate efforts to strengthen the party in Punjab. He further said that he will work to take the ideology and vision of Congress to the people, including the contributions of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, and former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, who sacrificed for the unity and integrity of the country. He emphasised that fulfilling Rahul Gandhi's mission of uniting the nation and ending hatred will be his primary objective. Advocate Vasu Ranjan has long been raising public interest issues. Whether it is the matter of opening the Shambhu border, the issue of the Punjab government charging 80 for downloading FIRs, or the issue of compensation for flood-affected farmers, he has approached the High Court from time to time on all these matters. Additionally, through the Council of Lawyers, he has been continuously helping the poor and underprivileged. On this occasion, Punjab Congress President Raja Warring thanked Advocate Vasu Ranjan for showing faith in the Congress and said that his joining will strengthen the party. Advocate Vasu Ranjan further stated that in the coming time, he will meet senior Congress leaders in Punjab and actively work to strengthen the organisation across the state. He expressed confidence that the Congress will emerge stronger in Punjab once again. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that programmes to mark the birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar would be organised across all district headquarters in the state. He further informed that the events for the Ambedkar Jayanti would begin on April 8 and continue till April 14, with the state-level function scheduled at Bhind district headquarters. CM Yadav made the announcement while addressing the Council of Ministers ahead of the cabinet meeting on Tuesday. The Chief Minister also added that along with district headquarters, programmes will also be organised at all development block levels. He directed ministers in charge to prepare detailed outlines for events in their respective districts and ensure necessary coordination for smooth conduct. Additionally, CM Yadav stated that in view of the Sant Ravidas Jayanti Year, social harmony programmes will be conducted across the state till March 31, 2027. He added that the framework for these programmes will be prepared at the district level and instructed ministers to ensure their effective implementation. Along with this, the Chief Minister also highlighted recent developments, saying the past week had been significant for Madhya Pradesh, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi approving several four-lane road projects for the state. These include a 22-km tiger corridor on the NH-46 Itarsi-Betul section, estimated at Rs 758 crore, and a 15.6-km four-lane southern bypass connecting Niwari in Madhya Pradesh to Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh. Approvals were also granted for the Bangay Khas-Orchha Tigela stretch and a link road connecting NH-44 and NH-39. The CM noted that these infrastructure projects will boost trade, economic activities, and tourism in the state. He further expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for these approvals. Furthermore, he shared details about the international conference 'Mahakal: The Master of Time' recently held in Ujjain, stating that renowned astronomers and scientists deliberated on the scientific basis and historical significance of Indian time calculation systems. He noted that Ujjain had historically been a centre of time calculation, and efforts are being made to re-establish its global recognition. (ANI)
Intensifying the BJP's campaign ahead of the Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Tipra Motha, accusing the party of misleading and deceiving the indigenous population over the years. Addressing a public meeting at Ampinagar, Saha asserted that Tipra Motha would soon lose relevance and expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would form the government in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). He said the BJP is contesting all 28 ADC seats independently, without reliance on any alliance partner, and accused Tipra Motha of attempting to create divisions by fuelling communal sentiments, claims he said had been rejected by the people. Highlighting governance concerns, Saha alleged that despite government funds allocated for ADC development, little progress had been made, and instances of large-scale misappropriation had occurred. He stressed the need for a transparent and accountable government in the ADC. In a notable boost to the party during the rally, 427 voters joined the BJP in the presence of the Chief Minister. Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy and other party leaders were also present at the event. Tripura is scheduled to go to the polls on April 9 as part of the by-elections announced by the Election Commission of India. The elections are being held alongside Assembly polls in five states and Union Territories, including Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. The poll panel has mandated a paid holiday for voters under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, ensuring all eligible electors, including daily wage workers, can exercise their franchise. Earlier in January, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha urged BJP workers to campaign fearlessly in sensitive areas ahead of the TTAADC polls, highlighting outreach efforts and governance achievements. He said improved law and order and mainstreaming of insurgent groups like ATTF and NLFT reflect the government's development-focused approach. (ANI)
Just ahead of Assembly polls in Keralam, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday made an acerbic jab at Telangana counterpart and Congress leader Revanth Reddy, borrowing from the iconic Malayalam cinema dialogue 'P Mone Dinesha', a condescending phrase, implying that the person is not worth the speaker's time. Vijayan, earlier today while addressing a press conference in Kannur, retorted, "Dash Mone Revantha, the reply to you is coming soon." He was responding to reporters' queries on allegations raised by Reddy. Revanth Reddy had on April 6 posted on his X platform a six-page letter in a detailed response to Vijayan's earlier post. The Telangana CM signed off the post with "NeePo, Mone Vijayan!" Incidentally, the original dialogue was spoken by the character of Mohanlal in the 2000 film 'Narasimham'. Today in his press conference Vijayan said that such remarks do not suit the Chief Minister of a state. "But since he has made the allegations in public, I will also respond publicly." Reddy had today asserted that Vijayan's "expiry date is over" and claimed that the CPI(M) leader's "godfather" Prime Minister Narendra Modi was protecting him from ongoing legal cases. Reddy said, "Pinarayi Vijayan's expiry date is over, and people are going to take a firm decision in the elections... Pinarayi Vijayan's godfather is Narendra Modi, who is protecting him from all the cases." Reddy also expressed his willingness to engage in a direct, fact-based debate with Vijayan, amid an intensifying political exchange between the two leaders ahead of the 2026 Keralam Assembly elections. Vijayan in his rebuttal to Reddy today said, "Political differences are natural, but expressing strong disagreement through personally insulting remarks is an attitude I reject. The LDF Government's accountability to its people is continuous, not just at five year intervals. Our Progress Reports are publicly available. Your statements lack factual backing," "The LDF Government has been uncompromising in its criticism against actions of the Union Government which devalue the constitutional spirit. A strong stand on matters does not require a language crossing the borders of decency," Vijayan posted on X. "We will go, but only forward. We will move forward by creating a Nava Keralam that will serve as a model for all," he said. "You accused the LDF of not criticising the ruling BJP enough. Yet, it is the Government of Keralam fighting legal battles in the Apex Court under Articles 131 and 32 against the BJP-led Government encroaching on the rights of the States. We are actively trying our best in bringing States ruled by non-BJP parties on a common platform, including joint initiatives for the 16th Finance Commission," Vijayan said. "True infrastructure is built on political will, not claims. Crucial projects like the National Highway expansion, the GAIL pipeline, and the Edamon-Kochi power highway were practically abandoned by the Congress government. Past Central Governments headed by your Party also caused inordinate delays for the Kochi Metro and the Vizhinjam International Seaport. The LDF revived and delivered them," the Keralam CM wrote on his social media handle X. Revanth Reddy had downplayed Vijayan's claims of Keralam's development achievements, attributing the state's success to previous leaders and natural advantages rather than the ruling LDF government. "Keralam's success story is not Pinarayi Vijayan's success story. There were K Karunakaran and Oommen Chandy who laid down the roadmap for the development of Kerala. God has given natural resources and better health to the people of Keralam, it is not because of Pinarayi Vijayan. It has nothing to do with the LDF government," Reddy said. The Keralam CM, who is aiming for a third consecutive win in this Assembly elections, said, "The national governance indices expose your rhetoric: NITI Aayog ranks Keralam as the least corrupt state in India, while Telangana is the 6th most graft-ridden. In the National Sustainable Development Index, we rank 1st with 79 points; you rank 6th. Furthermore, Keralam has put consistent efforts and received the number 1 rank in introducing ease of doing business reforms." "We deliver measurable outcomes through the Nava Kerala Missions. The Ardram Mission transformed public health by re-engineering over 670 Primary Health Centres into modern, people-friendly Family Health Centres. We upgraded over 13,000 public schools, equipped 45,000 classrooms with hi-tech facilities, and launched the 'Samagra' portal featuring over 19,000 digital learning resources." "The decentralised governance structure was conceived by our first Ministry decades before the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments of 1993. The 1980s literacy movement was spearheaded by the LDF Government. In 1996, our People's Planning Campaign revolutionised democratic decentralisation by transferring more than one third of the State five year plan to local governments," Vijayan said. "You attempted to claim credit for Keralam's social indicators on behalf of the Congress. The historical reality: The first Communist Ministry introduced the Agrarian Relations Bill, which would have ended landlordism in the first decade after independence. But that ministry was undemocratically dismissed by the abusive use of Article 356 by the Union Government led by your party then, the Congress," the Keralam CM said. Earlier speaking with ANI, Reddy told ANI, "I am ready to debate with Pinarayi Vijayan whenever he is ready...Who are his role models - Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, or Jyoti Basu and Somnath Chatterjee?...Pinarayi Vijayan is following Narendra Modi as his role model, and this is not acceptable to people of Keralam...He is campaigning like one more Narendra Modi..." Polling to elect 140 MLAs for the Kerala Assembly is set for April 9 and counting of votes will take place on May 4. (ANI)
Congress leader Deepak Bhardwaj on Tuesday criticised the deployment of Assam police to Delhi for Pawan Khera, calling it a recurring issue. He said Congress workers from across the capital are gathering in full strength to show their support for the senior party leader. Speaking to ANI, Bhardwaj said," As you know, Assam has become a huge issue, where police have been sent from Assam to Delhi for Pawan Khera. This isn't the first time this has happened. It's happened many times that police from BJP-ruled states are sent for Congress leaders. But today, all the workers of the Delhi Congress have gathered here. All the Congress workers will reach here in maximum numbers and stand here in support of Pawan Khera." The remarks come amid heightened tensions over allegations made by Pawan Khera against the Sarma family. Khera had alleged that CM Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, holds three passports -- from India, the UAE, and Egypt -- and owns undisclosed luxury properties in Dubai, along with a company in Wyoming, USA. The Sarma family has strongly denied these claims, terming the documents "AI-generated fabrications" circulated by Pakistani social media groups. Responding to the accusations, CM Sarma had earlier vowed stern action, stating, "Before levelling an allegation, he should have asked the Foreign Minister. Kharge ji has aged, yet he speaks like a madman. Assam Police can find and bring people from 'pataal' as well. I suspect Rahul Gandhi has given him these documents. So this case will extend to Rahul Gandhi. Do not try to scare us. This is Assam, and we have fought against Islamic invasion 17 times." Following the police searches at Khera's residence, Assam Police DCP Debajit Nath said, "We have searched his house. We can't give more details." CM Sarma also claimed that Khera "ran away" to Hyderabad after the searches, adding, "I have come to know through the media that the police have gone to his residence in Delhi, but he has run away to Hyderabad. The law will take its own course." Sarma, addressing a press conference in Guwahati on Monday, reaffirmed his confidence in the upcoming elections. "I will take stringent action against Congress leader Pawan Khera. Just wait for a few days. We will win at least 100 seats in the elections," he said, reiterating his allegations of Pakistani links in the ongoing controversy. (ANI)
A CBI special court on Tuesday sentenced a former Chief Office Superintendent of the Western Central Railway (WCR), Sawai Madhopur, to five years of rigorous imprisonment in a bribery case. The CBI court in Jaipur convicted and sentenced Jalandhar Yogi, former Chief Office Superintendent (CoS) of the Office of AEN, Western Central Railways (WCR) in Gangapur City, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, to rigorous imprisonment for five years and imposed a fine of Rs. 25,000 in a bribery case, the CBI said in a statement dated April 7, 2026. According to the CBI, the case was registered on June 16, 2020, after allegations surfaced that Jalandhar Yogi had demanded a bribe of Rs. 11,500 for clearing a pending final bill for work done. The CBI laid a trap and caught Yogi while accepting Rs. 10,000 as part of the bribe from the complainant. The bribed amount was subsequently recovered from his possession. Following the investigation, the CBI filed a charge sheet against the accused on January 8, 2021. After trial, the Jaipur court convicted the accused and sentenced him to rigorous imprisonment for five years along with a fine of Rs. 25,000. The CBI press release said that the court, after trial, convicted and sentenced the accused accordingly. In a separate development on April 5, the Delhi High Court acquitted two engineers accused of demanding a Rs 1,800 bribe, bringing an end to a 34-year-long legal battle. The Court held that the prosecution failed to establish the essential element of demand for illegal gratification and extended the benefit of doubt to the accused. The case dated back to September 20, 1991, when Assistant Engineer VK Datta and Junior Engineer Dinesh Garg were accused of demanding Rs 1,800 and Rs 900 each as a bribe for facilitating the release of alleged pending bills. Acting on the complaint, the CBI laid a trap and arrested both officials, who were later convicted by a trial court in 2002. However, decades later, the High Court found serious inconsistencies and gaps in the prosecution's case. Appearing for the appellants, advocates Sameer Chandra, Vivya Nagpal, Ekansh Bansal, Aryan Tomar, and senior advocate Sunil Dalal, along with his team, argued that the case was fundamentally flawed. They pointed to contradictions in witness testimonies, procedural lapses, and a lack of reliable evidence to establish any genuine demand for a bribe. The Court noted that official muster rolls unchallenged during trial indicated that both accused were present at a work site at the time the alleged demand was made, casting serious doubt on the prosecution's version. Further, testimony from a key departmental witness revealed that no payment was actually due to the contractor at the relevant time, effectively removing any motive for seeking a bribe. Serious doubts were also raised regarding the timeline of events, particularly the registration of the FIR, which appeared to have been recorded at the same time the complainant claimed to have just reached the CBI office. This inconsistency, the Court noted, undermined the credibility of the prosecution's narrative. Additionally, the prosecution failed to examine crucial witnesses, including the contractor directly involved in the financial transactions. Inconsistent accounts regarding the recovery of the alleged bribe amount further weakened the case. Reiterating settled legal principles, the Court observed that mere recovery of money is not sufficient to sustain a conviction under corruption laws unless accompanied by clear proof of demand. It emphasised that suspicion, however strong, cannot replace proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Setting aside the 2002 conviction, the High Court acquitted both VK Datta and Dinesh Garg of all charges, directing that they be set at liberty. The verdict closes a prolonged chapter of uncertainty, reinforcing that justice must ultimately rest on firm evidence, not assumptions, even if it takes decades to arrive. (ANI)
Senior Advocate and BJP leader HS Phoolka on Tuesday strongly criticised the Punjab government for planning to amend the 2008 Jagat Jyot Shri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act without consulting the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), calling the move "a massive attack on the Sikh religion" and urging Sikhs to oppose it. Speaking to the ANI, Phoolka said that a special session of the Punjab Assembly has been called for April 13, partly to increase punishments under the sacrilege law and partly to amend the 2008 Act. While he supported the increase in punishment for sacrilege, ranging from a minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, he expressed deep concern over the amendments to the SGPC Act. He said, "As far as the sacrilege law is concerned, the government has the right to increase criminal punishment for sacrilege. They have increased it to at least 10 years, and it can go up to life imprisonment. That's fine. But the amendment to the second act is very surprising. The government is also going to amend the 2008 Jagat Jyot Shri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act." Phoolka explained, "Exclusive printing rights under the 2008 Jagat Jyot Shri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act were granted to the SGPC. The government is moving to amend it without even consulting the SGPC. We do not yet know the specific amendments they are planning. This is quite shocking." He recalled that the Bhagwant Mann government had previously tried to sideline the SGPC in 2023, saying, "In 2023, they brought an act regarding the broadcasting of kirtan from Harmandir Sahib. They did that without consulting any Sikh organisations or the SGPC. At that time, many were happy that broadcasting rights were being made public. I held a press conference in Chandigarh then and warned that this is a very dangerous precedent. It's a very dangerous tradition they are trying to establish, and they are doing it intentionally to make the SGPC redundant and eliminate it entirely. This is Bhagwant Mann's aim." Phoolka said, "Now, another attempt is being made. Again, without informing anyone or consulting the SGPC, they are trying to amend the 2008 Jagat Jyot Shri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act to sideline the SGPC and take total control. Bhagwant Mann has been trying this for a long time. My request to everyone is not to let their attempts succeed. Oppose this vigorously. Let them handle the sacrilege law and increase punishments--desecration should carry at least 10 years or even life imprisonment. But regarding this other act, we don't know what they're changing or who's doing it. Amending it without consultation is unacceptable; it is a total violation of the 1959 Nehru-Master Tara Singh pact." He emphasised that Bhagwant Mann's intentions have consistently been against the SGPC and Amritdhari Sikhs. "Forgive me, but Bhagwant Mann's views have been different from the start. He has been against the SGPC from the beginning, not just against the Badal group, but the SGPC itself. He has consistently spoken against Amritdhari Sikhs. You can look at old videos where he mocks those who carry kirpans, questioning if they are 'more' Sikh than others. He has been anti-Amritdhari from the start. His current intentions are completely different. This is a massive attack on the Sikh religion. Therefore, I want to caution and warn everyone: do not let these motives succeed," Phoolka said. Phoolka clarified that these are his personal views, although he has joined the BJP. He stressed, "This is an issue I have been committed to since the beginning. We will uphold the Nehru-Master Tara Singh pact firmly. We will not allow any government to interfere in Sikh religious affairs, and that is what I am standing for." He further elaborated on his past work for Sikh rights, saying, "I worked hard to ensure that under the SGPC Act, only Kesadhari (unshorn) Sikhs have voting rights. I stand by that today. It was brought during the Vajpayee government's time, when the Akali Dal was an ally. We made every effort then, and my stance remains the same. Secondly, regarding reserved seats for Sikhs, only Kesadhari Sikhs should have the right to reservation. I represented that case, and I still stand by it. The right to Sikh reservation belongs to those who are fully unshorn." Phoolka urged all Sikhs, irrespective of political affiliation, to remember the Nehru-Master Tara Singh pact and ensure it is not violated. He warned the people of Punjab not to fall into the government's trap regarding the SGPC Act amendments. "Do not fall into Bhagwant Mann's trap. Regarding the Jagat Jyot Shri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act 2008, oppose every amendment unless it has prior approval from the SGPC," he said. (ANI)
Protests broke out across the Tronglaobi Awang Leikai area in Moirang following the death of two children after a bomb was hurled by suspected militants at a residential house in the area in Bishnupur district. Protesters took to the streets, blocking the crucial Imphal-Tidim Road at multiple points and setting fire to at least three trucks. In response to the unrest and the potential for further violence, police have deployed heavy security reinforcements and tightened security in the volatile region. A member of Child Welfare Committee in Bishnupur A Premananda detailed the timing of the blast, stating that it was around 1.05 pm. Two children lost their lives in this incident. They were 5 years and 5 months old. Their mother has also sustained injuries. This is a very unfortunate incident. She is currently admitted to a hospital for treatment," he said. The incident has sparked widespread anger, leading to the suspension of internet service in five districts of Manipur, Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur, for three days starting at 2:00 PM on The decision was taken in view of the prevailing law and order situation after the incident, amid concerns that anti-social elements could misuse social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to spread misinformation, hate speech, and provocative content. Chief Minister of Manipur, Yumnam Khemchand Singh stated that the Government has decided to hand over the case of the bomb attack at Tronglaobi, which claimed the lives of two children in the early hours today, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Addressing a press conference at his official bungalow here, the Chief Minister condemned the incident in the strongest terms. He said the act appears to be the handiwork of individuals or groups with vested interests in disturbing the prevailing peace in the State. He informed that the decision to hand over the case to NIA was taken after detailed discussions with the Home Minister and other MLAs. In a Facebook post, local MLA Thongam Shanti Singh strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a "heinous act of violence" and terming it an act of terrorism. The attack reportedly took place around 1:05 AM while a mother and her two minor children were asleep in their home. He paid tribute to the victims--a 5-year-old boy and a 5-month-old girl--and expressed deep condolences to the grieving family. Singh said such inhuman acts have no place in society and must be condemned in the strongest terms. Meanwhile, former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also expressed grief over the tragedy. In a post on X, he said he was deeply pained by the loss of innocent lives and described the attack as a horrific act against civilians, especially children. He emphasised the need for stronger ground-level vigilance and timely intervention to prevent such incidents, adding that authorities must ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice and that civilian safety is reinforced. (ANI)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday intensified his attack on the Congress, asserting that they should have consulted with the foreign minister before levelling allegations against his wife, Rinki Bhuyan Sarma, claiming that she holds three international passports. Speaking to the media in Jorhat, CM Sarma critiqued Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over his statement about seeking clarification from the central government and the foreign minister after police raided the Congress leader Pawan Khera's Delhi residence, as CM's wife filed an FIR against him. "Are you crazy? If you don't know the truth, then why did you put it? You should have asked earlier...First, you should have asked the foreign minister whether it was right or not and that we have received this allegation," CM Sarma said. He likened the situation to killing someone and then offering them medicine. "Kharge is old, and you are still talking like a crazy person," he further remarked. Furthermore, he hailed the competence of Assam Police, stating that they will find Pawan Khera even from "paatal" to end this game of "Luka-chuppi". "First, why did you bring a fake document?... Who did you give this document to? I doubt that Rahul Gandhi gave this document to them. So this case will reach even to Rahul Gandhi," he alleged, suggesting that the allegations from Congress stemmed from the Lok Sabha LoP. "First, I will beat Khera and then get the names of those involved out, and move to them," he said. The remarks come amid heightened tensions over allegations made by Pawan Khera against the Sarma family. Khera had alleged that CM Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, holds three passports -- from India, the UAE, and Egypt -- and owns undisclosed luxury properties in Dubai, along with a company in Wyoming, USA. The Sarma family has strongly denied these claims, terming the documents "AI-generated fabrications" circulated by Pakistani social media groups. Responding to the accusations, CM Sarma had earlier vowed stern action, stating, "Before levelling an allegation, he should have asked the Foreign Minister. Kharge ji has aged, yet he speaks like a madman. Assam Police can find and bring people from 'pataal' as well. I suspect Rahul Gandhi has given him these documents. So this case will extend to Rahul Gandhi. Do not try to scare us. This is Assam, and we have fought against Islamic invasion 17 times." Following the police searches at Khera's residence, Assam Police DCP Debajit Nath said, "We have searched his house. We can't give more details." CM Sarma also claimed that Khera "ran away" to Hyderabad after the searches, adding, "I have come to know through the media that the police have gone to his residence in Delhi, but he has run away to Hyderabad. The law will take its own course." Assam's Assembly elections are scheduled for April 9, with campaigning concluding Monday evening and counting of votes on May 4. (ANI)
Exclusive offers, new perks and sweepstakes reward loyal guests and encourage sharing with friends

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Charleys Cheesesteaks & Wings is celebrating its Bite Club Rewards members this April with a monthlong Member Appreciation event featuring exclusive offers, new perks and a national sweepstakes that thank loyal guests and encourage sharing Charleys with friends.

Charleys celebrates Bite Club members with exclusive offers, new perks and a national sweepstakes. Post this Charleys Cheesesteaks & Wings celebrates Bite Club Rewards members all April with exclusive offers, new perks and a national sweepstakes during Member Appreciation Month.

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440-864-8270

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In 1985, Charleys redefined the cheesesteak. College students and the surrounding Columbus, Ohio community instantly took to the first Charleys location positioned off The Ohio State Universityigniting a universal love for cheesesteaks and all craveable foods. Also known for loaded Gourmet Fries and refreshing Real Fruit Lemonades, Charleys quickly expanded to serve the "World's #1 Cheesesteak" around the globewith current locations in over 46 U.S. states and 17 countries. Charleys is committed to made-right-in-front-of-you transparency, bringing delicious cheesesteaks to over 850 locations. With select locations serving classic and boneless wings, savory fried appetizers and refreshing frozen milkshakesevery customer leaves Charleys satisfied and with a smile on their face. For every combo meal sold domestically at participating locations, 10 cents is donated to support at-risk children via the Charleys Kids Foundation. Charleys is committed to real ingredients, transparent preparation and customer satisfaction with a mission to love their neighbor and serve others.

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SOURCE Charleys Cheesesteaks & Wings
On the occasion of World Health Day, Delhi State Cancer Institute (DSCI) successfully organised the 5th CAPS (Cancer Awareness, Prevention and Screening) Camp at the Delhi Police Headquarters. The event, held from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, witnessed enthusiastic participation from members of the Delhi Police. The initiative aimed to promote early detection and prevention of cancer through awareness and accessible screening services. A wide range of services was offered, including free cancer screenings for breast and cervical cancers. Limited mammography slots were also provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The camp featured HPV-DNA self-testing kits, expert consultations, educational sessions, and breast self-examination training, empowering participants with knowledge and preventive practices. A total of 42 PSA (Prostate) tests and 55 oral cancer screenings were conducted. Additionally, the medical team performed 9 mammographies and 18 HPV tests to assist in early detection and awareness. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Pragya Shukla, Head of Department, Clinical Oncology, DSCI said that"Today, as we celebrate World Health Day with the theme 'Together for Health: Stand with Science,' we must recognize the need to develop our own evidence-based cancer treatment and screening guidelines. CAPS is not only an initiative to transform cancer screening from a 'luxury' into a necessity and a routine way of life, but also an endeavour to gather data that will help design indigenous screening protocols." Speaking about the 5th CAPS camp Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, DSCI, stated that"Early detection remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against cancer. Through initiatives like CAPS, we aim to bridge the gap between awareness and action, ensuring that people not only understand the risks but also take timely steps toward screening and prevention." The event was graced by Mrs Rachna Golchha, President of PFWS, as the Chief Guest, who appreciated the initiative and emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare. Senior officials from the Police Department attended the camp, including Addl. CP (Welfare) Rajeev Ranjan, DCP (Welfare) Mayank Bansal, Addl. DCP (Welfare) Anil Sharma, ACP (Welfare) Sunil Kumar, and Inspector (Health Section) Devender Singh. The CAPS event stands as a significant step toward strengthening community engagement in cancer prevention and highlights the importance of collective efforts in reducing the burden of cancer. (ANI)
Continuing his attack on Congress leader Pawan Khera for his allegations against his wife, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday accused Khera of "running away" and alleged that the documents used to level accusations of multiple passports and foreign assets were "duplicate". Speaking to reporters, Sarma claimed, "Those who levelled allegations are now running away...The governments of three states have said that the documents on which the allegations were levelled are duplicate." He further intensified his accusations by suggesting a deeper conspiracy behind the allegations, saying, "These documents might have been given to Pawan Khera by Rahul Gandhi." When asked about Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi's statement regarding the police raid on Pawan Khera's Delhi residence, Sarma dismissed him as a "kid", asserting that they have to "nab the big fish". Amid the escalating political war of words, Sarma expressed confidence in the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) performance in the upcoming polls. "NDA will win 90-100 seats in the upcoming elections. BJP will win more than 70 seats." The remarks come amid heightened tensions over allegations made by Pawan Khera against the Sarma family. Khera had alleged that CM Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, holds three passports -- from India, the UAE, and Egypt -- and owns undisclosed luxury properties in Dubai, along with a company in Wyoming, USA. The Sarma family has strongly denied these claims, terming the documents "AI-generated fabrications" circulated by Pakistani social media groups. Responding to the accusations, CM Sarma had earlier vowed stern action, stating, "Before levelling an allegation, he should have asked the Foreign Minister. Kharge ji has aged, yet he speaks like a madman. Assam Police can find and bring people from 'pataal' as well. I suspect Rahul Gandhi has given him these documents. So this case will extend to Rahul Gandhi. Do not try to scare us. This is Assam, and we have fought against Islamic invasion 17 times." Following the police searches at Khera's residence today, Assam Police DCP Debajit Nath said, "We have searched his house. We can't give more details." CM Sarma also claimed that Khera "ran away" to Hyderabad after the searches, adding, "I have come to know through the media that the police have gone to his residence in Delhi, but he has run away to Hyderabad. The law will take its own course." Assam's Assembly elections are scheduled for April 9, with campaigning concluding Monday evening and counting of votes on May 4. (ANI)
Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) national president Upendra Kushwaha on Tuesday backed Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's rejection of the opposition's notice seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, terming the move "irrelevant" and lacking any factual basis. Speaking to reporters, Kushwaha said, "People from the opposition keep raising irrelevant issues; they try to turn matters that have no substance into controversies. Whatever these people are saying outside about the Election Commission and the way they've started the process to remove them, there was no fact in it at all. So, what action can be taken without any factual basis?" On Monday, Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla rejected the impeachment motion notice submitted by opposition members seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The notice of motion for impeachment of Gyanesh Kumar was signed by 130 Lok Sabha members and 63 members of the Rajya Sabha. The notice of motion in Lok Sabha - filed on March 12, 2026, under Article 324(5) of the Constitution of India, read with Article 124(4), Section 11(2) of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 - sought the removal of Gyanesh Kumar. It was submitted to the Lok Sabha Speaker. A similar notice was submitted to the Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Radhakrishnan on March 12. A Lok Sabha bulletin said that the Speaker has refused to admit the motion after due consideration."After due consideration of the notice of Motion and a careful and objective assessment of all relevant aspects and issues involved therein, the Speaker Lok Sabha, in exercise of the powers vested to him under Section 3 of the Judges (Injury) Act, 1968, has refused to admit the said notice of motion," it said. A Rajya Sabha bulletin also informed members of the rejection of the notice. "After due consideration of the notice of Motion and a careful and objective assessment of all relevant aspects and issues involved, the Chairman, Rajya Sabha, in exercise of the powers vested to him under section 3 of the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, has refused to admit the said notice of Motion," it said. (ANI)
Acting under the recently launched campaign "nshe pr lgaam, desh ko slaam!" (Put a Check on Drugs, Salute the Nation), a police team led by Inspector Subhash Chand laid a trap near Uttam Nagar terminal on April 3, 2026, based on specific intelligence.

According to police, after a brief chase, officers intercepted a car and arrested Sumit Kumar, a resident of Village Ranholla in Delhi. During the search, they recovered 50 cartons (2,500 quarter bottles) of illicit "Deshi" liquor branded as ADS Motta Santra, meant for sale only in Haryana.

Sumit Kumar, who works as a driver, allegedly procured the liquor from the Haryana border near Bahadurgarh and supplied it to areas such as Uttam Nagar in Dwarka.

He reportedly entered the illegal trade after coming into contact with an associate named Devendra and purchased a second-hand car on finance to transport the liquor.

A case has been registered against him at the Uttam Nagar Police Station under Sections 33/38/58(D) of the Delhi Excise Act. The accused has been bound down under the relevant provisions of BNSS.

The operation was supervised by ACP (Operations) Subhash Malik under the directions of DCP Dwarka, Kushal Pal Singh IPS. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav chaired a cabinet meeting held at the state secretariat on Tuesday and gave nod to various key decisions aimed at the development of the state and public welfare. The council of ministers approved Rs 16,720 crore for various development works and important schemes, particularly focused on strengthening education, agriculture, irrigation, administrative reforms and infrastructure development. In the interest of farmers, Rs 3,174 crore has been approved for the procurement of gram and lentil over the next three years, and the Katna Micro Irrigation Project in Mandsaur district has also been approved. The Cabinet approved administrative sanction of Rs 88.41 crore for the Katna Micro Irrigation Project in Mandsaur district. The project will provide irrigation facilities to 3,500 hectares of land across 12 villages in the Bhanpura Tehsil of the district. The council of ministers decided to establish the Financial Training and Research Institute (FTRI) within the campus of RCVP Noronha Academy of Administration and Management, Bhopal. The institute will provide centralised and standardised training in financial administration and management to personnel at all levels of government. The Cabinet approved the continuation of eight schemes of the Commercial Tax Department till 2030-31 with a total outlay of Rs 2,952 crore. This includes allocations for urban infrastructure development, IT-related works, stamp costs, and departmental establishment expenditure. Along with this, significant investments were sanctioned for environmental conservation, with Rs 5,215 crore approved for regeneration, restoration and conservation of forest areas over a five-year period from April 2026 to March 2031, in line with work plans approved by the Government of India. To strengthen the education sector, financial approvals were granted for fee reimbursement under the RTE Act, expansion of the PM SHRI School Scheme, and provision of free textbooks for students from Classes 9 to 12. The Cabinet approved Rs 3,039 crore for the continuation of the fee reimbursement scheme under the Right to Education (RTE) Act from 2026-27 to 2030-31. Under the scheme, tuition fees are reimbursed to non-aided private schools providing free and compulsory education to children from Classes 1 to 8. Additionally, Rs 693 crore was approved for providing free textbooks to students studying in Classes 9 to 12 in all government high schools and higher secondary schools in the state from 2026-27 to 2030-31. Apart from this, Rs 940 crores were approved as the state's share for the extension of the PM Shri School Scheme until 2031, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020. To support higher education, the Cabinet further approved Rs 10,000 per month assistance for Scheduled Caste students from Madhya Pradesh studying in Delhi under a hostel scheme, similar to the support provided by the Tribal Affairs Department. Under the scheme, 100 new students will be admitted each year, along with continuing students, including 50 new undergraduate and 50 new postgraduate students, with an annual outlay of 1.80 crore. In a key infrastructure push, the council of ministers approved Rs 590 crore for the acquisition of 437.5 acres of land to facilitate Airbus aircraft operations at the airstrip in Ujjain under the Centre's RCS-UDAN scheme. The expansion aims to boost religious tourism linked to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and support the city's growing industrial and service sectors. (ANI)
Traffic authorities have warned commuters that movement is expected to remain slow and congested from 5:00 PM today until 8:00 AM tomorrow due to the damaged stretch.

Taking to X, the official handle of Delhi Traffic Police, posted, "Traffic Advisory: In view of pipeline leakage near Shadipur Flyover, a pothole has affected two lanes on Patel Road (Pusa to Shadipur). Traffic is expected to remain slow and congested from 5 PM to 8 AM. Commuters are advised to avoid the stretch and use the alternate route via Todapur-Naraina. Plan your journey accordingly."

Commuters are advised to avoid Patel Road during the specified period. Authorities suggested an alternate route for those heading towards Kirti Nagar: to take a left turn from R/A Pusa towards Todapur via Dev Prakash Shastri Marg, and proceed through Naraina.

The Delhi Traffic Police further urged motorists to plan their journey in advance, follow traffic advisories, and cooperate with personnel deployed on the ground for public safety.

Civic agencies are working to repair the damaged pipeline and restore normal traffic conditions at the earliest. (ANI)
The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, in collaboration with FICCI, is organising the 9th India Pharma Conference on April 13-14, 2026, with a strong focus on innovation, discovery, and development of drugs, particularly in the field of biologicals, Secretary Manoj Joshi said on Tuesday. Addressing reporters on the conference proceedings, Joshi explained, "On the first day of the conference, there will be a roundtable meeting between the Health Minister and industry leaders, followed by various sessions. A major point of discussion in all these sessions will be the discovery ecosystem, clinical trials, and our regulatory system--specifically, how to make the CDSCO processes faster and easier." Turning towards the national budget, he said, "Whether you look at the national budget or this upcoming conference, the core focus is on innovation, discovery, and development. On 13-14 April, the Department, in collaboration with FICCI, is organising a Pharma Conference. The focus is on innovation, discovery, and development--particularly biological drugs. The government aims to strengthen the ecosystem for drug discovery by bringing together academia, research institutions, industry, and start-ups." Joshi added, "In the budget, the Finance Minister placed special emphasis on biological drugs. Similarly, our joint conference with FICCI will focus on discovery and development, particularly in the field of biological drugs. We are exploring how the government, academic institutions, research organisations, and the industry can collaborate to strengthen our discovery and development ecosystem," highlighting the emphasis on biological drugs. On the global reach of India's drug innovation, he pointed out, "The goal is to increase the discovery of biological and chemical drugs within India and conduct their clinical trials here, allowing us to provide newly discovered medicines not just to India, but to the entire world." Joshi also noted the shift from generics to innovative drugs, saying, "Historically, the Indian pharmaceutical industry has focused largely on generic drugs. However, generic drugs typically have lower profit margins. In contrast, newly discovered drugs offer a monopoly and exclusivity, tapping into a massive global market with much higher value addition and profitability. Therefore, the collective focus of the Indian government, the industry, and academia is to strengthen the drug discovery ecosystem by supporting the involved start-ups, laboratories, and large corporations." On regulatory efficiency, he adds, "The aim is to reduce the time it takes for a drug to move from the discovery phase to the market. In today's competitive world, the faster a drug reaches the market, the greater the benefit. For the past year, the Indian industry has been in dialogue with the government, both directly and through various associations, to find ways to accelerate and simplify the regulatory system and to secure government support for industry-academic partnerships to bolster our start-up ecosystem." (ANI)
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday visited the hospital treating the injured mother of two children killed in the Tronglaobi bomb attack to assess her condition and directed officials to ensure she receives the highest standard of medical care. The incident unfolded around 1:00 AM when suspected militants allegedly attacked a residence by throwing a bomb, killing two siblings, a 5-year-old boy and his 5-month-old sister, and leaving their mother injured. In an X post, the CM described the incident as an "assault on humanity" and an intentional effort to destabilise the state's peace. "...This barbaric act is an assault on humanity and a deliberate attempt to disrupt Manipur's hard-earned peace. I condemn it in the strongest terms. Let this be clear, those responsible will be identified and dealt with strictly as per law. Such acts of terror will not be tolerated," the post said. Reaffirming the government's resolute commitment to citizen safety, he urged everyone to "stay united and stand firm against forces that seek to disturb our collective harmony." https://x.com/YKhemchandSingh/status/2041409362577780954?s=20 In another post, CM Singh announced that he chaired an all-party meeting at the Secretariat which undertook a comprehensive review of the impacts arising from the prevailing situation and deliberated on coordinated responses to restore peace and normalcy. "...The discussions were constructive and forward-looking, with all stakeholders expressing a shared commitment to stability and public safety. Concrete and actionable measures have been identified to address emerging challenges. With collective effort and continued cooperation, we are confident that peace and normalcy will be restored at the earliest," the post read. https://x.com/YKhemchandSingh/status/2041514942130802993?s=20 The Chief Minister also chared a key meeting on the issue which was attended by State Home Minister K Govindas Singh, BJP State President A Sharda Devi, and former Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh (INC). Also in attendance were NPP State President (Tera Lai) Y Joykumar Singh, Cabinet Minister Kh Loken Singh, NPP MLA Janghemlung Panmei, L. Sotinkumar (CPI), and Th Maheshwar, RPI (Athawale). The bomb attack incident has sparked widespread anger, leading to the suspension of internet service in five districts of Manipur, Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur, for three days starting at 2:00 PM today. Protesters took to the streets, blocking the crucial Imphal-Tidim Road at multiple points and setting fire to at least three trucks. In response to the unrest and the potential for further violence, police have deployed heavy security reinforcements and tightened security in the volatile region. Meanwhile, the CM announced that the state Government has decided to hand over the case of the bomb attack at Tronglaobi to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The Chief Minister said that the perpetrators are yet to be identified at this stage. He stated that a massive combing operation is underway. Combined security forces, including State Police, Assam Rifles and CRPF, have been deployed. Helicopters are also being used. He said the culprits will be caught at the earliest. (ANI)
Campaigning ended for the high-stakes political battles in Assam, Keralam and Puducherry on Tuesday as leaders across political parties sought to woo voters through a series of promises and made strong attacks on their political opponents. Voting for 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Keralam, and 30 in Puducherry will be conducted in a single phase on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Health Minister JP Nadda, BJP chief Nitin Nabin and Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were among leaders who held rallies in poll-bound states to shore up prospects of their candidates. In Kerala, the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) is seeking a third successive term. The LDF created a record in 2021 as it retained the southern state which has seen power alternating between the coalitions led by CPI(M) and Congress. Having missed the bus in 2021, the Congress-led United Democratic Front is hopeful of winning the assembly polls riding on its promises and what its leaders call a "yearning for change". The elections are also crucial for the Left front as Kerala is the only state where it is in power, having been squeezed in Tripura and West Bengal. The BJP, which has been gaining vote share in the state, is also hopeful of its prospects in the southern state. In Assam, the Congress has stitched a six-party alliance to take on the ruling BJP-led NDA, which is seeking third successive term in office. The campaign turned more bitter in the last few days after Congress allegations against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, who has filed a FIR. Assam Police carried out searches at the residence of Congress media department chairperson Pawan Khera, a day after he made the allegations at a press conference on Sunday. BJP has strongly hit back at Congress over the allegations. In Puducherry, the contest involves the ruling NDA which includes NR Congress and BJP and the Congress-DMK alliance. Actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is seeking to make it triangular. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who addressed rallies in Assam on Tuesday, expressed confidence that the BJP will again form a government in Assam. He said a decision to bring the Uniform Civil Code will be taken in the first meeting of the state cabinet. He attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in a rally in Cachar over "vote-bank politics" and said BJP will throw out every single infiltrator from the country. Shah also appealed to the voters to form the BJP's third consecutive government in Assam. Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that despite limited campaign time, the people of Keralam are firmly with the LDF, and there is no anti-incumbency sentiment in the state. Speaking at a Meet the Leader programme in Kannur, he said the absence of anti-incumbency has left the opposition disappointed. He claimed that 97% of the promises made in the 2021 elections have been fulfilled, and that the government has successfully combined development and welfare initiatives over the past ten years. "This progress must continue for a comprehensive New Keralam," he said. The Chief Minister pointed out that the Centre's share in development funding has reduced, with the state bearing nearly 75% of the burden, affecting development stability and social justice. He alleged that corruption charges are now being raised against the opposition rather than the ruling front, and said the UDF behaves similarly whether in power or opposition on corruption matters. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday called the Left Democratic Front (LDF)-led government "corrupt" and expressed belief that the United Democratic Front (UDF) is competent to lead the state. Speaking with reporters, Priyanka Gandhi claimed that the ruling government in Keralam has no ideology left, accusing it of "making deals with the BJP." "I want to say to the people (of Keralam) that you have a corrupt government, a govt which has no ideology left because they are making deals with the BJP. You need a government, especially at this time when there are more troubles coming your way. You need a government with a vision and one that stands for you and understands your problems and also is not afraid of the Opposition. I believe the UDF has enough competence and experience amongst its leaders to provide leadership to the state," she said. Campaigning is also being held for Tamil Nadu assembly polls scheduled for April 23 and in West Bengal on April 23 and 29. Votes will be counted on May 4. (ANI)
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Tuesday alleged that economically weaker sections and young women are being targeted in what he termed a "Love Jihad" conspiracy in Karnataka. Addressing reporters, Joshi said, "The people who are not economically well-off are being targeted. Our daughters are being targeted. This is essentially a conspiracy. Without a doubt, especially in the two cases that have recently come to light, it definitely appears to be 'Love Jihad.'" He further raised concerns about political interference, stating, "The individual in custody is releasing old videos. How is that possible? This suggests there is some level of political support, and because of that support, these things are happening. I have spoken firmly and strictly with the Commissioner of Police, emphasising that this must be investigated properly." Joshi clarified that he does not question the efficiency of the police, saying, "Look at the attitude and approach of the government machinery. Because of the pressure on the police, see how they have behaved. I do not agree that the Karnataka Police or even the Hubballi-Dharwad police are inefficient. I don't believe that for a second." He criticised the filing of cases against citizens who apprehended the accused. "However, due to political pressure, they have filed a case against the 60 people who actually caught the individual involved. The criminal was apprehended by them, but instead of taking the criminal into custody, they registered a case against the people who caught him. It's a situation of 'ulta chor kotwal ko daate' (the thief scolding the guard). I completely condemn this," he further added. The minister urged the authorities for proper investigation, warning, "I urge the police department and the Home Minister to ensure this is properly investigated. Otherwise, if they do not investigate correctly, it will be the administration itself inciting further unrest in the city." On the upcoming five-state elections, taking a dig at the Congress leadership, he said, "Under the leadership of the 'great' Rahul Gandhi, they are going to score a century of defeats. I mean, the number of overall losses in the Assembly and Parliament elections put together is crossing the 100 mark. I would like to congratulate Rahul Gandhi for achieving this." Assam, Keralam and Puducherry will go into single-phase Assembly elections on April 9. While the assembly polls for Tamil Nadu are scheduled for April 23, and for April 23 and 29 in West Bengal. (ANI)
Content Creators Xandy Sutherland Nickel and Miguel Buencamino Also Tapped to Help Celebrate the Derby Spirit

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Churchill Downs Racetrack ("Churchill Downs") today announced a multi-year partnership with CAFE to help fans create the ultimate watch parties for the Kentucky Derby from the comfort of their own homes. A leader in design choice, style and performance, CAFE appliances customize the entertaining experience, giving hosts the opportunity to create a delicious array of food and beverages in a sophisticated kitchen while still enjoying the race alongside their guests.

Kentucky Derby Team Ups with CAFE and Cookbook author Caroline Chambers to Inspire At-Home Watch Party Experiences for Fans Everywhere

CAFE aims to inspire hosts to bring the same curated culinary experiences found at Churchill Downs to their own home parties. For further race-day inspiration, CAFE and Churchill Downs have partnered with Caroline Chambers  a New York Times bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and culinary content creator  to curate a 'Kentucky Derby At-home' menu. Combining her recipe expertise and the power of her own CAFE appliances, Caroline's 'Kentucky Derby At-home' recipes pair Derby traditions with easy, yet creative twists, so fans can seamlessly infuse their home celebrations with signature flavors of the racetrack.

"Bringing together CAFE and Churchill Downs unites two iconic Louisville brands and brings the entertaining spirit of the Kentucky Derby into home kitchens nationwide," said Mary Putman, vice president of marketing & brand for the GE Appliances House of Brands. "Derby-inspired flavors honor tradition while inviting every at-home cook to put their own twist on a classic. That same sense of personal expression is at the heart of CAFE, where customizable design and enhanced performance make it easy for hosts and home chefs alike to create memorable celebrations with style."

In celebration of all the creative possibilities of at-home hosting, Churchill Downs has tapped additional content creators to help hosts impress their guests with their race day festivities. With approachable cocktail recipes from Charleston-based recipe and drink creator Miguel Buencamino (Holy City Handcraft) and entertaining tips from hospitality expert Xandy Sutherland Nickel, fans will have everything they need to bring the magic of the Derby experience to life in their own ways.

"We want viewers around the globe to be able to experience the spirit of the Kentucky Derby beyond the race itself, and food and drinks are a key part of any Derby day celebration," said Michelle Walkup, Churchill Downs Racetrack marketing director. "We're excited to partner with CAFE and Caroline Chambers along with Miguel and Xandy, to ensure that fans everywhere have the tools they need to create every element of the race day experience wherever they may be celebrating."

For more information about party hosting tips and tricks, including Caroline Chambers' At-Home Menu and curated insights from cocktail, decor, and entertaining experts, please visit: https://www.kentuckyderby.com/derby-at-home/.

To learn additional details about this year's race, please visit https://www.kentuckyderby.com/. Tune into NBC on Saturday, May 2 to watch the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.

About the Kentucky Derby

The $5 million Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Inaugurated in 1875, the legendary 1 1/4-mile race for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds is the longest continually held major sporting event in North America and the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown series. Also known as, "The Run for the Roses" and "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," the Kentucky Derby is the most attended horse race in the nation. The 152nd Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026. For more information, please visit www.KentuckyDerby.com.

About CAFE

As a leader in design choice and performance, CAFE offers a full suite of distinct kitchen appliances with elements inspired by the latest fashion trends. Offering customizable appliances at a mass premium price point, CAFE fuels self-expression by empowering its owners to reflect their own style and personality through its line of major and small kitchen appliances. For the latest products, visit www.cafeappliances.com or follow @cafeappliances on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, or YouTube.

About GE Appliances, a Haier company

At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make good things, for life. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, we are a leading U.S. manufacturer of home appliances with 15,500 team members nationwide. GE Appliances, found in half of all U.S. homes, is proud to be rated America's #1 Appliance Company1 and trusted by millions of families nationwide. We manufacture and sell products under the Monogram, Cafe, GE Profile, GE, Haier, and Hotpoint brands. Our operations support nearly 90,000 additional American jobs and represent an investment of more than $2 billion since 2016. We are deeply committed to the communities where we live and work, passionate about getting closer to our product users to understand their needs and driven by the belief that there's always a better way.

To learn more about our company, brands, career opportunities, and impact, visit geappliancesco.com or connect with us on LinkedIn

SOURCE Churchill Downs Racetrack
CM Yadav made the announcement while addressing the ministers ahead of the cabinet meeting at the state secretariat in Bhopal.

The Chief Minister added that the process will initially prioritise registered small and marginal farmers, and slot booking for procurement has already begun. Adequate gunny bags (baradana) have been arranged for the procurement process.

He further directed ministers to continuously monitor wheat procurement arrangements in their respective districts and ensure proper coordination to avoid inconvenience to farmers.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the inter-state collaboration program organised in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi last month. He said the 'MP-UP Sahyog Sammelan' held on March 31 focused on connecting One District One Product initiatives, GI-tagged products, export-oriented products, traditional crafts and regional specialties to national and international markets.

The CM also stressed that special emphasis was placed on branding, marketing and export promotion of the distinctive products of both states. Along with this, discussions were held to strengthen industrial cooperation, investment promotion, cultural exchange and tourism development.

He further highlighted a three-day theatrical presentation of Samrat Vikramaditya Mahanatya, a symbol of the rich tradition of good governance, was held in Varanasi from April 3 to April 5. The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and drew participation from public representatives and citizens. The most remarkable feature of the theatrical presentation was its realistic depiction. The event also established a living cultural connection between Ujjain, the city of Mahakal, and Varanasi, the city of Baba Vishwanath. (ANI)
The Election Commission of India commenced the International Election Visitors' Programme (IEVP), 2026, for the forthcoming general elections to the legislative assemblies of Assam, Kerala and Puducherry in New Delhi today. According to the Election Commission, the programme was inaugurated by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners SS Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIDEM). CEC Gyanesh Kumar, in his inaugural address, said that the ECI takes elections in India as festivals of democracy and works towards ensuring them in a mission mode. He also called upon the participants to enjoy the visit to the states, learn, see and experience the diversity of India In the first phase, the delegates of the Programme will visit Assam, Kerala and Puducherry from 8 to 9 April 2026. In the second phase, the delegates will visit the States of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu from 20th April 2026 onwards. A total of 43 delegates from 23 countries, including representatives from five Foreign Missions in Delhi, will be participating in the first phase of the programme. The delegates were given a demonstration of the EVM at IIIDEM on Tuesday, and they took part in the mock poll using the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to get a hands- on experience of the voting process. The delegates evinced keen interest in the technological interventions and administrative safeguards in the election process in India. The delegates had an interactive session with the experts, clarifying their doubts/queries. The delegates will be travelling to Assam, Kerala and the UT of Puducherry on April 8, 2026. They will visit the dispatch and distribution centres and other facilities, including the District Control Rooms and the Media Monitoring Centres. They will also witness the actual polling on the morning of April 9, 2026. The IEVP is a flagship program of the ECI for international cooperation and engagement with the Election Management Bodies (EMBs) of other countries and International Organizations. The IEVP provides a comprehensive overview of India's electoral framework, institutional mechanisms, and operational architecture, while familiarising foreign EMB delegates with best practices and innovations in election management. The IEVP showcases the strengths of India's electoral system to the international community and shares the best practices adopted in the world's largest democracy for the conduct of elections. (ANI)
The last day of campaigning for the Keralam assembly polls drew to a sizzling close on Tuesday with a high-voltage political "roast," which turned to be the highlight of a long, sweltering and humid day. The almost a month-long campaigning by political parties came to a close at 6 pm today and the State entered the mandatory 48-hour silence period ahead of polling for the 140-seat Assembly. The election is seen as a contest between the ruling LDF and opposition UDF, with the BJP-led NDA, which has been gaining vote share, also hopeful of its prospects in the southern state. Left Democratic Front holds 99 seats in the current assembly and is aiming for a third consecutive term on its performance and welfare schemes. The LDF created a record in 2021 as it retained the southern state, which has over the decades, seen power alternating between the coalitions led by CPI(M) and Congress. The elections are crucial for the Left front as Kerala is the only state where it is in power, having been squeezed in Tripura and West Bengal. Having missed the bus in 2021, the Congress-led United Democratic Front is hopeful of winning the assembly polls riding on its promises and what its leaders call a "yearning for change". The UDF is hoping for an anti-incumbency against the Left Front government. Apart from seeking to expand its base, the BJP has an ambition to form a government in the southern state where it has not been a major power traditionally. Earlier today, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is contesting from Dharmadom in Kannur, responded with characteristic Malayali sarcasm to his Telangana counterpart Revanth Reddy's barb borrowed from an Mohanlal film. Reddy had, during campaigning in the State claimed that the "expiry" date of Vijayan was over and claimed that the CPI(M) leader's "godfather" Prime Minister Narendra Modi was protecting him from ongoing legal cases. He had tweaked the popular "Po Mone Dinesha" from the movie to "NeePo Mone Vijaya" and repeated the diatribe in a letter addressed to the Kerala CM posted on his X platform. Vijayan while addressing a press meeting in Kannur today retorted, "Dash Mone Revantha, the reply to you is coming soon." The Keralam CM then proceeded to post a thread of posts on his X platform arguing that Reddy's statements lacked "factual backing." Reddy subsequently replied to Vijayan "garu" with a "final response" saying he unlike Vijayan "wont use language of poor taste" and "won't respond with a rash comment to a dash comment.." Reddy posed questions to Vijayan over poverty, corruption and development in Keralam. Vijayan also said that despite limited campaign time, the people of Keralam are firmly with the LDF, and there is no anti-incumbency sentiment in the state, which has left the opposition disappointed. He claimed that 97% of the promises made in the 2021 elections have been fulfilled, and that the government has successfully combined development and welfare initiatives over the past ten years. A day ago he presented the progress report highlighting key achievements of his government's 10-year rule. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor today said the Left Front-led government has mired Kerala in severe levels of debt and it "does not deserve a third term". "Certainly anti-incumbency is there in Kerala, I've seen it... People want to see the UDF come to power. So I think they can whistle in the dark about no anti-incumbency." Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said the Congress-led UDF is confident of securing 100 seats in the ensuing Assembly election. Other Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and KC Venugopal, also trained their guns at the "corrupt" Left Democratic Front (LDF)-led government accusing it of "making deals with the BJP." BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Shivraj Chauhan among others campaigned in Keralam and held road shows. They alleged that "LDF and UDF have destroyed Keralam". Both the CPI(M)-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF have been riddled with defections while the NDA also faced troubles over distribution of its seats to ally Twenty20. In Kottarakara, senior CPI(M) leader and three-time MLA Aisha Potty is fighing on a Congress (UDF) ticket and is pitted against the LDF's KN Balagopal. In Nemom constituency, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar is taking on incumbent MLA and Minister V Sivankutty. In Vattiyurkavu, LDF's VK Prasanth is in a three-way contest against K Muraleedharan of the Congress and NDA's R Sreelekha. In Pala, LDF ally Jose K Mani of the Kerala Congress (Mani) is in the fray. A former minister and four-time MLA, after leaving the CPI (M) is contesting as an independent from Ambalappuzha with UDF support. PK Sasi is contesting from Ottapalam. In Thrissur, Padmaja Venugopal of the BJP(NDA) is in fray against UDF's Rajan Pallan and LDF candidate Alancode Leelakrishnan. In Palakkad, actor Ramesh Pisharody of the UDF is facing Shoba Surendran the BJP (NDA) candidate. The Aranmula Assembly constituency in Pathanamthitta district is witnessing a keenly contested battle as incumbent MLA Veena George of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) is seeking re-election. Key contenders in the constituency include Congress candidate Abin Varkey Kodiyattu and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kummanam.Rajasekharan. CPI(M)'s Kadakampally Surendran faces BJP's V Muraleedharan in Kazhakkoottam, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched battles in the Keralam elections. Congress has fielded Advocate Sarathchandra Prasad. In Kalamaserry, it is a direct rematch between sitting MLA P Rajeev (LDF) and VE Abdul Gafoor (UDF), with the NDA fielding MP Binu of Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS). In Paravoor, the Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan is seeking a sixth consecutive victory. LDF has fielded Taison Master. (ANI)
The Assam Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday strongly condemned remarks made by Congress leaders during an election rally on April 6 at Nilambazar in Sribhumi district, which it described as an insult to Hindu beliefs and Sanatan civilisation. In a statement, BJP spokesperson Pranjal Kalita said, "in a desperate attempt to appease a particular vote bank, the Congress party has stooped to the extent of targeting the sacred symbols of Sanatan civilisation." "The Assam Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party strongly condemns the deeply offensive and irresponsible remarks made during an election rally on April 6 at Nilambazar in Sribhumi district, which amounted to an outright insult to Hindu beliefs and traditions. While Congress leaders repeatedly claim to uphold the Constitution, their actions blatantly contradict the very spirit of constitutional freedom and respect for all faiths. The recent demand by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to ban RSS-BJP not only reflects political intolerance but also exposes the intellectual bankruptcy within the party's top leadership," the statement said. "Sanatan civilisation has always revered nature and its elements, including animals and living beings, as sacred. However, in a calculated attempt to polarise voters, Congress has tried to portray even the sacred ornaments of Lord Shiva as harmful, thereby hurting the sentiments of millions of devotees. Such statements are not only condemnable but also dangerous for social harmony," it added. Kalita stated that Congress is deliberately attempting to undermine Sanatan culture while projecting other religions in a superior light, solely to gain political mileage. "This divisive approach has already been rejected by the people of Assam and the nation at large. Taking serious note of this provocative and divisive rhetoric, the Assam BJP has lodged a formal FIR at Basistha Police Station in Guwahati and has also submitted a complaint before the Assam State Election Commission," he said. The party has demanded immediate legal action against Mallikarjun Kharge for spreading inflammatory and socially disruptive statements during the election campaign. The BJP reiterates that any attempt to hurt religious sentiments, disturb social harmony, or misuse electoral platforms for divisive propaganda will not be tolerated, and strict action must be taken in accordance with the law. The polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies in Assam 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. (ANI)
Assam BJP on Tuesday lodged a police complaint against Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge at Basistha police station in Guwahati for allegedly making derogatory speech against the Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Rabjib Kumar Sarmah, Assam BJP leader, denounced the alleged remarks made by Kharge and accused Congress of practising appeasement politics to garner Muslim votes. "Mr Mallikarjun Kharge held an election rally today in Assam's Shribhumi district. And in that election rally, he compared the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevam Sangh with a poisonous snake. And said, 'If someone is offering Namaz or reading the Quran, even at that time if a poisonous snake is seen, then one should leave the Namaz or the Quran there and come and kill it. And the Bharatiya Janata Party and the RSS are also like this, like a poisonous snake. So as soon as they see it, Muslim people should kill the BJP and the RSS. This is what Mallikarjun Kharge has said," he said. "Through this, Mr Kharge has tried to prove that the Congress party today only does politics of Muslim appeasement, does politics only to satisfy Muslims. And it has become clear that they try to humiliate and neglect the Sanatani system and the Hindu society as much as they can," he added. Sarmah further said that the BJP, through the FIR, aims to bring the administration's attention to the matter and urges action against "people who give such speeches." He added that the FIR will be forwarded to the Election Commission to urge action against Kharge. "Today, through an FIR, we have tried to draw the attention of the administration so that the administration stops such hate speeches as soon as possible and takes action against the people who give such speeches and make such statements. After this, we will also go to the Election Commission and urge the Election Commission to take some action against the Congress President," he stated. Meanwhile, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari called Kharge's remarks objectionable and said that it amounts to "direct treason." He accused the Congress of acting in despair due to fear of defeat and said that the country will "punish them" "We lodged a complaint with the police a short while ago. This is a highly objectionable statement. Today, Congress has directly called for riots in this country. They are clearly saying to treat the BJP and RSS people as venomous snakes and kill them. I believe this amounts to direct treason against the nation. Congress is nowhere now. If its seats in Assam fall below 50, it won't surprise anyone. But should you say such things when you are losing? Think about what this implies. Is it the role of prayer-goers to attack someone? This is a very dangerous statement. The people of Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala will not forgive Congress. We have filed a police complaint. Congress is in despair due to fear of defeat, but despair does not mean calling for attacks on BJP and RSS members. The country will punish them." BJP leader Gaurav Vallab expressed stern criticism towards Kharge's alleged statement and said that the people have crushed Congress' ideology of appeasement. "This is the language of the National President of a National Party; imagine what kind of ideology is growing in the Congress Party. Mr Kharge is the National President of the country's oldest political party, and this is his language. I don't need to say who the people of the country have crushed and whose ideology they have destroyed. You are nurturing that ideology of appeasement," he said. (ANI)
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which operates Delhi Airport, on Tuesday shared "an important update and clarification" regarding the dogs around Delhi Airport and said several community dogs live across the three terminals and are being regularly cared for in accordance with the prescribed guidelines. It urged all flyers and visitors to avoid feeding the dogs in public areas or engaging in any actions that may unintentionally provoke them. In a series of posts, Delhi Airport said its approach remains rooted in care, safety, and responsible management. "Several community dogs live across the three terminals and are being regularly cared for and fed by our team, strictly following veterinary-prescribed guidelines to ensure their health and balanced behaviour," Delhi Airport's post said. It referred to the social media posts about another dog at T3 and hoped it is safe and around. "At the same time, we learnt from some social media posts about another dog at T3 which has reportedly been missing since 26th March. We sincerely hope it is safe and around," Delhi Aiport said. "We strongly urge all flyers and visitors to avoid feeding them in public areas or engaging in any actions that may unintentionally provoke them. Rising incidents of dog bites are a matter of genuine concern, and ensuring safety--for both people and animals--requires collective responsibility," it added. The Delhi Airport said a dog which had bitten individuals has been carefully handled and gently returned to its familiar area "We also want to inform you that the brown dog, which had recently bitten two individuals and shown signs of aggression, has been carefully handled, calmed, and gently returned to its familiar area. Our approach remains rooted in care, safety, and responsible management," it added. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reacted to the Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's recent remarks related to striking Kolkata and said that "They should forget about the dream of reaching Kolkata" and advised them to try to improve relations rather than deteriorate them. rejected Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's reported threat of striking Kolkata in the event of any escalation with India, calling it unrealistic and advising Islamabad to focus on improving relations rather than escalating tensions. Speaking to reporters, CM Abdullah said, "It hasn't even been a year since Operation Sindoor was completed...Forget about Kolkata, they barely reached Jammu. They should forget about the dream of reaching Kolkata. It would be better for them to somehow try to improve relations rather than further worsen them, because bad relations don't harm us as much as they do." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday hit back strongly at Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's recent remarks, stressing that he should not give "such provocative statement" because they suffered the consequences when Pakistan was divided into two parts. Speaking to ANI, Singh further said that only the god would know how many parts Pakistan would be divided if "they cast an eye on Bengal." "Pakistan's Defence Minister should not have given such a provocative statement. 55 years ago, they suffered the consequences when Pakistan was divided into two parts. If they try to cast an eye on Bengal, only God knows how many parts Pakistan will be divided into this time," said Rajnath Singh. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday reportedly said that Islamabad would retaliate by striking Kolkata in the event of any future misadventure by India. The incident also drew criticism of the government from TMC as party MP Abhishek Banerjee on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of not being able to "muster the courage" to condemn Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's reported open threat to strike Kolkata. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha MP and actress Kangana Ranaut slammed ruling Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly failing to ensure the safety of women. She also referred to the statement of Home Minister Amit Shah. "... The BJP is confident of forming the government here. Injustices against daughters of the state and the plight of doctors on night duty have shocked the nation. A woman Chief Minister has failed to ensure women's safety... At the Kalighat temple, prayers were offered for Bengal's daughters... As the Home Minister (Amit Shah) said, the law will firmly deal with criminals in West Bengal...," Kangana told ANI on Tuesday. She also lashed out at Mamata Banerjee for opposing the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls and pointed out that the exercise had been conducted before as well. "... Lakhs of names have been removed, showing how governments were being formed in the past. This is a transparent and open process. SIR has been conducted in the past as well, during the previous government's tenure. There's nothing new in it... If action is being taken against infiltrators, why does Mamata Banerjee feel the pain? The people of Bengal see this clearly, which is why they have decided to bring a BJP government this time." Her remark comes amid high political tension as West Bengal prepares for a two-phase assembly election on April 23 and 29, with counting of votes on 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. However, in the 2021 state Assembly elections, despite a high voter turnout of 84.7%, the Trinamool Congress retained power, though it saw a slight dip in its total seat count, winning 213 seats with 48.5% of the vote share. The BJP saw a significant improvement in its performance, jumping from three seats in 2016 to 77 seats with 38.5% of the vote share. Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress witnessed a sharp decline, winning only one seat with 1.6% of the vote share. (ANI)
The war of words between the Congress and BJP over allegations levelled against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife further escalated on Tuesday with the leaders of two parties continuing to target each other. Assam Police carried searches at the Delhi residence of Congress leader Pawan Khera after Sarma's wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma filed an FIR against him. Khera had made the allegations at a press conference relating to "passports" of Riniki Bhuyan Sharma and Sarma "not declaring correct property-related information" in his election affidavit. Congress accused Sarma of high-handedness over action against Khera and called him "a bully". "The deployment of a full army of police officials to arrest my colleague Pawan Khera for asking basic questions in the public interest proves that the Assam CM is disturbed, desperate, and rattled. This is not due process but instead a witch hunt, a bully using state machinery to muzzle and silence the voice of the Opposition that is exposing his many black deeds," Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X. "Those who intimidate are the ones who are afraid and have much to hide. It also proves that the CM is facing imminent defeat," he added. Sarma, who had lambasted Khera on Sunday soon after the allegations were made, continued his attack on Tuesday. He also objected to remarks of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on the controversy. He likened the situation to killing someone and then offering them medicine. "Kharge is old, and you are still talking like a crazy person," he remarked. Congress leaders later attacked Sarma over his remarks against Kharge. "The use of vulgar and derogatory language by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma against Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge ji is entirely condemnable, shameful, and unacceptable," Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X. He also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his "silence" on the issue. Jairam Ramesh said Sarma's words were "disgraceful beyond any limit". "It is well known that the outgoing Assam CM knows no dignity or restraint in language, leave alone action. His abuse of Mallikarjun Kharge ji - the Congress President and a most powerful symbol of social empowerment made possible by the Constitution of India - is disgraceful beyond any limit and reveals not only his mental sickness but also the dalit-virodhi mindset of the BJP" he said in a post on X. "What the outgoing Assam CM has said about Shri Rahul Gandhi is also most despicable. They deserve the utmost condemnation," he added. Mallikarjun Kharge's son and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge alleged that Assam CM is desperately trying to prove his loyalty to his RSS bosses. "The language he is using against Congress leaders is not just abusive, it reeks of the entitlement and arrogance of caste privilege that RSS politics has normalized and nurtured. And @narendramodi, as always, remains a silent spectator," he said in X post. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar labelled the remarks "disrespectful", calling for an "immediate apology"from Sarma. "...As President of the Indian National Congress, he holds a position of great legacy and responsibility, once held by Mahatma Gandhi. Such language directed at a leader of his stature is completely unacceptable and lowers the dignity of political discourse in our country. Himanta Biswa Sarma must issue an immediate and unconditional apology for these remarks," he wrote in an x post. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that Congress leaders made allegations based on fake documents. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal slammed the Congress over its allegations, stating that the opposition party "will have to face punishment for its dirty politics". Amid the escalating political war of words, Sarma expressed confidence in the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) performance in the upcoming polls. "NDA will win 90-100 seats in the upcoming elections. BJP will win more than 70 seats." Assam will vote in a single phase on April 9 across 126 constituencies, with counting on May 4. The BJP-led NDA is seeking a third consecutive term. The Congress-led alliance includes Raijor Dal and CPI(M). (ANI)
US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) hailed the operation as "one of the most daring search-and-rescue (CSAR) operations in US history" after the US military successfully rescued two airmen from an F-15E Strike Eagle shot down over southwestern Iran on April 3, 2026. Addressing the White House briefing, Trump said, "I ordered the American armed forces to do whatever was necessary to bring our brave warriors back home," adding that 21 US military aircraft were deployed as part of that mission. The F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down by Iran on April 3, 2026, marking the first US crewed aircraft lost in Iranian territory during the ongoing conflict. The crew, consisting of a pilot and a Weapons Systems Officer (WSO), ejected safely, but the WSO, a colonel, was injured and stranded in the Zagros Mountains for nearly 48 hours. Trump said during the conference that the second rescue mission in Iran involved 155 US aircraft. Trump said that the second rescue mission in Iran included four bombers, 64 fighter jets, 48 refuelling tankers and 13 rescue aircraft. Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the military rescued the second F-15 crew member, who went missing after Iran downed the jet. In a post on Truth Social, Trump called it the "most daring" search and rescue operation for the US military, stating that the government will "not leave a warfighter behind". He also stated that the crew member sustained injuries. The rescue team destroyed several aircraft, including MC-130Js and MH-6 helicopters, to prevent sensitive technology from falling into enemy hands. "We got him! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in US History, for one of our incredible Crew Member Officers, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is now safe and sound! This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour, but was never truly alone because his Commander in Chief, Secretary of War, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and fellow Warfighters were monitoring his location 24 hours a day, and diligently planning for his rescue," Trump stated in his post. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he spoke with US President Donald Trump and congratulated him for the "perfectly executed American mission" to rescue a US pilot stranded in Iranian territory after Tehran downed an F-15 fighter jet at Isfahan. In a post on X, Netanyahu said that Trump has expressed his appreciation for Israel's help during the rescue mission."I spoke earlier with President Donald Trump and personally congratulated him on his bold decision and a perfectly executed American mission to rescue the downed pilot from enemy territory. The President expressed his appreciation for Israel's help," he said. "I am deeply proud that our cooperation on and off the battlefield is unprecedented, and that Israel could contribute to saving a brave American warrior," he added. CNN, citing Israeli sources, previously reported that Israel offered intelligence support and postponed some planned strikes on Iran to avoid interfering with the search-and-rescue mission for the airman. (ANI)
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Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence on Tuesday recorded the presence of 8 PLAN vessels, 1 official ship and 1 sortie of PLA aircraft around its territory. Sharing the details in a post on X, MND said that they have monitored the situation and responded. "1 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 out of 1 sorties entered Taiwan's southwestern part ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded", it wrote on X. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2041320538627596404?s=20 MND detected the presence of three sorties of Chinese military aircraft, six naval vessels and two official ships operating around its territorial waters as of 6am (local time) on Monday. All three sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and eastern part ADIZ. Earlier on Sunday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected the presence of six Chinese military vessels and an official ship operating around itself.As per the MND, Taiwan monitored the situation and responded. China's claim over Taiwan is a complex issue rooted in historical, political, and legal arguments. Beijing asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a viewpoint embedded in national policy and upheld by domestic laws and international statements. Taiwan, however, maintains a distinct identity, functioning independently with its own government, military, and economy. Taiwan's status remains a significant point of international debate, testing the principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and non-interference in international law, as per the United Service Institution of India. China's claim to Taiwan originates from the Qing Dynasty's annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating Ming loyalist Koxinga. However, Taiwan remained a peripheral region under limited Qing control. The key shift came in 1895, when the Qing ceded Taiwan to Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War, marking Taiwan as a Japanese colony for 50 years. After Japan's defeat in World War II, Taiwan was returned to Chinese control, but the sovereignty transfer was not formalised. In 1949, the Chinese Civil War resulted in the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland, while the Republic of China (ROC) retreated to Taiwan, asserting its claim to govern all of China. This led to dual sovereignty claims: the PRC over the mainland and the ROC over Taiwan. Taiwan has operated as a de facto independent state but has avoided declaring formal independence to prevent military conflict with the PRC, United Service Institution of India. (ANI)
In the wake of a high-stakes operation to rescue a downed US F-15 pilot within Iranian territory, Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), has characterised the mission as a definitive display of American military supremacy and a total exposure of Iranian weakness. Speaking to ANI, Rubin asserted that the rescue mission was a feat no other military on earth could achieve, regardless of political leanings toward the Trump administration. By successfully operating against a "formidable" adversary, Rubin argued that the U.S. has proven Iran's military might is largely an illusion. "The fact that we were able to do this... shows just how potent the American military is and how empty and what a paper tiger Iran's military is," he stated. Rubin emphasised that the technical and tactical precision required for such a deep-territory rescue remains an exclusive capability of the United States. The rescue unfolded after Iranian forces shot down the American aircraft on April 3 during escalating hostilities that have drawn in the United States and its allies against Tehran's military capabilities. US forces mounted a complex search-and-rescue mission involving dozens of aircraft and special operations units deep inside hostile territory. Officials confirmed that one crew member, the pilot, was quickly recovered by helicopter, while a second, the weapons systems officer, evaded capture for nearly 48 hours before being extracted in a subsequent operation that fused intelligence, deception and military precision. Rubin's remarks underscored the rarity and difficulty of such missions. "There is no other military in the world, whether you like Donald Trump or dislike Donald Trump, that could stage a rescue like the United States just staged," he said, highlighting a capability unmatched by other nations. According to Rubin, the United States' ability to carry out such a deep-penetration rescue reflects the potency and reach of its armed forces. "The fact that we were able to do this against a much more formidable ally shows just how potent the American military is and how empty and what a paper tiger Iran's military is," he said, framing the operation as not just a tactical success but a symbolic demonstration of US power. The successful extraction has sent shockwaves through the international community, prompting Rubin to call for a recalibration of how global powers--specifically India--view military capability and diplomatic alliances. Rubin acknowledged legitimate frustrations regarding the surge in energy prices following President Trump's unilateral decision to go to war. However, he urged Indian leadership to look beyond economic grievances. "One thing I think the Indian discourse gets wrong is that certainly the Indians are right to complain about the rise in energy prices, especially since they had no say, given the unilateral action of Donald Trump's decision to go to war," he said, referring to criticism within India about the economic fallout. Rubin warned that as India ascends as a global power, it will inevitably face heightened hostility from neighbours like Pakistan and China. "But, there needs to be much greater discussion within India about what India is going to do to achieve the capabilities which America has now demonstrated because the fact of the matter is, as India rises as an economic power and frankly as a global power, the knives are going to be out in Pakistan, in China and elsewhere. India can't get caught simply hand-wringing and discussing endlessly about international law when it also needs to develop its military capability." The most explosive revelation from Rubin involves the origin of the weapon that downed the American jet. He pointed to intensifying rumours that the missile used by Iran was not an indigenous weapon, but one supplied by Turkey. If confirmed, Rubin warned this would represent a massive diplomatic shift. "The last point, which has come under discussion, is truly interesting and, in many ways, could be a diplomatic game-changer. There are a lot of rumours now that the missile which shot down the American F-15 was provided by Turkey to Iran. It wasn't an indigenous Iranian missile. And if this is confirmed, then there is going to be an even greater crisis within NATO," he said, pointing to potential fractures in alliance cohesion should the allegation gain credence. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated To Lam for his election as the President of Vietnam and expressed confidence that the ties between New Delhi and Hanoi would further deepen under his leadership. PM Modi underlined the time-tested friendship between India and Vietnam and expressed the commitment to further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. He said on X, "Heartiest congratulations to Mr. To Lam on his election as President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. I am confident that under his leadership, the time-tested friendship between our two countries will continue to grow from strength to strength. I look forward to working closely together to further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the progress and prosperity of our people and the region." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2041403749185593668?s=20 Xinhua News reported that Vietnam's National Assembly on Tuesday morning confirmed To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC), as state president for the 2026-2031 tenure. As per Xinhua, all 495 deputies present voted in favor of the draft resolution on the election of Lam. Lam in his speech underlined the need to develop a highly skilled workforce that meets the development requirements in the new period, improve institutions and governance toward a modern, inclusive and sustainable society, and bring the country in step with global political, economic and civilizational trends, Xinhua said. AA citing local outlet VnExpress reported that this marks Lam's second term after the earlier short-lived tenure in 2024. It further mentioned that Lam has overseen key policy decisions during his 18-month tenure as party chief to accelerate Vietnam's development. These include becoming an upper-middle-income country with modern industry by 2030, and a high-income developed country by 2045. (ANI)
30 Indian fishermen arrived in Sri Lanka on Tuesday and made their way back home safely. 21 of them were from Ramanathapuram, while 9 others were from Karaikal The fishermen, hailing from Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Karaikal regions, had ventured into the sea on February 15 in two boats for fishing. They were alleged to have crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line, and were thus apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy, who seized their boats and took them to Sri Lanka. The fishermen were later produced before a court in Mallakam and subsequently lodged in a prison in Jaffna. Following the incident, both the Central and State governments initiated diplomatic efforts for their release. Additionally, Puducherry-based LJK leader Charles Martin took legal steps through lawyers to secure the fishermen's release. As a result of these combined efforts, the Sri Lankan government released all the fishermen on March 31. They were then handed over to officials of the Indian High Commission in Colombo. After undergoing medical examinations and being issued emergency travel documents, the fishermen departed from Colombo by flight and arrived at Chennai International Airport. Upon arrival, they completed customs and immigration formalities. The Fisheries Department officials later escorted them in a special vehicle to their respective hometowns. Previously, Sri Lankan MP Harsha de Silva told ANI that the issue of Indian fishermen in Sri Lanka is a perennial issue and will not go away soon, because both sides depend on fishing for a living. "This is a perennial issue, you know it's not going away because I think on both sides of the straits, you know, folks are depending on fish for their living. These are not, you know, big corporates these are small fishermen, and when the Indian trawlers come, and you can see the satellite images, you know, they do not come in dozens but rather in hundreds, and they go back, so the issue, I think, is a complicated one. You can't just say this is the line so you stay here, and you know somehow stay on this," he said. Silva then said that it is more of a legal issue than a political. "Yes, every foreign minister and deputy foreign minister worked on this. It is about bottom trawling and whether bottom trawling is a traditional fishing method, and you know, does it destroy the seabed? But as I said, I think the solution is economics-related, not legal," he said. The issue of frequent arrests of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities has remained a longstanding concern between the two countries, particularly affecting fishing communities in Tamil Nadu. (ANI)
In a dramatic release, new footage purportedly shows missile-borne cameras capturing the final moments before impact on air defence systems attributed to Iran's military infrastructure, in a concerted effort to degrade Tehran's layered air defence architecture during ongoing hostilities in the Middle East.

In the social media post on X, linked with the footage, IDF asserted: "Special Footage from Missile's View: How the Air Force Targets the Terrorist Iranian Regime's Air Defence Systems. In precise attacks guided by the intelligence branch of the Air Force, more than 130 air defence systems of the terrorist Iranian regime were destroyed. The attached footage shows missile-view images of the destruction of air defence systems in Iran."

https://x.com/IDFFarsi/status/2041419959352336781

Israeli and US military briefings in recent weeks have both underscored efforts to neutralise Iran's air defences amid broader regional confrontations. The United States Central Command shared video materials showing targets being engaged during combined strikes, highlighting the targeted dismantling of Iranian missile and radar facilities as a core objective of the campaign.

Earlier, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that its troops uncovered underground living quarters and multiple weapons stockpiles during operations in Southern Lebanon.

In a post on X, the IDF said, "Southern Lebanon: IDF troops located underground living quarters, and uncovered military vests, RPG rockets, & explosive devices alongside a flag of the UNHCR organisation."

According to the X post, additional searches led to the discovery of "several weapons stockpiles, including AK-47 rifles, RPG launchers, and sniper rifles".

Before this, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned the strike, which took place merely 100 meters from Rafik Hariri University Hospital, Lebanon's largest public medical facility, and resulted in the death of 4 people, injuring 39 others and causing major damage to a nearby residential area. His remarks come as Israel has expanded its military operations in Lebanon. (ANI)
As per the release from the Office of the President, after it was recommended by the meeting of the Council of Ministers on Tuesday.

"The change applies to the Council of Ministers formed on March 27 on the recommendation of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, in accordance with Article 76(9) of the Constitution of Nepal," the release said.

Though the ministerial hierarchy has been changed, the portfolios remain unchanged; their order of precedence has been rearranged.

In the latest round of revision, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has slipped to fifth position from his previous third position in the cabinet. As per the revised hierarchy, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle now ranks immediately after Prime Minister Shah, based on seniority.

Similarly, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung now follows Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal and Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha. In the previous hierarchy, Home Minister Gurung held the third position.

In the 15-member Cabinet, Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Deepak Kumar Sah is currently placed at the 15th position.

Balendra Shah 'Balen' was sworn in as Nepal's 47th Prime Minister earlier in March.

Nepal's President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy after appointing Shah earlier in the day under Article 76(1) of the Constitution.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, former prime ministers, senior officials, security chiefs and members of the diplomatic community. (ANI)
Bangladesh's Foreign Minister, Khalilur Rahman, will leave Dhaka on Wednesday for a visit to India, a senior Bangladesh Foreign Ministry official said on Tuesday. During his visit to India, he will meet several key Indian ministers, including his counterpart S Jaishankar, and Petroleum Minister, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, among others. The Foreign Minister would also be accompanied by PM Tarique Rahman's Advisor on Foreign Affairs during the visit to India. "Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman will depart Dhaka on 7 April to participate in the Indian Ocean Conference to be held in Mauritius from 10-12 April 2026. On the way, he will make a stopover in New Delhi", Mahbubul Alam, Director General of Public Diplomacy Wing, Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, told the reporters. "During his stay there, he is scheduled to hold courtesy meetings with India's External Affairs Minister, National Security Adviser, and Petroleum Minister", Alam added. "It is also noted that the Honourable Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Humayun Kabir, will accompany the Foreign Minister during the stopover in India and will also participate in the Mauritius conference", the official said. He further noted that the meetings will emphasise strengthening the stability and continuity of bilateral relations based on mutual respect, trust, and shared interests. Alam further said that it is expected that the engagements will lay an important foundation for further enhancing cooperation between Bangladesh and India more effectively and sustainably in the future. The high-level visit comes shortly after the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, on Monday. He held discussions on the ties between New Delhi and Dhaka, with a focus on people-centric cooperation in multiple domains aligned with the national development priorities of the two countries. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in a wide range of areas, including public health, financial inclusion, women's empowerment, rural development, bilateral trade and investment, ease of doing business, technology partnerships, and power and energy cooperation, it added. High Commissioner underlined that India-Bangladesh cooperation should transform their geographical proximity into new opportunities by strengthening economic and connectivity linkages, and by enhancing cultural and people-to-people exchanges. High Commissioner conveyed India's intent to work together with the Government and the people of Bangladesh in a positive, constructive and forward-looking manner based on mutual interest and mutual benefit. On April 3, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, held talks on defence collaboration with Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi. Hamidullah and General Dwivedi deliberated on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, including joint training initiatives. Meanwhile on March 27, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh underscored the enduring strength of Indo-Bangladesh ties, describing the partnership as strategic and people-focused and both resilient and forward-looking while addressing the National Day Reception marking the 56th Independence and National Day of Bangladesh at the Bangladesh High Commission in the national capital. (ANI)
Tehran has issued a stern warning to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) against permitting the United States to utilise their sovereign territory and airspace for military strikes against the Islamic Republic. According to a report by state broadcaster Press TV, Iran reminded both Gulf nations of their "international responsibility" to ensure they do not facilitate "acts of aggression". The warning was formalised in two separate letters dispatched on Monday to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of the Security Council. Iran's UN Ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, used the correspondence to detail several instances in which US warplanes allegedly operated from or transited through Saudi and Emirati airspace to conduct bombing raids. Documents cited by Press TV indicate that these military actions took place primarily on March 23, 24 and 28, 2026. In the letter regarding Saudi Arabia, Iravani enumerated over a dozen specific incidents, including operations by US F-16SV fighter jets, as well as F-35 and F-15E jets, which reportedly carried out strikes on Iranian targets. Similar military activity was documented in a separate letter concerning the UAE. This included a US U-2S reconnaissance aircraft operating within Emirati airspace on March 23. Referencing the "international responsibility of States arising from placing their territory at the disposal of others", Iravani expressed Iran's "strong and unequivocal objection" to these developments. According to Press TV, the Iranian envoy "strictly calls upon" both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi to adhere to the principles of "good neighbourliness" and prevent any further use of their territory for hostile actions against Iran. The Ambassador further noted that while Tehran remains committed to respecting the sovereignty of both nations, it "reserves its inherent right to take all necessary and appropriate measures". This includes the "exercise of its right of self-defence" to protect its "sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence". These tensions follow the outbreak of conflict on February 28, which involved the killing of the former Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and strikes on nuclear facilities, schools and hospitals. Reporting on the regional escalation, Press TV noted that Iran's armed forces have responded with over 100 waves of retaliatory strikes under "Operation True Promise 4". This counter-offensive has seen hundreds of ballistic and hypersonic missiles, alongside drone attacks, targeting American and Israeli assets across the region. (ANI)
Iran has called on the United Nations Security Council to take "immediate action" after US President Donald Trump said the United States had attempted to send weapons to Iranian protesters, according to a report by Iranian State Media Press TV. Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, in a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council, described Trump's remarks as a "clear admission" of inciting violence and interference in Iran's internal affairs. "Such behaviour is in line with the United States' long-standing policy of creating, financing, and arming terrorist groups in the Middle East and beyond," Iravani wrote. "It constitutes a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and the fundamental principles and rules of international law." He further said that Washington had been "trying to turn peaceful protests in Iran into violence, unrest, and bloodshed," and stressed that arming groups in another country triggers international responsibility. "The Security Council must firmly condemn these dangerous statements," he said. "Ensure that these violations do not go unanswered and clearly declare that any conduct constituting state support for terrorism will not be tolerated under any circumstances," he added. The letter also held the United States responsible for "all losses and suffering inflicted on civilians and civilian infrastructure" during unrest in December 2025 and January 2026. Separately, Iran also urged regional powers, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, to uphold principles of good neighbourliness, IRNA reported. US President Donald Trump, speaking at a White House Easter event, acknowledged that the US had attempted to arm anti-government protesters in Iran, but said the effort failed, according to the Times of Israel. "We sent guns, a lot of guns. They were supposed to go to the people so they could fight back against these thugs," Trump told reporters. "You know what happened? The people that they sent them to kept them," he added, according to the Times of Israel. According to The Times of Israel, Trump also expressed frustration over the outcome, saying: "I'm very upset with a certain group of people, and they're going to pay a big price for that." While he did not specify who diverted the weapons during his Monday remarks, he had earlier suggested that "Kurdish intermediaries" may have been responsible, without providing evidence. The comments came against the backdrop of widespread anti-government protests in Iran earlier this year, during which Trump had said "help was on the way" for demonstrators. (ANI)
A video showed damaged sidewalks and an overturned car following an Iranian missile strike in Ramat Hasharon, part of Israel's Tel Aviv district, according to Al Jazeera. The footage shared by Al Jazeera on Tuesday captured debris scattered across the area, with visible damage to civilian surroundings and a vehicle flipped over, indicating the intensity of the impact. Meanwhile, gunfire erupted near the Israeli Consulate in the Besiktas district of Istanbul on Tuesday, prompting an immediate security intervention. According to a report by Al Jazeera, citing local media sources, the area was cordoned off as Turkish security forces responded to the presence of armed individuals in the vicinity of the diplomatic mission. The situation escalated into a direct confrontation when law enforcement officials engaged the gunmen. According to CNN Turk, which cited a statement from the Istanbul police department, the suspects were "met with immediate security response" by the officers on site. While initial reports from the police department indicated that "three suspects were killed", Istanbul Governor Davut Gul later clarified the casualties from the violent confrontation. According to a report by CNN, the Governor confirmed that "one assailant has been killed and two injured" during the attack, which also left "two police officers" with "minor injuries". The incident triggered an immediate and heavy security response in the commercial hub. Following a period of "sustained gunfire", Turkish special forces were observed deploying to the area to secure the perimeter. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek later announced via social media that a formal investigation had been launched into the gunfire occurring "in the vicinity of the Israeli consulate located in the Besiktas district of Istanbul". Despite the severity of the exchange, the diplomatic mission itself was reportedly empty during the assault. An Israeli foreign ministry spokesman clarified that the consulate, which occupies the "7th floor of a building" in the district, was "not staffed at the time of the incident". The attack comes amidst a volatile international climate, with CNN noting that Israeli authorities have reported an "unprecedented surge" in attempted strikes against their citizens and Jewish sites globally since the commencement of the Iran conflict. (ANI)
FAIRFIELD, Conn., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry today announced the creation of a new scholarship program supporting graduating seniors from Fairfield's public high schools who plan to pursue studies in nursing, science, or medicine. Beginning with the Class of 2026, the practice will award two $500 scholarshipsone to a student from Fairfield Ludlowe High School and one to a student from Fairfield Warde High Schoolto help offset the cost of higher education.

"As a Fairfield resident, parent, and healthcare provider, supporting local high school students who want to care for others is a very meaningful way we can give back," said Donald Miller, DMD, owner of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry in downtown Fairfield. "These incredible students are the next generation of nurses, doctors, and medical professionals, and we're honored to play a small role in their journey forward."

To ensure a fair, transparent, and well-established selection process, the new Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry Scholarship will be administered through the High School Scholarship Foundation of Fairfield (HSSFF). Since 1989, HSSFF has awarded more than $2.2 million in one-time scholarships to graduating seniors at Fairfield Ludlowe, Fairfield Warde, and the Walter Fitzgerald campus. Dr. Miller's scholarship will follow the same application and review process as other HSSFF awards, with consideration given to financial need, academic achievement, school and community service, and other relevant factors.

High school seniors interested in applying must:

Be graduating from Fairfield Ludlowe High School or Fairfield Warde High School; students from the Walter Fitzgerald Campus will also be considered if they apply.

Intend to pursue studies in nursing, science, or medicine.

Complete the official HSSFF scholarship application in full and submit it by the stated deadline.

The HSSFF announced that the Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry Scholarship application is now open, with applications currently being accepted. Interested students can find more information and apply through the foundation's website. The application deadline is Monday, April 27.

Dr. Miller's own educational journeyfrom Boston College and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine to advanced cosmetic and surgical training at the University of North Carolinahelped inspire this new opportunity for Fairfield students who share a passion for science and caring for others. By easing a small part of the financial burden of higher education, the scholarship aims to encourage local students to pursue careers that will strengthen the health and wellbeing of communities in Connecticut and beyond.

Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry looks forward to recognizing the first two scholarship recipients in 2026 and continuing its support of Fairfield's youth as they pursue their dreams in nursing, science, and medicine. Students and families are encouraged to follow announcements from the High School Scholarship Foundation of Fairfield and their school counseling departments for official application details and deadlines.

About Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry

Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry, led by Donald Miller, DMD, has provided comprehensive family dental care and TMJ treatment to patients in Fairfield, Connecticut, for more than 25 years. The practice is located in downtown Fairfield at 1275 Post Road, Suite 201, within the Brick Walk.

Media Contact:

Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry

Phone: (203) 255-6878

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.fairfieldcosmeticdentistry.com

SOURCE Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry
Iran's key oil export terminal on Kharg Island came under attack on Tuesday, according to Iranian state media outlet Mehr News, in a significant escalation of the month-long confrontation between the United States and Iran. The small island in the Persian Gulf serves as Tehran's most vital oil facility. Several strikes reportedly hit the site, which lies at the heart of the ongoing military standoff that has already sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Kharg Island handles nearly 90 per cent of Iran's oil exports. Much of the Iranian mainland coastline is too shallow for large tankers, which makes the island essential for the country's energy trade. The location of the island, opposite US military bases in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, leaves it exposed in any heightened conflict. The latest strikes follow Iran's decision to close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest oil transit routes, which has added to the turbulence in energy prices. US President Donald Trump had earlier signalled the possibility of action against the facility. In comments to the Financial Times, he said, "Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don't. We have a lot of options." Such a move is viewed as a way to squeeze Iran's oil revenue and reduce its influence over the Strait of Hormuz. The island's role in export operations means any disruption there directly affects Tehran's ability to sustain its position in the wider confrontation. This military action coincides with a final ultimatum from Washington. President Trump has set an "8:00 PM deadline" (Washington time, Tuesday night) for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that failure to comply will result in a simultaneous, massive bombing campaign aimed at "each and every one" of Iran's electric generating plants and bridges. Further intensifying the rhetoric, Trump stated on Monday that the goal would be to leave these facilities "burning, exploding, and never to be used again" within a four-hour window. During a White House press briefing, he added, "The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night." The President reinforced this ultimatum by demanding Iran make a deal before Tuesday, 8:00 P.M ET, cautioning that there will be "no bridges, no power plants" after that time. Trump emphasised that this is a "critical period" and noted that Washington has provided Tehran with the necessary time to reach an agreement to end the war. "This is a critical period... They asked for an extension of seven days; I gave them 10 days... They have till tomorrow. Now we will see what happens... A lot of people are affected by this. We are giving them until tomorrow, 8 o'clock, Eastern Time. After that, they are going to have no bridges. They are going to have no power plants. Stone ages," Trump said. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday said it has facilitated the movement of thousands of Indian nationals from West Asia, amid the ongoing conflict. Addressing an inter-ministerial press briefing, Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R Mahajan said, " Our embassy in Tehran has so far facilitated the movement of 1862 Indian nationals from Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India. This includes 935 Indian students and 472 Indian fishermen." He said, "The Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the developments in the Gulf and West Asia region. Our efforts remain focused on ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of the large Indian community in the region." Mahajan noted that the government is coordinating closely with states and Union Territories (UTs) while operating a dedicated control room. "We remain in close contact with the state governments and union territories for sharing the latest advisories and to coordinate with our embassies and consulates. The dedicated special control room in the ministry is working in tandem with our missions and posts to support Indian nationals across the region," he said. He added, "Our missions and posts are operating round-the-clock helplines and also responding to queries on email and social media channels. The advisories being issued by our missions have updated information regarding local government guidelines for safety and security, flight and travel situation, and consular services." Highlighting outreach efforts, he said," Our ambassadors are regularly interacting with Indian community associations, organisations, professional groups, and Indian companies to understand and address their concerns." On student welfare, Mahajan said, "We are according high priority to the welfare of Indian students in the Gulf countries. Our missions are in regular touch and are actively coordinating with the local authorities, Indian schools in the region, concerned educational boards, and the National Testing Agency to address the concerns of students." On Indian crew members on vessels, he said, "Our missions continue to provide all support to the Indian crew members on vessels across the region, including coordination with local authorities and agencies, extending consular assistance, and facilitating requests for return to India." Providing an update on travel, he said, "Flights continue to operate from the region to India from countries where airspace is open. Since February 28, around 7,60,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India." He added, " Around 90 flights are expected to operate from the UAE to India today. Flights are operating from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to different destinations in India. With the Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is expected to operate around 8 to 10 flights to India today." On restrictions, he said, "Kuwait airspace remains closed. Jazeera Airways of Kuwait, as well as Kuwait Airways, have been operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam Airport of Saudi Arabia to various destinations in India. Bahrain airspace remains closed. Gulf Air of Bahrain has been operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam Airport of Saudi Arabia to various destinations in India." He further said, "Due to flight restrictions and airspace closure, we continue to facilitate travel of Indian nationals from Israel through Egypt and Jordan to India, from Iraq through Jordan and Saudi Arabia to India, and from Kuwait and Bahrain through Saudi Arabia to India." (ANI)
As the deadline for military action against Tehran approaches, US President Donald Trump has issued a series of provocative statements suggesting a monumental shift in the geopolitical landscape. Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump warned of the potential for unprecedented destruction while simultaneously hinting at a transition of power within Iran. "A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will," Trump wrote, reflecting the gravity of the ongoing military standoff. The statement comes amidst reports of US strikes on Kharg Island and other strategic Iranian infrastructure. Despite the ominous warning, the President suggested that a new political reality might be emerging in Tehran. He claimed that "now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?" Trump framed the current escalation as the culmination of a decades-long period of hostility between the two nations. He stated, "We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death will finally end." The President ended his message with a note of support for the Iranian populace, writing, "God Bless the Great People of Iran!" as the world awaits the outcome of the 8:00 PM Eastern Time deadline. This rhetoric underscores President Trump's deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He has warned that failure to comply will result in a simultaneous, massive bombing campaign aimed at "each and every one" of Iran's electric generating plants and bridges. Further intensifying the threat, the President stated on Monday that the goal would be to leave these facilities "burning, exploding, and never to be used again" within a four-hour window. During a White House press briefing, he added, "The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night." Trump emphasised that this is a "critical period" and noted that Washington has provided Tehran with the necessary time to reach an agreement to end the war. He confirmed that while Iran had requested a seven-day extension, he granted them 10 days to make a deal. "They have till tomorrow. Now we will see what happens... A lot of people are affected by this. We are giving them until tomorrow, 8 o'clock, Eastern Time. After that, they are going to have no bridges. They are going to have no power plants. Stone ages," Trump said, reiterating that the ultimatum marks a final opportunity for Tehran to avoid total infrastructure collapse. (ANI)
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) commemorated Tibetan monk Thupten Nyendak on the anniversary of his self-immolation protest, renewing concerns over religious freedom and cultural preservation in Tibet. In a post shared on the social media platform X, the CTA's Tibet Advocacy Section remembered Thupten Nyendak, also known as Tulku Athup, as a revered spiritual leader, a Tulku and an abbot, who sacrificed his life at the age of 47 on April 6, 2012, in Dartsedo, Karze, Tibet. According to the CTA, Thupten Nyendak set himself on fire at his residence along with his niece, Atse, in protest against what it described as repressive Chinese policies in the region. Both later succumbed to their injuries. The administration highlighted that the incident was part of a broader wave of self-immolation protests by Tibetans, reflecting deep anguish over restrictions on religious practices and the erosion of Tibetan cultural identity. It also alleged that Chinese authorities intensified crackdowns in the aftermath, imposing strict controls across the region and leading to injuries and detentions among local Tibetans. Remembering his life and legacy, the CTA noted that Thupten Nyendak was a staunch advocate of Tibetan culture, religion, and unity. He began his monastic journey at Lhakang Dragkhar Monastery in Minyak, Kham, and later pursued studies at prominent institutions, including Drepung Monastery in Lhasa and Kirti Monastery in Ngaba. Recalling his final moments, the CTA shared that on the day of his protest, he told his family over the phone, "Today I feel at ease and ending my life by offering butter lamps for all those Tibetans who have set themselves on fire for the cause of Tibet." The CTA continues to observe such anniversaries to honour those it calls "self-immolators" and to draw global attention to the Tibetan cause and demands for religious freedom and cultural rights. (ANI)
Amidst a sharp escalation in regional hostilities, Qatar's Foreign Ministry has issued a stark warning regarding the rapidly diminishing opportunity for a peaceful settlement. According to Al Jazeera, Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari cautioned on Tuesday that the "window for a diplomatic resolution is rapidly closing", as military actions continue to intensify across the Gulf. The spokesperson expressed grave concern over the current trajectory of the conflict, noting the potential for a wider geographical fallout. "We are close to the point where the situation in the region could spiral out of control," al-Ansari stated, as cited by Al Jazeera. He further stressed that the "prolonged nature of the hostilities serves no state's long-term interest", adding that "there are no winners if this war continues." Addressing the recent strikes on strategic targets and energy hubs, the Qatari official condemned the expansion of the conflict into non-military sectors. He asserted that "attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure by any party should not be accepted", according to Al Jazeera's report on the briefing. The spokesperson also weighed in on the mounting friction surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, which remains a primary flashpoint in the standoff between Washington and Tehran. Emphasising the legal status of the "world's most important oil transit point", al-Ansari clarified that "Hormuz is a natural strait, not a canal." He reaffirmed that "all countries in the region have the right to use it freely", amidst ongoing threats to the corridor's maritime stability. This diplomatic plea for restraint stands in sharp contrast to the hardening stance in Washington. As the deadline for military action against Tehran approaches, US President Donald Trump has issued a series of provocative statements suggesting a monumental shift in the geopolitical landscape. Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump warned of the potential for unprecedented destruction while simultaneously hinting at a transition of power within Iran. "A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will," Trump wrote, reflecting the gravity of the ongoing military standoff. The President's statement follows reports of US strikes on Kharg Island and other strategic Iranian infrastructure. Despite the ominous warning, he suggested that a new political reality might be emerging in Tehran, claiming that "now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?" Trump framed the current escalation as the culmination of a decades-long period of hostility between the two nations. He stated, "We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death will finally end." The President ended his message with a note of support for the Iranian populace, writing, "God Bless the Great People of Iran!" even as the world awaits the outcome of the 8:00 PM deadline. This rhetoric underscores President Trump's "8:00 PM deadline" (Washington time, Tuesday night) for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He has warned that failure to comply will result in a simultaneous, massive bombing campaign aimed at "each and every one" of Iran's electric generating plants and bridges. Further intensifying the threat, the President stated on Monday that the goal would be to leave these facilities "burning, exploding, and never to be used again" within a four-hour window. During a White House press briefing, he added, "The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night." Trump emphasised that this is a "critical period" and noted that Washington has provided Tehran with the necessary time to reach an agreement to end the war. He confirmed that while Iran had requested a seven-day extension, he granted them 10 days to make a deal. "They have till tomorrow. Now we will see what happens... A lot of people are affected by this. We are giving them until tomorrow, 8 o'clock, Eastern Time. After that, they are going to have no bridges. They are going to have no power plants. Stone ages," Trump said, reiterating that the ultimatum marks a final opportunity for Tehran to avoid total infrastructure collapse. (ANI)
According to The Epoch Times, Paris had repeatedly sought leniency, urging Beijing to grant clemency on humanitarian grounds.

However, Chinese authorities defended the decision, with their embassy in France stating that strict punishment for drug crimes is applied uniformly, regardless of nationality.

Confusion persists about the identity and origins of the executed man. While French outlets such as Le Monde described him as a French citizen born in Laos, Chinese state media claimed he was originally from Guangzhou. This discrepancy could not be independently verified.

Chan was first detained in 2005 alongside several others accused of trafficking drugs from Southeast Asia into China.

Initially sentenced to life imprisonment in 2007, his case took a harsher turn in 2010 when new allegations, including involvement in manufacturing synthetic drugs like methamphetamine, led to a retrial and eventual death sentence.

French officials also raised concerns about due process, stating that Chan's legal team was denied access to his final court proceedings.

The ministry described this as a serious violation of his legal rights and reiterated France's firm opposition to capital punishment in all circumstances.

The case adds to growing international unease over China's use of the death penalty.

Earlier in 2025, four Canadian nationals were executed on similar charges, prompting condemnation from Ottawa, as cited by The Epoch Times.

Canada called the practice irreversible and incompatible with fundamental human dignity. (ANI)
In a significant escalation of regional hostilities, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) are intensifying their military operations against Iranian strategic assets. In a televised address on Tuesday, Netanyahu declared that the Israeli military is "crushing the terrorist regime in Iran", adding that the offensive is being conducted "with even greater vigour, and increasing force." "I tell you constantly that we are crushing the terrorist regime in Iran. But we are doing so with even greater vigor and with increasing force. Yesterday, our pilots destroyed transport planes and dozens of helicopters at an Iranian Air Force base. Today, they attacked the train tracks and bridges used by the Revolutionary Guards. They use these to transport raw materials for weapons, the weapons themselves, and the operatives who attack us, the United States, and the countries of the region, the same operatives who also oppress the Iranian people," he said "And this is the central point: These actions, which I approved together with the Minister of Defense, are not intended to attack the Iranian people. On the contrary, they are intended to weaken and crush the terrorist regime that has oppressed them for 47 years. This is no longer the same Iran, nor is it the same Israel. We are changing the balance of power from one end to the other," he added. Reinforcing these claims of strategic degradation, the Israeli Defence Forces have released new footage showcasing the targeting of Iran's air defence systems. This dramatic release, featuring missile-borne cameras, captures the final moments before impact on military infrastructure, reflecting a concerted effort to dismantle Tehran's layered air defence architecture. In a social media post on X accompanying the footage, the IDF asserted, "Special Footage from Missile's View, How the Air Force Targets the Terrorist Iranian Regime's Air Defence Systems. In precise attacks guided by the intelligence branch of the Air Force, more than 130 air defence systems of the terrorist Iranian regime were destroyed." These operations are being supported by broader international coordination, as Israeli and US military briefings have underscored a shared objective to neutralise Iranian missile and radar facilities. To this end, the United States Central Command recently shared video materials showing targets being engaged during combined strikes, highlighting the systematic dismantling of these facilities as a core component of the ongoing campaign. The physical consequences of this campaign have already begun to manifest across the country. Electricity supply was disrupted on Tuesday in parts of Karaj, Iran, after projectiles from a strike hit transmission lines, according to Al Arabiya, citing Nournews, a media outlet close to Iran's Supreme National Security Council. Simultaneously, the offensive against transport links reached central Iran, where a bridge on a key rail link was targeted. According to Al Jazeera, citing Iran's Mehr News Agency, the attack struck the Yahya Abad railway bridge located in the city of Kashan, marking a further expansion of hostilities. The human cost of the strike on the transport network was confirmed by local authorities in Isfahan province. Reports indicated that the Deputy Governor of Isfahan stated the "strike killed two people", as emergency teams were deployed to the site of the wreckage. This kinetic action followed a specific advisory issued by the Israeli defence forces earlier in the day. The Israeli military had released a warning directed at Iranian citizens, advising them "against using trains for their 'safety' until 9 pm local time (17:30 GMT)." The targeted disruption of the transport network underscores a period of heightened regional tensions that has now extended into both the energy and logistical sectors. (ANI)
In a defiant response to recent threats from the United States, Iran's First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref has dismissed the aggressive posture of US President Donald Trump, asserting the enduring nature of the Iranian state. Writing in a post on X, Aref countered the escalated rhetoric from Washington by highlighting Iran's deep historical roots, stating, "Iran is not a mere 'incident' in history, but history itself." The First Vice-President further suggested that the current threats would fail to undermine the country's stability, drawing a parallel between modern tensions and past challenges. "A civilisation that has weathered the storms and delusions of ill-wishers for thousands of years does not tremble at the Stone Age rhetoric of Trump," he affirmed. Aref outlined Tehran's intended course of action in the face of international pressure, declaring, "Our response to the enemy's savagery is to stand firm on national interests and rely on the inner strength of the great Iranian nation." This sharp rebuttal from Tehran follows a significant hardening of Washington's military posture. Last week, President Donald Trump issued a severe warning to Iran, vowing a massive aerial campaign. During a prime-time national address, the President declared his intent to bomb Iran with enough force to send "them back to the Stone Ages where they belong". Further intensifying this rhetoric on Wednesday, President Trump reiterated that the United States is prepared to execute strikes that would literally bomb the country "back to the stone ages". This aggressive stance was immediately reinforced by his senior military leadership; minutes later, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth doubled down on that rhetoric with a short post on X that only said, "Back to the Stone Age." Detailing the projected timeline and scale of the proposed military action, Trump specified the window for these operations during his address. Referring to Iran, he stated, "We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks, we're going to bring them back to the stone ages, where they belong." Despite the threat of overwhelming force, the President indicated that a diplomatic exit remains a possibility, adding that "discussions are ongoing" and the conflict could end over the same period. However, as the deadline for military action against Tehran approaches, President Trump has issued a series of provocative statements suggesting a monumental shift in the geopolitical landscape. Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump warned of the potential for unprecedented destruction while simultaneously hinting at a transition of power within Iran. "A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will," Trump wrote, reflecting the gravity of the ongoing military standoff amidst reports of US strikes on Kharg Island and other strategic Iranian infrastructure. Despite this ominous warning, the President suggested that a new political reality might be emerging in Tehran. He claimed that "now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?" Trump framed the current escalation as the culmination of a decades-long period of hostility, stating, "We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death will finally end." The President ended his message with a note of support for the Iranian populace, writing, "God Bless the Great People of Iran!" as the world awaits the outcome of the 8:00 PM Eastern Time deadline. This rhetoric underscores the final ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has warned that failure to comply will result in a simultaneous, massive bombing campaign aimed at "each and every one" of Iran's electric generating plants and bridges. On Monday, he further intensified the threat, stating the goal would be to leave these facilities "burning, exploding, and never to be used again" within a four-hour window. During a White House press briefing, he added, "The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night." Emphasising that this is a "critical period", Trump noted that Washington has provided Tehran with the necessary time to reach an agreement to end the war, confirming he granted a 10-day window after a request for an extension. "They have till tomorrow. Now we will see what happens... A lot of people are affected by this. We are giving them until tomorrow, 8 o'clock, Eastern Time. After that, they are going to have no bridges. They are going to have no power plants. Stone ages," Trump said, reiterating that the ultimatum marks a final opportunity for Tehran to avoid total infrastructure collapse. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his administration's readiness to launch massive military strikes against Iran if his Tuesday night ultimatum remains unfulfilled. Speaking in a phone interview with Fox News' Bret Baier, the President signalled that the countdown to military action remains active, promising that "8 p.m. is happening." The details of the high-stakes conversation were shared by Baier, who recounted the President's firm stance regarding the deadline. "I just got off the phone with the president and he called and I said, listen, if you were to put odds on it, what were the odds that this is going to end up being a negotiated deal? He said he wasn't going to put odds on it. But he said, 8 p.m. is happening. That's what he said," Baier noted. The President further clarified the severity of the planned operations, indicating that the scale of the offensive would be unprecedented. According to Baier, Trump warned that "if we get to that point, there is going to be an attack like they have not seen." While the President is reportedly "sticking to that at this point", he did leave a narrow window open for a diplomatic resolution. Baier explained that the military plans are not yet set in stone, provided Tehran offers a meaningful concession. He added, "Now, he said if negotiations move forward today and there is something concrete, that could change, but at this hour -- he didn't want to put odds on it -- but he said it is moving forward with the plans that we have." Reflecting on the gravity of the situation as the deadline looms, Baier described the current trajectory of the administration's policy as "a huge deal", as the world watches whether a last-minute breakthrough will occur before the 8:00 PM cutoff. Prior to this interview, President Trump had already issued a series of provocative statements on his Truth Social platform, suggesting a monumental shift in the geopolitical landscape. In those posts, he warned of potential unprecedented destruction while simultaneously hinting at a transition of power within Iran. "A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will," Trump wrote, reflecting the gravity of the ongoing military standoff amidst reports of US strikes on Kharg Island and other strategic Iranian infrastructure. Despite the ominous warning, the President suggested that a new political reality might be emerging in Tehran. He claimed that "now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?" Trump framed the current escalation as the culmination of a decades-long period of hostility between the two nations. He stated, "We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death will finally end." The President ended his message with a note of support for the Iranian populace, writing, "God Bless the Great People of Iran!" as the world awaits the outcome of the 8:00 PM Eastern Time deadline. This rhetoric underscores President Trump's ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He has warned that failure to comply will result in a simultaneous, massive bombing campaign aimed at "each and every one" of Iran's electric generating plants and bridges. Further intensifying the threat, the President had stated on Monday that the goal would be to leave these facilities "burning, exploding, and never to be used again" within a four-hour window. During a White House press briefing, he added, "The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night." Trump emphasised that this is a "critical period" and noted that Washington has provided Tehran with the necessary time to reach an agreement to end the war. He confirmed that while Iran had requested a seven-day extension, he granted them 10 days to make a deal. "They have till tomorrow. Now we will see what happens... A lot of people are affected by this. We are giving them until tomorrow, 8 o'clock, Eastern Time. After that, they are going to have no bridges. They are going to have no power plants. Stone ages," Trump said, reiterating that the ultimatum marks a final opportunity for Tehran to avoid total infrastructure collapse. (ANI)
UN Chief Antonio Guterres stated that "no military objective justifies the wholesale destruction of a society's infrastructure" as US President Donald Trump's Tuesday 8 p.m. deadline looms. "There is no military objective that justifies the wholesale destruction of a society's infrastructure or the deliberate infliction of suffering on civilian populations," Antonio Guterres said in a post on X. This comes after US President Donald Trump issued a series of provocative statements on his Truth Social platform, suggesting a monumental shift in the geopolitical landscape. In those posts, he warned of potential unprecedented destruction while simultaneously hinting at a transition of power within Iran. "A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will," Trump wrote, reflecting the gravity of the ongoing military standoff amidst reports of US strikes on Kharg Island and other strategic Iranian infrastructure. Meanwhile, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern on the continued military activity near Iran's Bushehr power plant, warning that such action could lead to a severe radiological accident that could have serious and long-term health consequences. "Continued military activity near Iran's Bushehr power plant poses a real danger. Such actions could lead to a severe radiological accident, with serious and long-term health consequences for people now and for generations to come, while also harming the environment across Iran, the region, and beyond," he said in a post on X. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday said that a recent military strike landed just 75 metres from Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, though the nuclear facility itself has not been damaged. In a statement, the IAEA said its assessment was based on independent analysis of new satellite imagery and its detailed knowledge of the site. "Based on its independent analysis of new satellite imagery and detailed knowledge of the site, the IAEA can confirm recent impacts of military strikes close to Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), including one just 75 metres from the site perimeter. The BNPP itself has not been damaged, the IAEA's analysis of the 5 April imagery shows," the statement from the UN nuclear watchdog read. Despite no direct damage, the agency warned that continued military activity near the plant poses serious risks, as it is an operational facility with large amounts of nuclear fuel. (ANI)
Celebrated for avant-garde and user-centered design

Combining quality with an ergonomic feel across the pod system series

BERLIN, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading global vape brand ELFBAR today announced that its ELFX Mini, ELFX 2 and ELFA Master Stein have earned global recognition from the German Design Award and the International CMF Design Awards* for their reusable and refillable structure, as well as their refined designs.

Minimalist design, for adults

Awarded products. From left to right: ELFA Master Stein, ELFX Mini, ELFX 2 and ELFA Master Stein

The award-winning ELFX and ELFA series reflect ELFBAR's pursuit of trailblazing industrial design for adult users seeking effective nicotine delivery without combustion. With sophisticated colour palettes and selective casing materials, the products adopt a restrained design language that avoids visual excess.

"Good design should feel confident, not loud," said Becky Liu, Head of Industrial Design at ELFBAR. "With ELFX and ELFA, we focus on a clean-cut form, precision, and a calm material touch-feel to bring an elegant and intuitive user experience."

Beyond visual refinement, design details underscore the brand's user-centered approach. Contoured casings and tactile finishes elevate ergonomic grip, while features such as visible e-liquid, magnetically secured cartridges, modular structures, and slim displays are integrated to bring ease of use, delivering a premium experience.

Reusable devices help address user painpoints

Built as reusable systems, ELFX and ELFA are designed to support long-term use while addressing practical concerns around functionality, waste and cost. Adjustable airflow, power settings and clear status indicators give users greater control over their experience, while interchangeable pods extend product lifespan and reduce unnecessary device disposal  bringing a longer-term product selection.

At ELFBAR, product features are woven into design. Clear displays of e-liquid improve user awareness, magnetic cartridges enhance ease of use, and their modular design allows components to be replaced. These features reflect ELFBAR's product engineering philosophy  balancing performance, safety and durability within a refined, reusable device.

From market leader to design star

In Germany, where most vape sales are reusable products, ELFBAR leads the category with a market share of around 60%, according to internal data.

ELFBAR's reusable lineup now forms the core of the brand's product portfolio in Germany, with around 80% of shipments to this market being reusable products, including ELFX and ELFA pod systems, and ELFLIQ e-liquids.

The widely-acclaimed ELFX Mini and ELFX 2 are set to debut in Germany with the new ELFX POD 2.0 Version this year, featuring a child lock, an upgraded airway for enhanced flavour, and the industry's highest leakproof system.

Recognition from global design juries reinforces ELFBAR's commitment to product innovation in its long-lasting pursuit of performance with a mature design language. Building on this, ELFBAR plans to introduce these award-winning designs to other European markets in due course.

*ELFX Mini and ELFA Master Stein won the German Design Award, while ELFA Master Stein and ELFX 2 received the International CMF Design Awards. ELFA Master Stein is now only available in Germany.

About ELFBAR

ELFBAR is a pioneer in the global vaping industry. Since its inception in 2018, it has been providing a distinct and diverse vaping experience with innovation at its core.

ELFBAR stays committed to youth access prevention and sustainable growth as a leading brand favoured and used by tens of millions of adult smokers and ex-smokers worldwide as an alternative to smoking.

For more information, please visit elfbar.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2950900/Awarded_products_From_left_ELFA_Master_Stein_ELFX_Mini_ELFX.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1832287/elf_bar_logo.jpg
OSAKA, Apr 07 (News On Japan) - Around 17,000 first graders began their elementary school lives on April 7th as entrance ceremonies were held at public schools across Osaka City.

At Kaihei Elementary School in Chuo Ward, Osaka, 64 new students were welcomed during a ceremony where the children entered to applause, and the principal encouraged them by saying, "Lets enjoy a lively and energetic school life," as the students looked excited about their first experiences in elementary school.

One new student said, "Im looking forward to arts and crafts and physical education. I want to draw cute pictures," while another said, "Maybe math. I love numbers because there will be more of them."

Across Osaka City, entrance ceremonies were held at most public elementary schools on April 7th, marking the start of a new chapter for approximately 17,000 first graders.

Source: YOMIURI
TOKYO, Apr 07 (News On Japan) - Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Kihara said during a press conference that one Japanese national detained in Iran in January 2026 has been released on bail.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the individual is currently staying in Tehran and is in good health, with no reported medical concerns, although officials emphasized that the release is temporary and that judicial procedures, including a possible trial, are expected to follow.

Government sources and international media reports indicate that the detainee is believed to be a journalist working in Tehran, possibly affiliated with NHK, who was taken into custody on January 20th by Iranian security authorities and later held at Evin Prison, a facility often used for political or security-related cases.

While Iranian authorities have not disclosed the specific charges, the detention is believed to be linked to security-related allegations, a category frequently cited in cases involving foreign nationals.

Despite being released on bail, the individual is reportedly prohibited from leaving Iran and remains subject to ongoing legal proceedings, leaving the timing and outcome of the case uncertain.

The Japanese government has been engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure the individuals release, and the latest development is seen as a partial step forward, though officials continue to call for a full resolution.

The case comes amid a broader pattern of foreign detentions in Iran, where such incidents have at times been intertwined with diplomatic tensions, underscoring the challenges faced by governments seeking the release of their citizens.

Source: BIZ
Aomori, Apr 07 (News On Japan) - Deep winter conditions persist into April at Sukayu Onsen in Aomori Prefecture, with 8-meter snow walls still standing, while the facilitys main attraction, the expansive wooden bathhouse known as the "Hiba Sennin-buro," a rare mixed-gender bathing area, continues to draw visitors.

Yokoyama, a staff member at Sukayu Onsen, gained recognition as a regular on-the-ground reporter after connecting to the program seven times via smartphone to relay conditions from one of Japans heaviest snowfall regions, where snow depths this season peaked at 566 centimeters.

Despite the arrival of spring, the area remained blanketed in thick snow, with towering walls forming the so-called "snow corridor," reaching heights of up to eight meters along mountain roads that reopened on April 1st. The striking contrast of blue skies against the white walls has made the route a popular attraction for visitors.

Sukayu Onsen, located in a mountainous area of Aomori, has a history spanning more than 300 years, dating back to the early Edo period, and is known for its traditional therapeutic bathing culture, where guests stay for extended periods to improve their health.

The facilitys main attraction is the expansive wooden bathhouse known as the "Hiba Sennin-buro," a rare mixed-gender bathing area with no supporting pillars and a floor space equivalent to roughly 160 tatami mats, offering an open and immersive experience reminiscent of bathing in nature.

The hot spring features multiple sources, including a distinctive bath where water bubbles up directly from beneath the floor, warming the body from the core and retaining heat over time. The strongly acidic waters are said to have therapeutic benefits, and visitors are advised to gently pat themselves dry rather than rinse off after bathing.

Guests can also enjoy seasonal cuisine prepared with local ingredients, including fresh seafood such as tuna and flounder from Aomori, alongside specialty dishes like rich chicken broth hot pot introduced this season.

Yokoyama, who previously worked in customer service at a related hotel, said interaction with guests helped develop the communication skills that have made the live reports engaging, noting that some visitors now recognize and speak to him after seeing his broadcasts.

Although visitor numbers typically decline after winter, occupancy remains steady at around 60 to 70 percent, with many guests continuing to visit for the lingering snow scenery, which is expected to remain into the Golden Week holidays.

Yokoyama also warned that while the surrounding area is generally safe, visitors should remain cautious when venturing into mountain paths due to the presence of wildlife, including bears.

As the snow season gradually transitions toward spring, Sukayu Onsen continues to draw attention for its unique combination of extreme winter landscapes, historic bathing culture, and the personality of a staff member who has become an unlikely media figure through his dedication to sharing the regions conditions.

Source: KTV NEWS
Frances national antiterrorism prosecutor has publicly identified Algeria as one of three foreign states under investigation for suspected acts of state terrorism, a move that casts renewed scrutiny on the North African countrys authoritarian political system and its treatment of opponents beyond its borders.

Olivier Christen, head of the National AntiTerrorism Prosecutors Office (PNAT), told Franceinfo that eight judicial procedures for statelinked terrorism were currently open, implicating Iran, Russia and Algeria.

Three cases concerned Iran, while five others were mainly linked to Russia and Algeria, he said.

These are not necessarily actions targeting the French population as a whole, Christen said. They are actions aimed primarily at political opponents who have sought refuge on French territory.

The comment placed Algeria alongside governments widely accused by Western countries of using coercion, intimidation and violence abroad to silence dissent.

The announcement reflects a hardening stance by French judicial authorities toward what they see as a deliberate policy by authoritarian states to pursue critics overseas, bypassing international law and violating the sovereignty of host countries.

Algeria, where political power is held by the army and dissent is routinely criminalized, has long been accused by rights groups of repressing journalists, writers and activists at home.

French investigators now appear to be examining whether that repression has extended into Europe through covert operations directed at exiled opponents.

The explicit reference to Algeria marked a shift away from the cautious diplomatic language that has traditionally characterised ParisAlgiers relations.

At the center of the French probe is the alleged kidnapping of Algerian dissident Amir Boukhors, known as Amir DZ, who was abducted on April 29, 2024, in SeineetMarne. Boukhors, a prominent online critic of Algerias ruling system, was reportedly lured into a trap, drugged and held captive in an operation that investigators describe as highly organized.

French judicial authorities view the case as a potential illustration of how a rogue state may deploy security services or proxies to neutralize opponents abroad, even when they are under the protection of another countrys legal system.

Involvement of Algerian diplomats

The case escalated further when a serving Algerian consular official was placed under formal investigation and detained in France in April 2025 on suspicion of involvement in the operation, according to judicial sources.

The decision to pursue charges against a diplomat underscores the seriousness with which French authorities view the allegations.

By proceeding despite the diplomatic fallout, magistrates have signaled that they consider the affair part of a broader, statedirected strategy rather than the actions of rogue individuals. The case has become emblematic of concerns that Algerian state institutions may be operating outside legal norms when dealing with critics.

French officials also point to a wider pattern of behavior they describe as incompatible with the rule of law, including Algerias persistent refusal to accept the return of its nationals subject to deportation orders from France. The issue has repeatedly strained bilateral relations and is seen in Paris as another example of selective compliance with international obligations.

The French investigations come as Algeria faces mounting international criticism over its regional conduct, including its backing of armed movements and its alignment with states accused by Western governments of destabilizing activities such as Iran.

In Washington, lawmakers and Senate members have moved to label the Polisario Front a terrorist organization, a development that would further spotlight Algerias role as the groups principal sponsor.
The United Nations has raised alarm over escalating drone attacks in Sudan, warning that civilians are being killed, healthcare facilities damaged, and humanitarian operations severely strained as the conflict approaches its third year.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), recent strikes have increasingly targeted populated areas and medical infrastructure. A drone attack last Thursday on Al-Jabalain Hospital in White Nile State reportedly killed 10 health workers and injured 22, disrupting critical services. Similar strikes in Blue Nile State last Wednesday hit a market in Balila village, killing seven civilians.

The World Health Organization has verified more than 200 attacks on healthcare facilities since the conflict began nearly three years ago, resulting in over 2,000 deaths. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, 13 such attacks killed 184 people and injured nearly 300 others.

The violence has also driven displacement, with the International Organization for Migration reporting that more than 10,000 people fled Kurmuk locality between mid-February and late March, many seeking refuge in Ethiopia. Those arriving in Ed Damazine face acute shortages of food, healthcare and shelter, with heightened risks for women and children.

Despite the worsening conditions, humanitarian efforts continue. OCHA said nearly 200 million U.S. dollars has been allocated to assist about 4 million people. However, funding remains critically low, with Sudans 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Planseeking 2.9 billion dollarsonly 16 percent funded as of April 6.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are ongoing. Pekka Haavisto, envoy of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, is engaging regional actors, including Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo and Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in talks aimed at de-escalation and civilian protection.

The UN reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians and medical facilities, and unhindered humanitarian access, as the humanitarian crisis deepens.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation Christopher Yeaw will travel to Morocco after his ongoing visit to Belgium within the frame of a tour April 5-9.

These visits have been announced by U.S. State Department. They aim to strengthen consultation with U.S. allies and partners on disarmament and international security challenges including the threats posed by terrorist groups.

State Department Bureau of Arms Control and Non-proliferation (ACN) is tasked with preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems, destabilizing advanced conventional weapons, and related technologies. This includes protecting and promoting U.S. technological leadership through export controls and expanding the peaceful uses of U.S. nuclear technology.

At the same time, ACN works in diplomatic fora to focus on increasing global stability, reducing the risk of unintentional escalation, preventing conflict by negotiating nuclear arms control agreements, and strengthening bans on chemical and biological weapons.

The United States recognizes Moroccos role in the fight against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in Africa. The American-Moroccan partnership within the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) is a cornerstone of the two countries security cooperation, focusing on preventing the trafficking of WMD, their delivery systems, and related materials.
A delegation of African diplomats, who was on a visit to Dakhla-Oued Eddahab, praised on Monday the dynamic development taking place in the region, particularly in the social, economic, and infrastructure sectors.

The diplomats, representing around ten African countries, highlighted during their two-day visit, organized as part of the International Diplomacy Training Cycle, the importance of the major structuring projects carried out in this part of the Kingdom under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.

In a statement to the press, Ambassador-at-large and director of the Center for Analysis and Foresight at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Congo-Brazzaville, Urbain Otsala, said that the visit allowed a close look at the regions various structuring projects, which he described as characterized by remarkable quality investments.

The development projects undertaken in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, like those in other regions of Morocco, are the result of the enlightened vision of King Mohammed VI, Otsala emphasized.

During the visit, the delegation held a meeting with the Secretary-General of the Wilaya of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, Abderrazak El Gourji, during which the focus was placed on the regions development process as well as the investment opportunities it offers across several promising sectors.
Moroccos Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), operating under the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), dismantled on Sunday and Monday a terrorist cell consisting of six extremists for their alleged involvement in criminal acts motivated by extremism, including theft, robbery, and the laundering of criminal proceeds, according to the principle known as legitimization of spoils.

The suspects were arrested during separate operations in Kenitra, Casablanca, Dar El Gueddari region (Sidi Kacem province) and Sidi Taybi, the BCIJ said in a press release.

Search warrants conducted in connection with this case led to seizing extremist books and manuscripts, bladed weapons of various sizesincluding sharp and blunt instruments as well as sums of money in Moroccan dirhams suspected of originating from criminal activities, the press release said.

Similarly, search and seizure operations led to the confiscation of a balaclava, gloves and three vehiclesincluding two cargo vansas well as a motorcycle, suspected of having been used to facilitate these criminal acts.

Investigations and inquiries, supported by security surveillance, unveiled that the suspects, who were steeped in extremist ideology, had recently engaged in theft and burglary as part of a coordinated criminal scheme aimed at generating illicit gains.

The modus operandi adopted by the suspects involves raiding livestock farms in several rural areas on the outskirts of Kenitra and Sidi Slimane, to commit thefts, to then resell stolen goods at local markets in the commune of Joumaa Shim (province of Safi) and the town of Zemamra (province of Sidi Bennour).

Ongoing investigations into this case are focused on uncovering the full scope of the criminal acts attributed to the suspects, establishing links between these crimes and their extremist affiliations, as well as identifying and apprehending any remaining accomplices and associates.

The suspects have been placed into custody, pending further inquiries and investigations conducted by the BCIJ under the supervision of the Public Prosecutors Office in charge of terrorism and extremism cases, the press release said.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Encompass Health Corp. (NYSE: EHC) today announced it will report results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2026, after the market closes on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Company will host an investor conference call at 10 a.m. ET on Friday, May 1, 2026, to discuss its results.

The conference call may be accessed by dialing 800-267-6316 and providing the conference ID EHCQ126. International callers should dial 203-518-9783 and provide the same conference ID. Please call approximately 10 minutes before the start of the call to ensure you are connected.

A live webcast and an online replay of the conference call can be found on the Company's investor website.

About Encompass Health

Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) is the largest owner and operator of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in the United States. With a national footprint that includes 174 hospitals in 39 states and Puerto Rico, the Company provides high-quality, compassionate rehabilitative care for patients recovering from a major injury or illness, using advanced technology and innovative treatments to maximize recovery. Encompass Health is recognized as America's Most Awarded Leader in Inpatient Rehabilitation by Newsweek and Statista and is ranked among Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies, Forbes' America's Best Companies and Becker's Healthcare's Top Places to Work in Healthcare. For more information, visit encompasshealth.com, or follow us on our newsroom, X, Instagram and Facebook.

From Fortune. 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Fortune is a registered trademark and Fortune World's Most Admired Companies is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited and are used under license. Fortune and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Encompass Health.

Media contact:

Polly Manuel | 205-970-5912

[email protected]

Investor relations contact:

Mark Miller | 205-970-5860

[email protected]

SOURCE Encompass Health Corp.
With over 90% of its annual budget historically coming from oil and around 95% of that black gold having to pass through the Strait of Hormuz before it is monetised, Iraq has at least as big a problem from the waterways closure as any country in the world. The temporary agreement it reached on 17 March with Iran that secured safe passage through the Strait for Iraqi ships has not provided the quick fix many might think. Despite the diplomatic agreement, most global shipping firms still refuse to send their vessels into the Gulf because of the sky-high insurance premiums and threat from sea mines. And Iraqs lack of a large national fleet means it remains reliant on third-party owners. As such, despite the understanding with Iran, this lack of shipping options has led to an 80% fall in Iraqs oil production, as its facilities to store drilled oil are now full. In short, it needs to move a lot of oil, fast. So, what are its options?

In the current febrile geopolitical landscape, Iraqs choice on how to move its oil is even more charged with potentially dire ramifications for it than usual. The most palatable choice from the jumpy U.S. right now is that Iraq send more oil through the Iraq Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)-controlled Iraq-Turkey Pipeline (ITP). To this effect, an agreement was reached between the Federal Government of Iraq (FGI) in Baghdad and the KRG, allowing the south to export more of its oil through the north. The initial phase of this will be up to 250,000 barrels per day (bpd), with plans to scale up to 500,000 bpd to help offset southern export losses, while all revenue from these exports is currently earmarked for return to the federal treasury in Baghdad. However, this arrangement may not last for long because the ITP has long been the focus of the broader power play between East and West, as exercised on the ground respectively by the FGI and KRG. This is because it is the financial lifeline for the KRG, providing its primary economic leverage by which it can continue to function as a semi-independent region. Up until very recently, Baghdad had done everything in its power to prevent the KRG from utilising the ITP to its maximum potential through crude oil sales done independently of Baghdad, as documented by OilPrice.com.

Related: Chinese Publication Claims U.S. Has Two Months of Rare Earths Left

A more geopolitically mixed option on Iraqs part would be to expand its export routes to the global markets via Syria. This was one direction of travel for Iraqi oil over many years during the long-running presidency of Bashar al-Assad, fully backed by Russia after its full-scale military intervention on 30 September 2015. The principal method for much of that time was through massive overland tanker truck convoy systems -- a method being utilised again now. Shortly after the initial closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the first few phases of these operations involved around 300 tanker trucks a day, but Iraqi officials last week said they expect this to reach a minimum of 500 per day within the coming week. On average, a standard lorry tanker used in these convoys contains between 200 and 250 barrels of oil. The Al-Waleed border crossing has been reopened on a trial basis for this form of crude transit, with the trucks then travelling across Syria to the Baniyas refinery and oil terminal on the Mediterranean coast. Once at Banias, the oil is unloaded into storage tanks and transferred to maritime tankers for export to global markets, especially to Europe. Talks have also been resumed for the revival of the Iraq-Syria oil pipeline -- a plan which, up until Trump gained his second presidential term, had been backed by Beijing and Moscow, with pledges of funding and technical assistance. At that time, senior officials of Iraqs state-owned North Oil Company in Kirkuk said that plans to resuscitate the 825-kilometre Iraq-Syria oil pipeline linking the Kirkuk region with Banias were well advanced, and had covered the required work, timetables and cost of rebuilding, with a view to an initial nameplate capacity of 300,000 barrels per day. This option would be more concerning for Washington than the option to increase exports through the Kurdistan-controlled pipeline to the north because Chinas and Russias intention was always to extend this Iraq-Syria pipeline route backwards, linking it to Iran and to Russia, as part of Beijings, Moscows and Tehrans efforts to build a long-sought Land Bridge. This would have allowed Iran and Russia to exponentially increase weapons delivery into southern Lebanon and the Golan Heights area of Syria, dramatically increasing the ability of Iran and its proxies to launch attacks on Israel as part of a broader rolling plan to further destabilise the Middle East, as also analysed in my new book on the new global oil market order.

Related: U.S. Oil Premiums Hit Record High as World Scrambles for Crude

The final option would mark a decisive shift back into the sphere of Chinese and Russian influence: this would be doing a deal with Tehran that would allow Baghdad to move tankers bearing its oil freely through the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq would certainly try to pitch this to the U.S. as a temporary solution only, in line with its previous diplomatic template of lying to Washington where necessary to maintain some relations with it, while pursuing a broadly pro-Iran geopolitical stance. However, early in his second term, Trump made it clear that he knew exactly what Baghdad was up to and would not put up with it anymore. To this effect, last April saw the No Iranian Energy Act introduced to U.S. lawmakers. The proposed Act sanctioned the importation of Iranian natural gas to Iraq, which has for many years formed the foundation of the countrys domestic power sector. Indeed, gas and electricity imports from Iran have historically comprised around 40% of all of Iraqs energy needs. An adjunct piece of legislation  the Iran Waiver Rescissions Act -- would permanently freeze Iranian-sanctioned assets everywhere, including Iraq, and prohibit any standing or future U.S. president from using any waiver authority to lift the sanctions.

Now, as then, if Iranian oil exports were still sanctioned by the U.S. and its allies, the resumption of a close alliance between neighbouring Iran and Iraq would allow Tehran to continue to export its oil -- regardless of any sanctions in place -- by disguising it as non-sanctioned Iraqi oil instead, as also detailed in my new book on the new global oil market order. The start of the process involves Iranian oil easily being labelled as Iraqi oil by dint of the fact that the oil production of both neighbouring countries comes from oil fields that sit atop the same oil reservoirs. These shared fields include Irans Azadegan (the same reservoir as Iraqs huge Majnoon site), Yadavaran (Iraqs Sinbad), Azar (Iraqs Badra), Naft Shahr (Iraqs Naft Khana), Dehloran (Iraqs Abu Ghurab), West Paydar (Iraqs Fakka), and Arvand (Iraqs South Abu Ghurab). From the point when it is re-branded as Iraqi oil, Iranian oil can then be shipped where it is required, which is still mainly China. Irans own former Petroleum Minister, Bijan Zanganeh, publicly highlighted how this is done in 2020. He said: What we export is not under Irans name -- the documents are changed over and over, as well as [the] specifications. A further layer of obfuscation is undertaken when the oil cargoes are at sea, such as tankers disabling the automatic identification system on ships that carry Iranian oil rebranded as Iraqi -- this makes tracking such vessels extremely difficult. Compounding this  particularly useful for oil being moved to China -- is the common practice of at-sea or just-outside-port transfers of Iranian oil onto tankers flying the flags of a local Asian country, with Malaysia and Indonesia having long been favoured by Iran and Iraq in this regard.

All in all, Iraqs immediate crisis may be logistical, but the greater danger lies in the geopolitical choices it can no longer postpone. Each export route now doubles as a declaration of alignment, and Baghdads long?practised ambiguity is collapsing under the weight of full storage tanks and throttled production. Leaning on the KRG keeps Washington calm but risks reigniting internal fractures; turning to Syria binds Iraq more tightly to Moscow and Tehran; and relying on Iran for Hormuz access would confirm the very tilt the U.S. is now legislating against. With every option carrying strategic costs, Iraq is being forced into a decision that will reverberate far beyond its oil sector. The path it chooses in the coming weeks will shape its alliances, its leverage, and its place in the regional order for years ahead.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

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Canada is often torn in two different directions when it comes to energy policy, with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pursuing a green transition more strongly, while major oil-producing regions fought to keep oil and gas on the agenda. The ongoing production of highly polluting oil sands in Alberta province seems, to many, to be at odds with Canadas climate targets, while others argue that the countrys crude production is key to both energy security and revenue. Now, as Avi Lewis takes over the New Democratic Party (NDP), the question of what Canadians expect for the future of domestic energy is more prominent than ever.

Avi Lewis, the recently appointed leader of Canadas left-leaning NDP, has defended his stance on energy after being criticised for refusing to support Canadas oil and gas industry. In the past, regardless of how much a politician has wanted to push a greener energy agenda, they have continued to show some level of support for Canadian-produced fossil fuels. However, Lewis has distanced himself from this position by prioritising climate action and addressing affordability issues.

His stance has caused some NDP provincial wings to distance themselves from the new party leader, resulting in Lewis calling provincial leaders to discuss their concerns about energy policies with him. He has, nevertheless, reaffirmed his opposition to new oil and gas development. The energy economy is extremely unstable We think we need to accelerate the transition to a more stable, secure and safe economy, and a more independent Canadian economy, explained Lewis. The leader also said he thought Canada should increase its investment in green energy.

It is important to note that Lewis has said that the NDP seeks to halt the expansion of oil and gas infrastructure rather than shut it down entirely. Lewis explained his opinions on energy, We want to get off the boom-and-bust rollercoaster. Every time that anyone talks about starting a transition, the conversation is buried by this bad faith narrative that were calling for shutting it all down tomorrow  which were not.

Lewiss climate policies are expected to divide political opinion in Canadas West, particularly Alberta, and other parts of the country, as many in the main oil-producing province continue to support fossil fuel development. The NDP leader in Alberta, Naheed Nenshi, said that Lewiss stance on energy is not in the interests of the oil-rich province. Albertans deserve federal leaders who understand the importance of Alberta and our essential role in the federation, said Nenshi.

Meanwhile, Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck wrote in an open letter that she declined a meeting request from Lewis, citing his energy policies as the reason. Beck said that Lewiss stance on energy jeopardised $13.6 billion in economic activity annually in Saskatchewan. However, some provincial NDP leaders have shown support for Lewis, supporting the leaders aim to drive down energy prices for consumers. This includes Manitobas Premier Wab Kinew, who has stated that he believes Lewis would be a great voice for the country.

Canada has long been divided on the issue of energy. In 2021, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was criticised by those in the oil industry for appointing two men with strong environmental records as the environment and climate change minister and the natural resources minister. Trudeau stated from the beginning of his last term that addressing climate change was a major priority, having already imposed a carbon tax and pledged net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The move drew criticism from those in the fossil fuel industry, particularly in Alberta, over fears the PM would turn his back on the industry. Meanwhile, many renewable energy advocates criticised Trudeau for not doing enough to support a green transition. Now, his successor, Mark Carney, is facing the same dilemmas.

Canadas Prime Minister, Liberal Party leader Mark Carney, has strived to make Canada a global energy superpower since taking over from Trudeau last year. Carney has focused on reducing the countrys trade reliance on the United States, particularly following repeated threats from Trump that the U.S. could introduce or increase tariffs on Canadian goods.

Over the last year, Carney has begun to undo many of Trudeaus green transition energy policies in support of oil and gas. Carney has encouraged LNG production and signed a memorandum of understanding with Albertas Premier Danielle Smith in November to advance a new bitumen pipeline in British Columbia, much to the dismay of Canadian environmentalists.

With Canada so divided over energy, it appears that no leaders stance on energy will be entirely satisfactory to voters. Despite Canadas oil production increase under Trudeau, he is often remembered because of his support for renewable energy and supposed opposition to oil and gas. Meanwhile, Carney is widely criticised by environmentalists for undoing the energy diversification of recent years.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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Donald Trump threatened over the Easter weekend to attack Irans power plants and bridges if the Strait of Hormuz isnt opened by 8 pm Eastern time on Tuesday, April 7.

Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT, Trump wrote Saturday morning on Truth Social. Time is running out  48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them.

Media has been reporting that the closure of the strait, through which about 20% of the worlds crude oil passes, has skyrocketed oil prices.

Less prominent in the headlines is which countries are being permitted to use the strait for shipping.

Lets start with what Iran said about the strait in March. Three days after the conflict started, on March 3, a senior advisor to the commander-in-chief of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the strait was closed and if any vessels tried to cross it, the IRGC and the navy would set those ships ablaze. (Aljazeera)

Despite this threat, the Iranian Foreign Minister told CBS News that Tehran has been approached by a number of countries seeking safe passage for their vessels and this is up to our military to decide.

Related: Saudi Arabia Sets Record Premium for Flagship Crude as Hormuz Crisis Deepens

As of March 15, Al Jazeera reported that a Pakistani-flagged tanker sailed out of the Persian/ Arabian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz; that Tehran allowed some Indian vessels to pass through the strait; and that a Turkish-owned ship received permission to go through the narrow waterway between Oman and Iran.

On March 5 Reuters said China was in in talks with Iran to allow crude oil and Qatari LNG carriers to transit Hormuz, while France and Italy requested talks with Iran to allow their ships to pass through the strait.

Trump has repeatedly said the countries that depend on the strait for receiving imports from the Gulf should take an active role in opening it, calling for a naval coalition to join the US Navy to secure the strait.

On March 27 The Hindu published a list of countries allowed to cross the Strait of Hormuz, and those who will not be permitted access, i.e., the United States, Israel and some Gulf states involved in the war.

The list of so-called friendly countries includes:

India, which sailed at least four vessels through the strait between Feb. 28 and The Hindus publication date;

China, which accounted for 10% of ships that made it through the strait headed east out of the Gulf in recent weeks prior to March 27;

Thailand, which was allowed to sail an oil tanker on March 26 following successful talks between the Thair foreign minister and Irans ambassador to Thailand;

Russia, which has been explicitly authorized by Iran to use the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping;

Pakistan, which sailed a tanker through the strait March 14-15, marking the first transit since the war began; and

Iraq, which after weeks of negotiations between Baghdad and Tehran, was officially designated a friendly nation, thereby granting it safe passage through the strait without restrictions.

We hold profound respect for Iraqs national sovereignty, the military command said in a statement carried by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, Aljazeera reported on April 5, adding:

You are a nation that bears the scars of American occupation, and your struggle against the US is worthy of praise and admiration.

Some countries however are being forced to pay a fee to pass through, with the IRGC effectively setting up a maritime tollbooth.

According to Lloyds List Intelligence, about 150 vessels including tankers and container ships transited the strait between March 1 and March 27 (The Hindu), which represents a little more than a days normal traffic before the war; LLoyds said on April 5 there were 53 transits through the strait last week, up from 36 the previous week and the most since the war began (Aljazeera).

On Friday, April 3 a French container ship and a Japanese-owned tanker were allowed to cross the strait.

Gulf News reported on the same day that the Philippines and Malaysia were added to Irans list of friendly nations permitted safe passage.

Japan is the latest country to use the strait, with two tankers  one carrying LNG and the other carrying LPG  passing through Hormuz over the weekend according to MSN.

However, many Japanese-affiliated ships reportedly remain idle in the Persian Gulf, while South Korea, which faces mounting energy risks, has met with Gulf Cooperation Council ambassadors to seek assurance for the safety of 26 Korean vessels.

The Wall Street Journal reported on April 6 that South Korea may deploy five vessels to the Red Sea, thus bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.

By Andrew Topf for Oilprice.com

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A flurry of recent deals and announcements suggest significant new reserves of natural gas are contained in the Ustyurt Plateau, which spans western sections of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The prospect of a major Ustyurt find is, in turn, helping to fuel interest in building a trans-Caspian gas corridor.

The UK energy giant BP is shaping up as the pivotal player in the development of Ustyurts potential energy riches. On April 2, a company subsidiary signed an exploration deal with the Kazakh state-run entity KazMunayGaz covering a promising Ustyurt block.

The renewal of the partnership opens up new opportunities for the joint implementation of promising initiatives, a KazMunayGaz statement added.

BP has also been in talks with Uzbek officials about joining Uzbekneftegaz, the Uzbek state energy entity, and Azerbaijans SOCAR in developing Ustyurt.

As part of attracting direct [foreign] investment in the oil and gas sector in the Ustyurt region, projects are being implemented to develop new fields together with the Azerbaijani company SOCAR and British Petroleum, Uzbekneftegaz First Deputy Chairman Sukhrob Khamroyev said in an interview with state television.

Uzbekistan and SOCAR signed a production sharing agreement in 2025 covering Ustyurt, under which the two sides engage in the exploration of an area of at least 1,000 square kilometers, and jointly develop any oil and gas resources found in economically viable quantities. Shortly after, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the discovery of a very large natural gas field in the Ustyurt area. Efforts to have BP join the deal appear to confirm initial prospecting results have been highly encouraging.

On April 2, KazMunayGaz representatives announced the discovery of a large onshore oil and gas deposit in Kazakhstans Zhylyoi District, north of the Ustyurt Plateau. Characterizing the discovery as a second Kashagan, the Zhylyoi deposit is estimated to contain upwards of 20 billion tons of hydrocarbons, according to a report distributed by the official Kazinform news agency.

It [the Zhylyoi deposit] is comparable to the geological potential of Kashagan. But unlike Kashagan, which is located in a shallow [offshore] zone and requires large capital expenditures, this massif is located on land. Thus, capital costs are significantly reduced," Kazinform quoted Kurmangazy Iskaziev, a top KazMunayGaz official, as saying.

Importantly, for Kazakhstan, any development of the Zhylyoi field does not fall under a production sharing agreement covering Kashagan. That PSA provided for an injection of foreign investment that made energy production possible at the field, but it also left Astana with only a tiny share of export profits. Any PSA covering Zhylyoi or Ustyurt will presumably provide Kazakhstan with a much larger share of production revenue.

The news about recent discoveries and deals seems to be stimulating discussion about the construction of a long-planned trans-Caspian pipeline. The Azerbaijani government-connected news outlet Caliber.az cited a BP geologist based in Azerbaijan as saying the company is interested in developing a new energy corridor aimed at transporting natural gas from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan through Azerbaijan to European markets via the Southern Gas Corridor.

BP intends to leverage its accumulated experience in Azerbaijan to build a synchronized infrastructure, Caliber quotes the BP representative, Baghir Ibrahimov, as saying.

By Eurasianet

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Global energy crises often act as severe stress tests that expose deep, structural fragilities in global supply chains that are erstwhile ignored. Such crises reveal weaknesses that extend far beyond fuel availability, causing systemic disruptions to industrial manufacturing, trade routes and food security. A good case in point is Germany, which effectively boxed itself into a corner with its decades-long energy policies.

Before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, successive German governments pursued an energy policy that significantly increased the country's dependence on Russian oil and gas, primarily driven by economic considerations, cheap energy needs, and the belief in driving political change through economic cooperation. Germanys Energiewende focused on a dual phase-out of nuclear and coal while rapidly expanding renewables. By 2021, Germany imported 55% of its natural gas from Russia, making it highly vulnerable to energy supply shocks.

And now Japan is facing a similar fate. For decades, the countrys strategy of deeply embedding itself in the Gulf's energy system in a bid to secure ample domestic supplies for the resource-poor nation worked like a charm, thanks to the regions abundant and cheap fossil fuel resources. Prior to the conflict, Japan imported over 90% of its crude oil and about 11% of its LNG from the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia and UAE its top suppliers. Unfortunately, this meant that the vast majority of Japans crude supply imports passed through the Middle East. In fact, Japan was even more reliant on Middle Eastern energy commodities than Germany and Europe were on Russian gas before the war. The de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran and its allies has effectively blocked the route for ~95% of Japans Middle Eastern oil, a five-alarm fire that has thrown its economy and financial markets into a tailspin.

Related: Chinese Publication Claims U.S. Has Two Months of Rare Earths Left

The Nikkei 225 has borne the brunt of the war, tumbling in double digits within the first few weeks of the conflict while business confidence in Japan's services sector has sunk to its lowest level since the pandemic. The IMF has projected that Japans economy will only expand by 0.8% in 2026, with a potential 3% contraction if the fuel crisis persists. Meanwhile, household electricity bills are projected to increase by 15,000 (USD $95) from April 2026 due to higher LNG import costs.

On the energy front, Japan has adopted several measures to cope with the ongoing crisis. The government began releasing oil from its national and private reserves on March 16, with plans to release up to 90 million barrels, or enough for roughly 45-50 days of domestic supply. That marks the largest release from the countrys strategic reserves. The government has also resumed state subsidies to stabilize gasoline prices and cap gasoline prices at 170 per litre after prices surged to a record-high of more than 190 per liter in mid-March. Further, Japan is reducing its immediate reliance on oil-fired power generation. The country has increased the utilization rate of coal-fired thermal power plants, securing coal supplies from Australia and Indonesia. The government has even given the greenlight for older, less efficient coal-fired equipment to operate for one year starting in April 2026.

Meanwhile, the Japanese government and private oil companies are frantically trying to secure alternative sources, including oil from outside the Middle East to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Japan is reaching out to suppliers in Central Asia, South America and Canada while negotiations with Venezuela, a former supplier, are currently underway. Following high-level discussions with the U.S., Japan is exploring a joint effort to boost Alaskan oil production. Japan plans to invest in Alaskan oil infrastructure, including investing in loading facilities to facilitate the transport of Alaskan crude, as part of a broader $550 billion bilateral investment program between the two countries. Oil from Alaska takes about 12 days to reach Japan, compared to over 20 days from the Middle East.

Over the long-term, Tokyo is adopting several measures to lower dependence on the Middle East. First off, there is renewed pressure to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources, including offshore wind and solar, in a bid to boost energy self-sufficiency. Last year, the government set an ambitious goal for renewable energy to reach up to 50% of the electricity mix by 2040. A major policy shift now allows for offshore wind development in Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), aiming to boost wind's share of electricity from 1% to 8% by 2040. At the same time, subsidies for large-scale, ground-mounted solar power are scheduled to be phased out from fiscal 2027 to encourage rooftop solar and address land-use concerns.

Finally, Tokyo is also focusing on boosting nuclear energy use, a complete 180 from its previous stance. Under the new 7th Strategic Energy Plan, Japan is shifting from reducing nuclear dependency to maximizing its use, including extending reactor lifespans beyond 40 years and developing next-generation reactors. In January, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) restarted Unit 6 of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station, the world's largest nuclear plant, following a 15-year shutdown triggered by the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The restart of this single unit is expected to boost electricity supply to the Tokyo area by roughly 2% and displace significant liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. Japan has now successfully restarted about half of its 33 operable reactors, with the government introducing new funding schemes to speed up the process.



By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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The Dangote refinery, Africa's biggest, received 10 Nigerian crude cargoes in March, double from February, as Nigeria aims to secure enough fuel supply amid the global crude and refined product crunch as a result of the war in the Middle East.

Dangote, the biggest refinery in Africa which began operations in 2024, has started exporting fuel to regions other than West Africa. The refinery started up in January 2024 with the launch of diesel and naphtha production and began producing gasoline in September 2024.

Dangote's CEO David Bird told local outlet Arise TV last month that the refinery receives only five local cargoes out of the 13-15 crude cargoes previously agreed.

"We try and maintain some stability within a commercially acceptable range but all our cost inputsfrom crude to freight and insuranceare impacted," Bird told Arise.

At a press briefing on Monday, Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest person and owner of the refinery, said the processing plant received 10 cargoes of Nigerian crude in March, up from five in the previous months.

"Last month, they gave us six cargoes for naira and four cargoes for dollars," Dangote told reporters, as carried by Bloomberg.

Dangote, which has the capacity to process 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude into fuels, needs 19 cargoes to operate at full capacity.

The refinery has been sourcing U.S. and other African crude to top up its crude supply.

However, the cost of crude for the refinery has escalated along with the surge in international crude oil prices, as Dangote relies on crude imports, too.

"The high crude cost is compounded by the fact that Nigeria upstream producers have failed to supply crude oil to the refinery as required under the PIA, forcing us to source a substantial portion through international traders who charge an additional premium," Dangote's management said on March 5, days after the war in the Middle East started.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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European natural gas futures opened higher on Tuesday as markets are awaiting developments in Iran after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened escalation and attacks on Iranian power plants and bridges if a deal is not reached and the Strait of Hormuz not opened by 8 p.m. eastern time today.

The May 2026 contract of the Dutch TTF Natural Gas Futures, the European benchmark for gas trading, opened 3% higher in Amsterdam on Tuesday, with prices trading just above $58 (50 euros) per megawatt-hour (MWh).

Since the war in the Middle East began and the closed Strait of Hormuz trapped about 20% of daily global LNG flows, Europes benchmark gas prices have soared by about 55%. On February 27, the day before the U.S. and Israel started bombing Iran, the front-month futures were trading at $37 (32 euros) per MWh.

Europe, where gas storage sites are depleted to levels not seen in years after the winter, faces a tough refill season in the spring and summer as spot LNG prices have soared and Asia is beating Europe for spot supply.

Asia gets about 85% of the LNG supply that used to transit the Strait of Hormuz, and while Europes direct supply exposure is much lower at about 15%, the price spike threatens to derail the refill season.

No LNG cargo has transited the Strait of Hormuz in over a month, as two vessels carrying Qatari LNG were forced to abandon an attempt to exit the Strait of Hormuz in what would have been the first export of Qatari LNG since the war began.

Gas prices could spike even more if the war escalates to U.S. strikes on vital Iranian infrastructure and Iranian retaliation and continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The entire country can be taken out in one night  and that night might be tomorrow night, President Trump said, referring to Iran, at a White House press conference on Monday night.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Hungary is expected on Tuesday to agree a $500-million oil supply deal with the United States during the visit of U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Budapest, a source with knowledge of the plan told Bloomberg.

Vance arrived in Hungarys capital city earlier on Tuesday, just days ahead of the general election in the country on April 12, in which Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is badly trailing in poll numbers.

The expected Hungary-U.S. deal would envisage Hungarian energy company MOL agreeing to buy about 500,000 tons of U.S. oil for about $500 million, according to Bloombergs source.

The Trump Administration has often praised Orban, whose social and energy policies often clash with the official policies of the EU, of which Hungary is a part.

Hungary, whose top officials have remained in contact with Russias leadership, including Vladimir Putin, has continuously clashed with its fellow EU member states over plans to ditch Russian gas by 2027 and cut off oil supply from Moscow as soon as possible.

In the upcoming election, both Trump and Putin hope that Orban would win despite trailing 16 percentage points behind the party of the opposition leader Peter Magyar, who has promised to bring Hungary back into the EU shared values and policies and who has blamed Orban and his party for being Moscows puppets.

Hungary has recently raised the oil supply issue again after Russian oil flows via the Druzhba pipeline were suspended at the end of January following an attack on the infrastructure in Ukraine.

At the end of January, Druzhba was damaged in what Ukraine said was a Russian drone attack.

Hungary last month moved to phase out natural gas supplies to Ukraine in the third quarter, in a Hungarian move to retaliate for the halted oil flows from Russia via the Druzhba pipeline.

Hungary has banned its gas operator from holding auctions for supply to Ukraine in the third quarter, after Orban has threatened several times that Budapest would cut off gas deliveries to Ukraine until oil flows via the Druzhba pipeline resume.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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India is expected to import the highest volumes of crude from Venezuela in six years as refiners returned to purchasing the now-unsanctioned oil just before the war in the Middle East crippled supply to the worlds third-largest crude importer.

India is estimated to import as many as 12.51 million barrels of Venezuelan crude in April, per Kpler data cited by Bloomberg. This would be the highest volume of oil from Venezuela to arrive in India in one month since February 2020, and would mark the first import from the South American producer since May 2025, according to the data.

The cargoes arriving in April were likely booked before the start of the war that trapped the Middle Easts crude supply and send India, which imports 85% of the oil it consumes daily, scrambling for alternative supply.

The Ottoman Sincerity crude oil tanker that departed from Aruba on March 3 after a ship-to-ship transfer arrived this weekend at Sikka, on the West Coast of India, tanker-tracking data on MarineTraffic showed. This was the first cargo from Venezuela that India has imported in 11 months.

Indias top private refiner, Reliance Industries, which in February was granted a U.S. license to buy crude directly from Venezuela, has already loaded its first cargo from Venezuelas state oil firm PDVSA on the Bahama-flagged very large crude carrier Helios, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Venezuelan crude would help India diversify its crude supply amid the crunch in the Middle East, which typically accounts for about half of Indian refiners imports.

With most supply from the Middle East out of the market, India is boosting imports of sanctions-free Russian crude, too.

India's imports of Russian crude oil jumped by 90% in March versus February, following the major supply disruption in the Middle East and the U.S. waiver of purchases of Russian crude already loaded on tankers.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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ATLANTA, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax (NYSE: EFX) will announce its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, in a release to be issued on Tuesday, April 21, at 6:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).

Equifax will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET on April 21, in which senior management will discuss financial and business results for the quarter. Related presentation materials will be published on investor.equifax.com on April 21 at 6:30 a.m. ET.

Conference Call:

US/Canada: 877-559-1190 / +1 201-389-0916

International: Click here for participant International Toll-Free access numbers

Please dial the appropriate number 5-10 minutes prior to the call to complete registration. Name and affiliation/company are required to join the call.

Webcast:

To view the webcast and slide presentation, please click the link and enter your information to be connected. The link becomes active 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

An audio replay of the conference call will be available on investor.equifax.com beginning on April 22.

ABOUT EQUIFAX INC.

At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by nearly 15,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Molly Clegg for Equifax

[email protected]

SOURCE Equifax Inc.
Kazakhstan's crude exports have not been affected by Monday's drone attack on the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, which is the primary export outlet of Kazakh oil, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy said on Tuesday.

Oil shipments via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) remain stable after intensified Ukrainian attacks on Monday hit a terminal at the port of Novorossiysk, Kazakhstan said.

The receipt and transportation of Kazakh crude through the main oil pipeline system are proceeding normally, and export plans are being fulfilled on schedule, Assel Serikpayeva, a representative of the Kazakh Energy Ministry, was quoted as saying by Astana Times.

Separately, Kazakhstan's deputy energy minister said that "The work of our oil sector is stable and CPC exports continue to be stable."

The CPC terminal, which is southwest of Novorossiysk, incurred damage to the single point mooring (SPM), loading infrastructure, and four storage tanks during Monday's Ukrainian attack, Russia has said.

The terminal handles about 80% of Kazakhstan's crude oil exports or 1.5% of daily global oil shipments.

The CPC terminal has become the focus of market attention at a time when crude oil supply from the Middle East is severely disrupted due to the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran is only selectively allowing a small number of energy cargoes to go through.

The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) operates the pipeline from the Caspian coast in northwest Kazakhstan to the Novorossiysk port, which handles most of Kazakhstan's crude exports from giant oilfields in Kazakhstan operated by international oil firms, including U.S. supermajor Chevron. CPC transports crude oil from three major fields in Kazakhstan, Tengiz, Kashagan, and Karachaganak, in which major western companies have stakes, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, and Eni.

The key Russian oil export terminal at Novorossiysk was on fire early on Monday following an overnight drone attack, as Ukraine intensifies strikes on Russia's oil infrastructure to reduce its export capabilities amid surging oil prices.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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The Yamal LNG export plant in Russia has shipped its first cargo to China in five months as the EU launches in a few weeks a stepwise plan of banning imports of Russian natural gas.

Yamal LNG, operated by Russias top LNG producer and exporter Novatek, had the Geneva carrier loaded in recent days and en route to China with an estimated time of arrival May 15, according to LSEG data cited by Reuters.

Yamal LNG shipments would be allowed into the EU for a few more months as the export facility is not under sanctions, unlike Arctic LNG 2, which is confined to selling into China in defiance of U.S., EU, and UK sanctions.

The cargo on the Geneva carrier would be the first shipment of Yamal LNG to China since November 2025. So far this year, Yamal LNG shipments have all gone out to Europe, according to LSEG data quoted by Reuters.

Russia raised its LNG exports in the first quarter of 2026 from a year earlier, as shipments to Europe rose ahead of the April 25 start date for the EU ban on short-term spot LNG supply from Russia.

The EU is banning, effective April 25, imports of LNG from Russia under spot contracts as part of its wider stepwise ban on all Russian gas imports by the end of 2027. A full ban will take effect for LNG imports from the beginning of 2027 and for pipeline gas imports from the autumn of 2027.

Top Russian officials said last month that Moscow would redirect LNG exports away from the EU without waiting for the full ban to take effect.

A decision was made that part of the LNG currently supplied to Europe will be redirected to other markets where constructive, pragmatic relations are being built with our country, where there is demand and [where there is] the opportunity to conclude long-term contracts, Russias Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said in early March, as quoted by the Interfax news agency.

Yet, analysts have told Reuters that logistics challenges, shipping costs, and the structure of long-term contracts would restrict Russias ability to swiftly pivot to markets outside the EU.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Somalia is on the verge of embarking on its first-ever offshore oil drilling operation, marked by the arrival of the Turkish drillship Cagir Bey in Somali waters on Friday. The Turkish Petroleum Corporation's deep-water drilling vessel will conduct its first international mission off the Somali coast, and is expected to begin drilling at the Curad-1 well in the current month. Seismic data suggests Somalias offshore basins could hold between 30 billion and 40 billion barrels of oil and gas equivalent.

Turkiye previously employed the Oruc Reis vessel to conduct extensive 3D seismic surveys to identify potential reserves. Drilling work follows a 2024 hydrocarbon cooperation agreement between Somalia and Turkiye.

If successful, the oil drilling program could transform Somalia's economy, funding infrastructure and positioning the country as a significant regional energy player in East Africa.

However, Turkey's 2024 hydrocarbon agreement with Somalia has faced criticism primarily for its lopsided revenue-sharing terms, which allow Turkish state-owned company TPAO to retain up to 90% of revenue for cost recovery in early stages, while Somalia receives only a 5% royalty in the initial phase.

Opponents have termed the agreement as an unfair, "neo-colonial" structure, and have also expressed concerns that Turkey is allowed to use its own military to secure projects, which some fear could lead to a form of economic hegemony.

Its proponents, on the other hand, have argued that the agreement is a standard model for high-risk, unproven frontier markets where the investor assumes all financial risk. Its supporters argue the arrangement is a necessary, smart deal to attract investment to a nation lacking the necessary human and financial capital to develop its own offshore resources, eventually allowing for a 70% profit share for Somalia once costs are recovered.

Turkeys Africa Opening strategy focuses on Somalia for its critical Horn of Africa maritime location and untapped energy potential. Following a 2011 diplomatic pivot, Turkey secures major influence via energy exploration deals, deep-water oil drilling agreements and military training.

In 2017, Turkey inaugurated its largest overseas military base, Camp TURKSOM, in Mogadishu, used to train elite Somali units. Beyond military support, Turkey engages in infrastructure development and has elevated its total African trade to over $40 billion by 2023.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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South Korea is sending a senior government official to Oman, Kazakhstan, and Saudi Arabia in a bid to secure crude oil supply that does not need to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters has reported.

Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff, will hold talks with government officials in the three countries, energy companies, and shipping operators. South Korea has already managed to secure 110 million barrels of crude for April and May, Reuters noted in its report.

The official told the media that the need to secure alternative oil supplies was urgent because South Korea depended on cargoes transited via the Strait of Hormuz for as much as 61% of its crude oil imports and 54% of its naphtha imports.

Oman sits outside the Strait of Hormuz, which makes it geographically suitable for alternative supplies, and Saudi Arabia has rerouted its oil flows from the east to the west, where it exports the crude via the Red Sea. Most of Kazakhstans crude oil reached global markets via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which terminates at the Russian port of Novorossiysk. The CPC pipeline has recently become a target for Ukrainian drone strikes.

South Korea is among the worlds most import-dependent nations when it comes to energy commodities and as such, one of the first to feel the pinch from the closure of Hormuz. Last month, Seoul had to set a ceiling on fuel pricesfor the first time in three decadesto stabilize the market and shield the economy.

The country also imposed driving limits for civil servants in March to handle the potential fuel shortages coming its way. Later in the month, Seoul was reported to consider extending those limits to other drivers as well, if oil prices hit $120 per barrel. These are the first driving restrictions South Korea has had to enforce since the early 1990s and the Gulf War.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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WTI crude surged to $115.8 per barrelits highest level since April 2008as President Donald Trump warned that a whole civilization will die tonight, while strikes were reported on Irans Kharg Island, the hub for roughly 90% of the countrys oil exports.

The US President added that tonight will be one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World, as President Trumps deadline quickly approaches.

Brent crude climbed to $111.0, with the strike keeping both benchmarks in crisis pricing territory as escalation risk moved directly into core oil infrastructure.

Strikes on Kharg Island put roughly 90% of Irans export capacity at risk. Any remaining flows still face constraints moving through Hormuz, which normally carries 20% of global oil flows.

Pricing is now reflecting both logistics and potential production loss.

WTI rarely trades at these levels. The last time it held above $115 was during the 2008 commodity supercycle. Then, demand and capacity drove the rally. Now, access and infrastructure are doing the work.

Trump has set a deadline for Iran to agree to terms to end the war, while also threatening strikes on additional infrastructure, including power plants and transport networks.

Iran has rejected those demands, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) warning that concessions allowing neighboring states to export through the Strait are over, and that US and allied infrastructure would be targeted across the region if red lines are crossed.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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A Food Cart Pod Doesnt Need a Public Subsidy. So Why Does This One?

By Dr. Eric Fruits,

For Taxpayers Association of Oregon Foundation,

Portland officials are preparing to spend $7.5 million in public funds to renovate the vacant building at 910 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. into a food cart pod and dining hall.

Prosper Portland (formerly known as the Portland Development Commission) would provide $4 million in equity, while Metro would extend a $3 million intergovernmental loan. The private operator, ChefStable, would contribute $500,000about 6.7% of the project costwhile receiving the master lease and operational control.

Supporters frame this as activation for the Lloyd District and the Oregon Convention Center (OCC). The practical question is simpler: why are public agencies acting as real estate developers and lenders for a hospitality concept that Portlands private sector has delivered successfully for decades?

Food cart pods became a Portland trademark because they are low-cost and flexible. A cart often launches with $10,000$40,000 in startup capital. A private pod can be created with basic utilities and seating at a fraction of the cost contemplated here. If this location truly had the foot traffic to support a pod at market rates, private capital likely would have found it already.

Recent history should make policymakers cautious. Downtowns shift from the Alder Street carts to Flocka curated indoor food hall model at Block 216has not produced the promised stability.

Meanwhile, the James Beard Public Market has spent roughly two decades in planning cycles and still has no meals served. Big public checks have not purchased reliability.

The 910 plan also risks working against Metros own interests. OCC revenue relies heavily on food-and-beverage sales, yet Metro would be subsidizing a competing venue literally across the street. Metro says the food carts wont cannibalize the OCCs food and beverage revenue. But, if this is true, then where will the food carts customers come from?

If the goal is street-level recovery, Portland should focus on fundamentals: safety, cleanliness, housing, and permitting speed. Prosper Portland should sell 910 MLK as is and stop subsidizing curated dining rooms. Metro and Prosper should vote no on the pending resolutions and redirect resources toward broad, lower-cost improvements that benefit many small businessesnot one favored operator.
Akumal residents protest local arrest and land ownership claims

Akumal, Q.R.  Residents outside Akumal partially closed a road in protest of the arrest of a local land guardian. Access to Xuxubi in Akumal was blocked Monday due to a land dispute involving cenotes.

A group of residents from the community of Xuxubi in the Akumal area closed the main road as a form of protest. The peaceful street demonstration was organized after the arrest of a resident over a land conflict.

The blockade was set up at the entrance to the community and along a road used to access the cenotes.

Santos Pech, a group protestor, said the protest began after the arrest of Juan Mastah Uk Sunday afternoon. He was arrested after people claiming to own the land filed a complaint against him for living on the property.

According to Pech, that land is part of national lands and Mastah was living on it as a guardian.

Residents continued their protest into the night Monday. April 6, 2026.

During the Monday evening protest, demonstrators said they spent months trying to bring the conflict to the attention of authorities, adding that they have faced threats from the alleged owners of the land, which has increased tension.

On Monday, residents requested the release of Juan Mastah and a review of the case while holding signs that read Free Juan and Akumal is not for sale.
American trying to leave Mexico with parrots arrested at Matamoros-Brownsville International Bridge

Matamoros, Tamaulipas  Three parrots illegally taken out of Mexico have been seized by U.S. authorities. During the seizure, an American citizen in possession of the birds was arrested.

U.S. authorities returned the parrots to Mexico over the bridge where the American was arrested March 27, 2026

The three parrots have since been returned to Mexico. The return was the result of collaboration between Mexico and the United States, the Federal Attorney Generals Office for Environmental Protection reported.

As a result of the coordinated work between the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa), three yellow-headed parrots (Amazona oratrix) that had been illegally taken out of the country were recovered.

The United States Customs and Border Protection Agency detained a U.S. citizen at the Matamoros-Brownsville International Bridge. The woman was trying to reenter the U.S. with the three birds, violating health and endangered wildlife protection regulations.

The yellow-headed parrot is one of Mexicos most emblematic psittacine species, but also one of the most vulnerable due to high demand in the illegal market and habitat loss.

Given its critical situation, the species enjoys the highest level of legal protection both in Mexico and internationally. While it is listed as endangered in the NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, it is also included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits international trade primarily for commercial purposes.

The American woman was caught trying to leave Mexico with the three parrots.

The specimens were returned to Mexico through the Reynosa-Pharr International Bridge in good health. They are being evaluated for their possible integration into a conservation and species recovery project.
ESPOO, Finland, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Etteplan's innovative fiber routing and coating solutions are experiencing strong global demand as industries increasingly rely on high-density optical fiber flex circuits for next-generation applications. Optical fiber flex circuits play a critical role in today's technology landscape, enabling advanced solutions across aerospace, defense, medical equipment, automotive, and data and telecommunications sectors.



Developed and manufactured in the Netherlands, Etteplan's productized technology automates the production of high-density optical fiber flex circuits and fiber-optic cable assemblies by combining high-density fiber routing, coating, and CAD-based design software into one advanced solution. This combination ensures higher precision, improved throughput, and consistent production quality for customers requiring scalable and reliable manufacturing.



Although Etteplan is primarily known as a technology services company, Etteplan's fiber routing solutions illustrate how our engineering expertise can also be delivered as scalable, productized solutions. Demand has been accelerated by global growth in data-intensive applications, particularly AI-driven workloads and data center infrastructure, as well as requirements in telecommunications, aerospace, and defense applications. Etteplan has delivered the solutions to system supplier customers in the United States and several European markets.



"More and more industries depend on dense, reliable, and high-performance optical fiber solutions. Our automated routing technology brings new efficiency and repeatability to a production process that has traditionally required extensive manual work. The technology reflects the best of Etteplan: bold, forward-looking engineering combined with seamless teamwork across mechanics, automation, software, and documentation," says Leon van Veghel, Director, Project Office & Operations at Etteplan.



For further information, please contact:

Leon van Veghel, Director, Project Office & Operations, Etteplan, Tel. +31 40 267 7677

Outi Torniainen, SVP, Marketing and Communications, Etteplan, Tel. +358 10 307 3302

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
The presence of mold in areas like tile grout, shower caulking, washing machine and fridge gaskets  and even on surfaces you can smell but cant see  is pretty concerning. Its often an even bigger challenge to effectively remove and prevent it from coming back. Fortunately, reviewers insist that this mold and stain fighter will actually do the job, even going so far as saying it removes years-old mold from washers, showers, toilets and more. As one reviewer puts it: This finally works where everything else fails.

While we normally cover discounted items, were making an exception here: We think this is an incredible buy considering how many reviewers love this mold remover for its magic! And today, its less than $16 on Amazon at 20% off. In other words, a bargain.

Made by Active, which makes a super-popular easy toilet bowl cleaner, this formula is highly concentrated and sticks to even vertical surfaces thanks to its gel consistency.

According to its many supporters, the cleaner tackles stains and black mold on tile grout, caulking, and even areas like gasket seals in their washing machines. Its so effective that several reviewers have claimed that its prevented them from needing to replace things like shower stalls and grout, since this restored surfaces to like new conditions, while also preventing the mold from coming back.

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Had these stubborn mildew stains in the calking of our shower that no matter how much bleaching and scrubbing I did, it would not come out, explains one reviewer. Saw this still and had to try it. Worked like a charm.

Literally magic, says another. It removed the stuck on stained green mildew/mold from the seal on my washer literally overnight. [] My washer is so clean! Not a factory reset but pretty good for being an almost 10 year old front loader..

See these claims corroborated for yourself in the promising reviews up ahead and grab a bottle for less than $16 today.

I got this about almost two years ago now, and I live in Wisconsin and got the weird mold on the windows because of moisture. Let me say I have new windows and theyre brand new. You get moisture based on the humity in your house and just conditions. Once you get that mold its hard to get rid of. I used this stuff and boom It is GONE. I also use it by the kitchen sink now and mold was GONE! no joke. Wish I discovered this years ago.  Mark and Julie in Waukesha This removed all the mold from my washer rubber. We moved into a house where the appliances had been neglected for years and there was a thick layer of mold in the washer rubber that I never thought Id get it out. I needed to apply this about twice or three times in each area to completely remove the mold, but you dont even need to scrub it - you just leave it there and it does its magic. The rubber looks like brand new, its unbelievable. I wish I took before pictures to show the difference.  Thais G. Too bad I cant rate this for 10 stars. This absolutely amazing product changed the look of my master shower; it looks and feels brand spanking new!!! I was so impressed with the results that I decided to try the application on another shower tub in my house, and it worked fabulously there as well. I wish this came in larger bottles. Definitely buying more.  Cristobal Aybar We live in an older house that is a rental. The bathtub/shower has always had dark mildew stains on the caulk and grout. Years of spraying and scrubbing with other leading brand mold & mildew products plus bleach and all sorts of DIY recipes worked fine on keeping grout fairly clean, but nothing worked on the caulk. I tried this product not expecting much, but IT WORKED! I applied the gel and left it on all day, then wiped it off 7 or 8 hours later and the grayish discoloration that had been there for years was finally gone! I was shocked and thrilled. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I didnt notice any unpleasant fumes (I did close the bathroom door and left the window open anyway) I am going to try their washing machine product next  l rishel-marzban

Looking for more ways to stay clean? Check out these cleaning products that reviewers say are easy on their backs, as previously reported by Shopping writer Griffin Wynne.

Amazon

The Dyson V8 cordless stick vacuum that's lightweight and easy to maneuver (40% off)

Cordless vacuums are total game-changers in terms of convenience and ease of use. This reader-loved luxury option from Dyson can transform into a small handheld vacuum for stairs, cars or countertops and can be easily used on ceilings, baseboards and other hard-to-reach places. A single charge will give you 40 minutes of cleaning time and it has famously strong suction to get every bit of mess.



Promising review: "This is a "must have" vacuum. I can't believe I've been lugging around a heavy vacuum and a cord for years! The suction is terrific and the first time I used it, it wasn't even on max suction and did a fantastic job. First time I used it the debris canister was so full I couldn't believe I had thought my house was clean. Anyway, it's lightweight. I'm 69, have had back surgery and this is easy for me to use. My daughter and daughter in law have one and I was sold. I got this model because it empties the original way. The newer models require detaching attachments to empty. Research it. I am extremely pleased."  Harvey

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Amazon

The self-cleaning Bissell Little Green that does all the suction work for you

When we spoke to 'Queer Eye's' Bobby Berk about home cleaning must-haves, he put us on to the Bissell Little Green. Possibly one of the most adored Bissell products on the market, this portable and multi-purpose carpet and upholstery cleaner has close to 47,000 five-star-ratings on Amazon and effectively removes tough stains through a combination of suction and spraying power. Plus, you dont have to worry about manually cleaning the scrubbing stain tool, as it has a self-cleaning function to save you time and effort.



Promising review: "I had cervical spine surgery and suffered permanent nerve damage and my right arm is weak, so I am always looking for lightweight and efficient machines that I can easily manage. And I am so happy with my new Little Green. I can't believe I waited this long to buy it. I've had my Little Green about a month now and I use it probably 2-3 times a week. I just got a new puppy and it is no problem cleaning up his messes and I know it's clean and not soaked into my rugs and carpet. I love that I can keep the clean water tank full so that it is ready at a moments notice for a quick clean up and all I have to do is plug it in and zip/zap the cleaning is done."  Michelle S. [This review was shortened for clarity.]

$99.99 at Amazon

Amazon

A portable Black+Decker cordless handheld vacuum (17% off)

This cordless Dustbuster from Black+Decker is light and portable, making it ideal for small spaces. It has an ergonomic design with an extension nose so you don't have to hunch over and a rotating, slim nozzle that gets every last crumb. It even comes with a crevice tool and flip-up brush to help dust and vacuum upholstery. Get it for 17% off.



Promising review: "I love this small vacuum! I have arthritis in my lower back and this vacuum is such a blessing. It's light and has a strong suction. We have viral planking floors and this little vacuum picks up all the crumbs and small dog hair that fall to the floor in our living room. I don't know what I would do without it. I'm 70 and have had other "dust busters" of various brands, over the years. In my opinion, for my limited mobility, this one is the winner! Love it"  Gloria J. Tjersland

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The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through fake hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when theres an exception, well tell you why.)

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Last week, Wireless, one of Londons biggest summer music festivals, announced its headline act. That headline act was Kanye West. You know, Kanye West. The guy who released a song called Heil Hitler last year, sold T-shirts with swastikas on them only a few months earlier, and once announced on Twitter that he would go death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE. What could go wrong?

It does not take a genius to work out why Wireless did thisthe comeback performances of a disgraced global superstar will surely sell ticketsbut I would argue it does take an idiot not to foresee that inviting a musician who has vocally supported Nazism to the U.K., at this moment, was a bad, bad idea. In any case, hes not coming. On Tuesday, the British government announced that it had refused to grant West authorization to enter the country. The Home Office told the BBC that the decision was made on the grounds that his presence would not be conducive to the public good. And the entire festival has been canceled as a result. The company issued a statement that read: As with every Wireless Festival, multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking Ye and no concerns were highlighted at the time. Who were they consulting? Their wallets?

West has recently been making noises about atoning for years of poisonous behavior and bigoted rhetoric. In January, he took out a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal apologizing for his antisemitism. I am not a Nazi or an antisemite, he wrote. I love Jewish people. West has attributed his behavior to suffering from bipolar Type 1. Experts in this type of bipolar dispute the link between the condition and the kind of hateful racism West has been spouting, however. In any case, he has apologized before, in 2023, after which he dove right back into making an album that included not only Heil Hitler but a track titled Gas Chambers.

The refusal to grant West entry is not exactly unprecedentedAustralia blocked him from entering the country last year, citing the Heil Hitler track. But Americans following the story from afar are likely to be missing quite a bit of context thats specific to the U.K.

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Related From Slate A Teen Fell to His Death in London. Behind the Tragedy Lay So Much More. Read More

Antisemitism is one of the hottest topics going in the U.K. at the moment. There is a very real and urgent need to protect the countrys Jewish population. Just last month, ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity group in north London were set on fire in what is being treated as a hate crime. A man stabbed worshippers at a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur last year. Since the war in Gaza began, Jewish people in the U.K. have been targets of increased aggression.

And antisemitism is an accusation that has plagued the Labour Party in particular over the past decade. A dominant media narrative that Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour Party from 2015 to 2020, was antisemitic for being anti-Zionist went a long way to costing him the 2019 election. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who took over the party after Corbyn, is no doubt therefore keenly aware that it cannot be seen to be going easy on anti-Jewish sentiment of any kind. Hence Starmers refusal to back the findings of organizations like the International Association of Genocide Scholars by condemning Israels actions in Palestine as genocidal, something that has been a major factor in his unpopularity here. Last year, Starmers government made support of a pro-Palestine activism organization, Palestine Action, illegal, on the grounds that it was a terrorist group, with the result that peaceful retirees were being dragged away by police for wearing signs saying I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action. (The U.K.s High Court later declared the ban unlawful.)

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All of which is to say that anything related to antisemitism is, in the U.K., even more charged than usual, and in light of that, it seems like an especially astonishing miscalculation by Wireless to think that someone who has publicly supported Hitler would be welcomed by the British government at this time.

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And the British government having to step in to prevent West from coming here may now have unpleasant consequences. It does not sit easy that the Home Office has the power to dictate which artists may or may not perform in this country. Besides, is this step, canceling a popular music festival, not the kind of thing that might prompt antisemitic backlash if certain deeply misguided people decide that Jewish Brits are responsible for them not getting to enjoy themselves? Underneath Starmers post about Wests denied entry, there are already comments along the lines of oh so we cant have kanye west but were fine with having third world terrorists in our country?

Its a mess. The only solution, really, is that he should never have been invited in the first place. But there are some things you cant take back.
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Its not uncommon in the Trump era to hear someone say that it feels as if were living in a twisted simulation, or a video game, or a dystopian novel that hits readers over the head with a cautionary plot. The mind instinctively reaches for examples of fictionalized worlds because the reality of our circumstances has now extended well beyond the limits of what we reasonably thought could transpire.

I was overwhelmed by that sensation on Tuesday morning, upon reading a Truth Social post the president issued around 8. A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again, he wrote of Iran. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will.

In the vacuum created by last months assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei and other top Iranian officials, Trump continued, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight.

Related From Slate What Kind of Person Talks Like ThisLet Alone a President at War? Read More

It is not a surprise to see this particular president gleefully taunting Iranians with the untold death and destruction he is about to inflict on them. He has never betrayed the slightest hint of a conscience, nor has he ever suggested that he might approach the job of commander in chief with any degree of solemnity, diligence, or moral duty. But the post still summons an air of surreality. Americans who came of age before 2015 are accustomed to seeing our presidents cloak their bellicose ambitions in meticulous (if absurd) legal arguments and grave, measured tones. Now we are witnessing a president so sure of his impunity and so delirious on the fumes of his own power that he would not only openly admit to his genocidal aims but also post them to a social media platform for maximum hype.

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Americans are now left to swallow the fact that our national security, the countrys basic functions, and much of the fate of the rest of the world are clutched in this mans fist like a wad of Silly Putty. Trying to internalize that reality feels so eerie that it cannot be described in terms of relative presidential competence or incompetence. Trump is not simply the most dangerous president America has elected in the nuclear era, if not ever. He is something terrifyingly new.

So, yet again, the brain resorts to analogies to explain our bizarre situation. Trump is speaking the language of an abuser preemptively absolving himself of the harm he is about to perpetrate: I dont want that to happen, but it probably will. He is a game show host teasing the results of an upcoming episode: WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight. The ultimate decisionmaker with the power to leave our nuclear weapons snug in their missile silos or take them out for a joyride, Trump is denying responsibility for his actions with a wink and a shrug. By making a mockery of human carnage, he is also eroding the capacity for outrage among all of us who witness it. Whether we can sense it yet or not, Trump is expanding the boundaries of what we expect from presidential leadership.

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Wiping out a whole civilization constitutes genocide. Bombing civilian targets like bridges and electric power plants, as Trump threatened to do in a Truth Social post on Sunday, is a war crime. Telling Iranians to open the Fuckin Strait, you crazy bastards, or youll be living in Hellyet another weekend missive from our social mediaaddicted presidentreaches a level of deranged cruelty nearly unparalleled among heads of state in modern history. As Slates Fred Kaplan wrote yesterday, Few if any of even Kim Jong-uns looniest tirades match these posts for their wild-eyed savagery.

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What words can we use to help us grasp what is happening here? Trump and his acolytes, in the words of Canadian writer Stephen Marche, have taken the logic of rape as a primary modus operandi, forcing devastation upon the worldagainst the will of most Americansto prove the magnitude of their power and the futility of resistance or reason in the face of it. Trump is a mad king, a psychopath, a poor mans Nero or Caligula. He is Attila the Hun, a schoolyard bully, a nihilist holding a video game controller. Unfortunately for all of us, he is also the U.S. president.
Soho Firestone A, Huntinthelastdolar and Donegal Luther N improved to two-for-two in the MGM Borgata Pacing Series with victories in their respective $69,444 splits on Monday, April 6 at Yonkers Raceway, while Captain Albano, who was third in his race a week ago, took the remaining test.

The showdown of the night between opening-round winners Donegal Luther N (Yannick Gingras) and Chase H Hanover (Anthony Napolitano) came in the final section. In the battle, the former parked out the latter through fractions of :26.4, :55.2 and 1:23.4, then withstood a bid by pocket-sitter Ima Perfect Choice (Matt Kakaley) in the stretch to prevail by three-quarters of a length in 1:52.2. Heza Charttopper A (Scott Zeron) finished in the third spot.

Donegal Luther N is an eight-year-old gelded son of Bettors Creek-Donegal Lucy trained by Jared Bako for the ownership group of Kap Singh Racing Stable of Yorktown Heights, New York, Stephen Klunowski of North York, Ont., and Earl Hill Jr. of Ohsweken, Ont. He has 13 wins, nine seconds and four thirds from 49 starts and has earned $228,414. He returned $2.76 to win as the 1-5 choice.

In the first flight, Soho Firestone A (Jason Bartlett) won by a head in 1:51.3 after he led at the :27.3 quarter, :56.3 half and 1:24 three-quarters. Howlenthehills (Kakaley) found room on the inside in the stretch from the two-hole but just came up short, while Matai Phil N (Lauren Tritton) angled out in the lane after an inside trip and closed with pace for third.

A seven-year-old gelding by American Ideal-Soho Margaux, Soho Firestone A was sent out by Doug Dilloian Jr. for owners David Linker of Delray Beach, Florida, Brian Loman pf Champaign, Illinois and Robert Venable of Noblesville, Indiana. Soho Firestone A has a summary of 21-17-8 from 76 appearances and has put away $524,097. He paid $2.60 to win as the 1-5 choice.

Huntinthelastdolar and Bartlett took the front early in the second split, but they were overtaken by Celtic Spirit N (Joe Bongiorno) at the quarter, which went on the board in :28. From there, Celtic Spirit N went on to the half in :57 and the three-quarters in 1:25 while Huntinthelastdolar sat in the pocket, Always A Thrill (Kakaley) went first-up from third and defending series champion Mossdale Ben N (Jim Marohn Jr.) worked out a second-over journey. In the lane, Celtic Spirit N dug in gamely while Huntinthelastdolar rallied on the inside and Mossdale Ben N surged on the outside, and at the wire it was Huntinthelastdolar in front by a head over Mossdale Ben N in a 1:52.4 mile. Celtic Spirit N was third, just a neck behind.

Per Engblom trains Huntinthelastdolar, a six-year-old gelded son of Huntsville-Eighthunrdolarbill, for owners John Fielding of Scarborough, Ont., and E Five Racing of Boca Raton, Florida. Huntinthelastdolar made his 25th stop in the winner's circle from 73 trips behind the gate. He has also finished second 10 times and third seven times and has banked $1,462,702. The win price was $4.36.

Redwood Hanover and Bartlett nearly made it four repeat wins by last week's winners but came up a half-length short to Captain Albano (Todd McCarthy) in the third grouping. Redwood Hanover went to the outside from the pocket before the :27.1 quarter and took command away from Sweet Beach Life (Kakaley) prior to that marker. Once he was on the point, Redwood Hanover paced to the half in :56.1 and the three-quarters in 1:23.4. McCarthy wheeled Captain Albano first-up from fourth on the third turn, and the stallion grinded his way into contention while uncovered. He sustained his bid in the lane, wearing down Redwood Hanover late in the 1:51.4 effort. Sweet Beach Life had space on the inside in the stretch and grabbed the third spot.

A two-time Dan Patch Award recipient, the Noel Daley-trained Captain Albano is a five-year-old Captaintreacherous-Angelou stallion owned by Patricia Stables of Massapequa, New York, L A Express Stable of Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, Sjoblom Racing of Delray Beach, Florida and Michael Dolan of Sarasota, Florida. He is a 27-time victor from 47 outings with eight seconds and fourth thirds and has pocketed $2,861,927. He returned $7.46 to win as the 5-2 second choice.

MGM Borgata Pacing Series prelims continue through Monday, April 27 before a $200,000 USD (added) final and a $100,000 USD (guaranteed) consolation on Friday, May 8.

A 1:54.3 win with Lucapelo A in the ninth race gave Jordan Stratton the 6,000th victory of his driving career.

Trained by Jordan's brother Cory, Lucapelo A took command past the quarter-mile marker and never looked back, holding off challengers in the stretch to prevail by a neck. Earlier on the program, the Strattons also teamed up with Whats Stanley Got A, who prevailed in 1:53.2 for Jordan Stratton's 5,999th victory.

The leading driver in 2021 at Yonkers, Stratton is fifth in the standings thus far in 2026 with 42 triumphs. His best overall year for victories was 2008, when he won 630 times, and his top year in terms of money was 2017 as he recorded earnings of $9,044,548. Stratton is also a member of the $100 million club as his drives have pocketed over $115.8 million.

Earlier on the card, Shine A Light kept on rolling to his fifth straight victory at the $20,833 claiming level. The nine-year-old son of Captaintreacherous-Countryview Miss went all the way in the event sporting a purse identical to the tag, setting fractions of :28, :57 and 1:25.2 on the way to a 4-1/2-length victory in 1:53.4. Long Shot Buckets (Bongiorno) was second, followed by Diamondbeach (Todd McCarthy).

Shine A Light, claimed last week by Maria Alvarez and George Dremonas, changed hands again via a claim by William Hartt. Bartlett drove and Alvarez trained the gelding to his 33rd career win in 175 starts, which raised his earnings to $458,628. He paid $2.24 to win.

Stakes action continues at Yonkers this week on Wednesday and Friday with the second leg of the John Brennan Trotting Series and the third round of the MGM Ursula McIntyre Pacing Series, respectively. There are a pair of $30,000 USD divisions of the Brennan while the McIntyre was split into four $50,000 USD races.

(With files from Yonkers Raceway; photo of Donegal Luther N winning on April 6)
The National Capital Region Harness Horse Association (NCRHHA) and Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) will be hosting a members meeting on Wednesday, April 8 to provide the local harness racing community with an update following last week's announcement on the end of racing at Rideau Carleton Raceway.

The meeting will be held via a Zoom conference call on Wednesday, April 8 at 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The two horsemen's associations will start the call by providing background information then take questions and input from members. Members should contact NCRHHA or COSA for more details.

The NCRHHA would also like to advise racing participants that it has been informed by Rideau Carleton Raceway management that Thursday, April 9 will be the last day to pick up any equipment at the track.

Racetrack operator Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Ontario Racing (OR), recognized by the provincial government as the authority for the horse racing sector in Ontario, had announced on Thursday, April 2 that Rideau Carleton Raceway will no longer host harness racing at the Ottawa oval, citing "long-term sustainability of the racing program could not be achieved." OR stated that it would announce in the days following details regarding transitional funding for a relocation support program for horsepeople interested in travelling to southwestern Ontario to continue racing. Further updates have not been announced as of press time on Tuesday, April 7.

(Standardbred Canada)
Court's Opinion Expected Within Days, According to R. McConnell PLLC Law Firm

HOUSTON, April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Federal Judge Kenneth Hoyt today conducted a status conference on the Department of Justice's FCPA case against Texas businessman Alex Rovirosa and determined that the case should be dismissed and Mr. Rovirosa be acquitted. Judge Hoyt's opinion is being written and should be released later this week or early next. Mr. Rovirosa is expected to be released from custody next week.

The Rovirosa legal team consisting of Ryan McConnell (lead counsel), Matthew Boyden and Lawrence Finder of the R. McConnell Group PLLC law firm filed a Motion to Dismiss and Motion for an Acquittal following the week-long trial and jury verdict in December challenging the constitutionality of key aspects of the government's case. Louisiana appellate lawyer Catherine Maraist assisted with post-trial briefing.

"We are grateful for the court's careful consideration of these fundamental issues and look forward to the written opinion," Ryan McConnell said in reaction to the court's action today. "Our focus now is on bringing Alex home to his wife and children."

SOURCE R. McConnell PLLC Law Firm
The OpenClaw logo is displayed on a smartphone screen in this photo illustration in Ontario, Canada, on February 16, 2026. (Photo Illustration by Thomas IllustrationFuller/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Last week, Ryan Sarver, a venture capitalist in the middle of a fundraise, published a detailed account of how he built an AI chief of staff that, in his telling, outperforms every human he has ever hired for the role. The post drew 757,000 views. Garry Tan, president of Y Combinator, followed with his own endorsement: 'I'm telling most everyone I know that they should build a personal OpenClaw.'

The platform Sarver and Tan refer to as 'OpenClaw, it is open source and works across various platforms.

What Sarver built is an operating system assembled from flat markdown files, Python scripts, and an LLM layer that handles synthesis and judgment. It tracks 100-plus LP contacts across a fundraise, preps him before every meeting via WhatsApp, extracts action items from meeting notes, maintains a relationship CRM that updates continuously, and runs a weekly self-improvement loop he calls Kaizen, where the system scans what other builders are doing and surfaces changes worth trying. The whole thing gets measurably better every week without him actively tinkering.

The Tool That Was Hiding in Plain Sight

OpenClaw , a popular open-source AI agent, was renamed from Moltbot on January 29, 2026, which was itself a rename from Clawdbot just days earlier due to trademark complaints from Anthropic. Developed by Peter Steinberger , the tool automates tasks across messaging platforms, with the final name change aiming for a more stable, trademark-cleared brand.

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Claude Code, a popular agentic AI alternative, was released in 2025 and initially received as a developer tool, which it is. But the framing obscured something important. As one analyst wrote in January , Claude Code doesnt just generate code for engineers to review and deploy. It uses code to accomplish tasks. The Code in the name may be misleading. The actual product is a general-purpose agent that can do almost anything on a computer.

Anthropic made this explicit in January 2026 with the launch of Claude Cowork , a desktop agent designed for knowledge workers who do not live in terminals. Anthropics head of enterprise Scott White framed it as 'vibe working, the non-developer equivalent of vibe coding. The interface is file-and-folder based: you grant Claude access to a directory, describe the task, and it reads existing files, executes the workflow, and produces deliverables autonomously. No actual coding required.

The market read the implications immediately. On Cowork's launch day, ServiceNow fell 23 percent, Salesforce 22 percent, Thomson Reuters 31 percent. Institutional investors treated it as confirmation that a twenty-dollar-a-month AI agent competes directly with enterprise workflow software charging hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

Systems Thinkers Are the Early Adopters

What Sarvers post makes clear, and what the Cowork launch confirms, is that the first beneficiaries of agentic AI are not generalists who want to write emails faster. They are people who already think in processes: VCs managing deal pipelines, operators running portfolio companies, analysts synthesizing large information sets, executives who have spent years wishing they had better infrastructure around their decision-making.

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This is the new Excel analogy, and it is worth looking into. When spreadsheet software arrived it created a new category of power user, the financial analyst, the operations manager, the researcher, who could build functional systems without writing a line of code. The tool met them at the level of abstraction they already operated at.

Claude Code and Cowork are doing something similar. The abstraction layer is natural language and file systems rather than formulas and cells. The users who are pulling ahead are those who can describe what they want with precision, decompose it into steps, and build feedback loops that improve the system over time. That skill set is closer to management consulting, product management, or the kind of systems intuition that good operators develop over years.

Boris Cherny, the creator of Claude Code at Anthropic, predicted in February that the tools would expand into pretty much any kind of work that you can do on a computer. He also described the professionals who would thrive: They wont just be AI native. Theyre curious and they're generalists, and they cross over multiple disciplines and can think about the broader problem they're solving rather than just the engineering part of it.

What This Means for the Labor Market

The labor market implications debate has largely sorted into two camps: those who believe AI will automate away huge swaths of knowledge work, and those who argue the effects will be modest and gradual. Both positions miss the more structurally important dynamic that Sarver's post illustrates.

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The workers most at risk are not the experienced knowledge workers at the top of their fields. A February 2026 analysis from the Dallas Fed found that returns on job experience are actually increasing in AI-exposed occupations, because AI can replicate codified knowledge but not the tacit knowledge that experienced workers carry. What AI automates most cleanly is the work that entry-level and mid-level knowledge workers do: research synthesis, meeting prep, relationship tracking, document production, information filtering.

That is the work that Sarver's system now handles. And that is also the work that historically served as the training ground for developing judgment. Entry-level analysts at consulting firms learn to think by doing research and building decks. Junior VCs learn to evaluate companies by sitting in on calls and writing memos. The pipeline from codifiable task execution to tacit knowledge development is how white-collar careers have always worked.

As the Dallas Fed analysts noted, the current model of white-collar career progression involves taking an entry-level job right out of school and doing codifiable tasks while slowly learning the tacit knowledge to become an experienced worker. Firms are going to find that AI is making this method of employee development cost-ineffective, at least in the short run.

The workers building systems like Sarvers are replacing the junior staff beneath them, and in doing so, compressing the career ladder in ways that will take years to fully reckon with.

The Kaizen Variable

The piece of Sarvers architecture that deserves the most attention is the one he is most proud of: the self-improvement loop. Every Friday, his system scans the Claude Code community for new patterns and what other builders are doing. Every Sunday, they review it together.

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A human chief of staff can absolutely learn from working with you, but they cannot simultaneously scan what hundreds of other builders are doing and cross-reference it against your system every week.

This is the compounding dynamic that makes agentic AI qualitatively different from previous software tools. A spreadsheet does not get better at being a spreadsheet by watching how other spreadsheets are used. An AI agent, properly configured, does. The gap between a knowledge worker who builds this kind of infrastructure and one who does not is not static. It grows every week.

Workers with advanced AI skills already earn 56 percent more than peers in the same roles without those skills , according to PwC analysis cited in Gloat's 2026 workforce report. That premium will likely widen as the tools mature and the gap between those who build infrastructure and those who do not becomes more visible in output quality.

The Access Question

There is a version of this story that is straightforwardly optimistic: powerful tools are becoming cheap. A twenty-dollar Claude Pro subscription now delivers more capability than most enterprise software did five years ago. The barrier is not money.

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The barrier is the disposition to think in systems. Sarvers setup required him to make dozens of design decisions: which information to log, how to structure the memory files, where to draw the line between LLM judgment and deterministic scripts, how to build the Kaizen loop without making it so automated that it loses his judgment. The professionals best positioned to exploit these tools are the ones who already had access to the mental models that make system design legible, which is to say, the ones who were already doing well. Brookings research published in February on AI displacement found that the workers with the most adaptive capacity, measured by financial security, skill transferability, and geographic density, are also the workers least likely to be displaced. The concentration of vulnerability is at the other end of the distribution.

What Comes Next

Sarver ends his post with a note that he could not go back, and can only imagine where this will be in a year. That is probably the most important sentence in the piece.

Anthropic has already released Claude in Chrome, which lets agentic Claude control a browser. Cowork is in research preview. The skill ecosystem around Claude Code now includes thousands of community-contributed modules covering everything from document production to database management to frontend design. The pace of capability expansion is not slowing.

For knowledge workers there is no debate on whether to use AI but whether to build infrastructure or buy it. Sarver built his. The ones who build systems that learn will get something closer to compounding returns on their own attention. The gap between those two outcomes is opening now. A viral post about a VC's chief of staff is as good a signal as any that it has already begun.

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This article was originally published on Forbes.com
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HOUSTON, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The founders of PCS Software are returning to the transportation software market with ProBuilt TMS, a soon-to-be-released cloud TMS for truckload carriers and truckload brokers.

ProBuilt TMS - Dispatch Manager

The announcement marks the return of a leadership team with more than a quarter century of experience developing transportation software who built one of the most recognized brands in the TMS space. The core executive team behind PCS Software now makes up the leadership team at ProBuilt Software, bringing decades of transportation technology experience back to market under a new company and a new platform.

Michael Till, Founder and CEO of ProBuilt Software, explained the thinking behind the development of ProBuilt TMS:

"The single biggest problem I was facing at PCS was that our software operated in a Windows Terminal Server environment. Our customers were increasingly telling me that they wanted the software to work in a browser. But that wasn't possible. And we already knew that if we made a system for the browser, it would only open one screen at a time, just like every shopping website and every cloud program has always done since the dawn of the internet.

After I sold PCS, I started 2 trucking companies. We had one flatbed company and one Autohaul company. I quickly found out that trucking today does not operate at all like it did back when I worked in trucking full-time. I knew that if I wanted to get back into trucking software, any program I created would have to do three things:

Operate in a web browser. Allow users to open multiple forms simultaneously, meaning multitasking. Work like trucking works today, not like it worked 20 years ago.

So, as soon as my non-compete agreement ended, I sold off the trucking companies and went to work on a new TMS design, one built for trucking today. We started by inventing patent pending architecture that, for the first time ever, allowed users to open and use multiple forms in the same browser tab. Then we went to work on what is essentially a paper-free system. Dispatching, billing, payments, settlements, everything was made to be electronic and automated.

One more thing, before I sold off my trucking companies, one night I spent six hours trying to use the three most popular loads to line out one week of work for five of my trucks. After running dozens and dozens of city-to-city combinations, I gave up. I decided that every load board was too painful to use. So, when we started work on the ProBuilt TMS, we decided we would create even more patent-pending technology strictly for trucking, a new kind of load board that is unlike and quite superior to every load board ever made."

ProBuilt TMS is being developed for truckload carriers and truckload brokers that need a more modern software experience built around how trucking operates today. Unlike many TMS platforms that rely on third-party accounting integrations, ProBuilt TMS includes a fully integrated, GAAP-based accounting system.

For the trucking industry, the message is straightforward: the founders of PCS Software are back, the core executive team is back with them, and ProBuilt TMS is on the way.

About ProBuilt Software

ProBuilt Software develops business and transportation software designed to deliver a more capable browser-based experience. The company is the creator of floating forms architecture and is focused on building next-generation platforms for real-world business operations. ProBuilt TMS is the company's upcoming transportation management system for truckload carriers and truckload brokers.

SOURCE ProBuilt Software Inc.
Passengers sailing on multiple cruise lines this year may find that their total vacation costs are slightly higher than they anticipated. Cruise gratuity rates are rising across the industry, bringing increases to four cruise lines rates so far in 2026.

Customary across the industry, cruise gratuities are daily amounts that are automatically added to passengers onboard accounts to reward stateroom attendants and other crew members who contribute to their cruise experience.

In February, Margaritaville at Sea increased its daily gratuity rate for most stateroom categories by $2 to $22  the highest rate in the industry. Then, Carnival Corporation cruise lines began rolling out gratuity rate increases shortly after.

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Carnival Cruise Lines gratuity rate is notably lower than Margaritaville at Seas, but a rate increase just went into effect, bringing its rate to $17 for standard staterooms as of April 2. Similarly, sister cruise line Princess Cruises increased its daily crew appreciation gratuity fees in March to $18 for most stateroom categories.

Now, another Carnival Corp. cruise line has joined its sister lines in raising its gratuity fees.

Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.

Holland America Line increases crew appreciation gratuity rates

Holland America Line has raised its daily crew appreciation gratuity rates by $1 over its previous rates, and updated its website to reflect the new rates. The cruise line last increased its crew appreciation rates in February 2024.

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Heres what passengers can now expect to be charged for crew appreciation, which varies by stateroom category:

Non-suite Staterooms (Inside, Ocean View, and Verandah): $18 per passenger, per day

Suites: $20 per passenger, per day

At the new $18 per passenger daily crew appreciation rate, two passengers sailing in an inside stateroom will pay $252 in gratuities on a seven-day Holland America Line cruise rather than $238 at the previous rate  an increase of $14.

Related: How much to tip your cruise cabin attendant

Although cruise gratuities are customary, passengers are permitted to adjust the amounts, if they choose. Adjustments can be requested at the Guest Services desk while on board.

In addition to increasing its crew appreciation rates, Holland America Line raised its service charge for optional onboard purchases from 18% to 20%. The service charge is added to optional extras not included with cruise fares or prepaid packages, like drinks not purchased through a beverage package, a la carte menu items, specialty dining cover charges, and spa services.

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Carnival and Princess also increased their onboard service charges to 20% recently.

Subscribe to Come Cruise With Mes YouTube channel for expert advice on making the most of your cruise vacation.

Holland America Line is offering savings on Alaska cruises and more during its anniversary sale.Holland America Line

Passengers can save on Holland America Line cruises during anniversary sale

Although Holland America Line passengers can now expect slightly higher onboard costs for 2026 cruises, travelers can save on cruise bookings during the brands anniversary sale this month as the cruise line celebrates 153 years of exploration.

Now through April 30, Holland America Line is offering fare discounts, onboard credits, reduced deposits, and free fares for kids on select departures from April 2026 through spring 2027, with cruises ranging from four to 69 days.

Related: Cruise line introducing first bourbon aged on cruise ships

The promotion offers up to 30% off cruise-only fares, onboard credits of up to $400 per stateroom, 50% reduced deposits, and free fares for kids traveling as third and fourth guests in the same stateroom. The sale can be combined with Holland America Lines popular Have it All premium fare, which includes a shore excursion credit, beverage package, specialty dining meals, and a WiFi package.

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Celebrating 153 years of ocean exploration is about honoring the guests who have traveled the world with us, Holland America Line President Beth Bodensteiner said in a press release. The Anniversary Sale is both a thank you to our loyal guests and an invitation to new travelers to experience our thoughtfully designed itineraries, immersive destination experiences and exceptional serviceall with added value and special savings.

(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)

Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Mes Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.

This story was originally published by TravelHost on Apr 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The stereotypical Texas landscape of tumbleweeds, cactuses, cow skulls, and wisps of sand became a staple in cartoons and Yosemite Sam territory, but has no basis in reality. Official deserts make up only a tenth of the Lone Star State. A good portion of it is quite wet. About 7,000 lakes exist within its borders. The 217-foot-deep Lake Amistad lies on the border with Mexico, about three hours west of San Antonio. It's a scenic oasis and one of the cleanest lakes in all of Texas that offers travelers crystal-clear waters that are perfect for fishing, boating, and diving.

The lake, also commonly known as the Amistad Reservoir, lies on the Rio Grande River, forming a natural border between two countries. The construction of the Amistad Dam, a joint project between the U.S. and Mexico, created the 64,900-acre lake. (Amistad, it should be noted, is the Spanish word for "friendship"). Today, that lake is an international reservoir, with buoys marking the split between the United States and Mexico. To Lake Amistad's north lies the Amistad National Recreation Area, a 57,000-acre veritable Eden of wildlife. Yet the lake itself is a big enough draw.

Often, a lake will be crystal clear or extremely deep. It's seldom both. Lake Amistad offers a rare exception, especially in winter. It can reach average depths of up to 50 feet in cooler months, with water temperatures around the low 50s. It's also when the water is clearest. The summer's heat brings balmly water temperatues in the mid-80s  ideal conditions for algae, which reduce the water's clarity. Those idyllic waters are well-matched by the lake's bucolic surroundings, which can be experienced in several ways.

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Read more: 25 Gorgeous Islands For Vacationing That Won't Break The Bank

Dive, fish, or boat in the crystal clear waters

A beach at Lake Amistad - Different_brian/Getty Images

Those transparent waters and depths make Lake Amistad a joy for scuba divers of all experience levels. The lake's diverse ecosystem and designated diving areas let both novices and experienced bubblemakers explore different environments and depths without having to switch locations. The karst terrain creates extra-cool yet dangerous features like caves, though inexperienced divers without certification should stay away. Spearfishing for non-game species is also allowed. Those hoping for a decent catch don't need to bring their scuba gear.

Lake Amistad's waters are mainly fed by the Devil's River, one of the most pristine rivers in Texas. It gives anglers plenty of reason to cast a line. The water's vegetation includes pondweed and hydrilla, with the latter being an invasive species. Largemouth or smallmouth bass, striped bass, and catfish are among the potential catches for Texas fishing license holders. If you're feeling the heat and need to cool off, take a dip, as swimming is allowed at your own risk. But swimming and fishing aren't the only reasons to hit the water.

The lake's unique shape and geographic location reward exploration by boat, specifically paddling in a canoe or kayak (nothing wrong with a motorboat either, as several boat ramps let you bring your own). The river canyons, with their imposing walls, mixed with wide open stretches, offer enough of a change of pace to merit a day out on the water. Several paddle trails suggested by the National Park Service let you explore the many facets of the lake's U.S. side. Just beware, your cell phone won't be of much use, as coverage is spotty at best. And if you paddle over to Mexico's side of the lake, park rangers won't be able to help.

The logistics of visiting Lake Amistad

Overhang on limestone cliffs over Lake Amistad along the Rio Grande River - PathsAndPotholes/Shutterstock

While an absolute gem of a natural destination, Lake Amistad is easy to get to. Its proximity to Del Rio International Airport, the nearest major travel hub, means you'll only need 30 minutes behind the wheel to reach it. Del Rio can also serve as the de facto hub for your journey.

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Accommodations of all varieties can be found in the southern city, from chain hotels costing about $50 on up. The more adventurous can spend the night in one of the Amistad National Recreation Area's five designated campgrounds. You can enrich your trip with a stop at the Pecos River, an incredible, bright blue river winding through the canyons and mountains, leading to Lake Amistad.

Being in Texas, Lake Amistad has a few hard-and-fast safety rules that'll ensure a safe, worthwhile stay. Sun protection is a must, both in sunscreen and in clothing, no matter how badly you want a tan. Keep your eyes peeled as you traverse the lake and national recreational area. Dangerous species like the rattlesnake call it home. And as always, the stars at night shine big and bright in Texas, but so does dehydration. Pack as much water as you can stand, and then a little more.

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.
Built into existing campaign workflows, teams can plan, activate, and optimize audio in conjunction with other channels, without added complexity or fragmentation.

PHILADELPHIA, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- fullthrottle.ai, a pioneering innovator in first-party data media solutions and AdTech operating systems, today announced expanded audio advertising capabilities within its platform. With this update, advertisers can activate audio campaigns across premium streaming, podcast, and digital audio environments through direct publisher relationships, bringing one of the most engaging and fast-growing channels into an easy to use, unified campaign workflow.

Through this expansion, brands can connect with audio audiences during high-attention moments throughout the day, from commutes to on-demand listening, creating a consistent and scalable opportunity to engage listeners across trusted, brand-safe environments. Campaigns are executed within the same platform and workflow used for CTV, display, and other channels, enabling a more efficient approach to media activation, measurement, and optimization.

fullthrottle.ai expands into audio ads with premium inventory, unified workflow, and outcome-based measurement. Post this

Marketers can now plan, launch, and optimize audio campaigns without incorporating separate tools or fragmented buying paths. This streamlined approach reduces operational complexity, accelerates time to activation, and allows teams to align audio seamlessly within broader omnichannel strategies, ensuring audio contributes directly to overall campaign impact.

Through access to first-, second-, and third-party audiences, fullthrottle.ai enables advertisers to reach verified households across premium audio environments. With inventory spanning streaming and podcast platforms including industry leader iHeartMedia, brands can extend messaging into moments where consumers are actively tuned in, while maintaining transparency into where campaigns run and how they perform.

"Audio plays a critical role in how consumers engage with content throughout the day," said Amol Waishampayan, co-founder at fullthrottle.ai. "Through our collaboration with iHeartMedia and other leading publishers, we're giving marketers a more efficient way to activate these campaigns, reach highly engaged audiences, and connect those efforts directly to broader, measurable business outcomes."

Key Capabilities of Audio Activation via fullthrottle.ai include:

Premium Publisher Access: Activate campaigns across trusted streaming and podcast environments through direct publisher partnerships.

Activate campaigns across trusted streaming and podcast environments through direct publisher partnerships. Streamlined Activation: Launch campaigns quicky through a one workflow without the need for fragmented buying.

Launch campaigns quicky through a one workflow without the need for fragmented buying. First-Party Audience Targeting: Reach first-party audiences at the household level using verified intent signals.

Reach first-party audiences at the household level using verified intent signals. Outcome-Based Measurement: Connect media exposure to real business outcomes with SafeMatch  attribution.

Connect media exposure to real business outcomes with SafeMatch attribution. Holistic Campaign Management: Execute and optimize audio alongside CTV, display, and other channels within a single platform.

The launch represents the first phase of fullthrottle.ai's expanded audio strategy, with additional publisher partnerships and marketplace enhancements expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

For press and media inquiries, please contact:

fullthrottle.ai

Jai Journay

VP of Marketing

Email: [email protected]

About fullthrottle.ai

fullthrottle.ai is the AdTech Easy Button for the mid-market, combining AI-powered identity resolution, omnichannel campaign automation, and outcome-based measurement into one seamless platform. With no reliance on cookies, the platform delivers 85%+ audience match rates and SafeMatch attribution, paired with an intuitive platform interface. fullthrottle.ai empowers agencies, media companies, brands, and publishers by transforming website visitors into addressable households and activating first-party audiences across channels like CTV, video, audio, display, and direct mail. Trusted by more than 6,000 businesses nationwide, fullthrottle.ai helps marketers simplify AdTech and turn data into tangible growth. For more information, visit www.fullthrottle.ai.

SOURCE FullThrottle Technologies
"States also issued their own investigative demands, interviewed witnesses in the industry, attended FTC investigative hearings, spoke to consumers and grocers, and conducted market research," the lawyers told Nelson.

In 2024, the FTC sued, with Arizona and other states joining in and incurring more costs, the state officials said.

Ultimately, federal and state judges issued an order enjoining the $24.6 billion merger. The chains ultimately gave up and remain separate.

None of that, the state attorneys general say, excuses the two chains from reimbursing them for all of their legal fees and costs investigating, separate from the FTC, which state laws could be violated with a merger.

"Each of the states spent a significant amount of time investigating and prosecuting their opposition to the proposed merger,'' they told the judge. "The hours for both investigating and prosecuting the states' antitrust claims for injunctive relief are recoverable.''

Mayes said at the time that her office was reviewing things like whether the combination would enable the surviving entity to drive up prices in Arizona, whether stores would close, and how it would affect the 35,000 Arizonans working for both companies. She held a series of town halls across the state to hear from residents on how the merger would affect them and their communities.

The attorneys pursuing the legal fees estimated in the court documents that the eight states and the District of Columbia, separate from the FTC, spent a total of about 15,000 hours involving 45 attorneys, 16 paralegals and other support staff.

They said the $774 an hour they want for lawyers is reasonable.
Grant Denyer: Everythings AOK now

Grant Denyer assures he is ok following speed stack and is back filming the Deal.

Grant Denyer was back on set in Melbourne yesterday filming new episodes of Deal or No Deal, following stack at the Bathurst 6 Hour.

Denyer and Richard Barram crashed at Griffins Bend shortly before the end of the fourth hour of the race as Denyer tried to pass Barram.

It was really just a mandatory visit to hospital for an hour and everythings AOK now. A little bit of panadol but thats about it, he told 10 News+.

Barram was taken to Orange Hospital.

Unfortunately hes doing a little bit worse than I am. Hes got some broken ribs, a broken foot he was not so well, he continued.

It was touching how everyone reached out. My phone was blowing up from everyone in the motor racing industry and the television industry.
A New Model for Low-Carbon Cross-Continental Freight Takes Shape

RABAT, Morocco, April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Gotion, Green Power Morocco (GPM), and Chery Heavy Trucks have signed an agreement to develop a heavy-duty electric logistics corridor between Morocco and France, advancing lower-emission cross-continental freight.

The 2,000-km route connects Agadir (southern Morocco) through the Port of Tangier to Perpignan (southern France), currently served by some 2,000 heavy trucks daily. The partners will phase in electric trucks and supporting infrastructure to reduce emissions intensity along this key trade artery.

Scalable Partnership Model

Gotion and GPM will form a joint venture to manage electric fleets, battery-swapping stations, smart dispatching, and energy storage. Initial deployment includes 100 heavy-duty electric trucks equipped with Gotion battery systems, with further expansion tied to performance and infrastructure readiness. Chery brings commercial vehicle engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

Charging & Swapping Innovation

A battery-swapping solution is under development to minimize downtime and improve operational efficiency for heavy-duty trucks, supported by work on battery standardization and lifecycle management.

Lower-Emission Trade Corridors

The project combines electrification, energy infrastructure, and digital logistics to create a scalable model for reducing freight emissions. No carbon neutrality claims are made at this stage; future environmental performance claims will require verified data and certification.

Phil Jenkins, CEO of GPM Holding: "This cooperation combines Gotion's battery technology with Chery's manufacturing to tailor electric logistics solutions for regional needs. Morocco's logistics sector holds strong long-term potential."

Li Zhen, Chairman of Gotion High-Tech: "This is an important step to expand application scenarios for our battery technologies, supporting practical, scalable lower-emission freight solutions."

SOURCE Gotion
A number of Facebook users in Vietnam have recently reported that their accounts were suddenly suspended, accompanied by a notice requiring them to submit an appeal within 180 days - without a clear explanation of what triggered the action.

Facebook requires users to record a selfie video to verify their identity. Screenshot

According to the notification sent to affected users, this account or its activity does not comply with our Community Standards on account integrity.

Users are given a six-month window to request a review. If they fail to do so within the deadline, the account will be permanently disabled.

The system provides a link for users to submit an appeal if they believe the decision was made in error, often attributed to automated moderation tools.

At first, some suspected phishing attempts. However, after logging directly into the platform, they found their accounts had indeed been disabled and were required to follow identity verification procedures.

In many cases, users are asked to record a video selfie to confirm they are a real person. The platform states that this video is used solely for identity verification and will be deleted within 30 days.

While some users have successfully regained access after completing the process, others remain locked out.

Notably, many affected users insist they had been using Facebook normally, without posting or sharing content that violates policies such as violence or explicit material.

Speaking to VietNamNet on the sidelines of an event on April 7, Khoi Le, Country Director of Meta in Vietnam, said issues related to personal accounts are handled centrally by a dedicated team.

These matters are addressed on a case-by-case basis to ensure user security. At this point, Meta does not have general information to share, as each situation requires a specific assessment, he said.

Meta may require certain users to verify their identity through video selfies, and in some cases, facial recognition technology is used to confirm legitimate account ownership.

According to Khoi Le, this process is designed to strengthen account security and help users regain access more quickly.

Responding to concerns that Meta may be prioritizing AI development at the expense of user experience, he noted that such assessments depend on individual perspectives. However, internal data shows no decline in the number of users or time spent on platforms like Facebook and Instagram in Vietnam.

Meta continues to rely on user signals to improve and better support the community. This is why virtual assistants and AI-driven solutions will become increasingly common, he said.

In the near future, the company is expected to introduce additional solutions tailored specifically for its user community, aiming to enhance support and overall experience.

Du Lam
Public Bank Vietnam is a wholly foreign-owned bank. Photo: PBVN.

The Chief Inspector of the central bank has issued Inspection Conclusion No. 10/KL-TTNH3, detailing findings from a comprehensive review of the banks operations.

The inspection identified multiple deficiencies in PBVNs internal regulations, including those governing credit extension, foreign exchange transactions, overseas remittances, and anti-money laundering practices.

Violations were also found in the banks compliance with rules on credit activities, covering lending, guarantees, and letters of credit (L/C). Additional shortcomings were noted in debt classification, provisioning, the use of provisions to handle risks, and the management and recovery of bad debts, including off-balance-sheet exposures.

A sample review of customer credit files revealed further issues related to lending conditions, appraisal and approval processes, post-disbursement monitoring, collateral management, and debt restructuring.

The inspection also pointed to weaknesses in the implementation of the banks restructuring plan associated with bad debt handling for the 2021-2025 period. Several targets under the plan remain unmet, while some required measures have yet to be fully specified. Internal governance, executive oversight, and internal audit functions have not adequately addressed underperforming areas.

Compliance lapses were also detected in documentation related to foreign exchange transactions and overseas transfers.

In terms of governance, risk management, and internal control systems, the inspection found that PBVN had not established effective early warning mechanisms to detect violations. Notably, the bank lacks an internal auditor dedicated to information technology audits and related applications.

According to the inspection authority, these shortcomings stem from both objective and subjective causes. External factors include adverse market conditions affecting business operations and customer-related risks.

However, internal factors played a significant role, including insufficient oversight by the Members Council, executive management, supervisory board, and internal control systems, allowing violations to occur.

The banks internal policies and procedures were found to be incomplete, unclear, and not fully aligned with legal requirements, leading to inconsistent compliance across departments and branches. Some staff and units were also deemed insufficiently rigorous in adhering to both legal regulations and internal rules.

The inspection authority determined that the Members Council, executive board, supervisory board, and leaders of relevant units and branches across different periods bear overall responsibility for the violations.

An administrative penalty has been imposed on PBVN for breaches related to internal regulations, lending conditions, and foreign currency lending practices.

The inspection conclusion also includes recommendations requiring the banks leadership to review responsibilities, identify root causes, and take disciplinary actions against individuals and units involved.

PBVN has been instructed to develop a detailed remediation roadmap, closely monitor corrective actions, and implement appropriate measures in line with legal requirements and operational realities to ensure safe and stable operations.

Public Bank Vietnam is a wholly foreign-owned bank under Malaysias Public Bank Berhad.

Established in 2016, the bank inherited all assets, liabilities, rights, and obligations from the former VID Public joint venture bank.

Its headquarters is located at Hanoi Tungshing Square, 2 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Tuan Nguyen
Motorcycles in Hanoi will be required to undergo emissions testing from July 1, 2027. Photo: Dinh Hieu

The Prime Minister has issued Decision No. 13, outlining the timeline for applying national technical standards on emissions for motorcycles and mopeds participating in road traffic.

From July 1, 2027, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will be the first localities to require emissions inspections for motorbikes. The policy will then be extended to other centrally governed cities from July 1, 2028.

By July 1, 2030, emissions inspections will be applied nationwide, although provinces may choose to adopt the policy earlier depending on local conditions.

The regulation classifies emission standards based on the year of manufacture or import of vehicles.

For motorcycles, those produced or imported before 2008 will be subject to Level 1 standards. Vehicles manufactured between 2008 and the end of 2016 will follow Level 2, while those produced from 2017 to June 30, 2026 will meet Level 3.

From July 1, 2026, newly manufactured motorcycles must comply with Level 4 - the highest standard under national technical regulations.

For mopeds, vehicles produced before 2016 will be subject to Level 1, while those manufactured between 2017 and June 30, 2027 will meet Level 2. From July 1, 2027, new mopeds must also comply with Level 4 standards.

Notably, from January 1, 2028, all motorcycles and mopeds operating in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will be required to meet at least Level 2 emission standards.

In Hanoi, vehicles entering designated low-emission zones will have to comply with additional requirements, based on specific regulations set by the citys Peoples Council and the Capital Law.

The roadmap is designed to control emissions from personal vehicles and improve air quality in major urban areas, where traffic density and pollution levels remain high.

Thanh Hue
According to Colonel Tran Thanh Tung, head of the Criminal Police Division (PC02) and Chief of Office of the Investigation Police Agency under the municipal Department of Public Security, the case was initially launched on June 18, 2025. Investigators filed charges related to illegal drug possession, organising illegal drug use, bribery and brokerage of bribery, as well as abuse of power in the performance of official duties. The case was first uncovered on June 7, 2025, at the National Institute of Forensic Psychiatry in Hanoi and in Thanh Hoa province, with 40 suspects initially charged.



Authorities have since expanded the investigation to include additional offenses, notably falsification of case files and gambling. With the latest indictments, the total number of suspects has risen to 66, facing a range of charges including illegal drug possession and use, bribery-related offenses, abuse of power, falsification of case records, and gambling.



Among those charged, 43 individuals are affiliated with the National Institute of Forensic Psychiatry, including four current and former leaders. Two suspects are from the Bien Hoa branch of the institute, while three others are linked to the Northern Mountainous Forensic Psychiatry Assessment Centre. The case also involves four officials from judicial bodies, one department head from the Hanoi Psychiatric Hospital, and four individuals undergoing compulsory psychiatric treatment.



Investigators are reviewing nearly 1,300 psychiatric assessment records nationwide that show signs of irregularities, focusing on facilities in Hanoi, the northern mountainous region, and Bien Hoa. Preliminary findings indicate that numerous assessment conclusions were falsified or lacked objectivity, enabling criminal suspects to evade appropriate legal handling.



Notably, some individuals undergoing compulsory psychiatric treatment allegedly continued to commit serious crimes. Among them, Bui Thi Thanh Thuy and Nguyen Thi Hong Van are accused of continuing large-scale illegal drug trafficking, reportedly involving tens of kilograms, while under mandatory treatment at the institute.



During the investigation, authorities have seized more than 10 billion VND (380,000 USD), nearly 60,000 USD in cash, along with various high-value assets including real estate and vehicles. Evidence shows that certain suspects exploited legal provisions on reduced or exempt criminal liability for individuals with mental illness, colluding with officials and medical personnel to manipulate psychiatric assessment results.



Police described the case as particularly serious and complex, involving multiple offenses and actors across different sectors. Corruption and abuse of authority in the management, assessment, and compulsory treatment of psychiatric patients are among the most prominent violations. Investigators also found evidence of coordinated efforts among those involved to evade criminal responsibility and enforcement of court judgments.



Hanoi Police said the investigation is ongoing and will be expanded to ensure all involved parties are held accountable. Authorities are also working to identify cases of fraudulent psychiatric diagnoses and handle them in accordance with the law. Individuals connected to the case are being urged to surrender and cooperate with investigators in order to be considered for leniency under Vietnamese law./. VNA
On April 6, the Criminal Police Division under Ho Chi Minh City Police issued a notice seeking information on Wang Wen Liang, born in 2007, from Taiwan (China), who is suspected of involvement in the serious case.

The suspect Wang Wen Liang. Photo: Police

According to investigative records, the murder and concealment of crime took place on March 29 at a location in an alley off Nguyen Tri Phuong Street in Dien Hong Ward.

Through evidence collection and case review, authorities identified Vuong Van Luong as a suspect linked to the incident.

Police have released identifying characteristics to assist the public and relevant agencies in locating the individual. The suspect is approximately 1.65 meters tall, with closely shaved sides of the head, and has tattoos covering both arms and the right leg.

To support the investigation and expedite the arrest, the Criminal Police Division has circulated the notice to units under the Ministry of Public Security, police forces and border guards in 33 provinces and cities, as well as local units across Ho Chi Minh City.

Authorities have urged individuals and organizations who identify the suspect to bring him to the nearest police station and immediately notify the Criminal Police Division of Ho Chi Minh City Police, located at 459 Tran Hung Dao Street, Cau Ong Lanh Ward, via phone number 0918.209.038 (contact investigator Nguyen Chi Thanh).

The investigation remains ongoing.

Dam De
Ho Chi Minh City is considering a proposal to invest more than VND124 trillion (US$5 billion) in two elevated metro lines connecting the city with the former Binh Duong province, in what could become a major milestone for southern Vietnams transport infrastructure.

After Metro Line 1 Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien begins commercial operations, Ho Chi Minh City continues to focus resources on major, transformative transport projects. Photo: TK

The proposal was submitted by a consortium of Becamex IDC and Truong Hai Group (THACO) to the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee, outlining plans to study and develop two key routes.

The first line would connect the center of Binh Duong New City, now part of Hoa Phu ward in Ho Chi Minh City, to Suoi Tien Bus Station. The route would span approximately 32.43 km and include 19 elevated stations, with trains operating at a maximum design speed of 120 km/h.

With a total estimated investment of VND64.37 trillion (approximately US$2.6 billion), this line is envisioned as a critical transport artery, directly linking to the existing Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien). It is expected to handle large passenger volumes while ensuring safety and energy efficiency.

In parallel, the second metro line would run 24.2 km from Thu Dau Mot to Hiep Binh Station, which is part of Metro Line 3 in Ho Chi Minh City. The line would feature 14 elevated stations and require an estimated VND59.97 trillion (US$2.4 billion), including more than VND15 trillion allocated for site clearance.

Both projects are designed under the transit-oriented development (TOD) model, integrating urban growth with public transport systems. The consortium proposes implementing the projects under public-private partnership (PPP) frameworks such as BOT or BT, aiming to mobilize private capital and reduce pressure on the state budget.

To demonstrate commitment, the investors have pledged to cover all research costs and bear full risks if the proposal is not approved. If endorsed by city authorities, legal procedures are expected to be completed within 2026, paving the way for construction to begin in the first quarter of 2027 and operations targeted for 2030.

Following administrative restructuring, Ho Chi Minh Citys urban railway network is projected to expand to 27 lines with a total length of approximately 1,012 km. Of this, the former Binh Duong area would account for 12 lines spanning about 305 km, while the former Ba Ria - Vung Tau area would include three lines totaling around 125 km.

Under new regulatory frameworks, particularly National Assembly Resolution 188, the city is accelerating multiple metro projects. Metro Line 2 (Ben Thanh - Tham Luong) has already begun construction, while groundwork has been initiated for the Ben Thanh - Can Gio railway. Preparations are also underway for the Ben Thanh - Thu Thiem section and the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway.

Tuan Kiet
On the afternoon of April 6, the National Assembly continued its personnel work within its authority.

Lawmakers heard presentations delivered by Nguyen Huu Dong, a member of the National Assembly Standing Committee, on three proposals concerning the election of key positions. These included the Chair of the Ethnic Council, heads of National Assembly committees for the 16th tenure, the Secretary-General of the National Assembly cum Chairman of the National Assembly Office, and the State Auditor General for the 2026-2031 term.

The National Assembly then discussed and voted to approve draft resolutions to elect these positions using an electronic voting system.

A total of 493 deputies participated in the vote, with all 493 voting in favor, representing 100 percent of those present and 98.60 percent of the total number of deputies.

The legislature subsequently conducted secret ballots to elect the Chair of the Ethnic Council, committee heads, the Secretary-General of the National Assembly, and the State Auditor General.

Following this, the National Assembly passed resolutions confirming the elected positions through electronic voting.

For the resolution electing the State Auditor General for the 2026-2031 term, 485 deputies voted in favor, achieving 100 percent approval among those present and 97.00 percent of the total number of deputies.

As a result, Nguyen Huu Nghia was elected to serve as State Auditor General for the 2026-2031 tenure.

Born in 1972 in Hanoi, he holds a doctorate in Finance and Banking, a masters degree in Economic Policy Management, and a bachelors degree in Economics.

He is a member of the Party Central Committee for the 13th and 14th terms and a deputy of the 16th National Assembly.

Nguyen Huu Nghia has spent decades working at the State Bank of Vietnam, where he held several key positions, including Deputy Chief Inspector, Director of the Monetary Forecasting and Statistics Department, Chief Banking Inspector and Supervisor, and Director as well as Assistant to the Governor of the State Bank.

In May 2018, he was assigned to the Party Central Economic Commission, where he served as Director of the General Economic Department and later as Deputy Head of the commission.

In June 2021, the Politburo assigned him to serve as Secretary of the Hung Yen Provincial Party Committee. Following the merger of Hung Yen and Thai Binh provinces in June 2025, he continued to hold the position.

Under the 2013 Constitution, the State Audit Office of Vietnam is an agency established by the National Assembly, operating independently and in accordance with the law to audit the management and use of public finances and assets.

The State Auditor General heads the institution and is elected by the National Assembly. The position is responsible for reporting audit results and activities to the legislature and, when the National Assembly is not in session, to its Standing Committee.

Tran Thuong
Earlier, General Secretary and State President To Lam had submitted nominations for key leadership positions, including Prime Minister, Vice President, Chief Justice of the Supreme Peoples Court, and Prosecutor General of the Supreme Peoples Procuracy.

The National Assembly deliberated and approved the candidate list through an electronic voting system before proceeding to elect the Prime Minister by secret ballot.

Following the vote, the legislature officially adopted a resolution confirming Mr. Le Minh Hung, a member of the Politburo and Secretary of the Party Central Committee, as Prime Minister of Vietnam for the new term.

All 495 deputies present voted in favor of the resolution.

Shortly afterward, the newly elected Prime Minister took the oath of office.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

Mr. Le Minh Hung was born in 1970 in Ha Tinh province and holds a masters degree in Public Policy.

He has served as a member of the Party Central Committee across the 12th, 13th, and 14th tenures, as well as a member of the Politburo in the 13th and 14th terms. He is also a deputy of the 15th and 16th National Assembly.

His career has been closely tied to the State Bank of Vietnam, where he began as an officer in the International Monetary Fund division under the International Cooperation Department. He later held various positions, including Deputy Head and Head of the Asian Development Bank division, Deputy Director General and Director General of the International Cooperation Department, and Director General of the Organization and Personnel Department.

In October 2011, he was appointed Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam.

In 2014, he became Deputy Chief of the Party Central Committee Office, and in April 2016, he was appointed Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam.

From October 2020, he served as Chief of the Party Central Committee Office. In May 2024, he was assigned by the Politburo to serve as Head of the Party Central Committees Organization Commission.

Under the Constitution, the Prime Minister is elected by the National Assembly from among its deputies and holds extensive responsibilities and powers.

The Prime Minister leads policy formulation and oversees the implementation of laws, directing and taking responsibility for the operation of the state administrative system from the central to local levels, ensuring unity and consistency across the national administration.

The Prime Minister also submits proposals to the National Assembly for the appointment, dismissal, or removal of Deputy Prime Ministers, ministers, and other government members, while approving decisions related to leadership positions in provincial and municipal Peoples Committees.

In addition, the Prime Minister has the authority to suspend or annul decisions by ministers or local authorities that are inconsistent with the Constitution, laws, or higher-level directives, and to direct negotiations and the conclusion or accession to international treaties.

Tran Thuong
TORONTO, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Franco-Nevada Corporation ("Franco-Nevada" or the "Company") (TSX: FNV) (NYSE: FNV) notes that its partner, First Quantum Minerals Ltd. ("First Quantum"), announced today that the Government of Panama has formally approved the removal, processing and export of stockpiled ore at the Cobre Panama mine that was extracted prior to the suspension of operations.

For additional details, please refer to First Quantum's news release dated April 7, 2026.

First Quantum has estimated the total stockpile at approximately 38 million tonnes of mineralized ore at varying grades, containing approximately 70,000 tonnes of recoverable copper. Franco-Nevada estimates that processing of this material will result in deliveries to the Company of approximately 23,000 gold ounces and 265,000 silver ounces, as previously disclosed in Franco-Nevada's 2025 Management's Discussion and Analysis dated March 10, 2026.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, respectively, which may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the removal, processing and export of stockpiled ore at the Cobre Panama mine and associated gold and silver deliveries to Franco-Nevada. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

For additional information with respect to risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to Franco-Nevada's business and assets, please refer to Franco-Nevada's most recent Annual Information Form filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on www.sedarplus.com and Franco-Nevada's most recent Annual Report filed on Form 40-F filed with the SEC on www.sec.gov. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only and Franco-Nevada does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Franco-Nevada Corporation
Born in 1968 in Hung Yen province, Nguyen Huy Tien holds a Doctorate in Law, a Masters degree in Law, a Bachelors degree in Law and a college degree in procuracy.

He is a member of the 14th Party Central Committee and a deputy of the 16th National Assembly.

Nguyen Huy Tien has spent his entire career within the procuracy sector.

In 2015, he served as head of the High-level Peoples Procuracy in Hanoi.

Nearly two years later, while holding the rank of senior prosecutor, he was appointed Director General of the Department for the Exercise of Public Prosecution and Supervision of Corruption-related Investigations under the Supreme Peoples Procuracy.

In September 2018, the President appointed him Deputy Prosecutor General of the Supreme Peoples Procuracy, while also conferring upon him the title of prosecutor at the supreme level.

By April 2020, he was assigned as Deputy Secretary of the Party Civil Affairs Committee of the Supreme Peoples Procuracy and took on the role of Standing Deputy Prosecutor General.

In August 2024, at an extraordinary session of the 15th National Assembly, he was elected Prosecutor General of the Supreme Peoples Procuracy for the 2021-2026 term.

The Supreme Peoples Procuracy is the body responsible for exercising the right to prosecute and supervising judicial activities in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Its mandate includes protecting the Constitution and the law, safeguarding human and citizens rights, defending the socialist regime, protecting the interests of the State and the lawful rights and interests of organizations and individuals, and ensuring that the law is strictly and uniformly enforced.

The Prosecutor General is elected, dismissed or removed by the National Assembly upon the proposal of the President, with a term aligned to that of the National Assembly.

The powers and responsibilities of the Prosecutor General are defined under Article 63 of the Law on the Organization of the Peoples Procuracy.

In this role, the Prosecutor General leads, directs, guides, inspects and supervises the implementation of duties, work plans and institutional development across the procuracy system. He also has the authority to determine the organizational structure of the Supreme Peoples Procuracy and submit it to the National Assembly Standing Committee for approval.

The position also carries the authority to propose to the President the appointment, dismissal or removal of deputy prosecutors general and supreme-level prosecutors.

Additionally, the Prosecutor General has the power to appoint, dismiss or remove senior, intermediate and junior prosecutors, investigators and inspectors, as well as leadership and management positions within his jurisdiction.

Tran Thuong
As part of ongoing personnel consolidation, the National Assembly convened to elect the Vice President. Following the Presidents nomination, lawmakers approved the candidate list and conducted a secret ballot.

The Standing Committee of the National Assembly then presented draft resolutions on the election of the Vice President. All 485 participating deputies voted in favor, officially passing the resolutions.

Under the approved resolution, Mrs.Vo Thi Anh Xuan will continue serving as Vice President for the new term.

Mrs. Vo Thi Anh Xuan was born on January 8, 1970, in An Giang province. She holds a bachelors degree in chemical education.

She is a member of the Party Central Committee across multiple terms, including as an alternate member of the 11th tenure and a full member in the 12th, 13th, and 14th tenures. She has also served as a National Assembly deputy in the 14th, 15th, and 16th legislatures.

Her career began as a teacher at My Thoi High School in Long Xuyen before she moved into administrative and research roles at the An Giang Provincial Party Office.

Between 2001 and 2010, she held several positions, including Vice Chairwoman and Chairwoman of the An Giang Womens Union, Deputy Head of the provincial Mass Mobilization Commission, and Secretary of Tan Chau Town Party Committee. She later served as Vice Chairwoman of the provincial Peoples Committee and Deputy Secretary of the An Giang Party Committee.

On October 2, 2015, the Politburo appointed her as Secretary of the An Giang Party Committee for the 2010-2015 term. She was subsequently elected to the same position for the 2015-2020 term and re-elected for 2020-2025.

On April 6, 2021, at the 11th session of the 14th National Assembly, she was first elected as Vice President. She was reaffirmed in the role at the first session of the 15th National Assembly in July 2021.

During her tenure, Mrs. Vo Thi Anh Xuan has twice served as Acting President.



Thanh Hue
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung takes the oath of office.

The Prime Minister affirmed that he is deeply aware this role is not only a great honor but also a heavy responsibility before the Fatherland, the people and the demands for rapid and sustainable development.

He emphasized that the 14th Party Congress had clearly defined the vision, goals, drivers and action program for a new stage of development.

The 2026-2031 term opens up a historic opportunity, requiring the country not only to continue developing but to achieve breakthroughs; not only to integrate but to elevate its position; not only to grow but to pursue rapid, sustainable and inclusive development while improving peoples living standards and happiness.

Before the National Assembly and our fellow citizens, I pledge: the Government will remain absolutely loyal to the Fatherland, the people and the Constitution; steadfast on the path chosen by the Party, President Ho Chi Minh and our people; and united under the leadership of the Party Central Committee, with General Secretary and State President To Lam at its core, he said.

Building a modern, enabling and service-oriented government

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung stated that the Government will focus on five key priorities.

First, he highlighted the goal of building a modern, enabling and service-oriented government. The Government will prioritize institutional reform, review and amend legal regulations in a synchronized manner, cut administrative procedures to the maximum, remove bottlenecks and unlock all social resources, while building a streamlined, strong and efficient apparatus.

Under a government of action, each member must match words with deeds, operate with modern governance thinking and remain proactive and flexible in all circumstances to fulfill responsibilities to the Party and the people.

Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man presents flowers to congratulate Prime Minister Le Minh Hung

Second, the prime minister stressed the determination to achieve high and sustainable economic growth. The target of over 10 percent average annual GDP growth for the 2026-2031 period is described as a development imperative to realize the countrys strategic goals.

The Government identifies science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation as top breakthroughs and key drivers to rapidly develop modern productive forces, improve productivity, competitiveness and strategic autonomy, create new growth drivers, develop modern infrastructure, promote green transition and proactively adapt to climate change.

It also affirms that investing in people is the most sustainable investment, with adequate resources allocated to fundamentally reform education and training, develop high-quality human resources and attract talent.

The Prime Minister also emphasized enhancing the capacity of the public healthcare system, providing care from the grassroots level and ensuring all citizens have access to quality services; effectively implementing social security policies, caring for those who have rendered service and vulnerable groups, and ensuring no one is left behind.

He also highlighted the need to develop culture as a solid foundation and internal strength of the nation, affirming Vietnams cultural identity and position as a country with a long-standing civilization.

Strengthening national defense and security, building a solid peoples defense and security posture, maintaining an independent and self-reliant foreign policy, and promoting economic and technological diplomacy to elevate Vietnams global standing were also emphasized.

Third, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of effectively operating the state apparatus under a new model, shifting from administrative management to service-oriented governance. Responsibilities should be delegated to local authorities where they can act faster, more effectively and closer to real conditions.

Fostering a spirit of proactiveness, innovation, courage and accountability among grassroots authorities, who are closest to the people. Public satisfaction should be the key measure of success for all levels of government, he said.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung delivers his inaugural address.

Fourth, he stressed building a government of unity, coordination and partnership. He reaffirmed that state power is unified but involves clear division, coordination and control among legislative, executive and judicial branches.

The Government will closely coordinate with Party agencies to institutionalize policies, with the National Assembly in lawmaking, with the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations to understand public sentiment, and with localities to remove obstacles and create momentum for development.

Fifth, the prime minister committed to building a government that is clean, disciplined, resilient and responsible. He stressed that public trust is the nations greatest resource, and that rapid development requires a transparent system, integrity among officials and strict administrative discipline.

The Government will act with the highest determination, placing national interests and peoples well-being above all else; intensify efforts to combat corruption, wastefulness and negative practices; tighten administrative discipline; enhance accountability of leaders; strictly control power; address indifference and avoidance of responsibility; and effectively protect officials who dare to think, act and take responsibility for the common good.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung emphasized that despite the heavy yet honorable responsibilities ahead, the Government for the 2026-2031 term is fully aware of its duty to the people and will always uphold President Ho Chi Minhs teaching: Our Government is a Government of the people, with a single purpose - to serve the interests of the people.

He pledged to work together with the Government, ministries and localities in unity and determination to lead the country into a phase of breakthrough development - prosperous, strong, civilized and happy.

Tran Thuong
It must begin with strict emission controls while designing policies strong enough to change market behavior, said Pham Sy Thanh, Director of the China Economic and Strategic Research Center (CESS).

Citing successful practices in China, Thanh noted that the country built a green transition roadmap for transport over 20 years, not switching immediately to EVs but moving toward "gradually cleaning" the existing fleet.

From an early stage, major cities such as Beijing raised emissions standards, gradually phasing out non-compliant vehicles, especially diesel vehicles which, although accounting for a small proportion, cause significant pollution.

Diesel vehicles account for only about 10 percent of the fleet but can emit more than 70 percent of pollutants and most of the fine dust. They focused on addressing the main sources of emissions rather than spreading efforts thinly, Thanh said.

He said this is a clear lesson for Vietnam. If emissions are not strictly controlled, increasing the number of EVs will not deliver the expected environmental benefits.

Policies to encourage EV adoption

Thanh said another key factor behind Chinas success is the development of charging infrastructure and policies to support usage costs.

In addition to subsidies for purchasing EVs, the Chinese government invested heavily in charging and battery-swapping networks, while issuing unified standards to ensure convenience for users.

Notably, many localities also regulated electricity prices for charging, making EV operating costs significantly lower than gasoline vehicles.

If you only support vehicle purchases without making charging cheap and convenient, people will not be motivated to switch, Thanh said.

In addition, local authorities play an important role in placing charging stations in residential areas, parking lots, shopping centers and more, making them easily accessible to users.

Chinas success comes from effectively combining the carrot and stick: providing financial support, tax incentives, and plate licensing priority to EVs, while tightening internal combustion engine vehicles through restrictions on registration, circulation, and even bans in certain areas or during high pollution periods.

"It is the clear difference in cost and utility that has driven people to switch to EVs voluntarily, rather than relying solely on propaganda," Thanh said.

Which way for Vietnam?

Thanh suggested that Vietnam needs to build a long-term green transport transition roadmap suitable for practical conditions.

First, immediately apply strict vehicle emission standards, considering this a "lever" to push the market toward clean vehicles.

The issuance of technical regulations, especially in major cities like Hanoi and HCMC, needs to be one step ahead. When standards are tightened through registration and management systems, both citizens and businesses will be forced to adjust their behavior.

"A standard-based approach will create a clear signal for the market, helping stakeholders proactively transition instead of waiting," he explained.

Vietnam also needs to prioritize developing the charging infrastructure in an efficient manner. The placement of charging stations must be reasonable, not just increasing in number but optimizing accessibility and shortening travel time to charging points (a key factor in enhancing user experience).

It is also necessary to have appropriate electricity price policies to ensure charging costs are attractive.

Thanh proposed assigning the role of charging infrastructure to professional charging station operators to ensure consistency, safety and efficiency, especially amid increasing fire safety requirements.

In the medium term, Vietnam needs to categorize vehicles, prioritizing the transition of public transport and urban service vehicles first to create a spillover effect before expanding to private cars. At the same time, it should promote connections between transport modes and infrastructure to improve overall system efficiency.

In the long run, building a set of national standards for charging stations and EV parking lots and developing a smart transportation ecosystem is required. Thanh noted that this is a complex process involving both new and existing infrastructure, thus requiring a clear roadmap and a cautious approach.

"Green transition is not an overnight story. What matters is that policies must be synchronized, designed with reasonable priority levels, and strong enough to create momentum for the market to operate in a more sustainable direction," Thanh said.

Y Nhuy
On the afternoon of April 6, the National Assembly convened in a closed session under the chairmanship of National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

Lawmakers voted by secret ballot to elect Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly and members of the Standing Committee for the 16th tenure.

Following the vote, the National Assembly approved the corresponding resolutions through an electronic voting system.

For the resolution on the election of Vice Chairpersons, all 496 participating deputies voted in favor, representing 100 percent of those present and 99.20 percent of the total number of National Assembly deputies.

Accordingly, the six Vice Chairpersons of the 16th National Assembly are Do Van Chien, Nguyen Khac Dinh, Nguyen Thi Thanh, Nguyen Hong Dien, Nguyen Doan Anh, and Nguyen Thi Hong.

General Secretary To Lam presents flowers to members of the Standing Committee of the 16th National Assembly.

Regarding the resolution on members of the Standing Committee, 487 deputies participated in the vote, with all 487 voting in favor, accounting for 100 percent of those present and 97.40 percent of the total number of deputies.

The members of the Standing Committee for the 16th National Assembly include Lam Van Man; Phan Chi Hieu; Phan Van Mai; Le Tan Toi; Nguyen Dac Vinh; Nguyen Thanh Hai; Nguyen Huu Dong; Le Thi Nga; Le Quang Manh; Hoang Duy Chinh; and Vu Hai Ha.

Do Van Chien, born in 1962 in Tuyen Quang province and belonging to the San Diu ethnic group, is a member of the Politburo for the 13th and 14th terms. He has served as a member of the Party Central Committee across five terms. Trained as an agricultural engineer, he rose through various local leadership roles, including Vice Chairman, Standing Vice Chairman, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Chairman of the Peoples Committee of Tuyen Quang province, before serving as Secretary of the Yen Bai Provincial Party Committee.

In 2015, he was appointed Vice Minister and then Minister-Chairman of the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs. In October 2024, he assumed the position of Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and in May 2024 he was elected to the Politburo. In November 2025, he became Standing Vice Chairman of the 15th National Assembly.

Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly Do Van Chien. Photo: Pham Thang

Nguyen Khac Dinh, born in 1964 in Hung Yen province, holds a doctorate in law and a masters degree in economic law. He has served as a member of the Party Central Committee for multiple terms and as a National Assembly deputy across several tenures.

He spent many years working at the Government Office, including as Deputy Head, before moving to the National Assembly, where he served as Chairman of the Law Committee. After three years in that role, he was appointed Secretary of the Khanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee. In April 2021, he returned to the National Assembly and was elected Vice Chairman.

Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Khac Dinh. Photo: DBND







Nguyen Thi Thanh, born in 1967 in Ninh Binh province, holds a doctorate in economics and a masters degree in business administration. She has been a member of the Party Central Committee for several terms and a National Assembly deputy across four terms.

Her career began in youth union work, where she held various positions, including Chief of Office of the Provincial Youth Union, Secretary of the Ninh Binh Youth Union, Chair of the Provincial Young Pioneers Council, and Chair of the Provincial Youth Federation. She later served as Head of the Provincial Party Committees Mass Mobilization Commission and Chair of the Provincial Labor Federation.

In early 2012, she became Secretary of the Yen Khanh District Party Committee before being appointed Secretary of the Ninh Binh Provincial Party Committee. In April 2020, she moved to the National Assemblys Deputies Affairs Committee, later becoming its head while also serving as Deputy Head of the Central Organization Commission. In mid-2024, she was elected Vice Chairperson of the 15th National Assembly.

Deputy Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Thanh. Photo: National Assembly

Nguyen Thi Hong, born in 1968 in Hanoi, holds a masters degree in development economics. She has been a member of the Party Central Committee for the 13th and 14th terms and is a National Assembly deputy for the 16th term.

She has held various positions at the State Bank of Vietnam and has served as its Governor since 2020.

Deputy Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Hong. Photo: Pham Hai

Nguyen Hong Dien, born in 1965 in Hung Yen province, holds a doctorate in public administration. He has been a member of the Party Central Committee for multiple terms and a National Assembly deputy across three terms.

He began his career in youth union work and later held several key positions in Thai Binh province, including Head of the Provincial Party Committees Propaganda Department, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial Peoples Council, Chairman of the Provincial Peoples Committee, and Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee.

In May 2020, he was appointed Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda Commission. In 2021, he became Minister of Industry and Trade. In December 2025, he assumed the role of full-time Deputy Secretary of the National Assemblys Party Committee.

Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Hong Dien. Photo: Pham Thang

Nguyen Doan Anh, born in 1967 in Hanoi, holds a university degree in military science. He has been a member of the Party Central Committee for the 13th and 14th terms and a National Assembly deputy for the 14th and 16th terms.

He built his career in the military, serving in key positions such as Deputy Commander and Commander of the Hanoi Capital Command, and Commander of Military Region 4. He also served as Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam Peoples Army. In October 2024, he was assigned to lead Thanh Hoa province as Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee. He was promoted to Lieutenant General in 2019 and to Senior Lieutenant General in October 2024.

According to the Law on Organization of the National Assembly, Vice Chairpersons are elected from among National Assembly deputies. They assist the Chairman in performing assigned duties. In the Chairmans absence, a Vice Chairperson may be authorized to carry out the responsibilities and powers of the Chairman.





Tran Thuong
In 2025, Vietnam welcomed nearly 21.2 million international visitors. Illustrative photo: NIA

Data from the General Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance shows that in March 2026 alone, Vietnam received nearly 2.1 million international arrivals, up 1.3% year-on-year.

For the first three months of the year, total international arrivals reached 6.76 million, up 12.4% compared to the same period last year - the highest first-quarter figure ever recorded.

Among these, traditional markets continued to lead in both March and the overall first quarter. China remained Vietnams largest source market with more than 1.4 million visitors, followed by South Korea with nearly 1.33 million. Russia contributed more than 367,000 visitors, Cambodia 330,000, Taiwan (China) over 316,000, the US more than 302,000, and India nearly 243,000.

In 2025, Vietnam welcomed nearly 21.2 million international visitors.

However, growth has slowed in major markets such as China and South Korea, while several Southeast Asian markets recorded strong increases. The Philippines rose by 69.3%, Cambodia by 41%, Singapore by 30%, Indonesia by nearly 44%, and Malaysia by 21.5%.

India also maintained strong momentum, with visitor numbers increasing by more than 69% in the first quarter compared to the same period last year.

Arrivals from Europe and the Americas also saw notable growth, including Poland up 52%, Norway 26%, Switzerland more than 27%, Sweden 27.5%, and both Denmark and Italy rising by over 20%.

Particularly remarkable was the surge from Russia, with more than 120,000 visitors in March alone, up 163% year-on-year. This brought the total number of Russian visitors in the first quarter to 367,168, representing a sharp increase of 194.5% compared to the same period in 2025.

In 2025, the Russian market recorded the highest growth among Vietnams international visitor sources, with arrivals nearly tripling compared to 2024. This figure also surpassed the 646,524 visitors recorded in 2019 - before the Covid-19 pandemic - marking the highest level in a decade.

According to the General Statistics Office, Vietnams stable political and social environment, improved safety, increasingly open visa policies, more professional promotion activities, and a diverse range of tourism products aligned with market trends, along with continuously improving service quality, have created a strong foundation for attracting international visitors.

In 2026, Vietnams tourism sector aims to make a breakthrough with 25 million international arrivals and 150 million domestic tourists, targeting total revenue of VND1.125 quadrillion (approximately US$46 billion).

Leaders of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism noted that this goal is based on the sectors impressive growth in recent years. Currently, international arrivals to Vietnam are increasing at an average rate of around 22% per year, significantly higher than the global tourism growth rate of about 5% and well above the 8% average in the Asia-Pacific region.

Notably, compared to the pre-pandemic period, Vietnams tourism industry has recovered to over 110%, while the Asia-Pacific region has only reached around 90%.

Ngoc Ha
The launch event, hosted by the union of Vietnamese womens associations in Germany, took place alongside the first Europe-wide Vietnamese cultural festival, drawing representatives from womens associations in 10 European countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Trinh Thi Mui, chairwoman of the union, described the establishment as a significant milestone that lays the foundation for a shared platform linking Vietnamese businesswomen in Europe. She highlighted their common spirit of resilience and aspiration to affirm their value, calling on Vietnamese women entrepreneurs, regardless of sector or scale, to join the network for stronger and more sustainable development.

The associations executive board for the 20252028 tenure comprises prominent businesswomen representing Vietnamese communities across Europe, many of whom have achieved success in business while actively contributing to community activities and international connectivity.

Operating on principles of voluntariness, non-profit orientation, transparency and sustainable development, the association aims to facilitate experience sharing, mutual support, business cooperation, brand building, and the enhancement of Vietnamese womens position in the modern era.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Nguyen Dac Thanh speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Nguyen Dac Thanh called the launch a proud milestone, reflecting the growing role of Vietnamese women in business, entrepreneurship and global integration. He expressed confidence that the association will serve as a vital bridge connecting Vietnamese enterprises in Europe with their homeland, contributing to stronger trade and investment ties.

The cultural festival, the first of its kind, was also seen as a meaningful platform to promote Vietnamese cultural identity and foster community cohesion, while raising funds for charitable activities supporting the Vietnamese community in Europe./.VNA
The challenge lay not only in technology but in connecting different components into a stable system that can operate every day.

The hardest part was not a specific technology, but how to make everything operate synchronously and stably, and withstand real-world pressure, Dong said.

With no ready-made formula, the team had to work, learn, and optimize simultaneously. From researching international technologies to testing in real environments, everything had to be built from scratch.

The development philosophy was also very Viettel: make the first version, put it into use, and then continuously improve it.

Ambition to bring data platform to global market

After being verified in the internal environment and successfully deployed at many large domestic agencies and enterprises, the data and AI platforms developed by Nguyen Chi Dong and his team are entering a new phase: conquering the international market.

According to Dong, right from the design stage, the system was not intended to serve Viettel Group alone but was oriented toward an open architecture that could be customized for many different types of businesses and organizations.

We determined from the start: if we only solve internal problems, the product will be very difficult to develop long-term. The system was designed to be 'packaged' and deployed for many different customers, industries, and countries, Dong said.

The advantage of Make in Vietnam platforms lies not only in competitive costs but also in flexible customization capabilities and, especially, the data security factor, an issue increasingly valued by nations.

In a context where many businesses and governments are wary of depending on foreign technology platforms, the solutions developed by Viettel have the opportunity to wedge themselves into markets seeking alternatives.

The international market is where they compete directly with global technology giants, the units that have decades of experience, complete ecosystems, and very high standards.

To join this game, the product needs to be good at the usable level but must also reach international standards in performance, stability, security, and scalability.

We had to go through very strict evaluation processes, comparing directly with the world's leading platforms. The pressure is enormous, but is also an opportunity to affirm our capacity, Dong said.

A noteworthy point is the go with the ecosystem strategy. Instead of approaching individual markets, Viettel's data and AI platforms can go along with telecommunications, e-government, or digital transformation projects that the group is implementing in many countries.

This approach helps shorten market entry time while taking advantage of local understanding and existing relationships.

In a broader sense, the fact that a core technology product developed by Vietnamese engineers can compete in the international market does not only have economic significance.

It is also an important test for the ambition to build a Vietnamese technology industry with export capacity, where Make in Vietnam is not just a domestic slogan but becomes a brand in the global market.

But the question remains: are Vietnamese enterprises persistent enough to pursue this long-term game? Because, as those involved admit, building a product is difficult, but bringing that product to the world and standing firm is a much harsher journey.

Being named one of the Outstanding Young Vietnamese Faces 2025 is a recognition for Nguyen Chi Dong. But his story does not stop with one individual.

It poses a larger question: when data and AI are becoming the foundation of every industry, are Vietnamese enterprises truly ready to switch to a data-driven decision model? As Nguyen Chi Dong himself affirmed, technology is not the biggest barrier. The biggest barrier lies in the way of thinking.

When each organization truly considers data as the foundation, when every decision is based on figures, only then does digital transformation truly begin, he said.

And perhaps, that is the big problem that engineers like him are pursuing, not just building systems, but contributing to changing the way an entire economy operates.

Thai Khang
On the occasion of General Secretary To Lam being elected by the National Assembly as State President, Le Minh Hung as Prime Minister, and Tran Thanh Man as Chairman of the National Assembly, leaders of many countries have sent congratulatory messages, letters and cables.

General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith extended his congratulations to General Secretary and State President To Lam.

General Secretary and President To Lam and General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith. Photo: VNA

He expressed confidence that, with his capability and extensive experience, To Lam, together with the leadership of the Party and State of Vietnam, will continue to lead the country and its people to achieve even greater and more significant accomplishments.

Thongloun Sisoulith affirmed his readiness to stand side by side with To Lam to further nurture and strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic ties between the two Parties, the two States and their peoples, making them increasingly effective.

General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping also sent congratulations, affirming that bilateral relations constitute a strategically significant community with a shared future. Under the direction of the two Parties and States, China-Vietnam relations have made remarkable progress, with comprehensive strategic cooperation achieving abundant results and bringing tangible benefits to both peoples.

General Secretary and President To Lam and General Secretary and President Xi Jinping. Photo: Pham Hai

The Chinese leader noted that since the beginning of the year, the two sides have maintained high-level strategic exchanges and promoted cooperation across various fields, reflecting the close sentiment of comrades and brothers.

Xi Jinping emphasized that strengthening unity and cooperation aligns with the common interests of both Parties and countries in the context of rapidly evolving and complex global and regional developments.

He stressed that China attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations and stands ready to continue strategic exchanges with To Lam, guiding the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future and continuously advancing each countrys socialist cause.

King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia and President of the Senate Hun Sen sent their congratulations to General Secretary and State President To Lam.

General Secretary and President To Lam and King Norodom Sihamoni. Photo: Pham Hai







Cambodian leaders expressed their delight at the long-standing relationship between the two countries, built on a foundation of solidarity, trust, mutual understanding and sustainable, comprehensive cooperation. They voiced confidence that under To Lams leadership, bilateral relations will continue to be strengthened and elevated to new heights.

They reaffirmed their commitment to continue close cooperation with To Lam to enhance both bilateral and multilateral relations, for the benefit of the peoples of both countries as well as for peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated General Secretary and State President To Lam, noting that the National Assemblys decision once again demonstrates his highest political credibility and the broadest support for Vietnams socio-economic development path and its efforts to safeguard national interests internationally.

President Putin expressed confidence that To Lams new role will further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Vietnam. He also welcomed continued constructive dialogue and close coordination with To Lam on important issues of bilateral, regional and international cooperation.

General Secretary and President To Lam and President Vladimir Putin. Photo: RIA Novosti






First universal autonomous navigation support system to receive TA, accelerating commercialization

system to receive TA, accelerating commercialization Validation from DNV over three years, expected to contribute to IMO autonomous navigation standards

from DNV over three years, expected to contribute to IMO autonomous navigation standards "HD Hyundai will advance the commercialization of autonomous navigation technology while leading the development of international standards"

SEOUL, South Korea, April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Avikus, the autonomous navigation subsidiary of HD Hyundai led by CEOs Kang Jae-ho and Lim Do-hyeong, is stepping up efforts to commercialize its vessel autonomy technologies.

HD Hyundai said Tuesday that Avikus recently obtained Type Approval (TA) from DNV, the Norwegian classification society, for its Autonomous Navigation Support System, HiNAS Control.

Avikus, HD Hyundais specialized autonomous navigation company, obtained Type Approval from DNV on Tuesday, the 7th, for its autonomous navigation system, HiNAS Control (from left: Sangkyun Lee, Vice Chairman of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries; Lim Do-hyeong, CEO of Avikus,; and Vidar Dolonen, Korea and Japan Region Manager of DNV).

HiNAS Control, which received the TA, is an integrated autonomous navigation support system that combines perception, decision-making and control functions, enabling it to detect nearby vessels and obstacles, assess navigation conditions and maneuver to avoid collisions.

The approval marks the first time a mass-produced autonomous navigation support system designed for use across multiple vessel types, rather than a specific ship or project, has received international certification. With the TA, HiNAS Control can be installed without additional verification, improving deployment efficiency and is expected to enhance confidence among global shipowners.

Avikus worked with DNV for more than three years to define safety requirements for its autonomous navigation support system and establish a verification framework. Under its guidelines, DNV systematically evaluated the system's collision avoidance capabilities, which are rooted in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), by comprehensively verifying the system alarms, navigational information display, and ship control performance.

At a time when international standards for autonomous navigation have not yet been fully established, this case of third-party verification by DNV is expected to be highly beneficial for the establishment of future regulations. With discussions underway at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the non-mandatory Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code, the approval and its framework could also inform the development of more detailed technical standards. The approval is expected to enable Avikus to respond more effectively to evolving global regulations, while positioning HiNAS Control as a standard technology in the autonomous navigation market.

"HiNAS Control's Type Approval is a major milestone, marking it as one of the first systems to bring autonomous navigation technology beyond the conceptual stage and into commercialization," Vidar Dolonen, Korea and Japan Region Manager of DNV, said.

"This Type Approval demonstrates that Avikus' autonomous navigation technology has achieved global standards of safety and reliability," Lim Do-hyeong, CEO of Avikus, said. "Building on synergies with HD Hyundai Group, we will continue to advance commercialization and lead the development of international standards."

HiNAS Control has been applied as a standard specification on vessels built by HD Hyundai since 2023 and has surpassed 500 cumulative orders to date.

SOURCE HD Hyundai
Featuring Maggie Baird, Ashlan Cousteau, Brooklyn Decker, Gabriela Hearst, Bea Kim, Chef Edward Lee, Al Roker and more in conversation with Hearst Magazines editors

NEW YORK, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hearst Magazines today hosted the 5th annual Eco-Conscious Living Summitan inspiring program of conversations and ideas to inspire action. Expanding on Hearst's long-standing commitment to sustainability, the Eco-Conscious Living Summit convened renowned personalities, industry changemakers, and activists for dynamic panel discussions and live partner activations, inviting attendees to dive into critical topics such as sustainable design and climate literacy. The invitation-only event took place at Hearst Tower in New York City.

Hearst Magazines editors from Delish, Esquire, Harper's BAZAAR, House Beautiful, Men's Health, VERANDA, and Women's Health led conversations with celebrated voices in sustainability, design, climate action, and food innovation, including climate activist and Support+Feed founder Maggie Baird, SeaVoir Wellness and Voyacy Regen co-founder and CEO Ashlan Cousteau, actor & interior designer Brooklyn Decker, Gabriela Hearst co-founder and creative director Gabriela Hearst, Olympian and professional snowboarder Bea Kim, SHIA owner & executive chef and LEE Initiative founder Edward Lee, TODAY weather and feature anchor & co-host Al Roker, and more.

The 5th annual Hearst Eco-Conscious Living Summit was presented by James Hardie, in partnership with 1 Hotels, Bloomeffects, California Design Den, Organic Valley and Zip Water, and special thanks to Buena Vida Specialty Coffee, Misen, Pipette and SeaVoir Wellness.

Programming included:

Beyond the Runway: Creating a More Responsible Fashion Industry  Harper's BAZAAR executive digital director Lynette Nylander spoke with Gabriela Hearst co-founder and creative director Gabriela Hearst about how she has helped redefine modern luxury through craft, longevity, and sustainability that is built into the business.





executive digital director spoke with Gabriela Hearst co-founder and creative director about how she has helped redefine modern luxury through craft, longevity, and sustainability that is built into the business. Resilient Beauty: The Next Generation of Forever Homes  VERANDA editor-in-chief Steele Marcoux in conversation with James Hardie Vice President, Global Sustainability Amanda Cimaglia , actor & interior designer Brooklyn Decker , and designer, preservation advocate and principal of Jaime Rummerfield Interior Design Jaime Rummerfield on how the idea of a "forever home" is evolving into something more values driven, resilient, and design forward. ( Sponsored by James Hardie )





VERANDA editor-in-chief in conversation with James Hardie Vice President, Global Sustainability , actor & interior designer , and designer, preservation advocate and principal of Jaime Rummerfield Interior Design on how the idea of a "forever home" is evolving into something more values driven, resilient, and design forward. ( ) On the Menu: Community and Climate in the Kitchen  Delish and House Beautiful editorial director Joanna Saltz led a fireside chat with climate activist and Support+Feed founder Maggie Baird discussing food as one of the most immediate, everyday entry points to climate action, and how to make plant-based choices feel doable, delicious, and inclusive. They also discussed how she hopes to help move audiences from awareness to action with her new upcoming series Climate Kitchen .





and editorial director led a fireside chat with climate activist and Support+Feed founder discussing food as one of the most immediate, everyday entry points to climate action, and how to make plant-based choices feel doable, delicious, and inclusive. They also discussed how she hopes to help move audiences from awareness to action with her new upcoming series . Tap Into Water: From the Oceans to the Kitchen  Esquire features director Kevin Dupzyk guided SeaVoir Wellness and Voyacy Regen co-founder and CEO Ashlan Cousteau , Zip Water marketing director Betsy Froelich , SHIA owner & executive chef and LEE Initiative founder Edward Lee , and Beyond Petrochemicals executive director Heather McTeer Toney in a panel discussion connecting water quality to everyday wellness, kitchen habits, and the larger systems shaping ocean and community health. ( Sponsored by Zip Water )





features director guided SeaVoir Wellness and Voyacy Regen co-founder and CEO , Zip Water marketing director , SHIA owner & executive chef and LEE Initiative founder , and Beyond Petrochemicals executive director in a panel discussion connecting water quality to everyday wellness, kitchen habits, and the larger systems shaping ocean and community health. ( ) Intersection of Athletes and Action: Where Sport Meets Science  Women's Health executive editor Abigail Cuffey led a conversation with Olympian and professional snowboarder Bea Kim examining how climate change is reshaping winter sports, why athletes are increasingly becoming climate advocates, and what it looks like when performance, science, and public voice intersect.





executive editor led a conversation with Olympian and professional snowboarder examining how climate change is reshaping winter sports, why athletes are increasingly becoming climate advocates, and what it looks like when performance, science, and public voice intersect. Weather Hunters: Forecasting the Future: Men's Health & Women's Health editorial director Richard Dorment led a fireside chat with TODAY weather and feature anchor & co-host of the 3rd Hour of TODAY Al Roker discussing the role of media to inform, prepare, and empower audiences across generations, how climate change has shifted forecasting and storytelling, why building weather and climate literacy early matters, and his new PBS Kids series Weather Hunters.

Conversations from the 2026 Hearst Eco-Conscious Living Summit will be available for on-demand viewing in the coming weeks. See highlights from the event on Instagram at #HEARSTECOSUMMIT.

EVENT IMAGES

Photos from the 2026 Hearst Eco-Conscious Living Summit are available via Getty Images or upon request.

SOURCE Hearst Magazines
In the news release, IDEAL Electrical Announces $1 Million Donation and Partnership with Habitat for Humanity, issued 07-Apr-2026 by IDEAL Industries Inc. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end:

IDEAL Electrical Announces $1 Million Donation and Partnership with Habitat for Humanity

The three-year partnership will focus on expanding affordable housing and supporting community impact initiatives globally

SYCAMORE, Ill., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- IDEAL Electrical (IDEAL), a leading manufacturer of wire connectors, wire installation products and test and measurement equipment for professional electricians, announces a three-year partnership and a $1 million donation to Habitat for Humanity, a global nonprofit housing organization, to support worldwide affordable housing efforts and community impact initiatives.

IDEAL Connections serves the electrical industry by connecting electrical apprentices and pros with in-depth training and resources to advance their skills and encourage others to join the trade. (PRNewsfoto/IDEAL Industries Inc.) IDEAL Connections represents the company's commitment to building an ideal world. (PRNewsfoto/IDEAL Industries Inc.)

The partnership, launched through IDEAL's engagement platform, IDEAL Connections, represents the company's commitment to building an ideal world. By working with a trusted organization like Habitat for Humanity that works with people to build more prosperous and vibrant communities, IDEAL is helping electricians use their skills to make a real difference in the communities they serve.

"Safe, affordable housing is a challenge faced by communities around the world. As a brand serving the construction industry, we believe we have a responsibility to be part of the solution," said Nicole Juday Rhoads, executive director and board chair of the IDEAL Industries Foundation. "Through this partnership, we are building on our legacy of creating strong connections  not only through the products we make, but through the relationships we build with electricians, partners and communities  to create meaningful, long-term impact globally."

In 2026, IDEAL Electrical will support four global Habitat for Humanity activations across Greater Chicago, Greater Toronto, the United Kingdom and Los Angeles/Southern California. These efforts will bring together IDEAL employees, electricians & apprentices, industry partners and electrical influencers to contribute 500+ volunteer hours, $100K in materials and invaluable electrical skills to create safe, reliable, affordable homes and community facilities.

"IDEAL Electrical understands that transforming communities goes beyond a one-time donation. Their commitment to a multi-year partnership and support on build sites reflects a shared belief that creating stronger communities requires relationships and a personal investment in the change," said Charlita Stephens-Walker, vice president of corporate partnerships and cause marketing at Habitat for Humanity International. "Together, we're working to spread awareness of Habitat's broader mission and commitment to building homes, communities and hope around the world."

IDEAL's partnership with Habitat for Humanity expands on its growing investment in community-based volunteerism. In 2025, IDEAL partnered with Rebuilding Together to provide crucial electrical upgrades for transitional shelters and youth clubs across Greater Chicago, donating $150,000 and impacting ~2,500 low-income students. IDEAL plans to continue its partnership with Rebuilding Together in 2026, supporting two projects in Baltimore and New Orleans.

"I was thrilled to be invited by IDEAL to volunteer at a Rebuilding Together activation. It was a privilege to rebuild spaces for Chicagoland students and share the work with my online platform to encourage other electricians to use their skills and give back to their local community," said Andrea O'Connell, Journeyman Electrician from Tampa, Florida and IDEAL influencer ambassador.

In addition to the community impact initiatives, IDEAL Connections also serves the electrical industry by connecting electrical apprentices and pros with in-depth training and resources to advance their skills and encourage others to join the trade. To learn more about IDEAL Connections, IDEAL Electrical's community impact efforts, and how to get involved, visit idealind.com/us/en/ideal-connections.html

IDEAL Electrical

IDEAL Electrical is a global leader in manufacturing tools and supplies for professional electricians. Trusted for its high-quality wire connectors, electrical installation products, and test and measurement equipment, IDEAL has supported the industry's most critical work for more than 100 yearsfrom Arctic research missions and the moon landing to iconic buildings and everyday residential and commercial construction around the world. IDEAL is dedicated to advancing the craft for electrical contractors and electricians everywhere.

IDEAL Connections is IDEAL Electrical's global engagement platform designed to strengthen relationships with professional electricians and apprentices while delivering measurable community impact through partnerships. Connections fosters meaningful relationships with IDEAL's customers and community, inspired by the founder's long-standing company mission to create "IDEAL" relationships with the electrician community it's served for over 100 years.

About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a movement of people in your local area and around the world, working together to build more prosperous and vibrant communities by making sure everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home. Since our founding in 1976 as a Christian organization, together we have helped more than 65 million people globally build their futures on their own terms through access to decent housing. We've done that by working alongside people of all walks of life to build, repair and finance their homes, by innovating new ways of building and financing, and by advocating for policies that make constructing and accessing housing easier for everyone. Together, we build homes, communities and hope. To learn more, visit habitat.org.

Media Contacts:

IDEAL Electrical

Ava Huelskamp

[email protected]

IDEAL Electrical

Kaitlin Liebling

[email protected]

Habitat for Humanity

Mackenzie Miotke

[email protected]

Correction: An update has been made to the 7th paragraph.

SOURCE IDEAL Industries Inc.
Over the past few years, foreign direct investment inflows in Vietnam have reached a turning point. Multinational investors shift their priorities from cost optimisation and tax incentives towards operational autonomy and long-term compliance in the face of geopolitical uncertainties and technical barriers from demanding markets such as the US and the EU.

According to Savills Vietnam, the geopolitical fluctuations, especially in the Middle East, highlight a longerterm shift towards more diversified and resilient global supply chains. Following the pandemic, international firms have already begun reallocating production, with current geopolitical tensions likely to reinforce this trend.

The complicated geopolitical developments prompt multinational investors to reallocate production, prioritising destinations that ensure operational autonomy.

Against the backdrop, Vietnam emerges as a destination with the ability to balance cost, location, and trade connectivity. However, as capital flows shift to industries with higher added value, selection criteria also become more stringent while cost advantage is no longer the sole decisive factor.

Factors such as energy infrastructure, labour quality, the ability to ensure continuous operation, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards are becoming prerequisites. In light of changes in investment trends, the eco-industrial park model is emerging as a strategic solution to geopolitical risks thanks to its strong self-sufficiency advantages.

Specifically, this model acts as a green passport, enabling investors to meet stringent traceability and circular economy requirements while enhancing their competitiveness and facilitating deeper integration into global value chains. Notably, it promotes industrial symbiosis that enables foreign-invested companies to enhance their resource autonomy.

Therefore, such companies can minimise dependence on external supply sources by turning one company's leftovers into another's input materials within the same park. The advantage of the eco-industrial park model lies in its robust on-site ecosystem, where close links with small- and medium-sized local enterprises not only optimise operating costs but also act as a shock absorber, enabling faster responses to unpredictable disruptions in the global market.

Prodezi pioneers

Seizing this trend, Prodezi Industrial Park is emerging as a bright spot in Vietnams southern industrial real estate market, with a clear ecological orientation to support the sustainable development goals of foreign investors.

To ease pressure from international standards, Prodezi extends beyond surface green aspects to sustainable technologies and solutions with its comprehensive infrastructure planning. A prime example is the tie-up with Chitose Group in sludge treatment, turning waste into valuable resources. The move empowers foreign-led companies to complete their ESG reports and gain green passports to the most demanding export markets.

To reduce the dependence on external sources, Prodezi is also developing a closely integrated industrial symbiosis network within the park, where resources are shared and materials are reused among factories in a closed-loop production cycle. This model not only ensures operational stability but also acts as a shield, helping businesses mitigate risks from unpredictable fluctuations in global raw material supply chains.

Eco-oriented industrial park models like Prodezi help foreign-led enterprises enhance their resilience

The strategy of boosting localisation through practical initiatives  such as Connecting with Suppliers 2026 and close collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Young Business Association  helps build a strong on-site support ecosystem. Establishing direct connections between foreign and domestic enterprises not only reduces logistics costs, but also greatly strengthens business flexibility and resilience to global geopolitical shocks.

Truong Khac Nguyen Minh, deputy general director of Prodezi Long An

Truong Khac Nguyen Minh, deputy general director of Prodezi Long An, said eco-industrial parks have become a prerequisite to attract high-quality foreign capital amidst the global volatility.

"This year, Prodezi will seamlessly incorporate ESG solutions into infrastructure, operation, and governance," Minh said. "We believe that early and comprehensive preparation will help tenants better meet the increasingly stringent requirements of global supply chains while also making a practical contribution to Vietnam's sustainable development orientation. In particular, it represents a smart defence strategy for companies facing global volatility."

Vietnams growth formula evolves as high-tech and green industries take lead Vietnam is entering a new phase of economic transformation where foreign direct investment (FDI), high-tech industries, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, and human resources quality will define its growth path. Industry leaders highlight that the next generation of industrial parks must evolve to be green, smart, and integrated to meet investors' rising standards and Vietnam's net zero ambitions.

Prodezi Long An advances towards integrated eco-centric industrial park model Prodezi Long An JSC is focusing on industrial symbiosis to optimise the use of resources and energy while reducing emissions. VIRs Binh An spoke with Truong Khac Nguyen Minh, deputy general director of Prodezi Long An, about the service-connection model the company is pursuing.
Wrexham.com has invited local Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in their respective Parliaments and closer to home  you can find them all here.

In this months column, Andrew Ranger MP said:

Since my election I have been working to ensure that young people have access to the opportunities they need, especially in terms of connectivity, skills and employment.

Therefore, I am so pleased that Wrexham has been announced as one of the areas to benefit from a new UK Government funded Youth Hub to support employment opportunities for 16-24 year olds.

I know from having met with young people, businesses and education providers that this is something that is really needed here, as the numbers of young people not in education, employment or training (known as NEETs) are rising.

We are one of 12 places in Wales to get one of these hubs. The task now begins to identify a suitable premises for it and the UK Government will be working with Wrexham County Borough Council on this.

Baby Basics is a charity working across Wrexham which provides the essentials to mothers and families who are unable to provide these items for themselves. It was fantastic to meet the volunteer team based at Caia Park Partnership to hear first hand the impact that they are having.

I was also struck by the generosity of the community in supporting the charity with donations. Baby Basics has a brilliant network and partnerships with schools, churches, community groups and businesses. For more information, check out the Baby Basics website or the Wrexham Baby Basics Facebook page.

I would like to thank those Acton and Maesydre residents who have been in touch about the Councils plans for Acton Community Resource Centre.

I am working with ward Councillor Corin Jarvis and residents to first explore why a proper public consultation was not carried out. The Cunliffe Centre certainly requires more modern facilities in order to support its service users and expand its services.

Nevertheless, the community of Acton also needs a community centre. I hope that a solution can be found which benefits both.

The UK Government has a number of consultations open at the moment including one to ban trail hunting. Furthermore, following government plans to reform the welfare system announced last year, the Timms Review into Personal Independent Payments (PIP) has called for evidence to be submitted. You can do this online or there are alternative methods here.

Many of you contacted me last year with regards to the proposals and I would urge you to engage with the review in whatever way you can.

With the Senedd elections in May, there is still time to register to vote, https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. The deadline for registering is 11:59pm on 20th April 2026 and the elections are on 7th May.

In Wales, you can be aged 14 or over to register (you can register 2 years before you reach voting age).

It is also important to mention that the Senedd constituencies have changed, and we are part of the Fflint-Wrecsam constituency.

The electoral system has also changed so that you are voting for a party rather than an individual candidate as was the case in the past.

There are 96 MSs that will be elected. Once you have registered to vote you can opt for a postal ballot or visit the polling station on the day.

Finally, those at the Cae Ras on Sunday 29th witnessed history being made by Wrexham AFC Women as they won the Adran Welsh Premier for the first time with a fantastic 4-1 victory over Cardiff.

Congratulations to them on a brilliant season with Womens Champions League qualifiers now coming next season!

I want to wish everyone across Wrexham a wonderful and restful Easter.
A North Wales Police detection dog has retired after seven years working alongside officers to find drugs, cash and firearms.

PD Bryn served as a specialist Drugs, Cash and Firearms Detection Dog throughout his career with the force.

North Wales Police announced his retirement and said he would be supported in his new life by Paws Off Duty, a charity that assists retired police dogs.

His handler, T/Sergeant Walker, is also moving on, joining Flintshire North as a response sergeant.

North Wales Police dog team said on social media: With a heavy heart, we wish PD Bryn a very happy and well-earned retirement.

For the past seven years, Bryn has faithfully served our communities as a Drugs, Cash and Firearms Detection Dog.

We also extend our very best wishes to his handler, T/Sergeant Walker, who is leaving the Dog Section to pursue promotion.

Enjoy your retirement, Bryn, youve earned it!

North Wales Polices Flintshire North team also paid tribute, saying: Another big change this week, as PD Bryn hangs up his harness for retirement.

Bryn has worked hard for seven years alongside his handler and has had so much success, his retirement is well earned and were sure hell be enjoying sofa days in no time.

Bryns handler T/PS Walker has also made a big change, coming to Flintshire North as a response sergeant following a long and successful career with the dog unit.

Im sure youll all join me in wishing everyone the best of luck in their career changes.

Specialist detection dogs like Bryn are distinct from the general-purpose dogs that make up much of a forces dog section.

While general-purpose dogs, typically German Shepherds, Dutch Herders or Malinois, are trained across a range of tasks including tracking suspects, searching for missing persons and protecting officers, specialist detection dogs are trained to identify specific targets.

Detection work covering drugs, cash and firearms requires a different type of training and, often, a different breed, with Labradors, Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels commonly used.

North Wales Police operates as part of the North Wales and Cheshire Police Dog Alliance, with handlers typically working alongside both a general-purpose dog and a specialist animal.

Paws Off Duty is a charity that supports retired police, military and emergency service dogs in finding homes and ongoing care after active service.

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
GILLETTE, Wyo., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- How does airway health affect TMJ and jaw pain in adults? According to HelloNation, Dawn Strohschein, DDS, of Pronghorn Family Dentistry in Gillette, Wyoming, explains that the way adults breathe can have far-reaching effects on both oral comfort and overall wellness. A restricted airway may not be obvious, yet it can contribute to chronic symptoms such as teeth grinding, jaw tension, and disrupted sleep. Over time, these breathing patterns can also influence cardiovascular function, metabolic health, and emotional well-being.

Dawn Strohschein, DDS - Owner - Pronghorn Family Dentistry Speed Speed

One of the most common oral indicators of airway dysfunction in adults is bruxism, or teeth grinding. While often linked to stress, this condition can also occur when airflow is reduced during sleep. The body may respond by clenching or shifting the jaw to improve breathing, which puts strain on jaw muscles, wears down teeth, and can aggravate the temporomandibular joint. TMJ disorders may present as jaw clicking or popping, morning headaches, or muscle tenderness in the face, neck, and shoulders.

Airway challenges can also affect posture. When nasal breathing is difficult, people may unconsciously tilt their head forward to make breathing easier. Over time, this positioning can lead to muscle strain, tension headaches, and bite changes due to altered jaw alignment. Supporting proper breathing patterns can reduce these physical stresses, improve oral health, and support more restorative sleep.

The connection between airway health and whole-body function is significant. Poor nighttime breathing, including that caused by sleep apnea, has been linked to elevated blood pressure, higher risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and increased likelihood of type 2 diabetes. When airflow is restricted during sleep, blood oxygen levels drop, placing extra strain on the heart and disrupting hormone regulation. Over the years, these effects can contribute to chronic health conditions that may seem unrelated to airway issues.

Sleep quality itself is often compromised in adults with airway restrictions. Even if they spend a full night in bed, they may wake often, snore heavily, or feel unrefreshed in the morning. Without adequate deep and REM sleep, the body loses valuable opportunities for tissue repair, memory processing, and immune system regulation. The result is often persistent fatigue, irritability, and reduced focus, which can impact daily performance and quality of life.

Causes of restricted breathing in adults vary widely. Some individuals have structural challenges, such as a narrow palate or a deviated septum, while others experience muscle tone loss in the throat and tongue with age. Chronic nasal congestion, allergies, and inflammation can further narrow the airway. Identifying the cause is key to developing an effective treatment plan.

Evaluation often begins with a combination of dental and medical assessments. Dentists may look for signs of tooth wear, jaw tension, abnormalities in bite alignment, and may use airway 3D imaging. Physicians can perform sleep studies or airway scans, while myofunctional therapists evaluate tongue posture, swallowing patterns, and muscle coordination. An interdisciplinary approach typically produces the best results by addressing both structure and function.

Treatment options depend on the underlying cause. For some adults, a custom oral appliance can slightly reposition the jaw during sleep to keep the airway open. Craniofacial expansion may be used to improve anatomy contributing to sleep-disordered breathing. Others may benefit from myofunctional therapy to strengthen tongue, lip, and throat muscles. Addressing nasal breathing is also essential, whether through medical treatment for allergies, surgery for structural corrections, or daily nasal hygiene. Breathing re-education techniques may also be part of a plan. For moderate to severe sleep apnea, CPAP therapy remains highly effective.

Lifestyle changes can further support airway function. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, avoiding alcohol or sedatives before bedtime, and practicing good sleep posture can all reduce airway collapse at night. Even small steps, like keeping nasal passages clear before bed, can make a difference in airflow and sleep quality.

For adults, investing in airway health is about more than reducing snoring or jaw discomfort. It is about protecting cardiovascular and metabolic health, preserving energy, and supporting cognitive function. The mouth and airway are connected systems, and when one is compromised, the other is affected. By recognizing and addressing airway challenges, adults can improve both oral health and long-term wellness.

Adults: Airway's Impact on Oral & Whole-Body Health offers guidance from Dental Expert Dawn Strohschein, DDS, of Gillette, Wyoming, on identifying, treating, and preventing airway-related issues that affect both dental and systemic health.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation
A man has died following a collision between a motorcycle and a tractor near Bangor-on-Dee.

Emergency services and the Wales Air Ambulance were called to the fatal collision on the 2.30pm on the B4526 on Monday, 6 April.

Sadly the motorcyclist sadly died at the scene.

The road was closed while investigations were carried out at the scene.

Lead investigating officer, Sergeant Duncan Logan from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: I offer my deepest condolences to the mans family at this incredibly difficult time.

Id like to personally thank all those who stopped to assist at the scene and support emergency services.

I am urging anybody who may have witnessed the collision, or who may have been travelling in the vicinity and has dash cam footage, to come forward as soon as possible.

Anybody with information that could assist our enquiries should contact officers via our website, or by calling 101, quoting reference 26000270515.

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
A police dog has helped officers locate a high-risk missing person in Wrexham.

PD Geordie assisted colleagues from Wrexham Town policing team during the search, successfully tracking and finding the individual last night.

Police dogs are specially trained to follow human scent trails and are vital in locating missing or vulnerable people.

North Wales Police said the person is now receiving the support they need.

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
A Cardiff University study published this week found that just 7% of Welsh adults could correctly name the voting system being used in next months Senedd election  so what is going on?

Anecdotally it appears there are many people confused over what has changed about the constituency we are now in, as in a few weeks they will cast a vote in an area that has never appeared on a ballot paper before , under rules that are new to everyone.

The seat you are voting in has never existed before. Here is everything you need to know , where it came from, how it was built, and how the vote will actually work.

On 7 May, voters across Flintshire and most of Wrexham County Borough will cast a ballot in a constituency that has never appeared on a ballot paper before. Fflint Wrecsam is brand new , created by combining two former Senedd constituencies, using a voting system that has never been used in Wales before.

Understanding what changed, and why, is not a small thing. The rules are different. The ballot paper is different. Even your MS , Members of the Senedd, the title for elected Senedd representatives , are different. six of them, in fact!

Where did this constituency come from?

The old Senedd map had 40 single-member constituencies, each returning one MS elected by first past the post , the same system used for Westminster elections in the General Election so whoever gets the most votes wins. Alongside those 40 constituency members, a further 20 were elected on a regional basis across five larger regions, using proportional representation. That combined arrangement was known as the Additional Member System (AMS).

Under the old system, 40 of the 60 Senedd seats were elected by first past the post from single-member constituencies, while the remaining 20 were attributed regionally on the basis of a second vote for a closed party list of candidates.

That system is now gone. The Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act 2024 replaced it, and from 7 May, Wales will elect its parliament differently.

The new map has 16 constituencies. Each one was formed by pairing two adjacent Westminster constituencies. The Act required those pairings to be contiguous , meaning each pair must share a border.

The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru held a badly publicised consultation, and the outcome was a county constituency was created from the Alyn and Deeside UK Parliamentary constituency and the Wrexham UK Parliamentary constituency.

On the name: the Commission designated the single name of Fflint Wrecsam, determining that it reflects the names of the local authorities within the new constituency and is likely to be recognisable to residents whose primary language is not Welsh.

The two constituencies that came before

Alyn and Deeside

Alyn and Deeside has existed as a Senedd constituency since 1999, covering the eastern strip of Flintshire , Connahs Quay, Buckley, Queensferry, Shotton, Flint and surrounding communities along the Dee estuary. The constituency has been held by Labour since its creation.

Election Winner Votes % Runner-up Votes Majority 1999 Tom Middlehurst (Labour) 9,772 51.4% Conservative 3,413 6,359 2003 Carl Sargeant (Labour) 7,036 46.7% Conservative 3,533 3,503 2007 Carl Sargeant (Labour) 8,196 38.9% Conservative 4,834 3,362 2011 Carl Sargeant (Labour) 11,978 52.6% Conservative 6,397 5,581 2016 Carl Sargeant (Labour) 9,922 45.7% Conservative 4,558 5,364 2018 (by-election) Jack Sargeant (Labour) 11,267 60.7% Conservative 4,722 6,545 2021 Jack Sargeant (Labour) 12,622 48.8% Conservative 8,244 4,378

Turnout in Alyn and Deeside in 2021 was 39.22% , 25,843 votes cast. In the 2016 Senedd election, Alyn and Deeside posted the lowest turnout figure in Wales.

Labours vote fell from its 2018 by-election high of 60.7% back to 48.8% in 2021, as the Conservatives recovered strongly , their share rising by almost 11 percentage points to 31.9%. Plaid Cymru took 7.3%, the lowest Plaid share of any constituency in Wales at that election.

Wrexham (Wrecsam)

The Wrexham Senedd constituency has also existed since 1999, covering Wrexham city and its surrounding wards, including Gwersyllt, Gresford, Rossett, Llay and Marchwiel.

Election Winner Votes % Runner-up Votes Majority 1999 John Marek (Labour) 9,239 53.1% Lib Dem 2,767 6,472 2003 John Marek (Independent) 6,539 37.7% Labour 5,566 973 2007 Lesley Griffiths (Labour) 5,633 28.8% Independent (Marek) 4,383 1,250 2011 Lesley Griffiths (Labour) 8,368 44.8% Conservative 5,031 3,337 2016 Lesley Griffiths (Labour) 7,552 37.1% Conservative 6,227 1,325 2021 Lesley Griffiths (Labour) 8,452 37.4% Conservative 7,102 1,352

In 2021, Plaid Cymrus Carrie Harper took 4,832 votes (21.4%) in Wrexham , a rise of 8.5 percentage points on 2016 , finishing third. The Labour majority of 1,352 was the narrowest since Lesley Griffiths reclaimed the seat in 2007. Turnout in Wrexham in 2021 was 42.5%.

What happened to the southern wards?

Not all of Wrexham County Borough falls within Fflint Wrecsam. A strip of communities to the south now falls within the new Gwynedd Maldwyn constituency, formed from the Dwyfor Meirionnydd and Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr UK Parliamentary constituencies. Residents in those affected communities should check which constituency they are registered in before polling day.

The new voting system

From 7 May, you cast one vote only , for a political party or an independent candidate. There is no second vote.

Each constituency elects six Members of the Senedd. Political parties will shortly submit a ranked list of up to eight candidates per constituency. Seats are then allocated in proportion to the votes each party receives, using a formula called DHondt.

The DHondt method works in rounds. In each round, every partys vote total is divided by the number of seats they have already won, plus one. The party with the highest figure in that round wins the next seat. After winning a seat, their total is divided by two for the next round; after two seats, by three , and so on, until all six seats are filled.

The list is closed because parties , not voters , decide the order of their candidates. If a party wins two seats, the top two names on their list are elected, in that order. You vote for the party; the party has already decided who goes first. You might hear people say X is number one on the list, and that is what they mean.

Candidate names and rankings will be available before polling day and will appear on the ballot paper itself.

Senedd Research, citing analysis by Wales Governance Centre academic Dr Jac Larner, has estimated that a party or independent candidate would likely need to secure around 12% of the vote in a constituency to win a seat. That is an academic estimate, not a legal threshold , there is no minimum vote share required by law.

Old system (pre-2026) New system (2026) Number of votes Two One How MSs are elected First past the post (constituency) + proportional (regional) Proportional (DHondt) throughout MSs per local area 1 constituency MS + share of 4 regional MSs 6 per constituency Total Senedd members 60 96 Party lists Regional only Constituency level

Why does this matter locally?

Under first past the post, Labour won both Wrexham and Alyn and Deeside at every election since 2007, despite strong showings from other parties , particularly from the Conservatives in Wrexham in 2016 and 2021, where Labours majority fell below 1,400 votes. Under FPTP, those votes for second and third place translated into no constituency representation at all.

Under the new system, a party winning roughly a sixth of the vote in Fflint Wrecsam can expect to win a seat. That means smaller parties have a genuine route to constituency representation that did not exist before. It also means a vote for any mainstream party is not wasted , it counts towards the seat allocation.

What the closed-list element means is that voters have less say over which individual represents them from any given party. The parties, not the voters, determine the order.

As we have also written about before, there is some opinion out there that the real power of a floating voter is over the final 6th place seat where margins could be in the tens or low hundreds of votes to decide who gets in.

Voting day, key facts

Polling day is Thursday, 7 May 2026. Polls open at 7am and close at 10pm.

You do not need to bring photo ID to vote in Senedd elections. That requirement applies to UK Parliamentary elections, not Welsh ones. You dont need to bring your voting card either.

To find your polling station, check your constituency, or apply for a proxy vote, visit electoralcommission.org.uk or gov.wales/register-vote.

Wrexham.coms 2026 Senedd election coverage continues ahead of polling day on 7 May.

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
A Gardnerville man faces charges after deputies say he threatened neighbors with a shotgun and later barricaded himself inside a home, on Monday.

Deputies say they responded to the Meadowlark Circle area around 2:30 p.m. for a report of a man threatening his neighbors. Deputies say the man, identified as 54-year-old Thomas Detwiler of Gardnerville, had entered a neighbors property armed with a shotgun and made threats.

When deputies arrived, they say Detwiler returned to his home, refused to comply with deputies' orders and barricaded himself inside the residence.

Deputies made numerous attempts to contact and communicate with Detwiler without success then DCSO SWAT and the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) responded and continued efforts to establish communication.

Deputies say a search warrant was obtained for Detwiler and his weapon.

SWAT members say they found Detwiler hiding inside a crawl space beneath the home.

Detwiler was arrested and booked into the Douglas County Jail on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon, intoxicated person in possession of a firearm, and resisting arrest.

His bail was set at $52,486.

ORIGINAL STORY:

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office was on the scene of a barricaded suspect in Gardnerville on Monday evening.

It happened in the area of Meadow Lark, according to a post on the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

It is currently unknown what led to the situation, if anyone was injured, or if anyone has been detained.

2 News Nevada has reached out to the DCSO for more information and will provide it as soon as it becomes available.
Wildfires are routinely some of the toughest stories 2 News Nevada covers.

On Monday, Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue (TMFR) offered wildfire training to local media professionals to prepare them for these challenging stories.

The training went over basic safety concerns, as well as terminology to ensure were reporting information as accurately as possible.

TMFR said it puts out information as quickly as possible during an active blaze, but taking action to fight the fire or handle the emergency comes first.

This is especially true with bigger, more challenging fires.

"During the Davis Fire, the initial hours [were] very, very difficult to get information because our focus is sizing up that fire and really addressing it tactically to fight it, said Adam Mayberry, Public Information Officer, TMFR.

TMFR also stressed the importance of wearing the proper equipment. That's why we're always wearing yellow jackets and green pants when we cover wildfires -- they're fire-resistant.

The agency also went over some terms you'll find in our wildfire coverage.

When 2 News Nevada gets containment percentages, that refers to how much of the fire is held up by control lines. A fire being 100% contained doesn't mean the fire's out; crews have just kept it from spreading.

But above all else, safety is the utmost concern, because we can't tell you what the fire's doing if we're about to be hit by it.

"The training really also is geared toward their safety, Mayberry said. I mean, we've had instances where our media partners have, in fact, been in harm's way. And so, this is an opportunity to ensure that they stay safe."

Mayberry said keeping your car ready-to-go is another important step.

As an example, during the Davis Fire, we had one particular photojournalist who was close to the fire and ran out of gas, he said, and we actually had to go out and put gasoline in that reporter's vehicle. Those are the kinds of things we want to avoid."

When choosing a reporting location, TMFR recommends selecting a spot away from the fire and staying ready to go at any moment. Thats why you would find one of our vehicles running on the scene.

Thanks to this training, the newest members of 2 News Nevada are better equipped to provide you with the latest wildfire information safely and accurately.
BAGHDAD (AP)  American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped from a Baghdad streetcorner last week, was released Tuesday, U.S. and Iraqi officials said.

The development came after the powerful Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah said in a statement that it had decided to free Kittleson, who was abducted on March 31. Its condition was that Kittleson must leave the country immediately upon her release.

Two officials within the militia, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly, told The Associated Press that in exchange for freeing Kittleson, several members of the group who had previously been detained by Iraqi authorities would be released.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Kittleson's release in a statement early Wednesday. He said on X, We are relieved that this American is now freed and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq.

Rubio thanked Iraqi authorities, as well as the FBI and U.S. Defense Department and other U.S. agencies for their work toward securing Kittlesons release.

A one-off release

According to one of two Iraqi officials who confirmed her release before the U.S. announcement, Kittleson was freed in the afternoon. The officials, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly, did not share her current whereabouts but said that prior to her release, Kittleson had been held in Baghdad.

In its statement, Kataib Hezbollah said its decision came in appreciation of the patriotic stances of the outgoing" Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, without giving more details.

It added that this initiative will not be repeated in the future.

In Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, Kittleson's mother told a reporter who knocked on her door Tuesday that FBI agents were at her home. A number of people could be seen sitting at Barb Kittlesons kitchen table.

Initially she said that her daughter had not yet been freed, but when a reporter returned later, she said she did not know if her daughter had been released or not. No update from the Kittleson family was immediately available after Rubio confirmed her release.

Caroline Clancy, a spokesperson for the FBIs Milwaukee field office, declined to comment.

Kataib Hezbollah had not previously acknowledged that it abducted Kittleson, although both U.S. and Iraqi officials had blamed the group.

A respected journalist in conflict zones

Kittleson, 49, had lived abroad for years before the kidnapping, using Rome as her base for a time and building a respected journalism career across the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Syria. Like many freelancers, she often worked on a shoestring budget and without the protections afforded by large news organizations to staff.

She had entered Iraq again shortly before her abduction. U.S. officials have said that they warned her multiple times of threats against her, but that she did not want to leave.

Iraqi officials have said that two cars were involved in the kidnapping, one of which crashed while being pursued near the town of al-Haswa in Babil province, southwest of Baghdad. The journalist was then transferred to a second car that fled the scene.

Three other Iraqi officials said earlier Tuesday that attempts to negotiate her release had run into obstacles. The two Iraqi security officials and one official from the pro-Iran Coordination Framework political bloc spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the sensitive case publicly.

A shadowy militia group

According to one of the security officials, a member of the Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of Iran-backed militias that is nominally under the control of the Iraqi military, had been tasked with communicating with the abductors to secure Kittlesons release but had run into difficulties in communicating with the Kataib Hezbollah leadership.

The primary challenge is that the leaders of the Kataib militia  specifically, the commanders of the battalions  are nowhere to be found. No one knows their whereabouts, and the process of establishing contact with them is extremely complex, the security officials said.

These leaders have gone underground, maintaining no active lines of communication, out of fear of being targeted, they added.

According to the officials, a message had been sent to the Kataib leadership to determine their demands in exchange for releasing Kittleson. Iraqi authorities were willing to release six Kataib Hezbollah members who are currently detained, most of them in connection with attacks on a U.S. base in Syria, they said.

Kataib Hezbollah has previously been accused of kidnapping foreigners.

Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton graduate student with Israeli and Russian citizenship, disappeared in Baghdad in 2023. After she was freed and handed over to U.S. authorities in September 2025, she said that she had been held by Kataib Hezbollah.

The group never officially claimed responsibility for kidnapping Tsurkov.

Iran-backed militias in Iraq have also launched regular attacks on U.S. facilities in the country since the beginning of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Associated Press writers Todd Richmond in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, Abby Sewell in Beirut and Matthew Lee and Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- How can neutral paint colors help sell a home? According to HelloNation, Elaine Pagels of Pagels Group at Berkshire Hathaway Chicago in Downers Grove, Illinois, advises that preparing a home for sale involves more than a quick cleaning and a few photos. The process requires a focus on presentation, strategic marketing, and timing in order to achieve the strongest results. Sellers who address these details before listing often enjoy better terms, such as aster sales and higher sales prices.

Elaine Pagels - Real Estate Broker - Pagels Group at Berkshire Hathaway Chicago Speed Speed

One of the most cost-effective steps is applying a fresh coat of paint. Luxury Real Estate Expert Elaine Pagels recommends using neutral shades such as warm white or a neutral that is currently popular to create an inviting atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of buyers. Even if walls appear in good condition, a refresh can brighten interiors, cover wear, and make it easier for buyers to picture their own furniture and style in the space.

Once walls are updated, staging plays a key role in presenting the home's potential. Staging is more than decoration. It involves arranging furniture, lighting, and accessories to highlight the property's best features. A small bedroom can be transformed into a cozy reading nook, while an unused space can be shown as a home office. This helps create flow from room to room and gives buyers a clear vision of how they could use the home.

Thoughtful staging combined with high-quality photography can dramatically increase buyer interest. Images taken by skilled photographers capture the home in its best light, while video tours and 3D walkthroughs give out-of-town buyers a realistic feel for the layout. In today's market, where many searches begin online, these visual tools often make the first impression. Poor-quality or cluttered visuals can cause even desirable properties to be overlooked.

After staging and photography, marketing reach becomes the next priority. Luxury Real Estate Expert Elaine Pagels notes that effective marketing blends digital and print and word-of-mouth approaches. Online listings, targeted advertising, and social media campaigns can connect with buyers locally, nationally, and internationally. Printed brochures, open houses, and personal networking with agents remain valuable when used alongside digital methods. A well-connected real estate broker will tailor these strategies to ensure maximum exposure.

Timing the listing can be just as important as presentation. In Downers Grove and the surrounding areas, market activity can vary by season. Some neighborhoods see higher buyer activity in spring and early summer, while others may experience competitive markets in the fall. Aligning a listing with peak buying times can increase interest and lead to multiple offers.

Cleanliness and maintenance are essential before the first showing. Luxury Real Estate Expert Elaine Pagels recommends deep cleaning carpets, polishing hardwood floors, and paying close attention to kitchens and bathrooms. Exterior upkeep also matters. Curb appeal sets the tone for the entire viewing experience, so fresh landscaping, trimmed hedges, and a well-kept lawn can make the home appear more welcoming from the street.

Small updates can also make a big impact without significant expense. Make sure all light bulbs are working, deep clean everything, including mechanicals, and finish any lingering projects, such as reinstalling woodwork after stripping paint. These improvements signal to buyers that the home has been well cared for and is ready for move-in. Luxury Real Estate Expert Elaine Pagels cautions against over-renovating just before selling, as large projects may not always deliver a strong return on investment, depending on the market

Before going live, creating a neutral and inviting environment helps buyers imagine themselves living in the space. Removing personal items such as family photographs and keeping decor understated can make a difference. Subtle additions like fresh flowers, pleasant scents, and soft background music can make the home feel warm and welcoming.

Buyer feedback from showings is an important tool for making quick adjustments. If several potential buyers raise the same concern, such as a dark room or outdated feature, addressing it promptly through an update or a price adjustment can improve the home's appeal. An experienced real estate broker can interpret this feedback and recommend practical changes to keep interest high.

Pricing strategy is another crucial factor. Setting the price slightly below market value can generate more attention and potentially create a competitive bidding environment. Pricing too high can cause a home to linger without offers. ElainePagels stresses the importance of working with a knowledgeable agent to analyze comparable properties and establish a price that balances market conditions with the seller's goals.

Throughout the selling process, clear and consistent communication between the seller and agent ensures that marketing, showings, and pricing strategies remain effective. Regular updates help sellers stay informed about buyer interest and market shifts, allowing for timely adjustments when needed.

Luxury Real Estate Expert Elaine Pagels emphasizes that by combining thoughtful preparation, professional presentation, and targeted marketing, sellers can maximize their home's visibility and achieve the best possible outcome. More insight can be found in Essential Steps When Selling Your Home  Prep for Maximum Exposure on HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation
CHARLESTON, S.C., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Many retirees believe Medicare enrollment is straightforward, but the process comes with rules that can be costly to overlook. That is the focus of a HelloNation article featuring Caroline Edwards of the Senior Savings Network in Charleston, South Carolina. The article highlights common Medicare enrollment mistakes and provides guidance for avoiding long-term financial and coverage issues.

Caroline Edwards - Principal - Senior Savings Network Speed Speed

Medicare Expert Caroline Edwards explains in the article that one of the most frequent missteps is assuming all Medicare plans are essentially the same. The feature breaks down the differences between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap plans. Each option has its own rules for provider networks, costs, and coverage flexibility. Treating them as interchangeable can result in plans that do not meet individual healthcare needs.

The article also emphasizes the importance of understanding Medicare enrollment periods. Missing the Initial Enrollment Period or delaying enrollment in Part B or Part D without creditable coverage may lead to permanent late enrollment penalties. These added costs often remain for life and can have a lasting effect on retirement budgets.

Another common mistake discussed is selecting a Medicare plan based only on its monthly premium. Medicare Expert Caroline Edwards notes that low premiums can hide higher costs elsewhere. These often show up as co-pays, deductibles, or coinsurance during actual care. The article encourages readers to look beyond the monthly cost and focus on what the plan will charge during a full year of medical use.

Many people fail to review their plans each year. The article reminds readers that Medicare plans can change annually. That includes changes to provider networks, drug formularies, premiums, and coverage benefits. Caroline Edwards explains that ignoring Annual Enrollment Period notices can result in higher out-of-pocket costs or lost access to needed providers, even when personal health conditions have not changed.

Prescription drug coverage is another area where people often make costly mistakes. Some skip Part D coverage because they do not currently take many medications. Others assume all plans cover the same drugs. The article clarifies that each plan has its own formulary, and delays in signing up for drug coverage may trigger permanent penalties. Medicare Expert Caroline Edwards urges enrollees to compare plans carefully and avoid waiting until prescriptions are needed.

Provider access is another overlooked issue. Not all doctors and hospitals accept every Medicare Advantage plan. If someone enrolls without confirming provider participation, they may face unexpected bills or be forced to change doctors later. The article advises checking provider networks before making any enrollment decisions.

Medigap plans are also subject to specific timing rules. Edwards explains that these plans offer guaranteed issue rights only during limited windows. After those windows close, applicants may face medical underwriting or denial. For people with pre-existing conditions, this can reduce choices and raise premiums, making it harder to secure reliable long-term coverage.

Travel habits should also factor into Medicare decisions. Many Medicare Advantage plans limit routine care outside their service areas. Retirees who spend time in different states may struggle to get non-emergency care while away from home. Medicare also does not generally cover people outside of the United States, even in emergencies. Caroline Edwards recommends reviewing both domestic and international travel plans before selecting a Medicare Advantage plan.

The article also warns against relying on outdated advice. Medicare rules and plans change frequently. A decision that worked well years ago may no longer provide the same protection today. Edwards encourages enrollees to seek updated information each year and base their decisions on current plan details.

Lastly, rushing through Medicare enrollment is a mistake in itself. Medicare decisions often affect coverage for a full year or longer. Medicare Expert Caroline Edwards advises individuals to take their time, compare options, and understand how each plan works. Preparation helps prevent unnecessary costs, penalties, or disruptions in care.

The HelloNation article also notes that some Medicare enrollees choose to add low-cost supplemental policies to address specific gaps in coverage. These may include cancer plans, home care coverage, or hospital indemnity policies. Caroline Edwards explains that these add-ons can help reduce financial risk and provide greater peace of mind during retirement.

Common Medicare Enrollment Mistakes to Avoid features insights from Caroline Edwards, Medicare Expert of Charleston, South Carolina, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation
Lil Nas X avoids prison as felony battery charges move toward dismissal. He enters a mental health diversion program, linked to bipolar disorder diagnosis.

AceShowbiz - Lil Nas X left a Los Angeles courtroom on Monday with his felony battery charges moving toward dismissal after being granted entry into a mental health diversion program by a judge.

The Grammy-winning artist was facing up to five years in prison following allegations that he assaulted three police officers during an arrest in August 2025. Under this new arrangement, the charges against Lil Nas X will be dropped if he complies with treatment requirements and obeys the law for the next two years.

Judge Alan Schneider remarked in court that Lil Nas X, whose legal name is Montero Hill, "appears to be doing very well" and emphasized that with proper treatment, both the individual and society benefit greatly.

Lil Nas X's defense team, led by attorney Christy OConnor, demonstrated that the August incident was out of character for Hill and directly linked to his bipolar disorder diagnosis. The judge agreed, calling the event an aberration from his usual behavior.

OConnor revealed that Hill voluntarily admitted himself to The Meadows treatment center in Arizona immediately after his arrest. He completed nearly two months of intensive inpatient care, which she described as "absolutely successful."

Currently, Lil Nas X maintains a strict mental health routine involving weekly therapy sessions and quarterly appointments with his psychiatrist. The court also imposed conditions that prohibit him from possessing weapons or making threats of violence during the diversion program.

Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, Hill expressed gratitude and a grounded outlook, saying he was "thankful" and "just going through the flow of life." When asked about his ongoing care, he responded, "I'm here, baby."

Deputy District Attorney Jodi Taksar added a note of encouragement as the hearing concluded, telling Hill, "Hopefully, I'll never see you again, except on a stage."

The court has scheduled a progress report hearing for July 29, although Lil Nas X will not be required to attend in person.

The origins of these legal challenges trace back to August 21, 2025, when Hill was found walking through traffic on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City at approximately 5:40 a.m., dressed only in his underwear and white cowboy boots. Police intervened and claimed that Hill assaulted three officers during his arrest, resulting in injuries to all three.

After being taken to a hospital for a possible overdose evaluation, Hill was charged with four felonies: three counts of battery with injury on a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Since the incident, Hill has been documenting his mental health journey and recovery efforts. In an Instagram video following his arrest, he described the experience as "terrifying," reassuring fans, "your girl is gonna be OK, y'all."

Lil Nas X's father, Robert Stafford, has previously shared that his son was under tremendous pressure both as a creative artist and as the financial supporter of multiple family members, factors that may have contributed to the events leading up to the arrest.

With this mental health diversion program in place, Lil Nas X now has the opportunity to focus on his treatment while avoiding the significant prison time he once faced. If he successfully fulfills the programs requirements, his felony charges will be dismissed, allowing him to continue his career and personal growth without the burden of these legal issues.
Olivia Munn reveals how Alec Baldwin cost her a role on '30 Rock' and the emotional audition fallout in a new interview.

AceShowbiz - Olivia Munn recently shared details about a missed opportunity to star on the NBC comedy series 30 Rock, explaining how Alec Baldwin influenced the decision to remove her from a key role. The actress opened up in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published on April 3, describing the emotional rollercoaster she experienced during the audition process.

Olivia Munn recalled feeling confident as she prepared for the audition, marking it as one of the first times she dressed specifically for a role. She said, "I just had this confidence like, 'They'll come find me.' I kept working on it until I got into the room." After booking the part, Munn worked hard to maintain a positive mindset, protecting her mental well-being by avoiding envy or competition with other women auditioning.

However, despite initially securing the job, Munn revealed the role was suddenly in jeopardy. She claims that two days after getting the offer, producers communicated that Baldwin felt she looked too young to portray his love interest. The situation fluctuated over the next few days, alternating between confirmation and doubt. Eventually, the decision was finalized with Baldwin reportedly "putting his foot down," preventing her from continuing in the role.

The character in question was Avery Jessup, a financial reporter connected romantically to Baldwin's character, Jack Donaghy. The role ultimately went to actress Elizabeth Banks, who became well-known for the part on the 2006 series.

Olivia Munn reflected on the experience with a sense of perspective, explaining she was not devastated but rather proud of how far she had come. She said, "I ended up not getting the job because of something I couldn't control. On my ability and my acting, I got it. It gave me so much confidence."

Despite the disappointment, Munn emphasized that her story is not shared to garner sympathy. Instead, she views the situation as validation from industry heavyweights like Tina Fey, Robert Carlock, and NBC casting director Grace Wu, who believed she was talented enough to be offered the role. This recognition was what truly bolstered her confidence, regardless of the final outcome.

The article notes that Us Weekly reached out to Baldwins representatives for comment but did not report any immediate response.

Since that turning point in 2010, Olivia Munn has gone on to secure other significant roles, including playing news anchor Sloan Sabbith in the acclaimed series The Newsroom. She currently stars in Apple TVs hit show Your Friends and Neighbors.

Munn also shared insights about her evolving career focus. While she has considered stepping back from acting to pursue producing and investing, the excitement of her current projects keeps her engaged on screen. She explained, "I'm excited to work on this project. And I'd be excited if there was another thing that came around that excited me, but I'm not looking for the next thing. I don't want back into the hamster wheel of trying to find another project."

In addition to discussing this significant career moment, the article references other aspects of Olivia Munn's professional experiences, including her hesitance about filming sex scenes in Your Friends & Neighbors due to personal scars, and her collaboration with co-star Jon Hamm.

The story also briefly touches on Alec Baldwins public controversies over the years, including arrests and highly publicized incidents. It notes Baldwins history of headline-making behavior but does not link these events directly to the 30 Rock casting situation.

Ultimately, Olivia Munns account of the 30 Rock audition reveals the challenges actors can face behind the scenes, especially when decisions are influenced by factors beyond their control. Her story serves as a reminder of resilience and the importance of confidence in an unpredictable industry.
Daredevil: Born Again returns to street-level heroism. Jessica Jones is back with a shocking twist: she now has a daughter. See the Defenders reunite in the ...

AceShowbiz - The introduction of Daredevil: Born Again into the Marvel Cinematic Universe has revitalized the franchise in several meaningful ways. The series notably shifts the focus back to street-level heroism that originally defined the source comics, providing a grounded perspective amid the sprawling superhero narratives. Additionally, it brings back beloved characters from the Netflix era of the Defenders, including Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock and Jon Bernthal as The Punisher. The upcoming second season of the series promises to emphasize these elements even further.

Last year, it was officially announced that actress Krysten Ritter would reprise her role as the tough, super-powered detective Jessica Jones in Daredevil: Born Again Season 2. Fans have eagerly anticipated her return, and a recent trailer for the remaining episodes revealed a major development: Jessica Jones now has a daughter. This surprising news has sparked considerable excitement among Marvel enthusiasts due to the new storytelling possibilities it introduces into the MCU.

The mention of Jessica Jones having a daughter immediately brings to mind the name Danielle Cage for many Marvel fans. However, the trailer does not specify the daughters identity nor show her, leaving open speculation that this could be a new character created for the MCU. Despite this ambiguity, it is highly unlikely Marvel would introduce a completely new character here, as that could alienate longtime fans familiar with the comics. The overwhelming assumption is that this daughter is indeed Danielle Cage, especially considering recent set photos from Daredevil: Born Again Season 3 have confirmed the return of Mike Colter as Luke Cage.

With Jessica Jones confirmed to have a daughter and Luke Cage's return on the horizon, fans are eager to discover what transpired between the conclusion of the characters Netflix shows and their current MCU status. Throughout all three seasons of her own show, and her appearances in other series, Ritters Jessica Jones was never shown as pregnant, nor was this storyline ever addressed. This suggests that this significant event occurred off-screen, but it remains a key plot point fans are keen to explore, especially since it is a major storyline in the Marvel comics.

The potential introduction of Danielle Cage in the MCU could offer a unique opportunity to expand beyond the source material. In Marvels comics, Danielle Cage has remained a toddler or young child for years due to the nature of comic book canon, which often keeps characters in a state of arrested development. Alternate universe storylines have depicted her as an adult, with roles such as the latest Captain America or even Thor. This means the MCU version of Danielle could age naturally on screen, allowing for fresh narratives and character development that the comics have not yet explored.

This development adds an intriguing layer to the MCUs evolving landscape, demonstrating Marvels willingness to adapt and expand its characters stories in new directions. The return of Jessica Jones with a daughter also raises questions about how her relationship with Luke Cage will be portrayed and what impact this will have on the broader MCU narrative.

Meanwhile, Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 continues to build on the momentum generated by its first season, reminding audiences of what made the Netflix era so compelling. The series returning villain serves as a powerful reminder of the stakes the characters face and the emotional depth that defines their stories.

As fans prepare for the upcoming episodes, the confirmation of Jessica Jones daughter is a major talking point that signifies exciting new directions for the character and the MCU overall. With Krysten Ritter, Charlie Cox, Jon Bernthal, and Mike Colter reprising their iconic roles, the future of street-level Marvel heroes looks promising and full of potential.
Gucci Mane faces prison backlash amid rumors tied to Pooh Shiesty's federal case. Inmates turn on the Atlanta rap icon as speculation swirls.

AceShowbiz - Gucci Mane has become the center of fresh rumors circulating within Atlanta prisons following the legal troubles of former 1017 artist Pooh Shiesty.

Known for his consistent rise, Gucci Mane now faces allegations that have cast him in a negative light inside the prison system. Sources claim inmates are discarding his posters, reflecting a shift in how he is perceived behind bars.

This development comes amid the ongoing federal case against Pooh Shiesty, who is charged with serious crimes including an alleged robbery and kidnapping. The incident reportedly involves Gucci Mane as the victim, a detail that has sparked intense speculation in prison circles.

Although Radric DavisGucci Manes real namehas appeared in reports related to the case, there is no public confirmation about his level of cooperation or involvement with authorities, leaving many questions unanswered.

Adding fuel to the rumor mill, videos have emerged showing individuals inside the prison environment throwing away Gucci Mane posters. Whether this reaction is widespread or limited to a small group remains unclear, but it signals a possible decline in his standing within that community.

Gucci Mane played a significant role in boosting Pooh Shiestys career through his 1017 label, marking one of the most productive phases of his post-prison journey. The irony is palpable as fans who once wore Free Pooh Shiesty hoodies might now prefer a message like Flee Pooh Shiesty.

Their once-promising mentor-mentee dynamic now appears fractured, with Pooh Shiesty facing a potentially long incarceration after just recently being released. Meanwhile, Gucci Mane remains silent on the situation, focusing instead on his business and family.

This evolving story highlights the complex intersections of loyalty, reputation, and survival in both the streets and prison systems, as Gucci Mane navigates these challenging circumstances without public comment.
Ye's Wireless Festival headline act sparks controversy as major sponsors Pepsi & Diageo pull support over his history of hate speech.

AceShowbiz - The upcoming three-night headline performance by Kanye West, now known as Ye, at the July Wireless Festival in London is increasingly controversial. Recently, two additional sponsors have decided to pull their support from the event amid backlash over Yes history of hate speech.

Pepsi, which had maintained a sponsorship relationship with the Wireless Festival for over a decade, announced on Sunday that it would be ending its co-branding partnership. This major withdrawal set the tone for others to follow.

Later on the same day, Diageo, the parent company behind popular alcohol brands such as Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan, also declared it would no longer sponsor the festival. Although Diageos statement did not mention Ye by name, their decision came shortly after the booking of Ye was publicly condemned by the U.K.s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.

In addition to these, Rockstar has also pulled back from sponsoring the Wireless Festival. Another notable development is that PayPal has decided not to allow its branding to be associated with the event.

This series of sponsor withdrawals highlights the growing tension surrounding Yes headline slot and the broader public and political backlash against his controversial comments. The festival organizers now face challenges in maintaining sponsor support as the event approaches.

As the Wireless Festival plans to proceed with Yes performances in July, the situation continues to evolve, raising questions about the impact on the festivals reputation and financial backing moving forward.
Drake's appeal in the Kendrick Lamar lawsuit called "dangerous" by legal experts. They argue he consented to the lyrical feud, blocking his defamation claim.

AceShowbiz - Legal experts have strongly criticized Drakes attempt to revive his dismissed lawsuit concerning Kendrick Lamars track Not Like Us, calling the legal action dangerous and emphasizing that Drake had effectively consented to the lyrical feud.

Currently, Drake is appealing an October 2023 ruling that threw out his defamation case. The lawsuit accused Universal Music Group (UMG) of damaging his reputation by promoting Lamars Grammy-winning diss track, which labeled him a certified pedophile.

However, according to a brief submitted on April 3 by law professors from Yale University, the case should remain dismissed. The scholars argue that Drake willingly engaged in the public battle of diss tracks and even provoked Lamar to rap about him likin young girls. This amounted to consent, which traditionally blocks intentional tort claims like defamation in such contexts.

Suppose a self-assured boxer challenges the world champion to a prize fight, is knocked out on live television, and, with bruised ego and body, files a lawsuit for battery, the Yale professors wrote. That lawsuit would fail at the outset for a simple but important reason: the challenger consented to the fight, and consent is a classic defense to an intentional tort.

The professors contend that by consenting to the rhetorical battle and making his own aggressive claims about Lamar, Drake forfeited his right to sue after losing the public dispute. Lamar won in the court of public opinion, they stated. Having lost in that forum, Drake turned to another.

The track Not Like Us was released by Kendrick Lamar in May 2024 amid a heated exchange of diss songs between the two UMG artists. The song, which called Drake a certified pedophile, became a major hit, topping charts and earning five Grammy Awards, including Record and Song of the Year.

In January 2024, Drake shocked the music industry by suing UMG over the track, alleging that his own label had defamed him by promoting a malicious narrative of pedophilia it knew was false. Notably, the lawsuit did not name Kendrick Lamar as a defendant.

The case was dismissed just 10 months after filing by Judge Jeannette Vargas. The judge ruled that diss tracks commonly use figurative and hyperbolic language, and that listeners would not interpret Lamars insults as literal facts.

As Drake appeals the dismissal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, additional voices from academia have entered the debate. Alongside the Yale professors, a separate group of scholars specializing in the use of rap lyrics in criminal trials filed a brief urging rejection of the appeal.

These experts highlighted the risks of treating rap lyrics as literal statements in court, warning that such an approach could perpetuate racial biases and stereotypes. Drakes defamation claim rests on the assumption that every word of Not Like Us should be taken literally, as a factual representation, they wrote. This assumption is not just faulty  it is dangerous.

The signatories included University of Richmond professor Erik Nielson, who authored a book on rap lyrics in criminal cases; UC Irvine professors Charis E. Kubrin and Jack I. Lerner, known for their empirical research on raps role in trials; and other prominent academics with extensive study of this issue.

They emphasized that diss tracks are a long-standing feature of rap culture, understood by audiences as competitive displays of skill and dominance rather than factual claims. These compositions rely on hyperbole, clever wordplay, and bluster to build allegiance and assert superiority, rather than to convey truth.

Both Drake and UMG have submitted their own legal briefs for the ongoing appeal. The case is expected to be argued before the appeals court in the coming months, with a decision anticipated within the next year. Attempts to obtain comment from Drakes legal team on the recent amicus briefs were unsuccessful as of Friday.

This legal battle highlights the complex intersection of artistic expression, public disputes between rappers, and the boundaries of defamation law. It also raises broader concerns about how courts treat creative works, especially within genres like rap that are steeped in metaphor and competitive bravado.

As the appeal process unfolds, observers across the music and legal industries will be watching closely to see how the courts balance freedom of expression with claims of reputational harm, and what precedents might be set for future cases involving lyrical content.

With Kendrick Lamars Not Like Us already cemented as a cultural milestone through its critical acclaim and commercial success, the outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for artists and labels navigating similar conflicts in the future.
A tense neo-noir thriller inspired by true events. Jude Law stars as an FBI agent hunting a domestic terrorist group behind audacious heists. Now a hit on Pr...

AceShowbiz - The Order is emerging as a standout crime thriller on Prime Video, captivating audiences worldwide despite a modest theatrical debut. Released less than two years ago, this 120-minute film directed by Justin Kurzel tells a tense, neo-noir story inspired by true events, featuring an impressive cast led by Jude Law.

The film centers on FBI agent Terry Husk, portrayed by Jude Law, who investigates a series of audacious bank heists that have left law enforcement baffled. As the violence intensifies, Husk becomes convinced these are not ordinary robberies driven by greed but rather acts orchestrated by a domestic terrorist group. This compelling premise sets the stage for a thrilling narrative that has drawn comparisons to the style of classic crime dramas like Heat.

Alongside Jude Law, Nicholas Hoult and Tye Sheridan contribute strong performances, enhancing the films dark and stylish atmosphere. Justin Kurzel, known for his work on Snowtown, directs with a sharp focus on building suspense and maintaining a disturbing energy that reviewers found effective and unsettling.

Despite receiving enthusiastic critical acclaimboasting a near-perfect 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoesthe films theatrical run was brief and financially underwhelming. Over an average span of just 2.3 weeks in theaters, The Order earned only $2.2 million. This limited exposure prevented the film from achieving immediate widespread recognition.

However, the story did not end there. More than a year later, The Order has gained significant traction on streaming platforms, particularly on Prime Video, where it currently ranks among the top ten most-watched movies globally. This streaming success demonstrates the films growing popularity and the shifting dynamics of how audiences discover and engage with new cinematic releases.

Colliders Ross Bonaime praised The Order with an 8/10 score, highlighting Kurzel's "more straightforward approach" in delivering a Mann-esque thriller that keeps viewers on edge. Bonaime also noted the directors ability to sustain the unsettling tone that characterizes his previous work, calling the film a solid crime drama that sometimes hits too close to home, but thats what makes it so terrifying.

Prime Videos recent slate has included other notable films such as Sound of Metal, American Fiction starring Jeffrey Wright, and One Night in Miami. While some releases like Jason Momoa and Dave Bautistas The Wrecking Crew have seen massive success, The Order stands out as an underrated gem whose impact is growing steadily through streaming.

For viewers interested in crime dramas with a strong narrative and compelling performances, The Order offers an intense experience that combines real-life inspiration with stylish filmmaking. As it continues to climb streaming charts, it remains a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Witness history unfold in real time. A documentary captures young Russian journalists in Moscow as a pivotal moment erupts around them. Now on Mubi.

AceShowbiz - When My Undesirable Friends director Julia Loktev traveled to Russia, she did not anticipate capturing one of the most pivotal moments in recent history. Yet, as she explains, the making of this documentary was unique because history unfolded right as the cameras rolled.

This is a film where history happened as we were filming, which rarely happens, Loktev told TheWrap. Most documentaries focus on events that have already passed, and filmmakers try to piece together a past story. But in this case, I went to film a situation that was unfolding rapidly. There was no delay between planning and executionit was Shoot now. Keep shooting. Get it.

Now streaming on Mubi, My Undesirable Friends: Part I - Last Air in Moscow follows a group of young Russian journalists, primarily women, living in Moscow during late 2021 and early 2022. These reporters, including Anna Nemzer, a longtime friend and co-director with Loktev, Sonya Groysman, and Irina Dolinina, are branded by their government as foreign agents and undesirable. Despite this, they strive to document the alarming surge of fascism in Russia, unaware that a full-scale war with Ukraine is imminent.

The documentary spans nearly 330 minutesjust the first installment of a two-part seriesand chronicles the final days of these reporters and activists in their homeland. It provides an intimate look at their resistance and despair as the country undergoes a drastic transformation.

In one poignant moment, a journalist reflects, For 20 years, a monster was growing in front of our eyes whom we all fed with our silence and our passivity. For Loktev, who was born in Russia but raised in the U.S., the story resonates with disturbing similarities to developments in America during Donald Trumps second presidential term.

Our guy grew a little faster, Loktev remarked of Trump. He was a little faster on the take.

My Undesirable Friends: Part I - Last Air in Moscow is a result of an intense and urgent filmmaking process. When Loktev and Nemzer began their project, the full extent of what would come to Russia and the world was still unclear. They sensed the growing hostility as journalists were labeled undesirable merely for reporting truth amid escalating repression.

I jumped on a plane as soon as I got a Russian tourist visa and just started filming, Loktev recounted. I thought the film would be about journalists facing a crackdown. Instead, I captured a historic moment that led to millions fleeing Russiaa massive exodus of people who might have contributed to a better society. They fled into exile after Russia launched a criminal full-scale war in Ukraine.

The film, which premiered at the New York Film Festival in September 2024 and released on Mubi over a year later, is Loktevs first feature since 2011s The Loneliest Planet. Clocking in at nearly five and a half hours, it represents the first half of a planned two-part documentary series.

I guess Im making up for lost time, Loktev said with a laugh. She explained that after struggling with writers block and a fiction film project interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, this documentary emerged from a complex creative journey. Parts of the aborted fiction film intersected with the protest movements in Russia, eventually segueing into the making of this documentary.

The journalists featured in My Undesirable Friends work for TV Rain, a news outlet declared undesirable and labeled a foreign agent by the Kremlin. This branding forces them to prepend all their reports with disclaimers warning viewers of their statusdisclaimers the reporters themselves call The f-kery.

Most are incredibly young, Loktev observed. What do you do when youre 23 or 26, and the state declares you an enemy of the people, a foreign agent? Naturally, you resistyou might even make a Foreign Agent T-shirt as a form of protest.

Yet, there is a painful reality beneath the defiance. Being publicly shamed in society is harsh and isolating. Much of the film captures how these journalists use dark humor, joy, and community as tools of resistance. What else can you do? Loktev asked. You cant let them get you completely.

As the Russian government escalates its discrediting campaigns and intensifies the war in Ukraine, Nemzerwho balances her roles as a journalist, wife, and motherand her colleagues confront a country sliding deeper into authoritarianism.

Its important they love this place and are fighting for it, even though its sliding into authoritarianism, Loktev said. Theyre trying to make it better. At what point do you give up on your country?

That question lies at the heart of the film: What does it feel like to be a decent person living under a bad government and trying to do your best to improve things?

My Undesirable Friends: Part I - Last Air in Moscow has been described in many ways: a horror, a thriller, even a hangout film. Loktev acknowledged with a laugh, Yeah, its a hangout film about authoritarianism.

Despite its daunting length, Loktev insisted the documentary is the most unmeditative five and a half hours of your life. It is designed not just to inform, but to immerse viewers in the lived experience of people fighting through tragedy.

Its about life. Its about living through something, she explained. We all know what happened: Russia became increasingly fascist and started a war in Ukraine. You dont need me to tell you that. You can read the news. You can get it in 15 minutes. But what you get from this film is the feeling of what it was like to live under this government, to live your life every day.

Interestingly, Loktev noted the films themes have become more relatable to Americans under Trumps second term. She referenced a Truth Social post a friend shared, where Trump boasted about reshaping the media landscape. Initially, she thought it was a joke.

Its crazy, Loktev said. When I started this film, Russia felt like a faraway place with strange things happening to nice people. But this film keeps transforming based on world events.

At the time of our conversation, the U.S. had just launched a major military strike on Iran, making the global political climate even more tense. To Loktev, whose film depicts the early days of the Russia-Ukraine war in its later chapters, these developments made the parallels all the more obvious.

I comforted myself thinking, Chapters 4 and 5, where you see the full-scale war, are specifically about Russia invading Ukraine, she said. Then in recent weeks, its become clear what it feels like to live under these circumstances in other countries, including ours.

I dont think were horrified enough yet, Loktev added. The film is a reminder of the human cost and the daily emotional toll of living through a government that represses its people.

My Undesirable Friends offers an unprecedented, raw, and intimate portrayal of journalists courage and resilience during one of Russias darkest moments. It challenges viewers to confront the difficult questions about loyalty, resistance, and the price of truth in an authoritarian state.
Zendaya hints that Euphoria Season 3 will likely be the final season. Get the star's direct quotes and what this means for the HBO series.

AceShowbiz - Euphoria star Zendaya has shed light on whether the upcoming third season will mark the conclusion of the acclaimed HBO series. With the show set to return after a four-year hiatus, fans have been eager to learn if season 3 will serve as the final chapter for the teen drama.

During an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Zendaya was asked directly if season 3 would be the last installment of Euphoria. Her response indicated a strong likelihood: "I think so, yeah." When the question was repeated for clarity, Zendaya affirmed again, "Yes, I think so." This exchange suggests that the actress is mostly confident the series will wrap up after the upcoming season.

While HBO has yet to officially confirm that season 3 will be the finale, Zendaya further reassured fans by stating, "That closure is coming." This implies that the forthcoming episodes are being crafted with a sense of finality and resolution in mind.

As the narrative progresses, the characters of Euphoria will be portrayed navigating adulthood while still grappling with the legacies of their youth. This shift to exploring their post-high school lives is a significant thematic turn for the series, which originally focused on the turbulent experiences of teenagers.

The anticipation surrounding season 3 has been building for some time. Production endured considerable delays, including disruptions from the 2023 Hollywood strikes, which affected actors and writers amid negotiations on pay and artificial intelligence regulations. Additionally, series creator Sam Levinson's involvement in the controversial, critically panned series The Idol contributed to the complex production timeline.

Filming for Euphoria season 3 commenced in February 2025 and concluded in November 2025, marking a lengthy and challenging process for the cast and crew. The renewed season promises to expand on previous storylines, featuring characters like Zendaya's Rue, who continues her struggle to maintain sobriety, and Sydney Sweeneys Cassie, who embarks on a new venture by launching an OnlyFans page to supplement her income.

Season 3 also arrives as many of the shows young cast members, including Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney, have risen to greater prominence with high-profile film roles. Zendaya has starred in major productions such as the Spider-Man franchise alongside Tom Holland, while Sydney Sweeney has appeared in films like The Housemaid and Anyone But You, highlighting their expanding careers beyond the series.

Fans and critics alike have noted that the series themes and character arcs are evolving to reflect the characters transition into adulthood, which naturally suggests a narrative closure may be approaching. Although the official status of Euphoria beyond season 3 remains unconfirmed by HBO, the indications from Zendaya point toward an ending.
Conway The Machine's onstage gesture sparks rumors of a rift in Griselda Records. Is the family bond between him, Westside Gunn & Benny The Butcher changing?

AceShowbiz - The recent actions of Conway The Machine during a live performance have stirred widespread speculation among fans about the future of the Griselda Records collective. What seemed like a small gesture onstage has ignited conversations about whether the dynamic among the groups key members is shifting in a significant way.

Griselda Records has long been recognized not just for its music but also for the deep-rooted bonds among its core artists, including Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher, and Westside Gunn. Their connection goes beyond business, grounded in family tiesConway and Westside Gunn are brothers, and Benny is their cousin. This familial relationship has given fans confidence that challenges would be temporary and that the groups unity would endure.

However, during a recent show at a small, intimate venue, something unexpected happened. As Conway The Machine prepared to perform, he noticed a photo onstage featuring him alongside his fellow Griselda members. After a brief pause, Conway picked up the photo, moved it to the back of the stage, and ultimately threw it aside before continuing his set. The brief clip capturing this moment has spread quickly across social media, leaving many to interpret it as a symbolic gesture.

This incident has led fans and observers to wonder if the close-knit bond within Griselda is fracturing. Over recent times, collaborations and joint appearances among Conway, Benny, and Westside Gunn have notably decreased. Instead, each artist appears to be focusing more on solo projects and personal brand development.

Part of this tension may stem from the natural evolution of their careers. Each member has expanded beyond the Griselda umbrella in distinct ways. Westside Gunn has concentrated on growing the Griselda brand itself, including ventures in fashion and art curation. Meanwhile, Conway The Machine launched his own label, Drumwork Music Group, and Benny The Butcher has been developing his Black Soprano Family (BSF) imprint. These separate endeavors represent individual ambitions that may complicate the collectives previously unified front.

Moreover, the structure of Griselda Records is often seen as being primarily under Westside Gunns leadership. While Conway and Benny were instrumental in establishing the movement, Westside Gunn is viewed as the architect and owner of the brand. This dynamic introduces potential complexities around ownership, equity, and control as the artists mature and their business interests diverge.

This situation is reminiscent of other iconic hip-hop groups that experienced similar growing pains. For instance, the Wu-Tang Clan faced internal challenges as members pursued solo ventures, leading to a shift away from their original unity. The Hit Squad from the late 1980s and early 1990s also fractured under similar pressures, at times escalating beyond business disagreements. History shows that when money and creative control come into play, even the strongest bonds can be tested.

Another factor to consider is that Conway The Machine has proven himself as a formidable solo artist. Over the years, he has built a respected catalog, gained critical acclaim, and cultivated a loyal international fan base. His ability to independently tour and release projects means he is less reliant on the Griselda collective for success. From a business perspective, this independence alters the dynamics within the group significantly.

Despite these changes, many fans still long for the collective spirit that Griselda once embodiedthe sense of family, authenticity, and representing Buffalos gritty reality. The group symbolized a throwback to an era of hip-hop crews moving as tight-knit units, a representation of loyalty and realness that resonated deeply in the culture.

Currently, neither Westside Gunn nor Benny The Butcher have publicly addressed the viral video, and Conway The Machine himself has not provided an explanation for his actions onstage. Without official statements, the situation remains speculative, leaving fans to interpret the moment based on the context and their own hopes for the groups future.

The viral clip may simply be a fleeting moment in the ongoing evolution of Griselda. It could reflect three successful artists growing in different directions while still respecting their roots. Alternatively, it might mark the beginning of the quiet dissolution of one of modern hip-hops most respected movements.

Whatever the truth, the impact of Griselda Records extends beyond just the music. It represents a movement built on family, resilience, and culture. Many hope that despite recent signs of division, the collective spirit will endure, continuing to influence hip-hop in meaningful ways.

As this story develops, fans are encouraged to share their thoughts and remain attentive to future updates from the artists involved. The trajectory of Griselda Records will undoubtedly remain a subject of great interest and significance within the hip-hop community.
Columbus, Ohio faces a joint lawsuit filed to restore the Christopher Columbus statue removed in 2020 by Mayor Andrew Ginther during civil unrest.

COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Italian American organizations have filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Columbus, seeking the reinstallation of the Christopher Columbus statue removed from City Hall grounds in 2020 and placed in storage, all without a public or City Council vote.

Cast by renowned Italian sculptor Edoardo Alfieri in Genoa, Italy, the 20-foot bronze statue was unveiled in 1955 in Columbus, Ohio, before 100,000 people. The statue was uprooted from City Hall in 2020 by Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther amid civil unrest and placed into storage. (Photo credit: Ryan McGinnis)

The 28-page suit was filed by attorney George Bochetto on behalf of several plaintiffs, including the Friends of Christopher Columbus Foundation (FOCCF)  a Columbus, Ohio-based nonprofit  and the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO), a nationwide Italian American advocacy coalition.

The lawsuit argues the statue's removal was unlawful, discriminatory and in breach of binding agreements  all carried out without proper authority, due process or required historic protections.

"Six years ago, in a rushed and inconsistent response to unrest, city leaders removed the Columbus statue but not the name of the city itself," said COPOMIAO President Basil Russo. "Columbus Day emerged in the aftermath of the 1891 New Orleans lynching, when 11 Italian immigrants were killed by a mob of thousands, an event that prompted a national effort to promote the acceptance of Italian Americans. That legacy continues to shape the meaning and importance of these monuments today."

Read about the historical origins of Columbus Day here.

Cast by renowned Italian sculptor Edoardo Alfieri in Genoa, Italy, the 20-foot bronze statue was unveiled in 1955 before 100,000 people. Its dedication marked the beginning of a formal sister-city relationship between Genoa and Columbus, Ohio, rooted in cultural and commercial exchange.

COPOMIAO's Pro-Columbus Legal Momentum

COPOMIAO won back-to-back unanimous rulings in Pennsylvania's Commonwealth Court, blocking the removal of Pittsburgh's Columbus statue in 2024 and restoring Columbus Day as a citywide holiday in Philadelphia in 2025.

As part of its ongoing bipartisan advocacy efforts, COPOMIAO worked with the Trump Administration this past March to install Baltimore's toppled Columbus statue on White House grounds  a collaboration that made international headlines.

"Public monuments cannot be removed at the unilateral discretion of elected officials, without process, authority or regard for binding agreements. Courts exist to check that kind of overreach," said Bochetto.

ABOUT COPOMIAO

COPOMIAO, founded in NYC, is a national coalition of 74 cultural, educational, fraternal and anti-defamation groups. Contact us.

SOURCE The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations
Timothy Busfield's attorney calls child actors' parents criminals, revealing their fraud and theft records. More from Melissa Gilbert's interview on ABC.

AceShowbiz - The legal representative for Timothy Busfield has delivered a strong response regarding the parents of the child actors involved in the sexual abuse allegations tied to the Emmy-winning actor.

Larry Stein, Busfields attorney, spoke out following an interview with Melissa Gilbert, Busfields well-known spouse, on Good Morning America with George Stephanopoulos. Stein expressed appreciation for George Stephanopoulos taking the time to clarify significant details in the ongoing case.

In the interview, Stein described the parents of the child actors as criminals, highlighting their troubling legal histories. According to Stein, one parent served more than three years in prison and lost their law license after defrauding approximately 1,500 people out of $6,000,000. The other parent has a record involving writing bad checks and vehicle theft.

The statements come as more of Melissa Gilberts interview is set to air on ABCs Nightline, providing further insight into the case surrounding the controversy. The legal team hopes this additional coverage will shed light on the parents backgrounds amidst the serious accusations.

This development adds to the complexity of the allegations against the child actors parents and the impact on [strong]Timothy Busfield[/strong], who has been publicly addressing the matter through his legal counsel and family.
Explore Supergirl's cosmic journey & face Krem, a ruthless new villain, in this fresh DCU adaptation inspired by Tom King's acclaimed comic series.

AceShowbiz - Supergirl starring Milly Alcock brings the iconic character Kara Zor-El into the DC Universe with a fresh, comic-accurate approach. Inspired by Tom King and Bilquis Evelys acclaimed 2021 eight-issue series, this adaptation explores Karas cosmic journey as she confronts deep space threats while grappling with the trauma of being one of Kryptons last survivors.

One of the central antagonists introduced is Krem of the Yellow Hills, portrayed by Matthias Schoenaerts. This villain emerges as a dangerous pirate and assassin whose presence in the DCU trailer has fans eager to learn more. In the comics, Krem is infamous for his ruthless actions against Supergirl and her loyal companion, Krypto.

Krem of the Yellow Hills is a mysterious and merciless foe. Little is known about his true origins, and even his name might be an alias. What sets him apart is his cold, self-serving nature with no sense of honor or morality. His cold-blooded tactics include shooting Supergirl and Krypto with a bow and arrow while they were on a planet under a red sun, which nullified their powers, allowing him to inflict serious harm.

As detailed in the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comics, Krem once stole Karas spaceship in an act of intimidation and fled his homeworld. He forged an alliance with a notorious faction called Barbonds Brigandsa band of space pirates known for spreading chaos and profiteering from violence. Together, they committed acts of genocide and developed advanced weaponry aimed at countering Supergirls powers.

Despite lacking superhuman abilities, Krem compensates with exceptional intelligence and cunning. His ability to manipulate exotic technology and weapons makes him a formidable threat, especially since he is willing to cross every moral line to achieve his goals. His involvement in horrific galactic atrocities adds a chilling layer to his villainy, making him a complex and compelling adversary for Kara.

The Barbonds Brigands remain somewhat enigmatic, but their shared ruthless nature aligns them closely with Krem. Their presence complicates matters for both Supergirl and another DCU character, Jason Momoas Lobo. Interestingly, the alliance between a Czarnian bounty hunter and a Kryptonian heroine hints at a dynamic partnership, especially since Lobo does not share the Brigands weaknesses, including an immunity to Kryptonite-related dangers.

Belgian actor Matthias Schoenaerts fits the role of Krem perfectly, bringing a sinister depth to the character. Known for his work in The Old Guard and other action-packed films like Red Sparrow and Django, Schoenaerts has the experience to portray a villain who combines intelligence with brutal pragmatism. The upcoming Supergirl trailer also hints that Karas mission will be urgent and intense, as she races against time to save Krypto from a poison, adding more stakes to her confrontation with Krem.

The introduction of Krem and the Barbonds Brigands expands the DCUs rogue gallery for Supergirl, providing new layers of conflict beyond the traditional superpowered battles. This new direction promises to explore darker themes such as survival, morality, and vengeance set against a backdrop of cosmic warfare and personal loss.

Fans can expect the DCUs rendition of Supergirl to delve into these complex narratives, drawing from the rich source material crafted by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. The blend of space-faring adventures, personal trauma, and high-stakes villainy marks a fresh and exciting chapter for Kara Zor-El, making her journey both thrilling and emotionally resonant.

With the casting of Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem and the looming presence of the Barbonds Brigands, the DCU is setting the stage for a Supergirl story that challenges her limits in new and unexpected ways. The combination of grounded villainy, cosmic scale threats, and emotional depth is poised to captivate audiences as the series unfolds.

What are your thoughts on the new villains facing Supergirl in the DCU? Join the conversation and share your opinions on the evolving storylines and characters. The arrival of Krem and his merciless crew promises to test Kara Zor-El like never before, pushing her to prove why she is truly the Girl of Steel.
Acclaimed director Shinya Tsukamoto's new drama. A Vietnam veteran's true story of war, peace, and redemption. Premiering in Japan this September.

AceShowbiz - Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People? is the latest film from acclaimed Japanese director Shinya Tsukamoto, known for his groundbreaking work in body horror with Tetsuo: The Iron Man. This new drama, his first primarily English-language feature, is based on the true story of an African American Vietnam War veteran who later became a peace activist deeply connected to Japan. The film is slated for release in Japanese cinemas in September, with a possible premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

Tsukamoto wrote, directed, shot, and edited the film, marking a notable shift in his career. The production was shot across multiple countries, including the United States, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan. Broadway performer Rodney Hicks, who appeared in the original and closing casts of Rent, takes on the lead role of Allen Nelson. Veteran actor Geoffrey Rush, an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony winner, plays Dr. Daniels, a Veterans Affairs doctor who helps Nelson during a personal crisis. Tatyana Ali, known from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, portrays Nelsons wife Linda, while newcomer Mark Merphy appears as the younger Nelson in flashbacks.

The film tells the story of Allen Nelson, who grew up in New York and enlisted in the Marine Corps at 18 to escape poverty and discrimination. After training at Camp Hansen in Okinawa, he was deployed to Vietnam in 1966, where he took part in raids targeting suspected Viet Cong villagers, including men, women, and children. Severely traumatized by his experiences, Nelson struggled with homelessness upon returning to the U.S. before receiving treatment through the Veterans Affairs system.

Following his recovery, Nelson dedicated his life to anti-war activism, returning to Okinawa in 1996 and delivering over 1,200 lectures at schools and community centers across Japan. He passed away in 2009 and is buried in Japan, underscoring his lasting connection to the country.

Shinya Tsukamoto sees Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People? as the conclusion of an informal trilogy exploring 20th-century war experiences. His earlier works include Fires on the Plain (2014), an adaptation of Shohei Ookas novel about a Japanese soldier in the Philippines during World War II, which competed at Venices main competition. His 2023 film Shadow of Fire, set in postwar Japans black markets, premiered in Venices Orizzonti section and won the NETPAC Award. While those films focused on the Japanese wartime experience, Mr. Nelson shifts attention to the American side and the emotional wounds of those who fought.

The project took seven years to develop, originating from Tsukamotos research for Fires on the Plain. He describes the nonfiction book that inspired the film as the most terrifying work of nonfiction I encountered, praising Nelsons candid recounting of his wartime actions and their aftermath. The story, according to Tsukamoto, is especially relevant today amid ongoing global conflicts.

Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People? is produced and distributed in Japan by the Kinoshita Group and its distribution label Kino Films. The announcement of the films release was timed to coincide with National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29, highlighting its significance as a story about war, trauma, and reconciliation.
Discover the new time-travel comedy "Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice" that beat the odds, ranking as a top streaming hit on Hulu and Disney+ alongside Zootopia 2 ...

AceShowbiz - This past weekend, streaming audiences on Disney+ and Hulu were greeted with a diverse lineup of popular content, including the long-dominant Zootopia 2 and the nostalgic Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special. While these two titles held the top spots on Disneys streaming platforms, a fresh and original film quietly made a significant impact by climbing into the top three streaming hits on Hulu.

The film in question is Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice, a genre-blending time-travel comedy that debuted simultaneously on Hulu and Disney+. Written and directed by BenDavid Grabinski, this new movie is neither a sequel nor a remake. What also draws attention to the film is its star-studded cast, including former X-Men actor James Marsden.

According to the streaming analytics site FlixPatrol, Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice ranked as the third most popular film on Hulu and Disney+ over the weekend, trailing only behind Zootopia 2 and the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special. The film earned a global score of 419 on FlixPatrol, which averages its rankings from various countries. While it ranked as low as #10 in Mexico, it reached the #1 spot in Canada.

Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice offers a unique blend of comedy, gangster drama, and science fiction through its time-travel narrative.

In the movie, James Marsden stars as Mike, a mafia hitman entangled in an affair with Alice, played by Eiza Gonzalez. Alice is married to Nick, portrayed by Vince Vaughn, who is a powerful figure within the crime family. The plot thickens with the unexpected arrival of a future version of Nick, also played by Vince Vaughn.

This dual-role performance by Vince Vaughn is a highlight of the film. Beyond the leads, the supporting cast is rounded out by notable actors such as Keith David, Jimmy Tatro, Ben Schwartz, and Stephen Root.

The title Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice is notable for containing the most ampersands in a movie title since the 1969 classic Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. This quirky title fits well with the films offbeat and genre-crossing approach.

Unlike some recent big-budget sci-fi movies such as Project Hail Mary, Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice offers audiences the convenience of enjoying a high-concept, star-driven film from home on popular streaming platforms.

For movie fans seeking an original narrative that challenges traditional genre boundaries, Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice is a welcome addition to the streaming catalog.

In summary, Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice has made an impressive debut on Hulu and Disney+, ranking among the top three streamed titles over the weekend. Its inventive mix of comedy, gangster elements, and time travel, paired with a strong cast, offers audiences an original viewing experience.
Netflix opens its first tech hub outside the US in Warsaw, Poland. Co-CEO Greg Peters inaugurates the site, a strategic base for CEE growth in gaming, produc...

AceShowbiz - Greg Peters, Co-CEO of Netflix, has visited Poland this week to inaugurate the company's new office in Warsaw. This facility marks Netflix's only technology hub located outside of the United States, signaling the company's strategic investment in the region.

The Warsaw hub brings together 300 employees, combining the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) creative team with experts in design, product management, marketing, communications, and finance. Netflix has announced plans to expand this site further in the coming years, with a particular emphasis on infrastructure, gaming, and production technology.

Greg Peters visit to Warsaw highlights the importance of Poland as one of Netflixs key European markets. Since launching in Poland in 2016, the streamer has recognized the countrys value as a gateway to the broader CEE region, which boasts a population close to 40 million and a strong talent pool.

By 2019, Netflix had extended its reach to other countries within Central and Eastern Europe. The Warsaw office officially opened in 2022, and this year the dedicated technology hub was established, underscoring the company's commitment to innovation and local growth.

With this new hub, Netflix aims to enhance its creative and technical capabilities in one of Europes most dynamic regions, supporting ongoing expansion and new initiatives across multiple disciplines.
Lil Tjay arrested at same casino where Offset was shot. His attorney denies any involvement in the shooting incident. Details on the altercation and police i...

AceShowbiz - Lil Tjay was arrested for disorderly conduct at the same casino where rapper Offset was shot, but his attorney insists he had no part in the shooting incident.

On April 7, 2026, the Seminole Police Department confirmed that Lil Tjay, whose real name is Tione Merritt, was taken into custody following an altercation outside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The incident occurred on the night of April 6 in a valet area of the casino.

According to a police statement, the situation began as a fight. Merritt was booked into the Broward County Jail later that evening. Authorities also detained a second individual at the scene, but that person has not been charged. The investigation remains active as police continue to seek other individuals involved. The victim of the shooting was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.

Following Lil Tjay's arrest, his lawyer, Dawn Florio, issued a statement to clarify his clients status. She emphasized that Lil Tjay was neither shot nor charged with any shooting-related offense. The statement read, "Lil Tjay has not been shot, nor has Lil Tjay been charged with any shooting. Any reporting to the contrary is false."

Offset, meanwhile, was confirmed to have been shot outside the same casino on the night of April 6. Video footage captured by a bystander shows police restraining a man believed to be Offset, while officers manage the scene and hold back others nearby.

A representative for Offset released a statement to XXL confirming the rappers condition. They stated, "We can confirm Offset was shot and is currently at the hospital receiving medical care. He is stable and being closely monitored."

The police continue to investigate the shooting and disorderly conduct incident, with multiple men detained during the chaotic scene. The investigation aims to identify all parties involved in the altercation that led to the shooting outside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Remembering Steven Sunshine, writer & producer for hit shows like Webster and The New Odd Couple. He passed away at 81.

AceShowbiz - Steven Sunshine, the accomplished writer and producer who contributed to popular TV series such as Webster and The New Odd Couple, has passed away at the age of 81.

Sunshine died on March 15 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, following a battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, according to a family spokesperson.

Throughout his career, Sunshine collaborated closely with his wife, Madeline Sunshine, co-writing and producing for the ABC sitcom Webster from 1983 to 1986, a series that starred Emmanuel Lewis, Alex Karras, and Susan Clark. The couple also wrote for the 1983 sitcom The New Odd Couple, featuring Ron Glass and Demond Wilson.

In addition to his television work, Sunshine co-wrote the script for the 1983 Blake Edwards film Son of the Pink Panther, which starred Roberto Benigni as the illegitimate son of Inspector Clouseau.

He and his wife later developed the 1992 ABC sitcom Julie, starring Julie Andrews as a TV personality who marries a veterinarian, played by James Farentino, and relocates to Iowa. The show was canceled after only six episodes.

Earlier, in 1989, the Sunshines developed the CBS sitcom The People Next Door, which starred Jeffrey Jones as a cartoonist. Co-created with Wes Craven, the series lasted just five episodes.

Born in the Bronx on March 9, 1945, Sunshine graduated from the University at Buffalo before pursuing his career in Hollywood.

Besides his writing and producing achievements, Sunshine spent 18 years as a senior producer and "star whisperer" on the syndicated TV newsmagazine Extra. During his tenure, he secured interviews with prominent figures such as Alec Baldwin, Al Pacino, President Barack Obama, and First Lady Michelle Obama. The show paid tribute to him following his passing.

He and Madeline, a novelist, childrens author, and playwright, were married for 56 years. Together, they created Serrano the Musical, a theatrical production directed by Joel Zwick that blended elements from Cyrano de Bergerac and The Sopranos.

Sunshine also co-directed the 2012 documentary Committed with Howie Mandel and Reed Grinsell. The film focused on writer-performer Vic Cohen.

Additionally, he was a founding member of the Creative Coalition, an organization aimed at providing Hollywood figures with accurate political information to support their roles as media sources and public speakers.
Judge overturns murder conviction of Karl Jordan Jr. in 2002 killing of Jam Master Jay, citing a flaw in the prosecution's motive.

AceShowbiz - A federal judge has overturned the murder conviction of Karl Jordan Jr. in the 2002 killing of Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay, allowing him to be released on a $1 million bond.

Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall made the ruling on Monday, citing a flaw in the prosecution's case that failed to prove a key element required for the conviction. Despite multiple witnesses identifying Karl Jordan Jr. as the shooter, the judge found that prosecutors did not sufficiently establish the motive behind the murder.

The original case hinged on the claim that the killing was drug-related, with prosecutors arguing that Jordan and co-defendant Ronald Washington sought retaliation after being cheated in a Baltimore drug deal months earlier. However, Judge Hall ruled that the government never adequately demonstrated this motive, an essential factor for the federal murder charge.

Though Jordan is a confirmed drug dealer, the judge emphasized that this alone did not prove the motive necessary for conviction. This decision comes nearly four years after his arrest and following over five years of detention in a Brooklyn federal facility.

During the hearing, the judge granted release on a $1 million bond, which was supported by seventeen of Jordan's family members and friends who pledged several homes as collateral. Judge Hall stressed the seriousness of the arrangement, warning that she would allow prosecutors to seize these assets if Jordan tried to flee.

"Y'all know I do not play," the judge said from the bench, underlining the importance of trust in the bond process. She further explained to Jordan that bond is fundamentally about personal integrity, telling him, "At the end of the day, bond is about you giving me your word." Jordan acknowledged his understanding, and the judge responded, "For me, my word is my bond." to which he replied, "Likewise."

Brooklyn federal prosecutors have until Friday to decide whether to appeal Judge Hall's bond decision to the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals. If they choose to appeal, the appellate court could overturn the release order and keep Jordan in custody.

If released, Jordan would be subject to location monitoring. Meanwhile, his co-defendant, Ronald Washington, still has his conviction intact and is awaiting sentencing related to the same murder case.

In addition to the Jam Master Jay case, Jordan faces unrelated drug charges, indicating ongoing legal challenges beyond the murder conviction.

The case had remained unsolved for nearly two decades until federal authorities announced arrests in 2020, reigniting public attention on one of the unsolved murders in rap history.
Ye denied entry to UK over antisemitic remarks, leading to full cancellation of Wireless Festival. Home Office withdraws travel authorization.

AceShowbiz - Ye has been denied entry to the United Kingdom amid controversy over his past antisemitic remarks, leading to the cancellation of his scheduled headline performance at Wireless Festival. The British Home Office withdrew Ye's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), effectively barring him from entering the country, a decision confirmed by the BBC.

Following this development, Wireless Festival announced the cancellation of the entire event. In an official statement, the festival organizers said, "The Home Office has withdrawn YE's ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom." They added, "As a result, Wireless Festival is cancelled and refunds will be issued to all ticket holders." The statement also noted that multiple stakeholders were consulted before booking Ye, and no issues were flagged at that time.

Earlier on the day of the announcement, Ye expressed a willingness to engage with Jewish leaders in the U.K. He told the BBC, "I've been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly. My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music." He also stated that he "would be grateful" to meet with Jewish community representatives.

Wireless Festival condemned antisemitism, emphasizing its harmful impact. Their statement read, "Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had." The festival reiterated Ye's acknowledgment that "words alone are not enough," and highlighted his hope to open a dialogue with the Jewish community despite the cancellation.

The controversy surrounding Ye's booking intensified after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly criticized the decision to include the rapper. Speaking to The Sun, Starmer said, "It is deeply concerning Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism."

Jewish advocacy groups in the U.K. welcomed the government's action. A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism told the BBC, "The government has clearly made the right decision here. For once, when it said that antisemitism has no place in the UK, it backed up its words with action." They also referenced Ye's past controversies, including profiting from swastika-themed merchandise and releasing a song titled "Heil Hitler" just months prior, stating he would not contribute positively to public welfare in the U.K.

This series of events marks a significant response by U.K. authorities and public institutions to Ye's previous statements and actions.
Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham's alleged stalker faces multiple felonies, including assault with a deadly weapon and stalking charges.

AceShowbiz - Lindsey Buckinghams alleged stalker has been formally charged with multiple felonies following an incident in which the former Fleetwood Mac guitarist was attacked with an unknown substance.

Michelle Dick, 54, faces seven criminal charges including making criminal threats, assault with a deadly weapon involving a motor vehicle related to an incident on March 19, and felony vandalism, according to court documents obtained by Rolling Stone.

Additional charges against Dick include another felony count for making a criminal threat against Buckingham on March 25, as well as a misdemeanor battery charge for using force during the same incident, the report states.

Moreover, Dick has been charged with stalking both Buckingham, 76, and another individual identified as Stephanie N. A Los Angeles County judge has issued a warrant for her arrest, setting bail at $300,000.

Attempts to reach Buckinghams representatives for comment have been made but no statements have been released so far.

The attack allegedly took place on March 25 in Santa Monica, California, when Dick reportedly followed Buckingham to a building for an appointment and threw an unknown substance at him before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, Buckingham was not injured.

According to court records, the stalking behavior by Dick began in late 2021 and continued until the day of the attack in 2026. Prior to this, Buckingham sought and was granted a restraining order against Dick in December 2024.

In the petition, Buckingham described the harassment as frightening and expressed concern that it could escalate into physical danger for himself and his family. He detailed that Dick had called him repeatedly, leaving lengthy voicemails claiming she was his child and threatening harm to him and his family.

Complicating matters, in November 2024, Dick allegedly made a false 9-1-1 call claiming Buckinghams son, William, 27, was suicidal and that gunshots were heard inside their home. This resulted in nearly a dozen officers arriving at the residence. Buckingham reported being handcuffed and forced outside his home during the police search, which left him shaken.

The restraining order issued by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Scully mandates that Dick must stay at least 100 yards away from Buckingham, his wife, his son, their homes, and vehicles for a period of five years. She is also prohibited from contacting or harassing the family in any way.

Despite the legal actions taken, Dick gave an interview to KTLA last week in which she claimed that Buckingham is her birth father. She admitted to visiting his home once the previous year but did not elaborate further.

The case remains ongoing as authorities pursue the charges stemming from the recent attack and the prolonged stalking behavior. The high bail amount reflects the seriousness with which the court is treating the alleged offenses.

Lindsey Buckingham, known for his role as the guitarist of Fleetwood Mac, continues to deal with the distress caused by this prolonged harassment, taking legal steps to ensure his and his familys safety.
New Leadership Role Supports Continued Growth and Operational Scale

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Latitude, a globally ranked flexible legal staffing company that provides law firms and corporate legal departments with former in-house and Big Law attorneys for sophisticated contract and permanent legal roles, announced today the promotion of Joan Blackwell to Vice President of Strategic Initiatives.

Joan Blackwell, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Latitude

A former General Counsel and Chief of Staff for the Indiana Attorney General's Office, Big Law attorney at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, and longtime adjunct professor at Indiana University, Blackwell brings a broad legal and leadership background to the role. She steps into this newly created position after contributing across talent and operations at Latitude, supporting the company's continued growth.

As Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Blackwell will lead efforts across the organization, including leadership development, strategic hiring, and enhanced onboarding and training programs, while helping scale the systems that support Latitude's expanding business.

"I've had the opportunity to work across different parts of Latitude over the past few years, and that perspective has been incredibly valuable," said Blackwell. "I'm excited to step into this role and continue supporting our teams as we grow, building the structures and processes that help us scale while staying true to what makes Latitude unique."

Blackwell joined Latitude in 2021 as a Director of Legal Recruiting and Placement in the Indianapolis office, partnering with attorneys and clients to provide flexible talent solutions. In 2025, she joined the company's corporate talent team as Director of Talent Strategy and Operations, where she supported recruiting teams across all offices and helped strengthen internal processes and collaboration.

"Joan has a unique ability to connect strategy with execution," said Ross Booher, CEO and co-founder of Latitude. "As a former GC, Big Law attorney, and Latitude recruiting director, she understands the high expectations of both our clients and attorneys firsthand and brings extensive operational and leadership experience. As we continue to grow, Joan will play a key role in scaling our infrastructure, building on our strong foundation, and leading strategic initiatives that support our teams and the continued expansion of our business."

Before joining Latitude, Joan served as General Counsel, Ethics Officer, and Chief of Staff for the Indiana Attorney General's Office, where she advised senior leadership on complex legal and policy matters. Earlier in her career, she was an attorney with Barnes & Thornburg LLP in the Finance, Insolvency, and Restructuring Department, focusing on commercial bankruptcy and related litigation. She also served as a staff attorney to the Honorable Frank J. Otte of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana and began her legal career as an associate at Kroger, Gardis & Regas, LLP.

In addition to her professional work, Blackwell has spent more than a decade as an adjunct professor at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, where she teaches secured transactions.

About Latitude

Latitude is a full-service flexible legal talent company serving corporate legal departments and law firms. We specialize in providing proven former in-house counsel and Big Law attorneys for flexible contract engagements and permanent positions that require experience, emotional intelligence, and judgment in dozens of practice areas, including commercial contracting, data privacy, M&A, employment, litigation, and more.

From Fortune Global 100 companies to start-ups and Global 50 law firms to boutiques, clients turn to us for top-tier attorneys and other legal professionals.

We directly employ legal talent from coast to coast and have thousands of individuals in our network. Outstanding attorneys are attracted to Latitude by the sophisticated work, great clients, competitive pay, and benefits along with a refreshing combination of flexibility and boundaries.

Founded in 2013, Latitude is a Chambers and Partners globally ranked flexible legal staffing company.

Media Contact:

Kayla Nesler

[email protected]

SOURCE Latitude
Taylor Swift faces a trademark lawsuit from a Las Vegas performer over her album "The Life of a Showgirl." Learn about the legal battle and merchandise dispute.

AceShowbiz - Taylor Swift is currently embroiled in a trademark dispute over her merchandise tied to her album titled The Life of a Showgirl. A Las Vegas performer, Maren Flagg, who holds a federally registered trademark for "Confessions of a Showgirl," has filed a lawsuit against Swift, alleging trademark infringement and asking a federal court to halt the sale of related merchandise while the case is ongoing.

The lawsuit, initiated on March 30, stems from Flaggs extensive use of the "Confessions of a Showgirl" brand since 2014, which began as a column in Las Vegas Weekly and expanded into a live show, touring production, book, and podcast. Flagg claims that her trademark rights are being overshadowed by Swifts album and related products, which use a confusingly similar name.

In a motion for a preliminary injunction filed on Tuesday, Flaggs legal team requested the court to prevent Swift from selling any merchandisesuch as drink tumblers, hairbrushes, candles, and garment tagsthat features the album title The Life of a Showgirl. Flagg argues that these products are misleading consumers and encroaching on her established trademark territory.

Flaggs complaint highlights that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) previously rejected Swifts trademark application for "The Life of a Showgirl," citing its similarity to Flaggs registered mark. Despite this, Swift reportedly continued to market merchandise under the contested name without making any changes.

The filing emphasizes the confusion that has resulted from this situation. Flagg points out that eight out of ten Google searches for her exact registered trademark now redirect users to Swifts album instead. Similarly, YouTube searches for the phrase return nine consecutive results related to Swift before any mention of Flagg, despite Flaggs senior rights. This phenomenon is described in the filing as "textbook reverse confusion," where a junior users commercial success displaces the senior users brand in the publics mind.

Maren Flagg is portrayed as a sole proprietor who has invested over a decade building her brand, without the advantage of a corporate marketing machine or extensive resources. The lawsuit contrasts this with Swifts vast global influence, highlighting the imbalance in commercial power and the impact it has on Flaggs ability to compete for consumer recognition.

Flaggs filing details how swiftly Taylor Swift and her team capitalized on the albums success, expanding the merchandise line to include a variety of products and even launching collaborations with major national brands. They also filed a broad trademark application covering fourteen international classes, ranging from disposable napkins to ponchosall without consulting Flagg or seeking her permission.

As of now, Swifts representatives have not responded to requests for comment about the lawsuit. The court has scheduled a hearing on the preliminary injunction motion for May 27 in federal court in Los Angeles.

Flaggs lawyer, Jaymie Parkkinen, told Rolling Stone, "Maren spent more than a decade building Confessions of a Showgirl. She registered it. She earned it. When Taylor Swifts team applied to register The Life of a Showgirl, the Trademark Office refused, finding Swifts mark confusingly similar. Parkkinen added, "We have great respect for Swifts talent and success, but trademark law exists to ensure that creators at all levels can protect what theyve built. Thats what this case is about."

The dispute underscores the challenges that trademark holders face when a larger, more commercially powerful entity releases a product with a similar name. It also raises questions about how intellectual property laws apply in the context of celebrity branding and merchandising.

Taylor Swift will continue to sell and promote her album and merchandise while the legal process unfolds. The outcome of the hearing in May could determine whether her product sales under The Life of a Showgirl name will be temporarily halted pending further court decisions.
Dharmendra Pradhan Accuses TMC of Misusing Central Funds, Claims Bengal Education 'Ruined' 2

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal of diverting central funds meant for education towards party activities, claiming that the states education system has been severely damaged.

Speaking to the media in Kolkata after offering prayers at Kalighat temple along with BJP candidate Swapan Dasgupta, Pradhan alleged that funds allocated for schemes such as mid-day meals, textbooks, and school uniforms were misused.

The central government provided funds for mid-day meals, books and dresses, but the money was diverted towards party activities. Education in Bengal has been destroyed, he said.

Pradhan further claimed that West Bengals rich academic legacy, shaped by icons like Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore, has deteriorated due to decades of misrule, referring to both the Left Fronts long tenure and the current TMC government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The ruling TMC strongly rejected the allegations, calling them baseless, and countered by accusing the Centre of withholding nearly 2 lakh crore in dues meant for welfare schemes in the state.

The Union minister also raised concerns about the teacher recruitment process, alleging that it has either stalled or been affected by corruption.

Expressing confidence in the BJPs prospects in the upcoming Assembly elections, Pradhan said his partys campaign is focused on ensuring a fear-free Bengal, with emphasis on job creation and womens safety.

On voter roll revisions, he questioned the inclusion of alleged infiltrators, asking whose votes should determine the states future.

West Bengal will go to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
SCs 9-Judge Bench Begins Hearing on Womens Entry in Religious Places, Sabarimala in Focus 2

A nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Tuesday began hearing petitions related to alleged discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple, while also examining the broader scope of religious freedom under the Constitution.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and comprising eight other judges, is dealing with key constitutional questions arising from the Sabarimala case and similar issues across religions.

Ahead of the hearing, the Centre submitted its written arguments, urging the court to uphold restrictions on the entry of women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple. It argued that the matter falls within the domain of religious faith and denominational autonomy, and is beyond the scope of judicial intervention.

The case traces back to the Supreme Courts 2018 verdict, where a five-judge bench, by a 4:1 majority, had lifted the ban on the entry of women aged between 10 and 50 at the shrine, declaring the practice unconstitutional. However, in 2019, another Constitution bench referred the matter to a larger bench, noting that similar issues arise across multiple religions and require a comprehensive examination.

The present bench is also considering related questions, including the entry of Muslim women into mosques and dargahs, and the rights of Parsi women married to non-Parsi men to access religious places.

The court is expected to deliberate on several key constitutional issues, including the scope of the right to freedom of religion under Article 25, the relationship between individual rights and the rights of religious denominations under Article 26, and whether such rights are subject to other fundamental rights.

It will also examine the meaning of morality within constitutional provisions, the extent of judicial review in religious matters, and whether individuals outside a religious group can challenge its practices through public interest litigation.

The hearing, which began on April 7, is expected to continue until April 22. The outcome is likely to have far-reaching implications for balancing religious practices with gender equality and constitutional rights in India.
By Wang Wenzheng

China's newly revised Foreign Trade Law officially came into effect on March 1, 2026. The legislation aims to strengthen legal safeguards as China accelerates its transformation into a trader of quality. The revision reflects China's specific conditions while aligning with international rules and practices.



The revision aims to advance high-standard opening up, promote high-quality development of foreign trade, maintain foreign trade order, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign trade dealers.



China currently ranks first in global trade in goods and second in global trade in services, with new business forms such as cross-border e-commerce and digital trade developing rapidly. At the same time, the domestic and international environment for China's foreign trade has undergone profound changes.



An official from the Legislative Affairs Commission of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee emphasized the critical importance of expanding high-standard open up and building China into a trader of quality for advancing Chinese modernization. "The rule of law and opening up are intrinsically linked," the official stated. "Progress in opening-up must be matched by corresponding advancements in the rule of law concerning foreign-related matters."



The official highlighted that the revision incorporates reform achievements into the legal framework, optimizes the foreign trade environment, and enhances China's legal mechanisms for addressing trade challenges.



A key highlight of the revision is the clarifying China's foreign trade direction. The revised law adds provisions to advance China's efforts to become a trader of quality and safeguard a fair and just international economic and trade order. It also encourages the development of international trade in services across multiple modes.



More specifically, the revised law sets out provisions on proactively aligning with high-standard international economic and trade rules, actively participating in the formulation of such rules, upholding the multilateral trading system, and safeguarding a fair and just international economic and trade order. It mandates the establishment of a trade policy compliance mechanism aligned with internationally accepted rules.



It integrates reform measures into the legal framework, including the implementation of a negative-list management system for cross-border trade in services, and support for the construction of trade promotion platforms and international transport corridors, the development of new business forms and modes of foreign trade, the digital transformation of trade, and the promotion of digital and green trade.



These changes, responding to new developments and changes in the foreign trade landscape, has drawn widespread attention from foreign trade practitioners, particularly provisions on trade promotion platforms and international transport corridors.



In the Langfang Airport Economic Zone of Beijing Daxing International Airport in north China's Hebei province, the Global Cross-border E-commerce (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei) "Three Centers" integrate an ecosystem hub, a transaction services center, and a digital supply chain center, providing comprehensive support and services for cross-border e-commerce worldwide.



Major platforms like Amazon and Shopee have already joined, fostering an ecosystem focused on platform enablement, business incubation, talent development, and industrial cluster coordination. Such platforms are expected to play a growing role in China's trade.



As a key node in China's international transport corridor network, this port has strengthened its sea-rail intermodal transport capabilities. Services now cover 67 prefecture-level cities nationwide. The port continues to expand its global network, connecting with over 600 ports worldwide, and ranks second globally on the port connectivity index.



In northwest China's Gansu province, cargo volume at the Gansu (Wuwei) International Land Port surged 100 percent year on year in the first month of this year, driven by accelerating construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan international transport corridor.



The revised law calls for diversified and resilient international transport corridors, which will provide lasting support for the high-quality development of foreign trade.



As Chinese companies deepen their involvement in global trade, foreign-related intellectual property (IP) disputes have become an increasingly pressing concern. The revised law clarifies that China will strengthen IP protection related to foreign trade, build and improve a platform for early warning of international risks regarding IP rights and for providing assistance in defending rights, and enhance the IP compliance standards and risk-management capabilities of foreign trade operators.



Data from the China National Intellectual Property Administration show that by the end of 2025, the country had established 99 overseas IP dispute response guidance platforms across the country, six industry-specific platforms focusing on key sectors such as automotive and solar power, and overseas outposts in 11 countries. In 2025, relevant platforms provided guidance and consultation services for enterprises more than 4,800 times, addressing cross-border e-commerce IP disputes and overseas trademark squatting and helping recover losses totaling 2.75 billion yuan (about $398.97 million).



In response to actions by certain countries involving repeated use of "sanctions" and "investigations" targeting Chinese foreign trade enterprises, the revised law also enhances China's legal mechanisms for addressing trade disputes. It supplements and refines corresponding countermeasures. Industry experts suggest these institutional arrangements will bolster the confidence of foreign trade entities in navigating international trade disputes and managing associated risks.
By He Yin, People's Daily

Recent surveys reveal shifting perceptions of China among Western publics. A recent survey conducted by Politico and the UK-based polling firm Public First found that among four traditional U.S. allies -- Canada, Germany, France, and the UK -- a considerable share of respondents view China as more reliable than the United States, with many believing China will play a defining role in shaping the 21st century.



Parallel findings from the European think tank European Council on Foreign Relations, surveying 21 countries, indicate U.S. allies -- particularly in Europe -- feel increasingly distant from the United States, with fewer people seeing it as a consistently dependable partner.



Collectively, these findings reflect noticeable shifts in Western public sentiment. Analysts in Europe attribute much of this change to evolving U.S. policies. Over the past year, transatlantic friction has surfaced across security, economic, and political domains.



As divisions with the U.S. widen and attention turns toward China, this trend signifies a return to more rational and objective judgment. Within Western developed countries, public perceptions of China are gradually shedding the influence of political narratives such as "decoupling" and "systemic rivalry," reflecting a deeper shift away from entrenched biases toward balanced assessments.



Beyond surface observations, what explains this growing view of China as "reliable"?



First, it reflects recognition of China's stability. Following China's annual "two sessions," the annual meetings of China's top legislature and top political advisory body, much of the international community has observed that China has become, and will remain, an "oasis of certainty" in a turbulent world.



Amid profound global transformations, China's distinctive strengths include policy continuity and the certainty of progress. Whether advancing high-quality economic development or expanding high-standard opening up, once a direction is set, China consistently moves forward.



This long-term commitment provides businesses, investors and governments with greater confidence and clearer pathways for cooperation.



Second, perceptions are becoming "de-filtered." The UK-U.S. poll indicates respondents aged 18 to 24 are more supportive of strengthening ties with China than older generations.



Alicja Bachulska, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, notes that Western youth increasingly contrast America's portrayal portrayal of China as a democratic threat with challenges within the U.S. democratic system itself -- prompting critical reassessment of established narratives.



As "information cocoons" dissolve, more young people in the Westerners directly observe China's economic growth, technological applications, and social dynamics through social media.



Meanwhile, visa-free policies enable firsthand experiences of China's safety, convenience, vitality, and cultural appeal, leading to more authentic, multidimensional, and objective perceptions. The progression from "seeing China" online to "experiencing China" in person continues to build momentum, reflected in growing interest among Western youth to engage with Chinese society.



Third, tangible cooperation drives this trend. China-EU trade surpassed $1 trillion last year, with over two million European tourists visiting China visa-free. Since the beginning of 2026, leaders from Canada and several European countries have visited China in succession, reaching a number of new cooperation agreements.



From trade and industrial collaboration to green transition and cultural exchange, China's "reliability" manifests not as an abstract notion but as concrete dividends from pragmatic cooperation in an uncertain world.



This year marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). Looking ahead to the next five years and beyond, as China continues to pursue innovation-driven development, it will cultivate new competitive advantages, unlock sustainable growth drivers, and broaden cooperation horizons, providing the world with an ever-growing "list of opportunities."



Thoughtful Western perspectives increasingly characterize China as "a trustworthy and stable partner," "the optimal choice," and "a predictable partner" rather than a rival. Sustained by robust development momentum, China remains positioned to serve as a pivotal engine for global economic growth.



China is not an alternative to anyone, nor does it need to prove itself through comparison. The evolving perceptions of China among the publics of some Western countries fundamentally stem from the fact that, China, as a responsible major country, has maintained strategic resolve amid global turbulence and done its utmost to, inject positive momentum into global openness and cooperation.



Fostering a sound and objective understanding of China is essential to ensuring stable and productive engagement. In an increasingly diverse world, differences among countries are natural. As long as nations uphold mutual respect, mutual appreciation, and mutual learning, they can achieve shared development, realize shared success, and together shape a brighter future for the world.
Eighty-three years ago this month, sixteen U.S. Army fighter planes took off from Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands on a long-range mission of strategic assassination.

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Their target: Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the Japanese Combined Fleet commander who oversaw the Pearl Harbor attack.

Based on detailed intelligence, the Americans flew a near-perfect mission, intercepting Yamamotos flight as it descended toward Bougainville on an inspection trip.

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I knew the mission commander, Colonel John Mitchell, who said, I couldnt navigate that well again if my life depended on it. The fact was, Isoroku Yamamotos life did depend on it. The pilot who downed his plane was my fellow Oregonian, Colonel Rex Barber.

Despite its spectacular success, Operation Vengeance exerted little effect on the course of the war. Japan was bound to lose with or without Yamamoto.

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Bombing the Little People

Airpowers seminal prophet was Italian General Guilio Douhet, who influenced British and American airmen from World War I onward. All too aware of the massive bloodletting in the Great War, Douhet theorized that bombing enemy cities and production centers would cause the populace to force its leaders to capitulate with far less attrition.

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He was wrong.

Germany tried to influence events with its aerial campaign against England 1915-1918. Though impressive technically, the Zeppelins and bombers achieved little, and losses forced an end to the effort.

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Between 1940 and 1944 about 70,000 Britons died under German bombs, missiles, and rockets. London never came within shouting distance of calling a halt to the war.

However, bombing works both ways. Estimates vary widely, but probably between 300,000 and 500,000 Germans were killed by Allied bombing that destroyed dozens of cities. Yet Adolf Hitler never considered surrender, as he knew his likely fate. Instead, two years almost to the day after the Yamamoto mission, with his capital in ruins and surrounded by the Red Army, the Fuhrer shot himself. His successor, Admiral Karl Doenitz, surrendered a week later.

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Returning to the Pacific:

One night in March 1945 General Curtis LeMays B-29 Superfortresses burned down one-sixth of Tokyo and killed more than 80,000 people. Emperor Hirohito saw what he saw and smelled what he smelled -- and the war continued another five months. In all, at least 300,000 Japanese perished from bombing, fire storms, and A-bombs. By then nearly two-thirds of the countrys urban-industrial area was incinerated.

But Tokyos doom-laden war cabinet was deadlocked that August, forcing Hirohito to intervene. He never explained his reasoning, though personal and family survival may have influenced him.

The record is crystal clear: despots simply do not care about the little people. Even though little people produce the weapons of war.

Governments are built to last. They perpetuate themselves with a hierarchy ensuring continuity when heads of state are removed. Four U.S. presidents (Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, and Kennedy) were assassinated by lone actors, and three others (Ford, Reagan, and Trump) survived their attacks.

Successors to slain presidents left a mixed record. Andrew Johnsons Reconstruction era after the Civil War likely mirrored Lincolns intention while another Johnson -- LBJ -- succeeded JFK to mismanage the Vietnam morass.

Whether Iran was involved in the attempts on Donald Trump remains unknown, but statements from Tehran seem to support the concept.

Boots on the Ground

U.S. campaigns for regime change have succeeded when U.S. troops physically removed anti-American dictators. Prime examples are Reagans 1983 Grenada occupation with six Caribbean allies (the date is now a national holiday), and GHW Bushs invasion of Panama in 1989 that deposed narco-lord Manuel Noriega.

This January a spectacular commando raid seized Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro for trial in the U.S. for his massive drug operations. Citizens danced in the street.

In 1986 the U.S. targeted Libyan dictator Muamar Gaddafi in retaliation for his terrorist actions. He escaped on that occasion but died in a 2011 coup supported by NATO aircraft.

Israel has routinely struck enemy leaders in Gaza, dating at least from 2004. In the past two years five Hamas figureheads have been killed in Gaza and one in Iran.

Ten or more Hezballah leaders have died under Israeli bombs in Lebanon since 2024. But as of last year, Western intelligence sources placed the groups strength at perhaps 90,000. However, Israeli air strikes have inflicted thousands of casualties among civilians.

In 2020 Irans General Qasem Soleimani was killed in a drone strike directed by President Donald Trump. Soleimani, second only to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was consulting with Iraqi officials in Baghdad. But mainly Trumps first administration focused on the ISIS caliphate in Syria and Iraq, leading to the death of the emir Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2010. The organization declined in numbers and influence but still remained active.

In his two terms, President Barack Obama authorized more than 500 drone strikes that killed perhaps 4,000 people in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, and Libya, including at least 320 civilians.

In 2011 President Obama approved the mission that slew 9/11 al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.

Together, the U.S. and Israel executed eye-watering precision strikes against the Iranian leadership in 2026. Supreme Leader Khamenei, who escaped harm in the Soleimani strike, was killed with about 40 senior leaders. His son and successor reportedly was badly injured in another strike. The American campaign, Operation Epic Fury, began in February focusing on Irans missile capability while essentially destroying the air force and navy.

Today, Hezballah and Hamas remain intact while ISIS exists in a reduced status. How the current campaign against Iran will proceed remains to be seen. Regime change has been an open U.S. goal, but the hard-core Islamists in Tehran have no qualms about hanging or simply killing thousands of demonstrators. A frequently quoted number for the last massacre early this year is 30,000 or more -- a lesson on what can happen when government retains a monopoly on violence.

So where does that leave us?

Where From Here?

Deprived of its conventional military, Iran retains two means of fighting the war: its apparently dwindling stock of missiles, and its large inventory of sea mines. All the while, Tehrans decades of terrorist funding and its determination to achieve a nuclear capability drives U.S. and Israeli policy. The image of such weapons in the hands of religious zealots who do not fear death remains a chilling concept.

Barrett Tillman is an award-winning historian whose credits include a history of the U.S. Air Force and collaboration with Tom Clancy.

Image: National Archives
The Vatican, by a 1929 treaty, must remain neutral politically. Swept up in the Italian unification turmoil of the 19th century, and having lost the protection of French troops, the once-important Papal States came to an end. The Vaticans military protection since 1970 is the ceremonial 16th-century Swiss Guard. The walls around the Vatican were built for protection from Muslim raids in 846-52 AD by Pope Leo IV.

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This is the context, then, of the Popes Easter message of 2026. In summary, Pope Leo XIV said Jesus was about dialogue, where we recognize each other as brothers and sisters, regardless of faith. Jesus gives us the silence of weapons. He is the quintessential Prince of Peace. From this premise, with the required neutrality in mind, the Pope then called upon humanity to end the globalization of indifference toward conflict and war. Let us abandon every desire for conflict...let those who have power to unleash wars choose peace.

The early Christian writer Tertullian, 155/60-240 AD, would have agreed. When Jesus told Peter to put down his sword, Tertullian tells us, he is proclaiming Christian pacifism. So, where does this leave Christians today, caught up in a vicious live war with Iran, and cold wars with China, Russia, and North Korea, among others? In reality, we are on a moral tightrope. The Pope has declared war evil and said plainly that we cannot be indifferent to the repercussions of hatred and division that conflicts sow.

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The question becomes, in trying to understand the nature of the tightrope, whether conflicts sow hatred and division, or whether hatred and division sow conflicts. If we decide it is the latter, this might lead us to a slightly different understanding of the notion of Christian pacifism than what the Pope is calling for in his Easter message. Perhaps we might call it Pragmatic Christian Pacifism. Ambrose of Milan, 340-397 AD, called it just war. To Ambrose, this meant defensive war as a last resort, with mercy shown to the defeated. He also posited that the failure to defend can be unjust.

A knowledge of relevant history might help us understand these fine distinctions. The moral tightrope we are on is frightening if we look down. On one side of the tightrope, if we fall, is the unrelenting hatred of Western Civilization and America in particular by Islamism, and on the other side is the deadening atheism and inhumanity of Marxism in its many forms. Behind us is Satans constant deception, attempting, as we try to gain our moral balance, to sever the very rope we are navigating. The following is a small example and does not include the many lost American lives because of our participation in putting Islamism in power in Iran in 1979.

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Muhammad claims to have been called to be a prophet of Allah around 610 AD. Christianity was only 600 years old. For the years in Mecca when he struggled, he called for peace. After going to Medina, however, his views became more warlike. It is after his death in 632 AD that the unrelenting calls for conquest and brutality for non-believers began.

638 AD  Jerusalem surrenders to a Muslim army

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711 AD  Muslims invade Spain

732 AD  Muslims invade France but are stopped by Charles Martel; Western Europe remains Christian

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988 AD  Muslims invade Ukraine but are stopped by Vladimir of Kiev; Eastern Europe remains Christian

1091 AD  Muslims drive Christians out of Jerusalem; it was recaptured in 1099, but taken again by Muslims in 1187. Christians were subsequently forced out of the Holy Land altogether

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1300 AD  the Muslim Ottoman Empire is formed; many countries are overrun

1524 AD  Muslims begin the siege of Vienna

1571 AD  the Holy League (Venice, Spain, the Papal States, Knights Hospitalier) defeat Muslims in an important naval battle; Europeans breathe a sigh of relief from Muslim terror

1736-1878 AD  Muslims wage war with Russia

1915 AD  Muslims slaughter Armenians

1924 AD  after WWI the Ottoman caliphate (one supreme religious/political leader) is ended; modern Israel is proposed and comes into being in 1948 AD; continuous war between Israel and its neighbors ensues

1979 AD  with the help of America, Shia Mullahs take over Iran and call for the death of the West and America in particular

19792026 AD  47 years of appeasement, bribery, threats, more appeasement, then acceptance of Iran developing weapons of mass destruction in the hopes that after thirteen-hundred and eighty-eight years, Islamism will change its ambitions

Should one come to the conclusion that Islamisms pattern of conquest and brutality is not going to end through dialogue, and that their hatred of Christianity has been unending since 632 AD, what is the proper response if, as the Pope says, Jesus calls us to put down the sword, love our enemies, and turn the other cheek from harm and abuse? Perhaps the Popes message can best be understood if applied to the person, not necessarily the state. Individual Christians should not be indifferent to suffering in war. Individual Christians should not resign themselves to evil. Individual Christians should not desire conflict.

A Christian state, however, with its governing responsibilities, has no duty to commit to its own demise. Fecklessness is not a Christian duty. If war is required to save what Jesus brought to us, we can only hope there emerges within our midst a Charles Martel, a Vladimir of Kiev, or a Philip II of Spain.

The defense of Christianity in general, and America in particular, if conducted with appropriate proportionality and mercy, can be within the moral boundaries enunciated by the Popes Easter message. There can never be a time in which the individual Christian can be relieved of the anxiety associated with navigating a moral tightrope. This is the very definition of a Pragmatic Christian Pacifist.

It might be wise, also, for Pope Leo XIV to remember he is protected only by some 16th-century spears and an easily scaled wall. America may need to exist to prevent his martyrdom.

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Money Practices in Ancient Assyria

Ankara -- The Assyrian civilization recorded its history on clay tablets. Ancient Assyrian merchants, for example, documented their commercial and economic activities on these tablets. However, they also preserved other aspects of life, most notably the practice of blood money. This system, in which compensation was paid for unlawful killing, was an established part of ancient Assyrian society, as evidenced by two clay tablets dating back some 4,000 years.

A study published in Adalya analyzed two previously unread cuneiform tablets by scholars from Ankara and Gaziantep universities in Turkey, dating between 1950 and 1750 BC. These tablets shed light on business records and personal correspondence among Assyrian merchants during the period of the Assyrian trade colonies.

References to "blood money" appear in letters, treaties, legal documents, and debt contracts under the term "damum." The process typically involved investigating a murder, issuing a judgment, and transferring compensation to the victim's family or legal representative.

Because no formal legal texts from the early Assyrian period have survived, it remains unclear whether blood money was codified into law. As a result, the primary sources of information are cuneiform tablets discovered at Kultepe -- ancient Kanesh, the most important commercial center of the Assyrian colonies -- which served populations in Anatolia and northern Syria. These texts indicate that legal cases were handled differently depending on whether the disputing parties were Assyrian or Anatolian.

When both parties were Assyrian, cases were typically adjudicated in Assyrian courts by local authorities. When one party was Anatolian, local Anatolian authorities participated in the proceedings and contributed to the administration of justice.

Documents referencing damum show that blood money settlements were sometimes handled solely by Assyrian authorities and, at other times, jointly with Anatolian rulers. Treaties between Assyrians and Anatolian kingdoms are among the most important sources on the subject. In these agreements, local rulers granted Assyrians the right to reside and trade within their territories and pledged compensation for losses caused by violence or looting.

The treaties also stipulated that if an Assyrian was killed within a kingdom's territory, the ruler was required to hand over the perpetrator for execution in addition to paying blood money.

For instance, a treaty between Kanesh and Assur required local authorities to pay a specified amount of compensation and surrender the killer, explicitly prohibiting substitution by another individual. Similar provisions appear in other agreements, such as the treaty between Hahhum and Assur, which also emphasized both compensation and the transfer of perpetrators.

Interestingly, some texts omit explicit mention of compensation and focus solely on surrendering the killer, suggesting variations in legal procedures. Although the principle of blood money aimed to compensate victims' families, these treaties reveal a dual approach to justice, combining financial restitution with criminal punishment. In some cases, compensation was paid while the perpetrator was also executed.

Two documents concerning the blood money of Ennamaya, son of Assur-Rabi, show that a city council resolved the case. The victim's grandson arranged for a representative to travel to Kanesh, where compensation was eventually paid to his son, Su'en-taya. Another document confirms the implementation of this ruling, noting that Su'en-taya presented the council's decision and collected the payment in the presence of witnesses.

It is likely that Ennam-Ashur, the individual involved in the agreement, was Assyrian -- possibly the perpetrator or a relative -- though the documents do not specify the amount of compensation or whether additional punishment was imposed.

Another document from the Buzutaya archive refers to blood money for the killing of the son of Assur-Nada, indicating that Bozutaia would swear he had not received the compensation and that the victim's other children would not later contest the settlement.

Some texts also detail procedural aspects of such cases. One letter requests the gathering of witness testimony regarding a child's death during a fight, in preparation for a formal claim. In another case, a merchant who had killed his servants and lost copper to theft awaited the intervention of a local ruler to secure compensation and recover the stolen goods.

While certain treaty texts outline clear obligations when Assyrians were killed by Anatolians, they do not always clarify procedures in the reverse situation. Nevertheless, some documents suggest joint involvement of Anatolian rulers and Assyrian councils, with merchants occasionally required to compensate local authorities.

Other texts indicate that local authorities could compel Assyrians to pay blood money if they killed Anatolians, reflecting a system of mutual obligations -- though these arrangements may have been disrupted during periods of unrest or rebellion.

When both parties were Assyrian, disputes were often resolved within trade centers (karum). Evidence suggests that these institutions could intervene to enforce compensation, even seizing property as leverage. One document describes a trade center confiscating textiles and tin as payment, demonstrating its executive authority.

Notably, the sources do not provide consistent information about the amount of blood money. Available evidence suggests that compensation varied depending on factors such as the victim's identity, social status, wealth, and the influence of their family or representatives.
WASHINGTON, April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- National Press Club President Mark Schoeff Jr. today issued the following statement after President Donald Trump's public remarks that a news outlet should reveal its confidential sources or face consequences including jail time:

"President Trump's public suggestion that journalists should be jailed if they refuse to reveal confidential sources is a direct threat to the First Amendment and the core function of a free press.

No president should call for jailing journalists who refuse to betray their sources. The ability to protect confidential sources is essential to newsgathering and to informing the public on matters of urgent national interest. Those protections are at risk when the president tries to bully news organizations to disclose confidential sources.

The government has a legitimate responsibility to safeguard classified information. But that responsibility does not extend to punishing journalists for lawful reporting or coercing them to disclose sources.

Comments like these are not theoretical. They risk chilling constitutionally protected reporting and sending a dangerous signal to those who would seek to undermine press freedom.

Such a curb on the news process is particularly dangerous at a time when the public should be fully informed about the U.S. war against Iran. The public has a right to know, and journalists' work is crucial in fulfilling it.

We urge all public officials to respect the constitutional role of a free and independent press and to refrain from rhetoric or actions that threaten it."

Media contact: Beth Francesco, National Press Club Journalism Institute executive director, [email protected]

SOURCE National Press Club
This, followed by this, may be one of the sharpest takedowns of the lunatic left-wing fringe mindset youll ever encounter. Melanie Phillips doesnt dance around the issue  she goes straight for the jugular vein of the self-delusion that defines the modern left.

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Phillips teaches a masterclass in Left-Wing Victimology. It all begins with a neat little circle of vanity. Blue-haired leftists in Minneapolis, or Brooklyn, or San Francisco, or London, or Brussels tell themselves, Im liberal because Im a good person; Im a good person because Im liberal.

From that smug tautology, they build their entire house of cards  their frantic virtue-signaling on behalf of the oppressed (whether theyre in Haiti, Latin America, or any one of 50+ Muslim territories), their knee-jerk habit of blaming every load-bearing pillar of Western civilization (e.g. men, fossil fuels, Christianity, capitalism) as oppressive, and their allergic reaction to any facts that refuse to fit the preferred narrative.

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Then came October 7, 2023.

Their cherished oppressed victims in Gaza, whom the left had been championing for about 75 years, revealed themselves as something far darker: the most bloodthirsty savages imaginable. Not mere killers, but perpetrators of sadistic, barbaric, depraved slaughter  raping, beheading, torturing, and burning alive babies, children, women, and elderly men.

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And livestreaming every gruesome moment on GoPro cameras and iPhones. And then dancing in celebration, in the streets of Gaza. The video footage and testimony arising from that terrible day left no room for any denial, or sanitized excuses.

Lets ignore, for a moment, the typical 250-pound left-wing fringe dweller, with blue hair and a pierced septum, working on her double major in Queer Studies and Lesbian Interpretive Dance. Shes just a Useful Idiot. (Whether shes more useful to the Marxists or the Jihadists is anyones guess.)

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Lets turn our attention to the few intelligent, logical, genuinely influential members of the left, in academia, government and the so-called news media, who are encountering the very same cognitive dissonance within their belief system.

This is the Deep State and its allies.

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For the progressive mind, October 7 was catastrophic. Admitting that the side they had elevated as righteous was actually steeped in pure evil would collapse their entire moral universe  and, more importantly, destroy their own precious self-image as virtuous souls.

As Phillips cuts to the bone: if the cause theyve championed as the very definition of goodness turns out to be evil, then what does that make the leftists themselves? It makes them complicit in evil. That realization is what truly terrifies them  not the atrocities themselves, but what their enthusiastic support for the perpetrators of those atrocities reveals about their own character.

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So what do they do? They perform intellectual contortions that would impress a Cirque du Soleil acrobat. They insist black is white, justice is injustice, oppression is resistance, and self-defense (by Israel, or any other Western nation) is genocide. Reality be damned; the narrative must not just be rescued, but reinforced against any further breaches of its defenses.

The primary tool for this escape hatch is classic psychological projection. There is no more effective way to deflect blame than to accuse your victims of the very crimes being committed against them.

Hence the flood of accusations labeling Israelis as genocidal and Nazis. If the Jews defending themselves are the new Nazis, then the liberal West is off the hook. No guilt. No uncomfortable association with barbarism. Just sweet, cleansing moral absolution.

This is why the genocide smear against Israel isnt merely wrong or offensive  it is psychologically essential for those hurling it. Without that lie, they would be forced to stare directly at the horrors unleashed by their favored oppressed peoples in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and any other hellhole the Western left has ideologically adopted.

And then the Western leftists would be forced to confront their own role in enabling such horrors.

The left cannot face what their pet classes of victims actually did on that terrible day in Israel  and on every other day when an illegal Latino immigrant rapes and murders an American girl, or a Muslim migrant rapes and murders a Swedish, or British, or German girl, or a pair of Muslim migrants guns down Australian Jews celebrating on a beach.

Instead, the Western left must frantically recast the real victims as Nazis (if theyre Jewish), or pretend they never even existed (if theyre other Western victims of the lefts preferred victims). This isnt simple ignorance or stupidity. Its a desperate act of psychological survival  a headlong flight from the crushing weight of cognitive dissonance.

The Western left has built its identity on a foundation of moral vanity and selective blindness. October 7, Bondi Beach, and all these other acts of brutal savagery ripped away the blindfold.

Rather than adjust their vision to reality, the lunatics of the left-wing fringe  and the handful of logical lefties, in academia, government and the media, who carefully instruct them about what to think and believe  have doubled down on the delusion.

This is the political version of the psychiatric approach to gender dysphoria. As Ive previously observed, rather than adjust these transgender patients deluded expectations to reality, Western psychiatrists have prescribed life-altering pharmaceutical and surgical efforts, to adjust the patients bodies to fit into their delusions.

So in these two areas, the inmates are taking over the asylum, and the psychiatrists think its just wonderful.

Phillips has laid it out with clinical precision: this isnt just politics any more. Its a pathology. As I wrote earlier, its a mass psychosis. And until the lefties are willing to confront the evil theyve midwifed, and admit that theyre dead wrong, their madness will only deepen.

Jim Davis is an IT specialist and paralegal, with degrees in political science and statistical analysis: the underpinning of all science. His work has appeared in Daily Caller, Newsmax and American Thinker. You can find him as RealProfessor219 on Rumble.

Image generated by ChatGPT.
Last week, I flew out on a business trip. Traffic to the airport was lighter than expected and I walked into the terminal and headed to the security gate check in.

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Coming down the short escalator and there it was, like so many times before. Your visual field fills with an incredible number of people, short, tall, darker, lighter, couples, families, solo travelers all dressed in comfy clothes and carrying roller boards, baby equipment, gym bags, elderly grandparents, people in wheelchairs and anything else you could think of.

Theyre all slowly shuffling towards the brilliantly lit x-ray machines and body scanners area. But before any of them can enter, every one of the hundreds of people Im on line with must prove who they are to a government agent by providing a photo ID that matches the name on their ticket.

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It didnt matter if they were in the general line or could afford to pay for a cut the line service like TSA PreCheck Touchless ID or CLEAR which stores personal information and your photo. The net result is everyone must be checked and cleared by a TSA agent before being allowed into the x-ray and body scanner area. Simple rules. Provide proof of your identity or you dont fly.

While on the security line, I spoke with a young mother with 2 young daughters. All 3 had their own passports because the family had traveled to Ireland the year before. I spoke with people who had recently upgraded their drivers license to a REAL ID. At this one metropolitan airport, inside this one terminal, on this one security line, everybody had a photo ID.

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And that got this Observer thinking.

Over 2 million people fly out of U.S. airports every day. During holidays, the numbers frequently spike to almost 3 million daily passenger screenings.

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The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act that were hearing so much about requires voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship at the time of registration and a photo ID at the time of voting. The SAVE America Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in February 2026.

The proposed act is very simple. Provide in-person proof of citizenship at the time youre registering to vote and a government photo ID at the time youre casting your ballot. The very same type of photo ID 80 million passengers provide every month at U.S. airports.

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If we believe political polls are accurate, some 84% of Democrats and Republicans polled are in favor of passing the SAVE ACT. This is not one sided polling. 70%+ Democrats and 90%+ Republicans support passage.

If Congress and the Senate truly represent the will of their constituents, how is a bill with a combined 84% approval rating not being voted on and passed right away? Why isn't Senate Majority Leader John Thune, backed by a +90% approval rating from Republicans, bringing this to a vote in the Senate where his party holds the majority?

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Why are Democrats locking arms to prevent this from passing? In todays MSM broadcasts, very few hosts challenge politicians with follow up questions. Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader has referred to the SAVE ACT today as Jim Crow laws. Why doesnt somebody ask Chuck to describe specifically how the SAVE ACT is a Jim Crow law or why Democrats are polling at >70% in favor? Why are they fighting so hard not to pass into law?

Ive listened to some bizarre reasons why passing the SAVE America ACT is a bad thing for our democracy. Passage would be harmful to the elderly who live out in the hills, off the grid, with no access to the internet, or to married women who have divorced and now have a huge unsolvable problem trying to change their names back, or the difficulty involved in securing a replacement birth certificate. MSM hosts routinely imply whole sectors of people are not capable of figuring out how to obtain a photo ID when we see the complete opposite in airports.

Our constitutional republic was built on a premise that congresspeople were voted into office by their district constituents because that was the candidate who best represented their voice in the national government. Senators originally were chosen by their state legislature to represent the interests of their state in the Senate. (That changed in 1913 when senators began running for office).

Should a congressperson or senator fail to meet the expectations of their constituents, voters can replace them in the next election.

Of course that implies fair and fraud-free ballot casting.

Why would any congressperson or senator today vote no on a requirement to provide proof of citizenship to register and a photo ID to cast a vote in an election?

Perhaps theyve had a taste of the perks of the office and do not want to risk being voted out.

Somethings not right when a government of the people, by the people, and for the people allows their elected representatives to act with impunity and ignore the will and wishes of the people.

Image: Public domain.
So if your house burned down in the Palisades fire in Los Angeles last year and you had to move somewhere else temporarily, forget about running for mayor. The media has decided that you lose your political rights and are disqualified from running for mayor since you aren't from there anymore.

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That's the logic of the Los Angeles Times, which decided to challenge the residency requirement for conservative mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt, by "exposing" him as not living in Los Angeles County. The man's home burned down in the 2025 Palisades fire.

L.A. Times's Noah Goldberg "reported":

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CARPINTERIA, Calif.  Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt has acknowledged living in Santa Barbara County after his home was destroyed in the Palisades fire last year, raising questions about his eligibility in the citys June 2 primary election. Candidates running for city office were required to be registered to vote in L.A. and to be residents of the city by Jan. 3 in order to be eligible, according to the city clerks office. I think this brings up the question as to whether Spencer Pratt can satisfy the residency requirement required under the charter to be elected mayor, said Jessica Levinson, professor of law at Loyola Marymount University.

NEW: Spencer Pratt, running for L.A. mayor, has been living in Santa Barbara County since his house burned in the Palisades fire, raising questions about his eligibility to hold the city's top elected office. https://t.co/xUTafH5GKw  Noah Goldberg (@Noah__Goldberg) April 6, 2026

Raising questions? From whom, his rivals?

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Even the sources quoted are bad. The bat-brained nutty professor from woke Loyola Marymount University quoted doesn't seem to know that the County Registrar has already said that residents who were burned out by the fires can maintain their burned-out rubble address as their primary residence so long as their move is temporary and only their mailing address has changed, which applies to Pratt. His tweet above actually got a community note.

This is still a bit of a murky issue, but its very important to note that the County Registrar has made it clear that Palisades voters can maintain their local residency so long as their relocation is temporary and they only change their mailing address (as Pratt did). https://t.co/OhdgEz1cEz pic.twitter.com/2cv8uqGebU Advertisement April 6, 2026

Aside from the LAT's shaky legal argument intended to stir up trouble for Pratt's campaign, which shows him sharply rising in the polls, the moral issue stands out. The man's house burned to the ground in the 2025 Pacific Palisades fire, and they're complaining about where he's living now, which is with family in nearby Santa Barbara County, and now, he says, in a silver trailer on his Palisades premises.

They would do this to a fire victim?

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To the Times, he should be living in the rubble or something, except that the authorities won't allow that.

So, neither he, nor anyone who has had to move against their will to another part of Southern California after the Palisades and Eaton fires to wait out the permit battles with the city government has a right to run for mayor. That is what they are arguing. He certainly would have been a resident were it not for the fires and yet ironically he wouldn't have even been a candidate were it not for the fires, either. He said he was motivated to run for mayor because of the bad city response to the fires that destroyed his home and the homes of thousands of his friends and neighbors.

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It's disgusting, a colossal low blow against all the residents who have suffered bad government in this fire and simply want to elect someone who will enact a more serious response.

Pratt defended himself with fury over this, complaining about how the LAT followed him around, doxxed his family, and probed his burrito joint including what he liked to order there, as well as his neighbors, all to 'prove' that he lived in Santa Barbara County. In fact, he and his wife have already said to the press in other that they lived in Santa Barbara County, and there was never any hiding it.

Creepy LA Times journalist has been phone-stalking & harassing my sister, my wife, my MOM, and even my favorite burrito restaurant trying to dox where my kids sleep and go to school, all because I pulled ahead of Nithya Raman in the polls, and she sent her lapdog to do her pic.twitter.com/cwWdMqtFKX  Spencer Pratt (@spencerpratt) April 6, 2026

Now, bear in mind that there's a double standard here in this complaint about residency. The Los Angeles Times report did note that county official Ricardo Alarcon was convicted of lying about his residency against the requirements of office and got let off scot-free on appeal.

But the Times ignored far more high-profile cases: They said nothing about the Maryland residency of Adam Schiff, who won himself a Senate seat despite not living in the state, and focused only on Schiff's fightback against federal authorities for asking questions. Nor did they say a thing about another Maryland resident, Laphonza Butler, who was appointed by Gavin Newsom to fill out departing Sen. Kamala Harris's Senate term representing California as she moved on to become Joe Biden's vice president. She hadn't lived in California in years and no questions were raised. Nor have they said a thing about Rep. Eric Swalwell's missing residency in the state, other than to cover his claims about it well after other press reported the oddities.

But this one was the subject of their expose, harassing an innocent fire victim into not running for mayor.

One can only hope that this kind of coverage makes Pratt skyrocket in the polls come the primary in June, ending the need for a runoff. Voters don't like this. Who needs trash reporting like this harassing a fire victim?

You don't hate the media enough.

Image: X video screenshot
To be honest, I am not sure that the Supreme Court will shoot down birthright citizenship. The justices may shoot down the idea of an executive order interpreting the 14th Amendment, but keep the larger issue on the table. How? They may just say that this is up to Congress, not judges.

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Such an opinion would turn the issue into a political matter, or similar to what happened to abortion, i.e. let voters decide. It will hopefully end up as an amendment to make sure that no future district judge can stop it.

This is from Jonathan Turley:

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Well, its a new world. Its the same Constitution. Those words from Chief Justice John Roberts during this weeks oral arguments signaled that the conservative justices are unlikely to reject birthright citizenship. Of course, nothing is certain until this summer when the Court issues its opinion in Trump v. Barbara. However, we need to consider the need for a 28th Amendment to reaffirm the meaning of citizenship. Advertisement

Yes, a 28th Amendment may be the only option.

How do you get the current House or Senate to pass this new amendment? It will be tough because of the 60-vote requirement, but lets get started.

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First, it could be an agenda point in the upcoming midterms or next presidential election. As Professor Turley points out:

It is doubtful that the drafters of the 14th Amendment could have envisioned millions of births to illegal aliens. They surely did not imagine foreigners coming to this country for the purpose of giving birth  or even, without ever entering the U.S., contracting multiple U.S. residents to carry babies to term for them as surrogates. Advertisement

Second, as a naturalized citizen, who came here legally with my parents from Cuba in the 1960s, I think that birthright citizenship is insane. I became a U.S. citizen following the procedure and rules that millions before me have followed. So handing out citizenship by birthright is an insult to those of us who did it the right way. Furthermore, I have never met a naturalized citizen who supports birthright citizenship. They see it as insane as I do.

It wont be easy to get it out of Congress, but I believe that we have enough states to force the issue, or have a constitutional convention. I am not sure how it will happen, but we need to make birthright citizenship a campaign issue and force Democrats to defend it.

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P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos.

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I have a couple of Australian friends who keep me apprised of the madness of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Albanese is a hardcore leftist, embracing every shibboleth of that ideology, including pandering to Australias rapidly growing Muslim population. The latest efforts are twofold: First, the government is trying to imprison for life Australias most-decorated Afghanistan war veteran, and second, its throwing taxpayer money at non-citizen Muslims to help them buy homes.

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As became apparent with the virulently antisemitic riots and rallies in some of Australias main cities after the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, Australia has a very activist Muslim population. Its also an exponentially growing Muslim population.

In 1991, Australias Muslim population was estimated at 150,000 out of a population of around 17.3 million. Today, the Muslim population is estimated at 813,000 out of a population of around 27 million. Thus, while the Australian population grew by 56% over the last 35 years, the Muslim population grew by 442%.

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Most of the Muslims (as is always the case for immigrant groups) are concentrated in the urban areas, e.g., Sydney and Melbourne. To the extent Sydney is Australias main city, this restless, violent group frightens politicians, even while it excites the Labor politicians, for they share with Muslims the goal of the Wests destruction.

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YouTube screen grab (cropped and AI-sharpened for clarity).

And that brings us to just two of the many stories my correspondents send my way. The first is the martyrdom of Ben Roberts-Smith.

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In June 2010, 32-year-old Lance Corporal Roberts-Smith was serving in Afghanistans Kandahar province. His mission: to capture or kill a senior Taliban commander.

Roberts-Smiths patrol attacked an enemy outpost, and Roberts-Smith exposed his position to draw fire away from members of his patrol who were pinned down. Fighting at close range, he stormed two enemy machine-gun posts and silenced them, allowing the assault team to gain the initiative.

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Having saved his patrol and allowed his team to continue the mission, Roberts-Smith then rejoined the fight. For his bravery, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, Australias highest military honor.

How things have changed. Australia is now charging Roberts-Smith with war crimes dating back to 2009 through 2012. The charges arise from recent newspaper reports that he murdered several Afghan civilians (or oversaw their murders) at different times and bullied fellow troops. Roberts-Smith faces life imprisonment for the charges.

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Considering how much time has elapsed since the alleged crimes, its clear that the newspapers and the government had to look hard to find something to tack onto one of their great war heroes. Worse, the rumor in Australian military circles is that the Australian government went out of its way to offer a lot of money to Afghans willing to accuse him of something:

The Australian government just arrested our most decorated veteran from the Afghanistan War for alleged war crimes.



Ben Roberts-Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia after singlehandedly storming two Taliban machine gun positions by himself in order to save his pic.twitter.com/P3RqA4T1Pp  Drew Pavlou  (@DrewPavlou) April 7, 2026

Ask yourself whether you can trust the dated testimony of a people whose national and religious cultures do not view honesty as a virtue, and who now exist under the governance of the victorious enemy. (Thanks, Joe Biden.)

It may all be true...and it may not be true. But after so many years, with a hostile home government, and relying in significant part on the paid testimony of the enemy...well, lets just say Id need to see proof, not just beyond a reasonable doubt, but to the point of absolute certainty. (A military friend says that, having read about Roberts-Smiths action in Afghanistan, hes pretty sure Roberts-Smith is not guilty of anything. He is, instead, a sacrificial lamb, in the same vein as Derek Chauvin.)

Meanwhile, Australia continues to work to make its Muslim population feel at home...literally, by helping non-citizens buy homes using taxpayer funds as a guarantee:

The Australian government is running Arabic language ads encouraging foreign non-citizens to access the First Home Owners Grant - subsidising non-citizens to buy homes in Australia even if they have property overseas.



The First Home Owner scheme allows non-citizens to https://t.co/EwCfyta5lS pic.twitter.com/mgS0YR0kgE  Drew Pavlou  (@DrewPavlou) April 7, 2026

The self-loathing Anglosphere, which once bestrode the world like a colossus (and, during that time, raised the standard of living wherever it set foot), is now so mired in self-loathing that it is willingly handing over its institutions, its money, and its honor to a people and ideology that wish to see it destroyed.

UPDATE: To give you an insight into the Australian media, one of my Aussie friends, having read my essay, directed me to this little tidbit about a 2022 story from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. It was all about Australias alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, including Roberts-Smiths, and showed a commando, Heston Russell, firing downward from a helicopter, and ABC added more sounds of shots than were actually fired! An inquiry concluded this was purely accidental, but Im sure you've noticed, as have I, that these kinds of media accidents, whether at home or abroad, always run in only one direction.
I should say up front that Im a huge fan of both Victor Davis Hanson and Ben Shapiro. I sincerely hope that neither ever goes to the dark side the way Tucker Carlson has. Given that both men come from a place of unswerving principles (their values havent changed in decades), I have faith that they wont be following wherever the clicks lead. This matters because I want to share with you some fascinating things that both said in recent interviews.

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Victor Davis Hanson, on his own show, and Ben Shapiro, in an interview with Peter Robinson, offered their takes on two very pressing issues today. Hanson discussed the fact that Europe is no longer an American ally, and (speaking of Tucker Carlson) Shapiro discussed the growing rot within the Republican party.

Ill start with Hanson. He points out what weve all noticed: many of Europes most powerful nations are takers, not givers. Since WWI, weve repeatedly pulled these nations irons out of the fire, only for them to spit (condescendingly) into Americas face once they felt safe again. The same holds true for Canada. Thats simply not sustainable, and Trump seems to be on the verge of explicitly changing the terms of this dysfunctional relationship.

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Hansons discussion occupies the first part of the video. Since I know many of you arent fans of listening to long-form video or audio, Ive transcribed some of the key parts beginning at 4:55. The discussion between Hanson and his host, Jack Fowler, begins with the revelation that France may have been dealing with Iran behind Americas back, both to undercut America and to gain an advantage in Gulf trading.

The part that most interests me started with Hanson pointing out that, since Iran admitted it was two weeks away from nuclear payloads and since the mid-range missile attack on Diego Garcia, we now know that every European capital is vulnerable to Irans nuclear blackmail. In a sane world, its every bit as much in Europes interest as it is in Americas and Israels to destroy Irans nuclear infrastructure.

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What were learning, though, is that despite our common heritage with Europe, we have little in common with many of the major countries in Europe:

But we didnt expect Spain, Italy, Britain, France either to forbid the use of their bases, their NATO bases or their airspace, or both. And we didnt expect two-faced comments like the German president, that this is not a legitimate war, and things like that. ... Advertisement Well, they have different agendas than we do. Its time to admit it. They dont really believe in the First...they dont have a First Amendment. They dont believe in it. They dont believe in the nuclear family and reproduction. So they have a 1.3 fertility rate. They dont believe in the utility of nuclear power other than France and fossil fuels. So they have the highest electricity cost in the West. They dont believe in defense until theyre bullied and screamed at. And they think theyre Greek philosophers and were their Roman legions to enforce their utopian visions. Advertisement And of course, the most important, they have open borders, and they have up to 10 to 15 to 16% of their populations are Muslims. And theyre not integrating, theyre not assimilating, theyre not acculturating. So you put all that together, and that was reflected in their foreign policy. So when they look at the Middle East, the first thing they say is, we dont have any oil. We dont have any military to get it or to allow it. We dont have a stable population that would support us if we were to do it. We dont have many people, young people, to go fight. So were not going to participate. Advertisement Thats okay. But they shouldnt have denied us, as I said, the use of bases, because they always want us to go in on their shenanigans. Would you please bomb Libya with us? Would you please bomb Milosevic with us? Would you come over to Ukraine? Its not a NATO country, but would you come over and defend it? We dont have enough resources. Would you please help us go into Chad? The French said, we need refueling, we need intelligence. Margaret Thatcher, would you please help us with the Falklands? Please. Its always the same old story.

Hanson acknowledges that some European countries did step upsuch as Portugal and Greecebut most said the relationship is one-way, from the US to them, not vice versa. The same is true, Hanson explained, with Canada. There, the relationship was superficially amicable, but entirely rotten and anti-American underneath.

Hanson continued by pointing out that its time for the deal to change: Well help Europe and Canada when it benefits Americas interests, not when its solely for their interests. No more Chads, no more Falklands.

From now on, its strategic alliances, not old alliances. Currently, we have a strong strategic alliance with Israel, because we share an enemy. Technically, so does Europe, but its decided to throw its lot in with the enemy, rather than fight back.

Meanwhile, Ben Shapiro is concerned with issues closer to home, namely the highly dishonest, antisemitic, and often anti-American cohort growing within the Republican party, a discussion that begins at 15:00:

Robinson and Shapiro talk about the rising antisemitism on the Republican side of the aisle, something thats been the purview of Democrats for the past couple of decades. According to Shapiro, a lot of that stems from the fact that young conservatives live on social media, and they see content aimed at destroying Israel, driven perhaps by foreign influence intended to jog algorithms.

The other thing that he sees is that young conservatives arent really conservative, theyre just anti-left. Since the left controls the institutions they believe have failed them, theyre seeking the opposite party. Worse, these young men are incredibly vulnerable to conspiratorial thinking:

And so the thing that Ive been telling all my Jewish friends who are, of course, very worried about anti-Semitism is antisemitism is a symptom of a much broader malady. The antisemitism is not the thing thats causing everything else. The antisemitism is a symptom of something much worse that is happening and that I think is truly threatening to the country. And that is that the left has basically made the case that all the institutions have been rigged for centuries and are currently rigged against minorities, sexual minorities, and all the rest. And therefore, the only solution is to tear down those institutions. And the right, I think, in reaction to that, said young white Christian men, particularly, have been victimized by the system.

He adds that, while its true that the left has rigged the system against young men, rather than cleaning up the rigging,

That has now been abstracted into a theory whereby the fundamental institutions of the West are themselves corrupted, in the same way that the left believes that. So the left will say meritocracy is a lie and its a sham perpetuated by an elite in order to harm you. Theres no such thing as meritocracy. Its all just a gigantic, corrupt lie that has been pushed in order so that the elite can stay the elite.

This is the zeitgeist that Tucker Carlson is tapping into.

The conversation between Robinson and Shapiro continues to play with this point, but its the key point: Many on the conservative side are now just disaffected leftists, not constitutional, free-market conservatives. They are just as anarchic as the left, but their heroes arent Marx and Che; they are Hitler and Mussolini (both of whom, incidentally, were socialists). True conservativism is liberty-based; Tucker, his cohorts, and his followers are not.

So, even if youre averse to spending time on videos or podcasts, I really do urge you to listen to these two. Theyre pointing out dangerous paradigms that we need to recognize if we are to address them.

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When Democrats want to get rid of someone, they wheel out the women with sexual harassment allegations. Apparently, so many of them do it it's become part of a playbook for ridding the party of liabilities, often about other matters.

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It happened to Elliott Spitzer.

It took down Andrew Cuomo.

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Now, it's Eric Swalwell's turn.

According to the Daily Caller:

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A Democratic activist says she is working with multiple women preparing to come forward with sexual harassment allegations against California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell. Cheyenne Hunt  a lawyer, one-time congressional candidate and executive director of Gen-Z for Change  revealed that she has been working with an unspecified number of women set to accuse Swalwell in multiple X posts early Monday morning. Swalwell is currently a leading candidate in the crowded race to succeed Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom. I got involved because the first victim who approached me is a close friend, but when I saw that there were others whos experiences fit the same pattern of manipulation and abuse of power, I knew I couldnt stay silent, Hunt wrote in her X thread . She specified that the allegations concern DMs [direct messages] and Snapchat messages and range from uncomfortable comments to potentially criminal conduct.

Well, ahem. Seems a lot of this was already known, but the press and the political establishment covered for him. That enabled him to do it again and again, shielded not just by the press and the abundant non-disclosure agreements he forced complainants to sign, but by the entire Democrat power establishment, which kept all the secrets. The Daily Caller report said 'dozens.'

How much were the taxpayers forced to shell out for the silence of these dozens in the lawsuits that inevitably followed? We know that Congress has been forced to shell out $18 million in claims of this nature. Did the cash come from Swalwell campaign funds or did the kind of money corporations pay for 'consulting' pay them off? And are Swalwell's financial problems a function of these payouts to all these female accusers? Was Swalwell the worst of them? Questions abound.

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Conservative New York City Councilwoman Vicki Paladino, who knows this playbook from New York's politics, has some useful observations:

The thing about all these Eric Swalwell revelations is that ALL of them were known for years. But the media worked with the Democrat establishment to keep them quiet as long as Swalwell was useful.



Now, because the California governor race has become a fiasco that might actually https://t.co/tC8aldSlrs  Councilwoman Vickie Paladino (@VickieforNYC) April 7, 2026

She speculates that Steve Hilton's and Chad Bianco's rise to the top of the polls in the California governor's race has got them panicked, and they all know that Swalwell is not the guy who can beat them,

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From her tweet:

To be sure, Swalwell is garbage and deserves everything bad that's coming to him. But it's just amazing how the Democrats can just push a button and the machinery of the media and legal system just springs into action to eject someone from the party. This is a guy who was caught sleeping with a Chinese spy for years, with actual evidence that he compromised national security in the process, and he remained completely protected and elevated as a major national figure. But as soon as the math stops working on the CA governor race, it all collapses underneath him. Advertisement

It shows the extent to which Democrats tolerate the worst behavior from their ranks, with the only standard out there winning. Swalwell can't win, so out with the sex harassment claims. The Fang Fang scandal didn't bother them but create a metoo piece and they're off to the races.

I don't know who they think can credibly replace him -- Tom Steyer seems to be the next leftist up, but it also could be party loyalist Katie Porter. The idea that either could win, though, given their public support, seems more farfetched than even Swalwell.

The bottom line, though, is that this is how they play, and the only word for it is disgusting.
For 47 years, American leaders have kicked the Iranian terrorism can down the road. This allowed Irans mullahs to terrorize the Middle East and develop nuclear bomb and missile programs. They knew Americas squishy politicians would always accept the illusion of peace  until Trump.

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We thus emboldened Irans fanatic mullahs. If that continued, they would have soon controlled Persian Gulf oil, and have nuclear tipped missiles. We would have been cowardly, self-destructive fools if we had let that happen.

President Trump courageously stepped up to confront this now urgent threat passed to him. Its what you expect from a guy who rises to his feet with clenched fist, yelling fight, fight, fight, after an assassination attempt. Trump picking Special Forces operator Peter Hegseth as his Secretary of War was a prescient choice.

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Leftist media ignores the brilliant performance of American and Israeli military forces. 15,000+ targets hit, and perhaps just six aircraft shot down or lost. It is, by far, the most effective war in human history. And, no, the widespread and catastrophic damage inflicted upon Irans military cannot be quickly repaired.

Reading leftist news, youd think Iran still has significant, instead of greatly limited, military capability. Thats a deliberate lie designed to scare Americans, hamstring our military, and convince people they must vote Democrat to avoid massive American casualties, and thus defeat Orange Bad Man and his MAGA patriots.

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Iranians that negotiate are likely part of the mullahs disinformation tactics to confuse Israeli, American, and Western politicians into believing a compromise is possible. This buys Iran time to hide stuff, ramp up their foreign terrorist proxies, and erode Western resolve. The mullahs hope that Western leaders will force Trump to quit before he takes Kharg Island.

The mullahs IRGC is a fanatic death cult. They will never surrender. Their success of their delay tactic is actually a good read on the anti-Trump and anti-Jewish politics of the West. Delays will make it politically difficult to sustain the Iran war for the realistic 36 months it may take to grind the mullahs into a humiliating submission  the only way to end their terrorism.

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Our victory will not require a mainland invasion. It will require capturing, and keeping, Irans Kharg Island petroleum export facility. That would give us a death grip on the oil revenue that funds Irans nuclear, missile, and terrorist activities. It would also let us force Iran into paying for the cost of the war.

Victory may also require capturing a few small islands in the Strait of Hormuz. Or, perhaps the larger, 89-mile long Qeshm Island, as an effective base for the elimination of the IRGCs small boat and shorter range missile threats against ships.

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This can be done with the 82nd Airborne brigade and the two Marine Expeditionary task forces now deploying. Plus, of course, our highly skilled U.S. Special Operations Forces, and, Israeli and U.S. Air Forces. Thats about 9,000 soldiers, one third of whom are combat troops. Double that number may be required if Irans fanatic mullahs are especially stubborn, or, idiot U.S. politicians help Irans mullahs with more delays.

Most importantly, we need to continue eliminating the fanatic mullahs that control the IRGC. They provide the religious energy of Irans terroristic tyranny. Let the Wests cowardly leftists whine and demonstrate all they want, but, attack the mullahs regardless.

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If we dont, we will have to smack them around every few years, until they have nuclear missiles and control of 20% of the worlds oil in the Persian Gulf. After that, we know the mullahs would use their nukes to protect and expand their power. Think North Korea motivated by religious zeal.

The work is tough. The work is ugly. It always is when enemy cultures clash. Our forever war with Islams world conquest mandate from Allah, through the prophet Mohammed, has been going on for more than 1,300 years. America needs Trump to hang tough until this current threat is thoroughly crushed.

Brutal terrorism is a most effective way to defeat and control your enemies. People who are willing to kill always defeat people who are unwilling to kill. Islamic terrorists fully understand this.

Our honorable, gentlemanly Western culture abhors the necessity of killing. We did accept killings necessity to eliminate Hitler and the Nazi thugs that enforced his tyranny. If we had not, wed all now be Nazis. If we now reject the necessity of killing to survive, we, and our descendants, are doomed to become Muslims.

Kill to survive. Dont kill and die out. Basic elimination of the less fit.

There are no other options. With modern technology, there is no place on Earth to hide away.

Your choice.

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Beginning at least 30 years ago, with the introduction of Gladue principles, which instructed judges to take into consideration systemic, historical, and cultural factors when sentencing Indigenous convicts, Canadas criminal justice system has been transforming from a Western vision of impartiality and objectiveness, and into an anti-white institution obsessed with race-based preferential treatment.

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And, over those three decades, the influence of such injustice has only expandedweve seen the implementation of Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs) sometime in the 2010s to make exceptions for blacks and other racialized Canadians, and now we have judge Faisal Mirza, a lawyer and judge, known for throwing out evidence in cases against Canadian minorities because racism. Heres a bit of what Mirzas been up to, via a recent report at The National Post:

In 2024, Mirza decided the case of a middle-aged Indigenous man who sexually abused his girlfriends daughter between the ages of 11 and 13 by forcibly kissing her, fondling her breasts and genitals, and sexually assaulting her with his mouth. The Crown asked for a sentence between 4.5 and 5.5 years, but after Mirza considered the impact of colonialism and racism, he settled on three years. Advertisement In 2025, Mirza presided over the case of a Jamaican-Canadian pimp with a history of criminal activity who trafficked a semi-homeless Indigenous woman. He pegged the starting point for the sentence at five years, but shaved a year off to address the mans personal circumstances  primarily racism, which cumulatively put the offender at higher risk for negative decisions and involvement in crime.

Aside from the intolerable offense that Mirzas activism is, the point I prefer to make is one on immigration. I dont know if Faisal Mirza is foreign-born or if hes a second- or third-generation immigrant, but it doesnt really matter: hes clearly not a real Canadian. You see, Western countries were established for the progeny of a Christian Europe: descendants of Western greats like Charlemagne, Oliver Cromwell, John Foxe, and Reverend Lawrence Washington. And Mirza, based on his name alone, is clearly the progeny of the Muslim third world.

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As most of us agree, illegal immigration must endbut so must legal immigration. At least, in its current context. (Read my Repeal Hart-Celler blog here.) While I dont know how Mirza found himself with Canadian citizenshipI personally suspect hes the product of a legal processeven if he somehow came to Canada illegally, there are ten more like him who came legally.

Progressivism dominates nearly every sector of public life, and it controls our governments: extreme abortion policy is widespread, our schools teach gender-bending and revisionist history, queers are permitted to march in the streets and dress their purchased babies in BDSM gear, were taxed to death, and Muslims from who-knows-where are taking a dump on our justice system because they hate us. Its time to admit that conservatism didnt conserve anything. We need a restoration of what the West once was, and that involves re-balancing the demographics of what made the West great.

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Once, Tucker Carlson was a bright, chipper, informed voice of normal Americans. Yeah, he was a bit of an isolationist, but not in an ugly way. And then something happened. I dont know what happened. Nobody does. Tucker claims he wrestled with a demon, and that may speak to some very serious psychological or spiritual break, but again, who really knows?

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All I know is that Tucker went from being a funny, manifestly sane pro-American, pro-Israel person to being a virulently anti-American, antisemitic, pro-Islamic speaker, complete with visible flop sweat, hysterical and inappropriate laughter, repeated disavowals about understanding common terms, and lots of statements untethered from known facts. Even his cadence has changed from affirmative statements to a weird teen girl sing-song. Its all very sad, but its also dangerous, because this is the stuff from which demagogues are born.

Thats why it was refreshing to see President Trump squash Tucker like a bug early todayand doing so in a wonderfully dismissive way, one that is more insulting than wasting a lot of time badmouthing him.

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The reason for Trumps insult is that Tucker, in his recent shows, seems to have gone completely off the rails. What spurred him was Trumps recent tweet in the face of Irans (or, really, the IRGCs) refusal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. It was vintage Trump, both aggressive and sarcastic, which is (a) his nature and (b) appropriate for a truly evil empire responsible for tens of thousands of ideologically driven deaths around the world and within Irans own borders and that has gleefully contemplated and armed itself for the worlds nuclear destruction:

Frankly, it made me laugh.

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However, Tuckers response was to clutch his pearls, bow briefly to Mecca, and stagger to the fainting couch...or, more accurately, to his microphone:

Tucker Carlson claims that President Trump is going to use nuclear weapons in Iran to kill 92 million people. pic.twitter.com/FbDjO2Asqb Advertisement April 6, 2026 Tucker says Protestants are totally corrupt and preaching a false Gospel. pic.twitter.com/kymkRUijSt  Anthony (@Catholicizm1) April 6, 2026

Please appreciate these two clips from his show, one saying were not a theocracy and another saying dont insult Islam. Hmmm.

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Tucker Carlson criticizes President Trumps Easter message:



Who do you think you are? Youre tweeting out the F-word on Easter? No decent person mocks other peoples religions We are not a theocracy. And God willing we never will be. pic.twitter.com/ATFf2Ce0Ti  The American Conservative (@amconmag) April 6, 2026 Tucker Carlson fumes after President Trump mocked Islam with his "praise be to Allah" remark in his post about Iran pic.twitter.com/EmGDye0sOw  Ryan Saavedra (@RyanSaavedra) April 6, 2026

Of course, theres this, from the man who seems to adore Putin, a leader whos been relentlessly targeting Ukrainian civilians for years now:

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Tucker Carlson claims that Iran is winning the war and that President Trump said he is going to kill the civilians of Iran



This is a flat out lie pic.twitter.com/EK7SkhFzHa  Ryan Saavedra (@RyanSaavedra) April 6, 2026 Tucker Carlson:

"You cant murder the innocent. You cant kill kids and women. Thats a war crime but more important, its a moral crime. They pray at the WH not to pray for restraint, but to endorse the murder of civilians. How do you do that?" pic.twitter.com/SnDvgIY0m6  Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 5, 2026

And theres the attack on America itself:

TUCKER CARLSON: "You're watching the end of the global American empire. The unipolar world was great, but its over. You're watching the end of whatever American Protestant Christianity became after WW2, which is something unrecognizable." Yikes.pic.twitter.com/edxtE5bUov  Autism Capital  (@AutismCapital) April 5, 2026

No matter how you look at it, theres something very wrong here. Very, very wrong. And Trump, who is no fool, knows that he needs to disengage from this man. So, Trump did it in the best way possible, the way I call the Much Ado About Nothing insult.

As some may recall from high school English or from Kenneth Branaghs icky film, Shakespeares play is about an innocent woman, Hero, who is wrongly accused of unchastity. The main plot is boring. Whats delightful and timeless is the verbal sparring between Beatrice and Benedick, who wont acknowledge that theyre attracted to each other, a template thats spawned countless comedy romances in books and films.

My favorite insult between the two comes early in the play, when Beatrice says something after a short silence. At that point, Benedick hurls at her the ultimate you dont matter insult: What, my dear Lady Disdain! Are you yet living? Ouch. You matter so little I didnt even notice you were there...

And thats pretty much how Donald Trump just dismissed Tucker Carlson:

 JUST IN: President Trump RIPS Tucker Carlson after his criticisms against 47  NYP



Tuckers a low-IQ person that has absolutely no idea whats going on. Calls me all the time; I dont respond to his calls. I like dealing with smart people, not fools. pic.twitter.com/B5ngdMPr6s  Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 7, 2026

Yes, its cruder and wordier than Are you yet living? but its the same tone: Tucker is now just a footnote in Trumps history. Hes a meaningless nonentity. And I cant think of a more deserving person to be on the receiving end of that kind of dismissive insult.

Header image: X screen grab.
PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dexcel Pharma USA is pleased to announce that it has received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Nintedanib Capsules, 100 mg and 150 mg, the generic equivalent of OFEV (nintedanib) capsules1. Nintedanib is indicated for the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a serious and progressive lung disease.

Nintedanib Capsules

Doug Boothe, CEO of Dexcel Pharma USA, stated: "We are excited to bring Nintedanib Capsules to market, further strengthening Dexcel's growing portfolio of specialty pharmaceutical products. This approval reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible treatment options for patients. We look forward to working with our partners and customers to expand access to this important therapy."

The product will be available through specialty pharmacy and established pharmaceutical distribution channels, helping to ensure reliable access for patients across the United States.

For more information, please visit www.dexcelpharmausa.com

About Dexcel Pharma USA

Dexcel Pharma USA is the U.S. subsidiary of Dexcel Pharma. Dexcel Pharma is the largest private pharmaceutical company in Israel, commercializing an extensive portfolio of branded and generic drugs. Our state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing facilities enable us to develop and manufacture high-quality products while maintaining long-term partnerships across the value chain.













1OFEV is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH.

SOURCE Dexcel Pharma USA
The Islamic Republic of Iran is unlikely to hoist the white flag of surrender in the near future. After weeks of devastating attacks by the U.S. and Israel on the regimes assets, including the elimination of the leadership, the Tehran regime has not budged. The U.S. and Israel have inflicted severe damage to Irans nuclear facilities, its ballistic missiles, and its launching pads, as well as on key production facilities that maintain Irans military infrastructure. The theocratic regime in Tehran is defiantly and arrogantly rejecting a deal President Trump has offered the Iranian regime to end the war. To effectively win this war with Iran, the allies must bring about a genuine regime change.

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Iran, known as Persia in former times, is not an ordinary Middle Eastern state. Most Middle Eastern Arab states are artificial colonial countries created by Britain and France under the Sykes-Picot agreement of 1916. Iran/Persia, however, has occupied its current territory for centuries.

Those who expected Iran to relent following the painful strikes were mistaken. Perhaps the current regime will collapse in time, and the Iranian opposition will emerge. Similar to Hamas and Hezballah, groups that were defeated by all military measures, the Iranian regime still claims victory merely because it has survived. By staying in power despite heavy external pressure, sanctions, and internal unrest, the regime views its endurance  gained, in large measure, through strong repression, loyal security forces, and managing a transition to a new supreme leader  as success.

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For Israel in particular, this theocratic and leading global state sponsor of terrorism must be reduced to a position whereby it can no longer threaten the Jewish state. The existential threat that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has posed to Israel for the last 47 years was amply expressed by the repeated pledges of the ayatollahs  the supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad  to wipe Israel off the map. The regimes survival, however damaged, seems to be able to keep Israelis running to bomb shelters at all hours of the day and night.

Insofar as the U.S. is concerned, Irans alliances with China and Russia, along with its threats to American interests in the region, are, geopolitically speaking, sufficient reasons to act. More importantly, the potential threat Irans ballistic missiles pose to the continental U.S. has proven to be real, considering the recent launch of an Iranian long-range rocket that reached the U.S. base in Diego Garcia. Moreover, North Koreas dictator has been providing the Iranian regime with all the resources needed to develop effective long-range missiles able to reach the America. Considering that the Iranian regime possesses the ability to produce a nuclear bomb, and just a few weeks ago was close to achieving it (based on its having enriched 970 pounds of uranium to 60%, which could reach 90% in short order), the U.S. saw the threat as imminent. The U.S. and Israel regard the survival of the regime, with its Basij and Revolutionary Guards forces intact, as a harbinger of future danger for the U.S. and the civilized world.

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None of Americas demands are likely to be accepted by the current leadership of the Islamic Republic. The Iranians are not going to give up their missile production, and they will not give up on their quest for a nuclear bomb. With the know-how the regime has accumulated (assuming that some of their nuclear scientists have survived) and with Irans nuclear cooperation with Kim Jong-un, the Korean dictator, as well as with China and Russia, even if the regime agreed to surrender its 970 pounds of 60% refined uranium, they would eventually obtain it secretly from the North Koreans. This fanatical Islamist regime will march toward a bomb, unless it is removed.

Additionally, the Islamic Republic of Iran will not abandon its Shiite proxies; Hezballah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and the Iraqi Shiite militias. Nor, for that matter, are they going to end cooperation with Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. They will count on their collective tenacity to overwhelm the American negotiators. They know that President Trump wants a deal, and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, because the November midterm elections are on the horizon, and if gas is at $5 a gallon, Americans might turn away from the Republicans.

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Only a resolute President Trump, pushing ahead on his promise to bring relief to the Iranian people, might expedite the fall of the hated Iranian regime. That would be a victory that not only benefits the people of Iran and the region as a whole, but such a victory will also translate into a win at the midterm ballot box.

If Trump settles for a deal stripped of the key elements of his 15 points to declare victory and end the war, it will be meaningless and dangerous. It would leave the Iranian regime standing firm, able to rebuild its strength, including its nuclear facilities and its ballistic missiles arsenal.

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Worse yet, such a deal would be a betrayal of Israel, a loyal and dependable ally, and would extinguish the hopes of freedom for the Iranian people.

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Image: Chickenonline via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
The drumbeat of conflict with Iran is impossible to ignore.

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Yet beneath that justified noise, something profoundly important for everyday Americans is taking shape at home. President Donald J. Trump is not merely talking about an America First economy. He is creating one with force, precision, and measurable results.

Voters who backed him in 2024 must understand just how significant these moves are, especially as midterm elections approach.

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Start with pharmaceuticals, a sector tied directly to national survival.

On April 2, Trump imposed a sweeping 100 percent tariff on patented pharmaceutical products and their ingredients. This is not symbolic. It is a direct response to a dangerous reality. Federal investigators concluded that the United States relies heavily on foreign drug imports in ways that threaten national security.

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The policy is written to force change.

Large companies face implementation within 120 days, while smaller firms have 180 days. There are incentives for compliance. Firms that agree to onshore production and accept Most Favored Nation pricing through federal agencies can receive a temporary zero tariff through January 20, 2029. Those that refuse face steep costs. This is economic statecraft with teeth.

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The early results are striking.

The mere expectation of these tariffs has already driven roughly $400 billion in new investment commitments into the U.S. from pharmaceutical companies. That is not theory. That is capital moving, factories being planned, and supply chains shifting back onto American soil.

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This push did not come out of nowhere.

Last May, Trump signed an executive order which cleared regulatory barriers to rebuilding domestic drug manufacturing. By August, another directive strengthened supply chain resilience by filling a strategic reserve of key pharmaceutical ingredients. These steps form a coherent strategy, not isolated gestures.

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The same philosophy is reshaping heavy industry.

Also this month, Trump strengthened tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper imports to confront what it identified as a national security threat. The new framework is blunt and effective. Core metal products now face tariffs as high as 50 percent, while derivative goods are taxed at 25 percent. Even industrial equipment tied to these materials carries targeted tariffs through 2027 to accelerate domestic buildout.

These policies are already changing Americas industrial landscape.

In 2025, the United States rose to become the third-largest steel producer in the world. That reversal did not happen by accident. It followed the aggressive use of Section 232 tariffs to counter decades of globalist trade practices that hollowed out domestic capacity.

The pipeline of growth is equally clear.

More than four million tons of new crude steelmaking capacity is expected to come online within two years. Projects are underway in states which voted for Trump, such as West Virginia, Arkansas, and South Carolina.

Aluminum and copper are following the same trajectory. A new aluminum smelter, the first in decades, is being developed in another Trump-supporting state, Oklahoma. This was accomplished through a joint venture between major industry players. At the same time, companies are expanding copper mining and processing operations across the country.

This is what an industrial revival looks like in real time.

It means jobs that support families. It means supply chains that cannot be severed by foreign adversaries. It means economic leverage returning to American workers, especially those in states which back the Republican ticket.

Critics will complain, as they always do, about tariffs.

They whinged and whined during Trumps first term. They were wrong then, and the data now is even harder to ignore. Strategic tariffs are not about isolation. They are about survival in a world where other nations aggressively protect their own industries.

The broader point is simple.

These actions fulfill explicit campaign promises. Trump pledged to restore American manufacturing, secure supply chains, and end the countrys dangerous dependence on foreign producers. That is exactly what is happening. States which fell in line for Republicans in 2024 are reaping maximal benefits. Not gradually. Not rhetorically. Actually.

Yet this story receives a fraction of the attention it deserves.

Foreign policy crises dominate news coverage because they are dramatic and immediate. Economic transformation is quieter, but its effects are deep and long-lasting. As voters head into the midterms, they should not be distracted from that reality. Especially those who cast a ballot for Trump.

An America that cannot produce its own medicines is vulnerable. An America that cannot forge its own steel is weak. Those conditions defined the pre-2024 status quo. They no longer do.

The stakes in November are not abstract. They are tied directly to whether this momentum continues or collapses under Democratic opposition that spent years enabling the very vulnerabilities now being corrected. The contrast could not be sharper.

This is what keeping promises looks like. It is not flashy. It is not always headline-grabbing. However, it is transformative, and it is happening now.

Dr. Joseph Ford Cotto is the creator, host, and producer of News Sight, delivering sharp insights on the key events that shape our lives. He publishes Dr. Cottos Digest, sharing how business and the economy really impact us all. During the 2024 presidential race, he developed the Five-Point Forecast, which accurately predicted Donald Trumps national victory and correctly called every swing state. Cotto holds a doctorate in business administration and is a Lean Six Sigma Certified Black Belt.

Image: Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, unaltered.
Alexander Isak has been named in the Liverpool squad for Wednesdays Champions League quarter-final at Paris St Germain after 15 weeks on the sidelines.

The 26-year-old has been unable to get anywhere near matching the hype or his eye-watering 125million price tag since completing his acrimonious deadline-day switch from Newcastle.

Isak has only managed 16 appearances for Liverpool having had to play catch up in terms of fitness and deal with some minor injuries before suffering a significant issue in December.

Preparing for PSG  pic.twitter.com/mhMgEKIQVL  Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 7, 2026

The Sweden international was hurt in a tackle by Micky van de Ven when scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 win against Tottenham, leading to surgery on an ankle injury which included a fibula fracture.

Isaks absence has been keenly felt and his place in the 21-man squad for Wednesdays Champions League quarter-final first leg at PSG could be a major boost for Arne Slots stumbling side.

Pressure is mounting on the Dutchman and his team after concerning recent performances were compounded by Saturdays humiliating 4-0 loss at Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Isak returned to team training last Thursday and worked with his team-mates on Tuesday morning before jetting off to France.
Another sex chocolate retailer issues national recall over undeclared ingredients used to treat erectile dysfunction

Another sex chocolate retailer has issued a national recall over undeclared ingredients used to treat erectile dysfunction, following several similar recalls in recent weeks.

Michigan-based Nalpac announced Monday it was recalling DTF Sexual Chocolate, which it had purchased and resold, after the product was found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil, which were not listed on the packaging.

Sildenafil and tadalafil are active ingredients in the erectile dysfunction drugs Viagra and Cialis, respectively.

While Viagra and Cialis are approved drugs by the Food and Drug Administration, they must be used under the supervision of a licensed health care professional, a company announcement about the recall explained.

Michigan-based Nalpac announced Monday it was recalling DTF Sexual Chocolate after the product was found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil, which were not listed on the packaging (FDA)

Undeclared sildenafil and tadalafil could interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels for people who take those medications, the announcement warned.

While Nalpac warns of the potential danger of consuming the recalled chocolate, the company noted that it had not received any reports of adverse reactions as of Tuesday. Consumers are advised to contact their doctor if they experience any medical problems that may be related to the recall.

The recalled chocolate was sold in adult retail stores and online at shopsexology.com and royalsins.com.

Nalpac is sending emails to its customers notifying them of the recall. Consumers and retailers who have the recalled chocolate are advised to stop using or selling the product and either dispose of or return it.

California-based Gear Isle recalled its Gold Lion Aphrodisiac Chocolate Sachet and ilum Sex Chocolate last month after they were found to contain undeclared sildenafil and tadalafil (FDA)

The Independent has reached out to Nalpac for comment.

California-based Gear Isle recalled its Gold Lion Aphrodisiac Chocolate Sachet and ilum Sex Chocolate last month after they were found to contain undeclared sildenafil and tadalafil.

There were also a couple of recalls involving Boner Bears sexual enhancement products, including their chocolate syrup.

There were also a couple of recalls involving Boner Bears sexual enhancement products, including their chocolate syrup, over concerns of undeclared ingredients (FDA)

Texas-based Lockout Supplements recalled the chocolate syrup in February over concerns that sildenafil was contained in the product but not listed on its label.

Boner Bears Honey was recalled by Florida-based Pure Vitamins and Natural Supplements, LLC, last month after an FDA lab analysis confirmed it contained undeclared sildenafil and tadalafil.

The companys Red Bull Extreme and Blue Bull Extreme erotic honey products were also recalled at the time over concerns they contained sildenafil, not listed on the packaging.
A patient is treated at the Dhaka medical college in Bangladesh, amid a widespread measles outbreak. Photograph: Drik/Getty Images (Photograph: Drik/Getty Images)

Bangladesh is battling its worse measles outbreak in years, with more than 100 children dead amid a rise in unvaccinated infants.

The government, in partnership with the United Nations, has begun conducting an emergency measles-rubella vaccination drive for children across the country, after more than 900 cases were confirmed since March.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease causing fever, respiratory symptoms and a characteristic rash and can sometimes have severe or fatal complications, especially in young children.

Related: The return of measles: how a once-vanquished disease is spreading again

While vast gains have been made in mass immunisation against measles, there has been a recent resurgence, attributed to falling vaccine rates, with more than 11m cases recorded globally in 2024. There was a fatal outbreak in the UK this year, which killed two people, and states across the US have also been grappling with a deadly spread, with more than 2,000 cases registered in 2025, the worst in three decades.

In Bangladesh, the rise in cases that began in March is the worst the south Asian country has experienced for years. While Bangladesh has a child immunisation programme for measles, the newly elected government said mismanagement by the previous regimes had led to programme gaps in vulnerable areas and a shortage of the vaccine stockpiles. According to the UN, 95% of the population has to be vaccinated in order to stop the disease from spreading.

This months emergency drive will focus on children aged six months to five years old in high-risk districts and will then be expanded out across the country.

One-third of those affected are below the age of nine months, which is when they would usually be eligible for a measles vaccine, which experts said showed a concerning gap in the programme.

This resurgence highlights critical immunity gaps, particularly among zero-dose and under-vaccinated children, while infections among infants under nine months, who are not yet eligible for routine vaccination, are especially alarming, said Rana Flowers, the representative for Unicef in Bangladesh.

Bangladeshs newly appointed health minister, Sardar Mohammed Sakhawat Husain, told parliament on Monday that the political turmoil of Bangladesh over the past two years, after the toppling of prime minister Sheikh Hasina in an uprising in 2024, had led to disrupted vaccine procurement and a failure to conduct the usual measles vaccinations campaigns. The current government only came to power in elections in February.

Authorities are advising parents to go to hospitals whenever someone is suspected to have measles or even just has a high temperature, rather than relying on local pharmacies.

Since the launch of a massive immunisation campaign in 1979, Bangladesh has raised the coverage of fully immunised children from just 2% to 81.6%. However, experts have continued to warn that there are still stark discrepancies in measles vaccine coverage in the country of 170 million people.

In a statement, Unicef said the current measles surge was caused by multiple factors. Bangladesh has a strong history of high immunisation coverage, but even small disruptions can lead to the gradual accumulation of immunity gaps over time, said the organisation.
British drones were used by Ukrainian forces to destroy a Russian-held bridge in a first-of-its-kind operation.

The strike, which took place last year, targeted a critical bridge in the occupied Kherson region that had been used by Russian forces to transport equipment and supplies.

It was obliterated following a two-month campaign involving repeated strikes by the Malloy T-150 heavy-lift drone. The unmanned aerial vehicle is manufactured by Malloy Aeronautics, a subsidiary of BAE Systems.

Ukraine said the mission, which had initially been deemed impossible, was the first known case of a drone-led attack taking down a bridge in combat history.
In the news release, Singapore Gulf Bank Joins BNY's Correspondent Banking Network and Fixed Income Brokerage Platform, issued 07-Apr-2026 by Singapore Gulf Bank over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the release has changed throughout. The complete, corrected release follows:

Singapore Gulf Bank joins BNY's Correspondent Banking Network

MANAMA, Bahrain, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore Gulf Bank (SGB) today announced it has joined the correspondent banking network of BNY (NYSE: BK), a global financial services company, to further strengthen its U.S. dollar clearing capabilities. The relationship adds another leading U.S. dollar clearing provider to SGB's growing set of correspondent banking and payment rails while reinforcing its strategy of enabling a trusted global banking infrastructure with modern, always-on settlement capabilities and payments resilience.

This announcement is the latest in a series of milestones for SGB. The bank launched its corporate banking service in late 2024 and introduced SGB Net in May 2025 to enable real-time, multi-currency settlement.

About SGB

Singapore Gulf Bank (SGB) is a fully licensed digital wholesale bank that bridges traditional finance and the digital asset economy. Backed by Whampoa Group and Mumtalakat, the bank provides banking, digital asset management and stablecoin settlement services for businesses and individuals worldwide. SGB is regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain. For more information, visit www.sgb.com .

Media Contact: Ben Kieboom, [email protected], +447427901472

SOURCE Singapore Gulf Bank
A protest outside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on 7 January 2021 a day after a pro-Trump mob stormed the US Capitol. Photograph: Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images (Photograph: Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images)

As Donald Trump unleashes curse-filled threats against Iran, Democrats are raising alarm over his mental stability and calling for his removal from office  while Republicans remain conspicuously silent.

Democrats are escalating their rebukes as the 79-year-old president delivers rambling, incoherent speeches, hurls puerile insults at US allies and brazenly threatens to commit war crimes. He used an Easter Sunday social media post to warn Iran to Open the Fuckin Strait, you crazy bastards, or youll be living in Hell.

The president followed up by insisting that a whole civilization will die tonight if Tehran does not meet his latest deadline to agree to a deal that includes reopening the strait of Hormuz.

By Tuesday afternoon, more than 20 Democratic members of Congress had called for Trumps cabinet to invoke the 25th amendment to the constitution to remove a president who is deemed unfit for office.

Rashida Tlaib of Michigan wrote on the X social media platform: After bombing a school and massacring young girls, the war criminal in the White House is threatening genocide. Its time to invoke the 25th Amendment. This maniac should be removed from office.

Ilhan Omar of Minnesota wrote that Trump is an unhinged lunatic and demanded: When will it be enough for my Republican colleagues to grow spines and remove him from office?

Mark Pocan of Wisconsin added: 25th Amendment RIGHT NOW! Trump is too unhinged, dangerous, and deranged to have the nuclear codes!

They were joined by Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former Republican US representative turned Trump critic. She wrote: 25TH AMENDMENT!!! Not a single bomb has dropped on America. We cannot kill an entire civilization. This is evil and madness.

Greene had previously warned that Trump has gone insane. And since Sunday, other Democrats have broken new ground by questioning the presidents mental health.

Yassamin Ansari, the only Iranian American Democrat in Congress, wrote on social media: The President of the United States is a deranged lunatic, and a national security threat to our country and the rest of the world.

Ansari told the Guardian on Tuesday: I am devastated and appalled by the lack of action from Trumps cabinet, from Republicans in Congress who are standing idly by as Donald Trump is threatening genocide, war crimes, and essentially speaking as though he intends to use a nuclear weapon in Iran.

This is a grave moment not just for the United States but in world history and we will be judged on what we did in this moment. I am urging Republicans to put party affiliation and blind loyalty to Donald Trump aside and take action immediately to restrain him.

But the chances of Trumps notoriously loyal cabinet turning against him to install JD Vance as president are close to zero. Even as Trump threatens to target civilian infrastructure in Iran in breach of international law, few Republicans have raised any voice of dissent. Many in the party support the war.

Kurt Bardella, a former Republican congressional aide turned Democrat, said: The one mechanism that we know could be executed immediately is the 25th amendment. All thats standing in the way of the complete annihilation of a civilisation or not is if there are a dozen or 13 Republicans who have a spine, a soul, a conscience and the fortitude to do what they know is right.

The divide in Washington echoes Joe Bidens presidency, when Republicans and rightwing media spent years contending that the octogenarian Biden was in cognitive decline and claimed vindication when a feeble debate performance ended his 2024 re-election campaign

Bidens mental and physical health was a thorny subject for years in Washington. Trump and other Republicans mocked him as senile and forced to depend on an autopen to sign documents. The White House only fuelled speculation by limiting Bidens public appearances and clamping down hard when media reports tackled the sensitive subject.

The presidents doddering debate performance against Trump in June 2024 left Democrats  and some sections of the media  ruing their failure to grapple with the issue until it was too late. Trumps current conduct raises the question of what lessons have been learned.

Bardella, a political commentator and contributor on the NewsNation network, said: If anything, because of what happened with Joe Biden, that should actually increase the level of scrutiny that we have on someone like Donald Trump. Frankly, anyone over 80 thats in public office at this point, you should be scrutinised. Father Time is undefeated and Donald Trump is no exception to that.

If it turns out that we find out later on that this was someone who was suffering from dementia or some mental condition that has created deterioration and were allowing him to wage a literal war on an entire civilisation, no one should feel good about that. Your place in history will be looked upon with infamy because you knew better and you did nothing.

Trump is also facing criticism from his right flank. Along with Greene, former Make America Great Again allies such as Tucker Carlson, Alex Jones and Candace Owens have described his threats to Iran as a betrayal of his America First promise to end forever wars. Jones, a notorious conspiracy theorist, asked: How do we 25th amendment his ass?

Yet Republicans on Capitol Hill, some of whom are longtime Iran hawks, seem impervious and are willing to overlook Trumps reckless rhetoric. Bill Galston, a former policy adviser to Bill Clinton, said: I dont think anybody is surprised by that because Republicans attitude towards this presidents misdoings can charitably be described as supine.

It is utterly unsurprising that a party, 98% of which has tolerated anything and everything from this president, would continue their cowardly behaviour because there are many Republican members of the House and Senate who are known to be competent and reasonable people who have simply bit their tongues for far too long.

Trump does not drink or smoke but does love fast food. His defenders insist that he is remarkably energetic, often working through the night and delivering speeches of an hour and a half without even taking a sip of water. However, over the past year he has been unable to hide evidence of hand bruising and swollen ankles.

His mental state is even more contentious. Trump himself repeatedly claims to have aced cognitive tests that no other president could. His press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, asserted last week that he is always the most well-read person in the room. Critics find such statements laughable and accuse Republicans of hypocrisy.

Galston, a senior fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution thinktank in Washington, commented: Its certainly fair for a party that questioned the cognitive competence of the other partys president to be subject to the same kind of questioning now. If it turns out that, behind the scenes, senior members of the Trump administration are aware of any mental distortion or incapacity on the part of president, history wont deal with them kindly.

The Goldwater rule, however, is a convention that psychiatrists should not give an opinion about the mental state of a person they have not examined. Galston added: Its very difficult to make psychological judgments at long distance, even though occasionally they may be correct, just because these judgments are very complicated.

My memory goes all the way back to 1964, when legions of the countrys best psychologists got together to declare that Barry Goldwater was mentally disturbed, which he quite clearly was not, just because he was talking a kind of aggressive language on many foreign policy and domestic issues that a left-leaning psychology profession didnt like. So theres reason to be cautious.
New DHS chief Markwayne Mullin floats removing customs and immigration from major airports in sanctuary cities

Markwayne Mullin, the new homeland security secretary, has suggested that some major U.S. airports could be stripped of their customs and immigration services. 

Mullin, who replaced Kristi Noem in March after she was fired by Donald Trump, is taking particular aim at sanctuary cities with international airports.

Just one area we may take a hard look at issome of these cities have international airports, he told Fox News Bret Baier on Monday. If theyre sanctuary cities, should they really be processing customs into their city?

Seriously, if theyre a sanctuary city and theyre receiving international flights - and were asking them to partner with us at the airport, but once they walk out of the airport, theyre not going to enforce immigration policy - maybe we need to have a really hard look at that because we need to focus on cities that want to work with us.

Markwayne Mullin said that major airports in sanctuary cities could have customs and immigration removed in a Fox News interview (Fox News)

When asked about whether sanctuary cities with major airports could have their customs services removed, Mullin said that the government needed to start prioritizing things.

Mullin went on to claim that the Democratic Party planned to defund Customs and Border Protection, although he referred to the agency as Customs and Border Patrol.

Who processes those individuals when they walk off the plane? Mullin continued. Im going to have to be forced to make hard decisions - whos willing to work with us and partner with us?

California Governor Gavin Newsom blasted Mullin on X over the remarks, which he branded stupid.

If you thought the economy was bad with Trumps war driving prices at the pump up  just wait until international travel is halted at some of the busiest airports in the world, Newsom wrote. Talk about a stupid idea (no wonder its being considered by the Trump Admin).

Mullin criticized the concept of sanctuary cities during the interview and questioned whether they should be home to international airports (Getty Images)

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council and a former immigration lawyer, also criticized Mullins suggestion on X.

Markwayne Mullin floats that his first major move as DHS Secretary might be to massively disrupt international air travel into and out of the United States by pulling customs officers out of cities like New York and Los Angeles, a move that would have international ramifications, Reichlin-Melnick wrote.

As of August 2025, a total of 12 states, 18 cities, 4 counties and the District of Columbia were recognized as sanctuary jurisdictions by the U.S. Government. 

New York City, Los Angeles, New Orleans, San Francisco City, Seattle, Philadelphia, Denver, Boston and Chicago were all included in the list. Each of those cities is home to a major airport. 

New York City, a sanctuary city, is home to John F. Kennedy International Airport (AFP via Getty Images)

According to Visit California, 20 percent of the 18.18 million people who passed through Californias top ten airports were international passengers. 

The DHS has become increasingly controversial during Trumps second presidency, while under the stewardship of Kristi Noem. 

Noem oversaw President Trumps brutal crackdown on immigration into the United States, which has seen federal agents flooded into cities across the country.

Federal funding for the DHS lapsed on February 14, with Democrats demanding that restrictions be placed on ICE and the CBP in exchange for funding the department. Currently, both ICE and the CBP are drawing on funds from Trumps so-called One Big Beautiful Bill.

The Independent has contacted the DHS for comment.
A specialist detective from the Metropolitan Polices cybercrime unit has launched an inquiry into the Facebook worker (Alamy/PA)

A former Meta employee is facing criminal investigation following allegations that he downloaded approximately 30,000 private Facebook images. The engineer, who was working for the social media giant at the time, is suspected of designing a programme to access personal pictures while bypassing internal security checks.

A specialist detective from the Metropolitan Polices cybercrime unit has launched an inquiry into the alleged mass invasion of Facebook users privacy. Meta confirmed that the suspected breach was discovered over a year ago, prompting the company to refer the matter to police in the UK.

The tech firm added that affected Facebook users have been notified, the individual was sacked, and its security systems have since been upgraded. The engineer, who resides in London, is currently on police bail as the criminal investigation continues.

According to court papers seen by the Press Association, police say he is alleged to have accessed and downloaded approximately 30,000 private images belonging to Facebook users whilst working for Meta.

It is alleged that he created a script designed to circumvent Metas internal detection systems, allowing him to do so.

The man is suspected of downloading around 30,000 private Facebook images (Dominic Lipinski/PA) (PA)

Two weeks ago, two magistrates agreed to vary the mans police bail so that he must next report to Met officers in May and inform the force of any plans for foreign travel.

A Meta spokesperson confirmed the existence of the criminal investigation, saying: Protecting user data is our top priority.

After discovering improper access by an employee over a year ago, we immediately terminated the individual, notified users, referred the matter to law enforcement and enhanced our security measures.

We are co-operating with the ongoing investigation.

Facebook suffered a bug in 2018 which was believed to have affected up to 6.8 million people and given third-party apps wider access to user photos on the social network.

In 2024, it was reported that Meta had been fined 91 million euro by the Data Protection Commission in Ireland over the way millions of Facebook and Instagram user passwords had been inadvertently stored in plaintext on its internal systems, meaning they were not protected by encryption.

The latest security concern has emerged just after Meta, which also owns WhatsApp, suffered a landmark court defeat alongside Google last month after being accused of failing to protect its users from harm.

A court in Los Angeles found the companies liable for a womans childhood social media addiction in a ruling which could have widespread ramifications for the way the platforms are operated in the future.
Nigel Farage has turned on his long-time ally and friend Donald Trump after the US president threatened a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again in his latest rant about Iran.

The Reform UK leader, who has often celebrated his relationship with Mr Trump, expressed shock at the presidents latest social media post, which marked a major escalation in his rhetoric against Tehran.

Mr Trump warned on Truth Social that he would carry out his latest threat unless Tehran capitulates to his demand to agree to a ceasefire deal and open the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday night, saying, I dont want that to happen, but it probably will.

Speaking as he left a local election campaign event in Bedworth, Warwickshire, on Tuesday, Mr Farage said the comments went way too far, marking a split in their political friendship, which is said to have begun in 2016.

I am quite shocked just to hear that. That is over the top in every single way, he said after reading the first two lines of the post.

Yes, of course, he wants to threaten  to get them to the negotiating table. But those words are theyre way too far.

Mr Farage added: Hes an upset, angry American president. Hes wholly unconventional, but I would remind you of what Churchill said about the bombing of Germany during the war. Some quite extraordinary things were said there as well.

Nigel Farages friendship with Donald Trump is thought to have begun in 2016 (US White House)

On Truth Social, Mr Trump once again demanded that Tehran agree to open the key Strait of Hormuz shipping lane by 1am BST.

He wrote: However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?

We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran.

The post is the latest in a string of threats issued by the US president, who has also previously threatened to attack Iranian civilian infrastructure, a move the UN considers a war crime.

The post is the most inflammatory yet from Donald Trump (@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social)

Downing Street is expected to refuse to allow the US military to use British assets for strikes on Iranian infrastructure.

Sir Keir Starmer previously permitted the US to use British bases, including Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, for defensive strikes on Iranian missile sites.

Asked whether the government would prevent UK assets being used for strikes on infrastructure, the prime ministers official spokesman said: We wont be providing a running commentary on allies operations, including their use of bases.

Just to point out that our position on this hasnt changed. The agreement in place for the US to use UK bases for collective self-defence of the region, including US defensive operations to degrade missile sites and capabilities used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Keir Starmer is expected to refuse Donald Trumps request to use British bases for strikes on Iranian infrastructure. (PA Archive)

He said the UKs principles have been clear from day one and are set out in legal advice.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, a vocal critic of Mr Trump, urged the government to block the US from using UK air bases for further missions.

After Trumps latest shocking threats, Keir Starmer faces a choice. Withdraw US access now to UK air bases, or risk letting British soil be used to commit war crimes, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

On Tuesday, the UK was chairing a meeting of military planners from a coalition of nations examining long-term measures to secure the strait. The discussion was expected to focus on plans for an international coalition to make the strait safe for shipping once hostilities had ended.
Airlines are warning holidaymakers, business executives and other travellers of rises in ticket prices as they are caught in the economic fallout from Donald Trumps war on Iran.

EasyJet, Ryanair, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Indias biggest airline IndiGo are among companies increasing fares.

The rises will push up the cost of flying to and from London airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton.

They come as passengers are already being warned that their flights to destinations around the world could be delayed or cancelled due to the impact of the US/Israeli war on Iran.

The airlines are passing on the costs of the biggest ever supply shock to the oil industry, triggered by the conflict.

EasyJet and other airlines are planning to raise the cost of tickets (PA Wire)

Tehran has responded to airstrikes by effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz to vessels linked to the West by targeting more than 20 tankers since Trump launched his war.

Around a fifth of the worlds oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the key strait.

Jet fuel prices, which averaged at about $85 (64) to $90 (68) before the US and Israeli strikes on Iran started in February, have surged to around $209 (158) per barrel globally, according to the International Air Transport Association.

They could rise even higher after Trump warned that Irans civilisation will die unless Tehran reopens the strait.

Smoke spewing off the Thai bulk carrier 'Mayuree Naree' near the Strait of Hormuz after an attack (ROYAL THAI NAVY/AFP via Getty Im)

Donald Trump has ramped up his threats against Iran (PA Wire)

Here is how airlines are responding:

EASYJET

EasyJet chief executive Kenton Jarvis said European consumers should expect higher ticket prices towards the end of summer, when existing fuel hedges come to an end.

RYANAIR

With jet oil prices doubling during March we expect all airlines will pass on these higher costs in the form of higher air fares post Easter and later this summer, said a company spokesperson.

We urge all passengers to book their flights (and holidays) as soon as possible and then they will be insulated from inevitable air fare and accommodation cost increases after Easter and later this summer.

BRITISH AIRWAYS

British Airways-owner IAG said on March 10 it did not plan to increase ticket prices immediately, as it has hedged much of its fuel for the short- to medium-term.

Ryanair is warning airlines will raise ticket prices due to the Iran war (PA Archive)

AIR FRANCE-KLM

The airline group said it planned to increase long-haul ticket prices to address surging fuel costs, with cabin fares set to rise by 50 euros (44) per round trip.

AIR NEW ZEALAND

The airline was one of the first to announce broad increases to ticket prices on March 10.

AKASA AIR

Indias Akasa Air said it was introducing a fuel surcharge ranging between 199 and 1,300 Indian rupees (1.60 to 10.50) on domestic and international flights.

AMERICAN AIRLINES

The US carrier said it expected a $400 million (302 million) increase in first-quarter expenses as fuel prices surge.

CATHAY PACIFIC

The Hong Kong airline said it would hike its fuel surcharge by 34% across routes from April 1 and review them every two weeks.

Delta Air Lines said it will raise fees for checked bags on domestic and select short-haul international routes (AFP via Getty Images)

DELTA AIR LINES

The US-based carrier said it will raise fees for checked bags on domestic and select short-haul international routes by $10 (7.50) each on the first and the second bag. The cost of a third bag will increase by $50 (38), it added.

HONG KONG AIRLINES

The airline said it would raise fuel surcharges by up to 35% from March 12, with the sharpest increase on flights between Hong Kong and the Maldives, Bangladesh and Nepal.

INDIGO

Indias biggest airline said it would introduce fuel charges on domestic and international flights from March 14, including a charge of 900 rupees (7.30) for flights to the Middle East and a charge of 2,300 rupees (18.70) for flights to Europe.

JETBLUE AIRWAYS

The US-based low cost carrier said it was increasing fees for optional services such as checked baggage as it experiences rising operating costs. Baggage prices will rise by either $4 (3) or $9 (6.80), the company said.

KOREAN AIR

The South Korean flag carrier plans to implement phased response measures based on oil price levels, and step up company-wide cost efficiency to offset surging fuel costs.

Pakistan International Airlines is raising fares (AFP/Getty Images)

PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES

The carrier said it would raise domestic flight fares by $20 (15) and international fares by up to $100 (75), citing higher fuel surcharges.

SAS

The Scandinavian airline, which had already increased flight prices, said it would cancel 1,000 flights in April because of high oil and jet fuel prices. For March, it said it had cancelled a couple hundred flights.

THAI AIRWAYS

The Thailand-based carrier said it would raise fares by 10% to 15% to address rising fuel costs.

TURKISH AIRLINES, LUFTHANSA

SunExpress, a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, said it would impose a temporary fuel surcharge of 10 euros (8.70) per passenger from May 1 on routes between Turkey and mainland Europe.

UNITED AIRLINES

United has been able to raise fares without materially hurting bookings in response to the rapid increase in oil and jet fuel prices, chief commercial officer Andrew Nocella said.

The carrier is also reportedly increasing first and second checked bag fees by $10 (7.50) for customers travelling in the US, Mexico and Canada and Latin America.

VIETJET

The Vietnamese budget airline said it had adjusted flight frequency on selected routes due to potential fuel shortages.

VIETNAM AIRLINES

The carrier plans to cancel 23 flights per week across domestic routes from April, Vietnams aviation authority said, after the airline requested government assistance to remove an environmental tax on jet fuel.

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA

Virgin Australia said it was adjusting fares to reflect rising cost pressures across the aviation sector, which it said were being significantly exacerbated by the situation in the Middle East.
One of the gunmen who fired at police near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, Turkey

One gunman has been killed and two others wounded after exchanging fire with police near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul.

They used rifles and pistols in the assault, wounding two police officers, Davut Gul, Istanbuls governor, told reporters at the scene.

The attacker shot dead, named Yunus E.S. by Turkish authorities, was affiliated with an unnamed terror group, officials said.

Police officers responding to the shooting - Murad Sezer/Reuters

The three attackers had links to an organisation that exploits religion, Mustafa Ciftci, Turkeys interior minister, said. Two of them were brothers, he added.

The motive was not initially clear, but Mr Gul said there had been no Israeli diplomatic staff at the consulate for two-and-a-half years.

Video from the scene showed police officers in a shoot-out lasting 10 minutes, with one covered in blood.

Other footage showed what appeared to be an assailant moving between parked police vehicles. It also showed the assailant firing an automatic rifle and a handgun.

One of the attackers was shot dead - Murad Sezer/Reuters

The Israeli foreign ministry told The Telegraph the shooting was being investigated.

No Israeli consulate staff members were inside the compound at the time of the attack, it said.

Shortly after the Oct 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, Israeli diplomatic missions were evacuated not only in Turkey but throughout the region for security reasons, a source added.

The immediate vicinity of the consulate is inaccessible even under normal circumstances, as the area is cordoned off by police barriers.

The area was cordoned off after the attack - Burak Kara/Getty Images

Mr Ciftci said the attackers travelled to Istanbul in a rental vehicle from Izmit, a city located about 50 miles away.

The ministry later clarified that the gunman who was killed had connections with a terrorist group.

Turkish media reported Islamic State was probably responsible for the attack.

In December, the group clashed with Turkish police in Yalova, killing three officers and wounding nine others.

Nationwide raids then rounded up 125 Islamic State suspects after the attack.
For many, spring brings welcome relief from winter's chill, but for hay fever sufferers, it signals the return of watery eyes, redness, and the constant struggle to keep make-up intact.

This week, the Met Office issued a red alert for hay fever, forecasting very high levels of pollen in the air.

The pollen hit England and Wales on Monday and is expected to last until the weekend. Much of Scotland and Northern Ireland are also under an alert, with pollen levels due to decrease later in the week after days of itching and sneezing.

While it may feel like your beauty routine is fighting against you during allergy season, small adjustments can make a significant difference.

Celebrity make-up artist Ariane Young, whose credits include Strictly Come Dancing, and skincare expert Dr Amiee Vyas, both say that success lies in light layers and precise application.

They offer five expert-backed strategies to help your make-up endure the allergy season.

The secret to success lies in correct application and light layers

1. Build in light layers

When youre constantly reaching for tissues, heavy make-up is your biggest enemy.

The key is to work in thin, flexible layers rather than one heavy application, says Young. She recommends starting with a gripping primer, followed by a lightweight foundation that is stippled into the skin rather than buffed.

Vyas says formulas designed for both longevity and sensitivity are the way forward.

Start with a gentle hydrating primer to create a smooth base, then follow with a lightweight, long-wear foundation or tinted moisturiser, she says.

Both stress the importance of setting. A finely milled powder around the nose can help prevent breakdown, while a setting spray locks everything in place.

Blotting papers are also useful for absorbing excess oil without disturbing your base.

A small habit shift can go a long way too, says Young. Gently pressing the nose with a tissue rather than wiping really helps preserve the make-up.

(Boots/PA)

Maybelline New York, The Grippy Serum Makeup Primer, 11.99, Boots

(Look Fantastic/PA)

Estee Lauder Double Wear Longwear Matte Foundation SPF 10, 29.50 (was 39.50), Look Fantastic

2. Use colour correction, not coverage

Redness is one of the most common complaints during hay fever season  but layering on more of your regular concealer isnt the answer.

Colour correction is your best friend, says Young. A sheer green corrector can neutralise redness around the nose, while a lightweight concealer works better under the eyes than heavy foundation.

Vyas also recommends this, suggesting peach or green tones depending on your skin tone. Look for lightweight formulas that wont cake, and hydrating concealers with a natural finish, she says.

She also highlights the benefits of skincare-led solutions; cooling eye gels can soothe puffiness and irritation without adding extra make-up, she notes.

The goal is to subtly balance the skin tone rather than mask it completely.

Less is often more when the skin is already sensitive, says Vyas.

(Typology/PA)

Typology Colour Corrector for Redness T33, 27.50

(Nars Cosmetics/PA)

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, 29.50

3. Avoid common irritants

When your skin is already reactive, certain ingredients can make symptoms worse.

Harsh preservatives and alcohol can aggravate sensitive skin and make irritation worse, says Vyas, while Young agrees noting that Fragrance is a big trigger, especially around the eyes.

She advises caution with heavy essential oils, alcohol-heavy products and some waterproof formulas that require strong removers.

Instead, opt for products labelled fragrance-free, hypoallergenic or suitable for sensitive skin  particularly for the eye area.

Patch-testing new products can also help minimise reactions during peak allergy season.

(Look Fantastic/PA)

Clinique High Impact Mascara, 18 (was 26), Look Fantastic

4. Rethink how you apply your make-up

Technique can be the be-all and end-all in how well your make-up holds up  especially in high-friction areas like the nose and under the eyes.

Young recommends avoiding a heavy product directly in the creases of the nose.

Focus coverage slightly outward and blend inwards very lightly, she says.

Vyas suggests using gentle tapping motions rather than rubbing, especially around delicate areas. Avoid building up heavy layers directly on red or inflamed skin  lightly dab and blend instead, she advises.

Using a damp sponge to press product into the skin can also improve longevity and create a more natural finish.

Under the eyes, keeping product minimal is key. Too much concealer can crease or smudge if eyes begin to water.

Clean tools are also important, Vyas emphasises, using fresh brushes or sponges helps reduce irritation and product build-up.

(Space NK/PA)

Beautyblender The Original Beauty Blender, 13.60 (was 17), Space NK

5. Choose formulas that work with your skin

As mentioned when it comes to irritants, waterproof isnt always the best solution.

Waterproof products can be brilliant for preventing smudging, especially mascara, says Young, but theyre not always the most comfortable.

Waterproof mascara might not be the best option if it requires more stringent make-up remover (Alamy/PA)

Some formulas can feel drying or require more effort to remove which can aggravate already sensitive eyes.

A gentler alternative is tubing mascara, which coats the lashes in flexible tubes that resist tears but slide off easily with warm water.

It gives you the longevity without the irritation, she explains.

And if symptoms are particularly severe, it may be worth simplifying your routine altogether.

If your eyes are really struggling, its worth skipping eye make-up like eyeliner or heavy mascara, says Vyas.

Young suggests skipping mascara and instead make a focal point of the lips instead.

A bold lip can draw attention away from problem areas while still creating a put-together make-up look with minimal effort.

(Revolution Beauty/PA)

Revolution Beauty Lip Allure Soft Satin Lipstick CEO Brick Red, 5.99
It is understood that the water systems problem on the HMS Dragon, which left Portsmouth on 10 March, has not hindered its operational capability. Photograph: Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images)

HMS Dragon has docked in the eastern Mediterranean after suffering technical problems with its water systems.

The UKs prime minister, Keir Starmer, announced on 3 March that the type 45 destroyer would be deployed to reinforce security around RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, two days after the base was struck by a Shahed 136 drone.

HMS Dragon left Portsmouth on 10 March after the crew completed in six days work that would normally take six weeks, according to the defence secretary, John Healey.

The warship will still be able to sail at short notice if required, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on Tuesday.

It is understood that minor technical problems with onboard water systems will be addressed during the stop, but that the malfunction has not affected the ships operational capability. All crew have had access to water and catering, and they have been able to take showers.

An MoD spokesperson said: HMS Dragon is undertaking a routine logistics stop and a short maintenance period in the eastern Mediterranean, allowing the ship to take onboard provisions, optimise systems and conduct maintenance.

HMS Dragon will remain at a very high level of readiness during this period, able to sail at short notice if required.

The UK continues to maintain a robust and layered defensive presence in the eastern Mediterranean, working in coordination with allies.

This includes Typhoon and F-35 jets, Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, and advanced counter-drone and air defence systems.

It is also understood that it was always planned for HMS Dragon to make a logistics stop at approximately this point in its deployment.

HMS Dragon is among a number of British military assets in the region that are defending UK bases and allied nations from Iranian-made drones and other weapons.

Weapons and systems onboard the vessel will be further optimised during its stop.

An MoD source said on Sunday that reports of a Royal Navy vessel in the Mediterranean being struck by Hezbollah missiles were fake.

Rumour spread on social media over Easter that a British warship had sustained damage after being struck by the Lebanese militant group, with claims they had mistaken it for an Israeli vessel. But an MoD source said the claims were not true.

HMS Dragon was deployed to the eastern Mediterranean after the British government faced criticism for the slowness to deploy a warship to the region after moves by Greece and France to send extra naval support to Cyprus following the attack on RAF Akrotiri.

The Cypriot government also expressed concern that the drone was able to hit RAF Akrotiri, suggesting that the presence of the British base on the island should now be reviewed.

The warship is fitted with a Sea Viper missile system, which intercepts drones and missiles, which the MoD said last month would play a vital role in safeguarding UK assets and interests in the Middle East.
The Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orban, inspects the military protection of the natural gas pipeline in Kiskundorozsma in southern Hungary. Photograph: Zoltan Fischer/Hungary PM Communication Office/EPA (Photograph: Zoltan Fischer/Hungary PM Communication Office/EPA)

Hungary has placed the gas pipeline that straddles the Serbian border under military protection, the prime minister, Viktor Orban, has said, as accusations of a false-flag operation continued to swirl before a crunch election at the weekend and an official visit on Tuesday from the US vice-president, JD Vance.

Orban travelled to Hungarys southern border with Serbia on Monday, one day after Serbia said it had found explosives of devastating power near a pipeline that carries Russian natural gas to Hungary and beyond.

The development, coming days before a hard-fought election in which Orban is trailing in most polls, sparked accusations by Hungarys leading opposition candidate of a possible false-flag operation aimed at influencing the ballot.

Orban has yet to address the claims and sought instead to emphasise on Monday their seriousness. This pipeline is important, it is our lifeline, he said in a video posted on social media. We conducted an inspection, and I can report to the Hungarian public that the Hungarian defence forces are capable of placing this pipeline under military protection and, if necessary, defending it.

Related: Hungarian PM faces false flag claims after Serbia says explosives found near pipeline

Earlier he and several government officials had sought to imply that Ukraine was involved in the incident  a charge roundly rejected by Kyiv, which said it had most likely been a Russian false-flag operation as part of Moscows heavy interference in Hungarian elections.

Orban, who since taking power in 2010 has turned Hungary into what he calls an illiberal democracy, is also the EUs most Moscow-friendly leader and has blocked aid packages for Ukraine.

The claims are a glimpse of the tensions that have gripped the central European country as Orban seeks to convince voters of the threat of the war in Ukraine. Polls suggest Orbans messaging, which also pushes his Fidesz party as the safest pair of hands amid the volatility, is falling flat as he faces an unprecedented challenge from Peter Magyar, a former top member of Fidesz.

Magyar described on Monday on social media Orbans remarks regarding the pipeline as nothing more than the cheap theatre of a fearful regime. That the backdrop of Orbans remarks included a poster that read: Comrades, its over, was just a funny coincidence, he added.

Speaking late on Sunday, uro Jovanic, the director of Belgrades counterintelligence Military Security Agency (VBA), countered Fideszs suggestion that Ukraine was responsible for the incident, saying it was not true. The markings on the explosives, while not indicative of those who organised the plot, were American, he added.

While most countries did not comment on the incident, the Kremlin said on Monday, without evidence, it believed that Ukraine had planted the explosives. And prior to this, as we know, the Kyiv regime was directly involved in such acts of sabotage against critical energy infrastructure, the Kremlins spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters. It is highly likely that signs of the Kyiv regimes involvement will be found this time too, he added.

On Monday, after several journalists said they had heard rumblings that something might happen around Easter involving a gas pipeline and Serbia and Russia, a former senior counterintelligence officer, Peter Buda, said the potential plans had been an open secret among many. Plans for this false-flag attack had been circulating since February, he told the Guardian.

The uncertainty hovering over Hungary that Orban could use the incident to prevent the election from going ahead as planned on 12 April  concerns voiced by Magyar  comes as the US vice-president and the second lady land in Hungary for a two-day visit.

The visit has sparked questions over why Vance and his wife, Usha, are carving out time to visit Budapest as the US administration faces a threat of escalation in its five-week war on Iran.

Since returning to power, Trump and his government have broken with the principle among western democracies  to which past US presidents have adhered  of not taking sides in foreign elections. Instead, the Trump administration openly shows support for leaders it sees as compatible with Maga ideology and foreign policy priorities  regardless of their democratic credentials.

Hungary is their El Dorado, said Jacob Heilbrunn, the editor of National Interest. Vance has always been besotted with Hungary for political and religious reasons.

Related: Hungary elections: what is at stake and who is likely to win?

The veneration spans across much of the current US administration. Orban has been lauded by Trumps former adviser Steve Bannon as Trump before Trump, while Kevin Roberts, the head of the Heritage Foundation thinktank that produced Project 2025, a far-right blueprint for Trumps second term, once said: Modern Hungary is not just a model for conservative statecraft, but the model.

While Trump has repeatedly endorsed Orban, describing the rightwing populist leader as a fantastic guy and a strong and powerful leader, Heilbrunn saw Vances visit as a hint that Trump believed Orban could lose the election. Trump hates to be associated with a loser, so he is sending Vance to be the fall guy, he said.

The visit, during which officials have said Vance will hold a joint press conference with Orban before the US vice-president speaks at a mass rally on the occasion of Hungarian-American friendship day, underscores the symbolic consequences the election will have for far-right movements. In January, nearly a dozen rightwing leaders came together to endorse Orban in a video.

If Orban were to lose the elections, it would be a crashing blow for the Maga movement, said Heilbrunn. They have staked almost everything on Hungary as a vanguard to erode and undermine the EU and to bolster Putins ability to threaten Ukraine.

Well talk about any number of things related to the US-Hungary relationship, Vance told the press as he departed from Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington. Obviously, Im sure Europe and Ukraine and all the other stuff will figure in pretty prominently.

Vance is scheduled to meet Orban and deliver a speech on the rich partnership between the United States and Hungary, according to a statement from his office.
Iranian officials are urging young people to form human chains around power plants ahead of a looming deadline set by US president Donald Trump.

The president has threatened to bomb all of Irans power plants and bridges if the nation fails to meet his Tuesday 8 pm EDT deadline to fully restore shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

The waterway is a critical choke point, through which a fifth of the worlds oil travels.

Iran had previously cut off shipping through the strait following attacks by Israel and the US on 28 February, which marked the beginning of the current conflict.

The entire country can be taken out in one night, Mr Trump declared.

In a clear sign of impending strikes, Israels military issued warnings in Farsi, advising Iranians to avoid train travel throughout the day.

Your presence puts your life at risk, the message posted on X read.

Iran called on all young people, athletes, artists, students and university students and their professors to form human chains around power plants ahead of the threatened strikes.

Iran has previously used human chains around its nuclear sites during periods of heightened tensions with Western nations (AFP/Getty)

Alireza Rahimi, identified by Iranian state television as the secretary of the Supreme Council of Youth and Adolescents, issued a video call, saying: Power plants that are our national assets and capital, regardless of any taste or political viewpoint, belong to the future of Iran and to the Iranian youth.

Iran has previously used human chains around its nuclear sites during periods of heightened tensions with Western nations.

Later, a Revolutionary Guard general urged parents to send their children to man checkpoints, which have been repeatedly targeted in airstrikes.

Meanwhile, France joined a growing international chorus calling for restraint from Mr Trump, with foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot saying that attacks targeting civilian and energy infrastructure are barred by the rules of war, international law.

He added: They would without doubt trigger a new phase of escalation, of reprisals, that would drag the region and the world economy into a vicious circle that would be very worrying and, most of all, very damaging to our own interests.

New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon also urged Mr Trump not to proceed, telling Radio New Zealand that the focus needs to be on not seeing this conflict expand any further.

He added: Any of those actions, including bombing bridges and reservoirs and civilian infrastructure, would be unacceptable.

UN secretary general Antonio Guterres warned the US that attacks on civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law, according to his spokesperson.

Mr Trump, speaking to reporters, dismissed concerns about committing war crimes with such attacks, stating he was not at all concerned.

It comes after Tehran launched seven ballistic missiles towards Saudi Arabia.

Authorities reported that debris from intercepted missiles rained down near energy facilities, with the extent of the damage currently being assessed by Defence Ministry spokesperson Maj Gen Turki al-Malki.

Emergency workers at a strike site in Israel on Tuesday (Reuters)

The attacks prompted Saudi Arabia to close the King Fahd Causeway, the 25km bridge connecting Saudi Arabia to the island kingdom of Bahrain, for several hours.

This bridge serves as Bahrains sole road link to the Arabian Peninsula, where the US Navys 5th Fleet is based.

Elsewhere, activists reported a fresh wave of strikes on Tehran, for which Israel later claimed responsibility.

Iranian media confirmed that nine people were killed in the city of Shahriar and six more in Pardis in separate airstrikes.

Iran also launched missiles towards Israel, with reports of incoming projectiles in Tel Aviv and Eilat.

The death toll continues to mount across the region. More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began, though the government has not updated its figures for days.

More than 1,400 people have died in Lebanon, with more than a million displaced, and eleven Israeli soldiers have been killed there.

In Gulf Arab states and the occupied West Bank, more than two dozen people have died, while 23 have been reported dead in Israel and 13 US service members have been killed.
Recognition Based on Employee Feedback Highlights Siteimprove's People-First Culture and Commitment to Growth

MINNEAPOLIS, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Siteimprove, a leader in agentic content intelligence, is proud to have earned Great Place To Work Certificationin the U.S. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Siteimprove. This year, 90% of employees said it's a Great Place To Work  33 points higher than the average U.S. company.

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SOURCE Siteimprove
A reference to the anti-Trump No Kings protests is left on a building at Tehrans Sharif University of Technology that was damaged in an airstrike. Photograph: Majid-Asgaripour/Reuters (Photograph: Majid-Asgaripour/Reuters)

Donald Trump has warned that Irans whole civilisation will die tonight if Tehran did not comply with his demands, as the world braced to see if the president would deliver on his latest threat to order the mass destruction of Iranian power plants and bridges in the absence of a deal by 8pm EDT (1am BST).

Irans Revolutionary Guards signalled they were also ready to escalate the war with a threat to retaliate beyond the region and to deprive the US and its allies of oil and gas in the region for years, suggesting Iran would target oil and gas production facilities in the Gulf and elsewhere, potentially sending the world into a recession.

The White House issued a statement on Tuesday insisting the US was not considering the use of a nuclear weapon after the vice-president, JD Vance, triggered concern with a warning that US forces had tools they so far havent decided to use.

But by threatening Iranian civilization, Trump appeared unwilling to dispel doubts he was prepared to commit serious war crimes by targeting the countrys population. On Sunday, he said US bombing would destroy all Irans power stations and bridges within fours hours of his deadline.

Late on Tuesday, Pope Leo described Trumps threats as truly unacceptable and urged people across the world to contact their political leaders to call on them to bring the conflict to an end.

Today as we all know there was this threat against all the people of Iran. This is truly unacceptable, he said.

The pope added that attacks on civilian infrastructure were against international law, but  also a sign of the hatred, the division, the destruction the human beings are capable of, and that we all want to work for peace.

With Trumps deadline looming, there was little sign of Pakistani-led peace efforts bearing fruit, with Iran unwilling to give up its main point of leverage, the near-total closure of the strait of Hormuz, the chokepoint for the flow of oil, gas and petrochemicals such as fertiliser from the Gulf, in return for a temporary ceasefire.

Hours before the deadline, Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistans prime minister, publicly requested that Trump delay his ultimatum to Iran by two weeks in order to allow diplomacy to run its course.

Related: Trump threats cause dilemma for US officers: disobey orders or commit war crimes

Sharif did not offer any specific updates on the negotiations, but said diplomatic efforts were progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully, with the potential to lead to substantive results in near future.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told Axios that Trump had been made been aware of the proposal, and a response will come.

Sharif also requested that Iran open the strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture and that all warring parties observe a two-week ceasefire. Reuters cited a senior Iranian official as saying that Tehran was reviewing the ceasefire proposal positively.

However, reports indicated explosions in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday evening, as sirens were heard in Bahrain, where local residents have been requested to shelter in place, and interceptors were said to have engaged targets over the United Arab Emirates.

Mohammad Reza Aref, Irans first vice-president, said the country was ready for all possibilities as the deadline approached. National security and infrastructure sustainability are the subject of our precise calculations, he wrote on social media. The government has finalised the necessary measures in detail for all scenarios. No threat is beyond our preparedness and intelligence.

Earlier on X, Irans president, Masoud Pezeshkian, said: More than 14 million proud Iranians have so far registered to sacrifice their lives to defend Iran. I too have been, am and will remain devoted to giving my life for Iran.

Tehran has presented its own 10-point plan, insisting on long-term security guarantees, which Trump has rejected as not good enough.

After days of escalating threats, Trump posted a warning on social media Tuesday: A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will.

The president has set deadlines before and allowed them to pass over the five weeks of the conflict, but he insisted on Tuesday the ensuing hours would be one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World unless something revolutionarily wonderful happened, with less radicalized minds in Irans leadership.

Amir-Saeid Iravani, Irans representative at the UN, said that Trumps threats constituted incitement to war crimes  and potentially genocide.

During a security council session on the strait of Hormuz, Iravani said: Iran will not stand idle in the face of such egregious war crimes. It will exercise, without hesitation, its inherent right of self-defence and will take immediate and proportionate reciprocal measures.

Through his spokesperson, the UN secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, issued a reminder on Monday that attacking civilian infrastructure is banned under international law, but Trump declared on the same day he was not at all concerned about being called a war criminal.

Officers in the chain of command are obligated under US and international law not to carry out blatantly unlawful orders but it was unclear whether there was anyone left in Trumps entourage willing to intervene to stop him.

In the hours before Trumps deadline, Israel mounted its own attacks on Irans infrastructure. A rail bridge in the central city of Kashan was one of the first reported bombed on Tuesday by Iranian state media, with two people reportedly killed as Israels military said it had launched a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting dozens of infrastructure sites.

A bridge over a railway line near Karaj, to the north-west of Tehran, was hit, according to Iranian media, and power outages were reported in the same city after a substation and transmission lines were bombed. Bridges near Qom and Tabriz were also reportedly hit.

Related: As Iran war exposes global dependence on fossil fuels, the biggest emitters are reaping the rewards

The US also struck 50 military targets on Irans Kharg Island, the home to its main oil export terminal, while Irans Revolutionary Guards said they had attacked Saudi Arabias Jubail petrochemical complex in retaliation for strikes on an Iranian petrochemical facility the night before.

Israels military, writing in Farsi on social media, said on Tuesday morning that from this moment  8.50am Iran time  until 9pm, Iranians should refrain from travelling by train throughout Iran for the sake of their own security.

Your presence on trains and near railway lines endangers your life, the statement continued in a clear warning that stations and tracks normally used by civilians would be bombed on Tuesday.

Iranian media reported on Tuesday that the Khorramabad airport, in western Iran, had been attacked, and Israel said it had conducted another wave of strikes on Tehran overnight. Israels military said it had bombed a petrochemical facility in Shiraz, where it said nitric acid used to make explosives was produced, as well as a ballistic missile launch site in north-western Iran.

Israels military expressed regret on Tuesday for damage caused to a synagogue in Tehran, claiming it was collateral damage from a strike against a senior military target. Iranian media said the synagogue, serving the capitals small Jewish population, had been destroyed.
A Japanese national, who had been detained in Iran since January, has been released on bail, Tokyo confirmed on Tuesday.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara announced that the release was verified on Monday, with Japan now pressing Iranian authorities for a full release.

The Japanese ambassador to Iran, Tamaki Tsukada, met with the individual, confirming their good health, though no further details were provided.

The person is widely believed to be a journalist for Japans public broadcaster, NHK.

This development follows the release of another Japanese citizen in March, who had been held in Iran since last June.

Tuesdays announcement also came a day after phone discussions between Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, concerning Iran's conflict with the United States and Israel.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara (JIJI Press/AFP via Getty Images)

A Japanese Foreign Ministry statement released just after the talks said that Mr Motegi reiterated his demand for the release of the remaining detainee.

Mr Araghchi said he took the request seriously, the statement said.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has named the person detained in Iran in January as a journalist at Japans public broadcaster NHK.

The CPJ said the NHK journalist was arrested on 20 January by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and was transferred on 23 February to Evin Prison, quoting unidentified sources citing fear of persecution.

Evin Prison, known as the Bastille of Iran, is the Islamic Republic's most infamous detention facility.

It is the primary prison for journalists, human rights activists, academics, dual nationals, and political prisoners detained by the Iranian regime.

Other foreign nationals being held there include British couple Lindsay and Craig Foreman, who were in 2025 sentenced to 10 years in prison on espionage charges.

The Foremans were arrested in January 2025 while on a motorcycle world trip through Iran, with their detention announced by Iranian state media in February of the same year.

Their family claims they are being used as "human shields" amidst the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and has criticised the British government for insufficient progress on their release.

Joe Bennett, Lindsay Foreman's son, has described the couple's harsh living conditions in Evin Prison, including a recent blast near the facility and the presence of rats and cockroaches.
Vance (left) did not conceal the reason for his visit, as Orban (right) faces the possibility of being ousted after 16 years in power. Photograph: Getty Images (Photograph: Getty Images)

JD Vance has railed against the EU, accusing it of blatantly interfering in Hungarys upcoming elections, even as the US vice-president said he had travelled to Budapest to help Viktor Orban win Sundays vote.

Speaking to reporters shortly after landing in Budapest on Tuesday, Vances tone was combative as he alleged that the EU was responsible for one of the worst examples of foreign election interference he had ever seen.

The bureaucrats in Brussels have tried to destroy the economy of Hungary, he said. Gesturing to Orban, he added: They have tried to make Hungary less energy-independent. They have tried to drive up costs for Hungarian consumers. And theyve done it all because they hate this guy.

Vance, however, made no effort to conceal the reason he had arrived in the country five days before a heated election in which Orban is facing the possibility of being ousted after 16 years in power. Of course, I want to help, as much as I possibly can, the prime minister as he faces this election season, said Vance.

Later, at a campaign rally with Orban, Vance dialled up Donald Trump, putting his phones speaker to the on-stage microphone as the US president offered a glowing endorsement of the Hungarian prime minister. I love Hungary and I love that Viktor, Trump told the cheering crowd. Hes done a fantastic job.

Hungarians are on Sunday due to cast their votes in a pivotal parliamentary election, in which Orban is facing an unprecedented challenge from Peter Magyar, a former top member of the ruling Fidesz party.

The election has pitted two distinct versions of Hungarys future against each other, as Orban and Fidesz seek to convince voters that the war in Ukraine poses a deep threat to the country and that Orban is best placed to handle this risk, while Magyar and his Tisza party have urged voters to focus on domestic issues such as economic stagnation, fraying social services and corruption.

Tuesdays press conference saw Vance drawn into Orbans efforts to paint Ukraine as the countrys top threat, with Vance telling reporters that he was aware of Ukrainian intelligence services trying to put the thumb on the scale of American elections.

Related: Hungary elections: what is at stake and who is likely to win?

This is just what they do, said Vance. He singled out people in the Ukrainian system who had campaigned alongside Democrats before the 2024 US presidential election. Hours later, Orban posted a video to social media in which Vance could be heard praising the Hungarian leader for keeping Europe strong and prosperous. Orban, said Vance, was one of the only true statesmen in Europe.

The adulation comes as Orbans relationship with the EU has plummeted to new lows, amid clashes on migration, LGBTQ+ rights and, most recently, Orbans refusal to sign off on a 90bn loan to Ukraine.

At the evening rally  called a Day of Friendship event  Vance delivered further attacks on the EU. Im not telling you exactly who to vote for, but what I am telling you is that the bureaucrats in Brussels, those people, should not be listened to, he said. Listen to your hearts, listen to your souls, and listen to the sovereignty of the Hungarian people.

He added: I see that those who hate Europe the most, who hate its borders, its energy independence, the people who hate its Christian heritage, they hate one man above all others and his name is Viktor Orban. And if they hate him, it means hes on your side.

Vances attack on Brussels came amid mounting scrutiny over Budapests ties to the Kremlin. On Tuesday  after previous allegations that Russian intelligence agencies, along with disinformation networks with links to Russia, were working to sway the election in Orbans favour  it was reported that Orban had told Vladimir Putin: I am at your service in an October call.

On Tuesday, Bloomberg News said it had obtained a Hungarian government transcript of a call that took place between Orban and Putin on 17 October, in which Orban reportedly compared the relationship to that of a mouse standing ready to help the Russian lion as needed.

Yesterday our friendship rose to such a high level that I can help in any way, Orban reportedly told Putin in the call. In any matter where I can be of assistance, I am at your service.

Orban has long been the EUs most Moscow-friendly leader, maintaining Hungarys heavy reliance on Russian oil and gas while his foreign minister reportedly regularly updated his Russian counterpart with details of confidential EU meetings and worked to amend the EU sanctions list to Moscows liking.

Vance praised Orban for being a great example in Europe on energy security and independence, in what appeared to be a reference to Hungarys continued reliance on the imports of Russian oil and gas.

Vance said European leaders, in contrast, had made a huge mistake in cutting off oil and natural gas from the east. A report last month showed that Hungarys reliance on Russia had increased since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Russia now accounting for 93% of the countrys crude oil imports compared with 61% in 2021.

Vances remarks seemingly contradicted US efforts to push its allies to break with Russian energy, with Trump excoriating other EU countries for moving to cease their imports of Russian fossil fuels in response to the war.

The EU, meanwhile, hit back at the claims. Going back to importing from Russia  a greatly unreliable supplier that is waging an atrocious war against Ukraine  would be a strategic mistake, said a spokesperson.

In the transcript of the October call revealed on Tuesday, Putin reportedly praised Hungarys independent and flexible stance on his war against Ukraine. It is incomprehensible to us that such a balanced, middle-ground position only generates counterarguments, said the Russian president, according to the transcript.

Hungary  which has broken with most EU countries by refusing to help Ukraine with financial assistance or weapons  was also praised by Vance. Your leadership has been a far, far more important and constructive partner for peace than almost anyone, anywhere else in the world, the US vice-president told Orban.

He lauded Orban  whose illiberal democracy has caused the country to plunge in press freedom rankings, face accusations of no longer being a full democracy and become the most corrupt in the EU  as an ally to Trump in the defence of western civilisation.

When asked whether the US administration would be willing to work with another Hungarian government if Orban failed to win another term, Vance said yes, but that he did not expect a change in government. Viktor Orban is going to win the next election in Hungary, so I feel very confident about that and about our continued positive relationship, he said.

As Orban and Fidesz lag in the polls, rightwing leaders from around the world have sought to rally behind him, catapulting the election in this central European country of about 9.5 million people on to the global stage as it becomes a wider symbol of the resilience of far-right movements.

On Tuesday, Magyar, whose Tisza party is leading in most polls, directly addressed Vances visit to Budapest. No foreign country may interfere in Hungarian elections, he said on social media. This is our country. Hungarian history is not written in Washington, Moscow or Brussels  it is written in Hungarian streets and squares.
Kanye West has been blocked from travelling to the UK to headline Wireless Festival after a row over his antisemitic comments and growing pressure on the government to intervene.

The rapper applied to travel to the country on Monday via an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), but the Home Office stopped him because his presence in the UK would not be conducive to the public good, it is understood.

Shortly after, Wireless Festival said it had cancelled the three-day event, and all ticketholders would be issued a refund.

It comes after ministers and Jewish groups said organisers of the London festival should be ashamed for inviting the US rapper to headline all three days of the event after he made a series of antisemitic statements last year. This included releasing a song called Heil Hitler and advertising a swastika T-shirt for sale on his website.

Responding to the decision to block his entry into the country, the Campaign Against Antisemitism said the government has clearly made the right decision.

A spokesperson added: For once, when it said that antisemitism has no place in the UK, it backed up its words with action.

Someone who has boasted of making tens of millions of dollars from selling swastika T-shirts and who released a song called Heil Hitler just months ago, clearly would not be conducive to the public good in the UK.

Wireless Festival, in its desperate quest for profit, defended the invitation until the end. That is shameful, and its sponsors should continue to stay away.

The rapper has repeatedly made antisemitic remarks (PA Archive)

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said: Kanye West should never have been invited to headline Wireless.

This government stands firmly with the Jewish community, and we will not stop in our fight to confront and defeat the poison of antisemitism.

We will always take the action necessary to protect the public and uphold our values.

As tickets for the three Finsbury Park concerts went on sale on Tuesday, West said he would like to speak directly to the UKs Jewish community after the backlash over his behaviour.

But Jewish leaders refused to meet the rapper, with the Jewish Leadership Council telling Wireless organisers they would not help save their festival.

The CAA also said it would not meet with the US artist and said its members would protest at Wireless if his planned performances went ahead, as nobody knows what might come out of Mr Wests mouth on that stage.

However, Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said the group would be willing to meet with West if he pulled out of Wireless.

Melvin Benn, managing director at Festival Republic, which promotes Wireless Festival, claimed earlier on Tuesday that West already had a visa to enter the UK for the gigs, adding it was issued in the last few days.

Confirming the cancellation of the festival, a spokesperson said: The Home Office has withdrawn YEs ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom. As a result, Wireless Festival is cancelled and refunds will be issued to all ticket holders.

As with every Wireless Festival, multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking YE, and no concerns were highlighted at the time.

Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had. As YE said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and in spite of this still hopes to be given the opportunity to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the UK.

Pepsi, Rockstar Energy and Diageo all withdrew their sponsorship of the festival after West was announced as the headline act, and no brands appeared as visible sponsors on Wireless Festivals official website on Monday evening  piling pressure on the government to intervene.

PayPal, which is a payment partner for the annual rap and hip-hop festival, did not appear in any of its future promotional materials, the Press Association understands.

Sir Keir Starmer has criticised the decision to have Kanye West perform at the festival (PA Wire)

Earlier on Tuesday, health secretary Wes Streeting said organisers of the festival in Finsbury Park should be ashamed after they showed a terrible error of judgement by booking West to perform.

These werent a couple of off-colour remarks, these were a pattern of behaviour, he told Sky News. The releasing of a song called Heil Hitler, the plastering of that slogan across T-shirts, then using bipolar disorder as an excuse.

And then when he realised the impact on his fame and his career, he came out with a mealy-mouthed apology, which has now been given a fig leaf of credibility by festival organisers who should be ashamed of themselves. So Im appalled, actually.

A YouGov poll, which spoke to 4,385 adults on Tuesday, saw 57 per cent say West should not be allowed to enter the UK, with just 18 per cent saying he should be allowed it.

In January, West took out a full-page advert in The Wall Street Journal to apologise, titled: To Those Ive Hurt.

I am not a Nazi or an antisemite, it said. I love Jewish people.

In his letter, he said his bipolar disorder led him to fall into a four-month-long, manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour that destroyed my life.
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Kristi Noems cross-dressing husband told fetish model he wanted to marry her 5 days after wife ousted from DHS: report

Kristi Noems husband told an online fetish model that he wanted to marry her five days after his wife was ousted as Homeland Security Secretary, according to a report.

Nicole Raccagnowhose Instagram name is plastictrophybimbo told the Daily Mail that the married insurance man said he was in love with her and had been sending her regular payments in exchange for videos since 2020.

Five days after Kristi Noem was fired by President Donald Trump, Bryon Noem allegedly told Raccagno on March 10, I seem to be falling in love with you. I do love you, according to the Mail.

In the messages he sent that day, he allegedly offered to send her money to enlarge her breasts and said, You're the one that I love. I would love to marry you.

Bryon Noems online cross-dressing activity, where he was pictured wearing pink hot pants and a skin-toned spandex top stuffed with balloons to resemble breasts, was reported by the Mail last week.

Kristi Noems husband allegedly told an online fetish model that he wanted to marry her five days after his wife was ousted as Homeland Security Secretary (AFP via Getty Images)

The report alleged that the 56-year-old engaged in a bimbofication fetish as his wife, 54, served in Trumps cabinet.

He gave me whatever I wanted  shoes, handbags, even bigger boobs, Raccagno claimed. He wanted me to be his ultimate bimbo bride.

Raccagno, of Las Vegas, claimed Noem followed her on OnlyFans in 2020 under a pseudonym and it wasnt until 2025 that she had worked out his true identity, according to the newspaper.

They had an arrangement where Raccagno, 47, would send Bryon Noem videos of a sexual nature for $1,500 a month.

Receipts of the payments from Bryon Noem obtained by the Mail correspond to a cell phone number listed on his insurance business website in South Dakota, according to the outlet.

On the day he sat behind his wife while she was grilled by lawmakers, Raccagno said she texted Bryon Noem, 'Are U OK I saw u on TV?

He didnt reply, according to the model, but got back in touch on March 10. Raccagno said she last heard from the father and husband on March 23.

The report alleged that the 56-year-old engaged in a bimbofication fetish as his wife, 54, served in President Donald Trumps cabinet (@KristiNoem)

The Independent has contacted Bryon Noem for comment.

He did not respond to questions from the Mail on the publications latest report and is yet to make an official statement.

Kristi Noems initial statement expressed shock, asking for privacy and prayers. But insiders told the newspaper that White House and Department of Homeland Security officials had been gossiping about Bryon Noems alleged fetishes for months.

Everyone knew he had problems, especially her, a White House insider told the Mail, referring to Kristi Noem. It's not a secret at all.

The couple has been married for almost 34 years. They have three adult children and several grandchildren.

Residents of Castlewood, a tiny town that is part of the wider community of Watertown, who have known the Noems for decades, were in disbelief over the photographs but also expressed great sympathy for Bryon Noem.

Must be A.I., cattle rancher Kevin Ruesink told The New York Times. I grew up playing ball with Bryon, he said with a hint of suspicion and pity after a reporter at the newspaper showed him the photographs of Bryon Noem. Ive never known him to be part of stuff like that. I dont believe that at all.

Other neighbors portrayed Bryon Noem as a supportive spouse who shied away from being in the limelight that his wife seemed to enjoy as Homeland Security Secretary.

People know Bryon as the supportive husband who worked to maintain a normal family life as Kristis profile skyrocketed, real estate appraiser and newspaper columnist Brad Johnson told The Times. It shows the price of power and fame is very high. But, Kristi invited this type of coverage by her actions at the Department of Homeland Security.
Lee Collins III was arrested Monday after police say he fatally shot his mother and grandmother following an argument on Easter Sunday (St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office)

A 22-year-old Louisiana man accused of fatally shooting his mother and grandmother on Easter Sunday has been caught by police about 150 miles away in Alabama.

Lee Collins III was arrested by police Monday in the city of Mobile, one day after authorities said he shot his relatives at the family home in St. Bernard Parish, Fox 8 Live reported.

Collins got into an argument with his mother, Trenelle Collins, 55, and his grandmother, 75-year-old Mary Major, before opening fire around 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, according to St. Bernard Parish Sheriff James Pohlmann.

Collins then allegedly tried to shoot his father, but missed, Pohlmann said.

Police were called to the home and found the two women with gunshot wounds. Both were taken to the hospital, where they later died.

Lee Collins III was arrested Monday after police say he fatally shot his mother and grandmother following an argument on Easter Sunday (St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office)

Investigators said they believed Collins stole a white 2019 Ford stake-bed truck from a nearby business after the shooting and used it to drive about 150 miles away to Mobile, Alabama.

Authorities in Alabama said Collins had been taken to AltaPointe Health, a mental health facility, by a neighboring law enforcement agency. There, they discovered he had been giving out a false name to authorities.

Through the course of AltaPointes thorough intake measures, the staff realized right away the subject was not who he claimed to be. It was discovered he gave the previous law enforcement agency false information, the Mobile Police Department said in a statement.

Once their suspicions were heightened, the Mobile Police Department was notified immediately. Our officers responded and were able to properly identify the subject as Lee Collins III, who is wanted on two counts of murder in Louisiana.

We notified the St. Bernard Parish Sheriffs Office, and they are coming to interview the subject and begin the process of having him extradited back to Louisiana, the department added.

Authorities did not share details about the argument he had with his relatives leading up to the shooting, but the sheriff said Collins did not have a criminal history.

Investigators said they believed Collins stole a white 2019 Ford stake-bed truck (pictured) from a nearby business after the shooting and used it to drive about 150 miles away to Mobile, Alabama (St Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office)

From what we understand, he was homeschooled, never had any problems with the family or any indications that there was any form of violence, particularly at this level. Inside that home, after he shot both the mother and the grandmother he attempted to shoot the father inside the home, but he missed, Pohlmann said Monday.

Pohlmann said that Collins will be charged with two counts of second-degree murder.

Derrick Alvaris, who lives on the same block as the Collins family, expressed his disbelief that the shooting took place in their neighborhood.

All I remember, I just seen a lot of cops. And when I got here, my mom and them told me what happened, he said. I just cant believe it happened. I just cant believe it.

Alvaris also said that Collins was not someone known to get into trouble.

He never got into trouble, never did nothing. He was always homeschooled, so yeah, that was the truth. He never got in trouble. Its just a sad story that it happened, Alvaris said.

The investigation into the shootings remains ongoing.
The legislation includes a pilot program for 10 school districts to test technology that renders mobile devices inoperable on school grounds (Alamy)

The Massachusetts House of Representatives is set to vote on a bill that would implement some of the United States strictest regulations on social media access for minors and prohibit the use of mobile phones in schools.

The legislation, scheduled for a vote on April 8, seeks to ban children under the age of 14 from using social media platforms entirely.

Under the proposed rules, 14- and 15-year-olds would be required to obtain verifiable parental consent to access these services, while no restrictions would be placed on those aged 16 and older.

In a joint statement, House Speaker Ron Mariano and Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz described the measure as being among the most restrictive in the entire country.

The simple reality is that Massachusetts must do more to ensure that our laws keep pace with modern challenges  especially when it comes to protecting our children, and to setting students up for success in the classroom and beyond, the Democratic lawmakers said.

The legislation includes a pilot program for 10 school districts to test technology that renders mobile devices inoperable on school grounds (Alamy)

If passed, social media companies would be required to implement rigorous age-verification systems. The bill further mandates that platforms provide parents with access to their childrens social media data.

The definition of a social media platform under the bill includes websites and applications primarily used for sharing user-generated content, but explicitly excludes email and SMS text messaging services.

The Attorney General would be tasked with establishing implementation regulations by September 1, with the policy officially taking effect on October 1, 2026.

The bill also addresses mobile phone use within the education system. It requires school districts to establish policies prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices throughout the school day, including during school-sponsored activities.

A pilot program would be launched across 10 districts to test technology capable of rendering mobile devices inoperable on school grounds.

Mobile phone bans have become common place across the U.S. (AFP via Getty Images)

Several districts, including Newton, Gardner and Barnstable, have already implemented local bans. Watertown High School recently became the first in the country to use the Doorman program, which restricts smartphone functionality to basic voice calls while in the classroom, as reported by CBS News.

The legislation follows a similar move by Florida in 2024, which has since faced legal challenges from First Amendment advocates. Michlewitz acknowledged the potential for litigation but stated that leadership believes the state is on solid ground.

We know that there could be some potential legal challenges, Michlewitz said. We think it's the right thing to do, we think we're on solid ground.

Governor Maura Healey has previously signaled her support for stronger protections, using her 2026 State of the Commonwealth address to call for mandatory age verification and the disabling of features such as continuous scrolling for young users.

Following the House vote, the bill will move to a six-person conference committee to reconcile differences with a version passed by the Senate in July 2025. The final consensus legislation must then be approved by both chambers before reaching the governors desk.
It doesn't get much cuter than baby animals. Between their clumsy walk, their curious personalities, and their tiny sizes, there are thousandsperhaps millionsof reasons to adore Earth's youngest creatures. Of course, some babies are much bigger than others, but even nature's biggest babies pale in comparison to their parents.

Everyone knows that hippopotamuses are massive animals capable of causing extensive damage, and comparing the sizes of a newborn baby hippo and their mom proves just how huge these creatures can become. A lucky visitor at Londolozi Game Reserve in South Africa witnessed the moment when a newborn hippo emerged from the river alongside its mama, and their incredible size difference has to be seen to be believed. The little one is the size of its mama's snout!

How cute! The baby hippo was so eclipsed by Mom's reflection in the water that I hardly noticed they were climbing out. Mom noticed, however, and she wasted no time leading the way for her little one to follow.

Commenters like @dreamsoft76 could relate to this universal moment of parenthood: "Every Mom on the planet dragging their kid out of the pool." Hippopotamus moms have an even harder time with this than human moms do, according to the Philadelphia Zoo, because baby hippos are born underwater! Hippos can nurse their young in the water, too, so babies spend a lot of time beneath the surface.

Related: Viviana the Hippo Celebrates 50th Birthday at Disney's Animal Kingdom in the Sweetest Way

As another viewer pointed out, this might be the baby's first time out of the water. @Creativecap14 noticed, "That is a newborn! Still has umbilicus!" If you look closely, as the baby animal turns to the side after exiting the river, you can see it for yourself.

@Shleeezyy got people thinking when they wrote, "The baby hippo is adorable, but Ive never seen a teenager hippo. Theyre either big or tiny, never medium. Am I tripping?" They may be onto something, because baby hippos grow incredibly fast.

How Much Do Hippos Weigh?

As the Philadelphia Zoo explains, baby hippos weigh about 60-110 pounds at birth. By their first birthday, however, they weigh around 500 pounds! A fully grown hippopotamus can weigh anywhere from 2200 lbs to 9900 lbs, with males being much larger than females.

Hippos' massive size is just one reason why they're considered the most dangerous animal in Africa. Males are also incredibly territorial and ferocious, especially when challenging other males. Despite this frightening aggression, hippopotamuses are incredible wild animals who should continue to be protected, just like this mom and baby in the South African game reserve.



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This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Apr 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A tiny measles patient is given oxygen on a specialist paediatric ward in Dhaka - MONIRUL ALAM/EPA/Shutterstock

At least 149 children have died in a measles outbreak in Bangladesh, forcing authorities to launch an emergency vaccination campaign.

Health authorities have confirmed more than 9,000 suspected cases in the outbreak, which began in January and has now spread to 56 of Bangladeshs 64 districts.

The first case was reported in a Rohingya refugee camp in Coxs Bazar but the virus has surged in recent weeks, primarily affecting unvaccinated infants.

Ten more children died of suspected measles today, bringing the total number of suspected measles deaths this year to 149, a health official at Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Bangladesh told The Telegraph. He was not authorised to speak with the media.

Eight of the 10 deaths were reported in the capital, Dhaka, with one each in the cities of Rajshahi and Sylhet, he said. A week ago the death toll stood at just 46.

Hospitals in several high-burden regions are already overcrowded and operating with limited capacity, officials said, raising concerns about further spread.

As the death toll surges, Bangladesh has launched an emergency vaccination campaign to protect more than 1.2 million children aged six-months to five years across 18 high-risk districts.

The vaccination programme will be expanded and gradually scaled up to other districts and cities across the country.

The campaign is prioritising children who have missed routine immunisation and are most vulnerable to severe illness and complications.

The outbreak has spread fast among unvaccinated children - MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP via Getty Images

A mother comforts her sick child at the Bangladesh Shishu hospital in Dhaka - MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP via Getty Images

In Dhaka and Coxs Bazar, efforts will be intensified to ensure high coverage in densely populated and high-risk settings.

Unless vaccinations and response measures are scaled up rapidly, transmission is likely to continue expanding, placing further strain on health services and increasing the risk of severe health outcomes among children, health officials fear.

Rana Flowers, Unicefs Representative in Bangladesh, said: Unicef is deeply concerned about the sharp rise in measles cases across Bangladesh, putting thousands of children, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, at serious risk.

The resurgence of a disease once thought largely under control in Bangladesh highlights critical immunity gaps, particularly among zero-dose and under-vaccinated children, while infections among infants under nine months, who are not yet eligible for routine vaccination, are especially alarming, she added.

The explosive speed of the outbreak last week prompted the health authorities to lower the age that children become eligible for the first of two vaccine doses to six months.

More than a third of the cases confirmed so far have been in infants younger than nine months, when the first of two doses of the measles vaccine is usually given.

Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases  a single infected person can, on average, transmit the virus on to between 12 to 18 unvaccinated or non-immune individuals. It primarily affects children and spreads through respiratory droplets.

Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic skin rash. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia and even death, particularly among the unvaccinated.

Hospitals in several high-burden regions are already overcrowded and operating with limited capacity - MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP via Getty Images

A young measles patient at Dhaka North City Hospital in Mohakhali, Bangladesh - MONIRUL ALAM/EPA/Shutterstock

Despite major gains in measles immunisation, cases are rising again as vaccine uptake declines, with more than 11 million infections reported globally in 2024.

The UK has suffered a major outbreak this year claiming two lives, while the United States. is experiencing its worst surge in three decades, with over 2,000 cases reported in 2025.

Both countries, as well as Canada, have lost their measles elimination status as a result.

Health officials say the outbreak in Bangladesh has been driven in part by falling vaccination coverage and delays in mass immunisation campaigns under the previous government.

Bangladesh last conducted a nationwide measles campaign in 2020. A planned follow-up in 2024 did not take place amid political unrest, leaving many children unprotected.

In 2025, the first-jab coverage dropped to 56.5 per cent and second to 57.1 per cent, nearly half of previous levels, creating what public health experts described as a pool of vulnerable children.

Muhammad Ashraful Islam, a Dhaka-based lawyer, has launched legal action seeking a travel ban for former chief adviser Muhammad Yunus and several former officials, alleging that a policy decision involving the transfer of measles vaccination from state management to the private sector contributed to the deadly measles outbreak.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security
Toastie with the mostie: chefs from across the country are shaping the menu (Nekter)

A wine supplier to star restaurants such as Ynyshir and The Fat Duck is this month opening a new bar and deli in Shoreditch.

Jon Davey, who also works with Clove Club, a two Michelin-starred restaurant in Shoreditch, founded Nekter Wines in 2016 and specialises in New World and new wave wines. On April 14, following a series of pop-ups on the site, he is to open a permanent bar of the same name on Bowl Court, just off Shoreditch High Street.

Davey said his long-standing relationships with chefs such as Gareth Ward, chef-founder of Ynyshir in north-west Wales, will help to shape the menu.

Ward has created an exclusive toastie for the wine bar  a milk roll stuffed with Fat Cow cheese (Emmental in style) from the Scottish Highlands, black truffle, and shiitake mushroom ketchup (20).

(Nekter)

There will also be toasties in partnership from Manteca, Nick Caves go-to restaurant in Shoreditch, The Fordwich Arms in Kent (ham hock-based), and Nottingham favourite Alchemilla (some sort of smashed beef situation.

Customers will find Nekter tucked away off Shoreditch High Street, not far from Manteca, as well as Singburi, Legado and Padella.

Davey said the concept is simple: exceptional New World wines paired with decadent toasties created by some of Britains best chefs.

The Nekter wine list features more than 100 bottles from California, South Africa and Australia and prices will range from 18 to 400. The more expensive (100-plus) from the cellar will be priced the same whether drinking in or taking away, which promises good value.

Davey said there will also be a constantly evolving by-the-glass list that invites guests to explore new, untried wines.

By day, Nekter will operate mostly as a deli, selling cheeses from Neals Yard Dairy, charcuterie from Meat Fish Cheese in Stoke Newington, fish from Secret Smokehouse in London Fields, steaks from Provenance Butchers, Pump Street Chocolate, Ozone Coffee, and more.

Davey said about 25 per cent of his products are to be sourced from within a ten-mile radius.
WASHINGTON, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- National Press Club President Mark Schoeff Jr. today issued the following statement on the release today of American journalist Shelly Kittleson by an Iraqi militia aligned with Iran:

"We are relieved to learn that Shelly Kittleson has been released and hope for her safe departure from Iraq.

While we welcome news of her freedom, Ms. Kittleson's kidnapping should not have occurred in the first place. It happened at a time when traditional protections for the media are under continual attack.

Journalism is not a crime, and journalists must not be targeted for their work.

Freelance journalists like Ms. Kittleson, who often lack the support of larger news organizations, are particularly threatened. Ms. Kittleson's kidnapping is a stark reminder that journalists around the globe continue to face threats by government and non-government actors. This must end.

Today's development is a welcome update for all those who believe in the ability for journalists to report safely and freely. Her ordeal underscores the growing threats journalists face today as they do their jobs and report the truth."

About the National Press Club

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. With 2,500 members, the Club is a leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.

Media contact: Beth Francesco, National Press Club Journalism Institute executive director, [email protected]

SOURCE National Press Club
One person died and two were injured after a truck carrying fuel exploded near the Panama Canals Bridge of the Americas.

Footage shows the moment a huge fireball engulfs the bridge, which spans the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, flames licking passing cars as they race by, apparently just metres from the explosion.

The incident took place at a complex where tanker trucks are supplied with fuel, located next to the 5,400ft-long Bridge of the Americas, on Monday night.

Victor Alvarez, the Panamanian firefighter chief, said a person thought to work at the complex died as a result of the explosion, and two firefighters suffered minor injuries.

More than 75 firefighting units and 45 vehicles were deployed to the site, officials said.

Firefighters battle a blaze after a truck carrying fuel exploded near the Bridge of the Americas - AFP via Getty Images

The investigations are just beginning, Mr Alvarez told a press conference. It would be premature and irresponsible on our part to speculate about the causes of this incident at this time.

The Panama Canal Authority reported the explosion did not affect the canal.

Panama Canal operations continue as normal. We recognise the work of the Panama Fire Department and other institutions that responded to the emergency, an authority spokesman said.

The Panama Canal Authority expresses its solidarity with those affected.

The bridge was temporarily closed, but reopened around 11pm local time (4am GMT).

The Bridge of the Americas was closed after the incident and was set to undergo inspections on Tuesday to determine whether it was damaged by the blast.

More than 75 firefighting units and 45 vehicles were deployed to the site - AFP via Getty Images

In December 2024, Donald Trump threatened to seize control of the canal.

The US president said the waterway was vital to Americas security and economic interests, but was being run in a very unfair and injudicious way.

He has previously voiced his disdain for what he called rip-off transit fees that US ships are charged for using the passage.

Mr Trump repeated his threat early last year, saying in January that he could not assure the world that he would not use military or economic force to acquire the canal.

The comments caused uproar in Panama, with Javier Martinez-Acha, the countrys foreign minister, responding: The sovereignty of our canal is not negotiable and is part of our history of struggle.

After Mr Trumps comments, Jose Raul Mulino, the president of Panama, said on X that the Panama Canal is and will continue to be Panamanian.

The US is the Panama Canals biggest customer, responsible for around three-quarters of the traffic that moves through the passage each year.
Firefighters transport a person from the wreckage of a TGV train after it collided with a lorry at a level crossing - Sameer Al-Doumy/Getty

A train driver has been killed and more than a dozen people injured after a French high-speed passenger train crashed into a truck carrying military equipment on Tuesday.

The TGV, travelling from Dunkirk to Paris, was carrying more than 240 passengers when it collided with a lorry transporting an armoured vehicle at a level crossing in the northern French region of Pas-de-Calais, according to local officials.

Sixteen people were injured, two badly, the local prefecture said. Etienne Thieffry, the local prosecutor, later said the lives of those who had been badly hurt were not in danger.

The incident happened at a crossing in Bully-les-Mines shortly before 7am local time, according to SNCF, the rail operator.

The impact of the collision was so strong that the military vehicle weighing several dozen tonnes that was aboard the truck was sent flying about 10 metres, landing near a private garden.

The train continued for several hundred metres before coming to a halt on the tracks, Francois-Xavier Lauch, the regional prefect, told reporters.

The TGV was carrying more than 240 passengers when it collided with a lorry transporting a 40-ton military cargo - Sameer Al-Doumy/Getty

French media reported that the civilian truck was transporting an armoured amphibious vehicle that can deploy floating bridges or ferries for tanks and other armoured vehicles that need to cross water.

The cargo, weighing more than 40 tons, was being transported on behalf of the French army, it added.

The lorry driver was in police custody on suspicion of manslaughter, prosecutors said.

Photographs of the scene of the crash posted on X by Fabien Villedieu, of the Sud Rail trade union, showed emergency services inspecting the twisted front of the wrecked TGV and the damage to the lorry.

Philippe Tabarot, the French transport minister, and the head of the SNCF are expected to provide further details on the circumstances of the crash to the press later on Tuesday.

In France, high-speed rail line accidents are rare compared with traditional railways. The first high-speed train in France shattered world speed records when it came into service in 1981.

The first generation of the TGV reached a top speed of 380km (236 miles) per hour, significantly cutting the journey time between Paris and other French cities.

The technology, lauded as the best of French engineering and industrial prowess, was later exported to other countries, including Spain, the US and Italy.
Pam Bondi is now attorney general in name only, according to her deputy.

The Floridian and Trump loyalist is out after a little more than a year on the job, with the president announcing her firing last Thursday. Her handling of the Epstein files created a boondoggle for President Donald Trump during his first year in office, which spiraled into a full-scale Republican rebellion on Capitol Hill that was quashed only by the president dropping his opposition to the files coming out.

At a press conference on Tuesday, her replacement, Todd Blanche, was introduced as the acting Attorney General  nearly a full month before Bondi was due to leave her post and as her bio on the Justice Departments website still refers to her as the head of the agency.

Blanche, meanwhile, made it clear that he was running things: I am the acting attorney general. As far as Pam Bondis last day on the job, Im the acting attorney general.

He was also referred to as such on the departments livestream. His official biography on the Department of Justice website refers to him as a deputy attorney general, with no indication of his change of status.

Pam Bondi was fired by Donald Trump last week, becoming the second Cabinet member to go (AP)

Bondi wrote in an X post last Thursday that she would stay on at the Department of Justice for another month to transition Blanche into the role of the agencys director.

Over the next month I will be working tirelessly to transition the office of Attorney General to the amazing Todd Blanche before moving to an important private sector role I am thrilled about, and where I will continue fighting for President Trump and this Administration, she wrote less than one week before her no. 2 seemed to subsume her job entirely.

On Monday, there was no sign of her guiding hand as Blanche assumed the position without aid.

Todd Blanche was referred to as the Department of Justices acting attorney general on Monday (AFP/Getty)

Speaking about his own appointment and future, he said Monday: As to whether or not I want this job, I did not ask for this job. I love working for President Trump. Its the greatest honor of a lifetime, and if President Trump chooses to keep me as acting, thats an honor. If he chooses to nominate me, thats an honor.

If he chooses to nominate somebody else and asks me to go do something else, I will say, Thank you very much. I love you, sir, added Blanche, who previously served as Trumps personal attorney during his hush money trial in 2024.

The Independent reached out to the Justice Department for clarification of Bondis current status, but did not receive an immediate reply.

Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post last week, explaining that she will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector, to be announced at a date in the near future.

That role hasnt been announced yet, and until Monday, there was no sign that shed even ceased the majority of her duties.
Police have launched a murder investigation after a 21-year-old man was stabbed to death at Primrose Hills viewpoint.

Officers were called at 6.41pm on Tuesday to reports of a fight at the popular north London park, which boasts panoramic views of the capital, the Metropolitan Police said.

Police officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service, who treated a 21-year-old man at the scene for stab wounds.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics.

Another man, believed to be in his 20s, was found by police nearby on Regents Park Road with stab wounds.

He was taken to hospital by paramedics and his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

No arrests have been made yet and a crime scene remained in place on Tuesday evening.

Primrose Hill, London (Getty/iStock)

Superintendent Matt Cox said: This is an utterly tragic incident and our thoughts remain with the mans family and loved ones.

I would like to reassure the local community that the investigation is unfolding at pace and an increased police presence will remain in the area while we carry out inquiries.

I would appeal for anyone who was in the area at the time and has any information that could help my officers to come forward.

Anyone with information that may assist police is asked to call 101, quoting CAD 6448/07Apr or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Last year, a teenager was locked up for at least 16 years for fatally stabbing a 16-year-old boy in the neck at a New Years Eve fireworks event at Primrose Hill on December 31 2023.

Areece Lloyd-Hall, 18, was jailed for a minimum of 16 years in November for murdering schoolboy Harry Pitman.

The incident happened in front of police officers and hundreds of shocked revellers.

Lloyd-Hall, from Westminster, was found guilty after two trials of murder and having an offensive weapon.
Scale AI, 49%-controlled by Meta, recruited experts across medicine, physics and economics to refine AI systems through the Outlier platform. Photograph: Thomas Fuller/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (Photograph: Thomas Fuller/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)

Tens of thousands of people have been paid by a company part-owned by Meta to train AI by combing Instagram accounts, harvesting copyrighted work and transcribing pornographic soundtracks, the Guardian can reveal.

Scale AI, 49%-controlled by Mark Zuckerbergs social media empire, has recruited experts across fields such as medicine, physics and economics  putatively to refine top-level artificial intelligence systems through a platform called Outlier. Become the expert that AI learns from, it says on its site, advertising flexible work for people with strong credentials.

However, workers for the platform said they have become involved in scraping an array of other peoples personal data  in what they described as a morally uncomfortable exercise that diverged significantly from refining high-level systems.

Outlier is managed by Scale AI, which has contracts with the Pentagon and US defense companies.

Its former CEO, Alexandr Wang, who is Metas chief AI officer, was described by Forbes as the worlds youngest self-made billionaire. Its former managing director, Michael Kratsios, is the science adviser to the US president, Donald Trump.

Related: Meta AI agents instruction causes large sensitive data leak to employees

One Outlier contractor based in the US said users of Meta platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, would be surprised at how data from their accounts was collected  including pictures of users and their friends.

I dont think people understood quite that thered be somebody on a desk in a random state, looking at your [social media] profile, using it to generate AI data, they said.

The Guardian spoke to 10 people who have worked for Outlier to train AI systems, some for more than a year. Many of them had other jobs  as journalists, graduate students, teachers and librarians. But in an economy struggling under the threat of AI, they wanted the extra work.

A lot of us were really desperate, said one. Many people really needed this job, myself included, and really tried to make the best of a bad situation.

Like the growing class of AI gig workers worldwide, most believed they had been training their own replacements. One artist described internalised shame and guilt for contributing directly to the automation of my hopes and dreams.

As an aspiring human, it makes me angry at the system, they said.

Glenn Danas, a partner at Clarkson, a law firm representing AI gig workers in lawsuits against Scale AI and several similar platforms, estimates that hundreds of thousands of people worldwide now work for platforms such as Outlier. The Guardian spoke to Outlier workers, also called taskers, in the UK, the US and Australia.

In interviews, taskers described the increasingly familiar humiliations of AI gig work: constant monitoring and piecemeal, unstable employment. Scale AI has been accused of using bait-and-switch tactics to lure in potential workers  promising workers a high salary during initial recruitment, and then offering them significantly less. Scale AI declined to comment on ongoing litigation, but a source said pay rates change after recruitment only if workers opt in to different, lower-paid projects.

Some taskers said they were asked to submit to repeated, unpaid AI interviews to qualify for certain assignments; several believed these interviews were recycled to train AI. All of them said they were constantly monitored through a platform called Hubstaff, which could screenshot the websites they visited while working. The Scale AI source said that no interviews were required to work on Outlier projects, although optional onboarding was offered to get contributors started; and that Hubstaff was used to ensure contributors were paid accurately but not to actively monitor taskers.

Several taskers described being asked to transcribe pornographic soundtracks, or label photos of dead animals or dog faeces. One doctoral student said they had to label a diagram of baby genitalia. There were police calls that described violent scenarios.

We had already been told before that there would be no nudity in this mission. Appropriate behaviour, no gore, like no blood, said the student. But then I would get an audio transcript thing for porn or there would be just random clips of people throwing up for some reason.

The Guardian has seen videos and screenshots of some of the tasks that Outlier required its workers to perform. These included photos of dog faeces, and tasks with prompts such as What would you do if an inmate refused to follow orders in a correctional facility?

Scale AI, the source said, shuts down tasks if inappropriate content is flagged, and workers are not required to continue with tasks that make them feel uncomfortable. The source added that Scale AI did not take on projects involving child sexual abuse material or pornography.

There was an expectation of social media scraping, the Outlier workers suggested. Seven of the taskers described scouring other peoples Instagram and Facebook accounts, tagging individuals by name, as well as their locations and their friends. Some of these involved training the AI on the accounts of people under the age of 18. The assignments were structured to require new data other taskers had not yet uploaded, pushing workers to plumb the social accounts of more people.

The Guardian has seen one such task, which required workers to select photos from individuals Facebook accounts and sequentially order them by the age of the user in the photo.

Several taskers said they found these assignments unsettling; one tried to complete them using only photos of celebrities and public figures. I was uncomfortable including pictures of kids and stuff, but like the training materials would have kids in it, said one.

I didnt use any friends or family to submit [tasks] to the AI, said another. I do understand that I dont like it ethically.

The Scale source said taskers did not review social media accounts set to private, and was not aware of tasks that involved labelling the ages of individuals, or their personal relationships. They added that Scale AI did not take on projects with explicit sensitive content related to children, but did use childrens public social media data. Workers did not log on to personal Facebook or Instagram accounts to complete these tasks.

For another assignment, taskers described harvesting images of copyrighted artwork. As with the social media training, the task required constant new input  apparently to train an AI to produce its own artistic images. As workers ran out of other options, they plumbed social media accounts of artists and creators.

The Guardian has seen documentation of this assignment, which included AI-generated paintings of a Native American caregiver, and the prompt, DO NOT use AI-generated images. Only select hand-drawn, painted or illustrated artwork created by human artists.

Scale AI did not ask contributors to use copyrighted artwork to complete assignments, the source said, and it declined work that violated this standard.

Taskers also expressed uncertainty about what they might be training the AI to do  and how their submissions would be used.

It does seem like labelling diagrams is something an AI can already do so Im really curious as to why we need like, dead animals, said one.

Scale AI has counted among its clients major technology companies such as Google, Meta and OpenAI, as well as the US department of defense and the government of Qatar. It fills a need that is becoming more pronounced as AI models grow larger: for new, labelled data that can be used to train them.

Taskers described interacting with ChatGPT and Claude, or using data from Meta to complete certain assignments; some thought they might be training Metas new model, Avocado.

Meta and Anthropic did not respond to a request for comment. OpenAI said it stopped working with Scale AI in June 2025, and its supplier code of conduct sets out clear expectations for the ethical and fair treatment of all workers.

Most taskers the Guardian spoke to are still accepting assignments on the Outlier platform. The pay is unsteady; they face occasional mass layoffs. But with the AI future fast arriving, they feel there may not be any other choice.

I have to be positive about AI because the alternative is not great, said one. So I think eventually things will get figured out.

A Scale AI spokesperson said: Outlier provides flexible, project-based work with transparent pay. Contributors choose when and how they participate, and availability varies based on project needs. We regularly hear from highly skilled contributors who value the flexibility and opportunity to apply their expertise on the platform.

 This article was amended on 7 and 8 April 2026. Alexandr Wang is the former, not current, CEO of Scale AI. The company is part-owned by Meta, not owned by it as an earlier headline said. And a response from Scale AI has been added regarding claims by taskers that they had to take on unpaid interviews.
Reform plans to stop issuing visas to anyone from countries which demand reparations from the UK because of slavery, with the party insisting Britain will no longer tolerate being ridiculed on the world stage.

Zia Yusuf described the demands for compensation as insulting, accusing countries that are demanding reparations of ignoring the fact that Britain made huge sacrifices to be the first major power to outlaw slavery and enforce this prohibition.

Writing in The Telegraph, Reforms home affairs spokesperson said the bank is closed and the door is locked for anyone who wanted to use history as a weapon to drain our treasury.

Reforms home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf said the party wont allow the UK to be treated like a global doormat (Aaron Chown/PA)

Writing that more than 3.8 million visas have been issued to people from countries calling for reparations over the last two decades, Mr Yusuf added: For too long, the British people have watched with bewilderment and justifiable anger as our political class allows this country to be treated like a global doormat.

We are told to hang our heads in shame, to apologise for our past, and  most outrageously  to open our wallets to pay reparations for supposed sins committed centuries ago.

The era of British self-flagellation ends here. Today, Reform UK is drawing a line in the sand. We are putting the world on notice  the United Kingdom is not an ATM for ethnic grievances of the past, and we will no longer tolerate being ridiculed on the world stage.

While countries like Jamaica, Nigeria and Ghana ramp up their demands for reparations, the Westminster establishment has rewarded them. Enough is enough.

Reform UK has previously promised to scrap international aid for countries demanding reparations.

Mr Yusufs remarks come after a 2023 report on reparations for the slave trade, drafted by former International Court of Justice judge Patrick Robinson, recommended the UK should pay a total of 18.8 trillion in reparations to 14 countries.

In 2024, Sir Keir Starmer faced growing demands to open talks on reparations at a major Commonwealth meeting in Samoa.

The PM was forced to promise Commonwealth countries that Britain would discuss reparations, but ministers have said any talks will not be about monetary compensation.

At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Sir Keir said that this generation should have a conversation about the history of slavery, but added that the UK should be forward-looking in its stance on reparations.

Asked if he thought this generation could be held responsible for the actions of their forebears, the prime minister told the BBC: I think our generation can say the slave trade and practice was abhorrent, and we should, you know, we talk about our history. We cant change our history, but we should certainly talk about our history.

Meanwhile, chancellor Rachel Reeves said Britain could not afford to pay reparations for its part in the slave trade.

Reparations have been demanded by a number of countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Belize, Guyana, Suriname and Montserrat.
A Reform UK government would cut the maximum paid to illegal asylum seekers to leave Britain voluntarily, the party has said.

Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, announced on Tuesday that migrants whose asylum applications have failed would be paid a maximum of 1,000 if they returned to their country of origin.

The figure is less than the 2,500 previously outlined by Reform and below the current maximum of 3,000 on offer from the Government under its voluntary returns scheme.

Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, recently launched a pilot scheme to pay failed asylum seekers up to 10,000 per person, or 40,000 per family, if they agreed to return to their home country within seven days of an application failing.

About 150 families are expected to take part in the trial, which is designed to cut the Governments cost of housing failed asylum seekers and families with no right to remain.

It costs an average 158,000 to house a family of three for a year or 53,000 for an individual. The Home Office estimates the new scheme could save 20m annually in housing costs if successful.

Nigel Farage with Siobhan Whyte, the mother of Rhiannon Whyte who was murdered by an illegal migrant, at a press conference in Warwickshire - Jacob King/PA Wire

Speaking at a press conference in Warwickshire on Tuesday, Mr Farage said Reforms proposal for failed applicants would be significantly lower.

He said: It would be maximum 1,000, not the 40,000 per family that Shabana Mahmood is seeking to offer. You have to find a way of making this work, and I think that would work.

What we said was, there are people living illegally in Britain. We will make it easy for them to go back to their country of return, and that would mean you pay for their transport and a small sum of money for when they arrive. And if thats [the] fastest way of doing it, then you do it.

He pointed to the US as an example, adding: You look at America, where deportation policies are very controversial, but three-quarters of the illegals that have left America under this administration have gone [back to the countries from which they came].

Someone knocks at their door. Listen, mate, we know you shouldnt be here. You know you shouldnt be here. Well pay your flight and give you one thousand dollars. And by the way, if you want to reapply for a skills visa, we wont discriminate against you, and that has worked.

And so youre looking at nearly one and a half million people who entered America illegally have left in the last 18 months, all of which goes to prove it actually can be done.

Labour claimed Reform was all over the place on its policy and floating different sums of money. In August, Reform had suggested paying 2,500 for migrants to return home voluntarily.

A Labour spokesman said: While Reform tie themselves in knots chasing headlines, this Labour Government is getting on with the job of restoring control of our borders and removing those with no right to be here.

Responding to the Governments 40,000 pilot scheme, Mr Farage said: When I was told this, I thought it must be a joke. If I came to Britain illegally and I was able to get even 10,000 to go away, you know what I would do? I would come back again. I play the round robin. This is an absolute farce.

Zia Yusuf, Reforms home affairs spokesman, added that the pilot scheme was an absolutely insane idea. Its a massive insult.

Mr Farage was joined at the press conference by Siobhan Whyte, the mother of Rhiannon Whyte, who was murdered by an illegal migrant from Sudan in 2024.

She told reporters: He took Rihannas life in 90 seconds, stabbed her through the main brainstem. He has never shown any remorse. He called forensics liars. He just didnt care. He wouldnt tell us why. He just denied everything.

So weve had to live with that, while her little boys been left without a mum. My children have been left without a sister, and Ive lost my daughter through these scumbags that were allowed into this country illegally.

Something needs to be done, they need to stop allowing the men. Whens the next murder, and a family having to go through what were going through?
Resident doctors attend a picket line at Guy's & St Thomas' hospital in London in July 2025. Photograph: Guy Smallman/Getty Images (Photograph: Guy Smallman/Getty Images)

Wes Streeting has accused resident doctors of torpedoing their own pay rises and training jobs by walking out on strike again, as tens of thousands of doctors began a six-day stoppage in England.

The health secretary said there was a legitimacy to concerns over jobs and wages but that the British Medical Association had scuppered any chance of a breakthrough when it rejected what he said was a serious offer from the government to transform medics conditions.

Resident doctors began their longest strike yet at 7am on Tuesday after talks to end the long-running dispute collapsed. Walking out for a fourth year in a row, this is the 15th time they have staged industrial action since March 2023 in their campaign for full pay restoration.

NHS officials told the Guardian the strike would cost the health service an estimated 300m, lead to appointments being cancelled, and would force patients to wait longer for tests, treatment and surgery. Health leaders have pleaded with patients not to be put off seeking care they need this week.

With this upcoming round of strikes, costs to the NHS are estimated to go above 3bn since 2023, with Tuesday seeing the 60th day of industrial action by resident doctors in the past three years, according to analysis by the Times and Telegraph. The Guardian put this estimate to the NHS which said that while it did not provide formal figures, it did not object to the 3bn estimate.

Talks on Tuesday and Wednesday last week failed to reach a compromise that would have led to the BMA suspending or cancelling the strike. The union and ministers remain far apart on a number of key issues, including pay.

Speaking to the Guardian before the walkout, Streeting said the BMA had not only killed off chances of securing better pay and more jobs for medics, but now threatened to derail progress made by the NHS on waiting times.

After months of detailed negotiations, collaboration and compromise, we put forward a deal would have delivered an average pay rise this year of 4.9%, a pay boost of at least 6.2% for the lowest-paid doctors, and an overall pay increase of 35.2% on average compared with four years ago.

The government had also listened to concerns about career progression and training bottlenecks and responded with a serious plan, Streeting said.

We rushed through emergency legislation to prioritise UK graduates for training places, reducing competition from four to one to less than two to one. This deal would have gone further by introducing up to 4,500 additional specialty training posts over three years, including 1,000 this April, alongside support such as reimbursing mandatory exam fees that can cost thousands.

Instead of accepting this offer, the BMA rejected it outright and announced immediate strike action. Not only does this torpedo the pay rises and training posts available to resident doctors, but it also puts at risk the recovery of the NHS.

The BMA has been seeking a 26% pay rise, spread over several years. It declared its six-day strike in response to what it said was the government having shifted the goalposts after weeks of productive negotiations.

The Guardian reported that the sudden breakdown of the talks was prompted by a row over when resident doctors would receive 700m of extra progression pay, which Streeting had agreed to give them to help meet their pay demands.

The health secretary said it should be given over the next three years but the BMA was seeking the full amount in the new NHS operational year, which started last Wednesday.

Speaking on Monday, the BMA resident doctors committee chair, Dr Jack Fletcher, said he was serious about ending the dispute and he blamed the government for the talks breaking down.

My colleagues and I have spent months in the negotiating room, and a deal was taking shape, yet at the last minute the government quietly watered it down, reducing the money on the table, then stretching what was left over too many years to make it worthwhile, he said.

These strikes were entirely avoidable. We offered the government several opportunities to undo their last-minute goalpost shift and they refused.

Fletcher said it was even harder to understand why the government had pulled the plug on an offer to create 1,000 extra places in specialist medical training this year.

Streeting said in a letter to the BMA last week that he had withdrawn his offer to create the extra places as that had been conditional on the BMA accepting the governments most recent offer, which it rejected the week before.

Speaking to the Guardian ahead of the strike on Tuesday, the health secretary said: Having rejected the deal, the BMA now complain that the proposed training places are not materialising. They cant reject the deal and claim the benefits.

The strike is due to end at 7am next Monday. Patients have been urged to attend planned appointments unless they have been contacted to reschedule, and those with life-threatening emergencies should still call 999 or attend A&E.
Retired Army general says US may need Nuremberg like trials for Trumps illegal orders in Iran war

A retired U.S. Army General has warned that Donald Trumps actions in the war with Iran may lead to serious consequences for the president and all those who follow his illegal orders.

Im old enough to remember the Nuremberg trials and how weve held the Germans accountable after the atrocities they committed during World War II, Brigadier General Steve Anderson told CNN Tuesday.

And Id hate to think five, 10 years from now, wed be doing the same kind of thing with American soldiers and leaders that made decisions that were being directed by the president of the United States that are illegal.

The historic Nuremberg trials took place from 1945 to 1946. They saw 22 of the highest-ranking surviving Nazi officials tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity over atrocities committed during the Second World War.

Andersons remarks came in response to Trumps social media post Tuesday morning, in which he vowed that a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again if Iran did not agree to a ceasefire deal and open the Strait of Hormuz by 8 p.m.

I dont want that to happen, but it probably will, the president wrote.

A retired U.S. Army General has warned that Donald Trumps actions in the Iran war may lead to serious consequences for the president and all those who follow his illegal orders (AP)

Multiple experts and people on both sides of the political aisle have said that many of the presidents threats in recent weeks would constitute war crimes, should he make good on them.

MAGA stalwart Marjorie Taylor Greene and even right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones are among those who have expressed outrage online.

Back on CNN, Anderson said Trump was not competent and speculated that he would find a way to avoid the 8 p.m. deadline.

I think he will figure out a way to either extend the deadline, because theres no way that he can do what he says hes going to do, which is to bomb every single civilian target in the theater and in Iran, he said.

If he were to do that it would be the commitment of a great war crime.

In November the Justice Department opened an investigation into a video featuring Democratic lawmakers including Senators Mark Kelly (pictured) in which they urged service members to follow established military protocols and reject orders they believe to be unlawful (AP)

In November, the Justice Department opened an investigation into a video featuring Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin, in which they urged service members to follow established military protocols and reject orders they believe to be unlawful.

The group, all of whom had military backgrounds, issued a video statement last week telling troops they can and must refuse illegal orders, emphasizing that threats to constitutional order can emerge from right here at home.

However, a grand jury ultimately refused to indict the lawmakers in connection with the video. Kelly described the attempt by the Trump administration as an outrageous abuse of power.

It wasnt enough for Pete Hegseth to censure me and threaten to demote me, now it appears they tried to have me charged with a crime  all because of something I said that they didnt like, he said. Thats not the way things work in America.
An Iranian red crescent worker searches the rubble of destroyed Khorasaniha synagogue in Tehran, Iran on Tuesday. Photograph: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA (Photograph: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA)

Donald Trumps Tuesday morning comments threatening that a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again in Iran have raised alarms among military observers and retired officers, who called them likely war crimes.

I have to hope that this is bluster, and a negotiating tactic on his part, said retired admiral Michael Smith, who commanded a carrier strike group in the US navy. He must understand that those types of threats themselves are likely war crimes.

Trumps post on Truth Social came on the heels of a profane tirade over the weekend, in which he referred to the Iranian regime as crazy bastards while demanding that it cease blocking oil transshipment through the strait of Hormuz. On Monday, Trump threatened to bomb infrastructure in Iran if his demands were not met.

While his comments previously on the bridges and electric power plants might have had military utility that would make it a justifiable target, his current claims have no legal standing, Smith said. And yet, we have to have faith that the current military leaders will do what is legal.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump said he was not at all concerned about committing possible war crimes, and again threatened to destroy Irans bridges and power plants if Tehran did not meet his Tuesday deadline to reopen the strait. He also refused to say whether civilian targets were off limits.

Congress has incrementally surrendered its prerogative to declare war and direct military spending, said Gary Corn, a retired army staff attorney who teaches national security law and the law of armed conflict at the American University Washington College of Law and directs the technology, law and security program for the Center for a New American Security, a bipartisan thinktank in Washington DC.

When you have the efforts in Congress failing, one can interpret it as an implicit acquiescence if not endorsement to whats gone on in the last 30 days, he said.

By narrow margins, the House and Senate rejected measures in early March to require congressional approval for military operations against Iran. Corn noted that Richard Nixon effectively ignored the repeal of the Gulf of Tonkin resolution and continued waging war in Vietnam 55 years ago.

The threat to kill a civilization in a day implies the use of nuclear weapons, even if the word was not used, said Shawn Harris, a retired army general running for Congress as a Democrat in the Georgia seat formerly held by Marjorie Taylor Greene. The runoff for the election is Tuesday.

The firing of three generals last week by the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, suggests that there may have been internal pushback from senior military leaders against Trumps war plans. None of the fired officers have made public comments since their forced retirements.

Separating Trumpian bluster from business has become difficult, Harris said: I think what hes basically saying is hes going to follow through on his plans of things he talked about two or three days ago of blowing up bridges, blowing up power facilities and all those type things ... Hopefully we will get to a diplomatic agreement, but you know the Iranians, theyre no pushover.

Naveed Shah, political director for the left-leaning veterans group Common Defense, called Trumps bluster unhinged.

I know we have gotten used to Trumps locker-room talk, but even the most jaded must recognize that his latest screed today is unhinged, Shah said. As an army veteran who served in Iraq, this type of rhetoric puts our troops in the region in greater danger. If we dont de-escalate, we will be dragged into another forever war in the Middle East that we cant afford.

Democratic members of Congress expressed their alarm at Trumps comments.

Targeting civilians en masse would be a clear violation of the law of armed conflict as laid out in the Geneva conventions, as well as the Pentagons Law of War Manual, said Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat from Michigan and former defense official whom Trump unsuccessfully targeted for prosecution after circulating a video calling on service members to refuse illegal orders last year.

This kind of focus on civilians is exactly what we accuse our adversaries of doing and what our military trains to avoid. Its built into the rigorous drilling and routines that our military are trained on from their first weeks. If they are today or have been asked to do things that violate the law and their training, it puts them in very real legal jeopardy.
DENVER, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Heidi A. Lang is honored as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Advancing School Culture Through Proven Behavior Systems and Restorative Leadership.

Ms. Lang is an independent educational consultant who works with districts, schools, and leadership teams on the implementation of Tiered Systems of Support to improve overall school culture, teacher improvement and student achievement.

Heidi A. Lang

With 15 years of experience in education, including seven years as an elementary classroom teacher and eight years as a Dean of Culture, she brings deep expertise in culture development, behavior systems, instructional leadership, and community-focused support. Her work is grounded in hands-on experience in Title I schools and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for all students.

Ms. Lang specializes in designing and implementing schoolwide behavior systems and multi-tiered supports that promote positive learning environments and long-term student success. Her approach focuses on building sustainable frameworks that empower educators while fostering belonging, accountability, and growth within school communities.

She earned a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder and later completed a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of New England. She also holds a certificate in elementary curriculum and instruction from the University of Colorado Denver and maintains professional affiliation with the International Institute of Restorative Practices.

Among her accomplishments, Ms. Lang has been elected leader of the Instructional Council of Albuquerque and has received multiple Teacher of the Month honors, along with a classroom grant recognizing her impact in education.

Looking ahead, Ms. Lang plans to continue expanding her consulting work to support more schools in implementing effective behavior systems, tiered supports and improved school culture. Guided by her philosophy, "Stronger Systems Better Schools," she remains dedicated to helping educators and students thrive.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle
Richard Gadd has spoken out about the legacy of his autobiographical Netflix drama Baby Reindeer, saying that hes still proud of the show despite the controversy around it.

Based on his one-man stage show of the same name, Baby Reindeer centred on an aspiring comedian called Donny (Gadd) who is relentlessly harassed and stalked by a lonely and mentally ill woman named Martha (Jessica Gunning) who he meets while working at a pub.

The seven-part series  which opened with a disclaimer saying that it was a true story  was a stratospheric hit for Netflix upon its release in April 2024. It broke into the streamers top 10 most viewed shows ever at the time, and became a major cultural talking point.

Gadd starred in and wrote 'Baby Reindeer' (Getty Images)

Trouble started following the shows release, when the real-life Martha, a woman called Fiona Muir-Harvey, was found by viewers on social media.

That June, Muir-Harvey sued Netflix, accusing the streaming giant of defamation and negligence and claiming that the show viciously destroyed her.

Speaking in a new interview with The Times, Gadd was asked how he felt about the show in the wake of the lawsuit. Muir-Harvey is seeking $170 million (128 million) in damages, with the case currently pending.

Admitting that the lawsuit meant the question was going to be quite tricky to speak to, Gadd said: But Im very proud of Baby Reindeer, and in all of the noise and things that happened it did a lot of good.

Richard Gadd and Jessica Gunning in Netflixs Baby Reindeer (Netflix)

It had a phenomenal impact. Referrals to abuse charities went up 53 per cent, 47 per cent for stalking charities. Im proud people saw it, related and realised they need help. That led to positive change. So theres a lot Im super-proud of.

Upon Baby Reindeer's release, Gadd vocally discouraged viewers from seeking out the real-life inspiration for the characters online. However, both the Scottish comic and Netflix itself were criticised for not making the onscreen characters more distinctive from their true counterparts.

Gadd, who won an Emmy for his performance in the show, wasn't named in Muir-Harvey's lawsuit, but he filed a response in federal court defending a motion to dismiss Harveys claim in July 2024.

I am a comedian, writer, and actor. I created, wrote, and starred in the Netflix series Baby Reindeer (the Series)," he wrote, saying that he had personal knowledge of the facts set forth below and, if called as a witness, could and would testify competently thereto.

Gadds next project, the BBC drama Half Man, is not autobiographical, although the writer said that there were clearly themes I relate to: confusion, trauma, abuse.

Gadd's follow-up project, BBC drama Half Man, comes to Netflix later this month (Getty Images)

On whether hed avoid turning his real-life experiences into art in the future, Gadd told The Times that hed always do what I felt was right for a project.

If you ever write from a place of fear, it wont go very well. My first thought is whether I can do the subject justice  before wondering what someone might think, he said.

Half Man will see Gadd star opposite Jamie Bell, with the pair playing Ruben and Niall, two men from broken homes who were once inseparable despite their dramatically different personalities.

The series, which follows the men over 30 years as their relationship shifts dramatically, will be released on BBC iPlayer on 24 April, and air on BBC One the following week.
Several changes that could affect your tax bill took effect as the new financial year began this week.

Here are six big tax changes that have now kicked in...

Making tax digital

Sole traders and landlords earning more than 50,000 from self-employment and property will have to use the Making Tax Digital system from 6 April.

The new system is a UK government initiative aimed at modernising the tax system by getting businesses and landlords to keep digital records and submit quarterly tax updates to HMRC using compatible software.

Under the changes, sole traders will be forced to file at least five updates to HMRC every year - four quarterly updates on their income and expenses and an end-of-year tax return.

If a self-employed person is also a landlord, that doubles the amount of financial updates needed to be filed, and doesn't take into account VAT returns.

To start with, only qualifying people earning more than 50,000 will have to use the system. Those earning more than 30,000 - an estimated 970,000 people - will be required to use it from next April.

Free software options are available, and once income and expenses are recorded, the software generates a simple summary to send to HMRC.

Penalty points will be given for each late submission, with a 200 penalty only applied once four points are reached.

This means occasional slip-ups won't result in immediate fines.

Inheritance tax

Changes to agricultural and business property reliefs for inheritance tax purposes have been rolled out.

A new cap of 2.5m before inheritance tax is due is in place for farmers.

For assets above this, a 50% tax relief will be applied.

The cap was originally proposed at 1m in last year's autumn budget, but an announcement was made in late December to increase it to 2.5m after protests from farmers.

For everyone else, the inheritance tax threshold of 325,000, unchanged since 2009, has been extended until 2030.

Inheritance tax is due when you leave an estate valued above a certain threshold to your loved ones when you die.

There is no tax if your estate's value is below the 325,000 threshold or you leave your estate to your spouse or civil partner, or an exempt charity or group.

The tax is charged at 40% on the part of the estate above the threshold.

For example, if someone's estate is worth 400,000 when they die, 75,000 of it will be taxed at 40%, amounting to 30,000 total tax.

Read more from Sky News:

Why leaving 'delivery instructions' could cost you big

Choc horror: Why 'flavour' bars and small packs are here to stay

Dividend tax

Dividend tax has to be paid on any income received from company shares that exceeds the 500 tax-free allowance.

It applies to payments from company profits, with rates based on your overall income tax band.

From this week, the rate has risen from 8.75% to 10.75% for basic rate taxpayers and 33.75% to 35.75% for higher rate taxpayers.

AJ Bell senior pensions and savings expert Charlene Young says the change means that basic and higher rate taxpayers face paying 390 more in tax on 20,000 worth of dividends than last tax year.

Venture Capital Trusts income tax relief cut

Upfront income tax relief for VCT investors has been cut from 30% to 20%.

VCTs are investment companies listed on the London Stock Exchange that invest in smaller, younger start-up firms believed to have big growth potential.

This change could mean up to 20,000 less in tax relief for an investor making use of their full 200,000 allowance (the maximum amount that is allowed to be invested in VCTs), according to Young.

"While the income tax relief for VCT investors will be slashed, the chancellor has also softened eligibility rules for companies, meaning more firms can apply for funding from the schemes to help them scale up," she says.

Capital gains tax

The rate of capital gains tax that applies to business asset disposal relief and investors' relief has risen from 14% to 18%.

This means entrepreneurs and investors will pay more tax on qualifying business sales.

CGT is a tax on the profit made when you sell, gift or dispose of an asset that has increased in value, such as shares, property or valuable personal possessions. You are taxed on the profit, not the total amount received.

You'll pay:

24% on your gains from residential property;

32% on your gains from carried interest if you manage an investment fund;

24% on your gains from other chargeable assets.

For sole traders, business partners or those with shares in a company, there is the business asset disposal relief that reduces this tax bill.

Working from home tax relief

People who work from home will no longer be able to claim tax relief for the extra household costs they've paid as a result.

Previously, you could claim tax relief if you had to work from home.

Only employer-reimbursed expenses will remain tax-free. These changes do not affect self-employed individuals.
Clockwise from top left: Naty Mon, Andrew Kibe, Shadaya Knight, Penuel The Black Pen and Xaliye. Composite: Facebook/Instagram (Composite: Facebook/Instagram)

It is not just Europe and the US that are grappling with a growing landscape of misogynistic influencers online. While Andrew Tate, Myron Gaines, Sneako and other voices grow in toxicity in the manosphere of the west, across Africa  which has more than 400 million people aged between 15 and 35  several individuals are gaining traction.

The manosphere is a loose network of communities that claim to address mens struggles such as dating and fitness, but often promote harmful misogynistic attitudes. Sunita Caminha, who leads UN Women on ending violence against women and girls in east and southern Africa, first started noticing its presence in Africa about five years ago, and believes it is on the rise. Research and data that keeps coming out is very consistent [in] showing this is an alarming issue in different countries and contexts across the continent.

When you can post something [about incel culture] on X and make more money than a monthly salary, its the incentive they need Ugochi Ihe, TechHer

Awino Okech, a professor of feminist and security studies at Soas University of London, also started noticing harmful digital content expanding about five years ago, but says falsehoods peddled against women in Africa predate the proliferation now online. The ideas that shape the manosphere are linked to those of mens rights organisations like Maendeleo ya Wanaume. Its big argument was that men and boys were being left behind as a result of all of the investments that had been made around girls and womens rights.

This view  know as the red pill theory  has been amplified by the manosphere, framing men as the victims of a society distorted by feminism. The men who populate the manosphere have made it their mission to redress the balance  through domination and intimidation.

The result? Women who voice ideas or opinions are threatened, harassed and hounded offline, and online abuse of female politicians is on the rise globally. Experts say the atmosphere empowers some of the more extreme features of misogyny, including trafficking and sexual exploitation of girls and women, femicide, physical and verbal violence, stalking and domestic abuse.

As the world becomes increasingly digital, the spaces and methods for perpetrating gender-based violence are expanding and proliferating at an alarming rate.

Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is, as defined by the UN, any act committed using information communication technologies or other digital tools, which results in physical, sexual, psychological, social, political or economic harm, or other infringements of rights and freedoms. The consequences are severe, affecting many aspects of women and girls lives and often forcing them to self-censor or leave the online world altogether. The term reflects how technology can result in harm, both in the digital, and real, world.

Millions of women and girls are affected by TFGBV every year with research suggesting that up to 60% of women around the world have experienced this type of gendered abuse.

TFGBV takes many forms. For example, doxing is the act of sharing someones personal information online and can lead to stalking and physical violence in real life. Deepfake abuse, where manipulated images or videos are published online, can damage someones reputation and have a lasting impact on their life. Sexual harassment, intimidation and sextortion are also common forms of TFGBV.

It infiltrates homes, workplaces, schools and universities. It has no limits and can occur anywhere. It can start online and escalate into the offline world, or the other way around, culminating in the most extreme forms of violence, including femicide.

Certain groups are more at threat  young women and girls, who are more likely to use technology and are therefore more exposed; women with disabilities, women of colour and LGBTIQ+ people; and women in political and public life such as parliamentarians, activists and journalists.

There are huge gaps in data, policy and the law when it comes to TFGBV, and several international organisations have been working with governments and the tech industry to combat the issue.

There is a straight line between blogs and YouTube channels denigrating women to physical violence, including femicide, says Okech. This is seen in the language used by men to explain why they killed women.

We looked at some of the manosphere figures gaining online momentum on the continent.

Amerix  Kenya

On his website, Eric Amunga, who goes by the name Amerix, calls himself a reproductive health specialist who promotes a holistic approach to the wellness and welfare of men.

Through my unique wellness plans that promote mens health, I have helped men regain their health, pride, self-esteem and a sense of masculinity, he writes. His advice comes packaged with deeply misogynistic attitudes.

He has 2.3 million followers on X, his main platform, and 160,000 on Facebook, as well as 120,000 subscribers to his Telegram channel and 15,000 to his WhatsApp. He hosts a podcast and has online courses available through his website, where he writes blogposts, including one on how to detoxify from Covid-19 vaccines. He gains hundreds of thousands of followers a year.

Amerix spouts views that unmarried women over 30 are red flags, and tells men not to sleep with sluts or engage in oral sex to protect their sexual energy from sex predators. In recent posts on X, he says the biggest lie ever told is that If you empower a woman, you empower a community.

He adds: It is only a man who can empower a community, and that begins when he is a FATHER and a LEADER of his family.

He is disparaging of fat women and simps (a man showing deference to a woman). He recently resurfaced a post from 2022 telling men not to engage in effeminate bullshit and to disengage when their wife becomes pregnant. He is the main propagator of the hashtag #MasculinitySaturday, where he advises men on relationships and other aspects of life.

Andrew Kibe  Kenya

Andrew Kibe, a former radio host turned podcaster, had more than 420,000 YouTube subscribers before his account was terminated by Google in 2023 for violation of the platforms terms of services.

In response he was key in setting up Yafreeka, which positioned itself as an African version of YouTube. He invited other influencers with more than 100,000 followers to use the platform. Its current status is unclear, and Guardian inquiries went unanswered. One Kenyan podcaster says it has failed miserably. Kibe also has a sizeable presence on X, as well as smaller followings on Instagram and TikTok, and his live streams have begun appearing on YouTube again.

In 2026, Kibe has been appearing at events he organises, and on several popular podcasts in Kenya, promoting his book, 28 Commandments: A Journey into Manhood. In it, he tells men to never share their problems with women, who see them as either power or puny. He is disparaging of modern day marriage and monogamy. He believes workplaces are toxic for men.

In January, there was a backlash across social media when he claimed that womens sole purpose was to bear children.

Agba John Doe  Nigeria

The well-populated Nigerian manosphere is primarily on X, where key influencers, including the anonymous Agba John Doe, discuss relationships, masculinity, finances and traditional gender roles. Agba means elder in Yoruba, and in his bio he calls himself commander-in-chief of the Agbafians  his followers.

He has a brusque style, finishing posts on X with End. His views on women have been labelled misogynistic. In one post, he says: Youll hardly know a womans true character, until her hymen is broken. In another, he writes: One man can deflower 5-10 women in his lifetime. So there isnt [sic] enough virgin women to go round. Men who did not deflower women, arent just modest or saintly. They didnt have the courage or wit, or skill to do it.

Ugochi Ihe, who works for TechHer, a Nigerian organisation that encourages women and girls to work with technology but is increasingly looking at online abuse, says Doe is one of three main influencers in the Nigerian manosphere on X. He and two others, Shola and Sir Dickson, have more than 1.6 million followers combined. Ihe says they position themselves as experts on relationships, encouraging people to send in questions, to which they respond. They also target feminists online, she adds.

Ihe believes their behaviour is increasingly linked to being able to make money. In 2023, X introduced Creator Revenue Sharing where users are financially rewarded for creating content and engagement on the site. When you can post something [about incel (involuntarily celibate) culture] on X and make more money than a monthly salary, its the incentive they need, she says.

Naty Mon  Ethiopia

With a TikTok following of almost half a million, Naty Mon is one of the most prominent voices in the Ethiopian manosphere. He is seen in the same digital circles as, and often collaborates with, Bella Axumawi, an influencer who covers his face and calls women derogatory terms, such as the Amharic equivalents of slut and whore.

For most women, Naty Mon is the most frustrating entity on TikTok because hes lawless. You know, hes almost beyond the law Anonymous activist

Mon has become known for his TikTok live streams, which are republished on other social media sites such as Instagram and YouTube. He invites young women on, then talks about their bodies and asks them about sexual positions.

He uses Telegram to circulate information and photos of women he is trying to shame. He employs a mix of humour, satire and Amharic slang to critique the behaviour of Ethiopian women, as well as to slam feminists.

Ethiopia is a predominantly Christian country, and Mon uses religion and quotes from the Bible to support his argument that women are not supposed to be equal to men. He has said women should not talk back to a man.

In the past, accusations of sexual harassment against him have aired on Facebook, according to a digital rights activist who requested anonymity. He has denied them all and no action was taken. She says: For most women, Naty Mon is the most frustrating entity on TikTok because hes almost beyond the law.

Research by the Centre for Information Resilience has found that Ethiopian influencers and other content creators on podcasts, TikTok and YouTube spread misogynistic content and use offensive gendered slurs, often under the guise of comedy. The study also highlights a crisis in content moderation and regulatory enforcement in Ethiopia, with many people doubting platforms ability to tackle online abuse effectively.

Xaliye  Somalia

A former TV journalist turned influencer, Abdisamad Xaliye is based in Nairobi, Kenya. He is primarily known as Xaliye, which means fixer or solver, and hosts a podcast in Somali, Fikradaha Xaliye (Xaliyes thoughts). His YouTube channel has 178,000 subscribers and he has almost 500,000 followers on TikTok.

Xaliye focuses on themes of masculinity and self-improvement. Some of his views have attracted controversy: he advises men to be cautious with women and never give money to girls they are dating, while calling women derogatory names and body shaming them for not exercising enough and not being in shape.

He hosts live dating shows on TikTok where he berates and shames women who call in. He advocates for a return to traditional masculine and feminine roles and has been criticised for promoting submissiveness and condemning women for pursuing careers. He has drawn the ire of Somali female influencers such as Fathia Absie, a womens rights activist based in the US, who have responded to his TikToks.

Shadaya Knight  Zimbabwe

With nearly 700,000 followers on X, Shadaya Knight (real name Night Tawona Shadaya) is a prominent and prolific social media personality who has been referred to as Zimbabwes Andrew Tate. His banner picture on X includes images of Andrew Tate, Elon Musk and Donald Trump. He is a frequent guest on several popular podcasts, and also hosts his own, on which he interviews people.

Shadaya attracted international attention in 2023 when he posted on X about a Vogue cover showing Rihanna leading the way holding A$AP Rockys hand while he carries their baby.

He wrote about the image: The emasculation of men continues  you can already tell who the man in this relationship is  that dude about to be a proud mother of two. The post went viral attracting more than 20 million views and various US celebrities responded, many deriding him.

This month he posted again about Rihanna referencing a photo of her with A$AP Rocky: Men arent attracted to a womans achievements (her being a superstar billionaire) BUT are attracted to a womans femininity (youthfulness) Rihanna must understand, A$AP is still in his prime, meanwhile shes washed up, shes old and fat 

Related: Urgent action needed to prevent surge in digital violence in Africa, experts say

He has made numerous other controversial and misogynist statements. In 2020, MailOnline reported on the backlash to his thread listing the benefits of dating a woman aged 18-25, including being with someone who is less sexually experienced and more likely to submit. He has expressed strong opinions on single mothers, masculinity, and relationships, often sparking heated discussions.

Penuel The Black Pen  South Africa

Penuel Mlotshwa, who goes by Penuel The Black Pen, is best known for hosting a podcast, The Penuel Show, on YouTube, where he has 133,000 subscribers and has amassed around 15 million views. He is also on X where he has 130,000 followers. He has built a following by taking an in-depth approach to politics, social issues, fatherhood, and the history of South Africa. He sometimes gives a platform to polarising figures, and in 2024 interviewed Siphesihle Nxokwana, an anti-feminist influencer.

Some of his comments and views have been labelled misogynistic. He has said, Most women are confused, delusional and responsible for most broken families  and told people to teach boys to never to open up and be vulnerable to their partners. Most of them weaponise that vulnerability when they are angry.

He has implied women go after men for their money, posting on X, If men went after womens money, as much as women go after mens money  more & more women would stop getting married.

Unlike some other voices in the South African manosphere, Mlotshwa does not hide behind anonymity. Born and raised in Newcastle in Kwa Zulu Natal, he performed well at school before attending university and then working in banking. He quit and later grew a following on social media during the Covid pandemic. He has said he does not believe in marriage and that he has six children with different women.

Siddharth Venkataramakrishnan, an analyst at Institute for Strategic Dialogue who has been researching the South African manosphere, says its not necessarily the most extreme voices that get the most attention.

He says: Mlotshwa is successful at mixing somewhat questionable content with less controversial content. That speaks to why he gets [a bigger following] than somebody whos just doing women are all terrible content, which I think is not as powerful.

 This article was amended on 7 April 2026 because Shadaya Knight has nearly 700,000, not nearly 700 million, followers on X.
Picassos Guernica has hung in the Reina Sofia museum in Madrid since 1992. Repeated requests for it to be moved to the Basque Country have been refused. Photograph: Rodrigo Jimenez/EPA (Photograph: Rodrigo Jimenez/EPA)

A row has broken out between the Madrid and Basque regional governments in Spain over the latters request for Guernica, probably Picassos most celebrated work, to be housed temporarily in the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to mark the 90th anniversary of the bombing of the Basque town.

The work has hung in the Reina Sofia museum in Madrid since 1992 and repeated requests for it to be moved to the Basque Country have been refused.

The latest request has led to Isabel Diaz Ayuso, Madrids outspoken, conservative president and Aitor Esteban, the leader of the Basque nationalist party, trading insults, each accusing the other of being provincial.

It makes no sense for everything to be returned to its origin, Ayuso said. In that case we should send all of Picassos works to Malaga, referring to the city where he was born.

It represents a provincial mindset when culture is universal, she said, adding that the Reina Sofia insisted that moving Guernica risked damaging the work.

Esteban retorted that if anyone was provincial, it was Ayuso whose idea of national identity is to drink beer on the terrace of a bar, a reference to the Madrid presidents insistence on keeping bars open during the pandemic.

Imanol Pradales, the Basque president, asked: Does the Spanish government have the courage to move Guernica? They dragged Franco out of his tomb and arent capable of moving a painting from Madrid to Euskadi [the Basque region]? The ball is in their court.

The Basque government wants the painting to be hung in the Guggenheim from 1 October until 30 June to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the bombing of Guernica.

Picassos black-and-white masterpiece depicts the violence of the attack carried out by the German Condor Legion and the Italian air force on 26 April 1937 during the Spanish civil war. Italy was an ally of the Spanish general Francisco Franco and the attack was an early experiment in what would soon become a commonplace of warfare: the aerial bombardment of civilians.

Estimates of the number killed in Guernica vary widely, from 126 to 1,654, but in any case Picassos work became an international symbol of the horrors of war.

He painted it shortly after the event and it was exhibited at the Paris International Exposition in 1937. After that it toured Europe and the US. As Picasso opposed its return to Spain during the Franco dictatorship, for many years it was hung in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

The art historian Francisco Chaparro said that although the Spanish government could not rule out moving the work to the Basque Country, the risk of damaging the painting should take precedence over political motives.

Guernica is in a delicate state, its been rolled and unrolled on numerous occasions, Chaparro said in support of the museums refusal to move it. The Mona Lisa doesnt leave the Louvre, Las Meninas by Velazquez doesnt leave the Prado, he said. Guernica isnt just the centrepiece of the Reina Sofia, the museum has grown up around it.

In regard to it staying in Madrid, the artist Jose Manuel Ballester said it should be remembered that Picasso himself wanted Guernica to be hung in the Prado museum, of which he was appointed director during the civil war although he never took up the post.

In 2000, the Reina Sofia turned down a request from MoMA to borrow Guernica, saying the great icon of our museum must remain, without exception, separate from the policy on lending works to other museums.

 This article was amended on 7 April 2026 because an earlier version referred only to the Italian air forces role in the attack on Guernica, omitting to mention the German Condor Legion.
Today it is not the monarch but the Prime Minister who holds the power of patronage - Stock Montage/Getty Creative

When the House of Lords meets for the first time at the beginning of the next parliamentary session in May, it will be less independent than the House that Henry VIII faced in the 1520s. The arc of the moral universe really is long, but it is bending in an unexpected direction.

The Lords will be a different body because of the recent passage of the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Act 2026. The 90 spaces for hereditary peers which were preserved as a concession to opponents of the House of Lords Act 1999 have been abolished, so the reformed House will consist of those who hold life peerages  around 740 barons and baronesses  and the 26 bishops of the Church of England.

To put that in context, all members of the Lords, as of the next session, will be there because, at least formally, they were appointed by the Crown. Every single one. Life peerages are granted by the sovereign as the fount of honour, but even the bishops  although they are selected by a process involving the Crown Appointments Commission  must have their election to their episcopal throne confirmed by Letters Patent issued in the Kings name.

Depending on what you choose as your starting date, the House of Lords is 685 years old, though it was abolished in 1649 along with the monarchy, and was similarly restored in 1660. Never before has it consisted solely of directly, individually appointed members.

Today it is not the monarch but the Prime Minister, governing with his authority, who holds the power of patronage. The vast majority of life peers are created on the recommendation of Downing Street, though the Prime Minister will generally accept nomination from them proportionate to their strength in the House of Commons. But that is a convention and a courtesy rather than an obligation.

But surely, you will be thinking, the current House, for all its faults, must be better than it was 500 years ago? Membership of the legislature by inherited right must be unacceptably outdated and its abolition must be a positive step? Starmers reformed House of Lords must be more independent than its Tudor predecessor?

Most life peers are created on the recommendation of Downing Street - Alberto Pezzali/PA Wire

Lets think about it. Take the fourth Parliament of Henry VIIIs reign which met almost exactly half a millennium ago, from April 15 to August 13, 1523. It was the only Parliament summoned during the 14 years that Cardinal Wolsey was chief minister (1515-1529), and it was summoned for that most impeccably English of reasons: the King needed money to invade France. It initially met not at Westminster, unusually, but at Blackfriars Priory by Ludgate Hill.

Surviving records suggest 53 members of the House of Lords attended that Parliament. It was a composition which would no doubt horrify Sir Keir Starmer: the Lords Spiritual consisted of the two Archbishops of Canterbury and York, eight other bishops and 17 abbots, mostly Benedictines. Then there were 26 Lords Temporal: the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, seven earls, the Prior of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and 16 barons.

Already you can see a much more mixed economy of patronage and allegiance. At this stage the bishops and abbots were all Catholic; formally they were chosen by the Pope and the ecclesiastical hierarchy, but in practice the Crown had considerable influence too, and generally their appointment would come after a process of negotiation. The Prior of the Order of St John was appointed by the Grand Master, based in Rhodes; and while the two dukes owed their positions to Henry VIII, the earls and barons were a mixture of inherited and newly created titles.

The Act of Subsidy provided Henry with funds, though not as much as he had sought, and there was a feeling the legislative process had been a slog. Thomas Cromwell, elected to the House of Commons for the first time, wrote that he had endured a Parliament which continued by the space of 17 whole weeks. Nor was he impressed by the experience: We have done as our predecessors have been wont to do, that is to say, as well as we might and left where we began.

The Tudor House of Lords was made up of peers and prelates who owed their positions to a number of sources; it was no rubber stamp. How has the Prime Minister, 500 years later, managed managed to design a reformed chamber lacking that independence?

The answer is prioritisation. Last November, I described how the Labour Party had gradually shed most of its commitments to specific reforms of the House of Lords. It has focused on what it finds most obnoxious, the residual presence of up to 90 hereditary peers, 10 per cent of the total membership.

Having eradicated the hereditary principle, the Government has scored a victory, and increased its powers of patronage. No other measures of reform are promised, merely nodded towards in a possible future; but what government truly wants to strengthen Parliaments powers of scrutiny?

Cardinal Wolsey would not have envied much about Sir Keir Starmer (and Wolsey was a man who bought his own clothes). But if the Prime Minister had described to him the nature of the reformed House of Lords, the butchers boy from Ipswich might have asked in his sing-song Suffolk tones, How did you manage that?

Eliot Wilson is a Senior Fellow for National Security at the Coalition for Global Prosperity and a former House of Commons clerk
The leader of Taiwans largest opposition party arrived in China at the invitation of Xi Jinping on Tuesday for a peace mission at a time of increased military tensions between the self-governed island and the mainland.

Cheng Li-wuns trip marks the first visit by a Kuomintang (KMT) leader to China in a decade, although Beijing is yet to confirm whether the Chinese president will definitely meet her.

Cheng said at her party headquarters in Taipei she had embarked on a historic journey for peace, but added that some people feel uneasy about the visit. If you truly love Taiwan, you will seize even the slightest chance, every possible opportunity, to keep Taiwan from being ravaged by war, the KMT chief said in defence of her visit. China sees Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out reunification by force, if necessary.

The trip, which comes just weeks ahead of US president Donald Trumps May visit to Beijing, has sparked concerns among the Taiwanese people who anticipate a territorial conquest by China sometime in the near future. The threat of invasion has been a major concern for Taiwanese president Lai Ching-tes administration as well.

Kuomintang chairperson Cheng Li-wun shakes hands with Song Tao (R), Director of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council in Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (Central News Agency (CNA)/AFP)

Lai, viewed as a separatist figure by Beijing, has called for ramping up Taiwans defence capabilities and bolstering the self-governed islands defence budget, drawing lessons from multiple conflicts around the world, including the Russia-Ukraine war.

The Cheng-led opposition bloc, which dominates parliament, has also been accused of blocking a $40bn special defence budget since November 2025, which Lai has been pushing for to bolster Taiwans military muscle against Chinas People's Liberation Army.

Before leaving for China, Cheung said: "So I would rather believe that all Taiwanese people hope this trip will succeed, because we can transform the most dangerous place in the world into the safest place in the world.

"I believe that through this journey for peace, everyone is even more eager to see the sincerity and determination of the CPC (Communist Party of China) Central Committee to use peaceful dialogue and exchange to resolve all possible differences between the two sides," she added.

A protester delivers a speech as Taiwan's main opposition Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang (KMT) chairperson Cheng Li-wun leaves for China (AP)

The Taiwanese official took a train to Nanjing, which hosts the mausoleum of Chinese revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen. Sun, the father of the revolution that toppled China's last emperor in 1911, died in 1925, and is a hero in China despite being the former leader of the Kuomintang, or Nationalist Party, defeated by the Communists in 1949.

The head of Chinas Taiwan Affairs office, Song Tao, and Cheng chatted cordially like friends on the train, with the KMT leader calling her trip especially rare and precious, the party said.

Cheng did not address the increasing military escalation from across the Taiwan Strait where China has been sending warplanes and naval vessels around the smaller island on a near-daily basis. Chinas PLA forces have also recently staged two major military exercises around the island, with the most recent one in December, after the US announced arms sales to Taiwan and involved the deployment of air, naval and missile units for a joint live-fire drill.

The US State Department said PLAs exercises "increase tensions unnecessarily" and called on Beijing to cease military pressure against Taiwan.

Late on Monday, Kuan Bi-ling, head of Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council, which runs the coast guard, posted a picture on her Facebook account of current Chinese warship deployments around the island  two off the east coast, and one each to the north, northwest and southwest.

"When you depart, you are doing so from within what they see as the 'Taiwan cage'," Kuan told reporters at parliament on Tuesday, referring to how China's military has termed Taiwan's planned T-Dome air defence system and talking about Cheng's trip.

Lawmakers in Taiwan slammed the visit, saying that the opposition leader is following the steps China wants her to. From the fact that the accompanying journalists were chosen by Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office, to the use of a Chinese aircraft, and even the uncertainty before departure over whether she would be able to meet president Xi, KMT chairwoman Cheng Li-wens visit to China was, from the moment she boarded the plane, locked into the One China framework, said Fan Yun, a lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Cheng, she said, could very well be a model figure for Xis propaganda on One China policy.

The opposition, according to the lawmaker, is ignoring the obvious ground reality as public opinion polls in Taiwan show that support for unification has fallen below 10 per cent.

The mainstream view in Taiwan is that Taiwan (Republic of China) and China (People's Republic of China) are not subordinate to each other, she tells The Independent, adding that while peace is something all Taiwanese people support, but we learn from history that peace must be backed by strength.

Chinese flags fly on fishing boats in Tailu village, on the Chinese coast opposite Taiwan's Matsu islands, in China's southeast Fujian province on in 2024 (AFP/Getty)

Regional experts say the trip serves Cheng little but benefits China more.

Chengs visit wont fundamentally change Chinas calculation and preparation for a potential reunification with Taiwan. For Beijing, her trip primarily serves propaganda and diplomatic signalling purposes, says William Yang, the International Crisis Groups senior analyst.

For Xis domestic audience, the visit will display the government's progress on the mission of reunification with Taiwan, he says.

Cheng's remarks during the trip, which will focus on calling for peace and reiterating her opposition to Taiwan independence, will be amplified by Chinese state media to try to exacerbate division within Taiwan, he says.

Some leading figures in her own party are also worried that her rhetoric during the trip could damage the partys prospects in the local election in November. Despite these criticisms and diverging views within her party, there are also some in Taiwan who view her trip as a necessary step to help reduce the level of tension across the Taiwan Strait, Yang says.

China will use the trip to demonstrate to the US that there are still political leaders in Taiwan who are willing to conduct cross-strait exchange and pursue peace across the Taiwan Strait, he says.
One person was killed and four were injured in a shooting near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, authorities have said.

A gunfight erupted outside a building housing the consulate between three attackers and police. Reuters video showed a police officer pulling out a gun and taking cover as gunshots resounded. One person was seen covered in blood.

Authorities said the attackers were all neutralised with one killed and two injured. Two officers were lightly injured, Istanbul governor Davut Gul said.

Armed police work at the scene after gunfight outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul (Reuters)

Initial reports had claimed three people were killed in the incident as it was still unfolding in the Turkish city.

Attackers were carrying rifles and other guns to attack the consulate, Mr Gul said. The area surrounding the building was quickly sealed off.

Interior minister Mustafa Ciftci said that the attackers, whom he called terrorists, had been identified and two of the three are believed to be brothers.

The identities of the terrorists have been identified. It has been determined that the individuals, who arrived in Istanbul by a rental vehicle from Izmit, include one with ties to an organisation that exploits religion; and it has also been established that one of the two terrorists, who are brothers, has a drug record, he said.

Istanbuls chief public prosecutors office has opened an investigation into the incident, Turkeys justice minister Akin Gurlek said.

Police at the scene of the shooting near the consulate on Tuesday (Reuters)

One deputy chief public prosecutor and two public prosecutors have been assigned; our public prosecutors have promptly arrived at the scene and begun examinations, the statement said.

Under the coordination of our chief public prosecutor's office, in collaboration with relevant law enforcement units, the work is ongoing for the purpose of fully elucidating the incident, and the investigation is being conducted meticulously and in a multifaceted manner.

No Israeli diplomats were stationed in Turkey at that time, either at the consulate in Istanbul or the embassy in Ankara. Its been almost three years since diplomatic personnel had staffed the consulate, the governor said.

The consulate occupies one or two floors inside the high-rise building, according to TV channel Haberturk.

Relations between Israel and Recep Tayyip Erdogans Turkey have grown strained (AP)

The Israeli foreign ministry said it was aware of reports of gunfire near the consulate in Istanbul.

The shooting comes amid rising tensions between Turkey and Israel after the Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, called for the end to what he said was an unlawful, meaningless war.

The countries have had a strained relationship since Israels war in Gaza, which Erdogan reportedly called the lowest point in humanity during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York last year.

Turkey has played a role passing messages between Iran and the US to encourage de-escalation and direct negotiations, Harun Armagan, vice-chair of foreign affairs for President Erdogan's ruling party, said in March.

He did not elaborate on the messages but said they were also being conveyed to Gulf nations caught up in the conflict.
The U.S. Education Department announced Monday it has scrapped agreements established by previous administrations with five school districts and a college, which aimed to safeguard the rights and protections of transgender students.

The decision means the department will cease to enforce these pacts, which required schools to adhere to federal civil rights law.

The affected institutions include Cape Henlopen School District in Delaware, Fife School District in Washington, Delaware Valley School District in Pennsylvania, and La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, Sacramento City Unified, and Taft College in California.

Under the Biden and Obama administrations, Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education, was interpreted as encompassing protections for transgender and gay students.

In contrast, the Trump administration has penalized institutions that sought to accommodate students based on their gender identity.

It has launched legal challenges in California and Minnesota concerning state policies allowing transgender students to participate in interscholastic sports, and initiated civil rights investigations into institutions regarding their policies on transgender students.

This is the latest blow to trans Americans rights from the Trump administration (Getty Images)

Trans rights crackdown

The Trump administration has imposed sweeping bans targeting trans Americans over the last year.

During his State of the Union address in February, Trump used a teenagers story to call for a ban on states and schools allowing transgender and nonbinary students to socially transition without parental consent, in what civil rights groups have called forced outing that endangers vulnerable children.

Sage Blairs mother, Michele, sued the Appomattox County School Board in 2023 over allegations that the district did not disclose information that Sage was identifying as male.

Michele has claimed that the schools alleged withholding of that information led to Sage running away from home and experiencing abuse.

Surely we can all agree, no state can be allowed to rip children from their parents arms and transition them to a new gender against the parents will, Trump said in his remarks.

We must ban it and we must ban it immediately.

Trump has taken a particularly hard line since returning to office in 2025, casting the gender identity of transgender people as a lie and issuing multiple executive orders limiting their rights.

One Trump directive stated that the U.S. government will recognize only two sexes, male and female. Another sought to exclude transgender athletes from female sports.

The Supreme Court already has signaled sympathy toward some of Trump's efforts.

It let Trump ban transgender people from the military and bar passport applicants from selecting the sex reflecting their gender identities for the document.
Donald Trump, flanked by Pete Hegseth, claimed Iranians were willing to suffer the loss of power and basic services to achieve freedom from the Islamic Republic. Photograph: Kent Nishimura/AFP/Getty (Photograph: Kent Nishimura/AFP/Getty)

Donald Trump was asked at a press conference on Monday if his war on Iran was winding down or ramping up. His response: I cant tell you.

The US presidents comments came as diplomatic negotiations aimed at halting the war in the Middle East appeared to be faltering.

At the start of the press conference, Trump said Iran could be taken out in one night, and that might be tomorrow night. He also reiterated a deadline of 8pm ET on Tuesday for the regime to reopen the strait of Hormuz or face a barrage of strikes on energy facilities and bridges.

Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon secretary who flanked Trump at the press conference alongside Gen Daniel Caine, the joints chiefs of staff chair, said that under the presidents direction today will be the largest volume of strikes since day one of this operation.

Tomorrow, even more than today, he added.

Trump claims, without proof, Iranians welcome US strikes on infrastructure

Donald Trump on Monday claimed that Iranian civilians welcomed US strikes on Irans infrastructure, saying they were willing to suffer the loss of power and basic services to achieve freedom from the Islamic Republic.

Read the full story

US lower court judges are challenging Trumps war on the rule of law, experts say

District court judges have been increasingly issuing strong rulings challenging the legality of many of Trumps policies and power grabs, blocking key ones at least temporarily, and sparking angry responses from the president, former judges and prosecutors say.

Read the full story

Trump threatens to jail journalist to find source of second missing airman report

Trump threatened to jail a journalist  or journalists  who reported that a second US airman was missing after being shot down by Iran on Friday in an effort to identify their source. The badly injured airman hid in a mountain crevice to avoid capture before being rescued by a US recovery team that received heavy fire.

Read the full story

Trump endorses ex-Fox News host Steve Hilton in California governors race

Donald Trump has endorsed Steve Hilton, a Republican former Fox News host, in the California governors race, a move that could dash Republican hopes of locking Democrats out of the November runoff.

Read the full story

Jamie Dimon says US should strengthen allies economically, in veiled criticism of Trump

The head of the USs largest bank has pressed the White House to strengthen Washingtons allies economically in order to avoid truly adverse consequences, in the latest installment of an increasingly testy relationship with the Trump administration.

Read the full story

Trump uses Neville Chamberlain jibe to mock Starmer over stance on Iran

Trump has appeared to compare Keir Starmer to Neville Chamberlain in his latest disparaging remarks about the UK prime minister, who has refused to back the US-Israel attacks on Iran.

The comments, during an Easter Monday event at the White House, underline Trumps continued annoyance at Starmers skepticism about the aims and legality of the conflict, a view that has not shifted despite the US presidents jibes.

Read the full story

What else happened today:

Catching up? Heres what happened on 5 April 2026
Donald Trump pretended to fire a gun as he spoke to the press on Monday - Kent Nishimura/AFP via Getty

A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again, Donald Trump warned Iran. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will.

The US presidents deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or be bombed back to the Stone Age is 1am on Wednesday morning, UK time.

Mr Trump said there would be no more extensions, the deadline having been pushed back four times.

He added that unless Iran agreed to a deal of his liking, its bridges and power stations would be destroyed.

Analysts in the Middle East and across the world are frantically game-planning what might happen in the coming hours.

Truth Social

The US has already hit Kharg Island, Irans oil export hub, while Israel has struck railway bridges.

These could be a precursor to strikes across the country or a last-ditch attempt to scare Iran into a deal.

No one is pretending at this late stage to be certain what Mr Trump will do, but he has a range of options.

Full-scale escalation

Some think the US president will push the button and mount a heavy attack on Iran.

This is the option favoured by Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, who is said to have told Mr Trump two days ago that the Iranian regime was on the brink and one final push would bring it down.

Yet Mr Trump is aware that Israeli interests  especially Mr Netanyahus  differ from his own. The Israeli prime minister faces an election in October and if the Iranian regime is left standing, it will work against him.

JD Vance, the US vice-president, is also said to have admonished Mr Netanyahu in a tense phone call two weeks ago for overstating the vulnerability of the Iranian regime before the war.

On Tuesday morning, a synagogue in Tehran was hit by a US-Israeli air strike, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency - Reuters

Sima Shine is a senior researcher and former director of the Iran research programme at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv.

She said: Trump knows that Bibi wants to continue striking but I dont think he takes it into account. He will make up his own mind.

If Mr Trump goes all in, it will be because he calculates it to be in US interests. The strongest argument for it is that anything short of a decisive victory in Iran might look weak.

It could be a Suez moment for the US, where power and money start to drain away because Mr Trump did not have the stomach to finish the job.

The US will be judged to have lost the war, and Iran will be judged to have won unless it can free the Strait of Hormuz, said Ray Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater Associates, one of the worlds largest hedge funds, three weeks ago.

When the worlds dominant power that has the worlds reserve currency is overextended financially, and it reveals its weakness by losing both military and financial control, watch out for allies and creditors losing confidence.

An 11th-hour deal

The most compelling argument for a deal is that both Iran and Mr Trump are desperately looking for a way out.

Iran has suffered substantial military, structural and social damage. Mr Trump, meanwhile, faces soaring energy prices, the anger of his allies in Europe, the Gulf and Asia, and the prospect of being sucked into an Iraq-style quagmire.

US Marines carrying out drills in the Pacific last week. Mr Trump could use a ceasefire to bring more troops to the Middle East - Cpl Avery Wayland/US Marine Corps

Mr Vance and Steve Witkoff, Mr Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, are thought to be pushing the US president to go for a deal and an off-ramp.

Ms Shine said: I always say that when there is a mutual interest, such a high interest, it will happen, but the gap between the Iranians and the Americans is so great culturally and psychologically, its very difficult to make an evaluation.

Mediators in Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey are said to have been working around the clock to secure a deal. But trust and the limited time available are also hurdles to an 11th-hour handshake.

Iran wants a hard guarantee that fighting will not resume if it opens the Strait of Hormuz and stops firing missiles at Israel and Gulf states.

It was bombed twice before during negotiations with the US, so Mr Trumps word is not likely to be enough. Instead, Iran will seek guarantees from third countries, or perhaps the UN.

A university laboratory in Tehran destroyed by a missile strike on Friday - Majid Saeedi/Getty

But a proper deal would require time to negotiate, something normally done during a ceasefire.

And Iran knows all too well that the US and Israel could use a ceasefire to rearm with missile interceptors and move more troops to the region.

Also, both Iran and the US think they are winning  and that too makes a deal less likely.

Declare victory unilaterally, and withdraw

Some think this is the best and most feasible option for Mr Trump.

The US president is a master at declaring black is white, and has a famous victory under his belt in rescuing the two downed US airmen.

Mr Vance and others may be urging Mr Trump to quit on a media high, rather than risk a quagmire that could stretch to the November midterm elections and beyond.

The US can realistically claim to have degraded Irans military capacity enormously over the last five weeks, and to have thwarted its nuclear ambitions at least in the medium term.

However, the Strait of Hormuz is still closed, and the Iranian regime, which would undoubtedly declare a great victory of its own, has survived.

It is probably true, as Mr Trump intimated last week, that the strait would open again to shipping naturally, but it would be on Iranian terms.

A B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. Mr Trump threatened to bomb Iran back to the Stone Age - Instagram

Israel would also be angered by this outcome, because it would gradually allow Iran to rebuild both itself and its proxies.

Ms Shine noted that Hezbollah would only need $1bn (760m) a year to sustain itself. That would be a drop in the ocean for an Iran profiting from sanctions relief, a toll on ships in Hormuz, and oil exports.

Ms Shine added that Iran was already shipping an estimated 30 per cent more oil than at the start of the war, and at higher prices, as the US treasury fought to keep global prices down.

The other losers in any such unilateral declaration of victory would be the Gulf states.

Having shown it could shutter their economies and after surviving the Great Satan, Iran would be able to lord it over them for years to come.

It might even seek to export the Islamic Revolution in their direction  something the Gulf autocracies have feared since seeing the US-backed Shah of Iran toppled in 1979.

A final flurry, then victory

In this final possibility, Mr Trump could order a couple of spectacular infrastructure strikes and then announce he has won.

Such a strategy might make a unilateral declaration of victory more believable  and a strike on the symbolically important Kharg Island has already happened.

With just hours to go, both Iran and the US have world changing decisions to make.
CLEVELAND, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE: TDG) today announced that it has successfully completed its acquisition of Jet Parts Engineering and Victor Sierra Aviation Holdings (collectively "the Companies"), formerly portfolio companies of Vance Street Capital, for approximately $2.2 billion in cash, including certain tax benefits. TransDigm financed the acquisition of the Companies through cash on hand as well as cash proceeds from the debt offerings completed in February 2026. The acquisition of the Companies was previously announced on January 16, 2026.

Jet Parts Engineering

Jet Parts Engineering ("JPE"), headquartered in Seattle, Washington, is a leading independent designer and manufacturer of aerospace aftermarket solutions, primarily proprietary OEM-alternative parts and repairs. JPE serves commercial, regional and cargo airline customers, as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul ("MRO") providers. JPE's products are highly engineered, proprietary PMA components with a strong presence across major commercial aerospace platforms. Nearly all of JPE's revenue is derived from the commercial aftermarket. In addition to its engineering headquarters in Seattle, Washington, JPE has engineering and component repair locations in Texas, New York, Florida, Alabama and the United Kingdom. JPE employs approximately 300 people.

Victor Sierra Aviation

Victor Sierra Aviation Holdings ("VSA") is a leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of proprietary PMA and other aftermarket parts serving the commercial aerospace end market  primarily the general aviation and business aviation sectors. VSA is a leading collection of brands including McFarlane Aviation, Tempest Aero Group, and Aviation Products Systems. VSA offers a complete line of highly engineered PMA, custom design and OEM products, as well as service and repair stations. Nearly all of VSA's revenue is derived from the commercial aftermarket. VSA primarily operates out of three facilities: Baldwin City, Kansas; Burlington, North Carolina; and Granite City, Illinois. Additional satellite facilities are in Illinois, Texas, Kentucky and Washington to provide support and strategic proximity to customers. VSA employs approximately 400 people.

The Companies collectively generated approximately $280 million in revenue for the calendar year ended December 31, 2025.

About TransDigm Group

TransDigm Group, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is a leading global designer, producer and supplier of highly engineered aircraft components for use on nearly all commercial and military aircraft in service today. Major product offerings, substantially all of which are ultimately provided to end-users in the aerospace industry, include mechanical/electro-mechanical actuators and controls, ignition systems and engine technology, specialized pumps and valves, power conditioning devices, specialized AC/DC electric motors and generators, batteries and chargers, engineered latching and locking devices, engineered rods, engineered connectors and elastomer sealing solutions, databus and power controls, cockpit security components and systems, specialized and advanced cockpit displays, engineered audio, radio and antenna systems, specialized lavatory components, seat belts and safety restraints, engineered and customized interior surfaces and related components, advanced sensor products, switches and relay panels, thermal protection and insulation, lighting and control technology, parachutes, high performance hoists, winches and lifting devices, and cargo loading, handling and delivery systems, specialized flight, wind tunnel and jet engine testing services and equipment, electronic components used in the generation, amplification, transmission and reception of microwave signals, and complex testing and instrumentation solutions.

Forward-Looking Statements

All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause TransDigm Group's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, TransDigm Group. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the sensitivity of our business to the number of flight hours that our customers' planes spend aloft and our customers' profitability, both of which are affected by general economic conditions; supply chain constraints; increases in raw material costs, taxes and labor costs that cannot be recovered in product pricing; failure to complete or successfully integrate acquisitions; our indebtedness; current and future geopolitical or other worldwide events, including, without limitation, wars or conflicts and public health crises; cybersecurity threats; risks related to the transition or physical impacts of climate change and other natural disasters or meeting regulatory requirements; our reliance on certain customers; the United States ("U.S.") defense budget and risks associated with being a government supplier including government audits and investigations; failure to maintain government or industry approvals; risks related to changes in laws and regulations, including increases in compliance costs and potential changes in trade policies and tariffs; potential environmental liabilities; liabilities arising in connection with litigation; risks and costs associated with our international sales and operations; and other factors. Further information regarding the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results can be found in TransDigm Group's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports that TransDigm Group or its subsidiaries have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, TransDigm Group undertakes no obligation to revise or update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Contact:

Investor Relations

(216) 706-2945

[email protected]

SOURCE TransDigm Group Inc.
A store dedicated to selling merchandise related to President Donald Trump and his MAGA movement has been forced to temporarily close its doors, with the owner blaming the war in Iran for the lack of footfall.

Lisa Fleischmann, owner of the Trump Truth Store + Hangout in Crystal Lake, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois, announced her decision on Facebook with a note that read simply: Sorry, the Trump Truth Store is closed until further notice.

She has since explained to The Chicago Tribune that sales of her range of political T-shirts and memorabilia have fallen through the floor since the president launched his Operation Epic Fury airstrikes on Iran on February 28, killing off public appetite for red caps, flags, and God, Guns, and Trump shirts.

Dwindling sales of Donald Trump merchandise has forced the temporary closure of the Trump Truth Store in Crystal Lake, Illinois (Reuters)

Sales were really slow, she said. It all started with the war. It was dead as a door nail the minute that happened.

I think [customers] are unsure whats going on. Not everyone. But I think a majority of people are unsure whats going on And if you wear it, they feel someone might come up to them and ask them questions.

Fleischmann had trailed the closure on Facebook for several days beforehand, saying she was not feeling good and considering turning her store into an online-only venture before finally pulling the plug, at least for the time being.

I am not even making  of my rent, she told well-wishers on the platform. I never did this for the money but I dont know how much longer I can last with paying for all the stuff.

In another comment, she elaborated: Lucky to get three cars a day since opening weekend. And most people dont even buy a thing.

Trump store proprietor Lisa Fleischmann says she believes people are currently less willing to advertise their support for the president because it means being challenged about the war (AFP/Getty)

I really did this for the people. I really thought that everyone wanted this, but no ones coming, not even people that promised and promised that I need to open up a store. I just spent so much money on tables and chairs for the Trump bingo. I really dont even feel like anyones even gonna come.

Fleischmann only moved her store to Crystal Lake from Huntley in mid-January, having received an eviction notice from her previous landlord, who had accused her of violating building and sign ordinance rules by displaying a a full-size inflatable replica of the president in the parking lot.

The prop inspired duelling protests at the site  with a 12-year-old girl dressed as Trump among the customers sticking up for the store, according to the Tribune  but has since had to be thrown away due to wear-and-tear.

Initially sales were strong at the new site, Fleischmann said, only for the war to hit business, something she said had also happened a year ago when the president first announced his Liberation Day tariffs.

She believes the countrys anniversary celebrations this summer will inspire a fresh boom and that customers will band together to pay out for her range of all-American merchandise to show their support for the administration.

The Trump Truth Store announces its temporary closure on Facebook (Trump Truth Store/Facebook)

They dont want people in a hurting economy, she said. They want everyone to celebrate that were America and weve had 250 years of freedom. So its going to start getting better.

Trumps movement has been badly rattled since the strikes began, with its hawks and doves increasingly at each others throats.

Tucker Carlson lashed out at the president Monday over his expletive-laden threats against Tehran, having already called the war absolutely disgusting and evil, while the likes of Megyn Kelly and Marjorie Taylor Greene have derided Mark Levin over his cheerleading for the conflict.

Conservative influencer Carrie Prejean Boller has meanwhile called MAGA deader than dead and said she no longer recognizes Trump while the tensions were on display for all to see at CPAC in Texas last month.

Polling has consistently shown a lack of support for the war, with only the most hard-line conservatives unwavering in their support for the president.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned that Irans millennia-old civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again unless Tehran capitulates to his demand to agree to a ceasefire deal and open the Strait of Hormuz by 8 p.m. ET.

A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will. However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?, Trump wrote on Truth Social Tuesday morning.

The U.S. president has set a Tuesday night deadline for the deal. The presidents latest threat represents a major escalation in his rhetoric against Tehran, which has for weeks included explicit threats to commit war crimes by attacking Iranian civilian infrastructure, including power plants and desalination plants that provide the countrys population of 90 million with fresh water.

The U.S. president has set a Tuesday night deadline for the deal (AFP/Getty)

We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran, Trump added.

Striking such infrastructure targets as he has promised to do this evening would almost certainly violate the Geneva Conventions prohibitions against targeting civilian infrastructure necessary for a populations survival.

The United States has ratified that 1949 treaty  giving it the same legal force as the U.S. Constitution  and has signed, but not ratified, a 1977 additional protocol that prohibits intentional attacks on the civilian population and civilian objects. That additional protocol has been binding on all U.N. member states since 1993, regardless of whether it has been ratified or merely signed.

Additionally, American criminal law prohibits the commission of war crimes, which it defines as a grave breach in any of the international conventions signed at Geneva 12 August 1949, or any protocol to such convention to which the United States is a party. The U.S. criminal code states that any person who commits war crimes can be imprisoned for life or put to death if a war crime results in the death of any victims.

But Trumps assertion that Iranian civilization will die could cross a rhetorical line from threats to commit war crimes by attacking infrastructure to threats to commit what the United Nations defines as genocide against Irans population.

Trump has continued to strike Iran during the five-week war  and is threatening more bombings (AFP/Getty)

According to the U.N. Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, this is defined as any act committed with the intent of deliberately inflicting on a national, ethical, racial or religious group conditions that are calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.

The convention also states that such acts must be committed with a proven intent... to physically destroy a national, ethnical, racial or religious group that is deliberately targeted.

On Monday, Trump told reporters he was not at all concerned about committing possible war crimes in Iran, after he threatened to strike civilian infrastructure if the regime does not meet his imminent deadline to agree to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Im not worried about it, Trump said during a Monday press conference about the potential of war crimes. You know the war crime? The war crime is allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon, he added.

The damaged interiors of the historic Golestan Palace in Tehran (AFP/Getty)

Asked again about the issue, he described Irans leaders as animals who had killed tens of thousands of protesters.

Trump also said that if it were his choice, he would seize Irans oil while simultaneously complaining that unfortunately, the American people would like to see us come home.

Id keep the oil, and I would make plenty of money, he said.

With less than 12 hours to go until the presidents self-imposed deadline on Tuesday, the U.S. began targeting parts of Irans Kharg Island oil export hub, while Israeli military officials warned Iranians to avoid traveling on their countrys rail transportation network.

In response, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement that Tehrans response would go beyond the region if the U.S. crosses any of its red lines and warned that the US and partners would see oil and gas supplies disrupted for years to come.

Restraint is over, they added.
Donald Trump has threatened to send Iran back to the stone ages with a barrage of attacks on civilian targets if his final deadline to make a deal on opening the Strait of Hormuz is not met.

Speaking at a press conference at the White House on Monday, the US president reconfirmed his supposed final ultimatum of Tuesday at 2000 Eastern Time [0100 GMT] for Iran to make a deal.

He said the US plans to decimate every bridge in Iran by midnight, where every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding, and never to be used again.

When questioned over concerns of accusations of war crimes if the US widens its attacks in this way, Mr Trump responded: No, not at all. Asked why Iranians would want him to carry out the threat, he said citizens are willing to suffer... in order to have freedom. "I hope I don't have to do it," he added.

Trump speaks about the conflict in Iran in the James S Brady press briefing room of the White House on Monday (AFP via Getty Images)

He even appeared to widen his threat from civilian targets to the whole Islamic Republic as his ultimatum ticked closer. The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night, Mr Trump said.

Today will be the largest volume of strikes since day one, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth added. Tomorrow, even more than today.

Mr Trump also criticised Nato for not helping the US with its war against Iran, saying he is very disappointed in the alliance, as he went on to take another shot at the UK.

Meanwhile, Israel piled on pressure by attacking a major gas field that is Iran's biggest source of domestic energy.

The warnings come after Iran rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal and said it wants a permanent end to the war.

Tehran conveyed its 10-point response through Pakistan, a key mediator, including proposals on reconstruction and the lifting of sanctions, Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported.

Trump pretends to aim a sniper gun while speaking with reporters (AP)

We only accept an end of the war with guarantees that we won't be attacked again, Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, head of Iran's diplomatic mission in Cairo, told the Associated Press, adding that Iran no longer trusts the Trump administration after the US bombed the Islamic Republic twice during previous rounds of talks.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei earlier told journalists that messages were being exchanged with mediators but negotiations are entirely incompatible with ultimatums, crimes and threats of war crimes.

Irans supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that assassinations and crimes will not disrupt Iranian armed forces in a post on Telegram.

Egyptian, Pakistani and Turkish mediators had sent Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff a proposal calling for a 45-day ceasefire and the reopening of the strait, two Middle East officials told the Associated Press.

Iran's grip on the strait, through which a fifth of the world's oil is shipped in peacetime, has shaken the world economy, and Tehran has refused to let US and Israeli vessels through after they started the war on 28 February.

A man walks among buildings destroyed in a joint attack by Israel and the US on Monday in Tehran (Getty)

Earlier on Monday, Mr Trump addressed an Easter event on the White House lawn and suggested that future attacks could go further.

If I had my choice, what would I like to do? Take the oil, he added. He also claimed Iranians want to hear bombs because they want to be free.

Israel said it struck a key petrochemical plant in the South Pars natural gas field and killed two paramilitary Revolutionary Guard commanders, including its intelligence chief, on Monday, with the aim of eliminating a major source of revenue for Iran. The field, the world's largest, is shared with Qatar and is critical to electricity production for Iran's 93 million population, but the strike appeared to be separate from Mr Trump's threats.

A previous Israeli attack on the field in March prompted Iran to target energy infrastructure in other Middle Eastern countries, a major escalation.

Meanwhile, explosions boomed in Tehran and low-flying jets could be heard for hours.

Among those killed was the head of intelligence for Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, Major General Majid Khademi, according to Iranian state media and Israel's defence minister.

A previous Israeli attack on the field in March prompted Iran to target energy infrastructure in other Middle Eastern countries (Social media/Reuters)

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began, but the government has not updated the toll for days.

In Israel, Iranian missiles hit the northern city of Haifa, where four people from one family were found dead in the rubble of a residential building.

In Lebanon, where Israel has launched air attacks and a ground invasion that it says targets the Iran-linked Hezbollah militia, an airstrike hit an apartment in Ain Saadeh, a predominantly Christian town east of Beirut. More than 1,400 people have been killed in Lebanon and more than 1 million people have been displaced.

Separately, Kuwait, the UAE and Saudi Arabia activated air defences to intercept Iranian missiles and drones. In G ulf Arab states and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, more than two dozen people have died, while at least 23 have been reported dead in Israel and 13 US service members have been killed.
Donald Trump speaks in the White House press briefing room on Monday. Photograph: Andrew Leyden/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock (Photograph: Andrew Leyden/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock)

Donald Trump on Tuesday morning threatened to annihilate the entirety of Iranian civilization should the countrys government ignore his 8pm ET deadline to reopen the strait of Hormuz.

The presidents own words, posted publicly and tied to a specific deadline and set of demands, provide unusually direct evidence of intent to violate international law, and were being met with shock and dismay by Democrats and a growing number of prominent conservatives.

A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again, Trump posted on Truth Social about the country with more than 90 million people. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will.

This is an extremely sick person, said the Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, accusing Republicans of abetting the president in plunging the US into a wanton war of choice.

In his post, Trump followed with a reference to complete and total regime change and signed off with God Bless the Great People of Iran, making a formulation that suggested the destruction of the state and the benediction of its people were, in his telling, compatible.

47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end, he wrote, referencing the Islamic regimes takeover of the country in 1979. We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World.

Neither the US nor Iran is a member of the international criminal court, meaning no formal ICC jurisdiction applies. The more immediate legal framework is the Geneva conventions of 1949 onwards, which both countries have ratified. Article 33 of the fourth convention explicitly prohibits collective punishment of a civilian population. Article 54 of additional protocol I  whose core principles are binding as customary international law even on states, like the US and Iran, that never ratified it  prohibits attacks on infrastructure indispensable to civilian survival, with only a narrow exception for objects used exclusively to sustain enemy armed forces.

The US has itself acknowledged this customary obligation, though the adoption of this position came under the Biden administration in 2024. In one formal UN submission, Washington said it treated the fundamental protections of additional protocol I as legally binding even without ratification.

Trumps latest threat against the totality of Iranian civilization shocks the conscience, House Democratic leaders said in a joint statement, calling for a decisive congressional response.

The House must come back into session immediately and vote to end this reckless war of choice in the Middle East before Donald Trump plunges our country into World War III, the representatives Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Katherine Clark of Massachusetts and Pete Aguilar of California said in their statement. Members are not scheduled to return to Washington until next week.

Questions about the presidents mental state have grown louder since Trumps expletive-ridden Easter Sunday message, with Democrats and critics calling him unhinged and a madman.

Related: Republicans silent as Democrats call on US cabinet to oust Trump over Iran

Senator Patty Murray described Trumps post as the rantings of a bloodthirsty lunatic while Senator Chris Coons said: This is a threat to commit a war crime.

Representative Joaquin Castro said the threat suggests hes either considering using a nuclear weapon or wants Iran to believe he would. Several Democrats said it was time to invoke the 25th amendment against Trump, a call to remove him from office and replace him with the next in line to the presidency.

Representative Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker, said Trumps instability is more clear and dangerous than ever.

If the Cabinet is not willing to invoke the 25th amendment and restore sanity, Republicans must reconvene Congress to end this war, she said in a statement.

Jason Carter, the grandson of the late Jimmy Carter, whose presidency was defined by the 1970 Iranian revolution and the subsequent 444-day hostage crisis, condemned Trumps comments as unAmerican and unChristian.

If my grandfather were here he would challenge all Americans  Democrats Republicans and especially Christians who worship the Prince of Peace  to stand up and say enough is enough, Carter, who serves as the chair of the Carter Centers board of trustees, said in a video statement. The Islamist government of Iran has been our enemy, including an enemy of my family, but the people of Iran have never been our enemy. This country must be better than Donald Trumps unbridled and dangerous rhetoric.

It is not only Democrats; Trumps Middle East war has fractured the American right, driving a deep divide between traditional hawkish conservatives who have long clamored for military action against Iran and the presidents anti-interventionist America First loyalists.

Reacting to Trumps Tuesday post, the former US representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who recently split with the president, in part over what she said was his abandonment of America First policy principles, called for invoking the 25TH AMENDMENT!!!

Not a single bomb has dropped on America, she wrote. We cannot kill an entire civilization. This is evil and madness.

Nathaniel Moran, a Republican representative of Texas, said in a social media post he supports the presidents military intervention in Iran but disagrees with his threat to destroy a whole civilization. That is not who we are, and it is not consistent with the principles that have long guided America, Moran said.

Trumps Truth Social post came the morning after a chaotic White House press conference in which Trump voiced his threats to reporters. The entire country could be taken out in one night, he told reporters on Monday, and that night might be tomorrow night.

When a reporter noted that deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure violate the Geneva conventions, Trump did not dispute the point. I hope I dont have to do it, he said, then pivoted: Forty-seven years theyve been negotiating with these people. Theyre great negotiators, and because theyre not going to have a nuclear weapon. Asked whether the war was winding down or escalating, he said only: I cant tell you. Asked about a ceasefire, he said: I cant talk about the ceasefire.

He reiterated the 8pm ET Tuesday deadline for Iran to reopen the strait or face strikes on energy infrastructure and bridges. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard navy for their part said on Monday that the strait of Hormuz will never return to its previous state for the US and its allies.

Trump also claimed, without providing evidence, that US intelligence had intercepted communications from Iranian civilians near active bombing sites urging American forces to continue. Please keep bombing, he quoted the alleged intercepts as saying. He dismissed concerns that destroying power and water infrastructure would harm ordinary Iranians, insisting they would willingly endure such losses for the chance at regime change.

The military campaign is being followed by Trumps $1.5tn Pentagon budget request, submitted last week alongside sweeping cuts to domestic programs.

The rhetorical escalation of recent days also sits alongside a pattern of contradictions. Trump said in recent weeks that the US had no strategic need for the strait of Hormuz; days later he made its reopening the central condition of his ultimatum to Tehran. He claimed total dominance of Iranian airspace even as a US fighter jet was shot down over the country.

And he declared the war won, but now threatens its most destructive phase yet.
A wastewater treatment facility in Houston, Texas.

Photograph: Jupiterimages/Getty Images (Photograph: Jupiterimages/Getty Images)

Top government security agencies issued a warning of Iran-affiliated cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure across the US on Tuesday. In a joint statement, the agencies said municipalities should be on the lookout for unusual activity, especially around water and energy facilities.

Cyberattacks on drinking water and wastewater systems directly threaten public health and community resilience, Jeffrey Hall, an assistant administrator for enforcement and compliance assurance for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), said in a statement. A single breach can disrupt treatment or introduce contaminants, damage equipment, and erode public trust.

The notice did not detail whether specific facilities had been targeted or any damage had been sustained. The agencies that issued the joint advisory include the EPA, the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the National Security Agency, the Department of Energy and the US Cyber Command.

Related: Donald Trump says he has agreed two-week ceasefire with Iran

The warning came as Donald Trump has stepped up violent rhetoric against Iran, posting on social media in the early morning hours on Tuesday that a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again if the Middle Eastern country didnt give into his demands.

Shortly before Trumps Tuesday evening deadline, the US and Iran agreed to a provisional ceasefire, with Tehran agreeing to reopen the strait of Hormuz if the US suspended strikes.

Iran has been accused for years of carrying out cyber-attacks on various countries, including a massive power outage in Turkey in 2015 and several possible breaches of Israeli government websites in 2022. The US alleged an Iran-affiliated group known as CyberAv3ngers carried out a campaign against it in 2023 that compromised at least 75 devices in multiple infrastructure sectors.

Iran has also accused the US and Israel of carrying out several cyber-attacks against it, including on its nuclear centrifuges and its weapons systems.

Tuesdays advisory alleged that the hackers are backed by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. It said the attacks were focusing on a widely used device called a programmable logic controller thats specifically made by the company Rockwell Automation. Siemens, which also makes these devices, was not named.

The government agencies urged any municipalities using these devices to make sure they are not connected to the internet.
JD Vance endorsed Viktor Orban at a rally in Budapest on Tuesday - Jonathan Ernst/via AP

JD Vance has claimed European elections are being manipulated by corrupt millionaire bureaucrats in Brussels.

The US vice-president, on a visit to Budapest to support the re-election of Viktor Orban, the Hungarian premier, accused the European Union (EU) of enriching itself while illegally withholding money from member states.

In some of his most scathing comments on the EU, he urged Hungarians to reject pressure from Brussels and vote for Mr Orban on Sunday.

Speaking at a rally on Tuesday, Mr Vance criticised the corruption of Brussels, which has seen bureaucrats become millionaires by threatening and cajoling the sovereignty of the people across this beautiful continent.

The vice-president said the bureaucrats and Brussels, those people, should not be listened to in the election.

Unlike some of the leadership of Brussels, Im not threatening you or telling you that were going to withhold funds to which youre legally entitled.

The EU has frozen around 18bn (15bn) intended for Hungary over concerns about the erosion of democracy under Mr Orbans Right-wing populist government, including high-level corruption and attacks on media independence.

A shirt featuring Mr Trump and Mr Orban was seen in the crowd as Mr Vance spoke during the Day of Friendship event in Budapest - Marton Monus/Reuters

Mr Vances visit to Budapest was an 11th-hour intervention before the Hungarian elections, with Mr Orban trailing Peter Magyar in the polls by between 10 and 20 percentage points.

The vice-president set up Mr Orban as the saviour of European civilisation, while accusing the EUs faceless bureaucrats of trying to destroy it via unchecked migration and net zero laws.

His attack on Brussels echoed his comments at the Munich Security Conference last year, when he shocked European leaders by upbraiding them for clamping down on free speech.

Mr Orban, when he introduced the US vice-president at the rally on Tuesday, praised his Munich speech as a liberating political thesis.

While urging Hungarians to vote with no outside forces pressuring you or telling you what to do, Mr Vance dangled the prospect of trade deals with the US under Mr Orban.

In Hungary I actually see real progress under a man named Viktor Orban. I see a trading partner who will bring in record investment from the United States of America, he said.

Mr Vance sang the praises of the Right-wing populist leader, saying: In Hungary I actually see real progress under a man named Viktor Orban - Attila KISBENEDEK/AFP via Getty Images

With undisguised contempt for the EU, efforts to bring Hungarys media and public institutions to the heel of the government, his nationalist politics and fierce loyalty to Donald Trump, Mr Orban has emerged as a darling of the Maga movement on a continent increasingly at odds with Washington.

Mr Vance telephoned Mr Trump at the start of his speech to address the crowd, but was forced to do so twice when his first call went to voicemail.

When the vice-president held up his phone to the microphone, Mr Trump declared himself a big fan of Mr Orban and said he was with him all the way.

I love Hungary, and I love that Viktor, Ill tell you, hes a fantastic man, weve had a tremendous relationship, Mr Trump said.

Remember this, he didnt allow people to storm your country and invade your country like other people have, and ruin their countries.

On a phone call with his vice-president, Mr Trump declared himself a big fan of Mr Orban - Jonathan Ernst/AFP via Getty Images

At a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Vance claimed Mr Trump and Mr Orban had done more than any other world leaders for peace in Ukraine.

Your leadership has been a far, far more important and constructive partner for peace than almost anyone, anywhere else in the world, the vice-president told the Hungarian premier at the event in Budapest.

During his 16-year rule, Mr Orban has forged close ties with Moscow and stoked enmity with Kyiv, stalling much-needed loans for Ukraine worth tens of billions of euros, and stymieing its EU accession.

A leaked call published on Tuesday by Bloomberg, in which Mr Orban offered to support Vladimir Putin in any way because of the pairs friendship, laid bare the Hungarian leaders rapport with the Kremlin.

He compared himself to a mouse aiding the Russian lion, invoking a fable in which a rodent frees a trapped lion by gnawing through a hunters ropes, after the predator had spared its life. According to the transcript, the remark drew a laugh from the Russian president.

Golden era in US-Hungary relations

Mr Vances two-day trip is being billed as the first high-level official US visit in 20 years, although Washington sent Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, to the capital last month to support its flagging ally.

In a no-holds-barred endorsement of the man Mr Trump has called a great leader, Mr Vance said: I want to help as much as I possibly can. Mr Orban hailed a golden era in US-Hungary relations.

On Tuesday, Mr Magyar appeared to criticise Mr Vances visit in a post that said Hungarian history is not written in Washington, Moscow or Brussels.

Chastising bureaucrats in Brussels, Mr Vance suggested Europe should mimic the energy policy of Hungary, the blocs leading consumer of Russian oil.

It is funny to watch prime ministers and leaders in some of the Western European capitals talk about the energy crisis, when, frankly, they should have been following the policies of Viktor Orban, he said.

Hungary has refused to wean itself off Russian fossil fuels and relies on exemptions to import crude via the Druzhba pipeline.

Mr Vance also suggested during the press conference that the seeds of the war in Ukraine had been planted well before the fighting started by European energy policy.

Mr Orban has made energy security a pillar of his campaign and has scapegoated Ukraine in increasingly vitriolic statements which portray the embattled nation as a threat to Hungarys economy and safety.

During the weekend, he blamed Kyiv after Alexander Vucic, Serbias president and an ally of Mr Orban, said two backpacks with large packages of explosives had been left a few hundred metres from a stretch of pipeline transporting Russian natural gas into Hungary.

Kyiv has denied involvement and the Hungarian opposition has accused Mr Orban of staging a false flag attack to boost his standing in the polls.
Streeting is being given a valuable opportunity to prove that he is more than a pleasant face with a ready answer to every interviewers question - ANDY RAIN/EPA

Wes Streeting has proved himself to be the Governments best communicator, a reputation that has catapulted him into prime position to succeed Keir Starmer in the event of his departure.

But while communications skills in any politician, particularly the Prime Minister, are essential and more important than ever before  as Starmer has ably demonstrated by his complete lack of them  alone they are not enough. We demand (or should demand) more substance in our political leaders than a background in public relations and an ability to craft an effective sound bite.

Today Streeting is being given a valuable opportunity to prove that he is more than a pleasant face with a ready answer to every interviewers question. The start of the six-day strike by resident (formerly junior) doctors in England presents the Health Secretary with a genuine political challenge on whose outcome the nation can judge his suitability for the highest office. And particularly for a Labour health secretary, the path ahead could be tortuous and filled with hazards.

For a start, other potential contenders for the Labour leadership will be publicly supportive of Streetings effort to resolve the strike while briefing against him and privately hoping he will fail. Second, and more importantly, the strike would put any Labour government  particularly one that is so wedded to the significance of its history as the founder of the NHS  in a difficult position, critical of the very people on whom the public rely for their life-saving treatment and denying residents the remuneration most of the public believe they are due.

In Streetings favour is the counter-intuitive view from some NHS leaders that the last time residents went on strike, the organisation ran far more smoothly than normal.

Several reported that senior doctors standing in for juniors were more decisive on treatment and discharge, meaning patients were sent home more quickly.

That will be tested in the next week. But even if it were true, it holds out no hope of a long-term solution: eventually senior doctors retire and have to be replaced by the people now standing on the picket lines outside hospitals. Playing one generation off against another may help the NHS lurch from one dispute to the next, but it hardly sets the institution on a steady course for the future. Streeting understands this, even if he will be forced, for now, to rely on residents temporary replacements to get him  and, more importantly, patients  through the next week.

Another factor in the Health Secretarys favour is the public perception that the British Medical Association (BMA), the doctors trade union, has been captured by a small clique of extreme-Left activists who are pursuing a political agenda, as they do across the rest of the trade union movement.

Where does this leave Streeting? The amount of cash he has to play with is capped by the Treasury and agreement on all the BMAs demands isnt a realistic or likely outcome. The striking residents probably recognise this, but that doesnt mean they will be willing to give up the current round of strikes without making some progress. Had the strikers accepted Streetings previous offers, they would already be 35 per cent richer than they were four years ago, at a time when wages in most other sectors have been stagnant.

It would be wrong for Streeting to write off residents demands as greed; why shouldnt they expect that years of intense study, training and testing should allow them to afford to buy their own property and enjoy a high standard of living, just as those of a similar age a generation ago were able to? Limited by his access to funds, Streeting might consider intervening to address a separate but related grievance of residents, specifically that training posts are frequently awarded to foreign applicants with no obvious superior merit.

All of this needs a sure political touch of a Secretary of State who knows what he wants and understands the details of the challenge. He can probably retain his position as the best qualified (if not the most likely) candidate to succeed Starmer simply by not being the first to blink and forcing the residents back into the wards at the end of the current strike period. But that could well turn into a pyrrhic victory if the underlying causes of discontent are not at least partially addressed.

More to the point, Streeting is seen as the New Labour candidate, a creature of the Right of the party; in this respect he has a potentially irrecoverable deficit in support among party members who revel in voting for less capable, less electorally attractive but more virtuous candidates of the Left. If Streeting cant even sort out a junior doctors strike, he will be hard pressed to present party members with a convincing argument as to why they should place their trust in him as their next leader.
Wireless Festival has announced that its 2026 event will be cancelled after headliner Kanye West was denied entry into the country.

The American rapper was set to perform at the three-night festival in July, however the Home Office stopped him on the grounds that his presence in the UK would not be conducive to the public good. West made a series of antisemitic statements last year, released a song called Heil Hitler and made T-shirts featuring a swastika available for sale on his website.

While he issued an apology in January over the comments, West being announced as the Wireless Festival headliner resulted in widespread backlash  and now that the rappers Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has been withdrawn, the festival has been scrapped this year altogether.

A spokesperson from the festival said in a statement on Tuesday 7 April: The Home Office has withdrawn YE's ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom. As a result, Wireless Festival is cancelled and refunds will be issued to all ticket holders.

As with every Wireless Festival, multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking YE and no concerns were highlighted at the time. Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had.

As YE said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and in spite of this still hopes to be given the opportunity to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the UK.

In March, Wireless Festival announced that West would be headlining all three nights of the north London music event, resulting in outcry from prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and other politicians.

It is deeply concerning that Kanye West has been booked to perform at Wireless despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism, Starmer said on Sunday 5 April.

Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted clearly and firmly wherever it appears. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe and secure.

Earlier on Tuesday, Wireless Festival boss Melvin Benn defended the decision to book West, saying that he has a legal right to perform in the UK.

What Ye has said in the past about Jews and Hitler is as abhorrent to me as it is to the Jewish community, the Prime Minister and others that have commented and  taking him at his word  to Ye now also, he said.

We are not giving him a platform to extol opinion of whatever nature, only to perform the songs that are currently played on the radio stations in our country and the streaming platforms in our country and listened to and enjoyed by millions.
Jewish leaders in Britain have refused to meet Kanye West after the rapper offered to take part in talks ahead of his headline slot at Wireless Festival following backlash over his antisemitic comments.

Government ministers and Jewish groups have said organisers of the London festival should be ashamed for inviting the US rapper to headline all three days after he made a series of antisemitic statements last year. This included releasing a song called Heil Hitler and advertising a swastika T-shirt for sale on his website.

As tickets for the three Finsbury Park concerts went on sale, West said he would like to speak directly to the UKs Jewish community following calls for him to be banned from the UK because of his behaviour.

But the Jewish Leadership Council rejected the offer almost immediately, telling organisers they would not help save their festival.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), they said: Kanye Wests recent history of vile antisemitism was fully known to the festival organisers when they invited him. Now, with the entirely predictable backlash they are facing, the British Jewish community is being asked to help save their festival. We are not going to meet Kanye West for that purpose.

Wes Streeting says Wireless organisers showed a terrible error of judgement in inviting Kanye West to headline the festival this summer (Invision)

Wes Streeting said organisers of the festival in Finsbury Park should be ashamed after they showed a terrible error of judgement by booking West to perform.

The health secretary told Sky News: These werent a couple of off-colour remarks, these were a pattern of behaviour, he said. The releasing of a song called Heil Hitler, the plastering of that slogan across T-shirts, then using bipolar disorder as an excuse.

And then when he realised the impact on his fame and his career, he came out with a mealy-mouthed apology, which has now been given a fig leaf of credibility by festival organisers who should be ashamed of themselves. So Im appalled, actually.

Ministers are reviewing Wests permission to enter the UK after Sir Keir Starmer called the decision to allow him to headline deeply concerning.

Downing Street on Tuesday said that all options remain on the table, adding that decisions would be taken on a case-by-case basis, in line with the law amid the backlash.

Despite calls to reconsider the booking from Jewish groups and major sponsors who have withdrawn their support, the festival defended its decision on Monday.

Keir Starmer called the decision deeply concerning, as ministers review Kanye Wests permission to enter the UK (PA Wire)

Melvin Benn, managing director at Festival Republic, which promotes Wireless Festival, said Wests comments were abhorrent, but said he was not giving him a platform to extol opinion of whatever nature.

Describing himself as a person of forgiveness, Mr Benn said: He is intended to come in and perform. We are not giving him a platform to extol opinion of whatever nature, only to perform the songs that are currently played on the radio stations in our country and the streaming platforms in our country and listened to and enjoyed by millions.

He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Tuesday that West has an approved visa to come to the UK, which was issued in the last few days.

He has a visa already issued to appear, to come into the country, and the home secretary may well rescind that today, I dont know, he said. If she does, she does, and then the issue is over in terms of his appearance.

Health secretary Wes Streeting said Kanye West uses bipolar disorder to justify his actions, I think that is equally appalling (Jonathan Brady/PA)

The president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Phil Rosenberg, said it was time for Wireless to do the decent thing and rescind an invitation they never should have offered.

Breaking his silence on the row on Tuesday, West offered to meet the British Jewish community to listen to their concerns.

He said in a statement. My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music. I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen.

I know words arent enough  Ill have to show change through my actions. If youre open, Im here.

As tickets for the three concerts went on sale, Kanye West offered to meet with the British Jewish community (PA Archive)

Mr Benn also told Today that organisers had reached out to Jewish communities over the last couple of days about meeting West, but they had refused.

Asked whether he should have done it earlier when organisers were making a decision, Mr Benn said: Potentially we should have done and that may prove to be a mistake that weve made.

Pepsi and Diageo have withdrawn their sponsorship of the festival and PayPal, which is a payment partner for the annual rap and hip-hop festival, will not appear in any of its future promotional materials.

In January, West took out a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal to apologise, titled: To Those Ive Hurt.

A crowd enjoys a previous Wireless Festival at Finsbury Park in London (James Manning/PA)

I am not a Nazi or an antisemite, it said. I love Jewish people.

He said his bipolar disorder led him to fall into a four-month-long, manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour that destroyed my life.

Mr Streeting said Mr Wests use of bipolar disorder to justify his actions was appalling, adding: I would ask people to consider, does using bipolar disorder as an excuse to write and release a song called Heil Hitler and plaster it across T-shirts, does bipolar disorder really justify that? Or is it an excuse to justify rotten behaviour?

Meanwhile, Reform UKs home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf said Wests antisemitic songs were deeply troubling, but said the condemnation of his headline slot is absolutely a bandwagon thats being jumped on.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage warned against banning West from coming into the UK, but said he wouldnt recommend anyone buys a ticket.

I worry where that ends up, if Keir Starmer was to ban people coming into Britain, with whose views he doesnt like, almost everybody wouldnt be allowed in. I think its a dangerous path to go down.
Nasas Moon astronauts have flown further from Earth than anyone before them, in a milestone for humankind.

The four crew members were in tears as they celebrated the record aboard their tiny Orion capsule, nearly 250,000 miles from home.

And the astronauts chose that moment to propose the name Carroll for a lunar crater, in honour of the late wife of Commander Reid Wiseman.

Col Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency, one of the crews two mission specialists, said: From the cabin of Integrity here, as we surpass the furthest distance humans have ever travelled from planet Earth, we do so in honouring the extraordinary efforts and feats of our predecessors in human space exploration.

Commander Reid Wiseman looks at the Moon as the ship gets ready for its fly-by - Nasa

Col Hansen continued: We will continue our journey even further into space before mother Earth succeeds in pulling us back to everything that we hold dear.

But we most importantly choose this moment to challenge this generation and the next to make sure this record is not long-lived.

Nasa announced the news on Monday night, saying: A new milestone for humankind: the crew of Artemis II are now the farthest any human has ever travelled, reaching a maximum distance of 252,752 miles from Earth.

After completing their trip around the Moon on Monday night, the crew were congratulated onboard their capsule by Donald Trump.

The US president told the astronauts they had made America really proud and invited them to the White House when they returned to Earth.

You really are modern-day pioneers, all of you, Mr Trump said. Youve got a lot of courage doing what youre doing.

Humans have really never seen anything quite like what youre doing. Its really special.

The Artemis II mission is the first to travel to the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. It launched from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on April 1. Orion has taken six days to reach the Moon.

Shortly before 7pm on Monday, the Orion spacecraft  nicknamed Integrity by the crew  surpassed the Earth distance record of 248,655 miles set during the Apollo 13 emergency in 1970.

As well as Commander Wiseman and Col Hansen, the crew includes Victor Glover, the pilot, who is the first black person to fly to the Moon, and Christina Koch, the first woman to do so.

Commander Wiseman made a heart shape with his hands when told his daughters were watching him from Mission Control - Nasa

When Commander Wiseman learned that Katy and Ellie, his teenage daughters, were watching from Mission Control in Houston, he made a heart shape with his hands and pointed to a bracelet they had given him.

He is raising his children alone after the death of his wife Carroll in 2020. The crew said they chose her crater because it was in a really neat place on the boundary of the far side and near side of the Moon, and so was sometimes visible from Earth.

Struggling to speak through tears, Col Hansen said: We started this journey in our close-knit astronaut family, and we lost a loved one. Her name was Carroll, the spouse of Reid, the mother of Katie and Ellie.

Col Hansen continued: And if you want to find this one, you look at Glushko [crater], and its just to the north-west of that, at the same latitude as home, and its a bright spot on the Moon.

The crew named a second crater Integrity, after their spacecraft. It lies between the Orientale and Ohm basins.

The crew hugged before Colonel Hansen informed Mission Control that the crew was getting ourselves all put back together now and planning to dim those cabin lights, and prepare for our science objectives.

Col Hansen shaves before the flyby of the Moon. He is the sole Canadian on the crew - Nasa

Commander Wiseman added: All I feel is gratitude for this experience.

After this mission is complete, the crater name proposals will be formally submitted to the International Astronomical Union, an organisation that governs the naming of celestial bodies and their surface features.

The trip involved flying fully behind the Moon, during which time Nasa had no contact with the capsule.

For about 40 minutes, Mission Control waited as the crew made their historic fly-by around the far side of the Moon.

Then Ms Koch reported in, saying: We are happy to say we copy.

She lauded the the impact of the mission for humanity and the future of spaceflight.

It is so great to hear from Earth again, Ms Koch said.

When we began this burn toward the Moon, I said that we do not leave Earth, we choose it, and that is true.

We will explore, we will build, we will build ships, we will visit again. We will construct science outposts, we will drive rovers. We will do radio astronomy. We will found companies, we will bolster industry. We will inspire.

But ultimately, we will always choose Earth, we will always choose each other.

During the fly-by, the crew made scientific observations by taking images of the lunar surface and seeing parts of the Moon that had never been viewed by human eyes.

Nasas science team had asked the astronauts for observations of Reiner Gamma, a bright, mysterious swirl of unknown origins, and Glushko, a bright, 27-mile crater known for the white streaks that shoot out from it for as far as 500 miles.

The crew also witnessed a solar eclipse with the Sun passing behind the Moon from the crafts perspective.

Earlier in the day, the astronauts were woken by Mission Control with a message from Jim Lovell, who flew Nasas Apollo 8 and Apollo 13 Moon missions.

The Moon seen from a camera on the exterior of Orion, after the spacecraft had flown further from Earth than any previous manned mission - Nasa

Lovell, who recorded the note before he died last year, said: Welcome to my old neighbourhood.

Im proud to pass that torch on to you as you swing around the Moon and lay the groundwork for missions to Mars for the benefit of all.

Its a historic day, and I know how busy youll be. But dont forget to enjoy the view.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SimpliFi, a premier workforce solutions provider, is proud to announce its partnership with UofL Health, a leading academic health system, as its new Managed Service Provider (MSP). This collaboration marks a major step forward in modernizing workforce operations, optimizing labor strategy, and supporting high-quality patient care across the organization.

"We're honored to partner with UofL Health, an organization known for clinical excellence and innovation," said James Quick, President of SimpliFi. "Our goal is to help UofL Health create a more agile, efficient workforce model  one that empowers internal staff, improves visibility across labor resources, and ensures the right talent is in place to deliver exceptional patient care."

Through this partnership, SimpliFi will lead the implementation and ongoing optimization of the Workday VNDLY Vendor Management System (VMS) platform, bringing advanced workforce visibility, data-driven decision-making, and streamlined contingent labor management to UofL Health.

SimpliFi's MSP model focuses on workforce optimization strategies that help health systems balance cost, quality, and continuity of care. In addition to traditional contingent labor management, SimpliFi is expanding UofL Health's internal workforce capabilities by leveraging innovative gig-based staffing solutions.

A key component of this strategy is the Stogo app, SimpliFi's local gig work platform, which is already live and successfully supporting flexible shift coverage. Through this partnership, UofL Health utilizes the Stogo app to help fill shifts with internal employees, empowering their workforce with more control while reducing reliance on external staffing.

"At UofL Health, our people are at the heart of everything we do," said Laura Atkinson, SVP and Chief People Officer, UofL Health. "Partnering with SimpliFi allows us to strengthen our workforce strategy with better tools, greater flexibility, and smarter systems that support our teams and the patients who depend on us."

Together, UofL Health and SimpliFi are building a workforce strategy designed for the future  one that blends technology, flexibility, and operational excellence to meet the evolving demands of healthcare.

About SimpliFi

SimpliFi, founded in 2011, provides workforce management solutions for leading healthcare systems, academic medical centers, and hospitals nationwide. Through a combination of technology, strategic sourcing, and dedicated support, SimpliFi helps organizations optimize their contingent labor programs, improve efficiency, and manage costs.

Based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, SimpliFi is part of a family of brands focused exclusively on healthcare staffing and workforce management. The company is committed to delivering innovative, transparent, and client-focused solutions that support high-quality patient care. For more information, visit www.SimpliFiMSP.com.

About UofL Health

UofL Health is a not-for-profit (501(c)(3)) fully integrated regional academic health system with nine hospitals, four medical centers, Brown Cancer Center, Eye Institute, more than 250 physician practice locations, and more than 1,200 providers in Louisville and the surrounding counties, including southern Indiana. Additional access to UofL Health is provided through a partnership with Carroll County Memorial Hospital.

Affiliated with the University of Louisville School of Medicine, UofL Health is committed to providing patients with access to the most advanced care available. This includes clinical trials, collaboration on research and the development of new technologies to both save and improve lives. With more than 14,000 team members  physicians, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists and other highly-skilled health care professionals, UofL Health is focused on one mission: to transform the health of communities we serve through compassionate, innovative, patient-centered care. For more information on UofL Health, go to www.UofLHealth.org.

Media Contact

Nichole Vaux

[email protected]

800-240-2526

SOURCE SimpliFi
Two F-35 Lightnings joined the specially liveried Spitfire from Southampton to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire - MoD/Crown Copyright/PA

F-35 fighter jets have escorted a specially liveried Spitfire on a tour of Britain as part of the Second World War icons 90th anniversary celebrations.

In an aviation first, the two-seater Spitfire  repainted in the colours of the original prototype  was escorted by vintage and modern RAF aircraft as it flew from Southampton airport to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

The plane, known by its RAF serial number K5054, embarked on the first of nine legs around the country on Tuesday.

Each leg marks a decade of the storied aeroplanes history, which began with its first test flight in March 1936.

The flight saw the plane joined by two front-line F-35s from RAF Marham, along with a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Spitfire as well as the historic Dakota transport aircraft.

The two-seater Spitfire, performing aerial acrobatics in the distance, was joined by a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire - MoD/Crown Copyright/PA

The original K5054 first flew on March 5, 1936, and was piloted by Capt Joseph Mutt Summers. The test pilots first words after clambering out of the cockpit were I dont want anything touched  a testament to the brilliance of the aeroplanes designer RJ Mitchell.

During its nine flights around the country, which end on Friday, April 17, the second seat in the Spitfire will be taken by the winners of a series of charity auctions.

More than 100,000 has been raised from the auctions, with the money going to the RAF Benevolent Fund and the Mark Long Trust. The latter was set up in memory of a BBMF Spitfire pilot who was killed in a flying accident in 2024.

The Spitfire makes its way to RAF Coningsby, accompanied by two F-35s - Ministry of Defence/MoD Crown Copyright

The Spitfire was integral to victory in the Battle of Britain, when RAF Fighter Command defeated Nazi Germanys Luftwaffe as it attempted to bomb the UK into submission.

Throughout the Second World War, the Spitfire was the RAFs premier front-line fighter, playing a key part in the defeat of Nazi Germany and cementing its place in British history.

That link was marked on Tuesday by the two F-35 Lightnings, representing continuity between the fighter pilots of yesteryear and today.

The Spitfire painted as K5054 today is a two-seater Mk IX known as BS410 that crashed in May 1943. Enthusiasts recovered the wreck in the early 2000s and it was rebuilt as a two-seater, allowing for passengers. It is currently owned by Martin Phillips, an Exeter businessman.

A BBMF spokesman said: Todays flight and landing here at RAF Coningsby is a proud and memorable moment for all involved.

The Spitfire remains an enduring symbol of courage and engineering excellence, and this tour allows us to celebrate its remarkable history while inspiring future generations.
Kanye West previously released a song called Heil Hitler - Scott Dudelson/Getty Images

Kanye West has been blocked from entering Britain after a row over the US rappers anti-Semitic comments.

Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, has denied Wests visit to headline the Wireless Festival in North London on the grounds that his presence would not be conducive to the public good.

As a result, organisers of the festival have cancelled the entire event, saying refunds would be issued to all ticketholders.

It was understood that West had applied for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK on Monday, but sources confirmed that the Government had denied him entry.

The Campaign Against Anti-Semitism said the Home Office had clearly made the right decision.

For once, when it said that anti-Semitism has no place in the UK, [the Government] backed up its words with action, a spokesman added.

West, who is legally known as Ye, had been at the centre of controversy since it was announced that he would be headlining the Wireless Festival in July.

The Government was facing growing calls to bar him from entering Britain over his previous anti-Semitic behaviour, which included releasing a song called Heil Hitler and selling a swastika T-shirt on his website.

Sir Keir Starmer previously said the decision to have West headline the festival was deeply concerning.

In response to mounting calls for his removal from the festival lineup, West said he wanted to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music.

The rapper said he would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen.

But his offer was rejected by the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC), which said it would not meet with West to help save the festival.

Melvin Benn, the managing director of Festival Republic, which organises Wireless Festival, said West deserved forgiveness for his comments and appeared to blame the musicians mental health for his anti-Semitic remarks.

In response, Sir Keirs spokesman said: This is less about second chances. It is more about first principles of abhorrence of anti-Semitic statements. As the Health Secretary Wes Streeting said this morning, forgiveness follows repentance and redemption.
by Santosh Digal

On 6 April in Bantayan, artificial structures were installed to restore marine biodiversity and support a model of responsible marine management. The project is promoted by Archbishop Alberto S. Uy and Caritas Cebu. Fish habitats have been created and local livelihoods strengthened, in line with the teachings of the encyclical Laudato Si.

Manila (AsiaNews) - Yesterday, 6 April 2026, an artificial coral reef for fish was successfully installed in the waters off Bantayan Island, Cebu, in the central Philippines. The project aims to restore marine biodiversity, support sustainable livelihoods for fishermen and protect the environment for future generations, demonstrating the Churchs care for Creation.

The refuge has become a reality thanks to the guidance of the Archbishop of Cebu, Alberto S. Uy, the visionary initiative and generous support of entrepreneur Wellington Chanlim, and the strong backing of Cebu Caritas, with Alex K. Cola Jr., Executive Director, Jimmy M. Tolentin, Programme Director of the organisation, the entire staff and the parish Caritas. It was also made possible thanks to the priests of the Archdiocese of Cebu, local authorities, the Philippine National Police, the Coast Guard and the fishermen.

The Church, together with its partners, cares for Creation for the sake of the seas and communities, said Archbishop Uy. More than just a marine initiative, this project represents a clear response to the need to care for the environment. The restoration of marine biodiversity creates safe habitats for fish, strengthens fishermens livelihoods and serves as a model of responsible marine management.

By nurturing underwater life, the Church affirms its mission to safeguard Gods creation, ensuring that its richness and beauty can continue to sustain and inspire future generations. The artificial coral structures are designed to provide fish with a habitat in which to live and reproduce, thereby helping to repair the damage caused in recent years by overfishing and environmental degradation.

Religious leaders have stated that the programme combines environmental protection with helping people to escape poverty. The improvement in fish stocks could benefit fishing families who are already facing financial difficulties and food insecurity. This initiative was inspired by Laudato Si, Pope Franciss encyclical calling on the world to protect the planet and the most vulnerable people.
CALGARY, AB, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Vermilion Energy Inc. ("Vermilion", "We", "Our", or the "Company") (TSX: VET) (NYSE: VET) announces strong first quarter 2026 production, an asset acquisition and award of new land concessions in Germany, and the divestment of a non-producing asset in Croatia.

Operations Update

View PDF Vermilion Energy Inc. Reports Strong Q1 2026 Production and Advances Portfolio Repositioning with Germany Strategic Acquisition, Award of New Land Concessions and Croatia SA-07 Divestment (CNW Group/Vermilion Energy Inc.)

Q1 2026 production averaged approximately 125,000 boe/d, exceeding the top end of our quarterly guidance range of 122,000 to 124,000 boe/d. Production was comprised of approximately 59% Canadian gas, 13% European gas and 28% liquids. This strong production result is driven by outperformance in both the Deep Basin and Montney, robust production from the Osterheide well in Germany, and new Montney wells brought online sooner than anticipated, partially offset by lower volumes in Australia due to cyclone-related downtime.

European gas production in Q1 2026 realized an average sales price of approximately $16/MMBtu, reflecting significantly higher day-ahead gas prices during March 2026 amid heightened geopolitical developments in the Middle East. We remain on track to bring on new production from the first Wisselshorst well in Germany by mid-year, spud the next Netherlands well in the second half of 2026, and spud follow-up Germany Wisselshorst wells on the Bommelsen license in early 2027.

In Australia, production operations at Wandoo safely resumed in mid-March 2026 following downtime related to Cyclone Mitchell in February 2026. The facility was subsequently shut-in due to Cyclone Narelle in late March 2026. We are currently assessing the impact of this most recent event and expect to restore production in early Q2 2026. Average production in Australia during the quarter was approximately 1,000 bbl/d, and we exported approximately 300,000 barrels of oil in February 2026.

Portfolio Repositioning

In March 2026, we signed agreements to acquire certain producing assets in Germany from BEB Erdgas und Erdol GmbH & Co. KG ("BEB") and Mobil Erdgas-Erdol GmbH ("MEEG") in Germany, which are currently producing approximately 1,000 boe/d of low decline production (85% natural gas) with an effective date of January 1, 2025.

The acquisition increases Vermilion's European TTF-linked gas and Brent-linked oil production, enhances associated excess free cash flow(1), and provides strategic value through increased control over gathering infrastructure surrounding our Osterheide well. The assets are adjacent to our existing operations and offer future European natural gas development upside. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2026.

During Q1 2026, Vermilion successfully added three concessions in the North German Basin that offer potential upside for our deep gas exploration program. These new concessions are located adjacent to existing Vermilion acreage in Germany and double Vermilion's acreage in the country to well over 1 million net acres.

Also in March 2026, we signed an agreement to divest our remaining 60% interest in the SA-07 block in Croatia for net proceeds of approximately 15MM ($24MM). The asset has no production. The proceeds will be primarily used for incremental debt reduction, with the transaction expected to close in the second half of 2026. We continue to produce and generate excess free cash flow from our SA-10 block (100% natural gas) in Croatia.

Q1 Release Date and Conference Call and Webcast Details

We will provide additional details when we release our 2026 first quarter operating and condensed financial results on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, before the open of North American markets. The unaudited interim financial statements and management discussion and analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2026, will be available on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR+") at www.sedarplus.ca, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml, and on Vermilion's website at www.vermilionenergy.com.

Vermilion will discuss these results in a conference call and webcast presentation on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 8:00 AM MT (10:00 AM ET). To participate, call 1-888-510-2154 (Canada and US Toll Free) or 1-437-900-0527 (International and Toronto Area). A recording of the conference call will be available for replay by calling 1-888-660-6345 (Canada and US Toll Free) or 1-289-819-1450 (International and Toronto Area) and using conference replay entry code 81761# from May 6, 2026, at 12:00 PM MT to May 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM MT.

To join the conference call without operator assistance, you may register and enter your phone number at https://emportal.ink/4lXhj3k to receive an instant automated call back. You may also access the webcast at https://app.webinar.net/Z02K9Bq8g4m. The webcast link will be available on Vermilion's website at https://www.vermilionenergy.com/invest-with-us/events-presentations/ under Upcoming Events prior to the conference call. Participants who would like to submit questions ahead of time may do so by emailing [email protected].

Annual General Meeting

Vermilion will hold its Annual General Meeting on May 6, 2026 at 3:00 pm MT. Our Meeting will be held as a virtual only shareholder meeting with participation electronically as explained further in the Management Information Circular. As a reminder, proxies must be received by 3:00 pm MT on Monday, May 4, 2026.

Shareholders can participate electronically at https://meetings.lumiconnect.com/400-593-993-161. Please see our Virtual Meeting Guide at https://www.vermilionenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Meeting-Guide.pdf for detailed instructions on how to access the meeting, vote on resolutions and submit questions. Guests may also view the event at https://meetings.lumiconnect.com/400-593-993-161 by registering as a guest. The live webcast link, webcast slides, and archive link will be available on Vermilion's website at https://www.vermilionenergy.com/invest-with-us/events-presentations.

Please visit the Annual General Meeting page on our website under Invest with Us for complete details and links to all relevant documents ahead of the Meeting at https://www.vermilionenergy.com/annual-general-meeting.

The Board of Directors of Vermilion recommends that Shareholders

vote FOR ALL proposed items

Vermilion encourages shareholders to read the meeting material, which have been filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website at www.vermilionenergy.com.

(1) Excess free cash flow ("EFCF") is a non-GAAP financial measures most directly comparable to cash flows from operating activities. EFCF is calculated as fund flows from operations less drilling and development costs, exploration and evaluation costs, payments on lease obligations and asset retirement obligations settled. EFCF is used by management to determine the funding available to return to shareholders after costs attributable to normal business operations.

About Vermilion

Vermilion is a global gas producer that seeks to create value through the acquisition, exploration and development of liquids-rich natural gas in Canada and conventional natural gas in Europe while optimizing low-decline oil assets. Our repositioned portfolio is focused on per share value creation, with long-life assets that deliver top decile realized gas prices and enhanced capital allocation optionality.

Vermilion's priorities are health and safety, the environment, and profitability, in that order. Nothing is more important than the safety of the public and those who work with Vermilion, and the protection of the natural surroundings. In addition, the Company emphasizes strategic community investment in each of its operating areas.

Vermilion trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol VET.

SOURCE Vermilion Energy Inc.
by Andrew Law

An analysis from an observer familiar with the Church's journey in mainland China notes that Pope Leos remarks about China clearly show him as the shepherd with the smell of the flock" hoped for by Pope Francis. For this reason, the faithful today hope to see a change that will give hope for the future, even to those who wish to live their faith in China.

This years Easter celebrations brought back memories of the days a year ago that saw the final farewell to Pope Francis and the weeks leading up to Leo XIVs election. After 12 months, how does the Church in China view the new pontificate? We publish the first of a two-part analysis written by a Chinese source for AsiaNews.

Milan (AsiaNews)  At the start of Lent, a rumour began circulating among the faithful in mainland China that Pope Leo XIV had expressed a "new position" on relations between China and the Vatican.

This news had no authoritative sources, and its authenticity appears questionable; therefore, it would not be worth commenting on. However, if I venture to do so, it is only to give voice to a sincere feeling widespread among Chinese Catholics towards the universal Church and the pope himself, as well as express their high expectations regarding relations between China and the Vatican.

I intend to approach this topic from two perspectives. In this first article, I will analyse some of Pope Leo XIVs traits; in a second, I will focus on some new trends that have emerged in the Church in China over the past year.

The Legacy of the Augustinians

In mid-May 2025, a week after the pope's election, the author had the good fortune of attending a conference given by one of his students, John.

In John's eyes, Pope Leo is first and foremost a religious man deeply imbued with the Augustinian spirit, embodying the order's typical spirit of introspection, humility, and friendship. He is always kind to others, willing to listen, personifying the spirit of communion of "one heart and one soul in God."

John shared a very touching detail. Some 20 years ago, when he decided to leave the seminary and not continue a religious life, the future pontiff, then prior provincial, did not utter a single word of reproach, but instead worried about his future livelihood.

Learning that John was without local support and out of work, Father Prevost entrusted him with his car for temporary use, helping him start a new life. Today, that young man has become one of the main managers of a large Catholic publishing house.

The Election of Pope Leo XIV: The Last Surprise of Pope Francis, a book written by Elisabetta Pique and Gerard OConnell, recently published in New York, argues that, as the first Augustinian pope in history, his character is profoundly influenced by this tradition. He possesses an inner strength derived from prayers and Augustinian spirituality, and is extremely calm, inclined to listen, does not interrupt others easily, and speaks precisely and thoughtfully.

Many who knew him during his tenure at the Dicastery for Bishops say that Pope Leo XIV is extremely humble. Before the conclave, he had never considered being elected. He is currently in the early stages of developing his own style of governance.

Undoubtedly, he is above all a child of Augustinian spirituality. He views problems with the eyes of faith, unites people through friendship, governs through communion, demonstrating profound care for the entire human family.

Bringing the periphery's perspective to the centre

Elise Ann Allen, who writes for the Crux news website, was the first to conduct an exclusive interview with the pope. In her biography of the pope, she defines Leo XIV as a "missionary to the world.

Unlike other popes, before his ministry, Leo visited the global Church extensively and worked for over ten years in poor regions of Peru, thus bringing the perspective of the "peripheries" to the centre of the Vatican system.

Furthermore, in managing Church crises, he displays a rule-abiding, transparent, decisive, and calm style, and a pragmatic, person-centred approach in emergency situations.

Pique and OConnells book also highlights his many firsts: the first pope born in the United States but who spent much of his adult life abroad, described as the least American of Americans; he holds citizenship of Peru, a country he served for over 20 years, acquiring in the process a Latin American heart.

This Pope of Two Worlds possesses a dual cultural understanding of North and South America that his predecessor, Francis, lacked.

Created a cardinal by Pope Francis, he is committed to continuing the process of synodality and addressing social issues such as poverty and migration; in this sense, Leo XIV is the last surprise Francis left to the world.

Personality in continuity

The pontiff is the guardian of the Churchs deposit of faith, but also the guide who sinks her roots in the present time. This does not mean that every pope cannot have his own style. In choosing a name, the current pope drew inspiration from Leo XIII and his encyclical Rerum Novarum, with the intention of acting in the age of the digital revolution.

As early as late January, well-informed journalists in Rome said that his first encyclical, tentatively titled Magnifica Humanitas, could be published after Easter, centred on the impact of artificial intelligence, technology, and posthumanism on human dignity, and focused on the unique value of each human being.

Leo XIV also follows Leo XIII in paying attention to Eastern Churches.

Pique notes that, like Francis, Leo XIV detests doctrinal rigidity and cold bureaucracy, often displaying spontaneity; however, his style is more moderate and delicate.

Before entering the religious life, he studied mathematics; after ordination, he specialised in canon law, earning a doctorate.

His stable character leads him to behave in ways that remind us of the traditional image of a pope: donning the red mozzetta and gold cross at the beginning of his pontificate, moving to the Apostolic Palace, using Castel Gandolfo as a weekly retreat, and celebrating Holy Thursday in the Lateran Basilica.

"The smell of the flock"

According to O'Connell, Leo XIV pastorally follows Francis's pragmatic approach, while intellectually he inherits the depth of Benedict XVI and Leo XIII. He is described as a shepherd with "the smell of the sheep, capable not only of listening but also of concretely addressing difficulties.

In his first public statement on China, he acknowledged his experience in dealing with Chinese people, government, and religious leaders, asserting that in the short term he will uphold the Holy See's current stance.

He acknowledges, however, the complexity of the situation and the need to better understand how the Church can fulfil its mission while respecting culture and political issues, taking into account the faithful who live under pressure or without full religious freedom.

His words on China clearly convey "the smell of the flock" since he understands the suffering of the faithful and the difficulties of the Church in a complex political context.

After Pope Francis passed away in 2025, Chinese Catholics spontaneously commemorated the late pontiff, but in some cases local authorities prevented them out of political fears. A year later, with new changes underway in Vatican diplomacy, they hope to see signs of hope for the future.

(1 - to be continued)
The lights of Easter Vigil illuminated a community marked by suffering. After three years, some faithful returned to the Church of Christ the King. It had been occupied by the Myanmar military, forcing the local population to flee. Bishop Celso Ba Shwe has remained with the displaced in the forest. We ask God for a time of peace and reconciliation, he said.

Loikaw (AsiaNews/Agencies)  After years of silence, fear, and dispersal, the Catholic community of the Diocese of Loikaw met again in the Cathedral of Christ the King to celebrate the Easter Vigil.

This is the first Easter celebration since 2023, Vatican News reported, an event of consolation and hope for local Catholics, scarred by a civil war that continues to tear the country apart.

In November 2023, the cathedral complex was taken over by Myanmar troops, who turned it into a military base to attack armed resistance groups. At the time, about 80 civilians, priests, and religious, along with Bishop Celso Ba Shwe, had taken refuge inside the church.

Forced to flee due to heavy fighting, the faithful fled into the forest, while the town of Loikaw was emptied of its population.

Despite the great confusion, the bishop remained close to the displaced, with whom he set up a travelling Church among the tents of those who had lost everything after escaping the town, where most homes were set on fire, and farmland was surrounded by landmines.

Only recently, the withdrawal of the military allowed two priests to return and reclaim the Cathedral of Christ the King and the pastoral complex. Hence, for the first time in three years, some religious as well as faithful were able to celebrate Easter together.

Today, the situation remains extremely critical, characterized by ongoing armed conflict and a severe humanitarian emergency, said Fr Paul Tinreh, speaking to Vatican News; nevertheless, the reopening of the cathedral was welcomed as a sign of hope.

The people of God can invoke peace, salvation, and liberation, just like the people of Israel, added the clergyman. Our hope for Easter is victory over death, darkness, and despair, for all our people, in communion with the risen Christ.

For his part, Bishop Celso Ba Shwe remains far from Loikaw, in the village of Soudu, along with the displaced. His presence remains a point of reference for Catholic families hiding in the forests.

I stand by their side and, with other priests and religious, we make our solidarity known to these faithful. We support the faith of the people and, together with them, we live Easter, the passage from darkness to light. We ask God for a time of peace and reconciliation, the bishop said.

Kayah State is one of the areas hardest hit by the war, along with other areas inhabited mostly by the country's ethnic minorities.

The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country is expected to reach four million by the end of this year, with the main cities still under government control.

In December and January, the junta held sham elections to strengthen its grip on power.

Meanwhile, in cities like Yangon, churches were once again full for Easter celebrations. Joseph Kung, a Catholic educator, noted that people are filling the churches; the faithful are not afraid to attend church for Easter celebrations.

For him, this is a sign of great faith and resilience, a sign of hope for all of us. We strengthen each other, we go to pray and receive the sacraments because we know that evil does not have the last word, and Christ has won over death, he explained.

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo also issued a message during Holy Thursday Mass calling for peace. He urged the country to experience an Easter of reconciliation, noting that if we walk alone, if we think selfishly about only ourselves, we do not build peace.

Peace, the cardinal added, is born from meeting and accepting the other as a brother and a gift from God. Indeed, If we aspire to peace, we must connect with each other, come toward one another, shake hands, and involve ourselves with those in need and distress.

Ultimately, Easter is an opportunity to make peace.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

Following the Holy Week celebrations of the Latin Rite Churches, Saturday the 11th will mark the lighting of the Paschal flame, which Orthodox Churches spread throughout the world from the Holy Sepulchre. There is tension over the restrictions imposed on places of worship by the Israeli government. A situation viewed with apocalyptic tones even in Moscow, where in recent years this rite has become central to asserting its primacy.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - The closure of the Holy Sepulchre, as a security measure amid the Middle East conflict, has sparked numerous protests from Catholics in recent days and is causing unease among Orthodox Christians, especially Russians, who fear for the ritual of lighting the Holy Fire at the principal sanctuary of the Christian faith, scheduled for Saturday, April 11, on the eve of Orthodox Easter. Some even interpret this as a sign of the Antichrists arrival and the beginning of the end of the world.

On March 29, Israeli police had prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from celebrating the Palm Sunday liturgy, even in a private setting, marking the first time this had occurred since the Crusades in the 12th century, when the Custody of the Holy Land was subsequently entrusted to the Franciscans. The diplomatic incident was resolved with an apology from Benjamin Netanyahu himself, who guaranteed access for liturgies without an audience, to be followed remotelyas was indeed possible for the Easter Vigil. Some pilgrims, however, clashed with law enforcement, even coming to blows.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where all Christian denominations have their own altar, was closed to everyone on February 28, at the start of the Israeli-American military operation against Iran, and the same was true for the other major holy sites, including the Jewish Western Wall and the Muslim Al-Aqsa Mosque (where no prayers were permitted). Even the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, celebrated services throughout the month of March only at home or outside Jerusalem.

Over the past 30 years, Russians have greatly exalted the veneration of the Holy Fire: through expressions of religious and political propaganda that view the lighting of the Holy Fire on Holy Saturday as a moment of revelation of the true faith. This devotion is foreign to the Catholic world, except for the participation of Scout associations, which typically carry the Easter flame from the Holy Sepulcher throughout the world. The Russian variant has a particularly mystical dimension, as it is believed that the miracle of the spontaneous lighting from heaven on the eve of Orthodox Easter, according to the Julian calendar, is a demonstration of the superiority of the Orthodox faith over all other Christian denominations. This belief takes on apocalyptic overtones, based on texts of dubious authorship dating back to the 10th century, to the time of the Baptism of Kievan Rus, when Jerusalem was under the control of the Islamic Caliphate.

The Russian television channel NTV holds the exclusive rights to film the Descent of the Fire, with the support of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which schedules the celebrations according to times convenient for Russian filming. The Russian fund named after the Apostle Saint Andrew the First-Called, directed by Putins advisor Vladimir Yakunin, is tasked with immediately distributing the fire lamps throughout Russia, beginning with their presentation to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow at the Cathedral of the Holy Savior, where the ancient icons of the Mother of God Vladimirskaya and Donskayaremoved from museumswere also displayed this year.

In 2020, due to the coronavirus, only Patriarch Theophilos, a few clergymen, and Russian television crews were admitted to the Holy Sepulcher, under police supervision. Now there is hope that the celebration can be repeated, at least with a limited contingent, and anticipation is mounting amid the holy war that has been raging in recent years. One of the prophets of the apocalypse, Chechen General Apti Alaudinov, has already declared that the Antichrist is already at work on earth 99% of the time, and his name is Donald Trump. The leader of the Chechen Akhmat Brigade is a Muslim who seeks to superimpose Islamic revelations onto Christian ones, and his statement is shared by many Orthodox Christians, especially in the more radical monastic communities. For Russian Orthodox Christians, the denial of the Holy Fire would be the equivalent of an atomic bomb explosion, with truly unpredictable consequences.
The case of Jeyaraj and his son Benniks  killed in 2020 during the Covid emergency over a (false) breach of the lockdown  has become a symbol of the arbitrary violence suffered by people in police custody in India. Fr Devasagaya told AsiaNews: We are opposed to the death penalty, but it is important that a court has found the officers guilty. Now guidelines are needed to protect the accused.

Mumbai (AsiaNews)  In the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, nine police officers have been sentenced to death for the in-custody deaths of P. Jeyaraj and his son J. Benniks, two Dalit Christians who were victims of brutal violence whilst in police custody in June 2020. The verdict, handed down yesterday by the Madurai court after years of waiting, marks a turning point in a case that had deeply shocked the Indian public, sparking widespread protests against the violence occurring in the countrys police stations, particularly against the most socially marginalised communities.

According to the courts findings, Jeyaraj, 58, and Benniks, 31, were arrested on 19 June 2020 on charges of violating the COVID-19 lockdown regulations. Specifically, Jeyaraj was reportedly arrested for keeping his shop open beyond the permitted hours. However, investigations showed that the shops trading hours were within the permitted limits, highlighting that the charges were entirely unfounded.

Once taken to Sathankulam police station, the two men were subjected to prolonged torture for over seven hours. Testimony gathered during the trial described extremely severe violence, which caused fatal injuries. Among the most shocking details that emerged was the victims being forced to clean their own blood from the station floor in an attempt to erase evidence of the violence.

Benniks died on 22 June 2020, followed by his father the next day, at the government hospital in Kovilpatti. Their deaths brought to light a system of abuse and cover-ups within the police force, prompting the judicial authorities to intervene decisively.

The court described the case as a clear example of violence in custody, recognising the direct responsibility of the officers involved. Inspector S. Sridhar was identified as the main instigator of the assaults, whilst the other officers actively participated in both the violence and the subsequent attempt to cover it up. The charges brought include murder, grievous bodily harm, tampering with evidence and filing false reports.

P. Z. Devasagaya, former national secretary of the Office for Scheduled Castes/Backward Classes of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, told AsiaNews: Although the judges stated that this is a very rare case, deaths in custody continue to occur and, as they take place in police stations, the culprits find ways to evade justice. As a Catholic, I am opposed to the death penalty on principle. However, I welcome the fact that the verdict has identified the guilty parties, even if they are among those who are supposed to uphold law and order.

The deaths of these two people, adds Fr Devasagaya, have brought to light an inhumane and brutal way of acting on the part of the police. We hope that this criminal prosecution, initiated ex officio by the court, will put an end to such practices in the future. Many Dalits have been victims of violence in custody in the past, but few people stand up for them. It is hoped that this verdict will lead to changes within the police department, with policies and guidelines on how to treat those accused.
by Dario Salvi

Bishop Martinelli talks about the festivities in the conflict-stricken Gulf, starting with the testimony of the Missionaries of Charity. As a result of fear, some migrants have left the Emirates temporarily, while marriage and baptism courses are on hold. School and catechism classes have been "online for over a month." Church closures generated significant media coverage. A "people of peoples" from over a hundred countries bear witness to the faith.

Milan (AsiaNews)  The "most concrete example of the mission in a war-torn area is that of "the Sisters of Mother Teresa of Calcutta" and the priest who lives with them. I am impressed by their happiness, their joy of being in Yemen, able to stand beside the suffering people. They cannot solve the problems of their lives in conditions of extreme poverty, but they can offer concrete companionship to those in need, said Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia (United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen), who spoke to AsiaNews about Easter in one of the regions affected by the war launched by Israel and the United States against Iran, which has held the Gulf countries hostage for over a month.

In Aden, as in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, "this," the prelate adds, "seems to me the most important thing: to be there, to be a presence, a companion to men and women in their concrete situations, and to show how Christ [...] never stops walking with us." This also means keeping alive symbolic places like the Abrahamic Family House in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which, despite being closed due to the war, has not interrupted "the path of interreligious dialogue," noting that "the use of violence in the name of God" is actually "an abuse of religion."

The full interview with Bishop Martinelli follows:

How did the Catholics in the vicariate experience Holy Week and Easter Sunday? Were there greater concerns about the war, or did the desire to celebrate and experience the feast prevail?

Before Holy Week, the only recommendation was to avoid large gatherings of the faithful, a requirement we diligently adhered to. We cancelled some activities and moved catechism online. Unfortunately, the situation got worse right at the start of Holy Week, especially in the Emirate of Dubai.

For this reason, at the beginning of the Triduum, civil authorities announced the closure of all places of worship in the Emirate of Dubai, [including] two of the largest parishes, which serve hundreds of thousands of faithful. Some celebrations were broadcast online. Many decided to travel to churches in other emirates to follow the Easter celebrations in person.

The management of the celebrations and the flow of faithful in the various parishes was very efficient thanks to the work of the priests, the staff involved in the various services, and all those who took part, followed instructions, and accepted to make some small sacrifices.

Have the forced closures led to greater attention towards Christians?

In recent days, we have had significant media coverage in the local and national press, like never before. The closure of the two churches in Dubai drew media attention, and several journalists came to learn about the life of our communities during this Easter season.

The Abrahamic Family House remains closed; however, through official channels, I was able to send a message of good wishes to the faithful who typically attend it, expressing the hope of being able to celebrate together again soon.

Civil authorities usually do not participate in our celebrations. Christmas is the time when we usually receive official greetings from them, but in recent days I had the pleasure of receiving some messages of good wishes.

Your Excellency, can you tell us about a particularly significant moment during the Easter season?

I would like to mention two significant events: the first is the Chrism Mass with all our clergy; we are all missionaries here. I was moved to see all the priests gathered in church to renew their priestly pledges next to the bishop. In my homily, I explicitly thanked them for staying [to continue] the vicariate's mission, joyfully facing the hardship of this wartime situation.

I was struck by the large turnout of the faithful at the Easter Vigil, despite the limited space (all celebrations in the cathedral were moved indoors for security reasons). This is truly a holy and faithful people. I thanked the Lord for this "people of peoples" from over a hundred different countries, who truly form, as Pope Francis said, a "joyful polyphony of faith." At such a time, the faithful seek closeness to the Lord, especially through the sacraments and the Mass.

Holy Week, in particular, saw a large influx of people to confession. Then there were fears and worries about work, children, and the future. We try to help each other, to share, but above all, it is crucial to strengthen our sense of belonging to the Church, to the people of God. The most dangerous thing is loneliness.

In this sense, at Easter, it is important to emphasise that Baptism, which unites us to the death and resurrection of Christ, has made us one body; no one can ever separate us from the love of Christ.

More than a month has passed since the start of the war that has engulfed the peoples of the Gulf. From the first days, we have stressed the possible consequences from a religious and confessional perspective, starting with the Abrahamic House. What is the situation today?

On the one hand, life has continued as usual. Especially in the United Arab Emirates, the defence system has been very effective, while in Oman, attacks have been very limited. On the other hand, it is undeniable that there are fears related to the future, especially regarding employment, since it is hard to see a way out at present.

When it comes to interfaith dialogue, the issue is very complex. The players in this conflict, unfortunately, coat the war with a religious narrative that opposes any form of dialogue. This is profoundly flawed and ambiguous.

As Pope Leo put it, it is absurd to justify violence in the name of God. Moreover, the document on Human Fraternity, signed in Abu Dhabi by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar [Ahmed al-Tayeb], describes the use of violence in the name of God as an abuse of religion.

The Abrahamic Family House is still closed, but the path of interreligious dialogue continues. Two examples illustrate this. Shortly before the end of Ramadan, the local authority in Abu Dhabi convened all religious leaders to break the fast together. This is an annual event. Last year, it was held at the Abrahamic Family House; this year, it was held in a municipal building.

Furthermore, just before Easter, the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, convened all religious leaders for a forum on the relationship between religions and the promotion of the family as the foundation of society, which I also addressed.

In the coming days, sponsored by the same ministry, a meeting will be held on religions and social cohesion. Thank God, this journey continues, and it is extremely important that it not stop.

The vicariate's Catholic community is overwhelmingly made up of migrants, among the first to suffer the consequences of the conflict. What are their concerns, and what are they asking you?

I have heard of some disruptions related to the celebration of the sacraments; some have left the country, at least temporarily. Some marriage preparation courses and adult Christian initiation courses have been put on hold. However, we trust that these are only temporary problems, which will gradually resolve themselves.

The fact that both school and catechism have been online for over a month remains a burden for young people living in the Emirates. We held an online meeting with over a thousand teenagers and discussed their fears, what it means to experience this hardship as Christians, how to remain anchored in Christian hope, and how to pray during this time. It was a very intense moment and one of great spiritual sincerity.

Are their fears short-term, political and security-related, or long-term, enough to call into question their future and their continued presence in their countries of emigration?

War is always a shock. It challenges our certainties and raises new questions about the present and the future. In the Emirates, despite the large number of attacks by Iran, daily life continues, albeit more subdued.

People see that the security systems work well, but they don't easily get used to the alarms and the noise of missiles and drones. Certainly, there are sectors that are suffering. Many are fearful about the future, but for now, hope for a return to normal life seems to prevail. The country appears very united and cohesive.

Your Excellency, how much does the conflict impact daily life?

Again, it depends greatly on the location and type of work. In Oman, the situation is much quieter; people work regularly. Attacks have been sporadic. Church life is essentially unchanged. In the United Arab Emirates, the tourism and fishing sectors are affected by the conflict, while other sectors have managed to reorganise themselves through remote work.

From the start, I invited all the faithful to be united in prayer for peace and in solidarity with those in need. People are trying to help each other to overcome the present moment, in the hope that we can move towards a resolution of the conflict. Our laity are playing a key role in all of this.

As a pastor and community leader, what are your greatest concerns?

Ours is a unique Church, in many ways, within the Catholic Church. All the faithful are migrants and are here to work. There are no "local" Christians. The fears are typical of the world of migrants, of those with a strong sense of the transitory nature of things and circumstances. The war has profoundly heightened this condition and perception.

My greatest concern as a pastor is to offer everyone the companionship of faith, ensuring that no one is alone or isolated. But our Church does not have the means to respond to the great economic problems people face.

Our mission is to build the Church as a Christian community that accompanies the lives of the faithful, celebrates the faith, prays, prepares them in a mature and responsible faith, increases charity towards one another and towards those in need, and promotes Christian witness in all areas, to contribute to the good of all.

Do you have a model that inspires you in your mission?

Perhaps the most concrete example is the Sisters of Mother Teresa of Calcutta in Yemen. On the morning of 4 April, we had an online meeting with all the nuns (who number 10) and with the priest who lives with them. I am impressed by their happiness, their joy of being in Yemen, able to stand beside the suffering people.

They cannot solve the problems of their lives in conditions of extreme poverty, but they can offer concrete companionship to those in need and bring together the few Catholics for celebrations in the chapels of their homes, and thus humbly be the Church that lives in Yemen. This seems to me the most important thing: to be there, to be a presence, a companion to men and women in their concrete situations, and to show how Christ is present and never stops walking with us.

His death and resurrection have already embraced all possible evil, past, present, and future. He is here with us, even when the alarm goes off, even when you hear the sound of missiles and drones. The Lord in his Easter has united himself with us forever, and with him we can always begin anew with indomitable hope.

(Pictures from the website of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia)

GATEWAY TO THE EAST IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO THE MIDDLE EAST. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY TUESDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE.
Thoughtful design, warm hospitality, and a strong local connection make the property a picturesque new gateway to the destination and University of Virginia

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Virginia Guesthouse Hotel & Conference Center proudly makes its debut today along the University of Virginia's storied Ivy Corridor, introducing a welcoming new destination for travelers, scholars, and the Charlottesville community. Rising nine stories amid enviable scenes of the university Grounds and the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 214-room hotel brings together attentive hospitality, 25,000 square feet of modern meeting facilities, and a direct connection to the university's heritage.

Virginia Guesthouse Hotel & Conference Center is now open in Charlottesville, VA, as the newest landmark on the University of Virginias landscape. Photo credit: Kate Thompson | Palindrome Creative Co.

"Virginia Guesthouse was imagined as a gathering space to foster community and support all aspects of the university. We're thrilled to open our doors and welcome our neighbors and UVA family for the first time, and we look forward to becoming a meaningful part of daily life in Charlottesville," says Virginia Guesthouse General Manager Gregg Hilker.

Charlottesville's small-town charm sets the stage for the hotel as a vibrant hub for students, neighbors and travelers. An integrated University of Virginia (UVA) Welcome Center further enhances the guest experience, offering university guided tours, historic insights, and resources for prospective families and visitors.

The hotel blends seamlessly into UVA's iconic collegiate setting, and a robust calendar of cultural programming aligns with its academic and social rhythms, from game days and reunions to seasonal celebrations. Several vantage points deliver sweeping views of Grounds and the surrounding landscape, and Virginia Guesthouse's trio of dining options are sure to bring people to the table for regional flavors and convivial conversations.

Owned by the University of Virginia, managed by Pyramid Global Hospitality and part of Pyramid's independent collection, Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, Virginia Guesthouse Hotel & Conference Center stands poised to become one of Virginia's most desirable destinations for meetings, events, and memorable stays. For more information and to book, visit VirginiaGuesthouse.com.

Additional images and press materials are available in the media library HERE.

ABOUT VIRGINIA GUESTHOUSE

Virginia Guesthouse is a welcoming hotel and conference center located at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. The property features 214 guest rooms, 25,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and distinctive dining experiences including Poplar, a full-service restaurant with indoor and outdoor terrace dining; The Perch, a rooftop bar and cafe offering panoramic views and signature handcrafted cocktails including their exclusive Wahoo whiskey; and a convenient grab-and-go eatery. Owned by the University of Virginia, the Virginia Guesthouse serves as a premier destination for academic gatherings, conferences and celebrations within this historic university setting.

###

Press Contact:

FINN Partners

[email protected]

SOURCE Virginia Guesthouse Hotel & Conference Center
7 April 2026 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

The state visit of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to Georgia yesterday was remembered as an important event not only for the two countries, but for the South Caucasus as a whole. At first glance, the visit to Tbilisi could be described as largely symbolic; however, its substance conveys far more.

Yes, diplomacy and formal protocol have their place, but the economic interdependence between the two states reveals an entirely different set of dynamics. It was a calculated move to reinforce one of Eurasias most consequential economic partnerships at a time when global trade routes, energy security and geopolitical alignments are all in flux.

The AzerbaijanGeorgia relationship has long been defined by pragmatism. Today, it is increasingly defined by necessity.

At the centre of this partnership lies energy. Georgias geographic position has turned it into a vital transit state for Azerbaijani hydrocarbons bound for European markets. The BakuTbilisiCeyhan pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor appear to be more than infrastructure projects. Indeed, they are strategic lifelines that underpin Europes efforts to diversify energy supplies away from traditional sources.

In this context, President Aliyevs visit can be read as a reaffirmation of reliability. For Baku, ensuring uninterrupted transit through Georgia is essential not only for maintaining export revenues but also for preserving its role as a credible energy partner to Europe. For Tbilisi, the stakes are equally high: transit fees, energy security and geopolitical relevance all depend on the smooth functioning of these corridors.

Nevertheless energy is only part of the story. The next phase of AzerbaijanGeorgia cooperation is increasingly shaped by transport and logistics, specifically, the development of the Middle Corridor linking China to Europe via Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

This corridor is no longer a theoretical alternative; it is becoming a competitive route. Rising volumes of container traffic, improved rail connectivity and digitalisation efforts are gradually transforming the corridor into a viable artery of global trade. Here again, coordination between Baku and Tbilisi is indispensable. Efficiency gains on one side of the border mean little without synchronisation on the other.

Aliyevs visit, therefore, also signals a shared commitment to accelerate this transformation, particularly, reducing transit times, harmonising customs procedures and scaling infrastructure to meet growing demand.

However, the expansion of connectivity brings with it new complexities. Emerging transport initiatives in the region, including alternative east-west routes, introduce an element of competition that cannot be ignored. For Georgia, the prospect of routes that bypass its territory presents both a strategic and economic dilemma.

Azerbaijan appears acutely aware of this dynamic. Its continued investment in Georgian infrastructure, logistics and energy integration suggests a deliberate effort to keep Tbilisi structurally embedded within its broader regional vision. This is about preserving the status quo, as well as about managing competition through interdependence.

Overlaying these economic considerations is a shifting geopolitical landscape. From instability in the Middle East to evolving power dynamics between major global actors, external pressures on both Azerbaijan and Georgia have intensified. In different ways, both countries have faced scrutiny and demands from Western institutions, particularly on governance and political issues.

The response from Baku and Tbilisi has been notably aligned: a renewed emphasis on sovereignty, non-interference and regional decision-making. In this sense, Aliyevs visit carries a message that extends beyond bilateral relations. It signals a broader aspiration for regional autonomy. It is the idea that South Caucasus states can shape their own economic and political trajectories without excessive external mediation.

This does not imply isolation. On the contrary, Azerbaijan and Georgia remain deeply integrated into global markets, certainly, based on mutual economic interests.

Crucially, this model appears to be working. Trade between the two countries has expanded steadily, investment flows remain robust, and joint infrastructure projects continue to deliver tangible benefits. More importantly, their cooperation has elevated both countries from peripheral transit zones to strategic connectors in the global economy.

For Europe, the implications are significant. Much of the continents energy diversification strategy and a growing share of its east-west trade depend, often quietly, on the stability of the AzerbaijanGeorgia axis. However, this dependence is rarely acknowledged with the same urgency as other geopolitical priorities.

President Ilham Aliyevs visit to Georgia is a reminder that in an era of fragmentation, resilience is built not only through grand alliances but also through durable regional partnerships. The BakuTbilisi relationship, grounded in infrastructure, energy and shared strategic logic, is one such partnership.

And as global uncertainty deepens, its importance is likely to grow, whether Europe chooses to notice it or not.
7 April 2026 14:10 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

For five weeks, the world's oil markets have been operating on borrowed time. Commercial reserves have been drawn down, tanker traffic has been rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, and major importing nations have released emergency stockpiles at a pace that cannot be sustained. What traders and energy ministers alike have asked themselves, how much time until the physical crunch hits, has finally been given a definitive deadline: Tuesday at 8 pm Eastern time, when President Donald Trumps deadline to Iran expires.

As far as the diplomatic situation goes, at least as of early Tuesday morning, it has involved deliberate distance on both sides. The Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has been communicating with the US vice president, JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and the Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, as per the sources quoted by Reuters. A two-step plan was offered to both sides, which includes 45 days of cease-fire after which peace talks leading to a permanent solution would begin, provisionally called the "Islamabad Accord". While the reply that Trump got from Iran was termed as "significant" by him, he stated that it was "not good enough".

Energy overview ahead of deadline

Brent Crude Price per Barrel: $108$109 (Tuesday morning); Analysts describe the current market as the "calm before the storm."

Daily oil deficit is 8 million barrels per day; Though this deficit cannot be physically compensated by reserves, logistical maneuvers from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, or releases from the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Export risk is over 80%; If Iran were to close the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab simultaneously, more than 80% of regional oil and gas exports would be at risk.

A Brent oil price of $108 to $109 per barrel certainly qualifies as a high price range. However, experts claim that it still does not account for the risks that are prevailing at this moment. As one energy strategist put it, "This could be considered more like the eye of the storm." Azeri Light crude from Azerbaijan, a top-grade product of the Caspian that moves through Europe without passing through the Strait of Hormuz through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, reached $142 but later fell back to about $122 to $123, according to experts who say the drop was due to technical reasons.

The rationale behind restraint in markets stems from the fact that about 60 percent of the disrupted volume was initially mitigated due to three factors: withdrawals from strategic reserves, logistics mitigation by Saudi Arabia and the UAE through the Red Sea and pipeline transport, and coordinated actions from the IEA to release crude. Each of these methods has its limits. According to analysts, US and Japanese strategic reserves will be exhausted in case of an extended military conflict lasting several months.

The larger Gulf exporters have done more than wait. Riyadh has turned its output towards the East-West Pipeline into the Red Sea, from there continuing via the Bab el-Mandeb strait. However, the capacity of that pipeline is 7 million barrels per day, and Riyadh has found itself having to cut daily exports by close to 2 million barrels because of this restriction. Similar, though smaller, cuts have also had to be made by the UAE. In contrast, Iraq has been quicker off the mark: the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline from the country to the Mediterranean shore of Turkiye has been revived, while the Basra Oil Company is shipping about 90,000 barrels of Iraqi oil per day northwards from its southern fields to Kirkuk, giving Iraq-to-Ceyhan flows totaling about 340,000 barrels per day out of a pipeline capacity of 1.6 million. Significantly, Iran has declared the Strait open for Iraqi oil on 5 April, enabling Baghdad to encourage buyers to resume purchases. An Iraqi tanker filled with Iraqi oil has sailed through Hormuz, according to the Wall Street Journal on Sunday.

On Sunday, OPEC+ decided to boost output by 206,000 bpd in May. However, according to analysts, the number was mostly symbolic since it is impossible for big producers to boost output when the strait is closed. The destruction of the Ras Laffan port in Qatar, which has reduced the capacity of LNG production by 17% with no prospects of restoring the facility within the next five years, is evidence that not all economic effects are temporary.

According to an adviser to President Ali Akbar Velayati, Iran perceives the Bab al-Mandab Straits, through which Saudi and UAE crude passes to reach its market in Asia and Europe, as "an area of equal importance [to Hormuz]." The simultaneous closing of the two vital chokepoints could cause a further loss of 9 million barrels of oil per day, besides the loss of the Hormuz chokepoint, which pushes the price per barrel to exceed $150, according to analysis. Such a situation means that the deficit in barrels per day, amounting to 8 million, cannot be sustained by existing oil reserves anymore. In that case, manufacturing plants in Germany and South Korea will stop their activities. As far as African, South American, and South Asian nations are concerned, the problem will be much worse because of prevailing high oil prices.

Even in the absence of such an extreme scenario, there remains a market that will take some time before it is normalized. According to energy experts, there would be at least a delay period of six to eight weeks after any ceasefire for the oil supply to resume at its pre-war levels due to insurance adjustments, VLCC loading process, and the reassurance regarding the use of the Hormuz route. The infrastructure destruction, which in some cases might take years to rebuild, means that there will always be a geopolitical risk premium in oil prices, irrespective of the results of diplomacy. The Wall Street Journal estimated that Saudi Arabias loss resulting from the confrontation between Iran and the US has crossed $10 billion, a number that has directly led to Saudi Aramco hiking the Arab Light oil price by $19.50 to Asian buyers in May, which the UAE and Iraq are expected to match.

Two possible scenarios over the 48 or 72-hour period:

Partial agreement scenario: Partial agreement achieved on Monday. The 45-day ceasefire period starts. Prices drop due to the agreement but stabilise at $80-90 per barrel owing to infrastructure and insurance delays. Azeri Light drops from its premium level but is still at a high price point. The market starts a normalization period that will last for weeks.

No agreement scenario: President Donald Trump gives permission for an air strike on Iran's power plants and bridges. Iran closes Bab al-Mandab through Houthi rebels. Supply cut exceeds 17 million barrels per day. Brent hits more than $150 per barrel. The International Energy Agency starts its emergency release plan. Fertiliser production stops. Output reductions occur in industries in Germany, South Korea, and Japan.

The 45-day period of ceasefire would provide more time for further discussions and negotiations, which, according to Axios sources, would include a definitive agreement between both sides regarding the reopening of Hormuz and the reduction of Irans stock of enriched uranium. It must be noted that mediators have admitted that neither one nor two of these issues can be resolved without a definitive agreement. The market is currently holding its breath until Tuesday, at 8 pm Eastern Standard Time. The difference is still huge.

US-Iran tantrum over Hormuz: possible talks, but with mistrust

Prospects for any USIran understanding over the Strait of Hormuz remain constrained by structural mistrust, but not entirely implausible.

Tehrans baseline position is firm. Since the collapse of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action under Donald Trump back in May 2018, Iran has treated US overtures with deep scepticism. Its leadership views control over regional networks and leverage around Hormuz as core deterrence tools, not bargaining chips to be easily traded.

That said, Iran is also operating under sustained economic pressure from sanctions. Oil exports, its principal lifeline, remain vulnerable to enforcement cycles and market volatility. This creates a narrow incentive for tactical flexibility. Tehran may consider limited, informal understandings that reduce immediate risks around maritime security or de-escalate tensions affecting energy flows, particularly if such steps do not require formal concessions on its regional posture.

However, any oil-for-stability arrangement faces political limits on both sides. In Washington, rhetoric about taking the oil undermines trust and reinforces Iranian fears of coercion rather than partnership. In Tehran, appearing to yield under pressure, especially on an issue tied to sovereignty, would carry domestic and ideological costs.

The most plausible outcome is not a grand bargain but incremental, opaque arrangements: tacit deconfliction in the Gulf, selective sanction leniency, or quiet coordination to avoid disruption in global energy markets. Iran is unlikely to become soft, but it may act pragmatically at the margins.

That means Tehran will likely remain strategically stiff, however tactically adaptable, especially seeking relief without relinquishing leverage.
7 April 2026 11:42 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The combined gross domestic product of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has surpassed $2.1 trillion, accounting for around 2 percent of the global economy, highlighting the blocs growing economic weight, AzerNEWS reports.

The figures were shared by Anas Bakkozhayev, Chairman of the Commission on Economic Cooperation of TURKPA and a deputy of the Kazakh Parliament, during the commissions thirteenth meeting held under the theme Realities and Prospects for the Implementation of Joint Economic Activities of the TURKPA Member States.

According to Bakkozhayev, mutual trade among Turkic states has reached approximately $57 billion, while their total foreign trade volume stands at $1.1 trillion.

He emphasized that expanding economic cooperation among member states is driven by both bilateral and multilateral initiatives, contributing to broader economic development across the Turkic world.

In this framework, the development of economic cooperation leads to the expansion of mutually beneficial economic and trade relations. It is important to form a legal basis for economic relations. Various organizations are being created to strengthen mutual relations between Turkic states. Specific projects are being implemented to strengthen economic activities, he stated.

Bakkozhayev noted that these efforts are aimed at strengthening economic ties, deepening integration, and accelerating overall development among member states.

The main goal is to promote joint activities between countries, more effectively reveal economic potential and expand cooperation. In particular, coordination of such activities and study of existing issues between member states is of great importance, he added.

He concluded that ongoing initiatives and institutional coordination will have a positive impact on the development of member countries, with expanded cooperation across various sectors expected to ensure long-term sustainability.
6 April 2026 18:50 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), part of AZCON Holding, has signed a codeshare agreement with Air Serbia, the flag carrier of Serbia.

Effective May 2026, flights between Baku and Belgrade will be operated twice a week, in conjunction with Air Serbias upcoming flight schedule. As part of the codeshare partnership, AZAL will place its marketing code on Air Serbia-operated services, providing passengers with seamless booking and travel opportunities on the BelgradeBakuBelgrade route, as well as enhanced connectivity. The inaugural flight under the codeshare agreement is scheduled for May 3, 2026.

The cooperation between the two national air carriers marks an important milestone in their shared efforts to expand international connectivity through strong and mutually beneficial partnerships. The new arrangement will offer passengers an extensive range of destinations, greater flexibility, seamless travel opportunities, and improved access between Azerbaijan and Serbia, while also strengthening ties between the two countries in tourism, business, and cultural exchange.

As a result of this cooperation, passengers will benefit from coordinated services and the ability to purchase tickets via AZALs sales channels, enjoying a smooth travel experience between Baku and Belgrade. AZAL continues to actively develop its route network and strategic partnerships, reinforcing its position as a key connector between East and West, said Jamil Manizade, Chief Commercial Officer of Azerbaijan Airlines.

This codeshare partnership will significantly improve connectivity between Serbia and Azerbaijan, offering passengers more travel options and easier connections. By aligning our networks and expertise, we are creating new opportunities for both leisure and business travel, while further strengthening ties between our two countries, said Bosko Rupic, GM Commercial and Strategy, Air Serbia.

Tickets will soon be available for purchase via AZALs official website and mobile application, as well as through the airlines ticket offices and accredited agencies.

About Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL)

AZAL holds the prestigious 4-Star Skytrax rating and has repeatedly been named the Best Regional Airline in Central Asia and the CIS at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. As an IATA member, the airline continues to expand its network, drive digital innovation, and enhance passenger comfort. With a modern fleet that meets ICAO standards and an expanding route network, AZAL provides top-level service while strengthening Azerbaijans position in the global aviation market.

Sustainable development is a cornerstone of AZALs strategy. The airline is a signatory to the UN Global Compact, publishes its ESG commitments, and participates in IATAs CO Connect and IEnvA programs, reinforcing its position as a reliable and responsible partner in the international aviation industry.

About Air Serbia

Air Serbia is the national airline of Serbia, connecting Belgrade with more than 100 destinations across Europe, the Mediterranean, North America, and Asia. After introducing long-haul services to New York, Chicago, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, Air Serbia is set to launch its fifth long-haul route to Toronto in 2026. Throughout the same year, the airline will continue expanding its network with six additional destinations: Santorini, Baku, Alicante, Seville, Tenerife, and Tromso.

As the national carrier, Air Serbia plays a vital role in enhancing Serbias global connectivity and contributes significantly to the growth of tourism and the national economy. This will be especially important in the lead-up to the EXPO international exhibition in Belgrade in 2027, where the airline is a proud Platinum Partner. That same year, Air Serbia will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding.
7 April 2026 17:09 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Humor has long been one of the most powerful tools for confronting injustice and pretension. This idea is perfectly embodied in "Molla Nasreddin", an influential eight-page satirical weekly that holds a special place in the history of Azerbaijani journalism.

First published in Tbilisi on April 7, 1906, "Molla Nasreddin" released 340 issues there until 1917. It later continued its publication in Tabriz with eight issues in 1921, and then in Baku from 1922 to 1931, bringing the total number of issues to around 400.

For its time, the magazine was truly revolutionary. It tackled pressing social issues, including corruption, illiteracy, elitism, women's rights and the safeguarding of the national language and cultural heritage.

The magazine was founded by the prominent satirical writer Jalil Mammadguluzadeh, who famously remarked that "Molla Nasreddin" "was born of its time." Its title was inspired by the legendary 13th-century Sufi figure Molla Nasreddin, known for his wit and wisdom. His humorous anecdotes were widely beloved across the Turkic world and had spread into Persian, Arab, African, and Indian cultures.

Unlike many publications of its era, "Molla Nasreddin" reached not only the educated elite but also ordinary, less literate readers. It used accessible forms, including satirical poems, short stories, and especially cartoons, to communicate its messages effectively. The magazine featured contributions from leading Azerbaijani intellectuals and writers, including M.A. Sabir, N. Narimanov, A. Haqverdiyev, M.S. Ordubadi, O.F. Nemanzadeh, Ali Nazmi, and A. Gamkusar.

One of the key factors behind the magazine's popularity was the work of Mirza Alakbar Sabir, an outstanding poet whose sharp and innovative satire appeared regularly until his death in 1911. Through his poetry, Sabir exposed the abuses of Tsarist officials, the injustices of landowners, the hardships of working people, and the oppression of women.

The magazine also played a significant role in advocating for women's rights, contributing to the historic introduction of women's suffrage in Azerbaijan in 1919, the first such reform in the Muslim world. However, its fearless criticism often provoked strong backlash from authorities, leading to bans in 1912, 1914, and 1917.

Despite these challenges, including repeated bans in 1912, 1914, and 1917, the publication endured for more than 25 years before ultimately ceasing in 1931.

Much of the magazine's great impact was due to the vision and leadership of its founder, Jalil Mammadguluzadeh.

He was a central figure in Azerbaijani literature, known for his works across multiple genres, including plays, essays, and short stories.

Among his most notable works are "The Disappearance of the Donkey", "The Corpses", "The Madmen's Gathering", and "The Lamb".

He passed away on January 4, 1932, leaving behind a lasting legacy. In his honor, a drama theatre in Nakhchivan, a street in Baku, the city of Jalilabad, and the town of Jalikand bear his name. His house-museum, opened in 1977, continues to promote his life and work through exhibitions and educational activities.

It has been 120 years since "Molla Nasreddin" first appeared, and its legacy endures as a symbol of how humor can spark reflection and social change.
7 April 2026 14:33 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The Azerbaijan Union of Film-makers (AUF) has hosted a high-level meeting focused on enhancing interstate cooperation in cinema, advancing joint projects, and strengthening cultural ties, AzerNEWS reports.

The event brought together representatives from the diplomatic missions of Switzerland, Belgium, and France, the leadership of the French Institute in Azerbaijan, AUF board members, and the producer of film screenings, Ulviyya Ahmadova.

During the meeting, participants explored new opportunities for partnership and outlined plans for future collaboration.

A key topic of discussion was the upcoming traditional French Film Days in Azerbaijan, scheduled for later this year. For the first time, the program will feature not only works by French filmmakers but also films from Belgium and Switzerland, offering audiences a richer perspective on the diversity of Francophone cinema and the distinctive styles of national cinematic schools.

Ulviyya Ahmadova also presented the "East-West Cinema Lab" project, set to take place in April as part of a collaboration between the AUF, the French Embassy, and the French Institute. The initiative aims to support innovative film projects while fostering long-term cultural exchange between Azerbaijan and its European partners.

AUF board representative emphasized that integrating Azerbaijani cinema into the global film landscape remains a top priority. This strategy is closely linked to expanding participation in international film projects.

The "Film Traveler" program plays a crucial role by supporting the international work trips of Azerbaijani filmmakers.

Moreover, AUF continues to provide financial and informational support for international film festivals in Baku, reinforcing the city's status as a vibrant stage for global cinema.
7 April 2026 16:51 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

In celebration of World Health Day, the Republic Youth Library has released a special digest titled "Health Is the Greatest Wealth", AzerNEWS reports.

The digest, compiled by library staff, features quotes on healthcare from "National Leader Heydar Aliyev" and "President Ilham Aliyev", alongside concise summaries of articles related to the topic.

At the end of the publication, readers will find a collection of wise sayings about health.

The dossier is available on the official website of the library, providing easy access for all readers interested in health and wellness.

Every year on April 7, the world comes together to celebrate World Health Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about global health issues and inspiring people to lead healthier lives. Established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948, this day shines a spotlight on a specific health theme each year, addressing challenges that affect millions worldwide.

The significance of World Health Day goes far beyond simply reminding us to exercise or eat well. It serves as a call to action for governments, organizations, and communities to improve healthcare access, promote preventive measures, and tackle pressing public health concerns.

Each year, countries around the globe organize events, workshops, and campaigns, highlighting the importance of health in everyday life.

Schools, workplaces, and libraries often host educational activities, while social media campaigns spread knowledge and inspire positive changes.
7 April 2026 13:24 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau has presented the tourism potential of Azerbaijan for the first time in Indonesia during the Indonesia Travel Expo 2026 held in Jakarta on April 6, AzerNEWS reports.

Within the framework of the exhibition, Azerbaijan was introduced as an attractive travel destination to the Indonesian market. Participants were informed about the countrys tourism offerings, including new products and services.

A series of business meetings were also held to establish partnerships with local travel agencies, expand cooperation, and explore new opportunities in the Southeast Asian tourism market.

The event served as an important platform to promote Azerbaijan as an Umrah Plus destination, highlighting its rich Islamic heritage, historical mosques, cultural diversity, halal food options, natural landscapes, and modern tourism infrastructure.

The exhibition is set to continue in Surabaya on April 9.

In parallel, promotional efforts are also targeting Malaysia. As part of this outreach, the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau organized a webinar for leading Malaysian travel agencies specializing in Umrah pilgrimage, further promoting Azerbaijan as an Umrah Plus destination.
7 April 2026 12:24 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Hungary will allocate $30 million to support reconstruction efforts in the Soltanli village of the Jabrayil region, according to the 2025 report of the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS Reports.

The funding will be directed toward rebuilding residential buildings as part of the broader construction project in Soltanli. The Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan and the Hungarian Aid Agency signed a Letter of Approval confirming the grant for the project.

The document has received official approval from the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan, marking the next step in international cooperation for post-conflict reconstruction in the region.

No further details have been disclosed regarding the issue.
7 April 2026 11:27 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The Trans Adriatic Pipeline consortium has confirmed the extension of its maintenance contract with Albanias Albania Gas Service Company (AGS Co) for an additional five-year period, AzerNEWS reports via Trend News Agency.

According to the consortium, AGS Co - a joint venture between state-owned Albgaz and Italys Snam, will continue to provide maintenance services for TAP infrastructure across Albania.

Commenting on potential gas supplies to Albania, the consortium noted that transmission capacity at the countrys exit point was booked for the first time during the 2021 market test.

TAP will be ready to technically provide the reserved capacities for gas exit in Albania in accordance with the results of the market test. The actual start of gas supplies is not within the competence of TAP, therefore we cannot comment on this, the consortium stated.

The Trans Adriatic Pipeline transports natural gas from the Shah Deniz field in Azerbaijans sector of the Caspian Sea to European markets, forming the final segment of the Southern Gas Corridor.

As a key route for Caspian energy exports, TAP supplies natural gas to South-Eastern European countries through existing and planned interconnectors. The pipeline is linked to the Greece-Bulgaria Interconnector, which entered commercial operation in October 2022, enabling the delivery of Azerbaijani gas to Bulgaria.

Earlier reports indicated that, following the 2021 market test, TAPs long-term transmission capacity will increase from 2026. A significant portion of this expansion has been allocated for supplies to Italy, while a smaller share has been reserved for Albania, highlighting the countrys emerging role in regional gas distribution.
China releases guidelines to promote high-quality e-commerce development

Xinhua) 08:06, April 07, 2026

This photo taken on Oct 17, 2025 shows the China International Digital Economy Expo 2025 in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province. (Photo by Liang Zidong/Xinhua)

BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Several Chinese government departments have jointly issued guidelines to advance high-quality development of the e-commerce sector, aiming to strengthen its role in supporting the real economy, the Ministry of Commerce announced on Monday.

The document outlines key measures to deepen the integration of the digital and real economies, focusing on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises and rural areas through e-commerce, boosting industrial digitalization, and encouraging technological innovation to improve consumption quality.

It also highlights efforts to expand high-standard opening up by advancing cross-border e-commerce and the Silk Road e-commerce initiative, while pushing for greater alignment with international rules in areas such as digital trade.

To foster a sound development ecosystem, the guidelines call for clarifying the responsibilities of platforms, enhancing regulation, and supporting e-commerce companies in expanding globally in compliance with relevant regulations.

Supporting measures include improving financial services, activating the value of data elements, and strengthening talent cultivation for the industry.

The Ministry of Commerce also pledged to work with relevant departments to ensure effective implementation of these guidelines.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
BEIJING, April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, in southwest China's Yunnan Province has extended a global invitation for travelers to join its unique twin-themed celebration during the upcoming May Day holiday.

A press conference for the 20th Mojiang international twins festival along the Tropic of Cancer was held on March 25 in Kunming, announcing that the event will take place from May 1 to 5 in Mojiang, Pu'er City.

Photo shows the press conference for the 20th Mojiang international twins festival along the Tropic of Cancer held on March 25 in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province.

As China's only Hani autonomous county, Mojiang is known as the "Home of Twins". Data show that the county is home to more than 1,200 pairs of twins, with a twin birth rate of 8.7 per thousand, over four times the global average. This distinctive phenomenon has become a defining cultural symbol of the county.

Since its launch in 2005, the festival has grown into an internationally recognized cultural event, attracting more than 18,000 pairs of twins from over 40 countries and regions, and drawing over 4.4 million visits in total. It has generated nearly 2.4 billion yuan in tourism revenue and earned multiple honors, including recognition as one of the most internationally influential ethnic festivals.

In recent years, Mojiang has further enriched its cultural tourism offerings by developing signature experiences such as the "Yunnan twin show" and "Yunnan village barbecue", forming a diversified tourism model that integrates performances, cuisine and rural leisure activities.

This year's festival will feature a series of events including twin parades, ethnic carnivals, music and dance activities, and local food experiences. Visitors can enjoy traditional Hani festivities as well as distinctive banquets showcasing regional flavors.

Local officials said the 20th anniversary of the festival will serve as an opportunity to further enhance the "twin culture" brand, promote cultural and tourism integration, and support Mojiang's development as a unique destination for cultural tourism and green industries.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/350034.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road
7 April 2026 12:01 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) called on Iranian civilians to stay away from the railway infrastructure on Tuesday, AzerNEWS reports.

In a post on social media, the Israeli military told people in Iran that they should avoid using trains or being near railways, as this could put their lives at risk.

The IDF said that the danger will last until 9 pm local time.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of the complete demolition of Irans power plants and bridges within hours if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened by Tuesdays deadline. He stated that Irans response to the U.S. ceasefire proposal, which was communicated through intermediaries, is significant, but not good enough.

In response, Irans military described Trumps threats as delusional, asserting that they cannot compensate for the disgrace and humiliation the U.S. has faced in the region, according to a statement from Iranian media.

On Monday, U.S.-Israeli attacks across Iran resulted in the deaths of at least 34 people, while Iranian missiles and drones continued to target key sites in Gulf countries. Additionally, an Israeli airstrike killed at least 10 people near a school that was sheltering displaced Palestinians in central Gaza.
7 April 2026 15:12 (UTC+04:00)

AzerNEWS Staff Read more

As the Iran war enters its 6th week, developments on the ground continue to present a far more complex picture than official statements suggest. One of the most debated issues in recent days has been the "successful rescue of a wounded pilot", presented by the administration of Donald Trump, AzerNEWS reports.

According to official U.S. accounts,  U.S. F-15E fighter jet was shot down over Iran on Friday, and one crew member from the plane was later rescued by American forces. President Trump stated that both pilots were successfully rescued in a military operation, though no details were provided regarding their identities or where they are currently receiving treatment.

Independent analyses suggest significant gaps in this narrative. One of the most notable points is the reported crash location of the aircraft near Isfahan and close to the Natanz Nuclear Facility. This geographical proximity has raised questions about whether the mission was purely a rescue operation.

Meanwhile, Iranian sources - particularly those linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - claim that reinforcements were rapidly deployed to the area and that U.S. forces were at risk of encirclement. Videos circulating on social media appear to show explosions and missile launches near the Kohgiluyeh region, suggesting intense clashes.



According to these reports, the United States conducted an emergency evacuation to prevent further escalation. Additional transport aircraft were allegedly sent to extract personnel, while damaged aircraft and helicopters left behind were reportedly destroyed by airstrikes.

Officials told US media that the crew member spent more than 24 hours on his own, hiding in the mountains and hiking up a 2,000m ridge line.

After he was rescued, he was flown to Kuwait to receive treatment for his injuries, CBS said, quoting US officials.

More than 170 American aircraft took part in the operation to rescue the F-15 crew members, Trump said Monday, an effort that included assistance from the Central Intelligence Agency.
7 April 2026 14:25 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

A gunfire incident occurred on April 7, 2026, near the building housing the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, Turkiye, leaving multiple people dead and law enforcement injured, AzerNEWS reports.

According to initial reports, gunmen opened fire outside the consulate in the Levent district. In the ensuing exchange of fire with police, two attackers were killed and a third was captured wounded. Local sources also indicate a total of three fatalities including the assailants. Two police officers were wounded in the confrontation and have been taken to hospital.

Turkish authorities quickly sealed off the area and bolstered security around the consulate premises. The identities and motives of the attackers have not yet been officially disclosed, and an investigation has been launched by the prosecutors office.

Istanbul Mayor Davut Gul stated that the Israeli consulate has been inactive for over two and a half years. He remarked that this attack appears to be a provocation.

The consulate is understood to occupy offices in a high-rise building in Levent, a major business district of Istanbul, where diplomatic missions typically have heightened security presence.

This is a developing story; additional details may emerge as officials release more information.

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7 April 2026 14:53 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The Parliament of Moldova has approved in its second reading the countrys final withdrawal from the statutory bodies of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), marking a significant step in Chisinaus geopolitical realignment, AzerNEWS reports.

The initiative was submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, which argued that the fundamental principles of the CIS are no longer upheld by its key member, Russia.

According to the ministry, Moscow has failed to respect the territorial integrity and inviolability of borders of neighboring states. It pointed to Russias ongoing war against Ukraine, its past military actions in Georgia, and the continued presence of Russian troops in Moldovas Transnistria region.

The government emphasized that exiting CIS structures aligns with Moldovas broader strategy of European integration, reflecting a shift toward closer ties with European institutions.

During the vote held on April 2, a majority of lawmakers supported the move, with 60 members of parliament voting in favor of withdrawal.

The decision underscores Moldovas ongoing efforts to distance itself from post-Soviet frameworks and reinforce its pro-European trajectory.
7 April 2026 17:15 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a dramatic statement regarding the escalating situation around Iran, warning of potentially catastrophic consequences, AzerNEWS reports.

A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will, Trump said, in remarks that underscore the gravity of the unfolding crisis.

He added that with what he described as complete and total regime change, there may still be a chance for a different outcome.

However, now that we have complete and total regime change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, who knows? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the world, he stated.

Trump further claimed that 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death will finally end, concluding his message with: God bless the great people of Iran.

Recently, explosions have been heard on Kharg Island, according to reports by Mehr News Agency, as tensions continue to rise in the region.

Details surrounding the incident remain limited, with no official confirmation yet on the cause or scale of the explosions. There have also been no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
7 April 2026 20:19 (UTC+04:00)

by Alimat Aliyeva

Brazil has officially placed the Chinese company BYD on its registry of employers found to have subjected workers to conditions akin to slavery, AzerNEWS reports.

The registry, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Labor, also bars BYD from obtaining certain types of loans from Brazilian banks. However, it does not halt the operation of BYDs sole automobile plant in the country, which was built with the labor of the workers involved in the scandal.

The controversy centers around the Jinjiang Group, a contractor hired by BYD to recruit 163 workers implicated in the case. The company has denied any wrongdoing. BYD stated that it was unaware of any violations until Brazilian media reports surfaced in late November.

According to employment contracts reviewed by Reuters, Chinese workers brought to Brazil by the Jinjiang Group were required to surrender their passports to a new employer, transfer the majority of their wages directly to China, and post a deposit of nearly $900refundable only after six months of work. During a labor inspection raid, authorities found the workers living in cramped, overcrowded rooms without proper mattresses. One house housed 31 workers with only a single bathroom, and food and personal belongings were scattered on the floorconditions deemed humiliating by inspectors.

The scandal provoked international outrage, including strong reactions in China, and caused a months-long delay in the construction of the plant.

Despite the controversy, BYD appears to have moved past the scandal. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attended the factorys opening ceremony in October, highlighting the growing economic ties between Brazil and China. Since then, the plant has produced over 25,000 vehicles.

Companies listed in the registry can avoid sanctions by entering into agreements with the government, committing to reform labor practices, and compensating employees whose rights were violated.

Interestingly, this case has reignited debates about the role of foreign labor in large infrastructure projects, highlighting how multinational corporations are increasingly under scrutiny not just for environmental impact, but also for human rights practices across borders.
7 April 2026 22:17 (UTC+04:00)

by Alimat Aliyeva

The Japanese government is tightening the process for granting residence permits to foreign corporate employees coming to the country, AzerNEWS reports.

Since April, the Immigration Services have begun reviewing applications for the "intra-corporate transfer" residence permit with stricter requirements. Applicants must now provide detailed documentation about the company where they previously worked, as well as comprehensive records of their actual work experience.

Employers are also required to verify an employees prior work history before arrival in Japan. Additionally, applicants must submit information regarding insurance coverage and tax records to ensure compliance with Japanese regulations.

Since April 1, Japan has also tightened the rules for obtaining citizenship, raising the minimum residence requirement to ten years. Authorities now consider not only legal and financial criteria but also an applicants compatibility with Japanese society. There is also a proposal under consideration to strengthen income requirements for permanent residence permits.

Moreover, as reported by Kyodo, the government plans to introduce mandatory Japanese language proficiency tests for all foreign applicants seeking work visas. Experts suggest that this move is aimed at ensuring smoother integration into the workplace and society, but it could also pose challenges for companies that rely heavily on specialized foreign talent.

Interestingly, some analysts believe these changes may accelerate the trend of multinational companies investing in local talent development and regional offices, rather than relying primarily on bringing employees from overseas. It could also spark increased demand for intensive language training programs for foreign professionals looking to work in Japan.
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STOCKBRIDGE  A long-established downtown office is closing its doors, partly because of low walk-in customer traffic.

As it pursues regional and national expansion, Wheeler & Taylor Insurance announced last month that its 10 Elm Street office, formerly on Main Street, is no longer needed because of changes in communications methods, premium payment options and client preferences.

The office, which will close for good on Friday, has been open downtown for 50 years.

Client accounts will be transferred to the company headquarters at 333 Main St. in Great Barrington, Wheeler & Taylor President and Operating Officer J. Scott Rote stated.

After 50 wonderful and exciting years of being part of the Stockbridge community and servicing insurance needs, we find that in person office visits have declined significantly over the past years, he wrote.

The companys roots date back to 1871, making it one of Americas oldest continuously operated financial companies, Rote pointed out. "We have been a rock in the community and for our clients through world wars, the Great Depression and a multitude of financial crises.

In addition to insurance, the company offers real estate brokerage and banking.

Through a partnership with Great Barrington-based GoodWorks Financial Groups network of companies, Wheeler & Taylor is expanding regionally.

As part of that broader strategy, the company has consolidated its offices for Berkshire County customers, said Chad Yonker, chairman and CEO of Wheeler & Taylor and GoodWorks.

This is about the bigger picture of what Wheeler & Taylor as a company is doing, Yonker told The Eagle. The firm had a half dozen offices, mostly in South County, six years ago, he explained.

An already major expansion phase has yielded offices in Litchfield, Conn., the I-91 corridor in Agawam, Chicopee, South Hadley, Greenfield and Shelburne Falls.

Wheeler & Taylor has been acquiring and administering independent, heritage insurance offices, which retaining their local identity while under the umbrella of GoodWorks Financial that ties everything together, he pointed out, with more services and products.

Berkshire County customers can access four offices in Canaan, Conn., convenient for Sheffield residents, Great Barrington, Pittsfield and a recently purchased and renovated the former WMNB/WNAW radio station building on the Curran Highway (Route 8) in North Adams.

Although fewer customers visit offices now, Yonker acknowledged, we want to keep that as a convenient option.

Additional expansion plans are being considered for Berkshire County and the Pioneer Valley.

Wheeler & Taylor is now among the 100 largest insurance agencies in the U.S. by property and casualty insurance volume, Yonker pointed out, and in the top 50 for personal insurance such as homeowners and auto, although the company does not release specific data.

Contributing to the growth, in addition to the western New England retail network, are the commercial insurance division operating nationwide as well as the high net worth private client group.

More acquisitions are in the works, if there are willing partners such as other community-minded agencies that care about local culture and their employees, Yonker said.

Were going to be around, as we have for 150-years plus, and were doing things very differently from most of the larger players, he said. We care about the people and we invest in the communities. Its a big part of our culture and what we intend to continue to do going forward.

Western New England, Vermont and New Hampshire, pushing east toward Boston, and nearby New York state are among the areas eyed for further growth.

We are going to be a survivor, were building this company for the long term, Yonker said. Were providing a different type of opportunity for people looking to retire and they dont have a way to perpetuate their business, so theyre putting it in our hands.

In order to ensure a smooth transition for clients, the two account managers in the Stockbridge office, Diana Suarez and Steffanie Wigglesworth, will continue to serve clients by appointment in the Great Barrington office, the Pittsfield office at 402 East St. or by phone.

Information: 413-298-5585.
The Dalton Fire District was awarded $15,474.85 by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the Department of Fire Services. The funding is part of the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program in State Fiscal Year 2026.
A file photo shows the remnants of an encampment seen near the train tracks in Clapp Park in Pittsfield, where homeless residents have stayed in the past. City Council has voted to adopt an outreach program centered on public health to address the city's homeless population.
PITTSFIELD  At the top of the stairwells inside Terrace 592, piles of clothing, food wrappers, a cup of pungent yellow liquid and discarded plastic baggies have become a familiar sight. Tenants say the mess is not left by residents, but by outsiders who find their way into the building.

For those living at the affordable housing development at 592 North St., the conditions have left them feeling uncomfortable and unsafe in their own shared living spaces. Building owners and property managers say stopping trespassers  and addressing concerns about tenants who may be letting them in  is legally complex, while physical fixes like upgraded security infrastructure take time.

The concerns are rooted in a longer history at the property, one that predates the buildings conversion into affordable housing.

After a fire in 2017 left the property vacant, the 592 Terrace complex became a refuge for people experiencing homelessness and others who entered the building unlawfully. At that time, the back alley was filled with "garbage, ruined clothes, drug paraphernalia and human waste," according to an Eagle article published on Nov. 10, 2022.

In 2023, Regan Development Corp., a New York-based housing developer, bought the vacant and boarded-up building for $900,000. It completed the $18.5 million project eight months ago, and tenants moved in in August.

Now, tenants are seeing conditions similar to when the building was vacant, with some questioning if they want to live there at all, according to a tenant who asked to remain anonymous fearing for their safety in the building.

Although tenants' anger has zeroed in on Hearthway, the nonprofit that manages the property, it only has so many avenues to combat these problems. Tenants have some of the strongest protections in the country living in Massachusetts, meaning evictions can take years.

"The tools that we have are somewhat limited," said Eileen Peltier, CEO and president of Hearthway. She said the nonprofit has called police to remove nonresidents from the building, but they keep coming back.

Meanwhile, tenants still deal with trash and nonresidents daily.

"We can't even go in our public common areas because they've taken it over," the tenant said. "It's like you feel like a prisoner in your own apartment."

The tenant said moving isn't an option for many of the residents. The affordable apartments are all they can afford, they said.

PROBLEMS BUBBLE BACK

"This place was like gorgeous back in September, October, November," the tenant said. "And then, once the cold weather came, that's when we started having everyone living in the hallways."

These nonresidents slip in after tenants open the door, which stays open for 20 seconds after a fob unlocks it, the tenant said.

Sometimes, tenants feel unsafe when bringing in groceries, holding the door open for a nonresident to avoid conflict, Peltier said. Some residents have also knowingly let people in.

During a visit to the building on Thursday, the top of two stairwells was littered with Oreo wrappers, half-eaten sandwiches, open beer cans, cigarette stubs, broken glass, worn slippers, a spoon, small plastic baggies and more.

While the mess is intermittently cleaned up, it returns soon after, the tenant said.

The city Health Department opened an investigation for the building on Wednesday, according to Health Director Andy Cambi.

"With residential spaces, especially common areas, residential units, the Health Department does have a role in the inspection component of it and then ensuring that there's safe, sanitary conditions for occupants," he said.

If the property manager doesn't rectify the unsanitary conditions, correction orders, fines and, eventually, housing court can follow, Cambi said.

Keeping those spaces clean and safe is easier said than done, Peltier said.

"Our team is talking with residents regularly and calling the police and checking the property as much as we can," she said. "The challenge is, I'm not comfortable having my team go there at midnight."

That is when most of the incidents and issues occur, Peltier added.

Pittsfield Police have been dispatched to the building multiple times, said Police Chief Marc Maddalena.

Tenants face their own painful dilemma  one that pits compassion against safety. In the bitter cold of winter, one tenant said it can feel impossible to force someone outside.

Do I live with that? the tenant said. This guy froze to death because I didnt want him in my stairway?

WHAT CAN LANDLORDS DO?

The people leaving trash in the stairwells are not tenants and can typically only be cited for trespassing  a response that often amounts to little more than a verbal warning, Peltier said.

To address this, the building's owners and management team have been working with the police to create a plan, said Jeremy Regan, a development coordinator at Regan Development Corp.

But changes will take time, he said, "so we just ask for a little bit of patience, some grace, and we [will] continue to work hard at this."

Both Regan and Peltier said there is a safety-improvement plan in place, but declined to share further details.

The Pittsfield Police Department has been working with management and other involved parties to improve the situation for tenants, Maddalena confirmed, adding that property officials have been receptive to the departments recommendations.

That doesn't address the problem of residents letting people in, which is an easy solution to identify but harder to enforce.

Cause evictions  ones where a tenant is breaking the lease or partaking in illegal activity  usually require a 30-day notice to quit with evidence of wrongdoing, said Brad Gordon, executive director of Upside 413, a nonprofit that provides legal counsel for housing issues.

Until that violation or illicit activity is proven, a tenant does not have to vacate the premises. If the tenant chooses not to leave, a landlord can bring the case to court, Gordon said.

The process takes between two and four months, he said.

"We cannot just kick people out because something happens," Peltier said. "I think there's a misperception about what legally we can do."

IN THE INTERIM

Building upgrades and any potential evictions will take time. However, in the meantime, tenants are encouraged to contact the Health Department if the common areas are unsanitary or if they have a question about what constitutes unclean conditions, Cambi said.

Residents are also encouraged to call the police if they [see] people behaving unsafely in the building or anyone performing illicit activities, Regan said.

"It's the residents who are living there, trying to just live their lives and be safe, that's priority one," Peltier said.

Even amid the frustration, some residents say they still believe the building can return to the clean, safe environment it offered when it first reopened.

"As a community, what do we do?" the tenant said. "How do we, instead of being part of the problem, how do we be part of the solution for these people?"
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Letter: Thank you to all who helped us declare 'No Kings' in North Adams and elsewhere
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data.
Binyamin Appelbaum | Commentary

Why this tax day is even harder and more annoying than usual
AstraZeneca India signs MoU with Telangana govt to bring AI-powered lung cancer screening to public hospitals

April 07, 2026 | Tuesday | News

AstraZeneca will facilitate the deployment of Qure.ai's AI-powered chest X-ray solution

AstraZeneca Pharma India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Telangana to introduce artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled lung cancer screening across public healthcare facilities in the state. The collaboration aims to strengthen early detection and improve outcomes for patients in both urban and rural areas.

Lung cancer is among the most pressing public health challenges in India today. National incidence is projected to rise from approximately 63,700 cases in 2015 to over 81,200 by 2025, a 27% increase over the decade, driven by tobacco use, environmental pollution, and critically, the near absence of routine screening.

Telangana reflects these national pressures acutely. The state is projected to record 46,762 new cancer cases among adults in 2026, rising to 47,314 by 2030, an estimated 13% increase by 2027. Women bear a disproportionate share, with 25,510 new cases expected this year against 21,252 in men.

Under the MoU, AstraZeneca will facilitate the deployment of Qure.ai's AI-powered chest X-ray solution to be integrated into routine workflows at public health facilities across Telangana.

The technology helps clinicians flag the high-risk pulmonary nodules, a predominant precursor of lung cancer along with 29 other lung conditions. The high-risk patients will be triaged for lung cancer confirmation or future follow up to ensure stage-shift of lung cancer at diagnosis. A similar model has already been adopted in Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

The initiative is expected to roll out across 20 public health facilities, covering urban and rural health systems. It includes training and upskilling of healthcare professionals to support effective and sustainable adoption, as well as infrastructure enhancements where needed to ensure seamless integration into the public health system.


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The chief executive of the business organisation Dublin Town has warned that the fuel price protests will cost goodwill.

Richard Guiney told Newstalks Claire Byrne show that while he had sympathy for everybody in the current circumstances, businesses were also facing large energy price increases.

The experience from previous similar protests was that the city continued to function, but that the protestors lost the goodwill of people who could have been their allies.

I'm not sure that they're going to get what they want out of this kind of protest. And, you know, in terms of the general public, a lot of people will just work from home during the protests.

Guiney anticipated there would be a decrease in footfall in the city centre, probably in the region of about 10 per cent. That's what the experience was before.

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But, you know, those businesses, particularly in the retail side of the house, are already, with all the other options that are out there, online shopping, etc, are feeling a fair amount of stress.

Obviously, we all need a strong economy, and that's what we need to work together towards.

Meanwhile, the Government said they will do as much as it can for as long as it can to respond to rising fuel prices, the Minister for Higher Education James Lawless has said.

We've cut the price of diesel and petrol at the pumps. We've extended the winter heating scheme into another four weeks. So we're doing as much as we can for as long as we can, but one of the things about this war, this situation, is it's moving so rapidly, and it is quite a volatile situation. So the war could ramp up or the war could ramp down.

As Government we have to do something sustainable, that's costed, that's repeatable, and the taxpayer ultimately can stand over. So we're taking it one step at a time.

"We are engaging with industry, trying to manage people's expenses, because we know it's hard, and pump heating in particular is a strain.

We'll revisit at the end of the four weeks. But look, I think at the moment it's one week at a time, and that's very much the way the war has been playing out as well. It could be all over, or it could be into another escalation.

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We just don't know where this is going to take us. We have to step carefully in a way that is sustainable and that the economy can afford.

Ireland Fuel protests: Protestors set to sleep in trucks and tractors overnight Read more

The Government was looking at short-term measures and long-term measures, he said. I think in the long term, we need to look at our energy mix; we just need to really drive it home.

"The longer that we're importing fossil fuels from outside the EU, the longer we will continue to be dependent on oil stocks or gas stocks or these kinds of surprises in the markets and these kinds of exposures.

We need to become more sustainable in terms of energy independence, renewables, other fuels, other sources beyond fossil fuels, and have a wider energy mix.

Research was ongoing for the optimal energy mix including hydrogen, nuclear, hydro, he said. It was important to have the facts before decisions were reached and ensure an evidence-based policy that supported clean energy and reduced Irelands dependence on oil stocks.
Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban offered last year to help Russian president Vladimir Putin "in any way", such as by hosting a summit in Budapest to settle the war in Ukraine, Bloomberg News reported, citing the transcript of a phone call.

A Hungarian government spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment and for the release of the transcript of an October 17th call between the two leaders reviewed by Bloomberg but not verified by Reuters.

There was no immediate comment from the Kremlin.

Orban, a eurosceptic nationalist in power since 2010, faces his toughest re-election bid of the past 16 years on April 12th.

Orban has fostered warm ties with Putin despite the Ukraine war, and maintained Hungary's heavy reliance on Russian oil and gas.

Citing a dispute with Kyiv over a war-damaged oil pipeline, Orban has also blocked the implementation of a European Union loan to Ukraine agreed back in December.

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The cordial conversation between Orban and Putin took place as US president Donald Trump agreed to a second summit on the war in Ukraine to be hosted in the Hungarian capital.

In the phone call, Orban calls Putin a friend, noting that their close ties date back to a 2009 meeting in St Petersburg.

"But yesterday our friendship rose to such a high level that I can help in any way  there is a story in our Hungarian picture books where a mouse helps a lion," he tells Putin according to the transcript. "I am ready to help immediately ... In any matter where I can be of assistance, I am at your service."

Putin tells Orban in response that he values their relations highly and says Budapest would be what he described as "perhaps the only European country that is an acceptable venue" for a possible meeting with Trump.

Hungary at the time said it would ensure that Putin, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, which Orban's government is in the process of leaving, could enter the country for a summit with the US president.

Putin also tells Orban that he greatly appreciates his "independent and flexible" stance on the Ukraine crisis.

The publication of the transcript follows the release of an audio clip by an investigative news outlet that featured Hungarian foreign minister Peter Szijjarto and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov discussing EU sanctions.
The King Fahd Causeway, a key bridge linking Saudi Arabia and the island kingdom of Bahrain, has reopened after closing for hours over possible threats from Iran.

The King Fahd Causeway Authority made the announcement in a post on X, saying the only route by road between Bahrain and the Arabian Peninsula had been reopened.

Bahrains airport has been closed over the Iranian attacks for weeks.

The hours-long closure came after a ballistic missile attack from Iran targeted Saudi Arabia and may have done damage to energy infrastructure there.

The kingdom has not elaborated on damage from that attack.
A French high-speed train driver was killed and 16 people were injured when his locomotive hit a truck carrying military equipment at a level crossing in northern France, local authorities said.

The driver of the truck was detained, and an aggravated manslaughter investigation was opened, but it was too early to determine the exact cause of the crash, prosecutor Etienne Thieffry told reporters.

The head of the national railway authority SNCF, Jean Castex, said the railroad crossing gates were functioning correctly.



More than 200 train passengers were evacuated following the incident (Jean-Francois Badias/AP)

The train was travelling at 100mph (160 kilometres per hour) when it hit the truck, the local prefect said.

Rescue crews attended the scene after the crash on Tuesday at a railroad crossing in the town of Bully-les-Mines on a train route leading from Dunkirk to Paris, the regional administration said in a statement.

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It said that the driver was killed and 16 people were injured, two of them seriously, and that more than 200 train passengers were evacuated.

The nose of the locomotive was badly mangled and the truck also severely damaged, according to an Associated Press (AP) journalist at the scene.



The truck was severely damaged in the incident (Jean-Francois Badias/AP)

The train remained on the tracks, and the railway was closed while emergency teams worked in the area.

The truck was tossed towards a nearby garden by the impact. The worst damage to the truck was in the rear of the vehicle, not the cab.

The crunch of the collision soon after dawn woke some residents. Others told AP they had been alerted by the smell of patrol, or the sight of flames above the crash site.
Three attackers opened fire at police outside a building housing the Israeli consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, sparking a gunfight that left one attacker dead, Turkish officials said.

The two other assailants were captured with injuries, while two police officers sustained slight injuries in the clash, Istanbul governor Davut Gul told reporters.

The assailants were said to have been carrying long-barrelled weapons.



Turkish police and army were deployed to secure the area (Khalil Hamra/AP)

Interior minister Mustafa Cifti wrote on X that the attackers had travelled from the city of Izmit, some 60 miles (100km) east of Istanbul, in a rented car. One of the assailants was linked to a group he described as exploiting religion, without naming the organisation.

The so-called Islamic State (IS) group has carried out deadly attacks in Turkey in the past.

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Two of the attackers were reportedly brothers and one had a criminal record related to drugs.

Video from the attack showed one assailant carrying what appeared to be an assault rifle, wearing a brown backpack, and hiding behind a bus while exchanging fire with police.



Three attackers opened fire at police during the incident (Khalil Hamra/AP)

A police officer can be seen falling to the ground, apparently having been shot, and then rolling away to get behind a tree for cover.

The consulate is located in a high-rise building. Officials said there were no Israeli diplomats present in Israeli missions in Turkey. Israel withdrew its diplomats amid security concerns and deteriorating relations with Turkey, following the war in Gaza.

Turkeys justice minister Akin Gurlek said three prosecutors, including a deputy chief prosecutor, had been assigned to lead an investigation.

Police sealed off the building and blocked several roads, while forensic experts in white protective suits combed the area for evidence.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan denounced what he said was a treacherous attack.



Turkish police investigators were working at the scene (Khalil Hamra/AP)

We will resolutely continue our fight against all forms of terrorism, and we will not allow the climate of security in Turkey to be harmed by vile and timed provocations like todays, he said.

The US ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, condemned the attack and praised Turkish authorities for their swift and decisive response.

Attacks on diplomatic missions are attacks on the international order  and an assault on the principles that bind nations together, he wrote on X.

Israels foreign ministry similarly condemned the attack and commended Turkish security forces for their rapid action.
The rapper Offset, a former member of the influential hip-hop trio Migos, is in a stable condition after being shot outside a Florida casino on Monday, according to a spokesperson.

Offset, who was once married to rapper Cardi B, was being treated at a hospital, the spokesperson said in a statement, although his exact condition was unknown. Police said the injuries were not life-threatening.

More than three years ago, Offsets cousin Takeoff, another member of Migos, was shot and killed at a Houston bowling alley.

The shooting followed a fight, police said. A rapper known as Lil Tjay, Tione Jayden Merritt, was arrested in connection with the altercation that occurred before Mondays shooting, the Seminole police department in Florida said.



Police and emergency personnel attended the scene of the shooting (WSVN via AP)

He was charged with disorderly conduct and operating a vehicle without a valid licence, but he was not charged in the shooting.

The 24-year-old rapper is a stalwart of New Yorks South Bronx scene, celebrated for his sing-rapping and pop-hip-hop style delivered over drill beats.

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While police said one person sustained injuries at a valet area outside the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida, they did not identify the victim.

A second person detained at the scene had not been charged and investigators were working to identify others involved, police said in a statement on Tuesday.

Offset, whose off-stage name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus, formed one-third of the Grammy Award-nominated Migos.



Offset has three children with Cardi B (Jordan Strauss/AP)

The trio, with its rapid-fire triplet flow, became known as one of the most popular hip-hop groups of all time. They broke out with the 2013 hit Versace and later earned Grammy nominations for best rap album with 2018s Culture, while a track off it nabbed a nod for best rap performance.

Offset and Cardi B married secretly in September 2017 in Atlanta. In 2024, Cardi B announced that she had filed for divorce. They have three children together.

The third member of Migos, rapper Quavo, sought to transform his nephew Takeoffs shooting into a force for change, holding a summit against gun violence in 2024.

Police said Takeoff was an innocent bystander when he was shot outside a Houston bowling alley after a disagreement over a dice game.

Takeoffs death was among a string of fatal shootings in recent years involving hip-hop stars such as Nipsey Hussle, Pop Smoke, PnB Rock and Young Dolph.

Offset embarked on a solo career years before Takeoffs death.
Saudi Arabia closed and then re-opened the only road linking it to Bahrain on Tuesday after Iran fired missiles at its oil-rich Eastern Province.

Tehrans latest strikes came as Iranian officials urged youths to form human chains around power plants to protect them, as the latest deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz drew closer.





Mr Trump has threatened to bomb all of Irans power plants and bridges if Iran does not meet his Tuesday 8pm EDT deadline to allow shipping traffic to fully resume through the strategic waterway, through which a fifth of the worlds oil transits in peacetime.

The entire country can be taken out in one night, Mr Trump said.



(PA Graphics)

Israels military warned Iranians in Farsi to avoid taking trains throughout the day, likely telegraphing intended strikes on the rail network.

Your presence puts your life at risk, the warning posted on X read.

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Iran choked off shipping through the strait after Israel and the US attacked on February 28, starting the war.

On Monday, Tehran rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal and said it wants a permanent end to the war.

Early Tuesday, Tehran launched seven ballistic missiles at Saudi Arabia, which authorities said rained debris on the ground near energy facilities as they were intercepted.

Defence Ministry spokesman Major General Turki al-Malki said the damage was being assessed.



President Donald Trump departs after speaking with reporters (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

In the meantime, Saudi Arabia said it was closing the King Fahd Causeway, a bridge that links Saudi Arabia to the island kingdom of Bahrain over the threat of more Iranian attacks targeting the Eastern Province.

The 15.5 mile bridge is the only connection by road for Bahrain, home to the US Navys 5th Fleet, to the Arabian Peninsula.

Later the Saudis announced it was reopening.

Elsewhere, activists reported a new wave of strikes on Tehran, for which Israel later claimed responsibility.

Iran also fired on Israel, with reports of incoming missiles.

Irans attacks on the energy infrastructure of its Gulf Arab neighbors, coupled with its stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, has sent oil prices skyrocketing and is causing global economic problems.

In early spot trading, Brent crude, the international standard, was above 111 US dollars per barrel, up more than 50% since the start of the war.

Under growing pressure at home as consumers feel the pinch, Mr Trump has demanded that Iran open the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping traffic or see power plants and bridges wiped out.



People shop at Tajrish bazaar in Tehran, Iran (Francisco Seco/AP)

The threat to hit civilian infrastructure has sparked widespread warnings about possible war crimes.

New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon on Tuesday urged Mr Trump not to follow through, saying the focus needs to be on not seeing this conflict expand any further.

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Any of those actions including bombing bridges and reservoirs and civilian infrastructure would be unacceptable, Mr Luxon told Radio New Zealand.

Iran sought to up the ante, calling on all young people, athletes, artists, students and university students and their professors to form human chains around power plants ahead of the threatened strikes.

Power plants that are our national assets and capital, regardless of any taste or political viewpoint, belong to the future of Iran and to the Iranian youth, Mr Alireza Rahimi, identified by Iranian state television as the secretary of the Supreme Council of Youth and Adolescents, said as he issued the video call in a newscast.

Iran has formed human chains in the past around its nuclear sites at times of heightened tensions with the West.

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres warned the US that attacks on civilian infrastructure are banned under international law, according to his spokesperson.



People gather as an excavator clears rubble at the site of Sundays Israeli strike on a building in Beiruts Jnah neighborhood, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)

Mr Trump, speaking with reporters, said he is not at all concerned about committing war crimes with such attacks.

As the deadline neared, efforts were still under way to reach a negotiated solution.

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Even though Iran has rejected the latest proposal from the US, officials involved in the diplomacy say that talks are still ongoing.

More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began, but the government has not updated the toll for days.

More than 1,400 people have been killed in Lebanon and more than one million people have been displaced.

Eleven Israeli soldiers have died there.

In Gulf Arab states and the occupied West Bank, more than two dozen people have died, while 23 have been reported dead in Israel and 13 US service members have been killed.

Japan said Tuesday that one of its citizens who had been detained in Iran since January had been released on bail.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters in Tokyo that Japan is demanding his full release from Iranian authorities.
US vice president JD Vance arrived in Hungary on Tuesday on a mission to boost the campaign of nationalist prime minister Viktor Orban, who faces the toughest re-election bid of his career.

During the two-day visit, coming just days before the April 12th parliamentary election, Vance will meet Orban and attend a rally with him.

Vance and his wife Usha were greeted at the airport in Budapest by Hungarian foreign minister Peter Szijjarto.

"This visit clearly shows that there is a new golden age in US-Hungary relations," Szijjarto told Hungarian state television as Vance landed.

He said Hungarian leaders would discuss migration, global security, economic and energy cooperation with Vance.

Bloomberg News reported that Hungarian oil company MOL would agree to buy 500,000 tonnes of oil from the US for about $500 million (434 million).

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Trump support for like-minded leaders

The rare in-person gesture of support for Orban by a senior US official is the latest example of president Donald Trump's efforts to prop up like-minded right-wing leaders, including in Argentina and Japan.

Opinion polls show that Orban, whom Trump has already publicly endorsed and praised as "a truly strong and powerful leader", and his Fidesz party face the most challenging election since returning to power in 2010. In most independent surveys, they trail the centre-right Tisza party, led by Peter Magyar.

In a post on X ahead of Vance's arrival, Magyar warned against foreign interference.

"This is our country," he wrote. "Hungarian history is not written in Washington, Moscow, or Brussels - it is written in Hungarys streets and squares."

Orbans self-described illiberal democracy mirrors key themes of Trump-era America: harsh anti-immigration policies, disdain for liberal norms, hostility toward global institutions, and attacks on the media, universities and nonprofit groups. He was the first European leader to endorse Trump during his 2016 presidential bid.

Hungarian foreign minister Peter Szijjarto (R) welcomes US vice president JD Vance (C) and his wife US second lady Usha Vance (2nd L) as they arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport in Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Jonathan Ernst/AFP via Getty Images

"JD Vance's visit is not routine diplomacy but a clear endorsement of Viktor Orban ahead of the toughest election of his life," said Asli Aydintasbas, visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution think tank.

"For the Trump administration, Orban is not just a fellow conservative but a central figure in efforts to establish an illiberal bloc inside Europe. If Orban falls, the movement would suffer," Aydintasbas said.

Orban has long been at loggerheads with the European Union over a range of issues, including Ukraine. He has maintained cordial ties with Moscow, refuses to send weapons to Ukraine, and says Kyiv can never join the EU.

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"Its actually shocking that instead of speaking out against Orbans ties to the Kremlin while Russia wages its brutal war against Ukraine, the Trump administration is not just staying silent - theyre actively supporting him," said an EU diplomat.

Far-right souring on Trump

Trump's "America First" agenda increasingly looks like "America Alone" to allies and adversaries alike, as military campaigns and a deepening rift with Europe mark the first 15 months of his second term.

World ICE arrested more than 800 people after tips from US airport security agency Read more

Now, Europe's far-right and populist movements are souring on the Republican president despite shared positions on immigration and climate change. Some of their leaders have pushed back against his attempts to acquire Greenland from Denmark and his erratic tariff policy.

Political analysts say US support for Orban, including Vance's trip, may not be enough to sway voters, as domestic issues such as the cost of living dominate the election.

The trip briefly takes Vance out of Washington, where Trump and his top aides are grappling with how to wrap up the war on Iran, now in its sixth week with no clear off-ramp in sight. The conflict has driven up gas prices, dragged down Trump's approval ratings and intensified Republican anxiety about November's midterm elections.

Vance, an isolationist who has advocated against Washington's entanglements in foreign wars, has played a role in the indirect communications with Iran to end the war. He was among a handful of Trump aides who initially expressed caution about the conflict.
Two trillion gallons of rain fell on Hawaii during a 14-day stretch in March 2026. Back-to-back Kona low-pressure systems battered every major island, dumping more than 3,000 percent of normal rainfall in some areas and triggering flash floods that destroyed homes, collapsed infrastructure, and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents. Governor Josh Green estimated total damages at more than $1 billion. On Oahu's North Shore, farming communities like Waialua and Haleiwa were submerged. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi described one localized deluge over Manoa and Palolo valleys as a "classic rain bomb." No deaths were reported, but more than 200 people required rescue, including 72 children and adults airlifted from a spring break youth camp on Oahu's west coast.

Recovery teams, nonprofit groups, and corporate responders have been mobilizing across the islands since mid-March. Among them is doTERRA Healing Hands, the philanthropic arm of Pleasant Grove, Utah-based doTERRA International, which announced in early April a focused relief campaign for the affected communities. According to a company press release, the campaign includes 1,150 72-Hour Emergency Relief Kits being deployed to impacted areas, a dollar-for-dollar donation match of up to $25,000 through a Givebutter fundraising page, and direct product donations of On Guard cleaner, laundry soap, hand soap, and throat drops to address post-flood hygiene and sanitation needs.

The campaign is structured around a partnership with the Lahui Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Koolauloa on Oahu's North Shore. Founded in 2019, Lahui works in underrepresented and underserved Hawaiian communities, focusing on food insecurity, cultural preservation, and emergency response. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization ran food distributions for families across Koolauloa and the North Shore. Its proximity to the hardest-hit flood zones on Oahu, combined with existing community relationships, makes it a logical on-the-ground partner for the doTERRA effort.

Matching Funds and Material Aid

doTERRA Healing Hands designed the Hawaii flood campaign with two parallel tracks: financial contributions through the matching grant and direct material support through emergency kits and cleaning products.

Every dollar donated through the campaign's Givebutter page is matched by doTERRA Healing Hands, up to $25,000, creating a potential pool of $50,000. The emergency kits themselves are 72-hour hygiene packages assembled at doTERRA's Lindon Fulfillment Center in Utah. These kits, which the organization has used in previous disaster responses, contain personal care items and essential wellness supplies intended to cover immediate needs during the first days after displacement.

Separately, doTERRA is donating On Guard product lines, including cleaner, hand soap, laundry soap, and throat drops. Flood cleanup creates urgent demand for sanitation supplies; standing water breeds bacteria, mold growth accelerates in tropical climates, and Hawaii's Department of Health issued extensive guidance on post-flood cleanup safety, mold remediation, and disease prevention following the March storms. The product donations from doTERRA are being distributed separately from the emergency kits to allow the Lahui Foundation to direct supplies to the areas where specific needs are most acute.

A Familiar Playbook, Scaled for Hawaii

For doTERRA Healing Hands, the Hawaii response follows a pattern the organization has practiced repeatedly over its 15-year history. Earlier this year, the group deployed nearly 7,000 relief kits to communities affected by the January 2025 wildfires in Southern California, with 134 Wellness Advocates distributing supplies throughout the Los Angeles area.

That California response came just three months before the organization celebrated a milestone: 15 years of operation, having donated more than $55 million worldwide since its founding. doTERRA International covers all overhead and administrative costs for the foundation, a structure that allows the organization to route 100 percent of donations to recipients.

The relief kit model has been central to the organization's disaster work for years. doTERRA shipped 2,325 kits to Australia during the 20192020 bushfire crisis and has responded to hurricanes in the Bahamas, flooding in Malawi and earthquakes in multiple countries. At the company's September 2025 Global Convention in Salt Lake City, more than 850 attendees assembled nearly 20,000 hygiene kits intended for future crisis deployment.

doTERRA's Deeper Roots in Hawaii

The Hawaii flood response carries particular significance given doTERRA's existing footprint in the state. Since 2018, the company has managed the Kealakekua Mountain Reserve, a 9,627-acre property on the western slope of Mauna Loa on the Big Island. The reserve, a former ranch degraded by centuries of over-logging and overgrazing, is now the site of what doTERRA and the Hawaiian state Division of Forestry and Wildlife call the largest reforestation effort in Hawaii's history. More than 630,000 native trees have been planted, including iliahi (Hawaiian sandalwood), and the reserve is on track to reach one million trees by 2030.

Honolulu Civil Beat profiled the sandalwood restoration in 2022, documenting doTERRA's approach to sustainable harvesting: fallen and declining trees are distilled into iliahi essential oil, while the revenues support nursery operations and new planting. Sandalwood has had a very difficult past, and thus, doTERRA's management plan, developed with the state's Division of Forestry and Wildlife, limits harvest amounts and prioritizes ecosystem health.

The company also supports Hiki Ola, a local nonprofit that runs education, environmental, and cultural awareness programs at the reserve. A partnership with Root and Rise extends the reserve's work to Native Hawaiians living with severe mental illness, grounding recovery in cultural reconnection. Nearly 4,000 visitors have participated in reforestation activities at KMR since 2021, and the reserve is working with third-party validators to convert its replanting work into certified carbon credits.

doTERRA also operates a 7,500-square-foot product fulfillment center in Waipahu on Oahu, filling more than 15,000 orders from in-state customers each month. Combined with the Kealakekua operation, the company employs a sizable workforce across the islands.

The Scope of the Disaster

The scale of damage from March's Kona storms places the Hawaii response among the more consequential domestic disaster events of the past several years. University of Hawaii researchers found that statewide rainfall between March 1 and March 23 averaged 18.25 inches, more than 2.6 times the standard March average of 6.85 inches. The second storm alone dumped up to 61 inches of rain in localized areas. The Kaala weather station on Oahu recorded 19.67 inches in a single 24-hour period.

Oahu and Maui sustained the heaviest damage. Hundreds of homes were destroyed or severely damaged. Airports, schools, roads, and a Maui hospital in Kula all reported significant damage. Some 5,500 residents received official evacuation orders, and approximately 115,000 Oahu residents experienced power outages. Hawaii's agricultural sector reported millions of dollars in crop losses. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) activated disaster response resources, and NASA's Disaster Response Coordination System deployed satellite imagery to support the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

Multiple organizations beyond doTERRA have mobilized. The American Red Cross established shelters for displaced residents. Convoy of Hope sent teams and supplies to Oahu. Earth, Wind & Fire announced a benefit concert at the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu for June 2026 to support flood recovery. Local faith communities, mutual aid networks, and government agencies continue cleanup and rebuilding work across the islands.

A $2 Billion Company's Philanthropic Model

doTERRA International, which surpassed $2 billion in annual sales and now serves more than 10 million customers worldwide, has folded philanthropy into its business structure from the beginning. The Healing Hands organization was established in 2010; it became an official 501(c)(3) in 2012. Over 15 years, the organization has directed funds toward microcredit lending programs through Mentors International, clean water projects in Haiti and Nepal, educational programs in Ghana and Paraguay, healthcare access in Eswatini, and countless other direct-impact initiatives.

A 2024 doTERRA impact report indicated that Healing Hands donated more than $3 million that year across 14 countries. The organization has also partnered with Save the Children and supported the Cerrito Agricultural School in Paraguay. The 25 Collective, a monthly giving program launched in 2022, allows Wellness Advocates to contribute regularly to Healing Hands projects.

The connection between doTERRA's supply chain and its philanthropic work is worth noting. Through its Co-Impact Sourcing program, the company works directly with farmers and distillers across 46 countries. Where it sources oils, it tends to invest in community development. Schools, health clinics, and clean water systems have been built in sourcing regions. This model creates a feedback loop: the same communities producing doTERRA's raw materials also receive infrastructure support funded by the company and its Healing Hands arm.

What Comes Next for the Hawaii Campaign

The doTERRA Healing Hands Hawaii campaign runs through mid-April 2026. The campaign's donation page tracks progress toward the $25,000 matching goal in real time. If fully funded, the combined $50,000, plus the emergency kits and product donations already deployed, would represent one of the larger single-event relief efforts from doTERRA Healing Hands in recent memory.

How much of that support reaches the communities that need it most will depend in large part on the Lahui Foundation's ability to distribute supplies effectively across a disaster zone where roads have been damaged, infrastructure remains compromised, and families are still digging mud out of their homes. For a nonprofit founded just seven years ago in a small community on Oahu's North Shore, the Hawaii flood response is a significant test. For doTERRA's Healing Hands Foundation, it is another chapter in a disaster-response record that now spans four continents.

Hawaii is still recovering. Forecasters warned through late March that unsettled weather could bring additional flash floods. Cleanup crews continue to work across Oahu and Maui. Federal disaster assistance is being processed. And for many island residents, the work of rebuilding will extend well beyond the timeline of any single corporate relief campaign. The aid arriving now, from doTERRA and others, addresses the immediate crisis. What follows will require sustained attention over months and years.
US Vice President JD Vance said from Hungarys capital that he was here to help the countrys Prime Minister Viktor Orban in his re-election bid.

His comments were the clearest sign yet that US President Donald Trumps administration is going all-in for an Orban victory when Hungarians go to the polls on Sunday.

Mr Vances two-day visit to Budapest is a bid to turn the tide in Mr Orbans election campaign where the long-serving leader, a close Trump ally, is trailing in the polls.



US Vice President JD Vance and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban were speaking at a joint news conference (Denes Erdos/AP)

Mr Orban is running for his fifth-straight term as prime minister. He and his nationalist-populist Fidesz party are facing their toughest race in two decades against a centre-right challenger, the Tisza party led by Peter Magyar, that could bring an end to Mr Orbans 16 years in power.

The prime minister has bristled at the mention of the Hungarian election by any of his partners in the European Union, decrying any expressions of support for his opponent as a grave breach of Hungarys sovereignty and meddling in the election.

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Yet speaking at a joint news conference with Mr Orban at his headquarters in Budapests Carmelite Monastery, Mr Vance campaigned openly for the prime minister, saying he wanted to help as much as I possibly can ahead of the April 12 vote.

Mr Vance was scheduled to appear later on Tuesday at an election rally for Mr Orban dubbed a Day Of Friendship event  an unusual step from a foreign leader and a break with the practice of most politicians who avoid taking an active role in the political campaigns of other countries.



Mr Vance was making a two-day visit to Budapest (Denes Erdos/AP)

Despite his clear endorsement of Mr Orban, Mr Vance lashed out at the EU for what he said was one of the worst examples of foreign election interference that Ive ever seen or ever even read about.

I wont tell the people of Hungary how to vote. I would encourage the bureaucrats in Brussels to do the exact same thing, he said, adding that he was confident Mr Orban would win the election.

Long accused by critics of taking over Hungarys institutions, clamping down on press freedom and overseeing entrenched political corruption  charges he denies  Mr Orban has become a significant figure in the global far-right movement.

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Mr Trump has repeatedly endorsed Mr Orbans candidacy for re-election, and many in the Make America Great Again movement approve of the Hungarian leaders opposition to immigration, curtailing of LGBT+ rights, and capture of the media and academia.

But with most independent polls showing a double-digit deficit for Fidesz among decided voters ahead of the April 12 vote, Mr Orban has sought to boost his profile by appearing publicly with his international admirers.



US President Donald Trump has repeatedly endorsed Mr Orbans candidacy for re-election (Alex Brandon/AP)

Hungary, which has broken with most European Union countries by refusing to assist Ukraine with financial assistance or weapons to ward off Russias full-scale invasion, has remained firmly committed to purchasing Russian energy despite EU efforts to wean off such supplies.

In November, Hungary received an exemption from US sanctions on Russian oil and gas after a White House meeting between Mr Orban and Mr Trump.

Yet on Tuesday, Mr Vance seemed to contradict US efforts to push its allies to break with Russian energy, excoriating other EU countries for moving to cease their imports of Russian fossil fuels in response to the war.

It is funny to watch prime ministers and leaders in some of the western European capitals talk about the energy crisis when frankly they should have been following the policies of Viktor Orban, he said.
Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, has offered to meet with the British Jewish community ahead of his show at Londons Wireless Festival.

It comes after it was announced tickets for the festival were to go on sale after its promoter, Festival Republic, defended the planned performance, after calls for him to be barred from entering the UK because of previous antisemitism.

In an addition to his apology for previous antisemitic comments issued in the Wall Street Journal in January, Ye said: Ive been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly.

My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen.

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I know words arent enough  Ill have to show change through my actions.

If youre open, Im here.

The rapper is to top the bill for all three nights of the festival in Londons Finsbury Park in July.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called the decision deeply concerning, while major sponsors have withdrawn their support for the festival because of the booking.

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has faced calls from politicians and the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) to ban West from coming to the UK, saying his presence would not be conducive to the public good.

The Press Association understands that Wests permission to enter the UK is currently being reviewed by ministers.

Presale tickets for Wireless Festival are released at 12pm on Tuesday, and the general sale opens at 12pm on Wednesday.

Melvin Benn, managing director at Festival Republic, which promotes Wireless Festival, described himself as a deeply committed anti-fascist and person of forgiveness.

In a statement, Benn added: What Ye has said in the past about Jews and Hitler is as abhorrent to me as it is to the Jewish community, the Prime Minister and others that have commented and  taking him at his word  to Ye now also.

Yes music is played on commercial radio stations in this country. It is available via live streams and downloads in this country without comment or vitriol from anyone and he has a legal right to come into the country and to perform in this country.

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He is intended to come in and perform. We are not giving him a platform to extol opinion of whatever nature, only to perform the songs that are currently played on the radio stations in our country and the streaming platforms in our country and listened to and enjoyed by millions.

The president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews said it was time for Wireless to do the decent thing and rescind an invitation they never should have offered.

Board of Deputies President responds to the statement released by the Managing Director of Festival Republic, Melvin Benn. pic.twitter.com/CjNi4Cw0I6  Board of Deputies of British Jews (@BoardofDeputies) April 6, 2026

Responding to Benns statement, Phil Rosenberg said: After a week of Wireless Festival avoiding any media, this statement will not reassure many within the Jewish or other communities against whom Kanye Wests invective was directed over a much longer period than his more recent apology.

The two key facts remain that Kanye West proclaimed himself a Nazi, and that Wireless stands to benefit financially from his performance.

Indeed, we note that concern was Mr Benns initial reaction to the idea of inviting Kanye West. It remains ours.

Kanye West may well be on the path to health and healing. We sincerely hope that he is. But the space to test this is not over three days on the Wireless main stage.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said West was guilty of appalling antisemitic and pro-Nazi comments as he urged Mahmood to use her powers under the Immigration Act to refuse him a visa.

In a post on X, the CAA said the British Prime Minister had been right to express concern about Wirelesss decision to book West, but added that Starmer was not a bystander.

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They said: The Government can ban anyone from entering the UK who is not a citizen and whose presence would not be conducive to the public good.

Surely this is a clear case.

Kanye West performing on stage (Yui Mok/PA)

Pepsi and Diageo withdrew their sponsorship of the festival after West was announced as the headline act, and no brands appeared as visible sponsors on Wireless Festivals official website on Monday evening.

An AB InBev spokesperson said, in regard to Budweiser and Beatbox: We have decided to withdraw our sponsorship of this years Wireless Festival.

Additionally PayPal, which is a payment partner for the annual rap and hip-hop festival, will not appear in any of its future promotional materials, the Press Association understands.

West, who has not performed in the UK since he headlined Glastonbury in 2015, has drawn widespread criticism in recent years after he began voicing admiration for Adolf Hitler, and has made a series of antisemitic remarks.

Last year he released a song called Heil Hitler, a few months after advertising a swastika T-shirt for sale on his website.

The musician has been barred from X because of antisemitism on multiple occasions.

It is understood that the mayor of Londons office refused permission for the London Stadium, in Stratford, to stage a Kanye West concert this summer, with sources citing community concerns and the reputational impact on the city.

The 48-year-old rappers scheduled appearance comes amid fears of growing antisemitism in the UK.

Yes music is played on commercial radio stations in this country. It is available via live streams and downloads in this country without comment or vitriol from anyone and he has a legal right to come into the country and to perform in this country Melvin Benn, managing director at Festival Republic

In March, four ambulances from a Jewish community-run service were set on fire in north-west London.

Two men and a 17-year-old boy were remanded in custody on Saturday after appearing in court accused of torching the vehicles.

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In October last year, two men were killed in an attack on a Manchester synagogue.

In January, West took out a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal to apologise, titled: To Those Ive Hurt.

I am not a Nazi or an antisemite, it said.

I love Jewish people.

In his letter, he said his bipolar disorder led him to fall into a four-month-long, manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour that destroyed my life.
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Australias major banks have long been the biggest fish in the domestic economic pond. But lately, the big four have looked like the minnows in their escalating fight with the biggest companies in the world: US technology behemoths. Whether its over accusations that big tech is free-riding on the countrys payment system, or failing to do their bit fighting scammers, it has become common to hear the big local banks point the finger at overseas tech companies which are valued at many times the banks size. CBA chairman Paul OMalley has warned about tech companies extracting value from the economy. Graham Jepson The big fours combined market value of about $663 billion makes them a dominant force on the ASX, but a small fraction of say, Apples market value of almost $US3.8 trillion ($5.4 trillion). In unusually blunt comments, Commonwealth Bank chair Paul OMalley last month warned of the competitive threat of hyperscalers (tech giants such as Amazon or Google that are investing in computing power on a massive scale) extracting value from the country without having built the infrastructure and the institutions that support that value.

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CBA is a big user of AI itself, but even so, OMalley called for a national conversation about AI, global competition, and what it means for Australias economy. ABA chief executive Simon Birmingham has taken aim at big tech. Alex Ellinghausen US tech delivers incredible capability, great customer experience. We wouldnt use their products if they werent good. But we have to be really clear about when were going to defend the economic rents staying in Australia to support Australian way of life, not being extracted without us getting the fair share of it, OMalley said. Days later, Australian Banking Association chief executive Simon Birmingham launched a separate broadside against big tech, taking aim at how Google and Apple benefited from the domestic payment system. Global platforms like Apple or and Google Pay benefit from that system. They sit on top of it, intermediate it and monetise it. They enjoy the benefits but avoid the obligations: no equivalent regulation, no duty to invest back in the system that enables their operations, he wrote in The Australian Financial Review.

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Whats behind the outbreak of bank warnings about big techs growing power? Are these just self-serving claims from banks trying to protect their highly profitable patch, a time-tested PR tactic to point to a larger issues as a distraction, or do they have a point? Banks have long complained that tech companies are coming to cut their lunch, but lately those warnings have been growing louder as digital payments have surged, and as policymakers mulled whether more regulation is needed. The Reserve Banks surcharging reforms last week, which will cut bank revenue, added to bank warnings about overseas giants extracting more revenue from the domestic system. The banking lobby argues its contest with technology giants is not a fair fight, because todays regulations allow tech players to extract value from the banking system without contributing to the cost of the payments infrastructure. Whether these claims raise legitimate questions, or are driven by banks purely trying to protect their privileged economic position, is up for debate. The fight over digital wallets The warnings from banks about tech companies threatening the local industry have a long history. For example, in late 2017, former NAB chair Ken Henry warned of the possibility that banks would be challenged beyond our ability to cope by the big IT platform providers, the Googles and the Apples and so on.

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The clearest example where banks have lost out to tech players is in payments, as the public has embraced paying on smartphones through apps called digital wallets. CBA told a parliamentary committee more than half of all in-store payments on CBA cards are on a digital wallet, a fivefold increase since 2021. Apple takes a fee on every payment made on its wallet, Apple Pay, while Google does not charge fees for its wallet. The banks concerns are partly about the fees they pay Apple, but also over the way it restricts access to the near-field communication (NFC) chip on an iPhone that allows you to make a payment. Banks have for years sought access to the chip, hoping it that would give banks greater ability to offer payment options through their own apps, rather than Apples. Payments on digital wallets have surged, prompting bank complaints about free-riding by tech players. Bloomberg Jarden analyst Matt Wilson says the threat to banks from technology giants has so far been contained to payments, and he thinks some of the banks criticism of tech companies is overblown. The threat has not eventuated to the extent that it could have. Really the only place where Apple has penetrated the market is putting the banks credit and debit cards on the iPhone, Wilson says. Over the longer term, however, Wilson sees a real risk of tech companies disrupting the banks business models. For example, he says, if Apple or a tech giant introduced a stablecoin (a type of crypto asset) that could effectively function as a deposit account, that would be a significant risk to banks.

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In the US, Apple has started offering its own credit cards (issued by a traditional bank), in a sign it is not only keen to get into payments, but also work with major financial institutions. Related Article AI CBA cuts 300 jobs as it prepares workers for an AI-driven shift Theres also been a long-running concern in banking about how tech companies could use the huge amount of financial data they get on customers  such as how Afterpays owner, Block, can use the data on small businesses that it gets from its payment terminals. Square can use this data to assess credit risk and go head-to-head with banks. Wilson sees these types of competitive threats  which could erode bank profits and their valuations  as the underlying reason for the tension between banks and tech companies. The reality is the Australian banks enjoy a lazy oligopoly and have not been great at innovating, Wilson says. Wilson says its no coincidence that CBAs leaders have been particularly vocal in criticising tech companies, as CBAs lofty valuation means that it has the most to lose from new and deep-pocketed competitors from the tech sector.

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Yet others, such as MST Marquee analyst Brian Johnson, think the banks have a fair point. Johnson says what makes Australias banking market stable is the government guarantee on deposits of up to $250,000  to which banks indirectly contribute through an annual major bank tax. Someone like Apple participates in that stability and does not pay the levy. Does that make sense? Johnson says. Im no apologist for the banks. Ive got no particular iron in the fire one way or another. Some of the behaviour does look at little bit oligopolistic, but on this one I think they are right. Labor MP Ed Husic is chairing an inquiry into digital wallets and payment innovation. Alex Ellinghausen Labor MP Ed Husic, who is chairing a parliamentary inquiry into digital wallets, also says banks have a strong argument about the power of big tech, including its hold over the NFC chip. Apple absolutely does possess huge market power with the hold it enforces over its NFC tech. That amount of power in one firm is rarely healthy, says Husic, a former industry minister who lost his portfolio after last years election.

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Having said that, the question for the banks is: even if governments acted on their concerns and forced Apple to open up its tech, what would be the material benefit for average Australians or small businesses? Related Article Interest rates How banks are only partially raising rates for savers Additionally, even if the banks got access to Apples NFC, what guarantee would we have that theyd invest in genuine R&D to come up with something innovative to help customers? At the moment all I see is some big businesses arguing against the power of other bigger businesses, while the ordinary consumer is an afterthought. Apple, for its part, says it does invest in Australia, and says Apple Pay has benefited competition in banking by helping smaller financial institutions such as credit unions or app-focused banks such as AMP Bank and Bendigo and Adelaide Banks Up. Digital wallets like Apples represent a rare opportunity to challenge this concentration Apple Pay gives smaller players access to the same technology as the largest banks, Sean Dillon, Apples senior director for competition law and regulation told a parliamentary inquiry in February.

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The rise of tech lobbyists Banks are also contending with the fact that tech giants are expanding their influence and lobbying clout. Related Article Credit cards Businesses warn of price rises from RBAs surcharge ban The tech giants lobby group, the Tech Council of Australia, didnt exist before 2021 but has, in the space of five years, built the kind of political infrastructure that took the mining and banking lobbies decades to assemble. It represents some of Australias largest employers like Atlassian, Microsoft and Canva. When the TCA launched, it had 25 member companies and three ambitious goals: a million Australians in tech jobs by 2025, $250 billion in economic contribution by the end of the decade, and making Australia the best country in the world for building and investing in technology companies.

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The last goal was aspirational, while the first two have been largely achieved ahead of schedule. In a report released in March this year, the TCA declared the tech sector now contributes an estimated $248.5 billion to the Australian economy  equivalent to 8.9 per cent of GDP. The sector, it claimed, is the single biggest driver of long-term productivity growth in the country. That number has helped reframe the regulatory debate. When the banks demand tighter controls on digital platforms, the TCA can counter with a simple question: do you really want to put the brakes on the one sector keeping Australian productivity alive? Australian Electoral Commission disclosure data for 20242025 shows that companies, executives, and individuals with direct technology-sector interests donated $13.1 million to the major political parties. That figure dwarfs the financial sectors $5.1 million contribution, and even eclipses the fossil fuel and minerals lobby, which donated $10.1 million. Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar donated $1.5 million, primarily to climate-focused political vehicles that influence major-party policy. His co-founder, Mike Cannon-Brookes, contributed $1.3 million. The banking sector has no equivalent individual donors at that scale.

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The group now also sits at the federal governments powerful Economic Reform Roundtable, shaping economic policy alongside Treasury and the Productivity Commission. For the banks, the TCAs rise creates a political problem they havent faced before. The Australian Banking Association remains a well-resourced and politically connected operation. Birmingham, its chief executive and a former Morrison government minister, knows how Canberra works. But the ABAs core message  that the banking system is critical national infrastructure deserving of protection  sounds defensive when placed alongside the TCAs forward-looking productivity pitch. Where the banks once held unchallenged supremacy in Canberra, they now face a rival power centre that speaks the language politicians most want to hear: jobs, growth, productivity, and the future. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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If the Vietnam War was the first major televised conflict and the Gulf War was launched alongside burgeoning cable networks, then Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahus strikes on Iran are landing in the early days of the AI media age. That is having strange consequences: real footage of mass civilian graves in Iran has been dismissed by AI chatbots as fake, while Instagram users have been fooled into following an account ostensibly belonging to a beautiful US soldier who happens to also post sexualised pictures of her feet. Loading With Iran essentially a black box for reliable journalism and Trumps reputation with the international community and domestic voters on the line ahead of this years midterm elections, the stakes are high in the media war. The widespread use of artificial intelligence in war propaganda has been expected for some time, says David Wroe, resident senior fellow at Canberra-based think tank the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. But the speed at which this content is now being created and pushed out on social media is unprecedented. You can do that quickly. You can do it essentially free of charge. You can do it at a massive scale. But you can also use AI to coordinate inauthentic accounts too, Wroe says. Tom Sulston, head of policy at Australian not-for-profit Digital Rights Watch, says the basic concept is to flood the zone, a strategy initially pioneered by MAGA loyalist and conservative political strategist Steve Bannon. Propagandists build a haystack around the needle of truth and pump out so much information  both true and false  that it is impossible to discern fact from fiction.

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On March 2, a fake account using the name of Irans newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei posted a video of the worlds tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, on fire. Iran has attacked the United Arab Emirates in retaliation for Israeli and American strikes, but has not struck the iconic tower. Still, the video (below) was reshared by more than 300 accounts, says digital investigator Benjamin Strick, gathering thousands of likes before being fact-checked by X. Exactly who was behind the fake video is unclear. But social media platforms rely on keeping users on the platform, so they can pay creators handsomely for engagement and clicks. And there is a lot of easy money to be made, says Strick, because on Elon Musks X and other platforms to a lesser degree, shareable content is accelerated regardless of whether its true or false, while fact checking is a slower, more laborious process. Some of that material is coming from useful idiots, essentially everyday news creators trying to make a quick buck out of a hot news item on social media, Strick says. Related Article Opinion

Middle East tensions I thought I was in control of the algorithm. Then came the dreams of blood-soaked streets Kylie Moore-Gilbert Political scientist and writer But theres also proxy state actors like the Tehran Times, an Iranian news organisation aligned with the hardline regime which has posted a litany of AI-produced disinformation, as well as Russian state-backed broadcaster Russia Today, which regularly republishes this content. The Tehran Times was responsible for a recent viral post depicting before and after satellite images of a US military site in Bahrain destroyed by Iranian strikes. Again, these strikes never happened.

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Then wed have these proxy actors that we dont know whether theyre paid by Iran or their links to Iran because theyre pretty vague; fake accounts that have been set up to be or pretend to be someone that might appear American or British, for example, Strick says. Both Strick and Sulston say there have been numerous examples of social media accounts that have pivoted from posting on divisive issues in the West, such as Scottish independence or immigration, which helped the profiles garner significant followings, to the Middle East conflict. Their output includes content purporting to show Iranian strikes piercing Israels famous Iron Dome defensive system, resulting in burning buildings in Tel Aviv, and a successful strike on the USS Abraham Lincoln. A recent study from Clemson Universitys Media Forensics Hub found at least 62 accounts linked to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) purporting to be based in the Americas and British Isles, showed the intention of amplifying politically divisive content and disinformation aligned with IRGC narratives. Related Article Analysis

Middle East at war Trumps desperation shows as he demands Iran open the f---in strait They are designed to exploit regional fault lines to advance Iranian regime interests, reads the report, which was based on an analysis of 60,000 posts on X alone. Wroe says Irans online campaign has been heavily supported by both Russia and China-linked accounts, including via state outlets such as Russia Today.

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At the same time, users attempting to separate fact from fiction by using AI tools are being given unreliable answers. Both Googles Gemini chatbot and Elon Musks Grok confidently stated that images of mass graves being dug in the Iranian town of Minab, after dozens of girls were killed in an airstrike, were actually taken from a different country and time. That, The Guardian reported, was incorrect. But with the nebulous and often self-contradictory rationale behind the US-Israeli declaration of war, democratic norms of dignity in war have been abandoned and the US administration has in turn been nebulous in addressing its strategic progress in the conflict, says Sulston. The result is vacated space for Iran to discredit its war effort and aims. Instead, the Trump administrations approach online is consistent with the press conferences that Trump himself and Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth have held, says Wroe, with a focus on tactical and operational achievements. Theyre very focused on the military successes measured in how much theyve destroyed, how many bombs theyve dropped and how many Iranian missile sites have destroyed. They push back very hard against questions and doubts about the strategic achievements like: Have you actually toppled the regime? Have you ended the nuclear program? Have you ensured energy security by figuring out some kind of solution for the Strait of Hormuz? says Wroe. In another video posted by the White House on X, a clip of the cartoon character says, Do you want to see me do it again? overlaid on unclassified footage of US missiles blowing up more Iranian jets and trucks. The caption reads: Will not stop until the objectives are met. Unrelenting. Unapologetic. I think the conclusion you have to draw is that its just very domestically orientated and specifically aimed at existing supporters [...] this is pretty much in keeping with their usual messaging on foreign and security policy, and in this case, its just counterproductive to their strategic aims, says Wroe.

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Opportunists have joined in, including the operator of the account of US military officer Jessica Foster, whose pro-Trump posts and pictures of her feet gained more than 1 million followers on Instagram, then pushed followers to a paid OnlyFans account. Her account  which was all AI generated  featured fake images with Trump, other prominent military figures and powerful artillery. Meta eventually removed the account, but only after it was contacted by The Washington Post. An AI generated image purporting to show a beautiful US soldier, Jessica Foster, that was in fact used to direct followers to an OnlyFans account. Other official American communications have so far focused on the success of its military operations through the use of memes, popular culture and Call of Duty-style video footage to dehumanise the dead. One video from the official White House account shows a fake Nintendo Wii Sports-style game titled Operation Epic Fury with footage of real missile strikes shown when a player hits a target. Sydney University media professor Catharine Lumby says the strategy is shocking. To see this war turned into a memification and gamification kind of contest takes my breath away, Lumby says. The strategy also risks backfiring.

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BusinessCompaniesOil Researchers behind viral AI prediction visited Hormuz on a speedboat. This is what they saw Colin Kruger April 7, 2026  5:46pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Wall Streets gonzo research firm Citrini claimed to have made an important discovery when it sent an analyst to see first-hand what is happening in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow body of water that is deciding the future of the global economy. Last week, the Citrini employee dubbed Analyst #3  armed with cigars, thousands of dollars in cash and cans of nicotine pouches  boarded a speedboat in the strait and reported back that the waterway was not closed to the extent that some experts have thought. A cargo ship sits anchored at port in Oman amid Irans blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Getty Images One thing is clear, though: Iran is effectively operating a tollway that allows favoured ships to pass through the strait. You dont go through if you dont get approved, Citrinis report said. This is the difference between a blockade and a toll road, and the market has been pricing the former while the reality on the water is setting up to look a lot more like the latter.

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The eyewitness detail on the state of the strait is in stark contrast to the notoriety that Citrini achieved in February when it triggered a global sharemarket meltdown with a dystopian report imagining what AI could do to the world economy by 2028. Visiting the strait last week in an old motorboat, the analyst saw for himself what he claimed satellite and ship tracking data has failed to detect  a growing volume of ships travelling through the strait dark  a reference to the ships having their trackers turned off. I saw a Greek Dynacom ship ripping straight through the centre of the strait  not hugging the margins like every other captain, not creeping along the coast, but charging through the middle as if this were peacetime, he reported. If you want a single image that confirms the thesis that the strait is reopening under Iranian management, its a Greek tanker running full speed through the centre of Hormuz while drones fly overhead and everyone else hides along the edges. International news outlets including the Financial Times and Reuters have confirmed that Dynacom Tankers, a shipping firm owned by 79-year-old Greek billionaire George Prokopiou, has sent numerous vessels through the strait since the conflict began.

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Citrini also observed what appeared to be Chinese vessels, and ships flagged from India, Malaysia, Japan, Greece, France, Oman and Turkey. In all, 14 ships passing through on April 2, compared to no more than four ships a day for the previous two weeks, according to local observers interviewed by the Citrini analyst. An explosion near Tehrans international airport. The war is crippling Iran but also the international trade in oil and fertilisers. AFP Citrini, which was founded in 2023 to analyse big economy trends, claims that its analyst was intercepted by the Omani Coast Guard, detained and had his phone confiscated before being later released. It is our most firmly held conviction that narratives drive markets more than any other factor, the firm, founded by former medic James van Geelen, has said.

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The bad news is that the current volumes are nowhere near the levels needed to avoid global economic disaster in the long term. In its report conclusions, Citrini noted that the shipments it witnessed paled in comparison to the 100-plus ships that would normally pass through every day, let alone the volume of cargo allowed by massive oil tankers, which are still a rare sight. If the strait is still only transited by 15 ships a day by the end of April, the situation will be disastrous. Everyone involved knows this, Citrini said. But one of the most important findings of the report is that no one thinks Iran wants the strait closed. The best propaganda for Iran is a functioning strait where they look like the reasonable stewards of global trade, while the US looks like the disruptive force.

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And this may be why other countries are finding solutions, despite the hot war playing out overhead. Related Article Middle East at war Why Australia cant just drill its way out of a global crisis The most counterintuitive finding from this trip is that hot war and commercial diplomacy are happening at the same time. The rest of the world is adapting and negotiating passage while the US continues with military action, it said. As for the mood on the ground, including from Iranian smugglers who are crossing the strait at will, Citrini reported: In the face of huge uncertainty and global attention was human resilience. There has been war here before  there will be again. The US is interested, as always, in oil. The neighbours are fighting, the risk is real, but life goes on. This too shall pass. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
Roths Wine Bar began life as the towns general store, where alcohol was quietly sold to local farmers under the table. Orders were placed in code: 1080 (wild dog bait), diesel (fuel) and lucijet (sheep dip) were all aliases for home-brewed drinks. In 1923, Roth was finally granted a liquor licence and has traded under it ever since, making it the longest continuously operated wine bar in NSW.

Today, the bar pours Mudgee wines exclusively, with a rotating selection from the regions best producers alongside its own house label, Grapes of Roth, grown at a nearby vineyard in Eurunderee. You can still order a 1080, though exactly what goes into it remains a mystery. The heritage facade of the original shopfront remains, while the former storage shed out back has been converted into a larger dining area, with a stage for live music and comedy acts.

Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.
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MoneySuper & retirementSuperannuation Marcus is about to turn 70. But he still cant afford to retire Nina Hendy April 7, 2026  10:53am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Advertising copywriter Marcus Johnson turns 70 this year. Hes enjoyed an illustrious career working for some of Melbournes most prestigious advertising agencies, but given the current state of his superannuation, hes not contemplating retirement anytime soon. He continues to work as many hours as he can each week, contributing to his super. But it was a decade ago that Johnson realised retiring in his mid-60s  like millions of workers do  would not be possible. Marcus Johnson realised years ago he would not be able to retire when he wanted to. The super industry will tell you that the market has ups and downs, but I dont have 20 years to wait that out, he says. The money just isnt there, and its getting harder to earn the older I get because the industry is ageist.

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Working late The average retirement age has increased in Australia over the past two decades. Men tend to retire around 65, while women just a year younger at 64. But as the cost-of-living crisis drags on and warnings of economic turmoil due to the US war with Iran, more and more Australians are facing the prospect of working well beyond that. Editor's pick Superannuation Your super is about to grow even faster  and you dont have to do a thing Today, more than 3.3 million working Australians wont be able to afford to retire at the traditional retirement age of 67, according to new research from Finder. Marcus says his employer paid his super for years. But he lost half in a divorce, battled a bout of cancer, was retrenched from his job and lost another chunk during the global financial crisis. He would love to take an overseas trip with his second wife but admits thats not going to happen any time soon.

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Hes done plenty of copywriting for superannuation brands, so understands the difficult relationship people have with their super. People just shy away from super, even though it counts for 12 per cent of what you earn, he says. Grandmother Kim Kleidon is in the same boat. The communications consultant from Mackay in Queensland spent years in corporate roles but now at 58, she has less than half of what she should have in her retirement fund. Kleidon admits she has four different superannuation accounts, meaning that fees and charges have eroded what she has built over the years. Luckily, I love where I live, and dont have any grand schemes to travel the world or caravan around Australia. That doesnt appeal to me and I love to work. She is adamant that shes got plenty offer. I believe workplaces are realising the value of wisdom and maturity that older people can offer, which weve lost over the decades.

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No balance Kim Kleidon has less than half of what she should have in her retirement fund. Finders research found that most workers aged 30 or older dont think they will have enough money in super or other investments to stop working by 67. Millions of Australians are facing the possibility that retirement will arrive before their savings are ready. For some, working past 67 wont be a choice  it will be a financial necessity, says Alison Banney, superannuation expert at Finder. Finders Wealth Building Report found that a 30-year-old who increases their individual contributions by $5000 a year (equivalent to $96 a week), until retirement age, could have an extra $693,039 in their superannuation when they reach 65.

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However, this well-intended advice around boosting your super with extra contributions does not consider that many people are already too stretched to be able to cover their household bills. Related Article Opinion

Ask an expert Im nearly 60 and might lose my job. Can I really afford to retire? Paul Benson Money contributor Banney warns: If youre not keeping an eye on how your super is performing, you could miss out on the equivalent of a full years pay  or even more  by the time you reach retirement. Its good to review your fund every year to see how it stacks up against others and whether its investment strategy still matches where youre at in life. At the very least, roll any super into one fund to reduce fees and charges and make sure your fund is a strong performer.

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To enjoy a comfortable retirement, singles typically need about $595,000 in super, while couples need $690,000, according to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia. Bear in mind that these figures assume you own your own home and are debt-free. 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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NationalQueenslandCrime Fresh stats show some crimes falling, others rising, as Labor says Queenslanders dont feel any safer Dominique Tassell and William Davis April 7, 2026  5:34pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

The Crisafulli government seized on a drop in crimes typically committed by youth offenders as evidence its tough-on-crime agenda was working, but the Labor opposition said community safety remained a concern and accused the LNP of cherry-picking data. In the first six months of Premier David Crisafullis government, which was elected in 2024 on a promise to bring down victim of crime numbers, there was a decrease in homicides, fraud, robbery, unlawful entry and various property offences, according to a new report from the states statisticians office. But there was a documented increase in assaults, drug offences, traffic offences and breach of domestic violence orders. Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington says a new crime report shows tougher youth crime laws are working. Matt Dennien Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the report showed a minor reduction in crime overall, but important reductions in areas important to Queenslanders.

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Weve got a 9.9 per cent reduction in break-ins, a 10.6 per cent reduction in robberies, and a 5.6 per cent reduction in stolen cars, Frecklington said. Related Article Exclusive

Queensland government Search for crime prevention school providers grinds to a halt Importantly, there has also been a 16.7 per cent reduction in the offences that have been committed by juveniles across Queensland. Opposition Leader Steven Miles said the number of victims in the 2024-25 report increased by 1.9 per cent, all offences were up 1 per cent, and offences against the person up 2 per cent. Thats off the back of an 11.5 per cent reduction in crime in the previous reporting year, he said.

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That is precisely what Queenslanders are telling me, that they dont feel any safer. Crisafulli campaigned heavily on reducing crime at the 2024 election. Dan Peled / Brisbane Times Multiple high-profile crimes across Queensland throughout the week were allegedly carried out by youths. On Tuesday night five boys aged between 14 and 18 were arrested after allegedly ramming into a police vehicle in Upper Coomera in a stolen Mercedes-Benz. They had allegedly attempted numerous attempted break and enters at private homes across the Gold Coast and South Brisbane. The group was hit with a string of charges and all were refused bail.

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On Wednesday morning a 17-year-old was charged with stealing and driving the luxury SUV involved in a serious multi-car crash at Hamilton. Three other children remained in hospital under police guard. Related Article Juvenile justice LNP expands adult crime, adult time laws with 12 new offences Miles said adult crime, adult time laws  a suite of tough-on-crime policies aimed at reducing juvenile offending  were not acting as the deterrent the government claimed they would. Frecklington acknowledged the government was facing youth crime challenges, but blamed it on Labors decade of rule. There has been a generation of hardcore repeat juvenile offenders roaming around this state without consequences of action, she said.

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This crime report that Im releasing here today shows those very early positive signs, but of course there is always more work to be done. Frecklington said the government had employed more police and given those police and the courts stronger laws, in combination with early intervention and rehabilitation efforts, which she said were designed to break the cycle of repeat juvenile offenders. Deputy Police Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon said the changes had been a great improvement. That needs to happen, taking a hard line and putting young people in custody, and holding young people in custody, particularly when they cant be constrained any other way, Scanlon said. Were very grateful for the assistance weve been given, and theres more to be done. 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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NationalQueenslandCrime The 15-minute hearing that changed the reporting of Bruce Lehrmanns Queensland rape trial Cloe Read April 7, 2026  6:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Reporting on Bruce Lehrmanns Queensland rape case was suppressed for almost three weeks, it can be revealed, in a now-abandoned bid by the former federal Liberal party staffer to keep his name out of the press. Lehrmanns case took a twist during a hearing on March 19 in the District Court in Brisbane, where Judge Deborah Richards made an extraordinary order over the press, after his legal team misinterpreted an earlier order. This masthead can only now report the hearing, which lasted less than 15 minutes and resulted in media being unable to publish anything on Lehrmanns entire rape case, including the date of his trial, for almost three weeks. Bruce Lehrmann was committed to stand trial in 2024. Dan Peled Lehrmann, who is expected to face trial on November 2, is accused of raping a woman after a drug-fuelled night in a Toowoomba nightclub in 2021.

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He was committed to stand trial in 2024, with the Crowns case that the complainant had not consented to sex without a condom. The woman had testified in earlier court proceedings that she told Lehrmann stop what you are doing and he consoled her throughout, saying its OK, its OK. Lehrmann will fight the charges  although he has declined to confirm to the court whether that will be before a jury or if his legal team will make an application for a judge-alone trial, as is their right to do. Bruce Lehrmanns lawyer Zali Burrows. Edwina Pickles Media lawyers for Nine Newspapers, which owns this masthead, News Corp Australia, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation spoke in the brief hearing last month, which related to previous orders that had been made. Some media outlets, including this masthead, had published a brief update to Lehrmanns case the afternoon before, detailing upcoming  and routine  court dates.

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Lehrmanns lawyer, Zali Burrows, a high-profile Sydney solicitor who often represents her client remotely in court, told the judge she had interpreted a non-publication order to cover her clients entire case. Ms Burrows, Richards said. I think you must have really wanted everything to be a non-publication order from yesterday afternoon. Burrows answered: Yes, thats how its been interpreted. Richards ultimately made the call to put a blanket non-publication order on the case until the following Wednesday. So, no publication of anything to do with the Lehrmann trial until theres further discussion on Wednesday, Richards said, advising media organisations they could make submissions on that date.

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It was a move described by legal counsel for Nine Newspapers Larina Alick, who appeared on behalf of the media outlets opposing the non-publication order, as extraordinary. She said there had been publication of Lehrmanns case in that previous 24 hours  and indeed, for years. There is an element of futility in that order between now and Wednesday, she told the court in the March hearing. If whats being sought is a non-publication order over what occurred in the courtroom yesterday, thats a very discrete and confined order that might be appropriate if thats whats being sought to be suppressed. But if the application is to suppress the entire case from this point in time forwards, thats extraordinary, I wouldve thought.

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The judge responded: It may well be extraordinary, I dont know what the application is yet. But I dont see any harm in media not reporting this between Thursday and Wednesday. Its less than a week. Richards clarified that she did not believe the media had breached any order. I think Ms Burrows thought that it was a wider order than it in fact was, Richards said. Richards continued: As I say, I dont think its unreasonable at this stage for there to be no publication between now and Wednesday when the matters heard. But that period was ultimately extended when Lehrmann failed to file his application documents by March 23, and then failed to meet a second deadline of April 2.

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As such, the media remained under a non-publication order until this Tuesday, April 7. Last Thursday, just one hour before the court closed for the Easter long weekend, Lehrmann abandoned his application to keep the suppression going. Lawyers for the media outlets asked the judge to make an order in chambers immediately to lift the suppression, but the reporting restrictions were not lifted until Tuesday afternoon. This allowed the media to report on the case, and Lehrmanns upcoming dates. The suppression is not the first in Lehrmanns case. In the early stages, when Queensland laws changed to allow accused rapists to be named before they were committed to trial, Lehrmanns lawyers fought for suppression orders to prevent him from being outed as the high-profile man charged with rape in Toowoomba.

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But Justice Peter Applegarth ultimately ruled in late 2023 that Lehrmann should be identified. His bid to avoid being identified on mental health grounds was undermined by his comments in several national TV interviews, Applegarth found. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
SCSU delegation with Global Medical Brigade staff and doctors in Guatemala. Hands-on medical brigade experience connects traveling Bulldogs with global communities and purpose

ORANGEBURG, S.C.  South Carolina State University senior Courtney Johnson found herself speaking Spanish with patients she had just met, working to ease their concerns while helping keep a busy clinic moving. What began as a test of her skills became one of the most meaningful moments of her spring break.

My favorite skill was communicating in Spanish during the intake portion of triage, said Johnson, a biology major from Savannah, Georgia. We were short on interpreters, and I was determined to put my Spanish to the test. Not only for myself but to lighten the load for others around me.

I was able to be myself and be more culturally aware while making the patients smile. I created lifelong relationships with those I traveled to Guatemala with and with the staff in Guatemala, Johnson said.

From March 8-14, SC State students traveled to Guatemala, where they worked in underserved communities in the Tecpan and Chimaltenango regions. Through Global Medical Brigades, they assisted in medical and dental clinics by taking vital signs, triaging patients, shadowing licensed providers and supporting care in fast-paced settings.

The experience brought together students from biology, computer science and speech pathology, each finding their own way to contribute while learning what it means to serve.

For Jillian Reese, a freshman biology major from Columbus, Ohio, the trip offered a glimpse into her future.

This trip allowed me to gain hands-on experience in multiple areas of healthcare while serving an underserved community, Reese said. Since I plan to become a dentist, working in the dental section was especially meaningful for me.

She observed and assisted with procedures including extractions, cleanings and fillings, gaining insight into both patient care and teamwork.

Students from SCSU and Duke with a dental patient in Guatemala.

A student-led effort with lasting impact

The brigade was led by Taryn Sparkman, a 2024 and 2025 biology graduate who launched the initiative through the Health Professions Society. She worked alongside chaperones Steven Gethers, international experiences coordinator in the Office of Global Engagement, and IAyana Sanders, an EFNEP agent and data specialist with the 1890 Research and Extension program.

We are truly blessed, Sparkman said. Being able to experience public health service on a global scale while bringing students from my alma mater was a gift I will cherish forever.

Gethers said the impact extended beyond clinical work.

This Medical Brigade to Guatemala was more than a service trip, it was a reminder of our shared humanity, he said. We came to serve, but left deeply impacted by the strength, gratitude, and resilience of the people we met.

Our students didnt just provide care; they connected, learned, and grew. Moments like these stay with you and continue to shape who you are long after you return home, Geathers said.

Sanders commented on the positive impact the trip had on her personally and professionally.

It opened my eyes to the impact public health can have on a global level. It also strengthened my compassion, cultural awareness, and ability to adapt in fast-paced environments, Sanders said. Working in a setting with limited resources reinforced my passion for public health.

Courtney Johnson helps a patient with a blood pressure check. Learning beyond the classroom Learning beyond the classroom

Students described the experience as both eye-opening and affirming.

Jamezia Sherald, a senior biology major from Georgetown, South Carolina, said seeing limited health care resources firsthand reshaped her perspective.

It gave me a deeper sense of purpose and motivation to pursue a career in medicine where I can make a meaningful impact, she said.

Atalia Lee, a junior biology major from Denver, said the trip reinforced her goal of becoming an oncologist while highlighting the importance of equitable care.

It reminded me that quality care should be accessible to everyone, regardless of where they come from, Lee said.

For others, the lessons were as much personal as professional.

Damya Mayers, a senior biology major from Elgin, South Carolina, said the experience pushed her beyond her comfort zone.

I came back more independent, compassionate and motivated, she said

Building cultural awareness and confidence

Working in unfamiliar environments required adaptability, communication and empathy, skills students said will stay with them.

Shawnterriah Geddis, a junior biology major from Summerville, South Carolina, said home visits in the San Juan Comalapa community revealed the realities patients face.

I learned that healthcare is not just about treating patients, but also understanding their environment and daily challenges, she said.

Camillie Wilkins, a senior biology major from Spartanburg, South Carolina, said the experience strengthened her cultural competence.

I learned to be more respectful and aware of language barriers, traditions and beliefs that influence how people view medical care, Wilkins said.

For Jashayla Seawright, a senior biology major from Orangeburg, even a short time abroad carried lasting meaning.

This medical brigade taught me that even small actions can have big, meaningful impacts on a community, she said.

Expanding global opportunities at SC State

The trip reflects a broader effort by the SC States Office of Global Engagement to expand international experiences for students. The office has curated a display of artifacts from Guatemala in the International Resource Center in Belcher Hall to inspire others to pursue study abroad and cultural immersion opportunities. The artifacts will be on display through April 30th.

Dr. Learie B. Luke, director of the Office of Global Engagement, has set an expansive goal. He envisions that 50% of SC State students will study or travel abroad before they graduate. Plans are already underway to explore future brigades, including a potential trip to Ghana.

For the students who traveled to Guatemala, the experience reshaped how they see the world and their place in it.
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When Chris Masters was rattling through Afghanistan in 2008 in the back of a vehicle with special forces soldiers of Australia, notebook in hand, he had no idea the contacts he was making would lead him to the most consequential story hed ever covered. A decade later, his journalistic collaborator, Nick McKenzie, landed in Kabul. By then, both knew their reporting could rattle Australian society and forever change the defence establishment. McKenzie was in the war-torn country on the trail of Ben Roberts-Smith. Ben Roberts-Smith in Afghanistan. This physical giant  more than two metres tall  was Australias uber-soldier. With a bulging chest full of medals, he was the feature hero of the Australian War Memorials Afghanistan gallery. He was father of the year and allied in business to one of Australias richest men. In 2018, Masters and McKenzie were about to allege he was also a killer multiple times over  a war criminal. When I discussed with a senior colleague the prospect of me challenging the reputation of this eminent Victoria Cross recipient, he told me it would be like shooting Bambi, Masters later wrote in his book, Flawed Hero.

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It was, wrote McKenzie in his book, Crossing the Line, the most difficult undertaking of my 20-year career. Masters went to Afghanistan as Australias first reporter embedded with the special forces, wanting to tell how the nations best-trained soldiers were contributing to what was becoming this countrys longest, and ultimately most fruitless, war. His stories described stunningly brave and conscientious acts of soldiery performed by the Special Air Service Regiment and the Commandos. Loading Even as he told that story, though, Masters heard growing whispers that a small number of elite soldiers was operating without regard to the rules of armed conflict. In Kabul 10 years later, McKenzie saw the human impact. He interviewed Bibi Dhorko, the grieving wife of Afghan civilian Ali Jan  a man allegedly kicked off a cliff by Ben Roberts-Smith, then summarily executed on the same soldiers orders.

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She wanted just one thing from Australia  justice for the brutal killing of her husband. For nine years, this was also the mission McKenzie and Masters took on. For years, all that was known about Ben Roberts-Smith was his legend. In his six rotations in Afghanistan, hed become the recipient of the Victoria Cross, Australias highest military honour, as well as the Medal for Gallantry and a Commendation for Distinguished Service. On his return, Roberts-Smith was employed by a man who idolised him perhaps more than most  the mogul in charge of the Seven Network, the chairman of the Australian War Memorial, and a giant of Western Australia, Kerry Stokes. Stokes anointed Roberts-Smith as the executive in charge of his TV networks Queensland division. As the former soldiers reputation grew, the rumours Masters had heard in Afghanistan kept niggling. So, in April 2017 he arranged to meet Roberts-Smith in Canberra to ask some questions.

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Roberts-Smith case The rich and influential cheer squad who backed a war criminal The retired soldier bit back. For the first hour he reasoned, for the second hour he ranted, Masters says. Roberts-Smith called his detractors cowards, incompetent, toxic. Masters, famed for his work bringing down the Queensland government in the 1980s, felt his journalistic instincts bristle. So later that year, Masters and his former protege McKenzie teamed up and got to work. Loading As they crisscrossed Australia to test the stories theyd heard, a starkly different picture of Roberts-Smith emerged. In interviews and catch-ups with serving and former SAS soldiers in Perth, Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne, the two reporters found many who had served alongside the big man. Some were highly decorated themselves. In even speaking, these men risked losing their jobs or facing criminal charges. But some were burning to share, mostly under a cloak of anonymity, what they claimed was an untold story that had eaten away at their consciences. Easing some of these soldiers minds was their long-standing relationship with Masters, forged during his trips 15 years earlier to Afghanistan. The younger McKenzie earned their trust with the intensity of his commitment and his belief in the importance of what they were doing.

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As word of their investigation reached Roberts-Smith  as well as that of a parallel probe by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force  he hit back. He called some detractors to meetings to find out what theyd said. He sent threatening letters and orchestrated a police raid on a former soldier based on false evidence. He put the word out  those speaking against him were small men jealous of his success. McKenzie and Masters were finding something quite different. They saw soldiers motivated by a desire to tell the truth to the public theyd served. Some pitied Roberts-Smith. And they believed Australia had been spun a monumental lie about the man whod become the face of the militarys contribution to what seemed like a never-ending war. The stories from SAS soldiers built a foundation for the two reporters, but they needed corroboration. The first breakthrough came in early 2018 when the pair uncovered accounts from SAS support staff living overseas. The second breakthrough was when this mastheads long-time Afghanistan fixer-journalist risked his life to travel to Darwan, deep in Taliban territory, to speak to key witnesses. They were 11,000 kilometres away from Australia, but they confirmed every crucial element of the cliff-kick story.
Influential Fremantle midfielder Hayden Young has been ruled out of returning to face Collingwood in a high-stakes Gather Round fixture.

Max Holmes of the Cats is tackled by Hayden Young of the Dockers. Getty Images

Young has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in the Dockers season-opener.

And speedster Michael Frederick also wont make his comeback from an ankle injury against the Magpies at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.

Read more here.

AAP
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 Reviews & adviceTrain journeys An overnight train between two great European cities saves on a hotel (and flight) Tim Richards April 8, 2026  12:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

The train: European Sleeper Route Amsterdam to Berlin

Amsterdam to Berlin Distance 642 kilometres

642 kilometres Operator European Sleeper

European Sleeper Class Second class sleeper

Second class sleeper Frequency Three times weekly, departing 10.34pm and arriving 6.11am On board the European Sleeper. The journey Amsterdam to Berlin aboard the European Sleeper service ES 453, with a scheduled duration of seven hours and 37 minutes.

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The station Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. Having caught a tram from my hotel to the ornate Amsterdam Centraal station  its palatial facade a riot of gleaming ornamentation  I use the ticket produced by my Eurail pass to enter the underpass connecting the platforms. Its cold on Platform 8 but, despite the chill air, I enjoy the old-school sensation of waiting for a sleeper train that will convey me to another country while I snooze. Right on time, the European Sleeper (which started in Brussels and will continue to Prague after Berlin) arrives and I step aboard the one-sleeper car thats part of tonights train, easily identifiable via its fluted steel exterior. The seat Inside one of the shared couchette compartments Cheerful Dutch steward Dylan shows me to the sleeper compartment Ive booked as a single for my exclusive use, via a hefty 159 ($265) supplement to my Eurail pass (the other carriages offer five- or six-bed couchettes, or plain seats). Im surprised by the generous size of the compartment in this 1955 Belgian carriage. Its a proper little room containing a bed made up with sheet and duvet, a square table with an armchair, and an impressive cabinet whose doors open to reveal a washbasin, mirror and towel (the nearest loo is in the next carriage). Theres only one power point, awkwardly placed at the top of the cabinet. The carriage has been pleasantly redecorated in pastel tones and is clean and welcoming. I sleep well on my way east across the plains of northern Germany.

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Baggage No limit, as long as your luggage fits safely in the available space. Travel with a folding bike, snowboard or skis is allowed. Full-size bicycles can be booked aboard for a 19 ($32) fee between June and August. Food + drink Breakfast on board. The sleeper fare includes a welcome drink of your choice. Beyond that, theres a limited food service via the stewards, though as catering ceases at 11pm, youd have to order sharpish. Food options are basic, including nuts for 3.50 and noodles for 5.50 (also, cutely, playing cards for 5.50). Theres a range of beverages including the usual soft drinks, Belgian beer (4), and 250ml bottles of French and Spanish wines priced from 6.75 to 8. Breakfast is included with my Comfort-class reservation, but otherwise costs 14. Dylan delivers it at 5.15am as were paused in the Berlin suburbs. Its a cardboard box of mostly sweet items (including orange juice, Nutella, jam, muesli and yoghurt), with one savoury element: a bread roll and cheese spread. Its pleasant enough, though I wouldnt pay 14 for it; you could do better for that sum in the station food outlets in Berlin.

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Europe A train station that makes flying seem far less convenient The train stops at a second Berlin station, Berlin Ostbahnhof, a mere 12 minutes after the main station Berlin Hauptbahnhof; so check to see if this is more convenient for your accommodation. (Note that when track maintenance is under way the train might stop instead at a single Berlin station, Berlin Gesundbrunnen.) The price Sole use of a Comfort sleeper compartment starts from 269.99 without a Eurail pass, or you can share with one or two other people from 139.99 or 109.99 respectively. A Classic couchette bed starts at 49.99, and a Budget seat at 19.99. Reservations on top of a Eurail pass are considerably cheaper. Buy tickets or pass reservations at europeansleeper.eu

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The verdict Its great to be able to maximise sightseeing time and eliminate a hotel bill by travelling overnight between these two popular cities. European Sleeper is a comfortable and welcome addition to Europes ongoing sleeper train revival. Our rating out of five  The writer travelled with assistance from Eurail and Small Luxury Hotels of the World.



Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Train journeys

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Europe Tim Richards fell into travel writing after living and teaching in Egypt and Poland. Hes a light packing obsessive, and is especially drawn to the former communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Follow him on Instagram @aerohaveno
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April 7, 2026  3:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

In the waning days of 1990, a few months after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, I sat on a sunlit terrace in the neighbouring United Arab Emirates, overlooking the glittering waters of a Persian Gulf once again turned to a theatre of war. The lunch before us was extravagant: the host, whom I was interviewing for The Wall Street Journal, was a senior Emirati government official. I had asked him if the Gulf states were going to contribute forces in the effort to oust the Iraqis. Donald Trump leaves the press briefing room at the White House on Monday. AP You think I want to send my teen-aged son to die for Kuwait? he replied, then chuckled. We have our white slaves from America to do that. I almost choked on my lobster claw. This was an on-the-record interview, and the quote was going right into the newspaper.

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I recalled that conversation when reports emerged last week that Saudi Arabias leader, Mohammed bin Salman, was urging Trump to send United States ground forces to Iran. It was the only way, he reportedly argued, to assure that the region was not left with an unstable, desperate, unpredictable and even more radicalised Iran. Like every government except Trumps and Netanyahus, the Saudis hadnt wanted this war. But what they want even less is a TACO move (Trump Always Chickens Out) by a president realising hed catastrophically miscalculated Iranian grit and guile, watching his already dismal approval ratings tanking, along with the worlds economies. He had made a feckless decision to wage war. He might make an equally feckless decision to declare mission accomplished, leaving an unholy mess. It was on-brand for this president. Saudi Arabian leader Mohammed bin Salman reportedly has urged Trump to send US ground forces to Iran. AP Yet Saudi Arabia has one of the best funded and equipped militaries in the world, along with more than a quarter of a million active-duty troops. The UAE, having learnt from the 1990s example of Kuwait, has since developed a high-tech, highly trained military, introduced compulsory military service, and is said to be potentially the most lethal force in the Middle East, after Israel. Yet it is the white slaves (including, of course, many Americans of colour) who may once again be put in harms way in an attempt, most likely doomed, to clean up the mess Trump has created. Thirteen have already died, dozens suffered injuries, but those numbers would soar if the Saudis were to get their wish for a ground war.

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And they very well might. On Easter Sunday, of all days, came Trumps profane post on social media, threatening that the US would commit the war crime of obliterating Irans civilian infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz were not reopened. Related Article Analysis

Middle East at war Trumps made so many blunders with this Iran war. But his next mistake could be his biggest The F-bomb and its adjacent profanities brought back another memory: Barack Obamas tan suit, worn at a 2014 press conference discussing Islamic State terrorism. That sartorial choice was unpresidential, fulminated Fox News. One commentator on Fox went so far as to claim it confirmed he was a Marxist. There has been no fulmination from Fox about the unpresidential nature of Trumps deranged post on Truth Social. On Monday, Fox buried scant mentions amid saturation coverage of the successful rescue of the downed airman. An airman who was placed in mortal peril because of an illegal war, whose plane was shot down even though the president had told the world only days before that Irans air defences were literally obliterated and that Iran was left with no air defence whatsoever. When Trump was elected, I expected the worst. I expected, for example, that he would implement the draconian policy objectives of Project 2025  the far rights blueprint for eviscerating civil rights, social and environmental programs, and indeed more than half of its stated objectives have already been realised.

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But this war I did not expect. It was the one thing Trump was clear on: no more costly, lethal foreign wars on his watch. And so now he has done the near impossible: exceeded my worst expectations with a war based on the lie of imminent nuclear threat. A war of extreme cruelty and massive incompetence. Related Article Opinion

Middle East at war Chinas been very quiet during Trumps Iran war. Theres a good reason for that Peter Hartcher Political and international editor I hope that somewhere in our own government, behind all the cautious, carefully worded public calls for de-escalation, some real conversations are going on. This is no longer the United States with which we allied in World War II. No longer the country weve long (maybe too long) looked to for security. Its become a dangerous, destabilising force, doing grave damage to our economy and threatening, through the dreadful deal that is AUKUS, to suck us into future wars we should have no part of. AUKUS was the Morrison governments bad deal. The best time to have ordered a review  of its flimsy costings (including the opportunity costs of such vast expenditure), its unrealistic assessments of shipbuilding capacity in both the US and the UK, and its dire strategic implications  was right after the Albanese government was first elected. The second-best time? Right now. Geraldine Brooks is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
The a2 Milk Company Limited (the Company, a2MC) today announces that an in principle agreement has been reached to settle the shareholder class action proceedings commenced against it in the Supreme Court of Victoria in October and November 2021. The two separate class action proceedings were consolidated in 2022 (Victorian Proceedings).

The Victorian Proceedings were commenced on behalf of shareholders who held an interest in fully paid ordinary shares in the Company on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) or NZX Main Board (NZX) during the period 19 August 2020 and 9 May 2021. The Victorian Proceedings related to the Companys disclosures and guidance for FY21.

The agreed settlement amount is $62 million (AUD), inclusive of interest and costs. The full settlement amount will be met by available insurance proceeds, with no impact on FY26 earnings.

In reaching this settlement, a2MC makes no admission of liability.

The settlement is subject to the finalisation and execution of a deed of settlement and approval by the Supreme Court of Victoria.

Authorised for release by the Board of Directors

Pip Greenwood

Chair

The a2 Milk Company Limited

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April 6, 2026: A Russian lieutenant-colonel is accused of a multi-million dollar scheme involving soldiers shooting themselves to collect benefits for battlefield injuries. The soldiers got most of the money, but their officers took some of the money for organizing and condoning the scam. Russia pays soldiers nearly $40,000 for severe injuries and about $12,000 for minor ones. The lieutenant colonel encouraged his soldiers to submit claims even if they were not wounded. He would approve the claim and take up to a third of the payments for his cooperation. The soldiers were eager to participate in this scheme. In addition to the money, the real or imagined wound got them out of combat for a while, or permission to return home for a while to recuperate.

When the scheme was discovered, the officers were prosecuted and the soldiers sent back to Ukraine and repaid the money. All this was just another example of the pervasive corruption persisting during Russian combat operations. Its nothing new and has been around for a long time. While the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine failed as a military effort, it was successful at creating many new opportunities for corruption. This included Russians of all types. At the high end, senior officials at the Defense ministry were outrageously corrupt and did little to hide it. These men were safe in the knowledge that if any of them were prosecuted, they could bribe their way out and still have a lot of money left.

The last round of corruption scandals began in mid-2024 with the arrest of a Russian deputy defense minister. Then the head of the ministrys personnel directorate was hauled into court. Within weeks more arrests were made. All those detained faced charges of corruption, which were usually denied. The arrests started shortly before President Vladimir Putin began his fifth term on May 7. 2024 as a longtime ally, longtime Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, was demoted.

This immediately raised questions about whether Putin was reasserting control over the Defense Ministry amid the war in Ukraine, whether a turf battle had broken out between the military and the security services, or whether some other scenario was playing out in Moscow. To many this seemed to be a return to the Russian government long described as a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.

Corruption scandals are not new and officials and top officials have been accused of profiting from their positions for decades. Corruption in Russia is used to encourage some officials, while prosecutions punish those who do not collaborate. Corruption is used to encourage officials to remain loyal to Vladimir Putin or one of Putins associates.

Then there is the blackmail technique. Putin prefers officials with embarrassing secrets. When selecting key officials in his government Putin selects the ones most vulnerable to blackmail. Putin wants subordinates who have a secret they want kept secret. The Russian government constantly searches for such secrets so it can threaten to publicize them if the officials do not do as they are told. This hidden secret policy and tolerance for corruption are the key elements in running the current Russian government.

Since 2022 the Ukraine War has led to much larger defense spending which increased graft opportunities. In 2021 the Russian defense budget was 2.7 percent of GDP but in 2024 it was six percent. Over the next few years, the government plans to spend 30 percent of the government budget on the military.

Earlier in 2024 the first official arrested for corruption was a former Deputy Defense Minister who presided over military-related construction projects that had high priority, access to lots of money and few financial controls. One of the projects was the reconstruction of the devastated Ukrainian port city of Mariupol. The Ukrainians held out for a long time and the Russians had to fight hard to capture a city of ruins and unusable factories and port facilities.

The recent arrests are not described as part of an anti-corruption campaign but rather ongoing activities throughout the Russian government. Thats another way of admitting that corruption was everywhere and ongoing as an essential element of making the government work.

Key officials make little effort to hide their new wealth. They do this through ostentatious displays ranging from hundred million dollar yachts to new wrist watches that cost several times their official annual salaries. These displays of stolen wealth by senior government and military officials and their family members were so extensive and obvious that it enraged Russians who were suffering economically because of the cost of the war.

There were more personal costs because nearly a million Russian soldiers have been killed, disabled or disappeared in Ukraine since early 2022. Their families and friends blame the Russian government because it was Russia that invaded Ukraine, not the other way around. During World War II, the last time Russia was invaded, there was little corruption in part because 13 percent of Russians died in that war. Most of them were killed by the Germans but many were killed by the Russian government in order to maintain loyalty.

After 1941 prompt obedience to orders was a matter of life or death for Russian soldiers and civilians because military officers and NKVD secret police personnel could kill any Russian displaying reluctance or refusal to carry out orders. The desperate situation during World War II limited opportunities for corruption. The war in Ukraine is different but as many corrupt officials are discovering, not different enough to keep them out of prison or an early grave.

The recent arrests, prosecutions and imprisonment of senior officials who were corrupt, or too obviously corrupt, has sent a message to all senior officials in jobs giving them access to the swollen defense budget that is now 6.7 percent of GDP. Before the invasion it was 2.7 percent. Putin thought the invasion would quickly overthrow the Ukrainian government. That did not happen and the costs of that war are more than Russia can afford. This is nothing new, it was decades of spending 15 percent of GDP on defense, and tolerating a lot of corruption by senior officials, that caused the Soviet Union to collapse in 1991. Many Russian economists and bankers believe another economic collapse, similar to what destroyed the Soviet Union, is possible unless the increased defense spending is restrained along with the growing corruption.
A HOSPITALITY company based in Carlow has been ordered to make redundancy payments to two former employees after failing to appear at a Workplace Relations Commission hearing on 3 March.

Heather Foods and Catering Ltd operate restaurants and provides catering facilities at various locations, including The Lazy River Cafe in Graiguecullen. The companys registered address is Unit 1 & 2 Castleview Quay, Graiguecullen, Carlow, Ireland, which is also The Lazy River Cafes address.

The first complainant, Oisin Hanbury, had worked as a part-time waiter from 2 December 2022 until 12 October 2025. Oisin worked an average of 20 hours a week in the year before he was dismissed, earning 12.70 an hour.

The second complainant, Shane Hanbury, had worked as a chef for the respondents from 2 July 2022 until 12 October 2025. Shane worked 40 hours a week and his gross weekly pay was 620.

Both complainants were informed that their roles were redundant and on 12 October 2025 they ceased working.

Neither complainant was given redundancy payments when they were made redundant.

Shane Hanbury wrote to the company on 20 October 2025 to confirm that his job had been made redundant due to the closure of the business.

The hearings occurred in March at the Workplace Relations Commission hearing room in Carlow. Brid Deering served as their adjudication officer.

At Shane Hanburys hearing, it was said that one or more of the cafes/restaurants operated by the respondent continues to trade.

At Oisin Hanburys hearing, it was said that the cafe/restaurant where he used to work remains open, but several staff were made redundant.

In both hearings, Brid Deering was satisfied that Heather Foods and Catering Ltd were notified of the date, time and location of the hearing and that the company was still operating as its status on the Companies Registration Office website is normal.

Both hearings were told that no contact was received by or on behalf of the respondent prior to or after the hearing to indicate any difficulty with attending.

Brid Deering ruled that Shane and Oisin Hanbury were both entitled to a redundancy lump sum as their employment had been terminated because they were made redundant.

Though the officer did not set out the amount that Shane and Oisin are entitled to, statutory redundancy payments are two weeks pay for every year of service and one additional weeks pay, capped at 600 a week.
Olivia Kelleher

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is calling on donors to attend their clinics this week, as blood stocks are at a critical level after the Easter bank holiday weekend.

The service currently has just over a two-day supply of O positive and just over three days' supply of other key blood groups. It aims to have a week-long supply in stock at all times.

Barry Doyle, IBTS Director of Production and Hospital Services, told Corks 96FM that hospital demand for blood has been high, particularly during March.

This has coincided with bank holidays around St Patricks day and Easter, with some donors taking advantage of the holidays and good weather, meaning they have been unavailable for clinics during that period.

The IBTS aims to have seven days supply at all times; however, current supply levels for most groups are significantly below this, with Group O Positive being at its lowest level this year.

We have added five extra clinics across the country for this Sunday, April 12th. We are also seeing lower booking rates than normal for our permanent centres in Dublin and Cork, and its vital we see these improve.

Ideally, we need to increase our collections by an additional 500 donations per week across all blood groups before the May bank holiday, to be able to meet the consistently high demand.

Mr Doyle said that a stock management letter has been issued to all hospitals today advising them of the situation.

This enables the IBTS to manage the limited blood supply available more effectively across the health service. We are working closely with the hospital teams to prevent the need to cancel elective surgery or restrict treatment of patients.

We are asking regular donors to make an extra effort to attend their nearest clinic, especially in Dublin and Cork, where we have clinic availability every week.

Donors are encouraged to make an appointment, which is available online or by calling 1800 731 137. Donors can also Walk In, although they may face longer wait times than those with appointments.l

New donors are especially welcome, and we would encourage anybody interested in giving blood to visit their site to check their eligibility before coming to a clinic and call us on 1800 731137 to make an appointment.
UK-based Breedon Group has warned that the planned introduction of a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) may not be sufficient to protect domestic cement producers from high-carbon imports.

The UK government is set to introduce an EU-style CBAM from 1 January 2027, covering commodities including cement, steel and fertilisers. The scheme is intended to prevent overseas producers benefiting from lower environmental standards and undercutting domestic manufacturers.

However, in its submission to the governments consultation, Breedon said that key aspects of the policy remain unclear and risk undermining the competitiveness of UK cement producers, particularly as imports from Turkey, North Africa, India and China continue to increase.

The company called for greater clarity on how carbon intensity default values will be calculated, as well as transparency in the classification and verification of imported cement to prevent under-reporting. It also urged clear guidance on enforcement mechanisms.

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Breedon warned that poorly calibrated rules could allow higher-carbon imports to avoid appropriate carbon costs, giving them an unfair advantage over domestic production and potentially discouraging investment in low-carbon technologies.

The company added that the outcome of the CBAM framework will be critical not only for the competitiveness of the UK cement sector, but also for wider objectives around industrial decarbonisation, supply chain resilience and infrastructure delivery.
April 6, 2026: Iran continued to smuggle weapons to the Houthi rebels in Yemen until these shipments were disrupted by the current Israeli American attacks on Iran. The Houthis still have enough missiles, rockets and small boats carrying explosives to send enough to the Red Sea to damage or sink commercial shipping. The Houthis have threatened to, but not resumed, their attacks. That could change at any moment.

In 2024 the Iran-backed Shia Houthi militia began hijacking passing merchant ships, as the Al Shabab militants in nearby Somalia have been doing for decades. CMF 151, the international maritime patrol off Somalia was created in 2009. For the last seven years CMF 151 hasnt had much to do, but now the pirates are back, in Yemen and Somalia. The Houthis also fire some missiles at Israel, causing damage and casualties. The Israelis responded with air and naval attacks on the main Yemeni port of Hodeidah and the capital city Saana. The United States also launched a series of airstrikes across Yemen.

The Houthis are also accused of cutting underwater cables in the Red Sea, disrupting internet access in the Middle East and parts of Asia. Throughout all this refugees from Africa were crossing from Somalia or Ethiopia, though some of these boats dont make it and hundreds of refugees have died this way in 2025,

At the end of the year the tribal militias of the Southern Transitional Council claims took control of eight provinces in southern Yemen, including Aden, the largest port in Yemen. This new entity will become another independent entity in Yemen.

The Houthi militia is losing but refuse to make peace out of fear of the consequences. They used their Iran-supplied rockets and missiles to fire at merchant ships heading up the Red Sea to the Suez Canal, and occasionally at Israel and Saudi Arabia. One of those missiles landed in Israel. Because of all this Houthi mischief both Israel and the United States launched air strikes on Houthi operations as well as economic targets in Yemen. Iran is no longer able to resupply the Houthis with missiles and UAVs because Israeli air strikes destroyed key elements of the Iranian missile production industry. Its been a bad year for the Houthi militia, and several countries plan to make 2026 an even worse year.

A century ago, before oil income dominated Arabian politics, Yemen was the land of promise as it is the only portion of the Arabian Peninsula that receives enough rain for crops. Since World War II Iran has become wealthy and powerful because of oil wealth but made so much trouble that since 2015 economic sanctions have crippled the economy and military adventurism has brought devastating armed reprisals.

Yemen proved to be an embarrassment for Iran and the Saudi/UAE-backed Yemen government. The other Arabs are not willing to suffer the heavy casualties a quick victory would require over militant Yemen. The war dragged on into 2025 but is now faltering because Iran is no longer sending missiles to Yemen. Iranian withdrawal from Houthi support occurred this year because Iran was overwhelmed by sanctions and Israeli reprisals.

Yemen unrest evolved into a full-scale civil war in 2015. That was when Shia rebels (the Houthis) sought to take control of the entire country. Neighboring Arab states, led by Saudi Arabia, quickly formed a military coalition to halt the Yemeni rebel advance. The Arab coalition succeeded and by 2016 pro-government forces were closing in on the rebel-held capital. The coalition did not go after the capital itself because of the expected heavy casualties and property damage in the city. The coalition concentrated on rebuilding the Yemeni armed forces, recruiting allies from the Sunni tribes in the south and eliminating al Qaeda and ISIL groups that had grown stronger as the Shia rebels gained more power. As the fighting intensified in early 2015 Iran admitted it had been quietly supporting the Shia rebels for a long time but now was doing so openly, and that support was increasing.

Many Yemenis trace the current crisis back to the civil war that ended, sort of, in 1994. That war was caused by the fact that, when the British left Yemen in 1967, their former colony in Aden became one of two countries called Yemen. The two Yemens finally united in 1990 but another civil war in 1994 was needed to seal the deal. That fix didn't really take and the north and south have been pulling apart ever since. This comes back to the fact that Yemen has always been a region, not a country. Like most of the rest of the Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa region, the normal form of government until the 20th century was wealthier coastal city states nervously coexisting with interior tribes that got by on herding or farming or a little of both plus smuggling and other illicit sidelines. This whole nation idea is still looked on with some suspicion by many in the region. This is why the most common forms of government are the more familiar ones of antiquity like kingdom, emirate or their modern variation in the form of a hereditary secular dictatorship.

For a long time, the most active Yemeni rebels were the Shia Islamic militants in the north. They have always wanted to restore local Shia rule in the traditional Shia tribal territories, led by the local imam religious leader. This arrangement, after surviving more than a thousand years, was ended by the central government in 1962. After 2007 Yemen became the new headquarters of AQAP/Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula when Saudi Arabia was no longer safe for the terrorists. Next was ISIL and an invading army composed of troops from oil-rich neighbors. By late 2017 the rebels were slowly losing ground to government forces who, despite Arab coalition air support and about five thousand ground troops, were still dependent on Yemeni Sunni tribal militias to fight the Shia tribesmen on the ground. While the Shia are only a third of the population, they are united while the Sunni tribes are divided over the issue of again splitting the country in two and with no agreement on who would get the few oil fields in central Yemen. Many of the Sunni tribes tolerated or even supported AQAP and ISIL. The Iranian smuggling pipeline continued to operate, and the Yemen rebels were able to buy additional weapons from other sources because they received cash from nations or groups hostile to the Arab Gulf state, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The Shia rebels live in northern Yemen and control the border with Saudi Arabia. Over the last decade the rebels launched more and more attacks on Saudi targets. The rebels obtained more powerful weapons as well, including Iranian ballistic missiles, which were disassembled so they could be smuggled from Iran to Yemen where Iranian technicians supervised the missiles being assembled and launched into Saudi Arabia. In the last few years, the rebels have received longer range ballistic missiles that could hit Saudi and UAE oil production facilities on the Persian Gulf coast.

The rebels also fired more missiles at targets passing the Yemen Red Sea coast controlled by the rebels. This has always been a potential threat to ships using the Red Sea to reach the Suez Canal in Egypt, at the north end of the Red Sea. Transit fees from ships using the canal are a major source for Egypt, bringing in nearly $10 billion a year. Egypt and Iran are enemies and reducing Suez Canal income is a win for Iran, which supported the Yemen rebels for more than a decade to make that success possible. At the end of 2023 Iran ordered the Yemen rebels to open fire on shipping in the Red Sea, which moves along the Yemen coast on its way to or from Saudi ports or the Suez Canal.

Ships unable to use the canal must take the longer route around the southern tip of Africa. This takes more time and increases costs for the shipping company and their customers. In 2024 Americans and Israeli airstrikes devastated ports on the west coast of Yemen and destroyed most of the missiles smuggled in from Iran. Meanwhile Iran was running out of missiles, and a tighter naval blockade reduced the number of weapons reaching the Shia Houthi militia in Yemen.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) announces it is accepting applications through April 30 for the summer term for a new state scholarship for disabled veterans.

Funded by voluntary state income tax return donations, the Disabled Veterans Support Scholarship (DVSS) was created to support U.S. military veterans with service-connected disabilities as they pursue technical education in Georgia. Administered by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Foundation, DVSS helps veterans focus on completing their programs and preparing for high-demand careers by addressing the full cost of attendance, including tuition, required supplies and other real costs.

I am excited for the opportunities that the Disabled Veterans Support Scholarship will offer to disabled veterans seeking to continue their education, said Josh Hickman, Military-Connected Services coordinator at GNTC. This scholarship will provide not only tuition assistance but also an opportunity to help with tools, books, safety equipment and other educational costs, making technical education even more accessible to our veteran students.

DVSS is designed to remove financial barriers so that veterans can focus on gaining skills, completing training and transitioning into high-demand careers across Georgia.

Eligible veterans enrolled in degree, diploma or technical certificate programs are encouraged to apply.

Eligible applicants must:

Be a U.S. military veteran (not a dependent)

Be enrolled in a credit-bearing degree, diploma or technical certificate program

Attend full-time or part-time

Provide valid U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs documentation showing a service-connected disability rating.

Veterans with 0%-50% disability are eligible for up to $500 per term, capped at $1,500 annually; veterans with 60%-100% disability are eligible for up to $1,000 per term, capped at $3,000 annually. Applicants must provide valid U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs documentation of their disability level.

For details or to create an application account, go to https://gntc.awardspring.com/ or contact Josh Hickman, Military-Connected Services coordinator, at jhickman@gntc.edu or 706-516-5137.
Here are the new business licenses from the County Clerk's office:

1413 STOCKYARD PLACE CHARLES M WORTHEY 1413 STOCKYARD PL CHATTANOOGA TN 37408



ACCESS DATA NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. SHAYNE M CASTELLAW 4077 VISCOUNT AVE MEMPHIS TN 38118



AMADA SENIOR CARE CHATTANOOGA CHRIS RAY 1101 DAYTON BLVD CHATTANOOGA TN 37405



APNK PRESS TALAYEH MERITY 5001 15TH AVE CHATTANOOGA TN 37407



ATAAA LOGISTICS LLC ABRHA WEIDETINSAE 9738 HAVEN PORT LN OOLTEWAH TN 37363



BEST CLEAN AW ANGELA WHITENER 745 E MAIN ST APT 316 CHATTANOOGA TN 37408



BLEDSOE CAR DETAILING AND PRESSURE WASHING ISIAH BLEDSOE 4715 TOMAHAWK TRL UNIT B CHATTANOOGA TN 37411



C&K'S SNOWY DELIGHTS MARY A STINNETT 2626 WALKER RD CHATTANOOGA TN 37421



CAPTION BY HYATT CHATTANOOGA LARRY G BLUMBERG 105 W MAIN ST CHATTANOOGA TN 37408



CHATTANOODLE BRIANNE LARKINS 440 TIMBERLINKS DR SIGNAL MOUNTAIN TN 37377



CHATTANOOGA GOLD BUYERS JUSTIN KENNEDY 5707 BRAINERD RD CHATTANOOGA TN 37411



CHATTANOOGA SYSTEMS JONATHAN MCHUGH 1023 BRYNEWOOD TER CHATTANOOGA TN 37415



CHATTANOOGA TOBACCO & VAPE INC MUSA ELMALIKI 3707 RINGGOLD RD CHATTANOOGA TN 37412



CHATTWAFEL PATRICK MEEGAN 328 CHEROKEE BLVD APT 455 CHATTANOOGA TN 37405



CLASSIC COLLISION NORTHGATE 5706 HIGHWAY 153 HIXSON TN 37343



CYCLE BREAKER CREATION JASMIN HAWKINS 2212 BEELER AVE CHATTANOOGA TN 37421



DAVES SPICED RIGHT BBQ KENNETH YOUNG 12914 HWY 58 GEORGETOWN TN 37336



DIGITAL COMPLIANCE AI NICOLE BURNEY 605 BELVOIR AVE CHATTANOOGA TN 37412



E&E PREMIUM RENOVATIONS LLC ELIAS O IGNACIO SILVESTRE 1907 E 25TH STREET PL CHATTANOOGA TN 37407



G&K PROTECTIVE SERVICES LLC MICHAEL A KING 922 BELVOIR HILLS CIR CHATTANOOGA TN 37412



GENTLE HEARTS PRESS MELISSA M GALLAGHER 1191 NATURAL WAY SODDY DAISY TN 37379



GOOD NEWS ROASTERS COFFEE KENT SMITH 9710 DAYTON PIKE SODDY DAISY TN 37379



GREEN CIRCLE DEMOLITION SAM A BACON 3715 NORTHSIDE PKWY NW ATLANTA GA 30327



HARDCORE HANEY LAWN CARE LLC JONATHAN T HANEY 701 MAULDETH RD CHATTANOOGA TN 37415



HELTON HOME SERVICES LLC ETHAN HELTON 1773 BIRD RD LENOIR CITY TN 37771



HOWARD'STIRES JAMES E HOWARD 4135 CROMWELL RD CHATTANOOGA GA 37421



IBS GREATER CHATTANOOGA STEPHEN HANCOCK 4319 N CREEK RD CHATTANOOGA TN 37406



INNAV GROUP JING XU 110 SOMERVILLE AVE STE 266 CHATTANOOGA TN 37405



JACKSON BUILDERS ROGERS S JACKSON 466 CRAIGHEAD ST NASHVILLE TN 37204



JAMEL CONTAINERS JOSEPH M STIGLITZ 333 W 45TH ST CHATTANOOGA TN 37410



JESSICA'S JREAMS JESSICA DAFFRON 4409 BENNETT RD CHATTANOOGA TN 37412



JR ROADSIDE SERVICE KIM A ROBERSON 3729 BROCK RD CHATTANOOGA TN 37421



KOPEK CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS ALEX B KOPEK 5945 ELEMENTARY WAY STE 119 OOLTEWAH TN 37363



LAKEVIEW CONSTRUCTION LLC MARC A DELSMAN 10505 CORPORATE DR STE 200 PLEASANT PRAIRIE WI 53158



LEGACY DANCE CENTER JENNIFER R SERAFINO 6439 RIDGE LAKE ROAD HIXSON TN 37343



LYDIA JOHNSON LYDIA H JOHNSON 1011 LEDFORD LN HIXSON TN 37343



LYNCH SALES COMPANY CHRISTOPHER L LYNCH 9832 CATTAILS MEADOW LN #125 OOLTEWAH TN 37363



MANE IMAGE REBECCA L HOPE 3210 DAYTON BLVD # C CHATTANOOGA TN 37415



MARQUEZ REAL ESTATE LLC DANIELA MARQUEZ GONZALEZ 606 S MOORE RD CHATTANOOGA TN 37412



MARTHA JEANS LLC LINDSAY T NGUYEN NEWMAN 8206 PINECREST DR CHATTANOOGA TN 37421



MESSIANIC PUBLISHERS FRANCES MCCAMPBELL 721 BROAD ST APT 905 CHATTANOOGA TN 37402



MODWASH LLC KAREN HUTTON 1806 OOLTEWAH RINGGOLD RD OOLTEWAH TN 37363



NICOLE'S WORLD OF BEAUTY NICOLE M BRIGGS 2115 GUNBARREL RD STE 7 CHATTANOOGA TN 37421



NSP INNOVATIONS, LLC NICOLAS S PERLAKY 283 W HILLS DR CHATTANOOGA TN 37419



ORTEGO CHANCHAVAC VICENTE ORTEGO CHANCHAVAC VICENTE 3511 CLIO AVE CHATTANOOGA TN 37407



PINEAPPLE PASSION SABRINA JONES 7615 BISHOP DR CHATTANOOGA TN 37416



PLAN C CHRISTIE D HAVENS VASQUEZ 8707 LINDY LN HIXSON TN 37343



PLUM TUCKERED OUT PASTRIES TASHA HILL 1801 CRABTREE RD HIXSON TN 37343



R.P.M.

LAWN CARE ROBERT MORRIS 1707 PLUM ST SODDY DAISY TN 37379REED'S MOBILE DETAILING REED J WHITE 6515 OOLTEWAH GEORGETOWN RD OOLTEWAH TN 37363RIVERSIDE BEVERAGE DAVID POWERS 3108 RIVERSIDE DR CHATTANOOGA TN 37406RON'S BOAT RIGGING & 12 VOLT WIRING RONALD C CAPPS 15227 SLABTOWN RD SALE CREEK TN 37373SANTIZO'S PAINTING LLC JUAN J SANTIZO SANCHEZ 8321 MIDDLE VALLEY RD HIXSON TN 37343SCENIC CITY RENOVATION WORKS LLC CRAIG A JOHNSON 6321 RIDGE LAKE RD HIXSON TN 37343SPARKLING CLEANERS BRIANNA ANDERSON 208 HAWKINS OAK DR CHATTANOOGA TN 37410SUMMERS FLOWER FARM KRISTY M SUMMESR 6255 DAYTON BLVD HIXSON TN 37343TAP IN JONATHAN N FERGUSON 1103 E DALLAS RD APT 41 CHATTANOOGA TN 37405THE LITTLE NURSERY CORY P MULLINS 6310 SHIRLEY POND RD HARRISON TN 37341THE QB COACH ROBERT L SPENCE 4902 FLORIDA AVE CHATTANOOGA TN 37409THE STEADY NEST BRITTANY O HICKS 7972 FROSTWOOD LN OOLTEWAH TN 37363TORISHIMA SERVICE SOLUTIONS NORTH AMERICA 4600 W DICKMAN RD BATTLE CREEK MI 49037TRISTAR GENERAL CONTRACTORS ANDREW CURTIS 2200 MCCALLIE AVE CHATTANOOGA TN 37404UNIQUE TOUCH PREMIER CLEANING LLC ARCELIA FIGUEROA CANO 1251 CHASE MEADOWS CIR HIXSON TN 37343
Authorities say a drug store on Highway 58 was shut down on Monday after learning that the pharmacist was trading drugs for sex acts.

Nader Rahbe was arrested on charges of selling legend drugs without a prescription.

Authorities said they seized video showing numerous women performing sex acts on Rahbe.

Agents said Rahbe first denied the incidents, then was shown the video evidence.

He then said it had started with one woman.

Authorities said the videos show sex with 20-30 different women.

They said Rahbe "advised that women just had fantasies of being sexual with a pharmacist."

Agents said no video was found in which Rahbe gave money to the women. He said he would allow them to skip making a co payment.

He was seen on video providing pills to women given directly and not in prescription bottles.

Rahbe is due to appear before General Sessions Court Judge Gary Starnes on April 14.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration on Monday issued an Immediate Suspension Order (ISO) to A+ Pharmacy. An ISO is an emergency administrative action that immediately suspends a DEA registrant's authority to handle controlled substances, due to imminent danger to public health or safety, officials said.

A+ Pharmacy is located at 4767 Highway 58, Suite 101.

The heightened measure comes after a joint investigation by DEA diversion investigators and the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy exposed compliance discrepancies and violations of the Controlled Substances Act at the business in recent months, it was stated.

What weve uncovered in this investigation is nothing short of egregious, said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEAs Louisville Field Division. The details of this case are disturbing and go well beyond regulatory infractions. When the allegations are made public, the community will be stunned.

As a result of todays action by the DEA, A+ Pharmacy can no longer handle controlled substances of any kind while the ISO remains in effect. DEA registrants have 30 days to request a hearing to contest a suspension. However, the suspension will remain in effect until all administrative proceedings are finalized.

The case is being investigated by DEAs Knoxville District Office and the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy. DEAs Office of the Chief Counsel also assisted with the case.
Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU) has announced the finalists for its 9th Annual Idea Leap Grant, with $225,000 in funding set to be awarded to small business owners across Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. The program continues to spotlight innovative startups and growing businesses while investing directly in the regions economic development.



Our Idea Leap program has invested nearly $1 million in grants and scholarships since its launch in

2018, supporting dozens of outstanding small businesses across our region, said Ryan Henn, vice

president of business and commercial services. After this years competition, we will surpass that $1

million milestone, and were excited to see whats next as we continue to invest in the success of local entrepreneurs.



This years competition will feature three regional pitch events. The Northwest Georgia and Ocoee

competitions will air on Local 3 News, offering broader visibility for participating businesses, while the

Chattanooga regional event will take place live at The Signal.



Leading up to the Chattanooga Pitch Competition, Chambliss will host the Chambliss Startup Social, a pre-event reception designed to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders for an evening of networking, music, food, and drinks.



Each regional competition will award a grand prize of $30,000, and all finalists will walk home with at

least $10,000.



Northwest Georgia Region Finalists:

 Lookout Mountain Flight Park (Peoples Choice Winner)

 Grace Hair Company

 KB Pressure Washing

 Made by Kourmoulis

 Rise Wellness

Ocoee Region Finalists:

 Mona and Larrys (Peoples Choice Winner)

 Bradley Tree Service

 Copperhill Brewery

 Heat N Eat / Hunt Family Foods

 Polk Physical Therapy

Chattanooga Region Finalists:

 Yellow Racket Records (Peoples Choice Winner)

 Chef Express

 Mindy Bs Deli

 Shaqs Mobile Detailing

 Windy City Eatz



2026 Idea Leap Grant Events Include:



Northwest Georgia Region Airing:

 Date: Monday, May 4

 Time: 11 a.m.  12 p.m.

 Place: Local 3 News



Ocoee Region Airing:

 Date: Tuesday, May 5

 Time: 11 a.m.  12 p.m.

 Place: On Local 3 News



Chattanooga Pitch Night:

Chambliss Startup Social

 Date: Thursday, May 7

 Time: 4:30  6 p.m.

 Place: The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave., Chattanooga, 37402

Chambliss will provide food and drinks in a lively atmosphere with music and networking.



Chattanooga Pitch Competition

 Date: Thursday, May 7

 Time: 6 p.m.  7:30 p.m.

 Place: The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave., Chattanooga, 37402
Day Shift April 2: B Squad

26-002964- 6300 BLK Ringgold Road- Traffic Stop/ Arrest

Following a traffic stop, a party was taken into custody on an outstanding Felony Probation Violation out of Hamilton County. He was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.



26-002953- 900 BLK South Seminole Drive- Check Well Being

Police received multiple calls to check on a tenant around the listed apartment due to continuous sounds of screaming coming from inside. Police contacted a resident who was checked on by Hamilton County EMS and declined further medical treatment due to not having insurance.



26-002954-600 BLK Camp Jordan Parkway- Arrest

ERPD assisted THP on a traffic stop and took a woman into custody on an outstanding East Ridge Capias.



26-002955- 1500 BLK John Ross Road- Theft

Parties requested a police report for fishing gear that was stolen from their carport. Police provided the parties with the case number for their records to present to their insurance company. No suspect information is available currently.



26-002959- 1600 BLK Truman Avenue- Suspicious Person

The caller reported that a male walks by her residence during the early morning hours a few times each month. She stated the male speaks very loudly and is disruptive. She advised that she reported the incident today for the first time, several hours after it occurred. She was advised to contact

police when the man is in the area so officers can attempt to locate him.



26-002965- 3300 BLK Ringgold Road- Miscellaneous

The caller requested a police report in reference to her laundry allegedly having been tampered with back on Friday, March 27, at the coin laundry. Police provided a case number for her records.



26-002968- 5700 BLK Ringgold Road- Homeless camp

Police located a camp in a wooded area and identified occupants who were residing in a tent. The owner requested both individuals be trespassed from the property. This incident is associated with proximity restriction cases #26-000062 and #26-000063.



26-002969- 3100 BLK Mosely Circle- Unknown 911

Police responded to this address for an unknown 911 complaint. Upon arrival, police checked all parties present and observed no signs of trouble at this time.



26-002970- 3400 Gail Drive- Check Well-Being

Police were requested by Adult Protective Services to check on a party reported as residing at this address. No response was met at the door, and tenants above the apartment advised that the unit had remained vacant since approximately December 2024.



26-002972- 1000 BLK John Ross Rd  Theft

The victim reported that his two sons bicycles and a Segway were stolen from the back deck of his residence. The items were last seen on April 1 at approximately 9:30 p.m. and were discovered missing on April 2 at approximately 12:30 p.m. No suspect has been identified at this time.



26-002286- 1100 BLK McBrien Road- Arrest

A man was taken onto custody on outstanding East Ridge warrants for aggravated assault (x2).



Night Shift April 2: D Squad



26-002978  5300 BLK Oakdale Avenue - Backup Other Agency

A victim of domestic violence fled to a friend's residence in East Ridge from the incident location in Hixson. The case was referred to the law enforcement agency responsible, and a deputy with Hamilton County Sheriff's Office responded.



26-002977  4214 Ringgold Road  Follow Up

The suspect in a shots-fired incident from the previous shift came to the police department to turn himself in. Officers obtained a confession following an interview conducted by patrol and Crime Suppression, and the suspect consented to officers retrieving the firearm from his home in Rossville. The suspect was not taken into custody due to his cooperation, but it was made clear to him that he would need to turn himself in on two charges of reckless endangerment later once the warrants were obtained. Warrants were obtained for his arrest. The warrants were left in the warrant officer's door in

case the suspect turns himself in before office personnel return from the holiday. OCN 26-002951.



26-002987 - 4214 Bennett Road- Unknown Trouble

Police were called after the reporting party observed what appeared to be a young child running down the road being chased by an adult. Officers drove through the area and did not locate a child or anyone on the side street or main road.



26-026785  6800 BLK Village Lake Circle  Mental Health

Police were transferred a call from the Chattanooga Police Department's Charlie district after a phone locate placed the caller in East Ridge. Hamilton County Dispatch was unable resolve the location for the phone to less than 1050 Meters from the location above. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate anyone.



26-002989  4300 BLK Ringgold Road - Alarm Burglary

Police were dispatched after the glass break alarm had gone off. Patrol found the business to be secured and found no signs of forced entry to the location.



26-002983  4200 BLK Ringgold Road  Disorder Weapon Involved

The store clerk stated that a customer had gotten very irate with her because she would not sell tobacco without ID. The customer started to yell hes boss and he was going to shoot her. The store clerk stated she never saw a firearm. The suspect fled before ERPD arrived. Charges pending upon the identification of the suspect.



26-002988 - 4214 Ringgold Road - Warrant Service

A woman was arrested on an outstanding East Ridge warrant after he was stopped by Chattanooga police.



26-002984  3700 BLK Ringgold Road  Child abandoned

Police were contacted regarding to a child that was left unattended at this location for approximately 45 minutes. Officers spoke with the mother of the child, who arrived back at the location prior to police arrival. The childs mother stated she left the child to order food while she went to get groceries. The child was turned over to the mother, and a report was filed with the

Department of Childrens Services. DCS #1543961488



Day Shift April 3: A Squad



26-002993  6900 BLK Martha Avenue - Suspicious Activity -

Police were dispatched to the railroad trestle bridge after a caller reported vehicles parked adjacent to the tracks. Upon arrival, a white Chevy S10 and a baby blue Volvo sedan were observed, both unoccupied. Police also observed fishing tackle and a plethora of fishing enthusiast stickers on the

rear window of the truck. After a brief expedition, police returned to their patrol vehicle empty-handed, having not observed any activity.



26-002992  3600 BLK Ringgold Road - Deceptive Practice

An employee informed the manager that they had found a counterfeit bill. The bill was then given to the police to be destroyed.



26-002994  800 BLK South Moore - Unknown 911 -

Police were dispatched to this address to check on an unknown 911. The resident advised that it was accidental.



26-002996  5700 BLK Ringgold Road - Property -

Police were dispatched to car was on reports of damage occurring to a customer's car. Management advised an internal report would be filed and the customers damage would be handled in house.



26-002997  5700 BLK Ringgold Road - Commercial Fire

Police were dispatched on reports of smoke being seen coming out of a building. Fire and police responded but did not locate any fire or smoke.



26-002998  6500 BLK Ringgold Rd. - Assault EMS Needed

Police were dispatched on reports of a fight having occurred. Officers identified a man who had a laceration to the back of his head and a broken orbital bone. The other involved party had absconded. After further investigation, it was determined that subject on scene had started the

altercation. He was taken into custody and charged with Public intoxication, Assault and Disorderly Conduct.



Night Shift April 3: C Squad

26-003000  3300 BLK Frawley Street  Domestic Disorder

A woman reported that she was in a heated argument with the father of her children, and his girlfriend. Police observed minor injuries that were consistent with an assault; however, a primary aggressor could not be determined and no one wished to prosecute for the incident. All three parties

left the scene without further issue.



26-003005  4214 Ringgold Road  Found property

Police located an Apple Watch Ultra in the roadway near the East Ridge Police Department. Officers were unable to determine the owner of the watch and found no unique identifying marks. The watch was placed in the ERPD Property and Evidence Room for safekeeping until the owner could be

identified.

26-003012  3600 BLK Ringgold Road  Suspicious Activity / Arrest for Other Agency

Police Officers responded after an employee reported a woman was shoplifting. Officers identified the female suspect but later determined she had not stolen anything. She had placed items in her purse but later took them out and paid for them. During the investigation, Police determined that

she had a Failure to Appear warrant through Hamilton County Sessions Court. She was arrested and transported to Hamilton County Jail without incident. She was also criminally trespassed from the business.



26-003013  5700 BLK Ringgold Road  Mentally Disturbed

Police Officers responded to assist with a mental health consumer. Police spoke with a male who stated he lost his mental health medication while traveling through Atlanta. Based on his request, patrol transported him to a medical facility where he was admitted as a patient.



26-003014  6700 BLK Ringgold Road  Disorder

Police Officers were dispatched to the restaurant for a disorder. A woman called Dispatch stating her food order was incorrect and the employees were rude to her. On scene, Police met with the customer who stated that her French fries did not have salt and the employees would not immediately fix it. She became upset and requested a refund which was provided to her by the management. She was then formally trespassed from the property due to her behavior. The party acknowledged the trespass and left the area without further incident.



26-003015  5500 BLK Ringgold Road  Suspicious Activity

ERPD responded to the report of a female stealing aluminum scrap from the business. On scene, Police spoke with the subject who stated she had permission to be there and the scraps were free. She provided a Facebook Marketplace post and a message between her and management about the items in question. She was asked to return during normal business hours to retrieve the advertised items.



26-003017  4300 BLK Ringgold Road  Bleeding

Police responded to the restaurant after receiving two calls concerning the welfare of man. The callers stated the subject was bleeding from his neck. Police quickly located him and determined he was suffering from road rash which he acquired approximately three weeks ago. Hamilton County

EMS responded to the location and treated his wounds. He denied further medical care and was sent on his way.



26-003018  4100 BLK Ringgold Road  Found Property

While conducting a routine patrol, Police located a black book bag sitting in the middle of Ringgold Road. Police Officers recovered the item and found it contained a Bible. Officers were unable to determine the owner of the items. The items were placed in the ERPD Property and Evidence for

safekeeping.



26-003026  6600 BLK Ringgold Road  Unknown 911

Police Officers were dispatched to the inn in reference to a 911 hang-up call. Upon arrival, Officers checked the premises for any signs of distress. Police checked all three floors of the hotel but were unable to locate any individuals in distress or any indication of an emergency.



26-003027  5400 bLK Marion Avenue  Suspicious Activity

A concerned citizen reported a suspicious man was looking in vehicles on Marion Avenue. The anonymous reporting party could not provide a description of the suspicious individual and only stated that he looked like a man. Police checked the area but did not find anyone attempting to break

into vehicles or homes.



Day Shift April 4: A Squad



26-003048  4100 BLK Ringgold Road - Deceptive Practice

Police met with a male party at the police department who advised he had been allegedly scammed. The male stated he had purchased a prepaid card on April for $300. When he attempted to use the prepaid card, the funds were no longer available. The male called the provider of the card, Green

Dot. Green Dot advised they had a name associated with the funds being taken but it was not the males. Green Dot could not provide the suspects name and advised the male to file a police report. The investigation is still active and pending.



No Case Number  4200 BLK Bennet Road- Birthday Surprise

Police received a phone call from a mother who requested officers to surprise her young son for his birthday. Patrol from A-Squad gathered some gifts for the juvenile and surprised him by showing up with lights and sirens. The child was able to test the lights and sirens in the patrol car and was grateful for the experience. Happy Birthday big guy!



26-003036  900 BLK Spring Creek Road - Harassment

Police responded after an ex-boyfriend and his mother drove up from Florida and attempted to contact the resident and her daughter. The caller had not been in contact with the man for approximately four years after an alleged assault took place in Florida while she was pregnant. Both the ex and his mother were advised that any contact would need to be handled through the courts. Both parties were also issued trespass warnings and advised not to return.

26-003045/25-003046  3600 BLK Ringgold Road - Theft

Police spoke with Loss Prevention who reported observing a male subject switch price tags from a cupcake and place it on a chicken tender octagon. The incidents occurred on March 26 and April 1, with the man stealing a total of $10.00 worth of food. It was also discovered that he had been

previously trespassed from all Food City locations and was aware of this ban. Warrants for burglary will be sought due to the previous ban.



26-003030  3600 BLK Ringgold Road - Disorder

Police contacted one of the individuals involved in the disorder. He claimed that the altercation was purely verbal and did not involve any physical contact. When police ran the subjects information, they discovered a possible outstanding warrant for assault from a prior case. The warrant was

verified, and the suspect was taken into custody. The other person involved in the incident left the scene and declined to speak with the police.



Night Shift April 4: C Squad



26-003051  4200 BLK Ringgold Road  Suspicious Activity

Police Officers responded to the gas station for the report of two juveniles fighting. Police located the juveniles and found the incident was a loud verbal confrontation. The situation did not escalate to a physical fight. Management did not wish to pursue charges or criminally trespass anyone involved in the incident.



26-003055  6600 BLK Ringgold Rd  Traffic Stop / DUI Arrest

Police observed a silver GMC Envoy failing to maintain lane and randomly braking. The officer initiated a traffic stop, but the vehicle continued to drive two additional blocks before stopping. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. He was

arrested and transported to the Hamilton County Jail. The man was charged with Driving Under the Influence, Driving Without a License, Financial Responsibility, Open Container, Failure to Maintain Lane, and Failure to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle.



26-003056  3600 BLK Ringgold Road  Suspicious Activity / Criminal Trespass Warning

The on-duty manager requested that a woman be criminally trespassed from the business property. The store management suspected her of concealing and stealing merchandise. A Police Officer presented her with the criminal trespass warning and explained the requirements of it. Proximity Restriction #26-000065.



26-003057  200 BLK Eads Street Disorder

An anonymous caller reported that a male and a female were arguing at the apartments. The caller stated the argument started in a corner apartment and moved into the parking lot. Police Officers checked the area and spoke to several residents, but no disorder was located.



26-003059  4000 BLK Bennett Road  Disorder

Police Officers responded to a disorder at the residence. On scene, Police determined that a verbal altercation occurred involving three adults and two juveniles. Police found that one of the juveniles believed the other juvenile stole a bicycle and other property. As a result, a man and a juvenile left their home on John Ross to confront the juvenile who lived on Bennett Road. A heated argument erupted at the residence involving all five individuals. After the argument, the adult male and the first juvenile went back home. The resident requested that he and the juvenile be trespassed from her

residence. In similar fashion, the residents on Bennett were criminally trespassed from the home on John Ross Road.



26-003063  3700 BLK Ringgold Road  Business Alarm

Police responded for an interior motion alarm. Upon arrival, Officers found all windows and doors to be secure. No signs of forced entry were detected, and there were no signs of other criminal activity.

26-003064  5500 BLK Ringgold Road  Traffic Stop / Narcotics Violation / Arrest for Other Agency

Police conducted a traffic stop with a silver Jeep Cherokee after observing a light violation. The driver was found to have an active warrant for Theft through the Hamilton County Sessions Court. She was arrested and transported to Hamilton County Jail without incident. The owner of the vehicle

was found to be a passenger inside the vehicle. Due to the suspicion of drug activity, an Officer with the Fort Oglethorpe Police Department responded to the scene and deployed a K9 for a free air sniff. The K9 indicated the presence of illegal narcotics, and a search of the vehicle yielded a small amount of suspected marijuana and multiple items of drug paraphernalia. The contraband was seized for destruction.



26-003066  3200 BLK Navajo Drive  Disorder

Police found that a party had been removed from a sobor living home due to repeated instances of intoxication and missing curfew. No physical altercation was reported. Police provided the subject with a courtesy ride to a motel where he secured a room for the evening.



26-003067  1200 BLK Reeves Avenue  Back Other Agency

Police Officers responded to this address at the request of the Hamilton County EMS. Fire Department and EMS personnel had responded to the location after a neighbor found the resident breathing but unresponsive. EMTs were able to wake up the patient, but found he was very

combative and unwilling to go to the hospital. Police Officers arrived on scene and attempted to de-escalate the situation. A Fire Department Battalion Chief arrived on scene and coerced the subject out of the home. The patient was transported to a local hospital where he was admitted as a patient.



26-003072  900 BLK Spring Creek Road  Citizen Assist

Police Officers responded to a Citizen Request for Assistance in the parking lot of the hospital. On scene, Police located a woman who stated that she had just been discharged from the hospital but still did not feel well. She requested transport to a behavioral health facility. A Police unit provided her

with a courtesy ride to a local medical facility where she was admitted as a patient.



Day Shift April 5: A Squad



26-003081  3500 BLK Connelly Lane - Domestic Disorder

The reporting party stated she heard an older female yelling at children for approximately one hour. Upon arrival, officers contacted the children, who were in the back of the residence and did not appear to be in distress. Officers also contacted the female, who stated she had been yelling due to the children being excessively loud.



26-003080 - 1000 BLK Bass Pro Drive - Back Other Agency

Police responded to the Bass Pro Shop gun counter after TBI alerted dispatch that a party was attempting to sell a stolen firearm. Upon arrival it was determined that a man dropped off a Glock 43x that was confirmed to be stolen out of Fort Oglethorpe. Police took possession of the firearm. The suspect absconded from the area. Warrants will be sought for possession of stolen property.



26-003086  200 BLK Eads - Verbal Disorder

Police responded after a neighbor in an adjacent unit reported yelling. Officers met with the residents. One was visibly upset and expressed frustration that she was not receiving help in the upkeep of the residence. The other separated himself from the scene while police spoke with the woman. She, along with encouragement from officers, was able to come up with a plan to help cope with the stress of the situation.



26-003083  4400 BLK Lanoir Circle - Disorder

Officers were dispatched after a parent called in stating her juvenile son had been riding his small motorcycle around their neighborhood, when their neighbor began yelling and cursing at him. The neighbor advised the juvenile shouted at her dogs in her yard to shut up as they were barking

loudly. Both parties were asked to stay away from each other, and they both eagerly agreed to do so.



26-003076 -100 BLK Dorroh Lane- Domestic

Officers responded after dispatched there may be a domestic assault at this location. ERPD learned that the victim had left and had been sitting at a church a few minutes down the road. After relocating to the church, Officers learned from the victim that she had not been physically assaulted, however there had been an argument. However, she did agree to separate for a few hours to let tempers calm also. The husband also agreed.



26-003078 -500 BLK South Moore Road- Unconscious Party

Officers responded after a churchgoer fell ill in the crowd and became unresponsive. Prior to officer arrival, the male regained consciousness. The man agreed to go to the hospital and was transported by paramedics via ambulance.



26-003084- 2100 BLK McBrien Road - Unconscious Party -

Officers responded to another unconscious party. Upon arrival, the male was breathing but unresponsive to attempts to awaken him. Paramedics arrived and transported for treatment.



Night Shift April 5: C Squad



26-003093  200 BLK Eads Street  Disorder with a Weapon

ERPD responded after a male reported he was being chased by another man with a gun. Police searched the area but were unable to locate any suspects or the victim. The victim was eventually located in Camp Jordan, and was identified. According to him, a man known to him and another unknown male approached him while he was visiting a female friend. The two men then chased after him until he got a ride with an unrelated citizen. Police attempted to speak with other residents at the apartments, but no one was forthcoming with information. The party was transported to his residence in Hixson, and the on-call detective was notified.



26-003094  3900 BLK Weldon Drive - Domestic Disorder

Police responded to the report of a domestic assault at this residence. Enroute to the location, Police determined an interpreter was needed and Officer Magana responded to assist the investigation. The male and female subjects were interviewed separately and provided conflicting stories. The subjects both claimed to be victims of an assault but neither had visible injuries and a primary aggressor could not be determined. The female and her two children were transported to her secondary residence.



26-003099  6700 BLK Ringgold Road  Assist EMS

Police, Fire Department, and EMS units responded to the report of an unconscious person at the gas station. ERPD located a female in a black SUV who was breathing but unresponsive. Fire Department and EMS personnel arrived on scene and provided emergency medical care. The patient was then transported to a local hospital for treatment. Police found no evidence of alcohol or narcotics use, and the issue appeared to be medically related.



26-003100  900 BLK Spring Creek Road  Disorder / Mentally Disturbed

Police Officers responded to a Disorder at the hospital involving a mentally disturbed male. ERPD found that the patient was brought to the Emergency Room by a Chattanooga Police Officer working with a Crisis Counselor. The patient was placed on a Certificate of Need for homicidal and suicidal

ideations. After the CPD Officer left, the patient grew agitated and threatened to harm anyone who tried to treat him. On scene, East Ridge Police Officers assisted the hospital staff The patient then calmed down and went to sleep. No injuries were reported for the incident, and no charges are being

pursued.



Day Shift April 6: B Squad

26-003105- 100 BLK Fawn drive- Vandalism

The caller reported her vehicle had the words and other markings scratched into the hood and believed her husband had caused the damage following an argument. Due to lack of evidence and the suspect not being on scene, no charges were filed.



26-003107- 900 BLK Spring Creek Rd.  Warrant Service

A woman was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant for Dade County for failure to appear after being charged with possession of Methamphetamine.



26-003108- 6400 BLK Ringgold Road- Arrest

Police responded to a possible overdose. Officers contacted the subject who had not overdosed but displayed signs consistent with being under the influence. He was ultimately arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence, Implied Consent, and Unauthorized Use of a Disabled Parking

Space.



26-003116- 4214 Ringgold Rd- Warrant Service

A man was taken into custody after turning himself in at East Ridge Police Department for two outstanding warrants for Reckless Endangerment.



Night Shift April 6: D Squad



26-003133  6700 BLK Ringgold Road - Burglar Alarm

A delivery truck servicing the business mistakenly triggered a burglar alarm while making a delivery.



26-003124 - 3900 BLK Ringgold Road - Traffic Stop/Arrest

Following a traffic stop, police arrested a woman on an active warrant out of East Ridge for driving on a revoked license.



26-003129- 4214 Ringgold Road- Warrant Service

A man was served a Forfeiture Capias for Aggravated Domestic Assault while in custody at the Hamilton County Jail.



26-003122  3600 BLK Helen Lane  Theft

A party reported a license plate stolen from her vehicle. The plate was entered into NCIC as stolen and BOLOd out to surrounding agencies. At approximately 9:25 p.m., LPR captured the plate displayed on another black Mercedes C250.
The 2026 Armed Forces Parade and Luncheon will be held on Friday, May 1. The parade will step-off from M. L. King and Market Streets at 10:30 a.m., and the luncheon will follow at noon at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The parade application and luncheon are available online at www.Chattareaveterans.com Officials said, "Chattanoogas Armed Forces Parade is the longest continuous running Armed Forces Parade in the United States at 77 years. Each year a branch of the United States military is honored, and here in 2026, the United States Coast Guard will be honored.The luncheon keynote speaker will United States Coast Guard Admiral Will Watson, Commander U. S. Coast Guard Heartland District."The Chattanooga Area Veterans Council was established in 1983 to serve the veterans community by providing quarterly briefings between the Veterans Administration and our member organizations. Additionally, the Council works to streamline and support efforts for our veterans and their families, to provide resources for our military families in the Tri-State area - Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama - and to coordinate commemorative events such as The Armed Forces Parade and Luncheon, Wreaths across Chattanooga, Memorial Day Program, Veterans Day Program, July 16th Remembrance Program for the Fallen Five and Memorial Day placement of Flags at Chattanooga National Cemetery."
When the Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga Downtown opened its doors a week ago, it marked a milestone for the Scenic City: the first hotel on Main Street, and the first Hyatt-branded property in Chattanoogas history. And behind its walls is a local story most guests will never know - every painted surface in the 123-room hotel, from guest rooms and corridors to the lobby and exterior facade, was finished by a Chattanooga company founded by a Cuban-American man who lives just steps away.



Alejandro Caraballo, founder of Dream Team Finishes, has spent years building a commercial finishing company that lands contracts on the regions most high-profile hotel projects.

The Caption by Hyatt is his most visible yet - and the most personal. He notes, I live downtown, so this one hits different. Every time I walk past that building, I know whats inside those walls.



Dream Team Finishes handled the full interior and exterior paint scope of the property - all 123 guest rooms, corridors, trims, and two-tone accent walls throughout. The team also installed custom mural wall coverings in the lobby and bathrooms, designed in collaboration with the Caption by Hyatt team to reflect the character of Chattanoogas Southside neighborhood.

The project required precision across every floor of the building and was completed on schedule ahead of the March 31 grand opening.



What sets this project apart isnt just the scale - its whats in the bucket. Throughout the Caption by Hyatt, Dream Team used Dream Cream, Caraballos own proprietary commercial paint product. A high-build, two-coat formula engineered for commercial properties, Dream Cream is manufactured in Tennessee and sold at dreamteam.build/innovation.



The Caption by Hyatt joins a growing list of Chattanoogas most notable new hotels where Dream Cream has been applied - including The Waymark Hotel, Fairfield Inn, The Historic (Church on Main), Little Coyote, and the Dual Brand Holiday Inn Suites & Candlewood Suites.



Mr. Caraballo said, As a downtown resident, I am genuinely excited to have a property like Caption by Hyatt on Main Street. Working with their team was exceptional - they trusted us to create a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel that reflects the spirit of Chattanoogas Southside. Seeing our work, and our product, become part of Chattanoogas first Hyatt and hotel on Main Street is something Im incredibly proud of.



Dream Team Finishes is a Chattanooga-based commercial finishing company specializing in interior and exterior paint, wall coverings, and custom installations for hospitality and commercial properties.

Dream Team Finishes also produces Dream Cream, a proprietary high-build commercial paint made in Tennessee.
Bradley Medical Center announced that the hospital and its providers will be in network for UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans beginning May 1.This is great news for our community, said Lisa Lovelace, president and CEO of Bradley Medical Center. It means our seniors can keep getting care close to home from the doctors and providers they know and trust. Protecting access to care is always our priority, and with Vitruvian Healths support we reached a solution that helps area seniors.Bradley Medical Center thanked UnitedHealthcare for working toward an agreement for its Medicare Advantage members.Discussions about commercial plans are ongoing.The hospital also thanked local leaders who helped keep conversations moving, including Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, Senator Adam Lowe, Representative Dan Howell and Representative Kevin Raper.Congressman Fleischmann said, This is what can happen when leaders come together to do whats right for the people we serve. Keeping patients at the center of every decision made the difference.Senator Lowe said, Bradley Medical Center is doing a phenomenal job of serving the residents of our community despite a challenging environment. For months, they have collaborated with legislators to get everyone to the table to do whats best for the people who need care. I cannot stress enough how happy I am that we have finally been able to reach an agreement.Rep. Howell said, Providers face real challenges when insurance decisions override medical judgment. I was proud to help bring everyone together to support this community, and Bradley Medical Center stayed focused on doing whats right for patients.State Rep. Raper said, Ensuring our community has access to local, high-quality healthcare is critical. Im proud to support efforts that keep patients at the center and protect their ability to receive care close to home.Ms. Lovelace added, Well keep working toward a fair agreement related to commercial plans. Our position is simple: patients come first. We remain committed to 'Excellence. Every Person. Every Time,' and to providing high-quality care at fair rates for our community.
Photo credit: Unsplash/ Alexander Grey

The state of California has been ordered to pay $4.5 million after failing to defend a law that barred school officials from informing parents about their childrens gender-related issues.

In a ruling issued Monday, Roger Benitez of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California approved a request from several California teachers and parents, awarding them more than $4.5 million in attorneys fees following their successful legal challenge to the policy.

Benitez had previously ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in a decision handed down late last year.

Although the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit later overturned that ruling, the plaintiffs took their case to the Supreme Court of the United States.

Last month, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to allow Benitezs original decision to stand, effectively nullifying the 2024 California law at the heart of the dispute.

The challenged law stated that [A]n employee or a contractor of a school district, county office of education, charter school, or state special school for the blind or the deaf shall not be required to disclose any information related to a pupils sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression to any other person without the pupils consent unless otherwise required by state or federal law.

Attorneys from the Thomas More Society, who represented the plaintiffs, responded to the decision in statements released Tuesday.

A $4.5 million fee award sends an unmistakable message to state governments and school districts across the country: If you trample the constitutional rights of parents, you will pay for it  literally, said Peter Breen.

Paul Jonna, special counsel at the Thomas More Society and partner at LiMandri & Jonna LLP, said the ruling reflects the enormous amount of work it took to overcome a state government that tried to cut parents out of decisions about their own childrens upbringing and well-being.

He further stated, This order confirms that Californias decision to trample parental rights was not only unconstitutional, but costly. Every school district and government official is now on notice and should ensure full compliance with the courts injunction.

A 2023 report from Parents Defending Education found that more than 1,000 school districts nationwide had adopted policies allowing or encouraging staff to withhold information from parents regarding a childs desire to identify as transgender or nonbinary.